Echoes of the Past

4. Liam

Ava was absolutely amazed upon discovering her new aunt. Her mom had never mentioned this sister, and Ava suspected there was a good reason for that secrecy. Though she didn't fully trust Aunt May, she had no choice but to move in with her.

Emily, still seething from their first encounter, continued mumbling under her breath about their "so-called aunt." Despite May's demeaning comments, they heeded her advice and packed light, leaving behind most of their "cheap" clothes, knowing they'd be getting new ones.

They took some important documents and a cherished family photo before getting into the car. In the car, May admired herself in the mirror, occasionally glancing at two goofy kids playing nearby, a sight that momentarily softened her expression until Ava and Emily climbed in.

"Did you guys take all the stuff you need?" May asked, her voice cracking slightly.

"Yeah..." Ava replied.

As they drove off, Ava felt a mixture of fear and excitement. She had so many memories here, both good and bad, but she was leaving them all behind. Emily, more connected to their home, found it even harder to let go.

The drive to their new town was long, filled with the sights of discarded plastics, dead birds, and countless advertisement boards. As Ava got her first glimpse of the rich town they were moving to, she took a deep breath, promising herself and her father that she would take care of their family.

---

The lights flicked on in Liam's room, causing him to squint in discomfort as he looked up from his phone.

"Why the hell did you turn on the light?" Liam asked, struggling to keep his eyes open.

"You don't talk to me like that, young man! Besides, we have new kids coming to the neighborhood. We need to give them a warm welcome," his mother said with a bright smile.

"Did someone move into this town?" Liam asked.

"No, it's May's nieces. I heard their father died, and their mother has... issues," she whispered.

"I can't come. I'm busy tonight," Liam said, trying to avoid meeting the new arrivals.

"Well, I hope it's not drugs," she said, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Yeah, yeah..." he replied, rolling his eyes.

After she left, Liam called someone. A young girl's voice, flirtatious and hopeful, came through the phone.

"So you're coming, right?" she asked.

"Yeah," he answered flatly.

Disappointed, the girl hung up. Liam looked through the curtain just in time to see a car pull up at the house opposite his. May and a blonde girl got out, but it was the red-haired girl who caught his attention. She tripped over nothing, but when no one noticed, she stood up confidently, making Liam smile. He knew he’d meet her soon enough in high school.

---

Ava was in awe of the houses in the new town. These weren't just houses; they were mansions. She felt out of place, sure she wouldn’t fit in at all. As the car stopped, she took a deep breath. "Okay, I can start fresh. This time, I won't be the clumsy girl but a serious girl," she whispered to herself.

She tried to walk confidently towards her aunt and sister but tripped and fell. "Well, looks like fate wants me to stay the clumsy girl," she muttered, standing up with newfound determination.

The inside of the house was even more impressive. Both Ava and Emily's mouths fell open. "What. The. Actual. F**k," Emily exclaimed, echoing Ava's thoughts.

May, on her way to her room, stopped and remembered them. "Oh yes, Fredrick, show them their rooms and take them shopping for clothes. They have none," she instructed.

Fredrick, the butler, introduced himself with elegance. "I am Fredrick. Whatever your needs, you can tell me. You must be Miss Avelyn and Miss Emily. Correct?"

"Just call me Ava, and this is Emily. No need for 'Miss'," Ava said, feeling awkward with the formality.

"Alright, Ava and Emily, let me show you your rooms," he said.

Emily gave him a quick smile of gratitude before heading to her room. Ava did the same, lying down on the most comfortable bed she’d ever felt, almost falling asleep.

After a long day of shopping for clothes and school supplies, Ava was exhausted. She had even been allowed to customize her own room, which felt like a dream. Despite her aunt's brusque demeanor, May was indeed generous.

"Hey Fredrick, I need to buy some snacks too! Where can I get them?" she asked, remembering she forgot to buy chocolate.

"There's a store nearby, but it's quite a distance from here, and we've already reached home," Fredrick replied hesitantly.

"It's alright, just tell me where it is, and I'll come back," Ava insisted, eager to explore.

"Are you sure, Ava? Last time you went alone, you got lost, and it took us a while to find you," Emily reminded her.

"Don't worry, I have Google Maps now!" Ava said with a bright smile.

"If you’re sure, then okay," Emily said hesitantly, though Fredrick looked more worried.

"Are you certain you'll be okay? This is a new town, and Ms. May would kill me if something happened," he said.

"Don't worry, I'll be alright," Ava reassured them both, determined to navigate her new surroundings.

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