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58. Real and Healing
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Saving Ava 59. Burning Bridges
The world was a dizzying swirl as Carver effortlessly hoisted Ava onto his shoulder. Her laughter bubbled up, a mix of surprise and exhilaration, and she squirmed, her feet kicking into the warm South Carolina air. Carver's chuckles vibrated against her, the deep, resonant sound warming her even more than the South Carolina air. "No taking it back now!" he teased, adjusting his grip on her. Through her playful struggles, she heard the gentle splash of water and turned her head to see Peyton on the dock. He met her gaze, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, amusement evident in his eyes. He grabbed his phone, seemingly checking something before resuming his fishing. Once inside, Carver's steps were purposeful, leading them straight to the bedroom. As he lowered her onto the mattress, she felt the cool silk of the ties wrapping around her wrists. "Interesting choice," she remarked with a smirk, recalling how she'd used those very ties on him earlier. "They've become favorite
Saving Ava 60. Mood Killer
The cool night breeze ruffled Carver's hair as he approached the dock, its wooden planks worn smooth from countless feet over the years. The faint glow of the dock's lights reflected off the gentle ripples of the water, painting a serene picture. At the very end, Ava sat there with her legs dangling over the edge, her silhouette outlined by the soft luminescence of the moonlit water. Peyton's voice momentarily interrupted the gentle lapping of waves, attempting to bring levity, "Don't jump. It isn't that serious." But as Ava turned to look up at them, the playful comment soured. The redness and swelling around her eyes betrayed the tears she'd shed, and a pang of guilt shot through Peyton. Handing Carver the fishing pole he'd been using, Peyton gestured toward the spot next to Ava. Carver's steps were hesitant, almost reverent, as he made his way to her side. Taking a deep breath, he seated himself beside her. Before he could get a word out, Ava looked like she might voice her own
Saving Ava 61. Kiss Me
The bathwater embraced Ava warmly, bubbles dancing around her as soft laughter echoed from the shower. While the specifics of their conversation eluded her, the camaraderie between Peyton and Carver was undeniable. When the water finally ceased its gentle cascade from the showerheads, she felt a noticeable shift in the room's aura. As they stepped out, the playful glint she'd detected earlier had faded from their eyes, replaced with a somber intensity. It was as if the weight of what awaited them had suddenly hit home. "Why do you two look like you're about to face a firing squad?" she quipped, trying to cut through the palpable tension. Her words, though light-hearted, hinted at the gravity she felt. Emerging from the bath, she wrapped herself in a towel, the soft fabric hugging her as she perched on the edge of the countertop. Their gazes met hers, and for a moment, the air thickened with unsaid words and emotions. "We're...nervous," Peyton admitted, glancing sideways at Carve
Saving Ava 62. Skeptical
The room was bathed in a soft morning glow, casting gentle shadows across the bed where Ava, Carver, and Peyton lay, bodies tangled together, lost in the deep embrace of slumber. The warmth of the morning light and the synchronized rhythm of their breathing were as beautiful as the moments they shared over the past several hours. This peace was abruptly shattered by the jarring sounds of distress emanating from the bathroom. Ava's eyes shot open, her heart racing as she identified Carver's agonized retching. Beside her, Peyton stirred, his face etched with concern. Whispering, Ava's voice wavered with anxiety. "Do you think it's...because of last night?" Peyton's gaze remained thoughtful. "Could be. My first time with another guy also made me throw up," he admitted with a slight smile. "but Carver...he went way further than I ever did initially, so..." Concern clouded Ava's eyes as she continued to watch the bathroom door. "Would you be upset if he's reacting this way because of
Saving Ava 63. Vials
The room held a quiet, solemn energy as Ava and Peyton gently helped Carver out of the bath. His steps were a bit shaky, but with their support on either side of him, he made his way to the bed. Once settled amid the soft sheets, he looked up at them with weary eyes."Hey," he began softly, "I just have a fever. It's not the end of the world. Go on, give yourselves a break. Let me rest, I will be fine."Ava and Peyton exchanged glances. The unspoken sentiment between them was clear – Carver was giving them time together. They both knew him well enough to understand the gesture, though his overt concern for their relationship sometimes felt suffocating.They stepped out onto the balcony, allowing the fresh air to envelop them. Ava leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath. "You know, he probably thinks we'll do something other than talk about him the whole time."Peyton smirked, his gaze steady on the horizon. "He really doesn't get it, does he? But I don't think you do either."
