Chapter 20: Chapter 20. The Sibling's Bond

Sophia had spent nearly a month handling the complex procedure of Rachel's school transfer. Since Rachel will be moving abroad, the procedure really took a long time. However, she had finally finished the procedure and was ready to enroll Rachel in the international school in Seoul. After that, Sophia found herself on the phone with Harper, asking her if she was really sure about it. Harper's voice at that time sounded unpleasant.

"Look, Sophia, I really had a bad day, and it's affected my whole week." Harper's voice sounded unpleasant, a thinly veiled layer of irritation lacing her words. "You need to stop asking about it and just tell me how much Rachel needs for her school. I'll transfer the funds to the school's account."

Sophia hesitated, the weight of the situation bearing down on her. "I'm sorry, Harper," she said, her voice tinged with a touch of apprehension. "I just... I still can't believe someone is willing to take on this responsibility even when our mother didn't want anything to do with it."

A heavy sigh escaped Harper's lips, and Sophia could almost sense the weariness in her tone. "I'll go with her to Seoul and help her get settled," Sophia said.

"Great, do you need me to pay for you too?" Harper asked again, her voice lacking any warmth or emotion.

Sophia couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of annoyance at Harper's indifferent tone. "No, it's fine," she curtly replied. "Thankfully, the company is sending us two plane tickets—one for Rachel and one for her guardian."

"Better to pay for ourselves," Harper interjected, her words clipped and efficient. "It'll all be put into Rachel's debt and paid once she makes her debut."

Sophia's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"

"No, I read through all the contracts with a lawyer as her representative. It's all good, and that's how they're doing business," Harper explained, Sophia detecting the faint sound of liquid being sipped in the background and taking a long, deep breath.

Sensing Harper was preoccupied with something, Sophia decided to wrap up the conversation. "Alright, it seems you're busy. I'll get back to you once I'm in Seoul and dealing with Rachel's school."

Harper's voice suddenly perked up, a hint of interest lacing her words. "Which school did Rachel choose?"

"Yongsan International School of Seoul," Sophia replied, her tone uncertain. "Is that alright?"

"Oh, okay, good choice. That's perfect," Harper responded, her voice surprisingly approving. "Alright, then. Just tell me about it later. I need to get back to work."

Without so much as a goodbye, Harper abruptly ended the call, leaving Sophia staring at her phone in a mix of frustration and bewilderment.

"God, she's so cold on the phone," Sophia muttered to herself, shaking her head in exasperation. "She never even let me say goodbye."

Pocketing her phone, Sophia couldn't help but wonder about the weight that Harper seemed to be carrying and the constant sense of detachment and emotional distance that permeated their conversations. It was a stark contrast to the warmth and caring Harper she had met in the airport before, and Sophia couldn't help but worry and want to be nosy about it.

"No, she's the usual Harper. Nothing changed, why?" Rachel stated matter-of-factly that as she continued packing her belongings, she'd be leaving the USA and staying in Seoul for a long time.

Sophia's brow furrowed. "Are you sure? She's not cold or irritated?" she probed, unable to comprehend Rachel's assessment with her own experiences. The Harpers in her phone calls are always annoyed, irritated, and cold.

"Yeah, really sure," Rachel replied, her voice brimming with happiness. "She's already got a job in Germany, and she calls me whenever she has the time. By the time I arrive in Seoul and start my trainee sessions, she'll be busy with college too," she explained. "It'll be better for us to talk now, since we'll have less time later."

As Rachel spoke, Sophia couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in her demeanor. The usually poised and mature young woman seemed to transform before her eyes, her expression softening into that of a vulnerable, needy adolescent—a far cry from the self-assured teenager Sophia had come to know.

Suddenly, Sophia recalled a previous conversation with Harper, where she told her about Rachel: "Rachel is mature because you guys don't let her be a child."

Reaching out, Sophia sat down on the bed, her gaze filled with empathy. "You know, Rach, I'm still your sister. We share the same blood, and even if I sometimes seem uninterested, it doesn't mean I don't care about you," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.

Rachel's eyes were downcast, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I know. You've done a lot for me these days," she murmured.

Sophia nodded, a wistful expression crossing her features. "I've tried to be the best version of myself—the one our parents wanted me to be. I've tried to be a sister to you and Jonathan, even if I've fallen short at times," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "But please know that I'm still trying, and bringing you to Seoul means I'm fighting head-on with our mother. I might have a hard time later and need to focus on my studies, but that doesn't mean I'm not paying attention. I'm still here, and I promise I'll respond to any texts or calls you send my way."

Rachel's face lit up with a genuine smile, her eyes sparkling with a newfound understanding. "Okay, unnie. I understand," she said, her voice filled with a renewed sense of trust and appreciation.

Sophia extended her pinky finger, a gesture that had held so much significance in their childhood. "Promise?" she asked, her eyes searching Rachel's.

Without hesitation, Rachel linked her own pinky with Sophia's, sealing the pact. "Promise," she affirmed, her smile widening.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, and a familiar voice called out, "What are you promising? Lemme join!"

Sophia and Rachel had found a way to bridge the gap that had threatened to divide them before. Their bond had become stronger as they acknowledged the distinct challenges they each faced, yet the strong connection between siblings was still at the very foundation of their family.

Jonathan sat between them, a warm smile spreading across his face as he presented Rachel with a check for $2,000. "What's this for?" Rachel asked, surprised.

His smile widened. "I didn't give you all of my savings, but this should help with your monthly needs. Don't ask Harper if you need anything; come to me instead. I got a part-time job at the library, and the pay is good. I can also access all the books I need for my studies."

He placed a reassuring hand on Rachel's shoulder. "She's already taken care of your school tuition. I can't let her be responsible for everything. You're still my sister, Rach, so please, if you need money for your monthly expenses or anything else, just let me know. I'll share my savings with you until you're able to start and support yourself. Understand?"

Rachel sat in stunned silence, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Meeting Harper had been a turning point in her life, one that had substantially altered her siblings' points of view and the way they looked at the world. Harper's influence had motivated them to go beyond the limited possibilities available to them since birth.