Author’s Note: Part 4 and Part 5 are supposed take place concurrently in terms of ‘time periods’ – so you know, don’t be confused okay?

“Ah!”

River gasped, and then flushed as her father came storming out of the room. He looked down at her, an expression of mild disgust spreading across his face. It made River feel about three inches tall. She wished he would just yell at her.

“What did I tell you about listening at doors?” his voice dripped with sarcasm.

“I wasn’t-“

“River, I might be a lawyer but I’m not stupid.”

“Baba, Duibuqi …” River said softly.

“Are you really? Is this what your mother meant about you being wayward and capricious?” he can’t keep the disdain out of his voice at these last words, since he’s still reeling from his last battle. It’s making his meaner than he usually is with his daughter.

River hiccupped with shock, hearing the harshness in her father’s voice. Gabriel felt a pang seeing the pain he’s caused her and said in a marginally kinder voice, “Did you at least get the information you wanted?”

River inhaled deeply, trying to keep back the childish tears she felt prickling at her eyes, “I don’t want you to fight because of me.”

“Oh River we weren’t-“ he stops seeing her scepticism. Sighing, he cups her head to make sure she’s looking at him, “River, that, in there, was not your fault. Your mother and I just have different opinions about what we think is best for you…” Gabriel grimaces, “But she has a point.”

River’s head jerk’s sharply.

“I know you want to dance River, but behaving like this…it’s not going to do you any good if you want to convince your mother that you’re responsible enough to take care of yourself. You got to give me something here River, otherwise I can’t argue your case for you…dong ma?”

River nodded slowly. Gabriel didn’t smile this time, but he kisses her forehead. “Go get ready for your dance rehearsal. I’ll have Albert drop you off.” He sends her on her way with a gentle push and watches her, with a heavy heart as she disappears out of his sight.

Translations: Baba Duibuqi – Father, sorry

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