Saving Ava 64. Pills and Contracts
The bedroom was filled with a muted stillness, interrupted only by Carver's ragged breathing and the soft rustle of sheets. Standing beside the bed, Peyton produced a couple of pills, holding them out to Carver. Carver's eyes narrowed, locking onto the pills. "Are those what I think they are?" he asked, his voice edged with suspicion.Peyton's expression remained neutral, yet there was an underlying firmness. "Yes," he replied tersely. "But take them. I'm not in the mood for a debate."Ava, who had been perched on the edge of the bed, glanced between the two men, confusion evident on her face. The air in the room grew tense, charged with unspoken emotions."They're pain pills," Peyton clarified for Ava's benefit. The tension eased, but only slightly. Carver met Peyton's gaze, his defiance evident. However, he relented after a few long moments, swallowing the pills grimly. "See you in two days," he muttered bitterly, rolling over to face the wall.Peyton and Ava exchanged a concerned
Saving Ava 65. Simple Things
The atmosphere on the dock had been surprisingly pleasant, the hours melting away as Ava and Peyton chatted about everything but Carver. Their laughter echoed off the water, and the tension winding around Ava's heart seemed to ease. They had covered all topics, from favorite childhood memories to silly would-you-rather questions, deliberately steering clear of the subject that had been dominating their lives. Their playful banter continued when they moved into the kitchen to start dinner. The mood was light, a far cry from the heavy emotional fog hanging over the house earlier. At this moment, laughter still hovering in the air, Carver appeared at the top of the stairs. His descent was slow, each step seeming like a burden, and his expression unreadable. Picking up on the change in atmosphere, Peyton handed Carver a glass filled with his next dose of antibiotics. "Oh good, I was about to bring this up to you. Here, drink this." Carver didn't meet his gaze, didn't say a word. He jus
Saving Ava 66. Charts and Videos
Carver woke up to a warmth that enveloped him from both sides. Ava was snuggled up to him on one side, her arm draped over his chest, and Peyton was on the other, their legs tangled in a comforting mess of sheets and limbs. A smile crept onto Carver's face despite the heat and slight discomfort. This was the kind of discomfort he wouldn't trade for anything in the world. As he lay there, his mind began to churn, introspecting the maze of his recent emotions and actions. He thought about how far he'd let himself spiral into a pit of despair, anger, and self-pity. "What a mess I am," he thought. "Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the universe decided that I deserve not just one, but two incredible people in my life. Two soulmates who, despite my flaws, want nothing more than for me to be okay." The realization weighed heavily on him, like a delicate balance of shame and gratitude. He knew he had a long way to go, that he had issues to confront and battles to fight, both with himself
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Saving Ava 91. Control Rehab
Carver's laptop dinged, signaling a new email. He quickly opened it and started typing, his fingers flying across the keyboard. He was excited about what he was doing and that much was clear.Peyton was still sprawled out on their bed, unaware of the tension between Ava and Carver. The flicker of the camera’s light while she showered had rattled Ava, and Carver’s nonchalant dismissal... claiming it wasn’t him...had done little to comfort her.“Carver,” Ava said, sharper than intended. “I know I saw it. Why would the camera light be on if not for someone watching?”He didn’t look up immediately, focusing on the screen as he tapped away on the keys. “I told you, Ava, it wasn’t me. Maybe it’s a malfunction.”“A malfunction,” she echoed, skepticism threading through her tone. “How convenient. As you are sitting over there on the only laptop in the apartment with access to the feeds.”He finally looked at her, his dark eyes flashing with irritation. “There’s nothing to worry about.”“Then
Saving Ava 90. Peek
The journey back to the apartment was a testament to Carver's deteriorated state. His steps were unsteady, his body weak and battered. Peyton, with a firm arm wrapped around him, provided the support he desperately needed, practically carrying him the last few steps.Upon reaching the bed, Carver, exhausted beyond measure, collapsed face-first onto it. He made a feeble attempt to pull off his shirt, his arms reaching behind his head in a strained effort, but his energy was spent. Ava quickly assisted him, gently pulling the shirt over his head. Observing Carver's condition, Peyton declared, "I think it's time for another IV." He began preparing the medication, his movements efficient but careful.Ava stayed close to Carver, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his back. The sight of his injuries – the bruises, lash marks, and burns that covered his back, shoulders, and arms – was heart-wrenching. Each mark a painful reminder of what he had endured.Peyton, ready with the IV, gently
Saving Ava 89. New
After finishing the omelets, Peyton handed Carver a couple of pills, which he took without protest. They all moved into the living room, with Carver walking with difficulty. Ava, ever attentive, wrapped a blanket around him and helped him settle on the couch. Peyton, needing a moment to gather his thoughts, turned on the TV and sat in a chair, his mind still racing with the revelations and the situation at hand. Peyton, looking intently at Carver, broke the silence. "Okay, is there anything else you want to admit? Get it out right now, so I can start to get over this agitation," he said through gritted teeth. Carver paused, weighing his words carefully. "I... I changed my contract at Esmerelda's," he finally admitted, his voice low and filled with a sense of defeat and embarrassment. Peyton sat up straighter, his attention sharpened. "How exactly did you change it?" he asked, a hint of worry creeping into his tone. "I added intimate encounters," Carver confessed, avoiding Peyton'
