FATED: A lover for her

New York City:

"Wake up!" Little Matthew said, running into the room his aunt slept in.

"Ava?" He called, holding her matured face with his small hands.

"What is it, Matt?" Ava asked, opening her eyes to see her nephew.

"It's New Year!" The little boy said excitedly, shoving a card he took from his mother's collection into her hands.

Jumping up to sit on the bed, Ava smiled. "Come here, little Lucas."

"Happy New Year," Matthew greeted, sitting on his aunt's lap.

The Smiths family had gathered since the 23rd of last December. Lucas, a brother to Ava, and a husband to Hazel. They spent the vacation in their parents house, New York City.

"Happy New Year, Matthew Lucas," Ava greeted Matthew, planting a kiss on his cheeks.

"Let me go!" He screamed, giggling amidst laughter.

"Nah. You woke me up, remember?" Ava said, letting him slide off her lap and onto the floor.

She watched him run off the room screaming, "Mommy, Ava kissed me!"

"Silly," Ava said, standing to her feet. She touched her phone, reading something aloud.

"January first!" She said, running off to greet her family members. "It's New Year!"

.

.

"Cheers!" The people present in the big living room cheered, clinking glasses together and one after another.

"Mom?" Lucas called, sipping from his glass.

"Yes, honey?" Mrs. Grace said.

"Don't you think Ava should be getting married this year?" Lucas asked, directing his gaze at his sister.

"You asshole," Ava cursed, knowing the exact destination of her brother's discussion.

"I wouldn't know!" Mrs. Grace said, her two hands in the air. "It's her life, and I'm tired of telling her what to do."

"You'll be twenty-nine this year, Ava," Lucas said quietly, just so Ava doesn't take any offence.

"I know!" Ava said, taking offence. "It's my age, remember?"

"I'm sorry," Lucas said, giving up.

"I told you," Mrs. Grace said quietly.

"It's a new year, everyone!" Hazel said, interrupting the discussion that just ended a while ago. "No fights, please."

"Of course," Ava said, beaming a smile at her family members. "Tell him to stop disturbing me too." She said again, hitting Lucas's shoulder.

"Ouch!" Lucas said, soothing the spot where he was hit. "Did you see that, Mom?"

"I won!" Matthew's small voice disrupted the moment, his index and middle fingers forming a gun.

"What did you win, Matt?" Ava asked, enjoying the moment.

"Daddy has fallen!" The little boy said, jumping in excitement.

"Ohh, yeah," Ava said, laughing softly. "Daddy keeps getting on my nerves, baby."

"He does?" Matthew asked, bringing his gun-formed hands down.

"Yes!" Ava said, almost screaming. "Shoot him again!"

"Puahhhh!" The little boy screamed this time, creating a bigger gun with four of his fingers.

"Thank you," She said, bending to kiss Matthew on his cheeks before he ran off. But, he did run off before she got close.

"When will you be resuming work, Hazel?" Mr. Smith asked his daughter-in-law. He scooped Matthew into his hands and made him sit on his lap.

"Ermm..." Hazel said, looking into the calendar app on her phone. "On the 9th, dad."

"Fair enough," Mr Smith said, sipping from his glass.

"Speaking of jobs..." Ava said, her gaze directed at her father. "I applied at KROST."

"You did?" Mrs Smith and Lucas asked almost the same time.

"Yes, mom."

"Ohhh, that's a good one." Hazel said, smiling at her sister-in-law. "I hear KROST pays well."

"I heard too," Ava said, rolling her eyes.

"Congratulations, small sister." Lucas said, throwing an object at her from the place where he sat.

"I'd shoot you, daddy!" Little Matthew screamed from where he sat on Mr. Smith's lap.

"Easy, tiger," Mr Smith cautioned, smiling. "You're going to kill my son."

"Okay, Pa." Matthew said, his gaze directed at the television.

"Maya's wedding is in 9 days, remember?" Grace said, ending the discussion concerning her pending employment.

"Really?" Ava asked, laughing. "I know, mom."

"I know you know, Ava."

"Huh?" Ava said, knowing what her mother was trying to do.

"When is your wedding?" Mrs. Smith asked, shooting the bomb everyone was avoiding.

"Mom, please." Lucas said, his gaze at his mother's face.

"Please what?" Grace asked, her gaze at her son's.

"Not now," Lucas answered.

"I don't need a man, Ma." Ava said, standing to her feet.

"You think you don't?" Grace asked, laughing mockingly at her daughter.

"I don't need a man." Ava said again, taking a step.

"Okay, then," Mrs Smith said, letting it go.

"Have a nice day, you all," Ava said, planting a peck on her father's cheek while she headed to her room.

"No no no no no!" Little Matthew said, thinking the pecs were for him.

"Not you, silly," Mr. Smith said, watching his daughter walk away.

"Why did you do that again, Mom?" Lucas asked. "I thought you said it's her life."

"I just can't..." Mrs. Smith said in explanation but was cut short by her husband.

"Let it go," He said, his face gloomy. "She'd be fine."

.

.

January 4th:

"I know!" Ava Smith said to someone over the phone. "Stop reminding me, Maya."

"I know you know, baby," Maya's voice was heard while she giggled with excitement. "I can't wait to see you."

"Me too," Ava said, smiling at nothing in particular.

"How is Taylor?" Ava asked.

