The angel he lost

Difficult conversations

Sophia POV 

"I really want us to be friends. I know we haven't been …close, but if we get to know each-other more, I am sure we will go along great" - Adele forced a smile to me, trying to be... friendly??? 

"We haven't been close? Close? That's the word you choose? You have literally made my life impossible, with all your nasty comments and mocking gestures. School life has been a daily hell to me, because of you and your group of friends" - I replied annoyed and angry. How dare belittle all of the bullying and tormenting I went through, because of her?  She looked nervous and uncomfortable, but I didn't care at all, I was being honest, at least. 

"Sophia... let's put the past behind us. I already apologized, we are both to blame and now we can't change what happened..." 

"We are both to blame? Are you even being serious right now? Because, if my memory is correct what happened all these past years was you bullying me, so much so I went to sleep every night. Kind of hard to forget, don't you think?" 

I couldn't believe my ears, I felt so incredibly frustrated from all the pain, the anger and the resentment that was build up inside of me, during all these years. And now Adele had the audacity, to also blame me for the bullying that I experienced?  My whole body was shaking, and all I wanted is to leave that place, before I caused a scene in public. 

"Sophia, wait " - she hold my hand, and looked at me with begging eyes. Suddenly something clicked inside me? Why was she apologizing? The Adele I knew would never do such a thing, unless... unless her parents forced her too. The only times she would leave me in peace was when Ana Maria threatened her, that she would talk to her mother, who was a religious freak.

"What? Just said damn it" - I didn't know why, but I wanted her to actually mean it the apology. I wanted he to suffer, for all the pain she made me go through. Ana Maria would never agree with me, she is too kind and would probably make a whole speech about forgiveness and God mercy, but I didn't care... Damn it, why am I even thinking of Ana Maria right now? This isn't about her, this is about me! I am the one who felt like a monster every single day, she was the most adored girl in the town. 

"Please forgive me! Please! I need you to forgive me! " -Adele said with tears in her eyes, pulling my arm towards her, forcing me to sit down again. 

"Why? Why now?" 

" Because... we can be a great team Sophia, you and I... After all, we have so many things in common. You love fashion, makeup, cinema and all that stuff, and so do I..." 

"Is this because my brother, Liam just bought the "Grand Farm"? Your parents forced you to apology, didn't they? To much of a coincidence for you to apologies now that my brother is richer than you family?" - I wanted her to admit it, I wanted her to feel the same burning humiliation, as I did thousands of times because of her. Oh, how the tables have turned... 

"Your... brother has...bought my family factory" - Adele finally admitted, keeping her head low, I could swear I saw tears, falling off her face, but she was quick to hide those.

"So the rumors' are true? The distinguished Clark family has gone bankrupt? Oh, how the tables had turn" - I smirked, feeling a deep satisfaction

"We haven't gone bankrupt. My uncle is still the governor, and after he win the upcoming election, things will get better for all of us. But the markets have changed after the war, father says that people don't spend as they use too... Anyway..." - she was mostly mumbling, but I didn't felt sorry for her at all, she deserves worse. My first instinct was to leave the cafeteria, but suddenly I heard my mother's voice inside my head.

"Liam can buy you a new beautiful life.... Money has immense power over people..."- she was right! Liam will buy me respect and much more. Adele will be the first I guess" 

....................... 

Third POV 

"Mrs. Susan? Can a have a word with you please?" - Ana Maria asked in a polite tone

"Yes, young lady? What is it? Be quick, I don't have much time" - Susan replied, walking up and down the working space, checking up the quality of the of sewing works, after the second shift of the day had ended. 

"You know, I have been working here since last summer. And, I think I have been doing a pretty good job. I am always on time, and I try to give my best... Do you think, I can work here full time? Now that the school is ending, I will have much more time and I really do need the money... Please?" - Ana Maria bit her lip. She was a very gracious young woman, but also shy and much of an introvert, it took her a lot of energy and effort, trying to speak up for herself. 

"I will keep that in mind, Ana... but...I can't promise anything. We don't have any openings right now" 

"I promise that I will give 110% and never cause you any kind of trouble. I am willing to learn and work even harder. Please, Mrs. Susan... I really need the job" - she tried to persuade her boss, following her around, as Susan was still focused in her work. 

"I said, I that I don't have any openings, and besides the factory has now a new owner" - Susan turned around and gave her a harsh look "I don't have time or energy to lose right now, you should leave. We will talk in another time" 

"Oh... all right than. Thank you for your time, Mrs. Susan. Have a nice evening" - Ana Maria greeted her with respect and walked away, with a heavy heart. 

It was getting dark, and the weather was still cold, even though it was spring. She put her long coat over her shoulder, and started walking slowly. Her feet and her lower back was hurting, due to the long hours working in a standing position, her hands were filled with little wounds and cuts because she wasn't used with the heavy physical work, that the sewing machines required. 

"Oh, God! What will happen, if Mrs. Susan doesn't hire me full time? We need the money! I should speak with father Andrew, he knows everybody in town and maybe he can find me another job. But he found me this one, I can't be so shameless, and ask him to find me another one right away, when many people are struggling too" - she thought to herself, feeling the burden of supporting her whole family. But yet, she couldn't convince her feet to walk fast enough to go home, even thought she was getting cold. 

