Sophia's Hero Read online

  Sophia’s

  Hero

  By: Angela Franklin

  This book is not based in the real world. It is a work of fiction; all characters and places are made up. Please enjoy this book, and if you do, please leave a review.

  Chapter 1

  “Seriously, mom!” Sophia screeched. Why was her mother always setting her up with guys? She was fine on her own. She just got her RN’s from Western Carolina University, and she had her dream job at Calder Memorial Hospital as a pediatric nurse. Sophia was only 22 years old. This would be the fifth date her mother had set up this year, and it was only June.

  “Now Sophia, calm down. You need to settle down and start a family while your still young. Steven is a lovely young man who works on the computers in my office.” Her mother, Diana Maddix, told her. Diana Maddix was a trim and prim woman. She always looked perfect, not a hair out of place.

  “Mom, I’m only 22. There is no reason to be in a rush to settle down. Why don’t you tell Jackson he needs to settle down?” Sophia rolled her eyes. Jackson was four years older than her for crying out loud. If anyone needed to settle down, it was him.

  “Your brother has plenty of time.” Her mother waved away her question with a flick of her wrist.

  “Why does he have time, but I don’t?” Sophia asked quietly praying her mother wouldn’t say what she thought she would.

  “Sophia, he’s a man, and he doesn’t have the…” don’t say it, don’t say it. “The extra padding you do.” Her mother said it. To her mother, appearance was everything, and her plush form wasn’t what people wanted to see. Sophia gasped and stared at her mom. “You know I love you, dear, but the world is a cruel place.” Her mother shrugged.

  “No. I don’t want to go out with whoever you have picked out this time.” Sophia narrowed her eyes at her mother. She knew her mother loved her, but she wasn’t the “my baby’s perfect” kind of mom.

  “You are meeting him tomorrow night. He will pick you up here at seven.” Her mother said as she turned to go to the kitchen.

  “Mom, I said no.” Sophia said following behind her.

  “He has already seen a picture of you, and he is looking forward to seeing you. You will be here and ready by 6:45 tomorrow. Now, I have good news.” Her mother turned around giving her a bright smile, and she knew her mother wasn’t giving in on her going out tomorrow.

  “What’s the good news?” Sophia said finally giving up.

  “Your brother called earlier today.” Her mother chirped.

  “That’s great. Could he say where he was?” Sophia missed her brother, Jackson. He had been in the army for eight years now.

  “Actually, he’s state side. Tanner and he are going through the process of getting out of the army now.” Her mother’s face was lit up with her excitement. Sophia worried everyday they would get a call one of them had been wounded or worse.

  “I can’t believe it. Is Jackson coming home?” Sophia knew her brother was always anxious to get home, but she had no idea if he would stay this time.

  “Yes. He and Tanner both got their contractor’s license and they are planning to start a business here. I can’t wait for them to get here.” Her mother squealed like a teenage girl.

  “When are they supposed to get here? I need to make sure the house is ready for Tanner.” Sophia had been keeping the house clean since the accident that killed Tanner’s parents. That was six years ago. Tanner hadn’t come home since the funeral. Jackson had given her a key and asked her to take care of it until Tanner could deal with everything.

  “He said it would be about three or four weeks before everything was done and they were free to come home. I’m so proud of you for taking care of everything. I told Jackson he should have hired a cleaning service, but he said he didn’t want strangers in the house.” Her mother was quick to praise her, as long as it wasn’t about her looks.

  “I left everything how it was. I just clean and dust. All of their things are how they left them.” Sophia twisted her hands in front of her. The first couple of times had been hard. She had loved his parents. She had visited them a lot after the guys joined the army.

  “That’s all you could do. Tanner will have to deal with everything else.” Diana pulled her into a hug.

