AUTHOR'S P.O.V
"Pick that, Ava. You're the tall one," Nicole said, her voice cheerful as she pointed to a jar of jelly on the top shelf.
Ava stretched her long frame, retrieving the jar and dropping it into the shopping trolley with a soft clink.
She had decided to accompany Nicole to shop for groceries, escaping the loneliness that had settled in after Ariana's departure with Alistair earlier.
Ava's mind wandered to him, her thoughts tangled in a web of curiosity and caution. She must meet him. But the only way was through Ariana's boyfriend. How could she approach Alistair Belmayne, confessing her forgotten past and her connection to Reed Lanchester?
Nicole's voice interrupted her reverie. "Things here are inexpensive. You could get almost everything."
Ava nodded, her gaze drifting around the bustling supermarket. The aroma of fresh bread and ripe fruits filled the air, momentarily distracting her from her thoughts.
"So next is sugar, flour..." Nicole trailed off, her eyes scanning the shopping list. "Let's split up so we don't waste much time. I'm going to get veggies, so get the flour and sugar and meet me at the counter in five minutes."
Ava nodded, watching as Nicole dragged the trolley away, the wheels creaking on the polished floor. She turned and walked to the baking aisle, her footsteps echoing off the shelves. She picked out the flour and sugar, the soft rustle of the packaging a familiar comfort.
As she turned around the corner, she bumped into a body, the unexpected impact sending shockwaves through her.
"I'm sorry!" Ava apologized, her eyes locking onto the stranger's.
She froze, transfixed by the woman's golden brown eyes, like honey illuminated by sunlight. The woman's lips parted in shock, emotions swirling in her gaze like turbulent waters. Ava's head began to throb, a dull ache spreading from her temples.
The woman's appearance was haggard, her greasy, unkempt hair framing a face that would be pretty if not for the malice etched upon it.
Ava's thoughts reeled, searching for a connection, a memory that lingered just out of reach. The golden eyes turned from shock to anger, sparkling with malicious intent, sending chills down Ava's spine.
"You're real," the woman whispered, her voice laced with disbelief and anger.
Ava reeled back, her mind racing. The voice, that accent... why was it familiar? The ache in her head intensified, a pounding drumbeat that threatened to consume her.
Ava dropped the items, clutching her head as the world spun around her. The woman's laughter was deranged, a cackling sound that sent shivers down Ava's spine.
"Been long. Miss me?" Ava stared into her eyes, confusion etched on her face.
The woman watched her warily, suspicion creeping into her gaze. "Stop pretending. If this is a ploy to escape me, then you better think twice." The woman's threat hung in the air, heavy with menace.
"W-who are you?" Ava managed to squeeze out, her voice barely audible.
The woman's expression transformed, skepticism replacing anger. "You don't remember me? Do you know me?"
Ava shook her head, a whimper escaping her lips. The pain was intolerable, a crushing weight that pressed upon her.
The woman watched her in stunned silence before bursting into laughter. She inched closer to Ava, her face inches from hers. Ava's sight blurred, her vision tunneling to a single point. She swayed, her knees buckling.
