The Fosters

.5

Eve

I ran down the hall, turning at the end, then stopping. I turned and glanced back at him. He was dragging his feet, staring at the floor. I shake my head, wondering who Ruby was. The guy yelled again.

"Hey! Anybody?" I ran towards his voice. He shook a small brown packet. "I think its oatmeal." He said. I wrinkle my nose.

"Yuck." I say. Amanda appears from around the corner. Shes holding her ribs, laughing so hard, its silent. I look over at the guy. He shrugs. She snorts loudly. I snort. She calms down after a few minutes.

"Its...not...oatmeal." She finally manages to get out. "Its...hot chocolate." My mouth forms an 'O'. Theres a silence.

"Well, are we gonna make hot chocolate or not?" The guy asks. I jump up and down.

"Lets go make hot chocolate!" I shout, running down the hall, my bare feet slapping the tile floors.

Sammy

Eve bounces down the hall, her feet making slapping noises. I shake the packet and start walking. Amanda follows me. I drop the packet on the counter. Eve bounces on the balls of her feet, heating up the kettle. Amanda reaches under the counter, pulling out two more packets. She grabs a glass cup and rips the packets open, pouring the chocolate powder out. I grab three cups from under the sink. The kettle whistles and Eve rips it off the heater, sizzling drops of water flying everywhere. Her face is glowing, shes so excited.

"I dont...fully remember, but I'm pretty sure I loved hot chocolate." She says breathlessly. I smile. She tips the kettle, pouring the steaming water into the cups. I spoon three scoops of the powder into each cup. Eve goes to the fridge, pulling out milk. "Where's the sugar?" She asks Amanda. Amanda looks at her curiously, but points to the pantry. Eve grabs the tub of sugar. She puts a teaspoon of sugar in each glass, then pours three tablespoons of milk into each. Amanda plops a huge marshmallow into each, stuffing a marshmallow in her mouth. I grab a cup and swirl the chocolate froth around with a spoon. Eve grabs a cup and takes a sip. She closes her eyes, savoring the flavor. Amanda tentatively sips the cup, eyeing Eve. Her eyes widen. She pulls the cup away, swallowing fast and sputtering.

"Where did you learn to add those extra ingredients? It makes it so good!" Amanda exclaims, gulping down the hot chocolate. Eve smiles sweetly down into her cup.

"My aunt made it like this. She said it makes the flavor more rich. More chocolatey." She says softly. Amanda freezes, staring at her.

"What?" I ask. Eve looks up.

"At least-at least I think..." She says. She groans in frustration, banging her fist on the counter. "I remembered for a second!" She shouts. I reach out and squeeze her shoulder. She wraps her arms around me, squeezing fiercely. I breathe into her hair, inhaling her scent. Mint and...chocolate. I sigh. She steps back. Amanda takes her hand gently.

"I think we should get you back to your room before it gets dark. You'll need sleep." Eve nods, obviously still frustrated. She turns to me.

"I never got your name." She says.

"Sam." I reply. She nods, a small smile playing across her lips.

"Goodnight, Sam." She says, letting Amanda lead her away. As they reach the door, she glances back one more time, giving me a wink. My breath hitches in my throat, and then she's gone, the door swinging closed behind her.

Roy

I've sat in my office for the last hour at least, pondering. Suddenly, something snaps me out of my trance. Shouting in the distance. I sigh, and glance over at the picture of Ruby. I put my finger on her face, letting out as heavy breath.