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Chapter 22
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Gale was walking slowly – not minding where he was going, trailing beside Ava and letting her lead the way.
Ava's story of their past was thorough and detailed, but Gale felt like something was missing. She hadn't told him about how they came to a decision to end things between them. He was sure she also didn't mention arguments or disagreements between them that could lead to a break-up. So why did they end it?
Ava thought the best way to tell Gale about their separation was by doing it in public. Well – she was a coward after all. She was scared that he would get so angry at her. At least, if she does it in public with many ears around them, he wouldn't be able to yell at her face. Gale wasn't the type of guy that yells at people – but surely, if someone gets disappointed, they'll lose their restraint. Like her, if she does, she'll burst into tears. And if he yells at her, she'll definitely cry – and she was tired of crying. She did a lot of i
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"The poutine here is the best. You once told me that this was your favourite throughout Canada." Ava said casually as she shoved her fork into her plate and put a mouthful of potatoes into her mouth, then sighed at the delicious taste.If this was possible, Gale was in love at the sight of Ava munching her food. It made him so oddly happy to see her not shying away and pretend to eat slowly and elegantly in front of him like most of the women he knew did. He hates pretentiousness. Meryl wasn't like that. But she was too polite when eating in public and always used table manners even when eating burgers, forcing him to do the same because she was afraid that strangers might find it uncomfortable to see them eating with their hands.Ava wasn't like that at all. Instead of hiding with table manners – she just turned her head slightly to her side and used her hand to cover her mouth from people.She then looked at him. "I need to wash my hands,"S
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No one says another word – no one wants to. But the elephant in the room was too big to be ignored."You haven't answered one of the questions, you know..." Gale chimed after a long pause.Ava flinched a bit. Her eyes started to get watery. She couldn't do this - the hardest part; admitting her sin to him. She realized now that she couldn't lose him again. Even if their relationship could never be mended like it used to be, she still wants him back in her life. At least as Julia's father.Ava gasped. The room seems to lack oxygen. "I'm so so sorry, Gale," her eyes brimmed with tears. "I don't think I can tell you that last part. I–" she shook her head frantically. "No! I have to– just... Can you... I need a minute to breathe,""Ava, hey, remember that I don't force you to tell me everything. Just tell me the things that you are comfortable sharing–""No– Gale... You don't understand! I need to tell you everything
Closer To You Chapter 25
Gale blanched pale as white as paper. "Who– who said those things?""I don't know. I just remembered that they both have blonde hair. And the woman – my God, she was beautiful!" At this, Ava let her tears fall. "I was trying to be a bigger person. I don't want to hurt her because I know that it will break her heart if I suddenly introduce myself as your girlfriend - at that time. So I didn't tell anyone in that hospital about who I am. I couldn't imagine how awkward it would be if I told them. Or worse– what if they don't believe me? As far as I believe at that time, she was probably your girlfriend."Gale froze. This was not what he expected to hear at all. This was far more messed up and complicated. How was he able to fix this? Who did he need to ask to explain what they said in that hospital hallway?Blonde.The only blonde beautiful woman he could think of was Meryl. And the man must be Finn.Damn it.
Closer To You Chapter 26
What an irony.Gale wished all sorts of bad things for Julia's father last night. Feeling jealousy crept up in him as the thought of someone having Julia as their daughter – he was willing to do anything to be in that place. Julia was a brilliant little star, just like her mother.Not to mention the resemblance they shared. Gale wasn't blind. He had felt like he was looking at his reflection when he saw Julia's face. Even with softer features and edges, different colouring, and different lip shapes – Julia looks more like him than she was with Ava. And the way Josh, Denise, and Maya looked at him in astonishment was more proof that there was an uncanny resemblance between him and Julia.Gale wasn't aware that he was still holding Ava's hand. Their hands clasped so fit together that it felt so right, it's almost unnoticeable. The slight squeeze and soft thud of Ava's heartbeat against his wrist was the reason that reminds him of their joined han
Closer To You Chapter 27
"Dad?" Ava called Martin who was speaking with one of his employees. Martin paused and turned around to see Ava smiling at him, but then his gaze was drawn to the person standing behind her. Martin's eyes widened in surprise. "Good afternoon, Martin," Gale said. He was just as worried as the old man. "Ave, Gale… hello. Err–" Martin looked at his daughter with trepidation - asking for help with what to say. He couldn't think of anything to say. "We talked, dad. Everything is good now. Gale will meet Julia today," Ava gave a bright smile. Martin unexpectedly burst into tears. Ava quickly cupped her father's cheeks with concern. "What's the matter, Dad?" "I'm sorry," Martin apologized. His voice shatters. "I'm happy– these are happy tears, Ave," he said. Ava's eyes glistened as she looked at Martin. She was sure she'd cry again with her father if she hadn't already. She smiled as she wiped her father's tears. Some
