Sophia's Hero Read online

  “Here you go.” Tanner sat her mug down, then sat to eat his breakfast. He looked up to see Jackson eating fast. “In a hurry?” Tanner asked him.

  “Got a meeting in an hour.” Jackson mumbled.

  “You will never be a morning person.” Sophia got up and poured Jackson another cup of coffee.

  “Nope.” He said then gulped it down. “Got to get in the shower.”

  “Good Lord, how does he eat so fast?” Sophia shook her head.

  “We didn’t get much time for meals. You learn to eat and run.” Tanner told her.

  “You’re not eating fast.” She raised an eyebrow at him.

  “I don’t have anywhere to be.” He smiled at her.

  “You don’t have to go to the meeting?” She asked.

  “No. Jackson is better with that side of things. We are going to get some of your things today, then if you feel like it, we can finish cleaning out their room.” Tanner stood and put his plate in the sink.

  “I can go home and change, then be back to help.” Sophia nodded her head.

  “We, Sophia. You and I are going to get some of your things and come back.” Tanner told her.

  “I can go home by myself. I can go back home tonight.” She sat her plate in the sink.

  “You’re staying here for a while.” Tanner put his hand on her back as he spoke.

  “Tanner, I’ll be fine.” She whispered.

  “What’s going on?” Jackson asked coming back in the room. Sophia turned to look at her brother, and Tanner turned putting his arm around her waist.

  “Sophia thinks she is going home tonight.” Tanner pulled her closer when she went to step away.

  “Nope.” Jackson shook his head. “You will be here with us for a while.”

  “There isn’t enough room here. I’m not making you sleep on the couch another night.” Sophia turned to look up at him.

  “Then one of you will have to take the master bedroom.” Jackson shrugged.

  “Jackson, you don’t understand.” Sophia said softly as she leaned her head on Tanner’s chest.

  “I do, but they wouldn’t want the room boarded up, and they definitely wouldn’t want you in danger.” Jackson said sternly.

  “He’s right, sweetheart.” Tanner said kissing the top of her head. “It will be easier once we get it cleaned out. One of us will take that room. “

  “I have to go. Tanner, take care of her.” Jackson turned and left the house.

  “Let me change, then we’ll go to your place.” Tanner kissed her head, then went to change and brush his teeth. Jackson hadn’t even raised an eyebrow at Tanner when he held Sophia. “Ready?” He asked.

  “Yeah.” She nodded and walked to her car.

  “Can we get everything in your car?” Tanner didn’t think so.

  “Tanner, I’m not moving in. I only need some clothes and some stuff from my bathroom.” Sophia laughed.

  “You could.” He mumbled.

  “What?” She asked. He knew she hadn’t heard him.

  “Nothing. We can go back for more later.” He got in and buckled up.

  “Tanner, I don’t think he will do anything. We now have a court order that says he can’t come near me. After a couple days, everything will be fine.” She said as she drove to her house.

  “We aren’t taking chances with your safety. He hurt you right in front of us.” Tanner wished he could just track him down and beat him.

  “Yes, but he made sure no one saw him do it.” Sophia replied.

  “I noticed.” Tanner snapped.

  “I know.” Sophia put her hand on his thigh and he covered it with his hand. “This will blow over quickly.” She nodded.

  “I hope you’re right.” Tanner laced his fingers with hers and they rode the rest of the way in silence. He had a bad feeling about this.

  He waited in the living room while she packed some clothes. He could hear her moving and drawers opening and closing, then he heard her in the bathroom. His mother believed heavily in their Native American heritage and always told him to let the spirits guide him. He wasn’t sure he believed in the spirits, but he trusted his instincts.

  “What are you thinking about?” Sophia asked as she sat on the couch beside him.

  “Nothing.” He smiled putting his arm behind her.

  “Bull, you had a very serious look on your face.” She turned to face him.

  “I was thinking about my mom.” He sighed giving her a half truth.

  “She was so proud of you.” Sophia said with a sad smile.

  “I know. You got everything?” He changed the subject.

