Only A Moment

Cavaliers

SOPHIE POV

Will and I talked more about our connection and what we could do to protect everything we were building while enjoying our banana split. There was so much to discuss but I tried to stay focused on what was needed at the moment.

His sister, Addison, was happy to stop by that night so he sent a selfie of us together at the ice cream parlor when she agreed.

The string of crying face emojis that he received in return made both of us crack up laughing.

I was excited to meet Addy.  From what Will shared, she is still debating her major but loved reading as well as time outside.  Their upbringing was similar to mine in how much pressure we were under to act and be a certain way.  It sounds like Addy got the brunt of their Mother's criticism which had to have been difficult.

My family kept a low profile so while there were a lot of expectations, I was focused and able to stay out of trouble for the most part.

Until now...

We took our time walking back to the apartment and I got a quick tour of Will's place before we went to mine to relax.

My Dad stopped by after court at 3 and was able to get to know Will a bit better.  His general decision was that while this was not ideal for either of us, we were adults and I had proven myself capable of making tough choices even on my own.

They connected over a love of baseball and were both avid Cavaliers fans so Dad promised him one of our season tickets when he was available.  Will was stunned at the offer and happily accepted, especially once he knew I frequently joined as well.  We had a set of 4 season tickets that Dad liked to use for clients or friends, though I was at his side every game possible as well.

"First thing I bought for the baby was a little Cavaliers onesie," Dad smiled softly at the memory. "Ruth and I flew down to Texas for a visit after Sophie learned she was pregnant and spent a long weekend there. It gave us time to see how prepared she already was. We planned to visit for her 20th birthday in April but moved up our flights so we could just be there sooner. I guess it shouldn't have been a shock. My daughter started making money with graphic design at 14 and was taking college courses in Business at 15 to make sure she was prepared for what her dream career would entail."

I chuckled and shook my head, taking my dark hair from its messy bun and running my fingers through the length, "Dad, you think far too highly of me..."

"Nah, you deserve all of it, Honey. You're a hard worker that does something you love for a career. I could not be happier for you." He paused, then gave Will a studied look. "How long have you known you wanted to be a teacher? I can't lie, I'm a bit shocked. I know we have met in passing a couple times since I've worked with your Dad but he always seemed to have a pretty firm vision for how his kids should live their lives. He was pretty gung ho about you taking the internship with our company so when you declined graciously I was glad to hear you had chosen a path that's a better fit for you."

The way my Dad spoke made me realize this would be a bigger issue than I expected with the Farnsworth family.

Will paused and let out a long sigh. "Teaching was what I wanted for my future since I was in high school. Nothing else felt like the right fit for me. Dad came around eventually but my Mom is still upset that I chose not to become a lawyer or go into real estate. I was dating my ex until June over a year ago when she pressured me to shift into law so I could make more money."

"What?" I asked, eyes wide at the admission.

He nodded, stretching out his long legs from his spot on the couch.  "Bella was raised like I was, Country Club folks that go to Church but treat people like shit. When I graduated with my teaching degree she thought I'd keep going to school so I could become a lawyer... like, teach for a couple years and do both, I guess?  But I was always clear that I wanted to be a teacher." Will smiled and let out a soft laugh, "That's why my Dad finally decided about a year ago that he was happy for me. He's always been a history buff and appreciated how I was able to ask him about different topics and the way I am so passionate about what I do."