After school, Johnny was at his locker shoving things into it. Glancing up, he noticed Ava at hers as well. Suddenly feelings of unworthiness, and old inadequacies, washed over him in waves. He felt like an emotional amateur, a total loser. It's like ninth-grade deja vu. There are things, so many things, to say like I miss you being one. But he can't. It wouldn't change anything, so he'll keep pretending he doesn't care.
However, she seems to always be on his mind. As terrible as it is to admit, when he was dating Ali she was on his mind, even then. During Junior year, she was running through his brain a lot. And when he was punch drunk, forgetting Ali's birthday, he thought about her during those moments too. This was when Dutch had a drunken epiphany, which was super unexpected as it's Dutch. Usually, it's Bobby who disperses bits of wisdom.
Even though he was talking about choosing between pizza or tacos, regardless it punched him in the face. His drunken friend said "Your gut always knows what's up. Trust that shit. Taco pizza it is." Those words your gut always knows what's up. Trust that has replayed over and over in his thoughts like a broken record. A few days later, his mother told him, "If you can't get someone off your mind, then they're probably supposed to be there."
What is that? These stupid feelings just won't go away. He's done such a badass job of hiding these things, but it keeps coming back begging to be found. Deep inside that secret place, it whispers "real love has a habit of doing that". God! What did he see in her besides her laugh, her smile, her kindness, the way she twirls her hair when she's upset, or how she bites her lip when she's nervous? The way she held him close when Sid was particularly nasty.
Or how he could tell her anything and everything. She wouldn't even laugh at the stupid crap he said. Like how he only eats the red M&M's. How every Christmas Eve he writes a message in a bottle and throws it into the ocean because someone, somewhere might need cheer. The way she didn't nag him to change or be something he's not.
And when he thinks of anyone else having Ava, his stomach drops like he's been on a free-fall ride. Maybe that's why he dated Ali, to beat the sting of her dating anyone else away. Because who wouldn't want to date her? She's the kind of girl who reaches into your soul, rearranges the bones, and repositions the ribcage so your heart can be home.
It's painfully clear his heart chose Ava and won't let go. It's sickening. Who needs this? He's fine without it. The growing frustration was taken out on his locker, as he slammed it shut and hit it with a fist.
Then like some idiot, his mouth did what his mind didn't want it to do. "Hey, Ava." She looked at him and smiled, but it didn't reach all the way to her eyes like normal.
She slammed her locker shut too. Why does he have to talk to her? Can't he just, you know, leave her alone? Pretend she doesn't exist like he's done for the past two years? "Hi, Johnny."
Why is he staring at her like he knows how she looks in her underwear? Why do his eyes and smile have a way of making her feel naked? It disarms her and she doesn't like it. It's always been like this with him, bulldozing his way through her own emotional armor.
Shuffling his feet around, and feeling like a really insecure badass, he asked "So are you going to hear Brent play tonight? Heard he was back in town."
She tried to look anywhere but his eyes. It never works. They're like a huge black hole pulling her in so deep she can never get out. And when he looks at her she swears it's hard to breathe.
"Yeah. The girls and I are going. We're all meeting at my house and driving from there. Are you?" She's torn between him saying no and yes.
Nodding he said, "The guys and I are too. We're meeting at Tommy's after practice. So, we'll see you all there."
Her heart sped up at this response. "That's good. So, I'll see you there then. I hope your practice goes well." What is that? I hope your practice goes well. Did she really have to say that? A big internal eye roll this is.
Feeling it's time to get out while she's still alive, her body started to turn away. But then the unthinkable happened and her heart almost burst out of her chest. A small shiver ran through her.
Knowing he doesn't want her to leave, not now, he took her hand. He swears his whole body tingled and his throat grew tight. When their eyes locked, for the hundredth time this week, he decided to throw caution to the wind. It would get Bobby off his back too.
As his thumb rubbed over her hand, he spoke softly. "Ava, can Iâ-"
"Hey Johnny," Dutch yelled. Motioning with his hands he pointed to the bikes.
His eyes closed. Asshole! He's going to kill him. It's the second time that day he's done this. All the things he wants to do to Danielle are going to be done to Dutch. Trying to control the rising of his breathing and irritation in his chest, he'd forgotten he was still holding her hand until he felt a squeeze. That doesn't help. It only ignites a different kind of fire.
