Ava p.o.v
I didn't realize how much I've missed my Mom and siblings until now, the day passed by painfully slow, I've been waiting anxiously for this day. Now I'm sitting in the taxi my feet bouncing off the floor eagerly as we move down the familiar street I've spent all my life in.
The three hours ride from the University located in the main city of Seattle is already killing me, and this short ride from the bus stop to our house just seems to be taking forever. This is the time I regret ever deciding to school so far away from home, well in my defense. I have to be far away because of a particular person.
You know him, no need for a reminder.
If I had my ways, I wouldn't be coming back to this place, but I'm missing the people that means the world to me.
Finally the taxi pulled up in front of my home, the single story white building that stood proudly before me. Hurriedly paid the driver, I raced up the small stairs of the front yard of the house.
The door swung open before I could reach it revealing the most handsome young man ever, my brother pulled me in a bone crushing hug.
Wow guess I wasn't the only one missing them.
"Hey sis" Alex greets warmly, unwrapping himself from the hug.
"What's up kiddo" I ruffled his neatly combed brown hair.
"Not my hair" he grumble slapping my hand away fixing his hair. He always careful and angry when it comes to anyone messes with his hair.
"I'm most definitely not a kid, I'm seventeen" He claim, shooting his chest out to make him look taller and intimidating. I roll my eyes and shove him to the side, then proceed to walk inside. I heard Alex grumble about how I don't know how many girls are drooling because of him.
He's good looking for a seventeen years old but I'm not gonna tell him that to boost his already big ego.
He's even towering over my 5'4 completely, and has also gain some muscles to compliment his handsome face. I remember before going away to school, some girls from his school both juniors and seniors won't stop hanging around our home.
Mom didn't notice though or else she would have run for the hills. I chuckled softly and walk into the living area to find Grace watching one of her favorite cartoon, vamperina. She's too engrossed in the cartoon to even notice anything in her surrounding.
Alex and I have being standing behind her for almost three minutes now, snickering at each other every now and then.
"Boom" Alex voice rang in the air followed by a fearful scream from Grace, she jump too oblivious of our presence behind her. She turn around sharply ready to defend herself. But then race to me the instant she realized I am here.
"Ava" she squeal joyfully, I pick her up and spin around with giggling. How much I've missed this little beauty.
Behind me I hear Alex whining from our loud squealing and excessive hugging, as if he hadn't just almost crushed me a while ago.
"You came Ava, I've missed you so much" Grace choke out swallowing a sob.
"Hey, I'm here now okay?" I cooed, running my hand up and down her back soothing her. I walk to the sofa she had previously occupy and sat down with her still in my arms.
"Where is Mom" I direct to Alex, his face sour at my question.
"She's at work and won't be back till eight" Alex almost snapped not at me though. I know what's on his mind, Mom should be home taking care of us instead she working late, now he's stuck with the responsibility of caring for Grace.
All the credits goes to my so called Dad.
Who is lurking around drinking and gambling away wasting his life in such an unpleasant things, I wonder what he gain from all of that.
I shook my head, throwing away the useless thought.
"And Dad" Alex groan pissed from my question, from the look on his face, he's barely hiding his irritation for Dad.
"The usual" He spat with venom dripping from the words, disgust and anger flash through his eyes. Only God what he's thinking, I pray he doesn't grow up to hate Dad more.
Suddenly, the front door burst open to reveal a very drunk dad, He staggered his way in slamming the door lock in the process startling both Grace and I. Meanwhile, Alex stood still unaffected by him but one would be able to tell his anger has fuel up by the clenching and unclenching of his hands.
He was about to walk pass us but halted and glance my way then turned fully to me, of course I won't go unnoticed. I haven't been in the house for over two months so it's unlikely I would go unnoticed.
I groan mentally when his drunkful gaze remain on me, I brace myself prepared for the harsh words he will throw at me.
But what happened next left me stunned.
It's not what I've prepared for, more like opposite of what I'm expecting it's totally took me off guard.
I remain frozen on my spot still not able to comprehend what just happened, if someone told me before that this would happen. I would have laugh on their faces telling them to keep dreaming.
