Disclaimer: I don't own the TV Show Summerland or any characters on Summerland or some of the predicaments/situations/ideas in this fan-fiction story.
Note: This takes place before the season finale on 8-17-04
Chapter 1"Hey, D! Watcha watching there?" Johnny called over to Derrick as he plopped down next to the nine-year-old boy who was flipping through the channels.
"Hey, Johnny!" He perked up immediately. "Oh, nothing much. Hey, I was wondering if you, me, and Aunt Ava could go to the movies again, like last time. Without my date though." He looked so expectant.
Johnny was taken aback. He opened his mouth to his something and then thought it over again how to tell Derrick that his aunt wasn't in love with him. "You still trying to get us together?"
He tilted his head a little and shrugged a bit. "Am I that readable?"
Johnny chuckled softly. "Listen, Derrick. Your Aunt is with Dr. O'Keefe now and she's moved on from our past. You have to understand that sometimes people--"
Derrick interrupted in a rage, "No, Johnny I don't understand." He stood up. "You have to listen. You two are perfect for each other. You guys were meant to be together. I know it."
"Come on, kid. What's this really about?" Johnny asked patiently. Derrick calmed down and took a seat.
"It's not that I don't like Dr. O'Keefe. But he kinda ruined the relationship that you two had." Derrick finally admitted, a little ashamedly. He continued, "I mean, if they like get married, I don't think I would like him as much as I'd like you for an uncle."
Johnny had to smile. "Derrick, I'll always be there for you, no matter what. Just remember that." He smiled and nodded.
- Fade Out to Ava in her bedroom, checking messages. -
"Hey Ava, it's me. I'm just calling again to see if your there. Erhm. Are you avoiding me? Did I do something wrong? Please call me." Beep. Ava hesitantly dialed Simon's number and it was picked up immediately.
"Hello?" He sounded tired and worn out. Ava paused, not sure if calling Simon was the best thing to do. "Hello? Ava? Is that you?" Ava hung up, not knowing what to say. She felt even worse now; she hadn't called or seen him in days. A voice broke into her thoughts.
"Who was that?" Ava turned to see Susannah leaning on the doorway and walking toward her.
Ava gave her a fake grin and shook her head. "No one." Susannah was now standing next to her.
"Oh really?" Susannah hit the play button on the answering machine and Simon's voice came on.
"Okay, okay. I called Simon. He answered. I chickened out. Are you happy?" Ava confessed. Susannah rubbed her shoulders.
"No, I'm not happy, Ava. Listen. You have got to consider your feelings for Johnny, before you move into something serious with Simon."
"Actually, it already has become something serious with Simon." Susannah stopped rubbing Ava's shoulders and took a step back. She was speechless for a second.
"Oh my god. Are you going to like marry this guy?" Susannah gaped at Ava, waiting for an answer.
Ava laughed nervously. "I don't know. I mean, I've only known him for a month. It's moving so fast, but it feels right. I have 3 kids and Johnny. I don't know what to do." Susannah wrapped her arms around Ava in a comforting friend hug.
"You have to figure out what kind of relationship you want with Johnny, and if Simon is really the one for you." Ava pursed her lips into a straight, grim line and nodded her head.
"I think I am ready to move away from Johnny and have a new beginning with Simon."
"Well, there you go. Call him." Susannah handed Ava the phone
"Wait, did you need something before this whole Johnny-Simon drama?"
"It can wait." She gave Ava a small smile and exited the room.
Ava dialed the number and Simon picked up again. "Hello?"
"Simon."
"Ava!" He shouted happily. "Don't hang up."
"Simon, I need to talk to you. Please don't say anything until I get this all out."
"Okay. I won't say anything."
"You know my history with Johnny and everything. Well, I am finally over him, completely. I'm not sure that he is. I'm not sure I care though. I want to have a new beginning with you. I don't know if we can do this, with all that I have going on right now. My own business, three kids, Susannah--"
"I know I said I wouldn't interrupt, but just let me say this. I want to be with you. I want us to take that next step, because...I love you. These past few days when I didn't see you, it was hell. I never want to be separated from you again."
Johnny started up the stairs at that moment and heard Ava talking and stopped at the door to listen. Ava smiled, almost in tears. Choked up, she replied, "I want all that too. Not being able to see you either was horrible. I'm so sorry. I think...I'm in love with you too." Johnny was crushed and looked down and shook his head. He quickly turned on his heel and jogged down the stairs.
-That's it for chap. 1 tell me what you think and if I should continue the story...-