"Can you what?" she asked. What does he want? If it's her notes for literature class she's out.
With his thumb still rubbing light across the top, which is driving her crazy, he responded. "Can I buy you a beer later?"
Her voice squeaked out the word yes, somehow. His face lit up and just like that he walked back into her heart like he always belonged there. And oh how she wants to do nothing more than hug him, the way she wanted to earlier. But she can't. They've just started talking again. That would be so wrong. Right?
Plus there's the whole thing with Vivian. Even so, she answered "Sure. I'd like that. So, I'll see you there." This time he's the one who gave her hand a squeeze and nodded.
They dropped hands. Hers went to her bag to dig out car keys. His went by his side and it felt cold. Before his hand was warm, now it's cold and lonely. Love is cruel like that sometimes, so is life.
With one last look at Ava, he took off to his bike. Along the way, he passed Dutch and elbowed him, a little too hard. "Asshole," he told him.
Dutch rubbed his side, and muttered: "What's wrong with you Man?"
Putting on his helmet, Johnny turned his head. "Are you sure you want to open that door?" With helmet secured in place, he started the bike and drove off.
Jimmy gave a look to Dutch saying please don't open door number one. He followed Johnny, as did Bobby and Tommy. Starting his own bike, Dutch shook his head. Johnny has more issues than a magazine, but then who's he to talk. He drove out the parking lot, trailing behind his friends.
At the dojo, they changed out and stood around talking. "So tonight, we head to Tommy's and order pizza. Then go to Coconut Rum's. Right?" Jimmy wanted to know. If he needs to go home and change, he'd like to have a plan in place. He's like that. Plans are a good thing. They're safe.
"Or we can go to the beach and eat there before we go to Rum's. Just a thought," Johnny said with a light tone. Tonight he's not going to think about breakups or anything. He's going to have fun.
The guys agreed with him. Going straight to the beach from here would be the better option. Sensei called class then. "Mr. Lawrence warm them up," Sensei barked out.
Johnny went front and center. "Fighting positions. Jab punch."
When Ava arrived home, her schnauzer (Bobo) greeted her at the door. "Hi, Bobo. You been good today?" He wagged his tail as she petted him.
"No. He's been very naughty. He took my shoes, again," her mother announced.
Shaking her head, Ava said "Is that true Bobo? Did you take Mama's shoes?" He barked at the word shoes. "Oh, you bad boy. Bad Bobo." She gave him a cross look and he gave her a playful growl. She rubbed his ears and got up. Turning to her mother, she gave her a hug. "Hi, Mama."
"Hi, Love. How was your day?" her mother asked. She has an apron tied around her waist. She took Ava's arm and led her into the kitchen.
With a caustic voice, Ava told her mom "It was interesting." Noticing the apron, a question left her mouth. "Are you trying to cook again?"
In the kitchen, her mother led her to the island, where she placed the bowl of fruit. "Here's the fruit. Dip some out. I'll grab the whipped topping." She turned to go to the fridge. On the way, she answered her daughter's question. "You're very observant. Yes. I'm trying to cook. I think I've almost perfected a meat glaze. I have a chicken in the oven, cooking."
Oh my! "Mom please say the chicken was dead and unfeathered before you put it in." Her mother is not a good cook. She tries but even then it's sketchy. If eggs are runny after being "cooked" then something is wrong. Her "little" brother Chase, won't even eat their mom's food. And he eats anything, even sloppy cafeteria food.
Laughing, Mrs. Green stated, "Ava Leigh I realize I am not the best cook, but I do know to buy chicken from the store." She set the whipped topping on the counter. "Now tell me why your day was interesting."
While she dipped out fruit and topping, her strange day was explained to her mother. Her mom is the best. She gives great advice as she should since she used to be a school guidance counselor. Once Ava's younger siblings were born, the triplets and Chase, Linda Green stopped working. A single child is a handful at best, triplets are a lot more.
Mrs. Green tried to keep a steady face, not giving anything away. The name Johnny Lawrence has been spoken more this week, than the last two years combined. He has always been a gentleman to Ava and to herself. Anytime she sees him, when she's visiting Laura, he always inquires about Ava and her health. There's something between her daughter and Johnny. Something that makes her want to say I told you so, but she'll hold her tongue. He's a different kind of guy. The kind who's been through a lot and risen anyway. The kind she can see her baby with.
