The Weekend Invitation
[Flashback – Five years ago]
Ava sat on the kitchen floor, arms wrapped around her knees, her face wet with tears.
"You’re being dramatic, Ava," her mother’s voice cut through the silence. "You need to eat something."
"I’m not hungry."
"You haven’t eaten since yesterday," her father added, her voice heavy with concern.
Ava shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Not until you agree to take us to Disneyland."
"Ava…"
"I mean it." Her voice cracked. "You promised." You said maybe this year."
"We’ll go another time," her mother sighed.
"No." Ava’s chest heaved. "You never mean it when you say that." Just… this once. Please."
Her parents exchanged glances. Ava saw the hesitation in her mother’s eyes, the crease between her father’s brows.
"Fine," her father finally said. "We’ll go this weekend."
Ava’s heart soared. "Really?"
Her mother’s expression softened. "Really."
She jumped up, hugging them both, giddy with relief. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
If she had known what that trip would cost them, maybe she would have stopped begging.
Maybe she would have let it go.
[Present Day]
Ava hovered at Adam’s bedroom door, watching him pull clothes from his drawer and toss them carelessly into his duffel bag.
"Where are you going?"
Adam’s eyes barely flicked toward her. "Nate’s."
Ava’s brow furrowed. "For what?"
Adam sighed. "His parents invited me for the weekend."
"Okay. "Have fun then." She turned to walk away.
"You’re coming too."
She spun back toward him. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me." He stuffed a pair of shoes into the bag.
"Why?"
"Because I don’t trust you to stay home alone."
Her chest tightened. "I’m not a child, Adam."
Adam’s gaze sharpened. "Really? Because last time you begged for something, it ended with our parents dead."
Ava’s breath caught. The room tilted. "That’s not fair."
Adam’s mouth curled. "Life isn’t fair." He slung the bag over his shoulder and stalked toward the door. "Pack your things. We’re leaving in an hour."
She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I’m not going."
Adam stopped at the door, turning just enough to pin her with a cold stare.
"Then I’ll tell Nate why you’re really alone."
Ava’s stomach dropped. "You wouldn’t."
His smirk deepened. "Try me."
Ava sat stiffly in the passenger seat the whole drive, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Adam had his headphones in, effectively ignoring her.
When they pulled into the driveway, Ava’s heart sank. The house was huge — modern and cold with dark windows that reflected the evening light.
Adam got out first. Ava hesitated before stepping onto the gravel.
Nate was already at the door, leaning casually against the frame. His dark hair was still damp, and he was wearing a fitted black shirt that hugged his frame too well.
Adam walked up first.
"Didn’t know you were bringing Ava," Nate said, his gaze lingering on her a beat too long.
Adam shrugged. "Didn’t think it mattered."
Nate’s smile sharpened. "Huh."
"Wow."
Ava’s head turned toward the voice. Lena was standing near the pool with two of her friends. She wore a bikini top and cutoff shorts, her sunglasses perched on her head.
"Guess no one thought to warn me," Lena said, her smile laced with venom. Welcome, Ava. Try not to embarrass yourself"
Heat climbed up Ava’s neck.
Adam pulled Nate and Lena aside near the front door. Ava couldn’t hear them, but she could see the way Adam’s mouth tightened, his body tense.
"I couldn’t leave her alone," Adam said, his voice low but sharp. "I don’t trust her."
Nate’s brow lifted, his gaze shifting toward Ava for a moment before he shrugged. "It’s cool." The more, the merrier."
Lena’s expression darkened. "Seriously?"
"It’s just for the weekend," Adam muttered.
Lena’s lips curled into a tight, thin smile. "Fine." She crossed her arms. "But don’t expect me to babysit."
Ava’s chest tightened as Lena’s eyes flicked toward her. The hostility was clear — and it was just beginning.
Nate’s gaze met Ava’s from across the room. His eyes lingered a little too long.
Ava swallowed.
Yeah… this was definitely a mistake.
