Chapter Eight

Sophia

''Are you alright?'' I turn to look at Brody before reaching towards him near the sofa, seeing him playing with his fingers as he zones out. ''You know that you can tell me anything. I'm all ears,''

Brody's eyes meet mine in an instant, ''Can you help me, Sophia?'' He asks.

Ever since Dimitri left for Dubai a couple of days ago, Brody has been zoning out a bit more than usual and it seems like he always have something to say but prefer to keep quiet. Even though Dimitri will be back in New York tonight but him being away has caused Brody to react this way—it's quiet worth questioning but it's like I'm left in the dark.

''Only if it's legal,'' I joke and he starts to chuckle. ''What is it?''

''Actually . . . we have this thing called 'Introduce Your Hero' in our class today where we're supposed to bring one of our parents but since dad isn't here, I was hoping you could take his place instead.'' He replies, showing off his pearly whites—in order to convince me on agreeing.

''But, you do know that I'm just a waitress, right? I'm not anything special like your dad,'' I respond.

''You are special just like dad. You serve people's food so that they won't starve and dad provides shelter to those who are in need,'' He continues to speak while I wonder—just how can this young boy in front of me appear to be seven years old yet full of wisdom and words to say. ''Please, please, Sophia . . . can you please help me? The other kids are bringing their mum and dad,'' He pouts.

The way his eyes are shining brightly with hope as he tries his best to hold back the tears from forming, I can't help but give in. There's just something about this kid that would make me even buy him the entire world if that's possible; he's like a small form and much more fragile version of Dimitri. At times, I see the similarities that they both have whenever they stand next to each other, watch TV together which is obvious because he's the dad.

''Okay, I'll help you.'' I smile.

''You're the best!'' To my surprise, he pulls me in for a hug before wrapping his arms around my neck while I awkwardly pat onto his back, not expecting him to be this happy.

Maybe, just maybe, it's because of the sight of his smile or the way his eyes twinkle with hope or happiness. It's as if I'm attached and I couldn't find a way or an excuse to back off but there's just something about Brody, there's something that as a kid . . . it'd be very difficult to hide but for Brody, he does it well—maybe, it's because of how much he wants Dimitri to be around but he can't seem to find the rights to utter them.

So, it doesn't take me long to call Luke and tell him that I'll be a little late for work:

''Wait, you have a son?'' He says from the other line which causes me to furrow my brows and turn to look at Brody who appears to be smiling as he runs into his room to get his books.

I clear my throat, ''When did I even say that I have a son?''

''You told me you're going to your son's school—there's this class activity to introduce their heroes?'' He replies, his voice sounds as if he's unsure. ''Wait, you didn't tell me you were a mother when I interviewed.'' He adds.

''No, he's my housemate's son and he has this class activity. Since his dad can't show up, I'm going in to take his place.'' I respond, walking towards the front door with Brody pushing the door open before we both step out, heading straight towards the elevator—where we would head down towards the lobby and make our way to his school.

''Right . . . that sounds much better than what I thought I heard,'' He chuckles. ''Look, you don't have to come in for work today. Besides, we're not very busy today or any other day, to be honest . . . you can go ahead and introduce yourself as a hero.''

That's the thing about Luke—knowing him for only a few days, he seems to be very understanding. When I found out that he's actually the owner of the café and not just the manager, I kind of reacted weirdly . . . more correctly, I was surprised. He's not that much older than me, he's actually younger than Dimitri which is why him being my boss is kind of a surprise. Luke appears more mature and adult-like for his age even though, yes he is much older than me.

Up till today, I still wonder just how calm he has been. He hasn't even freaked out or get angry for not having enough customers everyday, he seems to be completely fine about it while us, his employees are somewhat freaking out and even more worried about our future.

''Thanks, Luke. I'm going to have to work overtime soon,'' I reply.

He breathes out, ''You don't have to. Just . . . have fun,''

Both Brody and I walk out of the hotel before entering the car, Dimitri's assigned chauffeur for Brody whenever he has school, driving us down the road and straight towards our destination. Deep down . . . it makes me feel slightly nervous about this whole 'introduce your hero' kind of thing because for one, Brody and I are friends—I consider us that and there's nothing special about my career.

