Broken

Part 19

Three Weeks Later

Sophia's Point of View

After two days of going through my parents' belongings I had had just about enough. It had only been two days so far, but it had felt like an eternity. There were boxes upon boxes of garbage to go through and despite my protesting, Uncle Hank insisted that we go through everything together. EZ and Angel had volunteered to help as well. I wasn't about to turn down the extra help.

The guys were dealing with the living room and kitchen and I was left to my own devices in my parents' room. I had pulled out every box they had stashed in the closet and I had gone through each one, not really finding anything that meant something to me or anything worth keeping, that was until I found three journals at the bottom of the last box. My curiosity peaked, I pulled the journals out of the box and sat down on the edge of my parents' bed.

When I opened the first journal a folded piece of paper fluttered out and onto the floor. I crouched down and picked it up. I stared at it for a moment and then noticed that my name written on the other side in my mother's handwriting. My heart started to race as I unfolded the letter quickly and stared at it blankly. At first the words were all blurred together but as I focused in the words started to break apart and the content grew clearer. The first thing I noticed was the date in the top right hand corner.

August 31, 2019.

I took a deep breath, realizing that that was only a few days before they were killed. She must have known that something was about to happen. I took a deep breath as I looked down at the letter and began to read.

My Sweet Sophia,

If you are reading this, it means that Joseph's dealings got the better of both of us.

I'm so sorry sweetheart that I wasn't a stronger woman and that I wasn't the mother that you needed. You deserved so much better than what Joseph and I could ever give you. We have let you down in so many ways and for that, I hope that one day you will forgive us.

As you probably already know, I don't know the details of Joseph's dealings. He did a very good job of keeping me in the dark every step of the way. I wish that I had the courage to step away from the sidelines to keep you protected, but you have never seen the darkest side of the man you thought was your father. It is the most terrifying thing to experience and unfortunately, it leaves a mark.

Sweetheart, I have lied to you and so has your Uncle Hank, and I am sure by now you are wondering why I have been referring to your father as Joseph. I am so sorry I kept this from you, but please know we did it to protect you. If Joseph ever found out he would have killed me and Hank, or at least he would have tried.

Your Uncle Hank and I had an affair. Joseph was hardly ever around in the beginning of our marriage because his "work" took him all over the country. I was lonely and Hank always had a soft spot for me. Over the next year we fell in love with each other. Sophia Grace Loza...you were the result of that love. So all these years that you said Hank felt like more of a father than your father ever did was because Hank is your father. I know this has probably come as a shock to you and again, I am so sorry for keeping this information from you. I hope you can forgive us both.

Please try to approach Hank with kindness when you confront him about this. I know you have inherited his fiery attitude and stubbornness and also his kindness, but please remember all that he has done for you over the years. His love for you has been unwavering despite having to give up his rights to you as a father.