Ava was in the midst of her usual Saturday routine, babysitting her nephew Marco, who had the energy of a tornado and the persistence of a telemarketer. "Ava, can we get McDonald's?" Marco pleaded for the umpteenth time, his eyes wide with the innocence only a child who hasn't yet learned the word 'calories' could possess.
Succumbing to his bickering and the promise of a quiet afternoon, Ava agreed. "Fine, but you're having apple slices with that Happy Meal," she said, hoping to strike a balance between fun aunt and responsible guardian.
As they approached the golden arches, Marco's excitement was palpable. He bounced alongside Ava, a bundle of joy and uncontainable energy. Ava, focused on the task at hand, began to order. "Two cheeseburgers, a large fry, and—" She turned to ask Marco his drink of choice, but he was gone.
Panic surged through her as she called out, "Marco! Marco, where are you?" Her voice was lost amidst the symphony of sizzling fries and chattering customers.Then, she saw him, standing beside a man who looked like he'd walked straight out of a cologne commercial—blond hair, blue eyes, and a jawline so sharp it could cut glass.
"Marco, how many times have I told you not to talk to strangers?" Ava scolded, rushing over. But as she reached them, her heart skipped a beat. It was Liam,someone she knew her first love, looking like a rugged prince with his few days' stubble.
Marco, oblivious to the tension, tugged at Ava's hand. "Can I get a toy with my Happy Meal?" he asked, eyes gleaming with hope.
Ava sighed. "Sadly, you ran off, so no toy today." She turned back to Liam, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. "Umm, it's nice to see you again, Liam," she whispered, her voice a soft melody he hadn't heard in years.
Before Liam could reply, the cashier's impatient shout snapped Ava back to reality. Mortified, she muttered apologies under her breath, ensuring Marco couldn't hear the colorful language she reserved for special occasions.
Liam chuckled, watching Ava's face turn as red as her hair. "You look like a tomato," Marco observed, causing Ava to shoot Liam a knowing glance. It was his old nickname for her—'His tomato.'Well she thought this was cringe but somehow make her smile.
In the car, Ava's mind wandered, not fully present as Marco bombarded her with questions.
"Who is he?" Marco asked, his curiosity piqued.
"He's my ex-boyfriend," Ava admitted, her voice trailing off as memories flooded back.
Marco's eyes widened. "You had a boyfriend? No way! He's way out of your league!"
Ava glared at him. "If you don't want tape over your mouth, I recommend you stop talking."
But Marco was relentless. "Come on, you have to tell me the story!" Ava's mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts of Liam, as Marco continued his interrogation. It was going to be a long drive home.
YOU ARE READING
Echoes of the Past
RomanceWhen Ava and Liam, ex-lovers turned high school enemies, cross paths unexpectedly, they're hurled back into their teenage years where rivalry turned to romance. But their love was short-lived. Now, a chance encounter begs the question: Can old flame...
