Chapter 9

9: California Baby! << Sophia >> I rush to Lena’s apartment in shame. Fuck! Why? Why did I lash out like that? Lena has been sitting next to me for the past half hour listening to my sob story. Even her plush sofa is unable to comfort me today. I have spent nights sleeping on it. When I felt too alone in my apartment and wanted to be near a friend. We would talk for hours, watch movies, then go to sleep. But today even this isn’t comforting me. “Media wasn’t interested in me when they got engaged. I am not sure what changed now.” I exclaim in frustration. Lena rubs my back to calm me down. “They are a big name now… They also signed a big construction contract a few days back... Any news… Any gossip they can find now. Media will dig in.” Her answer makes me feel worse. Because she is right. Caleb’s company made such a good name. I am sure he made my dad tons of money too. That could only explain how dad forgot me. My shoulder slump again recalling how I lost my temper in front of that reporter. Now they will play that clip on replay… I cover my face in shame. It’s not good for my music company either. SHIT! I hope Noah doesn’t back off from our contract agreement when he sees this news. This company and reputation matters to me. My phone rings, and my heartbeat quickens as I see a number from California ringing on my phone. “Sophie!” I suck in a breath as I recognize that voice. “Dad!” “I saw the news.” Is he calling to tell me how I shamed him, by exposing his to-be Son-in-law? I stay quiet because my heart is aching. To my surprise, he asks, “Is it true?” Tears shimmer in my eyes. I try to control my emotions and say, “Every single word...” “Come home, my child.” I scoff internally. I am angry with him. How could he abandon me for two years? And how could he now ask me to come home so casually? He never even tried to contact me. “I have my life here, Dad… and I think nobody missed me there.” I say, trying to control my voice from breaking. Trying to sound strong. “I did...” He says in a calm voice. “You have no idea how much I looked for you…” I find it hard to believe. He adds, “My only mistake... I left Caleb and Nikkie in charge of finding you. Now I can see how shortsighted I was. How careless… about my own daughter…” His voice breaks with emotion and tears slip out of my eyes. “I know I am a bad father, Sophie. I should have looked for you myself. But your old man wants to meet you and do you right. Please come home...” A sob escapes my mouth, hearing words I never imagined he would say. I thought nobody wanted me. Dad tries to convince me to come home for good, but I only agree to visit him for a few days. I will come back to New York City after meeting him. Lena hugs me as I cut the call and I say, “I hope I am not making a mistake by going to visit him…” “No you are not,” she assures me. …. The next day, Lena and I take a flight to Los Angeles. We land late in the evening and decide to stay at a fancy hotel. I am not in the mood to meet or stay with my stepmom or meet Nikkie. Lena takes in a deep breath as we step out of the plane. She widens her arms and says, “California Baby!!! I missed you!” I didn’t. “What do you miss about this place?” She sighs, “Fresh air! It’s not concrete all around. New York City is so fucking crowded and Oh God, it’s so noisy there…” I chuckle. Well, she is right. “It sometimes smells too.” I admit and she laughs. “Yes, it does!” “Let’s freshen up and go out for some drinks.” I suggest, and she squeals in excitement. Lena invites some of her old friends and all hell breaks loose when we party again. I drink, trying to smother the dread of meeting everyone again. God knows who else will be there when I meet dad for lunch tomorrow. When I am a little tipsy, I realized I missed this place too. I spent my whole childhood here, and this place has its own charm. We drink and party hard for hours. It’s late at night and Lena is still not in the mood to get back to our hotel room. “I am leaving… I have to meet Dad tomorrow.” I shout into Lena’s ear so she can hear me over the deafening music. She nods and I walk towards my hotel room, swaying with the music still ringing in my ears. I am sleepy and drunk. I somehow make it to my floor. I don’t remember my room number, but I know it was three doors after the lift on the left. One-door. Two-door.. Three-door… Nooo... it’s first door, second door, third door… I giggle correcting myself. I turn the handle and it’s already open. But How? Who cares? I get to sleep sooner. I remove my clothes one by one and throw them over the floor while walking into the bedroom. The bathroom shower is on. Lena is back already? “When did you come back?” I ask her and crash into my bed without listening to her answer. I can ask her tomorrow. My bra’s hard-wire pokes my skin so I get rid of it and throw it over the floor and pull the sheet over my waist so I wouldn’t feel too cold. “It’s too cold Lena… turn down the Fucking AC!” I mutter under my breath and slumber.