When Truth Surface (Book #2 of "When Secrets Surface")

Chapter 1

Sophie's POV

It's been six months since Dorothy and I found Dad. We're seventeen now in senior year and it's been a long journey.

I now had to go back to school and face my demons(especially Bella).

I packed my school bag reluctantly not wanting to go back after all that happened.

I walked downstairs trying to tell myself good things can could from this school.

Maybe I should be more optimistic.

I can sleep now well after finding Dad there is the calming notion that the person threatening me can't do anything. Or maybe they can.

That's why our new mission is to find the person threatening me.

I think we will be safer that way.

I went downstairs and I saw Dad flipping pancakes.

"Mornin' Soph," He said in his happy cheerful voice.

"Good morning, where's Mom?" I asked.

"Here, Soph," She came down the stairs in an elegant satin blue dress.

The look was stunning.

Dorothy trailed behind her dragging her feet as she moved.

"I miss sleeping the days away," She groaned dumping her school bag on the kitchen island.

"Well you still have to go, hon," Mom said.

"I know," Dorothy mumbled.

Dorothy's POV

Sophie and I strolled into school and you could feel and see all eyes falling on us.

A few students started to whisper and gossip.

Well, I guess we have to get used to that.

"Congrats," May hooked her arm through mine.

"Thanks," I said cheerfully.

We walked towards our neighboring lockers.

The thump of music from the gym resonated in my ears. I adjusted my backpack strap feeling the presence of all the gossip and whispers.

Pieces of people's conversations seeped into my ears.

"Did you hear? They found her dad!"

"Must be nice, huh? Getting your dad back after everything."

I swallowed hard feeling the knot in my stomach get larger.

May whispered, "They're jealous you found your Dad!" Her voice filled with bliss.

"Or they are nosy," I said in contrast.

"Here's the plan," I said, breaking my concentration. "We get through today, then I throw the surprise party for my dad this weekend. It'll be epic! Sophie of all people agrees with me "

"Good idea. I'll sort out the food. Your house has a pool so it would make a good set-up," May pulled a notepad and started to scribble ideas down.

Classic May.

This party was going to be interesting.

Sophie's POV

I stuffed some books in my locker it needs a huge makeover.

" Hey!" A loud voice cut through my thoughts. The self-appointed queen bee, Bella, Alex's daughter strutted toward me, flanked by her entourage. She wore a smirk that made my skin crawl.

"Look who it is, the little heroine and where's the sidekick? How does it feel to be famous for all the wrong reasons?" Her words pierced through my tranquility.

My heart raced as I clenched my fists.
"What do you want, Bella?"

"What's it like knowing everyone's talking about your dad? Must be nice to have your family back... even if it's a little tainted." She laughed a harsh sound that made my teeth grind.

"Shut up," I said quietly.

"Oh, I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking." Bella leaned closer, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "I mean, it's not your fault your dad got caught up in that mess with Mr Brian. But come on, dating Theo? Really? How does that work out for you?"

"Are you freaking kidding me, Bella?!  Do you think you can just trash my dad and then question my judgment about Theo? And by the way, Theo and I are done. I broke up with him. Not because of your toxic opinions. Let's get one thing straight: I wanted him, and I had him. And you? You've been drooling over him for years, but he never looked your way. You're just jealous that I got to experience what you've only fantasized about. So, shut your damn mouth and crawl back to whatever rock you slithered out from under. Screw you!" I snapped.

I felt all eyes in the room shift to us.
Bella stepped back a little.

I picked up my books and moved to my next class.

I sat next to Nichole and I am certain she saw me fuming.

Our English teacher rumbled on and on.

My mind wandered as he droned on.

I felt Nichole's foot nudge mine under the desk, pulling me back. 

"Sophie?" she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"You're zoning out again. Focus if you want to keep your perfect GPA!"

I forced myself to listen, but it was hard.

My thoughts kept drifting back to Bella's words. I could almost hear her laughter, mocking me.

The final bell rang. Thank gosh.

                             ***
I entered the living room and saw Mom and Dad sitting down watching TV.

At least there are some people who still love me.

"How was your day?" Mom asked.

"Not so good just filled with gossip," I responded.

I joined them on the couch and we were soon engaged in a conversation.

Dorothy's POV

I sneaked some of the party decor we had in one of our storerooms.

I carried the heavy box downstairs and sneaked it through our sliding backdoor.

I lifted it into my dark blue Mercedes and closed the car trunk.

Just twenty-five more to go.

Tomorrow we were going to throw an amazing Welcome home party.

Also, crack the mystery of the sender of the threat message.