LOVE AFTER FLAMES

Her smile, my ruin

Ava's point of view.

I sat in silence as I stared at the lady in front of me, she was just as beautiful as ever. Her short brown hair was pulled into a bun, her long lashes coated with mascara, and her plump lips painted red. She wore a sophisticated red dress with a fur coat draped over her slim shoulders. I was nothing compared to this woman.

“Ava, this is Jane, Jane my friend Ava,” Miles said as he looked at me, I didn't say anything but just stared at him. He really acknowledges Jane's presence even in front of me.

“Welcome back Jane” I could only say reluctantly as she smiled. Jane scoffed as she threw her hair back.

“Thank you, Ava, you look as pretty as ever but sadly I'm not here for you,” Jane said as I stared at her confused.

“Jane can you please leave, I have to speak with Ava for a while. I'll come see you later” Miles said to Jane as she looked at me with nothing but hate and jealousy in her eyes. She stood up grabbing her purse as she walked out of the restaurant in anger.

“What was that?” I asked Miles immediately after Jane left, I was very prepared to stand up, call Kenneth, and go home. It was always like this with Miles and I'm getting tired of it.

“Calm down Ava, I didn't know she was back honestly, and I asked her to leave so we can sort ourselves out, we can't keep going in circles,” Miles said as he reached over grabbing my hand, I felt myself turn into pudding when Miles touched me but I shouldn't be feeling this, it wasn't healthy.

“I understand Miles, but now that she's back what next? She was staring at me as if she would dig a knife into my chest any chance she got” I said as I shuddered, just imagining it. Jane was like a superstar, bold and easygoing but she had that dangerous and sly aura around her, it spooked me out and I didn't want to get involved with such a person.

“Stop hallucinating, Jane is a good person but she wouldn't try to kill you, I know her,” Miles said but I could only scoff, good person my foot.

“You're blinded by whatever you both have in the past Miles, I can't come back to you until you know what you want. If she's truly a good person why did she leave you then?” I asked Miles and I watched him go quiet. I already had my answer, to me he wasn't acting like the Miles I fell in love with. Heck, he isn't the one I've been married to all these years.

“I know what you're talking about but Jane has a reason for leaving and I know it, you must be really exhausted, why don't I text you my address tomorrow and you come over?” Miles suggested but I just stared at him, unsure of whether I should go or not but what could go wrong.

“It's worth the try but this is the last chance you're getting Miles,” I said to him as I stood up grabbing my bag, I was about to start heading out but he grabbed my hand. “Let me drop you off, it's the best I can do for ruining your night”

Miles offered and I probably won't find a taxi tonight so I agreed, as he drove me home, I enjoyed the peace and quiet. I glanced at him a few times and only his side profile made me fall in love with him over again. What is going on with me?

As we stopped in front of my house, I turned to him and he smiled at me. “I'll head in now, take care of yourself and drive safely,” I said as he leaned closer to me. “You too” I stared at his lips moving and I didn't know when I placed a quick kiss on his lips before hurrying out of the car, I heard him chuckle as I walked into the house. Placing my hand on my chest I blushed as I walked into the house, when I opened my eyes, Dad was staring right at me as I flinched.

“D-dad” I stuttered as he stared at me, he looked disappointed with me and I bent my head in shame. “Why Ava? You know that man doesn't love you yet you keep falling in love with him, can't you just let go?”

Dad said as I stared at him, he was right but again wrong, because I loved Miles and I knew he loved me too he was just confused but maybe Dad was right. “I'm sorry Dad, I can't, I'm in love with him and it's not that easy to fall out of love dad, everytime I try, everything I think about

goes back to him” I managed to say as I rubbed my eyes, I didn't want to cry, it had been so long since I last cried.

“It is your choice, Ava, you choose the way you want to live your life. I've done my part, but if you reck your life, I'll have nothing to do with you” my dad said, he looked so serious as he walked upstairs. I sighed out the breath I never knew I was holding but was it really worth it? I falling in love with Miles all over again then he breaking my heart and Dad disowning me.

I really needed help before I took the risk that would end me, I know that even if Dad disowns me I'd probably be able to fend for myself but I might likely commit suicide if that happens. Taking a deep breath, I decided to ask someone for help. “Follow what your heart says, Ava”.