Avery's POV
I sat stunned on the couch, still between Dawson's legs. I tensed at the sight of my dad standing at the door in his posh black suit and the stern, yet extremely uncomfortable look on his face.
Dawson began to rub my shoulder a bit and pulled me closer to him after hearing the tone of my voice which I can only think sounded distressed.
Dad assesses the scene in front of him. From the group of people sitting around the living room to me with Dawson.
I could see the judgment in his eyes, and whether that be for the disappointment of a daughter who was covered in hickeys and slightly intoxicated with the obvious evidence in my hand, or the boy behind me, I had no idea. Maybe both.
Dad stares at me intensely as I did him and for a second and I think I saw something like regret flash over his features but it returns to pretty neutral once again.
I finally make the move to stand up when Dawson's grip on my shoulder tightens and he stands up
with me. He pushes my hair behind my ear and leans in to whisper, " You okay? You want me to go with you? You need anything?" And for a second I didn't bother answering, just enjoyed his hand on my head and waist.
I pulled away from him a bit, placed my hand on his cheek and smiled the best I could. "I'm fine Dawson, thank you," I said letting my thumb stroke the light freckles beneath his eye and scattered across his cheek. I didn't notice he had them at first but after I did I made sure to make it known that I thought it made him 10 times cuter.
He nods and kisses me before I walk off to the door, where Callum stayed standing. Except his expression had changed from goofy and joking like he always was, to a face mixed with caution and worried and...resentful almost.
"Dad," I say with a head nod to make the altercation a little less awkward, although part of me said there was no way in hell it would ever be even semi-comfortable.
"Avery." He said back in the same manner, fidgeting with the silver watch around his wrist.
Dad and I were quite different. From looks to personality, there was really no similarities between us. One being he was quite the fidgety and awkward guy who was also pretty shit at hiding it. He also happened to beat around the bush a ton, while I had a tendency to be a little...too honest. At least with people I wasn't on fantastic terms with at least.
"Why're you here? Someone die or some shit?" Now did I feel bad for using such quote on quote 'language' with him? Not really, no. I had basically no relationship with him and little respect. I did love him and all, cause I mean he is my dad after all, but that didn't mean jack shit to me. Until he bothered to talk to more for than 12 hours a year at least.
Dad just shook his head and stumbled over his words, he kept looking back at the car and that's when I noticed another figure on the passenger side of it, although I couldn't make out anything about the person.
"You need to come home for a little bit Avery." He said unsurely, he was avoiding my eyes, like he was keeping something more from me.
I felt my heart drop a bit at his words. Leave? Everything? Everyone? My best friend was pregnant, I couldn't possibly leave her. Not to mention leave all my friends. Or Dawson, fuck we just became something...more after almost months. There was no way I was leaving any of this.
I heard the car door open and once the figure of a woman appeared I could begin to make out the features of my aunt, who I hadn't seen in years.
She didn't look much different from what I remember, still the same long dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. She looked more tired than I remember though, but I blamed my innocent mind for perceiving everything as sunshine and rainbows back then for that.
I look back to Eva to see her looking between my dad and aunt with wide eyes and parted lips. She was nervous, and I figured it was all due to the fact that she probably didn't like her mom seeing her sit in some boys' lap with a vodka stain on her shirt.
Although my aunt, lovingly like always to her daughter, smiles brightly and waves, completely disregarding the situation at hand.
And for a second I felt a wave of jealousy hit me that Eva had not only one, but two parents who cared about her a ton and made sure to spend as much time as they could with her, so I looked down and stared intensely at my feet until I feel Callum toss his arm around my neck, making my head snap back up and this time with absolutely no emotion portrayed on my face.
"You look a lot more grown-up in real life than you do your Instagram pictures," she says with a light laugh and smiles towards me.
I nodded, not saying anything back. Whether that be for the fact I didn't know what to say, didn't wanna say or anything, or couldn't, I didn't really know.
My mind was racing with thoughts, for a long time I questioned why I was suddenly cut off from that side of the family and I eventually came to the conclusion that they were angry with me, except I guess...they weren't. Which only made another 100 questions arise.
"I think it's best you come home for the rest of the year or so Avery, and maybe even Eva too..." she says looking back at her daughter who has slowly made her way over to the door with me and Callum.
Callum's head harshly snapped up with a glare like look in his eyes as he scanned the two people in front of us, I could tell he wanted to say something but was hesitant to do so. So I looked to him and nodded my head subtly, cause I knew he'd be a lot nicer than me anyways.
"And what makes you both think you know what's best for Avery when I'm more involved in her life than both of you combined?" The anger in his voice surprised the fuck out of me, I'd never seen him like that before.
Dad let out a sad sigh and rubbed at his forehead, letting aunt Jane do all the talking. "I know none of you here think we're in the right to be doing what we're doing, but Avery there's a lot you don't know. You were so young at the time and it was much too complicated then but you're older now. And I think, just for a little bit, it'd be best to be at home right now. And you can come back when you're ready of course, but for a little things are gonna have to be different sweetheart."
