Together?- A SOPHITZ fanfiction (UPDATES ON HOLD)

Studies, studying, study

Winter Solstice break came and went in a flash. Sophie spent a lot of time with Fitz, goofing off and cuddling. The whole crew had met up several times to hang out but an odd tension was in the air. Sophie noticed Biana and Keefe stealing glances at one another, looking away when their eyes met. Lihn's head was in the clouds, quite literally- a cloud of water vapor sprang around her head, forming tiny rainbows whenever it caught the light. She was humming, always looking at the time. And of course, Dex and Tam were incredibly awkward. Dex was constantly fidgeting with some kind of gadget and Tam was being his usual dark self. They made sure to stand as far away from each other as possible. Sophie felt terrible for her friends. She wished she hadn't caught them but it was inevitable. She only hoped what she had done would make things right.

Soon, Sophie was caught back into the turmoil of the Elite levels and, since it was her final year, she was incredibly overworked. She slept for 3 hours off and on, waking up to practice or do some sort of assignment, sequestering herself away from her friends. After all, she had no time to see them anyway and all of them were too busy or tired to do much. So Sophie buried herself into her work, eager to forget what she had done until the time came.

Midterms passed and the Elite levels were not spared the 6-week break that most other prodigies were awarded. They continued their work, excitedly staring at the clock for the next break in April. Sophie wasn't planning on going home for the 1-week break- it wasn't because she was dreading a slip up ( because she was- Edaline could always tell when Sophie was anxious), but because she wanted to make sure she did very, very well on her finals. After all, everyone would be scrutinizing her after the upcoming announcement and she wanted them to at least be satisfied with her final grades. She had sent a scroll to Grady and Edaline who, slightly dejected, understood that her studies were overwhelming and she needed time.

Everyone was packing up for the break and Sophie sat slumped at her desk, having just finished reading a 700-page book on the effect of crystals on telepathic strength. Biana waltzed in, humming a tune excitedly. She gasped. "Sophie! Why aren't you packed? We're supposed to be out of here in half an hour!" Biana looked exhausted. Gone was the girl who was constantly worried about her looks. Her gorgeous hair was tied up in a haphazard knot and her face was devoid of makeup. Like everyone, she was counting on sleeping for the next 2 days. Sophie yawned. "I'm actually staying here," she said. Biana looked at her like she had voluntarily swallowed cravettels and enjoyed it. "What are you talking about?" she asked, confused. "I'm not going home. I have too much work to do so I'll stay here and enjoy the library when it's empty," she explained, annoyed. "Nuh-uh. You have to go home Sophie. You need to sleep. Besides, Fitz is gonna want to see you," replied Biana, stubborn as always. Sophie sighed.

"I already told him. He wasn't too happy but... he understands." Biana still didn't get the point. "Since you guys are cognates, shouldn't seeing him help you or something?" Sophie shook her head. "We finished cognate training a while ago. We're going strong. He knows all my secrets. There's really nothing to do." Not all my secrets, she thought. Biana accepted defeat and walked away, muttering a string of curse words. Sophie closed her book and stacked her scrolls and parchments, ready to see her best friend off. To be honest, Sophie yearned to go home. But she was worried she would slip up, sleep deprivation ruining her control and sanity. Sophie had also lied that she told Fitz about not going home- she had been pushing it back for days now, worried to see his reaction. Copying Biana's foul words, she dug around to find her Imparter and called out "Fitz Vacker". The imparter chimed a few times, signaling it was calling, and Fitz's beautiful face appeared on the screen.

"Sophie! Hey!" he exclaimed, grinning. Sophie smiled back, happy to see him. "What's up?" he asked. "Well..." Sophie started, feeling uncomfortable. "I wanted to let you know that... I'mnotcominghomeforbreak." She said the last sentence in a blurb of words. Fitz's smile lessened and he looked at her, confused. "What do you mean you're not coming home?" "I'm staying here, in the gold tower. I have to, I have a ton of work to do if I want to finish the year with good marks," Sophie explained. Fitz looked frustrated. "Sophie, you need sleep. You look exhausted. And besides, the work can wait. Your parents want to see you. I want to see you." Sophie could have melted at that statement if not for the anger behind it. "I know, I want to see you too but... it's just... I think its better if I stay here. We'll be able to see each other plenty after the school year is over." Too many lies, she thought. She was practically begging him to be ok with it, to be the understanding boyfriend she loved. But Fitz looked hurt, dejected. "Fine. I hope you enjoy yourself." And with that, he hung up.

Sophie groaned. She was tired, overworked, burned out, had an impossibly huge secret, and on top of that her boyfriend, friends, and family were upset at her. It was just wonderful. Sophie followed Biana out and said goodbye to her friend. "You sure you want to stay here?" she asked. Sophie nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure." She smiled for emphasis. Biana hugged her one last time and stepped through the beam of light home. Sophie turned on her heels, her gold cloak swishing gently, and went up to the dorm. It was empty, silent as a tomb, devoid of the past noises of pages flipping and silent chatter. Sophie plopped on her bed and stared off into space. Did she really want to become a Councillor? Have her parents and friends hate her? No, she thought. I am not reconsidering. I made the right choice, she reassured herself. Sleep came swiftly.

She was awakened by the chime of her imparter. "Be quiet!" she cried out. But the noise didn't stop. Groaning, she grabbed it off of her nightstand and sat up. "Hello?" she asked groggily. "Ms. Foster. Are you alone?" an emotionless voice asked. Sophie's mind flicked on. "C-councillor Bronte! Why are you calling me?" she asked. Bronte scoffed. "Good gulon, child. You are to be Councillor in 2 months! We have to start your training, of course."

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