Putting The Pieces back Together

Putting The Pieces Together Pt2

Ava 9

Avoiding Ethan was next to impossible. I had done everything in my power to absolutely, positively prevent getting him as a concession partner. Despite the crappy hand the universe always seemed to hand me, I hadn't gotten Ethan as a partner yet. I was praising my lucky stars for finally doing me justice. I'd seen him on the elevator just as the doors were closing, and a few times when I was making the mad dash to my car. I had even seen him as I was pulling up to the movie theater just as he was walking through the glass doors. I couldn't take dealing with him; I didn't want to see him nor did I want to be in his breathing space. But now as I put more kernels into the popcorn maker, I'm wishing I'd called in sick. Unfortunately Chad beat me to it, which is why I'm stuck with Ethan for a whole five hours. Perfect.

"You're dropping kernels," he says dryly.

I glance down at the popcorn maker, which is just about full. Ten minutes with the guy and he's already messing with my head. Leaning down to pick up the mess I've made (thanks to him), I tuck my hair behind my ear. I can feel him watching me and my stomach feels tight.

"I got it," he says, kneeling down beside me.

"I got it," I say, picking up the kernels at a faster pace.

"Let's try and be professional," he says before walking off. Where to? I don't know; there's not much on this floor. I stand up and throw the kernels into the trash. It's hard trying to forget the past; it's like no matter how many times you try to walk away, it follows you. Everywhere. Sometimes I wonder if dealing with my demons would be easier if there were a few angels thrown in there. Would I stop running from what was if I could change what is?

"Hello Ava," Angelica says, approaching the concession, her chocolate hair resting on her shoulders.

"Angelica," I say, leaning against the counter.

"When did you start working here?" She raises an eyebrow and her minions giggle behind her.

"Are you ordering something?" I sigh.

"Well I don't know, are we ordering something girls?" she asks, peering over her shoulder made of ice.

"I don't know, Angelica; I can't decide," Courtney says. Of course it would be Courtney; after Angelica and I stopped talking, Courtney swooped in like the vulture she is. She never did have many friends, so I guess I can understand how desperate she was. Kind of...

Two other minions laugh. Mwahaha.

"What do you suggest, Ava?" a girl with green eyes says. There's really not much else I can use to describe her; she's kind of hard on the eyes. In fact, her eyes are the only part of her that are worth looking at—they kind of keep you from focusing on the zits that have made a habitat out of her face, and the buck teeth she probably uses to skin innocent children.

"I suggest some wood," I say, giving her a polite smile. Her face flushes with embarrassment.

"Gosh Ava, you really have turned into a bitch," Angelica snarls.

"I guess I did take something from our friendship," I shoot back.

After giving me looks that could definitely kill, they turn away in unison. Must have been practiced...

"I guess I'd act the same way if my father killed my sister too..." the girl with green eyes says just loud enough for me to hear. Before I can think—no, scratch that, I am thinking. I'm thinking about ripping her head off and the thought has me around the counter lunging towards her. My fingertips graze her hair before I'm pulled back.

The girls laugh and walk into their theater. I feel my chest rising and lowering as I glance at Angelica, who gives me an apologetic look.

"What the hell," I bark, trying to wiggle free of the bear hug.