"So I don't know Mom. What do you think?" Ava really wants her mother's opinion.
Interesting question. Does she say the truth or does she keep it in and let Ava navigate this herself? There's no easy answer. "Don't wait for a knight in shining armor Love. There is no such thing. And even if there was, his armor is shining because he's never been to war. Instead, you want one who knows how to fight and will protect you with all he has. If you're waiting for perfection, you'll never find it."
Leave it to her mother to give advice without telling her what to do. Why can't she spell it out? And why can't life give her a great big sign? One that says here he is. Here's your man.
Letting out a frustrated breath, she mentioned "Mama tonight the girls and I want to go to the beach. There's this thing going on there. Can I go?"
Cutting a slice of banana bread, her mother replied "I would say yes. However, you promised to babysit for your father and me tonight. Remember, we have the hospital fundraiser?"
Oh no! No! That's tonight. She literally smacked her forehead with her hand.
"I take it you forgot. I'm sorry Dear, but your father and I have to attend. It's too late to call another babysitter. But you can have the weekend to yourself," her mother added. Hoping Ava understands, she hugged her.
Well, there goes all of the evening's plans right out the window along with her hopes. "It's fine. I'm going to go up to my room. I need to call the girls and let them know." She hopped down from the bar chair.
Up the back stairs, she went. Her head is a muddled mess and her heart is full of disappointment. Â But life is full of it. In her spacious room, she flopped onto the cozy queen bed. Rolling over, she laid on her back and reached for the phone on the side table. Dialing Charley, she thought of all the fun they're going to have while she's stuck here with the troublesome three and Chase. Her brother's in seventh grade and a total brat.
"Hey, Charley. It's me." She listened while her friend told her about how they're going out to dinner beforehand. "That sounds great, but there's one problem. No. Nothing like that. Yes. Yes. Me too! But seriously, I can't go with you guys." Charley's voice grew so loud she had to hold the phone away from her ear. "I know right? But I can't. Well, because my parents have this hospital dinner thing. I told them I'd babysit."
Oh, Charley's upset now too. "I know. It totally sucks donkey balls. There's nothing I can do. It's too late to call another sitter. Yeah. NO! You guys go without me. It'll be fine, I promise. Yes. Just have fun and tell me about it tomorrow. Love you too." She placed the phone back in the cradle.
Laying there, she looked up at the ceiling. Disenchanted tears rolled down her face. Wiping them with her hand, thoughts turned to Johnny. Him. His eyes, his smile, his silky voice, his cocky attitude, his laugh, his hands, his everything. There's just something about him, she can't explain. Whatever it is, he has it in spades. Whatever it is, he has her heart too. Always has, even when she broke up with him and even when she dated Burt. She didn't fall in love with him once. She falls in love with him every time he smiles.
Getting up, she readied herself for a boring night in.
By the time the Cobras finished practice, they were sore. Sensei worked them over today. Everyone took a beating, even Johnny. Hot and sweaty, they all agreed to go home, shower, change and meet at Tommy's.
Johnny entered his house worn out. He'd seriously reconsider going tonight, but Ava will be there. He wants to talk with her, so he has to go. Upstairs he showered, dressed in fresh jeans and a black T-shirt with his red Cobra Kai jacket. Pushing up the sleeves and grabbing the car keys, he headed back down.
Voices could be heard from Sid's office. He tried to be quiet and just sneak past to the front door, but a board on the stairs creaked. His mother stepped out of the office. "Johnny. How are you, Baby?" She came over and hugged him.
Sid also came out. "Laura, stop babying that boy. He doesn't need hugs. He needs tough love."
His eyes narrowed and his anger burned red hot. "Like you would know what love is," he plainly said through rash emotion.
His stepfather stepped closer. "Did you sass me?" He grabbed hold of his arm a bit too rough. "If you do that again, I will take your bike away and the allowance you get every month."
Swallowing the anger down, he put his head down too. Counting to one hundred and tuning Sid out, he thought of the sound of tinkling laughter. Then raising his head, with a calmer voice he flatly stated "I apologize Sir." It's best to just get it over with. As soon as his stepfather rolled his eyes up his ass, he took off out of the house and into his car.
