Chapter 35: Moving On?
Sophie's POV...
It's been a month since Billy vanished through the swirling, rainbow-colored portal. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him. A lot. But as time passed, it became clear—we all needed to move on. Me, Leo, even Dad... Dr. Gavin Pierce.
"And I should also forget about you," I muttered, tossing Billy's comic book into the trash bin. The words barely left my lips when I heard the soft click of my door closing.
"You probably should, sister," Leo said, strolling into the room. I was slouched in my armchair, staring blankly at my PC screen.
"Looks like I'm not the only one thinking about moving on," I said, turning to face him.
"Yeah, we gotta focus on our studies and other important stuff," Leo replied, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Okay..." I sighed, glancing at the computer screen.
"Oh, don't worry," Leo said with a smirk, "I'll find you a new boyfriend."
I raised an eyebrow. "Who said I needed one?"
"You haven't been yourself since he left," Leo said, eyes gleaming. "Figured a new boyfriend would save my siz from all this boredom."
I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "Speaking of 'newfound love,' do you mind telling me about your new friend?"
With a swift press of the return key, Leo's photo popped up on the screen—a picture of him hugging a petite, blonde, light-skinned girl. Her smile was bright, and his arm was around her waist.
The color drained from Leo's face. "How long did you think that was going to stay a secret?" I laughed, leaning back in my chair. "I already showed Dad this picture. 'They're perfect,' he said, smiling."
Leo groaned, annoyed, and looked away. "Okay, okay. Who is she?" I pressed, catching his hesitation.
Leo stiffened, then turned to leave, but I wasn't done.
"Hey, bro..." I called, jogging after him.
I caught up with him just as we reached the sitting room. Dad was there, standing frozen in the middle of the room. Then, in a flash of fury, he smashed a glass on the floor, sending shards flying in all directions. He wasn't done—he turned and flipped the glass table, the crash echoing through the house.
"Damnit!" Dad roared, his voice raw with frustration. He spun around, only to see Leo and me standing in the doorway, wide-eyed and speechless.
Embarrassed, he slumped onto the floor, his face filled with regret. Leo and I rushed over to his side.
"Dad, are you okay?" I asked, kneeling beside him. His face was pale, and his eyes avoided mine. I placed a hand on his arm, searching his face for an answer.
"Dad?" I called again, and this time he met my gaze—heartbroken.
"What's up, Daddy?" Leo asked, his voice full of concern.
Dad sighed deeply, pointing at the TV. "Him... on TV," he muttered weakly.
We turned, and our eyes locked onto the CNN broadcast flashing across the screen.
"NEW ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ERA: Arrival of Dr. Wong, aka Tech-Man, with Powerful AI Weapons."
"There's only one genius in a classroom of students. And here Dr Wong aka Tech-man has proved that he's the only true inventor and innovist among those that exist. Have you heard of AI weapons?... Today Dr Wong will open the door to real technology fantasies...." The news reporter said and the camera shifted to man if dad's age.
The camera zoomed in on a man in his mid-60s—a Chinese man with silver hair and thick goggles. His serious face radiated power and authority, yet he was a complete stranger to us.
Dad coughed, pulling us back to reality.
"I've tried my best to invent something... but nothing has come of it. I've created nothing recognizable," Dad said, slumping deeper into the sofa. "I'm nothing," he added, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.
I exchanged a glance with Leo. His face softened, then he stood and placed a hand on Dad's shoulder.
"C'mon, Dad. This is what they call competition," Leo said, his voice firm. "If he's succeeded, you can too. You've got more potential than anyone."
"Yeah, you need to pull yourself together, Daddy," I added, locking eyes with him. "We believe in you, Dr. Gavin."
Leo stood beside me, putting his arm around my shoulders. Dad's eyes searched ours, as if questioning our sincerity.
"Really?" Dad asked, his voice cracking.
Leo grinned. "What do you think? You've got all the potential in the world."
*Krrrrng!
Leo's phone rang, cutting the moment short. He quickly pulled it out, and I glanced at the caller ID. The name read "Ling ❤️🌹."
I raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, I gotta pick my girlfriend's call," Leo said quickly, rushing out of the room.
I turned back to Dad and helped him up from the floor.
"Since when did Leo start having girlfriends?" he asked, looking puzzled.
I chuckled. "I don't know. And it's a Chinese lady, to be sure."
Dad's eyes widened. "Wait, a WHAT?"
' Could Ling and Wong have a connection?' I wondered.
To Be Continued...