  Remembering them still hurt. When she was young, she followed Jackson and Tanner everywhere. There weren’t any little girls close by to play with. Most of the time they let her. Sometimes they would make her stay with his mom. His mom was the perfect image of a loving mom. When they abandoned her there, she would find fun things for them to do. She taught Sophia most of what she knew about cooking and baking. The boys always showed up in time for food. They had even baked treats and sent care packages to the guys. After they passed, she took it on herself to keep sending them stuff. She hadn’t seen or spoken to Tanner since the funeral.

  “Be here by 6:45 tomorrow. Don’t forget makeup, or I’ll do it for you when you get here.” Her mother said pulling away.

  “Yes, ma’am. See you then.” Sophia grabbed her keys and walked to her car.

  It had been a long day. She worked her twelve-hour shift at the hospital, then got a voicemail to go see her mom, or she would come to her. Her mother would have been at her house by 8:30 if she hadn’t gone over. As she pulled in her driveway, she said a silent prayer of thanks that her brother and Tanner were coming home soon, safe and sound. She went straight to her shower when she walked in, locking the door behind her.

  The warm water relaxed her stiff muscles. She was so glad she was off tomorrow. She had worked three twelve-hour shifts in a row. People thought nursing was easy, but she was on her feet most of the time. After drying off, she brushed her hair and did a face plant in the bed. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

  She spent the next day resting. If she had to go out with the guy her mom set her up with, she wanted to spend the day with a good book boyfriend first. She put on a turquoise colored dress that had lace over it, and a V-neck. It didn’t show anything up top, and came down to her knees. The color went well with her dark brown hair and sun kissed tan, it even made her eyes pop. She applied eye liner, eyeshadow, and mascara, then a quick layer of clear lip gloss. Her lips were naturally a rosy color, the gloss just made them shine. After slipping on some brown sandals, and shoving her license and debit card in her phone case, she locked her door and drove to her mom’s.

  “Right on time.” Her mother said as she walked in. “Let’s fix your makeup before he gets here.” She said when she looked at Sophia.

  “I already put makeup on.” Sophia knew she wouldn’t approve.

  “You need more, come on, hurry up.” Diana tried to pull on her hand.

  “No. This is all I ever wear, it is fine like it is.” Sophia really hated when her mother was like this.

  “I don’t know why you refuse to act like a lady. I never should have let you go with your brother.” Her mother snapped at her.

  “Don’t start.” Sophia warned in no mood to have this argument for the hundredth time.

  “I…” Diana started, but was cut off by the door bell ringing. “Be nice and make an effort.” Her mother whispered, then went to open the door. “Steven, it’s so nice to see you. Sophia is right in here, she is looking forward to meeting you.” Her mother gushed, making Sophia roll her eyes. “Steven, this is my daughter Sophia.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Sophia held her hand out being polite.

  “The pleasure is all mine, Sophia. You look beautiful.” Steven said, then kissed her hand. “Shall we go?”

  Sophia let him lead the way to a dark blue Honda Accord, where he opened the door for her. She got in and buckled up, then he shut the door. He wasn’t bad looking, but something seemed off to her
. His blue eyes seemed cold somehow. He looked at her like he wanted her, but something was off.

  “I picked out a nice Italian place.” He said as he started the car.

  “Sounds good.” Sophia smiled.

  He was by far the most attractive guy her mother had set her up with, but she felt the urge to run away. When they got there, she met him at the front of the car, and he led her in. The menu looked good. The place smelled amazing.

  “I’ll have the lasagna, and she will have a salad with low fat ranch dressing.” He told the waitress. “I find it simpler for only one of us to order.” He told her after he ordered and the waitress walked away.

  “You didn’t even ask me what I wanted.” She snapped at him.

  “I didn’t need to. This is what girls like you should eat.” He shrugged at her.

  “Girls like me?” She murmured.

  “With your build this is all you should eat.” He nodded.

  “What gives you the right to tell me what I should eat?” She was livid. How dare he, or any man say such a thing.

  “Lower your voice. I am the one being seen with you; therefore, it is my obligation to make sure everything is the way it should be.” He snapped at her.

  “This was a very bad idea. Have a good night.” She said as she tried to stand.

