trio of trouble! • jesus foster [discont.]

T W E N T Y F I V E

Evangeline

Jesus and I stayed up practically all night that night, hoping and and praying that Stef was okay. We had many, many deep conversations. When I woke up the next day, I had no memory of falling sleep that night.

I woke up at the sun rising through the studio windows and onto my face. I rubbed my eyes, slowly sitting up. I looked behind me, confused. I felt a warm feeling under me and wondered what it was. Then, I saw him. I saw his messy hair and ruffled clothing. I saw his cute little smile as he dreamt about whatever guys like him dream about. I saw the part of him I loved being around, the part I could be myself around.

"Eve? You okay?" He rested the bank of his hands on his forehead, squinting at the blazing sun.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just wanna check in with Callie and Jude. I was gonna call Lena later too." I swing my legs over the armrest and pushed myself onto the warm wooden floor. "Go back to sleep. I'll let you know the situation with Stef." I smiled at him, about to walk out the door.

He closed his eyes and smiled as cheesy as he could while still tired. "Okay." He dragged out the 'ay.'

I walked out the door smiling to myself. What was this boy doing to me? This was a forbidden feeling; some type of Romeo and Juliet romance.

As I walked into the empty kitchen, my phone began buzzing from my back pocket. I furrowed my brows, confused about who would be calling me at this time of day, and pulled it out of my pocket. It was an unknown number. Stef told us how important it was not to answer unknown numbers, but my curiosity got the best of me. I clicked the green answer button.

"Hello?" The person on the other end said immediately. It sounded like she was surprised I answered. "Hello? Is this Evangeline Jacobs?" How did she know my name? Who was this? And why did she sound so familiar?

"This is her?" I said, more like a question, sitting on the stool and grabbing an apple. "Who is this?"

She chuckled. "It's Taylor." I could only imagine her scratching the back of her neck in nervousness.

Oh my god. Taylor Nickleson, Callie and I's old best friend. She was in the system too. She was split from us on the streets a long time ago. She sacrificed herself for us. We survived, but had to go to juvie and she was adopted into a home that fed her very small amounts of food and made her do tough manual labor for hours on end.

"Taylor! Oh my God!" I exclaimed, practically falling out of my spot at the kitchen bar. "What's up? Where are you at?" I had so many more questions, but I would never have the time to answer them. I didn't know who's phone she was using and, if it was a payphone, she wouldn't have much time to explain herself.

"I can tell you everything later, but for now, I need you to pick me up. I'm at the gas station on Corona by the laundromat. Can you do that for me Evie?" She had the slightest bit of hope in her voice. How could I not say yes?

"Okay. I'll be there in ten." I got up, slipped on Jesus' jacket and my slippers, then ran out the door with the keys. Taylor probably changed, even I have. I just hope that she's changed for her own good. 

I dialed Jesus' number. He answered after two rings. I always loved how quickly he picked up. I think it shows he cares. "Eve!" His voice was raspy and hoarse. He sounded happy to hear a call from me. "What's up? Can't you come see me? We live in the same house." He laughed. 

"Yeah, I'm sorry." I giggled. "Listen, I'll explain later. My friend from the streets is out of her house. I'll ask your moms and persuade them to let her stay with us until she gets back on her feet. Please, Jesus," I sighed, pulling up where she told me she was. "Please tell me you're on my side with this."

"Evie. I will always be on your side, no matter what. You know that." He sounded serious, which was very different because our relationship was all jokes. 

"Thank you, Zues." I smiled sadly, even though he couldn't see me. After that, he stayed on the line until I hung up. I think he just wanted to make sure I was one hundred percent okay. I wasn't, but it's good to know he's looking out for me. I've always loved that about him.