"What do you think of the maroon?" asked Mr. Bradley. "Nah, maroon is like old, right Ava?" replied Kara. "I don't know. Whatever you choose, I'll go with it." "Then how about the black? It's cozy," explained Bradley. "It's too big. I don't think we need that," responded Kara. "So, it's for her house," Kara explained to Bradley. "Okay. I think the white one, five by six. It's movable, comfortable, and lasts long no matter the strength that rests on it," Bradley suggested. "I will take a look," said Kara, heading over to where the bed was. She examined it and then said, "How expensive is it?" "It's three hundred fifty dollars." "Should we take this?" Kara inquired from Ava. "Yeah, I guess. Who helps with delivering it, Mr. Bradley?" "Oh, my nephew can." "Oh, Edgar. Sure," Ava said, and Kara looked at her in surprise. "You've met Edgar?" Kara asked. "Yeah. He's a lovely guy." "Where did you meet him?" "At the cottage. I didn't want to tell you. I wanted it to be a surpris
"Wow, this looks delicious." "My mom taught me how to make it. I don't know what she called it, but I call it dinner." "What? Hehe." Chuckled Ava, taking a seat on the couch as Kara passed her a plate of food. "Are you planning on heading back home? You need to make amends with your father." "I don't want to talk about that, please." "Alright. Then this Martha friend. Who is she?" "Oh, she's my friend. We went to kindergarten together. We've been friends forever." "Yeah. Have you ever thought of her as a woman, like someone who attracts you?" Inquired Ava. "No, never. She's very pretty, quite a catch, but not my type." "Is she interested in women?" "Why ask so much?" Questioned Kara curiously. "Just want to know." "Yeah, she is interested in women. She came out and got into trouble, but now she's a lesbian, out of the closet." "What happened when she came out?" "The next morning, she appeared beaten up." "Who would do that?" Inquired Ava in worry. "We all thought her mot
Ava led her way out of the university hall to the parking lot, where she picked up her car and drove to town, straight to the store where she first found Ben. She arrived and knocked for a welcome inside, finding Ben seated and clearing a piece of wood. "Get to see you this early, Miss Sinclair. You're my morning charm today, I guess," joked Ben, getting close to her. "Am I? Good morning, Ben," greeted Ava. "Good morning, Miss Sinclair. Shall we?" replied Ben, tugging on his jacket. "I'll wait for you in the car while you pick up Edgar," said Ava. "Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes." They both went their separate ways, with Ava walking to her car and Ben heading straight to the store located next to Bed and Beds. In a few minutes, both Edgar and Ben arrived at the car and hopped in at the back as Ava set off. They arrived at the cottage, and Ava got out to open the door for them. She walked inside quietly as they had arrived and started preparing for their work. Ava, howeve
"I think we should leave," snapped Kara, placing her napkin on the table. "Sure, as you wish. Excuse me, sir," called Ava to the waiter who had served them. "Yes, Miss Sinclair?" responded the gentleman. "The bill, please," answered Kara. "Yes, Miss," said the waiter, heading back to the counter and then handing Ava the bill book. "Here is your bill, Miss." "Thank you," responded Ava, as Kara took the bill book from her. "I'm paying for this," chuckled Kara, taking money from her bag and placing it in the book. "Here you go," she said, handing the waiter the bill book. "That wasn't fair. I love paying for my bills," complained Ava, getting up from her seat. "I love paying as well. Maybe next time we'll split it in two?" proposed Kara. "No, I don't want that either." "Okay then. Next time you pay. The next time I do." "Maybe? I don't know," responded Ava, as they both walked towards the car. They got in and set off back home. The house had yet to be fully furnished, and ever
Parked outside manning university with a drained sight of Dante's car parked outside right next to hers. "He's back as well." Growled Ava. "I guess. Your punishment being lessened had him a chance of getting back." Responded Kara. "I did think I could have a spottless day. Maybe for a week." Said Ava slamming the door closed after she had picked up her bag pack.
