Chapter Text
Sophie sighed, tugging at a loose eyelash. "It's not what it looks like," she started, but the words felt hollow even as they left her mouth. Who was she kidding? It was exactly what it looked like.
Biana's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, really? Because it looked like you and Keefe were about two seconds away from melting into a puddle of pure mush."
Sophie opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss for words. Biana had seen everything. There was no talking her way out of this one.
Okay, fine," Sophie finally admitted, crossing her arms defensively, her gaze shifting away. "We kissed. So what?"
"So what?!" Biana's eyes widened in shock. "Aren't you half-sorta dating my brother? Wait-does he even know about you two? Sophie, you have to tell him. He's going to be furious!"
"Relax," Sophie replied, her tone firm but reassuring. "Fitz was the first person I told. Yeah, he was really mad at first-stormed out, actually. But then, he came back a little while later to apologize. He said he was happy for me and Keefe." She paused, the memory still fresh. "I was actually really surprised by how quickly he came around."
Biana stared at Sophie, her concern slowly giving way to curiosity. "That doesn't sound like Fitz. He must really care about you if he's willing to let go that easily."
"I know," Sophie said, letting out a heavy sigh as she looked down at her hands. "Sometimes, I can't help but wonder what it would've been like if Fitz and I had worked things out, if we had stayed together. He's such a great person, you know? But..." She trailed off, her voice growing softer, more pensive. "The things he's said to me over the years-they really hurt. And it's not something I can just forget."
Biana nodded, her eyes sympathetic. "I remember. Fitz can be... intense. And he doesn't always think before he speaks."
"Exactly," Sophie continued, her voice gaining strength. "And then there's the whole unmatchable thing. I really hoped he'd say it didn't matter, that he didn't care about who my birth parents were, and that all he wanted was to be with me, no matter what. But instead, he was so fixated on finding them, like it was the only way we could be together. Even when I made it clear I didn't want to go down that road, he couldn't let it go."
Biana's expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze Sophie's hand. "That must have been really hard for you."
It was," Sophie admitted, her eyes reflecting the turmoil she'd felt. "But then there's Keefe. He's always been there for me, even when he was hurting himself. When he ran off, it hurt-I won't deny that. But I understand now why he did it. He wasn't trying to hurt me. He was dealing with his own pain, and he thought he was protecting me by staying away."
"And you forgave him," Biana said, more as a statement than a question.
Sophie smiled, a warm, genuine smile that lit up her face. "I did. How could I not? Keefe's been my rock in so many ways. He's the one who's always had my back, even when things got tough. I was so focused on Fitz for so long that I didn't even consider the possibility of liking Keefe. But now that I've realized how I feel about him, I can't stop thinking about him. He's... different. He's the best boyfriend a girl could ask for."
Biana tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You really like him, don't you?"
Sophie's smile widened, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Yeah, I do. More than I ever thought I could. He makes me feel safe, and understood, and... happy. Happier than I've felt in a long time. And I want to see where this goes, without holding back or worrying about what could have been with Fitz. Keefe's the one I want to be with."
Biana watched her friend, her own heart swelling with happiness for her. "I'm glad you're finding your way, Sophie. You deserve to be happy, and if Keefe's the one who makes you feel that way, then I'm all for it. But just promise me one thing?"
Sophie looked at her, curious. "What's that?"
"Don't forget about yourself in all of this," Biana said softly. "You've been through a lot, and you deserve to put yourself first sometimes. Keefe's great, but your happiness comes first."
Sophie nodded, her expression serious. "I promise, Biana. I won't lose sight of that. I just want to do what feels right for me. And right now, that's being with Keefe."
Biana smiled, squeezing Sophie's hand once more. "Then I'm happy for you. And I'll be here, no matter what happens."
"Thanks, Biana. You're a great friend," Sophie replied, her smile warm and genuine.
"Of course," Biana said with a playful smirk, "but don't think for a second that I'm going to keep you guys a secret."
"Bianaaaaa," Sophie whined, giving Biana her best puppy-dog eyes, the kind that she knew Keefe would be proud of.
Biana burst into laughter, shaking her head. "You know you're turning more and more like Keefe every day, right?"
Sophie's cheeks flushed a soft pink. "He does seem to have an effect on me," she admitted, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Biana grinned. "Well, I guess that's not such a bad thing. Okay, fine-I'll keep your little secret... for now," she teased, emphasizing the last part with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Sophie let out a relieved breath, her smile widening. "I guess that'll have to do," she said, her tone light and playful.
Biana chuckled, raising her leaping crystal into the air. "See you tomorrow at Foxfire!" she called out before leaping away in a swirl of light. Just before she fully vanished, Sophie could have sworn she heard her friend shout, "Team Foster-Keefe for the win!"
Sophie shook her head with a laugh, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. She yawned, the events of the day finally catching up with her as the adrenaline began to fade. Her feet carried her almost on autopilot, and before she knew it, she found herself standing in the familiar comfort of her bedroom.
She looked around, taking in the quiet space, the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the window. Everything felt different now-lighter, freer, like she was finally allowing herself to breathe. Sophie climbed into bed, her mind still buzzing with the day's revelations and the unexpected turn her feelings had taken.
As she settled into the blankets, she thought about Keefe-his easy smile, his teasing remarks, the way he always knew how to make her laugh, even on her worst days. A warmth spread through her chest, and she couldn't help but smile to herself.
Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, Sophie was content. She let her eyes close, drifting off with thoughts of Keefe and the future they might share, her heart filled with hope and a quiet kind of happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time.
