SOPHITZ

3

As soon as Sophie hung up with Biana, she raced downstairs to find Edaline cooking something that smelled delicious.

"Whatja doing?" she asked. Edaline smiled.

"I'm making some ripplepuffs, custard bursts, and mallowmelt for you and your friends. Would you like to help?"

"Of course!" cried Sophie. "What can I do?"

"Can you mix up some of those fabulous chocolate mint ripplepuffs you made earlier this year?" asked Edaline.

"Of course!" said Sophie, grabbing all of the necessary ingredients. A half an hour later, a pretty tray sat in front of Sophie covered in minty ripplepuffs. "Can I taste one?" she asked Edaline.

"Of course!" said Edaline, grabbing one. Sophie took one too.

"Count me in that!" said Grady, strolling into the room. HE grabbed two ripplepuffs. "These are great, Soph." he complimented. Than his face got serious. "Alden told me what happened." Sophie hung her head and stared at the plate. The chocolatey mintyness turned bitter on her tongue.

"Hey!" said Grady, putting a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I just wanted to let you know that whatever you and your friends decide to do, I will be behind you 100%." Sophie looked up, shocked.

"Whoa, who are you and what have you done with my dad?" she asked teasingly. Grady scowled.

"This doesn't mean that I won't be worried about you, I just wanted you to know that we support you, that's all." Sophie smiled at him.

"Dad, I was just teasing. You know me." she wrapped Grady and Edaline in a hug.

"What did we do to deserve you?" asked Edaline soothingly rubbing Sophie's back.

"Plenty." said Sophie, pulling away from her parents. "Now let's get ready for this sleepover!"