"Ivy!"

I woke up to Noel's yell and sprinted into their room.

"What?"

"Theo has a fever." Noel said nervously and I sat beside them.
The fever was burning Theo up and he was slightly shivering.

"I'm hungry, Ivy." He said, snuggling under the blanket.

"Yeah, sure. Stay with him." I said to Noel and went down. But by the time I returned, Theo was asleep.

"Looks like you have to go alone today." I ruffled Noel's hair and he sighed. "Wait, are you okay?"

"Yes."

"Sure?"

"Yes, Ivy." He chuckled. "I'm not feeling cold and my skin is not as hot as Theo's."

I smiled at his words and placed my hand on Theo's forehead.

"I think me and the big guy would take a break from school today." I smiled, giving Noel his breakfast and he gasped.

"You have a fever too?"

"No, I don't. But somebody has to take care of him. We can't leave this heat radiating, tired bodybuilder alone here, can we?" I winked at him and he chuckled.

"I have more muscles than him." He protested.

"Of course, you do."

"Let me pack my bags." He jumped out of the chair and walked into his room. But not with the usual cheer.

Seems like he loves to pack Theo's bag more than his own.

I scooped Theo into my arms and brought him down, just in time to say a bye and give a kiss to our dearest brother.

"Now, let's go see a doctor." I smiled as he gulped down the milk.

I sure can't take him to the doctor by bus. I was about to text Jake when I remembered that Jonah had his car. Zack and Sasha would be in college now and Will has already left for work. So I went for a cab.
.
.
.

"I want that burger!" Theo beamed as we passed a cafe.

"Remember what the doctor said? Stick to light food." 

"Burger is not that heavy." He pouted and I heard our driver laughing.

"That's not the thing. We'll buy it when your body will stop radiating heat." I chuckled, hugging him closer as he wrinkled his nose.

It was almost lunchtime when the cab dropped us off. I thought he'd sleep right away but was terribly wrong.
We talked and talked for at least an hour. Even the fever couldn't stop him from being a chatterbox.

We were watching TV by the time our doorbell rang and I somehow loosened his grip and opened the door.

"Hey," I said, surprised by seeing him.

"Hey, You good?" He narrowed his eyes, searching my face.

"Yes, but how come you're not in class?" I asked at the same time I  gestured him to come in.

"I was. It's lunch break." He shrugged.

"Zack!" Theo called out, beaming and he gave a confused smile.

"Hey, hero. Don't you have school?" He turned to me and I smiled.

"I think immense workout made my hero a bit weak. He's got a fever."

I meant it as a joke but he took it seriously. His widened eyes and the way he shook his head, made me smile.

"Shit. Really?"

"No." I chuckled moving towards him, "It's just a fever. "

"Look who's joking." He smirked at me.

"So, that's why you ditched today." He nodded, scooping Theo up and placing him in his lap.

"Um... The fever isn't viral or anything like that but still, you can stay away from him if you want to." But as soon as I said it, Theo was glaring at me. Probably because I asked Zack to stay away from him.

But Zack just waved it off and watched TV along with him.

Why was he here? Not that I hate it or anything.

But maybe he needed something...

"Did you-"

"What did the doctor say?" He cut me off and Theo pouted.

"Not to eat the burger." He sighed.

"What?" Zack chuckled and I told him about Theo's sudden interest in the burger.

"When is your next class?" I asked, glancing at my watch and he smirked.

"I ditched, remember?"

"How do I ditch school?" Theo asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Have you guys had lunch yet?" Zack looked at me as I shrugged.

"This guy wouldn't let me move." I said as Theo giggled.

"Great then. I'll go buy something to eat." He placed Theo aside and stood up ready to leave.

"No, it's fine. I can make it."

"As much as I'd love to eat something made by you, I'm really very hungry. Can't wait." He pouted at Theo and got his keys. "Unless you don't mind me eating from here."

"Right. Latter then." I smiled.

A few months ago, I'd have felt bad and assured him that I'm okay with it. But now, it's like I exactly know what he means.

"Ouch." He pouted again and left.

"I love Zack!" Theo squealed and I nodded at him.

I know.

He came back with lunch and a special soup for Theo, though we struggled a bit to make him drink it. And finally, after having a healthy soup and watching cartoon for an hour, he fell asleep on me.

"Evelyn, I've something to ask." Zack said, his face somewhat being serious.
I gave him a nod, gesturing him to carry on.

"Well, Aaron was with me yesterday." He paused, watching me. "He said he gave you a ride."

