Why'd You Lie, Sofia

Chapter 3

Sofia’s POV

6 years ago. I was 9 years old and my mom has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. Her medication went from a single daily intake to continuous addition of dosage a day because her condition kept getting worse and we don’t have the luxury to afford it. But I was able to find ways. I worked on different houses doing chores, babysitting, doing the laundry, and more. And then I would use the money I earned to buy her maintenance. It was one summer day when I was walking home alone carrying mom’s maintenance that I have just bought from the local pharmacy store when this group of bullies approached me and did their thing. They were my neighbors who made it a habit to bully me every time they saw me. Until now I couldn’t figure what good do they get for bullying me.

Clarice, the biggest of them all, snatched the medications away from me while the rest of them tried to stop me from taking it back from Clarice. They were all having fun seeing me beg and cry just for them to return it to me. I had to work for the whole week just to afford a 3-day maintenance for my mom and I can’t let them waste it. But I had no power over them.

“Hand it back over to her or I’ll have my nanny report you to the police.”

We all turned our heads to see Violet Kinsky accompanied by her nanny. Out of fear, the kids dropped me off to the ground and Clarice did as she was told. The other kids went running away but Violet was able to have a grasp of Clarice’s arm before she could even run away with her friends. The big kid had her eyes in horror as Violet threw her dagger looks.

“You’re the one who sabotaged my project, didn't you?” Violet hissed and Clarice was already trembling in fear.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Clarice denies.

Violet’s nanny approached me and helped me to get myself up. Violet whispered something to Clarice and the big kid ran away crying. Violet always has the ace against everyone.

“Are you, okay?” Her nanny asked, worriedly. I was too shy to speak so I nodded as a reply.

Violet turned to our direction and gave me a blank look before walking away.

Up to this day, I still account myself of owing her for saving me from those bullies. If it wasn’t for her that day, I would have had nothing to give my mom. I guess that’s the reason why I always wanted to be friends with her. Maybe, for some dumb reasons, I want to give her something as a gratitude for that day. But I doubt she even recognized me back there. I mean, who am I kidding? Plus, she initially came for Clarice, I was more like a collateral consequence.

“Are you okay, mom?”

I was at the dining table having my breakfast when I noticed my mom was coming in and out of the bathroom since last night.

“Yeah, I’m good. Probably just too hydrated,” she jokes.

“Well, that’s a good thing, I guess." I shrugged, still a little worried. “I’m off to school. Don’t forget to take your medicines on time, mom. Love you!”

I went to school a little early today. I figured I couldn’t afford missing another class because my scholarship would be at stake. So here I am now, back on track on being a good student.

Walking along the hallway, students were in groups, laughing and gossipping about something on their phones and I needed no other context when I heard Violet and Clyde’s name mentioned among the crowd. I guess the issue is really firing up.

Violet’s chair remained empty and the conversation we had last night came flashing back in my head, but I had to shake it off of my mind because midterms are already fast approaching. I have to keep my focus on academics.

Third period was vacant and I was already packing my things up to head to the library because Teffy will be hanging out with her friends from the other section. I was just about to go out of the classroom when Violet blocked my way. She was in her casual jeans and shirt, unlike us who were in our uniforms.

“Everything I said last night will remain just between the two of us, understood?” She ordered, her eyes bore into mine. I quickly nodded. She grinned. “Good. Meet me at the same spot tonight. Same time.”

“I—” before I could even refuse, in a stuttering way, as I foresee it, Violet already left. I was dumbfounded again. Why would she want to meet me at the riverbank bridge again? Did I mess something up?

“Ooh! So the geek is friends with the popular girl now?” I turned to one of our classmates, Jenna. She seemed to be amused seeing me and Violet having a sudden conversation. Did she just eavesdrop on our conversation? Uh, rude?

“What do you care who Sofia makes friends with?” Teffy showed up just in time like a superhero to save the day and I couldn’t be more relieved. Jenna rolled her eyes and Teffy kept her eyebrow raised. I had to drag her out of the room before the tension gets worse and I don’t want her getting into trouble because of me.

“What’s the deal between you and Violet, by the way?” Teffy asked as we walked across the campus. We agreed to head to the library for a thorough review for the midterms. “Aside from Jenna, I also happened to see her approach you.”

“Uhm...” was all I could utter. I was trying to come up with the most honest answer without breaking the word I gave to Violet just a while ago.

“You don’t have to tell me in detail. I’m just a little worried what trouble she could cause you.”

“She’s not as bad as everyone describes her to be, I guess.” I said, hesitantly. Teffy’s mouth formed an ‘o’. Well, I am just as surprised as she is.

