I haven't written a fanfic in years, and for some reason felt the urge to write this. It's my first foray into the WaT universe, and thought I would write something D/E since there isn't much out there about them.
I hope you enjoy.
Through the Years
Chapter One: Setting the Scene
"Mom! I'm home!" Sofie shouted from the front door as she dropped her heavy knapsack on the ground with a thud and shut the door quickly behind her to keep the cold air out.
A big ball of fur jumped up from his spot on the rug in front of the door and welcomed Sofie with a bark.
"Hi Tiago, how are you buddy?" Sofie said giving her dog a big hug as he happily licked her face.
Tiago, a Bernese puppy, was given to Sofie for her tenth birthday a few months earlier and already the dog was almost as big as she was. He was a loyal and loving dog, whom had a sixth sense to know exactly when to lie down on the rug in the front hall to wait for Sofie's impending return home from school.
She gave Tiago one more squeeze before letting him go and resumed what she was doing before her dog clobbered her.
She was working on taking off her boots when she heard familiar footsteps come from down the hall and before she knew it her scarf was being unwound and her winter hat plucked off the top of her head.
"Hola mamita…how was school today?"
Sofie looked up at the smiling face of her mother and quickly gave her a kiss and a hug. Tiago danced around their feet, happy to finally have some company.
"It was great. Miss Rodriguez gave us a new writing assignment for the weekend and I think it's going to be lots of fun to do!" she said as she pulled back and turned to finally acknowledge the fit of gurgles and giggles that was in front of her.
"Hi Tony, have you been good for mami today?"
Her little 6 month old baby brother Antonio was riding on Elena's hip and let out a squeal of baby babble in reply as he reached his little arms out towards Sofie.
"Your little brother has been a handful all day. Nana said he was fussy all day when I went to pick him up—I really think he just wants to spend some quality time with you mi hija," Elena said with a smile, passing Tony over to cuddle and taking hold of Tiago's collar to calm him down a bit.
Tony placed a few wet kisses on Sofie's face and proceeded to bat his hands on her face as he squirmed happily in her arms.
"I missed you little guy," she said with a smile, placing a kiss on his forehead. "We should do something fun this weekend together, maybe go skating?"
"That sounds like a good idea—you'll have to ask your father tonight when he gets home. Hopefully he won't be working this weekend so we can all go together, k?"
"I'll ask him at dinner," Sofie said as she spun Tony around in a little small circle, Tiago following along as if it was their own little dance.
"What's your school assignment about?" Elena asked as they made their way down the hall towards the warm kitchen, Tiago trailing behind them. Sofie could smell that her mom had been baking and was hoping there was a fresh sheet of cookies just waiting for her to pounce on.
"It's my autobiography. I have to write about things that have happened in my life. We've been learning about chronology and Miss Rodriguez thought it would be a good exercise to write about things we can remember since we were born and share at least one of the memories with the class in a presentation next week."
"That sounds like a really fun project to do, I'm sure you'll have lots to say, si?" Elena asked as they walked into the kitchen.
"Definitely! I want to start on it right away," she stated as she walked over to the side and placed Tony into his play pen. He started to protest being left alone but was quickly pacified as Sofie handed him his favourite stuff dog toy which he eagerly grabbed onto. Tiago plopped himself down on the doggie cushion next to the play pen, resting his head on top of his paws and kept an eye on his family closely.
"That's a smart idea, especially if we do end up going skating this weekend," Elena said to her daughter as she shuffled around in the kitchen, getting things ready for dinner later that night.
"Would it be possible if I look through the photo boxes for some pictures? Miss Rodriguez said we have to include some photos that match up with the things we write about."
"That's fine sweetie, I'll get the boxes down from the closet after dinner."
"Gracias mami."
Sophie was in her room working in front of her computer, staring at the blank screen of the word document as the cursor blinked at her as if it was willing her to begin.
Tiago had followed and had settled himself down on Sofie's bed—enjoying her fluffy comforter much too much. He was such a smart dog that he was already facing the door; ready to jump off the bed the second his parents showed up. He wasn't supposed to be on the bed, but Sofie didn't mind and he was going to take every bit he could get!
Sofie placed her hands on the keyboard and took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts, and began to type.
