Ridgewood Town

Chapter 8

Sophia

June 23

Tuesday

BANG!

I felt my body immediately rise but my eyes were still closed. My head was throbbing and when I opened my eyes, everything seemed blurry. I have been crying for hours now and I feel my throat is parched. The room was in dim light coming from outside the window and I couldn’t see anything but shadows. I glanced at my digital clock; it showed it was already 6:03 pm.

“Damn kids! They should leave us alone,” an irritated shout came from outside my door. I recognized who owned the voice, it was my father. “We don’t have anything to do with them. This is all Sophia’s fault.”

When everything goes awry, all he does is to blame it on me. I don’t even know what he is mad about.

“Calm down, honey. You should’ve just let the kids in. You can talk with them nicely, don’t you think-” my mother answered, but dad was quick to talk back.

“Shut up!” he shouted. A loud thud followed. Mom’s words were halted. “This has been your fault, too. We shouldn’t have allowed Mason's child to date our daughter but you insisted. Now, we are dragged into this mess. I already told your daughter I don’t want to be tied with that family.”

So, it was all about Luis. Dad hated Luis for some unknown reasons I wasn’t aware of. When I first introduced him as my boyfriend, he didn’t cover up his disgust. He never acted rudely, but he never showed kindness either. Despite all that, Luis didn’t back down. Bit by bit, he earned my parent’s trust and before we knew it, they were getting along. I was glad he didn’t force me to break things up with Luis. I know myself; I would gladly take Luis’ side.

“I should go talk to them,” I mumbled.

I tried to unlock the door but it was locked outside. No matter how I twist the knob or try pulling and pushing it, there’s no luck. I started knocking hastily. After that incident this morning, I thought they would gladly give back the freedom they'd stolen. I was wrong.

“Mom? Please, can you open the door?” I pleaded, still twisting the knob as I knocked on the wooden door.

“Coming!” mom replies from behind the door.

I heard footsteps coming. I heard the familiar ticking sound of the locks and there were too many. Then I realized that there was more than one lock installed outside my door. My heart sank at the realization. I am used to staying inside my room for almost a day before and I don’t see the need to lock my door. But locking me inside my room is different. I was like a prisoner in my own house.

I felt blinded by the lights in the corridor when the door opened. Mom was wearing her rose pattern apron. Her eyes were puffy and still, she gave me the warmest smile. I never knew she could smile like this. For the past years, she has always been smiling differently. Things that always make me feel I don’t really belong in this home.

“Dinner will be ready in a minute, dear. Your dad is setting the table. Are you feeling okay now?” I nodded. She reached for my head and gently patted it. “I’m sorry, Sophia. This is all I can do to help you.”

My heart melted with the warmth. I hug mom tightly, trying to forget what we are dealing with right now.

When we got down the dining area, Dad was already sitting on his spot. He was cutting some sirloin steak on his plate. When he saw me, he exchanged his plate for mine. He has always done this ever since I can remember, but my heart has grown cold.

“Thanks, Dad," I mumbled. I took a bite of the sirloin steak and a deep beef flavor exploded in my mouth. I couldn't help myself from smiling at the delicious food.

“Here.” He placed a scoop of mushed potatoes on my plate. “You should eat more. You seem to be fainting a lot lately.”

I can’t help thinking of the reasons why they are giving me this kind of treatment. For the past few years, I felt like I was cared, but not until Luis came into my life. They started to change. Dad has given me curfew hours and forbids me to meet with Luis during the curfew. That is the reason why I sometimes sneak out of the house at night.

The home I knew was like a robotic family. My father is a famous painter. From time to time, my parents would go out of the country to attend some interviews and seminars. Dad is the one who puts food on the table. My mother is the best at taking care of the house and our needs. They are rarely at home, but I never felt like I was treated right like how they are treating me right now. We never acted this affectionate before. I feel uncomfortable sometimes.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t let your friends in, Sophia. You have been fainting a lot lately. I don’t want to stress you out more," Dad started explaining. He must have figured out the reason how I woke up.

“It’s okay, Dad. I understand," I humbly answered.

I was about to thank mom for the delicious meal but the bubble of happiness building immediately vanished.

"You know I never wanted Luis in our lives," began Dad. The food in my mouth suddenly tasted sour. “I hope you stay away from his friends, too.”

I dropped my utensils and looked at him. “What do his friends have to do with me?” I asked, my voice laced with a starting anger.

“They’re dragging you into this mess, Sofia. That family only brings mess every time. I don’t want you getting involved.” Dad stared at me and made every word carved in my mind. “Stay away from them.”

“No," I firmly said. They were keeping me away from my freedom and now I wasn't even able to meet with my friends. This is the reason why they should've been the one to raise me instead of dumping their duties to somebody available. They never tried to understand me.

Dad's facial expression suddenly changed. The familiar look he always wore shows now. Before he could even say more words, I got off from my seat.

“I lost my appetite.” I was about to walk out when I heard a chair dragging. Dad had already gotten out of his seat and motioned me to get back to the dining table. Mom looks scared. She’s always scared. That sometimes she's forgetting how to be brave.

“Sit down!” he commanded in an authoritative tone. I couldn't help but flinch.

“What? Are we back to the controlling family once again?” I didn’t hide the anger in my voice. I felt my eyes well up as I tried to hide the quiver in my voice.

“Sophia...” Her hand immediately met mine. She was patting it like she was trying to soothe the pain away. It wasn’t working. I pulled my hand from her reach and I could see the flicker of pain in her eyes.

“Eat first, Sophia. Then you are free to go,” he insisted. I shook my head in defiance.

“No. I lost my appetite. You can go lock me in my room again.”

Mom tried to grab my hand again but I pushed my mom’s hand away and started my way back into the room.

I locked my room when I got inside. Despite the hunger I’m feeling, I’d rather stay in my room where I feel a lot safer. I switched my lights open and the room got livelier. My room is still a mess. My backpack still lay on the floor. The books I’ve planned to read stack up higher every day. After the incident, I felt like my world ain’t getting forward anymore. My world stops when Luis suddenly disappears. And now I was left with so many questions that will remain unanswered forever. I guess...

The familiar mint green phone case caught my eye. It was lying on the floor together with the stuffed toys Luis had given me. I crouched down to pick up my phone. I have been trying to call Luis but my calls couldn’t reach him. The messages I’ve sent aren’t delivered either.

I wonder where he is right now. Luis, you know how I hated worrying, so please come back. I need you to be sane.

I want to do something for him but Detective Philips ain’t letting me know what really happened to Taylah and Luis.

Peyton… Of course, I can get something from him.

Without thinking further, I sent him a text. If this fails, I guess I have to do it on my own.

Luis, I will find you.