Hideaway daughter

Chapter 2

As they stepped out into the cool New York air, Nick kept a protective arm around Sofia, guiding her towards his car. The streets were bustling, yet Sofia felt an eerie isolation, her mind replaying the fragments of the previous night she wished she could erase.

Nick opened the passenger door for her, and she slid in silently. The drive to the hospital was tense, punctuated only by the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from impatient drivers. Nick kept glancing over at Sofia, his heart aching for the years lost between them and the pain etched on her face.

At the hospital, they were quickly ushered into a private room, where a nurse gently took Sofia's vitals. Nick stood by, trying to stay calm, but every fiber of his being wanted to lash out at whoever had hurt his daughter. As they waited for the doctor, he took Sofia's hand in his.

"I'm here for you, Sofia," he said quietly. "Whatever you need, we'll get through this together."

She nodded, but her eyes were distant, lost in a storm of emotions she couldn't yet name.

Dr. Patel, a compassionate and experienced physician, entered the room. "Hello, Sofia. I'm Dr. Patel. I'm here to help you, okay?"

Sofia nodded again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay."

The examination was thorough and respectful, with Dr. Patel explaining each step to ensure Sofia felt as comfortable as possible. Nick stayed by her side, offering silent support. When it was over, the doctor sat with them, discussing the next steps—counseling, possible evidence collection for a police report, and medical follow-ups.

Sofia was exhausted but relieved when they finally left the hospital. Nick decided to take her to his apartment, a place she hadn't seen in years. He was nervous about how she'd react, but he wanted her somewhere safe, where he could keep an eye on her.

The apartment was modest but warm, a stark contrast to the cold city outside. Nick showed her to a guest room, hastily making up the bed with fresh sheets.

"You can rest here," he said. "Make yourself at home."

Sofia sat on the edge of the bed, looking around. "Thanks, Dad," she said softly. "For everything."

Nick nodded, his throat tight. "I'll be in the living room if you need anything."

As she lay down, Nick retreated to the living room, sinking into the couch with a heavy sigh. He called Amanda to update her on Sofia's condition and to discuss the next steps in the investigation.

"We'll take care of her, Nick," Amanda assured him. "And we'll find out who did this."

Hanging up, Nick felt a mix of relief and determination. He had his daughter back, but their journey was just beginning. Sofia needed him more than ever, and he was ready to fight for her, to make up for lost time and to protect her from further harm.

The evening passed quietly, Sofia eventually drifting into a restless sleep. Nick stayed up, watching over her, his mind racing with thoughts of the future and the justice he sought for his daughter. For now, though, he was grateful she was safe and under his roof.

And as the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Nick made a silent vow: he wouldn't let her down again.

The next morning Sofia woke up to loud but muffled voices, it almost sounded like two people were arguing, she sat up slowly taking her knees up to her chest as she just sat in silence for now listening to the voices when it all suddenly stopped and she heard a door slam shut when she decided to sit in the now complete silence for a bit longer before getting up and walking slowly and barefooted into the open kitchen and living room seeing her dad with a clear stressed out look on his face as he was collecting his things in a bag about to head off to work probably as she just stood in silence at the door frame when he turned around and noticed her.

"Hey, sweetie. Did you sleep well?" He asked in a calm voice trying to mask up the sadness and anger that was lingering on his face as he went over to her.

"It was okay, thanks. Is everything okay?" She asked slightly looking up at him with a worried expression on her face as he smiled at her slightly and gently wrapped his arms around her in a hug as he the top of her head a kiss.

"Everything is going to be okay, alright? I have to go to work now. I want you to just focus on getting some rest and I'll be back around lunch to check on you. There's food in the fridge, for you to take as you please and you have my number, so don't hesitate to call me if you need anything or if something happens. And you're also welcome to come by the precinct and just sit if that makes you feel safer" Nick said as he gave his daughter one last hug before putting his coat on, taking keys and leaving out of the door.

Arriving at the precinct Nick walked in still a bit stressed over this morning with Maria's sudden unannounced arrival at his place with Zara standing to her as she had to stand and listen to her parents argue, which to be fair wasn't anything new and Nick with a heavy heart had to send them away again denying his youngest daughters request to stay with him as he explained once again that he had to take care of their eldest daughter Sofia and try his best with making up for the lost years, now she finally had sought him out again.

"Hey Nick is everything okay with Sofia?" Amanda asked coming up beside him as he sat with his face in his hands at his desk.

Nick let out a big sigh as he leaned back in the chair and looked up at Amanda "Maria came by unannounced this morning with Zara wanting me to take her for a few days even though I already explained to her earlier that I couldn't because I have to take care of Sofia" Nick said as he was about to say something else when he spotted Maria angrily walking into the precinct as he stood up with an annoyed and done look on his face when he spotted his daughter Zara following tow behind Maria as she ran up to Nick.