“Exactly.”
Ava and Ruby watched a movie, but Ava’s mind was on Cole the entire time. Focusing was hard when she knew he was suffering behind his door. While she still didn’t feel one hundred percent, at least she wasn’t completely miserable and throwing up. The only saving grace was that she suspected it was only a twenty-four-hour bug for the worst part since that’s what she and Ruby seemed to have.
“Do you have any homework you need to work on?” Ava asked.
Ruby sighed. “I don’t know. I haven’t been to school since I got sick.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Ava said softly. “Your backpack is back at Mom’s place, huh?”
“Yeah. I’m sorry. I forgot to grab it.”
“It’s okay. We can get it in the morning before I take you to school.”
Ruby smiled. “Thank you.”
Ava looked around and spotted a package sitting near the door. She hadn’t noticed it earlier. She picked it up and turned it over, seeing her name on it.
“Oh, Ruby, I think this is your phone.”
Ava tore into the package and sighed in relief at the cell phone. Now Ruby would have a way to get ahold of her at all times. She took it out of the box and went through the processof setting it up and then charging it. While it charged, she saved her phone number and Cole’s into it. Then she went through the phone with Ruby to make sure she knew how to use it and to practice calling her.
Once she was confident Ruby wouldn’t have any issues, she left it charging on the table and walked down the hallway to check on Cole. She didn’t knock; instead, she cracked the door and peeked inside. He was still lying in a heap under his covers, so she walked quietly over to him and rested her hand on his forehead. His eyes cracked open as he looked up at her.
“Hey,” she whispered. “I’m going to go grab you some soup. Is there anything else you would like?”
“No.”
She noticed he had drunk the ginger ale she had brought him, so she picked up the empty glass and left his room with it. She set the cup in the kitchen and returned to the living room.
“Would you like to run to the cafe with me? You can pick out something to eat.”
Ruby hopped off the couch. “Yes!”
They went into their separate bedrooms and got dressed in warm clothes before heading out to Ava’s car. They drove the short distance to the cafe and parked before going inside.
Katie stood behind the counter making a coffee, but smiled when she saw them. “Hey, you two. I see you’re feeling better.”
Ava smiled. “We are, but now Cole is down for the count.”
Katie’s smile dropped. “Oh no. Are you here for soup?”
“Yes, please. Plus a salami sandwich for me and whatever Ruby would like.”
Ruby put her index finger on her lips and tapped it while looking over the pastries. “Could I get that yummy-looking thing right there?”
Katie looked at the display case to see what Ruby was pointing at. “That’s a cream cheese danish. And you sure can. Anything else?”
“How about a sandwich, Ruby?” Ava asked.
Katie leaned forward, resting her forearms on the counter. “How about I make you a special grilled cheese with tomato soup?”
Ruby’s eyes widened. “Yes, please. Thank you, Katie.”
“Thank you,” Ava said.
Katie smiled. “Of course. Give me a few minutes to get all that together.”
Ava and Ruby sat at a small table as they waited for their order.
