Charlotte: Thank you so much! Your review seriously warmed my heart! I'm glad you like Ava and this story and I hope I can keep your interest! I'm trying to hard to make Ava different so I'm glad you are seeing that! I want her to be independent and strong, but I also want her to be sweet and caring... I'm tryin' lol. And I haven't watched or read Harry Potter in years! Come to think of it I don't think I've ever finished the series. I should probably do that, huh? c:
gielisa: Thank you!
LoveFiction2018: Much thanks!
JJ-SNAPE-96: Here's the update!
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I hope everyone likes this chapter!
The next one is already being written. ❤
Light mist is stretched across the ground, laying over it like a blanket. It distorts and changes shape slowly, moving like clouds do in the sky. The water droplets sticking to the green blades of grass glisten as the dawning sun rises, it's light shining through the towering evergreen trees of the forest ahead. It's almost like a scene from a dream.
Sunrays shine onto crystal orbs, highlighting them and causing them to sparkle. Ava squints, lowering her head to shield her eyes from the blinding sun. She reaches her hand forward into the light mist and watches as it becomes shrouded. The rare sun disappears behind a large cloud and she lowers her hand, sighing to herself.
She leans forward from her spot on the back-porch steps, wrapping her arms around herself and yawning loudly while crossing her legs. She's dressed in a floral satin robe, her hair still damp from her recent shower. Mitten's form trots and leaps through the fog, sometimes chasing squirrels and rabbits. Her eyes roam around tiredly.
There is nothing but thick greenery surrounding the border of her yard. The trees are her privacy fence and she can't see a single neighbor, and she won't come across one unless she travels down the road. The privacy surrounding her house is amazing. That's one of the good things about living on the Forks and La Push border line. A crashing noise from within her house makes her turn around.
Through the window she can see her mom at the kitchen sink, doing dishes as she cooks breakfast. Ava turns back around and buries her face in her hands, recalling the events of last night and earlier this morning.
This morning she found out she didn't make it to the next round in the piano competition, and she realized she forgot to get Frosty a litter box. So, she had to hurry and clean up the cat's mess, and run out and buy a litter box before her mom woke up. If her mom would've seen that cat poo in the corner of the living room she would've freaked. Still, she doesn't even know if that cat is a boy or a girl. A vet appointment needs to be scheduled.
Then when she was dropped off, Mitten was left outside. She has no clue how long he was left out. When she let him back inside and headed upstairs, her mom's bedroom door was cracked open. She poked her head in to inform her she was home, but the sight she seen made her decide against it. Her mom was sleeping and so was Dylan. The two were cuddled up and wrapped in each other's arms. Ava's lips press together.
Their relationship has turned into a serious one already. What does her mom see in him? And why is she even with him? She knows her dad left the two of them, but her mom loved her dad. How can you love one man then later love another? It's weird. Love, it makes no sense.
Mitten runs over and nudges Ava, prompting her to scratch behind his fluffy ears. Her phone buzzes from beside her and she looks down, seeing a text message from Raye. Her fingers wrap around her phone and her eyes study the screen. He's invited her to go to a skate park.
She still hasn't gotten a new skateboard yet, and she still hasn't told Raye she has broken hers. Honestly, she doesn't feel like doing anything today. She's feeling stressed, especially about last night.
Her and Embry are "friends." She has to spend a whole with Claire to make up for walking out of her dance recital. She said she'll spend the whole day with the girl and have a sleepover, but she has no intention of performing the latter, she also isn't completely sold on dedicating an entire day to her. On top of that, she has offered to give away some of her dresses to Kim. Right now, she's regrets offering that. Now she has to interact with another person. She regrets everything she's said and done last night.
Hugging Embry like that… what was she thinking?
It felt nice though. His skin is so warm and it soothes her somehow. His smile is so bright and his eyes haunt her. She wants to see him again and that makes her sigh loudly. How can one guy have such a huge effect on her? Is it because he's probably the nicest person she's ever met?
The sliding door opens from behind her, then footsteps travel through her screened in back porch. The screen door opens behind her and she looks over her shoulder idly. Dylan is standing there with a smile. Oh great, here comes more interacting. She just wants to be alone.
