Sky Lark High still had cliches. Students formed their own groups. But most of the time, the groups were more fluid. Today I am with you. Tomorrow, I might join his group. Day after, some one else's. It's just a matter of personal preference. But one hard and fast rule- the weekend groups were pretty much unchanged.
Why? Because only during weekends would these students let their hairs down, show their real behaviour. Birds of same feather flocks together. You might go shopping in malls. You might just like watching movies. You like extreme sports. You like to go to places where they check your ID. You go to your secret hideouts where you can do whatever you want and there would be someone to clean the mess up.
Sophia usually didn't have time to go shopping, eating in 'on the spotlight ' restuarants. She might have gone for few movies before. She hadn't accepted any other weekend plans before as she would be working five to ten hours a day either practicing piano, painting or calligraphy. Oh, there were these visits to old Harts. Can't miss that one, at all. The last visit was fixed because she was still weak. She had to attend this weekend, compulsorily.
The Harts, the older generation, were that close to being prestigious. The family honour still glowed in their generation, though it was already very dim. So saving one's face was tantamount responsibility to them. None of the kids they had were exemplary, so they were hoping in the next generation. Thus necessating strict monitoring of kids.
Harts had five kids, two daughters and three sons. Sophia was thankful that one uncle and one aunt were in different cities, coming only for big festivals. Less pressure.
The uncle who had moved out, Nicholas Hart, aka Nick, was daring one, he became live-in son-in-law as he loved the daughter of a diplomat. Thankfully, the girl loved him back, so they could get married. The condition for marriage was to become live-in son-in-law, which he readily agreed. That clearly showed the pressure his parents had put on him. Other than obligated visits, he never minded this part of the family. He didn't bring his wife or his two kids even when he visited. The Harts just said he was still striving for success by himself, so he was working in another city.
The aunt who was out of city, Nicole Hart was actually joy of old Harts. She had married up. She wedded to Anthony Blake of Blakes, another rich family from another city. It was close to capital, so their social strata was considered higher. She had only two kids - two sons. They visited rarely but every time they were recieved like a royalty. Harts were nothing but snobs of highest order.
The fight to own the Hart enterprises and Hart Industries was now between first born Nolan and second born Nathan, Sophia's father. Both were mediocre. The only saving grace Nathan had, he was faithful to his wife. Otherwise both were terrible drunks, had bad gambling habits which they hid from their parents.
The Harts had not decided who shall take reins. They were hoping on Nolan's kids and Steve Hart, Sophia's brother.
But Sophia was ace in the hole for Nathan. He had used her talents to meet few good people and clinched few deals, so right now he was in the lead. Nolan's family hated her guts. They hated her and didn't hide it at all. The barbs were out in the open. Ask Sophia and she would say she prefered that way. The open fights were the best, no need to maintain constant vigilance.
The final of Hart family, Natalie Hart was married to family of equal status, to Luke Gray. She would sashy in few times while having family dinner, showing off her kids. They were certified geniuses. Gray family was making sure they remained that way till the end. So, Natalie could only come and brag, not show off the genius kids directly.
Today was better. There was no Natalie. Only Nolan Hart, Nathan Hart, their families showing filial peity to old Harts.
"Oh my Sophia! Are you alright? It was such a bad accident you suffered." Mrs Nolan Hart, Lisa Langdon cried as soon as she noted the Nathan Hart's family.
Sophia's eldest cousin, Peter just looked at her and nodded. He never talked too much. In the previous life, he had followed his youngest uncle's route and given up on Harts completely. She never found what he was doing.
If Sophia had been in the charitable mood, she might have decided that he was a good guy. Now, her mind created conspiracies in which Peter stared as a lead actor.
Philip was one she had to watch for. He never showed what he was feeling but things just.. Just went such a way that he would benefit the most. Sophia didn't forget he was cahoots with the real heiress of Hart family later on.
Mrs Hart murmured something and the family gathered in the dining hall. The rich, magnimous persona had to be maintained, so no small dining room but a huge dining hall capable of hosting a bunch of foreign dignitaries if need be. The chandelier was smaller version of the one in living room. The antique table, silver cutlery...it felt like they were dining in a rich aristocrat's home. Exactly the impression the old Harts wanted to give.
"Child, you should have rested in hospital. You still looking so weak."
"Your grandmother is right. You still look very peaky. I have few medical ingredients, just use them to porridges." Old man Hart said. Look at his presence, his grip, his standing yada yada yada. Basically, old man looking middle aged and a man with prestige.
Sophia just nodded. She would not talk if there was no need.
Nolan just had to butt in. "Did you get injured over your head? Any side effects? I talked to a client whose son got a head injury...."
Old Mrs Hart glared at him and he had to stop.
"You are such a pretty girl. I was worried that you will have huge scars. Looking at you now, I am happy."
"The doctors were considerate. The scar is minimal. With the hair hiding it, it's barely noticeable. None of my friends noticed it." Shirley replied. She was very territorial.