CCXXI

"Hana Arabella Bishop," Ava screamed.

"Mom!" Arabella screamed back. She had told Kieran that getting a private room instead of a shared one was a waste of money, but now that she was about to go head-to-head with her mom, she was convinced that he had spent his money wisely.

"Listen," Ava said, trying to stop her shaky voice.

"Mom, me being with you and not getting hurt was not because I was with you; it was just the way life was, and now that I was away and this happened, it is because life happens. How much longer do I need to stay with you?"

"I don't mean you should stay with me; I mean you should come home, where protection is," Ava said confidently, like she had taken extra measures to ensure that the place was fortified.

"Home or abroad, this," Arabella said, pointing to her bruised face and injured arm. "This would have happened and can happen anywhere. And I told you already that I want to put myself out there as well."

"I am not saying you shouldn't put yourself out there. I