THE GIRL BEHIND THE SMILE

chapter 1 ✨

Ava

Ava leaned against her locker, attempting to seem unconcerned as Abigail rushed up to her, blonde hair flying and excitement oozing from every pore.

The corridor was humming with students anxious to leave school grounds and begin their summer vacation, but Ava's mind was already preoccupied with the long months of work ahead.

"Oh my goodness, Ava! summer's finally arrived! We are going to have the best vacation ever!", Abigail screamed as her designer backpack bobbed behind her.

Abigail was always like this - perky, carefree, and utterly oblivious of Ava's family's financial troubles. She was everything Ava was not. Blonde hair, pretty eyes, pink pouty lips and a body to die for.

Ava faked a grin, feeling a pang of guilt. "I don't know, Abigail...I'm not sure I can make it." She attempted to appear casual, but the weight of her secrets made her voice heavy.

Abigail's face fell, her perfectly manicured eyebrows furrowing in concern. "What do you mean? Of course you can come! My parents are renting a villa in the Hamptons, and we'll have so much fun! You can't miss it! You have to come pleaasee" She tossed her long, golden hair over her shoulder and gave Ava her best puppy eyes look.

Ava couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Abigail's life was so easy, so effortless why couldn't hers be that way? The universe sure has favorites.

Ava shrugged, trying to sound convincing. "My family has some...stuff going on. I need to stick around and help out. I'm really sorry."

She hoped Abigail wouldn't press her for details. She hated lying to her friend like she had been doing for the past year since her dad died, but what choice did she have? 

Abigail waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't be silly! Your mom will be fine. She's always saying how proud she is of how independent you are. Besides, we'll be back before you know it. You can't miss our annual summer sleepover tradition!" Abigail's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Ava felt a pang of regret.

She loved Abigail she really did and she knew Abigail loved her too she was the best friend anyone would wish for, but their friendship was built on half-truths and omissions and honestly, she was to blame for that. How was Abigail supposed to know her friend was suffering when Ava was so good at hiding her struggles behind a mask? 

As they chatted, the hallway continued to bustle with students sharing their summer plans with each other.

Ava's mind wandered to her own plans – the long hours at the cafe, the exhaustion, the constant worry about making ends meet. She couldn't share that with Abigail, she couldn't, not when her friend's life was a constant vacation. Besides maybe if she didn't admit out loud she was suffering and miserable, she might reach a point where she'd come to believe it and maybe even get to a point where she didn't feel that way anymore. Fake it till you make it right?.... isn't that what they always say?

"Hey, I'll catch up with you later, okay?" Ava said, forcing a bright smile. "Have a safe trip, and don't forget to send me postcards and lots of pictures." 

 "I'm going to miss you," Abigial complained giving her best friend a tight hug.

 "You won't be missing me when jaw dropping handsome guys approach you," Ava teased, " don't come back with two boyfriends this time," she continued, reminding Abigail about her winter vacation in Switzerland.

Placing her hand over her heart in mock hurt Abigial gasped," that was once you can't remind me of that everytime I go on vacation. Besides what was I supposed to do I could not pick one they were both so hot."

Ava couldn't blame her best friend. Abigail was hot and guys were always wanting her attention; a smile in their direction, a wave of her pretty hands or even just a wink.

 " Okay, whatever just have fun for both of us okay".

 " I will. Bye bestie. I'll facetime every night."

"You better do"

She watched as Abigail skipped away, feeling the familiar ache of living in two different worlds.

After the final bell rang, Ava headed to her part-time job at the cozy cafe downtown. She had to pick up her little brother, Max, from elementary school first, though.

As she walked to the elementary school, Ava's thoughts drifted to her family's financial struggles. Her mom worked tirelessly, but it was never enough. Ava felt the weight of responsibility settling onto her shoulders. She was the oldest, and it was up to her to help out.

When she arrived at the school, Max was waiting for her, his big brown eyes shining with excitement. "Ava! Ava! Guess what? We had a picnic today, and I made a new friend!" He chattered excitedly as they walked to the cafe.

Ava smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. She loved her little brother, and she'd do anything to protect him from the harsh realities of their financial situation.

At the cafe, Ava clocked in and began her shift, Max sitting at a table in the corner, doing his homework. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, and Ava's stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten lunch.

As the afternoon wore on, Ava's feet ached, and her mind wandered to Abigail's carefree summer plans. Why couldn't her life be that easy? But she pushed the thought aside and focused on her work.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, her shift came to an end, and sat outside with Max to wait for their mom since she drove the only car they had. About an hour later their mom arrived, exhausted but smiling.

"Hey, kiddo! Sorry I'm late. How was your day?" She ruffled Max's hair, and Ava smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

As they drove home, the sun setting over the  town, Ava felt the weight of her secrets settling back into place. She knew she couldn't keep living this double life forever, but for now, it was the only way to protect her family.

Monday, June 17th, 2024
Word count: 1060

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