AVA
"Is that anger or just young people's energy?" Christian playfully asked.
The man walked in while I was angrily hitting the boxing bag, visualizing it as all my difficulties.
Christian was simply dressed in black Nike shorts and a plain gym shirt that clung to his wide chest. He had his hands on his hips, watching me throw jabs.
"I fear it's just young people's strength," I responded, panting hard as I kept striking the innocent bag.
"Why don't you show me what you've got then?" he challenged.
I suddenly paused and glanced at the man with a death wish, my hands holding the boxing bag to steady it.
"You don't want that," I guaranteed him.
His eyes turned inward.
"Ava, you have no idea how many people I've knocked out. Come on," he started to bounce, challenging me.
Alright!
I laughed at his words, slightly shrugging.
Christian and I had grown even closer over the past year. While the relationship between my mum and me tumbled, Christian was there by my side all the time. Checking on me at bedtime, making sure I ate my breakfast and dinner, following behind me after a fight with either Mum or Lilith and taking me on some of his duties to bond more. The man would offer me reserved freedom even when Mum chose to ground me or when I messed up in school.
Honestly, and in short, Christian was the closest I had ever had to a father and, conceivably, the better parent I had right now.
While my dear mum celebrated a new daughter, Lilith, he had been nothing but endearing within the realm of parenting.
"That's unexpected, but don't say I didn't warn you." I stepped away from the boxing bag and faced the great breakfast made of flesh and warm blood.
Returning the tricky smile he gave, I began moving my head from side to side, bouncing around him, slipping the attempted jabs, with my fists ready to throw a punch at my mum's soulmate.
If that exists.
Shoot! I shouldn't forget. It clearly does, since Leigh is here touring vauntingly around Vegas with his other half or maybe quarter-half, depending on how much of his heart Hailey holds. I bet when we were together I only had one to three per cent from him.
My movement confused Christian just as I intended, and I got to step in, closing the distance.
Christian was taller, so I took advantage and attacked his body, every vein on his arms.
Every region of his lower body, excluding Mum's package, of course.
Eww!
I hooked him badly, completely forgetting that he wasn't a boxing bag. He was human, and the wrong human to hit.
His hands came to protect the same general area I was striking, consistently.
Another opportunity. I took that as an opening and went for a headshot, connecting my fist with his chin. Red...
I saw red fly out from his mouth.
Still not satisfied, as the anger in me just kept pouring out! I used my leg to hit his temple.
He knocked down, and I followed. Straddling his chest, I continued to deliver some nasty hooks to his face.
My name was echoing distantly in my head but it wasn't enough to lighten my dark vision.
Claireâpunch. Lilithâpunch. Mum and Christianâpunch. Las Vegasâpunch. Painâpunch. Growing upâPunch. Lifeâpunch. Expectationsâpunch. Liesâpunch. Leigh Boyceâpunch. His lipsâpunch. His scent that wouldn't escape my sensesâpunch. His touch lingering on my burning skinâpunch. The steady vivid memories of the two of us before he leftâpunch. Pretenceâpunch. I hate himâpunch. I don't really hate himâpunch. I am messed upâpunch.
I lost control and kept punching my stepfather, hoping it would lessen the pain and bring up the satisfaction I needed to wash out my agony.
Until Christian's hands gripped my arms, folding my hands in his, he rolled me over and sat up.
His now steely eyes were clouded with confusion as they pierced through my darker ones.
I tried to squirm out of his grip but he held me so firmly, there was no way I could escape; he was older and stronger anyway. Even with a messed-up face.
"Ava, what is wrong?" he asked. His tone sounded worried as if my problems should concern him. As if he should be worrying about me rather than his bloody face.
I mean actual bloodyâthe man was bleeding from the jabs I submitted to his once noble-looking face.
"Nothing, let me go." I struggled, trying to slip away.
"If anyone has hurt you... Anyone!" Christian emphasised as I hyperventilated, defiantly scowling at him. "You can tell me. You know I wouldn't hesitate to set them on fire." He assured, his gaze sceptical, but his tone held an edge, which demonstrated how much he meant his words.
Ironically, it was his favourite child, his perfect son, he had spent years training to be a gentleman.
Gentleman, my foot.
Christian and I have something strong you can call a relationship, but would he choose me over Leigh? Not in this world or the next.
That's what I thought.
"You can't do anything about it," I groaned, kicking with my legs, but the effort was useless.
"So there's something?"
Please let me go, wanker.
Although I didn't call him that because no matter what, I have a little respect for the man, given he's the only one in this house who has my back albeit Mum has claimed I've changed.
