Torn Between (KOTLC Story)

Chapter 4

Sophie hesitated. On the one hand, extra information couldn't hurt. On the other hand, if what he was saying was true... No, it couldn't be. She wouldn't leave her friends just because of one secret. Would she? No. Sophie made up her mind and looked at Gethen. "Tell me."

Back to the Present:

"My father?" Sophie felt like she was in a nightmare, or a victim of a really cruel joke. She closed her eyes and counted to five, then opened them again. No such luck. Gethen was still standing in front of her with a smug smile, as if to say, "I told you that you wouldn't be able to handle it." "You are my father?!" Sophie asked again, hoping he would say that he was just tricking her.

"I am your father, Sophie. Haven't you made the connection? You got your blond hair from me, and one of your main abilities is the same as mine." Gethen told her. "Did the Black Swan tell you it was a coincidence? They're smothering you, Sophie. If you ever really want to be free, you need to join us. We can show you the true meaning of freedom."  

Normally, the first answer that would come out of her mouth would be "Never in my life," or something along those lines. But after today's revelation, her answer surprised even herself. "I'll think about it," she stammered. 

Gethen nodded. "You're finally starting to make the right choices. We can meet tomorrow, same place, same time." 

Sophie nodded numbly, barely able to believe that she had just arranged a meeting with a member of the Neverseen. Gethen turned and walked away, Ruy trailing behind. Sophie started. She had forgotten that Ruy had been there at all, because he had been so uncharacteristically quiet. Sophie waited until they were out of sight, then dropped to her knees and sobbed quietly.

Her whole life had been turned upside down in one afternoon. Everything felt wrong, she wasn't sure who she could trust... With each oncoming thought Sophie cried more. How would she get through her life without knowing who was on her side? Who would she be able to tell? Would she have to keep her entire life secret from the people she loved? 

Suddenly, a quiet voice interrupted her cry-fest. "It gets easier." Sophie whirled around, afraid one of her friends had heard the whole conversation. But when she turned around, the voice was coming from the person she had least expected to see...