My name is Sofie and while I live a great life with my family, it hasn't always been this way. In fact, you could say that I have lived two very different lives and that there are times when I just wish and pray that nothing will ruin the life I have now.
I don't remember much of the first few years of my life—I don't think it's even possible for little kids to remember things from so long ago—but I do remember a time when my Mom and Dad were very happy, and in turn I was very happy.
"…and the Prince and Princess lived happily ever after," Carlos read, finishing the last page of the storybook before shutting it quietly.
He glanced down at his almost three-year-old daughter and his heart filled with pride. Her eyes were drooping and you could tell she was struggling to stay awake.
"Read again Daddy?" she asked softly, her hand reaching up to rub against the side of his cheek.
"That was the second time already sweetie, it's time for you to close your eyes and get some sleep. It's way past your bedtime," Carlos replied, grabbing her small hand and placing a kiss on the knuckles.
"I want Mama," Sofie whimpered softly, hugging her LuLu doll tighter to her.
"Mama will be back as soon as she can, remember how I told you that work sent her on a very important trip?"
"Yeah."
"She'll be home before you know it sweetie—I bet anything she cannot wait to see you again."
"If Mama comes home tonight, can you wake me up?"
Carlos nodded and leaned down to tuck his daughter.
"Good night Sofie," he said as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"'Night Daddy."
Carlos switched off the lamp next to her bed and quietly made his way out of the small bedroom.
He headed to the kitchen to finish cleaning up and was halfway in finishing the dishes when he heard the front door being softly opened and closed.
He looked up as his beautiful girlfriend appeared before him. Elena looked tired and frazzled, stress written all over her exquisite features. She dropped her bag and keys on the kitchen counter and walked over to Carlos.
"Elena?" Carlos asked, his voice ladled with concern.
She did not reply and simply threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Are you ok?" Carlos asked, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and holding her tight. He could feel her leaning heavily against him.
After a few minutes of silence, Elena pulled back.
"Sorry, I just really needed that. It's been a pretty rough few days," Elena said with a sigh, while placing a soft kiss on Carlos' lips.
"Did you complete your assignment?" he asked, tucking a strand of hair behind Elena's right ear.
"Yeah, we were able to bust the perp, but it was just awful the conditions and the …" Elena began, thinking back to the last few days.
"Shhh…don't talk about it, just leave everything outside of this apartment."
"I'm sooo unbelievably tired right now Carlos, I think I could sleep for weeks."
"Then lets go, you need your rest," Carlos said, taking Elena's hand and leading her towards their bedroom.
"Let me just check in on Sofie, I missed her the last few days," Elena said, stopping in front of a door decorated with a Disney princess cutout.
Elena quietly slipped into the room, walking towards Sofie's bed and sitting down softly at the foot of her bed. She watched her daughter for a few moments, happily observing her sleeping peacefully.
"She's gotten bigger the last few days," Elena quietly said, looking back towards Carlos who was standing by the door.
"I always feed her well," Carlos replied with a smile.
Elena shook her head as she turned to look back at Sofie. She knew Carlos' prowess in the kitchen was next to nothing, and could imagine the last few days of greasy takeout pizza, chow mien and burgers. She quickly adjusted the blanket that Sofie had kicked out and leant down and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Sweet dreams Sofia."
She stood up and walked back towards Carlos when she heard her daughter shift in her bed.
"Mami?" her quiet voice murmured, rubbing her eyes slightly and looking at her parents who were standing by the door.
"Hola mamita," Elena said with a smile, walking back towards the bed. "What are you doing up so late?"
"I was waiting for you to come home. I missed you," Sofie said, stretching her arms up towards her mother.
"I missed you too Sofie," Elena said, scooping up her daughter and placing another kiss on her. "But, I think it's time for you to go back to sleep. It's very late."
"Can you and Daddy read a story to me?"
"Sofie, you've already heard two stories tonight," Carlos said with a stern voice.
"Pretty please?" Sofie pleaded, giving her parents a sad face.
"Alright, Dad and I will read you one quick story and then you have to promise to go to sleep afterwards, comprende?" Elena reasoned with her, tucking her back into bed.
