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Instantly I stood up, running a hand through my hair before finding my whiskey on the shelf at the corner. I quickly fixed a glass and then downed it all.
The burning sensation of the liquid lasted from my mouth through my throat to my chest. Why the hell was I so angry at everyone? No, why couldn't I keep my emotions in check?
I poured another drink and then returned to my table. Clenching the glass in my fist, I took my seat.
I needed to get my fucking emotions straight. I needed to get it straight for my company… for my daughter. At the thought of Sophie, I felt the electricity in my nerves calm.
It still hurt beyond words that my daughter still bore the tragedies of the past. Her normal life was the sacrifice for the event she witnessed.
Every day, for eighteen months, I wished I could take her place. I wished she hadn't been there that night. I wished life would return to her once-vibrant eyes and my daughter would speak to me again.
I wished I could rewind the hands of time and undo many things I did that night.
four
Evie
“Dad, I'm okay, I promise.” I sank my head further into the pillow.
“Do you like the room you're in? How are the maids treating you? Are they friendly?”
“Dad, I'm not a kid.” I groaned.
“I know, but still,” he whined.
I always found it funny when Dad whined. It was cute, and the fact that his call was the first thing I woke up to at five o’clock in the morning was even cuter. Though he'd called yesterday to check up on me, maybe I didn't expect another call today. Not especially him asking me stuff like I was five.
“They're all friendly and nice, Dad.” I smiled slightly.
“Are you sure? You know you can tell me any–”
“Dad.” My voice was an octave higher. That was the only way I could get him to listen to me. “I'm fine, I promise.”
I really was fine. Although I think his main question should be how his friend was treating me. But I guess he had so much trust in his friend he assumed he was treating me right.
But wasn't he treating me right?
Perhaps he was a little harsh on the plane, but he's fair… professional, just how he should be. And I should be the same way.
“Okay, dear. I have a few jobs to finish up this morning. I'll talk to you later?” His voice was cheery, but I couldn't help the sadness that filled my heart.
He was forty-two, but due to the hardships he’d faced, his body was much older than it should be. He was getting unfit for his carpentry thingy. If things were right, he would have had his own workers doing those jobs for him.
“I miss you, Dad.” I sighed. “I miss you, and I want to make you proud. I want to finally be able to reward your efforts.”
“Oh silly, why do you think I called this early?” His scoff tugged the end of my lips. “I miss you too, and I love you.”
“I love you too, Dad. Talk to you later.”
I ended the call and tossed my phone somewhere on the bed. Okay, maybe not toss because I wasn't sure I could afford a new one yet.
After gently placing it somewhere beside my body, I brought my hand underneath my head.
This was my chance to help Dad. My chance to make Mom proud, and I wouldn't fuck it up. Not because of one night.
I didn't know how long I stared at the chandelier, but once my alarm for 6 a.m. rang, I knew it was time to get prepared.
Alicia had informed me of Sophie’s daily routine.
