I finally finished my midterms so I was able to update this. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, so I hope you all like it! I honestly was planning on having this entire chapter just be Sophie's midterms experience, but I ended up writing a lot and didn't get to her chemistry midterm. I wanted to get this chapter out asap so I will write midterms part 2 later. For now, enjoy!

FantasyReads: Thank you so much! I'm so glad midterms are over! Also, that's a really good idea, I am definitely going to do something like that. Thank you so much for your nice comments :))

Kotlcfan: Thank you so much! I hope you like it!

YessBiana: Tysmmm! I love your username!

Sokeefe4evr: Thank you sm :))) I hope you like this chapter!

FantasyReads: Yesss I finally finished my tests, so I wrote this chapter as soon as I could! Oh no ahhahaha thank you so much for all the reviews 3 I hope you like this chapter.

CHAPTER 13

"Would you relax?" Dex tells me, for about the millionth time.

I keep tugging out my lashes. At this rate, I won't have any left by third period

"We've been studying chemistry nonstop for the past week! You'll be fine!"

"I know, I know. But I still don't have the hang of it. What if I explode something?"

"Then we'll put your face on a poster and celebrate!" Keefe says, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

I sink my face in my hands. "UGHHHH! Not helping, Keefe!"

"Good luck on midterms everyone. I am sure you will all make Foxfire proud!" Principal Alina finishes up the announcements and then the bell alerts everyone to grab stuff from their lockers.

My friends start walking towards our lockers, but my feet are stuck in place.

Keefe notices and sticks back.

"Sophie, I know I'm always fun and jokes, but I am being dead serious when I say 'You got this'. I know you have it in you to pass midterms. You have been studying more than me. Probably even more than Fitz. And you have less midterms than us. Plus, remember," he says, pointing to his brain. "Photographic memory. I'm sure it will come in handy."

I sigh. "I know. I'm just nervous."

"I know you are. It's almost as if I can feel it radiating off of you. But I promise you. will. be. fine! And think about how much fun we're going to have during the after party! You'll forget all about midterms in no time!"

I smile. "You're right. Thank you Keefe."

"Anytime Foster. Now let's get moving. We can't be late to our first midterm!"

– – –

I walk out of astronomy with a smile on my face. Thankfully, everything that was on the test were things I studied for. Now I just need to put my efforts into doing well in chemistry and then I don't need to worry anymore.

"Okay so I'm pretty sure I got question 5 wrong, but everything else was fine!" Dex says, catching up to me. "How was your mini test?"

"It went well! I'm glad Mr. Astin didn't give me the full midterm though. That packet looked thick!"

"Yeah, it took a while! But I got through it! What do we have now?"

"I think P.E?"

"Oh yeah! We can get all our energy out"

"Yes!"

I walk into the girl's locker room once we arrive at the gym.

"Hey girl! How was astronomy?" Marella asks, as soon as she spots me.

"It wasn't too bad!" I say. "How was your first midterm?"

"I had History, but it wasn't bad either! Thank god!"

"That's good!"

Biana walks in after two minutes.

"Guys, I think I just failed English!" Biana says, dropping her bag on the ground.

Marella and I rush to cheer her up. "I'm sure it wasn't as bad as you thought!" I say, in an effort to comfort her.

"Yeah! And maybe there's a huge curve because everyone did bad!" Marella reasons.

Biana sniffles. "You guys are right. I'm just being dramatic. Oh, I didn't even ask, how were your midterms?"

"Astronomy was fine," I say.

"Yeah, so was History! So you don't need to worry about that," Marella tells her.

"That's a relief!"

We finish getting changed and walk out into the gym. The boys meet up with us in the middle.

"So, was it as bad as you thought it was gonna be?" Keefe whispers to me.

"No, you were right. It went well actually. Thanks for the pep talk before," I look up, meeting his eyes.

"No problem Foster. You know I'm always here for you."
There was something in his voice when he said that. Something that sounded deep. I blush, not knowing what to say. Thankfully, Coach Rohana blows her whistle and starts talking.

"Okay guys. As you all know it is midterm week. So the other coaches and I were thinking of things we should all do during this block. It is our last class after all."

Oh yeah I forgot P.E was only one semester.

Someone raises their hand. "Can we play dodgeball again?" A chorus of "yeah"s and "please"s follow his request.

"Nope! We were actually going to run the mile!"

