Where Love Lingers

Chapter 2

Ava

The clatter of dishes in the sink echoed through the empty kitchen, a reminder of the normalcy I craved but could never attain. I scrubbed the remnants of dinner from the plates, my mind wandering to Tyler and Lucy, who were probably laughing and making plans without a thought of me. The thought twisted like a knife in my gut.

I wiped my hands on the dish towel and glanced out the window, catching sight of Tyler's house. It felt like a million miles away, even though we were neighbors. He was probably in there right now, his laughter mingling with Lucy's, a sound that made my heart ache. My heart raced as I remembered the way he smiled at her, and I hated that I felt this way—like a ghost in my own life.

"Hey, Ava, are you even paying attention?" Ethan's voice cut through my thoughts again, and I turned to see him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, wearing that same indifferent expression.

"I was just thinking," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"About what? The dinner disaster?" he shot back, rolling his eyes.

I felt a flush creep up my cheeks. "No. Just... nothing."

"Sure. Whatever." He shrugged, turning away as if my feelings didn't matter.

I had long learned that it was easier to hide than to engage, especially with him. I didn't want to argue or draw attention to my feelings—those messy, complicated feelings that I'd buried deep inside. Instead, I focused on the dishes, the warm water soothing my hands, wishing it could wash away the hurt.

The evening dragged on in silence, the only sound coming from the television, where Ethan's attention seemed glued to whatever game was on. The clamor of laughter from the living room reminded me of the divide between us. My siblings had their lives; I had mine—a fragile existence overshadowed by the trauma I dared not share.

Once the dishes were done, I retreated to my room, where I could shut out the world. My sanctuary was a small space filled with mismatched furniture and old memories—mementos from happier times when things were different. I closed the door behind me and sank onto my bed, letting out a shaky breath.

I pulled out my phone and opened my social media apps, scrolling through pictures of friends and their vibrant lives. Tyler's latest post caught my eye—he was at a party, grinning with Lucy right beside him, her arm draped over his shoulder. They looked like a perfect couple, and I felt my heart sink even further.

I leaned back against the wall, staring at the ceiling as I fought the flood of emotions crashing over me. I felt so trapped in my own mind. I had to remind myself that it didn't matter—Tyler was out of my reach, and the last thing I needed was to subject myself to Lucy's cruel jabs or Ethan's indifference.

I pulled out my sketchbook, the one place where I could release the emotions swirling inside me. I flipped to a blank page and began to draw. It was easier than facing reality. My pencil glided across the paper, creating a landscape that reflected my inner turmoil—a stormy sky above a lonely figure standing beneath a tree.

Hours slipped away as I lost myself in my art, the outside world fading into a blur. I sketched the treehouse from our childhood, where Tyler and I had shared dreams and secrets, a place that felt like a lifetime ago. The nostalgia enveloped me, but it was bittersweet.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on my door, and I jumped, my pencil slipping from my fingers.

"Ava, are you coming out or what?" Ethan's voice sounded again, impatient.

"I'll be out in a minute!" I called back, stuffing the sketchbook under my bed.

As I composed myself and opened the door, I was greeted by the lively chatter of my siblings. Tyler stood there, laughing with Ethan, his presence immediately lighting up the space.

"Hey, Ava!" he said, glancing my way with a smile that sent a rush of warmth through me.

"Hi," I managed, feeling my cheeks flush. I was acutely aware of the way Lucy stood next to him, her arm casually draped over his shoulder, like a possessive shield.

"Are you coming to the party tonight?" Tyler asked, his tone friendly and inviting.

I hesitated, the weight of Lucy's gaze pressing down on me. "Um, no. I think I'll stay in."

"Oh, come on!" Tyler said, stepping closer. "It'll be fun! You should come. You never know—maybe you'll have a good time."

Lucy shot me a sharp look, her expression suddenly hard. "Yeah, Ava, it's just a party. Don't be such a bore."

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. The truth was, I was terrified of stepping into that world—of facing the judgment of my family, of feeling even more invisible among people who moved so effortlessly through life.

"Maybe next time," I said, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "I really need to study."

Ethan shrugged, already losing interest, while Tyler's smile faltered for just a moment. "Alright, your loss. But if you change your mind..."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

With that, they turned away, leaving me standing in the doorway, feeling like an outsider in my own home once again. The laughter faded, and the world outside continued on without me. I closed the door, the weight of their absence pressing heavily on my chest.

Alone in the silence, I sank back onto my bed, grappling with the familiar mix of longing and despair. Tyler might have smiled at me, but it was Lucy who held his attention, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was destined to remain on the sidelines, forever yearning for something just out of reach.