Closer To You Chapter 28
The drive to Shelley's house began in silence.Ava's body reverberated with a mix of anxiety and excitement. She has been wondering how she would inform Julia of this. What should she say so that Julia understands right away? Julia was still a four-year-old little girl, no matter how smart she was for her age, Ava wasn't sure her daughter would understand the gravity of the situation she was about to face.Gale abruptly spoke as if reading into her whirlwind of thoughts. "Julia is so smart,"Ava cast a sidelong glance at Gale before returning her attention to the road. He had his gaze fixed on the window."She is," Ava said, smiling."She was fearless when I met her in the woods. I'm sure she knew that a rock and a stick wouldn't protect her from a bad person, but she stood her ground and won't let me pass through her. And she was so considerate. She was capable of reading the situation and did everything she could to make it easier for
Closer To You Chapter 29
Martin let Ava and Gale into his house by opening the door.Maya stepped out of the other room and stared at the man standing in her foyer with wide eyes.There were no words to describe how Maya felt right now, and the next thing she knew, she was crying while smiling. She took her time making her way to the foyer.Gale had already noticed her and smiled as best he could. His chest was churning with emotions."Gale..." said Maya. Her voice was slightly shaky."Hello, Maya," Gale replied warmly.Maya cupped Gale's cheek with her hand. Her other hand was on his shoulder. With a teary smile, she looked at Gale."I thought I was crazy for thinking that I saw Julia's face in yours when we first met," Maya began."You're not alone. I saw myself in Julia's face the moment I was able to focus on her on the way to the hospital," Gale responded. Tears began to form in his eyes."Is it alright? Are you okay with this new informati
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When Ava opened the back door to the backyard, the afternoon summer breeze hit Gale in the face. He looked in awe at the entire setting of the yard.A small flower garden adorns the right side of the yard - stretching all the way from the porch to the fences that separate the yard from the small road.On the left side of the yard, there was a long picnic table that was perfectly placed under the shade.What had him amazed was the amur maple tree that grew right in the middle of the yard. The height was between two to three meters, give or take. The samaras on the tree are bright red and green. Gale has a strange attraction to every maple tree. He was familiar with almost all of them and can tell one from the other.Gale now understands what Alex told him in the woods – why they played in the backyard when they got bored watching cartoons. The backyard was very beautiful and a perfect place for children to play. What he couldn't figure out was
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"Ava, where should I put these?" Gale asked from the back porch while lifting small chairs. He was busy helping decorate the backyard for Julia's and Alex's birthday party."Near Julia's tree. Set them so they are facing the house. Thank you, Gale," Ava exclaimed from the kitchen window. She was making a cake with Maya."Got it. You don't have to say thank you every time I do something, though," Gale shook his head while smiling."I feel bad asking you to help us. You could spend your time on other things instead, but here you are…""I'd rather be here and help prepare the party than be anywhere else at this moment. This is going to be my first time celebrating Julia's birthday – I wouldn't miss a thing, even the preparation." Gale grinned at Ava before he walked away with the chairs towards Julia's tree. He then met Alex in the middle of the backyard – walking slowly with a crutch. "Don't push yourself too much today, alright? Save you
Closer To You Chapter 33
It's been two hours since Gale ended his call, and now he was still looking at every tweet of Hayley's regarding his relationship with Ava that Lisa had captured and sent him. Lisa – Finn's cousin was one of Hayley's closest friends. She was one of a few people Hayley trusted to follow her private account where she ranted about all kinds of stuff. Turns out, his little sister liked to talk a lot about his relationship with Ava. There were even pictures – lots of them. Mostly, Hayley ranted about how frustrating it was knowing about his secret relationship and couldn't speak about it freely. She adored Ava so much. Hayley's friends were so loyal to her. Even after she died, they never revealed what she said on Twitter to anyone. Except for today, Lisa broke her promise today because she believes that was for a good cause. She had lunch with Finn today and accidentally saw him scrolling on i*******m – searching for Ava Shell
Closer To You Chapter 32
Molly took Julia to wash her hands before bringing her to Dani in the dining room.Once everyone was seated at the table, Ava started retelling what happened five years ago to Molly and Ben. She spoke so quietly so Julia couldn't catch what the adults were saying.Gale was busy with his laptop. But every once in a while, he would look up and see the confused faces of Ben and Molly."Oh, Avelyn… that was you?" Ben said sadly."Yeah, that was me," Ava sighed."Damn the girl that stood me up on Thanksgiving!" Ben said."Ben, language!" Gale chastised as he made a head gesture and signaled with his eyes towards where Julia was."Oops, sorry," Ben said. "But my point still stands. I really hate that girl. I was desperate to have a girlfriend that year. This girl gave me hope and all, but then she stood me up on our first official date! Not only did she break my heart and pride and waste my time, but she was also the cause that
