Chapter 8: Unveiled.

"Helen, I'm sorry. Things have been rough, real rough. I need to go, but I'll explain later, I promise." Helen's grip tightened on Ava's arm, her eyebrows drawn together.

"No way, Ava. You're not going anywhere until you tell me everything. No excuses." Helen's voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

Ava's eyes darted around. "You don't get it, I'm late! I have to be somewhere, it's important."

"I'm not letting you brush me off, Ava. What's going on? We used to tell each other everything. Now you're shutting me out."

Helen grabbed Ava's wrist. "Come on." She pulled Ava through the crowded doorway into the college cafe. The air buzzed with chatter, the clatter of trays, and bursts of laughter. Students filled the large, open space.

They sought out an isolated spot at the back and sat down.

"Alright, tell me," Helen said, her eyes fixed on Ava. Ava took a shaky breath.

"It's...it's not a big deal," Ava mumbled, avoiding Helen's gaze. "You know I tell you everything, right? Like...like about..." She glanced around the cafe, then leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. "Like...like how I had sex with Philip back in highschool."

"Okay fine! Here goes," Ava said, taking a deep breath. She laid it all out, from the get-go.

"What?!" Helen's voice rose, her hand flying to her mouth. Heads turned, conversations stopped.

"Sorry, sorry," Helen muttered to the staring students, then turned back to Ava, her voice low and tight. "You really did that? damn you are such a....

"Please, Helen, stop," Ava mumbled, her voice tight. "I feel awful already."

Helen grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "Sorry, sorry! Spill the beans. How did it go?"

Ava's cheeks turned a bright pink.

She laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Helen."

Helen pointed at Ava's flushed face. "That smile says it all!"

"And what did he say about... you know," Helen raised an eyebrow, "the thing with Saga?"

Ava shrugged, a little too casually. "He doesn't even remember. Anyway, I'm leaving soon. Doesn't matter, he's with someone else."

Helen reached out, a comforting hand on Ava's arm.

Ava glanced at her watch, her eyes widening. "Oh no! I'm so late, this is your fault!" She jumped up, grabbing her bag. "Gotta run!"

"Bye!" Helen called after her as Ava rushed out.

Ava dashed through the restaurant's back door, her uniform crumpled in her hands. She fumbled with the buttons in the cramped changing room, the clock ticking loudly in her ears. Finally dressed, she hurried to the counter. "Morning!" she said, forcing a smile.

Lisa's eyebrows rose. "You're late."

"Actually, something came up" Ava mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Lisa leaned closer. "Manager has been asking for you. He's not happy. You might want to say a little prayer before you go in."

Ava's stomach twisted. She nodded, her throat suddenly tight. Taking a shaky breath, she pushed open the office door.

"Good morning, sir," she managed.

The manager's face was red. He slammed a folder on his desk. "Good morning? You call this good? You were supposed to be here hours ago. I won't let my business fall apart because you can't be on time!"

The manager leaned across his desk, his voice sharp. "Your family name doesn't buy you special treatment here. If you can't handle this job, quit. Otherwise, I'll find someone who can." He jabbed a finger towards the door. "Got it?"

Ava's face burned. "Yes, sir. I understand."

"Then get back to work."

Ava rushed out, the manager's words echoing in her ears. The afternoon dragged on. By evening, her feet ached.

"Ava!" Lisa called, nodding towards a table. "Customers need serving."

Ava groaned, rubbing her temples. "I'm exhausted." She shuffled towards the table.

Lisa held out a worn menu. "Their order."

Ava took the menu, her hand brushing wearily against her hip. She trudged towards the serving area, each step heavy.

Ava stopped dead. Across the restaurant, she saw Lucas and Sophia. Her breath caught in her throat. "What are they doing here?" She almost turned and fled, but forced herself to walk towards their table.

"Good evening," she said, her voice barely a whisper. Ava's hands trembled as she placed the plates on the table. "Can I get you anything else?"

Lucas stared, his mouth open. Sophia turned, her eyes widening. "Ava?"

"What are you doing here?" Lucas asked, his voice full of disbelief. "Shouldn't you be at home?"

Ava fiddled with the order pad. "Please, can I take your order?" She tried to keep her voice steady.

"Are you a waitress?" Lucas pressed. "Why?"

Sophia sighed, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Lucas, leave her alone. She has her reasons. She's not a child." She turned to Ava. ''Two sodas," Sophia continued, her tone shifting to a cool command. "Make them chilled, Lucas loves them that way.'' She touched Lucas's hand, a possessive gesture.

"Yes, ma," Ava replied, hurrying towards the kitchen.

"Lucas frowned, his mind racing. Why is she working? Doesn't she have enough? Am I not taking care of her properly?"

Sophia was speaking, but Lucas wasn't listening. His gaze was fixed on Ava, moving through the restaurant. Sophia's jaw tightened. She spun around, her eyes narrowing into a cold stare directed at Ava.

"If only you'd drowned that day. I wouldn't have to deal with you now. I need to do something about you. And soon." She kept her gaze fixed on Ava, a dark look on her face.

"She cleared the plates after they ate, while Lucas and Sophia went outside to the car.

"What's the hold-up?" Sophia asked, her voice sharp.

"Waiting for Ava," Lucas mumbled, staring straight ahead.

Sophia led out a frustrated breath. "She'll be fine. You hovering won't help her learn anything. Isn't independence what you want for her?" She reached out and touched his arm. "Just let her be."

Lucas jerked away, his voice rising. "Leave her alone? Do you even know who she is to me? She's all I have. She's my life!".

Sophia's face flushed red. Just then, headlights swept across the restaurant's facade, and a sleek, black Mercedes pulled to a stop. A man stepped out, leaning against the car door. It was Mateo.