It was Monday afternoon, the sky was turning grey with clouds circling the area. Lola and Avery were making their way out of the school building, heading towards the parking lot.
"Are you busy tomorrow?" Lola asked, wanting to go shopping for new clothes- especially with the party happening on Friday.
Avery took a bite of her candy bar, "That entirely depends on the rest of the information you are about to give me."
Lola rolled her eyes, snatching the chocolate bar out of Avery's hands.
"I want to go shopping."
"Okay, then I'm free." Avery grinned.
The two girls instantly spotted Toji, Gojo, and Nanami standing around their cars, deep in conversation. Probably conversing about Gojo's next race that was supposed to happen soon. As they got closer, Gojo recognized them, giving a small smile.
"Took you long enough," He mumbled, earning a slap from Avery on his head.
"Shut up, I wanted chocolate." Nanami laughed at her comment. No one was surprised at her love for candy.
Toji muttered something to Lola, causing her to nod. The pair waved by to the three of them as they made their way to his car. Gojo's expression instantly darkened.
"Ave, we need to talk." Avery just stared blankly at her brother, motioning for him to continue.
Gojo paused for a brief moment with a sigh. "Mom's going to be home tonight."
Suddenly, the fatigue that Avery felt vanished in an instant. She couldn't bring herself to say anything, so she just nodded her head. Nanami's frown deepend, taking a small step towards the girl.
He gently placed his hand on her cheek, tracing her jaw lightly.
"I'm not going to be home tonight, I have to go to the gym, I'll drop you off at home." Gojo added, his deep voice speaking seriously.
Avery knew what that meant. He was wanting her to avoid their mom at all costs tonight, which she would happily do. Avery nodded her head awkwardly in confirmation, a strand of hair being slightly tugged from the ends.
"If anything happens," Nanami started, his expression hardening as he had a stern tone. "You tell me right away and I'll come get you."
Avery gave him a half-hearted smile, thanking him quietly as she made her way towards Gojo's car. Waving one last time at Nanami, as he went off his own way.
–
Gojo pulled into their driveway. The car ride was silent as Avery let fatigue take over her body. Putting the car in park, he placed his arm over the back of the passengers seat, turning his attention towards his sister.
"I'm sorry I can't be here tonight." He whispered softly, playing with the ends of her hair.
Avery just gave him a small smile, nodding her head. She wasn't too worried, as long as she stayed in her room.
"I should be home a little bit after she arrives," He glanced down to check his watch, nodding in confirmation.
"Okay loser," Avery said, opening the door next to her and heading into the house.
Opening the front doors, she could feel that the house was quiet. She sighed in relief, heading upstairs towards her room.
-
Avery never thought her nightly quest for mac n cheese would end in the worst night of her life, but yet again, stranger things have happened.
It was 8 pm.
