Keeper's Oath

Chapter 4: The News

The next morning, Hope had tried to push away the nightmare she had. The breakfast was served like usual. Along with Eve sleeping in again. Peter had been in charge of the breakfast today as Melanie was in town buying groceries for the next few days. She also had said something about there being some news she had to take care of.

Nobody thought anything of it. Instead, all the smaller kids were enjoying being loud at the dinner table. Peter tried to keep them calm while he cooked. He didn't have the same authority as their caretaker had. Hope watched on the sidelines while Sam was beside Peter wanting to help him cook.

"No, absolutely not!" Peter tried to shake Sam off his leg as he was clinging on. "Melanie trusted me with cooking breakfast. I wouldn't hear the end of it if she found out you were helping."

"But Peter!" Sam yelled at him while jumping up and down.

"I will tell Melanie if you won't quiet down!" Eve's voice came from the doorway, she had her hands on her hip with her lip pursed glaring at the little kid. Hope hid her smile from Eve by covering her mouth with her hand. She looked like she was in one of her moods. Lack of sleep explained it all. "Some people were trying to get some extra sleep. Maybe santa will give me all your presents."

There came a pure shock of horror on Sam's face.

"He wouldn't dare! I have been a good kid!" Sam protested letting go of Peter. He was returning to his chair slowly looking at Eve carefully.

"Good kids listen to those who are in charge." Eve grinned with menace. "Next spring, Hope and I will be in charge of you punks!"

Sam muttered something but didn't dare to speak up. Hope was sure that Eve didn't hear what he had said. The look on Eve's face said it all. She was grinning to herself. Her friend was imagining how she would show authority by spring.

Few minutes later, Sam was still quiet when Peter finished up the breakfast. To Hope's surprise, Eve was joining them today. She kept her eyes on Sam. When the young boy would look at her, she would pound her fist into her palm. He'd make a small squeak and start gobbling up his food again.

Hope enjoyed Eve's company, she seemed to be in a good mood otherwise even if she was tired. Maybe later, Hope thought, she could tell Eve about her weird dream.

The sound of the door being unlocked clicked in the kitchen which was just down the hall from the front door. The sound of bags echoed throughout the hall. Peter quickly got up from the table leaving his breakfast half eaten as he went to help Melanie with the bags.

When Melanie and Peter appeared in the kitchen, her face was lit into a wide smile and her eyes sparkled. It was unusual for her to be so happy, especially in the morning. Peter placed the bags filled with food next to the counter that was behind Hope. Melanie put her bags of food onto the other side where the sink was and headed out.

The front door closed behind her. Eve eyed Peter who looked confused as they were.

"What's making her so happy?" Eve was almost scared to ask not knowing if it would be a good thing or not. Peter shrugged.

"Maybe she saved a lot on the food-" He stopped when the door opened once again and shut for good as Melanie had gotten the rest of the groceries out of the car.

Peter started to put the groceries away into the fridge while eyeing Melanie. Hope saw that he was going to say something a few times but hesitated. She wasn't sure if she had the courage to ask what made Melanie so happy... but soon she found out that she didn't have to be the one..

"I have great news... great news indeed!" Melanie beamed at them standing end of the table where she usually sat, clapping her hands. Peter stopped putting groceries away for a brief moment looking at Melanie. Hope's heart began to beat faster. She wondered what kind of great news she would be telling them shortly. Would another child come and live with them? She noted they had few extra empty bedrooms after all. "As I'm sure most of you remember, there's a raffle... a contest every year around the Holiday season. Every person under our care gets put in the system for this all across the country."