I'm not regretting my decision to help but I'm starting to feel as if I shouldn't have walked out of that door and straight into school, a place where I used to learn and a place I never want to go back again.

''This is my class,'' Brody says, as we both stand in front of the classroom door with both of his eyes looking up into mine.

I nod, ''We should head inside.''

Slowly but surely, we both step inside the classroom with the rest of the kids communicating with their parents. My eyes wander around the room to find men and women in their suits or even uniforms, knowing their career is not something to be played with while I gaze down at my coffee stained apron and beige slacks with white shirt—having my hair up in a ponytail.

I seem to have grabbed a few people's attention as they turn to look at me while Brody grabs onto my hand, pulling me towards the back of the classroom; where there's less people and more space. ''We can wait here,'' He says.

''This place seems . . . cheerful,'' I clear my throat.

''I'm here against my will, too.'' Someone says from beside me which causes me to turn and meet a pair of brown eyes. Both of his eyes are immediately gazing into mine as he gives me his hand, ''Adam,'' He introduces himself as we slowly shake hands, letting me feel the warmth of his touch and the confidence hiding in his grip.

''Sophia . . . but, uh, I'm not here against my will.'' I reply, smiling.

''Ah, your son?'' Adam gestures towards Brody who is currently making his way towards his group of friends, leaving me at the back with this stranger named, Adam beside me.

''No, he's a friend. My friend,'' I respond before turning my body to fully face him—seeing that he's wearing a suit and tie with both of his hands now tucked into his slacks' pockets. ''Do I really look that old to be a mother?'' I ask, raising an eyebrow which causes him to smile back at me, revealing a set of dimples.

''No, you don't. I just assumed that he's your son,'' He continues to speak with both of his eyes slowly wandering over to my features.

''Why aren't you here willingly? Do you hate your kid?'' I jokingly say which causes him to chuckle before turning to look at a group of children, talking as they laugh—leaving me to follow his gaze.

''I don't—I don't have a kid. I'm here for my niece,'' He replies. ''The one over there in a jumpsuit with brown hair. That's her, beautiful isn't she?'' He asks, glancing at my direction for a few seconds before clearing his throat. ''Unwillingly being here for her explains just how much I love her and that I'd do anything for her. She should really consider herself lucky,'' He jokes.

I chuckle, ''Well . . . she's a very beautiful girl.''

''She is.''

''Why are you here instead of her parents? If you don't mind me asking,'' I continue to speak.

''My brother and his wife are out of the country for a few days. They made me babysit because they know how I'd never say no when it comes to Ariana,'' He replies with both of his eyes still looking at his niece, ''And . . . no, I don't mind because why are you here instead of his parents? Are you Brody's friend or—you know? His dad's friend?'' He winks at the end, causing me to scoff.

''You have a way of assuming things, don't you?'' I cross my arms, smiling.

''I'm sorry but my mind is filled with ideas. You don't want to know,'' He teases.

''As disgusting as the idea in your head, no. I'm Brody's friend and I'm also his dad's friend—not in a way you think of. He's in Dubai for work and I'm just helping a small soul,'' I respond with both of my eyes focusing onto the man beside me, taking in his appearance; knowing that just by how he acts, what he wears, how he stands, it shows how much he's a man with power and wealth.

''Good to know but I have a girlfriend so the slot's taken,'' He says.

''You're unbelievable. I wasn't even flirting with you,'' I laugh, seeing him grinning widely as well.

Then, we both just turn to look at the kids talking. It doesn't take me long to continue the conversation, ''I didn't want to come at first because I'm just a waitress, I serve people food and get their drinks while most of the parents here are well-employed. I don't see myself as a hero to be introduced to his classmates but I need to help,'' I say, breaking the silence between us.

