Relic

Sophie Murphy paid the Uber driver as she stood in the circle driveway. Ten years ago she vowed to never come back to this place. The memories were painful, the resentment nibbled at her even now. Her grandparents’ house looked the exact same, huge and intimidating. The Greek revival home towered among the blooming magnolia trees. Sophie squinted at the white façade as it gleamed in the shadows of the afternoon sunlight. She knew her mother would be inside, all of them would be. The whole family. Granddaddy Murphy was the only one of them that ever really loved her and he was the reason she made the trip. With his final breaths, he begged them to come together and try to be a family one more time. For his sake, she would try again. Her peace of mind was on the verge of evaporation. But vows meant nothing in the face of death.

The sound of rubber on pavement made the hair on Sophie’s arms stand on end. She watched a shiny red convertible as it turned into the driveway. Sophie recognized the driver, it was her brother, Steven. His blonde hair and strong jaw – definitely Murphy trademark looks. Sophie pulled her long black hair free from under her purse strap on her shoulder.

Steven was the perfect child. Everything in Sophie’s world changed the day he was born.

Alice and Kogan Murphy tried for years to have a baby. Over time, Kogan grew tired of the disappointments. Alice could not give up trying to conceive. She felt her life was meaningless if she were not a mother. Kogan was satisfied without an heir, but Alice obsessed about having a child. The adoption was hush-hush, no one in the family even knew Alice and Kogan were considering that option. When they showed up to the weekly family dinner with a one-week-old baby girl in tow, everyone was surprised. They named the child Sophie.

All was right in Alice’s world. Until Alice found out she was pregnant. A biological child, Steven, was born around the time of Sophie’s first birthday.

Steven’s birth changed Alice. In her mind, it affirmed her womanhood. The new child, of Alice’s flesh and blood, created a bitterness toward Sophie. Alice had no choice but to raise the adopted child as her own. Alice resented every minute of it. Sophie was a living reminder of her failure.

“Hey Sophie,” Steven said. He walked towards her, his shoulders hunched and his hands shoved in his jean’s pockets. Their relationship was always strained.

“Steven!” Alice called as she ran down the front steps of the house. She ran right past Sophie into her son’s open arms.

Sophie watched mother and son embrace, as though she were invisible. Sophie cleared her throat. Her therapist told her time and time again to be more assertive.

“My darling,” Alice said, turning toward Sophie. She expected Sophie to come to her if she wanted love.

“Mother,” Sophie nodded.

Alice sighed as she dropped her arms to her side.

“How is Granddaddy today?” Steven asked.

Alice’s eyes welled with tears.

“He’s gone. Just after midnight,” Alice said as her lips quivered.

Sophie felt the blood drain from her face. She hoped to see her grandfather one more time. But no, it was not to be. Steven wrapped his arm over Alice’s shoulders, comforting her.

“It was peaceful,” Alice said. “He was surrounded by family. Except you,” Alice said as she patted Steven’s hand.

Nothing had changed.

“What about me, Mother?” Sophie asked. Sophie had no reason to try to keep the peace, much less reconcile.

“Of course. I meant you too, Sophie.”

Sophie wasn’t buying the charade. “If you would have just texted. I wouldn’t have made the trip,” Sophie said.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Alice said. “You have to be present for the reading of the will. Arthur was adamant about it.”

Sophie’s mouth gaped open. Time to monetize the coffers. They didn’t care that he wasn’t in the coffin yet. She should have known her mother’s crocodile tears were fake. With the old man gone, of course the vultures would be focused on splitting the money and dividing the assets.

“Let’s go inside. We’re ready to start.” Alice cut her eyes toward Sophie. “Now that you’re both here,” She added as she walked toward the house.

Steven followed on his mother’s heels like a new puppy in training, eager for a treat. Sophie squeezed her eyes closed. The sooner they read the will, the quicker she could leave this place.

Once and for all.

Sophie scanned the faces of her family as they gathered in the living room. It was packed with loving, distant strangers. Her uncle nodded in her direction as he sipped on his whiskey. Cousin Deidre waved at Sophie as she spoke with Steven.

Kogan stood at the opposite end of the room by the fireplace, his hands fisted at his sides. Her father engaged in conversation with a man of equal age, but this man wore a three-piece suit. Kogan threw his hands in the air as he turned his back on the man and walked away.

Kogan plopped on the sofa beside Alice. When he saw his estranged daughter, he offered a smile but the gesture did not reach his eyes.

The man wearing the suit cleared his throat. “Everyone, please, have a seat.”

Sophie backed herself in the corner as she opened the Uber app on her phone.

“Thank you for coming today. I’m Thomas Edwards, attorney for the estate. I’ll keep things brief. Here is the Last Will and Testament of Arthur Murphy,” he announced, his tone clipped yet professional.

The attorney proceeded to read names of relatives as one would read a grocery list. Methodical and to the point. As a name was called, each came forward to claim their designated heirloom. An unknown woman assisted the attorney. She retrieved each item from a box under the desk and handed it to the bereaved family member. There were tears from the beneficiaries, while others took whatever Arthur Murphy left them in silent dissatisfaction. Sophie’s aunt was bequeathed an emerald ring (lots of tears from her). A cousin was left some rare coins, that garnered shouts of joy.

