THE INBESTIGATORS (EZRA'S LOVE STORY)

(21) SLEEPOVER

Occurs at the same time as the last chapter

Maudie's POV

I sit here in the front of the office.

Right after I ran away from our kiss.

I feel really happy...

yet frustrated...

and confused.

I take deep breaths to try to calm down.

I stand up and attempt to come back inside.

But as I hold onto the door knob, I instinctively let go.

I want to...

But I don't want to.

I walk away.

I avoid the issue once again.

I need to go to Ava's house.

I walk there while I think about why I can't talk to Ezra.

After minutes of walking, I finally understand why.

I'm scared.

I'm scared that it won't go well.

I'm scared that I'm not good enough.

I'm scared that Ezra was just caught up in the moment.

I could feel tears stream down my face.

I'm happy that I like Ezra.

But I'm also really scared.

I reach Ava's house and ring the doorbell.

Ava answers the door and says.

Ava: Hi Maudie. How was your...

She stays silent and comes closer.

Ava: What happened? Are you okay?

Me: I don't know.

She guided me inside.

She helps me go all the way to her room.

Her room was filled with bright colors.

Except for the giant wall of paper full of details about everyone.

I thought I was a great detective, but she is way better at making an evidence board.

We both sit on the side of the bed.

Ava: What happened, Maudie?

I was so distracted by the wall that I nearly forgot why I was here.

Me: It went like this...

I went on to tell her everything that happened.

Ava: O! M! G! HE KISSED YOU?!

She took a pillow, pressed it against her face, and screamed.

Me: Yes, but after that, I ran away.

Ava: Is that why you were crying? Because you were ashamed, you ran away?

Me: Yes, but also no. It's complicated.

Ava: Do you want to stay here for the night? We can talk about it.

Me: That sounds good, but let me ask my dad.

I bring out my phone and dial my dad.

The phone rang a few times before it was answered.

(Brian): Hello, Mauds. Why aren't you home yet? I just came home and I can't find you.

Me: Sorry, dad. I'm at Ava's house. I was wondering if I could stay here for the night.

(Brian): Okay, but can I talk to one of Ava's parents for confirmation?

I give the phone to Ava, who then leaves the room.

I wait for a few minutes, and Ava comes back with my phone.

She hands it back to me.

(Brian): You have my permission to stay overnight, Mauds. Be careful, okay?

Me: Yes, dad.

I end the call.

Ava: Aren't you glad that I have an emergency sleepover bag for you full of your clothes and other necessities?

I'm not going to lie, I thought it was ridiculous at first.

I guess it was useful to make that thing after all.

After taking a shower and changing into pajamas, we made the floor into a giant bed with blankets and pillows.

We both sit down with soft toys (plushies) in our arms.

Ava: Sooooo... Why did you run away?

Me: I-I'm scared. I like Ezra. A lot. But I'm afraid of love and romance. I don't know if I could handle being in a relationship with Ezra.

Ava was silent, but she was listening.

Me: I felt really happy...

I can tell that my face started to get hot

Me: ...when he kissed me. It felt so warm and nice. But when we stopped and I looked at his face, I started to doubt myself. I doubted whether or not he'd be happy with me or if he regrets doing it.

I stay silent, waiting for Ava's response.

Ava moved closer and hugged me.

Ava: It's okay to be scared or doubtful. But what's truly important is what you want to do. If you want to wait for a while before you start dating, that's okay. If you want to date Ezra, that's okay too. This is about what you want to do. Ezra is a really nice guy, and I think he'd be open to conversation and respect what you want to do.

To think that just a simple hug and reassuring words from a friend is enough to help alleviate someone's fears

It's good to have a friend like Ava.

To be continued