"Good morning." Dylan grins, walking down the steps only to pause when he sees Mitten. A squirrel however makes Mitten run off to Ava's disappointment. Dylan is now sitting next to her.
"Mornin.'" She greets back. She almost didn't reply, but she recalled how she told her mom she would give this guy a chance even though she already doesn't like him. A coffee cup is then held in front of her. The pleasant smell of it travels up her nose.
"Here," Dylan smiles. "Your mom told me you liked coffee with lots of cream in it."
"Did she?" Ava mutters, yet taking the coffee mug from him with an inaudible thanks. She could use the coffee to be honest. What else has her mom told him?
"Yeah." Dylan nods and drinks from his own coffee mug. She notes that there is no creamer in his. "So, what are you doing up so early? Thought teens liked to sleep in on the weekends."
She stares at Dylan. He's trying to start small talk. She's not going to tell him how she was woken up by Mitten pawing at her bedroom door, begging to be let out at five or so in the morning, and she's definitely not going to tell him about the cat mess she had to clean up along with her quick trip to the pet store.
"I couldn't sleep last night." She answers, keeping it short.
"Bad dreams?"
"No. Just restless."
"Oh. One of those tossing and turning nights, huh?" Dylan sighs in understanding. Ava nods, taking a small sip from her coffee. "That sucks. Well anyways, your mom and I were going to go out to dinner tonight. Would you like to tag along?"
It's almost as if he's trying to bond with her. Ava stares into her cup of coffee, then looks ahead at Mitten. The wolfdog is by the forest line, barking up a tree with a wagging tail. She doesn't feel like doing anything today.
"I can't. I have homework to do."
"Come on, I'll help you get it done." Dylan smiles and stands up. "We'll knock it out really quick after breakfast then you can come along later."
Ava groans inwardly. What is she supposed to do now? She could say no, but she knows her mom can probably hear their conversation. The kitchen windows are cracked open. All she has is her math homework and she's naturally bad at math. Maybe Dylan is good at math. But still…
Dylan suddenly stands up in a flash. Mitten is running in their direction, saving Ava from having to respond. She fights a smile.
"Well just let me know, alright?" Dylan says, placing his hand atop her head and ruffling her hair up before disappearing inside. Ava instantly runs her fingers through her hair, fixing it with a scowl. She hates when people mess with her hair, it's only okay when her mom or Embry do it— Oh God. Embry. He's taking over her mind.
Mitten stands in front of Ava, bringing his furry head into her lap and peering up at her. It's crazy how animals seem to know when something is bothering their owners. Ava stares into his copper eyes, then Embry's chocolate eyes flash across her vision. Her fingers curls into her robe. What happened to her not wanting to deal with people? Right now, she really wants to see Embry.
She stands up suddenly, turning and stepping back into the warm indoors with Mitten following closely. As soon as she steps inside, her eyes are drawn to Dylan and her mom. Her mom is flipping pancakes with Dylan standing behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist. He murmurs three words to her and Ava freezes.
"I love you."
For a moment all Ava can hear is the ticking of the wall clock as she stares at the two. Her mom looks over at her, a happy smile on her face. It's been a very long time since she's seen her mom look that happy. Her blue eyes sparkle like the ocean on a sunny day.
"Breakfast will be ready soon, Aves." She informs, her voice peppy.
"Alright. Thanks." Ava mumbles out before going upstairs and into her room.
Mitten runs in, jumping on her bed right when she closes the door. Ava leans against it, her shoulders quivering in her distressed state. She draws in a breath to calm herself but it doesn't work all that well. Her eyes stare down at her bare feet. She doesn't have an appetite anymore.
The final bell of the day rings, and for the first time in her life Ava wishes it didn't. Everyone stands from the desks around her, having already packed their things beforehand. Ava watches as everyone leaves the room as she remains in her seat. Like always and to her satisfaction, nobody pays her no mind. Almost things seem like how they've always been; her living as a ghost. It's oddly comforting.
She reaches for her book-bag that is on the ground and beside her chair. It's a new one since her old one gotten too dirty from her shoving her dirty clothes in them back at Embry's place. Embry. Why is it that he always crosses her mind?
