Johnny called Ava straight away. "Hey, Babe. I need you to order more BBQ." He listened to her asking why. "Because Bobby's an idiot. No, really he is. He told the guys and they invited themselves. I know. I know. But then they invited their girlfriends, who happen to be your friends too." Oh, man. Ava's not happy. He wound the cord of his phone around his fingers. "I know. I know. Trust me. I know he's an idiot. I know you don't want to. But will you do it for me?"
He sighed a huge sigh. She doesn't want to, but in the end, she's a real trooper. "Yeah. I'll make it up to you. We can goâ" What the hell! "Wait. I said I'd make it up to you but not going to see the lame Nutcracker ballet. Ava, wait. What aboutâ" Oh that's even worse. Bullshit. "No. I don't take back what I said. Fine. I'll take you to the stupid Nutcracker." He hung up the phone.
Stupid Bobby and his big mouth. He is going to hurt him. Now he has to take Ava to the stupid Nutcracker. Men in tights. Gag! Barf him out! He bought those tickets in hopes she'd take one of her girlfriends.
While Johnny sat on his bed stewing at Bobby, Ava also stewed. After calling Flying Ace BBQ, she began pacing in her room. Back and forth and forth and back, she went. This is not what she expected, at all. It was just supposed to be her, Johnny, Rachel, and Bobby. How difficult is that? But no. Bobby had to tell the guys and then they had to invite their girlfriends. Seriously?!
She heard a knock at her door. "Come in!" she yelled in a huff of anger. Looking at her door, she saw Rachel enter. She sat down in a pink chair.
Rachel sat her things down. Looking at her friend, she could tell Ava is unhappy. "Hi. What's wrong? You look like you stab someone with your curling iron."
Now would be as good a time as any to get Rachel's opinion. "I am upset about many things. But first, I had planned for the two of us to go over to my grandparent's second house in Malibu. It's kind of my hangout house. Anyway, I invited Johnny and asked him to bring Bobby. Well, long story short Bobby blabbed to the guys. Now they're all coming and so are the girls."
Noticing Ava's sour expression, she said "So that's what's bothering you. What's up with you and the girls anyway? You've been very closed off with them lately."
Thankful for Rachel's words, she could breathe easier. She had given her the perfect opening. "I need your opinion on something. But seriously, please don't say anything to anyone."
With a nod, Rachel stated "I cross my heart. Plus I don't believe in gossiping. It only hurts people. I should know since I've been hurt at my old school. If I have a problem with someone I talk to them directly." She sat down in the other chair beside Ava.
A hint of a frown graced Ava's face. "Rach, do you remember before the Homecoming dance, when that gossip was spread about me?" She saw Rachel shake her head. "Well, one of our friends started it. But I don't know who and it's been bothering me. You guys are the ONLY ones I've ever told about my virginity. I would never say that to anyone I don't trust."
Understanding perfectly, Rachel thought about what she said. "I don't know for a fact who, but I might have an idea. Do you remember that week, there was a party at Jason's house? The Junior who drives the black truck and is on the football team?" She Ava's recognition dawn on her face. "I know Joy, Charley, and Kara went. It's possible they shared something then. Cause if I remember correctly the gossip was spread the next day."
That makes sense. But... "Why didn't you go to the party?" Rachel needs to get out more. She shuts herself in a lot, but then she's a fine one to talk.
Twirling a piece of her brown hair around her finger, Rachel responded. "My mom wasn't feeling great that day and my dad was out of town at a dentist conference. So, I felt like I should stay home and take care of her. Plus parties aren't really my scene. There's usually drugs and a lot of booze."
It's too crazy and funny. Ava chuckled. "Personally I feel the same. Sometimes I'll go just to get out of the house. But yeah... I swear you and I are so much alike. It's not even funny. Why have the two of us never really hung out together?"
Rachel chimed in. "I don't know but I think we're kindred spirits. We speak the same language. The more I talk to you one on one, the more I feel sad that we haven't talked as much before." A tear rolled down her cheek.
Reaching over, Ava took Rachel's hand. "I know. I literally told Johnny the same thing Monday night."
"I've never really had a true best friend, who's a girl. Guys are easier to talk to. At my old school, I was labeled a slut because I had two guy friends. That was the last thing on our minds. We all three enjoyed the same music and math. We were nerds too. So I was gossiped about big time." Rachel admitted this to Ava. She's never shared that with anyone before.
