First and Forever (Heartache Duet #2) - Jay McLean Page 0,82

so long, and I finally have it. “I have your present in my locker.”

“You didn’t need to get me anything.”

“You have to promise not to use it until it’s dark, okay?”

She squeezes my arm. “I promise.”

“Are you two lovebirds done?” Miss Salas calls. “Because I have a class to teach and it’s not about unplanned teen pregnancy.”

“Sorry,” I say, and Ava whispers, “Bitch.”

Ava

I hold Connor’s gift in my hand and glance out the living room window, watching day turn to dusk. “When are you going to open it?” Trevor asks.

“Connor said to wait until it’s dark.”

“If you go to your room and close the blinds, it might be dark enough.”

“It won’t be the same,” I murmur.

Trevor grunts. “It’s giving me damn anxiety; I want to know what it is.”

“Connor six-six, twenty-to-twelve,” Mom mumbles. Her movements are slow when she faces me. “Happy birthday, Ava.”

“Thank you, Mama.”

She’s said happy birthday numerous times since I got home, and I think it’s mainly because I’m still wearing the crown Trevor got me. I haven’t taken it off. Connor’s is the only real gift I’ve gotten, and as silly as it is, I’m excited to open it.

When I left the house this morning, Connor was waiting for me with a bunch of flowers. It was only then that Trevor remembered it was my birthday. He’s been under a lot of pressure lately, so I wasn’t mad about it. “Wait.” I sit taller. “Connor said not to use it until it’s dark; he didn’t say not to open it.”

Trevor’s eyebrows lift, and he shifts forward. “Open it!”

“Yeah, Ava,” Mom says. “Open it!”

I rip off the wrapping paper and then tear into the box. It’s a plastic jar, like the ones processed fruit comes in. It’s painted black, and there’s a small switch on top. There’s tape wrapped around the lid, indicating that it’s not meant to be opened.

“What the hell?” I whisper.

Trevor laughs. “That was so anticlimactic.”

“Damn,” Mom whispers. “No engagement ring.”

“Hey now,” says Trevor. “She just turned eighteen… I need some time before I picture you walking down the aisle.”

“You walking me down the aisle, you mean.”

Trevor’s teeth show when he smiles. “Really?”

I throw the wrapping paper at his head. “Of course, stupid.”

Connor

I wait out in the hallway of the hotel, having just met my grandmother. Or re-met her, really.

I thought maybe once I’d seen her, a memory would come flooding back and I’d recognize at least parts of her. I didn’t. And even though my mom warned me that she was sick, that she didn’t have much time, I hadn’t prepared myself for what was in front of me.

My mom sat in the room while my grandmother choked out questions I couldn’t quite comprehend. My grandmother’s caretaker was with her, and she was able to translate them for me. I answered them in truth or as much truth as I felt comfortable giving. But when she asked about my dad, I refused. Just like with Ava, I didn’t want him to have anything to do with what was happening. This was about me, and it was for me. For some form of closure, I guess.

The door opens, and my mother appears, wiping tears from her eyes. “Thank you, Connor. You have no idea how much this meant to her.”

I nod, even though I don’t really get it. Sitting in a room with me for twenty minutes while grilling me about the life I’ve lived doesn’t really seem like it should make up for the fifteen years my grandmother has missed out on. Besides, she could’ve contacted my dad… if that was ever an option. I really don’t know.

Mom rubs a hand down her face and then lets out a sob. “I’m sorry,” she cries. “It’s so hard seeing her like this.”

I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch your parent die in front of your eyes, and the way she is now—it reminds me of Ava, of what all she’s been through. I find myself reaching out, my hand resting on her shoulder. “I’m sorry you have to go through it.”

She shakes her head, her eyes downcast.

I add, “And I’m sorry that I made you guys fly to me.” You kind of gave me a fear of airports, I don’t add. They’d landed while I was at school and had booked two rooms at a hotel near the airport. I thought one was for them, and one was for me. Turns out, my mom expected me to stay with her. That