SOPHIE POV

"Sophie! Sophie, Sophie, Sophie!"

I stopped walking and turned around. Biana was rushing toward me, hands flying everywhere. All the prodigies looked at us and I felt my face warm at all the stares.

"What?" I hissed at the bouncing girl in front of me.

Biana just giggled. "I have some exciting news!"

"What is it?" I asked, a bit curious.

"Okay. So my mom and dad's anniversary is tomorrow so it'll be 20 years that they've been married."

I smiled. "That's great."

"I know! But you didn't even hear the exciting part, yet—they're having a party at Everglen! This is special to them, so they're hosting a party and everyone is invited! And we get to dress up!"

"Oh. Great." I wasn't exactly thrilled I had to dress up.

"And they will be food, games, music, and dancing," Biana continued. "My parents sent out the scrolls for the invitations today. Aren't you so excited?"

Before I had a chance to answer she continued. "I already picked out my gown, shoes, and hairstyle." She paused, eyes widening. "Sophie, you need a nice gown!"

"Hey, I have plenty of nice gowns," I said defensively.

Biana raised an eyebrow. "You mean that brown gown you have? No offense, but that dress is not very flattering. Oh, I know! You can have one of mine! I have thousands of beautiful gowns."

Before I could protest, Biana dragged me out the doors of Foxfire. Oh, boy…

"No."

"Sophie, you look gorgeous!"

"I look like a walking glitter stick."

Biana rolled her eyes, beginning to drag me out the door. "C'mon, Sophie, the party is starting!"

I groaned, glancing down at my gown that screamed, "Look at me!" I played with the bracelets Biana forced me to wear and shoved my hair out of my face.

"Let's go and partaaaayyy!" Biana said, linking her arm in mine. "I'm so excited!"

That made one of us.

KEEFE POV

"Dude, muskog gas isn't as bad as gulon gas."

"Are you kidding? I'm pretty sure muskog gas can burn your nostrils if you breath it in."

I was at Everglen because Della and Alden were having a party for their 20th anniversary. People were already here, but they were in the hall. Fitz and I were in the kitchen feasting on custard bursts.

"I'm telling you," Fitz said through a mouthful of food. "Gulon gas smells like flowers compared to muskog gas."

I raised a brow. "I didn't know you smell flowers in your free time."

He threw his empty plate at me. I easily dodged it and smirked. The plate, however, hit someone who was behind us.

"Excuse me!" I instantly recognized that voice.

I turned around, smirking. "Biana, tell Fitz that…" I trailed off, because Biana was standing next to Foster. I blinked and then blinked again.

Foster looked…wow.

Her hair was down—something I rarely see—and it reached past her hips. Her blonde hair now had waves in it (was it always so shiny?), and it tumbled down her back like curtains. She was wearing a long red gown that was a bit glittery but the red made her brown eyes stand out even more. Not to mention the dress brought out curves that I didn't even realize she had. I tugged on my shirt that suddenly felt too tight. Did it suddenly just get hot in there?

Because…wow.

Foster was staring at the floor, looking like she wanted to crawl in a hole. I felt huge waves of embarrassment radiating off of her. But then she looked back up, and her eyes instantly met mine (and I ignored the sudden increase of my heart) and we stared at each other. I realized she wasn't used to dressing up—and didn't like it for that matter—and she was asking for me to say something. She didn't ask, but I could see it in her eyes.

So I pulled a smirk to my face and asked, "Biana?"

Her shoulders relaxed a little and smiled. "Biana."

"Hey, I did a good job!" Biana said defensively, putting her hands on her hips.

I snorted, just to get on Foster's nerves. She stuck her tongue out at me and walked toward the snack table (and I swear it looked like there was a ray of sunlight streaming down at her as she walked). I swallowed.

"Why were you guys in here, anyway?" Biana asked, but suspiciously eyed the plate of custard bursts next to Fitz and I. "The party's in the hall!"

"I know," Fitz said. "But we were just waiting for the ladies to arrive so we could get on the dance floor."

Biana scoffed. "Like any girl would want to dance with you."

The two started to argue as we left the kitchen to go to the hall. I didn't say anything, because how could I when Foster was walking right next to me looking like that? So I just dug my hands into my pockets and followed the two arguing siblings ahead of us.

When we got to the hall, there was music playing and Della and Alden were surrounded by people the adults. There were also prodigies from school all talking and eating.

"Ooh, is that more mallowmelt?" I said, walking to the snack table.

Foster followed me. "Didn't you already have that today?"

"I had custard bursts, not mallowmelt." I smirked.

Her brown eyes rolled to the ceiling. She said something, but I didn't even know what because I noticed a group of guys were ogling Foster behind her. I narrowed my eyes at the greasy, pony-tailed guys who were practically drooling. I don't know why I was clenching my fists so hard, or why I even cared.

"Who are you glaring at?" Foster asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. She turned to look behind her (and the way her hair bounced and fell so perfectly down her back as she turned made me want to scream).

