Trust Me - a Sophitz story

Part 2

Chapter 2:

The next morning, Sophie woke, like she had on her first morning as an elf, to a brilliant sunrise, and a massive load of guilt. Slowly, quietly, and comfortingly, Fitz's words from the night before crept cross her mind, filling her, maybe not all the way, but definitely enough, with hope, and peace, and a belief that things will get better. Rolling over in bed, releasing Ella, she fingered the sparkly dragon charm on her bracelet, whispering, "Morning, Mini Snuggles," before reaching for her imparter, saying softly, "Show me Bianca Vacker."

"Whahappenwhatimeisit...Sophie?"

"Hi," She said, offering a shy wave. "Is it too early? Do you want me to call back later?"

"No, it's fine. What's up?" She still sounded sleepy, but Sophie figured she could work with sleepy Bianca.

"Has... Has Fitz said anything about yesterday to you?"

"No. I asked but he just muttered about 'Keefe' and 'he better not hurt'... why??" he asked, interrupting herself.

Biting her lip, Sophie avoided the teal eyes that remind her so much of the other Vacker sibling. "It's no big deal, but... maybe can I come over later to explain it?"

"You," Bianca said, pointing at Sophie though the gadget, "are a terrible liar. But sure. Should I get Dex and Keefe to come too? Oooh! We should have another sleepover!"

"Umm... Dex, yeah. I'll call him later. But, not Keefe. Not yet. I'm gonna talk to him later maybe??"

"Again with the lying. But sure. I bet Fitz will be excited!" And before Sophie could ask what the heck that was supposed to mean, her giddy friend blinked away, probably in more ways than one.

After a few more minutes of sleep, still hiding in the warmth of Fitz's praise, Sophie hailed Alden to double check that a sleepover was okay, and then Dex, to invite him to Everglen. Then she slowly walked down the steps to breakfast, where Edaline gave her a goofy grin that suggested she knew exactly who Sophie had been out with yesterday afternoon, and that she completely approved. She braced for the epic Sandor lecture of 'why Sophie takes tremendous risks that will get her killed,' but instead got a much shorter lecture telling her to be more careful ("not that that will happen"), and an annoyed moment about 'leaving me alone with Grizel,' which gave Sophie reason to flash a goofy grin of her own.

Needless to say, this led to the now familiar refrain, "If you comment on my love life, I can comment on yours," eliciting a chorus of groans, annoyed looks, and comments along the lines of 'what love life?' Sandor was completely unimpressed by the dramatics.

Finally joined by Grady, both concerned parents looked across the table at Sophie and told her that Sandor had explained everything. "I still blame That Boy," muttered Grady darkly.

Patting her husband's should in a slightly patronizing manner, Edaline turned to Sophie and said, "I'm here if you need anything," gave Sophie a long, warm, and comforting hug, and then added, "I assume you're planning to go to Everglen today?"

"How..."

"I am your mother dear, I know some things. Just let me know before you leave, and keep your imparter on you. Take a change of clothes in case you plan to sleep over!"

Leaving behind a slightly shocked Sophie, Edaline swept out the door in Grady's wake, heading out to help the gnomes tend to Calla's tree. After helping to clear away the dishes from breakfast, Sophie went upstairs and, remembering the comments of both of the Vacker siblings (and trying very hard to forget about Alavar), she pulled on a loose red tunic and tucked her hair back into a twisty ponytail, again with a bit of help from Vertina. She hated to admit it, but she had loved the look on Fitz's face when she had pulled her hair back like that the first time.