  “Yeah, all set.” She picked up a medium size suitcase and walked to the door.

  “Where’s the rest of it?” Tanner looked around for more bags.

  “This is all I need.” Sophia told him.

  Tanner took the suitcase to the car while she locked the door. They would have to come back in a few days. She had only packed for a week tops, probably not even that since there was more than just clothes in there. They talked and laughed on the way back to his house. He left her suitcase in the living room until they decided who was going to take the big bedroom.

  “Ready to finish the room?” She asked him.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.” He sighed and went back to the room. “Can you do mom’s vanity and the bathroom? I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with that stuff.”

  “Sure.” She smiled, then turned to the vanity. “Tanner, this is addressed to you.” She handed him an envelope about an hour after they started.

  “Where did you find this?” Tanner asked confused.

  “I found it in the drawer on the vanity. I’ll let you have some privacy.” Sophia said turning to leave.

  “Please, stay.” Tanner caught her wrist before she could move away. Sophia nodded and sat on the bed beside him. “She must have planned on sending it to me, it had an army address on it.” Tanner ran his hands over the address on the front. Taking a deep breath, he opened it and pulled the letter out.

  Tanner,

  I finally talked your dad into having date night with me. Tonight will be the third one. He still grumbles, but that man would grumble over having too much money. Sophia will be over soon to help me bake for you and Jackson. She comes over a lot to visit, it makes missing you a little easier. She is like a ray of sunshine coming through the door. I can tell she misses y’all, but she always smiles. I think her mom has been treating her rough lately. If I had been lucky enough to have a little girl, I would want her to be just like Sophia. I hope one day you find a girl as good as her to love you. You and Jackson were always playing and being rough, but sweet little Sophia managed to keep y’all out of trouble. I miss you. It seems like I’m always waiting to get bad news. That’s enough of the dark side. I hope you’re staying safe and having some fun out exploring the world. I hear Sophia now, I will give her an extra hug for you.

  Love you,

  Mom

  Tanner re-read the note several times. It wasn’t anything important, but she had written it the day of the accident. She had known Sophia had it rough. He closed his eyes and let his head hang. Sophia curled close to him, and wrapped her arms around him. He leaned his head on top of hers and let her comfort wash over him. After a few minutes, he stood up and put the letter on top of the now empty dresser.

  “Most of the stuff on the vanity was trash. Make up isn’t meant to keep. I laid her jewelry and the few other things I found you might want on top of it. I’m going to clean out the bathroom.” Sophia told him, then walked away.

  He knew she was trying to give him time, he walked to the vanity and looked at the things on top. His mom didn’t wear a lot of jewelry. He had kept her wedding rings, they were in his room. Her other main piece of jewelry was a necklace. It was from the open hearts collection. He had gotten it for her when he got his first paycheck from his first job. He could still remember the smile she had when he gave it to her. He put the necklace and all the other thin
ks in the drawer of the vanity, if Sophia thought they were important, he would keep them.

  “You about done, Soph?” He hollered into the bathroom.

  “Yeah.” She replied.

  “I’m gonna make us some sandwiches for lunch. Come down when you’re done.” He knew his mother was right, he would be lucky to have someone like her love him. Maybe he could make her love him.

  Chapter 5

  Sophia didn’t read the letter. It killed her to see Tanner upset, so she did the only thing she could. It had seemed to help. Everything in the bathroom was trash. It was mostly old medicine and body wash. Lunch sounded good, she was getting hungry. She gathered all the trach and took it down with her as she went.

  “I could have got that, Soph.” Tanner said as he took the bag from her.

  “It’s only one bag. I had it.” Sophia smiled as she watched him put the bag on the back porch.

  “Your sandwich is on the table, you want tea?” He asked going to the fridge.

  “Yes, please.” He poured two glasses, then sat down with her.

  “Are you okay?” He asked her.

  “Of course, why?” She was confused.

  “I shouldn’t have asked you to go through the room.” Tanner looked at his sandwich like it held the secrets of the world.

