“Hiya, Cookies!” came Evan’s usual greeting. “Did I wake ya?”


    “Probably about seven for you, Biscuit.”


    “How’re things there? Made any friends yet?”


    “Is everything alright, honey?”


    “…”


    “Oh Cookies, don’t be like that,” Evan cooed through the phone. “You’ve never been away from me for longer than a school day since I brought you home. I understand completely. You don’t need to apologize for anything.”


    “I’ll tell you what, I was thinking of putting together a care package. Is there anything you need?”


    “Aleeex,” she said drawing out his name ever-so-slightly with warning. “What happened?”


    “Tell me what happened.”


    “You didn’t!”


    “Oh my little biscuit, you have the worst luck ever,” she sighed. “Are you okay?”


    “Baby, you’ve always been terrible at lying.”


    “And?”


    “And?” she added more sternly.


    “How did you manage to get out alive?”


    “…” Evan was silent a long time. Long enough that Alexander quickly checked his phone to make sure there was still a connection. It was a moment longer before she spoke again. “Do they look all surly, dress in black, and live in an old abbey downtown?” she asked finally.


    “Stay far away from them. Don’t go anywhere near them, you got me?”


    “With how trouble follows you without explanation, they might think you’re a witch, honey. I need you to promise me you’ll stay far away,” she said firmly. He could hear fear creeping into her voice—which made him more scared.


    “Oh baby, if you were a witch, you would’ve alrea—.”


    “Oh Cookies, that’s nothing. Actually, that’s the first time you’ve expressed yourself so much before.” Alexander could practically see her shaking her head, smiling dismissively the way she always did when he thought he had done something wrong. Oh how he wished he could snuggle into her arms right then and hide away from everything.


    “Tell ya what—I’ll throw some of your favs into a box for you since you probably can’t get them there. Hrm?” her voice was cheerful but he could hear a little strain under her tone. “We’ll have to find you something else if Iropa doesn’t have sell them though,” she added thoughtfully.


    “I never told you, but Iropa is my real home. You won’t be sad if I sell the house here, will you?”


    “I was hoping to keep it a surprise longer, but I’ve decided to move home and take up a new job in Centralia. I know it’s still a ways away from North Covehunt, but you’ll at least be able to come and see me during holidays—,” she had started to babble quickly, “And also, since I’ll be home I can—I can…”


    “W-well, you know… You probably figured it out, but I’m not a Canadian citizen… So I—well I, I couldn’t properly adopt you…”  There was a long pause.


    “Back then, things were desperate—so many kids in the system—they needed anyone to take even just one off their hands, so even an international like me was allowed to foster—but, but… Now that you’re there, and I’m going back—i-if you—If you’re okay with—…” he heard her take in a deep breath. “If you’re okay with it, Cookies, I would like to formally adopt you when everything is settled.”


    “Good, good. Good,” she had to say it three times before she felt convinced enough herself. “I should have a place in the capital by Christmas. I’ll keep you informed, okay?”


    “Good, good. I’ve already filed the papers electronically in Iropa. It’s just a matter of waiting for a response now, kay?”


    “Oh sweet biscuit, I love you too. But listen—I’ve gotta head out to work now. We can talk more later, alrighty?”


    “Alright then, cya Cookies!” she blew him a kiss over the phone and hung up, just like that.