"Her homes here mom," Eva mutters quietly with a sad edge to her voice. "The people she loves, who love her back, are here."
And now it was my aunts turn to sigh, she grabbed Eva's hand and rubbed it with her thumb, "and I know that baby, and we feel bad to have to suddenly uproot her life like this, but there's a lot going on in California and she needs to be there. Not forever, just a couple months at most."
I felt Callum scoot a bit closer to me and hug me tighter. I could tell from their tones voice that in this case, I didn't have an option. And for once I didn't wanna put up a fight. Because maybe, just maybe, I had been wrong. I knew shit would change and I hated the thought of not being here, for many fucking reasons, but I also knew I was 16, and if we're talking legally I do have to go. Not to mention I was genuinely curious what the fuck they were talking about.
I didn't wanna think about leaving everyone or what our relationships would be like afterward, I didn't wanna overthink anything right now.
So, I nodded.
I felt the heavy gaze of everyone's eyes on me, but only let myself glance at Eva's. Cause if I was being honest I really didn't wanna see the looks on everyone's faces, I think it'd hurt too much.
Eva was tilting her head at me, like she didn't recognize me almost. Then, she began to nod her head too.
"We'll pack our things." She mumbled before looking down and walking off towards the staircase, and I had no real choice but to follow.
***
Eva finished packing all her things a while back but I was still sitting on the floor, slowly and pain stackingly shoving my shit in my bags. And for some reason, she thought it'd be a good idea to join me. And by that, I mean awkwardly sit on the bed behind me while rocking back and forth subtly to ease her own tenseness.
I finally let out a somehow angered sigh and turned my head to look at her. "You didn't have to come you know."
I was just a little bit mad at the fact that she seemed to be the one with all the pent up anxiety between the two of us right now, yet I was the only one forced to go. I didn't really get why she felt like she had to anyways.
"Why the fuck did you anyways?" I mumble while turning back to my messy pile of clothes. Over time, Dawson's shitty habit of throwing his clothes on the floor seemed to have become one of mine too, which of course, he loved to tease me about now. I didn't mind much though.
"You can't do everything alone all the time Avery," Eva told me matter of factly. And part of me appreciated it but the other part was mad that she suddenly wanted to act like some great ass cousin who I've always had a relationship with. Cause she wasn't.
"And I'm sorry that you're so accustomed to that lifestyle that it's difficult for you when people actually wanna help you, be there for you, or make sacrifices for you, but you can't be mad about it. Please don't be mad about it." Her words had a harsh meaning but her tone was soft and kind. She always sounded soft and kind.
I ignored her and kept packing.
***
I don't think there was really anything that could prepare a girl to have to silently walk down a staircase to an open room filled with her sorrowful best friends, and have to say goodbye.
I knew it wasn't forever, I would never let it be that, but this was my life. And I never really pictured it being ripped away from me.
Six months ago I really wouldn't give a fuck if this was happening, the most I had to lose was Mona, which was, and still is, a hell of a lot to me but things were...different now. With her, and everyone else.
Mona was the first to look up at me, she speed-walked from the couch over to me and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug, despite the fact she was a good 4 inches shorter than me.
And she didn't say anything. Fuck, she didn't say anything. Mona always had something to say, even in the worst and most uncomfortable or scary situations, she always said something.
"I'll miss you." I finally sputter out, letting my head fall on top of hers.
She doesn't speak for a minute, but finally looks up to me, and blinks her eyes a couple times. I run my thumb under her eyes and smile.
"Don't go and turn into some Valley Girl okay?" I shook my head and laughed, not bothering to move my hand from her cheek.
"Id never," I mutter, laughing slightly, tucking my head into her hair. I appreciated her jokes more than she'd ever know.
We both stay silent just caught in each other's arms until she lets out a sigh and pulls back a bit. "Do me a favor and don't replace me yeah?" She snuggled and wiped at her cheeks which had turned a bright pink along with her eyes and nose.
Fuck id miss her so much.
Mona walked off to the bathroom after quickly apologizing. I knew she didn't wanna cry in front of me, cause then I couldn't promise I wouldn't break down completely either.
Axel ended up coming up to me next and hugging me. "I hope you know that my original offer from the day I met you still stands babe."
I snorted and punched his stomach, despite the fact that he was holding me to his chest so it was probably a shit punch.
"I hate you."
"Yeah."
Axel pulled away from me and I could tell all he wanted to do was run and go check on Mona from the way his eyes kept scanning back and forth. "Take care of her for me?"
He just smiled sadly and tucked his thumb in his pocket, "don't worry bout her, I always will."
Over the next 10 or so minutes I said goodbye to everyone. And lemme just say that I've never hugged this many people...ever. But I suppose there's a first time for anything.
Bentley ended up managing to lift me off the ground and cut off my air supply for a solid 30 seconds.
Callum didn't let go of me until Keegan had to pry him off which resulted in the two chasing each other around.
Sawyer told me she was glad she met me.
And even Keegan ended up hugging me for nearly .2 seconds. Even muttered something about missing me too, which was covered by a cough, but I still heard it and would make sure to forever use that against him.
