Ava was not feeling quite well when she got out of bed, so she decided not to go to school for the day. Her mom found it hard to believe that she was feeling unwell because she had no signs of running temperature or any other physical symptoms.
She was having a severe headache as a result of overthinking. Also emotionally downcast and as such, not in the best position to go to school.
Staying home was a bad idea. She knew how much more emotional trauma she was going to go through in the hands of her mother.
Her typical mom would send her on errands all day and still claim that she has been of no use at home. The only time she believes her to be sick is when she is down and close to the point of death. She doesn't care about the early symptoms and when Ava complains, it's only like music to her ears.
Ava was on the phone with her friend when her mom walked into her room and confronted her.
"Ava, who are you on the phone with?"
"It's my friend, mom."
She replied in fear, quickly ending the call.
"Which of your friend have you been talking with for close to an hour now?"
"Mom, have you been eavesdropping?"
"How dare you answer my question with a question? You've grown, right?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."
Ava's mom walked away angrily. It still wasn't clear why a call would be her business. That was just a tip of the iceberg, there were more to come.
Ava felt worse. Why did her mom decide to make her life a living hell? When did it become a crime to make calls? She wondered.
The annoying thing was that she wasn't saying anything bad while on the phone.
Ava moved into the bathroom to have an alone time. That was her usual place for releasing emotions during the day, and at nights, she'd silently cry into her pillow.
In times like this, she only missed her sister, Matilda, even more. Matilda was her older sister who was involved in a fatal car accident that claimed her life three years ago.
Since her demise, Ava had felt nothing but pain. Matilda was her only companion and the person who understood her most.
Ava often had suicidal thoughts, but only managed to stay sane because of the many affirmative quotes she found online. Though, sometimes there were doubts in her head, but she still had hope.
Now, Ava sat at the veranda faced down on a wooden table, holding a book in her hands. Reading was one of her hobby. She loved Adventures, Crime, Rom-Com and Thriller. As an outgoing person, she loved to explore and look out for things from the other side of life.
There was a sense of sadness in everything she did, but it was quite understandable.
She heard soft footsteps and when she turned, it was Lisa. She had come to check up on her. She got up almost immediately and hugged her so tight. It was like Lisa was her therapy.
The only friend her mom was comfortable with her having was Lisa. She was free to show up at anytime and even allowed to spend the night. On one hand were a few notes she brought to help Ava copy, since she had not been in school. On the other one, was a basket of fruits and a get well soon note from Ava's crush.
"Someone sent this, he realized that you weren't around today, so he asked that I gave you."
"Oh, that's so sweet. There's no name on the card, though."
"That's because he wanted to stay anonymous. It's from a secret admirer."
"Spare me the suspense, Lisa. I want to know."
"If I tell you, don't act like you know anything. All you'll do is send a thank you note back to him to show appreciation. OK?"
"Okay mummy." She responded sarcastically and looked away.
"It's Adrien."
"Huh? Come again?"
"I said it's Adrien."
In shock, Ava dropped the basket and ran inside for a split second, and came out again, acting like nothing happened.
"What just happened, drama queen?"
Lisa teased.
"Nothing, nothing. He's just a normal human right? He's not that different from others. Why am I overreacting? Lisa, hold me. I'm freaking out!" She let out.
Lisa bursted into laughter, as she watched Ava overthink.
"Why are you so shocked? Don't you notice the way he looks at you?"
"He acts like I don't even exist, so what are you saying?"
"Only those who have eyes can see it."
She said as there was an uproar of laughter between them.
"I'm hungry, what did mom cook?" Lisa questioned.
"There's rice and stew in the kitchen and fried plantain."
"Am I supposed to go and get it myself?"
"Go serve yourself, girl."
"What happened to being a guest?"
"Oh, this is a guest house now, right?" Ava replied with an eye roll.
"This isn't over, girl. I'll pay you back." Lisa replied and moved into the kitchen.
Lisa had long gone and Ava was feeling lonely again, so she went into Matilda's room. This was the only room in the house no visitor had access to. Ava often went there when she needed to talk to Matilda. Not like they spoke in reality, it just felt better to be there in order to feel a connection.
She'd wear her clothes to feel warm and safe. Though, her instincts always told her that Matilda was around her, she found it hard to believe. I mean, the dead is in its resting place right? So she thought.