Chapter 5

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Incoming call from Dad🖤

Camila: Yes, Dad?

Dad: When are you coming to Portugal?

Camila: Dad, I don't know. Maybe not this year since Sofia can't go.

Dad: You don't need Sofia to come for you to visit.

Dad: She met the new baby you haven't met.

Camila: Maybe I don't want to meet Mimi.

Dad: Don't be like that.

Dad: Well, Camila, call when you can.

End of call.

As I reflect on our recent conversation, it brings back memories of a time when I was just ten years old and learned that my dad was starting a new family in Portugal. This revelation has had a lasting impact on our relationship, making our calls somewhat strained and uncomfortable. The thought of his two children, one who is already ten and the other who is just a newborn, adds a layer of complexity to our interactions. The distance between us, both physical and emotional, seems to grow with each passing day, creating a sense of unease whenever the phone rings and his name flashes on the screen.

Pedri picked me up, and we drove to my sister's game. I wasn't really in the mood for it, to be honest.

When we arrived, I said hi to my sister and her boyfriend, Antonio. "It's nice to see you getting along with him," Antonio said.

"Yeah, Xavi will be very happy about that," I replied.

After the game, I pulled my sister aside to talk to her privately. "Plz, Sofia, come with me to see Dad," I pleaded.

"I can't," she responded. "I'm going on a trip with Antonio."

"You have to go see Dad alone," she told me firmly.

"Yeah, whatever," I said, not thrilled about having to visit our father by myself.

Dad🖤

Dad🖤:
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I've booked a ticket for you to come visit me tomorrow. I know you didn't say you wanted to come, but I really think it's important that we see each other.

Camila:
What? Dad, I didn't say I was able to come visit tomorrow. I have plans with Sofia and Antonio.

Dad🖤:
I understand, but I've already bought the ticket. You have no choice in the matter. This is important, and I need you here. Please don't argue with me on this.

Camila:
But Dad, this is so last minute. I can't just cancel my other plans. You can't just decide for me that I'm going to be there.

Dad🖤:
I'm your father, and I'm telling you that you're coming to see me tomorrow. End of discussion. The ticket is waiting for you at the airport. Be there.

Camila:
sigh* Fine, I guess I don't have a choice. I'll be there.

Mom❤️😍

Camila:
Ugh, Mom, you're not going to believe this. Dad just texted me and said he bought a ticket for me to come visit him tomorrow, even though I didn't ask to go.

Mom❤️😍: What? That's ridiculous. I can't believe he's doing this again. Don't worry, I'll call him and-

Camila:
The worst part is that Sofia was supposed to come over tomorrow. We had plans.

Mom❤️😍:
Oh honey, I'm so sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to that.

Camila:
Yeah, and now I have to go see Dad instead. It's so not fair.

Mom❤️😍:
I understand your disappointment. But maybe you could reschedule with Sofia? Or see if she can come with you to visit your father?

Camila:
Yeah right, like Dad would ever go for that. He wants me there alone so he can guilt-trip me or whatever.

*Mom❤️😍:
I'm sorry, sweetie. I know how much you were looking forward to your plans with Sofia. This isn't fair to you at all.

Camila:
The worst part is that I was actually starting to get excited about seeing Dad again. But now I'm just

Mom❤️😍:
I know, honey. Your relationship with your father is so complicated. But maybe this visit could still be a chance to reconnect, even if it's not under the best circumstances.

*Camila:
I doubt it. But I guess I don't have a choice, do I?

Mom❤️😍:
I'm afraid not, sweetie. I wish I could get you out of this, but your father can be so stubborn. Just try to make the best of it, okay?

"Treating you  the Way you  Deserve" //Pedri Gonzalez Where stories live. Discover now