At the city center. Ana Maria saw Sophia and Adele together, and she immediatly panicked, thinking that Adele was bullying Sophia, so she rushed towards the girl. But to her shock, they kissed each other goodbye, before taking separate ways. 

"Sophia?" - Ana Maria called her loudly, trying to reach out to her. Suddenly, Sophia stopped for a short second, but she started walking even faster that before. 

"Sophia??" - Ana Maria insisted and was almost running trying to catch up with her

....................

third POV 

"Sophia, wait... wait for... me" - Ana Maria asked again, totally out of breath.

"Oh, it's you" - Sophia turned around, looking at her friend. "You look tired, are you okay?" 

"I just need a moment to breathe.... I had to almost run to catch up with you, didn't you hear me?" -Ana Maria stopped next to a bench, trying to normalize her breath. 

"I didn't recognize you, and since is getting dark, I just wanted to go home, as soon as possible... What's happening to you? You use to be much more in shape, now even a walk and you are out of breath"

"I am just tired that's all" - Ana Maria gave her a genuine smile "I am so happy to see you, lately I feel like I haven't spent time with you at all, and I really miss you" - her words made Sophia feel guilty, even thought she tried to push that feeling away.

"We just have a lot in our plate right now, that's all" - she replied and finally they both started walking towards home. 

'I am sorry, I have been so absent lately. But work is killing me, and with exams coming up... I don't think I will pass them,, I am really nervous." 

"You will pass the exams, Ana. You are much smarter than you give yourself credits for. And maybe you should let your parents to work, instead After all it's not your responsibility to provide for that abusive family of yours, that doesn't give a damn about you" - Sophia said bluntly and straightforward.  The expression in Ana Maria's face changed, she felt hurt and her eyes watered. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you" - Sophia said feeling frustrated and annoyed with herself " You know what I mean Ana" 

"It's okay, I know that you love me and just want the best for me. But … they are my family, the only family I got. And my salary is right now the only income" 

"What? What about your father? He works at the city port, right?" 

'Yes, but... He has a debt, he must pay for and he needs his salary for that" - Ana Maria bit her lower lip, anticipating Sophia outburst, but she didn't say anything. 

"What will happen when we finish school? You can't take care of them forever" 

"I asked Mrs. Susan for a full-time job today, but she told me that the fabric had a new owner and there weren't any openings" 

"Yeah, I know... my brother bought... wait what?" - Sofia turned around making her freeze in her place "Why did you ask a full time job for? You aren't planning to work on there forever, are you?"  - Sophia frowned her brows " What about your dreams to became a teacher, or a nurse?" 

"I don't think I can pursue college. And... the payment is descend" - Ana Maria lowered her eyes, feeling a sharp pain in her heart, but she gave courage to herself, by thinking that she was doing the right thing. 

"It has a ridiculous payment and the work is so heavy... look at you palms... you won't be this young forever, that kind of heavy work will effect you beauty.. Who will marry you than? "- Once again Sophia's harsh words hurt Ana Maria, but it also left her feeling confused. 

"I always prayed that whoever my future husband may be, he will love me not because of my looks, but for my heart and who I am as a person" - she replied in a soft tone, without being able to hide the sadness in it. 

'Very romantic, Ana... but the world doesn't work this way. You have to be a little more calculated, you never now how things may turn up to be" - Sophia replied with a strange spark in her eyes "Look at Adele Clack for example, that arrogant brat... Her family was the richest in the area, and now they have lost everything, and are being forced to sell almost all of their properties" 

"The Clarks are going bankrupt? "

"Haven't you heard the rumors?  Oh.. I forgot, you don't do gossip" - Sophia felt entertained 

"If that's the case, I feel terribly sorry for them. They must be going through a difficult phase" 

'Sorry? What are you sorry for? Those are a bunch of arrogant people, always acting up like they are better than everyone, while exploiting and underpaying their workers" 

"Everyone make mistakes, and beside they have also donated a lot for charity, every year too." 

"Sometimes, I can't stand your " turn the other cheek" attitude" -Sophia laughed at her "You know what? I am happy for their downfall, they deserve worse" 

'You don't mean that" - Ana Maria replied signing "What were you doing with Adele? She didn't say anything hurtful, did she?" 

"She apologized to me" - Sophia confessed, after an awkward pause 

"What? I can't believe it. Well, it was about time" 

'Yeah... it's about time I get what I deserve" - Sophia said with determination

"So? Did you got in good terms with each other?" - Ana Maria asked with enthusiasm "I am so happy, she has finally reflected on her behavior …" 

'Adele want's to be in good terms with me, because my brother Liam has bought half of area, practically. He bought their fabric, the mine, the Grand Farm and much more" 

"Oh..." - Ana Maria felt lost for words "But you seemed so close, at coffee shop. I saw you hugging each-other" 

"Well, why not? If she wants to earn my good grace, I will let her work for it. It's my turn to make her pay, for what she has done to me"

"This is not who you are Sophia. Don't let you heart be filled with anger and revenge, you should forgive and let go. God says that..." 

"I have to go home, don't have time for another speech of yours, right now Ana. Unlike you father, mine actually worries about the time I get home" - Sophia said and walked towards her home, leaving Ana Maria dumfounded and hurt, by her words. 

"God, please protect my friend, and give her the strength to forgive and love herself and others" - she made a small prayer, while hot tears run through her face.