4

CHAPTER 4

By the time the Syde siblings drove back, it had become completely dark, the full moon guiding them back home. With Miles sat behind the wheels, Pearl found herself asleep on the seat beside him. The youngest of them had also dozed off in the back. The same squinted her eyes when her shoulder was lightly patted repeatedly until she finally woke up. Without acknowledging her sister, she securitized the parking she soon recognised as his brother’s property. Being too tired to question her thoughts, she let her sister guide her way out of the car. 

Pearl looked at her baby sister with a tender smile and brushed her unruly hair down the side of her face, ‘’God your hair,’’ she snorted

‘’hate me,’’ she yawned, emphasising at how Pearl’s words should have ended.

It gained a chuckle from Pearl, ‘’It’s adorable to me.’’ she muttered, pursing a smile when Sophia smiled through her tiredness, ’’You sure had a long first day of work, huh?’’

‘’I’ll get used to it,’’ Sophia shrugged and turned, walking towards the house. ‘’C’mon, it’s getting cold,’’ he shouted, rubbing her arms to stress.

‘’Can’t. I’m leaving,’’ Sophia heard the car’s door open.

She snapped her head back to her older sister and frowned, ‘’why?’’

‘’College trip tomorrow,’’ Pearl shrugged, resting her arms on the top of the car. ‘’Miles will drop you home. And Danny will come to pick Nicky tomorrow morning, alright?’’

Sophia nodded with a smile, ‘’Happy journey,’’ and then waved at her sister who drove away, and only turned away when her car was out of her sight.

Sophia sighed looking at the house in front of her. The last time she visited Miles here was in the month of December on the occasion of Christmas. The whole family celebrated Christmas at Miles’. She got a nostalgia of three years ago, which was when Miles bought it after becoming the CEO, and how he and their dad had announced Miles’ taking over of the company. It was a huge surprise for everyone, as Miles had told earlier that he was moving away because he wanted his own space to work. Sophia’s mother held a grudge on Roy for keeping it a secret even after he tried to explain her how it was preferred to keep such announcements private until the last moment.

She threw her purse on the couch and spotted Miles in the kitchen as she followed behind him.

"What are you doing?" She asked as she stood behind him. Her sudden presence made him jump but he masked it with trying to cough and then gave her a look.

"Coffee for me," he answered merely. "You should go to sleep,"

"What?!" Sophia shouted, widening her eyes, "you're not dropping me home?"

Miles turned to look at her, a coffee mug in his hand as he took a sip from it. "No," he answered in short. Staring down at her expectantly.

"B-But ... but I've to come for work tomorrow,"

Miles rose his eyebrows, "you can come with me," he told her plainly before taking another a gulp of his dark and bitter coffee, a preference Sophia picked up from him.

She shook her head, "you don't understand. I've no clothes for tomorrow. And I'm definitely not wearing these same ones, that's disgusting. You'll have to drop me home!" She crossed her arms around her chest and gave him a bothersome look.

Miles sighed turning around and putting the cup on the counter, "It’s very late. Can't you just stay? I can manage new clothes for you,"

"It's late. You said it yourself," Sophia pointed out, "and from where are you going to get me new clothes?"

"I've my ways,"

"I've my ways," Sophia mocked her brother but pursed her lips at the unpleasant look she got from him. Then she tried again, "Brotherrrrr," she exaggerated approaching him and grabbing his forearm, looking up at him with big eyes, "drop me home, pleaseeeee," she cried a little dramatically as her brother tried not to get persuaded.

Suddenly an idea popped into her head and she released Miles, "or maybe you can give me one of your cars, I can drive home by myself,"

"As if I would let that happen," Miles muttered turning around and putting the now empty mug on the kitchen platform. Sophia like to think that he’d said that because he was worried about her and not his vehicle. "Get in the car,"

Letting a breath of relief, she and her brother walked out of the house and into the car. Miles being the careful driver he was, had to make the journey agonisingly boring for Sophia who preferred to drive fast. So, she tried to take small naps as they drove home. When the car stopped in front of their parents' house, Sophia offered him to come inside and relax for a bit. But he denied her offer and told her to get inside the house.

