Sofia's Surprise: Sofia's Story, #1

By Laura Holt-Haslam

A heartwarming tale of family and forgiveness

 

Nine-year-old Sofia Ruiz has just one Christmas wish—a horse of her own. But without winter boots or fuel to heat her run-down trailer, she would settle for just being warm.

 

With Christmas only days away, Mom arranges for Sofia to spend two weeks alone with her grandmother, a stranger she hasn't seen in six years. A painful rift separates Mom from Gramma Lisa, but neither will talk about what happened.

 

Sofia's dread turns into delight when she discovers Gramma Lisa owns a Morgan horse named Delilah. Sofia learns about caring for Delilah and eagerly volunteers to do the chores, hoping Gramma Lisa will allow her to ride.

 

As Sofia and Gramma Lisa pursue their shared passion for horses, Sofia feels increasingly conflicted. She wishes she and Mom could move in with her grandmother, but Mom's strained relationship with Gramma Lisa stands in the way. If they cannot forgive, will they force Sofia to choose between them?

 

Winnie Award winner, Young Adult Overall Runner-up, 2021 Equus Film and Arts Festival

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Holt-Haslam
• Release date: May 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201608620

Laura Holt-Haslam

Multi-award-winning author and lifelong horse enthusiast, Laura Holt-Haslam, writes realistic middle grade fiction that inspires readers of all ages. While horses feature prominently, the heart of her writing revolves around the human characters as they navigate life in less-than-perfect families, learn how to make and be friends, overcome challenges that stand in the way of their dreams, and discover the healing power of love and forgiveness. Laura is passionate about sharing her love of horses through art, writing, and hands-on learning. For over thirty-five years, she has taught basic horsemanship and mentored hundreds of children and teens, encouraging them not only to become more confident equestrians, but more compassionate people. Laura is the mother of two young adult children. She lives in Southern Maine with her husband, two adorably naughty cats, and the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet. She and her daughter share ownership of Max, a 27-year-old palomino miniature horse who loves to jump. Learn more about Laura and her books, and Max and his friends at https://lauraholthaslam.com/.

Book preview

Chapter one

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Sofia unzipped her jacket pocket and squeezed her hand inside it. The paper bills, three quarters, two dimes, and three pennies jangled against her numb fingers. Would three dollars and ninety-eight cents be enough for a bottle of nail polish? Pink would look nice on Mom, especially if it had some glitter in it. Mom loved makeup and sparkly things.

Sofia shuffled along the sidewalk, skimming her wet sneakers over the half-inch of sloppy snow. Maybe Mom would give her boots for Christmas. It seemed like a more reasonable request than what she really wanted, what she’d dreamed of ever since she could remember. A horse.

She’d cut out pictures of horses and ponies of various colors and breeds, taping them onto the wall beside her bed in the trailer where she lived with Mom and Mom’s roommate, Heather. Heather said her favorite was the galloping Arabian stallion, whose long white tail arched proudly over his back. Sofia loved the golden palomino mare with four white stockings.

We should get both of them. They can have beautiful babies together, Heather told her.

Mom rolled her eyes. Don’t plant any of your foolish ideas in her head. You know I can’t afford one. And where would we keep it?

No, Sofia wouldn’t be getting a horse for Christmas.

Or ever.

She paused in front of the pharmacy’s entrance, staring at the twinkling lights above the door. She’d been inside several times with Mom, but never alone. Were nine-year-old kids allowed to go shopping without a grown-up? Her hand shook as she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

She glanced at the lady behind the cash register. The woman didn’t yell at her to leave. In fact, no one seemed to notice her at all.

Sofia exhaled and studied the signs above the aisles. Where would nail polish be?

She wandered past shelves of shampoo and hair products before finding it across the aisle from the lipstick display. If she had enough money left over, maybe Mom would like some pink lipstick to match the nail polish. She lifted a bottle from the shelf and examined it. She didn’t think Mom had a pearly pink color like this one.

$9.99?

