~Reality~

Chapter 23 The comeback

To MJ- Sure! if you consider gender wage gaps, women being considered weak, boys being preferred over girls to get educated in rural areas, supposed gender roles, dress codes for girls, no abortion rights, stereotypes, women harassment, men harassment and so much more to be a thing to be thankful to! Of course earlier women had even fewer rights, in fact to an extent that they weren't allowed out of the house! But trust me, that still happens. Just because you haven't experienced it or seen it doesn't mean it isn't a serious problem. I am thankful for what I have, but that doesn't mean I can't fight against something that's wrong. Thanks for watching!<3

I send the message and show it to Cody.
"Dos this seem good?" I ask him.
He reads it with a small smile creeping up his face. "That's gonna teach them." He says, his eyes twinkling.
I sit back with a smug expression. "Hope so."

We hang out for a while discussing some stuff for a project.
Eventually he has to go.

"Bye Ava, see ya tomorrow at Kate's house." He says.
"Wait what? We're meeting at Kate's house tomorrow...?"
"Yeah I think so..." He replies, "why what's wrong?"
"Um, I kinda told Pranav I'd come to his house tomorrow....."
"Pranav?" He asks confused.
"Yeah Parvati's elder brother..?" I say trying to ring a bell in his mind.
"Oh I remember now...you're like, going out with him?"  He asks, some emotion I can't recognise flashing across his face.
"No! Not at all! We just planned to play some video games that's all." I say.
"Oh....okay" he says.
"Um..I can cancel if you want..?" I ask him.
"No! I mean no that's ok. We'll hang out another time..." he says with a smile.
"Sure...." I say, trying to gauge his expression.
He waves his hand in farewell and walks out of my room. That was....weird..

I try not to think to much about it and work on my maths homework. Remind me to hit the person who invented maths with a bat on their head. Why in the world do I need Algebra?! How will it help me in real life?! That's right, in no way AT ALL.
Eventually I fall asleep, because honestly? Who DOESN'T fall asleep while doing maths? (A/N *crashes hands through the floor* I definitely fall asleep while doing...mAtHs. Ugh)

—x Just a line break 'cause Ava's awesome-x—

The next day

I sit at the breakfast table eating my toast when I ask mom.
"Hey mom, is it alright if I go to Parvati's house today after lunch?"
"Um, sure..." she says glancing at me, "do you need a ride?"
"Um yeah..kinda," I add hastily "if you're free that is..."
"Okay, I'll drop you off after 2" she says nodding.
I smile, "thanks mom".
After are little talk, our relationship has been way better. It has been hard for her, since she was used to all those differences, but..she's been making an effort. I feel proud to know I'd changed her, maybe I could do the same to others......

Timeskip

I knock on the door and Parvati's mom opens it. "hello" I say.
"hello dear! Pranav said he was expecting you." she smiles warmly.
"yeah, he invited me to play video games."
"yes yes, come in come in dear!"
I smile, "thank you" I enter and look around, nothing much had changed. Pranav enters from what I assume is his room.
"hey Ava!" he says "here to lose I see.." he smirks. I want nothing more than to wipe that smirk off his face.
His mom slaps him on the shoulder. "Is that how you treat guests Pranav?"

I suppress snickers and shake my head in mock disappointment.
"sorry mumma" he says glaring at me. She shakes her head and walks off to the kitchen.

"I heard some commotion"
I turn around and see Parvati leaning across the door frame.
"hi Parvati!" I walk over and we stand their not knowing what to do. A high five maybe? A hug?
"hi! glad to see you here." She says smiling and gives me a side hug which somehow breaks the awkwardness.  Pranav clears his throat behind us.
"oh sorry, almost forgot you were there dear brother"  Parvati says slyly. "Go ahead, enjoy your date guys."
I laugh, "it's not a date Parvati. I'm just here to beat him at COD."
"oh..." she says, "then enjoy yourselves, and please Ava, beat him, his ego is way too high."
Pranav rolls his eyes.
"You can count on me" I say smiling.

He hands me a controller and we play a game. He wins. "You cheated!" I say glaring at him.
He looks at me innocently. "what makes you say that? I won fair and square."
"No, you didn't. You kept pushing me!"
"Who me?! Never" he says trying to suppress his snickers.
"Oh shut it." I say.
"Hey! How about I introduce you to my friends. We were planning to meet today, but I'd already made plans for today so....." I start thinking of Cody and I's discussion yesterday.
He looks hesitant but says, "sure"
"Great! Anyways Cody and Katie love video gaming too. I'll go as far as to say...she's even better than me...." I say.

At that he stands up wears a jacket and makes his way to the door. "Are you planning to come today in today's time or do you need a couple more hours??"
I smirk, "coming."
I call Kate.
"Hey we were planning to meet up today right?"
"Yeah, before you decided to blow us off for Pranav.." she says in mock anger.
"Oh you know why! But how about we meet in 10 minutes at your house?" I say.
"Um sure! But what about Pranav..?" She asks.
"I'm bringing him with me" I smirk, "tell the others and oh yeah, keep your video games ready."
"Sure......see ya." She says confused.
"Bye." I say and we make our way to Katie's house which was conveniently just 2 blocks away from Pranav's house.
At least I found a way to meet up with Pranav AND my friends.....

Ava has no idea about the awkwardness about to come. I mean of course nor do you guys but...... prepare yourselves for Pranav's meeting with her friends! It won't be as nice as she thinks it will..

*does an awkward high five with myself*
Stay tuned!