not alone. // Adopted By The Martinez Twins

Chapter 16: long road.

Ava's pov

I looked at everyone surrounding me. Emilio, Ivan, and Chase. Sadness written on each of their faces.

I then started telling them about the fire I was in, where Caine saved me and took me to the orphanage. I told them about all the places I had to live.

Saying everything out loud made me realize even more how lucky I was to be where I was. With the Martinez Twins and Chase. The ones who care.

When I was finally done explaining my life, I looked over at Chase to see him tearing up, as Emilio and Ivan also were. I was already crying since I was talking about Teagan dying so we were all pretty much crying.

I sniffled, "Why are you guys crying?" I asked. I went through the pain, not them. I'm confused...

"Oh, Ava." Emilio said through some tears and brought me into a hug. "We love you and care about you. That's why." Emilio stated.

Ivan joined in the hug and so did Chase. We all shared a group hug filled with sadness.

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After we all cleaned ourselves up a bit we all sat back down as we were on my bed.

Ivan started talking first. "Okay, so Ava if that's everything you-"

I interrupted, "Wait! I forgot something..." I looked down, scared to see what they will say or do after saying what I had to say.

"¿Qué?" Emilio asked me, nicely in Spanish, meaning "what" if translated to English.

I took a breath before speaking. "Um, after I say this, please don't be mad at me. I never wanted it to happen." I said, my voice getting shaky.

"Ava?" Chase asked my name. "Like I said, we won't judge you." He told me.

I sighed a shaky breath. "I-I don't know if that will be true after I say this." I said.

Ivan spoke up. "Ava, it's okay. Just go on and say what you need to. We love you." Ivan tried to encourage me.

I nodded and proceeded to tell them what I had to say in order to fully be able to let them know I trust them. "I w-was r-raped." I said with tears peaking at my eyes.

Everyone had a look of astonishment on their faces. Emilio looked frozen with his jaw dropped, until he quickly pulled me into a hug. "When- who!?" Emilio demanded while running his hands through my hair.

"Someone who went to my old school when I lived with my dad, about a week before Teagan's death. But, Teagan did beat the crap outta that guy." I explained, remembering my protective big brother.

"D*mn right he did." I heard Ivan mutter.

"I mean like, he was my boyfriend for about three or four months and cheated on me twice. I should've left when I could." I stated, sadly.

"Why didn't you? If you don't mind me asking." Ivan asked.

I let go of the hug I was in with Emilio, but he still kept me close, his arms still on my back. "I just- I wanted someone else to love me. Which was stupid. I already had Teagan, and that should've been enough." I looked down, disappointed in myself.

Ivan sighed. "Stop Ava. You only had one person who showed they loved you. I totally understand why you would want another person to also love you. It makes sense." He told me, looking me in my eyes.

Emilio joined back in the conversation. "He's right. I would do the same thing."

I then realized Chase has never said anything. That I hadn't looked at him or his reaction yet. I look over to see him looking at me, silently letting tears fall down his face.