Chapter69: Setting The Stage

Chapter 69: Setting The Stage SOPHIA The morning drive to SIlver Creek Elementary was perfect for what I needed to accomplish. Riley sat quietly in the passenger seat, staring out the window with a blank expression on his face as he watched the cars pass by. Riley had learned it the hard way over the years to recognize my moods, to sense when I was planning something important and needed quiet. "Today is a very special day, Riley," I said, my voice sounding serious, as I looked at him through the rear mirror. I waited till he had helped eye contact with me before I continued speaking. This was what I normally did when I needed him to pay attention to every word. "Your first day at your new school, in the same class as Ollie." "Yes, Mama," he replied automatically, looking down at his hands. "And you remember what we talked about yesterday? About what I'm trying to accomplish for our family?" "Yes, Mama." I took another glance at him in the rearview mirror, as I noticed the way that his