Getting back to "Normal" | Rhekker

Chapter 73- Hair

"I'd like to go out today" Ava said confidently over lunch.
She had noticeably more Energy now that she was getting quality sleeping, and Connor was happy to see it.
"Oh, Ava are you sure?" Connor confirmed, putting down his fork, this request having come out of nowhere.
"Yeah" she breathed, "I want to get out more, then I can start getting out of your hair" she joked.
"You know I love having you around" he stood and took her empty plate, placing it in the dish washer.
"I know, but surely fresh air is good for me, wouldn't you agree, Dr Rhodes?"she batted her eyelashes.
Connor came up to her, gently and briefly touching her cheek.
He never could say no to those eyes, "get your coat" he nodded, dropping her cheek.
Ava smile in success, moving though the house to get dressed. She changed into jeans and hoodie, wanting to be comfortable on her first trip out of the house.

Ava left there room and Connor was already at the door waiting for her. He held out her jacket and Ava took it in her arms.
"Let's get you out of here" he wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her out into the hall and into the lift.

Connor hit the ground floor button and Ava watched the numbers fall on the elevator, a pain in her chest rising as she focused her vision back to the wall.
"Are you okey?" Connor asked, drawing her attention away.
"Yeah, just excited" she brushed it off. The doors pinged open a second later and Ava felt a bead of sweat run down her back.
Connor stepped out of the lift and Ava hesitantly followed, her footsteps slowing. She was aware of Connor speaking but couldn't process what was being said.

"Ava?" A hand came to her head and another met her arm.
"Ava" Connor whispered again, studying her wide eyes. They were only a few feet away from the lift when Ava stopped.
Ava struggled to breath shaking her head, "I- I can't"
Tears ran down Ava's cheeks and Connor became aware of several eyes around the lobby on them. Connor blocked their view with his body, hurriedly moving Ava he placing a support had on her back he called the lift back down. Quickly bundling her inside and hitting the close door button.

Ava continued to quiver against the back wall as they climbed back to their apartment. Connor kept a hand on her urging her on as he hurried her through the halls. Connor unlocked the front door and pushed Ava in. Closing the door with a slam after them. Ava slid down the wall until she hit the floor, her breathing laboured.
"Shh, shhh, sh" Connor got on his knees, bundling her up on his arms he squeezed her tight, stroking her hair. Bending his knee he lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the sofa.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Connor asked after her breathing slowed, still continuing to rub her back.
"I- I-" she stammered.
"Take your time" he hushed her.
"Don't know" she finished quickly, pulling her face from his neck.
"Ava I think you had a panic attack about trying to leave the house" he said seriously.
"No" she denied, "I, don't get them, not over leaving the house"
Connor sighed and brushed some hair from her face.
"It was just overwhelming, you were right, it was too soon" she admitted.
"Hey, we wouldn't know if we didn't try?"
"That's true" she agreed, still feeling pretty low at her failed attempt.

"Let's forget about this for now and get some lunch?" He suggested, wiping a tear from her cheek. Ava nodded and slid off his lap.
Ava made herself a bagel, leaning against the breakfast bar to have her lunch.
Ava ate in silence, watching Connor make his fried egg to go with his.
"I wanted to dye my hair back this week, that's why I was to try leave, so I could get to a salon" Ava told him, taking a sip from her water.
Connor paused, studying the eggs frying on the hot oil, "Ava" he started, "Hank called the other day, about getting an interview with you, and the trial; He doesn't want to to dye your hair back until after the trial, I don't know-"
Ava was aware that Connor continued to speak but it fell onto deaf ears.

Trial, hair, apartment, leave, hair, trial, trapped.

Ava swallowed the lump that had risen in her throat.
"Great so I'm just meant to move on without getting back to my normal life" she snapped. Ava pushed back from the counter suddenly, and left the room in a hurry, closing the bedroom door behind her.
"Ava!" Connor sighed, rubbing his temple. He ran his hands down his jeans before following after her.
"Ava" he gently knocked on the door, "can I come in?"

Connor heard no reply but pushed through the door slowly. He found the duvet cover turned over, a large lump in the center of the mattress.
Connor sighed and closed the door behind him, a soft smile on his face.
"Ava" he sat on the edge of bed, "can I come in?" He touched what he presumed to be her shoulder.

After a second a hand slid out from under covers. Connor pulled back the top half of the duvet and slid under, pulling it over both their heads. He could make out Ava curled in a little ball across from him, her knees pulled to her chest.
Ava looked to him in the dark, holding her breath before her staggered sobs broke free.
"Avey" he said softly.
"I - can't even-  leaving the apartment- building" she wiped under her nose.
"I'm sorry" he breathed, pulling her closer, allowing her to cry it out in a place she felt safe.
Connor stroked her back softly, trying to sooth her breathing.
"I'm sorry"