Saving Ava 88
As they settled Carver in the bed, Ava began the task of undressing him. His jeans, the same pair he had been wearing when he first arrived at Esmerelda's over a week ago, were tattered and stained with blood. Carefully, she helped him into a pair of pajama pants and one of his T-shirts. It became apparent that Carver had lost a significant amount of weight; the shirt, which would have once fit him snugly, now hung loosely on his frame.“When was the last time you ate?” Ava asked gently, her concern evident in her tone.Carver’s response was faint, “I don’t even know.”Peyton, sensing the immediate need, headed into the kitchen to make soup, considering it the most appropriate and easy-to-digest food for Carver in his current state.While Peyton was away, Carver, with a sudden surge of energy, rolled over and pulled Ava into a tight embrace. As she held him, Ava realized he was burning up with fever. “You’re so hot,” she whispered, her worry growing.Peyton returned with the soup, and
Saving Ava 87
Carver's fever worsened, a clear sign that his body was struggling to cope with the injuries. The infections from the wounds were not properly treated, adding to his physical distress. His once muscular and resilient body was now a canvas of suffering, each mark a story of his descent into despair.Esmerelda, witnessing his decline, realized that Carver was on a path to self-destruction. His disregard for his physical well-being was alarming, but it was his mental state that worried her the most. He had become a shell of the man he once was, driven by a need to punish himself that was consuming him from the inside.The fever brought with it delirium, and Carver began to lose touch with reality. His moments of lucidity were few and far between, and during these moments, he was haunted by visions of Peyton and Ava. In his fevered state, he would sometimes speak to them, apologizing, pleading, and expressing his love and regret.As Esmerelda watched Carver hanging from the rack, his body
Saving Ava 86
Esmerelda's sharp rapping on the truck window jolted Carver awake. Blinking against the sunlight streaming through the glass, he saw her standing outside, her appearance strikingly different in the daylight. Gone was the dominatrix persona, replaced now by a more business-like demeanor."I can't have my patrons sleeping in their trucks out front, Carver," Esmerelda stated, her tone a mix of annoyance and concern.Carver, still disoriented from sleep, responded, “Well, I own the fucking building, give me a room.”Esmerelda paused, considering his request, before nodding in agreement. “Okay, fine,” she conceded. She led him inside the building, guiding him to her personal apartment. The space was unlike the rest of Esmerelda’s establishment; it was more reflective of her day-to-day life, less about her professional role.She pointed to the couch. “You can sleep there,” she said, her voice softer now, a hint of empathy creeping through.Exhausted, Carver collapsed onto the couch, his bod
Saving Ava 85
As Carver unbuttoned his shirt, the receptionist silently entered the room behind him. Observing the scene sternly, Esmerelda gave a slight nod to the receptionist. In response, the receptionist sharply smacked her clipboard against Carver’s bare back, chastising him for prematurely disrobing. "No one told you to do that," she reprimanded. Carver, startled, slowly rebuttoned his shirt, his gaze never leaving Esmerelda. He was well aware of the rule against making direct eye contact in such circumstances, yet he could not look away, a silent rebellion against the order of things. A quiet plea for more pain. Esmerelda informed the receptionist that Carver had chosen the 'unlimited' path for tonight's session. The receptionist's smile turned wicked at the revelation. Carver had never before given them such control, and the anticipation of what they could do with this newfound power was evident in her expression. Led through the new halls of Esmerelda's, Carver couldn’t help but notic
Saving Ava 84
Ava and Peyton navigated a tumultuous sea of emotions in the safe confines of Peyton's apartment. Each day of the week felt like an eternity, filled with moments of fragile calm, abruptly shattered by waves of distress and grief. Ava, usually so composed and strong, grappled with an overwhelming sense of loss and confusion. Her emotions swung like a pendulum, from moments of numbness to intense bouts of sorrow.During one particularly harrowing evening, Ava curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped tightly around her. Her face, usually full of life and warmth, was marred by the shadow of heartache. "I just feel so lost, Peyton," she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. "Like a part of me is missing, and I don’t know how to get it back."Peyton, sitting beside her, wrapped his arm around her quivering shoulders. His heart ached at the sight of her pain. "I know, Ava. It’s hard, it’s really hard," he said, his voice a mixture of empathy and determination. "But
Saving Ava 83
"I'm not sure I want there to be an 'us' anymore, Peyton." The sentence hung in the air, heavy with implications and sorrow.Peyton's breath hitched, his heart racing with panic. He gently held Ava back, searching her face for clarity, for confirmation of the fear that now gripped him. "Ava?" he asked desperately.Ava, seeing the alarm in his eyes, hurried to clarify. Her words rushed and filled with emotion. "No, no, not us. I want us, Peyton... I'm just not sure I want 'us' to include him anymore." Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, bore into his, conveying a steadfast love for Peyton, even amid the heartbreak.Peyton was speechless, the complexity of their entwined lives with Carver suddenly unraveling before him. He nodded silently. Pulling Ava back into his embrace, Peyton held her close, a silent oath to be her support and anchor in their lives raging seas. They lay together, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in their shared grief. Ava's sobs slowly subsided, but
