KOTLC Love Knot

Chapter 12: The Gift

After Tam and Keefe did their turn, the game was finally over. By then, the sun was already setting, and streaks of pink, red, orange and a bit of blue were coloured across the  sky. 

The gang didn't have ay idea what else to do, but lucky for them, if dinner time. 

"KIDS! DINNER'S READY!" Della called out. 

They all headed for the Vacker's dining room, which was more like a dining hall if you asked any human. 

Everyone took their seats. If you were to think about it, you could picture it in your head. Sophie was beside Keefe, at the end of the table. Biana was across of her, with Tam beside her, not looking the tiniest embarrased that he decided to sit next to his crush. (Biana did though) 

Marella was in the middle of Dex and Fitz, with Linh being beside Fitz. Once all was seated, everyone dug in into their food. 

After that, Della asked if anyone wanted mallowmelt for dessert, and everyone raised up their hands. Including Alden. 

"You? Didn't you just have a huge piece just now?" Della asked, her eyes wide. 

"Please dear? Your baking is so much better than the bakery we always go to to get mallowmelt! Please?" Alden pleaded, putting his hands together to form a 'please' sign. Sophie covered her mouth to stop herself from giggling. She had never seen Alden behave this way before. it was either 'we'll get through this' or 'no reason to worry' his iconic line. 

Della rolled her eyes but smiled. "Sure dear. I'll get you a piece too."

After she left, Alden turned around and placed his hands behind his head. "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you ask for extra mallowmelt." he announced, making everyone burst into laughter. When Della came back and saw everyone's stained cheeks and clutched stomachs, she raised an eyebrow. "Did I miss out something funny?" she asked as she placed down the tray of mallowmelt and handed out one serving to each and everyone of them. 

"Nothing mum. Just something Dad joked about." Biana assured, still smiling wide and secretly clutching her stomach. The others nodded in agreement. Della shrugged and headed back to the kitchen. 

Alden let out a breath. "Phew, that was close." 

Biana and Fitz rolled their eyes while the rest of the gang laughed. 

Once everyone was done with their mallowmelt, they handed their dishes over to Della and thanked her for the food. Sophie was about to follow the girls up to Biana's room when suddenly, she felt a thug on her arm. She turned around and saw Keefe.

"What is it?" Sophie asked, turning her body around so that she could fully face him. 

"I....wanted to give you something," Keefe replied, taking out something from behind him. When Sophie saw it, she gasped softly. It was a box. A box that was icy blue and had a matching ribbon for it. Sophie took it from Keefe and opened it. Her mouth dropped open at the most gorgeous necklace she'd ever seen. 

It had a star dangling in the middle, which was golden and glinted in the moonlight. The chain had also been stained golden. 

"Keefe, I-. You didn't need to Keefe," Sophie stuttered. 

"I do Foster. Let's just say it's a reward from me, for stopping Nverseen, managing to pass your exams EVEN with Neverseen interrupting your life, for stopping my MUM. I don't know how you do it." Keefe said, shaking his head. 

"Bb-ut. Not until like-" Sophie started to say, but Keefe cut her off. 

"Do you want your gift or not?" he asked, pulling the box away. 

Sophie pulled it back harder. "Of course I do! Who else would you give it to then?" 

"Oh I don't know...maybe another girl?" 

Sophie knew it was clearly meant to be a joke. But jealousy exploded in her heart. She tried to calm them down, knowing that Keefe could read her emotions without touching her. 

"Do you want me to put it on for you?" Keefe asked softly. 

"Oh, um, sure. Here." Sophie handed Keefe the necklace while she held the box. 

She tucked her hair in front as Keefe clipped on the necklace for her. His fingers brushed against the back of Sophie's neck. Sophie's neck hairs stood up and she could feel that tingling feeling running down her spine again. Her heart thumped three times faster when Keefe had to lean down to clip the necklace ends. 

Sophie could feel his breath against her neck, and she heaved a quiet sigh of relief when Keefe finally announced, "Done! Finally. That took forever." 

Sophie pushed her hair back and examined the star lying against her chest. "It's beautiful." she whispered. Then, she looked up and smiled at Keefe. "Thanks Keefe." 

Keefe smiled back. "Anytime, Foster. Now, you better head back to your girls before they start worrying about you." 

Sophie nodded and she waved at Keefe as the two of them part ways. 

And that, my friends, it the end of Chapter 12. Interesting huh? My second-longest part! Whoo! On to the next!