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"Gale, stay for dinner," Maya suggested."I'd love to, Maya. But I really need to return to Ben's place. I received a phone call from the hospital and need to check something on my laptop," Gale expressed his regret. "However, I'd come again tomorrow." He added when he noticed Julia pouting on the sofa.Julia perked up when she heard that. "Promise?""I promise. I'll spend time with you every day, but I have to leave early tonight. We can play again tomorrow, okay? " Gale gave Julia a soft smile."Let me drive you, Gale," Ava offered. "What do you think, Jules? Let's take your dad to Uncle Ben's house. Perhaps Dani is still awake, and you can say hello before we get back home."Julia squealed and jumped. "Yes, yes, yes, yes!"Her enthusiasm was met with laughter from everyone in the room. Ava then excuses herself from the room to get Julia's jacket."Gale, don't hesitate to come every day. You've become a member of our family no
Closer To You Chapter 30
When Ava opened the back door to the backyard, the afternoon summer breeze hit Gale in the face. He looked in awe at the entire setting of the yard.A small flower garden adorns the right side of the yard - stretching all the way from the porch to the fences that separate the yard from the small road.On the left side of the yard, there was a long picnic table that was perfectly placed under the shade.What had him amazed was the amur maple tree that grew right in the middle of the yard. The height was between two to three meters, give or take. The samaras on the tree are bright red and green. Gale has a strange attraction to every maple tree. He was familiar with almost all of them and can tell one from the other.Gale now understands what Alex told him in the woods – why they played in the backyard when they got bored watching cartoons. The backyard was very beautiful and a perfect place for children to play. What he couldn't figure out was
Closer To You Chapter 29
Martin let Ava and Gale into his house by opening the door.Maya stepped out of the other room and stared at the man standing in her foyer with wide eyes.There were no words to describe how Maya felt right now, and the next thing she knew, she was crying while smiling. She took her time making her way to the foyer.Gale had already noticed her and smiled as best he could. His chest was churning with emotions."Gale..." said Maya. Her voice was slightly shaky."Hello, Maya," Gale replied warmly.Maya cupped Gale's cheek with her hand. Her other hand was on his shoulder. With a teary smile, she looked at Gale."I thought I was crazy for thinking that I saw Julia's face in yours when we first met," Maya began."You're not alone. I saw myself in Julia's face the moment I was able to focus on her on the way to the hospital," Gale responded. Tears began to form in his eyes."Is it alright? Are you okay with this new informati
Closer To You Chapter 28
The drive to Shelley's house began in silence.Ava's body reverberated with a mix of anxiety and excitement. She has been wondering how she would inform Julia of this. What should she say so that Julia understands right away? Julia was still a four-year-old little girl, no matter how smart she was for her age, Ava wasn't sure her daughter would understand the gravity of the situation she was about to face.Gale abruptly spoke as if reading into her whirlwind of thoughts. "Julia is so smart,"Ava cast a sidelong glance at Gale before returning her attention to the road. He had his gaze fixed on the window."She is," Ava said, smiling."She was fearless when I met her in the woods. I'm sure she knew that a rock and a stick wouldn't protect her from a bad person, but she stood her ground and won't let me pass through her. And she was so considerate. She was capable of reading the situation and did everything she could to make it easier for
Closer To You Chapter 27
"Dad?" Ava called Martin who was speaking with one of his employees. Martin paused and turned around to see Ava smiling at him, but then his gaze was drawn to the person standing behind her. Martin's eyes widened in surprise. "Good afternoon, Martin," Gale said. He was just as worried as the old man. "Ave, Gale… hello. Err–" Martin looked at his daughter with trepidation - asking for help with what to say. He couldn't think of anything to say. "We talked, dad. Everything is good now. Gale will meet Julia today," Ava gave a bright smile. Martin unexpectedly burst into tears. Ava quickly cupped her father's cheeks with concern. "What's the matter, Dad?" "I'm sorry," Martin apologized. His voice shatters. "I'm happy– these are happy tears, Ave," he said. Ava's eyes glistened as she looked at Martin. She was sure she'd cry again with her father if she hadn't already. She smiled as she wiped her father's tears. Some
Closer To You Chapter 26
What an irony.Gale wished all sorts of bad things for Julia's father last night. Feeling jealousy crept up in him as the thought of someone having Julia as their daughter – he was willing to do anything to be in that place. Julia was a brilliant little star, just like her mother.Not to mention the resemblance they shared. Gale wasn't blind. He had felt like he was looking at his reflection when he saw Julia's face. Even with softer features and edges, different colouring, and different lip shapes – Julia looks more like him than she was with Ava. And the way Josh, Denise, and Maya looked at him in astonishment was more proof that there was an uncanny resemblance between him and Julia.Gale wasn't aware that he was still holding Ava's hand. Their hands clasped so fit together that it felt so right, it's almost unnoticeable. The slight squeeze and soft thud of Ava's heartbeat against his wrist was the reason that reminds him of their joined han
