Fostering Love

Chapter 5: Break Some Rules?

     A noise startled Sophie, just as she was about to lay down on her bed. She picked up her Imparter.
     “Yo, Foster! Guess what the Keefster found out!”
     Sophie sat up a little straighter. “Do you know what the Neverseen are planning? Or what Lady Gisela was talking about?”
     Keefe frowned. “Geez, I wasn't expecting you to get that excited. Of course, it could just be because of me, since I make everyone excited, right?”
     Sophie rolled her eyes with a smile. “Anyway, tell me before I die of anticipation.”
     “Okay, but this isn’t exactly good news,” he warned. “Basically, Forkle suspects a mole in the Black Swan. He’s not sure if the Neverseen planted this theoretical mole, but they do seem to at least suspect it.”
     Sophie resisted the urge to tug out an eyelash. Was this how the Neverseen always knew their plans? Someone was a traitor? But then wouldn’t that confirm they’re behind it? “If not the Neverseen, who else could they be working for?”

     Keefe shrugged. “The Council, I guess? Either way, Forkle seems to be investigating, so we’ll see.” 

     Sophie clenched her fists. All they ever seemed to do was wait and overplan and overthink. And the Neverseen always counted on that. “Hey, Keefe? You mentioned at some point before you could help me if I ever needed to break some rules, right?”

     “I knew you had it in you, Foster. I’m so proud,” Keefe grinned. But it morphed into a frown. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, though. Knowing our luck, something’s bound to happen and you and Fitz are still recovering . . . By the way, have you talked to Fitz recently?”

     The mention of her maybe-boyfriend-but-not-quite-yet made her cringe with guilt. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him— actually, it was the opposite. She really loved being around him, and it was practically crushing her not to. But she wasn't sure how to tell him she was unmatchable. She knew the drama it would cause, especially for a family as renowned as the Vackers. 

     Sophie cleared her throat and looked back at Keefe with a fake smile plastered on her face. “I was kinda busy. Why?”

     If Keefe suspected anything, he didn't show it. Instead he told her, “Well, not to make you feel bad or anything, but he seemed a little bummed. I guess maybe he feels like he did something wrong as your boyfriend?”

     Sophie cringed again at the b-word. She honestly still wasn't sure if they were at that stage yet, and she supposed she wouldn't find out until she actually talked to Fitz. But that just came back to the unmatchable problem . . .

     Keefe cleared his throat, catching Sophie's attention. “I get that this is kinda stressful for you, but Fitz is sure about this, you know? So don't worry about it.” Sophie nodded, trying to erase the uncertainty from her features as Keefe added, “I’ll still always be here to talk, though. Whatever you need.”

     Sophie gave him her first genuine smile in days. “Thanks,” she told him quietly. Keefe nodded, looking a bit uncomfortable as he blinked away on her Imparter screen.