บท 2: Meredith

"Aaron! Dinner!!"

"Yes sorella!"

It's just a normal city. With normal people, living lives as normally as they could.

For Meredith Rossi, and her younger brother this normal life wasn't so easy to come by. Running away from home with a little brother to cater for wasn't easy.

"Sorella, you're not eating," Aaron pointed.

"Oh, never mind me, go on eat up," she smiled.

"It's okay I miss mom too, but it's been a year now," he said while taking a bite out of his tofu.

Her shoulders dropped, "I know but… if it wasn't for…"

The 12-year-old pinched her cheek, "Stop it, it's not your fault! I won't forgive you if you keep talking like that!"

"I'm… sorry," she muttered.

"Enough about that," he said and turned to his food, "it's getting cold."

She apologized again and started eating. Sometimes, she forgets she's the older one among the two and should act more in charge but she tended to back away from difficult situations and couldn't also speak up when it mattered the most.

She was bullied a lot because of that and no matter how she tried to improved, she couldn't seem to overcame the disability. Her best friend Sofia would be the one to save her from most of the challenges.

Sofia has been her best friend ever since she found her and her brother sleeping on the bench at the park.

Meredith had thought she was crazy at first when she had invited her and her brother home. Who in their right mind invite a complete stranger to their home or maybe she was the crazier one to follow a complete stranger home?

It was the best decision she had ever made and Sofia's family has been good to her and her brother ever since she told them a half lie and half truth of her story.

Sofia would send them some allowances to support them and pay for her brother's school fees. Honestly, Meredith owed her a lot.

Her phone chirped; a message from Sofia. Speak of the devil.

"Merri come meet me, I've got more books for you," it read.

"Aaron, stay home. I'm going to meet with Sofia," she said to her little brother.

On her way to Sofia's home, she noticed how quiet the road was. Although it seemed nice, she couldn't be too careful.

Sofia was waiting outside her home with a brown shopping bag.

"Here," Sofia handed over the bag to her after they had exchanged pleasantries.

Meredith inspected the bag and of course, Sofia had outdone herself again. These were the best erotica one could acquire.

"Thank you very much Sofia," Meredith said, "This means a lot."

"It's the least I can do for my favorite virgin pervert," Sofia smirked.

"I'm not…"

"You're not a virgin?!!" Sofia faked being shocked, "Congratulations!"

"Stop that! I'm not a pervert," Meredith said while pouting.

"Says the one who likes those kinds of books and is still a virgin,"

"These are for preparation," Meredith said lamely.

"Uh huh," Sofia shook her head and dipped her hand into her purse and pulled out an envelope, "Here, it's this week's allowance."

Meredith accepted it, "Thanks but…"

"But?"

"Could I ask you for a favor?"

"Sure."

Meredith played with the frames of her glasses a bit before speaking, "Could you help me get a job?"

"You want to work?" Sofia asked, "But I told you that you shouldn't bother about that. I have you covered."

"I know about that but…" Meredith looked at the ground, "I need to grow. I can't be protected by you forever you know? I need to learn how to stand on my own to support myself and my younger brother."

Sofia thought about it for a moment, "Do you have corporate clothes?"

Meredith's face brightened up, "Yes! Yes, I do!"

"I'll talk to an acquaintance of mine," Sofia rubbed her temple, "You'll start tomorrow."

Meredith jumped into Sofia's arms excitedly, "Thank you, big sis!"

"And stop calling me big sis, we're age mates you know?"

"I know but you are one to me," Meredith beamed, "No seriously, you've done enough. You're my guardian angel."

Sofia's lips curled into a soft smile.

After bidding their goodbyes, Meredith returned home.

"So, I'll be employed starting from tomorrow," she said to herself, "Wait… that would mean me waking up earlier than usual!"

She groaned and complained about the fact that she wouldn't be able to read the new books. As she crossed the street, she was so focused on her bag that she didn't notice the car which was heading her way. The car which was about to change her boring life.