Talking about Mum, the woman was standing above us, with pinched eyes and an expression accurate to contempt. She must have been the person crying out my name earlier when I lost control and took failed pleasure in dominating Christian's face with hits.
"Let me go," I stubbornly insisted, still resisting.
This time he did. He released me.
Blowing frustrating air, I stood on my feet, glaring at the two adults in the room.
"Why would you do that? Don't you think he deserves a little respect? Look how badly you hurt him," Mum firmly said, her features showing how disappointed she was.
But it's not new; I've seen worse.
Believe me when I say she locked me in my bedroom for seven days after the whole prison thing.
"You should've made me sign a contract on that," I retorted and advanced towards the exit.
"Okay Ava, I've had enough of your problems..."
"Then send me back to London. How about that?" By the door I spun, throwing my hands around, when I laid down a suggestion, in case she had none.
"Ava!" Christian called after me while I walked out.
I went back to my room having different emotions.
The tosser is taking the slag out.
What a wonderful summer for the college kids.
In the shower, I listened to different songs from the speakers while at the same time thinking of where and what Claire would want to go and do.
Would he take her to places he took me? Will she enjoy scary movies or will she hold his hand and hide her face in his forearm as I did? Will he take her to the casino and win her lucky stuff? Buy her ice cream and eat all through laughing in his car? Will he wear her an unlimited X-scream ride band around her wrist, and sit next to her while she does the opposite of what I did? Enjoy it. Will they dance as the sun sets behind the horizon and bind their foreheads together, relaxing in each other's warmth and comfort? Will he prepare her a flask of tea? Perhaps coffee for the day?
Did they already do that? They've been alone for a year, probably. That must have created a lot of memories I can't begin to imagine and compare with.
After the shower, I had to anticipate every worst case. I dried my hair and styled it to perfection. I didn't care if my blonde was artificial, it made me confident. Not like my natural hair that left me naked and vulnerable around people.
I wore moderate make-up, and I slipped on a short-sleeve shirt in Hawaiian postcard print and tied the hems above my abdomen, then jean shorts and simple sandals with sunglasses for the day.
Those are all after I dressed my busted knuckles and wrapped a bandage tape over the split flesh.
I didn't forget to make a quick video for my Instagram stories, a dance challenge on TikTok, and a motivational post on Twitter.
Perfect for the day.
Swirling in the clouds of various perfumes in my dressing room, I decided to eat something before my girls arrived.
About that, I made sure to remind them earlier with a text message before I even left for the gym this morning.
In the kitchen, I found Lilith and those two adorable familiar girls from yesterday.
Ignoring them, I grabbed an apple from a small storage basket sitting on the island and took a bite with every intention of making my morning tea.
Yes, you can take the girl from London, but you can't take London away from the girl. Once upon a time, Mum said that to me.
"Mignonne," one of the girls giggled.
I stopped in my tracks to face the fancy girls, with a bold expression on.
Bitch, if that's an insult!
"Pardon?"
Knowing I was about to spark, Lilith explained: "It means cute in French. They're French."
Oh!
Feeling a bit embarrassed at my sudden attitude, I flashed them a smile and set the kettle on.
"I am Addison," said the first one, who had freckles across her nose and over her cheeks. Her brown hair was straight and shiny. It must cost a lot.
"Claire, I'm the eldest." The second waved, smiling at me. She had the same expensive makeup, great nails, and an accent just like her sister.
But I was more caught up in the name rather than their perfect looks. Until Lilith nudged my arm, reminding me the kettle had gone off.
Oh!
Smiling softly, I turned around, hazy over by the coincidence, while I pulled open the cupboards to reach for my Twinings, a teapot to steep the tea, and a single cup.
"They live just across from us. Remember Mr Francois from Leigh's seventeenth birthday? That's their dad," Lilith asked me.
"Oh, I remember Leigh's seventeenth birthday as attentively detailed as Jack Whyte's books," I responded with taunting eyes that made her squirm before me.
We both know what she did back then.
Well, I might have slapped her, but we know she threw me over the cliff and gave her wolf to finish me off.
However, I don't remember the part where I met Mr Francois or whatever. But I don't want her entertaining period where she tries to make me remember. So I leave it that way.
"Don't worry, no hard feelings." I winked at her and began adding creamer to my tea after saving some for later in the teapot.
Lilith flickered a smile at the girls, whilst stepping on my toe behind the island.
Bitch!
I smiled too, before flashing her a grimace while grabbing the marble canister to add some sugar to my tea.
"It's great you kept the culture. What about we have a tea party sometime?" French Claire suggested.
"What are you, seven?" I retorted and murmured under my breath, "Cheese-eating surrender monkeys."
With all focus on her phone screen, Lilith still managed to step on my toe, purposely. Again.
Ouch!
