Anytime Foster I'm Always Here

A/N: "By Your Side" In Paradise *Final Chapter*

*Time Skip: The Start of Summer*

Sophie's POV: 

This year has been a wild ride—one for the record books, really. I leveled up to a whole new stage in life, which naturally came with its fair share of chaos. Case in point: a few accidental explosions in Chemistry class. Whoops. Not exactly my proudest moments, but hey, science is all about trial and error, right? And, of course, each of those experiments gone wrong ended with a lovely visit to Elwin. At this point, I feel like I should have a VIP pass to his care.

But truly, the best part of this year—hands down—was Keefe coming back. And not just coming back, but becoming my boyfriend. The moment he was finally here, everything felt right again. It was as if time had been holding its breath, waiting for us to pick up where we left off. Every moment we shared, every laugh, every ridiculous joke—it all made up for the aching time we spent apart. And now? Now, there will be no more separations, no more missing each other from a distance. Because, seriously, that hurt. And I mean, darn tootin' that HURT. This year will forever be one of my favorites, because I think—no, I know—it was the happiest I've been in a long time.

Right now, we're at the Vacker home, soaking in the sun and making the most of this perfect day. The pool has become our battleground for speed-slide races, and I honestly don't even know how many times I've challenged Keefe to a race. Or how many times Biana and Linh have done the same. It's just been nonstop action, splashes everywhere, laughter echoing through the air like music. Over by the deeper end of the pool, Biana, Linh, Tam, and Dex are locked in a heated chicken fight, each of them determined to emerge victorious. Meanwhile, I've collapsed onto a lounge chair, utterly exhausted from the constant sprint up the stairs just to shoot down the slides again. Whew. I think my legs have officially filed a complaint against me.

Inside the house, Keefe is up to his usual antics—stealing Mallowmelt. Because of course he is. Fitz, meanwhile, is off at another party, and from what I hear, he and Elizabeth have apparently made it official. Sheesh. Wonder how long that will last. (Note the sarcasm, paired with a small chuckle.)

After countless rounds of chicken fights—Keefe even jumped in for a few—we finally call it a day, dragging ourselves inside to crash on the couches. None of us really feel like doing anything too exciting at the moment; we're all just content to let the fun settle and unwind with a good movie. I change into my pajamas because they're the comfiest thing ever, and, well, why not? Then, snuggling into the massive beanbag next to Keefe, we all settle in to watch Cars.

It's cozy, peaceful, the kind of moment you never want to end. And then—then my favorite line comes on.

"Wreck... shooo, I'm the world's best backwards driver. Just watch this right here, lover boy. WEEEE WHO!" I say along with the movie, grinning as I deliver the quote with enthusiasm. Keefe chuckles, shaking his head at me like I'm the most ridiculous person he knows.

Honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

(HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH.........that's all I got.)

That was awesome. The movie finally comes to an end, the credits rolling across the screen in a soft glow, and I glance around to find most of us have drifted into sleep. Tam is curled up on the couch, Dex sprawled awkwardly over the armrest, and Linh and Biana tucked into a heap of blankets. It's a quiet, peaceful kind of exhaustion—the kind that only follows the best kind of day.