Abusing her love *T. Clarkson*

X Five X

Ava hadn't talked to Tom at all since she had found him cheating on her. She felt like he had thrown their whole relationship away for a cheap fling. And she knew she couldn't forgive him.

Since she had found Tom cheating, she had been staying with Leigh. She didn't want to even look at Tom.

Ava walked into the living room and smiled. "Morning."

"Hey. Tom has been texting me all morning. I haven't replied at all. My heart breaks for you," Leigh told her.

Ava sighed. "He can message all he wants. I'm not interested in it. I just... he ruined us. I knew he had been seeing other people. I just didn't expect to see him in bed with another whore."

Leigh nodded and sighed. "I know babes. It's complicated for you. But you're always welcome here," she said.

"Thanks. I appreciate it. I can't go to my mums because I know she'll give me the I told you so... and I can't deal with that."

"Ohh I know that all too well. But seriously. You need to put yourself first. Ignore Tom Clarkson. Ignore everyone else. Put yourself first," Leigh told her.

Ava smiled and nodded. She sighed, knowing that it wasn't easy at all.

***
Ava went into work. She saw Tom who was looking at her and sighed. She walked right past him. "Ava!" He called.

"Leave me alone Tom. You ripped my heart out. You can just stay away from me from now on. I won't bother you. You don't bother me," Ava said as she walked past.

Tom grabbed her arm. He pulled her close. "You know you can't walk away from what we have. We're too good."

"No we're not Tom. We're toxic! We both know that. So just leave me alone. I'll get the rest of my stuff later," Ava said as she walked off inside.

Tom stood there and sighed. He knew he had ruined their relationship. But he just couldn't stop himself.

***
Ava sat in the staffroom. Leigh walked in and smiled. "I saw you with Tom. What was he saying?"

"Saying that our relationship was too good. That me and him are supposed to be. No. He's ruined me and him and he knows it. Why else is he trying too hard?" Ava said.

Leigh nodded and sat down with her. She took her hand. "Don't let him get to you. Don't let him worm his way back in."

Ava sighed. "I still love him. I know I shouldn't. But I do," she mumbled. She wiped away a tear. "I want him more than I should."

Leigh smiled. "That's the problem babes. We always do want the ones who hurt us most. I know that all too well."

"You and Max have it good though. You've got a daughter together."

Leigh sighed. "Max and I aren't getting on right now. He's just... he's distant. I don't mind. But I usually feel like I've done something wrong," she told her.

Ava smiled. "Where would we be without these annoying men in our lives?" She said.

"Peacefulness."

***
Tom walked into Ava's classroom. He looked to her. "Please. Can you forgive me? I know I ruined us. But please," he said.

Ava looked to him and shook her head. "Tom. I found you. In bed with some other woman... you cheated on me. In our own bed. So why the hell would I forgive you?!" She spat.

Tom sighed. He knew he had messed up. He just wanted her back. "What if I promise to change? I'll stop everything I've done. Just please."

"Tom. I can't. I have to put myself first. And I have to do what's best for me. And you're just not that right now," Ava admitted.

Tom looked to her. "I promise. I'm going to get you back. If it's the last thing I do."

Ava watched as he walked out. But could she find it in her heart to give him another chance?