The world most impossible thing happening is dad pulling me into a hug and saying sorry, it made me almost think he's not my Dad.
"I'm sorry my child" His words made me more tense than earlier.
What happened to the dad I left two months ago, why all of a sudden he is sorry, after all these years.
Don't blame for being surprise because it's not everyday my dad hug me, heck he never did not anymore so why now.
And now he's sorry? What would that change.
The damages has already been done there is no need for all this sorry stuff.
"I'm so sorry, please forgive me" and like that he passed out on my shoulder.
Great.
Now I have to drag him upstairs to his room, which Incase is not an easy task. It's just like dragged sack of granite across the road, I shudder at the mere thought of climbing those stairs with him.
I look to Alex for help but I met an empty spot, then the front door slam shot announcing his leave.
Now I'm all myself.
I don't know how but I somehow managed to drag him up and lay him on his bed, I turned to leave but he caught my hand.
Then muttered two words before finally slipping into unconsciousness.
"I'm sorry"
Quit saying that, I groan inwardly.
I shrugged his hand off and left, I went down stairs to find Grace continue watching her cartoon, taking a seat beside her I blew out air of relief.
The silence that has stretch between me and a very focus Grace was rudely disturb by the slamming of the front door again.
What's everyone slamming the door.
"Ava Sophie Marcus" Mom March in towards us like a lightening, a scowl settling on her face with a mindless Alex trailing after her.
"Why are you out from school" mom seethe, obviously irritated with me for leaving school when it's not a break or holiday.
"Mom" I pout like a kid, "I just missed you guys so much" that's not a total lie, I really do miss them.
"That's not an excuse young lady" she hissed, here we go with her long lecture, she would make a good teacher if she wants to.
"Did you even take permission from your department head?" And ladies and gentlemen that where the bulb go off.
Crap. I didn't, what would I tell her now and lying isn't an option she would see through me and give me an earful about not rising a liar.
I'm so dead.
"You did not" Mom stated, taking my silence for a yes. "How could you be so irresponsible Ava, I raised you better than that. Do you want to get yourself suspended or even worst expelled?" I stayed silent not to prolong the conversation so badly.
"You're going back on Sunday" Mom declare leaving no room for agruement. I open my mouth to protest but one look from shut me up.
No need to offend her more.
***************************
"Dad said he's sorry" I brought it up during dinner, dad hasn't said that word in such a long time and sure enough he wasn't planning on doing so anytime soon. Something isn't right, and Mom knows about it. I just hope she would tell me.
"Did he say anything else" she narrowed her eyes but I'm guessing it's not from the beaming light that flooded the kitchen, her brows were drawn together with a worry. Her voice thick with tension even a blind man could tell that she is worried about something.
It's kills me not knowing and sharing her burden, for the first time dad said something odd and now one who is always the calm and relaxed person in the house is anything but calm.
Something is definitely not right.