Sofie nodded eagerly as she watched her father sit on the small chair next to her bed and grabbed the storybook and passed it over to Elena.
She snuggled into her pillows some more as the calm voice of her mother began to wash over and soothed her to sleep…
But that time didn't last long and my Mom and Dad began arguing all the time and fighting. Mom once told me that she loved Dad very much and wanted more than anything to marry him, but Dad just would not grow up and act like an adult.
I remember nights when I would be in my room trying to block out the yelling and arguing that was happening. Dad's job would always send him on assignments when he would be weeks to even months undercover and when he did return, he and Mom would fight all the time.
They fought about everything and anything and there were some nights when Dad came home from drinking that I would worry for Mom. She's the strongest person I know and I can still remember many times catching her crying in her room.
I remember it was a few weeks before my fifth birthday when Mom came into my room and made an important announcement.
"Sofie, sweetie, come over here please," Elena said, as she sat down on her daughter's bed and patted the spot next to her.
Sofie scampered over to her bed and looked up at her mom, expectantly.
"I need your help to pack up some of your things so we can bring it with us to Nana Isabel's place."
"Why?"
"Daddy and I spoke last night and we've decided it would be a good idea if we stayed over at grandma's place for a little while."
"Was that what you were fighting about last night?" Sofie asked quietly, remembering the events of the previous night.
Elena smiled sadly, her heart breaking that her daughter had to overhear what was going on.
"Yes baby, I just think its best if your Dad and I spent some time apart—so we don't fight all the time."
"Do you not love Daddy anymore?" Sofie asked, confused.
"Sofie, a part of me will always love your Dad, but sometimes things don't always work out and I not only have to do what is best for me, but also for you," Elena said, trying to explain to her daughter the situation.
"Will I get to see Daddy?"
"Of course. Your father loves you very much and we'll work something out so that you can spend time with him. Is that ok?" Elena asked, looking directly into her daughter's eyes.
"Yeah, I just don't want you fighting anymore."
"I know sweetie, I'm sorry about that," Elena said, giving her daughter a hug. "What do you say you pick a few of your favorite toys to take with you and I'll start packing some of your clothes?"
"Alright Mami," Sofie said, slowly getting off the bed and walking over to the shelf she kept her toys.
Elena watched as her daughter picked out a few things and felt a sense of relief that she took the news rather well. It was long overdue, and she needed to take care of herself and her daughter now.
We stayed with Nana Isabel for a few weeks. I know Mom and Dad met regularly to try to work things out, but ultimately it became obvious that they were no longer on the same page. I think a part of Mom was happy that they both came to an agreement in their relationship—it was like the ten ton gorilla was off her back now.
Dad got promoted and was working so much that I hardly saw him except for moments scattered here and there. A part of me wished I was more upset that I was spending less and less time with him, but for some reason I was ok with it.
Mom decided she wanted a fresh start and a clean break away from the NYPD. She took on an opportunity that was offered to her from the FBI and we moved together to Quantico for almost five months as Mom went through the rigour that was the FBI Academy.
It was a very demanding period for Mom during her FBI training. She was one of only three women in her class and also the only one who had a child to care for after long days of classes and exercises.
Mom ended up graduating in the top five of her class, and I was so proud of her during the graduation ceremony.
"Mom!!!" Sofie shouted, dashing her way through the swarm of people in front of her and making her way quickly towards the staging area where she knew her mother was.
"Sofie?" Elena said loudly, looking around to find where she heard her daughter's voice coming from.
"Mom!" Sofie shouted again, finally seeing her mother and making her turn around towards her voice. She bolted towards her and jumped into her awaiting arms. "You did it Mami!" Sofie said with a big smile, reigning kisses on her mother's face in happiness.
"I did!" Elena said with a laugh, half spinning her daughter around as she broke into a fit of giggles.
"Sofia Maria Delgado!" a stern voice said, approaching them quickly.
They both turned to see Elena's mother Isabel walking towards them followed by Elena's cousin Gloria and her family.
"What have I told you about running off like that in a crowded place?" Isabel said with a firm voice, her seriousness being placated by the smile that tugged on her lips.
"Sorry Nana, I just wanted to see mami," Sofie said in a regretful voice. "I won't do it again."