"Fine, baby," Maya answered.

"Where is the venue again?" Ava asked, teasingly.

"Really?" Maya screamed over the phone. "Palace of Fine Arts!" She screamed again.

"I know!" Ava said, laughing hard at how she got her best friend.

"I mustn't look for you, okay?" Maya said, her tone sounding the normal way.

"Yes, ma!" Ava said, her hands on her head.

"Good!" Maya responded, satisfied with what she heard. "How are they?"

"Who?"

"The Smiths, who else?" Maya answered. "Or...do you have a boyfriend I don't know about?"

"Not you this time, Maya!" Ava said, laughing. "They want my marriage so badly."

"What do you really expect?" Maya asked. "Lucas is married with a four year old son."

"So?" Ava asked stubbornly.

"I'm getting married in a week's time, Avv."

"I don't see my own marriage being the next in line, is this some sort of competition?"

"Dad wants you at the dining, Avv," Lucas's voice thundered, interrupting her conversation with Maya.

"I'd talk to you later, babes," She said, nodding at her brother who walked away.

"Alright, Miss," Maya said.

"Greet the groom for me," Ava said, ending the call.

"Dad?" She called, sitting on the chair close to Mr. Smith's chair.

"Hi, baby," Robert greeted, beaming a smile at her.

"Hi, dad," She greeted back, reciprocating the smile.

"What have you been up to?" Mr. Smith asked, looking at his daughter's face.

"Nothing much, dad," She answered, looking at the screen of her phone. "Checked my mail for updates, that's all."

"I see," Robert said. "Did you speak with your mother again?"

"No. Why?"

"You can't possibly keep malice with someone who birthed you because of a small argument, Avv," Mr. Smith said, calling her name in the very best way he could.

"Dad, I..." Ava started.

"See," Her father said, hastily interrupting her speech. "We love you."

"I know," Ava said, her face on the table. "I'm sorry."

"Nah," Robert said, his hands on her shoulder from where he sat. "We are family and we should behave as one."

"Ohhh, yeah!" Grace said, walking out of the kitchen with a tray of food. "Family, we remain."

"Yeah!" Lucas joined, holding a smaller tray.

"You forgot the cheese, Lucas," Hazel said, joining them at the table.

"Okay..." Baffled Ava said, looking at their faces one after the other. "What is happening?" She required, her gaze stopping at her mother's.

"Nothing." Lucas said.

"I'm sorry, Mom," Ava said, briefly hugging Mrs. Smith.

"We love you," Mrs. Smith said, her beautiful face beaming with smiles.

"Don't we look alike, Haz?" Lucas asked, joining his mother and sister.

"No. You're ugly, baby."

"Really?" Lucas asked, laughing.

"Aunt Avv, see...." Matthew said, running to meet her.

"Thank you," She greeted, receiving a bowl of popcorn from her nephew.

Little Matthew smiled, touching her face with his small hands from where he was.

"Now, this is for you," Ava said, bending to pick him.

"No!" He screamed. "Dad!"

"I'm not around, Matt," Lucas said, settling on a chair.

"Muah muah muah muah," Ava said, planting many kisses on Matthew's face.

"Dad!" He screamed, twisting his body in struggle. "Mom!"

"Now, that's for you," Ava said, letting him go away.

"Here," Mrs. Grace said, handing a plate to Ava.

"Is this some kind of reunion, mom?" Ava asked, receiving the plate from her mother.

"No."

"So..."

"Late New Year treat, baby," Lucas chipped in, winking at her.

"....in addition to your new job," Mr. Smith added, chewing his food.

"Thank you," Ava said, smiling at her family.

"And your wedding," Mrs. Smith said, looking at her daughter. "In advance."

"Mom," Ava said, smiling.

"Cheers," Her father said, raising his glass.

"Cheers," the rest of them said, sipping from their glasses.

"I'd be leaving for my apartment in Los Angeles on the 6th," Ava started when the room was free from sound.

"Just one more day with the sister," Lucas sang, rolling his eyes.

"In preparation for Maya's day, too," She explained.

"It's fine," Mr. Smith said, sipping from his glass again.

"You'd be good, right?" Mrs. Smith asked, touching Ava's hand from the seat across.

"Yes, Mom," She answered, giving them a reassuring smile.

"When are you leaving, Lucas?" She asked, facing her brother.

"I live in New York City, like my parents," He said, smiling. "I can go on the day I resume work, baby."

"Lucky you," Ava said, looking away.

The family ate in silence again, and Ava looked at them one after the other the moment she could.

"I love them," She thought.

She thought of her best friend, Maya. How lucky she must have been to be married. She thought again of how peaceful Maya's life would have been even if she didn't have a husband.

Maya's parents are late, the only person aside from Mark is her brother, Jack.

Ava has met with Jack once, and the connection didn't flow. Perhaps she could have made him her boyfriend. No one wouldn't want to date Ava.

After her last relationship with Maxwell, she promised not to be engaged with anyone again, not even the quietest man on earth.

"He ditched me!" She had cried to Maya. "He ditched me!"

Maxwell had left at the last minute of their relationship, saying he had no feelings for her anymore.

She looked at her family again, noticing she wasn't chewing the spoonful of cheese in her mouth. She started chewing again.

-

Los Angeles:

"Finally!" She cursed, throwing the bags on the floor.

