Just do what you want!

Author's note: Sorry for not updating in like ages. I had exams. Thanks for reading. Thanks for your patience. Please review.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters!

The days turned to weeks. I can't believe it has been so long. Mother hasn't even called once. She hates me so much but why can't she forgive me? I tried to avoid more run-ins with Zuko. Sokka works so hard. I felt bad for staying at home and wallowing in my misery so today I walked up to a boutique nearby and asked for a job. The owner, Arya, and his manager, Rita, had shared an awkward glance at each other. Then they gave me a big smile and gave me the green light.

How do I break this to Sokka? He came home exhausted from work. As I prepared dinner, I tried to imagine ways of telling him but it seemed so hard. What would he think about it? Sokka smiled at me as he arranged the plates. I nervously smiled back. We sat down to eat. As I served the food, I thought here's my chance.

"Sokka, umm, guess what?" I said

He looked up at me, confused by my question. "What?"

"I, uh, I got a job at the boutique down the road," I said hesitatingly.

"Really?"

"Yep"

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked with concern.

"I get really bored at home and I don't want to stay depressed about what happened," I stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"If that's what you want, then I am happy for you, lil sis," he said sincerely.

His phone began ringing. Who is it?

"Hey Ma," he answered. My breath was stuck. Mother calls him but not me. It hurt like being scratched by broken glass. Sokka babbled on about his work then he started talking about me.

"Is she asking about me?" I questioned Sokka.

He shook his head but continued talking.

"Can I talk to her?" I asked.

Sokka handed me the phone.

"Hello? Ma? Ma, I miss you," I cried.

I didn't hear a reply but I heard a continuous beep. She hung up on me. I stared at the phone as it flashed 'disconnected'. Tears rolled down in great numbers. I took a deep breath and faced Sokka.

"So she talks to you? You go to meet her?" I quizzed.

"Um, you know, I was going to tell you," Sokka started.

"When? Since when have she been calling you?"

"A few days after we moved here," stated Sokka.

"What?" I paused. "Did she even ask about me? Even once?"

"No"

My heart cried. "Just go back to her."

"I won't leave you alone," said Sokka firmly.

"Fine, do what you want!" I said as I stormed to my room.

I shut the door and practiced my breathing before collapsing on the bed. I have to be strong. I should not let the flood gates open this often. I have to toughen up.

In the morning, I made sure Sokka had food to eat before leaving for my first day at work. I brisk walked to the end of the road. My manager was just opening the boutique. Her face lit up when she saw me.

"Good morning," she beamed. I greeted her back.

She led me inside the Staff Only room. My eyes darted to the sofa in front of me and the mini kitchen in the corner of the room. Rita handed me my uniform and pointed to the bathroom so I could change into it. The black kimono fit perfectly. It was the right length stopping slightly above my knees. The silver dragon print on the kimono was exquisite but my eyes caught the fire nation logo. It reminded me of the barbarity of the forceful takeover of the fire nation. They had taken over much of what Father owns and they still wanted more land. I was brought back to reality by a tap from another employee.

"Hi, I am Azula and I'll- "the girl stopped talking when I faced her. She just stared at me. Why did she stop?