As she entered, she was welcomed by the same eerie silence. She climbed up the stairs and towards her room, only to find her parent’s room wide open. She debated if she should visit them. She fought her sleep and decided to see if they were still awake.

"Uh ... Mom?" Sophia called softly as she found her mother on the bed, reading a magazine and her husband sleeping beside her.

Her mother looked up from the book and beckoned her over. Both the women with tired faces started a small conversation as they sat in the double bed.

"How was your day?" Lana asked, her voice barely above a whispered, cautious to not wake her husband.

"It was good,"

"Is this going to be your regular timing to come home?"

"No," Sophia shook her head. "Miles and Pearl took me out for dinner. I would have been home by 7:00 ... I guess,"

"You went out with them?" Lana whispered yelled. Frowning and narrowing her eyes.

Sophia found her reaction unusual and strange. "Where's the problem?"

Lana's eyes widened, "young lady, don't you try to act smart,"

Sophia almost rolled her eyes and wondered why she had no rights to not ask questions.

Containing her urge to snap at her mother, she spoke calmly, "I mean ... They're my siblings. Why shouldn't I?"

Lana took a deep breath, "it's time to start thinking about yourself now, my child. You've finally got a job. If you keep on spending your nights outside like this, your whole schedule is going to get ruined and I'm sure there are people who really do want things to be like that," Lana gave emphasis to her last sentence, her eyes directing Sophia to a certain emotion.

Sophia frowned, "you mean, Miles and Pearl ..."

"Yes. Exactly them,"

"Mom!" Sophia sneered getting up from the bed.

"What the hell!" Roy woke up with a start as he heard his daughter's outcry. He looked around the room until his eyes settled on his wife and daughter. Sophia held a bewildered look on her face as she shared at her mother. "What is going on here?" He asked sitting up. He was shirtless, only wearing white pyjamas.

Both the ladies looked at Roy and then back to each other.

"I can't believe you really said that," Sophia muttered and raged out of the room.

--

Second day of work and Sophia felt the same willingness and same as the past. Despite of not being a morning person, Sophia had the ability to drag herself out without any five extra minutes of sleep if she was willy to face the day by heart. 

Recalling Troy's statement, 'non-Formal outfits On Fridays', she put on an orange hoodie that she tucked up into a crop top and black leggings. She also felt a little sheepish that she didn't believe Troy at first and felt the need to call Finn for confirmation if it was really the truth that it was. Sophia told herself repeatedly that she had no reason to not trust Troy. He had been nothing but good to her since she started working in the office the other day.

In the living room, she found her father, having his morning tea as he watched the news on the television. He immediately greeted Sophia with a warm good morning and a hug. Sophia too, decided to devote a few moments with her father. Snuggling to his side, answering his questions of her experience in the office the other day.  She also told him about the Chinese stall her siblings took her to after work which in reflex, he tensed. It triggered past memories of his first wife, is what he told her when she asked if he was okay.

After a pause, Roy asked, "What was that about? Last night when you came to our room?"

Sophia thought it through for a moment. She didn't want to ruin her parents' relation, and if she told her father about what Lana had said, their relation would surely get affected. At the end of the day, Miles and Pearl were Roy's kids and the accusing would surely ache him and his feelings.

Taking a deep breath, she lied, ''Mom scolded me for having outside food,'' She gave him a realistic reason, ''I was just a little mad.... That’s all.''

''You sure about that? Do I need to talk to her?''

Shaking her head, Sophia replied, ‘‘it’s okay, not a big deal at all,''

''Fine,'' Roy replied dropping the topic. ''C'mon, get going. Have a good day,'' He kissed the top of her head. Sophia nodded and got up.

