Between Two Worlds

CHAPTER 32 - Facing the Storm

And so, as the days passed following Ava's confrontation with her parents, something like tense calm settled over us. Her parents attempted to be understanding; still, we couldn't see that everything was going to be all right, like the shadow of a storm still on the horizon. I knew Ava was really afraid but also hopeful at the same time, and this was contagious.

One afternoon, we had set to merely lounge and relax over a long week's itch at our favorite little café. The freshly brewed aroma of coffee surrounded us, but, as usual, the warmth of that place felt different. As we sat over our corner table, Ava's phone buzzed again and cut through the chatter from the groups surrounding us.

"Not again," she muttered, gazing at the screen.

"Your parents?" I asked, with worry flowing in my chest.

Yeah," she replied, her eyes narrowing. "I feel like they're trying to contact me more often, but I don't know if I'm ready for that either."

"Do you want to take it?" I asked gently, my hand on hers.

She thought for a second before she shook her head again. "Not now. I need a break from all of this.".

It was then that we sat silently drinking our respective drinks when a familiar face strolled into the bar-suddenly came into view. Jenna, one of the closest buddies to Ava, walked in. She looked shocked by our presence but walked over to our table and dramatically changed the shock in her eyes to concern.

"How are you, Ava! Mia? I did not expect to be seeing you girls here today," she exclaimed while looking to both sides at the others.

Ava forced a smile, but I could see the tenseness underneath. "We're fine, I suppose. Just trying to get a grasp on everything."
Jenna furrowed her brow as she listened. "I heard about the accident and the fallout with your parents. Sounds intense."
"Yeah, it is," Ava said tightly. "But I am trying to stay strong.

Jenna's expression softened. "I understand. But I have to tell you, some of the others are kind of worried about you, too. They don't really know what to think about... you two being together."

The weight of her words hung there, a heavy lead balloon in the air. My heart sank inside my chest. "Worried how?" I asked, trying to keep my voice level.

Just that it's all a lot to take in, Jenna said hesitantly. "Some of them think you should end things. Ava, they think it would simplify your life with your parents."

Ava's face had hardened, and I could see the anger just beneath the surface. "Can you believe it? It's my life! Why does anybody else get to decide who I love?

I know, I know," Jenna said, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "But it's complicated. People talk and care about you. They just want what's best."

"What's best for me?" Ava replied, rising up in anger. "Or what's best for them? There's a difference!

"I'm not saying I agree with them," Jenna quickly threw in. "I just think you need to be aware of the pressure. It's not just your parents; it's everyone."

I squeezed Ava's hand, feeling her tension move through me. "It's not their decision," I said firmly. "Ava deserves to be happy, and that shouldn't come with conditions."

I know you feel that way, but I just don't want you to get hurt more than you already have," Jenna said, softening once again. "All of this is so new, and people are scared."

Ava let out a deep breath, her face frustration and hurt. "I can't let fear dictate my choices. If I let others control me now, I will never be free.".

"True," Jenna admitted. "But you should at least take it into consideration how this could be affecting your friendships too. We don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to lose myself," Ava said back, her voice a little shaky. "I refuse to be backed into the corner just because it would make things easier for everyone else."

"Maybe I can go out and talk to some people," Jenna said hesitantly. "Try to get them to see things from your perspective."

Ava's face softened a degree. "Would you? I'd like that. But I am who I am, and I'm not changing just to fit in."

"Good," Jenna said breaking out into a small smile. "You have always been strong. Just don't forget we are all in this together."

As she walked away I can see Ava struggling with her feelings. "Do you think we can really stand up for this together?" she asked her voice quivering.

"Absolutely," I said, squeezing her hand tighter. "No matter what anyone says, we'll face this as a team. Just remember, love is worth fighting for."

But as we stepped outside of the café and into the cool evening air, I couldn't shake off the feeling that the storm was far from over. The whispers from Ava's friends, the warnings about her parents, all felt like a reminder that our love would be brought to question by more than just her family.

Later that night, I received a message from Jess. It was a long time since we last spoke, and I couldn't even gauge what to expect.
Jess: "Can we talk? I know things have been crazy, but I think I need to understand."
A knot started creeping into my stomach. I looked over at Ava, who was away with her thoughts. "Just got a message from Jess," I said hesitantly. "She wants to talk.".

Ava's eyes flickered with concern. "You're going to meet her?"

I shook my head. "I don't know. Part of me wants to. Maybe we can find some common ground."

Ava nodded slowly. "Just be careful. She's been hurt, too. It might be a lot to unpack."

"I'll keep that in mind," I promised. "But I need to hear her out. Maybe she can help bridge some of these divides."

I anxiously waited to meet Jess. The world seemed to close in around me, but inside me, I knew that love involves staring head-on into the storm, even when you don't know exactly which way you're going to walk.

Whatever happened, I was then ready to walk into chaos with Ava at my side.