How could a tiny bottle of nail polish cost almost ten dollars?

Sofia frowned as she noticed the prices of the other containers. Seven dollars. Five dollars. The cheapest brand cost $2.99. Nearly all her money.

Her color choices were limited to bright green, electric blue, fire engine red, and a shimmery silver color. She bit her lip. What would Mom like? She stretched out her left hand, holding the container of blue polish against her stubby, chewed on fingernails. How would this look on Mom’s long, pale fingers?

Five minutes later, she settled upon the shimmery silver bottle, the color she thought looked prettiest against her own brown skin. Of course, Sofia would never wear nail polish, but Mom would look beautiful no matter what shade she wore.

Sofia had ninety-nine cents left. It wasn’t nearly enough for lipstick, but the chocolate bars were on sale for ninety-seven cents. Heather loved chocolate. She counted on her fingers. If she bought one, the total would be $3.96. She’d have two pennies to spare!

The lady behind the cash register smiled when Sofia laid the two items on the counter. That color will look lovely on you, sweetheart.

Sofia shook her head. It’s a Christmas present for my mom.

Ah, that’s so thoughtful of you. And the chocolate? Does your mom have a sweet tooth?

That’s for my friend.

The lady nodded. She’s a lucky girl. That will be $4.20.

Sofia stared at the cashier. Are you sure?

The lady held out the receipt.

Twenty-four cents in tax.

Sofia’s throat tightened. She’d forgotten about tax. I’ll have to put the chocolate bar back.

The cashier lowered her head and whispered, How much do you have?

Sofia’s face grew hot as she showed the lady the handful of money.

The woman glanced around before reaching into her pocket. She put a quarter onto the counter. Sofia shook her head. Mom wouldn’t like it if she accepted money from a stranger.

The lady ignored her silent protest and placed the nail polish and chocolate bar into a small, white bag. Your mother is lucky to have a daughter like you. Merry Christmas, dear.

Thank you. Feeling like an ignorant little kid, Sofia took the bag and bolted from the store. She ran down the sidewalk and turned onto Sullivan Street. If she hurried, she could make it home in five minutes.

Her wet sneakers slapped against the snow, sounding like the hooves of an enormous Clydesdale. She tossed her dark, tightly curled mane, and snorted, steamy breath rising from her nostrils.

A truck sped by, churning up a spray of gritty slush. Sofia leaped sideways to avoid being splattered, and skidded across the sidewalk, nearly colliding into an overflowing garbage can. Her arms flailed as she fought to keep her balance. The shopping bag flew from her grasp, and she tumbled onto a heap of trash bags, landing with a splat.

Sofia scrambled to her feet and wiped her hands on her jacket. Dampness seeped into her jeans.

Where was the bag containing the gifts?

Plastic bags, empty beer cans, and discarded takeout containers littered the sidewalk. Heart hammering, Sofia squinted to see through the growing darkness of the winter afternoon.

She spent all her money on the nail polish and the chocolate bar. Now she would have nothing to give to Mom or Heather. Her eyes prickled, but she refused to let herself cry. Her bag couldn’t have disappeared. It had to be somewhere nearby.

She spotted it a moment later, a few feet behind where she’d fallen, next to… a Christmas tree? Why would someone throw out their tree a week before Christmas?

Sofia snatched her bag, relieved to find the contents undamaged, if a bit damp. Then she examined the discarded tree. Some of its plastic branches were bent at odd angles, and one limb had nearly broken off. Scraps of tinsel were wrapped around the top. She stepped around to the tree’s trunk and lifted it from the snow.

They hadn’t bought a Christmas tree yet. Mom said they could get one after Thanksgiving, but then her car’s brakes started making a horrible noise, and fixing it cost a lot of money. Heather said not to worry about buying one. There were plenty of trees in the woods behind the school, and no one would notice if one went missing. She promised to take Sofia to pick out the perfect tree. But that hadn’t happened, either.