  “Sit down.” He said through gritted teeth. He grabbed her wrist in an iron grip. “I will not have you embarrass me in public.” When Sophia tried to pull away, he jerked her arm making her sit in her chair. Her wrist ached from the grip he had on her. “Now, you will enjoy your dinner.” He smiled as if everything was perfect.

  Sophia trembled. She feared this man. When their food came, he ate his happily while he watched her pick at her salad. She smiled, she would do anything not to anger him again. Halfway through their meal, a guy came up to the table to talk to him. She stood, and he grabbed her wrist.

  “I need to use the restroom, please.” She whispered.

  “Of course, dear, hurry back.” He smiled for his audience and she nodded.

  The bathroom was in the hallway, and thankfully there was an exit door at the end of it. She quickly called her best friend Chad, and told him which way she was going to walk so he could come get her. Before she left, she looked back to be sure he wasn’t there, then quickly walked out. She had never been treated like that in her life. Her body still trembled in fear.

  “Sophia.” Chad called as he pulled up beside her.

  “Thank God.” She said and jumped in the car.

  “Are you okay?” Chad asked taking her hand. “Jeez, you’re shaking.”

  “I was so scared.” Sophia said, then told him the whole story as the tears fell.

  “Let’s go get your car, then I will follow you home, and stay with you tonight.” Chad put his hand on her leg, the weight was comforting.

  Chad had been her best friend since kindergarten. He pulled on her braid on the playground one day. Sophia turned around, and shoved him down. Instead of them hating each other, he had laughed and told her they were going to be friends for life. The next day he had brought her a chocolate chip cookie. They had been joined at the hip since them. People had always thought they were a couple, but neither of them felt that way. Chad was cute, he always had dates. His blond hair and blue eyes were a killer combination. They had tried to kiss once, but ended up laughing. She checked her rearview mirror as she drove home. She was usually tough, but Steven had scared her.

  “Let’s go, Soph.” Chad said as he opened her car door. He kept his arm around her as they walked to her door. He curled up on the couch with her, and held her while she slept.

  The next three weeks flew by. Her brother would be home tomorrow, so today she was going to clean Tanner’s house. After she cleaned, she went to the grocery store, and stocked the fridge and cabinets so everything would be ready. Before she went home, she went by her parents’ house.

  “Sophia, where have you been?” Her mother said as soon as she walked through the door.

  “I was over cleaning Tanner’s house.” Sophia should have known there would be an argument.

  “For the last three weeks?” Diana asked, narrowing her eyes.

  “I’ve been busy.” Sophia told her.

  “Too busy to talk to your parents.” Her mom snapped.

  “Mom, I talk to you almost every day.” Sophia gritted her teeth.

  “Don’t sass me, young lady.” Her mother was in a mood today.

  “I’m an adult. I have a life, and things I have to do.” Sophia was at her breaking point.

  “Your father…” Her mother started.

  “Don’t bring me into this, Diana. Hey, Sophia.” Her dad, Tom, walked over and hugged her.

  “Hey daddy. You smell like Christmas trees.” Sophia laugh.

  “I’ve been out sheering them all day.” Her dad smiled. The house was in the middle of a two-acre Christmas tree farm. In November, it would be a choose and cut open to the public. Sophia helped out on her days off. Her dad was also a firefighter.

  “We are having dinner here for the guys tomorrow. Be here at 5 o’clock.” Her mother said.

  “I will. I need to get home. I have house work to do.” Sophia kissed both her parents, then left before her mom could start again.

  Steven had been calling her phone every day. The first day was the only time he left a message. She had been at work, so she got the message when she got off. He had said it was very rude of her to leave during dinner, then he hung up. She was going to block his number, enough was enough.

  The next day, she put on her favorite pair of jeans, that molded to her curves, and a purple V-neck t-shirt. It dipped a little low, but she loved the shirt. It was just a family dinner, so her clothes wouldn’t matter. When she pulled up to her parents, Jackson came bounding down the stairs. He wrapped her in a hug, and swung her around.

