𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐜 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

Sophie POV

I raced down the halls of Foxfire, the bell was a minute away from ringing, and I could NOT be late to another one of my classes. Yes, another one. The same thing happened yesterday. No matter what I did, school just wasn't my number one priority anymore. And even though my adoptive parents, Grady and Edaline, claimed that school was incredibly important for my future life, I believed otherwise. Talents seemed like the only thing that mattered in the Elven world, and I hated it.

RING! RING! RING!

Great. I'm late. Again. I finally reached the door, combed down my hair and straightened my clothes before entering the room. Hopefully that helped me look a little less like I just ran a marathon. Do elves even have marathons? Probably not. The only sport I'd heard of was Bramble. Maybe one day my friends and I could go to a game, now that we had finally defeated the Neverseen.

"Ah, Sophie Foster. Care to explain why you're late?"

I froze, "I... Uhhh.... Ummm... Personal reasons?"

"Well I'm very sorry to hear that. Please take a seat," Mr. Alvin instructed.

I nodded, my face turning bright red from embarrassment. How does Keefe even deal with ditching, like, every single class?!

The rest of class flew by, because once Keefe had stumbled into my mind, I couldn't get him out of it. I kept picturing holding his hand, playfully tousling his blond hair, staring into his ice blue eyes, kissing-WHOA. WHOA. WHOA. Chill Sophie. Chill.

I really needed to get Keefe out of my head before I went insane. To bad fate-or maybe destiny-had other plans.

And of course I saw him standing in the halls while I was walking to lunch.

"Uh, Keefe? What are you doing?" Was he waiting for me? Awww... That's so cute...

"Oh, I was just on my way to the bathroom when I noticed you."

Oh. Nevermind. Get it together, Sophie!

"Oh, okay then. I'll just be at lunch then," I sighed. Unable to keep the slight disappointment out of my voice, and Keefe no doubt felt my emotions shift. But he didn't say anything. And I was glad, I didn't want to have to explain why.

I placed my lunch tray on the table, just as Biana started talking.

"Guys! We need a sleepover!"

"Why...?" I said slowly. Not that it didn't sound like a fun idea, but why was Biana bringing this up so suddenly?

"Because..." She paused, "It's a great way for our friendship to grow stronger, alright?"

"You mean it's a free chance for you to give me like, a million makeovers," I mumbled.

I could hear everyone besides Biana stifle a laugh.

"Come on Sophie, just one makeover? It will be SO fun I promise!"

If Keefe was here he'd laugh and say something ridiculous that made the conversation 100 times better.

"I don't know... Makeovers aren't exactly my idea of fun... But... Why not, I guess? I mean, we did defeat the Neverseen," I shrugged. Oh, what did I get myself into?

"YASSSSS! I CAN'T WAIT!" She shrieked excitedly. I smiled at her enthusiasm.

"Hey, guys, miss me?" Keefe smirked from behind us. He took a seat right next to me, and I tried to hide my blush by taking a big bite of food, and then covering my mouth. I should do this more often. Seriously hides my blush. I think.

"Biana was just saying how she thinks we need a sleepover," I told Keefe.

"Sounds great. Would we have it at Everglen?" Keefe asked.

"That's why I was thinking," Biana agreed.

"Wait! I've never agreed to this!" Fitz cried. We all laughed.

"Too late, Fitzy. Lady Sparkles has already made up her mind," Keefe laughed.

Biana smiled smugly. My emotions started to shift to jealousy. Huh? Why was I jealous of Biana? I knew Keefe didn't like her. And so what if he did? It shouldn't make a difference to me. Keefe was my best friend. That's all we were. And all we'll ever be...

"Hey, Foster? Everything's all right, you seem really sad all of a sudden?" Keefe whispered to me, as everyone else was talking loudly and laughing.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine. Just tired that's all," I sighed, and faked a yawn, hopefully that would convince him. He scrunched his eyebrows together, and it was SO CUTE I wanted to die. Er-uh-nevermind. What am I even saying anymore?!