Chapter 3 A Day with loved ones

Sunday, 7:30 AM

Sophia slowly opened her eyes, the soft morning light peeking through the curtains. She stretched, yawned, and sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, she clasped her hands together.

"Dear Lord, thank you for this new day. Guide me, protect me, and grant me wisdom. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Sophia made the sign of the cross, a habit she'd developed from her childhood. The quiet morning hours were her favorite time to reflect and plan.

A knock on the door broke the silence. Sophia got up to answer it, revealing Mrs. Jones, her dependable cleaner. "Good morning, madam!

I'm so sorry I didn't come yesterday," Mrs. Jones said.

"No worries, Mrs. Jones. Actually, I'm glad you didn't come. I had a lot on my plate."

Mrs Jones smiled. "Thank you madam. I'm glad you understood. I'll get started with the laundry and cleaning right away ma'am."

Sophia's late father had gifted her a cozy two-bedroom apartment, one of his properties, before he passed away. The apartment was located in a compound with other tenants, creating a security. After his passing, Sophia had moved into this apartment to make her daily commute to work easier, as she worked on the island. The two-hour drive from her family house had become too much, so she decided to relocate closer to her workplace.

The apartment held sentimental value for Sophia, reminding her of her father's love and investment in her future. She cherished the memories she made within its walls and felt his presence still with her. The second bedroom was especially dear to her, as she kept it ready for whenever her younger sisters came visiting. They would stay with her, and Sophia loved hosting them in her own space, just as her father would have wanted.

Having her own apartment gave Sophia a sense of independence, but she still loved having her family close, even if it was just for visits.

"I'm off to church now. Don't forget to lock the door and close the windows when you're done cleaning."

Mrs. Jones looked up and smiled. "Alright, ma'am. I'll take care of everything. Have a blessed service!"

Sophia smiled back, slung her bag over her shoulder, and headed towards her car. "Thanks, I'll get the key from you once I'm back home."

As she reached her car, Sophia opened the door, tossed her bag onto the passenger seat, and slid into the driver's seat. She started the engine and pulled out of the compound, heading towards the church, which was just a few minutes' drive from her house.

*****

As she walked out of the church, she was greeted by a fellow church member. "Sister Sophia, how are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you.The service was really uplifting today."

The pastor's wife joined in. "I know, right? The message on faith really resonated with me."

Another church member, Brother James, approached them. "Hi, great service today, wasn't it?"

As Sophia smiled and nodded, she began walking towards her car. Brother James followed her gaze and fell into step beside her. "Hey sister Soph, are you heading out now? Can I get a lift with you?"

"Actually, yes, I am heading out. You're welcome to ride with me."

Brother James smiled. "Thank you so much,. I'd really appreciate it."

They drove in silence until Sophia dropped him at the location he requested while she continued her drive to her family house.

"The Sunday started well so it was definitely going to end well for her." She proclaimed to herself as she finally got to her house.

"Good morning big sister, how are you doing?" Nora asked.

"Ehm, we've been expecting you! We've been waiting for any minute now," Annie chimed in .

"I'm so hungry like I didn't eat last night , what do you guys cook before I faint because I know you guys won't let me rest as you see me?" Sophia replied.

"Jollof rice and chicken, and salad," one of the girls answered dramatically.

"Sundaes are for rice, you know," she added with a wink. "And mom prepared this special just for you."

"Ooh, yay! I'm so down for that," Sophia exclaimed.

"Sweetie, it's great to have you home," Mrs Rodgers said, giving her daughter a warm hug.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm happy to be home," Sophia replied.

Nora jumped in, "We've missed you so much!

Their mom added, "Yes, and how's my son Alexander doing?"

Sophia playfully rolled her eyes. "Mom, I've not even rested yet. Why don't you wait for me to get settled in before you start with your questionings and interviews?"

Their mom laughed. "Okay, okay."

Sophia smiled, shaking her head. "You guys are something else. Can't a girl even get a minute's peace?"

"Nope, not in this house. Annie added playfully.

"Can you girls please set the table?" Mrs Rodgers said abruptly.

