Dear Diary

Chapter 89

Sophia stared at her father completely frozen in shock. She had always known that dating Susan might lead to marriage, but she had hoped that their relationship wouldn't get that serious; that the government would transfer her father before something like this happened.

But - as always - the universe was against her.

Rachel on the other hand, took the news very well. She squealed and jumped to her feet. "Congrats, Mom!" she said and rushed up to her mom, hugging her tightly and gushing over her ring.

Sophia felt a lump form in her throat and her eyes started to burn, but she refused to show her weakness. Her father stayed as stoic as the moment those words passed his lips. His eyes gave away nothing as he looked at each of the females in turn.

Ashley blinked her eyes in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Susan smiled and crouched down to be on eye-level with her ten-year-old daughter. "It means you are going to have a daddy," she said and gestured to Sophia's father. Ashley blinked once more before a broad grin spread across her chubby cheeks.

"Daddy!" she yelled and ran to her future step-dad, wrapping her arms around one of his legs and smiling brightly. 

Sophia's dad hesitated for a moment before gently patting down her auburn locks.

Sophia couldn't help but stare in disbelief. This is wrong. This is so so wrong. Her chest seized and her throat constricted to the point that she could barely breathe. It was only her self-discipline keeping her from rushing to the safety of her room. 

This is so unfair!

Susan looked at her then and the glowing, happy smile she had on her face dropped. "Sophia?" she asked, causing everyone's attention to focus on the silent girl.

Sophia opened her mouth to say something, anything, but words failed her. Her eyes slowly moved to her father. His eyes were as guarded as ever, but he was waiting for her reaction.

Her first instinct was to scream at him, demand an explanation of why he would betray her mother like this, but she didn't have the strength. 

Instead she forced a smile. "Congratulations."

-

The next morning Sophia felt as though she was in a haze as she got ready for church, her mind going over last night's events like a broken record. Rachel and herself were asked to be bridesmaids while little Ashley would be the flower girl. Susan was glowing with happiness, but Sophia's father was as emotionless as he always was.

Driving to church with him, the atmosphere was stifling. She never uttered a word and neither did he. Sophia couldn't even concentrate on the sermon - not that she ever did really. Soon the congregation was dismissed and she was heading to Luke's home per the norm. She still hadn't broken out of her haze.

Her father never told the Woods he was engaged; they would be pounding her with questions if he did. Sophia tried interacting at lunch but it was pointless. It was as though her brain refused to function. She knew Luke had noticed something was up with her as he kept sending her concerned glances, but he never voiced his thoughts until they found themselves seated alone in the living-room.

"What's wrong?" Luke asked her. 

She didn't respond, just continued to stare at the wall across from her, eyes glazed.

"Soph?" He shook her shoulder and her eyes slowly trailed to his, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes?"

"What's wrong?" he repeated patiently.

Sophia didn't respond, just stared at him, and he noticed her eyes get that faraway look again. 

Luke was getting really worried now. Her gazes were always so intense, focused, and almost all-seeing. Now they held none of that. Although he usually felt quite intimidated by that stare, he definitely preferred it to the one now; he knew how to deal with the other one.

"Are you high?" he joked and he saw her eyes focus and narrow at him in a glare. 

There she is!

"No," she replied and leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest and tucking her knees up to her chin.

"Then what's wrong?" Luke's expression grew serious once more.

Sophia looked down to her knees and he saw a muscle tick in her jaw. It was quiet for a moment. When Sophia spoke it was barely above a whisper. "He's engaged."

Luke blinked. "Who?"

Sophia shifted. "My dad ... he's engaged," she muttered, still staring at her knees.

It took Luke a moment to register what she said, then it hit him like a ton of bricks and he almost fell off the couch. "So that means that you and Rachel ...?"

"Yes, along with her bratty little sister," Sophia scowled. She's never met a little child more spoilt than Ashley, now she has to live with her.

"Oh ... that sucks," was the only way Luke could think to respond. No wonder she's been like this all morning. Her worst enemy is going to be her step-sister.

Silence took over for a few moments as Luke stared at Sophia. Although she didn't speak, her body language showed just how upset she was with this: crossed arms, tilted head, knees tucked to the chest. She was not pleased with this at all.

Sophia looked up when she saw Luke spread his arms out wide and she frowned. "What?"

"Come here," he said, and flexed his fingers in a gesture for her to come towards him.

Sophia hesitated, but he turned on the puppy eyes and she sighed. She uncurled herself as she grumbled and moved towards him before sitting down next to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his firm chest. Luke's arms coiled around her and he began rubbing soothing circles on her back.

Companionable silence encompassed them and Sophia found herself slowly relaxing against him. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking note of the scent of cologne and washing powder, something she's come to associate with Luke, and the steady heartbeat beneath her ear lulling her to peaceful sleep. She didn't get any sleep last night.

But as she felt herself dozing off, she barely noticed the feeling of soft lips on her forehead.