"She meant the kind where we invite pets and their owners," Addison clarified.
"I don't know that one, but I have a better proposition."
"What would you suggest, Ava?" Lilith said through gritted teeth.
My eyes rolled automatically as I took a sip of my warm tea.
Perfect!
"You want a party, pets, and tea. What about we host the biggest summer party in the state?" I smirked at the girls.
"What are you saying?" French Claire pressed, seeming suddenly interested.
"Yes, Ava, what are you saying?" Lilith taunts from beside me, pouring out an intense glare to intimidate me.
I set the cup on the worktop and shifted my gaze around the room with three gorgeous ladies waiting for my guidance.
Then blow their minds. "A pet wash, car wash party. Where the beverages are only tea and fresh muffins. The theme could be colourful bikinis. How sweaty?"
"Fuck me! You are bad." Lilith chuckled, as did the remaining girls. "I feel proud to call you my sister." She kissed my cheek and wrapped a hand over my shoulders. "It would be the best and biggest party and also a closure for me before leaving."
That's right, Lilith got into Cornell University. I don't even understand how. Granted, I know she had worked hard and earned the best grades, but she had also been a party animal. Her personality is very contrary to what that school is looking for. I guarantee the staff, that admitting her is a great mistake.
Oops.
"Le parfait," Addison excitedly said, prompting me to pause, scrutinising her.
"It means the perfect," she quickly explains.
"My bad." I nervously chuckled and they all broke into laughter.
Maybe the two girls weren't that bad. Maybe they are nothing like Princeton Claire. Maybe we can actually bond a little.
Talking about the devil, she appeared uninvited in my kitchen, looking gorgeous without even trying.
Ugh! Fall and die.
She wore a long striped cotton jumpsuit with seams and a bucket hat that made her natural blonde hair a thousand times better than my artificial one, as she had said.
Oh, bitch! Why don't I strangle her and get past this issue? Prison or Juvie, that's why. Oh and very angry with negative comments on my social media.
Ignoring her presence, I brought the cup of tea to my lips while going through sweet positive comments on my social platforms.
"I will come to borrow that hat," I heard Lilith quip. And I remember the main reason I developed a hatred for her was always on similar things.
She; admiring Leigh with other girls. She; trying to set up Leigh with other girls.
Grow up.
"We are going to the city. Leigh thought maybe you'd like to come with us," said the fruity voice that would quiet a crying baby.
Not sure who she's talking to, for I know definitely there is no way she meant me.
"Ava?" Then she made herself clear and proved me wrong.
Oh please, save me the nonsense.
We both know she hates me as much as I do her already. Yesterday's dinner proved it.
"I shouldn't interrupt such a great day for you two." I shoot her a fake smile and frown back into my teacup.
"Maybe you could grab something? And have a little fun." She persists.
Bloody hell. Can't she see I am not attracted to any sort of rubbish this is?
"I am not interested. I am having fun around these girls who understand the satisfaction of tea." I beam at Addison and French Claire, who were both stifling a laugh.
The perfect-looking slag smiled at me and nodded. "Okay! Have a great day!"
"Always," I retorted.
The moment she left through the angle she came in, I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding.
I can't tolerate such people.
"What was that?" Lilith observes me through the cringy detective's eyes.
"What? I just can't tolerate her," I confessed.
"But she's nice."
"Ah ah... agree to disagree. To be honest, I don't like her either," Addison announced.
Attracting both mine and Lilith's attention.
"Thank you," I confidently ha-ed.
Not only did we share the love for tea, a sign of good friendship, but we also had the hatred of Princeton Claire in common.
How wonderful!
"What is there to not like in her?" Lilith seems bewildered at our remarks about Princeton Claire.
"We are breaking them up before the summer break. That way, he will be single and one can have him." French Claire gestures between herself and her sister.
Okay, what?
Gaped, Lilith, and I in unison: "Who?"
My eyes blinked at the unexpected news.
"What do you mean who? Leigh, of course. We've known each other since we were kids. She doesn't get to jump in and benefit from what should've been mine," said French Claire, a little agitated.
"Or mine," Addison blushes.
French Claire reluctantly nods, rolling her eyes, but motions with her fingers for a tiny amount of chances for her sister with her manicured fingers.
All through, Lilith and I gape horrifically at the insane girls sitting around the counter. Both with different intentions.
"I should be next to him, sleeping in his bedroom. Going on a long ride to the city next to him. That should be me, not her," French Claire deceived herself.
"Wow! May God have mercy on Leigh," Lilith whispered, with large eyes and humour in her tone.
Hmm, it depends if he deserves it.
Though through what French Claire had said, I've picked up something. And it seems I could dwell on it for the rest of my life.
