Between Two Worlds

CHAPTER 31 - Confronting the Past

Those days following the confrontation that Ava had with her parents were uncertain days of hope and anxiety. She did take quite a bold step there, but the waiting for things to happen was unbearable. We clung to each other as the moments of joy would somewhat help in distracting from the uncertain future looming over us.

One afternoon, while we were studying in her room, Ava's phone buzzed again. I knew this was from her parents, and the tenseness could creep back in her body.
"Are you gonna answer?" I asked softly, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Yeah. I gotta," she said, taking another deep breath. "I need to know what they are thinking.".

As she picked up the call, I could see the anxiety transition over to determination, and by now she had responded with "Hello? Yes, I'm here. Okay." as she listened to their words intently, her eyes narrowing.

She just hung up after those few moments, her face whitening. "They want to talk to me again," she trembled out, her voice.

"What did they say?" My heart was racing fast as I asked her this.

"They... they want to meet. They say they're willing to discuss things further, but they're not guaranteeing their acceptance," Ava replied, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior.

"Do you want to meet them?" I asked cautiously.

I don't know. I want them to accept me, but I'm scared it'll just turn into another argument," she admitted her voice wavering.

Let's prepare for it," I said. "We can write down what you want to say, just like before. We have to get your voice heard."

Ava nodded, resolute. "You're right. I can't let them intimidate me.".

That night, she sat down to write. She poured her heart into words, speaking about her feelings on love, identity, and acceptance. We came up with a plan on how she could stay her course through some of the questions and concerns they had.

We went to her parents' the following day. My heart was thumping inside my chest, and I caught a glimpse of Ava's hand that slightly quivered as she knocked on the door. When her mother opened it, I saw a kind of reluctant look in her eyes.

"Ava, thanks for coming," her mother said, though her voice was cold.

"Can we talk?" Ava asked, stepping inside with a firmness that I admired.

We entered the sitting room. Ava's father joined us, his face stern. I sat beside Ava, preparing myself for support, whatever shape it needed to take.

I know this isn't easy, he said, looking back and forth between us. But we want to understand.

Ava took a deep breath. "I appreciate that. But it's really important for me to say something, that I won't hide who I am anymore. I love Mia, and I hope you can respect that."

Her mother crossed her arms in a defensive posture. "We've been thinking about it, and we still have concerns. We're just worried about your future.".

"My future?" Ava asked incredulous. "You're worried about a future that doesn't include my happiness. Love is part of that future."

"Ava, you're young," her father interrupted, his tone softening slightly. "You don't fully understand what you're committing to."

Don't get it?"
Ava jerked her head back, her voice sharp. "I've spent too long pretending in the dark, and I know what love is, and it's real. I want no time to waste by lying just to fit into your aspirations."

The room was silent for a good long while as they digested her words. I could see the struggles in their faces, and my heart was pounding as Ava continued on.

If you can't support me, then I have to decide what's more important-my happiness or your approval. I am not going to lose myself anymore in fear of disappointing you."

Her mother's features began to soften; the anger was giving way to something more vulnerable. "We never wanted to hurt you, Ava. We just thought we were protecting you.".

"How are you protecting me?" Ava spoke, now her voice broken with emotion. "Pushing me away?" "I need you to know that your love and your acceptance are everything to me, and if we are to have some kind of a relationship then it has got to be built on mutual understanding, not control."

"I wish you had spoken to us sooner," her father said, his voice heavy with regret. "Maybe we could have come to a better understanding.".

Ava took another step closer. "I didn't feel safe when sharing the truth with you because I didn't want to know how you would react," she said her voice softening. "But let me tell you, I am your daughter, whoever I love. I need you to see me for who I am.".

She stretched out, and in the moonlight of the car, tears were shining in her eyes. "Ava, we do not want to lose you. We need time to process all of this. It is all so new to us."

"I understand that," Ava said steadily. "But I need you to promise me that you'll try. I do not want to live my life in the fear of who I am.

"We will try," her father said, his voice sincere. "We love you, and that won't change."

I felt a wave of relief settle over me as we stepped out of the house. Ava had stood firm, and it seemed like her parents were finally getting it.

"You were amazing in there," I said, wrapping my arms around her as we stepped out of the house. "You didn't back down."

"I was petrified," Ava admitted, her voice shaking. "But I knew I had to say something. I couldn't let them control me anymore."

Together, we walked along the street, the tension easing between us. As we passed by a small park, I suggested, "Let's sit for a bit. We deserve a break after all that."

We sat on a bench; the sun dipped low, covering us with that warm glow. Ava leaned on my shoulder with her head; it was then that I felt this calm surrounding us.

"What now?" she whispered.

"Now we take one day at a time," I replied as I intertwined our fingers. "You have taken a huge step, and I am proud of you. Whatever comes next, we will face it together side by side,"

Ava looked up at me, her eyes sparkling. "Thanks for being my rock," she said. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"I'll never let that happen," I promised, kissing her forehead. "We're in this together, no matter what.".

It was when the stars began twinkling above that I felt renewed hope. We rose from the ashes to take on the world according to our requirements.