Reasons I Can't Forget You

Chapter XXVI: It's Your Decision

POV: Avalie

We were throwing the last of our bags into the trunk of Char's car.

"You're in the back Zachy!" I shouted as I hopped into the passenger seat.

"Av! You little-"

"Avalie's right Zach! Girls up front!" Char chimed in.

Zach growled and climbed into the back, "I can't wait till I'm around some guys."

"Oh stop complaining! Okay so we'll drive to my house where Seth and Daniel should be waiting. We'll congratulate Daniel because he's able to walk without anything but a cane-"

"Really? That's awesome!" Zach butted in.

"I know right! Now don't interrupt me! So we'll celebrate at my house, sleep there, then make our way to the mystery destination!"

Char squealed and clapped, "It'll be so fun!"

"I wanna know what it is!" Zach whined.

"No can do Zachy!" I laughed evilly.

It felt so good to be here with my best friends. I missed Zach, and truthfully I liked being his friend a lot better than dating him. No matter how cute he was. I just felt bad that he couldn't be with Char, I could tell he really liked her. I was torn because I wanted Seth to be happy. Char was a lot better for him than Cara had ever been.

~~~

I was surprised to see my Aunt Elle at my house when we arrived. We were staying at her house tomorrow night since she lived by the mystery destination, "Aunt Elle!" I squealed, hugging her.

"Hi sweetie! You get more gorgeous everyday!" I looked at my aunt, she looked just like my mother. Same skinny frame, and round face. Elle had the same wavy hair, but a darker brown. She was also a little taller than my mother. Not to mention seven years younger.

I quickly gave my mom a tight squeeze, and she kissed me on the forehead.

We all ogled over Elle's five month old baby boy Drew.

"Hey baby," I said cuddling him in my arms. Now this little boy was the love of my life, no doubt about it! I giggled at his cuteness.

I heard Elle's little girl Eve running down the stairs, "Avalie!" she shrieked happily. Eve was five and already almost as pretty as her mother.

"Hey Eve," I hugged her little body.

Eve walked around introducing herself to all of my friends, and shaking their hands. She was the cutest little girl!

Char held Drew, and we laughed as Eve forced the boys to play tea party with her. Daniel was walking like a pro! I was so happy for him.

Eventually my mom called us to the table. There was a big, yummy ice cream cake smack dab in the middle. "Looks so good mom!" I said happily.

"Come on birthday girl, I'm starved!" Daniel laughed, poking me.

Char and Seth sat right next to each other, such a cute couple.

After singing, we dug into our cake. Eve had insisted on sitting right next to me.

We laughed as Seth wiped frosting on Char's face. She squealed and rubbed it off.

The cake was amazing, all cold and delicious. I saved the fudgy middle part for last.

The fun was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Avalie can you get that," My mother called from the kitchen.

I got up and headed to the door. I wasn't prepared for what was waiting there.

My father.

I fought the urge to quickly shut the door again.

"Avalie, I didn't think you would answer," he scratched his head awkwardly.

"Mom doesn't want to talk to you," I responded coldly.

"No, no, I came for you."

"Okaaaay, so what do you want?" This was beyond awkward.

He gestured with his hand, "Can we talk outside?"

I stepped outside, not daring to close the door behind me.Since it was Mississippi, it was still warm enough to be out in November. The sun had gone down making it colder and causing me to shiver in my jeans and thin t-shirt. My dad sat down slowly on the steps. I reluctantly joined him, remaining stiff and rigid.

He started speaking, "Avalie look, I know that I am a horrible person for doing what I did. I hate myself for hurting you to, and being so selfish. However, I also know that I can't take it back, or change what happened. I came here to ask you for you forgiveness. And to tell you happy birthday. You're still my little girl and now I need you to make a big decision. When you wake up seventeen tomorrow, I don't want you to wake up hating me. I know that I don't deserve it, but I love you." He looked at me hopefully.

I didn't know what to do. Part of me still wanted to hate him, trying to tell me there was no way he deserved it. But hating someone, was so much work. Especially my dad.

-You just thought dad. Not father, but dad.

I did.-

I knew that I had to forgive him, I still loved him. I mean I had made mistakes and he didn't stop loving me. He deserved the same, "Daddy, I forgive you."

He pulled me into a hug, and I realized I had been crying that whole time. I had forgotten how much I missed him.

"Thank you Avalie. Now I have to go, and you have a party to enjoy. Just please, maybe find a weekend to come and visit me?" He looked so happy to have been forgiven.

"Of course." I watched him walk to his truck, waving as he drove away. "I love you," I whispered.

My mother rushed to me when I came inside, "What happened?"

"Dad came," it felt so good to say dad again. "He asked me to forgive him."

"And did you?" she examined me closely.

"Yes," I said quietly. I didn't want her to think I had betrayed her.

Instead she hugged me, "Good. You don't have room for that hate in your heart. Now let's go enjoy the rest of your party."

I told Aunt Elle about it as I helped her out Eve to bed. She was happy for me too.

My friends all hugged me when I told them. It was kind of embarrassing, but I was grateful for them being there.

We spent the rest of the night talking until everyone fell asleep.

I was the last one awake. Before I drifted off I realized how happy I was. All the weight of problems seemed to be off. For now, I could just have fun. I would wake up seventeen and happy.

-Actually you're already seventeen. It's three in the morning.

I wasn't born till five Kevin!-

17171717171717171717171717

Do you think Avalie did the right thing by forgiving her dad? It's never good to hold grudges, but we all have them. Did you like Avalie's family? As in Aunt Elle and her kids? Start guessing the mystery destination! Starts with an A! I might even give the winner a shout out! Also, thank you so much for over 700 reads! This is amazing! I'm so excited! xoxo

-cc