His Teal Eyes

Confessions Chapter 3: Sophie

 Sophie burst into the house, leaning against the door frame, breaths ragged. What have I done? she wailed inwardly. I've completely and utterly ruined my friendship with Fitz . . . or whatever we had, she thought sullenly, stomping up to her room. She approached her bed, face planting into to it immediately, deeply regretting her decision to tell Fitz. What had she expected anyway? Of course he would never feel the same way about me, she thought sadly. Why was it that whenever it seemed there was even a sliver of hope that he returned her feelings, it was only crushed seconds later. Now she only felt as if someone had drained her of any life, any feeling, any hope. Now, not only was her friendship with Fitz completely in the dumps, but their Cognate training was as good as over. She sighed, lying on her back, trying to clear her mind of it all . . . all the embarrassment, all the hurt, all the pain. It seemed as if hours passed before she heard the loud creak of her bedroom door. She scrambled to her feet in panic, automatically tugging out a loose eyelash. Now was not the time for visitors; especially if it was Dex, which was very likely. She breathed a sigh of relief when Edaline's round face peeked from behind the door.

Edaline's goofy smile evaporated once she spotted Sophie's flushed, tear stained face. "What's wrong?" she asked, wrapping nurturing arms around Sophie's small, limp body.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I'm fine. Perfectly fine," muttered Sophie, trying to convince herself as much as Edaline.

"Alright," Edaline said, not looking entirely convinced. "I'm always here if you need someone to talk too," she said gently.

"Thanks, Mom," Sophie mumbled, brushing a flyaway strand of hair out of her face.

"It's my job," Edaline replied, sitting on the bed beside Sophie. "It seems you have an important visitor," she added, grinning once more.

"Who?" Sophie asked, thoroughly bewildered. Who would visit her at this hour? Certainly not Dex; he will have been well asleep by now. "Why?"

"Well," Edaline answered, gesturing towards the door, "I'll let him tell you."

Sophie glanced towards the door, nearly falling off when she recognized her visitor. Fitz smiled apologetically back at her, shrugging half-heartedly.

"Hi Sophie," he said.

"Well I guess I'll leave you two alone," Edaline said, grinning mischievously. Sophie shot a glare at her before turning to look at Fitz. What's he doing here? Sophie thought. For once, the nervous butterflies erupting in her stomach didn't have to do with his heart stopping smile or radiant teal eyes. I look like such a wreck, she thought miserably. What does he think of me now?

Edaline sent the two one last wink before closing the door gently behind her. Once they were alone, Fitz sat down at the base of Sophie's bed, cross legged. The two lapsed into silence, each refusing to look at the other.

"You know I tried to run after you, right? " Fitz said finally, breaking the awkward silence.

"When?" Sophie mumbled. Playing innocent was much better than hitting the situation head on.

Fitz sighed. "After you told me."

"Oh." Sophie turned away, planting her head comfortably in her pillow. This is the exact encounter with Fitz she had been dreading.

"You didn't have to run away," Fitz said, gently rolling her over onto her back.

"Yes I did," Sophie said, bravely locking her gaze to Fitz's.

"Sophie . . ." Fitz started, sighing.

"I guess now you know why I would never tell you."

"I guess so," Fitz responded glumly, fingering his Cognate ring nervously.