Page 27 of Keeping Ava

No rush. No anger.

I hold my finger up to him. “Pinky swear?”

“Pinky swear. No more secrets.” Maybe it’s childlike, but he follows through and links his with mine. A simple gesture, but it means everything to me at that moment—takes a stressful situation and turns it into something which gifts me a semblance of comfort. There’s no urge to run, something that’s a bit confusing yet true, because I know in my heart that he’ll protect me.

This moment—full of heartache and fear—isn’t as hard to carry with him beside me. Someone who will listen. Help me.

And maybe it’s that feeling of ease, or the laughter of some innocent child down below that makes me talk.

“This all started when I was fifteen.”

Chapter 9

Ava

“Ava, what are you—”

“Please let me speak, Detective.”

“Sorry.” Elijah turns to face me, his hand now holding one of mine, fingers intertwining, while his lips gift me a warm smile. “But please know that you can tell me anything without concern for judgement. I’ve got you.”

“Thank you.” I reciprocate his smile with a small one while reaching with my free hand for the bottle beside me. Grabbing it, I bring the Vitamin water to my lips and take a few quick sips. Thinking. Mentally going back to that day—to the memories I once buried in the past due to embarrassment. Stupidity. Fear of no one believing me. “Of course, back then I didn’t see it as anything more than bullying or him being an ass, but Jason tried to forcibly steal a kiss from me on that specific birthday.” He tenses but doesn’t interrupt; the muscles of his arm coil tight, yet his hold on my hand is tender and his stance a bit protective. Preparing himself for what’s to come. “My best friend, Rose, and I were out in my backyard late that night after my birthday party ended. We were hanging out and talking smack like kids do at that age...you know? I remember her giggles, the way she gushed about spending the night and possibly getting to see her crush from my bedroom window.”

“Your neighbor.” Not a question.

“Yes. Anthony.”

“Go on, sweetheart.” His tone is gentle, and I appreciate it. “All this will be very helpful.”

“Okay.” I lean forward a bit and kiss his cheek. It’s quick and a rash move, but I don’t dwell on it. Instead, I sit back and close my eyes, letting the words flow before chickening out. “Don’t quote me on the exact time, but my guess is on it being close to midnight when they both strolled through my backyard reeking of weed and alcohol. They were loud and obnoxious, and since we were supposed to be upstairs in my room, no one came looking for us. It was the norm, anyways. Everyone in our neighborhood knew they hung out late on their side of the fence doing the exact same thing most Saturdays.”

“So, no parental figures?”

“All asleep upstairs.”

“Did they come in through a gate?”

“Our neighborhood was a relatively safe neighborhood, so it wasn’t a high priority for my dad to lock it. Hell, most nights it stayed wide open as did the family’s across the street and even Anthony’s.” We were stupid. Too trusting. I’ve learned the hard way that security in itself is fickle and can be taken at the snap of a finger. “And that night they did just that, strolled on in and took a seat on either side of us. How they knew we were there? I still have no clue or why the late-night visit, but you can imagine who I got stuck with.”

“Jason Ripley.”

“Yes.”

“Did you ask them to leave?”

“No, and I’ve regretted that decision.” I open my eyes and look at him, let him see all of me. Please don’t be angry with me. Taking in a deep breath, I let it out slowly and continue. “At first, it was weird, but a tiny bit cool. You know what it’s like at that age...the thought of someone older wanting to hang out makes you feel as though you’re the shit. They were somewhat cute, and seventeen—mature in our eyes—and struck up a conversation out of nowhere...asking questions and wishing me a happy birthday. We felt popular and important.”

“When did it get out of hand?” he asks, thumb rubbing across my knuckles.

“About thirty minutes into the impromptu visit, they pulled out a joint and lit up. They tried to puff puff pass, but I said no while Rose went for it. You can imagine it didn’t turn out so great for her when she coughed up a lung on her first hit, but hey, Anthony was rubbing her back, so she was on cloud nine.”

“Then what? No one smelled the weed?”

“Not when it’s a semi windy night and all windows are closed. To everyone it’s just boys being boys and listening to music at home while staying out of trouble.”

“Trusting parents.”

“Exactly,” I say lowly and nod. “Then, after they tossed away the end, Anthony asked Rose if she wanted something to drink.” I lick my dry lips and pull my hand from his as I grab my bottle to take another sip, trying to distract myself from the slight shaking of my limbs. “Of course, she jumped at the chance to walk next door. No matter how much I begged her with my eyes, she had blinders on and left me without thinking twice.” My heart races and palms sweat. My breathing gets a tiny bit choppy. “It happened so fast. One second I’m watching Rose walk past my gate, and the next I’m on the paved ground with Jason on top of me. I went to scream, and his hand covered my mouth, body pressing against mine.” I’ve waited long enough, Ava. No more. “Beneath his hand I yelled for him to get off, and just when I thought he would, the asshole brought his face closer and I froze. His lips stopped just a hair’s breadth from mine as his hand traveled lower, stopping a few inches from my chest. I remember my eyes watering and the feel of his breath on my face...the stench of cheap beer and weed made me nauseous. I was so scared and—”

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