Ava was enjoying her evening with Maggie when a the door bell rang. They exchanged a look.
" Are you expecting someone, child? " Maggie asked but Ava shook her head.
" No, are you? " She threw her question back at her.
Maggie shook her head too. Now that was strange, Alex wouldn't do that, neither would Jack. Ava got up on her feet but Maggie stopped her.
" I'll get it Ava " She said quickly and started walking to the main door.
She opened the door and her usual smiling face disappeared, and was replaced by an irritated expression as she crinkled up her nose in displeasure on seeing who it was.
" What the hell do you want? " She asked harshly.
Ava frowned slightly when she heard Maggie's harsh voice. This is not looking good, she thought to herself and started walking to the door.
" I need to see Ava " The other voice replied timidly.
Ava froze, on recognizing who that voice belonged to. It was no other person but her step brother, Bobby. Why was he here?? She asked herself and her hands started to shake. No, she shouldn't allow him to see that she was still afraid of him. Having that in mind, she took a deep breath and steadied her hands. And slowly, she made her way to the door.
" What for?! " Maggie asked coldly
" Can I see her at least? She's my sister, you know " He fired back and they were glaring at each other when Ava arrived.
" Ava, you should go back. I'll deal with him don't worry " Maggie said, her eyebrows etched in concern as she stared at Ava.
Ava smiled at her and Maggie could see that she was trying not to be weak before her step brother " I'll be fine, Maggie. He's family after all " She sent a glare his way and Bobby frowned. This wasn't the Ava he wanted and expected to see.
" You may go Maggie, I'll handle him. Don't worry " She said to Maggie.
Bobby had started to have second thoughts about coming here. She seemed different from the Ava he knew. She looked different too, she was glowing.
On the other hand, Maggie read Ava's facial expression and she saw that, deep down, Ava needed support. She just didn't want to show her weakness to her brother, else he'll use it against her.
So she refused " No Ava, we'll deal with him together. I'm going nowhere " Snaking her arm behind Ava's, they stood strong against Bobby.
Ava now let her gaze rest on Bobby " What do you want? "
Bobby scratched the back of his head " You see... Uh... "
" Are you going to talk or not? " Ava cut in impatiently.
" I'm sorry! Uh... Can we sit and talk please? It's quite hot outside you see and... " Bobby blabbered.
Ava scoffed " You deserve less "
" I know " To her surprise, Bobby agreed and Ava raised her eyebrows suspiciously. What the hell did he want from her? She asked herself. She would have felt better if he had shouted, cursed and hauled insults at her but he did none. And it made her feel uneasy, really.
" So can we find somewhere to sit and talk? " He asked
" Come in "Ava replied, eyeing him as she eyed him warily.
" Ava! What are you doing?! " Maggie whispered harshly and her arm tightened around Ava's.
" It's fine, Maggie " Ava assured and move away from the door to allow him in.
Maggie glared at Bobby, her expression telling him not to play funny games. He ignored her and preceded them inside. He looked around in awe and his gaze held respect but said nothing.
Once they were in the large sitting room, he invited himself to a seat before either of the women could do so.
" Asshole " Maggie said under her breath and to him, she snorted " I can see you lack both courtesy and sense "
Bobby grinned, showing his brown teeth in the process. The old hag was starting to get on his nerves seriously " I get that a lot you see, but I don't care, do you? "
If looks could kill, he would be on the floor, coated in blood.
" Alright " Ava said loudly, a sign for them to keep quiet.
" So why have you come here? " Ava asked Bobby, crossing her leg over the other.
Bobby sat back in the chair and copied her action while Maggie scoffed.
" Well, " He started casually " I came to apologize for my actions the last time "
" Really?! You came to apologize after you wanted to sell your own sister?!! " Maggie shouted, unable to keep quiet any longer.
" You son of a... " She was not given the chance to finish her sentence because Ava stopped her.
" Maggie please, let me handle this " She pleaded. Maggie however, looked unconvinced as she engaged herself in an eye battle with Bobby.
" Trust me Maggie, I got this " Ava added, tugging at Maggie's arm lightly.
Maggie calmed down finally and grabbed her phone from where it was previously. She seemed to be typing on her phone furiously, which made Ava wonder who she was texting.
" So you, " Ava said to Bobby rudely, turning her attention to him now " An apology, is that all you came to do? "
Bobby was at loss for words. Ava had changed so much. Not only was she not scared of him anymore, she looked more mature. She was glowing, he noticed. Deep down, he wasn't sure he'd get what he originally came for but it never hurt to ask, right? He decided to push his luck. They were family, after all.
" Huh... " He faked a cough and cleared his throat " The thing is... I came to apologize and I also came to ask you something else "
Ava raised her eyebrows in question " And what would that be? "
" Uh... You see, I need some fast cash and... " He took a pause and stared at Ava. Warning signals kicked in when she uttered no word and her face remained expressionless. Something in him advised him to stop before it was too late but the demon in him urged him on. He was really desperate for the fast cash, not wanting to listen to warning signals.