"What are you going to do about it?" inquired Martha from Ava. "Nothing," answered she. "Well, he will have to talk to me and tell me why," said Kara. "You're not serious, are you?" Ava smacked Kara towards Kara. Just as they were continuing their argument, the bell rang, calling them back to class. During the lecture, Kara sat quietly in the back and glanced at Martha and Ava, who kept flirting throughout the class. Martha had her seat right beside Ava, which made Kara uncomfortable. She felt replaced and hated the thought of Ava trying to get Martha's attention. By the end of the lecture, Kara was upset and hardly said a word to them. They took their bags and headed out. Ava realized that they had left Kara behind. "Should we go Halloween shopping?" inquired Ava, gazing at Kara, who was lost in thought. "Yeah, I think it's a good idea. I would love to join you if you don't mind," Martha pointed out to Ava. "Sure." "What?" Kara eventually replied, having felt left out. "Goin
After her confession to Ava, Kara hadn't said a word to her. She was more distant and less engaged in any of the conversations they usually had together. Though Ava tried to bring her back to the woman she had met before, she couldn't do much. She hardly wanted to raise Kara's hopes of ever getting into a relationship with her. No matter how hurt she made Kara feel, the decision about dating Martha still stood.She had never detailed the reason why she couldn't get into a relationship with Kara, and neither did she explain it to her when Kara gave in. She instead took a stroll to start wooing Martha. To Martha, it was a pleasure knowing that Ava was interested in her. She had already fallen at first sight but had no idea about Kara's feelings towards Ava and neither did Kara ever show them again since the day. Two days before Halloween, Ava had already asked Martha out, and they were dating.Giving in to a supposed overthrow of her feelings, Kara had realized and released all hope
"How many times do I need to apologize to you, Kara?" asked Ava as they arrived at the cottage. "I didn't ask for any apology, Ava. I just don't get it. Well, maybe I do, but I don't know why I still feel like you're pulling me in and pushing me away at the same time, trying to get me to date just anyone," exclaimed Kara, visibly frustrated. "That wasn't my intention, though. I want you to feel happy, like the way you used to be before you started developing feelings for me," Ava mentioned, gazing softly into Kara's eyes. Kara returned the gaze, and they both entered the house. Kara settled on the couch. "I'm really hoping I can get over the feelings I have for you, Ava. I pray it's just a passing infatuation because if it's not, you and I might not be friends anymore." "Are you serious about this?" asked Ava, sitting down next to Kara. "I'm very serious. I think staying away from you would be the best decision, the better choice. I don't want to get hurt by the fact that you're
"I wanted to see my nanny fast before I went," informed Kara to her uncle. "She is blessed to have you in her life," smirked Mr. Jones. "Yeah, but I'm blessed to have her in mine. She's been so good to me. She cared for us so well." Nanny was in the kitchen, preparing coffee for them. As soon as she heard what Kara was offering her, the tray of pots and cups she held fell to the ground in excitement. "That's too much, child," she said, standing behind Mr. Jones. "It's nothing, Nanny. You've done so much for me and the whole family... you deserve even more. You can stay with your kids and grandkids here," Kara replied softly. "I don't know how to thank you, dear. I will always be in your debt. I've never owned so much money in my name. It's unbelievable." "Well, Nanny, it's time for you to rest. Get someone to take care of you. Enjoy your time without working like a donkey." "I'm so used to working. I don't know how I will live without making coffee or cleaning the house," she c
"Sign here, and here. Put your fingerprints here. And that's it," explained the sheriff, showing Kara the document with a tin of ink. "That's it, and she is done? We can go?" inquired Ava with a thrill. "Yes. You can definitely go. She can go anywhere. You shouldn't forget your stuff, though," coughed the sheriff, grabbing a container from down the counter that held the necklace Ava had gifted her, a stack of cash notes, a bracelet, and her identity card. Kara finalized the signatures, then picked up her belongings, thanking the sheriff as they both headed out of the station, finding Ben still standing at the entrance, waiting for them. He looked very embarrassed as he gazed at Kara, who was feeling the sunlight. "I'm hoping you can forgive me, Kara. I'm very sorry," he apologized on his feet. "No, no need for apologizing, Ben. You did the right thing at the end of it all. That's all you need to do for me," answered Kara with a slight smirk. "I hope I can make it up to you," he
Back at the Manning Health Centre, Martha had paid Dante a visit and threatened him about how she would expose him to his mother when Ava arrived with the sheriff, finding her in the room. "Now, aren't we lucky to find you here, Martha," Ava sarcastically muttered. "I was just leaving. You can continue with what you came for," Martha replied, smirking as she tried to head out. In the same minute, Ben entered the room too. "She can't be going anywhere, Sheriff. All of this might end up with her as the criminal," Ava chanted with a serious face. "What are you talking about, Ava?" Martha grinned, acting surprised as she attempted to rush even faster when the sheriff closed the door, blocking her path. Ava then turned to talk to Dante, who clearly was thinking this through. "Please, Dante. You need to help us," Ava begged. "I don't know what you're talking about," Dante snapped, surprising everyone. Ben walked to his bed to convince him. "Look, Brandon. If she was threatening you
"He will be alright, ma'am. The bullets were already removed when he got here, thank goodness, but he lost a lot of blood. He will need to rest," explained the surgeon who had been treating Dante for almost four hours. "Thank you, Dr. Clark," replied Victoria with a sigh. "You had the doctor. He can't be moved until he is really fine." "But we don't got that time, miss. Don't you understand?" pumped Ava. "Can't you just get the cops here instead of my son having to risk his life and go to the station." "Why didn't I think of that," snapped Ava at herself. "Look, Mom. We shall be here tomorrow for Dante's statement." "Alright. Go on then," walked Victoria back to her office, her expression showing disdain. "I need to go," said Ben. "Sure. But you will be here tomorrow. Promise me, Ben," begged Ava. "I will. I still have to make sure that he is alright," confirmed Ben. "And us. Where are we spending the night? I don't want to sleep in the car," whined Daniel to his wife and daug
Ben managed to get Dante to a small cottage owned by Mr. Bradley, which was close to the streets of Manning. He had Dante lie down on the bed to rest while he cleaned himself up to head back to town to get some supplies and medication. After changing into a saggy green vest and a pair of black jeans, Ben left the cottage to purchase medical supplies. As he left the pharmacy, he ran into Ava, who was standing behind the pharmacy entrance doorframe. "Ben!" called Ava, startling him. "Hi, Ava. How are you?" Ben asked with a forced smile. "Do I look okay to you, Ben?" snapped Ava with gritted teeth. "Umm, what's wrong?" "Where is Dante, Ben? I know what you did to Kara. Now I need to talk to Dante. Right away." "What are you saying?" "The fact that you're buying medical supplies means you have him somewhere, and you're helping him." "Wait, what?" asked Ben, puzzled by Ava's insinuation. "Listen, Ben. Kara is locked up for a crime she didn't commit. You and I know it for a fact."
