Aria rubbed her face as she counted the cans and bottles left in storage. There was less than she hoped. Unless you countes the peaches, then there was more than she wished. Bitting her lip she mumbled, "We are almost out. What are we..." The old wooden door creaked behind her, making her jump.
"How are we doing?" Sasha said, rubbing her eyes, her short, dirty blonde hair sticking out in all directions.
"Well *I'm* having a heart attack." Aria said, breathing hard, she brushed her red hair out of her face. "I thought a Shade was coming to send me to an early grave."
"Pftt," Sasha tried not to laugh, "It's not my fault you were busy talking to yourself." She paused looking at the shelves with a worried look, "Really though, how much do we have left? Don't think you've distracted me from the problem."
Aria groaned internally. "How about we have breakfast first?" She said, eyes looking up at her friend hopefully.
Sasha shifted uncomfortably, "You're not trying to hide anything, are you? Just cause you're 18 doesn't mean you can start keeping secrets like an adult."
Shaking her head, Aria said, "No I just..I really." She breathed out, holding back tears that wanted to flow. "I just want to pretend everything is OK for a bit, you know?"
"I know." Sasha sighed, looking at the ground. After a moment she walked over and gave Aria a hug. "I'm sorry." She whispered.
"Me too."
"We'll get through it, or, what's your favorite one. This will make and interesting story." Sasha said, giving her one last squeeze.
"Is that really what I sound like?" Aria replied, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Yep," Sasha said, making a popping sound on the 'p'. "It can get really annoying, but," She turned towards Aria with a grateful expression, "It really does help, knowing you're trying to make me feel better. Even if you're awful at it." She said with a wink. "Oatmeal ok?"
"At least it gives us an excuse to use the peaches." Aria said.
"Why did your mom have sooo many peaches?" Sasha groaned
"She said peaches were ambrosia, the food of the gods. She wanted to make sure she had enough that she could have peach pie, peach cobbler or anything else that could have peaches in it anytime of the year." Aria smiled sadly at the memory. "I miss her, Sasha."
Eyes wet, Sasha replied "So do I. I'm going to get the Oatmeal started."
Aria watched as she left, giving Sasha a few minutes to cry. Sasha had lot her parents five years ago, during the Changeling Plague. Their parents had been best friends and Sasha had been her best friend, so they took her in. Losing two sets of parents in five years. Aria didn't want to imagine.
Grabbing a jar of 'ambrosia', Aria whispered "I really wish you two were here mom, dad." Tears fell onto the jar.
After a few minutes she sniffed and wiped her face off. Three months. They would run out of everything but peaches in three months.