“What?”
“Summer could help you write it, and I’m sure one of your mates knows someone who’d be willing to publish it. You’re right, Sonnet. Your mother deserves a whole lot more than what she got, and so do you.”
It wasn’t a terrible idea. Zayden had been working hard to tear down every article about her mother, but Sonnet knew they would never stop. What if writing the truth as she knew it was the only way to settle things once and for all, and to regain control of her own story and her grief?
What if an article wasn’t enough? Many women around the world were choosing the same path as her mother. Her mother deserved so much better, but she is gone now. All that was left were the other mothers and daughters and women tryingto survive, live well, live happily, and love their children and themselves.
“Who knows,” Sonnet finally whispered. “Maybe an article will turn into a book.”
“I like that. In fact, one of your mom’s friends owns a publishing company. In fact, who knows? Maybe this article-turned-book will become a new non-profit project for your mom. You know Katherine loves nothing more than hosting charities and having a passion project.”
“Yes, but a non-profit centered around sex work and exploitation? I’m not so sure her brunch friends would approve.”
Dad shrugged, taking a long swig of his tea. “She needs better friends, then. Because if I know my wife like I think I do, she’d jump on this the moment you say the word and there would be no stopping her. You should think about it after you publish that book of yours.”
“Publish?” Sonnet shook her head. She never enjoyed writing before or talking about herself and her childhood.
What do you think?
I think Dad is right. I think this is the best thing for us.
Really? All this time I’ve spent not talking about all these taboo things to keep Mother safe. Am I supposed to just throw it all out the window now?
Look outside, Sonnet. The glass is already broken. Might as well take advantage of the situation and make something good out of all this mess.
Something good, huh?
Sonnet guessed it was time for her to have a purpose in life. Sure, owning a doggy daycare was at the top of her career dreams, but what about life's purpose? This could be it. Something good, just like her omega said.
“Maybe I will. And if I did, could I count on you to help me?”
Dad smiled. “Of course. I’ll help you through the publication process however you need.”
“No, I mean with writing it.”
“Oh, I don’t write. That’s more up your mom’s alley and Summer's.”
Sonnet sighed. “I don’t mean to write it for me. I want to know if you’ll talk about my mother with me. You knew her for a little while, and I want to hear about it. You’ve never talked about her before. I just want to know you will.”
Dad rubbed his face as he thought long and hard about Sonnet’s request. “I only met her three times,” he whispered. “Those first two times, I just wanted someone to talk to, so that’s what we did. Talking with your mother was like magic, to the point I almost forgot I was paying for the conversation. I, uh… I’m sorry I never talked about her before, but you can count on me now. I’m going to learn to step up and be a better father.”
“I already think you’re a pretty awesome Dad.”
He perked up a bit. “Yeah?”
“Well, not every dad would let Summer and I get away with going to a secret high school party.”
Dad looked around, as if making sure no one could hear. “Yes, well, that’s still a secret. Your mom would kill me if she found out, and I only let the two of you get away with it because I knew you’d keep each other safe. Plus, I sent someone to stay nearby and keep an eye on you two.”
“You did?Who?”
“Anna.”
Sonnet laughed, picturing Anna wearing all black, hiding in her car with binoculars to make sure she and her sister were behaving and safe.
The pain in her chest was still constant and lingering, but peace settled on her shoulders. She was able to inhale andexhale with a bit more ease, and there was hope inside her now. Hope that this grief will become tolerable, and that the future will only hold more blessings and opportunities and love. Lots of love.
Chapter 53
