Epsd 2

"You will find that everyone here is nosy," Kara said as they walked out of the class after Mrs. Andrews' lecture, clutching her book. "Are you hungry?"

"No," Ava replied, fixing a ring on her pinky finger.

"Well, I'm not hungry either. Should I give you a tour around?" Kara asked eagerly, looking Ava up and down. "I never noticed at first, but your clothing style is a clash, you know."

"I'll take the tour and quit the talk about my clothing style. I appreciate the compliment, though," Ava responded, trolling Kara and quickly walking away. A few steps behind, she was announced to be needed in the principal's office.

Kara crunched into her, complying with a warning.

"I don't mean to bother you, but I wish to tell you this. Um... well, get you prepared for that call," Kara scratched her arm.

"What?" Ava asked seriously.

"Nothing. Nothing... nothing at all. You can proceed with what you're about to do, and I'll just mind my business. Okay?... Bye," she turned around, making it look like she had nothing to say.

Mr. Andrews was swinging on his chair, trying to find balance when Ava walked into his office without knocking.

"Those are some manners you've got there, Miss Sinclair. Please return to the door and knock," Andrews pounded his desk, scaring Ava back to the door.

Looking crushed, Ava knocked on the door.

"Who's there?" Andrews asked dismissively.

"Ava," she replied, extending a smile to herself.

"Come in and have a seat," Ava opened the door and took a seat at the table. "You don't just barge in on people like that without warning, okay?"

"I'm sorry, sir," she replied calmly. "You called me?"

"Yes, I have a fax for you from Brenda Sinclair. I assume that's your mother."

"Can I read it?" Ava asked enthusiastically.

"Yes, but not here in my office, right?" Andrews inquired.

"I want to read it in here. I will need to reply right away, if you don't mind, sir."

"No problem. You can just... um... do you need any privacy reading it?" Andrews handed Ava her letter.

"No, I don't, only when I'm writing. I will need a pen," she smiled.

"Anyway, I'll just leave you to it. I have an errand to run. If you're done writing, please place the letter on the table. I will make sure it's delivered to the right person." Andrews headed out.

Waiting to read the letter, Ava's interest grew as she opened it. Her expression became serious as she read.

" My dearest Ava, I know I can't justify my ignorance. My submissiveness has led to all this. All I want you to know is I'm sorry from the heart. I won't let you feel alone in that place. Imagining how it is for you to change your life so suddenly breaks my heart every day. I want to know how you are doing. How is that place treating you? Are you eating well?

I know it's a lot to ask, but I don't want you to lose your beautiful smile that kept everyone around wanting to keep you to themselves. Your sense of humor passed every difficulty that came your way. Keep smiling, and know that one of these days, you will have a reason to appreciate everything you've been through. 

I know I usually tell you to cry it out, but this time I don't want you to. I don't want to know you're crying, and I'm not there to comfort you.

I will make time to come and see you often. We can talk about the fun times, and I want you to ask me for anything you need. Anything, I will surely make it."

Lots of love,

Mother.

After finishing the letter, Ava was tearing up. She folded the letter back into the envelope, picked up a pen and paper to start writing. Thoughts ran through her head as she tried to find a starting point.

"Mother,

How are you, Mom?

It's funny how you ask me not to cry, and yet you know for sure I'm doing quite the opposite.

You know what I preciously want can't be granted by you, but still, I need something impatiently. I need to speak to Audrey in person. If only you can get her to meet here when you come to see me. Just this once I ask. The last time I saw her, we didn't end well.

Thank you for writing to me. It makes me feel less alone.

Your only daughter,

She put the letter in an envelope, placed the pen on the table, and headed out of the office. Kara was still waiting for her in the hallway, leaning against the wall.

"So, should we go for the tour?" Ava grabbed Kara by the arm.

"That's a smile you have there, Ava. So there is someone who makes you smile, huh?" Kara bumped Ava's shoulder.

"What do you mean, someone who makes me smile?"

"Well, for the past few hours I've seen you, your face has been down, but after you came out of the principal's office, it's shining."

"Well, my mom sent me a letter, that's all," Ava changed to a sad expression. "Let's proceed, shall we?" Ava pulled Kara close.

"First, you should know, this is Manning University, named after my last name." They both stood at the entrance stairs. "Well, blah... blah... blah. It was founded by my great-grandparents, but I don't know much about it."

"If we're going to blah... blah... blah around the whole university, we better just go for lunch. I'll take the tour by myself." Ava turned her joking face serious.

"No, no, no, no... no. It's just that the intro here tires me out, but... I'll start over again. My apologies, please." Kara took a few steps back to start over.

"Relax... I was just kidding... actually, I did my homework about Manning, so all I need is a tour around so I won't get lost when I'm on my own." Ava took steps back as well, grabbing Kara by the hand. "I think we shall get on pretty well. Right?" They both went down the stairs smiling.

"Yeah, I think we will," Kara answered.