  ‘Tanner, I’m fine.” Sophia reached over and took his hand. “Yes, it makes me sad, but I’ve been over a lot, so it isn’t as bad as it used to be.”

  “Mom loved you.” Tanner squeezed her hand.

  “I know, I loved her too. Now, eat.” Sophia pulled her hand back and picked up her sandwich.

  “Want to watch TV?” Tanner asked when they finished their food.

  “Sure, but nothing sad. It has to be funny, or have stuff being blown up.” Sophia gave him a dirty look.

  “You’re the one that made us watch that sappy crap.” Tanner teased following her to the couch.

  “Whatever.” Sophia mumbled around a yawn.

  “You tired?” Tanner asked picking up the remote.

  “I’m good, it’s just been a long couple of days.” It felt like this had been going on for months.

  Tanner tugged her close, and she laid her head on his chest. He turned on The Avengers, and she smiled. She had always liked the Marvel comics. She had read all the comic books the guys had. She made it where Thor and Iron Man were fighting, then she felt her eyes droop. She tried to sit up, but Tanner wrapped his arm around her and kept her where she was. She could hear his heart beating, and it lulled her to sleep.

  “Is she okay?” She could barely hear Jackson’s voice.

  “Yeah, she fell asleep watching The Avengers.” Tanner rumbled. Sophia turned her head so she could see Jackson.

  “When did you get home?” She asked him.

  “Half an hour ago.” Jackson smiled at her.

  “How long have I been asleep?” She turned so she could see Tanner.

  “About two hours.” Tanner smiled at her.

  “Crap, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” She said as she tried to sit up.

  “Relax, there wasn’t anything we needed to do.” Tanner said as he tightened his hold on her.

  “How did your meetings go?” Sophia relaxed back so she could look at Jackson.

  “Good. We are on track with everything. Did y’all get everything cleaned out?” Jackson asked sitting in the recliner.

  “Yeah, Sophia went through the rest of mom’s stuff.” Tanner’s chest vibrated under her head with the rumble of his voice.

  “Good, have y’all decided who is taking that room?” Jackson had to ask the hard question.

  “I will.” They said at the same time and looked at each other.

  “I’ll take that as a no.” Jackson laughed.

  “I can take it, if you would rather not be in there right now.” Sophia said looking up at Tanner. From this angle, she could see his perfectly square jaw, and high cheek bones thanks to his Native American heritage. When did he get so hot? Her fingers itched to see if his face was as hard as it looked.

  “Thanks, but since it’s my house now I should take it. It won’t be as bad since we cleaned it out.” Tanner smiled down at her. Lord have mercy, she could drown in his dark chocolate colored eyes.

  “Okay. I’ll make dinner while you get everything settled then.” Sophia said leaning up. Thankfully, he let her.

  She could hear Jackson and Tanner going room to room moving things as she started boiling water for spaghetti noodles. She needed to get herself under control. She had never reacted like this to any man. Maybe it was time to start dating. Tanner was her brother’s best friend. She was sure he wouldn’t appreciate the chubby girl lusting after him. They came back in the kitchen as she was taking the garlic bread out of the oven.

  “Supper’s ready guys.” She said as she pulled the plates out and got everyone a glass out.

  “Thanks Soph.” Jackson said grabbing a plate and piling food on it.

  “Thanks.” Tanner said placing his hand on her back.

  “Anytime.” Sophia said and moved away from him. That simple touch had made her skin tingle. “Y’all want tea or milk?”

  “Milk.” They both said. Sophia poured their drinks, then made her plate.

  “When do you go back to work. Soph?” Jackson asked her.

  “I’m off till Monday. What are y’all doing tomorrow?” Sophia asked.

  “I’m going to go help dad some.” Jackson said then shoveled a heaping forkful in his mouth.

  “I’ll be here all day.” Tanner smiled at her.

  “I’ll come with you to help dad some.” Sophia figured it would at least let her put some space between her and Tanner.

  “No.” They said in unison.

  “Why not?” She asked confused.

  “You don’t need to be around mom. Stay here and relax with Tanner.” Jackson gave her a stern look.