She dragged one of the bags to the kitchen in the apartment, opening the fridge to store the apples she brought from the city inside the cold house.

She walked back to the medium sized living room, gripping the rest of the bags with her hands.

"Oh, no," She muttered, watching one of the bags slide off her hand. She'd have to return for it.

A phone rang, and she hurriedly walked into the room where her purse is to have her phone.

"What is it, Maya?" She asked, placing her phone in her ears while she dragged the bags to her room.

"It's just a reminder," She heard Maya say.

"Really?" The lady laughed, walking back into the living room in her apartment. "Okay."

"Are you home already?" The caller asked.

"Yes," She answered, gripping the last bag she came home with. "How did you know?"

"I can't hear anyone calling you 'Avv' from the background, baby," Maya answered, laughing.

"Matthew?" She asked, laughing. "I'd miss the rat."

"I miss you too!" Maya said over the phone, laughing.

"Verbatim!" Ava said, throwing herself on the bed. "I need a drink, Maya."

"I'd call you later then," Maya commented, rushing to her living room at the sound of a noise.

"Who is it?" She asked, increasing her pace.

"Hello, Miss." A man wearing a uniform said, holding a small box.

"Hi." She greeted, taking in his appearance. "Delivery man." She thought.

"You've got a package." He said again, his hand directed at her.

"A package?" She asked, her eyes whiter.

"Yes, miss."

"From who?" She asked again, leaning on the wall of her apartment.

"Robert Smith." The delivery man said, taking in her beauty with his eyes.

"Ohhhh!" Ava said, breathing in speedily.

"This box?" She asked, stretching out her hands.

"Yes." The man answered, smiling.

"Thank you." She said, receiving the box and signing on a big board paper she was asked to sign in.

Shutting her door after him, she took off to the nearest chair, scattering the decorated papers shielding the main content.

"Awww!" She gasped, beholding the big bear before her.

"This is beautiful." She said again, taking another flight to her room to get her phone.

"Dad?" She called excitedly, although her call was not yet picked.

"Robert Smith, drop a message." Her Father's device said, disconnecting the call.

"Ohhh!" Ava said, sitting back on the floor to explore her new baby. There, she noticed a note inside the box.

"Since you may not be getting married this year, I guess. Keep this with you, it's a New Year's gift from me and a company to you.

Love, Dad."

Smiling, she dialled Mr. Robert's number again, getting a better response.

"Thank you, dad." She greeted, holding the bear close to her breasts.

"Anytime, Avv." Her father answered, his voice soar. "How is Los Angeles?"

"Fine, dad." She answered, "how is Mom?"

"With me." The man answered, making a noise with his mouth.

"Stop it, dad." Ava said, knowing the action behind the sound she heard.

"Hahaha," Robert laughed.

"How is New York?" She found herself asking. "And Lucas."

"New York is very well, baby." The old man answered.

"And Lucas," He continued, "Lucas returned home yesterday."

"Why? I thought he was staying forever." She commented, laughing.

"He'd be having an early resumption at work, Hazel and Matthew left with him."

"That's fine," Ava said. "Just be safe, okay?"

"Yes, boss." Her Father said, making another sound with his mouth.

"Dad!" She called, although you could hear the excitement in her voice.

"I'm sorry, baby."

"Send my greetings to Mom, I love you both."

"I love you more, baby. Let's talk later, okay?"

"Yes, dad." She answered, standing on her feet from where she sat on the floor.

"My bum hurts." She said, soothing her behind with her hands.

"Here!" The excited lady told the driver.

"Ohhhh, okay Miss." The cab man said, halting at the front of a big gate. "It's a lovely house you've got."

Ignoring his comment, she got down from the taxi, dragging her box with her.

"Ma'am?" The driver called, removing his face cap. "My fees."

"Ohhh!" Ava said, stopping in her tracks. "I'm sorry."

"Nah. It's fine," The man said, watching her bring her purse from her handbag.

"Here," Ava said, handing him notes. "Thank you."

"Thank you, too." The man greeted, putting his cap on his head again while he drove off.

She started her journey into the compound again, dragging her box from behind. "Flat 4," She said, rehearsing the house number Maya had told her over the phone.

She walked into the gate, beholding the beauty and size of the big compound. "I can't live in a house like this," She concluded, passing by the first flat.

"Welcome." A Japanese looking woman greeted while she passed the second flat. She smiled at the woman, waving her hands.

"Flat 3," She said, looking at the window to take a peep. "No chairs," Ava concluded from what she saw.

"Flat 4!" She stopped to exhale, "Maya!" She called, almost screaming.

"Ava Smith?" Maya called, peeping from the door hole.

"Nay. Maya Taylor." Ava said, sarcastically. Although, a smile was on her face.

"Yayyy!" The woman from the inside screamed, opening the door to meet her friend.

"Best friend," Ava said, walking in through the door. "What's good?"

"I thought you'd make it on the D-Day of the wedding, Avv." Maya complained, opening the door wide to accommodate Ava's box.

"I told you," Ava said, pushing the box she brought with her into the living room. "How is the bride?"

"Fine, baby," Maya said, hugging her shortly. "I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too, my lady," Ava said, hugging her again.

"How long will you be staying?" Maya asked, looking at her face. " You look good!"

"That's what you keep saying, especially when you're lying." Ava replied. "I know you."