Drawing in a breath, she pulls her book-bag up and sets it in her lap. It's a solid black bag aside from the white Nike logo on it. She opens it and proceeds to pack her things at a slow pace. A shadow suddenly looms over her desk, causing her to pause and look up.
Mr. Wells is standing in front of her. His hazel eyes are peering at her in almost bewilderment she would say. He looks from her to her desk that has all her things on it, then back at her.
"I see you finally got a separate folder for this class." He comments, making Ava look at her desk and at said folder.
It's true. Late last night, she got rid of her giant binder she used for all her classes and organized her stuff. She got a notebook for each class along with folders, she even dug out a daily planner from the depths of her closet. Her eyes move back up to her teacher.
"Yeah." She answers, her tone impassive and softer than what she would normally speak in. Mr. Wells holds out a small packet to her. She takes it and instantly recognizes it as her homework.
"You actually did your homework too and got every question right." He continues. "I would say you cheated if it wasn't for your flawless classwork today." He stares at her and she stares back, both of them silent. After a dramatic pause, he asks, "Are you feeling okay?"
Ava gives the smallest of smiles, never seeing such a concerned look on Mr. Wells face before. He would always stare at her in annoyance or hatred dare she say. This is a new side to him. However, his question cuts through her like a knife. She breathes in deeper than normal, using a lot of effort to keep the small smile on her face.
"Yeah. I just noticed my grade in here was low so I'm just working on getting it back up." She answers as she puts all her stuff in her book-bag. As soon as she's done, she stands and slides her arms through the straps. "There is tutoring for this class every Thursday, right?"
"Yes." Mr. Wells answers. He now looks completely shocked, like he's witnessing something extremely rare and out of a fantasy.
"It's fine if I show up?" Ava questions and pushes her chair in.
"Of course..." Mr. Wells nods, watching as she begins heading towards the door.
"Alright. See you tomorrow then."
Ava waves at her baffled teacher from over her shoulder as she exits the room. She stuffs her hands in her pockets as she walks down the hall. Her attire isn't as baggy as usual. She's wearing black joggers and a white Nike hoodie, along with matching shoes. Maybe the difference today is that her clothes aren't oversized and they actually fit her as they should.
She doesn't make a stop by her locker. Normally she would only use it to store her skateboard in there, but since she is still lacking one there is no need. She pulls her phone out of her pocket along with her earbuds. Plugging the wire into her phone and putting the sound canceling device on, she instantly begins to play music. In her opinion you can never go wrong with R&B.
Sliding her finger across her phone screen and then clicking on her messages, she notices she still hasn't replied to Raye. She feels a little guilty at leaving the guy hanging for so long. As soon as she steps outside and into the naturally chilly air, she dials his number. She listens to the ringing noise in her ears as she strolls across the parking lot. It would be best if she just called him to tell him she broke her skateboard and apologize for ignoring him.
Really though, it wouldn't be strange for her just to never respond to the guy. Ever since yesterday she's been trying to distract herself. She doesn't want to think about how her mom and Dylan look at each other so dreamily, she doesn't even want to think about Embry, or let alone just think of his name. The latter is almost impossible to her complete annoyance though.
Right after breakfast yesterday Dylan helped her with her math homework. He's surprisingly good at math and showed her how to do the problems. Ava's grip on her phone grows tighter. It's not that she didn't understand how to do it, it was fairly easy. It's just she never used to pay attention in class or put effort into them. Today she put in all that missing effort and stunned nearly all her teachers.
The dialing tone stops and a robotic voicemail voice begins to greet her. Ava hangs up, not fond of leaving voicemails. Her music instantly starts playing again. Maybe Raye is busy, that or he's ignoring her too. She puts her phone back in her pocket, not sure whether to feel happy about that or sad. Shaking her head to rid all thoughts, she turns her music up louder in a sad attempt to lose herself in it.
She walked to school today instead of taking her car. Even though she doesn't have her skateboard, she finds walking just as relaxing. Earlier she already decided that she wasn't going to go straight home. Her mom made it clear to her last night at dinner that Dylan was going to be showing his face a lot more at the house. So basically, he's going to start living there. Her teeth grit as she walks.
