FIRE | H.S.

Chapter 13

   The repeated knock on my door wakes me up from my nap on the sofa. I stretch out my limbs and get up, looking through the peephole before I open the door. "Evan, what are you doing here?"

   His green eyes search my eyes before speaking. "Ava," he whispers. "How have you been? You haven't answered my calls or texts for a whole week, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

   "I'm okay," I shrug.

   "Listen, Ava... can I come in?" he asks. I shake my head slightly, his eyes drop to the floor and he shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "Ava... I want to apologize. I'm sorry for what I said. I realize what I said was wrong and I'm really sorry. I miss you so much. I miss our conversations and our walks. I need you near me again, Ava. Please forgive me?"

   I hate that I miss him too, even though I'm still angry at him. I miss our talks and our walks, but there's no way I'm telling him that. "Evan," I sigh. "The things you said and did were wrong and they hurt."

   "I know, I'm so sorry. I mean, I know these are very sensitive topics now in our society and I get that you feel strongly about them. I know I should not have said that."

   "Is that really the way you think? Do you really believe that the way a woman dresses is the reason why she gets raped?" I cross my arms over my chest.

   "Of course not! I wasn't thinking when I said that. I'm not a total asshole, even though I acted like one. Please, Ava. Please forgive me, I'm so sorry."

   "You know, this is a half-assed apology," I say.

   "I know, I'm not good at expressing myself through talking."

   "I forgive you, but you have to promise me you won't say shit like that again," I sigh.

   "Promise, baby. Thank you!" he steps toward me and hugs me. He goes in to kiss me but I turn my head to the side.

   "I forgive you but you haven't earned my kisses yet."

   "I guess that's fair. Can I come in?"

   I look at the watch on my wrist and shake my head. "I actually have to go, I'm meeting Charles and Aurora for dinner. Sorry," I shrug.

   "Damn, I was hoping to spend some time with you. Will you be busy next weekend?" I shake my head. "Would you come with me to my friend's birthday party? It's going to be at a nightclub and it's pretty much all couples that will be going."

   "Nightclubs aren't really my scene," I say.

   "Mine either but he's one of my best friends and I can't miss it. I'm sure you wouldn't miss out on Charles' or Aurora's birthdays."

   He's right, I wouldn't miss them for the world, I always try to do everything in my power to celebrate their birthdays with them. "Okay, I'll go with you. Just let me know which day it is and at what time."

   "Will do, babe. I'll let you go now, have fun at your dinner." He leans in and kisses my cheek. "Don't wear something too nice, I don't want someone stealing my girlfriend." I chuckle and he starts walking to his car. When I see him drive off, I lock my door and make my way to my bedroom to change.

***

   This whole week Evan has been coming over after I get home from work. Leilani had the week off school, so Harry's been dropping her off at his aunt's house before work so that they can spend some time together. Leilani complains every morning when I see them.

   When Evan comes, he brings me chocolates, cookies, takeout, or cupcakes. I'm pretty sure he does this to get my full forgiveness. I'm surprised it's working. However, that doesn't mean I've forgotten about what he said, but it doesn't do me any good to live in the past.