"No one," I said quickly, popping a mallowmelt cake in my mouth. I watched her grimace in disgust as I purposely chewed with an open mouth.

"You're disgusting."

"But you still keep me around," I said, grinning cheekily.

"I ask myself why I do every day," she said with a sigh.

"It's obviously because you love me." I stopped grinning, realizing how that sounded. I glanced at her and she was still turned away, but her body looked stiff. "Like a friend," I added quickly. I had to add a joke to ease the tension so I said, "Of course, I wouldn't blame you if you did…"

She turned back to me and opened her mouth to say something, but Alden spoke.

"And now it's time for my beautiful wife and I to dance!" he said, pulling Della along with him. "Let's show them how it's done, baby."

"Alden," Della said, face turning slightly red. Alden just grinned and the two began to dance. First the song was slow, and then the next song was fast. After they danced, all the couples joined them. And then after a few songs, everyone joined in.

"Isn't this so much fuuuuuuun?" Biana said loudly, bouncing up to me and Foster.

"That's enough punch for you," Fitz said coming up behind her and snatching the drink away from her.

She whined, putting her hands on her hips and turned to her brother. But before she could say anything, a boy—Dex, I think—slid up next to her.

"Biana, you want to dance?"

"Oh, absolutely!" Biana said, and linked their arms together and walked to the dance floor—while Fitz glared at him, of course.

"I better keep my eye on him," he said, following them. But a girl with long black hair and silver ends made him think other wise, and he followed her instead. I snorted. But then I noticed Foster and I were the only ones just standing there. I glanced at her, and she was watching everyone dance. Maybe…she wants to dance? I should probably ask her but only as friends! Like I'd ever dance with Foster as a couple or something.

I wiped my sweaty hands on my pants and nervously glanced at Foster again. Wait…why was I so nervous? I'm just going to ask if she wants to dance but only as friends. Keefe Sencen never gets nervous asking the ladies anything! I took a deep breath.

"So, Fost—"

Some boy somehow slid up next to Foster and I realized it was the same boy I saw earlier. And sure enough, as I looked, his gang of greasy geeks were watching him and giving him a thumbs up.

"Uh, S-Sophie," the boy stuttered. "You w-wanna…d-dance with…me?"

The hope radiating off of him was blinding. I glared at him, but the boy just pretended I wasn't even standing there. I was about to rip off his pathetic ponytail.

"Um…" Foster glanced at me. I forced a smirk. It's not like we're dating or anything, so why should I care who dances with her? "Sure…" she trailed off because she forgot his name. I almost laughed.

"Valin," he said, looking almost hurt.

"Valin!" Foster said quickly. "Yeah, uh…sure, Valin."

He looked like he was about to faint. He took her hand and dragged her to the floor.

I don't care who she dances with, she can dance with anyone she wants. I don't care.

But why was I wishing I were the one dancing with her?

SOPHIE POV

I tried to hide my grimace as Valin's abnormally clammy hands squeezed mine. The grease from his ponytail was dripping onto his shirt, and he was looking at me with a blob of spit hanging from his mouth. Needless to say, I was very uncomfortable.

"Just like old times right, Sophie?"

I frowned. "Old times…?" I was pretty sure I never talked to him before.

"You don't remember? Lady Belva made us ballroom dance for detention and we danced together! It was so romantic…"

Oh, now I remembered. I also remembered I tried to shove the memory to the very back of my mind after that. But of course I didn't say that, I just forced a smile and looked away from his uncomforting stare.

I unconsciously searched for Keefe, but he wasn't standing at the snack table anymore. I craned my neck past Valin's shoulder and then saw Keefe. He was dancing with a girl I've never seen before. But she had long, brown hair, tan skin, and turquoise eyes. And even though I've never met her, I suddenly despised her. She giggled like a little girl every time Keefe said something and was practically pressing her whole body against his. I looked away.

"So, uh, Sophie I was thinking," Valin said. "Maybe after this we should go—"

The song ended, and I quickly stepped back and ripped my hands away from his. I rubbed the sweat from his hands off mine, trying my best to hide my disgust.

"I like you, Sophie," Valin blurted out.

I froze. "Um…" I sighed. "Valin, look, I don't…you deserve someone better, okay?"

He sighed. "This is about Keefe Sencen, isn't it?"

I blinked. "What? No! Why would you say that?"

"You guys are always hanging out together."

"Yeah, because we're good friends."

He just sighed again and walked away. I said a weak apology and quickly left the floor and went back to the snack table. Keefe joined me a few minutes later.

"Oh, man," he said, looking behind him as if someone was following him. "I had to get away from that girl."

"The one you were dancing with?" I said the last part more bitterly than I wanted to.

"Yeah. She's so annoying. She laughs at everything I say, even if I'm just asking a question."

"Huh. If she laughs at your jokes there's definitely something wrong with her."

"Oh, haha, Foster. At least I didn't have to dance with a dude whose drool covers half his face."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're evil."

"I'm serious—I could feel his emotions for you across the floor."