''To you, you're just a waitress. To Brody, you're more than that—you're a hero in an apron, serving coffees and scones.'' He replies, making me laugh as he joins me. ''Trust me . . . kids have their own way of seeing things. They're very honest and they are pure, what they see is what they believe. It's best to keep it that way,'' He adds.

''You seem well-experienced,''

''No, not at all. Zero experience in that department,'' He smiles. ''Just very close with my niece and have always been there for her from the moment she was born—I understand how kids are and why they act the way they act. For Ariana, I'm a distraction from her true situation. Both of her parents are always busy and they barely have time for her. So, she sees me as a hero without the cape.''

Before I can utter a few words, the teacher steps inside with a smile plastered on her face.

''Welcome, please have a seat and we'll begin shortly.'' She says.

--

Parent after parent as the minutes went by smoothly, I was busy looking at how the parents describe themselves to the classroom on what they do for a living, how they are a hero to their children and it has made me feel much anxious and self-conscious about myself. They seem to be very good at it while I'm . . . well, being very good at me.

It doesn't take me long to realise that I've been staring at Adam, the man who made me laugh for short five minutes while we were having a conversation at the back as he continues to gaze at his niece before spontaneously smiling back at me; it feels nice, to know I'm not the only one here being for someone else . . . not as a mother or a father, just as a friend.

''As a cardiac surgeon, I actually understand why Ariana sees me as a hero. She would always say that I save people's lives and that I care for other people more than I care for myself but that's not why I'm standing here. I'm standing here for my niece and as her hero in life, knowing that I can inspire her to do great things. Your career doesn't determine what kind of hero you can be and how much money you earn doesn't really bring happiness to your family but being there for them, love them and support them in every way possible is the main concern.'' He speaks, with confidence as everyone turn to focus onto him.

''So . . . what I'm trying to say is that, being a hero is being there for your family and not having a great job or earning a lot of money. I'm glad I'm a part of Ariana's life and that I'm her hero . . . probably her third, after her parents.'' The class laughs, making me smile at him as he does the same, ''At least, we're heroes.'' He stops.

''Thank you, Mr. Sanchez. That was very lovely,'' Ms. Lilian, Brody's teacher says.

The kids begin to clap their hands for Adam as he smiles, heading towards Ariana before giving her a high-five.

''Now . . . with Brody Belrose and hero, Dimitri Belrose.'' She continues to trail off, eyes wandering around the room to look for Dimitri but as soon as she sees me raising my hand, she starts to smile. ''Yes, are you with any of our other students today?'' She asks.

''Actually, I'm here for Brody. Dimitri couldn't make it and as a friend, I thought I'd take his place.'' I reply, ''If it's alright—you know with Adam being here for Ariana . . . I'll be here for Brody—'' Just as I continue to trail off, she surprisingly cut me off which causes me to keep quiet, only looking at her.

''—Mr. Sanchez is Ariana's Sanchez uncle which means that he is related. You, Ms?''

''Thompson,'' I answer.

''You, on the other hand, Ms. Thompson is only a friend of Mr. Belrose and Brody. In fact, I'd like to have a word with you in private. Would you please meet me outside the classroom for awhile?'' She asks, gesturing for me to follow her out of the classroom, seeing Brody frowning his brows in confusion but keeping still, watching me leave the class.

As soon as I'm standing in the middle of the hallway with her, she starts to speak off. ''What are your intentions, Ms. Thompson?'' She asks, both of her eyes glaring into my own but she's trying hard to keep a professional expression; leaving me to just blink a few times, wanting to clear the situation.

''Excuse me? What do you mean?'' I raise an eyebrow.

''Mr. Belrose did not inform me about his absence today. As I've strictly said a few days ago, family members are only allowed. I'm sorry to disappoint but as a friend, you would truly understand.'' She replies, smiling before landing a hand on my shoulder, making me shrug it off.