Her mom is at work right now and Dylan in probably with her and helping out, since he apparently owns his own café in Seattle too. She doesn't know for sure if he's there though and she isn't going to call and ask. Just in case, she's going to go to the beach for some alone time.
La Push has the prettiest beaches and they aren't that far away, so she's set on going there. But she's not dumb. She knows First Beach always has at least one person there, and the last time she went to first beach Embry along with his friends and family were occupying it. Second Beach is basically right next door. So, she's already set on going to Third Beach.
Nobody really goes to Third Beach. It's not as large as the others and it has way more greenery surrounding it, along with unique rocks emerging from the water that keeps away surfers. It's the perfect place in her opinion. If she does happen to run into Embry, she'll leave. But she rather be around him than Dylan.
The palm of her hand presses against her forehead. Did she really just say that? She bites down on the inside of her cheek, realizing she was thinking about Embry again. Something really is wrong with her. Yesterday she had the sudden urge to leave her house to find Embry. She really wanted to see him. Even now, part of her deep down inside wants to see him. She comes to a sudden stop in her walk. Her eyes stare into the deep forest that is now in front of her. Maybe she is dumb.
Third Beach is in La Push. Embry lives in La Push so the chances of seeing him are incredibly high. If she really wants some alone time she should just go to the local library or something. She could just lock herself in her room with Mitten and Frosty. She raises her hand in front of her face and stares at it.
Ever since she held his hand his warmth still lingers. Easily she can still feel his arms wrapped around her from when they hugged. It comforts her and almost feels as if he's still by her side. The way she felt during that moment, she wants to feel that again. Her eyes shut.
Too fast. Things are moving too fast. Her and Embry, her mom and Dylan… Everything is moving way too fast. She told Embry that they can be friends, and friends don't hold hands and hug one another. At least, she doesn't think they do. She's not very experienced with "friendship."
Drawing in a breath, she takes her first steps down the forest path she knows leads to Third Beach. She switches her thoughts over to her mom and Dylan. Her fingers twitch and resist the urge to curl into fists. How can they just meet a couple days ago and already be hopelessly in love? She caught them sleeping together.
Her vision blurs and she blinks heavily, ridding the thick layer of moisture over her eyes. Tears are something her body haven't produced in a very long time. She steps over a tree root while chewing on the inside of her cheek, beginning her mind to just cease all thoughts. She sings along to the songs in her head to distract herself from life in general. Soon enough, she reaches her destination.
She walks out onto the sand, coming to a stop and staring at the massive body of water in front of her. Reaching up, she pulls her earbuds out. The sound of waves greets her, along with the sound of critters coming from behind her in the forest she just walked through. The sky ahead is blue. Looking over her shoulder and up, she can see the sky behind her gloomy. The clouds are moving inland.
Ava looks both ways down the shoreline, seeing not a single person in sight. It's only her out here and that makes her let out a breath she wasn't even aware she was holding. Her feet carry her a little closer to the water. Shrugging her book-bag off, she sits down on the soft sand.
She's sitting cross-legged and staring ahead blankly, letting herself get lost in the scenery. The waves and the steady rise and fall of the tide hypnotize her almost. She's in one of those deep stares and she has no intention of reverting her eyes. Right now, she feels at the most peace she's even felt the last few days.
Her eyes follow the seabirds flying ahead, watching as they dive into the water and reemerge with fish. Her eyes then shut, the sun directly above her breaking free from clouds and shining onto her skin. The heat from the giant star feels nice and it's something she can hardly ever enjoy. She cherishes this moment and leans back on her hands. Then her phone chimes.
With a frown, Ava pulls her phone out of her pocket. She received a text message from an unknown number. Her eyes widen when she reads it.
"Hey Ava! It's Dylan."
She stares at the message, reading it over and over again. Her eyes gradually narrow and her chest numbs. Something in her snaps and her body seems to move on its own. She flings her phone as hard as she can ahead. The device lands roughly near the shoreline. The ocean water gradually gets closer and closer to dragging it away and into its depths, and she doesn't care.
