"I think we need to talk." Her father said. "Sit down please." Ava sat down not saying anything. "Where is Billy?" He asked just as he walked in. "Billy, please sit down." He said motioning to the seat that was furthest from Ava. He listened remaining quiet. "We both think that you two have been spending too much time together." He said his hands folded in front of him. "I think its best that you, Ava, focus more time on school. Billy, you need to get a job." He said. "I know you've been doing fine in school but if you get a job it'll look better in the future."
"Where am I supposed to get a job?" He asked confused.
"I'm sure you can find something at the mall." Michael said before standing. "Whatever is going on is over between you two." He said directed towards Billy before walking out. Ava watched him unsure what to do now. Billy got up and walked out the room. Ava looked at her mother.
"Ava I don't know what you're thinking but whatever it is, stop." Vanessa said firmly to her daughter. "I'm sure Billy has been nice to you but he isn't the kind of person you need to get involved with. Do you understand?" She asked.
"Not really." Ava stated. "You and Dad are the ones who decided to bring him here. You wanted me to be friendly with him, to help and I have. Now you're saying that you don't want me around him?" She asked. "We eat together, we drive to school together, we come home together, we have the exact some classes. What did you think was going to happen?" She stood up. "Nothing even happened between us just for the record. We were talking and fell asleep." She said before turning and leaving. Ava went to her bedroom closing the door.
She laid on her bed feeling confused. She starred at the ceiling wishing things would make sense. Her and Billy had kissed but that was it. Nothing else happened. It wasn't like she was in love with him and they weren't planning on getting married.
About a month had passed since Billy and Ava kissed. Her parents were constantly around giving them no alone time ever. At school Leah always there with them. Ava decided against telling Leah about the kiss between her and Billy. She didn't want Leah making a big deal out of something that was nothing. Billy got a job working at a small knife store in the mall. He knew a lot about them so it was easy for him to work there.
Ava walked out the school building and to her car. She started it when Leah opened the passenger door. She climbed in. "So guess what?" Leah said looking at Ava. Ava turned to her not saying anything. "You've been really depressing the last couple weeks." Leah said raising an eye brow at her. "Anything you want to tell me?" She asked. Ava rolled her eyes. "Fine, anyway. So there is a party this weekend and I was thinking if you and Billy came then-"
"I'm not going." Ava interrupted her. "I can't go, you know that. I'm not lying to my parents. They've had me on practical lock down for the last couple weeks." She stated.
"Come on!" Leah complained. "You've been such a bore lately but whatever. I'll see you later then." She climbed out the car. "Does your mood have anything to do with a guy by chance?" She asked sticking her head in the car unsure.
"Good bye Leah." Ava said putting the car into drive.
"Fine, bye." Leah closed the car door driving off.
Ava drove home and went to her room. Her parents weren't home yet and Billy was working. She was alone. She turned on her key board and began playing. She played randomly not really thinking just hoping something would come to her. When nothing came to her she began playing songs she already knew. She sang the lyrics written by other people wishing that could be her one day.
Ava was lost in her music she didn't realize anyone came into the house. She finished a song thinking of something else when she heard a light. She jumped and turned to see Billy standing in the doorway. "Hey, I didn't hear you come in." She said. He smiled. "How was work?" She asked.
"Its okay." He answered. "Can I come in?" He asked. Ava nodded. He walked in sitting on the bed facing her. "I like your singing." He said. "Its beautiful, honestly." Ava blushed.
"Thanks." Ava said. "I'm sorry you had to get a job." She shrugged.
"I don't mind, keeps me out of trouble I guess." Billy said thinking logically although he didn't think he would be causing any trouble now either way. "Its not that bad, I've learned stuff I didn't know before." He shrugged. "How is everything with you?" He asked.
"Its been okay I guess." She shrugged. "Boring...but okay. Leah wants us to go to some party with her." Ava said.
"Why is that not surprising?" He asked.
"You know how she is." Ava said.
"Well I'm working this whole weekend so I can't go even if I wanted to, which I don't." Billy said. "Are you going?" He asked. Ava shook her head. "Why?"
"Well first my parents won't let me and second its just an excuse for kids to get completely drunk and wasted and hen do a bunch of stuff that they will regret in the morning when their minds sober up cause thats what always happens. Its useless." Ava explained. "And I don't like the way alcohol tastes." She added.
Billy nodded agreeing with her. "I miss talking to you." Billy said. Ava smiled. "When I talk to you its not like this forced conversation like the kids at school. Its not this professional relationship that I have with your father, I feel like hes judging me all the time. Your mother looks at me like I'm a walking piece of shit." He said.
Ava stood up from her seat at the keyboard and walked over to the bed. She sat next to him. "My dad likes you a lot actually. You're the only case hes ever worked on where he really feels like he can help you." Ava stated. "And my mom, if you didn't notice, looks at everyone like that. She doesn't really like anyone other my dad and me." She smiled. "And I miss the sound of your voice." She added.
Billy nodded. "I'm glad to hear that." Ava reached up removing the eye patch from around his head not caring if he was going to protest. "Why do you want to see?" He asked confused.
"Your eye color is amazing. I wanted to tell you before but I was embarrassed for thinking that." She said. "And I want to see you, the real you. Not someone hiding behind anything." Ava said
"I've never taken it off for anyone before." Billy said feeling exposed. "Only you."
"Why me?" Ava asked.
"Because you make me feel better about being me. You listened to me when I told you what happened." Billy admitted. "You didn't assume I was lying. You believe me and I feel better." He sighed. "And I trust more than I've trusted anyone in a long time." He said. "Can I kiss you again?" He asked. Ava nodded unable to let the words leave her mouth.
