Fostering Love

Chapter 2: Surprise?

Ro shook her head. "You're letting Pretty Boy intimidate you, aren't you?"

Keefe shrugged. "I'm just waiting. I told you before: for now I'm just going to be her friend to lean on. For whatever she needs."

Ro sighed and started cleaning her blades, eyeing Keefe as he pulled out a pencil. "I'm guessing that's not for homework?"

Keefe smirked. "You'll see what it's for."

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"Sophie."

The elf in question spun around at the sound of the familiar voice, her heart fluttering. "Fitz. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you want to come to Everglen after school today."

Sophie agreed, "Sure. I'll change and come right over." She wondered if he was going to ask her on a date . . . Especially when he gave her his bright movie-star smile. He seemed so genuinely happy and eager like a puppy, it was difficult for Sophie to not melt on the spot.

The rest of the day passed rather quickly, and soon Sophie was at the Leapmaster in Havenfield's cupola, calling out her destination. "Everglen!"

"Sophie! You made it." Biana ran up to the gates to greet her and let her in. Sophie followed her to the main house, glancing around as she walked. It looked mostly the same, but it wasn't. After the whole debacle with the troll hive, many inspectors from the Nobility were sent to survey the property. Even now there were a few wandering the grounds with clipboards in hand. Biana passed by without a second glance, but her posture seemed uncomfortable.

"I guess it's weird having strangers all over your house, huh?" Sophie inquired. Biana agreed with a sigh.

"Anyway, my dad wants to talk to you first, then we can hang out," Biana explained. So it wasn't a date. Sophie wasn't sure if she was relieved or not.

As if on cue, Keefe appeared. "Pretty strong vibes you've got there, Foster. Need any help deciphering them?"

Sophie rolled her eyes and started up the stairs to Alden's office. She only made it halfway up before she heard a crash from below. She scrambled back down, but what she saw couldn't be there.

Or rather, who she saw.

✿Author's Note:
Sorry for the little cliffhanger. Hoping to update soon. Thank you to all you few people who read this :)