''You think I'm lying? I'm here for Brody, not for anyone else and as his friend, I truly understand how much this means to him. You, as a teacher, should really see through that. I'm sorry but I'm going back inside and introduce myself as his hero,'' I say, taking a few steps back away from her. ''You can stay here if you disagree,''

She breathes out, ''That is not allowed, Ms. Thompson. I'd like to speak with Mr. Belrose himself to confirm this matter,''

Just as I'm about to respond, someone has already cut me to it which causes both Lilian and I to turn and look at the figure. ''I think if I was given permission to take in my brother's place then it wouldn't be wrong for Ms. Thompson to take over Mr. Belrose's place even without legal confirmation but I'm pretty sure she wouldn't lie, would you, Ms. Thompson?'' Adam turns to look at me, both of his eyes held seriousness.

''No, I would not.'' I answer.

''Then, it's settled. No hard feelings, Ms. Lilian.'' He smiles off before pushing the door open for me as I step inside, leaving Ms. Lilian trailing behind us but with her lips sealed shut—Brody smiling as soon as he sees me standing at the front of the classroom.

''Hi,'' I greet the classroom as they all respond quietly. ''I'm here on behalf of Brody's dad who couldn't make it today since he's in Dubai. Most of you probably know who he is which would really make him a hero if he's the one standing here and doing this. As Brody once said, he sees his dad as a hero who provides shelter to those who are in need and as a waitress, I couldn't help but agree more. I mean, he's a very famous hotel-chain owner.'' I add, earning a few chuckles coming from the parents.

''Brody told me that I'm also a hero because I serve people food when they order and I get coffee stains all over my clothes when they're in a rush for a morning booze but I don't consider myself a hero—not really. I do consider myself as a friend who would be there for another friend in need, even when it's an ice cream emergency. I want to be there for him, I want to watch him grow and I want to make sure he's happy.'' I look at Brody who has a grin plastered on his face. ''You're going to be very happy growing up, Brody. Believe me,'' I add.

''That's all from me, thank you.'' I smile before looking around to find them clapping their hands at me, making me smile but my eyes remain focused onto Brody who's already making his way towards me in order to wrap his arms around my waist, hugging me close.

It doesn't take me long to wrap my arms around him, too.

Just as I'm about to leave with Brody, I make my way towards Adam before seeing him turning to look at me as he holds onto Ariana's hand, the other gripping onto his phone—leaving me to smile at him as he returns it. ''Thanks for what you did for me,''

''No problem.'' He replies, ''You care a lot about him, don't you? You're just starting to realise that,'' He gestures towards Brody who is currently standing beside me before looking back up at me. ''And don't bother lying to me about it, I see how you looked at him when you were at the front. You did great,'' He adds.

I gaze up at him with a smile, ''It was nice meeting you.''

Brody and I walk down the streets with ice cream in our hands as Brody's personal chauffeur follows us behind, down the road and slowly but we both pay no attention. I begin to twirl around the trees as Brody laughs, running after me with his hand gripping tightly onto his ice cream, not wanting it to fall onto the ground.

''Sophia!'' He chuckles.

''Catch me if you can,'' I tease him, running down the pavement.

With Brody running after me from behind, I begin to slow down my steps; not wanting to turn this into a real challenge and just teasingly have fun with him. As soon as he grabs onto my arm, I pretend to freeze which causes him to laugh more. The sound of his laughter fills the street as we both look up at the sun shining brightly above our heads, ''Did you have fun today?'' I ask, slightly bumping my body onto his arm.

He smiles, ''Yes. Thank you, Sophia. You are a great friend,''

''Well . . . I'm trying my best to be the greatest. Promise me that I'm the only great friend you'll ever have,'' I joke, slowly pointing at my pinky finger which causes him to immediately seal the promise; making me smile back at him. ''That was easier than I thought?'' I raise an eyebrow.

The hotel comes up to view and within seconds, my mind is already filled with different types of ideas which causes me to stop walking and turn towards him. ''First one arrives at the hotel gets more ice cream. One, two—''

My eyes widen at the sight of Brody running down the pavement just a second before I can mutter the number three which causes me to laugh, immediately running down after him; forgetting all of my past problems and anxiety, just enjoying this moment. This exact moment with someone who I hadn't expect to affect me this much.