Chapter 69
Sofia Bliss
Part of me knew he would show up.
I just didn’t think he would literally be behind me all the time.
Like a shadow... or worse, a damn annoying fly that does not know the time to stop buzzing in your ear.
He would not leave me alone.
Where I went, he went after.
And to make it worse, I spent all the time talking with my aunt Marta - as if he was the most polite, kind and wonderful man on Earth.
She was delighted, of course.
Her eyes shone every time he said something, and I could only think: if she knew who he really is...
I watched the two from afar, with arms crossed trying to understand what exactly he wanted.
Adrian smiled all the time.
That rehearsed smile, which I knew was a lie.
I stood there, trying to take a deep breath, mentally repeating that I couldn’t lose control.
Not there.
Not in front of my aunt.
Much less after everything that had happened to my father.
The minutes passed, and he stayed there, and I kept wondering when he was leaving. And as much as I hate to admit, the presence may have distracted me from the pain that I felt.
For a moment, I almost forgot the scene of my father looking at me like I was a stranger.
But after about 1 hour, the time to go away came, the weight returned.
Because I needed to see him again.
I needed to say goodbye.
Then I walked away slowly, taking advantage of the moment when Adrian turned back, still talking to my aunt.
I needed some time alone.
I walked through the corridors of the clinic with my hands sweaty and nervous, wondering if it was really a good idea, if maybe I should just go away and leave to see my father another time.
When I arrived at the door, I stopped. I tried to calm down.
I tried to focus on what everyone had said to me.
That my father did not know what he said.
He was sick, broken…
I knew that.
But still, it hurt.
I took a deep breath putting my hand on the door, and after creating courage.
I opened.
The room was quiet.
And my father, lying down, sleeping.
But it was not a peaceful sleep.
His face was tense, sweaty.
The eyes, even closed, were... wet.
I felt my chest tighten again.
I approached slowly, going to the chair where I had left my things.
But when I looked for the photo, it was not there. And yes, on the table next to my father’s bed.
Had he taken her? Or was it my aunt?
I walked up to him, taking the picture, and then put my hand on his head.
I looked at him for long seconds, and whispered, more to myself than to him:
"It’s all right, dad... I won’t hate you for that. For not liking me anymore... I know you’re sick. " I lightly stroked your hair," But I just wanted you to come back to me."
A tear escaped before I could avoid it.
I cleaned fast.
Did not want to seem weak, did not want my father think that I was suffering so much with it, even though he was.
I looked at the picture in my hand, thought about saving it back, but hesitated.
Perhaps it would be better to leave it there.
Maybe it would help him to remember who we were.
"I love you, father... regardless of anything. " I murmured, setting the picture next to him.
Took my backpack and turned around.
I looked at him one last time before leaving.
And, for a second, I wanted to stay.
But I couldn’t.
It still hurt too much to look at him like that.
I walked back through the halls, my heart heavy.
When I turned the corner towards the reception, I stopped at the same instant.
Adrian was still there.
But this time, not with my aunt.
He was with Letícia.
The two were half apart, close to one of the columns, as if they did not want to be seen.
And my cousin’s expression... was not good. In fact, she seemed stressed, very stressed.
As soon as she saw me, she came walking fast towards me.
" Sofia... come on... it’s time to go." She spoke straight, grabbing my arm.
I looked confused at Adrian, still not understanding what the two had talked to Letícia to get so angry, but he was with the neutral expression, as always, trying to seem in control of everything.
" Letícia... are you all right? "I asked, being pulled by her.
" Yes, let’s just hurry up! We’re going to miss the bus! "She spoke without giving me time to think, and I just let myself be pulled by her.
My eyes could not leave Adrian as I walked away.
What had he done? What had he told her to cause that reaction?
Of course, coming from him, it should not be pleasant at all.
We passed through the door and did not even have time to see aunt marta to say goodbye.
While we drove away, going towards the exit gate of the clinic, I was surprised that Letícia did not slow down.
" It’s all right Letícia, we left the clinic, he’s away now." I said, trying to make her calm down, but that didn’t happen.
" No, Letícia, you don’t understand... we have to get out of here, fast! " She spoke half panting, and I was even more confused.
Was she so angry with him? What the fuck should he have done this time?