The week passed by in a blur. I spent every waking moment with my dad, and we grew closer with each passing day. We went out for breakfast, did some shopping, and even caught a movie. It was like we were making up for lost time.
I'd call Emma every night, telling her everything that was happening. She'd listen, laugh, and cry with me. We'd talk about our plans, our dreams, and our fears. It was like no time had passed at all.
Emma was happy for me, but I could hear the sadness in her voice. She was stuck in that small town, running the diner, while I was living my best life. I promised her I'd help her out, get her out of there too.
As the week drew to a close, my dad had to leave for a business trip. I was going to miss him. We'd grown so close, and I wasn't sure how I'd handle being without him.
We were sitting in the garden, watching the sunset, when he told me he had to leave. I tried to be strong, but I couldn't help the tears that welled up in my eyes.
"Aww, kiddo," he said, hugging me tight. "I'll be back before you know it. And I'll call you every day."
I nodded, sniffing back tears. I knew he had to go, but it didn't make it any easier.
The next morning, I woke up early to say goodbye. My dad was already in the foyer, his bags packed. He hugged me tight, and I felt a lump form in my throat.
"Take care of yourself, okay?" he said, his voice soft.
I nodded, trying to smile. "I will, Dad. You take care of yourself too."
He smiled, kissed my forehead, and was gone. I stood there for a moment, feeling lost. But then I heard Vivian's voice, calling out to me.
"Avery, time for breakfast."
I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and headed to the kitchen. I was going to make the best of this, no matter what.
As I sat down at the table, Sophia and Olivia looked at me, their faces expressionless. Vivian, on the other hand, looked like she'd just sucked on a lemon.
"So, Avery," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Now that Richard's gone, let's get one thing straight."
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What's that?"
Vivian's smile was cold. "You're not welcome here, Avery. You're just a temporary guest."
I smiled sweetly. "Oh, Vivian. You don't know me very well."
Vivian's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of anger. But then she smiled, her face transforming into a mask of sweetness.
"We'll see about that, Avery," she said, her voice dripping with sugar. "We'll see about that."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. What was Vivian planning? And what was she hiding behind that fake smile?
I knew I had to be careful. I was in a new place, with new people, and I didn't know what they were capable of. But I was determined to make a place for myself in this family, no matter what.