Promise

chapter 74

Avery

I couldn't tell him, as I watched him interact with Jess throughout the night I realized how happy he was. I didn't want to be the one to take it away. I didn't want to distance myself from Elijah, he was my dad, I couldn't do that.  Elijah wouldn't send me to boarding school would he?
Throughout the night, Jess had been nice around me when Elijah was there but as soon as he wasn't in the same room or he wasn't looking, she would glare at me.
"Avery dear it's quite late, how about you give me and your dad some privacy. After all sleep is really important" she spoke, acting concerned but it wasn't hard to see it was fake. Elijah didn't even see through her act, he was too happy.
So if that's how she wants to play, game on.
"Sure I'll give you some space, dad will you walk with me" I say and his smile grew even more, like it always did when I called him dad. "Of course, let's go" he spoke standing up.
Take that Jess.
"Babe, she is 15. She doesn't need you taking her to bed" Jess tried to protest. Elijah looked hesitant which made me feel nervous. Would he really listen to Jess.
Elijah and I would always hug before I went to bed, I still had nightmares and if I thought it was going to be a rough night he would check my room. Of course I knew their was no cameras but it helped so much knowing Elijah had checked, it was the reassurance I need.
"She's my daughter, Jess" Elijah said and followed me out.
I had won.
Not that it was a competition...was it?

"So maybe Jess is right, I mean you are 15, you need space"  Elijah spoke as we headed upstairs. I stopped and turned to him. "But the nightmares" I say and he sighs "sweetheart, Garrows is gone. We are in a new home. You are safe. Besides we both know there is no cameras don't we" he spoke and I nodded. I knew there wasn't any but the reassurance was what I needed. "And the hugs" I ask slowly. I guess they weren't happening anymore either. "We can still hug just when you say goodnight downstairs" he said and I nodded sadly.
Maybe he would send me to boarding school?
"Hey cheer up, Its not like I'm abandoning you" he tried to joke but i looked at him in panic, he wouldn't would he.
"Jeez Avery, Im not going anywhere. How many times must I reassure you" he smiled quickly after realising his tone came across a little snappy.
"I think I can make the rest of the way by myself" I say not liking this side of him.
"Are you sure" he asked and I nodded. "Ok" he opened his arms for a hug but I just looked at him. Concern flashed in his eyes and I slowly went and gave him a quick hug, I didn't want questions so a few seconds hugging was nothing compared to hours of questions.
"Goodnight Elijah"

Elijah
Both the book and Jess had made it clear teenagers need space so that's what I was trying to do. Jess' words got me thinking about the book. I should back of a bit, she needs her space. I had no experience unlike whoever wrote this book. I had to be the best dad possible, even if it meant backing off. She was her own person, I couldn't be there 24/7. I wish I was but the book said it wasn't healthy to be with her so much. I guess my first step was to not walk with her to her bedroom.  It made me feel guilty though, just seeing her face but I had to look past that. I was doing this for her.

"Well now that she's gone why don't we go to your room"  Jess suggested as I walked back into the living room. I look her over and see she had adjusted her dress so it was more revealing. I nod as I scan her body,damn she was hot.

"Let's go"

Ugh. It was morning and I had the worst headache. I checked the time and saw it was almost time to take Avery to school. I would need to get up now if she was to make it on time.

After getting ready, my appearance was somewhat messy. No tie or blazer just pants and a shirt. God I looked awful.

I noticed Jess wasn't here, she must be downstairs with Avery.
I quickly head downstairs and my thought was confirmed.
Avery was eating breakfast and Jess was making coffee.
This was family. This was what I wanted for years.
"Good morning" I say walking in, I kiss Jess' cheek as I grab a coffee. I turn to Avery and see her looking down. She looked miserable and I hated it. "What's wrong sweetheart" I put my coffee down and go to her. "Nothing, I'm just glad you're happy" she whispered with a smile correction a forced smile. "Are you happy" I ask and she nods. I really couldn't see if it was real or fake so I decide to take her word for it. "Nightmare" I suggest and she nods reluctantly making me concerned about what had happened in this nightmare.
"Do you want to talk about it" I ask but before she anwsers Jess speaks. "Elijah stop pressing the girl, you look like shit, how about I take Avery to school and have a chat about it whilst we are in the car" I smile at Jess' thoughtfulness,it was probably going to be easier for Avery to tell Jess both bring females. "Sure, thank you Jess"  I tell her and she responds with a smile "anytime Elijah"

Avery

I lied to him. Lying was a rule. I broke a rule thanks to that bitch. She had yet again said some hurtful things up until a minute before Elijah came in when she changed her behaviour. Now I was going to be stuck in a car with her.
"I can walk" I suggest but Elijah shakes his head. "Jess has kindly offered to take you, go with her please"

And that was that. I had no choice.