Ava p.o.v Waking up at 6am on a Saturday morning, with Tricia swearing and ranting on the phone is not how I've planned my morning. I whine from every cursed word she utter, if she isn't scary when angered, I would have hang up on her but I don't wanna get myself strangled to death at my early age.I don't know how I land myself with such a talkative friend, I don't like loud people and I most definitely do not like noise. But at some point in life, I need to interact with all characteristic of people. Although I appreciate having her as a friend, she stood up for me many a times but let's face it, she could talk a dead person to life."Are you even listening." Tricia grunt from the other side of the phone.I've block her out since she wasn't saying anything I would understand."No." I answered meekly, there's no need to lie. What if she ask me to repeat what she had said, then I wouldn't know how to answer to that. I hear her growl and I bet she's glaring at the phone s
Ava p.o.v The door to the kitchen slammed shot shaking the walls, startled, I spin around too quickly I felt dizzy. Gripping the spatula I was using to mix the ingredients for pancakes, ready to strike at the intruder if need be. But came face to face with an angry Alex, he looks really pissed and ready to kill, ok I exaggerated. But if I hadn't know him, I would have been scared, the screeching sound of a chair broke me from my daze."You scare me to death Alex." I grunt still panting slightly from the dizziness, returning to my cooking, but turned back to him when I didn't receive a reply.That's when I noticed the dark circles under his eyes and how unkept his hair is, it like he's been running his hands through it. I wanted to ask what happened but decide against it, it seems like he could use some quiet and alone time.Quietly, I finished preparing breakfast and set the dinning table."What's for breakfast." Grace high pitched voice rang through the silence just as I was
Ava p.o.vit's unusual to see four expensive cars packed in front of our house, it's not like we always have visitors. And with cars. Not that we didn't have relatives that are rich and have cars but they don't necessarily come visiting us, I personally think it's because dad isn't who he was before.He's partially normal now, not that ambitious and carefree man they benefit from anymore, that makes him useless to them. I mean he already lost his sanity, they couldn't get anything from him, so why stress themselves visiting.I don't particularly hate them, I just hate how ungrateful they are. After everything he did for them, he lost everything he works so hard for just because he was building their lives. But look how they pay him back, turning their backs at him when he needed them the most.All this thinking about their betrayal adds to all the furstration and heartbreak he's having.I want to make them pay for what they did, to feel the pain of the person they trust turned their b
Ava p.o.vFive fucking million shitty dollars? what on Earth did he use it for. Why did he need to borrow such huge amount of money, for what, gambling? or drinking? maybe both.Why, I want to yell in his face. Such amount of money could have change our lives for good, but what did he use it for, unprofitable things."What the hell! Dad." Alex snarl loudly, nobody should blame him for been rude and snappy to dad, He's just plain angry.I tore my glaring gaze from dad to the scary man sitting on Dad's chair as he made an irritated sound but still not looking away from his phone."Bring your voices down." He command, dad visible tense at his command, he glare at Alex for be so nosy.If I wasn't scared out of my mind, I would have given dad a piece of my mind. He have no right to get angry at Alex, if he didn't borrowed money from these people, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place.First, you have to state your name and your reason for being here before been granted access
Ava p.o.vLife, it is full of surprises, but not all surprises that are being thrown at you are pleasant. A bell went off in my head, I find it hard to breathe, I choke on my air when I tried to breath.Surprise gasp were heard around me, he managed to take everyone by surprise even his friend or whatever that came with him seems to be taken aback. But he was quick to replace the surprise look to the one of amusement.If I wasn't so shock plus I know he's not one to just around, I would have laugh at the expensive joke but then I will only be deceiving myself. I stare at the man in front of me like he has just suddenly grown two horns on his head, which he returns with a challenging one.challenging me to say anything to object."That or I will kill all these people and still marry you" He sigh, tiredly, I guess he's already bored with the situation.Now of all times I need a miracle to happen and get us out of this situation.Marry him? like who the hell is he to just order me to mar
