The little things about us

Ava: chapter 11

Present day...

After we left my son's birthday party, we came to my best friend's place.

She drove us here so we can have a one-on-one talk even after I begged her that I was too tired and just wanted to go home.

She insisted that I shouldn't be left alone in that house because my mind will go haywire.

So now, I was seated on Kiara's living room couch, drinking some hot tea.

''Do you want to talk about it?'' Kiara sat down next to me, grabbing her own drink and asking. I sighed heavily.

I just stayed silent, drinking from my cup softly. She placed her drink down to grab my attention and looked at me.

''Eventually, you're going to have to talk to me. What happened back there?'' She questioned, lifting my head with her finger under my chin. I caught her concerned eyes and I smiled sadly in appreciation.

''My daughter hates me.'' I gave the short answer because I am starting to believe that.

Her behaviour has been going on for over a year, ever since her mom and I separated.

''She doesn't hate you.'' Kiara spoke with a higher tone while I just sighed back, not believing it.

''I'm serious, Ava.'' She continued, shifting to sit closer to me with her legs crossed underneath her as she faced me on the couch.

''You're not great but hate is a very strong word. Evelyn's upset. Just like you are with this divorce thing.'' She pointed out, gesturing my physical state with her hand.

I looked her way, feeling the breakage in my heart as I thought about my daughter.

''She didn't tell me about this parent-teacher meeting, Ki. I found out from my mom which is why I got there late and she has been avoiding me since.''

I explained the situation because I haven't told Ki about it and I wanted her to understand why I think my daughter doesn't like me anymore.

''And when I confronted her today, I was being really nice at first but she kept being avoidant and telling me how I didn't need to know because she doesn't want me there.'' I laughed at myself in disbelief, just realizing how bad this situation is after retelling it.

''My daughter doesn't want me to know what's happening in her life.'' I concluded, shaking my head as I felt my eyes water.

''That's hate right there.'' I concluded, seeing Kiara sigh and place a comforting hand on my shoulder, rubbing it up and down as she saw my teary eyes.

''That's anger, Ava. Your daughter is angry which is why she's saying those things.'' She tried correcting me but I wasn't having it.

''But what is she angry about?'' I cut her off, pushing her hand away so I could turn to face her body with my own.

''Her mother is the one who asked for this divorce! Her mother is the one that wanted to divorce me.''

I just find it is ridiculous how I am getting the bad end of the stick. Danny told me that she acts colder and ruder with me than with Melissa.

Why isn't my ex-wife getting as much fire as I am?

''Then why isn't she as angry with Melissa as she is with you?'' Kiara asked the same question in my mind.

The same question that I don't have the answer for.

''I don't know, Ki. I just don't know.'' I answered with frustration, rubbing my face before pausing as it finally dawned on me.