Summer of first love

30

"Can't I go with you?" Avery asked.

"You could, but I want someone here to look after your aunt. Jinny is in France for the month, and your aunt is unwell," Roseann replied.

"Yeah, I understand."

"Alright, I'll see you when I get back. Be good."

"I will."

"Oh, before I forget, there's twenty dollars on the counter if you need to run to the store for her."

"Thanks."

The two leave—Roseann heads to the airport, and Avery goes to her aunt's house. When she arrives, she lets herself in. Walking into the kitchen, she spots her aunt turning on the stove to boil water.

"Hey! How are you feeling?" Avery calls out.

Luana jumps, startled by Avery's voice. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," Avery adds quickly.

"You didn't... What are you doing here? I told your mother I was ill and that you were to stay with Seraphina."

"Yeah, well, Jinny is in Paris, so someone's gotta be here to take care of you—Mom's words, not mine."

"Well, I'm fine, feeling much better. I've been like this for two days; I guess I forgot to call and tell her."

"That's great to hear," Avery says as Luana turns off the stove. The two walk into the living room and sit on the couch.

"Nashville, huh?" Luana asks.

"Yeah, Mom's making a song."

"Recording a song."

"Right, sorry."

"You're fine. Have you heard it?"

"No, she just left today. She hasn't read the lyrics yet."

"Oh."

"Enough about Mom. How are you?"

"Good."

"And Jinny?"

"Loving Paris."

"How long is she there?"

"One month."

"I'm sure she'll have fun."

"Oh, she is."

Suddenly, a phone rings. Luana picks up her phone. "It's Seraphina... Does she know you're here?"

"Ask Mom. Mom just said to come here."

Luana answers the call, putting it on speaker. "Hey, Ser."

"Is Avery there?" Seraphina asks.

"Yes, why?"

"Avery! You're supposed to be here!"

"Blame Mom; she told me to come here instead, like 'go take care of your aunt,' so she's the reason I'm not there," Avery responds.

Luana chimes in, "Well, I'm fine now. Go on to Seraphina's; I'll be okay."

"Okay... I'm on my way."

"See you soon."

"See ya."

Avery and Luana hug.

"Thanks for stopping by," Luana says.

"You're welcome."

"Go on, before she gets more mad."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye."