The Foxfire Formal Ball

Chapter 13: The Foxfire Formal Ball (Pt. 1)

Sophie was nervous. Her heart raced at the sight of the ballroom crowded with prodigies in glamorous attire that made her and Biana's dresses seem simple.

Biana smiled. "We'll stand out this way," she said.

Sophie looked up at Sandor. I'm pretty sure I already stand out. Prodigies were already beginning to clear the way with looks of hatred and fear directed at Sophie. Sandor left to watch from the Shadows, sensing the mood of the crowd.

Sophie tugged out a loose eyelash. Prodigies were still giving her wary looks, but the rest ignored her. At least she wouldn't have to worry about being the center of attention. But she did have to worry about saying goodbye. She remembered Grady's words. "For at least one night you deserve to be an Elvin teenager."

Dance music began playing. Sophie recognized it as a waltz, one of the many dances Grady had taught her. "Where's Fitz and Keefe?" She asked Biana, but she was already dancing with a boy, a boy Sophie recognized to be Jensi. She smiled to herself. She'd always suspected he might have a crush on Biana.

      "Hey Sophie," Dex approached her. "Sorry, I'm late. The triplets were a disaster to get ready."

       "It's fine," she reassured.

       Dex bowed, offering his hand. "May I have this dance?"

      "Of course."

       As they danced, Sophie couldn't help feeling awkward. It could've possibly been from constantly stepping on his feet or the way he kept staring at her. Whenever she looked up to meet his eyes, they both blushed and looked away. So instead, she looked down at her feet to avoid eye contact and her clumsiness.

      "Thank you for the dance," he said as the music came to a close. Sophie curtsied. "Thank you."

       They stood next to each other awkwardly as a fast song played.

      "I see you wore the earrings," he said, breaking the silence.

      Sophie brought her hand, rubbing her fingers over the stone in the earring. "Yeah, they work really well."

     Dex smiled. "That's good."

     "Yeah. Thanks."

      Sophie shifted nervously. Now would be a good time to tell him about leaving. "Hey Dex-" she was interrupted by the squealing laughter of the triplets. They hung onto Dex, stealing glances at Sophie.

      "She's pretty," Bex said.

      "Come on, you said you'd come dance with us!" Lex said, dragging Dex away. Dex gave her a apologetic smile and shrug. She waved goodbye as she stood alone.

      Where was Fitz?

       Her solitude didn't last for long. Valin had tracked her down and was asking for a dance. With Fitz no where in sight, she hesitantly agreed. He still had his hair pulled back in a greasy ponytail and the spot of drool that never left the corner of his lips.

       As they paraded around the room, Keefe caught her eye. He was dancing with another Level Five in a violet dress with red hair. He smirked when he saw Sophie's drooling dance partner.

       He came to her laughing once the dance was over. "The slobbiest member of the Sophie Foster Fan Club just had the best night of his life!"

      Sophie have him a light punch.

     "Hey, those are some pretty mixed feeling there, Foster. Some confusion, a little tired, and... Enjoyment! Don't tell me you enjoyed that dance." He gave her a teasing smile.

       "I'm only enjoying it now that the dance is over," she said.

        "Aw, come on. Who wouldn't love that guy?" He said, nudging her in the direction if Valin. When Sophie didn't say anything he continued. "Of course, your heart only loves one special guy," he teased. Sophie pushed him away.

"Speaking of a special guy," Keefe said. "Fitz wanted to meet you outside."

"Really?"

Keefe smirked. "He said by the large tree by the Silver Towers."

"When?"

Keefe smiled. "I was supposed to tell you at the beginning of the dance. But I couldn't find you, and I got swamped with girls wanting to dance with the Amazing Keefe. So he's been waiting for a while."

Sophie looked at the door, repressing a sudden urge to run through it as fast she could. "I guess I should go then," she said, taking off toward the door.

Keefe yelled after her. "Don't forget to save me a dance, Foster!"

Sophie smiled.

Fitz was waiting for her.

***Author's Note***
Ahhhh! Sorry, I feel like this chapter was a little rushed, so I'm sorry if it isn't the best.
And cover change! To celebrate finally getting the the dance chapter!
Thanks for all your support throughout the way, it's meant a lot! Just two more chapters to go!
~InkheadWriter