cascade | kotlc

2. Foxfire

 They returned to Havenfield, and Grady tried to teach Sophie how to light leap. It was an absolute catastrophe. Sophie couldn't concentrate on her body, she couldn't imagine her body dissolving into cells and hitching a ride on light, and she certainly couldn't stay outside much longer in the sweltering heat. She finally managed to light leap to the back pastures of Havenfield, where there was an amazing view of the ocean, but she was so tired she collapsed on the soft grass.

"Your concentration's only at ten percent," Grady commented, frowning. "That's not normal. You- well, everybody else at your age has at least thirty percent. June's at fifty."

June blushed. "It's not your fault, Sophie. If you keep trying, I'm sure you'll catch up."

"I'm trying as hard as I can," Sophie said in frustration. "You've been leaping for the entirety of your life."

"I know," Grady said, worrying the edge of the tunic with his hands. "But I don't think you have any idea what you're up against. Alden told me Bronte doesn't want you at Foxfire, which means he'll be watching you like a hawk. He'll check with your Mentors. He'll monitor your tests. And at the first sign of weakness, he'll step in and try to have you expelled. I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes for you to be transferred to Exillium -- and let's just say it's somewhere you don't want to go."

June looked stunned, as if someone had slapped her. "That's so blatantly unfair-"

"I know," Grady said again, caressing her silky hair. "It's unfair. But it's designed for Sophie to prove herself - I hate to say it - worthy."

June fumed.

Sophie tried to ignore the sinking sensation in her stomach. How was she going to survive Foxfire?

June tried to smile at her, but Sophie could easily see her worry. "I know you're struggling to adjust and have a ton to learn, but you'll be fine. I'm here for you. And I promise I - we - will help you in every way we can."

Light flashed, and Sophie turned to see Dex and a lady that looked like Edaline, who she assumed was Edaline's sister, from her "brother-in-law" comment. She was Dex's mother then, she realized.

"Had to come see for yourself, Juline?" Grady asked.

"I'm allowed to visit my sister, aren't I?" she countered, but her eyes flicked to Sophie. Grady laughed.

"Sophie, June, why don't you show Dex inside. I have a feeling the girls will have a lot of talking to do."

-

Sophie had no idea what to do with Dex. She'd never had a friend before - something June reassured her would never happen again - and Dex seemed to be able to break all convention. He'd jumped up and down out of excitement when he found Sophie's memory scrapbook. June smiled at him like a caring sister. Something in Sophie tasted bitter. She wished she could get that smile.

"That's you, right?" Dex asked, pointing to the photo on the cover. Her original sister Amy were waving at the camera, while Sophie was in the background, buildin ga sand castle. She glanced over at June, who didn't seem to mind seeing Sophie's old family, though her eyes did seem to swirl more darkly.

"Yeah, that was last summer. That- that was my human dad," Sophie said, trying to blink back tears. "I'm- I'm not his daughter anymore." June softened and rushed over, placing a hand on her shoulder. Sophie managed a smile.

"Sorry." Dex looked awkward, shuffling his feet.

"Sophie?" June said quietly. Sophie turned to see a twinge of sadness on her face. "Can- Can I call you my sister?"