Ava lets her body fall backwards and she brings her arm up, draping it over her closed eyes so she truly sees nothing but black. Her lower lips trembles and she rolls onto her side, using her arm as a pillow. Slowly, her tearful eyes open and stare blankly down the empty beach. She doesn't feel like herself at all.
It would be alright, wouldn't it? She swallows. To let these tears fall? Nobody is around and nobody would know. What's the point of tears if you don't let them fall? A laugh abruptly almost sounds from her. Now she sounds like some weak little child. She reaches for her book-bag and hugs it to her. Crying… as if she would. What does that accomplish anyway? She's slowly starting to lose her sanity. Her eyes shut yet again.
Ava doesn't know how long she remains like this. It couldn't be more than fifteen or so minutes though. The ocean sound nearly lures her to sleep until the mashing of sand reaches her ears. Her eyes open and immediately focus on her phone that is being held out to her. If it wasn't for the tranquil sensation that instantly surrounded her, she would've been startled for sure. Her eyes look at the person's hand then travel up their arm until they land on their face.
"Embry," She whispers as she stares into his dark chocolate eyes. Embry smiles, but then as his eyes stare into her own he looks frantic.
"Are you okay?" He quickly asks, crouching down by her instantly. His warm hand covers her forehead as if to check for a fever. As always when she's around Embry, her cheeks flush.
"Tired." She answers and grabs her phone, turning so her back is to him. "Thanks."
Embry stares at his imprint worriedly. He was patrolling when he picked up her scent, so naturally he followed it and it led him here. Part of him was angry she would walk through the woods all by herself. Doesn't she realize how dangerous that is? And another part of him was angry that he didn't realize she was in the woods earlier. It was hard to focus on anything with Jacob's thoughts overflowing with Bella, along with Paul and Leah's growls as they brawled.
He was walking down the shoreline when he noticed her phone about to get swallowed up by the ocean. He was barely able to grab it on time. Then when he approached her form curled up across the sand, he noticed how upset she looked. Then when she opened her eyes he noticed how glossy they were. Like she was about to cry.
Many thoughts run through his mind. Did something happen at school? Did someone make her upset? Was she hurt? Sick? He doesn't buy the answer that she's just tired. Even though she does appear drained, he knows that's not it. He must cheer her up! But how?
Asking her upfront what's wrong most definitely will not work. Knowing her that'll probably anger her or make her even more upset. He frowns further, thinking carefully what he should say, thinking about what he should do.
"Hey Embry," Ava suddenly speaks. A stray cloud has moved over the sun and cast a shadow over them both. "Let's say you're married and the person you're married to leaves. Would you be able to find someone else and fall in love all over again? And maybe even get married again?"
Embry's chocolate eyes widen a notch. For her to speak first and ask a question like that was something he was not expecting at all. He almost answers with "no" instantly. Because if he were married to Ava and if she were to leave him forever, he would die. Literally. He sits down next to her, thinking over her question carefully. He has a feeling why she's asking this question. It's because of that man Dylan he's sure. When he picked up her phone, he seen the message from him. He answers her honestly.
"Well I think it depends. I wouldn't be able to." He begins carefully, inwardly praying he doesn't mess up with his words somehow. "But, you remember Sam, right?"
"Yes." Ava answers, sitting up and looking in his direction. Her crystal eyes silently urge him to continue.
"He was able to do something like that. He was in love with Leah but then he met Emily and eventually fell in love with her too." Embry explains while leaving the whole imprinting thing out. A crease forms in Ava's brow.
"That must've been painful for this 'Leah' person." She mumbles.
"It was." Embry admits, acknowledging how messed up that sounds. "But in the end, it's about who brings out your best side, and Emily just happened to be that person for Sam, and Sam just happened to be that person for Emily. Well, that's what I think anyway."
Ava stares at Embry with the most adorable expression. Parted lips and a slightly tilted head. He grins, realizing at some point during his little speech she sat on her knees and faced him. She's too cute for her own good.
"...I guess that makes sense." She says.
