Twisted Legacy

[03]

Avery's Pov.

My heart beat with nostalgia as I approached what they now called the cookie ramshackle.

The creaking front door swung open as if inviting me into a world frozen in time. Its once vibrant exterior was now faded and worn out.

The paint had peeled off the walls revealing the raw wood beneath. Broken windows stared out like empty eyes, vines creeping through them.

Rooms lay in disarray, furniture covered in tattered sheets as if waiting for their owner's return. Cobwebs clung to the corners, and crafty termites burrowed in the wood.

A sight for sore eyes, not.

The silence was broken only by the scuttle of unseen creatures seeking refuge within the decaying walls. This was the closest evidence that she once existed.

I wiped a lone tear with back of my hand and drew in a long breath.

Tristan's hand on my shoulder startled me, bringing me back to what was once my home.

"It's just me Av." He said comfortingly.

"Grief does reel you in." I said chuckling humorlessly.

"I mean, what am I doing here?"

"It's been nine years T, what the fuck am I doing here?" I shouted punching the already disheveled walls.

"Hey, it's okay, grief has no timeline you know." He said, rubbing circles on my back.

"Regardless, she doesn't deserve it."

"You were just a kid, there is so much shit that went over your head."

I rolled my eyes and gave him the, you sound like my grandma look then burst out laughing. He feigned an offended look then laughed with me.

"Somebody is really rubbing off on you. Such expressions would not have crossed my mind in association with you."

"Silence suits you better."

"Your association with Nana seems to have influenced you significantly."

"I am not sure that is a good thing anymore." I remarked casting him a pointed look.

Tristan huffed already done with me. He was always whining about my mood swings.

Where had he been the last couple weeks? I have been moping around more than usual.

I let out a loud sigh and face palmed internally.

"Time to get the fuck out of here, enough nostalgia for the day."

"Should last me a week actually."

"Given the state of things, I wager you are in for a rollercoaster of emotions."

"I am afraid it is the end of the road, you cannot outrun them this time." He said dramatically.

"What are you on T? "I have had enough of whatever dose of advice you are administering."

"If you can even call it that."

"I am glad I have her, but I cannot have you parroting her like a broken radio."

Do not get me wrong, I loved that woman more than anything, but Tristan was being a pain in the ass for no apparent reason.

You can't outrun them anymore my ass.

Watch me.

"Listen Av, I know we agreed that I will always let you be, but I am not sure this is the time for that."

He said, concern etched on his face.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I muttered to myself on the way out.

* * *

"These came for you." Paula said handing me a box and an envelope.

"Paul was asking for you; he says you have been out a lot lately." She said trying to read the look on my face.

"Paul and concern? Those two don't go together" I told her and headed to my room.

Once I got to my room, I threw the supposed presents in the trash and jumped into my bed.

Since when did I receive boxes and envelopes, leave alone Paul asking about my whereabouts.

He had his moments, but wrapped boxes, red envelopes?

That, that was new.

For a moment I thought about Tristan's words but then waved my hand offhandedly.

My phone vibrated with a text but I ignored it and drifted off to sleep.

* * *

"You are running around in circles, cookie."

Heart pounding, hands sweaty, legs tired of running, holding on to dwindling hope.

I had to keep going though, I couldn't let him catch up with me.

I looked over my shoulder; no one was after me but the voice was everywhere.

"When will you stop running and learn to embrace me?"

"You can't outrun me, honey."

Trying to increase my pace only earned me an amused chuckle from the stupid faceless voice.

And if that was not enough, I ended up on the ground. Having tripped on God knows what.

Face flat on the ground, the voice kept talking.

"It is amusing seeing you look so helpless."

Water started pooling in my eyes as the voice got closer bracing myself for the worst.

A muffled voice called out my name the same time a hand touched me.

I scooted back and let out a scream opening my eyes only to find Paula hovering over me.

"Are you okay, Avery?"

"Yeah, yeah, all good.''

"Waking up screaming is my morning routine."

She pursed her lips and sat on my bed.

"Talk to me." She said expectantly.

"Say what now?"

"Why is everyone going all therapist on me?"

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Everyone dreams once in a while, mine just happened to be a bit thrilling."

Paula pinched the bridge of her nose and walked out of my room muttering stuff.

Is it just me or was everything just out of place.

Say, what was Paul's nose doing in my business?

Wasn't he supposed to be focusing on getting back on his feet and come back to the ring?

Had he not missed his usual daily dose of adrenaline?

Beats me.

And we're back!

Thoughts?

Please vote and comment! 

See you in the next chapter.

Love, Q.