Three Years

ten

After an eventful breakfast, the two decided to have a Los Angeles outing which resulted in them going to the park - even in the bitter cold - watching a movie and even going to get ice cream in the middle of winter. The whole adventure ended at about 11pm, yet Kirstin still didn't want to say goodbye. "Umm, do you want to go back to my place? We can have midnight snacks and watch Netflix," Kirstin suggested hopefully which Avi obviously agreed to; he would never turn down an opportunity to hang out with her. 

"Just hang on, I'm just going to get changed into something more comfortable," Kirstin said once they had reached her room. Although this was true, it was only partially true. As she grabbed her tank top and her shorts, she also grabbed her cellphone and slipped into the bathroom. It was morning in London which meant Sierra would be awake - she was always an early riser. 

She quickly changed into her shorts and tank top, then impatiently waited for Tori to pick up, drumming her fingers against the bathroom counter. "Hey, Kirstie! I'll go call her for you, she's been up since 5am," Tori immediately said without Kirstin having to say anything, she obviously knew the reason why she was dialling. 

"Hi, Mummy," Sierra answered, her voice much sadder than usual. This instantly alarmed Kirstin and she went into full mother mode. Sierra was almost never sad, she was practically a ball of sunshine.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Kirstin asked, her voice coated with concern.

"I just miss Mummy a lot," Sierra mumbled while tears brimmed Kirstin's eyes. She hated to hear her little girl so upset. It was the worst feeling in the world, she wanted her to always be happy, that's all.

"Mummy misses you too but don't worry, I'll be home before you know it, Sierra." It felt like there was a huge hole in Kirstin's heart where Sierra was missing. As much fun as she was having in Los Angeles with Avi and Kevin, she still missed her sweet, little angel. 

This seemed to cheer her up a little bit and she sounded noticeably happier, "Okay, Mummy, I love you lots."

"I love you too," was the last thing Kirstin said before hanging up and bursting into tears. She tried to be as silent as possible - Avi hearing her pathetic sobs was the last thing she needed - but it was pretty impossible when she literally felt like her heart was being ripped apart. After a few minutes, Avi knocked gently on the bathroom door and asked innocently, "Are you naked? Can I come in?" 

The question made Kirstin laugh through her tears, but not enough to cheer her up. "No, I'm dressed," she chuckled. "You can come in." Avi poked his head through the door and was instantly alarmed when he saw a stream of tears run down Kirstin's cheeks.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Avi rushed over to Kirstin's side and engulfed her in his warm embrace. Obviously, she couldn't tell him why she was actually crying, so she said the first excuse that came to mind. 

"Jeremy broke up with me. He called the engagement off," Kirstie cried out and she just prayed that Avi would believe it. Apparently, Avi was more gullible than she thought because he believed every word that came out of her mouth.

"I'm so sorry, Kirstie, he is the one losing out. There are other guys out there who would do anything just to date you," Avi subtly hinted.

"Thanks, Avi," Kirstin sniffled.

Avi brought her in for a second hug and they stood like that for a while until Avi pulled away. "Wait."

"What?"

"I thought his name was Jerome?"

Shit.

"Um, uhh, his name is actually Jeremy but his nickname is Jerome..."

Avi peered at Kirstin and she was praying so hard that she thought her head would explode.

"Oh. Okay."

Phew.

"Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" 

The words came out of Kirstin's mouth before she even knew what was happening. "Cuddle me?" Avi nodded happily and wearily took Kirstie's hand in his, unsure of how she would act. To his surprise, she didn't object to it and grazed her thumb over the back of his hand.

Avi thought Kirstin would just want someone to lay with but once they were both in bed, she moulded her body against his and threw an arm around his waist. Avi had never felt his heart beat so fast before, he almost thought it would burst out of his chest at the speed it was going. "Your heart is beating really fast, are you going to have a heart attack?" Kirstin joked. Her head was resting on his chest and it was quite comforting to hear his heartbeat going strong.

"I think so," Avi chuckled. Silence fell over them like a blanket, but it was comfortable silence. They enjoyed being in each other's company and having a cuddle buddy. Eventually, Avi could hear the soft, reassuring sounds of Kirstin's gentle snores and wasn't sure whether he should stay or leave. He knew he shouldn't stay over, that would be crossing the line, but Kirstin was sleeping so peacefully and he didn't want to wake her up. He decided to stay, they would deal with the awkwardness in the morning, and soon felt himself drifting off into sleep too.