The Point of No Return {sequel to The Arbitrary life of Avery Blake [teacher]}

The Point of No Return {sequel to The Arbitrary life of Avery Blake [teacher]}35

Chapter 35

Future Full of Opportunity- “Tell me what you’re thinking…”

‘So… the cutting?’ asked Naomi as I sat in her room, having my first counselling session in a while.

‘Stopped; I haven’t done it since the incident.’ I answered truthfully.

Naomi smiled before continuing with her Q&A, trying to catch up on everything that she possibly could within the hour.

‘How are things with Meghann?’ she asked.

‘Okay, I guess. I think she’s kind of feeling guilty about it all, no matter how much I try to reassure her.’ I admitted.

‘Well I’m glad to hear that things are okay. And she’ll come around, it may be hard and it may take some time but both of you went through something traumatic and it’s obviously going to have lasting effects on the both of you.’

‘Like I haven’t been through anything traumatic before,’ I spoke under my breath with a sigh.

‘But you’re still here…you’re still Avery, you’re as strong as ever, you still have so many people that care about you and you’re living. You can overcome anything and I truly believe that.’ Naomi spoke in reassurance.

I wasn’t sure how I was to reply at her amazing words, instead I simply smiled kindly to her, hoping she would understand where my head-space was.

‘Okay, so how’s school going?’

And so the questions continued.

By the end of the session, I absolutely felt better- as I usually did after speaking with Naomi. It was actually really awesome having someone to talk to like this…especially someone as caring and nice as her.

So I walked out of Admin Block with contentment and ease.

I turned in time to see a casual and smiling Kimberly approaching me.

She was a mere hundred metres away as I watched her thin, blonde hair sway as she walked. I was glad that Kim and I had been getting closer of late, I mean I had no real family anymore and knowing I had a sister was an amazing feeling, even if our relationship was anything but at the beginning.

‘Why are you looking at me like that?’ Kim asked with a raised eyebrow as she stopped in front of me.

‘Oh, no reason; what’s up anyway?’ I hastily changed the subject.

‘I have a date,’ she stated with anxiousness.

Shock passed through me for a moment as I imagined Kimberly going out with a guy…the image just didn’t appear to me. This was probably because I couldn’t imagine her with anyone really. She was honestly perfect, aside from her insecurities that lay within which were the cause of our troubles at the start.

‘You seem really surprised? I’m sorry; I was really worried in telling you, unsure of how you would respond. I mean, by all means, please just be honest and you can tell me it’s a bad idea if you think so. I just want to know what your thoughts are.’ Kimberly’s voice was worried as she attempted to keep as collected as possible.

‘Kim,’ I attempted to sound as reassuring as I could before continuing. ‘It’s no big deal, don’t panic. I’m your sister, not your dating-advisor. You can date anyone you want to.’ I said with a smile.

Her face evened as she exhaled slowly.

‘Okay, good. Thank you.’ Kimberly said, but there was something behind her expression that gave me the impression that she wasn’t telling me everything. I decided not to push her though; this was already uneasy ground, considering what happened between Cole and her.

Afterwards, we went a grabbed a drink from the cafeteria and sat at the tables, holding light discussion.

‘So, have you thought about possible universities yet?’ she asked while she sipped her cappuccino.

‘Mmm, kind of,’ I said, avoiding eye contact.

‘Meaning….?’

‘There…are a few universities I’ve looked into, in depth, previewed the courses, expenses, things like that.’ I spoke as I awkwardly sipped my Green Tea.

‘Oh, is that so? Please enlighten me, Avery.’ Kimberly spoke suspiciously.

 ‘Uh, well,’ I began, tracing around the top of the tea cup with my finger. ‘I was thinking about a few universities, like UWB or CBU or something.’

Kimberly was silent as discomfort circled the air.

I looked away from her and observed the distant clouds in the sky which were as white as sheep before I watched as teenagers nonchalantly chatted away with their friends, careless as anything.

‘And you’re serious about wanting to leave Northern Bay, then? You’re not looking local I’m assuming. I mean, CBU is two hours away, but you know that, of course.’ Kimberly said before continuing, not letting me answer. ‘UWB is even further though; however, both great universities.’

‘Yeah…they are.’ I murmured.

Kimberly, again, remained silent before she spoke again, after a pause.

‘Tell me what you’re thinking, Ave. Talk me through your thoughts. Why these universities? Why the distance?’

‘I…I guess I just want distance. I mean everyone here knows more about my life than almost I do. Everyone knows me, everyone knows about everything that has happened. My life at Northern Bay hasn’t always been pleasant. I mean, even though I found amazing people like Cole, Kiren, Meghann and yourself, it hasn’t been without difficulty. Our relationship at the start was shaky, my relationship with Cole is something beyond ease and just everything with Corbin…it’s been full-on. I just feel like I need a break from this all. Four years away would be great, if I’m honest.’ I admitted, looking over at Kimberly and observing her slight frown and the slight crease on her forehead.

‘What brought all this on? I mean, how long have you been thinking this way?’ she asked.

‘It’s always been in the back of my mind but ever since this whole thing with Meghann’s stepfather…I’ve been thinking more about it. I’ve began to fully consider it now as a real possibility. I know it would be hard to just leave Cole and everyone, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still see you guys. I just need breathing space…I need an opportunity to sort out my life, grow without all this strain, and however cliché this sounds, discover who I really am.’

‘I understand, and I’m not going to try to stop you. If this is something you feel as though you need to do then by all means, go ahead. I’m always going to be here, I’m always going to be your sister, just remember that. This is your future; nobody else’s and if it’s what you want then go for it.’ Kimberly smiled reassuringly.

‘Thank you, Kim,’ and with that, the discussion was dropped.

Later that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the possibilities…my future, my life after school, leaving everyone behind.

In a way, it hurt as hell, after all, everyone had been so helpful and kind to me here; but it wasn’t like I was to go away forever. Just for four years.

Four years.

It’ll be okay…

Of course, I didn’t believe that for a second but I was in the process of trying to convince myself.

LetMeThink0- hey y'all,

so i know what'll be happening towards the end of the story (which is coming up), however, until then i'm kind of at a loss of what should happen.

if you have any ideas, however small or large, just shoot me a message. Any and all messages will be accepted and if you do send me a suggestion or two, i'll dedicate my next chapter to you.

Thanks for reading,

dont forget to LIKE :)