Chapter Eight
Sofia sighed to herself as she flopped down on her bed. Still haven't heard from her...
It had been just over two months since she'd issued her ultimatum to her parents, and for a week or so, it had seemed to work- they had each spent time with her, separately, although they never, as far as she could tell, spent time together alone. Nor had they ever seemed to really resolve the problems between them. Whenever all three of them had ended up in a room together, the atmosphere grew thick enough to skate on, but the air was never cleared. Sofia had actually been relieved when they started spending one-on-one time with her. It was just easier to relax without both of them there...
Or it had been until, abruptly, six weeks ago, with no real warning, Clea had appeared distracted, then announced that there was trouble 'at home', and she had to go. Omitting to mention what the trouble was, she'd hastily promised Sofia that she'd speak with her astrally twice a week, had stared awkwardly at Stephen for a few minutes (he'd pretty much done the same thing, as if he didn't know what to say), then disappeared in a flash. Sofia had only managed to talk to her once since then, and Clea had looked worn out and stressed. She couldn't help but worry. What was going on in this 'Dark Dimension' that was so bad? She'd overheard the name 'Umar' once, but had no idea who or what that was.
She'd asked her dad and Wong, and Wanda, all at different times, and all she'd been told was that Clea could look after herself, things would be alright and she shouldn't worry. Highly helpful- not. Sofia snorted as she thought about it. Maybe she should have offered to go with Clea and help... But then, when she'd suggested that to Wanda a couple of days ago, she'd immediately gotten a very firm 'No'.
And that was another thing. Sofia frowned. For a few days after Clea had left, Dad and Wanda had seemed to be getting on well, spending more time talking... they'd even shared a few of her magic lessons, working together to teach her. That had been fun. Then, for some reason, just after the Fourth of July celebration -Sofia had insisted on them having a party and (magical) fireworks- but in the two weeks that had followed, they'd just drifted apart, or that's what it looked like to Sofia. Now it seemed they only talked if they had to, and she wasn't sure she liked it. She'd thought Dad and Wanda were friends, and had enjoyed the atmosphere in the house without Clea complicating things. It made her feel guilty to say that- she did feel the beginnings of a bond with her mom, but the tension between her and Dad was just... stressful. Now he and Wanda weren't talking either... what would it be like here for Sofia if Wanda left too? She'd been like an aunt or something to Sofia, and they'd gotten really close.
Shaking her head slightly, she tried to ignore those thoughts and went to retrieve a book. A knock at the door distracted her, and she glanced up. "Come in!"
Wanda slipped into the room quietly, a soft, almost sad smile on her face. Her eyes looked duller than usual.
The hairs on the back of Sofia's neck rose up. "What's up?" Her worry about Wanda leaving made her stomach churn. Don't be stupid, she told herself firmly. Wanda's your friend. She wouldn't do that!
Wanda's smile grew, though it seemed a bit forced. "Clea's just gotten back."
Sofia's heart jumped. "Really? Is she OK?" Is she actually going to stay this time?
The older woman nodded. "She's talking to your dad right now. Looks like they're finally sorting things out. I think she'll be here for a while this time."
Sofia couldn't help but grin at the thought. Maybe things would work out after all!
Wanda took a deep breath, as though steeling herself. "Sofia... I think you've noticed that things have been... awkward here lately. Between your dad and me."
Sofia tensed, not liking Wanda's tone. "W-well... yeah, but..."
Wanda spoke over her, as if she had to say this quickly. "He and I have agreed that it's best if I leave for a while, to give you three time as a proper family." And, Wanda thought grimly, For crying out loud don't ask me why, because there's no way I can explain what's led to this. Sofia would hate Stephen- and probably Wanda herself- if she knew.
Sofia's stomach dropped. "What?! But... you..." She didn't know if she even wanted to be here with Dad and Clea if Wanda wasn't here to run to when things got difficult!
Wanda put a hand on Sofia's shoulder, her own eyes already stinging. "Sofia, you know I'll always be here for you if you need me. But I agree with Stephen. You need time to be with just your parents. I'm only going to be in the way." Her free hand curled into a fist. If only Stephen and I hadn't been so reckless... having too much wine, getting carried away... I might've been able to stay here. But not now. Not in this situation. It wouldn't be fair on anyone. She winced as Sofia's face crumpled. "Look, I will stay in touch with you. I'm not going to disappear from your life completely. And you'll still have your parents..." Her words sounded weak. She knew she was still Sofia's closest confidant here. But that role would have to go to Stephen or Clea now.
