Pat Makes His Feelings Well Known

Even though being in the Singer career was a dream come true for Sophie, she found that she didn't quite feel so fulfilled. Ever since finishing her one and only term at college - and failing miserably, she'd had a long standing wish to complete a degree ... ANY degree, just to say she'd done it. Besides, singing wasn't as cracked up as she thought it would be.

Sooooo ... right on Spooky Day, she took the plunge and filled out her aptitude test in the hopes that she would qualify for some funding towards her studies.

Alas that wasn't to be. According to the results, she still hadn't worked hard enough with any of her skills to get even a teeny tiny foothold. But that still didn't stop her. Mind you, the test DID prove to be a little difficult for her this time around. Even the poor postman wasn't much help.

Postman: Morning! Happy Spooky Day!
Sophie: Do you know what the percentage rate is if someone sells a camel at the market and the government takes its cut?
Postman: Sorry, maths wasn't my thing at school.
Sophie: Yeah, mine either. Thanks anyways.

It was then that she spotted Pat. He'd overheard her plans for college and he was not happy.

Pat: So, when were you going to spring THIS surprise on me?
Sophie: I was going to tell you Pat.
Pat: Yeah, whatever.
Sophie: Pat, please. Stop acting like a child.
Pat: A child you say? You know fine well that I'm not allowed to go to college with you.
Sophie: Pat, I did try.
Pat: Obviously not hard enough by the looks of it.
Sophie: Look Pat, I need to do this. And stop being so clingy.
Pat: I hate you. Now go away.

With that he vanished briefly. Obviously to sulk in a corner. The way I see it, considering that he was originally a doll, he's got some serious abandonment issues. And the only solution is to be turned. The problem is, their relationship just isn't that strong enough for Sophie to do that. So she's stuck with a whiny brat of an imaginary friend.

Just then, the rain clouds gathered and deposited a whole bunch of water all over Dragon Valley. But that didn't stop almost everyone gathering to see Sophie off.

Nessa: You going to be okay sis?
Sophie: I'm ... not sure.

She looked frantically around for Pat. She hated leaving with  this bad atmosphere between them. But then she spotted him standing near the doorway, the physical as well as spiritual distance between them VERY noticeable.

Nessa: You know where we are if you need us.
Sophie: Yeah, I know. A phone call away.
Hespa: I'm so envious of you.
Sophie: You could come along too you know!
Hespa: I'm ... not so sure ... you know. Too many people there? It might get a little too crowded for me.
Sophie: Understood.
Blaine: Just go fulfill your wishes kiddo.
Sophie: Thanks.

She glanced across at Pat, who resolutely and defiantly stood with his back still turned. Sighing, Sophie picked up her suitcase and started towards the moving van. Just then, one of the patrol cars that her parents had, pulled up and J1NX1E honked the horn.

J1NX1E: Want a ride?
Sophie: Does mom know you're driving this? More to the point, I didn't know you could drive!?!
J1NX1E: Ah pfft, what she doesn't know won't hurt her.
Sophie: Thanks, but I think I'd be better off in the van.
J1NX1E: Okay, no problem. Don't forget where we all are and have fun!

And so begins a two year course on Fine Arts. Sophie is determined to knuckle down and get that degree - by hook or by crook?

As for Pat?
Well, he'll just have to suck it up and wait for her return