The Devil Is My Guardian

Chapter Thirteen ~ Overly Possessive Boyfriend

Chapter Thirteen ~ Overly Possessive Boyfriend

Ava Chance.

Today was the day surviving Afghanistan soldiers returned home.

I knew it was a day to be strong. My father's friends and co-workers deserved to come home to their family and I should be happy for them; but my dad deserved to see his family too.

There was to be a ceremony at lunch in honor of them; I knew that. Also most of the school were supposed to wear red with poppies.

I put on minimal makeup since days like these I usually cried. My hair was down in its natural curls, my dad's army jacket was securely wrapped around my torso on top of my red long sleeve, and I was sporting black jeans.

"I love you dad," I whispered just loud enough for me to hear.

"Ava, I'm driving you today!" My grandma called from downstairs.

She and I were on a talking basis now; almost back to normal. She made small talk with me and asked me about my day. I honestly didn't get that woman some days.

"Alright!" I yelled back, my voice sounding stronger than I really was. My shaking fingers fished into my jewelry box, pulling out both my mom and dad's wedding rings that were hanging lovingly on a gold chain.

This was only to be worn on special occasions.

☯

"Are you sure you're okay with going today?" Grandma Pearl asked on the drive to school.

I knew missing school wasn't an option, it was just her way of comforting.

"I'm alright, besides I need to go for dad."

"He'd be proud. So would your mother." You could see the tears welding up in her eyes. "We'll go to their graves tonight?"

"Yup." I said popping the 'p' as if I were fine, making it the last word I said before I got out of the car.

Grace was waiting by the school doors; she was dressed in a red tank and her leather jacket, still looking as perfect as ever.

As I got closer, I could tell her eyes were red and puffy which kinda wrecked her perfection, but knowing Grace she wouldn't want me to push it.

"Hey."

"Hey," Grace greeted, still upset and her nose was congested. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Typical Grace, still checking up on me when she's worse off.

I laughed. "It's been what? Like ten years?" I counted in my head just to make sure. I always tried to forget how long it's been. "Yeah, I'm used to it now."

"It never makes it easier."

"Yeah, But it doesn't mean I don't get used to it," I shrugged.

Grace wanted to say something, she wanted to push it but was stopped when her eyes went glassy once we stepped into the school.

Braxton was standing there a few feet ahead. His eyes looked puffy, his skin was breaking out, and he was obviously stressed.

I took a step towards him but he was gone before I could even open my mouth.

"I've been trying to talk to him all night," Grace sighed, already confusing me. "He wouldn't ans-"

"Why?" I questioned in the softest and gentlest voice possible.

"Why what?"

"Why were you trying to talk to him?"

"Oh, uh-" Her eyes went wide and she avoided eye contact; something she did when she was nervous. "Because he's your friend?"