Ava-EverGreen Series Book Two

Chapter 2

Ava was walking up to the school to start a new school year. This will be her junior year. She was hoping thus year would be different than last year. There was something different in the last four months. At the end of last year, Ava was starting to feel a little bit different around peers at school like they were expecting to be like her party animal brother, Thomas. The teachers thought she was going through something, but they were not wrong either. Truthfully, both Serena and Ava were missing their friend, Henry Newman, who went missing four months ago to the day. All that was placed around the school was his missing poster.

Serena was waiting by the school entrance when Ava walked up. She was busy texting on her phone but looked up “How are you doing?” Asking that question was hard to answer when we both know the answer. I was going to be honest with her.

“My summer was mostly just hanging out with you of course. My parents had to take me to therapy because I was taking Henry’s disappearance really hard. I basically became a shell of myself. I miss him so much” I told Serena, “How was your summer? Well, the rest of it anyway?”

“To be honest, my parents made me spend the rest of my summer with my grandparents to try pull my mind of Henry. My parents thought it would snap me out of it. Basically, told me to go get some help, like you did. I told my parents there was no way Henry had ran away. Of course, they did not believe me. They think his home life was the cause of his disappearance. We both know he did not always have the best relationship with either of his parents. I still think something happened to him.” Serena was saying while walking to our lockers.

Serena was looking around to make sure no one was over hearing our conversation. Ava was kind of shocked at how many people were making up their own theories on what happened to Henry. It was honestly just nauseating to hear about it all day at school. The day pretty much flew by really quickly just by numbing it out.

Serena and I decided to get to go Turbo Grill for chocolate milkshakes. When we got there, I excused herself to go the restroom. Ava saw one of the waitresses in tears and seems to be the case with working for John. I thought about working there over the summer but changed my mind. I did want to save to get a new car. When I got back to the table, Serena had already ordered for both of us and she was already digging in to her drink.

Looking behind my head, Serena was staring at this blonde guy and was staring around the room. I turned to see who she was staring at, “Who is that?” asking her.

“Someone I meant last weekend. His name is Lucius or something like that. He hangs out with your brother, Thomas sometimes. They got to school together or something.” Serena whispered.

“Okay.... but what does it he has to do with my brother. To be honest, my brother and I have not spoken since he went back to university. I pointed out Serena.

Vv Turning away to finish my milkshake. I saw a blonde and brunette come in, sat not far from us. That must be two other classmates of my brother’s Cassandra and Margo. I got it this town was also a college town of sorts. University students hang out at Turbo Grill too. It must be happy hour.

Serena was staring behind me when my older brother decided to make an appearance. Luckily, he did not notice Serena and I here. He walked over to Lucius and started talking to him. I tapped on Serena’s shoulder to make sure we got out of there unnoticed.

I made my way home. When I got in the house, my mother was still working or to be in a meeting with co-workers about the family business. I decided not to bother her and go to my room instead. Laying back thinking about the Henry and the school day, ended up falling asleep. I was jarred awake by someone knocking on the door.

“Come in,” I say.

“Dinners ready kiddo,” Kaleb replies.

“I will be down in a sec,” telling my dad.

Leaving Ava alone to mentally prepare herself before dinner.

My mother made chicken breast, peas, and pasta for dinner. My father has already set the table and bought the food out. When everything was served, my father started to make conversation about what happened at the family company. My mother describes her day. I told them about my first day.

Dinner was finished and it was my mother and I cleaning up the kitchen. I was quiet for a sec and then said, “I saw Thomas at Turbo Grill after school.”

“Did he say anything to you?” Maria asked.

“No. In fact, he did not notice I was there. I was with Serena too. Anyway, I just walked out without him noticing. I will say he keeps some interesting friends.” I blabbering away cleaning the dishes.

My mother just listens and mentions, “How was school really? I know not having Henry there with you and Serena must be hard on both of you”

“School was hard today. Not seeing Henry’s smiling face in class. Everyone was talking about Henry like he was dead or something. Everyone has their own theories on what might have happened to him. It was getting too much just like the summer all over again. “Realizing I was crying saying all of that.

My mother does not Say anything but just hugs me. I dried my tears then went to my room. I worked on homework until I fell asleep again.