"You- you- you what?" Sophie asked. "You put me and Keefe low on each other's lists?"
"Yeah," Biana said, her voice wavering. "And I feel so bad about it. I'm sorry."
"It's... not fine."
"I know," Biana said solemnly. "It was a stupid decision."
"So... why- and how- did you do it?" Sophie asked angrily.
"For the test, they asked us to create a hypothetical list for two of our friends that we knew liked each other based off of statistics they found," Biana said. "It was supposed to test how good we were at pairing people we know together to make sure we had no bias for anyone. Linh chose, er... me and Tam. I don't even like him! Anyways, he ended up being my number six. I chose you and Keefe."
"I didn't think the scrolls would be used," Biana said. "And your scroll results weren't even my final product!"
"Of course they weren't," Sophie said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. No matter how much Biana tried to justify this one, there was no going back.
"I swear! I had about three drafts, and the final one that I thought I submitted had you as his number three, and him as your number seven," Biana explained.
"What?" Sophie exclaimed. That was her real placement on his list? That was... great. Amazing, even. Why had Biana kept that from her?
"It turns out that they didn't just judge the final product," Biana said. "They judge the drafts. If you show any sign of bias, they immediately take away your chances of a job."
"That explains part of it," Sophie said stubbornly. "But not why Keefe was so low on my list."
"A couple days after they declined me, I went back to try and change their minds," Biana said. "To show me why they didn't accept me, they switched out the professional scroll with my scroll to show me the consequences of a bias. Actually, it was the day we went to get my scroll. That's why Linh and I were so late."
"So... we were late for our scrolls just so you could beg them for a job," Sophie said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. Linh came with me for support," Biana mumbled sheepishly. "The reason the match lady was so rude was because of me. I... might have yelled a little."
"Oh," Sophie said. There really wasn't anything else to say. Biana had really hurt her, although it may not have been intentional. "I'm not sure I can forgive you for this, you know."
"I know," Biana sighed sadly. "But... I hope you'll try."
Sophie nodded. "I will."
The screen clicked, and Biana's face disappeared from view. Sophie flopped back on her bed, letting out a loud groan. What was she going to tell Keefe?
"This sucks," Sophie said to nobody in particular. In response, Iggy released a loud fart. "And now it sucks even more."
"What sucks?" somebody said.
"Who's that?" Sophie asked, raising her head a little bit.
"Edaline," she said, and Sophie realized the sound was coming out of the outside of the door. "What sucks?"
"Nothing," Sophie grumbled.
The door opened a crack. "It doesn't sound like nothing. I heard you talking with Biana on your imparter, and you seemed angry. What's wrong?"
Sophie sighed grudgingly. "Come in."
Her door opened, and in walked Edaline, carrying a plate of mallowmelt (A/N I tried making it at my friend's house, it's so good!). "So? What happened?"
Sophie sat up, considering her options. Could she just lie and deal with it on her own?
As much as she wanted to, Sophie knew she couldn't. Edaline had been alive for a long, long time. She probably had her share of friend drama, too. What good would it do to keep Edaline from helping her.
"Well..." Sophie started. Words tumbled out of her mouth, starting at her moment with Keefe, to her matchmaker's scroll, to her fight with Biana. Edaline nodded the whole way through, listening intently to Sophie's vent.
"You're dating Keefe? That's wonderful!" Edaline said. "It took you long enough to figure out you liked each other. I'm sorry about the scrolls, though. I know it's hard when a friend betrays you like that."
"So?" Sophie asked. "What do I do?"
Edaline sighed softly. "Honestly, at this point, you should just give yourself some time. You need to think. And please, do try hard to forgive Biana. She's a good friend, and this isn't like her."
"I know," Sophie said. "And I really want to. But... it's hard. She's my best friend, but to do something like this- it's unthinkable."
"It is," Edaline agreed. "But you need to resolve this eventually. Not now, though. Give yourself a rest. Talk with Keefe. Keep training with Fitz. Hang out with Linh. Joke with Dex. Be sarcastic with Tam. Heaven knows he's good at it. My point is, have fun with your friends. They'll know what to do."
"I will," Sophie said. "Thank you."
"You're always welcome," said Edaline. "There's only one thing besides Biana you should worry about- telling Grady about Keefe."
Uh oh.
A/N Yay, I updated again!
Next chapter will have lots of Sokeefe, stay tuned! For all you Sophitz and Sodex shippers, wait your turn, Fitz and Dex will get a chance in the spotlight. Stay tuned!