BEFORE KEEFE SAW SOPHIE:
"Why in the world would we be going to an ice cream shop?" Amy and Fanny asked in unison.
I grinned again, "I have... connections there. Let's just say that while living on the streets I've learned to stay in touch with anyone I meet," I replied, shuddering at the memories. That year would probably come in first for the worst year of my life. Or maybe second. Or maybe third. Or maybe fourth. Actually, now that I think about it, my entire life pretty much sucked. At least until Foster came along. She was the one who brought light into my life. She made me feel like I belonged. She made me feel like I had a purpose. Like I wasn't just some useless piece of trash. I've been trying to make that up to her ever since I've met her. I've tried to be there when she needed it. I tried to have her back, make her count on me. I tried... but I failed. I kept finding new ways to let her down. I've let her down so many times that I just expect her to hate me. And if I'm being honest, that wasn't the only reason I've tried to be next to Foster. She's never going to see me again so might as well admit it. I... I love her. I've loved her since the moment I met her. She was the reason behind everything I did. For everything I do. I just wanted to protect her. Make sure she won't get hurt. Of course, she was wayyy too oblivious to see it. It's annoyingly adorable. But that wasn't the only thing she was oblivious to. She basically had no clue Dex and Fitz had a crush in her. Dex got rejected, but there was some Fitzphie that went on. I have to say, I wasn't too happy with that but I backed off when Alden had his little chat with me. That little hope that was there, that Foster and I would work out, vanished. I've tried to suppress it as far as I could ever since. But it's moments like these that brought it springing back up. And now I'll never get to see her again.
"Okay we should probably get going," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "The person running Salt and Straw knows me. I asked him to keep an eye out for people in black cloaks other than me. He'll have some info."
"One question: How are we gonna get out? More importantly, how are you going to get out?" Amy asked.
I gave her a weak smile, "I can levitate out the window. You guys just tell your parents you're going out for ice cream, and technically you're not lying. You go outside to where the window is, make sure the coast is clear, give me a signal, and I'll levitate out the window and join you. And plus-- free ice cream, on me!"
"Wow, you really have everything planned out," Fanny said, amazed.
"Yeah, I've been thinking alot lately, which is something I don't always do," I admitted. I looked at the window. I hadn't levitated in a VERY long time. In over a year. I mean I've tried to sneak some practice but there were always people. But I got this. I got this. Right? I took deep breaths and said, "Okay, Operation Deliciousness is a go!"
Fanny and Amy went downstairs while I walked towards the window.
"Daddy just went to get some groceries," I heard Amy's mom shout.
I got this. I got this. I got this.
"Keefe!" someone shouted. I looked below to see Amy and Fanny standing there. They looked around. "Coast is clear." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I got this. I gathered all my concentration and wrapped it up with my consciousness. I used it to go against gravity. And then... I jumped.
I'll be honest, the landing was kinda rough. Okay, sorta rough. Fine, it was very rough. But it went better than I'd imagined. I thought the levitation wouldn't even work and that I'd just fall and have to go to a human hospital and get a butt cast. I got up and smoothed my clothes.