Sofia unzipped her pocket and tucked the nail polish and candy bar inside. She glanced around the alley. If she took the tree, it wouldn’t be stealing, would it? Whoever left it here next to the trash clearly didn’t want it anymore. But would she be strong enough to carry it all the way home? She grabbed the plastic trunk with both hands, tugged, and dragged it onto the sidewalk. It slid easily on the slick, wet snow.

She shivered as she walked a quarter mile back to the entrance of the trailer park, looking forward to getting into warm pajamas. Maybe Heather would be home and make some hot chocolate. They could put up the tree and surprise Mom when she came back from work.

Christmas might not be a disaster after all.

Chapter two

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It was nearly dark by the time Sofia turned onto her street. Needles of pain shot through her fingers as she gripped the base of the tree, which had turned out to be considerably heavier than she originally thought. Her numb feet prickled. She couldn’t wait to get out of her wet sneakers and into the warm house.

Light poured out from the trailer’s door. Heather stood outside, leaning over the porch railing, talking to Lenny, a skeleton-thin guy who lived two trailers down from them.

Lenny glanced at Sofia and took a drag on his cigarette. He exhaled, smoke swirling around his greasy hair. Hey, look what the cat dragged in.

Sofia’s face flushed. She wasn’t sure if he was referring to her or to the battered Christmas tree. Mom didn’t like that guy. Neither did Sofia.

No way! Heather danced down the steps in her slippered feet, her large, beaded bracelets clanging against her wrist. Where did you get that?

Looks like the kid’s been dumpster diving, Lenny said.

Sofia glared at him, wishing he’d slither back to his trailer and leave them alone.

Heather lifted the top of the tree and brushed away a coating of grimy slush. A real-life Charlie Brown tree.

Lenny snorted.

All it needs is a bit of love. Heather grinned at Sofia. Let’s shake off the snow and get this lovely tree inside. Lenny, do something useful for a change and help us out.

Lenny shook his head. It’s probably infested with fleas or something.

Sofia’s eyes widened. Was that why someone discarded the tree in the alley?

Heather punched Lenny’s arm. You’re the only thing around here that has fleas.

Sofia couldn’t stop herself from snickering when Lenny’s face puckered into a scowl.

Fine. He yanked the trunk from Sofia’s grasp and shook it violently.

Gritty snow flew in every direction, pelting her arms and face. She yelped and leaped backwards.

Merry Christmas, he growled, shoving the tree against Sofia’s chest.

Heather’s mouth fell open. What the heck, Lenny. She’s just a little kid.

Lenny glared, his yellowish eyes sinking even deeper into his skull.

Sofia clenched her teeth. I will not let him see me cry.

Heather placed her hand on Sofia’s shoulder. Come on. Let’s bring your beautiful tree inside.

Ignoring Lenny, Sofia and Heather carried the Christmas tree through the narrow door into the single-wide trailer. The broken branch snagged on the door frame before breaking off entirely.

Sofia groaned.

Don’t worry about it, Heather said. We can put that side against the wall. No one will even notice.

Sofia doubted anyone could miss the gaping bare spot, even with the tree pushed against the wall. Mom would see it the second she walked through the door. But having this Christmas tree was better than having no Christmas tree. And she’d been the one to provide it.

Heather was right. It just needed some love. And lots of decorations to fill in the gaps.

She removed her sneakers and peeled off her soggy socks. As she unzipped her jacket, she remembered the gifts tucked inside. She tapped her pocket. Still there. I’ll be right back.

Are you hiding something from me? Heather’s green eyes twinkled.

Sofia grinned and shook her head.

I know! You bought me those sapphire earrings I’ve been wishing for.

Sofia giggled. You already have about a hundred pairs of earrings. And a thousand bracelets.

Heather tapped her chest and raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. Are you calling me a jewelry addict?

Maybe. She darted through the tiny kitchen and down the narrow hallway to the room she shared with Mom. She pulled the curtain closed that separated her space from Mom’s, and flopped onto the bed. Where should she hide the presents? Mom probably wouldn’t look for them, but Heather? Sofia wasn’t so sure.