Annie replied, "Why me? Why do we have a maid mom, when you keep sending me? Nora is closer to the dining area, she can do it."

Their mom intervened, "Girls, not now please. Finish setting the table first. Your sister is hungry and needs to eat."

Nora and Annie reluctantly returned to setting the table, "But Mom....."

"No but you girls go ahead and stop fighting about everything."

Their mom was firm, "No, let's do things in order. Set the table properly."

Just then, the maid came to sweep up the food Annie had poured on the floor. Sophia quickly intervened "Wait, why are you cleaning this up? You should be eating with us."

Annie looked up, "It's her job to work big sis."

But Sophia persisted, "No, seriously, why is she eating later? Why can't she eat with us?"

Mrs. Rodgers replied, "Sophia, she's our maid, she doesn't eat with us."

"But why not, Mom? Why do you let Annie treat her like that?"

"Sophia, it's just the way things are. She's here to work."

Sophia frowned, "I don't think that's fair, Mom. She works hard too."

Nora, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, "Big sis, she's been paid for it. It's her job, and we're paying her for it. She knows what she'd signed up for."

Sophia turned to Nora, "But that doesn't mean she should be treated poorly. We should treat her with respect and kindness."

Nora shrugged, "I'm not saying we should treat her poorly, but we can't just invite her to sit with us at the table. It's not practical."

Annie chimed in, "Big sis, stop being dramatic. She's fine."

But Sophia stood her ground, "I'm just saying, it's not right. She deserves respect and equal treatment in terms of how we speak to her and treat her as a person."

Mrs. Rodgers intervened, "Girls, let's not argue about this. Sophia, I understand your point, but Nora's right too."

The conversation continued, with Sophia and Nora discussing the nuances of treating others with respect and kindness.

"Hey, sweetie, come here. I need to show you something," Mrs Rodgers called out to her daughter after lunch.

"So, how's things with you and Alexander? When are you two taking things to the next level? Should I start planning the wedding for you two?"

"Mom, slow down! We're just taking things one step at a time." Sophia responded amid laughter

Her mother chuckled . "I know, I know. I was just like you once. I married your father at twenty, and look how wonderful you turned out!"

Mom.... "Yeah, yeah, I've heard that story before."

Her mother smiled. "Anyway, speaking of your father's legacy, we need to discuss the properties he left us."

"What do you mean, Mom?"

We need to be cautious and make smart decisions about how to manage the properties and our finances."

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, Mom. I'll be careful. What can I do to help?"

Her mother smiled, proud of Sophia's willingness to learn. "We'll work on it together, sweetie. Let's go over the documents and see what needs to be done."

Annie and Nora, walked into the room. They spotted Sophia and rushed over to hug her. "Sis!" they chimed in unison.

Sophia laughed and hugged them back. "Hey, guys! What's up?"

They all chatted excitedly, catching up on each other's days. Their mother smiled, watching the siblings interact.

After a moment, Sophia said, "Mom, I really need to get going."

Her mother nodded, "Okay, darling. Be careful."

Annie and Nora pouted, "Aww, sis, already?"

"I'll see you guys soon, okay? How about we plan for the next weekend at my place?" She added.

"Oh my Goddess we love" their mother cut them shut before they could finish responding. "And who are you girls planning to leave alone at home?"

"I will definitely make arrangements for you too mom." Sophia responded while checking her wristwatch.

As they said their goodbyes, Sophia turned to her mother and asked, "Mom, do you still have some cash on you? I promise to send you some during the week."

Her mother smiled and handed Sophia some money instead. "Take this, just in case."

Sophia smiled gratefully and tucked the money into her bag. Then, she handed Annie and Nora some cash. "Here, guys. Treat yourselves to something."

Annie and Nora's faces lit up, "Thanks, sis!"

"I love you, mommy. Her mother leaned in as she kissed her on the cheek . " I love you too my first fruit." Just make sure you stay safe out there my darling." She added.

"One last hug kid sisters." Sophia called out to her sisters.

I love you girls, okay? Be good always.

With one last look at her family, Sophia made her way out into her car and drove off, feeling loved and cherished.