Fighting For Ava

*23*

Gavin made a face when he saw not one but two figures approaching in the darkness. He specifically glowered at Jethro and when they got to his side, he pulled the boy to a side and muttered at him.

"What are you thinking? What's she doing here?"

Jethro frowned back and lifted his shoulders innocently, "I wouldn't intentionally take her along. I was stuck with her." He explained, taking a glance back to check on Ava. The girl was looking at them, wondering what was happening. He hoped she was not hearing them.

"Stuck with her?" Gavin scoffed, "Why did you even visit her in the first place? You can't do twenty-four hours without seeing her?" Gavin continued his hot accusation which made Jethro grunt in frustration.

"I didn't visit her. She visited me instead." He rasped and then added, "And I know someone gave Lira my address who in turn gave it to Ava. I think that person should be blamed instead."

Gavin's eyes faltered after the statement. He was the one who had given Jethro's address to Lira, "But still you shouldn't bring her here." He hissed.

"I've got no other choice," Jethro shrugged, "But why on earth would you give Lira my address?" He sneered.

"We have a better thing to be discussing now. Don't we?" Gavin sidestepped.

Jethro huffed in annoyance at his response, "Jessy isn't here yet?" He asked.

Gavin did not reply immediately. He just grimaced at his friend and shook his head.

"What's that?" Jethro rasped.

"You want her to come and see Ava here. That would spoil everything, what are you thinking?" Gavin breathed harshly.

Jethro closed his eyes afterward, thinking of what to do, and then opened them when he got an idea, "What of this? You and Ava stay somewhere nearby while I and Jessy talk."

Gavin shook his head again in response and took in a lungful of air.

"Nice dude. We do that." Jethro took his silence as a yes.

Gavin still did not say a word. He just pouted and his eyes went large like a puppy's.

"Now you look like your twin." Jethro joked and Gavin finally smiled.

"I just hope this works." He croaked.

"It will," Jethro assured, tapping his shoulder. Gavin nodded grudgingly and they both moved to Ava who was busy observing the night.

"You guys kept on whispering, everything alright?" She asked when they got back to her.

"Yeah." Jethro gave a perfunctory smile.

"So, we can leave now?" She smiled back.

"No," It was Gavin who answered, trying not to sound harsh, "Jethro and I still got things to do. But you can leave if you want to."

Ava stared at Jethro for affirmation, the look on the boy's face wasn't saying anything, "It's dark and Jethro will escort me home, so I stay." She sang, much to Gavin's frustration.

"Alright." The boy gulped curtly.

Ava locked eyes with Jethro again, expecting him to say a word. Jethro chuckled when he saw that and then he finally spoke, "It's fine." He bobbed his head, "But.." He paused.

"But?" Ava prompted.

Jethro sighed and took two steps forward to be able to reach her hair and caress it, "You and Gavin would excuse for some time. I want to do something." He said in a low voice.