"Ohhh, dear. I'm serious," Maya said, laughing.

"Ava Smith?" Mark's mature voice thundered from the doorway of the kitchen.

"No," Ava answered, moving close to a chair. "Maya Adams."

"Hahaha,"Mark commented, laughing heartily. "How was your trip down to San Francisco?" He asked, taking the chair closest to her.

"Fine," Ava said, resting her head on the pillow meant for the couch and raising her head again almost in one second. "Why is Maya this fat?"

"I'm not fat, Avv!" Maya spat, looking at herself to be sure she was saying the truth.

"I'm not fat," Ava mimicked, a thin smile spreading on her lips. "I know, right?"

"Okay, okay, okay," Mark said, standing to his feet. "I'd leave you two to do your thing. Okay?"

"Yes, honey," Maya said, sprouting her arms to get a hug and a peck on her cheek from him. "Stay safe out there."

"I will," Mark said after kissing her on the lips. "Don't bulge this woman for me, Ava Smith."

"I won't, Dad." Ava said, smiling. "Stay safe out there."

"Yes, yes!" Mark said again, walking out of the apartment through the entrance door.

"Girlllll!" Maya said, turning to see her friend again. "Why did you cut your hair? To start with."

"Nothing," Ava said, laughing. "I got tired of spending half of my time watching and treating."

"I know, right?" Maya said, standing from her chair to sit on the chair Mark sat on before leaving.

"What's good?" Ava asked. "You've added weight."

"Have I!" Maya exclaimed, looking at her belly side. "You think so?"

"I know so, baby." Ava answered, smiling. "Tell me something."

"Something?"

"Are you pregnant?"

"Ava!" Maya hurled. "Don't start."

"What?" Ava asked, laughing. "I just asked a question."

"Getting pregnant before the wedding isn't really a good thing," Maya said. "I'm not pregnant."

"How about having sex?" Ava asked again, enjoying the moment.

"You know what?" Maya got up from the chair.

"What?" Ava asked, her gaze fixed on her best friend's face.

"I think you should take the next flight to Los Angeles, I'd make it at the wedding."

"What!" Ava exclaimed, laughing. "It's not going to happen."

"I know, right?" Maya said, stopping to see her friend's face again.

"I'm tired," Ava said, yawning.

"Come." Maya said, taking her box with her.

"Are you gonna sell me this time, Miss?" Ava asked, following her.

"Ofcourse!" She answered, walking through a door into a room.

".....Back to the Smiths."

-

The priest had binded Mark and Maya together, with a few friends present at the church. Except her brother, Jack. She had turned around many times awaiting him to hand her to the priest.

"Oh, no." She had muttered to Ava's hearing.

"Relax, okay?" Ava had cautioned from where she sat. "I'd do it myself if he doesn't show up, okay?"

Maya nodded, as though she liked the idea of a lady handing her to the priest before she is handed to her husband.

"Shall the parents of the bride give their daughter's hand to the priest, already?" Father Marcus had asked, looking around.

Maya's parents were late, long before the two friends met. Maya's only family was Jack, until now, Mark joined the small list.

Effortlessly, without shame, Ava got up on her feet, taking Maya's hand and giving it to the priest. A thin smile spread on Mark's lips like he was saying: "Ava Smith and surprises."

"Thank you," Maya had greeted after the church service, giving her friend a long kiss on her cheeks.

"I'm here," Mark said, chuckling.

.

.

Palace of Fine Arts:

The bride stood transfixed to a spot, smiling at the photographer.

"Am I gonna stay here for a while, taking pictures?" Mark asked, his eyes red.

"It's a once in a lifetime event, you should have a fill," The photographer answered, making a sound with his camera that tells he has taken another picture.

"Really?" Mark exclaimed. "What exactly did you snap this time?"

"A few more shots and I'm done with your pretty face, Mrs." The photographer addressed Maya, patting the fine garment she wore for the wedding's reception.

"Y'all should stop addressing me as 'Mrs' and wait till I get home!" She complained, making a pose with her lips.

"Why?" Mark chuckled. "You're someone's wife already. So, you're 'Mrs.'"

He chuckled again.

"I know, right?" Maya said, raising her hands to make another pose.

"Do like this!" Ava said, running to catch up with them.

"Where did you go?" Maya asked, giving room for Ava's fine body to join in the queue.

"Powder my face, Mrs. Adams."

"Perfect!" The photographer commented, taking a glimpse of the last shot. "Perfect!" He said again.

"Anything?" Ava asked, looking at her friend's face.

"Can you tell these people to call me 'Miss'?" She complained again.

Laughing heartily at the comment, Ava said, "Aren't you 'Mrs'?"

"I...am," Maya answered, smiling.

"Good!" Ava said, making a pose. "Answer it, then," She said again through clenched teeth.

"Did you have to talk like that?"

"I don't want you spoiling my pictures, Mrs. Adams," Ava teased again.

"Aunty Lizbeth!" Ava greeted, recognizing the woman that walked into the scene.

"I don't know ya," She said, looking at Ava's face. "I'm sorry, things happen to my poor brain these days."

"I'm sorry," Maya whispered, smiling at Ava.

Aunty Lizbeth is an aunt to Maya. Although, she has memory loss and you'd have to introduce yourself over and over again for her to remember you.

"Hello," Someone's voice sounded, causing a turn from the two friends.