Then Ava told her about what happened in middle school, as well as the anorexia. She's only shared that with Joy and Charley. In addition to this, she also shared about meeting Johnny in ninth grade, as well as her first two girlfriends. "So that's my story. Now you know," she remarked with a tired voice.
Looking right at Ava, Rachel told her "You and Johnny are totally getting married one day." She laughed as Ava stuck her tongue out at her. "You may stick your tongue out now, but I will do it when you tie the knot."
Ava brushed her friend off. "It's too soon to think about that. Besides, there's college acceptance. Plus what if he meets someone at college and falls madly in love?"
"No, no, no. He's not going to meet anyone else and fall madly in love. How could he when he's so in love with you? Besides you don't see the way he looks at you." Rachel one hundred percent disagrees. She saw Ava's eyebrows raise in question. "He looks at you like your the best thing that's ever happened to him. His whole face lights up. But then there's also fear in his eyes. Like one day you'll wake up and get rid of him. He's afraid of losing you again. I can tell. It was the same look my older brother would get with his girlfriend (who's now his wife)."
Interesting. Ava's never thought of that before. But then her new close friend said something else.
"Why do you think it's too early to talk about love, romance, and marriage? This whole ordeal with my mom's cancer and my grandmom's dementia has taught me so much. One of the major things is, life is precious. While you still have the chance, while there's still time... you gotta say what you need to say. You've gotta live every day. Even if your hands are shaking. Even with the shadows in your head and heart. You've just got to." Tears spilled out of her eyes.
Those words tore at her soul. Tears spilled out of Ava's eyes too. There's not much she could say to that. So they sat side by side holding hands. It's strangely reminiscent of her and Johnny the night before. Her true love and her kindred spirit. How ironic.
After a good cry, they both got ready for the evening. Ava went into her closet and put on a pair of grey leopard print leggings, a white tank, and an oversized black cardigan. She put a maroon beanie hat (with a furry pom pom on top) on her head. Feeling comfortable, she stepped out.
Rachel had changed into another pair of jeans and a comic printed off-shoulder sweater. It's cute, but she needs something else. Ava has just the thing. Rushing to her fashion jewelry, she pulled out a pair of oversized pink star earrings. "Here. These would look super cute with that sweater." She handed them to her.
Putting them on, Rach acknowledged her with "Thanks. They are cute. It's nice of you to lend them."
The two girls stepped into their shoes (boots and Keds), spritzed perfume, got their purses, and headed out the door. Ava told her mom not to wait up, that they may end up staying at the Malibu house. Her mom expected a phone call either way.
On the way to the house, they picked up the dinner and stopped by the Safeway grocery store. It's there they bought dessert, three large cookie cakes. Johnny keeps beer at the house, so they didn't need to get any. Lucky they're all eighteen.
At the house, they clambered out of the Mercedes carrying bags and trays of food. They had to make two trips just to carry everything in. By the time everything had been set out, cars could be heard arriving.
Peering out the window Rachel announced "Johnny, Bobby, and Dutch are here. Dutch rode alone, but Johnny and Bobby rode together."
On the way to the door, Ava remembered how her boyfriend teased her the other day. So she thought to do the same to him. When they had knocked, she opened it a teeny bit. "Sorry Sir but the lawn has already been mowed. You tell your crew to go home." She slammed the door shut, smiling to herself.
Rachel's eyes grew large with amusement. She doubled over in laughter.
Another knock sounded. "Ava you're not funny. It's me, your boyfriend. Now let me in," Johnny exclaimed.
How quickly he forgets. Leaving the chain on the door, she stated "Boyfriend? My boyfriend is way more handsome than you. Bobby! You're here. You can come in." She unchained it and let Bobby inside. By this time Dutch was howling with laughter. But Johnny was not.
She couldn't resist. "I told you I secretly liked Bobby. Now you know the truth." Rachel and Bobby were laughing too. However, it got quiet all of sudden. She couldn't hear Dutch's uncontrollable laughter either. With the door still latched, she peered outside. No one is there. In an instant, she was thrown over a pair of shoulders like a sack of potatoes.
