The Foxfire Formal Ball

Chapter 10: An Unexpected Gift

         Fitz was the "special boy" Keefe was talking about earlier, Sophie thought. Her heart fluttered and her mind raced. It was as if everyone and everything disappeared except for the two of them. No giggling Keefe and Biana, no scowling Dex... Just her and the dreamy Fitz Vacker.

         Sophie was shocked - she didn't expect a specialized gift for her - much less a crush cuff. All he'd given her in the past was a pen.

         Yeah, that gift was lame, a familiar, accented voice said in her head.

        Ah! I forgot you can do that! Sophie responded, trying to shove all embarrassing thoughts down deep where he couldn't find them.

        He laughed out loud. I won't do it often. Your photographic memory is a little too much for me.

       Sorry. How did you get in anyway? What did you say?

       "You guys can stop flirting at anytime now," Keefe said jokingly.

        Fitz smiled. I'll tell you later.

        Sophie nodded, trying to avoid his gorgeous teal eyes. A headache suddenly sliced her mind, as quick as lightning. In a flash, Sandor was at her side with Dex's serum. All she could remember was the cool liquid sloshing down her throat before she blacked out.

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The first words she heard when she woke up were from the concerned voice of Dex. "Are you okay?"

Edaline was right by his side. "Sandor said you passed out," she said.

"Yeah," she said as she sat up. "The circlet gave me a headache.

Dex's smile faltered. "Yeah, because of Wonderboy."

Edaline assessed the situation, looking at Sophie and then Dex. She announced her exit and left the room.

"I'm sorry you don't like him Dex, but I-"

"Like him. I know. It was obvious by the way you were blushing yesterday." Jealousy was in his voice.

Sophie said nothing. Dex was impossible.

Dex sighed. "Anyway, I still felt bad about you passing out yesterday, especially since you missed everyone opening your gifts. So I made you these." He held out dangling diamond earrings. (A/N they look like the picture above!)

"Oh, Dex." Sophie took them delicately. "They're beautiful."

Dex blushed. "They also stop the effects of the circlet when they're in close range. So when you wear them, the circlet will turn off, kinda."

Sophie hugged Dex. "Thank you! That was very thoughtful of you."

Dex smiled, hugging her tighter. He released her when his imparted started flashing. His smile deflated once he read the message.

"Oh. My parents want me home."

"Already?"

He gave her a sad smile. "I thought it wouldn't get worse after the kidnapping, but it did. My parents are scared about the Council's threat about exiling us, so they don't want me getting caught up in anything with you, especially if it involves the circlet. And considering what I gave you, they have every right to be worried."

Sophie pulled him in for another hug. "I understand."

Dex smiled. "I guess I'll see you at the Ball then."

Sophie nodded. "At the Ball."

***Authors Note***
Ahhhh! Dex feels!
Sorry this chapter is much shorter, but we're a few chapters from the end! I'm super excited!
Thank you for all your comments last chapter! I'm fangirling just as hard with you! You guys are awesome!
~InkheadWriter