The trip to New Stork took almost 3 days. Instead of getting to know each other, like Fenton had hoped, Ava barely spoke and kept her answers short and casual. Fenton was disappointed but stayed hopeful that his daughter would eventually open up to him.

At last, after a long drive and many stops, they arrived at an apartment building that Ava gave him directions to once they were in the right neighborhood. Ava went straight to one of the apartments, unlocked the door with a key she had with her, and went inside. Fenton followed.

The apartment was fairly clean but extremely small. There were two bedrooms and a bathroom, and the kitchen, living room, and dining room were all one area.

Ava looked around and seemed confused. "What's the matter, Ava?" Fenton asked.

"Some stuff is missing," she said. She went into all the rooms, then came back. "At least all my stuff is still here."

"I'll help you pack."

"No. There's no point. Thanks for the ride, but I can take it from here."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm staying here."

Fenton was totally lost. "But, your mom isn't here. She left you with me."

"I'll figure it out. You don't have to stick around."

"Ava..." It was obvious she was in denial about the situation. "Honey, you can't stay here by yourself. You're too young."

"I've been taking care of myself for awhile, now," Ava told him, rummaging through the cabinets. "I'll be fine."

"What do you mean?"

"Mom always works or goes out with guys, so I'm by myself a lot. This won't be any different."

Fenton gaped, appalled and sad at what she was telling him. "You're only 12 years old. You shouldn't be taking care of yourself so much. Besides, you need a job to pay rent and bills."

Annoyed, Ava snapped, "I'LL FIND A WAY!"

Fenton stared at her from across the room, shocked and hurt. Seeing his expression, Ava quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"I know this is a tough situation," Fenton said in a sad and gentle tone, "but we'll get through it together. I promise."

Ava shook her head.

Fenton then got an idea. "Who's your guys' landlord?"

"Mr. Schnauzer. His number is on the fridge." Ava went to the phone and dialed a number and talked to someone. Soon, there was a knock on the door after she hung up. Ava opened the door, and outside the apartment was a short, gray dog wearing a suit.

Mr. Schnauzer furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you still doing here? Your mother moved out earlier this month."

"What?" Ava asked, shocked.

"The rent was covered for the rest of this month so you two would have enough time to pack."

Ava's eyes widened. "So...she left."

The landlord nodded, then asked, "You didn't know?"

The preteen shook her head. "No...I-" She cut herself off, too upset to finish her sentence.

Fenton then got behind her. "I'm Ava's father. We'll just be here a couple of days to get the rest of her things."

Mr. Schnauzer nodded, then said goodbye and left.

After Fenton closed the door, Ava trudged into her room and laid on the bed. She buried herself under the covers and began sobbing.

Fenton stood under the doorframe of her bedroom, heartbroken that Ava was in this state. "Ava, I'm so sorry," he said.

When she didn't have any reaction and kept crying, he came in and sat on the bed by her. He put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry you're going through this, sweetie. I know this is going to be a big change for you, but look at it this way: it's a new adventure."

Ava poked her head out from under the covers, her face stained with tears. "She abandoned me. Why didn't she want me anymore?"

Fenton looked down. "I can't answer that. What I do know is that she's missing out on being around a great kid. I want to take care of you, Ava. I meant what I said when I told you that you can stay with me and M'ma."

"I don't want to leave New Stork. I've always lived here; it's my home."

"I understand, but you can have a new home in Duckburg. It'll be great!"

He smiled to try to cheer her up, but she just sniffled. He reached over and hugged her. "Everything will be okay. I promise. You won't be alone. I love you."

Ava pulled away and got off the bed. "You can't," she told him, getting some empty suitcases out. "You barely know me."

"I don't have to know you much. You're my daughter, and that's enough for me." Helping her pack, he told her, "This whole dad thing is pretty new to me, too. What do you say we figure it out together?"

"I guess so."

"If it'll make you feel better, you can call me Fenton or Mr. Crackshell. You don't have to call me Dad yet."

"Okay."

They stayed in town for a couple of days. Fenton made all the arrangements for Ava to live with him, and they left after all of Ava's things were packed and ready to go.

Right before they left, Ava took one last look at the apartment and sighed, heavily. Fenton put his hand on her shoulder. She moved away from him, wiping her eyes. "Let's just go," she said, bitterly.

"It's okay to cry, Ava. Go ahead and let it out."

"I don't want to."

"It'll help you feel better."

Gradually, Ava broke down and cried, hiding her face. Fenton hugged her. "I'm here. I'll try to make you feel at home in your new home."

Ava pulled away and left the apartment. Fenton sighed and walked out after her, closing the door.