Always & Forever

Chapter 18

--Keefe's POV--

          As we are making Mallowmelt, I notice a strange emotion pulsing off of Sophie. It's like a mix of fear and determination. I glance over at her and I see that she's fidgeting. 

          Are you okay?

          I'm fine, why?

          You've pulled out at least three eyelashes. Somethings up, what's wrong?

          What would you say if I told you that I knew a way to stop the Neverseen from hurting everyone.

          I would say go for it. Actually no, I would want to know exactly what this plan is.

          She pulls out another eyelash. 

          You wouldn't like what this plan would require.

          Sophie, just tell me. You don't have to hide this from me.

          If I told you, you would lock me up somewhere where I couldn't escape and you'd get Sandor to guard me along with fifty more goblins.

          I would only do that if this plan risked your life.

          It might...

          "Would you excuse Foster and I for a couple of minutes?" I say grabbing Sophie's wrist and pulling her outside. "What exactly are you planning?"

          "They want me. They tried to get me to join by forcing you to join. They tried to kidnap me. They almost killed you! Do you really expect me to just sit around while others get hurt?" 

          "I expect you not to put all the blame on yourself. You aren't the reason we are all here. We all choose to come with you." I grab her hand and force her to look at me. "If you even think of trying to pull one of your famous, Foster disappearing acts, I will personally lock you away and throw out the key."

          She smiles, "You realize that you wouldn't ever get to see me if you did that, right?"
     
          I roll my eyes, "Fine, you will never leave my side until the Neverseen are defeated."

          "Fine, but I at least get my own room, wherever we'll be staying."

          "Fine, but I'll be checking on you every hour. Just to make sure you didn't run off." She laughs.
 
          "Okay, sounds like a plan. Now I know what to expect when, and if, you ever get me back from the Neverseen." Her mood just went from happy to depressed.
    
          "Sophie, what is with you and always having to save others?" I turn so I'm right in front of her. " You don't have to be the hero. Let someone else be the hero for a change, take a break, and have some fun. You deserve it."

          I kiss her on the cheek and stand up. I offer her my hand but she just shakes her head. I turn to leave but not before I see a tear roll down her cheek. She puts her hair in front of her face, her way of hiding. I can feel all the pain and regret coming off her like a storm. But I know there's no way to stop it. She just needs to find herself, just like I had to find the real me.

          "Keefe, I'm sorry that I'm such a mess. I'm sorry that I'm not like every other teenage girl. I'm sorry that I can't be normal." She wipes a tear off her cheek. "You deserve someone better. Someone who doesn't get hurt or kidnapped or almost dies on a regular basis." I stop her before she can go any further.

          "If anyone deserves someone better, it's you. You are perfect and no one will ever be able to live up to who you are as a person. Also, I love girls who aren't normal. It makes life, exciting." That makes her smile. "Just promise you won't go to the Neverseen."

          "Promise."

Okay, I know this was a little short, but I just had to update. I hate leaving you guys waiting. The format might change halfway through the chapter, but that's because I had started the chapter on my laptop. When I get my new laptop I will fix all of the format issues. But for right now, enjoy this new chapter!!!