The Assistant | Scavi

Sequoias

When Scott woke up the next morning, he almost wasn't surprised that he was in bed alone. For the past few times, Avi had been up rather early on days after panic attacks and full of energy.

So Scott got ready for breakfast and then walked downstairs slowly in search of Avi or Esther. He was surprised to see the breakfast table set in the kitchen for five people, but no one was there. He looked around and outside and was relieved when he saw the four Kaplan's sitting on the patio. He didn't want to interrupt their talk, but Esther saw him and beckoned him outside.

Scott was nervous when he stepped outside. "Good morning," he said softly.

Avi looked up and smiled at him. "Good morning, Love" he replied and patted the space beside him on the bench. "Come here."

Scott sat down and was surprised when Avi leaned over and kissed him softly before taking his hand.

"We were just talking about you," Avi said and looked at his parents.

"Yes we did, Scott," Michael said. "And I need to apologise for yesterday. It was wrong and I really hope that we can start over..."

Scott sighed softly. "With all due respect, Mr Kaplan, it is not me you need to apologise to. It's Avi who suffered, not me."

"Scott-" Avi began.

"No Avriel, he is right to say this. It is my fault that you suffered the attack last night and while I will never forgive myself, I hope that you can at least try to. I am sorry, Son" Michael said.

"Dad, all I want is for you to love me and accept that I love Scott" Avi said softly. "This is what it takes for me to forgive you."

Michael took a deep breath. "I am glad that you found someone, Avriel. And I can only wish you all the best. Scott, Shelly told me what you did for my son last night and Esther told me a few things as well. Thank you."

"I told Shelly last night and I will tell you now, Mr Kaplan. I just want to be with him and I want him to be happy. And your acceptance is important for him because family is everything to him" Scott explained.

"It is. I am sitting here with the most important people in my life. My parents, my sister, my niece or nephew and my boyfriend. And right now I feel blessed. Thank you" Avi said softly.

"I am glad that we talked" Shelly, who had been quiet the whole time, said. "I am glad that you trusted us, Avi."

"Of course I did," Avi said. "And I'm glad that it turned out fine." He fell quiet for a moment and then spoke up again: "Can we have breakfast now?"

Shelly chuckled. "Of course. Breakfast and then it's off to the Sequoias for you, right?"

Avi nodded. "Yes," he said happily. "I cannot wait to see them again. And if anyone wants to join? We're only doing the small round, we're not equipped for a longer hike anyway."

"No, you should go with Scott, Avriel" Esther said. "You need some peace and quiet right now."

"But we'll have dinner together?" Avi asked.

"I already booked a table," Shelly said as she got up from the table. "We're going to Jones'."

"Of course we are," Avi said happily and turned to Scott. "Jones' is my favourite place. We used to go there each Sunday when I was growing up."

Scott smiled. "Then the food will be delicious."

They all got up to go inside the house, but when Scott wanted to follow Avi, Michael cleared his throat. "A word, please, Scott?"