Knock, Knock (Lenny Pearce/Justice Crew Fanfic)

Chapter 9: Believe Me

* Lenny’s POV *

“Sorry, I can’t.” Ava responded before hanging up.

That’s the third time this week she had declined on my plans for a date. But I couldn’t complain because it’s true when she said she was busy. When I dropped by her store yesterday, she didn’t even have any time to have a chat with me. Customers came rushing in and out of her store, keeping her hands busy helping Cece with everything.

Plus, she was working on a new portfolio, coming up with her designs for her new collection.

However, I couldn’t help it not to feel bad. I’d be lying if I told you I was fine with it, when in reality, I’m so worried, thinking I had done something wrong which made her feel cold towards me.

I hope not.

“You’re back to gummies, which means you and Ava?” Paulie asked as he sat down beside me. We were on a break from rehearsals and I was already consuming my second pack for the day, and it was just after lunch.

I shook my head no. “Ava and I are still together.”

“But I thought you left the gummy world even before you started dating her?” He asked.

“I did, but these last few days I couldn’t help it. Ava’s so busy lately and I’m worried that she might be using that an excuse.” I confessed. Literally, I’m shaking, scared that I’ll lose her.

The last time I felt like this was when that girl in my past left without any word. It took me months before I realize that it was too impossible to see her again. Then, it took me years to finally get over her when I met Ava, and now I’m back to being me. Gummy bears keeping me sane.

 “Do you think she’s getting bored with me?” I uttered. It was the last question I wanted to ask, wondering how I could know when I’m almost about to lose her, then maybe I could do something and work things out before it’s too late.

“I’m sure everything’s going to be alright.” Paulie tapped my shoulder before leaving me back to being alone and worried.

The thing is, I hated how everyone’s telling me that it will be okay, but I feel like it’s not. Like in a split second, she will be taken away from me and leave me heartbroken.

Why must it happen again?

“Hey Len, are you coming with us to the club tonight?” Lukas asked as I nodded. “You alright, mate?”

I nodded again. As much as I wanted advice on what to do, I was too afraid of hearing what they would say. I was already expecting that this was a part of her routine when leaving the guys. Though a massive part of me wanted it wouldn’t end up like that.

***

“What’s with your brother?” I heard Blade ask John while we were all hanging out at Scape tonight.

He chuckled. “Oh you know, Ava.”

Blade laughed with him, perhaps remembering the time when he was going out with her. “What?! She’s already rejecting all your dates? Thought you two would end up longer.” He commented as my head popped up, recognizing what he just said. That’s what’s happening to me right now.

“Was that how she left you?” I asked.

Blade nodded, confirming that it was how the two separated ways. “Yep. Hurts, but I recovered. We’re better off as friends, really.”

But Ava and I can’t be friends. We’re not supposed to be friends. I don’t want to be just friends.

“Aren’t those her friends?” Blade spoke up and pointed to a table across from ours. True enough, Jade, Clar, Joey and Will came into view as they took a table across from us, pulling out more chairs.