And then there was Dawson. He'd decided to just stay in the back for majority of the time, not talking to anyone really.
I looked over to him across the room, he didn't look up to me for a little but once he did I smiled and made my way over to him.
"Hey," I said not letting my soft smile falter. I had felt a roller coaster of emotions tonight and I knew the best I could do was at least try and act happy, a sad goodbye would seem more...real.
"Hey." He repeated avoiding my eyes.
I sighed and grabbed his hands with mine which finally made him look to me, even if it was only quick.
I didn't like the fact that he couldn't look at me.
Slowly I lift one of my hands to his cheek and brush my thumb lightly across, muttering something about how I liked when he looked at me. As soon as he heard that his head snapped up and he tried his best to smile, although it was sheepishly, almost with a hint of guilt to it.
I smiled just a little bit wider and let my thumb brush his bottom lip.
He closed his eyes at my touch and stepped the slightest bit closer to me, and I swore I could smell liquor on his breath. So, I lean in and press my lips against his.
I never would've guessed tequila was his drink of choice honestly but lemme just say the taste on his tongue was hella strong.
I pull my lips away from and go catch a breath and without opening my eyes mutter the words "you drunk?" with a slight chuckle.
Was Dawson being sad and using alcohol to cope a laughing matter at all? Fuck no. But I really didn't think now was the time to discuss that and figured joking about his drunk state would make the entirety of the situation better. Maybe.
"If I say no will you do that again?" He questions lifting a single eyebrow and swaying in my grasp slightly.
So drunk Dawson was a horny Dawson, nice.
By this point everyone had slowly wandered out of the living room, leaving him and I alone for a bit. Something told me despite the fact they wanted us to think we had total and complete privacy, that we indeed, didn't.
"I think I'd do that again no matter what you said," I mumble not backing away from his face, letting his breath fan my face. And weirdly enough the usually repugnant smell of alcohol on one's breath isn't as bad as I remember, but I blame the fact that it's Dawson and not anyone else.
He nods, his eyes having never been opened, and leans in without another word, pressing his lips to
mine.
It felt different kissing him this time. Usually, it was slow and soft. We savored the moment. It always felt special and....gentle almost. But this time it felt nothing like that. Kissing Dawson felt urgent now. Hot and heavy, like we both wanted to remember it forever.
I keep my hands wrapped around his neck, playing with his hair and occasional running my hand through completely which I knew he always loved.
I felt his hands slide from my face, down my sides and to my hips where they eventually found their spot in the back of my jeans pockets, his thumbs looping through my belt loops.
We pull away from each other, not taking our hands off though.
"We should do that more often." He mumbled, his soft homey brown eyes glazed over. And whether that be from me or alcohol, I didn't really know nor did I care.
I nodded, ignoring the fact that we'd no longer have that opportunity and his phrasing should've been done, not do.
"Mhmm." I hum leaning my head to his chest.
I wasn't sure how long we stayed like that, it felt like it could've been forever, but soon I hear the door between the living room and kitchen creek open and lift my head to see Eva standing there nervously. She was shifting on the balls of her feet as she let her eyes look at anything but me.
"Sorry to interrupt it's just..." she stops and finally looks to me with sad eyes. "You almost ready to go?"
I nodded, pulling away from Dawson but wrapping my hand in his.
Soon everyone bombarded the living room once again, more silently this time around though.
I walk to the door, everyone following suit behind.
No one moves to open it.
I finally let out a soft sigh and grab the cold metal handle, pushing the large glass door open and letting in the breezy nighttime air.
It was particularly cold tonight, unlike the previous nights we've been here.
"See you soon?" I ask looking between the group of people surrounding me. They all hum some form of assurance and I smile, taking a mental picture of all of us together.
I grab my suitcase, finally letting Dawson's hand fall from mine and walk out into the first step of the steep staircase when I feel a warm hand grab my shoulder.
"Avery wait I-" Dawson pauses and I wait for what he was gonna say.
"Yeah?" I ask with a comforting smile. I just wanted him to say whatever the hell was on his mind.
"I'll uh..I'll miss you." He nods to himself, like this was a good enough replacement for whatever he wanted to say. Something told me it wasn't though.
"I'll miss you too Dawson." He leans in and kisses me softly again. I feel butterflies in my stomach, like I did every time when I kissed him. There was no one in this damn world who could make me feel like he could.
I force a smile but as soon as I turn away I let it fall completely off my face.
And with that, I finish walking down the staircase.
***
The End.
Okay, I'm just playing, that's not technically true. This is gonna be the end of Part 1, but don't worry I have lots of ideas (and some chapters already started) so hopefully no more 3-month break??? Speaking of that, I just wanted the perfect "ending" but really couldn't find it. I feel like this is a decent place though, peaceful (and depressing as shit) and no super huge cliffhanger(yet anyways)
Anyways I'll be working on the Q and A more and some surprise chapter things (as well as Part 2 obviously) and hopefully get to updating more frequently again!!!