**Chapter 12: "Sophia's Wisdom"**

As the day went on, Dorothy couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that Blanche's advice had left her with. She felt like she was being pulled in two different directions, and she wasn't sure which path to take. She decided to seek out Sophia's wisdom, hoping that her sharp-tongued friend would be able to cut through the confusion. Dorothy found Sophia sitting in her favorite armchair, watching TV and knitting a scarf. "Hey, Sophia," she said, plopping down on the couch beside her. "I need some advice." Sophia looked up, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What's going on, dear? Did Blanche give you some of that crazy advice of hers?" Dorothy laughed. "You have no idea. She told me to keep Lucas guessing, to make him wonder what's going to happen next. But I don't know if I can do that. I just want to be myself." Sophia nodded, her expression serious. "Ah, be yourself. That's the best advice I can give you. Don't try to be someone you're not, just to impress some man. You'll only end up miserable." Dorothy sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I know you're right, Sophia. But it's hard not to get caught up in all of this. I really like Lucas, and I don't want to mess it up." Sophia put down her knitting and took Dorothy's hand. "Listen, dear. I've been around the block a few times. I know a thing or two about men and relationships. And I'll tell you this: if Lucas is worth anything, he'll like you for who you are. Not for some fake persona you're trying to be." Dorothy smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Sophia. "Thanks, Sophia. You always know just what to say." Sophia winked. "That's what I'm here for, kiddo. Now, go out there and be yourself. And if Lucas doesn't like it, then he's not worth your time." Dorothy nodded, feeling a newfound sense of confidence. She would be herself, and if Lucas liked it, then that was all that mattered. She stood up, feeling a sense of determination. "I'm going to go talk to him, Sophia. And I'm going to be me." Sophia grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "That's my girl. Now go out there and show that man what you're made of." As Dorothy headed out the door, Sophia called out after her. "And don't forget, dear. If he can't handle the real you, then he's not worth your time." Dorothy smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance. She knew that Sophia was right. She would be herself, and see where things went with Lucas. And if it didn't work out, then she would be just fine. She had her friends, her family, and herself. And that was all that truly mattered. With a newfound sense of confidence, Dorothy headed out to meet Lucas, ready to take things to the next level. She was excited to see where things would go, and she knew that no matter what happened, she would always have Sophia's wisdom to guide her.