Early the next morning, Ava had to get her dad out of bed, rushing him into getting ready because she believed it was a waste of time for every minute that passed."I can't believe you're still in bed, Dad," muttered Ava, shaking Daniel out of bed."Alright. Alright. I'm sorry. Let me get up," answered Daniel, getting out from under the sheets."Do you need to take a shower, Dad?" Ava asked seriously."Of course, I need to. Did you?""Yeah, I did. I just think that you will take a lot of time showering.""Give me thirty minutes, and I will be out already.""Okay. Hurry up, though. I'm getting impatient.""Alright. Pick up my phone and call Jeremy.""Good morning," snapped Brenda, who was already up and making breakfast for the two."You didn't wake him up, Mother?""I did. But you know how your father gets. He slept late looking into Kara's case. So he deserved the rest.""He did?" surprisingly questioned Ava."Yes. And I think he will try to help. He also said that Kara will have to b
"Please, Dante. Let us go," begged Kara, tears streaming from her eyes. "Just promise you won't say anything about this. No, no, no, no. What did I do? I can't trust you two. I know you don't like me, Kara. You will find the pleasure of seeing me suffer," protested Dante in fear. "Dante, my father is dying. You won't find the pleasure of forgiving yourself ever if you know you killed him. Just help me save him." Mr. Manning had lost a lot of blood and couldn't say anything at all. In deep thought, Dante decided to untie Kara so they could both figure out a way to save the old man. It was after Kara was untied when Martha showed up with Ben in the room. She apprehended them as they were helping Mr. Manning onto their shoulders to head out. Kara quickly picked up Dante's gun and pointed it at Martha, who also had a gun in her hand. Shaken by what she was witnessing, Martha's plan had worsened, and she had to do something to get herself out of trouble. "What did you do, Dante?" ask
"About that, Dad, I really do need your help. Kara might be in very big trouble because of me. I want you to help me guarantee her safety. Please," begged Ava, taking a seat in her father's chair. "What do you want me to do?" "I want to get her here legally so she can join a serious school to finish her studies." "I don't think her father will agree to that, Ava." "He definitely won't, but she isn't willing to stay with him. He treats her so badly, Dad." "He seems like a responsible and loving father," said Daniel, convinced. "Yeah. But he isn't. He is very brutal, and he could beat her up if he can. I'm really terrified for her, Dad. Let's do this. You help me with this, and I promise to try and get into the company." "Well, I would have said yes anyway, but there is something in it for me. I will see what to do, but I don't guarantee the success." "Thank you, Dad. Now, where do I start from here?" "Let's do that tomorrow. I will have to officially introduce you to my employe
"May I come in?" Brenda knocked on Ava's door. "Come on in, Mother," Ava answered, emerging from the bathroom. "Please close the door." "I missed the way you would tell me to close the door after I'm gone. How are you, darling?" "Terrified, Mom. I'm terrified for her," Ava stated, sitting on the bed. "Her? Oh, the girl. The girl, Kara from your school?" "Yes, Mother. That place is dangerous. Manning Town is cruel, Mom, and I'm scared that she might get into big trouble." "Doesn't she live with her dad?" "No. She had some issues with him, and she has been staying with me for some time now." "Why did you leave her there?" "She forced me to go, convincing me that she would be alright, but I don't think it's true. All I'm thinking about is her and what could be happening to her." "Are you in love with Kara?" "I care so much about her, Mother. I can't stand the fact that she might be hurting." "Do you ever answer anything directly, Ava? It was a simple question. Are you in love