Page 15 (1/2)

Dedication

For my readers

Thank you for sticking with me

Never love anybody who treats you like you’re ordinary

“Sophia!” She had heard her mother before she saw her A quick look around assured Sophia Bennett that her roo anything out when she’d arrived home from school

Footsteps in the hall announced herquickly—shoulders back, and her back straight—she waited for the berating to begin

“Did you hear me?” her mother, Rebecca—never Becky or Becca—Bennett de the door open

“Yes, Ma’am,” was the only reply she kneould be acceptable

“Well?” The tapping of her foot on the hardwood floor could be heard “Why didn’t you answer me?”

Sophia’s brain blanked…

One would think they could just say, I heard you co, but she knew that wasn’t an appropriate answer for her mother

So she stood there…

No words forthcoiven

“You can’t be that ignorant, Sophia” The censure in her voice made Soph feel lower than dirt