Built-in Best Friends
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Grace Smith
Team Chapnick
Sofia and Lydia Gaither, 15-year-old twins, are inseparable. From sunrise marching band practice to late-night soccer games to staying with their mom one night and their dad the next, for the twins, every day is different. But, in the chaos, they have each other through it all.
Lydia and Sofia were shy when they were younger. According to the twins, they didn’t play with other kids their age very often, and they leaned on each other and their parents for connection. Now, they're sophomores at Union High School together. They both play the clarinet in band, medal in soccer, eat the same snacks in their classes and giggle with their shared friend group.
Despite being together almost all the time and looking quite similar, the girls have individual and unique personalities. While Lydia is more outgoing and talkative, Sofia is very responsible, making sure Lydia gets her math homework done as they listen to country music and calculate equations.
“You have a best friend for life,” Sofia said. “You just automatically have one when you're born.”
From left, family members Kaia Wallace, 10, Sofia Gaither, 15, Lydia Gaither, 15, and their mom Kathryn Gaither sit on Kathryn’s bed and braid each other’s hair at their home in Union, Mo. Twins Sofia and Lydia have a deep bond with their family members. Their parents separated 14 years ago, but the twins are grateful to have parents who get along.
Lydia Gaither, 15, and Sofia Gaither, 15, read sheet music during choir class at Union High School. The twins always stand next to each other in class as they sing the second soprano part in unison.
Sofia Gaither, 15, and Lydia Gaither, 15, walk to the football field for early morning marching band practice. The twins are grateful for their close bond. “You have a best friend for life,” Sofia said. “You just automatically have one when you're born.”
Lydia and Sofia play “Creep” by Radiohead.The twins both started playing the clarinet in sixth grade and are a part of the Black n Red Brigade, which performs at marching band competitions in the area.
Lydia and Sofia, second and third from left, walk back to the school with bandmates after practice. Despite being together almost all the time and looking quite similar, the twins have individual and unique personalities. Lydia is more outgoing and talkative and Sofia is timid and responsible, according to the pair.
Lydia and her classmates celebrate after she answers a question correctly in a quiz game during World Studies class. Lydia shares over half of her classes with her twin sister Sofia.
Sofia and Lydia stand during choir class.The twins have passions for different subjects in school. Sofia prefers math and Lydia science.
Twins Lydia and Sofia eat lunch.The sisters sit at the same table every day with their friend group.
Lydia and Sofia walk to their next class after choir. The twins’ mom said Sofia possesses motherly qualities which include organization and responsibility. She often reminds Lydia to finish her homework.
Lydia helps her sister Sofia lift the barbell during their strength and conditioning class. During class, the twins repeat the mantra, “The power of friendship,” when struggling with training.
Sofia and Lydia, center, walk off the field with other Red n Black Brigade Marching Band members after a morning practice.They travel to surrounding schools for competitions throughout the marching band season.
Twins Sofia and Lydia lean back during a birthday dinner for their mom at Applebee’s in Washington, Mo. Sofia and Lydia said they enjoy sharing secrets — another perk of having a built-in best friend. They said they can tell each other things without fear of judgment from one another.
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