With the top back, hair blowing in the breeze, he drove to Tommy's. Turning onto his friend's street, he noticed Ava's car in the drive. It's already past seven. If she's going to Rum's then she should've left by now. Thinking it strange, he pulled into Tommy's drive and parked. The others are already here. They actually came out and met him in the drive.
While the guys were all talking outside, discussing what cars to take, Ava and her parents came out too. Johnny watched her parents get into their BMW and drive off. He noticed Ava's little sister, rush out the door naked and hug her leg. His unfinished feeling walked back inside with her sister, looking much too comfortable for an impromptu concert.
"Alright, we're taking Bobby's Corvette and my Stang," Tommy announced. "Unless we want to take my mom's minivan. Then we could all ride together."
With a facepalm, Dutch told him "Don't ever say the words minivan again in my presence. My presence is awesome." The two began arguing.
Mind made up, Johnny started talking. "Quiet!" They all turned to look at him. "I think I'm going to stay here. I'm still sore from practice. It kicked my butt today. Plus I have unfinished business across the street." That's all he said and eyebrows rose as high as rockets.
Bobby could not be happier. "About time Man. About time. But just be cool. Don't say something stupid to mess it up."
Huffing out a breath, Johnny remarked "What do I look like an idiot?" He gave them all a look. Anything Tommy was going to say died on his lips.
As soon as he said bye to his friends, he caught a deep breath and walked across the street. After working up the courage to ring the doorbell he waited. Ava's brother Chase answered. "Oh, it's you. The dumb karate king."
Not in the mood for his bad attitude, Johnny told him back "Oh look it's an asshole. Word of advice kid. If you've got a shitty attitude, don't speak. Just get your sister."
"Ava! Loverboy is here," Chase yelled. He left Johnny standing at the door, so he let himself in and closed it.
She has no idea what her idiot brother is on about. He has a horrible junior high disposition these days. Super annoying too. Drives both her and her mother crazy. Walking into the hallway, her eyes saw blue eyes and golden hair standing in the foyer.
Her pulse raced and her stomach fluttered. Oh... my... stars! Could she look any more a mess? The triplets had splashed water getting them out of the tub. Four-year-olds are trouble.
"Umm, hi. Aren't you going to hear Brent's band play?" She thought he was.
Taking her in, from her brown hair piled up on her head, to her wet T-shirt, and bare feet, he answered "I could ask you the same thing. Can I come in?" He silently willed her to say yes. Maybe if he flashes a smile. He's heard they're irresistible.
But he didn't have to because she responded positively. "Yeah sure. Is everything OK? Are you OK?" She can't help but wonder why he's here. And yet she's super happy he is.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just..." He trailed off. It's now or never. "I just wanted to talk to you. That's all. Is that alright?"
Is that alright? Did he really ask? "Yeah, it's alright. It's fine. Are you hungry? Cause I just ordered pizza. My siblings have already eaten, but I can't stomach my mom's food. The triplets are in bed and Chase is... somewhere." She motioned around the house with her hand.
He could totally go for pizza. "I'm hungry. I haven't eaten since, well since breakfast I guess. Didn't eat lunch because a particular punk spilled his drink down my back." Not the time to think of the dweeb.
So that's what happened to him. She had wondered about it. "Poor Johnny. Tough life having drinks poured down your back. But it's all good now because I have pizza and soda. Plus if Chase tries to pour anything on you, you have my permission to kick him where it hurts." He laughed at her words. "Follow me."
Trailing her into the living room, they sat on the leather sofa. Bobo was laying there. Johnny sat near him and he growled. "Bobo. Stop that. Stop growling at Johnny. It's not nice. Naughty Bobo." He gave Ava a doggy huff, jumped down, and wandered off.
Her hand reached for the remote, but he stilled it. Feeling bold and grabbing the moment by the balls, Johnny looked in her eyes and declared "I actually want to talk to you."
Heart beating fast, careening out of control, she forgot how to breathe. "Oh yeah? What about?" And then he said it. He spoke the one word she hasn't heard in a long time. The word that made her more nervous than a seal in a group of sharks. He said it so seriously. "Us".