Up the stairs, she went with Johnny. He carried her into the same guest bedroom, where they stay when they sleepover. On the bed, he dropped her. He was on top of her with his knees on either side of her body and had her hands pinned above her head.
"How did you get in?" she asked. And how was he so quiet? But she didn't ask that.
With eyes blazing, he replied. "I used my back door key. Then I made everyone stay quiet." His gorgeous blue eyes bore into hers. "But you. You have been very naughty." His mouth covered hers, then he pulled back up. Her lips chased his. "Using Bobby against me is wicked. You're a wicked woman." His mouth covered her again. And same as before, he pulled back. "Lucky for you I like wicked women."
She let out a huff of condescension. "Of course you'd say that." Her eyes rolled. His lips were on hers and this time he didn't pull back. Slowly he coaxed her mouth open and soon they were swept away with a steamy adventure. One of his hands broke from hers and she shook it off to immediately place it on his back. Her other hand laced their fingers together.
She wants more of him, despite being pressed as close as possible to him without being unclothed. Her free hand rubbed his back, and then her lips broke free and she kissed his neck. He shuddered.
"Don't start something we can't finish," he reminded her with a low masculine voice. Pulling back, he rested his forehead on hers. They both caught their breath. He rolled off her and laid beside her. Taking her hand in his, this time he laced their fingers.
They lay there looking at the ceiling, for who knows how long. Rachel's words played over and over and over in Ava's head. Say what you need to say. Even if your hands are shaking. With your eyes open. She opened her mouth to say something, but then he got up. Straightening his red polo shirt, he held out his hand to her. "Did you want to say something?" he asked.
She closed her mouth and shook her head no. Taking his outstretched hand, she got up. They went downstairs and found everyone else had arrived. They had plates and were eating. Dutch informed everyone "Well, well, well. Look what finally decided to join us. Did you have a fun time upstairs?" He winked at them.
Tommy cried "Shame, shame, shame!" Everyone laughed.
Johnny did not look amused. He went to the kitchen and began fixing a plate of dinner. Ava was right behind him doing the same. The irony is even with all of the BBQ, and sides, there was only a little left. She had ordered a lot too. Clearly, everyone had served themselves and forgotten about her and Johnny. She opted to give him her BBQ and warm something up from the fridge. Yay, cold leftover pizza (again).
Seeing his chick warm up old pizza did not sit well with him. "Selfish assholes," he muttered. "Do you want me to go get Wendy's or something?" She shook her head no and muttered an uh-uh. "Well, we'll go out to dinner tomorrow night. Anywhere you want. We've had two nights of crappy dinners. I'm sorry Babe."
The couple walked back to the living room area. Scanning the scene, everyone had also taken their spot on the sofa. Johnny groaned discontent. The only open spot together is the floor. Which is where they sat, in front of the oversized armchair. Side by side they ate.
Rachel noticed Ava eating pizza and felt bad. There was a ton of food when they placed it out together. Knowing her favorite friend loves chocolate, she got up and went into the kitchen. Seeing the big brownie chocolate chip cookie cake, she hid it in the oven.
"Why are you doing that?" a voice asked from behind. Standing up, she turned around and saw Bobby. He was watching her hide the cookie.
Not feeling the slightest put-off or deterred, Rachel explained her actions. "Because Ava loves chocolate. She didn't get any food." She motioned with her hands to empty BBQ platters. "She had to warm up old pizza. So she should at least get something she likes out of this. So I hid the brownie cookie for her." And she would do it again too.
With a surprised, yet pleased smile, Bobby stated "That's nice of you. I didn't know she had to eat old pizza. That sucks." He feels bad for her, especially since she was the one who bought the food.
Turning her attention away from him, she began cleaning up. It's the least she could do to help. She took one of the empty BBQ platters and combined a few of the sides onto it (fries and coleslaw).
When he saw what she was doing, Bobby began helping. He handed her the baked beans, which she put into an empty Tupperware container. Then he gave her the aluminum foil, which she covered the combined side platter with. They threw out all of the empty leftover containers. He helped her move the big cookie cakes onto the countertop. She sliced the cookies into pieces and served Bobby some.
The whole time he began thinking maybe he had judged her harshly. Maybe he had read her wrong. It wouldn't be the first time, usually, his instincts are not off. But then he's been super skeptical of people lately (mainly girls) because he's tired of being dumped. He can't seem to keep one.
