After Effects

Chapter 21

Biana:

The dinner at Dex's house went really well. His parents were so funny, and it was cute how embarrassed he was when they told stories of him as a young kid.

"I had a wonderful time. Thanks for stopping by," Dex said as he walked me to the gates of Everglen.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," I smiled.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow at school," he waved.

"Yeah," I said, but neither of us made a move to leave.

I looked up in his periwinkle eyes and walked closer.

"You have something in your hair," I said as I noticed the flower petal.

"I do?" He asked astonished.

I reached up, grabbed it, and showed it to him, "Ta da!"

He laughed, which made his dimples show. 

"I hate saying goodbye," I said after a few minutes of silence.

"Well then don't," Dex said.

"What I mean is I don't like it when you aren't around. I like how you always know exactly what to say to make me feel special, or important. Like I love Sophie, but when we were growing up, practically everyone had a crush on her or told her she was amazing. And I know it's not cool to be jealous of people, but I was! She was always herself and everyone loved her for it. She can be perfect and amazing without doing anything. Like I respect myself and think I'm a good person, but sometimes I just feel--"

"Like you're caught in someone's shadow?" Dex said.

"Yeah. Just like that," I said.

"I know exactly what you mean. When Sophie met Keefe and Fitz, she kind of forgot about me. She ended up spending a lot of time with them, and when I did try to be useful Fitz or Keefe would end up doing something  ten times what I did. It made what I did do insignificant, so I know exactly what you mean," he said. 

I gave Dex a hug, "I didn't know you felt that way. You'll always be important to me."

"I hope so," he whispered.

"There's no need for hope, because this is a fact. I'll always need you," I said.

He gave me a small smile.

"Goodnight Biana," he said.

"Goodnight Dex," I said with a wave and walked through the gates.

Sophie:

I woke up feeling much better.

"You alright?" Fitz asked.

"Yeah, sorry about the whole vomit ordeal," I said, my cheeks heating up.

"I'm just glad you're okay," he said, his piercing teal eyes made my heart beat a little faster.

I turned, "So how long was I out?"

"Thirty minutes," Fitz said.

"Oh okay, I guess I should go home then," I said awkwardly.

"Mandatory checkup first thing tomorrow morning!" Elwin ordered.

"Yes sir," I said with a solute.

"I'll take you home," Fitz suggested.

"You don't have to," I said.

"I want to."