Second Chances

Chapter 46

Leon's POV:

I had no idea what to think about Ava's text earlier. It was a simple question, asking me to go over so that we could talk. So why had my brain made it so complicated that I struggled to get out a decent response? I'd come across blunt and a little rude, when in reality I was optimistic at seeing her. Once my panic had subsided with the help of Fi, I remembered what I had spent two months doing. I hadn't worked hard to change for her just for it to fall flat. It was time to show her that I was a man worthy of her forgiveness and a second chance.

I gave Ffion a lift home after work, and I used the journey as an opportunity to ask her for some advice. She knew Ava better than anyone, and although she didn't know what her decision was, I thought she might be able to help me prepare for whatever I was going to be hit with.

"So... How do you think this will go?" I gave her a quick side glance as I asked, taking my eyes off the road for only a split second. I knew what to expect from Ffion, it would be an honest yet ruthless reply, and while I wanted to hear her opinion, I was scared a little to hear it.

She didn't miss a beat in replying to my question. "Look, you've just got to suck it up and be a man about it. It's going to hurt you big time if she says she doesn't want to be with you, but you fucked up. It's her decision and you need to respect whatever that may be." My heart had started to crumble when Ffion had said that. Her and Ev were almost the same person. They were both brutal with their responses and while it was hard to hear, sometimes it was necessary.

Fi had shifted in the passenger seat, resting her elbow on the window ridge, smushing her cheek up as she rested on her palm whilst stroking her growing belly in rhythmic circles with her other hand. It was still light outside and the sun shone in her meadow-green eyes, glistening as she was deep in thought.

"That being said, none of us know what's going on in that pretty little head of hers. She might just surprise us all and take you back, and if that's the case, then you need to take things slow with her. You can't just jump straight back in where you left off. Things aren't the same now, and neither one of you are the same as you were before." This was very true. Things couldn't go back to the way they were. Although I'd thought we had been a great match and our relationship had been perfect, there were changes that now had to be made for it to truly flourish. We had to adapt to one another again as both of us had developed into improved versions of ourselves. In all honesty, I was slightly worried that Ava had changed so drastically that she wouldn't want me anymore.

Once Ffion was dropped off, I was left with just my own thoughts. I didn't really know what I would say to Ava. I had no clue where any of this was heading, except it was going to be one of two ways. Either way, I knew for certain that it'll end in tears.

The rest of the short drive home was spent with me trying to remain calm but preparing for the worst. At least then maybe I wouldn't be as crushed when she told me there was no future for us. Normally, I enjoyed the views that flashed by as I drove home from work, but not even they could silence my resounding musings that rallied around inside my head.

By the time I found myself outside her door, I was a nervous wreck, my optimism slowly fading away. My hands were shaking uncontrollably, and my heart was on the brink of collapsing through exhaustion as it pounded furiously in my chest. I knocked a little too loudly on her door as I lost control of my hands. Whilst waiting for her to come to the door, I fought the urge to bite my nails and instead loosened my tie from around my neck with trembling, clammy hands.

My eyes were drawn to the elegant silver door handle, as the metal rattled slightly under an illusory hand. After a few seconds, the shaking stopped and the handle was turned down, revealing someone who looked like Ava, but at the same time didn't. The gorgeous woman that stood in front of me had blonde hair that only just completely fell over her curved breasts, and she had an air of confidence and determination about her. Her shoulders were set naturally, free of any stress or tension, and the frown that had resided on her perfect small face for days had disappeared. Her features were mesmerizing as always, her eyes were a sparkling ice blue, framed by thick, fluttery eyelashes. Her full, rouge lips were set in a half, almost uncertain smile. Despite her aura, her eyes, as usual, were a window into her mind and gave away her true feelings. She was as anxious and nervous about this as I was.