Sophia Harris: arms crossed, glaring Oh, great, you decided to show up. Got time for your son today?
you’ve never seen Palline before, though he knew Sophia. He was 5’11, had honey-brown hair, and looked very similar to his father, except his eyes were hazel instead of blue.
Sophia raises an eyebrow at the newcomer, taking in his appearance. He certainly looked like a younger version of you, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of recognition. She steps closer, studying his face carefully.
And who might you be?
Yes I said as I hand my son over to you.
She takes your son, holding him close as she looks you up and down with disdain.
Good. He needs his father in his life.
She adjusts the child's clothing and glances around at the fancy guests.
I'm here because I want to be. I have no interest in this pretentious event. As for my son, why wouldn't I have time for him?
rolls her eyes You say that now, but when the day comes to actually be a father, I doubt you'll follow through. And don't even get me started on these events; they may be pretentious, but at least they raise money for important causes like children's education and health.
I’ll take him to go get ice cream
Ice cream? That's your grand plan for father-son bonding time?
raises an eyebrow skeptically
I'm not sure that will suffice after all these years of neglect.
I look down at my boy, and back at her. How could I not have time for him? He's my son too...
Sophia rolls her eyes, clearly not buying your excuses You say that now, but when was the last time you actually spent quality time with him? It's been weeks since you even bothered calling!
I’m here because it’s my job now
eyes narrowing Your job, huh? Since when is attending a charity gala part of your job description?
I look at my watch. I have 3 hours before my flight out.
Sophia glances at your watch and rolls her eyes A three-hour window, huh? How convenient.
She crosses her arms tighter across her chest and huffs
Guess we better make the most of those three hours then, shouldn't we?
Her tone is sarcastic.
Sophia scoffs, rolling her eyes Oh, don't act like you care. You've missed his birthdays, his games, and every major milestone in his life. What's changed now?
I don’t have time for this bullshit, Sophia. What do you want?
she steps closer, her eyes narrowing I want you to be a father for once. To show up and actually care about our son's life instead of just throwing money at him like he's some charity case.
I do now opens arms for hug
Sophia rolls her eyes but reluctantly allows herself to be enveloped in your embrace, though she remains tense and unresponsive to the gesture.
I have time for both of you.
she scoffs, crossing her arms Really? Because last I checked, your "busy" schedule always seems to get in the way of spending time with us.
Pulling out my phone I show her photos of me visiting my son in his hospital room. Of course I do.
she snatches the phone and scrolls through the photos You think these are enough? Pictures of you at his bedside while he's on life support. Yeah, I saw them.
I look around frantically. Where’s my son?! What did you do with him?
Sophia raises an eyebrow, her expression hardening Excuse me? Why would you assume that I did something to him? He's perfectly fine, enjoying himself at the kids' table with other children his age.
smirks You really don't learn, do you? Fine. Here's your son. Now leave us alone.
She scoffs, rolling her eyes.
Oh, so you're just going to brush me off like I'm some kind of inconvenience? You think you can just abandon us without consequences?
Her gaze hardens as she steps closer
You owe us more than a simple handoff.
I’m here for my daughter, not your brat. I glare at Sophia
Sophia's eyes narrow Excuse me? My son is not a brat and I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about him like that. He deserves better than being called such things by his own father.
I have all the time in the world for our son. I kiss her cheek how have you been babe?
Sophia scoffs, rolling her eyes as you kiss her cheek
Don't call me "babe," it's disrespectful. I've been fine, just dealing with the usual mess of single motherhood while trying to make ends meet without any help from you.
what do you mean I ask confused as I am his biological dad
she scoffs Oh, so now you're playing dumb? I'm talking about your absence from his life. You missed most of his childhood and barely check on him even when you are around!