An Unexpected Love

Chapter 1: She's Gone

[Lia's POV]

I remember Ava and I just got done shopping at Forver 21. It was my 18th birthday, and we both decided the best way to celebrate it was to go to the mall. We were walking to the parking garage with the millions of shopping bags in our hands.

"You know, you and Jai would make a cute couple." Ava said to me, bumping my shoulder.

"Eww no. You know I don't like him!" I laughed. In fact, I hated Jai. His friends were nice, but seriously, the guy has no heart. But sadly, I have to deal with him because Ava was good friends with all of them. They call themselves the Janoskians. Come on, what kind of name is that....

"Yeah, I know. Maybe he's so mean to you cause he likes you." Ava joked again.

"Shut up. We both hate each other. That's it." I said. She laughed and put her head on my shoulder. When we reached our cars I hugged her.

"Stay safe. The roads are quite slippery. Call me when you get home so I know you are okay." I whispered in her ear. She was like my little sister that I never had. She nodded and waved goodbye and drove away. I got in my car and got home safely. I paced back and forth in my room waiting for her call. I never got it.

And that was the last time I saw her.

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[Lia's POV]

I heard the sirens going off. I peeled my eyes open and saw the red and blue lights flashing through my bedroom window. My heart sank.

Then there was a knock on the door. I lived by myself, so my parents weren't around. I ran to the door, and saw two tall policemen standing on my front porch. I imediately knew what happened.

"Are you Miss Lia Rose?" one of them said. I swallowed hard.

"Yes, sir."

"Well you're friend Ava Rossman had sadly passed away this morning at 6 due to a serious car accident. Her parents told us to come here to let you know. We are very sorry for your loss." I couldn't believe the words. I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. I found out later that a drunk guy had crashed into her, and her car spun out of control and landed in a ditch.

I felt like a big part of me was gone. I was lost for words. Knowing she was gone, I felt like someone stabbed me in the stomach everytime I thought about it. And I thought about it a lot.

The police had shown me a picture of the man. The blood boiled inside of me everytime I thought about the man who killed Ava. And it killed me even more to know that he had no sympathy for what happened, or anyone that had loved her. Oh the things I thought about doing to that man.....

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Four Days Later...

[Lia's POV]

It was a Wednesday. Ava's favorite day too. It was the day of her funeral. I went with her parents, and we arrived first. I sat down and grabbed the crumpled up piece of paper that had the speech I was going to make for her. I reread it, over and over, and each time a tear dripped down my red cheeks. More people arrived, and then the funeral started. I met with all of Ava's family members, her younger brother, aunts uncles, grandparents. And then I saw them. Pulling up in a black van. Five guys jumped out. One of them was my most hated person ever.

Jai freakin Brooks.

I tried to hide my face so they wouldn't try to talk to me but they did anyway. Luke, Jai's twin brother was the first to reach out to me.

"Hi Lia. Uhm.. I'm so sorry for your loss." Luke said, looking at the other boys for help.

"Yeah, sorry. We loved her just as much as you did." James, Jai's friend said.

"No one could of loved her more than me. She was the closest thing to a sister for me. You don't know what it's like to find out your best friend is dead right after you were just hanging out with her. It's heartbreaking." I said, trying not to sound mean.

"We undestand Lia. Again, we are sorry for your loss." Beau, Jai's older brother said. I nodded and they all walked away to greet Ava's parents. After a bit, it was time for her casket to be brought out. I watched her being carried to the center of the room, and then the speeches were to be made. Ava's parents said theirs, and then it was my turn. I sauntered to the front to the microphone and I cleared my throat.

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