Elena settled Sofie back on the ground as she gave her mom and cousin a hug and kiss each.
"Thank you for coming to support me mami, you know I wouldn't be ale to do any of this without you," Elena said to her mom.
"I'm very proud of you Elena. You've accomplished much more than I ever imagined for you and look at you now!" Isabel said with a warm smile, hugging her daughter tightly.
"Special Agent Elena Delgado!" Gloria said with a laugh, giving Sofie a hug.
"And a big thank you to you too Gloria. I wouldn't have been able to get through the past months without your support and help with Sofie."
"Anytime Elena. You know family means everything and I was just happy to spend some time with you and Sofie! I don't think we've done that since we were teenagers and my family moved from New York to Virginia," Gloria said rapidly. "You better come and visit us often because we're going to miss you lots now."
"Where are we going now? We aren't staying with Auntie Gloria anymore?" Sofie asked, looking up at her mom.
"No, we're going to move back to New York. The Bureau has already given me a temporary assignment out of their New York field office. We'll find a new place to stay and we'll be close to Nana. What do you think?" Elena asked, crouching down to look at her daughter.
"I'd like that, I missed home."
"Great! But, before we worry about our move back, I think there's a dinner reservation at our favorite Italian place for a celebratory dinner. Let's go!"
Sofie grabbed her mom's hand eagerly as they all proceeded to walk across the large manicured lawn towards the parking lot.
We moved back to New York the weekend after and stayed with Nana Isabel again until Mom found a perfect apartment for us. It was a ten minute walk from Nana's and wasn't too far from Mom's office either.
That September I started first grade while Mom began working various assignments within the New York field office for the FBI. I sometimes saw Dad on the weekends and spent a little bit more time with him now I was back in the City. I always looked forward to the time we spent together as we usually did something fun like going to see a Yankee game or visiting the park.
In the New Year Mom was given a permanent assignment with the FBI's Missing Person Unit. She would join a team that's main objective was to find missing people. I knew Mom was hoping to be assigned a job that would allow her to spend more time with me, but I could tell she was excited about her new job and doing something she felt was important.
Mom's schedule at work became very demanding and there were many days when she'd still be at work when Nana Isabel tucked me in to bed at night. Sometimes I was angry that she was spending so much time at work and not looking after me, but I knew what she was doing was important and that if there was anyway she could get away from work, she would do it in a heartbeat.
The first few months Mom worked MPU was a huge adjustment period, she had to juggle so many things. But, we soon fell in to a rhythm and with the help of Nana Isabel, we were able to do it.
After probably a year working with the MPU, Mom came into my room after dinner and said she wanted to talk to me about something important…I was getting used to these "important talks" in my bedroom by now…
"Sofie, I have something important to talk to you about," Elena began, perching herself at the foot of her daughter's bed.
"Ok, I'm listening," Sofie replied, placing the book she was reading on the nightstand next to her bed.
Elena took a deep breath and tried to gather her thoughts. This was the first time she had such a talk with her daughter, as she was rather lost as to how to word what she needed to say.
"You know that you're my number one priority and that there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, right?" Elena began, still searching for the right words in her head.
"Of course, I know that already mami," Sofie replied, not sure where her mother was going with this.
"And, you also know that besides spending time and taking care of you, my life is very busy with work and my duties for the FBI, right?"
"Yes," Sofie said, giving her mother a look that she should get to the point. She could already tell her mom was nervous and trying to gather her thoughts properly.
"So, the last few years I've been basically focused on you and work…and I haven't had much time for myself or to do anything like…date," Elena finished, slightly exacerbated that she was saying these things to her seven-year-old daughter.
"Mom, is this about Uncle Danny?" Sofie offered, realizing what her mother was trying to get at.
Elena gave out a small laugh and shook her head. Leave it to Sofie to figure out what was going on.
Since her separation with Carlos she had kept a non-existent social life. Her world did really revolve around her daughter and her job, and she did not have the time or the care to date or find somebody to fill that void in her life. Sure, there were plenty of offers from various men over time, but she wasn't interested in random flings when there was so much at stake and to consider. Plus, most guys she did meet were not all that receptive to the fact that she was a single mom—and her daughter would always come first regardless.