She removed the bag from her pocket and tossed her wet coat onto the floor. Heather wouldn’t go through her underwear drawer, would she? She slid open the drawer, placing Mom’s nail polish in the back corner. Heather’s chocolate bar could hide under the socks.

After changing into her fuzzy pajamas, Sofia wandered into the kitchen. Heather handed her a mug of hot chocolate with a large marshmallow floating on top.

Thanks. Sofia brought the cup to her lips and blew on it before taking a tentative sip. Not too hot. Heather must have put some cold milk into it first.

I can take the fairy lights down from my ceiling so we can put them on the tree, Heather said. And I’ve got a bunch of construction paper under my bed. We can make paper chains.

And snowflakes?

Yes! Heather clapped her hands as she spun in a circle. I have a surprise for you, but it seems silly to wait until Christmas. Wait here for a sec. I’ve got something for you.

She skipped into her bedroom and returned a minute later with a red and green plaid gift bag. She thrust it under Sofia’s nose. Put your cocoa down and open this.

Sofia placed her mug onto the kitchen counter and peered into the bag, which smelled faintly of cinnamon. She reached inside and pulled out a hard object wrapped in red tissue paper. She looked up at Heather, who was bouncing on her toes like a hyperactive kindergartner.

Come on! Heather urged.

Sofia unwound the tissue paper to reveal a figurine of a white horse with a Christmas wreath encircling its neck. A gold cord attached to a point just behind the horse’s withers. She held him up, admiring his long, flowing tail. He’s so pretty. Can I put him on the tree?

Heather nodded. But look in the bag first. There are two more.

The second ornament featured a palomino horse with an orange carrot dangling from its mouth. Oh! The first one is your Arabian stallion, and this is my palomino mare.

Exactly. But keep going.

As Sofia unwrapped the third gift, Heather squealed as if seeing the present for the first time. It’s their baby!

Sofia laughed. Heather was twice as excited as she was about these ornaments. I love them. Thank you.

I’m going to buy you the real thing someday. I promise. Heather held up the stallion and whinnied. She snorted and pretended to gallop to the wobbling Christmas tree. If you wish really hard, Santa will make your dreams come true.

I doubt it. Santa hadn’t proved particularly reliable since her father had left. And it wasn’t as if she hadn’t already wished for a horse every day since she could remember.

Heather pouted. Come on. Where’s your Christmas spirit?

Sofia shrugged.

Let’s decorate your tree. That will get you into the spirit. Heather plugged her dainty fairy lights into an electrical socket beside the tree, which now leaned heavily to the left. Help me wind these around the branches.

An hour and a half later, Sofia admired their work. They’d filled the huge bald spot in the back with cut-out snowflakes, dangling from a construction paper chain. Heather found a jar of glitter in her craft supplies, which they’d sprinkled over most of their handmade decorations. Sofia’s horse ornaments hung near the top of the tree, where everyone could see them.

She jumped when the door banged open.

You’re finally home! Sofia was beside Mom in three steps, hugging her narrow waist.

Honey Bear. Mom kissed the top of Sofia’s head. What on earth is that?

Heather whirled around the tiny living room, her bracelets jingling on her raised arms. This masterpiece is Sofia’s Christmas tree. Isn’t it beautiful?

Mom raised an eyebrow. That wasn’t the word I was going for.

Artistic? Creative? Heather suggested.

Mom laughed. Yeah. Very creative.

Heat spread across Sofia’s cheeks. It’s a Charlie Brown tree.

Charlie Brown trees are the best kind. Heather tousled Sofia’s thick, black curls. Full of Christmas magic.

We could use some of that magic, Mom said, removing her winter coat and hanging it in the cramped closet. "Did

Reviews for Sofia's Surprise

[Malena Rachelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m private school teacher and received a copy of this book from the author. It was captivating from the beginning. I continually wanted to know if my predictions for plot twists were correct, and couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended!! Will definitely read the others in the series!