Little Green Apples (Ivan×OC)

Chapter 4

"Could you turn on the oven to 375 please?", Jessica asked Gunnar.

"Sure thing!", he exclaimed.

"Scalloped potatoes are only necessary when having roast, are they not?", she asked Ivan.

"They're certainly a requirement, no doubt about it," he replied.

Jessica's phone started ringing, "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty echoing throughout the kitchen. When she looked at the number she saw it was the social worker calling. She didn't know whether to be hopeful or scared of what she might have to say. She hesitantly swiped the screen right to answer.

"Hello?"

"Hi Jessica, this is Tatianna from social services. How are you doing tonight?"

"I'm doing well. Please tell me you have an update about my parents."

"I do... I'm sorry to say that we have a real issue. Your parents survived, but according to the doctors they have damage to several organs; they'll have to be permanently placed in an assisted living home. So we need to know if you have anywhere you can go... Friends you can stay with? Any family who will take you in?"

"I have neither unfortunately... What other options are there?", she asked, voice cracking while trying to sound unfazed.

She felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, and turned to see Ivan giving her a sympathetic look.

"Well, we can look into foster care...", Jessica winced at the thought of being moved house to house until she was a legal adult, "or you may remain where you are now. The choice is entirely yours."

Jessica looked to Ivan, Gunnar, and Khalid, seeking their approval. They all nodded with sad smiles.

"I shall stay where I am then. I've grown quite comfortable here", she said.

"Then we wil have your things sent to you in the next day or two. I'm so sorry that things turned out the way they did, but try to not let it get you down. At least they're alive."

"Thank you. I'll try to keep a pos-positive...," but she couldn't get the words out.

Before she knew it, she was running to her dorm and diving onto her bed for a good cry. A few moments later, she heard a soft knock on the door.

"Jessica, may I come in?", she heard Ivan ask.

"Of course," She said softly.

Ivan stepped through the door and cautiously walked towards her, not wanting to stress her more in such a delicate state.

"So you're here for good, then?"

"I am. They said the rest of my belongings will be brought here very soon. "

"In that case, I think you should have a homier bedroom, don't you?," he said smiling.

"You don't have to do that, really."

"Anything to make this easier on you. I know this will be difficult."

"That's very appreciated. Can we wait until my things arrive though? I'd really like some time to let this all sink in."

"Certainly. Just say the word and we'll get you moved around when you're ready."

"Thank you, Ivan. I can't thank you enough for all you've done already. I really hope I'm not a burden on you."

"Goodness, no! You see the others are a bit reclusive; you're actually a pleasure to be around. It's nice to have someone I can feel is a friend and not a responsibility."