Sokeefe Forever (Part 2) - By SilvenySlays :)

~Chapter Two~

(Sophie's POV)

I sat up in bed just as my alarm clock went off. I stretched and yawned before I changed out of my pajamas into human clothes. A cute maroon top and some black jeans. Then I brushed my teeth.

Anything ice blue reminds me of Keefe, so I got rid of everything that matches that color.

Well... Except our matching Foster-Keefe sweaters. I can't get rid of those.

And I might've stolen one of Keefe's human hoodies so I could smell it when I have a mental breakdown...

And I kept pictures of each of my kids. And of course, Keefe and me. I miss waking up next to him...

I shoved those thoughts out of my mind and opened a window to take a deep breath of the morning air. After a year of New York air, I'm used to the pollution.

I stared down at the traffic. Since I took my entire supply of lusters when I left for the Forbidden Cities, I'm a rich girl in Manhattan.

It's a lot different from San Diego. But I figured it's gonna be pretty easy to hide in a giant city.

I gave Ruffles a couple of belly rubs and filled up his food and water before adjusting my headband disguised as an ability restrictor. I winced as it pierced my skin.

I was used to the pain now, but sometimes it really got to me.

I had a very boring routine. And it repeated every day. Exactly at the right times.

I bought a phone so I would look more like a normal human. There was a text from an unknown number, saying, Hi, Mads. It's Harley. I changed my number.

My lips twisted with a smile. I hadn't talked to Harley in ages.

*Hey, girl! We haven't talked in a while. How are you?

I'm good! I was just wondering if you wanted to come to a new coffee shop in Manhattan tomorrow so we could talk a little bit.

Sure, I'd love to! What time?

About 11:00. Oh, and, my brother and his friend are coming. Is that okay?

Yeah, that's fine.

Okay, cool. See you, Mads.

Can't wait.*

It's weird to have people call me Maddie and Mads and Madelyn, but... It keeps me hidden.

I slipped my phone into my pocket, picked up my purse, and prepared to go to work.

*****

(The next day at 11:00)

I stepped into the coffee shop, glancing around.

"Maddie! We're over here." Harley called. Her blonde hair seemed to glow with happiness as I smiled and sat next to her.

"Mads, you know my brother, Alex." Harley said, pointing to the boy across from her. I gave him a shy wave and he waved back. Just once.

"And this is his best friend Leo." Harley finished, pointing to the boy across from me. When our eyes met, I almost wanted to stare forever. His light brown eyes were golden, just like mine.

And... His muscles...

I shoved the voice out of my mind and gave him a shy wave, too.

"This is my best friend, Maddie," Harley said, glaring at the boys. "So you better be nice or I will beat the crap out of you."

"Oh, don't worry, I will." Leo said, giving me a wink. I blushed.

No. I'm happily married.

Even though I'm not even in the same part of the world as him...

Anyway, we all talked for a while before Harley said she needed to go to the bathroom, and so did Alex.

That left me and Leo alone.

"So, what's your deal?" He asked.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"What do you do for a living?" He said.

"Oh. I'm an interior designer." I replied. He looked puzzled, so I added, "I decorate and help build houses."

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense." He mumbled, sounding embarrassed. "Um, I was gonna make a group chat with all four of us, and I need your number. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, sure." I said. After exchanging numbers, Harley and Alex came back from the bathrooms.

"Okay, I gotta head out." Alex said.

"Same. See you guys." Harley said. She hugged me and ruffled Leo's hair before they both left.

"I have to go, too." I realized, glancing at my watch.

"Oh, okay. And um... Maddie?" He whispered. Our eyes met, and for some weird reason, my heart fluttered. His mouth shifted to a couple of words before he said, "Have a good one."

"Oh, thanks. Bye." I practically sprinted out of that coffee shop as fast as I could.

*****

That night, as I was scrolling on my phone, I was surprised to discover that Leo had texted me.

"Hey, Maddie. I was just wondering if you had a dog or a pet or something?" I mumbled, reading his text out loud.

I typed back: Yeah, I have a dog named Ruffles. Why do you ask?

He typed: Oh, cool. I have a dog named Izzy. I was just wondering if you wanted to meet me at the dog park that we saw right next to the coffee shop?

I typed back: Bro, its 10:00 pm. Don't you think it's a little late for that?

He typed: Not really.

I sighed and typed: Fine. Be there in five.

Then I slipped my phone in my pajama pocket and grabbed Ruffles leash, leaving my apartment.

*Okay folks, that's all for today.

TEAM FOSTER-KEEFE FOR THE WIN!

-SilvenySlays :)