I came downstairs early the next morning intending to leave before anyone else woke up.
A run.
Then work.
Then anything that kept me occupied.
Anything except Ava.
Instead, I found her sitting alone in the kitchen.
A mug rested in front of her.
She wasn't dressed for college.
For a moment, I considered turning around and leaving through the back door.
Unfortunately, she looked up.
Our eyes met.
The atmosphere immediately became uncomfortable.
I walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.
"Morning."
"Morning."
Her voice was flat.
She was still angry.
Good.
Maybe that would make things easier.
I unscrewed the bottle.
"You don't have class?"
She looked away.
"I do."
I waited a few seconds .
"I'm not going."
I nodded once.
I took a drink and headed towar
