Unspoken Desires

67.) Cut Class

Ava stands near the swing set, watching the children enjoy their lunch break. Her attention is caught by Cody, a young boy with a mischievous grin of his own.

"Hey, Cody! Looks like you're having way too much fun here. Shouldn't you be in class?"

Cody turns towards Ava, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

"Oh, Ava, you caught me! But who can resist the allure of the playground during lunchtime?"

Ava playfully narrows her eyes at Cody, stepping closer to him.

"Well, Mr. Rule-Breaker, I think we need to have a little chat about your truancy. Skipping class is a serious offense, you know."

Cody feigns innocence, placing a hand over his heart.

"Oh, no! Have I been caught red-handed by the mighty Ava? What will be my punishment?"

Ava leans in, pretending to contemplate her decision.

"Hmm, let's see. I think... you owe me an ice cream after school. Consider it a fair trade for your time spent away from class."

Cody's eyes light up, and he nods eagerly.

"Deal! I'll make sure to bring the best ice cream money can buy."

They share a mischievous grin before Ava playfully nudges Cody's shoulder.

"Don't forget, Cody. We'll set a good example for the younger kids. We wouldn't want them thinking it's okay to skip class, right?"

Cody straightens up, his playful demeanor replaced with a sense of responsibility.

"You're right, Ava. We'll show them that having fun doesn't mean neglecting our studies." He kissed her on the cheek, and Ava kept giggling.

Just as they're about to leave the playground, they notice a figure approaching. It's Cody's mother, who looks visibly upset.

"Cody! What do you think you're doing, skipping class and goofing off with this girl? You know better than this!"

Cody's shoulders slump, and he looks down, remorseful.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I got carried away, and Ava... she..."

"It was my fault too, Mrs. Thompson. We were just having some harmless fun. I didn't mean for things to get out of hand."

Cody's mother kept on spanking him, "I worked hard to get you to school and this js what you get!"

And in a blink of an eye.

Ava came home as she was sermoned by her grandmother.

Ava sits on her couch, fidgeting nervously as Gertrude, stands in front of her with a stern expression. Gertrude is known for her no-nonsense attitude and protective nature.

"Ava, I can't believe you've been cutting classes because of a boy! You know better than that!"

Ava looks down, feeling a mix of guilt and embarrassment.

"It's not just any boy, Grandma Gertrude. It's Cody. He's different."

Gertrude's expression softens slightly, but she remains firm.

"Ava, I understand that you have feelings for Cody, but that's not an excuse to neglect your education. Cutting classes is a serious offense, and it will only lead to trouble in the long run."

Ava's shoulders slump, and she nods, remorseful.

"I know, grandma. I messed up, and I'm sorry. I just got caught up in the excitement of being with Liam, and I didn't think about the consequences."

Gertrude takes a seat next to Ava on the bed, her tone gentle but firm.

"Ava, I want what's best for you. Education is important, and you have to prioritize it. Boys will come and go, but your future is something you can't afford to compromise."

Ava looks up at Gertrude, her eyes filled with remorse and understanding.

"You're right, Grandma Gertrude. I've been foolish, and I need to make things right. I'll talk to my teachers and catch up on the missed work. I promise to take my studies seriously from now on."

Gertrude smiles, proud of Ava's willingness to take responsibility.

"That's the Ava I know. I believe in you, and I know you can turn this around. Remember, your education is your ticket to a bright future."

Meanwhile, Cody's mother was livid. She found out that her son had been cutting classes to spend time with a girl.

Cody was standing in the living room, trying to explain himself. But his mother wasn't listening.

She was too angry. She grabbed a belt and started beating him with it.

She hit him over and over again, screaming at him for his disobedience.

Cody was in shock. He had never seen his mother so angry before.

He tried to defend himself, but his mother wouldn't listen. She kept hitting him, harder and harder.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his mother stopped.

She was exhausted and out of breath.

She looked at Cody with a mixture of anger and disappointment.

"You're grounded for a month," she said. "And you're not allowed to see that girl again. Do you understand?"

Cody nodded, too scared to speak. His mother had never been so angry before. He knew he had messed up, and he was determined to never do it again.

He watched as his mother walked away, her anger still palpable in the air. He knew he had made a mistake, and he was determined to make it right.