𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

𝐅 𝐎 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐄

Lowin

I'd never felt my hands shake this much in my entire life. I mean, I've been through some pretty nerve-wracking situations—like that time Henry and I nearly got caught sneaking into the school after hours, or when I had to give a speech in front of the entire student body—but this? This was on a whole different level. My stomach was twisted in knots, my heart was pounding in my chest like it was trying to break free, and I could feel the sweat starting to form on my palms.

I knew I had to tell my dad about Sofiana. I couldn't keep it a secret from him any longer, not now that I'd told Henry and felt the relief of one burden being lifted off my shoulders. But this was different. This was my dad. The man who had raised me, who had been there for me through everything—every scraped knee, every heartbreak, every achievement. He was my rock, my protector, and the thought of disappointing him, of seeing that look in his eyes if he didn't understand, was almost enough to make me back out.

But I couldn't do that. I loved Sofiana, and she made me so incredibly happy. She deserved to be a part of my life openly, not hidden away like some shameful secret. And I deserved to be honest with my dad, no matter how scared I was of his reaction.

So, I waited until Eleanor wasn't home. It was easier that way—just the two of us, without any interruptions or prying eyes. My dad was sitting in the living room, reading the newspaper like he always did after dinner, and I hovered in the doorway, trying to summon the courage to just walk in and say what I needed to say.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally forced myself to move, my legs feeling like they were made of lead as I approached the couch. My dad looked up when he heard me coming, his face softening into a warm smile when he saw me.

"Hey, kiddo," he greeted, folding the newspaper and setting it aside. "What's up?"

I sat down next to him, the words catching in my throat as I tried to figure out how to start this conversation. My dad must've noticed my hesitation because his smile faltered slightly, a look of concern replacing it.

"Lowin? Is everything okay?"

I took a deep breath, willing myself to just say it. "Dad, there's something I need to tell you. It's... it's important."

His brow furrowed, and I could see the worry starting to build in his eyes. "Okay," he said slowly, his voice gentle but cautious. "What is it?"

My heart was pounding so hard that I thought he might be able to hear it. I clenched my hands together in my lap, trying to keep them from trembling as I forced the words out.

"I've been seeing someone," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "For a while now. And... and I think I'm in love with her."

The silence that followed was deafening. My dad's expression didn't change at first, like he was trying to process what I'd just said. His eyes searched my face, and I could see the gears turning in his mind as he put the pieces together.

"Her?" he repeated, his voice carefully neutral.

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, Dad. Her."

He didn't say anything for a moment, and the tension in the room felt like it was about to suffocate me. I had no idea what was going through his mind, whether he was angry, disappointed, or just shocked. But then he spoke, and his voice was calm, though there was an undercurrent of something—maybe worry?—beneath it.

"Who is she?" he asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Sofiana," I said, feeling my cheeks flush with a mix of fear and embarrassment. "It's Sofiana, Dad."

His eyes widened slightly, and I could see the shock in them now. "Your English teacher?" he asked, and I quickly shook my head.

"She's not my teacher anymore," I clarified, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Not since I graduated. We've been careful, I promise. We didn't do anything while she was still teaching me. But I... I love her, Dad. She makes me so happy."

He sat back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he tried to process everything I'd just told him. "Lowin, this is... this is a lot to take in."

"I know," I said quickly, feeling the panic start to rise in my chest again. "I'm sorry, I should've told you sooner, but I was so scared of how you'd react. I didn't want to disappoint you."

My dad sighed, and for a moment, I thought he was going to be angry, that I'd made a huge mistake by telling him. But then he looked at me, and his expression softened, the worry still there but mixed with something else—concern, maybe, or love.

"I'm not angry, Lowin," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm just... surprised. And a little worried. You know how things could've gone, right? This could have gone south real quick, and it might have gotten ugly for both of you."

I nodded, my throat tightening as I listened to him. "I know," I said, my voice barely audible. "I know it could've been bad, and we were really careful. But... I can't help how I feel, Dad. She means everything to me."

My dad was quiet for a moment, his eyes searching mine as if he was trying to read my soul. And then, to my absolute shock, he smiled—a small, hesitant smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"Well," he said slowly, "if she makes you happy, then that's what matters to me. I want you to be happy, Lowin. But... I think I'd like to meet this Sofiana. Why don't you invite her over for dinner tomorrow night?"

I stared at him, completely floored by his response. "You... you want to meet her?"

He nodded, his smile growing a little more confident. "Of course. If she's important to you, then I want to know the woman who's making my daughter so happy."

My heart swelled with a mix of relief, joy, and love for my dad. I hadn't expected this at all—I'd been so terrified that he'd be angry or upset, but instead, he was welcoming Sofiana into our lives. The weight that had been pressing down on me for so long was suddenly lifted, and I felt like I could finally breathe again.

"Thank you, Dad," I whispered, unable to keep the emotion out of my voice. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

He reached over and pulled me into a hug, his arms strong and comforting around me. "I love you, Lowin," he said softly. "And I trust you. If you say Sofiana is the one for you, then I'll trust your judgment. But... just remember to be careful, okay? Things like this can be complicated, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

I nodded against his shoulder, the tears I'd been holding back finally spilling over. "I will, Dad. I promise."

When he let me go, I wiped my eyes, feeling a mixture of happiness and relief that was almost overwhelming. My dad had accepted Sofiana—he wanted to meet her, to welcome her into our lives. I couldn't believe how well it had gone, and I felt like the luckiest person in the world.

"I'll invite her over tomorrow," I said, my voice still a little shaky with emotion. "I think you'll like her, Dad. She's... she's amazing."

"I'm sure she is," he replied with a smile. "Anyone who can make you this happy must be something special."

I blushed, feeling my heart swell with love for both Sofiana and my dad. Everything was going to be okay—I just knew it. And tomorrow, when Sofiana came over for dinner, I couldn't wait to introduce her to the man who had always been my rock, and who was now willing to welcome her into our family.

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~ R