Set-up

Sophia

Every time I faced catastrophe in the past, I found a way to make things right; I found a way to hold all the strings that my life consisted of tightly in my hands and not let go, no matter how much those strings were cutting into my flesh.

This time, though, things were falling apart in front of my eyes, and all I could do was watch.

I was sure my sister was about to destroy her life and that Philip King, the father of her child, could bring her nothing but trouble and tears. Her happiness was the most important thing to me, but I believed she could never have the life she deserved with the man she chose.

Ashamed of my thoughts, I kept quiet and never voiced them out. I tried so hard to mind my business and not meddle in her decisions, letting her be an adult but controlling my never-dying wish to protect her, even if that was from her own actions, was a struggle on a whole new level.

It’s been a few days since the King brothers raided our apartment, and from that moment, things in our lives had changed immensely.

After Ellie and Philip had their conversation, he apparently explained himself enough for Ellie to forgive him for doing wrong by her and causing her to attempt on her life… and my sister changed a lot, too. She was quiet and lost in thought one moment and cheerful enough to drive me insane the next.

Whenever Ellie would mention him or their plans, I would find an excuse to change the topic, or I would fake remembering to do something important. So it came to the point where I had no idea what the two of them planned. Not because I wasn’t interested in what the future held for Ellie, but because I was scared. I was petrified of what tomorrow would bring for all of us. A life that I knew and worked hard to build was about to change so drastically that I didn’t know where to go from there.

Ellie resumed her classes, and I spent my time looking for employment. And let me tell you, it wasn’t a simple task.

By the end of the week, I was sure that some conspiracy had started against me, as I failed to get even the most straightforward job. I was in no position to choose a line of work, not with only a high school diploma in my biography. Three years of managing an elite restaurant were of no significance as I had no recommendations. There was no way Mr. Saunders would give me one, nor would I ask for it. I’d rather starve than see that despicable man again.

Suddenly, I was not fit to be a waitress, a cashier, a maid, or a laundry girl. Every door I knocked slammed back into my face.

At the beginning of my search, I didn’t suspect foul play, but when at place after place, I would get declined despite the ‘Help wanted’ sign or add in newspapers, I started suspecting something fishy was going on. I just couldn’t figure out who would do such a thing. Who would be powerful enough to reach every business owner in the city? What’s more, who would have such an interest? Mr. Saunders would have his reasons, and he was a sort of influential, but not to that extent. No one else came to mind, and I was no one significant, no one important, just another girl trying to survive in the big city.

If things continued this way, I would have to move and become a small-town girl if needed, though that would complicate things with Ellie. However, I had to come up with something fast. The money I saved wouldn’t last long.

“Hey, sis. Is everything all right?” Ellie’s question startled me.

I was focused on searching the web for a job and sending my biography to every possible address.

“Yeah, of course.” I brushed her off, like every time before.

“Don’t play me for a fool, sis.” Ellie sat across the table from me and shot me the most disapproving gaze. “I can see that something’s bothering you, and I want to help, at least by listening.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I turned off the laptop. “Seriously, sweetheart, everything is cool,” I assured her again. “How are you feeling? How is my nephew in there?” I knew distraction would be the best way to change the subject, and indeed, Ellie smiled gently at the mere mention of her baby.

“We’re both fine. But it’s you I worry about. Tell me, what’s going on?” Oh, darn it, Ellie had no intention of giving up. “Is it because of Philip? You don’t like him…” she cast her gaze down on the table. “I noticed, you know, how you always change the subject when I mention him and how you don’t even like to hear his name…”

Despite the animosity I felt for Philip, I never said a word out loud against him, and for a moment, I considered pretending otherwise before I realized I could use it as an excuse for my gloominess and not reveal the disturbing truth behind it.

“Well, it’s the truth, honey. I don’t like him, and I think you shouldn’t have let him off the hook so easily. He hurt you, and I’m afraid he will hurt you again, and that next time I won’t be there to save you.” I wasn’t lying; I honestly believed every word I said.

“I understand, Sophia, I really do. But I love him, and he loves me, and we are expecting a child together. We deserve a chance.” I’ve never seen my sister so adamant about anything in her life. By the way, Philip wants to talk to you. He feels like he should explain himself to you, and he said he wants to ask you something.” She declared, and the noticeable significance lacing her voice had me on high alert.

What did he have to talk to me? What could he say? In my mind, there was nothing he could say or do to redeem himself for the pit he pushed Ellie in. She would’ve been dead if I hadn’t been assaulted that day, for God’s sake!

But Ellie was right. She was the one that deserved a chance, and so did the baby, regardless of what I thought of the father.

I sighed deeply. “Ok. I’ll listen.” That definitely did not mean I would change my mind quickly.

“Good. Because he’ll be here soon.” Suddenly, Ellie was all giddy and cheerful. “Promise me you won’t do anything stupid. But this time, seriously!”

Perfectly timed, a doorbell rang, and Ellie jumped up to get it while I closed my eyes, taking a few deep breaths, hoping it would help me collect my thoughts. I didn’t want to ruin this for her; I honestly didn’t want to be the one to blame for anything in this story.

I heard them whispering and giggling in the hallway like two kids hiding from their parents before entering the living room.

I gave Philip one good look over, the one I failed to do the last time I saw him. And I had no more doubts about why Ellie liked him. He was tall and athletic, his hair was dark, his eyes were warm grey, and he was surrounded by some unexplainable aura that made me like him against my will. Physically, he looked so much like his brother, the evil one, as I called him in my head, but the energy he gave off was completely the opposite.

“Hello,” Philip greeted me and offered me his hand for a shake, and I accepted it.

“Welcome.”

“Sis, I’ll go get ready since Philip is taking me out to dinner. I hope you two can play nice while I dress up.” Ellie stated it as a demanding question before entering her room and closing the door behind her.

I couldn’t fight the feeling that they had set me up. Hm.

“Please take a seat,” I said, and after Philip sat in the only armchair, I found a spot on the sofa for myself.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked awkwardly, both interested and not, what was so important for them to bother to this extent.