Jesse's Girl

Reality

Ava stared at her pale face while Kia fixed her hair. "I don't know about the dress, Kia. Is it too revealing?" Ava asked. "It's hot outside. You will be fine, " Kia said, finishing Ava's hair and adding light makeup. A knock on the door, startled the girls. "Come in," Kia said. Nick opened the door and looked Ava up and down, inspecting her dress. "No," was all he said before shutting the door. "Told you," Ava said with a sigh. Nick was just like Jesse in almost every way. "Well, we don't have time to change. He will get over it, "Kia said harshly. Ava didn't argue because she was just too tired. "Let's go," Kia said softly, opening the door. Ava walked out, and her breath left her. All of Jesse's friends and crew were all dressed in suits and looked so handsome that it brought tears to her eyes. Nick stood there with a darkened expression on his face. He didn't like the dress, it was too short."Thank you all for being here today. Jesse loved all of you as his family, and it's clear you all loved him, and it's clear that you all love me, "Ava said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Nick showed no emotion, but deep down, his heart broke for Ava. Her life before Jesse was one that no one ever talked about because it was so horrendous. Then, she met Jesse, and it changed her life, but now Jesse is gone. Nick felt an overwhelming pressure to protect her and keep her safe, even if it meant keeping her from the dangerous world.

The funeral was finally over, and both Nick and Ava felt some sort of relief. It was a little bit of weight off of both of their shoulders. Everyone went back to Jesse and Ava's to eat and show support. Ava snuck back into her and Jesse's room and lay on the bed, letting the tears flow. This was supposed to be their home forever. They never even got to make love in this bed because they were waiting for marriage. Ava wasn't sure how long she had been there until the door flew open, and Nick, along with some of their friends and Kia, were standing there in a panic. "Oh, thank God," Kia said, holding her chest. "I got this. Thanks, guys," he said before closing the door, leaving only him and Ava.

"Ava, you scared us. It's perfectly fine for you to be here, but please let someone know next time, okay?"Nick asked. Ava only nodded. "You haven't eaten all day. Come in the kitchen and I'll get you something. A lot of people have left already, "he said softly. He couldn't help but brush the hair from her face. He felt something for her that he couldn't explain, something that he had never noticed before, and maybe it was because Jesse was still alive then. "I'm not hungry," she sniffled. Nick sighed in defeat. "Fine, but tomorrow you will eat. We are to be at the courthouse at 10 am, and then you and I are going away for a while. Kia has already packed your things and will be with you in the morning before we leave, "Nick said before getting up and leaving the room. Ava didn't respond because there was nothing to say. She was a part of a world where danger was consistent and inevitable at times. She closed her eyes and fell asleep, dreaming of Jesse.