The Things We Want

CHAPTER 20 "ALONE"

In Sophia's home, it was quiet. Eugene sat in a chair by the door, Ava sat by the fireplace on a pillow, and Sophia was in the other room, concentrating and at the same time distracting herself with reading.

"Hey, Eugene?" Ava piped up, wishing to break the silence in the house.

"What?" His head didn't turn his tone flat as he stared at the door.

"I- I just think we need to talk," She rubbed her hands together nervously, knowing the waters she was jumping into would be difficult and stormy.

"About?" Eugene asked, finally looking at her, his eyes still wide with concern. Ava knew it just wasn't the right time, but they barely have time alone and after the last time she came to town, they needed to address the situation.

"You probably already know...I have the worst timing but, how we left things the last time I came to see you wasn't..." Ava looked down in embarrassment, "I'm sorry."

"We talked, it happened, that's over. End of story. We shouldn't talk about this now Ava. Doesn't anything else inhabit your mind other than mistakes?" He retaliated, and in his eyes, it showed his regret in what he said. Ava regarded him with a hurt look.

"If you didn't want to talk, you could've just said so," Ava crossed her arms and looked at the floor, wishing she hadn't said a word, but also wishing he hadn't been so rude about it.

"Ava... I'm-"

"Someone's coming," Sophia said, standing in the doorway. Ava and Eugene stared at her, yet again wondering how much she had heard.

"I'll handle it. Ava, Sophia, go to the other room," Eugene said, standing from his chair.

"Eugene no, I'll stay, I can help-"

"Please. Ava. Just go," He said, a mix of desperation showing through his cold tone. Ava nodded, leaving the room as instructed with Sophia. She shut the door and immediately leaned against it in order to hear the happenings in the room where Eugene stood alone.