"Yes, he did. Thanks to him I didn't have to walk." I smiled.

"Yeah. But he told me about some other guy."

There it goes. Why didn't I think about Aaron mentioning it to Zack? Not that I've got a problem with it. But still, I didn't want to burden anyone with my silly problems.

"A guy who yelled something at you." He continued when I didn't say anything. "He said it sounded like a threat?"

"He was drunk." I said and realization was clear in his eyes.

"Your mother's friend?"

"I don't think friend would suit. As usual, he says mom owes him money."

"How much?" He asked after nodding.

"He didn't say." He narrowed his eyes, hearing my answer and I shook my head.

"That's why you're here?" It feels good that he cares.

"Sort of. Aaron said this happened a day before and by the time I came to your cafe yesterday, everyone was gone."

He went to café?

"Yeah, we did leave a bit early yesterday." I nodded.

"And then you weren't in college. So, I thought I'd check because you're a person who, I know, will never ditch." He smirked, making sure Theo didn't hear about ditching.

I didn't say anything about his intentions. It felt sort of weird and embarrassing to say that.

"Everything's okay then? He didn't show up yesterday?" His genuine concern was making me feel both happy and sad.

"He did."

That answer made his eyes narrow further.

"Shit. And?"

"Jake was with me." I smiled at his expression which he doesn't seem to notice. He sighed, what I assume is in relief.

"I'll pick you up today." He said. It wasn't a question and I didn't deny it.
Jake must walk a lot if he's gonna come with me like a bodyguard. Poor guy, let him rest as this one has a car.

"Thanks."

He smirked looking back at me, "I thought we were far away from that phase."

I smiled. Yes, we are, but some things are worth it.

"I'll be back in a minute." I said as I walked into the kitchen but he followed and helped me with the cleaning.

"I can manage. I know that you don't even know how to make a sandwich." I smirked at him, grabbing a piece of cloth.

"I knew how to, but only the plain one. I thought you'd prefer something tastier and fancier than that." He groaned, "But this is perfectly fine. I'm the one who helps mom after dinner. Except when Dean or Caleb is home."

"Oh, you do?"

"Yeah, Sasha helps dad in his work and then chats with Mark. I'm the one who's with mom." He grinned.

I'll say again, I love their family!

"So, are you going to work today?" He asked, turning to me.

"No. I need to, but I don't think I can. Noel can take care of Theo but not a whiny, stubborn, sick Theo."

"True." He muttered, "Do you think I can?"

Handle Theo?  Thinking about it, I guess he would be fine. Adding the point that he likes Zack way too much.

"I think so,"

"If you really need to work, I'll stay with him." He offered, making me smile. "Don't say thanks." He added quickly and I ended up chuckling.

"No, I won't. But I think I could use some rest too."

"That," he smiled, taking a flower from the vase and gave it to me as he bowed, "... is something I instantly agree with. Perhaps you have heard it, humans need rest."

I took the flower from him with a smile and he turned back to rest on the couch.

And here I am, again, grinning like a fool.

"Come here, sit." He gestured to sit beside him then chuckled. "Shit. I sound like you're in my home."

"I'm perfectly okay with that." I smiled as I accompanied him.

"Saw your mom lately?" He asked.

"No."

"Are you gloomy because of that man?" He frowned at me and I shook my head.

Gloomy? I bet I'm a bit happier today.  Yesterday? yeah a bit, but not today.

"Is there anything else?" He asked me with that same sound which conveys his concern. "Evelyn?"

"Nothing. I was just surprised and nervous to see a drunk man waiting outside my workplace."

"You know that sounds creepy and scary, right?"

I nodded. Yes, it does.

"Okay. I'll drop you every day." He sighed and I smiled. Again.

We ended up watching a movie and was really caught up in it when my phone rang.

"Who?"

"Sasha." I replied as I took the phone.

"Thought so." He sighed and I went out, talking to her.

"You should've told me, I was bored in lit." She whined.

"I didn't know Theo had a fever till morning."

"Shit. Is he better now?"

"I guess so, he's sleeping."

"Give him a kiss from me."

"Oh, sure. That might cure him." I chuckled. He'd be way too happy.

"I bet it will. Okay, I'll call you later. Entering your favourite place now." She whispered and I smiled.

"Library?"

"Where else? Bye then. I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked.

"I guess. Bye."  I smiled, hanging up.

When I came back, the couch was empty except for Zack's ringing phone. I sat down, assuming he's in the bathroom.
   
But when the phone started ringing again, I took it and saw Seth's name flashing across the screen.