"Maxwell." Maya greeted, smiling at him. "Welcome."

"And how is the new Bride?" His thick baritone voice sounded again.

"Fine," Maya answered, smiling at him again. "How are you, ma?" She asked the woman holding his arm.

"I'm good," The woman answered, holding Maxwell's arm firmly and tighter.

"Ava," He called, causing Ava's gaze to meet with his.

"Hi." She greeted simply, showing her dentistry, a beautiful one.

"I see you came for the wedding," Maxwell commented.

"Yes, I did." She answered, handing Maya's flowers to her. "I want to use the toilet, baby."

"Hurry," Maya said, receiving the flowers. "And come back here to resume your maid of honour duties!"

"Excuse me," She said, walking away from the scene after winking at Maya.

.

.

"God!" She cried, pouring more water on her face. "That bastard!" She said, uttering expletives.

The last person she wanted to see was Maxwell. How did he get to know about the wedding?

"He's a friend to Maya too, remember?" Her conciseness said, pricking her.

"I know!" She answered, looking into the mirror before her.

"Why do relationships not work out well with me?" She asked herself, pouring water on her face again.

Maxwell, the last guy she dated and the last relationship she had left her for the woman holding his arm at the reception minutes ago. She was said to be older than him.

"Kahoot!" Ava coughed, spitting into the sink and washing her face one more time.

"Get over it!" She told herself. She wasn't going to let her ex's presence at her best friend's wedding ruin the day for her. She thought and turned to leave when she tripped.

"Hoof!" The man's voice said, holding her firmly. "You okay?" He asked, looking at her face.

"Yeah," She said, raising her face to meet his gaze. He is handsome, she thought, her gaze still fixed at his.

"I...sorry," She said, standing firmly again, patting her dress.

"Wait one minute," The man said, bending to her face. "Were you crying?"

"No," She lied, her legs fixed to the floor. "I wasn't."

"Come here," He said, giving her a hug.

"Thank you," Ava said, embracing him, her hands wrapped around his waist. "Thank you."

"You'd be fine, okay?" He said when he let go of her. But, she didn't let go.

He bent low to her face again, planting a kiss on her lips.

His lips were placed on hers in a simple manner. The scene, romantic to behold.

Her lips parted, taking in whatever he was willing to give to her and her hands found its way to his neck.

"God!" Ava thought inside of her, taking the kiss to another level.

He was going to do his thing when she let go, finally moving away from him.

".....I have to go," She said, breaking off. "I'm sorry."

"Hey..." He tried calling her back. But, she was gone.

"Fuck!" The man cursed. He liked her already.

She walked at first, and ran the next second, finding her way to her best friend's side.

"What took you so long?" Maya asked, turning to read her face. "You okay?"

"Yeah," She answered, collecting the flowers she had given to her moments ago. "I had to clean up."

"Guess who's here." Maya said, smiling.

"Who?" Ava asked, scared for herself. She didn't know why.

"Jack! The almighty Jack," Maya said mockingly.

"C'mon!" Jack said, joining them where they were seated. "I was hooked up with an appointment."

"Yeah, you were." Ava said this time, taking in her best friend's brother. "And that's why I did the man's thing for you. Well-done."

"Ava Ava Ava Smith!" Jack hailed, laughing. "I've missed you, ma. How do you do?"

"I'm alright," Ava said, cheering up. "What's up with you?"

"Music, of course. What else?" He asked, hugging her from where he sat.

"Heard you work with big people already," He said, looking at the plate of food before him.

"Who told you that?" Ava asked, laughing.

"Maya Adams, who else?" Jack asked, rolling his eyes.

"I haven't been interviewed yet, nor employed." She said, sipping from her glass. "Wait till it happens."

"Yes, ma."

-

"It's Maxwell's wife's height for me," Maya gossipped over the phone days after her wedding. Ava had returned to Los Angeles.

Laughing at her friend's comment, she replied, "if they love each other, then it's fine."

"I'm sorry, Avv."

"What did you do this time, Maya Taylor?"

"I should have told you I invited him to the wedding," Maya said.

"Really?" Ava laughed. "I'm not angry, trust me."

"Are you sure?" The married woman asked.

"Yes, baby!" Ava answered, chuckling. "I'm not angry."

"Prove it to me, then," Maya said.

"Don't ask me for money," Ava warned. "I don't have any to give to a married woman. "

"Nah," Maya said, laughing. "Not that."

"What, then?"

"Have you been called for the interview already?"

"No. Why?"

"Why haven't they called yet?"

"I have no idea. I'm losing hope."

"Nah. They'd call you, I know."

"Right....so?"

"Come spend time with me in San before you are called."

"What? Maya!" Ava called, screaming.

"It's so boring here, baby."

"Didn't you think about it when you were getting married to Mark?"

"I didn't!" Maya exclaimed, laughing.

"Well..."

"So?"

"I don't know if I will make it, I've got appointments."

"That's a lie and you know it!" Maya said, laughing and screaming. "Ava Smith."

"What do you mean by that?" Ava asked. "Can't I have appointments?"

"With who exactly?" Maya asked, laughing. "Or 'what'?"

"I see."

"You don't have a boyfriend, nor a job. So?"

"Well..." Ava said. "I don't want to come."

"Really?" Maya asked.

"Yes," Ava answered.