Sofia turned her back on Wanda, but squared her shoulders. "Just go. I don't think I can talk to you right now." There was a quaver in her voice that made it clear she was holding back tears.
Wanda wanted to hug her, and say it was alright, that she'd stay- but she couldn't. So she turned and left, a silent tear running down her face.
Once she'd closed to door to Sofia's room, she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes, her hands cradling her stomach protectively. How can one night's mistake have changed so many things?
She clenched her teeth, thinking back to that Fourth of July party. She and Stephen had stayed up, side by side on the couch talking, going through two bottles of wine. He'd been reminiscing about Clea, she'd been remembering the times she'd had with Vision, all those years ago... they'd gotten carried away, and she hadn't argued when Stephen's mouth found hers. Then one thing had led to another...
She'd woken in his bed, alone, the following day. He'd hardly spoken to her since. They were friends, and they both knew that night had been a mistake. There had been a mutual unspoken decision never to mention it again.
Then Wanda had realised she was late. The pregnancy test she'd taken just over a week ago had horrified her with its 'positive' result. How could this have happened? They'd slept together once! The timing had been terrible, as she knew that Clea had succeeded in imprisoning Umar in the Dark Dimension and would shortly be returning here, to Stephen and Sofia. Wanda had no doubt that she and Stephen would attempt to reconcile again- Stephen had even said that's what he wanted, while they'd been drunk, that night. Wanda had known then she'd have to leave. She wouldn't abort this pregnancy, but staying here and making Stephen's relationship with Clea even worse than it already was wasn't an option.
It would hurt her to leave Sofia- simply telling the girl she was going had been bad enough- but it was for Sofia's sake, and the unborn child's- that she had to leave. She smiled wryly. Ironic. She had no idea what Stephen was going to tell Clea about her abrupt departure, but that wasn't her problem. Stephen knew about the baby- Wanda had no intention of lying to him as Clea had- but they'd agreed that his being the father would be kept secret. He had also insisted on being able to pay some kind of support, and while that had stung Wanda's pride, she'd agreed. In return, she had stated outright that he could visit if he ever wanted to see the baby, but he needn't tell Sofia and Clea about this child if he didn't want to. That would be up to him. (Wanda had a feeling Wong knew anyway- he seemed to know everything around here.)
She'd already packed, and had told Stephen she'd be leaving today. She hadn't clarified where she was going, and he hadn't asked. She'd kept putting off saying goodbye to Sofia, however, and now with Clea's sudden return... she had to leave, and soon. The last thing she wanted was for Clea to figure out something was wrong and start an argument.
Wanda raised a hand and knocked gently on Sofia's door.
No response.
She bit her lip. "Sofia... I have to go now. I'm sorry. I'll call you as soon as I can. I'll miss you." There were a hundred things she wanted to say, to try and explain, but she couldn't, not without telling Sofia the truth, and what good would that do? Exhaling heavily, she managed to walk away, her heart aching. I wish I could take Sofia with me... But the girl belonged with her parents.
She passed Stephen in the hallway, and he cleared his throat, as if he meant to say something, but he didn't speak. Maybe he didn't know what to say either.
Wanda avoided his eyes. "I've said goodbye to Sofia. She's a bit upset. I've said I'll stay in touch, but..."
Stephen nodded. "I hope you do. She's very fond of you."
Silence reigned for a few minutes. Wanda snapped out of it first. "Say goodbye to Wong and Clea for me."
Stephen nodded, brow furrowing. "I wish..." I wish it hadn't come to this. I wish I hadn't been so damned foolish. "I wish you all the best."
Wanda inclined her head as she moved past him, down the stairs, towards the front door where her bags were piled. "You too. Take care of Sofia. She's a very special girl. I hope... I hope things with Clea work out as you want this time." She walked as she spoke, so she was at the front door quickly. Best to just get this over with. "Look after yourself, Stephen." She opened the door, hefting her bag.
"You too." Stephen's voice was low. "Both of you."
Wanda managed a nod and a smile as she walked out the door. She shouldn't complain- she was free again, with the whole world in front of her! And a baby due in approximately seven months. She squared her shoulders as she headed for the street. She'd get by. They both would. Her and her baby.
Stephen watched her leave, knowing she hadn't heard his 'Sorry' when she departed his house. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd done the wrong thing, but what other option was there? He loved Clea and probably always would, she'd said she wanted to repair their relationship, and there was Sofia to think of... No, Wanda's choice had been the best one. She could have a fresh start with her baby, and he would remain in contact with her for the child's sake, while living with his family. He firmly closed the door and went back inside to where his lover and daughter waited. This is for the best.
To be continued...