  “I missed you.” She whispered, trying to hold back the tears.

  “No crying.” Jackson squeezed her tighter.

  “Big girls don’t cry.” A deep voice rumbled beside her.

  “Tanner.” She squealed and hugged him.

  “Hey, Soph.” He said hugging her back. When she was six, she had gotten bee stung. As soon as the first tear fell, Tanner told her big girls don’t cry, and little girls couldn’t come with them. She hadn’t cried again after that, till his parents died.

  “She’s my sister, don’t hog her.” Jackson said tucking her under his arm.

  “Sophia Maddix, what are you wearing?” Her mother was standing on the front porch steps.

  “Um, clothes.” Sophia had hoped she would be in a good mood, but apparently not.

  “I said it was a family dinner.” Diana snapped.

  “Exactly, why dress up for these two. They’ve seen me covered in mud, they don’t care what I wear.” Sophia heard Tanner laugh, and Jackson squeezed her shoulder.

  “Steven isn’t going to like this.” Her mother fumed.

  “Steven?” Sophia tensed.

  “Hello, darling.” Steven stepped out from behind her mom, and came down the steps to her. Sophia gasped but didn’t move. He grabbed her wrist hard, making her whimper, then pulled her into a punishing hug. “You better behave.” He snarled so only she could hear him.

  “Well isn’t this nice. Let’s have dinner.” Her mother ordered everyone inside.

  “You really should dress more appropriately. That shirt is not something a girl like you should be wearing.” Steven said leading her up the steps. He used the hand on her hip to pinch her hard and she stumbled.

  “S-sorry.” She mumbled. They sat and he put salad on her plate, and squeezed her leg hard. “Mom, do you have any fat free dressing?” She asked trying not to show how much it hurt.

  “Of course, dear. I’m glad you are taking charge of your weight.” Her mother handed her the bottle smiling.

  “Here, Soph, I know you love mashed potatoes and gravy.” Tanner passed them to her. Steven pinched her side and she bit he
r lip to stop the tears.

  “N-n-no, thanks. I n-need to get some of this weight off.” The bowl shook in her hands as she passed it to Steven.

  Sophia felt something bump her elbow and turned to see what it was. Tanner gave her a questioning look. She smiled at him, hoping to reassure him. He smiled back, but Steven pinched her leg again. Her eyes widened and she felt tears well up. She closed her eyes quickly and looked at her salad. The rest of the meal, she kept her head down. She could feel Tanner watching her, but she was too afraid to look at him.

  “So, sis, how long have you been dating Steven?” Jackson asked.

  “They have been together a month. It’s very serious from what Steven tells me.” Her mother beamed.

  “Wow.” Tanner said beside her.

  “I knew as soon as I saw her I had to have her.” Steven said. He pulled her chin up and kissed her. He bit her bottom lip, and she tasted blood.

  “Isn’t that sweet.” Diana cooed.

  “M-may I be excused to the restroom please?” Sophia asked, trying to keep her voice even.

  “Hurry back.” He said squeezed her side again.

  Sophia nodded, then stood up slowly and walked to the bathroom. She let out a breath when she shut the door behind her. She pulled her pants down, and saw the bruises on her leg where he pinched her. She lifted her shirt and saw bruises on her sides, then looked up and saw that her lip was swelling. She used the restroom quickly, then threw cold water on her face. When she opened the door, Tanner was waiting.

  “What’s going on Soph?” He asked walking closer to her.

  “N-nothing.” She said and looked away.

  “Since when do you stutter? Why is your lip swelling?” Tanner asked. She looked up and saw Steven standing at the end of the hall.

  “I’m just nervous. I chew my lip when I get nervous.” She kept her eyes on Steven.

  “Soph…” He leaned toward her, but paused when she moved back. He glanced over his shoulder where her eyes were locked.

  “There’s my girl.” Steven smiled and walked toward her.

  “Sorry, I was on my way back.” She said stepping around Tanner.