"What about Danny?" Elena asked, eyeing her daughter suspiciously.
"He already talked to me about what was going on," she replied emphatically.
"He did? When did this take place mamita?" Elena asked, not knowing what her daughter was referring to.
"He called Nana Isabel yesterday and asked to speak to me."
"Really? Why did he want to talk to you?" Elena asked in surprise, half wondering why her mother failed to mention this to her.
"It wasn't anything special, we just talked for a little bit," Sofie said with a smile, already remembering the conversation she had with Danny.
"Care to share with your mother what it was all about?" Elena prodded, slightly humored that Danny was calling Sofie.
"He just told me that he was enjoying spending time with you and wanted to know if it was ok if he took me out to dinner next week."
"He asked you out to dinner? What did you say?" Elena said, raising her eyebrow at what her daughter was saying.
"That's what he said! I told him he would have to ask you about it…and then he said that he wanted to invite you along too…"
"He did huh?"
"Yup. I think Uncle Danny likes you mami. He wouldn't stop talking about you and he asked how I felt if you spent more time with him," Sofie said seriously, saying her words with much importance.
"And how would you feel if I spent more time with Danny, mamita? Would that be alright?" Elena asked softly, knowing her question wasn't something she had ever asked her daughter before.
"I'd like that very much," Sofie said with a giggle.
"Oh yeah? Why's that?"
"You smile a lot with Danny and I know he makes you happy," Sofie said, to the point.
"You, mamita, are too smart for your own good," Elena said with a smile, amazed that her daughter was already giving her relationship advice.
"That's why you love me so much," Sofie replied, not missing a beat and giving her mom a huge smile.
Elena laughed again and slowly stood up. She leant down and placed a kiss on her daughter's forehead quickly.
"I'm glad you are ok with this Sofie. I wouldn't be asking you how felt about this if it wasn't important to me. Danny's a good guy and I'm happy you like him so much."
"We'll have dinner together next week?"
"I'll let you know when the plans are made, ok? Perhaps you want to pick out the restaurant?"
Sofie nodded as she leant up to give her mom a quick kiss on her cheek before grabbing her book again. Elena gave her another smile before exiting her daughter's room.
Sofie smiled to herself—she was happy whenever her Mom was happy.
I guess that was the start of my Mom's relationship with Uncle Danny. Looking back now, I am very grateful that my Mom was so open and forthcoming with what was going on in her life. She didn't have to tell me what was going on or include me into her decision making, but she always made a point to talk to me and ask me how I felt about everything. She knew anything that was going to happen in her life would have a huge impact on mines.
As Mom's relationship with Danny began to grow more and more serious, I began to spend more time with him and could see why Mom was so happy with him. He was understanding and supportive of her and in turn of me and never did I ever feel as though he didn't want me around. Danny even took me to my first Hannah Montana concert and happily sung along with the songs with me every chance he got.
I was so happy during this time, and the fact that Mom was just as happy made everything perfect for me. But, with all good things, they never seem to last long.
The situation with my Dad became more volatile over time. The few times I spent with him each month were oftentimes awkward. I love my Dad very much, but it became obvious that he couldn't be the steady influence in my life that I needed. I'm not sure if this developed because of Mom, or Nana, or whomever—but I could sense a lot of tension from both sides.
"Hi Daddy, how are you?" Sofie said taking the phone from her mother and spinning around on the kitchen stool.
"Sofie! My baby, it's so great to hear your voice," Carlos said over the phone, a big smile on his face.
"Guess what I did today at school?" Sofie rattled off, as Elena watched her intently from behind the counter as she washed some vegetables for their dinner that night.
Sofie continued to talk animatedly to her father over the phone as she recalled her day in great detail for him. Elena kept herself busy preparing dinner as their conversation eventually began to wind down.
"So I'll see you this Saturday sweetie?" Carlos asked.
"Jamia's birthday party is Saturday…and I promised her I would go…" Sofie explained, looking up at her Mom.
"This Saturday? Are you sure? I have tickets to the Yankees game—right behind the Yankees' dugout—and I want you to go with me."
Elena extended her hand out, gesturing for Sofie to pass the phone to her.
"Dad, Mom wants to speak to you…I'll talk to you later!" Sofie said, quickly passing the phone over to her mother.
