Chapter 28: Indebted.

After her conversation with Alex, Vanessa returned to the bedroom she shared with Sophia to wake her up so they could start preparing to leave for school and work, as Alex's home was quite far from Sophia's school.

"Sophia," Vanessa called softly as she tapped her sister's shoulder, but Sophia murmured in her sleep as she rolled over and adjusted into a more comfortable sleeping position.

"Sophia!" Vanessa called in a firm voice this time.

"Van?" Sophia asked sleepily as she tried to open her heavy-lidded eyes to look into her sister's face.

"Wake up. We have to leave early so that you won't be late for school," Vanessa said, and Sophia groaned as she sat up.

"The bed feels so nice. I can't remember the last time I had such a good night's sleep, if I've ever," Sophia said with a yawn as she stretched both arms.