Once she served herself, the two went back into the living room. Ava observed them returning together. She smiled into her bite of pizza. Talk began of the country club dance coming up the first week of December. Thanksgiving is two weeks away, she doesn't want to think of that stupid dance and dinner.
"Show of hands. Who's going to that thing," Dutch asked. Pretty much everyone raised their hand except Ava. He was surprised. "You're not going? Johnny's going."
Johnny is just as stunned as Dutch. "Why didn't you raise your hand?" If she doesn't go, then he's not.
Looking at him, she responded. "I don't know. I just feel danced out. The Halloween dance, the Homecoming dance. Now this thing. But I'll go if you want me to."
"Babe, I'd like you to go. Please," he stated. He's not sure if he can endure Sid alone. Her eyes caught him and she smiled (although it didn't quite reach her eyes).
All the couples in the room are going. The remaining singles are too. Dutch proclaimed to them all "I may not have a date but I'm sure as hell great. People ask me all the time, Dutch why are you single? You're young. You're attractive, intelligent, and creative. I tell them, It's obvious I'm overqualified."
Ava burst out laughing. She laughed so hard she snorted iced tea down the wrong pipe. When her coughing fit began, Johnny patted her back. "Babe, are you OK there?" His face is full of concern.
"Yeah, I just laughed and choked at the same time." Her face turned as red as his polo.
After dinner and dessert, Ava hugged Rachel for hiding the brownie cookie cake, Tommy wanted to play Truth or Dare. Everyone but Ava wanted to play. She didn't mention it to anyone, but her irritation levels rose to the occasion. But then she thought the silly game could serve her purpose. She perked up.
Since Tommy wanted to play, he picked Dutch. "Truth or Dare?" Naturally, Dutch said dare. "Alright, I dare you to smell Jimmy's armpit."
Dutch got up and walked over to Jimmy and raised his eyebrow. "Hi," he said in a sweet voice. Then he stuck his nose in his friend's armpit. It was ridiculous. When he returned to his seat after high-fiving Tommy, he picked Joy. "Truth or dare." She picked truth, and everyone groaned. "If you had to date someone, single, in this room right now, who would it be?" He asked hoping she would pick him.
She rolled her sharp eyes. "Well, obviously that leaves only you, Bobby, and Rachel. I pick Bobby. He's sane." Dutch deflated, a little.
The game went on with Jimmy having to chug beer, thanks to Bobby. Charley had to smell Tommy's bare feet, and they really stink. All the guys know. She almost gagged. Bobby had to eat two tablespoons of hot sauce straight up. His mouth burned fire. But after the silliness came serious time.
Bobby chose Johnny. "Truth or dare." He just knew Johnny would choose dare. That's why he chose him, plus he hasn't gone yet.
But Johnny didn't choose dare. "Truth, Man." Everyone looked surprised, except him. He just wasn't feeling like doing a dare.
So, a pensive Bobby asked, "What's your biggest fear?" Great question for King Karate, the reigning Ace Degenerate, who seems to not fear anything.
Knowing he could answer this many ways, he settled on deep instead of silly or normal. Turning to look at his girlfriend he stunned everyone again. "My worst fear is losing you again. Because there's a bigger chance of me losing you than you losing me." Looking off in the distance at the blank TV screen, he said "You're everything."
Ava took his hand in hers. She felt him squeeze it. They need to have a serious conversation later. But little did she know...
After collecting his thoughts, Johnny knew he has to pick someone. She's sitting right beside him. "I chose Ava." Everyone kind of hoped he would, but wasn't sure if he was feeling that brave. Turning to lock eyes with her, "Truth or dare?" He really wants her to say truth.
She sat there, butterflies in her stomach, contemplating her choice. If she says truth, chances are he'll ask a serious question. Her heart kinda knows what he'll ask. But if she says dare, it'll take the stuffing out of him. Â She knows he wants her to say truth. Glancing at Rachel, her friend nodded. Say what you need to say. "Truth."
His heart picked up speed and his courage kicked in. But then he pulled back at the last second and asked "Why did your last relationship end?" He kind of wants to know.
That is not what she expected. At all! But sure. "Burt was just not the right guy for me.â"
Tommy interrupted her with "Well DUH. Johnny is. Everyone knows that. Plus why would you want to date someone named after a muppet with a unibrow?"
