A/N: Takes place after Flashback.
SOPHIE FOSTER
My ears are ringing. That's all I can hear.
One word.
Unmatchable.
I'm too stunned to do anything but stumble out, to look at Grady and Edaline, to see their concerned expressions as I blink at them.
It's because they don't know who my biological parents are. That's why. It's not because I could be, might be, les-
"I'm unmatchable," I blurt, successfully silencing my thoughts. Mom's mouth drops open and she steps forward, closing the distance between us in a hug. Dad blinks in astonishment and quickly joins us, wrapping us in his warm embrace.
My ears are still ringing, but I let myself sink into my parent's arms, let them tell me that it's okay, even though I know it's not okay.
Is it okay?
I still don't know if it's okay here in the Lost Cities. I'm too afraid of the answer to ask.
I know I need to tell Fitz. But I really, really don't want to.
I sit at the dining table quietly, eating Mom's groundbreaking mallowmelt as I watch my dad pace back and forth in front of me. I can tell he's upset, and I can guess why; this happened before. Jolie and Brant had been a bad match. And now, whatever relationship I get into someday will be a bad match, too.
If only he knew…
I push my plate away, unable to eat anymore without the possibility of vomiting.
"I think I should just go to bed," I announce. Dad stops pacing and smiles tiredly at me.
"Go ahead," he says. "I'll see you soon."
I stand up and head to my bedroom. Sandor and Bo follow me. I don't know where the rest of my bodyguards are, and to be honest, I don't care.
When I'm finished getting ready for bed, I climb into bed and grab Ella.
"What's wrong with me?" I ask her. She doesn't respond. Obviously. If she had, then I'd be concerned.
I had just lain down, burying my face in my pillow, when a crisp, accented voice transmits into my head.
SOPHIE!
A/N: Sorry it's so short, I'm rushed, but I really wanted to post this for y'all!