Ava's POV
It's currently Thursday night, and Chase had yet to fail to try to win me back. Yesterday after school he came over with a heart shaped pizza and a buffalo wings. I was honestly surprised he remembered my favorite food, however food isn't gonna just make me forgive him again. It's not like I sent him out the door though. I invited him in and we ate and had a civil conversation. Of course it isn't a complete night without Chase making a move on me. He tried to kiss me, then that was when I decided to send him home. It was tempting, but he had to learn.
I closed my math book and heard the front door open. I assumed it would be Lizzie or Chase again, but I didn't hear any words. I crept down the stairs and saw a large suitcase. Great my mom was home. Don't get me wrong, I love my mom. But the way she's been acting ever since we moved here, hasn't been the best. She basically ignored me or was at work 24/7. I wished things could go back to the way they used to be. Believe it or not, my mom and I used to be super close. I told her absolutely everything that happened in my life.
I saw her laying in the living room so I made my way to her. "Hey mom."
She looked tired and distraught. "Hey honey." She said patting the seat next to her.
I sat down and asked softly, "What's wrong..?" As soon as I asked her, tears started flowing down her cheeks. I hugged her and patted her on the back. I used to do this when I caught her crying over Dad, and it usually worked.
"I've been a horrible mother lately. And i'm really sorry.." she said looking up at me.
I couldn't believe she realized it. I mean I was never gonna tell her anything because she seemed so happy living her life, but I was glad she knew now. "It's okay, I mean i'm glad you're aware. I've missed you." I smiled weakly at her.
She sat up straight and said, "It's gonna be different from here and out okay? I wanna hear everything that happens in your life."
I gave a genuine smile and began talking about all the events that had happened ever since she left. I mentioned Chase and I's break up. The party Lizzie threw because I was sad, and how Chase was trying to win me over. I mentioned Jasper had a crush on me, and how Khloe was a horrible friend. I slowly told her about Mr. Brey's appearance and how I got him away from Mia. She had tears brimming her eyes by the time I was done.
She held me close to her and said quietly, "Oh baby, you've had it rough and i've been gone on vacation."
"Don't worry mom, everything is sort of working out now." I cuddled closer to her chest.
"What do you mean sort of?" She wondered.
"Well i'm still broken up with Chase.." I said whilst playing with my nails.
She scoffed and said, "Boys will be boys babe. Have you given any thought about what you want to do for your birthday?"
I had totally forgotten about my birthday being next week. With all the drama unfolding, I forgot I was turning 18. Birthdays weren't really my thing, and my mom knew that. I hated throwing birthday parties because people never came. I always sat alone with Jasper and Khloe. I wasn't that popular back in Minnesota, of course Khloe never let me forget that.
"I don't think I want to do anything." I finally decided on.
"What?! But you'll be turning 18?? We have to throw a party." My mom said with a shocked face.
"No ones gonna come if I threw one." I said quietly.
"Didn't you say half the school showed up to that party, and that you might be prom queen??" My mom said exasperated.
"...maybe.."
"We don't have to do something big, but at least celebrate with your friends here at the house." I finally got persuaded and agreed. I mean it was gonna be 18, and that's a huge deal. A couple friends, maybe a bonfire and some pizza. It sounded like an amazing idea, and was grateful my mom thought of it. I mentioned to my mom how I wanted to do a bonfire and just hang out with my friends, and she thought it was a great idea. I was ecstatic because I was getting my mom back, and my life couldn't have been any better. Of course there was a missing part, and i'm sure you could guess what it was.
---
It was Friday morning and I had on my favorite white jean skirt, and an off the shoulder striped top. I was feeling myself so much, I had taken so many mirror selfies. Call me vain, but I looked cute. The day was gorgeous and not even Trish could ruin my mood. I quickly grabbed my backpack and smelled cinnamon rolls in the kitchen. I literally sprinted down the stairs and saw my mo had her hair in a bun and was wearing a yellow apron.
She turned around with a puzzled look on her face and laughed, "Someones hungry."
"I sure am!" I grabbed a cinnamon roll and savored the flavor in my mouth. "Mmm I missed this." Not only did I miss the cinnamon rolls, but I missed her being here. The way her wrinkles lifted when she smiled brought me back to the old days. It would be Dad, her and I just being us.That was until he zoomed out of our lives. Many people asked me if I'd ever forgive him for leaving, and my answer is always the same. Of course I would, and that answer scares people. They get confused and say things like, "But he left you." Or "I'd never be able to do that." I was a forgiving person, what can ya do?
My mom put the rest of the cinnamon rolls in a container and said, "Take these to your friends and say Sandy made them."
I grabbed them and said in a sarcastic tone, "Not sure they'll make it there, but will do!"
"Eat them I dare you.." My mom said turning her eyes into slits. "Have a good day at school! Love you!" she hollered.
"Love you too!" I yelled exiting the house. I got into my Jeep, and sped off to school.
---
I parked my car and saw everyone was by Lizzie's. They were all laughing at something Julian said. I grabbed the container, and shut my car door. I walked over to them, and was hearing Abigail's rant over the Trigonometry test she took. I hoped these cinnamon rolls would make her feel better. I was about a couple feet away from my group of friends when Eugene stood in front of me.
Eugene was a quirky kind of cute. He had jet black hair that swept over his eyes. He wore squared glasses, and still had his braces on. I was pretty sure he was a sophomore. T think he was in AP English and he was that young certainly impressed me. "Ava! There you are." he said grinning from ear to ear.
"Here I am!" I said giggling. He laughed with me and his grin grew bigger.
"I was wondering if you'd accompany me to this new vegan restaurant they opened by Bistro." He said swaying, a couple beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Oh god. I hated when people asked me out on things. I was so awkward on small chat. I was the worst at it. Plus, I couldn't go on a date when I still loved Chase. "Like a date..?" I gulped. I looked around and saw that my friends were all staring at the showdown between Eugene and I. I swear they had nothing better to do than eavesdrop on my conversations.
Eugene became red and said, "Well. yeah- I mean if that's okay."
"Don't get me wrong i'd love to go, but i'm not really looking for anything right now.." I trailed off.
Eugene's features dropped and I immediately felt bad, so I decided to act on pure impulse. "Er- you know what! I'll go but only if you're buying." I said giving him a reassuring smile. He regained his composure, and handed me his math notebook.
"Write your number down, and i'll text you when we should go. But you'd have to drive, I dont get my license until June." So he was 15.. I'd be going on a date with a 15 year old boy. Lizzie would never let me hear the end of it. I quickly wrote my number and mumbled a goodbye.
"You're going on a date with a 15 YEAR OLD BOY?!" Lizzie said laughing.
"Shut it! I felt bad!" I said guilty. Soon they all started laughing at me, even Chase managed to pop out his killer smile. "Keep it up, and NONE of you get my moms cinnamon rolls!" I said glaring at them.
They all got quiet and apologized profusely. "Who's the sucker now." I said sticking my tongue out at them.
"Still you, I mean you're going out with a 15 year old boy." Lizzie said snatching the container from me.
"Touche." I mumbled.
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AUTHORS NOTE: I apologize for not updating as often last week, BUT I had so many events going on. Hope you're enjoying my bookkkkkkkk!