"Hey man, what's with Evelyn?" I sat still as I heard his teasing voice.

Did he tell them about the man?

"Huh?" I asked into the phone.

"What the-" I blinked as he cut himself off and continued, "Who the hell are you? I called Zack."

Wow, Seth wasn't the sweet-talking person now.

"Uh... Evelyn?" Hoping he'd understand it's me.

"Hey, that's none of your business." He snapped and I controlled my urge to chuckle.

"I meant the answer to your question. I'm Evelyn."

"Oh, fu-"

I waited for more, but only could hear him cursing and whispering.

"Hey, Eve! It's you!" He said at last.

Now he sounded more like the Seth I know.

"Yes, it is me." I chuckled and he groaned.

"I thought you were asking who I was talking about. He said he was going to hang out with you, so I was asking about that. You people are still in class?"

Before I could say anything, Zack came and I handed it to him.
"It's Seth."

"Oh," he took it from me and said a hello into it before he went into the kitchen.

After a few minutes, Zack came. "He wanna talk to you."

"Hello?"

"Eve!" By the level of enthusiasm in that voice, I knew it was Justin.

"Hey, how're you?"

"A bit heartbroken without you." He said and I chuckled.

This guy!

"Want me to fix it?" I played along and he sighed.

"I wish you could. But for that, I need to see you and for that, I have to fly there."

Liam, Caleb and Dean talked too and It felt good.

Their call really was a cherry on top.

But as soon as they hung up and we continued watching the movie, we heard a scream and went to Theo's room.

"Hey, you okay superman?" Zack asked, sitting on the bed while I sat opposite to him.

"Where's Ivy?" Theo asked, grabbing Zack's arm tightly, clinging onto him.

"Right here." I said with a chuckle and he turned to me.

"I don't want that medicine." He was almost on the verge of crying, hugging my arm alone.

"Which medicine?"

"The brown colour water!" He pointed to the syrup that doctor gave and I frowned at him.

"Why? It's medicine, Theo. You have to take it to get better."

"No, I don't want that."

Oh, I've seen this face before. He's about to cry.

"Why though?" Zack asked, putting an arm over him and he pouted.

"I saw a huge octopus coming from it and eating me." He said. By this time, he was sobbing.

"A what?" Zack laughed loudly.

"You saw it?" I asked him, laughing and he sobbed harder.

"Yes! It eats people." He answered and Zack threw an arm around his neck, pulling him closer.

"Dreams like that aren't true. And look at you, don't you think you can fight an octopus?" He raised his eyebrows at Theo.

"I can?"

"Of course, you can! You're a superhero."

And somehow we together made Theo believe that the medicine will only make him healthy and that is one of the essential powers that superheroes must have.
  
But we couldn't make him sleep again, though.

"Want me to pick up Noel?" Zack asked and I shook my head.

"He's coming with Will."

"Will? Oh, I didn't know you were that close." He said making me frown.

And then, it hit me.

"Oh, no. It's not him. Brandon's dad, his name is Will. William, but we call him Will." 

Realisation flashed in eyes and he chuckled.

"But we are close, though." I smiled, thinking about Will. He's such a sweet friend, one can get. But a nerdy one. A sweet nerdy friend.

"Hmm, I like him. He's a pretty great person." He nodded, agreeing with me.

"Like me?" Theo asked and Zack nodded frantically.

"You're better." He winked and I bet Theo's on cloud nine now.

"I better go and make something before a hungry Noel barge in." I stood up, even though I know my little brother, like usual, wouldn't mind making something for himself and Theo.

"No!" Theo tried crawling out of the bed, but Zack scooped him up.

"Don't be mean, Theo. Noel would be hungry." I frowned at him as he shook his head.

"No, Ivy, I want to make food for him." He grinned, showing his perfect white teeth, "Please,"

"That's very sweet of you, but you're sick and you don't know anything." I shrugged but he went on protesting.

"You can teach me, Ivy. You can say and I'll do it. Please." He winked, trying to bribe me with a flying kiss. And it would be a lie if I said I didn't smile.

"You and me. We'll make together. How about that?" Zack wiggled his eyebrows at Theo who smiled, nodding.

"Please, can I make cookies?" He turned to me again and I sighed.
Zack gave me an assuring nod and I knew he'll do something. So I just let him be happy by nodding.

"Yay!" Theo tried to jump from Zack's arms who somehow handled him perfectly. " We won't make the kitchen dirty. Thanks, ivy, I like you so much."