  “Jackson, I’ve been dealing with mom for years. Besides, I’ll be with you and dad tomorrow, not inside with her.” What her mother said hurt, but she was still her mother.

  “Soph, just stay with me. You shouldn’t have to put up with how your mother treated you.” Tanner covered her hand with his.

  “It’s not a big deal, but fine. I’ll stay here.” Sophia pulled her hand out from under his, and picked up her plate, she had lost her appetite.

  “Are you done?” Jackson asked her.

  “Yeah.” Sophia forced a smile as she raked her left overs in a bowl for tomorrow.

  “Soph, you didn’t eat enough.” Tanner told her.

  “Just because I’m fat doesn’t mean I eat everything in sight.” She turned her back and put her plate in the sink.

  “Sophia, you are absolutely perfect.” Tanner said wrapping his arms around her.

  “Stop Tanner, just go finish your dinner.” Sophia wanted to melt into him, but she made herself push on his hands trying to free herself.

  “Sophia, don’t give her this power.” Tanner whispered tightening his hold on her.

  “I’m not giving her anything. I’m not stupid, I own a mirror.” Sophia struggled against his hold again. “Jackson.” She knew her brother would help her.

  “Tanner, let her go.” As soon as Jackson spoke, he released her. “Sophia, I will let you get away with it this time, but if you say that again, I won’t rescue you.” Jackson warned her and she rushed out of the room.

  Sophia grabbed her suitcase and went to Tanner’s old room. It smelled like him, and made her want to cry. She sat on the bed and took a couple deep breaths. It was like she was going crazy since she woke up from her nap. First, she was lusting after Tanner, and now she was putting herself down. She knew she wasn’t the ideal size, but she was okay with that.

  She grabbed her bag of toiletries and a pair of shorts and a tank top, and went to take a shower. She felt like she was in college again. She always hated having to carry everything with her to shower. At least this time she only had to share with Jackson, that would be more l
ike being at home again. Tanner had his own bathroom in the master bedroom. She would only have to do this a few days, it wouldn’t be so bad.

  The hot water relaxed her tense muscles. Maybe Chad could come over tomorrow and hangout. Jackson was right, being near her mom right now wasn’t a good thing. She loved her body wash, she had been using it for years. It was more of an amber scent. She didn’t like fruity scents, except in shampoo. She always used strawberry scented shampoo. Feeling a lot more relaxed, she dried off and got dressed. She didn’t feel like drying her hair, so she braided it to keep it out of her way. After she put her stuff back in her temporary room, she went in search of her phone.

  “Have y’all seen my phone?” She asked Jackson and Tanner as she walked in the living room. Just as they started looking, it rang. Looking at the caller ID, she didn’t know the number, but it could be somebody at the hospital.

  “Hello?” She answered.

  “That was a stupid move, Sophia.” Steven said. They had blocked the number he was calling from, but he had just used another phone.

  “Leave me alone!” She yelled. Jackson and Tanner were both at her side instantly.

  “Who is it, Soph?” Tanner asked pulling her close.

  “Are you with him now, slut?” Steven yelled. Sophia threw the phone on the sofa, and ran to her room.

  “Sophia.” Tanner walked in behind her. She curled up in a ball on the bed.

  “Why won’t he just leave me alone? He obviously doesn’t like how I look, so why not just forget I exist?” Sophia’s voice was weak as she fought the tears wanting to escape.

  “I don’t know, baby.” She felt the bed dip, then Tanner was wrapped around her.

  The bed was only a full size, so they were pressed together. She knew she should push him away, but right now, she needed him. She let her body melt against him. She would crawl inside him if it was possible. He seemed to understand what she needed as he pulled her in and wrapped his body as tight around her as possible. She took a deep breath, and let him comfort her. She felt him kiss the top of her head, then he rested his chin on top of her head.

  “The cops said they can’t do anything about the phone calls. They recommended that you change your number.” Jackson said from the door way. She stiffened and tried to pull away, she knew this would look bad.