"Carlos, I told you about this birthday party a few weeks ago. You agreed to pick her up afterwards and she could spend the night with you," Elena said, tucking the phone in the crook of her neck as she continued working on dinner.
"I don't remember agreeing to that Elena, this Saturday is my day with Sofie and I already made plans," Carlos said, his voice becoming more agitated.
"I'm sorry you don't remember our conversation about this, but Sofie has been looking forward to this party all week now. Jamia's one of her closest friends and you know she'll be disappointed if she doesn't go…"
"Of course she wants to go! When you tell her she needs to go and say it's important…"
"Carlos, I don't want to argue with you about this. I cannot reschedule this birthday party and—"
"You're not the one getting less time with their daughter!" Carlos snapped, cutting Elena off mid-sentence.
Sofie looked up from the workbook she was working on, clearly having heard her father's voice through the phone. Elena gave her a small smile before ducking towards her room to continue the conversation away from Sofie's ears.
When Dad tried to get full custody of me, he unleashed a ball of fury from Mom as she fought him tooth and nail. If anybody would have asked me how I felt about the situation back then, I would have told them I was perfectly happy with my Mom and seeing my Dad whenever the opportunity arose. It didn't help that my Dad and Danny had a long history dating back to when they were little kids—Dad wasn't too happy when he found out that Mom and Danny were dating and I guess something inside of him just snapped.
I remember the day Dad took me away as a huge blur. I didn't understand why Dad would do something like that if he loved me as much as he said he did. It was very scary seeing him act that way and even to this day, I have never seen my mother look so afraid and scared.
I know my Dad regretted doing what he did, and I have learnt to forgive him for what he did. But, no matter what, I can never ever forget what happened and have so many conflicted feelings when it comes to my Dad.
Following the incident with Dad, Mom became very on edge about everything. She was constantly checking up on me, making sure I was alright and looking over our shoulders.
Mom and Danny slowly began to rebuild their relationship again following the kidnapping. They were both guarded somewhat because of the role their relationship had played in Dad's actions, but they soon came to realize that staying apart was exactly what Dad wanted, and they wouldn't allow that at all.
One month passed, then another, and then a few more, and before I knew it, an entire year had gone by and Mom and Danny were still going strong and totally in love with each other. I've read and heard many stories over the years about a boy and girl falling in love, and the Prince sweeping his Princess off her feet. I know while most of the time this rarely happens, I couldn't help but imagine Mom and Danny in their own version of the classic fairytale.
It wasn't until—
"Sofia! Could you please set the table for me?"
Elena's shout snapped Sofie out of her train of thought, as she glanced towards where the voice was coming from.
"Coming!" she shouted back, quickly saving the file she was working on.
She made her way down the flight of stairs and entered the kitchen a few seconds later, Tiago diligently following closely behind her.
Elena was at the stovetop, peering through the glass of the oven door to see if her lasagna was done. Satisfied that it was to her liking, she grabbed two pot holders and carefully took out the large baking dish and placed it on the counter to cool. Tony was still happily playing in his playpen, banging two plastic toys against each other that continually amused him to no end.
"That smells real good mami," Sofie said, eagerly taking in the wonderful aroma wafting throughout the kitchen. She walked over to a drawer and grabbed some utensils before taking the stack of plates on the counter and setting the kitchen table.
"I'll cut you an extra large piece then," Elena said as she walked towards the pantry to put together Tiago's dinner.
"Is Dad on his way home yet?" Sofie asked, placing the last plate down on the placemat. Her father was usually home by this time, but he could also be working on a case that required him to stay longer.
"He called awhile ago—he should be home any minute," Elena replied, returning into the kitchen with a full dish of doggie kibble in her hands. She placed it on the floor in front of the sink and Tiago charged over and happily began chomping his dinner.
Sofie helped her Mom finish setting up the table by taking the salad out of the fridge as Elena picked up Tony and placed him gently against her chest as she settled into her high-back chair.
As both Tony and Tiago happily ate their meals, Sofie could hear the recognizable sound of the front door opening and closing followed by the familial set of footsteps coming down the hall and towards the kitchen.
Her dad was finally home.
TBC
Please R&R!