Chapter 14 - The First Day of School
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September arrived with a crisp breeze that promised autumn.
It was a significant morning. For the past two years, Sofia had been homeschooled by private tutors, insulated from the outside world while she recovered from the psychological damage of the trial and Veronica's abuse.
But today, she was starting seventh grade at a local, highly-rated public middle school near the lake.
Alexander stood in the kitchen, watching as she packed her new backpack. She wore a simple sweater and jeans. She looked completely ordinary, which was entirely the goal.
"Do you have your lunch?" Alexander asked, holding up a paper bag.
"I have it," Sofia said, taking the bag and shoving it into her backpack. She zipped it shut, but her hands lingered on the zipper. She looked up, her expression tight with sudden, overwhelming anxiety.
"What if they ask about me?" she whispered. "What if they saw the news about the trial?"
Alexander walked over and knelt down so he was at eye level with her.
"If they ask, you can tell them whatever you want," Alexander said firmly. "You can tell them the truth, or you can tell them it's none of their business. You own your story, Sofia. No one else gets to tell it for you."
"What if I don't know what to say?"
"Then you say nothing. And you walk away. I will be in my office all day. If you want to come home after ten minutes, you call me, and I will be there before you hang up the phone. I promise."
She searched his eyes, looking for the lie. She didn't find one.
"Okay," she breathed out, her shoulders dropping slightly.
He drove her to the school, parking a block away from the busy drop-off zone to avoid drawing attention. He walked her to the front doors, stopping at the edge of the sidewalk.
"Have a good day," he told her, offering a small, reassuring smile.
She turned to face the large brick building, taking a deep breath. Then, she turned back and hugged him tightly around the waist.
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"I'll see you at three-thirty, Dad," she said.
She walked into the school, her head held high. Alexander waited until she disappeared through the doors before walking back to his car, his heart swelling with an immense, protective pride.
