"It is my honor today to present the prestigious Medal of Bravery upon Miss Ava Marie Ryan this seventeenth of April."
It was finally the big day; the mayor was presenting Ava with an award for her work on the Charolette Wood case, and for saving two policemen. Ava stood on the stage, wearing a white dress that she and Jenny had picked out. Her cast peeked out through the sleeve. She was smiling brightly, staring out into the crowd.
"For solving a serial murder, and for saving the lives of two of New York's finest detectives."
Ava smiled even bigger at this, and looked into the crowd where her uncle sat beside Esposito.
"Miss Ryan, thank you for protecting this great city of ours. I now present you with a medal of bravery."
Ava bowed her head, and the medal was placed around her neck. Suddenly, from the crowd, Castle stood up.
"Yeah Ava, woo!" He said clapping. He looked around, and saw that he was the only one cheering. Suddenly, Beckett joined him, then Ryan, then Espo, then the rest of the crowd.
The mayor moved aside so Ava could speak. She stepped up to the podium, and cleared her throat.
"Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Wow, it's so amazing to be standing up here in front of all of you today. But the real reason I'm here is because of the five amazing people here in the front row; Kate Beckett, Javier Esposito, Lanie Parish, Richard Castle, and my uncle, Detective Kevin Ryan."
Ryan smiled, gazing at his niece.
"These amazing detectives have been like a second family to me all these years, helping me through thick and thin. You know, someone once told me that families are supposed to make each other stronger, and that's exactly what these stunning people have done for me. They all took me under their wing, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you."
Once again, the crowd erupted with applause and cheers. Ava stepped down from the podium, shook the mayor's hand, and exited the stage. The crowd dispersed, going their separate ways. The detectives all gathered around Ava. Ryan pulled the girl into a hug.
"Ava, that speech was amazing!" He said, kissing her head.
"Yeah chica, you had the whole crowd cheering!" Espo said, resting a hand on her good shoulder.
"Thanks guys." Ava said, beaming.
"But I had a little help writing it." Ava said, winking at Castle. Castle winked back.
"So, Ava, we all have a little something for you." Kate said. All the other detectives gathered around her in a horseshoe shape.
"Since you helped us out on the case, we'd like to say thank you, with this." Lanie said, handing her an envelope.
"Open it." Ryan said.
Ava slowly opened the envelope, pulling out a letter from the police academy.
"Read it, out loud." Castle said.
"Miss Ryan, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the New York Police Academy on full scholarship. Fall semester begins August 27, and orientation is on June first!" Ava squealed with delight.
"Oh my God, you guys! How did you-"
"I have a friend on the admissions board that I contacted. She was more than pleased to look over your application after I told her about how you helped us." Beckett said. Ava hugged her.
"Beckett, this is so amazing! Thank you so much!"
"Anytime kiddo. But I'm not the only one who helped. Ryan and Espo are helping pay for rooming expenses, and Lanie was a reference. Castle edited and finalized your application."
Ava stepped back, and stared at all the others.
"You guys! This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me! Thank you!" Ava said, and everyone group hugged, even Castle.
"Oh shoot, Ava, we gotta get you packed and up to the train station!" Ryan said.
"Oh, yeah, sure. Can I say goodbye real quick?" She pleaded with her eyes.
"Okay, hurry!"
All the detectives, and castle, stood in a line. Ava started with Beckett.
"Kate, I'm really gonna miss you. I hope we can still stay in touch?"
"Of course. Shoot me an e-mail any time. "She gave Ava a quick hug.
Ava moved down the line to Lanie.
"Lanie, it was so good to see you again! Thanks for your help."
"Come here girl!" Lanie said, giving Ava a quick hug. "Feel free to call me about any problems at school, especially the boy-related ones." She said, winking.
"Yeah, she probably won't have to worry about that." Ryan said. Lanie shot him a look, and he backed off.
Now Ava was looking at Espo. He sniffled, and rubbed his eyes.
"Espo, are you crying?" She said.
"Pft, no! My allergies are acting up from all these flowers!"
Ava gave him a look.
"Come here big fella." Ava said.
Esposito bent down and scooped Ava up in a hug. He spun her around, then put her back on the ground.
"I'm gonna miss you a little chica! Promise you'll e-mail me every week, okay?" Espo said, holding Ava's good shoulder.
"I promise I will. And you behave yourself mister. I don't want any bad reports when I get back." Ava said, smiling.
Finally, Ava reached Castle. She smiled wordlessly at him for a few seconds.
"Mister Castle, I'm almost tempted to say that I'll miss you the most. I just want to say thank you for helping me."
"Always." Castle said.
Ava gave him a hug.
"Good luck at college. You'll do great." He said.
Ava smiled, and stepped back from the detectives.
"It was nice to see you all again, and to meet some new friends." Ava winked at Castle. "I promise I'll stay in contact. Goodbye." Ava said. She turned and walked away with her uncle.
"Oh, Ava, wait!" Castle called after her.
He ran to her, and handed her a small bag.
"Open it." He said.
Ava reached into the bag, and pulled out a signed copy of his newest book.
"Castle, this is so sweet! Thank you!" She said, giving him another hug.
"Ava, come on!" Ryan called.
"I have to go." Ava said.
"Have fun." Castle said.
Ava trotted up to where her uncle stood. As she walked away, she turned and waved at all her friends.
THE END.
/Keep an eye out for Ava's next adventure, coming soon/