Ava p.o.vFunny how life plays trick on you, how it turns you around in circles, throwing different difficulties your way. It's not your choice to make, it never was and never would be, it's fate decision to make.Breathing gets hard.When you cry so much it makes you realize that breathing is hard.I didn't even want to wake up, I was having a much better time asleep, and that is really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you're so relieved.I woke up into a nightmare.Stressed? Yes!Angry? Maybe.Depressed? Hell Yes.Reasons well known to all, a lot of questions hit me after I woke up. Maybe because I lost words or maybe because I am lost.Let me tell you mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common, and also hard to bear. Like a razor cutting slowly through your skin.The worst type of crying is not the kind everyone could see. The wailing on street corners, tearing at clothes, No. The worst kind happened whe
Ava p.o.vIt is almost time, A minute left on the clock until it struck 12 marking the end of my lecture for today. I had gathered all my papers and had stuff them neatly in my binder, at last the weekend is here.It stroke 12, the lecturer Mr Frank announce the end of class and announced having a fixed class on Monday 2pm before leaving the class. I remain seated waiting for the large crowd stamping their ways to the door to clear out first.When the class is almost empty I stood up and walk into the bleak hallways.It was Friday, marking it the seventh day since the disturbing news, I sigh heavily, I glanced at my reflection in the glass doors as I pass studying myself. My strawberry hair is up in a high ponytail giving a clear view of my face, two blue eyes stare back at me.I sighed at the lack of effort I had given my appearance when getting ready every morning, My life is almost back to normal but it was still there.Still lingering at the back of my head, remaining me of my pre
Ava p.o.vA Man in a black suit came rushing down the stairs and met us at the foot of the stairs."Welcome sir." He greets firmly, but look closely you would see the fear in his eyes and how he fold his hands together stopping them from shivering. The almighty Vincenzo just acknowledge him with a single nod."Follow me sir, we have brand new designs in our showroom." He said already leading the way, Not once did he look my way. I shrug, I didn't want the attention after all.Vince grip on my mid stomach tightens a little more than before as we made our way up the stairs, we pass a few doors before stopping at one see through door.My mouth drop open at the sight in front of me, there are many jewelries. Golds, Silver,and Diamond. We walk further into the showroom, I realized that every sparkling thing here were rings. I gasp when realization hit me, I know I'm getting married but I hadn't put much thought to it. And now being in a ring store made me realize that it really happening,
Melanie’s POVI should have known the last time, Adriano had the other nurses literally eating out of the palm of his hands how big of a charmer he was.Phoebe was completely enthralled by him, and there I was nervous about how she was going to receive him, especially with how blunt he was with her by the door.But it had the opposite effect on her. Phoebe appreciated his brutal honesty and seemed to think that he was good for me.I guess I should be happy with that, it means he’s holding up to his end of the bargain but I felt some way at the fact that Phoebe took an instant liking to him when I prepared to defend him tonight.Was it jealousy? Heck no. There’s no way I was jealous of Adriano. I mean it took a few weeks after I moved in for, Phoebe to warm up to me while she took to him instantly. Did that make me jealous? Absolutely not!Adriano also somehow knew the right thing to say to make, Phoebe blush.
Melanie’s POV“Are you ready for this?” I asked.“That’s an unnecessary question, little nurse,” Adriano said. “Are we doing this or not.”“I just need a few minutes to get in character,” she said.Adriano chuckled but remained silent while I tried to steady my breathing. It was Saturday evening and we were currently parked in the parking lot of my apartment complex. Phoebe had called me earlier in the day to ask if, Adriano had any allergies or something he didn’t eat.I didn’t have the answer to that question but I figured he ate anything, considering the kind of guy he was so I told her no.Now I wondered if I did the right thing. Maybe I should have asked him, but I avoided him all day until it was time to leave.“Do you have any allergies?” I asked.“Huh?”“Phoebe called earlier wanting to know if you had any allergies and I told her you didn’t,” I explained.Adria
Melanie’s POVAlice's words stayed with me all day. I’ve spent so much time believing that, Adriano had taken away my choice I had never stopped to wonder if I gave up too easily.Did I really have the option to make a different choice or could I give in to my new reality and be content with it?The thought of going back to the house didn't really fill me with dread like before when I was still new to his house.But apart from restricting my movement, he had treated me nicely. I ate well, slept in comfort, and got freaking chauffeured to work, even though I hadn't gotten used to the last part.Every time I demanded anything from, Adriano, it felt like I was making a deal with the devil, in exchange for my soul.It didn't help that he kept making me flustered when I was around him, causing me to act out of character.Nevertheless, I called, Phoebe and informed her of the plan to visit du
