Big coincidence that it's been a month since my last update. Okay so I would've been back sooner but I was waiting for the site to be fixed … and I had to write this chapter. But the previous chapter was posted during the busted site days so go check that out if you want.
Photo #128: A Quick Taste
Despite there being a lot of photographic evidence of Osten doing his shenanigans, their parents didn't do much about it. Eadlyn wasn't sure if it was because Osten's the youngest or because they knew reprimanding wouldn't work. Likely both. Besides, in her parents' defence, it's not like Osten's doing anything harmful to himself or others. They're mostly little annoying acts that don't even get noticed when they happen. Sometimes, they were fun.
Sometimes, like this new photo, those mischievous moments are captured. The edges in the photo were blurred but Eadlyn can make out enough. Eadlyn's favourite photos are the ones where everyone is out of focus because that's how people really are. Nobody is ever so still. The small boy with a fuzzy tinge of orange on the head and stainless steel in the background tell Eadlyn all she needs to know. Osten was caught fleeing the kitchen after his latest stunt, whatever it was.
The story of the moment the camera caught is left to her imagination.
-o-
Osten wanted to have a snack but his mother wouldn't let him have one since it would ruin his dinner. He didn't believe that since, if asked, he would argue that it would improve his later dining experience. Osten just wanted something to pass the time until dinner since his stomach was growling.
Following the scent of cooking food and the sound of chefs skittering through the kitchen, Osten sneaks in. He cracks the door open, enough for him to slip through. Nobody notices because they're too busy with their saucepans and plates.
Osten's mouth waters as he sees the steaming food. Maybe his mother was right not to eat a snack because he definitely wants to prioritize dinner. But there's a way he could combine the two ideas, why not snack on dinner? He can't ruin his dinner if he's eating dinner.
Osten shimmies deeper into the kitchen, walking between chefs and peering over countertops to see different courses. Crispy meat, creamy plates of pasta, mouthwatering sauces, steaming buns, and a fresh salad but he ignores that.
"Mine," Osten says, quickly snatching a bun.
He bites it without thinking and juggles his bite in his mouth as it burns. None of the chefs notice him subtly performing a delicate dance as he side-steps them. Osten arrives at the next station and sees a gourmet cheese. Tempted and in a position where nobody can stop him, he grabs a nearby butterknife and smothers some cheese on his bun.
The next bite is cooler and so much better. Osten realizes his logic makes sense since he doesn't feel as if his appetite for dinner is ruined. By sampling, he feels as if his later dining experience will be enhanced. Cooking builds up anticipation so people would be excited to eat the culinary creations. He should stop by the kitchen more often.
He'd tell his mother that but he didn't want to get in trouble for even coming in here. It's not like he was bothering the chefs since they didn't notice him.
On his way out, he sees a cooler off to the side. Osten peers inside and takes out a can of soda, something his mother definitely wouldn't want him having now. It's possibly the chefs' personal fridge but he's sure they wouldn't mind. Hearing the small fizz buildup as he opens the can before drinking the cold beverage brings Osten a simple sense of joy.
Content and satisfied, Osten heads on out of the kitchen. He didn't need to sneak around as much since his mission is complete. When he opens the door, he sees someone standing there and he starts to make a run for it but stops when a camera flash blinds his eyes.
Osten stops and blinks until his eyes adjust. He shoves the bun in his mouth and chugs the rest of his soda before shoving the can in his pocket. Osten stands back straight and sees his mother snickering at him with his father's camera.
America walks over to him. She brushes crumbs off his shirt, wipes a cheese stain from his cheek, and ignores the empty can protruding from his pocket. Osten doesn't know what to do since he's already busted.
"Don't think you can lie to me later," America scolds with a light tone and smile.
"Wasn't planning on it," Osten responds.
"Is that a lie?"
" … no."
America laughs as she messes his hair. "Go wash up for dinner."
I feel as if this is a good place to mention the following AN since this will likely be the last chapter for 2020. I'm ending this story at 135 chapters. We still have quite a way to go. In terms of months, we'll hit August since I have the fifth-anniversary chapter already banked. My Selection one-shot will be published sometime after since the sneak peek chapter will be the final chapter.
I will see you all next year!
