Stepbrother//Jack Avery

Chapter 3

*Lia's POV*

I was walking on the pier, waiting for the sun to set. The water was glistening and the waves were crashing against the shore. I smiled at the sight of the children shouting as they ran away from the water. I was to focused on the sights to my right that I bumped right into someone.
"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention," I apologized.
The girl looked up and I noticed her features. She had long curly hair, brown eyes, tan skin. She held an adorable baby, trying to comfort her.
"No no, it's alright. I wasn't paying attention either," she chuckled.
The baby let out a cry and the girl shushed her.
"She's adorable. What's her name?" I asked as I smiled at her.
"Lavender," the girl answered, "I'm Gabbie."
"Lia," I replied, "Nice to meet you Gabbie and Lavender. She looks so sweet."
"She truly is. Do you mind holding her for a second? I need to run to my car and grab something. You can follow if that's not to much to ask," Gabbie said.
"No problem at all, I love babies," I giggled as I took Lavender out of her hands.
"Thank you so much," Gabbie smiled as she guided me to her car, "So what brings you to the pier?"
"I love watching the sunset as the waves crash on the shore. It's such a beautiful view. I usually lay out a blanket and watch with my friend Quinn by she had a family thing she needed to go to," I explained.
  Gabbie nodded, "The view is definitely breathtaking. Mind if Lav and I watch with you?"
  "Of course! I love having company. I'll assure you, the sunset is the best time to get to know someone new."
  "Well then I can't wait to gain a friendship. Looks like you calmed Lavender down. You have the magic touch. I'll have to hire you to babysit," she laughed.
  "I used to babysit for neighbors, maybe that's why I'm good with kids. Let me tell you, the neighbors kids were always crying," I laughed along with her.
  We approached her car and she grabbed her bag and we began heading back to the pier.
  "So what are a few of your hobbies?" Gabbie questioned.
  "I love to skate, I like photography. I've always wanted to learn how to surf," I shrugged.
  "Well we have some things in common for sure. I like to skate too, and I surf. Maybe I could teach you one time?" Gabbie suggested.
  "That would honestly be amazing. I've had the time for lessons but never wanted to pay for them," I responded.
  "Well consider these free. When we sit down I'll get your number so we can pick a day," Gabbie said as she took Lavender from me.
  We found an open space on the pier and I laid out my blanket, taking off my shoes and sitting down. Gabbie joined me and we both stared off as the sun slowly set in the distance, causing the sky to be painted in orange and pink, clouds dotting the sky.
  "Tell me about yourself Lia," Gabbie turned to face me.
  "I'm twenty, currently in college but since my dad lives near where I go I live with him still. My dad divorced my mom cause she was, well, abusive. Bad for the both of us to say the least," I trailed off.
  "I'm so sorry, that's horrible. Did your dad remarry?" Gabbie asked.
  "He didn't remarry but he is currently dating which is kind of strange to think about. She seems nice so that's great, I just want him to be happy again," I answered.
  "That's sweet of you," Gabbie smiled.
  I shrugged, "Even if she wasn't the nicest to me I'm probably moving into my own apartment soon anyways."
  Gabbie nodded.
  "Now what about you?"
  "Well, I'm seventeen, I have my little girl Lavender. She honestly makes me so happy and though I'm young, I'm happy to call her my daughter. She's my little sunshine," Gabbie's face brightened up.
  I hesitated before I said, "Does Lavender have a father?"
  "Yes, his job requires him to be gone a lot but we both love him," Gabbie replied as she gave Lavender a kiss on the cheek.
We talked until the sun was finally gone and the moon replaced its bright light. Now the sky was painted with stars.
"It's getting pretty late, I probably should be getting home," Gabbie said.
"Yeah, my dad always worries about me, even though I'm twenty," I chuckled.
We began to pack up our stuff and make our way to the parking lot. We stopped at Gabbie's car.
"Well it was nice meeting you Lia. I'll text you as soon as I can to hang out and teach you to surf. It will be so fun."
"I can't wait. Anyways, see you soon!" I waved goodbye and headed towards my car.
I sat in the driver's seat, turning on the car and beginning to drive home.
I fumbled around for my house keys, finally finding them and opening the door. I saw my dad on the couch. He immediately stood up and ran towards me.
"Lia, you had me worried. You didn't even reply to my texts!" he hugged me.
"Dad, I'm twenty, I don't need to tell you when I'll be home. And anyways, I was watching the sunset with a new friend of mine," I explained.
"Ok fine, maybe I worried to much. I just don't want you getting hurt," he let out a sigh.
"I know dad, thanks for caring," I smiled as I made my way up the stairs to my room.
I changed into a hoodie and Nike shorts, brushed my teeth, and climbed into bed, drifting off to the sound of a cricket chirping outside of my window.