Mr. Tan

Chapter 53: The Downward Spiral

We were all in the El Camino on our way home after the show at Earl's Place. Earl was behind the wheel as I sat in the backseat with Ava, comforting her. She laid down in the backseat with her head resting on my lap. I stroked her shoulders gently as she sobbed softly. I could feel her warm tears land on my dress.

"Ava, baby girl, I'm sorry. I ain't know my las' song was gonna make you cry", Earl said gently.

"C'mon Ava, cheer up. He didn't mean anything by it", I said gently.

"That's the issue, you don't care about anyone but yourself", Ava sobbed softly.

"Hey, dat ain't true an' you know dat", Earl said. I care 'bout chu a great deal.

Eventually we made it home and it was close to 10:50 at night. Earl pulled up in front of the trailer onto the gravel driveway, turning off the ignition. He sat there for a few seconds and took a deep breath before getting out of the car. Once he got out of the car, he walked around to where we were and opened up the back door holding it open for us. I got out with the help of him while Ava opened up the door on the opposite side and got out. I watched as Earl made an attempt to hug her. Ava shoved passed him and followed behind me as we went inside the trailer. Once inside the trailer, I turned to face Ava but she walked around me and went towards her room. I decided to go after her. I went inside her room to find her sitting on her bed facing the window. The pink curtains on her window were drawn back to allow the light from the streetlight to filter into her room. The stream of light landed across her body and bed. I stood at the other side of her bed with my hands on my hips.

"Ava!, I said sternly. Just what the HELL is wrong with you tonight?!

"You wouldn't understand", she replied softly, her gaze still focused at her bedroom window.

"You think so, huh? Try me", I replied. Maybe if you opened up to me instead of acting out, I'll have a better understanding.

I walked to where she was sitting and sat next to her. Her room was completely dark and she still kept her gaze focused at the window. I could tell that her eyes were bloodshot from crying.

"Today was the day", she murmured, almost like she was talking to herself.

"Today was the day? What do you mean?", I asked.

She turned and faced me as more tears ran down her face.