6

CHAPTER 6

SOPHIA’S POV

I was zipping up my suitcase when my phone rang. Dad's name flashed on the screen. I answered with a grin, holding the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued packing. Her is out on a business trip and I miss him so much, I really wish he would be here today, but I think I will cope just fine. 

"Hey, Dad!"

"Hey, sweetheart," he greeted warmly. "Just wanted to give you a little advice before you head off to college." Here he goes again, my father would get an award if they were one giving for constant advice.

I chuckled, rolling my eyes playfully. "Dad, seriously? I'm not a kid anymore. I can handle myself."

He laughed too, a warm sound that made my heart feel lighter. "I know you're not a kid, Sophia. But old habits die hard, you know."

I sighed, feigning exasperation. "Dad, I promise I won't set the dorm on fire or anything." I know if not for his constant check up, I would have done that to our home, I am a terrible cook and he has always been the one doing the cooking for us. 

He chuckled again, but then his tone turned a bit more serious. "I know you're grown now, but you'll always be my little girl. Just remember to make smart choices and be responsible." he said the word “Smart choices,” it sure does sound like he is talking about sex without actually mentioning the word sex in it. 

I paused for a moment, touched by his words. "I will, Dad. You don't have to worry."

"I know," he said softly. "But, you see, I'll still worry. It's my job as a parent."

I sighed, relenting just a bit. "Okay, fine. You can worry a little, but not too much." I teased him. 

He laughed, and I could practically picture the amused twinkle in his eyes. "Deal. And you know Henry will be there too, right?" at the mention of the name Henry, everything within me clenched up and froze, I hate the power it had on me, I have not seen him in years and it always thesame old story and effect.

I snorted, amused. "Oh, great. The watchful eye of Henry." I had this tone and act which I always put up when it comes to Henry, I don’t want my dad figuring out that I was super excited about living with him.

Dad chuckled. "He's like family, you know that. And he promised to keep an eye out for you."

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming. "Why, does he think I can't take care of myself?"

Dad laughed heartily. "No, of course not. But he's there to help and support you."

I grinned, unable to hide my amusement. "And what if I don't want him hovering around?" I sure do want him hovering around and doing more than that but I wasn’t going to admit that to my dad. 

Dad's tone was gentle. "Sophia, I trust that you can make your own decisions. But it's his way of looking out for you, just like me. And he will just be there like a father figure in your life just because I won’t be there always" I cringe at the thought of having act like a father towards me, although I wanted a lot of naughty things only a sweet daddy could do to me, from him. I laugh at the thought of moaning and telling him, “Yes Daddy, I want more,” 

I sighed, my playfulness melting into something more sincere. "I know, Dad. And I appreciate it."

Dad continued, "And guess what? If you had gotten a school-reserved hostel, I'd still prefer you staying with Henry." I would have preferred it to, that is why I never took the liberty of even applying for one, but I lied to my father that I did.  

I chuckled, trying to play it off. "Oh, really? Why's that?"

He didn't miss a beat. "Because he's like family, and I trust him."

I laughed, unable to hold it in any longer. "Alright, alright. I get it. Henry's the responsible one." I sometimes don’t like how my dad trust Henry so much and trust me to be this sweet innocent girl around him, it makes me sometimes feel guilty that I have such impure thoughts about him. 

Dad's voice turned softer. "I just want the best for you, Sophia. And I want you to call me as soon as you land in California, okay?"

I zipped up my suitcase, my heart warmed by his concern. "Of course, Dad. The minute I touch down, you'll be the first to know."

"Good." His tone was filled with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. "I can't believe you're all grown up now. Your mother would be so proud of you."

I felt a pang in my chest at the mention of Mom. "I wish she was here to see me off."

Dad's voice held a hint of sadness. "Me too, sweetheart. But she'll be with you in spirit. And I know you're going to do amazing things."

I felt a rush of emotions, a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and the warmth of my father's love. "Thanks, Dad. And don't worry, I've got this."

He sighed, his tone a mixture of teasing and genuine affection. "I know you do. Take care, Sophia. Love you."

I smiled, blinking back tears. "Love you too, Dad." I knew I had to hold back the tears this isn’t meant to be a sad trip but a happy one, and I can’t afford to smear my make up, I have to preserve it. 

As I hung up the phone, I took a deep breath. This was it, a new chapter, a new adventure. I hoisted my suitcase and headed for the door. The Uber was waiting, ready to take me to the airport. This is going to be fun. 

 ****

The flight felt like an eternity, each passing minute dragging as I anticipated my arrival in California. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, all centered around Henry and how our meeting would play out. I had intentionally left out the fact that I was coming to surprise him, wanting to catch him off guard. When Dad had asked if I had informed Henry about my visit, I fibbed and assured him that I had. The truth was, I wanted to see the look of astonishment on Henry's face when he saw me.

As soon as I landed, I dialed Dad's number, my heart pounding in my chest. "Hey, Dad, I've landed safely."

"Good to hear, sweetheart. How's it going?"

I grinned, excitement bubbling within me. "It's sunny and beautiful here in California."

Dad chuckled. "That's great to hear. Did Henry pick you up?"

I paused, my plan to surprise him still intact. "Yeah, he's in a meeting right now, so I'm making my way to the mansion."

Dad sighed. "Always working, that man. Alright, keep me posted."

"I will, Dad. Love you."

I hung up and called an Uber to take me to Henry's mansion.

I dialed Kylie's number, my heart still racing from the unexpected encounter. "Hey, Kylie, guess where I am? California!"

Her voice came through the line, filled with excitement. "California? How's it there?"

I chuckled, feeling the warmth of the sun even in my voice. "Sunny and gorgeous, just as you'd expect."

Kylie laughed. "Well, I can't say the same for Yale. It's like a rainforest over here. I'm still trying to adjust."

I grinned, picturing her battling the rain. "I'm sure you'll conquer it, Rainforest Queen."

She snorted. "Very funny. So, how's everything going there? Are you excited?"

I let out a sigh, my thoughts momentarily drifting away from the current situation. "Yeah, excited is one way to put it. A lot has happened."

Kylie's voice grew serious. "Are you sure about this, Sophia? Leaving an Ivy League for... well, all of this?"

I chuckled, the absurdity of it all not lost on me. "You know, I asked myself that same question. But, Kylie, love makes us do crazy things."

She groaned. "Don't give me that love stuff. You're too young for this drama."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Well, apparently my heart missed the memo."

 As the car approached the elegant entrance, I couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur. But what awaited me inside would soon shatter my expectations.

Walking into the mansion, my heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. I hoped to see Henry, to catch him by surprise, but what I saw left me completely taken aback. There he was, sitting on the couch, laughing heartily, with a woman snuggled up in his arms. My shock was palpable, my wide eyes taking in the unexpected sight.

Henry's laughter dwindled as he looked up, meeting my gaze. "Sophia?" His voice was a mixture of surprise and confusion.

My heart raced, my cheeks flushing. This was definitely not how I had envisioned our reunion. I stammered, "I... I didn't expect to see you like this."

He stood up, disentangling himself from the woman beside him. "I didn't expect to see you at all."