A year had passed since that awful night. Tenzin hadn't seen or heard from Lin at all. If the council had to meet with the police force she would send one of her high-ranking officers in her place, which hurt Tenzin greatly. He tried to live his life without her, even though it hurt. He continued his relationship with Pema to the best of his ability, even though every moment he spent with her reminded him of Lin. He was always comparing Pema to Lin, and most of the time Lin turned out to be the better of the two. Tenzin knew it was wrong to do that, but he still loved Lin. No matter how hard he tried to get over her it never happened. There was nothing wrong with Pema. She would be a wonderful wife and eventually a wonderful mother. But for the longest time he had reservations about committing himself completely to Pema because he could never really get Lin off of his mind. Tenzin knew deep down he would have to act sooner rather than later so he could fulfill his duty, but there was always a reservation: there was always a part of him that felt like he was cheating on Lin.
Tenzin was confused and sought out his father for help. He found the aging Avatar baking his favorite fruit pies in the kitchen with his wife. They were both laughing and acting as much in love, if not more, as when they were newly married.
Tenzin approached the joyful couple that were elbow deep in fruit custard and said, "Father… Can I uh… have a word with you please?" Aang stopped and looked at Tenzin. Katara stood there with an intrigued look on her face.
After a moment of awkward silence, Aang replied, "Sure Tenzin. What's up?" Tenzin glanced at his mother who had stopped focusing on the fruit pies and now had her full attention in the conversation between her airbenders.
He cleared his throat and began, "Well I was hoping we could talk alone, privately, man to man…" Aang looked to his wife with a pleading look on his face. Katara harrumphed and stared at Tenzin. She wanted to know what was wrong, but knew she would just have to hear it from Aang later.
Katara stated, "Well these fruit pies need to be finished, so either you two need to work on them or go to another room and talk while I finish them."
Aang frowned at the anger in her voice and put down the filling in his hands. He pecked Katara on the cheek and said, "Okay dear, we'll leave and talk somewhere else. I'll try to hurry back." Katara just folded her arms as the last two airbenders exited the room.
Tenzin and his father went to the meditation pavilion, far from any eavesdroppers, including his mother, to have their conversation. When they got there Aang spoke first, saying, "Well, what's wrong Tenzin? You've been acting a bit gloomy lately and I've been trying to figure it out, so please, tell me what's on your mind?"
Tenzin sighed, "It's just… My relationship with Pema is wonderful. She is a lovely person and I have nothing but praise for her, but there's this part of me… It's silly, but I can't help but feel… Oh bother. This is so difficult! Why do women have to be difficult?"
Aang looked at his son with sad eyes. "I'm sorry Ten. Women are pretty crazy sometimes. I think I know what you're trying to say though. You like Pema a lot, and she's wonderful, but every time you're with her, you're just reminded of Lin and you still really love Lin. Am I right?"
"Well, yes, that is the exact problem. How did you know?" he asked baffled.
"What can I say? I know my son," Aang replied proudly.
"What can I do, Father? I'm torn and it hurts. I wish love was easy."
Aang chuckled, "I guess that's what makes love so special, it's not always easy." Tenzin nodded as Aang continued, "A long time ago, a fortuneteller once told me that if I followed my heart I would find true love. It wasn't always easy, especially when certain people came around, not to mention the duty I had to the entire world, but I was patient and I worked at it, and in the end I was true to who I was and found love at the same time."
Tenzin sighed, "I see what you're saying, Father, thank you very much for your advice."
Aang smiled at his youngest son, "I love you, Ten, I know you can figure this out and that you'll make the right choice." Tenzin forced a smile, turned on his heels and headed for a quiet place to meditate.
…
Lin was feeling rather down that night so she decided to go to and visit her mother. If there was anyone in the entire world that could make Lin smile, it was her mother, Toph Beifong. She had an amazing sense of humor and knew just how her daughter worked; she was an amazing mother.
Lin approached the familiar door, and before she could knock the door swung open, the dainty frame of her powerful mother stood before her.
"Good evening my little badgermole. Is everything all right?" she asked with a hint of concern.
"Not really. I was hoping I could get some advice from you," Lin responded looking defeated, staring at her feet. Even though her mother wasn't the best when it came to relationship advice, but she always knew how to cheer Lin up.
"Is this going to take a while? Twinkletoes and Sugar Queen wanted me to come over. They said it was important."
"Oh," Lin hesitated. She knew going to the island meant she'd most likely see Tenzin, but she really wanted to talk to her mom.
"Tell ya what, why don't you come with me? You know, just in case I can't help you," Toph reasoned with her.
"…Oh… Okay. Let's go," Lin gave in.
A/N: Sorry it took so long! I've been having a crazy time! I got a new job and started a new semester at college. I'm definitely going to start writing again! I promise! I'm working on the next chapter right now.
