Unforgettable

Chapter 33

Celine Pov

I got home, a lot happier after hanging out with Noah than before. So much has happened these past few weeks that I haven't gotten time to digest everything. It feels like a dream, just one big dream that I dread waking up from.

My dad was in the kitchen grabbing something out of the oven while my mother- while Sophia sat back, talking to him. He called me while I was at Claire's, wondering how much longer I'd be since he wanted to have dinner with me. It's things like that where I wonder how he married Sophia. More than that, I feel guilty. He doesn't know the truth, doesn't know how ruthless she can be. He loves her with his entire being and couldn't fathom her cruelty to me, maybe that's why I've never told him, never hinted it.

"Celine, come, I made your favorite," He smiled so hard that his eyes squinted, his innocence blinding.

"Thanks, Dad," I walked to the table, my seat directly facing her.

"How's school going?" He started dumping food onto my plate, his little love language.

"Fine, it's fun," Sophia didn't even look at me as she began to eat the quiche.

"Honey, your mother and I were thinking," Oh God, what now? "That Noah and his parents should come over for dinner. I thought it would be a nice thing considering they looked after you while we were gone. What do you think?"

"I'll ask next time I see him," Fuck no I won't.

"I'll ask Hyeong and Lydia, then," Sophia cut in.

Fuck, "What a great idea!" My Dad looked pleased as ever, thinking that his wife and daughter are finally becoming close again.

I stayed quiet for the rest of dinner, focusing on finishing the meal as they both had their conversation. It finally ended, and I began to put away the dishes while my mom went up to her room.

"Celine," My Dad came behind me, helping me clean, "Can we talk?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Is everything okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"With everything that happened while we were gone, I've been worried. You were chased by some crazy man and then got lost. Plus, you've been battling a lot of change with your school and social life. You can talk to me; I'm still your father."

"Thanks, Dad, but I'm fine. Noah found me and everything turned out okay. My life has been changing but I think it's a good thing, especially since I'll have to get used to socializing in college."

"I know. I just don't want you to feel like I'm not here for you anymore. You're my world, Celine. You're my only daughter and I wouldn't want you to struggle in silence, okay?" He patted my head, a habit he developed when I was younger.

"I'm okay. If something was wrong, I'd let you know. I'm not one of your patients, I know how to handle myself," I smiled, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got homework to finish."

"Wait," I turned around, "I have a business trip coming up and your mother is coming with me. I know I said that I wouldn't be gone as much, but I can't avoid this one. You can come with us if you'd like?"

"I can stay home alone. I'll be fine," Or I can stay with Noah, "When are you going?"

"Monday."

"What about the carnival?" Eliza told me about it and my dad and I were supposed to go.

"I'm sorry," He hung his head low, guilt wrecking his insides, "Maybe you can go with some friends? I'll send some money."