She threw one of Johnny's not-eaten fries at him. "He was a decent guy. Just not my guy." Then she realized it's her turn to choose someone. She could choose Rachel, but that would be too easy. Plus her frustration is begging her to choose another person. "Charley, truth or dare."
Charley sat up straight and said "dare." Dang! Ava dared her to call Principal Lynn and sing Happy Birthday. "I cannot believe I'm going to do this." She phoned their principal and sang happy birthday to him, hoping the whole time he doesn't recognize her voice.
Once she finished, she returned the favor. "Ava I choose you again. Truth or dare?"
Having just gone, Ava didn't know what to think. But she knew Charley is up to something. Being a dare hater, herself, she chose truth again. "Why have you been stand-offish with us lately?"
Eyes turned to her. She knew this was a possibility and Johnny held her hand tighter for strength. Her pulse raced due to her irritation. Alright, she'll tell. "I chose truth, so I'm going to be truthful. Someone in this room shared my secret and it was blabbed all over school. I know Rachel didn't, so that leaves one of you guys."
The game broke. Joy spoke up. "What makes you think Rachel didn't? It could very well have been her."
Rachel's mouth dropped. She could not believe what she heard. But she's going to defend herself. "I did not do that. I hate gossip. I am not a gossip starter or spreader. I have my own reasons for hating it, but I would never do something so mean. Blabbing of someone's sexual status is not any of my business or anyone else's."
At that moment Bobby realized he totally had her all wrong. He's never been more glad to be so wrong. All the guys sat there not daring to move, except Johnny would readily defend Ava's honor.
Ava did not like what she heard. Her muscles grew tight and tense. A headache is coming on. "Why are you so quick to cast blame on Rachel? Usually, those who deflect blame elsewhere are the ones who did it. If it was you, Joy, then just say so. Own it."
Chewing her bottom lip, Joy told her "Like I would have time to spread your silly secret. And who would I tell it to?"
Silly? No! "It is not a silly secret. It's a personal secret. Let's see, maybe you got drunk at a party and it accidentally came out. Maybe you were at a party and people were talking and you didn't think and it came out. Am I close?"
Narrowing her eyes, Joy jumped up. "This is ridiculous. You're blaming me and not her or Charley or Kara. Why is that?"
Her mouth hung open for a brief minute. "I never blamed you. It could very well be one of them, but at the moment you're acting very guilty. So did you, Joy? Did you tell? Just be honest?"
With a huff, Joy picked up her purse and pointed her finger. "You suck and I'm leaving." Kara and Charley followed their friend out the door. The room was quiet. Johnny was going to say something when the girls came back in. They grabbed their things and said bye to their boyfriends. After they left, Tommy and Jimmy did too. Dutch followed not too soon after.
This left the people Ava originally wanted, anyway. She got up and went to the kitchen. Chocolate always helps in times of trouble. Taking another cookie slice, and shoving it into her mouth, her eyes stared at the clock. Strong arms wrapped around her waist. She leaned into him.
Pulling her close, Johnny kissed her hair. "Hey. You OK?" She held her own and he's proud of her for that.
"Yeah but I'm no better off now than I was before. I still don't know who. But I'm leaning strongly to Joy," she answered. Her friend, or ex-friend or whatever, is acting much too suspicious.
He turned her around. "I agree. The truth will come out eventually. It always does. Anyway, I think Bobby and I are gonna head out. Tomorrow you and I have a date with real food."
Rubbing his back, Ava added, "At some point, you and I need to have a serious conversation." She just knew he'd tense up and try to flee.
But he's full of surprises tonight because, with a flick of his blonde hair, he asserted "I'm ready when you are." He kissed her nose and mouth, her sweet mouth. Then he got a final hug and went to collect his friend, who happened to be sitting and talking with Rachel.
The two of them left and the girls cleaned up. They stayed up late talking and Rach encouraged Ava to have that conversation soon. "Things need to be said. You need to say them."
Ava knows it's time for them to say what they need to say. Because he's not going to lose her. Not if she has anything to say about it. And she has a lot to say about it.
**Author's Note:
John Mayer's Say kept going through my head for this chapter. That's part of the inspiration here. It's one of my favorite songs.