"You know how dating is." Embry shrugs and props his elbows up and his folded knees, resting his head in his palms at he leans closer to her. "It's about finding that right person."
"I'm guessing you're experienced with that kind of stuff then." Ava states more than asks.
"Not really." He laughs. "I've only dated at least two girls in my lifetime."
Constricting heart, blood on the verge of boiling, gritted teeth, nearly glaring. Ava wonders why as soon as those words come from his mouth she is forced to fight all these negative emotions and aspects. She adverts her eyes to the ocean in irritation. Why is she getting so worked up over something as trivial as him dating other girls?
Embry fights back a sly grin at that flash of jealousy that appeared on her features. His inner wolf purrs lowly. She does feel something for him. It's as clear as day now. Now the next step is to get her to stop fighting it about open up to him.
"What about you?" He asks, making her look back over at him.
"What about me?" She retorts.
"Have you ever dated anyone?"
All noise seems to disappear for Ava except for the chirping of an imaginary cricket. She stares at Embry and he stares back at her. His face wears curiosity while hers is expressionless. Soon her face becomes dumbfounded, then it doesn't take long for it to become abashed after that.
She almost doesn't answer him but she basically asked him the same question. It wouldn't be fair if she weren't to answer it. She's suddenly very self-conscious. Embry stares at her flustered face. Is she remembering her past relationships?
He straightens up instantly at that, his inner wolf growling. The thought of other boys touching her and being with her romantically make him furious. Ava's hand slowly moves over her face and she looks away from him. With how much of an outcast she is, he thought she was never with anyone. But now he realizes how much of a fool he is to think that. I mean, this girl is stunning. His eyes darken. Did one of her past relationships cause her to be this secluded? He can't stop the low growl from rumbling in his throat.
"...I don't have time for that stuff." Ava mutters.
What?
Embry blinks at that, studying her closely. She's avoiding his eyes and still looking off to the side. She actually looks embarrassed. He crawls closer to her, making her lean back.
"What do you mean?" He asks lowly in a tone that Ava finds extremely captivating. Her face turns impossibly more red. Slowly, Embry begins to grin.
"...You're seriously going to make me say it?" Ava hisses angrily more to herself than him. "I mean what I said."
"But I don't understand." Embry leans even closer and into her personal space. Ava growls and pushes her index finger against his forehead, making him lean back. She stares at his smiling face with a deep frown.
"Then that's too bad."
Embry pouts and gives her the puppy dog eyes. It doesn't take long for Ava to begin to melt under his gaze. The tip of her finger is still pressed against his forehead and dangerously close to his hairline. His hair looks soft. She has to fight the urge to run her fingers through his hair. Embry's pout grows deeper and Ava sighs loudly and crosses her arms over her chest.
"No. I've never dated anyone before."
And Embry has never been happier in his life to hear those words. He's lucky. He's so very lucky. If he was in wolf form he would be wagging his tail. So, does this mean he's going to be her first—?
"Why do you look so happy?" Ava glares at him. "I plan to keep it that way so don't get any ideas."
"Oh, I'm not." Embry lies to reassure her. She doesn't look convinced and he laughs.
"I'm serious." She looks away from him. "I'll turn you down."
"Do you want to get ice cream?" Embry asks. Her miffed expression fades and she glances as him.
"Are you serious right now?"
"I only asked you if you wanted ice cream, not if you wanted to date me or anything." Embry says. Though, he seriously wants to ask her to date him.
"But what you're really asking is if I want to get ice cream with you, right?"
"And what if I am?" Embry stands up when she does. His form seems to tower over her own.
"Then let's go."
Her answer surprises Embry and herself. Embry openly looks at her in shock. He was nearly a hundred percent sure she was going to push him away like always.
"Are you sure?" Embry asks before he can stop himself. He was just caught that much off-guard.
"Yeah. Unless you weren't serious?"
Embry's heart swells in his chest he gazes at her. There was a teasing edge to her angelic voice and her crystal orbs appear to sparkle in the sunlight. This is his first time looking at her under such naturally bright lighting. Her waterfall waves flutter in the breeze, and he's able to make out the beige tones along with light browns. Her perfect lips curve upwards. It's subtle, but it seems to make his world shift all over again.
