Hoops and Heartstrings

Chapter 2: Misunderstandings???

Ava's pov

I walked across the street, excitement bubbling up as I carried a bunch of cupcakes to meet my new neighbors. I rang the bell and waited patiently, taking in the grand design of the huge house with a swimming pool and three cars, including a Mercedes. "Damn," I thought, impressed.

When the door opened, I was welcomed by the beautiful woman in her late 30s or 40s, stylish and welcoming. I smiled back at her with a bright smile. "Hello, ma'am. I'm Ava from the house opposite yours. My family and I wanted to welcome you, so I brought these cupcakes I made. Hope you like them!"

"Of course, my dear. Please come in, have a seat." I followed her inside, awed by the beautiful interior. Our house was huge, but this one was even bigger! I loved our home, but I had to admit, this one took the prize. I guess our house was now the third largest in the neighborhood!

As I admired the designs, a sudden crash was heard from the kitchen. It made me rush to the kitchen. Ms. Kareen was bleeding, and I quickly told her to stay back while I carefully picked up the glass pieces and disposed of them. When I returned, she was trying to bandage herself. "Let me help you," I offered, and she smiled gratefully.

As I sat beside her, helping with the bandage, she asked me questions, and I enjoyed sharing stories with her. Her warmth and kindness made me feel at ease. "All done, Ms. Kareen," I said, trying to sound professional.

"Oh, thank you so much, dear!" she exclaimed. "No problem, Roger," I replied with a grin, using the sailor's phrase.

Ms. Kareen's laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling along with her. "You're a sailor too, I presume?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. I chuckled, "No but I've always loved the way sailors communicate. So efficient and clear!" She nodded, impressed. "Well, Ava, you're not only kind but also fascinating. I'm glad we met."

As we chatted, I realized that Ms. Kareen was not only beautiful but also intelligent and amazing. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and I felt like I'd known her for years.

Just then, Ms. Kareen's dog, Ash, a fluffy white Samoyed with a curly tail and big brown eyes, joined us. Ash jumped up on me, and I started playing with her, rolling around on the floor. Ms. Kareen laughed, "Ash is usually shy around new people, but she's taken a liking to you, Ava. Consider yourself lucky!" I grinned, "Hai hai, Captain!" We all burst out laughing at my silly joke.

When it was time to leave, I said goodbye to Ms. Kareen and Ash. "It was lovely meeting you," I said. Ms. Kareen smiled, "Same here, Ava. I wish my husband and children were here to meet you too. Next time, perhaps." I nodded and headed back home.

As soon as I reached my house. I flopped onto the sofa, pillow in hand and rolled around savoring the comfort. My mom scolded me for my dramatic entrance. lectured me and then asked me to run errands for her. "Can I just rest for two minutes, mom?" I pleaded. "No, we have work to do, Go fast I need those groceries!" I sighed but eventually headed out to buy groceries from the nearby shop.

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AFTER I GRABBED THE GROCERIES

As I stepped out of the shop with my groceries, I noticed a small alley beside the store, I followed the voice to find. A guy and girl stood there, their voices hushed but intense. The guy pushed the girl and I froze, concerned. The girl tried to speak, but her words were inaudible. The guy retorted, "Stop it! I'm not interested. Leave me alone!" He turned to leave, but the girl grasped his leg, her eyes pleading. "You want me too... don't pretend. Please don't leave me alone."

My heart went out to her, but my phone rang, breaking the tension. I answered, to find out it was my mom asking me to come home early. As I agreed, I glanced back at the alley and was shocked to see the guy from the other day, the one I had dashed past outside the washroom. He looked cute but seemed like a jerk. I pitied the girl and thought, "Good riddance!" before heading home.