The Love You Give

Perfect Match

Ezra noticed the door in the back of the room swing open. The same Latina woman from earlier walked out pushing a cart filled with food. She placed salads and soups down in front of them and Ezra's mouth immediately watered. She forgot she hadn't eaten that day since the other kids decided she didn't deserve it since she was too good for them and leaving. She thanked the woman when her food was placed in front of her and she looked genuinely surprised. Ezra noticed that they had all started eating. She wasn't going to judge, but she knew she had been through too much to not thank God for placing her where she was at. She said a quick prayer before digging in. They all noticed her praying and felt bad that they hadn't. They were Christian, but Christian in the sense that they went to church on Easter and Christmas only.

"So, tell us about yourself, Ezra." Celeste said before taking a bite of her caprese salad. Ezra took a drink of water before sighing. "There's not really much to know. My name is Ezra Austin Cole..." Jace chuckled. "Your parents must've been really disappointed you were a girl huh, Princess." Ezra glared at him. "Shut it, Jason!" He rolled his eyes at her as she continued. "I'm 16 years old." Celeste clapped excitedly. "Soon to be 17 in a few weeks. Do you have any ideas for your birthday party?" Ezra looked at Celeste crazily. "I haven't had a birthday party since I was 13. I don't really plan on doing anything to be honest." Celeste shook her head. "We have to do something. You're a smart and sweet girl. I am sure you'll have friends in no time to invite over. You just think about it."

Ezra could clearly see Celeste wasn't taking no for an answer. She had her reasons for not celebrating her birthday and she would have to figure out a way to get the Scotts to respect that boundary. "Speaking of, what are you boys doing tonight? Maybe one of you can take Ezra out with you to meet people." Jace scoffed loudly. "Fuck no." Ezra furrowed her brow and shook her head at him. "I'm going to be busy with the guys." Jackson offered. "Besides, I'd never let you be friends with my people, baby girl. We're a bunch of heathens." He winked at her and her cheeks heated as he bit his lip. "Guess it'll be you and me then, sweetheart." Jacob smiled from beside her. "I get to meet some thespians?" He nodded and chuckled at her wide smile as their dishes were removed.

"Ezra, we wanted to take this time to go over a few rules." Jansen started. Ezra nodded her head. "Of course, what time will you be wanting us back home tonight?" He looked at her confused. "You know...curfew..." The boys all laughed heartily. Jackson wiped away a tear. If it wasn't so embarrassing Celeste would've captured the moment on film. "We don't have a curfew, baby girl," Jackson chuckled lightly. Ezra looked from Jansen to Celeste for confirmation. "We trust the boys. They're free to come as they please, but have to let us know where they are throughout the night." Celeste said but the judgmental look on Ezra's face let her know she was crazy for this policy. "That's the whitest thing I've heard today." Jacob chuckled loudly. "Well, I'd like a curfew. I think it builds responsibility and maturity."

"You're mental," Jace said looking at her like she was crazy. "What time do you think is good for you?" Jansen asked with a smirk, humoring her. "Midnight." The boys looked at her like she had lost her mind. "Midnight? Nothing good starts UNTIL midnight." Jacob offered. "4 am," Jansen countered. Ezra's eyes bugged out. "12:30 am." He chuckled and shook his head. "You're proving to be one of the most courteous and respectful teens I've ever met. You need to have time to cut loose and enjoy yourself. 2 am – final offer." Ezra huffed but yielded and agreed. "Now that's taken care of, let's talk about your car." Ezra thanked the woman once more as she laid a plate of chicken marsala in front of her. "I don't have a car." Jansen nodded. "That's the problem. The boys each have their own vehicle and you need one too."

Ezra shook her head. "Why do you all have your own car? Don't you go to the same school?" Jackson nodded. "We do, but we needed our own wheels." Ezra sat back and realized just how different people really were. Her parents shared a car when she was younger and after they divorced, her Mom relied solely on public transportation. "Ezra, you're going to be busy with your own activities and friends. You'll need your own wheels too. So, what's your dream car?" Celeste said with a smile. "What cars do you all have?" She asked no one in particular. "I have a tricked-out Dodge truck. There's no other like it and it's perfect. I'll show you tonight." Jacob smiled widely. "I have a Camaro and a motorcycle." Jackson smirked thinking of his babies. "How'd you swing that?" Ezra grinned at him. "Told Dad to give me the dollar amount he was willing to spend and then worked some things out." She chuckled at him before looking at Jace. "Tesla S." He replied curtly.

"What about you two?" Jansen looked at his wife. "We have a few cars," he offered. "Any you don't drive much?" Celeste saw what Ezra was trying to do and smiled. She could only imagine what things looked like and felt for the teen as she came into this newfound world of wealth and extravagance. "I have a G wagon that I don't use much anymore. Would you feel more comfortable driving that than getting a new car?" Ezra nodded rapidly causing her to laugh. "I want to earn it though. How do you guys earn your allowance?" The boys looked at her and then one another and began laughing all over again. Ezra threw her hands in the air and shook her head. "I will never be used to just getting things for free. You have to work hard for luxuries and pleasantries. Is there a chore I can do?"

Celeste and Jansen looked at one another unsure of what they could do to help the situation. Ezra was unlike any of their sons. She was a hard worker and prided herself on earning her keep. Jansen could respect that. Ezra looked at the meal in front of her and got the brightest idea. "I can cook!" Ezra offered with a large smile. "Sunday – Tuesday I can cook dinner. The money you would pay the chef you can save or donate to charity, whichever." She clapped excitedly happy she had a plan in place. "Can you even cook?" Jace asked. Ezra wanted to poke him in his chiseled chest. "Yes, Jason, I'm an excellent chef." Celeste smiled at her. "Sunday and Monday only and only once a month. You're still a student with many AP classes I've been told. We'll donate the money to the charity of your choice." Ezra reached over and grabbed her hand. "Thank you so much!" She smiled with a squeeze before letting go.

Jansen couldn't help but smile at the exchange between his wife and Ezra. Celeste had always wanted to adopt, but he wasn't keen on the idea especially after having three boys of their own. When they finally decided on fostering things had picked up with his political career and once again, she was placed on the back burner. Looking at the two now, Jansen was happy he waited. They found the right match with Ezra and he was hopeful that his family would become better because of it.