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Chapter 5

When Sophie arrived at Everglen, Alden rushed to open the gate for her. 

"Sophie! I haven't seen you in quite a while."

"Has it really been that long?"

"Well, do come inside." he said, prompting her to follow him.

"Is Fitz here yet?"

"Ah, not yet."

"Have you not heard from him for a long time as well?"

"Well, not particularly. He's visited a few times."

"I guess that's more than I can say about him even talking to us." Sophie replied. "Have you met his girlfriend yet?"

"Yes, we have. I'm not sure I enjoyed it, though." Alden said with a chuckle. 

"Could you please refrain from speaking about my girlfriend like that?" Fitz said, appearing on the staircase.

"Oh, Fitz. When did you arrive?" Alden asked.

"I only arrived mere moments before Sophie. You didn't seem to notice me."

"I'm sorry. I was inside." Alden said. "Well, didn't Biana want the two of you to meet or something like that?"

"Yeah, she did." Sophie replied. 

"Where do you want to talk, Sophie?"

"I guess here would work."

"There aren't many places that are very quiet in this house. I would prefer somewhere else."

"How about we just talk outside?"

"Fine by me." Fitz said, trailing down the stairs. "We might as well get this over with."

"Agreed." Sophie mumbled. She gave Alden a wave and followed Fitz outside. They sat down by a tree and mellowed in an uncomfortable silence. 

"So, how have you been doing?" Sophie asked, trying to break the silence.

"Oh, please. Don't pretend like you care."

"Fitz, why are you being like this? We've all been trying to contact you or meet up with you but you either don't answer or don't show up." Sophie said. "I've been trying my absolute hardest to get you to come to our get-togethers."

"It would be better if you stopped. Nova doesn't like when I spend so much time around other people besides her."

"Fitz, not to be rude, but if she's trying to prevent you from hanging out with us then I think you should break it off with her."

"Who are you to tell me who I can or cannot date? The drama with you pushed me over the edge. And then Nova came along and set my life back into place."

"Oh, so it's my fault, then?"

"Partially." Fitz admitted. 

"You could have just told me. I would have understood!"

"When have you ever understood anything around you, Sophie? You're oblivious in almost every way possible."

"I know I am, but I'm trying to be more aware!" Sophie exclaimed. "After you stopped contacting us I thought something had happened to you. But the next time I saw you, you had a new girlfriend and had practically forgotten that anything between us was gone."

"Yes, and that's what Nova and I had wanted."

"Why, Fitz? Why?"

"Because! While we had our relationship, you were always keeping secrets from me."