THE FIVE OF US

Chapter 9: Heavy Trunks And Heavier Heart

Ava’s Story

The air in Ava’s bedroom was stifling.

Two massive designer suitcases sat open near the foot of her bed like gaping mouths, half-filled with crisp linen blazers and expensive neutral tops—a wardrobe curated entirely by her mother for a future CEO. Sitting right next to them on the duvet were three glossy brochures for the university’s Business Administration program.

Ava picked up a charcoal pencil from her nightstand, spinning it between her fingers before pressing it against the margin of a business pamphlet. With quick, practiced strokes, she sketched a exaggerated, structured shoulder pad right over the head of the dean’s printed welcome photo.

Her father’s words from breakfast were still ringing in her ears. “This degree isn't just an education, Ava. It’s the handoff of the family legacy.”

She closed her eyes, letting out a long breath. How was she supposed to look a man like that in the eye and tell him she wanted to drape fabric, draft patterns, and spend her life at a sewing machine instead of a boardroom?

Unable to sit with her own thoughts foranother second, she grabbed her phone off the nightstand and tapped her speed dial.

Chloe picked up on the third ring.

"Tell me you’re already on the highway," Ava said, sinking back against her pillows.

Through the speaker, the sound of a sputtering car engine competed with heavy sniffing.

"Just hit the main road," Chloe replied, her voice thick and gravelly from crying. "My mum is still standing on the porch waving a dishtowel. I think I’ve cried out every drop of water in my body."

Ava let out a small, genuine smile—the first one all morning.

"At least your house has actual life in it," Ava said quietly. "Mine feels like a museum today. Everyone’s walking around in quiet panic."

"Are you okay?" Chloe asked. The background noise shifted as Chloe clearly pulled her phone closer. "You sound weird."

"I'm just... drowning," Ava admitted, staring up at the crystal chandelier hanging from her ceiling. "My dad brought up next summer's corporate internship before I've even unpacked a bag. He has the next four years of my life mapped out to the exact week."

She paused, biting the inside of her cheek before adding, "And Julian called ten minutes ago."

"Julian?" Chloe gasped lightly. "Wait, what did he say? Is he coming to see you off?"

"No," Ava sighed, tossing the charcoal pencil onto the bed. "He’s staying back for his family's business. He kept talking about how 'we'll make long distance work' and how four hours away isn't a big deal. But it is a big deal, Chloe. He's staying in his comfort zone, and I'm getting shipped off to a life I didn't even pick."

"Hey," Chloe said softly, her tone shifting from tearful to grounded. "Listen to me."

Ava waited, listening to the hum of the road over the speaker.

"You are the reason I didn't throw away my college applications," Chloe told her firmly. "You believed in me when I felt like a complete failure. Your dad is tough, and the distance with Julian is going to be terrifying, but you are not weak, Ava. Just get through the front gate today. Once we get to our dorms, we tackle the rest together."

Ava took a deep, steadying breath, looking over at her hidden sketchbook tucked safely at the very bottom of her tote bag.

"Together," Ava repeated, the heavy knot in her chest loosening just a fraction. "Drive safe, Chlo. I'll see you at the dorms."