"Yeah, we'll clean the kitchen. Thanks, Ivy, I like you so much!" Zack imitated Theo's voice while he passed me, heading downstairs.

Little did he know that his words made me stand stunned there, for about two minutes.

After making myself believe that he was only imitating Theo and the fact that 'like' is usual, I went down to the kitchen and saw them do the legendary Eskimo kiss!

Both were so adorable.

"Finally! I got to see the eskimo kiss." I cleared my throat, entering and Zack turned his back on me, groaning.

Theo giggled and turned to me,
"Tell me how to make cookies."

"Yeah, let's focus on that." Zack nodded and I laughed.

"Sure."

And I spent the next hour instructing a couple of brilliant chefs, who knew nothing but eat.

  Zack didn't let Theo do anything. He just asked Theo for instructions who asked me. So, to be exact, I was instructing Theo to instruct Zack on how to make cookies.

Theo was continuously giggling at Zack, who had a bit of flour smeared across his cheeks. But we chose not to inform him.

And finally, the guy who didn't even know how to make a sandwich ended up making cookies.

Things we do to make kids happy.

"How's it?" He asked, excited to hear a positive reply.

But before I could take a bite, the doorbell rang and it was Noel. Great timing.

"Come in, look what's waiting for you." I nudged my head at the cookie tray and his eyes lit up. He rushed to grab one and stopped when he saw Zack.

"Zack!" He beamed.

"Hey, man."  he gave him a fist bump and I rolled my eyes.

"Noel!" Theo called happily but struggling to get down from the counter.

"Oh, wait." Zack helped him get down before I could even move.

"We made cookies for you!" Theo beamed at Noel and Zack arched his eyebrows in pride.

"You better like it. We worked hard." Zack said and Theo nodded, agreeing as Noel took a bite.

"Oh yeah?" I asked, hands on my hip like Sasha and Scarlett. And I think he noticed it because he cracked up.

"It's good!" Noel gave them a thumbs up.

"I knew it. I'm so talented." He winked at him and Theo said a 'me too' in between giggles.

I noticed my phone ringing and left the boys and cookies alone while I went to get it.

It was from Jake.

"Hey señorita, if you forgot, let me remind you. You're a bit late."

"Thanks for your reminder. But I'm not coming today."

"What? You aren't coming? Why?" He groaned, making me smile.

"Theo had a fever."

"Shit. Is he okay now?" He asked and I gave my phone to Theo.

"Jakey!" I heard him exclaim.

Zack looked confused as Theo started talking. Both him and Noel took advantage of Theo's lack of attention and stuffed as many cookies as they can, into their mouth.

And luckily, he stuffed a few into my mouth too. So I got to taste it and it wasn't bad. In fact, It was pretty good. But I didn't admit it though.

"I think I should sort out my priorities. I think I want to become a baker now." He said, making me chuckle.

"Yeah, we can help you too." Theo joined their discussion, hanging up.

"Sure."

And after finishing the cookies, he said it's time to leave.

"Bye, superman. Get well soon." He said and Theo nodded, smiling.

"See you tomorrow?" He asked me and I smiled.

"Yeah,"

"Okay, bye then." He winked, getting into the car and drove off.

"I wanted Zack to stay here." Theo sighed as he left.

"Me too," Noel nodded and I smiled.

"Yeah, every day." Theo said and I chuckled.

"That's not possible." I said, ruffling their hair and went to the kitchen.

"That's sad." Theo pouted, following me and I gave him a glass of milk.

"Brandon said we could." Noel said and I frowned.

"We could what?"

"Be a family, if you marry Zack."

I choked on my water.

"What?"

"If you marry Zack, we can live together." He explained again and I shook my head.

"No. Why would you guys discuss marriage and stuff? There's nothing like that. Don't think about it again." I said, sighing.

Marriage!

"Or I could marry Sasha." Theo added and I'm sure I almost fainted.

"Oh, really? You will?"

"Yeah, if it helps." He grinned sheepishly and I burst out laughing.

"What about Mira then?" I asked and he looked confused.

"She'll still play with me." He shrugged.

"You miniature Romeo, you better eat something rather than marry." I stuffed cookie into his mouth and turned to Noel.

"Don't mention this ever. Especially in front of Zack."

But I laughed again at the thought of Theo competing against Mark.

******************

The song that didn't leave my stupid mouth today is,

🎶 'Long nights, daydreams, sugar and smoke rings I've been a fool.

Strawberries and cigarettes always taste like you!' 🎶

Thank you, everyone, for reading this🥰