Just when she was about the leave, her little nephew walked down the stairs sleepily. He had his teddy tucked under his arm. Obviously, the first thing he asked was about his mother’s whereabouts. Sophia cleverly distracted him by letting him watch some cartoon on the television, cuddling with Roy as he watched the program. Thankfully, Danny took the entry at the Perfect moment. He smiled through his thick beard and gave her a kind cuddle.

"Heard you got a brand-new job?" Danny raised his eyes. His tone amused and cheerful, as it always was towards her.

"An internship." Sophia nodded. "I was just leaving for it,"

"Oh," he chuckled, "I'm sorry for interrupting you. Please princess, have a good day," he dramatically bowed.

Sophia rolled her eyes. Danny's sarcasm came all the way from Jupiter, or that’s what Pearl liked to say. She excused herself and walked out the house and to her car. She mindfully took the sticker out, the one Miles gave her and put it beside her number place in the back.

The second day of work was so much like the first one, but as an intern, Sophia had much less work than her new friends at the office as they actually worked and earns for the company. In the morning, she would greet Finn who would welcome her with a warm smile. Then she would mess around with her now somewhat good friend Troy, who still did like to get on her nerves but it was not as snarled but more goofily. Josh and Tara had become her very good friends over the time and would help her with her doubts very often. It was safe to say that Sophia was slowly learning many things. Things like socialization and communication which she certainly didn't learn in her school and college.

Sophia still hadn't been on good terms with her mother. After the night when Lana accused her step kids for something so dark, she just couldn't talk to her with a straight, relaxed face. She knew her mother held a strong dislike for her siblings, but to tell your own daughter that your half siblings doesn't want your good is something Sophia couldn't comprehend. It sometimes became difficult for her to stay in the same room as her. The discomfort eating her alive whilst Lana was put on her opinion. She didn't once try to talk about it to Sophia which did upset her.

It had been two weeks now, and Sophia found herself wanting to learn more. She didn't know she could really become comfortable in something so complicated. Yes, an office is complicated. You have to have skills like patience, presence of mind and determination. Sophia was slowly learning it all. And she couldn't me more proud of herself.

One Saturday, when it was almost 6:15pm, and everyone were slowly leaving, Miles entered the workplace. His presence screamed authority and leadership as he scanned his eyes through the cube, stopping at almost everyone. His one glace around the office and everyone were quiet and in their cubicles as if they were afraid that they would do something that would cost them getting in trouble. Then his eyes settles on Sophia for a few long moments, who looked back at him with naive eyes.

"Good evening, everyone,’’ he grabbed everyone’s attention. ‘’Well, I'm here to announce a news here," The curiosity filled the room with chattering and muttering. Miles put his one hand up which silenced everyone instantly. The kind of influence he had on the people was raw and scary. "Sophia, would you please come and stand here with me?" He insisted, directing with his hand to join him with an eve voice.

Sophia took a moment to look around the room before gulping and following her bro— boss’s directions. The obliviousness was making her anxious as she tried to mask it with a curious face. Theories like getting fired started forming in head but she knew she had been very respectful these past weeks.

Miles' lips tugged up into a smile as he spoke, "Sophia, you've been working for our company for about two weeks now and I would like to get to the point ... I'm impressed with your work. I'm offering you a job at the S-Groups. If you are interested, please fill the form that I've sent you through the company’s email," He extended his hand which Sophia slowly accepted giving it a shake, not being conscious of her actions. The world for her had stopped working as she wondered why a nutshell like her got accepted for a job. She didn't know if she was supposed to jump around in joy or have a breakdown with all the emotions she was feeling. And before she would throw herself into her brother's arms, she nodded, smiling brightly.

"All right, I'll wait for your response," He said merely and left the room without any other word.

When she turned around, the employees that did not bother introducing themselves when she first joined, initiated this time. As she started conversation with other few of her colleagues, she realised how big her smile had gotten. Her smile was showing almost all her teeth! Sophia was doubtful if she ever felt this happy. This joy was something she had earned herself, with her own strength and hard work. No one in the world could tell her otherwise, because the little projects that she spent hours in the office were the proof, that she was something, instead of nothing that she was often called by a certain someone.

