Chapter 2
"Sophie, what do you want to eat? I'll make it for you," Dad called from the kitchen, wearing an apron.
I snapped back from my memories. "Dad, I like whatever you make."
"You've got a sweet mouth. But I remember you used to complain about my cooking every day," he teased.
Even though he said that, his face was pleased. After all, I hadn't been close to him before.
Mom always lectured us that Dad was dumb, and Emily and I had absorbed that attitude.
But in my previous life, Dad had been beaten until he was covered in blood because of me. I had watched him die.
That experience had convinced me he loved me more than anything.
Right then, I was incredibly grateful he was still by my side.
After we finished eating, Dad brought out a brand-new camcorder and patted it proudly. "I originally bought this as a surprise for your mother, but with everything that's happened at home recently, she probably doesn't need it anymore.
"So this one's for you, Sophie. I had someone bring it back from Deepwood. They only sell it for a thousand dollars there, but around here they sell for six thousand. I made a killing."
The late '90s were full of money-making opportunities; business was everywhere.
Dad was about to unpack it when I stopped him. "Dad, if you resell it, wouldn't you make a lot more money?"
He tapped his head and laughed in his simple, honest way. "Oh, right. I was being dumb. I'll call your uncle and have him bring back more."
He pinched my cheek. "Sophie, you're so smart. When I make more money, I'll cook for you every day."
In my previous life, Dad did make a little money selling camcorders, but he discovered the opportunity too late and didn't earn much.
Spending that summer with Dad finally pulled me out of the dark cloud of my previous life.
School started, and I entered middle school.
Emily and I were assigned to the same class.
On the first day, she stepped out of a Maybach, and every eye in the crowd landed on her.
She managed to spot me in the crowd immediately. "Sophie, what are you doing here?"
Dad was still there, riding his bicycle and smiling shyly. He was about to say hello, but Emily's words cut him off.
She linked her arm through mine, all affection. "Sophie, why are you so distant? Didn't we agree yesterday that I'd have the driver pick you up? Why did you come by yourself?
"Riding a bike in this heat must've wiped you out. With your grades, you wouldn't even get into this school without me begging my father to keep you."
Emily went on, and everyone instantly decided I was an ungrateful, poor relative while she was the gentle, kind, rich girl.
She showed she had connections and used my embarrassment to highlight her nobility.
How had I never noticed that Emily, at such a young age, was already so calculating?
She wanted to see me embarrassed, but I refused to give her the satisfaction.
I mimicked her affectionate tone. "Really? I was worried about bothering you. Well then, you'll have to pick me up every day from now on."
The corner of Emily's mouth twitched. She lowered her voice. "Mom and Richard treat me so well. Don't get any ideas—one of me in that house is enough.
"Remember, you chose your own path. Even if you regret it later, you can't go back."
I smiled and called her shortsighted, "Same goes for you. Don't regret it."