Princeton Claire and Leigh share the same room? Maybe even a bed?
I never get to have that opportunity!
There are more guest rooms than she can ask for, so why cling to the boy?
But of course, he brought her here as a slap to my face.
Does he hate me this much?
Maybe I should accept the invitation. Maybe I should tag along on their romantic day and make it hell for them.
"I gotta go!" I drop the cup, grab my phone, and run, ignoring the girls asking me where I am going, reminding me we have a party to plan.
But right now, I am on a mission to make Princeton Claire's Vegas adventure a disastrous one to remember.
I bet next time she will stay where she is meant to be, somewhere far away from my family's summer, and very distant from Leigh, most importantly.
Since the house was enormously huge and a hundred per cent unnecessary, but helpful in cases like right now, I use the opportunity to text the girls (to make themselves at home when they get here because I am off for a mild, or in the other way round, a wild ride with the college people) before I emerge from the building.
At the driveway, I found Jullian, Leigh, and his goddess by mum's car. Packing up some things they believe are useful for the road.
"Hey!" I called after them.
Thank goodness, they didn't leave yet.
When Leigh caught sight of me running over to them, he smirked.
"I thought you were not interested in coming?" he said when I stopped before him, panting hard from the run.
He was dressed in black jeans and boots, his white long-sleeved graphic T-shirt was oversized. It made him look so much younger than yesterday, shirtless in the backyard.
His hair was a charming mess, falling down his eyes. I had to resist the urge to run my fingers through and brush a strand from his forehead.
"I said... I said that?" I fumbled my words, uncomfortably.
Bloody tragedy! He still has that dangerous effect on me, I cannot control.
He seems confused at my declaration as his eyes shift between the slag and me.
"Well, a person is entitled to change their mind, can't they?" I cleared my throat. "Unless you don't want me to come anymore. I understand." I rush and turn away, not understanding the dramatic emotions swelling in me.
Inclined toward instinct, he grabs my wrist in his warm hand, stopping me. And everything seems flawless and paradise in that instant.
His crystal eyes which were as green as the grass around us, glinted something familiar that woke every memory we had.
Him; driving us to and fro school. Our moments in the janitor's room, the gym where I watch him train, him teaching me how to swim in Evie's neighbour's pool. I mean each tiny good memory we shared.
"No! Please stay!" He swallowed and let go of my wrist when he recognised his sudden move. "Uhm, if you want," he corrected.
If I am right, and not imagining things because of the wild burns he left where he had touched, he seems to have something for me that I still do for him.
"Okay!" I mumbled and exhaled.
"We will settle here, come in." Jillian diverted us from our calm trance and opened the passenger door to Mum's car.
Swallowing the bile in my throat, I watched Leigh and the perfect girl take the back seat before sliding into the passenger side.
What was I thinking joining them?
Hell is right here in this car! As I buckled my seatbelt.
Exclusively stuck in a small space, where Leigh doesn't love me anymore, but some other better girl who I can never be.
I peep through the rear mirror, Leigh was showing something to Princeton Claire on his phone. They were both chuckling and already having a wonderful time.
I bite my lip and swallow, just as Jullian flashes me a smile and turns on the music.
I smile back at him, having no idea what music it was. Then forced myself to sit accordingly in style, with my chin jutted out, as the girl I had made myself. Instead of resting my head against the window like the broken girl crawling inside me, trying to reappear after my twelve months of effort.
"Ava?" He called me from behind. It took everything in me to turn back as Jullian took the scanty road.
My lips parted, my eyes wounded, and I could feel tears stinging. I couldn't control the emotions flaring in me.
Maybe I should get out before it's too late.
"I thought you might need it," he said.
My forehead furrowed at his statement!
Does he mean he thinks I would need this punishment?
I almost asked Jullian to stop the goddamn car when Leigh gave me his brilliant smile that overwhelmed me and sent shivers down my spine.
"Tea?" He beckoned at a purple hand flask he was holding.
He said what?
Heat spread across my face, and he was also blushing.
He made me tea. He bloody made me tea. He literally remembers.
Biting my bottom lip to hide the contentment, I collect the flask and mumble a thank you before turning back to the road with probably a deep shade of red across my face.
I twisted the cap and brought the flask to my lips.
Warm, tasty, just exactly as I wanted it, even much better because he made it.
Smiling to myself, I gnaw on my lip, relaxed for something I can't yet say.
This time when I peeped through the rear mirror, Leigh's desirable eyes caught mine, and he smiled so charmingly.
I blushed and diverted my eyes outside the luxurious car. Feeling at ease and contently relieved.
Princeton Claire might be pretty and all, but it is me who gets the treat from him.