This is a sequel for The Ones Who Failed Us. If you have not read that book, do not read this book description because it contains spoilers.
Almost a year has passed since Avalee Russo killed Demetri. Since then, Ava has played the part of the perfe...
After a week of living with the Russos, I wasn't looking forward to going back home to that stressful environment. I knew that I would eventually have to go back, but I didn't think it would be this soon. Of course I missed Dad and Naina, but I was dreading meeting my mother after the hurtful words she had thrown at me after learning about Cameron.
I didn't want to have her on my back about completing my homework that I had already finished or to study more when I had already spent hours going over my notes for that history test. The Russos never did that with Ava or Teddy, and they were doing just as well as I was doing in school, if not better.
After one last look over the guest room I had been staying in for any remaining belongings, I grabbed my duffle bag and backpack and walked down the stairs. "Honey, I could've helped you with that," Leo said, running towards me and grabbing my duffle bag.
"It's not a big deal, Leo. It barely weighs anything," I said.
"Get used to it," Ava said from the foot of the staircase. "He doesn't let me carry anything but my backpack down the stairs."
"It's called being a gentleman, Aves," he chuckled, kissing the top of her head when we reached the bottom. "I'm just setting an example of how you should be treated in any future relationship. Like the queen you are."
Already got that covered, Leo.
Ava's cheeks reddened as her eyes glanced momentarily towards me. "Sorry about my brother, Arya. He loves embarrassing me."
"It's alright, but I should probably get going," I said, checking the time on my phone. "Thanks for having me, Leo. Are Mr. Russo or Alessandro here?"
"No, they're at work," Leo said, his lips pulled down in a frown. "But it was a pleasure having you. You're welcome back anytime."
Leo, with my duffel bag still on his shoulder, led me out of the house. With Ava and I behind him, she slipped her hand in mine, flashing me that signature smile of hers that never failed to make my heart melt.
Ava yanked her hand out of mine when Leo turned back towards us after placing the bag in my car trunk. "Arya, drive safely, and please let Ava know when you've reached safely. Aves, I'm gonna hop in the shower real quick, and then we can head to..."
Leo's face froze, his eyes looking at me, as Ava let out a laugh at her brother's expression. "It's fine, Leo. She knows about the therapy."
A look of relief settled over her brother's face, a long breath of air leaving his mouth. "Thank God," he muttered. "I'll see you later, Arya."
Once Leo was out of sight, Ava pulled me towards her by my arms, loosely wrapping hers around my waist. "Hey, are you okay? I know you've been worried about going back."
"I'll be fine," I said. "It's just that I know my mom will expect an apology, but then she won't say sorry back. I don't have the energy to deal with her right now, but I also can't stay here forever."
"Arya, you can stay here for as long as you like. You are always welcome here," she said.
"I know, but I can't keep putting this off. This conversation has to happen eventually, and it's already been a week."
"Okay," Ava sighed. "You'll call me tonight?"
"Of course."
Ava leaned in to kiss me, her hand cupping my face with her hand staying on my waist. Pulling her lips away, she said, "You got this, Arya. Keep your chin up."
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