Silence...

Silence...

"Say something, Maya Adams."

"It's fine," Maya said.

"I'd come," Ava said, waiting for her next reaction.

"Thank you, best friend!" The woman said, excitedly.

"Don't ask me for such favours next time, I'd kick your ass!"

"Okay, Mom."

"Thank you, Avv," Maya said again. "I'd clean the guest room."

"It should be sparkling," Ava said. "Your aunt, Lizbeth. How's she?"

"Ohh, dear. She didn't seem to even recognize me at the wedding," Maya answered.

"I can imagine."

"It seems to be getting fatal," Maya said again. "She's a living dead."

"Don't say that!" Ava cautioned. "It can only get worse and get better. Maya."

"I know, right?" Maya said, her mood lightening. "I have Jack."

"And Mark," Ava added.

"And you!" Maya added.

"Aunt Lizbeth too, and my whole family," Ava said. "You have all of these people to yourself."

"I'm not a glutton," Maya said, laughing.

"I know, beautiful." Ava said. "You deserve your happiness."

"Right?" Maya asked, although she didn't want an answer. "We all deserve happiness."

"Ofcourse, wifey."

"When will you be in San?" Maya asked.

"In days time, I guess."

The two friends giggled in the room Ava was given to stay in San Francisco. Ava had arrived two nights ago.

"Mark doesn't like the meal," Maya told her friend. "He says it burns his tongue."

"Right?" Ava asked, laughing. "He says it burns his tongue," Ava mimicked her friend.

"What are you ladies discussing with your voices so low?" Mark walked into their discussion.

"I know I stay in your house, Mark," Ava said, looking up to see his face.

"Whatcha mean, Avv?"

"When going into a lady's room next time, knock!" She emphasised, smiling.

"Ohhhh!" Mark said, his hand on his forehead. "I'm sorry."

"Nah." Ava said, laughing. "It's nothing so serious."

"So..." The Young man said, sitting on the bed to join in the conversation.

"What are you trying to do?" Maya asked, shifting from her position to look at him.

"Join my ladies, ofcourse." He answered. "What else?"

"Don't you have anything to do?" Maya asked again.

"No." He answered, shaking his head in disapproval. "Unless you want me to perform my wedding rites, baby."

"Mark!" Maya exclaimed, looking at Ava's face.

".....I didn't hear a thing," Ava said, her fingers in her ears. "Trust me."

Laughing at the reaction, Mark got up on his feet again. "I'd just leave you two to yourself."

"Bye!" Maya said, shifting forward from the bed to receive his kiss. "Love you, baby."

"Don't hit my baby's head on the wall, Ava Smith," Mark said when he got to the door.

"Okay, Dad." Ava said, waving at him before he left the room.

"What a guy!" Ava said again, laughing when he was ear shot at their conversation.

"You've seen what I'm seeing," Maya said, touching her elbow. "Mark can be so... " She said again, not finishing her comment.

"Marriage ain't for the weak, Maya Adams."

"I know. But what do I do?"

"Be strong, it's only the beginning."

"Yeah," Maya said, throwing a pillow at her friend.

"What do we do with you since you've finally arrived, girl?" Maya asked.

"Cook me," Ava answered, "eat me, too."

"Nah!" The two friends laughed, stopping the moment they heard a sound at the main door. Someone rang the house bell.

"Mark just left," Maya said. "I don't know why he loves the bell."

Ava chuckled at the comment, laying on the bed. "I do the same with my house bell too, friend."

"Whatever." Maya said, laying on the bed as well.

"We'd visit Park steak before you leave for Los Angeles," Maya said.

"Isn't that cute?" Ava said, turning to look at her friend.

"It's a treat from me to you," Maya said. "Since you won't be visiting San Francisco again."

"I will," Ava corrected. "I just hope it doesn't affect my schedule."

"Hopefully," Maya commented, turning at the sound of a device.

"My phone," She said, reaching for the device on the bed where she lay. "It's a text."

"From who, Ava Smith?" Maya teased.

"Don't start!"

"Speaking of starting. When are you getting married?"

"Maya?" Ava called, irritated at the question.

"You sure know I'm not backing out of this conversation until I'm satisfied with every bit of it," Maya said, winking. "I'm not Lucas."

"What do you want me to tell you?" Ava asked, resting her head again on the mattress.

"Why are you not married, girl?" Maya asked.

"I don't have a boyfriend yet!" Ava answered.

"Why don't you have any?" Maya persisted.

"You sure know about my last relationship," Ava spat. "Why do you keep disturbing me?"

"I want a godchild," Maya answered.

Looking at the face of her friend, the two burst out laughing. "What?" Ava asked again.

"I want a godchild." Maya repeated, smiling.

"Who should get a godchild first, Mrs. Adams?"

"I don't know," Maya answered, laughing.

Silence...

Silence...

"I met this guy at the wedding," Ava started after the silence.

"My wedding?" Maya asked, sitting up to listen to every detail.

"No, mine."

"C'mom," Maya said, laughing. "Tell me about it."

"I kissed a guy," Ava said, as though it was a joke.

"You what?" Maya asked, her facial expressions displaying shock.

"Yeah," Ava said, sitting up on the bed. "It happened so fast."

"Okay," Maya said, looking at her, she sat up on the bed too.

"How did it happen?" Maya requested.