“Still, be very cautious, okay? People could be deceptive.” she sighed. “And learn to stand up for yourself, Sofia. You are more than just being a prey to the bullies.”

**

Teffy and I spent the whole hour reviewing Algebra because there were a lot of complicated formulas and a test next week. After that, we decided to grab some food from the cafeteria before heading to our next class. But on the way there, students started to crowd over an area so Teffy and I both rushed to see what was going on.

My eyes just widened after seeing Violet slapped Chelsey. The crowd was divided into cheering and gasping.

“I never knew you could be such a slut, Chelsey!” Violet shrieked before she reached to pull Chelsey’s hair and the two began wrestling with each other.

“We should get out of here.” Teffy dragged me away from the crowds. I really wanted to stop and drag Violet away from the crowd too but I think that would be impossible to do.

The next class started and I just kept worrying about Violet. She’s probably in the guidance office right now, together with Chelsey and every student who participated in the commotion as well. Mr. Wick, the guidance counselor, really loves giving out purple slips, meaning detention.

“I doubt Violet’s gonna be in detention, though.” I heard the girls from the back talking. “Being in the gymnast team just gets her out of everything.”

I somehow sighed in relief. Of course, Violet is the school’s pride in gymnastics and she’s actually having a competition next month if I’m not mistaken.

The class ended at it’s usual time—4:30 pm. Teffy bid her goodbye because she had to cope up with her friends. My Thursday shift starts a little late at 5:30 pm so I had a little time to spare and I decided to visit the gymnasium, hoping to catch Violet’s practice if she ever has one today.

The gymnasium is located at the far west side of the school so I had to walk my way there from the east where the high school department is at. Around 10 to 15 minutes later, I finally arrived at the gymnasium but a sign was posted on the wall saying the gym is closed for other students and is only open for athletes with scheduled practice. I sighed in disappointment. There were other students who seemed to be as disappointed as me as well. Maybe they were also looking forward to watching the practice.

“Maybe we can sneak in at the back door?” I heard one of them exclaimed. Some of his friends disagreed but he managed to convince them and I just had the crazy idea of secretly following them. And for the record, I haven’t been in this wing side of the school before. This could be the first time I get to watch Violet practice gymnasts.

I followed the students to the back of the stage where a double door was closed but one of them managed to climb to the other side and open it from there. They were giggling as they sneaked in and thank heavens they didn’t close the gates. With that, I sneaked in as well, quietly following the juniors inside the main gymnasium.

I almost dropped my jaw when I finally stepped foot inside the gym. It was a huge, closed building for multi-purpose utilization. Dozens of athletes were practicing on their own field, with enough space to not bother one another. The juniors went towards the basketball athletes while I looked around for the gymnasts and I spotted them at the very corner of the room.

I walked across the benches, trying to act naturally and hopefully unnoticed so I wouldn't get kicked out before I could even see if Violet was around. The crowd were busy and too focused on their practice which made it easy for us who sneaked our way in.

I took a hiding spot behind the upper benches and scanned the room for Violet and on one corner, I saw her in her costume, doing some sort of cool stunts while everyone else watched her in awe, some, in jealousy. The blonde girl from the comfort room and her friends were also there.

After a while, their coach gathered them all and they began presenting their stunts, one by one. From kids up to the seniors, everyone did an amazing job and wow were they so flexible!

I spent a couple more minutes watching when I was approached by an old lady who seemed to have authority in the gym. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” She interrogated, and for some reasons, she caught the attention of some of the athletes. My heart almost exploded.

“Didn’t you know that today’s practice is only exclusive for the athletes and no other students are allowed to enter the premises?”

I opened my mouth in hopes to reason out and excuse myself but no words came out.

“She’s with me.”

The old lady and I both turned to Violet who is now making her way towards us and she immediately hooked her arm on mine. I gulped and nodded.

The old lady looked pissed but she sighed in defeat. “I won’t tolerate this next time, Violet.”

“Sorry!” I exclaimed almost after the old lady started walking away.

Violet snorted, taking back her arm. “You’re one hell of a rebel for those big-rimmed glasses.”

“Violet!”

We both turned to see Clyde walking his way to our direction holding a bouquet of flowers and a pink teddy bear. Violet rolled her eyes and started walking back towards her team.

“We’re still gonna settle things down sooner or later, Vi,” Clyde announced.

“Get lost, asshole!” Violet replied and I couldn’t help but wheeze. I’m not gonna lie, it kind of made me proud.

Clyde shifted his gaze at me and instantly threw me a glare. Before he could even speak, I rushed my way out.

Sorry, not sorry, Clyde.