Promise

chapter 97

Avery

Everything was finally staying good, I enjoyed the consistency but I knew at some point something was bound to go wrong. I had a feeling that it would be something to do with Xander. He had been distant lately, he was definitely hiding something.

Dad was busy downstairs with some friends, he had encouraged me to join but I had refused multiple times, I didn't like his last friend so I wasn't taking any chances.

I heard a knock at the door and I reluctantly replied with "come in" I expected it to be dad trying to get me to come down again but instead it was Gabbi. "So it took a lot of convincing for Elijah to allow me to come see you. Anyway I wanted to talk to you, I know you're up here because you don't want anything bad to happen. I just want to reassure you that none of us have bad intentions, and you are more than welcome to join us. In fact I know Elijah is missing you, he keeps looking up. I also know that it's been just you and your dad for a while but I was hoping with your permission if I could ask him on a date. If you are not comfortable with it, I won't ask, don't feel you have to say you're ok with it."
I was suprised by her nervous rambling. Why did she even want my say in this?
Then I remembered Jess. She was nice at first, maybe Gabbi will turn out like Jess. "of course I'm not going to ask him just yet as I know it's not been long since his last girlfriend, and I know he isn't interested at the moment. But I want you to know that whatever happens. I will respect you and your relationship with him" she did seem genuine...but so did Jess.
"I guess you can" I say, I had no reason other than my own fear to say no. She had done nothing wrong.
"Great. It's not going to be for a while but I just want your approval first" she said still nervous. I nod "as long as you don't turn out like Jess" my voice comes out quieter than I intended but she still heard "can I ask what happened" she was hesitant but looking at her I see no bad intentions so I anwser "she was abusive" I keep it vague, I wasn't about to tell her the full story. Her eyes go wide and then a look of disgust makes its way onto her face before finally it turns into sadness "oh you poor girl, never will I hurt you. Oh god. I'm so so sorry" she didn't hesitate and pulled me into a hug.

After a few minutes we parted and she looked at me with concern so I decide to reassure her "I'm ok now though" she looks skeptical but nods "will you come downstairs for a bit" I nod deciding to show my face for a bit. "Great let's go"

We entered the living room, i vaguely remember one of the men sitting on the sofa to be Zach, there was another girl sat next to him and then dad on another sofa, he looked bored and like he would rather be anywhere else. "Look who came to say hi" Gabbi says, her hand resting on my shoulder, it made me flinch automatically. "Avery" dad said his bored expression turned into a big smile. "Come sit down, this is Zach you met at the very beggining , his sister Rachel"  dad continued. "Nice to meet you Avery, your dad here has been telling us all about you"  Rachel said, "He's definitely your biggest fan"Zach continued. "Just because I have an amazing daughter, you're only jealous" dad spoke and both Gabbi and I laughed. "What's next a shrine dedicated to her" Rachel snickered. Only dad's smile vanished and it turned into a dark look "never" he said in such a serious voice I shuddered. He quickly got up and hugged me, I hugged him back but I felt as if he was hugging me like I was about to dissapear. Suddenly he parted "you need food, I'll go cook you something. Are you coming" I nod and follow him out. "Dad are you ok" I ask when we enter the kitchen, he smiles "of course sweetheart. Now what do you fancy" he replied "anything is good" I tell him, "pasta it is"  and he begins preparing the food.

Half way done I decide to ask him a question that's been on my mind for a while. "Have you noticed something is off  with Xander, he seems so distant lately" dad looked at me like he was debating something "I wouldn't read to much into it, he's probably just busy" dad shrugged it off.
I wasn't going to let it go though

I will find out what you're hiding Xander