"I needed to go away from the scene where Maxwell showed up."

"Okay?"

"I went to use the bathroom," She stated again.

"Okay?" Maya said, impatient.

"That's all, Maya," Ava said, laughing. "It was impromptu."

"Impromptu!" Maya repeated, hitting the bed. "Who is the guy?"

"I don't know," Ava answered, innocently.

"She kissed a stranger!" Maya said, rolling her eyes. "How intriguing."

"It was impromptu, Maya."

"I know, I know!" Maya chipped in, asking again, "You don't remember what he looks like?"

"Tall," Ava said after moments, looking into the atmosphere. "He's quite tall."

"How handsome?" Maya asked again.

"He's okay," Ava admitted.

"You don't remember his costume?" Maya asked again.

"Nah." Ava said, her eyes closed. "Pants."

*What guy wears a skirt, Ava?" Maya joked.

"I'm trying my best to remember!" Ava spat, her eyes still closed.

"Sorry, Miss."

"I think he wore a hoodie."

"You don't say!" Maya screamed, hitting the bed again.

"I say!" Ava responded, looking at her friend. "Do you know him?"

"That's Mason!" Maya answered. "I remember complimenting his hoodie when we took a picture together."

"Oh, shit!" Ava uttered.

"You kissed Mason!" Maya screamed, excitedly. "I can't believe this."

"Shhh!" Ava cautioned.

"What?"

"This information was only meant for you, not the whole of San Francisco."

"C'mon, girl!" Maya said, laughing. "Did you exchange contacts?"

"What? Who?"

"You, Mason."

"Fuck no!" Ava answered. "I ran off the next minute."

"You did?" The surprised lady asked her friend. "What's wrong with you?"

"Yeah!" Ava answered, ignoring the second question. "We didn't get to see each other again. I was literally avoiding eye contact with everybody."

Maya laughed. Ava joined in laughing.

"Mason Johnson," Maya stated. "That's his name."

"I see."

"Jack's closest friend."

"How close?" Ava asked.

"Very close!" Maya answered, her face hiding her smile.

"Are you gonna laugh at me, Mrs. Adams?"

"No!" Maya answered, laughing. "I'm sorry."

"You are."

"He lives here in San Francisco."

"I don't really care," Ava replied, getting hold of her phone.

"Are you sure you don't?" Maya asked, a smile spreading on her thin lips.

"Yes."

"What if he's living in Los Angeles?"

"Well...he's not living in Los Angeles, baby."

"He will," Maya said.

"What?" Ava asked, letting go of her phone. "What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing."

"C'mom, spill!"

After laughing for a moment, Maya started again. "I don't really know. But, Jack talked about Mason moving to Angeles."

"What for?" Ava asked, worried.

"I don't know," She answered. "But, he'd still have his house in San Francisco."

"Good of him," Ava said, relaxing again. "Because, I'd chase him out of Los Angeles."

"Ohhhh, yeah?" Maya laughed.

"Ohhhh, yeah."

"Well......he needs his apartment in San Francisco. It's a place where he holds meetings with his girlfriend."

"His girlfriend?" Ava asked, surprised.

"Yeah, shocked?"

"No, yes!" Ava spat. "Why would he kiss me, then?"

"I was at the reception, Maya. I don't know."

"Who is she?" Ava asked.

"Who is who?"

"His girlfriend!" Ava screamed, causing a giggle from Maya.

"Alicia Garcia."

"Alicia Garcia" Ava repeated. "Sounds familiar."

"An actress," Maya helped. "San Francisco film industry."

"Yeah!" Ava said, hitting the bed. "Big status."

"I know, baby," Maya said. "So?"

"So?"

"So, what's going to happen?" Maya asked, hitting the bed.

"Nothing."

"What do you mean 'nothing'?"

"What's going to happen, Maya?" Ava asked. "I'd walk up to him and remind him we shared a kiss?"

"I'm sorry," Maya said,

"Look, he has a girlfriend. Okay?" Ava said, bringing down her nerves. "It was just a kiss. It's not like I'm in love with him."

"What if he shows up asking for your number?"

"Show up," Ava thought. "In my dreams?"

"At my house," Maya answered. "He's friends with Jack and they could come here together anytime, remember?"

"Tell him you don't know me, Maya."

"Are you kidding?"

"No, I'm not."

"Everyone with a good brain will recognize you, so long they were present at the wedding."

"Why?"

"Because you were the chief maid of honour. That's why."

"Man!" Ava uttered, soothing her temple. "I think I'm hungry."

"You're running away from this conversation, Ava."

"Nah."

"Fine," Maya said, standing on her feet.

"Mrs. Adams?"

"Yes?"

"If I ever get to hear this from someone outside, Maya." Ava said, her index finger pointed at her.

"..... including my family members."

"I'd kill you!" She said, emphasising on the 'kill' with her hands.

Maya laughed. "You're safe."

"You're safer. I'm hungry."

"Go to the kitchen," Maya said, walking to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"My room, to sleep."

"Really!" Ava screamed. "Aren't you going to get me food to eat?"

"You're not a stranger in this house anymore, Avv." Maya said, opening the door to walk away.

"Love you." She said and she was gone.

.

.

Later, that evening, the trio: Mark, his wife and Ava went out for a walk.

"Do you do this everyday?" Ava asked the couple.

