Between Two Worlds

CHAPTER 28 - Rising Tides

Those next few days felt like a succession of small victories mixed in with a general onslaught. We were invigorated by Ava's guts, but at the same time burdened by the animosity she faced from her parents.

We found ourselves, one afternoon, at the library-a haven of peace and solitude where people think. And we were to each other. The buzz of the usual kind of students that surrounded us melted into a background hum of comfort as we settled into a secluded corner.

"How much things can change," Ava said, knitting her brow together as she flipped through the pages of her textbook. "It's like my life has been turned upside down."

I reached out, running my hand over hers gently. "But you stood up for yourself. That's huge. You're not letting them decide your happiness anymore."

A small smile nudged its way across Ava's face as a glimmer of hope erupted in the uncertainty. "I guess I am. But what if they don't back down? They have always been so controlling."

Then we fight back," I said, my conviction spiking inside me. "We find allies: people who are on our side. We can't be doing this alone."

She thought of that for a moment. "I guess you're right. I just wish I knew how to make them understand."

Perhaps we begin by proving to them that our love is not an infatuation. We can't change who we are for them," I proposed.

I was only starting to delve into a more sensitive topic when Ava's phone buzzed again, and she looked down at it, her face then mirroring a sense of dread.
"It's my mom again."

"Do you want to take it?" I asked, my heart beating rather madly at this point. I knew this conversation could either way.
Ava shook her head. "No. I cannot just keep giving in to them controlling my life. I have to be strong."

As she placed the phone back on the desk, I felt a surge of admiration for her strength. "You are strong, Ava. Remember that."

We sat there for most of the rest of the afternoon in comforting silence, our bodies bending inward toward each other, bent on study. But as the sun dipped down, casting long shadows across the library, unease set in.

Later that night, walking back to our dorms, the air was heavy with unspoken fears. I saw Ava keep biting down on her lip-she was lost in thought.

"Ava, what are you thinking?" I asked softly.

"What if they never come around? What if they never accept us?" she replied, her voice still trembling.

"Then we just keep moving forward," I said, determination reflected in my voice. "We can't make them react, but we can control how we react. And I'm not leaving."
Her eyes met mine and I saw the glimmer of hope sprinkled in with fear. "I wish I knew how to make them see us. Understand that love isn't something you can determine.".

Maybe we need to show them," I suggested. "Not just tell them. We can invite them to a meeting or dinner where they can see how happy we are together."

Ava paused, furrowing her brows. "You really think that would work?"

"It's worth a shot. It's better than sitting back and letting them dictate our lives. If we're genuine and honest, maybe they'll come around.".

She nodded slowly, a faint spark of determination lighting in her eyes. "Okay. Let's do it. Let's invite them.".

A blur of activity, I guess you could call it, as the next few days passed getting everything ready for the dinner. Ava texted her parents after what seemed like an eternity and agreed to come over one Friday evening. I felt half excited, half nervous as it seemed that it was time to face the storm together.

Then came the evening, and tension filled Ava's apartment. She allowed me to help her set the table. We moved in harmony, both of us trying hard to make it warm and inviting.

"Do you feel ready for this?" I asked her, trying to get an idea of how nervous she was.

"Not really," she nodded, taking one deep breath. "But I understand it has to be done. I want them to see that we're not leaving.".

We had just lit the candles when a knock at the door sounded. Ava's heart started racing as she looked over to me with wide eyes. "Here we go."
I squeezed her hand before she opened the door to show her parents standing in the doorway, a very unreadable expression on their faces.

"Hi, Mom. Dad. Thanks for coming," Ava said, her voice steady but her hands shaking slightly.

"'Let's just get this over with,'" her father replied brusquely, stepping inside without another word. Her mother followed, her gaze scanning the room with barely concealed disdain.

As we settled at the dining table, I could feel the tension rising. I had envisioned a simple dinner - comfort food to ease the atmosphere; however, it seemed to have just the opposite effect.

Her mother spoke first, her voice cold. "So what exactly did you want to talk about?"

Ava took a deep breath, her resolve shining through. "I wanted to talk about Mia and me. About how you've treated us since the accident."

Her father scoffed, sitting back in his chair. "This again? You really think you can change our minds? This is a mistake.".

No, Dad, Ava shot back, her voice rising. This is no mistake. This is who I am, and I will not be controlled anymore.

I got a thrill of pride when she stood her ground, but the tension between them was so palpable it felt like I could cut it. Her mother cut her short, her tone barbed. "You're being foolish, Ava. This isn't love. This is just a phase-a misguided rebellion."
Ava's face turned rock hard. "No it's not. I love Mia. And I'm not asking for your approval-I am demanding your respect.".

His face reddened, his anger evident just below the surface. "Respect is to be earned, not bestowed. You're wasting your life on this.the idea."
I couldn't say nothing anymore. "This is not nonsense. Ava has a right to love whom she wants, just as anyone. You can't decide her happiness."
"Who do you think you are?" He snapped, voice booming. "You're nothing but an influence. A distraction!

"A distraction?" I snapped back, heat rising up my cheeks. "I'm not here to distract her; I'm here to love her. Something you clearly don't understand."

Ava reached out and put a hand on my arm, holding me in place. "This isn't just about me anymore; it's about us. And if you can't accept that, then maybe you need to rethink what family means."

The room grew silent, heavy with tension. Her parents looked at one another in incredulity, but I could see where cracks were beginning to start in their façade.

At last, her mother spoke, her voice wavering. "You think this is easy for us? We just want what's best for you, Ava. You're our daughter.".

And I want to be happy," Ava replied, her voice steady. "You may not understand my choices, but they are mine to make. I need you to accept that."

The silence stretched on, a palpable weight hanging in the air. I was waiting for their response, frozen in place, holding my breath.

It was then when her father, finally finding his words to say with deep undertone of anger and a hint of defeat, said, "You are making a mistake, Ava. But if this is what you so want, then we will not be supporting it."

Her heart fell, but she remains tall. "I rather to be me to myself than for trying to please you.".

As her parents stood to leave, I felt the sense of loss overwhelm me. But Ava takes my hand warmly, gripping it tightly, and in that moment, I knew we were stronger this way.

Whatever happens next, we face it together, I whisper to her.

Ava nods, determination etched on her face. "Together," she says.

Her parents were walking out as I felt the storm still raging, but our foundation was rock solid. We had stood up for something, and that was only the start.