Melanie’s POVIf I was a betting girl, I could have won some money from, Alice. She was so positive this conversation was going to go well but couldn’t have been more wrong.This conversation had gone so off-kilter that I was wondering why I was still seated here talking to him.“Are you threatening me?” I asked."I'm not threatening you, little nurse," he replied.“Then what’s the meaning of what you just said?”“I just thought you needed a reminder of how you got here,” he said.“Oh, I remember. How could I ever forget,” I said. “Every second of every day for the past few weeks I’ve been reminded of how much my life had taken a drastic turn all in a matter of a few moments!”I was breathing heavily and trying to control my anger. “I regret that moment.”“What moment?”“The moment I agreed to go, Dr. Thompson’s request to go on a house call. It wasn’t part of my job descrip
Adriano’s POV I watched her expression go from relieved to tense the moment I spoke and I almost felt bad for wanting to demand a condition from her. Emphasis on almost. I didn’t feel bad but I hated that, Melanie wasn’t completely relaxed around me yet. I mean she was pacing my office for minutes and I had to practically force the words out of her mouth with the way she was fidgeting and beating around the bush. I hated the fact that she hadn’t realized that there was about nothing I wouldn't do for her, if she played her cards right. So if she wasn’t ready to figure it out, then it was up to me to show her and that wouldn’t be possible if we don’t spend time together. Melanie thought she was being a disturbance by asking me to go see her neighbor as her boyfriend while I was in my seat, trying to hide my smile and sounding as neutral as I possibly could. “A condition?” I nodde
Melanie’s POVIt’s been well over an hour and I was pacing outside, Adriano’s study, debating whether I should do it or not.There was also the fact that I was nervous about being alone with him in an enclosed space.You can do this, Melanie. The worst he can do is say no. There's absolutely nothing to be worried about.I didn’t know how effective the pep talk I was giving myself was but I guess I had to try.I finally stopped pacing, took in a deep breath, and let it out through my mouth. Just as I raised my hand to knock on the door, it was flung open.I jerked back in surprise while Adriano was smirking at me.“If you pace anymore, there might just be a dent on the floor and we don’t want that, do we, little nurse?”Great. Now I’ve gone and embarrassed myself before I even said anything. But…“How did you know I was outside?” I asked.“You don’t exactly walk quietly,
Melanie’s POVI went about my usual routine when I got to the house. Took a shower and went downstairs to have dinner with, Alice.Alice, with her mother-hen nature, didn't fail to notice that something was off about me. I quickly learned that there was no hiding your feelings from her, at least I was sure of mine.She was just so attentive to details. It was the kind of trait that couldn’t be taught, but was a part of a person and, Alice was certainly one of those people that got the trait.“You know I’m only going to keep asking you what’s wrong, right?” Alice said. “Why can’t you just take my word for it and leave it at that?” I asked.“Because you’re acting a bit jittery. Like you’re about to jump off your skin,” she said. “Why? Are you scared of something or someone?”I shook my head. “No, it’s nothing of the sort,” I answered.“Then tell me what it is?”“It’s just that I might have gott
Melanie’s POVI pushed my confrontation with Lydia out of my mind and focused on getting through the rest of my shift which thankfully, went without any major incidents.I had just changed out of my scrubs and was on my out of the changing room when I got a call from, Phoebe.Phoebe was a sweet, old lady that lived on the same floor of my apartment. She also had a cat named, Orange and I usually helped her watch her cat.My stomach was dipped with nerves. It's been a while since she's seen or spoken to me so I knew why she was calling. What the hell was I going to tell her? It was obvious I hadn’t moved out but I’ve been MIA for weeks. I was surprised she hadn’t even called earlier. However, I was more annoyed with myself for forgetting about her.I had a mind to avoid, Phoebe’s call but I knew she was only going to keep calling so I accepted the call and put it to my ear.“Hi, Phoebe,” I greeted.
Melanie’s POVThe last thing I wanted today was a confrontation from, Lydia. I was so over her shit and it looked like that’s exactly what she was spoiling for.“Please excuse me,” I said, deciding to opt for the polite approach but it seemed she was spoiling for a fight.“And if I don’t?” she asked. “What are you going to do?”“I don’t know why you have an issue with me and I don’t really care,” I replied and held up the boxes in my hands. “I have to get these gloves to the nurses’ station so please step aside.”Lydia glared daggers at me and I could see the anger radiating off her. If steam could come out her ears, best believe it would."That's exactly the problem I have with you," she gritted. "You're an ass-kisser pretending to be a sweet girl."I frowned. What the hell was she on about?“Like I said, Lydia, I don’t care how you feel about me as long as you stay out of my way,” I said.