The Essay

Ch. 1

Present Day
November 28th

AVERY

I got home from the football game with a smile on my face.

Hunter is always so sweet. He is the perfect boyfriend.

I texted him.

AVERY: good job today and thank u for the flowers ilysm

HUNTER: Of course, I love you

AVERY: can you call?

HUNTER: Sorry I would but I'm just really tired

AVERY: oh, ok, that's fine

HUNTER: Okay well goodnight love you

AVERY: love you gn!

12:34 am
45 minutes later

Ok, now I'm bored, and I can't sleep. If Hunter can't, I'll just ask Jayden.

AVERY: hey wanna call

JAYDEN: sure, what's up?

AVERY: nothing much im js bored

JAYDEN: oh, ok

I call Jayden.

(On the phone)

"Hey, what are you doing? Sorry to bother you. I know this is late for you. I was surprised you weren't asleep."

"Don't worry about it, Avery. I was going to bed but it's fine."

"Oh, it's fine if you want to go to bed; I can manage."

"No really, it's fine. So um... where's Hunter?"

"He was tired from the game, and so am I but I was up thinking about..."

I trail off in regret because I forgot I didn't tell Jayden yet.

"About?"

"My dad."

"Avery..."

"I know, Jayden. I know."

"I'm not trying to contradict your feelings but you have gotta stop letting him take over your life."

"He came back. He came back, Jayden. Your mom didn't tell you?"

"No, what!? He came back?"

"He didn't stay long. He stayed for about... hm... let's see... 30 minutes. I didn't see him for 8 years and he comes back for 30 minutes."

"Oh, Avery. I'm so sorry"

"It's okay. I barely said anything to him. I kinda just, stared."

"Why was he there?" his voice filled with concern.

"I honestly don't know. He was talking to my mom when he came downstairs, and she looked... pleased."

"I wouldn't expect that from your mom. Every time he gets brought up in conversation she gets angry, or distraught."

"I know. Its just weird."

"I'm really sorry, Avery. If you still want to talk about it we can. But just know that you can always talk to me, okay?"

"Don't worry, I know" I smiled.

"I'm getting pretty tired now actually, so I'm gonna try and go to bed. Thank you, Jay, goodnight."

"Goodnight"

This was shorter, but i wanted to set the scene for Hunter and Avery!
The romance is of course the main plot, but Avery's dad will be a small subplot, dealing with her trauma.

Hope u like it! <3