Immediately, everyone starts groaning.

"The mile! No! I can't run the mile! My hair will get ruined!" Biana says, starting to hyperventilate.

"Deep breaths, sis," Fitz says.

"Don't worry everyone, the weather is actually looking bad today, so we won't be doing the mile," Coach says.

"Yes! For once San Diego winters are actually helping!" Marella says, pumping her fist.

"Instead, we are going to be taking the PACER test. Once everyone is complete, you guys are free to do whatever you like for the rest of the period."

Everyone looks unhappy, but at least it's not the mile. I turn to Fitz.

"What's the PACER test?"

His jaw drops. "You never did the PACER?"

I shake my head. "No?"

"Lucky you!" Biana grumbles.

"Basically everyone lines up on one side of the gym and when the audio starts, we need to run to the other side. The beeps gradually speed up, and once you don't make it to the other side twice, you sit out. It's just to measure our endurance and speed," Dex explains.

"Oh, I see."

Keefe smirks. "I'm usually one of the last ones left!"

"Yeah, but you have never been able to beat me," Fitz says. "And that's not gonna change this year."

"You sure about that, Fitzy? You have been eating some extra mallowmelt lately!" Keefe says.

"Hah you wish!"

Coach Rohana blows her whistle. "Everyone line up!"

We line up next to everyone else on one side of the gym.

"How long do people usually last?" I whisper to Biana.

"I usually make it until 30 laps. Then I just stop on purpose. A 30 is passing, so why would I go for longer than that?"

"That's true. How much do Fitz and Keefe usually do?"

"I think Fitz's highest was 60 and Keefe's was probably around 57."

"Oh wow."

I start to get nervous. I can barely make it to my classes without tripping over my own feet. How am I supposed to do 30 laps!?

An audio starts playing.

"The FitnessGram PACER Test is a multistage aerobic capacity test that progressively gets more difficult as it continues…"

The audio continues to give the instructions.

Then, the starting beep plays. Everyone begins to run at a very slow jog, I follow along. Everyone makes it with plenty of time to spare.

We go through the first 5 before another sound indicates that it is getting faster. The next five are a little harder, but still not too bad.

I get to 25 before I get a sharp pain in my side. I really should have hydrated for this. A few people get out around this time.

At 32, Biana makes her second mistake and happily skips to the bleachers and takes a seat, cheering us on.

At 40 laps, Marella and Dex both make their second mistake and sit on the bleachers next to Biana. My throat starts to feel dry. I miss the line, making my first mistake. It's fine, I already got well past the passing grade. I might as well just make my second mistake and go sit down with the rest of the crew. Still, there's some urge in me that wants to beat Keefe and Fitz.

At 50 laps, it's just me, Fitz, Keefe, and a kid named Gerald. I'm the last girl remaining. All the other girls, aside from Stina and her friends, are cheering me on.

"GO SOPHIE! YOU CAN DO IT! BEAT MY BROTHER!" Biana yells.

I'm sure my face is red and sweaty, but I can't give up now! I start to channel a strength from my core. This allows me to keep running without getting as tired.

Soon, Gerald gets out.

It's just me, Keefe, and Fitz.

At 57 laps, it's getting really difficult to breathe. I look to my side and see Keefe and Fitz huffing and puffing. At 60, Keefe taps out.

"Keep going Foster! Beat the Fitzer!"

It's around 63 laps when I decide I physically can't run anymore. I stop and fall to my knees, panting. The audio stops. I turn to my side and see Fitz in the same position. Our eyes widen. Did I just tie with Fitz!?

The next few moments are a blur as my friends come running and celebrate my "win".

"SOPHIE I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GOT 63 LAPS! THAT'S HIGHER THAN FITZ'S BEST!"

"Erm, actually Biana, 63 is my best. I think you're forgetting that we tied!"

"SHUT UP FITZ!"

Everyone starts laughing. Coach Rohana comes up to me and Fitz.

"Great job you two! I think we have our athletes of the semester right here!" Fitz smiles at me and I beam back.
Coach Rohana takes a picture of us for the school hallway. We high five and join the others back in the gym. After a quick game of HORSE, the bell rings. We change and wave goodbye to Coach Rohana. I'm actually gonna miss this class, despite being scared about it at first.

We all walk together to study hall. Okay, now I must lock in for chemistry.

TO BE CONTINUED!