In her happy daze, she made her way towards her desk, gripping the back of her chair. Her eyes were still wide as she tried to comprehend if she was living in a virtual reality.

''Congrats!'' Tara suddenly cuddled her with a hug which startled her but that at least helped her come out of the daze. She patted Sophia's back before breaking the hug. She looked at her proudly, ''Good job, little one,'' Sophia smiled at her and then thanked her. Josh too, gave her a welcoming hug and excitedly congratulated her.

Before making her way to Miles cabin, Sophia walked up to her desk and took a gulp of water. The way life take turns... She thought. Her eyes met Troy’s, who was already looking at her with a smile on his lips, his eyes exhibited amusement.  ''Congratulations, little one,''

Sophia snorted and shook her head, "don't call me that and, " she smiled at him as he smiled back with the same infectious smile of his and Sophia stopped the urge to compliment him at how rare and beautiful his dimples were to her. His cool coloured eyes were staring at Sophia with warmth when she muttered a goodbye to him and left the cube, still smiling.

She walked towards Miles' room and pulled the door open-''Did I give you the permission to come in?'' Miles snapped. His eyes closed as he sat on his chair with hands crossed at his chest.

Sophia frowned and took a step back. Wondering how the hell can someone have such two different personalities. He was doing such a decent job at being a good older brother back when they had their sibling dinner in the woods and in the office building, it’s like someone has possessed his body.

Miles squinted his eyes open, he looked at Sophia just standing at the door ... almost glaring at him. Miles sighed, ''Come in and sit down,'' He ordered.

Sophia walked up to the seat as she sat on it. Her face showing no sign of emotions.

Miles leaned forward in his chair and stared at his sister, who had found her fingers more interesting than meeting his eyes. ''Look at me,''

Sophia shuddered a little and met his glaze. These whole two weeks, it was only her second time coming into Miles' cabin. She just happened to be the most non-experienced one.

Miles started speaking when her glaze met his, ''I know, Sophia, that it is weird having me as your boss. I know it becomes a bit complicated to switch from a little sister to an employee. But you don't have to worry about it. You'll get used to it eventually. And if I'm being rude, then it’s for your best.''

Sophia looked at him blankly. Staring into his grey eyes for conformation. She nodded. ''Why did you give me this job?'' She questioned.

''Why did I give you the job?'' He repeated as he exhaled heavily leaning back into his chair. ‘‘Because you have the majority of qualifications in becoming an S-Group member. You worked as an intern, proved yourself with you work. Which was impressive. And the company needs people like you,''

Her lips twitched as she fought hard to supress a smile. His words won over her and she ended up smiling widely.  Feeling like being worth, valuable, and needed, emerged into her chest. She smiled brightly and suddenly stood up from her place and ran up to Miles' side, hugging his neck tightly. Falling on his lap in the process. Miles shook his head and stood up, her still hugging him ever so tightly. Letting his guard down for once, he hugged her back gently and rubbed her back and stroked her head.

‘’Listen to me, now. In your life, many would want to make you feel down. But you should know how not to let them define you and decide your worth. You are valuable. If there’s one thing you should remember, then it would be, always be there for yourself,’’

''I promise, ‘’ Sophia mumbled into his suit and pulled away from the hug looking up at him with the brightest eyes possible. ''I promise,'' She repeated and took a step back.

Miles too turned to his desk and took a sip of water from a glass. ''Good. And I'm not going to be like this any often so don't get used to it,'' He turned to look at Sophia as she smiled. ''You'll become an official member of the S-Groups form tomorrow. All the best, Ms. Syde,''

Sophia snorted, ''Okay, Boss ...'' She was going to ask him if she could leave but another question popped up into her head.

''Um ... can I get a one day leave?''

To celebrate about my new job!

''No.''

‘‘Oh, Okay, ba-bye,'' Sophia did a 180-degree turn as she left the room with the biggest sheepish smile on her face.