Finding Ava

Chapter 22

"Ava." I heard a familiar voice. I slowly opened my eyes to see Yamile and Julian hovering over me. I was so happy to see them. A small smile formed on my lips. They smiled back at me and Julian kissed my forehead.

"Hey baby girl." he says.

"Hi." I whisper. They pulled a chair up on both sides of me and stroke my hand.

I'm glad that my best friend and boyfriend are here by my side filling in Aaron's spot for him. They're the best people I've ever met other than Aaron. He'll always be my favorite person.

"How are you feeling babe?" Yamile questions.

"I'm good. I just passed out. That's all." I answer.

"I'm glad that you're ok. Is everything ok with your dad?"

The mention of him makes me go crazy inside. I really miss him. He should be with me right now. I choked back the tears but they started flowing a few seconds later.

"No. Everything is fucked up! They took him away from me. The one person that I need most is gone! He's gone Yami!" I screamed.

"I'm sorry Ava." she says squeezing my hand.

How am I supposed to deal with this? I wish I never saw that poster. I wouldn't have to be going through this right now. Its fucked up how this had to happen to me. I should've just kept my mouth closed and let Aaron tell me for himself that I wasn't his biological daughter. I'm so upset with myself right now.

I've caused all of this drama when it could've been avoided. Now Aaron is suffering because of me. I know he hates me for this and I would hate myself too.

"Baby stop crying. You'll be fine." Julian says trying to soothe me.

"No its not Ju. Everything i-is my fault! None of this w-would've happened if I wasn't so focused on f-finding out the truth. And now that I-I have I regret knowing e-everything." I sob.

"But look on the bright side. You'll still be able to see Aaron. Time will fly by and he'll be back before you know it. I promise it won't be any difference, except for seeing him everyday. You're going to make it through this because Yami and I will always be there for you. We're not letting you hold this guilt towards yourself because its not your fault. None of it is ok?"

I nod as more tears roll down my cheeks. Julian uses the pad of his thumbs and wipe my tears away. He hates seeing me cry but I just can't help myself right now. I'm too hurt at this moment.

Yamile and Julian stayed with me for about an hour then I was finally released from the hospital about twenty minutes after they left. My grandfather came and took me with him. I didn't want to go anywhere with him but I have no choice. Its either I leave with him or be on the streets. I think I like the first one better.

"We're going back into town and to the house that you were living in. Do you mind telling me the address?" my grandfather asks. I'm not speaking to him so I grabbed a piece of paper and write the address down for him.

"Thanks. We can get most of the clothes and shoes that you need then come back for the rest tomorrow. Sounds good?" I simply nod.

I gathered my stuff together and we headed out of the hospital. I don't even want to go back to the house because its not going to be the same. Its going to feel empty because Aaron isn't there and I'll be expecting to see him as soon as I enter.

• • •

The first thirty minute drive back home consists of my grandfather trying to get me to talk to him. I'm sitting in the backseat because I don't want to talk to him until he lets me talk to Aaron. When I talk to Aaron then I maybe I'll talk back to him. But right now, I don't think so. He's not getting anything out of me. I'm sorry.