Between Us (HS)

4. "Come on now"

I put on my shades that Jen once got me as an apology gift after making me trip over her foot last year , laughing as I went down on memory lane when we were all spending time together in the living room. I sighed and stopped at the traffic when it turned red , the phone call was from mom , she needed me to pick her up from the Oliver's. I personally haven't seen them in forever , and it was a choice.

When I arrived at the area and made a turn to the stunning victorian house that I was so used to seeing years ago. I purposely parked a little further and called mom to ask if she's ready to go. Let's be real , there's a reason why I didn't wanna be bothered by the Oliver's.

I took out my phone from my bag and -

"Ava? Is that really you?" A male voice startled me from the left as I had the window rolled down.

Oh my god , of course it's him.

" Hi! Yeah , tha.. Um , I'm waiting for mom.." I said awkwardly while pointing at the phone i was holding to my ear. Damn it , come on mom , pick up.

"Why don't you just come in yeah? It's cold out here , love."

There we go.

How do you politely decline someone's offer without sounding like an ass?

I couldn't help but let my eyes wandered across his beautiful features that I haven't seen in a long time , he's defitnitely taller , bolder , and - hot. I can't believe I just said that mentally but he looks really good , like really really good.

"Hello? Earth to Ava. Come on now" He smiled warmly and waited for my response because I am just staring at him like an idiot. I really hate myself sometimes.

"Su...re." I smiled back , hopefully he won't notice that it's fake as hell. He probably won't , he probably thinks I'm on cloud 9 right now considering how optimistic he is as a person.

We walked through the massive front yard to the entrance in total awkward silence while I was doing multiple head palms mentally for being caught into this situation that I hate with a passion. Who in the world loves awkward silence?

"I love how we're just walking in silence , it's peaceful around here isn't it?" He said and looking over to me.

Right.

"That's before we go in anyway , you know - mothers." He laughed.

"Totally. Especially our mothers." I replied , emphasizing on the word our.

Before he could reply the door swung open and Aunt Mels stood by the door with the biggest smile I've ever seen.

"Ava!!!"

Oh god. Run. It's not too late.

She took a big stride to me and engulfed me in a tight hug.

It IS too late.

"Look at her , what a beautiful girl. You are so grown now." She squeled and examined my appearance. Yeah , that's called growing up. Jesus , I need to stop with these awful comebacks in my head.

"Thank you , you look gorgeous too , not aging at all. How are you?" I purposely complimented her back , as usual , people like her live off compliments.

"That's very lovely of you , darling. My Aiden made sure I live well enough without a worry , no wrinkles detected." She said , followed with a big laugh while patting Aiden's back.

"Ava , you must have a lot of catch up to do with Aiden , why don't we all just come in and have some tea? Aiden bought some of the best tea during his last trip with his boys." said the dev- I mean Aunty Mels. Mom apparently loves the idea of spending more time with her , even more now that Aiden's here , with me. She nodded at me and walked in the door.