I sighed. "Yeah, he told me he liked me."

"Did you turn him down?"

"Yeah, but he thought it was because of you. And I told him we're just good friends," I added quickly. "We are good friends, right?" Even though we argued half the time, and he got on my nerves almost all the time, I still thought we were good friends.

Keefe turned to me. "Sophie, I think that we're best friends." And he sounded so sincere, especially since he used my first name. And then I noticed he was looking at me the same way he did when we were on the couch at Everglen a couple of days ago. My stomach flipped.

"Why are you two just standing there?" Biana said loudly, coming over to Keefe and I. I groaned. Biana usually gets crazy at parties. "The party's on the dance floor!"

"I…don't know," I said when Keefe didn't answer.

Biana started dancing in place. "Well, come on! Dance! Even Fitz is dancing." She pointed to her left, and I saw Fitz dancing with Linh. I smiled.

I glanced at Keefe. Was it weird for two friends to dance? I don't think so…Besides, I can't dance good.

"Oh, you guys are ridiculous." And without warning, Biana grabbed both of our wrists and dragged us to the floor. When we got there, she let go and pushed us toward each other.

"Come on, Dex!" Biana said to Dex as he approached her. He grinned and took her hand and they danced away.

I stood there, staring at my shoes.

"Well, we're here," Keefe said. "Mine as well dance, right?"

"I…can't dance."

Keefe slowly grinned his cute grin. "Well I can, so let's do it. Besides, it'll give us both something to laugh at." I said nothing. "Come on, the song is almost over," he pressed.

"No, I'm terrible at dancing."

"You can't be that bad."

I shook my head. I was seriously clumsy—especially at dancing. I tripped over my own feet every time I tried. I let out a surprised gasp as Keefe suddenly grabbed my wrists and pulled me toward him. I ungracefully landed against his chest. I felt my face warm as I stared at his shirt.

Keefe took a step grinning. "Show me some moves, Foster."

I sighed, realizing I wasn't going to get out of this. "Fine. But don't laugh."

He just kept grinning and didn't say anything. I was about to start but the song ended.

"Oh, come on!" Keefe exclaimed.

KEEFE POV

I looked down at Foster, who seemed to breath a sigh of relief as the song ended and a slow song began. Uh-uh. She isn't going to get out of dancing that easy.

So I grabbed her hand (and ignored that tingly feeling I got) and twirled her. She gasped and tripped over her foot and stumbled back.

I laughed. "You're worse than I thought."

Her face flushed and she nervously glanced around. "Keefe, everyone is slow dancing."

I grinned and dipped her. "So?"

"So we're the only ones dancing like this!"

I lifted her up and her hair slapped my face (and I got a whiff of vanilla and I was pretty sure I've never smelled anything so good) and she clumsily stood back up, her face still flushed.

"I know, that's what makes it fun." I twirled her again, and she didn't stumble as much as before.

I watched her glance nervously at the slow, dancing people around us before looking back at me. "Fine."

I smiled at her and she started dancing. After a short while, she no longer nervously glanced at everyone else but kept her focus on dancing with me. Her face was no longer flushed from embarrassment and she was grinning ear to ear. I watched her brown eyes sparkle and her blonde hair seemed to shine like the sun. She let out a laugh as we danced (and it was a sound I've grown to love) and I didn't notice everyone was watching us until the song was over. I ended the dance by dipping Foster and she looked back at me, breathing heavily and her smile so big it made my heart race.

People then started clapping and I lifted her up. Foster's face turned as red as her dress when she noticed everyone was watching. I smirked at her and grabbed her hand (and my stomach flipped) and made us do a cheesy, exaggerated bow.

"You're actually not that bad at dancing," I told her as everyone started dancing again as a new song came on. "You just have to relax and not worry what everyone thinks."

"Thanks," she grinned. "I bet I can out dance you, now!"

"Oh, it is so on!"

I don't know how long we danced for, but I didn't mind one bit because I honestly couldn't picture me dancing with anyone else. Not that that I like her or something. Please. Like I'd ever end up with that girl.

A/N: lolol what are good endings?

Sorry for the wait, but I had a terrible thing called writers block for the past few days. I tried writing, but nothing came to mind. But I got over it. But, guys, it's so hard writing this because I feel so much pressure to not disappoint you guys. So I really hope you liked this cheesy af chapter (that I didn't proofread).

And for those of you who don't want this story to end, I'm sorry but every story has to end and I'd rather end it on a good note then end it because no one reads it anymore because the story went down or something. But there will be one more chapter, and then an epilogue. Sorrrrryyyy.

But I'll have one hell of an author's note on the last chapter thanking everyone for their support bc it means a lot to me.

Don't forget to R&R! And don't be afraid to be honest if you didn't like it, it's okay lol.

Oh, and next chapter: the moment you all have (probably) been waiting for! A kiss :O yes. And forgive me if it's terrible because I wouldn't know and have no idea how it feels like so please excuse my attempt at romance because I have no love life whatsoever.