Mr. Edwards was detached from any emotion; he kept his eyes locked on the piece of paper as he read the names. One by one, everyone was patient for their turn. Each claimed their prize and waited for the windfall announcement of who would get all of Arthur Murphy’s money.

As the attorney read names, Sophie stared at the family portraits that hung on the wall. If only the photographs could speak. They’d tell a different story.

“Sophie Murphy,” Mr. Edwards called her name. Sophie felt the eyes of everyone on her. They all watched as she made her way to the front of the room.

Mr. Edwards’ helper held out an antique desk clock. Sophie recognized it at once. Granddaddy Murphy used to keep it on the corner of his desk in his office.

“Thank you,” Sophie said as she cradled the clock in her hands.

Mr. Edwards smiled as he addressed the group. “As I mentioned to Kogan earlier, the house will be sold at auction. Mr. Murphy’s last wishes were for the proceeds to benefit the orphanage Angels of Mercy. That concludes the estate items. Thank you for coming today. The funeral services will be announced as soon are they are arranged.”

Silence.

Alice’s face was puce as she jumped to her feet. Kogan swatted at her arm to stop her, but he was not fast enough.

“Selling the house? Where’s the money?” Alice screamed. Everyone in the room stared at Mr. Edwards for an answer.

The attorney adjusted his necktie. “There is no money. Mr. Murphy bestowed what was left before this last health scare.”

The silence in the room was deafening.

“Bestowed? Who did he give the money to?” Alice squealed.

Steven stood from his seat. “This is ridiculous. My grandfather didn’t leave me anything. I’m out of here,” he said as he stormed out of the room.

Alice steepled her hands in front of her as she exhaled. Sophie had never seen her mother so angry.

“You! He gave it to you, didn’t he?” Alice said as she pointed at Sophie.

“Me? No, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sophie said as she hugged the antique clock to her chest.

Alice stomped over to Sophie. “I’m taking this,” Alice said, as she tried to wrestle the antique clock from Sophie’s hands.

“Stop it,” Sophie pleaded as she held onto the one thing her grandfather wanted her to have.

Alice pulled on the clock and Sophie tugged back. In the tug of war, the clock made a popping sound. A white envelope fell out of the hinged door on the back of the clock.

“What’s this?” Kogan said as he picked up the sealed envelope from the floor. Alice released her grip on the clock. Sophie stumbled backwards as she shook her head.

“I have no idea,” Sophie said.

“Uh-huh. Sure. I don’t believe you, Sophie. Is there a check in that envelope?” Alice said as she smoothed her hair in place, assured she had discovered the recipient of the misspent fortune.

Mr. Edwards jerked the envelope from Kogan’s hand.

“I’ll take that,” the attorney said. “It’s not a check. I can assure you.”

Alice bit at her lip. “Well, what is it then?”

Mr. Edwards waved the envelope in Sophie’s direction.

“Whatever is in here, it’s hers,” Mr. Edwards said as he looked at Sophie.

“Open it,” Sophie said.

Mr. Edwards sighed. He tore the end of the envelope open and pulled out a small piece of paper and some aged newspaper clippings.

His eyes glanced at the note. “It’s handwritten. From Mr. Murphy to Sophie.”

“Read it. Out loud,” Sophie whispered. She had nothing to hide.

Mr. Edwards cleared his throat and began reading the note.

My Dearest Sophie,

If love is a cloud my heart for you is the sky. Remember that, sweetheart. However, I always doubted the legitimacy of your ‘adoption’. Your father couldn’t buy a pair of shoes without my help, much less arrange an adoption. I’ve spent the family fortune unraveling the secret, Sophie. My son and his wife stole you from a hospital maternity ward when you were two days old. The newspaper clippings tell the story.

Your biological parents are still alive, Sophie. Mr. Edwards knows how to contact them. He will see that my son and daughter in law pay for their mistake. Of stealing you, then not loving you the way they should.

Forgive me, my love. I should have done something much sooner.

Granddaddy Murphy

Alice’s mouth dropped open. Kogan stared at the parquet floor.

Sophie’s eyes met Mr. Edwards.

“Is it true?” Sophie asked.

The attorney stuffed the note back in the envelope.

“I’m afraid so. I’ve alerted the authorities. They should be here momentarily to make amends,” Mr. Edwards said.

Alice clutched her heart.

Sophie hugged the antique clock to her chest. Steven left, gave up on this family when he was cut out of the will. The irony tasted like copper. Sophie, the child stolen to cement the inheritance was replaced by a biological child. Ignored for decades. Mistreated and unloved. Now Alice and Kogan would be going to trial, then prison for their part. Surely they would be held accountable.

Sophie was all that was left. No family. No money. No Granddaddy Murphy. Because her grandfather wanted the truth, the family fortune was gone.

Tears filled Sophie’s eyes. Granddaddy Murphy had given her the best thing ever. The only thing she ever wanted. Sophie wiped the tears away.

“Can you tell me how to contact my birth parents?” Sophie asked. Mr. Edwards nodded as red and blue lights flashed in the driveway.

~

This story was written from Poppy the Poet's suggestion on Shape the Future of Vocal Challenges link. Poppy's prompt: Write a story about two people reuniting.

You can read more awesome story ideas on that thread linked below.