She almost looks like a whole new person. There is no wall of thorns around her, no shield of any kind. She looks relaxed. Her smile still isn't quite reaching her eyes, but she still looks stunning wearing one. Slowly, he begins to smile himself and gaze at her lovingly. Is this really her? Is she finally being herself?
Ava crouches down and grabs her book-bag, shoving her phone in her pocket as she does. The organ in her chest is pounding twice as fast. Why did she agree to this? What is she doing? Did she miss this weirdo? Does she like getting attention from him? That makes no sense. She's a ghost and hates attention. Yet, why did she come here in secret hopes to see him?
She didn't see Embry at all yesterday, and when he showed up out of nowhere as always, she felt weightless. Happy. She was nearly on the verge of crying then he shows up and makes her feelings do and entire U-turn. It's not a sincere smile, but she's smiling for the first time today despite that.
When was the last time she smiled genuinely in front of anyone else other than her mom? Ever since Dylan showed up she's been smiling less and less at home however. She never smiles a full smile and she's never been one to hang out and make friends. When was the last time she actually had fun with someone else? She can't even recall that.
It's true that she doesn't want to go home yet in case Dylan is actually there, but it's also true that she doesn't want to leave Embry yet either. Her thoughts make her freeze on the spot. Seriously, what is wrong with her? It's almost as if she's getting attached to him against her will. Is she already attached to him?
No. She only agreed to this because it's the nice thing to do. After all he's done for her she is severely in his debt. So why not do something with him to return the favor? She's been so mean to him. They are friends now, aren't they?
Embry said to just act like herself and she tried to just now but it didn't feel right at all. She never pays anyone any mind and they don't pay her any. She never gets involved with anyone. How should she act? Was how she acted right now even genuinely herself? Was she weird just now? Ugh. She's being wishy-washy again. She always becomes weird around him and this strange feeling grows in her chest. It's trying to swallow her up.
It's only then she realizes she's still crouched on the ground when Embry crouches down directly in front of her. Their eyes meet and he smiles. Her chest feels as if it's on fire, in a pleasing way. What would happen if she lets this feeling swallow her up? For once, she doesn't fight it.
As soon as she explores this feeling inwardly, everything appears to distort around her. Nothing else seems to exist except for this guy in front of her. Her insides feel fizzy and she never thought she would experience the sensations of butterflies in her stomach until just now. When the cool breeze blows she has the sudden urge to launch herself into his warm chest— This is weird. Her lips purse and she suddenly wants to run far away and never return.
Embry takes her book-bag from her and puts it on, snapping her out of her weird thoughts. Ava quickly looks up at him. Before she can protest about him carrying her bag, he smiles and says;
"Let's go."
He grins and holds his hand out to her. Ava stares at his hand then recalls her earlier thoughts. Even though it makes her heart pang for some unknown reason, she doesn't place her hand in his and shoves them into her pockets instead. She stands up on her own. Embry frowns at her, and the sad look in his eyes makes her look down at her feet. She kicks at the sand lightly, her tiredness from earlier seeming to return just like that.
"Well, onwards then." She mutters after a few seconds of silence pass with them merely standing in the same spot. Embry snorts.
"First 'despise,' now 'onwards.'" He laughs, walking towards the tree line with her trailing behind him. She shrugs her shoulders, too tired to even blush.
Embry looks over his shoulder at Ava as they walk through the woods. It's obvious she's going back and forth between her feelings and hesitating. He frowns slightly. He's happy she seems to be at least giving him a chance, but whether she wants to give him that chance or not is unclear to him. The other day they held hands more than once and now she's refusing to. She's so complicated but also so worth it. He'll get her to open up to him no matter what. He smiles in determination and looks ahead.
Ava's merely staring at the ground as they walk, playing a mini game of walking on leaves. Slowly, her eyes move upwards and towards Embry. She stares at the back of his head, then at her book-bag he is currently wearing. It's only then she notices that his shirt and shorts look like they have been lying in the mud. Her eyes then roam to his hand and her fingers twitch in need.
Need.
She nearly groans out loud.