LOVE AFTER FLAMES

Haunted by choices

Ava's point of view.

I nodded as I hugged Mum, I knew she missed me so much and when I left, it broke her slowly but I didn't care, I was so obsessed with Miles that I didn't think twice before leaving.

“I'm back for good mom, I'm sorry I left and hurt you all,” I said as I sniffed, she rubbed my hair soothingly and I felt myself relax as we broke the hug.

“I understand why you did that Ava, but it wasn't a good idea, you divorced him and you are too young to have a divorced status,” Mom said but I just smiled sadly as I held her hands.

“I would rather be divorced than for me to remain in a relationship where I'm gaining nothing but pain from Mom, I hope you understand Mom,” I said as she nodded softly. I looked at Dad but he hadn't even raised his head from his newspaper, he had suffered the most in this whole stunt. He didn't seem to love me anymore but I didn't blame him. I was the cause of all this. He sipped his coffee as he cleared his throat before looking up at me.

“Would you come to sit or would you prefer to keep staring at me like you've seen a ghost?” Dad said as I smiled at him and Mom went to sit down, Dad stared at me with an emotion I couldn't quite place. It held a feeling of longing and regret but he didn't say anything.

“Why did you decide to finally get a divorce?” He asked as I took a deep breath I was avoiding all these questions but it was impossible to dodge them. So I would just answer it and get on with this drama.

“He cheated on me numerous times Dad, I couldn't even do anything but cry and I knew I had to end this. Even though I put him in that condition I'm not that bad, he just treated me like trash” I said but I didn't cry, my words were firm and precise.

“I warned you, Ava, I knew that boy would slowly break you but you didn't listen now look at what has happened, I must say it was a very wise choice but you could've contacted me to handle everything accordingly,” Dad said, here we go again. I was an adult and I could take care of myself perfectly well, they were just being utterly protective and it wouldn't solve anything.

“Look Dad I know that you just want to protect me but I can handle some things on my own, my filing this divorce against Miles, was the most bravest thing I had done in my life since you and Mom had me. I appreciate everything that you've done for me but now that I'm back home I don't need anyone to protect me like an egg” I said and I saw that face change drastically but it was only for the betterment of my life if I continue to depend on them for some things I won't be able to get anywhere by myself and it hurts me to see my pairs getting to high places by their selves while I am just under my father.

“I understand what you are saying Ava, and I respect your decision, you know I love you so much and I can do practically anything for you,” Dad said as I smiled I hesitated throwing myself into his arms but he pulled me into his arms as we hugged. Mom sniffled as she joined the hug, while Bradford just stood in a corner as he looked at us with a cringe expression on his face. He wasn't the one to really enjoy a display of affection.

3 months had passed by in a flash and I was happy that Miles hadn't tried to play any tricks on me. The 3 months I spent in Germany with my family had been the most happiest time for me since 5 years ago. I decided to make use of the time and just enjoy life, I got a job at a well- paying restaurant that allowed me to work for a few hours and still earn a lot.

When I had days off I went out with some of my childhood friends but I couldn't help but feel somewhat sad because everywhere I went it always reminded me of miles, anytime I thought of him I quickly shook my head to dismiss that thought from my mind.

I was peacefully enjoying my sleep since today was my off day when I heard loud banging on my door, I snapped my eyes open as I groaned, grabbing my hair I turned to the other side to change position and enjoy my sleep but the continuous banging on the door didn't allow me to go back to sleep. “Who is it?” I said as I climbed out of bed not minding my appearance.

But as I immediately opened the door with an angry face my eyes widened as I saw Bradford with Kenneth behind him.”Ahhh” I squealed as I shut the door back.

What was Kenneth doing here? As I looked at myself in the mirror my appearance looked very unappealing to the eye. I quickly ran into the bathroom and turned on the shower quickly taking my bath before Kenneth would leave.

Kenneth said he came to Germany because he had a suit here, but he had just finished the case and decided to come spend time with me. I felt aesthetic as we arrived at the art gallery that he had booked for us.

“Do you love painting?” Kenneth suddenly asked me as I stared at one of the pieces that had caught my eye. They didn't know much about my love for painting but I knew that, painting was a way that one can express themselves even without talking.

“In a way, I do but I don't really fancy. I think I like paintings a bit yeah” I said as I blushed, I looked up at Kenneth and he was staring at me I didn't know what to say anymore.