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Chapter 3

"Oh my God. I can't believe it. You are such a lucky b***h" Neil kept ranting and I was not in the mood to ask her how being stuck in a stupid group project for three months is lucky.

Mr Parker later told us that the project is our test,which puts a lot more pressure on us seeing as the two people in each group are going to have to share the mark so the work has to be perfect.

"I can't believe it" Neil said again.

"Well start believing it" I snap massaging my forehead with my fingers.

We haven't even left the school park and I'm already nursing a headache.

This car ride would be the longest ten minutes of my life because I have a feeling Neil wasn't going to let this go anytime soon.

It's times like these I wish I was 18 and could have a license and therefore my own car. Why couldn't I be born in Canada?.

"You are going to be working with Zoe Taylor in the home of THE Taylor because Christian is practically the Taylor of Taylor's groove. It's his house right?" Neil continued as if I never said anything pulling out of the school park.

"Hey" she took one hand off the wheel and snapped it in my face "did you zone out on me?,you know you've been doing that a lot lately" she said "oh my God!,have you been thinking of chri..."

"Watch out!!" I screeched pointing.

She hurriedly returned her hand to the wheel and swerved the car to the right narrowly missing hitting a tree.

"Oh my God!" It was my turn to exclaim "you are going to get me killed,I'm only 17 and my birthday is still three months away and you are going to kill me" I continued ranting.

"Oh don't be so dramatic"Neil said waving her hand airily.

"I'm being dramatic?,I'M BEING DRAMATIC???!" I said my voice getting louder with each word i uttered "you almost hit a f*****g tree because you weren't paying attention to the road and you think I'M being dramatic??!" I said in disbelieve.

"Okay. You’re right. I'm sorry" she said biting her lips sheepishly and I almost felt guilty for yelling at her "but don't think we are not discussing this thoroughly at lunch tomorrow" she continued not taking her eyes off the road this time.

"I wouldn't dream of it" I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" Neil asked obviously hearing me.

"I said good.” I replied.

"Good" she retorted.

"Bye Avie!!!,I will pick you up tomorrow bright and early,love ya!!" Neil yelled honking and waving her hand wildly as she pulled out of my driveway.

"Love you too babe" I called out.

Once the car disappeared around a corner and I couldn't see her anymore,I turned and opening the front door I yelled to whoever may hear "I'm home!".

"Hey sweetie" my dad came out of the kitchen just as I got into the living room.

"DADDY!!" I shrieked and jumped into his outstretched arms "I missed you so much. When did you get here. Wait...why are you here?.” I asked.

Dad put me down chuckling and ruffled my hair. “I missed you too sweetie. I got here 3 hours ago. Yes before you ask your mom has seen me and she's in the kitchen. Why don't you go and wash up?. Then you can join us down here,Alex is with your mom.”

"Ok dad" I said holding tightly to his hand.

"I'm not going anywhere Ava,at least not yet,you can let me go" Dad said chuckling again.

I giggled and said "okay daddy" .

He kissed my forehead and said "don't keep us waiting now".

I nodded and ran up the stairs happily not caring to check if I was thumping or not,my lips were pulled in a wide smile,I'm obviously daddy's little girl.

After hurriedly doing what I had to do in my room. I walk down the stairs wondering how I'm going to tell my parents I'm not going to be home much this up coming evenings-especially my dad,I thought with a smile.

I got to the kitchen and was instantly hit with an heavenly aroma and my mouth watered, "help me set the table would you hon?" Mom asked and I hurriedly complied and set the table.

“Why is Dad here?” I ask.

She winced, a hint of red staining her cheeks.

Is she blushing?. Okay...

When I was done mom started putting various dishes on the table and signalled to me to go call dad and Alex.

I stuck my head out the door and yelled "Dinner's ready". When I turned back I saw my mum giving me a reproachful look and I sheepishly looked down.

Once everyone was in their seats and the food had been blessed we all dug in.

For a while the only sound in the room was of our cutleries but then dad broke the silence “I know you kids are probably wondering why I’m here.”

I glanced up expectantly.

“I want to watch you guys grow up so I’m moving back here. I can work anywhere I want now that I’m the boss of me. So in a month when I’m done with all the contracts I’ve signed i’ll buy a house and move back here.”

Alex frowns “Why though?. You left us because of your work.”

"Alex.” Mom said.

“It’s true though. Let him tell us.”

“I’ve realized my mistake. I hope you can all learn to forgive me as your mom have.”

I glanced at mom skeptically but she only nods.

"So,when are you leaving?” I ask.

He sighed and slowly said "two days time".

I nodded and continued eating.

I was mad at him. He got a promotion that required him to move to China two years ago while he was still in the police force. Mom didn’t want to uproot us. They tried the long distance thing but it didn’t work out. Hence the divorce.

"I won't be home much in the upcoming evenings as Mr Parker gave us a group project to work on at school,I was paired with Zoe Taylor and she suggested we worked on it at her brother's place cause he has a huge library". I said Casually.

"Ok honey,let me know if you need a ride home" Mom said and dad added "good luck on your project sweetheart,and don't hesitate to tell me if I have to shoot someone".

I nodded and knew that though he said the last part jokingly he meant it,and we all went back to eating.