"Yes," Mark answered on their behalf. "Ever since you called Maya fat."

The three laughed at first, Maya hitting Mark's shoulder.

"Ouch!" He moaned. "Did you see that?"

"Sorry, honey," Ava said, hitting Maya slightly on her shoulder.

"Don't try that again," She whispered, soothing her shoulders at the same time.

"You haven't been called for the interview yet," Mark started, while they changed directions.

"Nah," She answered. "I don't expect their call anymore."

"Why not?"

"It's been over a month since I applied for a job at the organisation."

"So?"

"So, I'm tired of waiting!"

"Yeah," Mark said, stopping to catch his breath. "I get that."

"Yeah." Ava said, and they walked into the apartment again.

-

Park Steak:

"The food was nice," Ava said, bringing out her gloss from her purse.

"I know, yeah," Maya smiled. "You like?"

"Really?" Ava laughed. "I love it."

"I'm glad you do," Maya said, and they sat some more at the restaurant.

"I seem to recognize that figure," Maya whispered, looking at the entrance.

Ava turned to see for herself, uttering expletives, "the bastard!"

"C'mom, Ava!" Maya cautioned.

"He's coming close," Ava said, her teeth clenched so that only Maya could hear her.

"I know." Maya said, in the same manner.

"Hello." Maxwell greeted, smiling at the ladies.

"Hi." Maya greeted first.

"Maxwell." Ava called, smiling back at him.

"May I join you, ladies?" He asked, still standing.

"Yeah." Maya answered before Ava said something.

"Thank you," He greeted, sitting on the last chair at the table. "Are you both on a date?"

Maya laughed. Ava didn't.

"Well, I'm treating Ava well before she returns to Los."

"Right?" He smiled, turning to see Ava's face.

She faked a smile.

"When are you returning?" He asked.

"Tomorrow evening," She answered, her gaze on the table.

"Ohhhh," He commented. "That's okay."

"Yeah."

"I'd be returning next week," He chipped in. "Hopefully."

"You don't live in San?" Ava asked.

"I do," He answered, smiling at the woman.

"So?"

"Diego, actually," He answered.

"Ohhh!" Ava said, feeling more relaxed.

"Yeah." The man commented. "My wife works here."

"Cool," Ava said, smiling.

"Yeah," He said again, unsure of what to say.

"We were about to leave before you came in," Ava commented, returning her gloss to her purse.

"Ohhhh," Maxwell said, standing to his feet.

Ava laughed. He smiled.

"I'm not your wife, Max," She said, standing to her feet while Maya did the same.

"Take care," He said, watching them leave.

"What did you do that for?" Maya asked the moment they hopped into her car.

"What did I do what for?"

"That laugh was an embarrassing one, friend."

"Nah."

"Nah?"

"Maxwell always stood up before me when we were still together," Ava said. "He knows why I laughed."

"We were all together there, Avv."

"Together!" Ava said again, laughing. "Dating!"

"Ohhh," Maya said, relaxed.

"What do you know?" Ava asked. "Dummy."

"Really?" Maya said, her hands on the sterling.

"Yeah."

"I'd tell Mark," Maya said again, starting the car.

Ava laughed, watching her friend drive out of the restaurant's driveway.

She looked at the mirror and saw Maxwell. He was looking at their car.

"When you saw Maxwell.." Ava started.

"Okay?"

"I thought it was the guy," She said.

"What guy?" Maya asked, parking by the side of the road.

"From the wedding."

"The one you kissed?" Maya asked again.

"Fuck, yes!" Ava said. "The one I kissed."

"It's not a big deal, baby."

"Right?"

"Yeah." She answered, starting the car again. "Maxwell feels sorry, I guess."

"Yeah." Ava laughed. "I don't need it, though."

"He's a good man," Maya commented.

"He 'was', baby."

"That term is used for the late, Avv," Maya corrected.

"Yeah, I know." She said, "I meant, when we dated."

"Cool." Maya said, brewing her car horn.

The man at the gate opened, waving at the ladies.

"Mark is home." She said when she parked the car.

"How do you know?" Ava asked, unbuckling her seatbelt.

"I smell it," Maya said. "I'm his wife."

"Ohhhhh!" Ava said, laughing hard. "Mrs. Adams."

"That's me," Maya smiled, rolling her eyes while they got down from the car. "Sweet home."

"My home is in New York, honey," Ava reminded her, walking by her side. "Where does Jack stay?"

"San Diego," Maya answered, opening the entrance door with her key.

"I thought you were kidnapped," Mark said, looking up at the women from where he sat.

"Hi, honey," Maya greeted, walking to where he was seated. "How are you?"

"I'm okay," He said, kissing her shortly. "Hi, Avv."

"Mr. Adams," She called, sitting on a chair. "I'd be leaving tomorrow."

"You don't say!" Mark said, sitting uprightly on the chair.

"Well... " Ava was cut short.

"You're leaving your best friend, really?" Mark said, looking at his wife.

Ava laughed, and the two joined her in laughing.

"I'd miss you," Mark said.

"I'd miss you too," Ava said, smiling. "And this buzzkill of a friend."

The rest of the day was fun in the house of the Adams. Ava, Maya and Mark watched a movie before retiring to their rooms later that night.

Maya had escorted her friend to her room, "thank you, Avv." She had greeted, her hands ruffling Ava's hair.