Chapter 5

Chapter 5

{Clumsy Me}

Gold’s POV

I was at home earlier when I spotted Ava’s boss’s boyfriend’s car parked in front of their apartment. It struck me as odd that he was there so early in the morning. Curious and a bit protective, I made an excuse to my mom about checking up on Ava, figuring I’d take her along to the place I was planning to go for some fun.

My mom gave me the green light, and I rushed over. By the time I reached her door, the boyfriend had already driven off. For a second, I thought about turning back, but I decided to go in anyway. Ava is never boring; she’s exactly the person you want around for a day of girls' fun and gossip.

I knocked and waited for her to let me in. When she opened the door, I found her engrossed in a show about celebrity lifestyles. I playfully nudged her aside and walked right in.

“Gold?” she gasped, sounding genuinely startled. She immediately started peering over my shoulder, craning her neck as if she were looking for someone else.

“Why do you look so shocked to see me?” I asked, pushing past her into the living room.

“I just thought it was Madam Nada,” she replied, quickly shutting the door behind us.

“Did she go out?” I asked. Ava nodded. “Then why didn't you come over while she was away?” I stood there with my hands on my hips.

“I was just tired, honestly. I wasn't expecting you to show up,” she said sincerely. We both settled into separate armchairs. I could sense that something might have happened between her and her boss—or someone else—but I wasn't going to pry if she wasn't ready to talk.

“What’s the move? Should we go out?” I asked. She shook her head.

“I didn't tell Madam Nada I’d be leaving the house.” She stood up to grab me a bottle of water.

“So just text her,” I suggested, rolling my eyes. “Tell her you’re coming out with me.”

“I’ll call her to see if she’s coming back first. If she says she’s staying out, I’ll go,” she said, handing me the water.

“I don’t think that’s the best way to handle it,” I countered. “What if she finds out you only called to ask for permission to leave? If she needs something urgently from the house later, what will you say?”

Ava went quiet, clearly weighing my words. I passed her phone to her, and she dialed the number. It took three rings before Madam Nada picked up; I could hear a wall of noise in the background.

“Are you still coming home?” Ava asked. The connection was choppy, but I heard the response.

“I’m not coming home tonight, Ava. I’ll send one of the girls over later to pick up my breakfast.”

“I... I want to go out with Gold today,” Ava mumbled.

“Did you know about this beforehand?” Nada asked. Ava swallowed hard, looking at me.

“No.”

“You’re free to go,” Nada said, her voice laced with a hint of worry. “Just don't walk the streets alone, and make sure you aren't out late at night.”

“Okay!” Ava chirped, her mood doing a complete 180. The call ended.

“Yeeesss!” she screamed, breaking into a frantic victory dance around the living room.

“Go and get dressed!” I yelled over her cheering. That stopped the dancing immediately; she bolted to her room to change.

I sat back, waiting for her, when my eyes caught something on the armchair she had just vacated. I stood up and walked over to the white upholstery, squinting at the faint marks.

This isn't what I think it is, right? I whispered to myself. I quickly moved back to my seat, deciding to act like I hadn't seen anything. She’s old enough to make her own choices, but the thought of it being her boss’s boyfriend made my skin crawl.

A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a black flared mini-skirt, a green crop top, and matching green Nike sneakers.

“We are set!” she shouted, throwing her arms up.

“Switch off the electronics first,” I reminded her. She nodded, clicking off the TV and checking the appliances before we headed out. I watched her lock the door, and we made our way out of the compound.

We hailed a cab, and I gave the driver our destination.

“The water park? Isn't that place really expensive?” Ava asked, her eyes wide. I just nodded. “You should have told me! I would have packed my swimsuit.” She pouted, and I gave her a playful roll of the eyes.

“Why do you think it’s so expensive, Ava? Everything we need is provided when we get there. It’s a 'classics' spot, so let’s just act the part.” I giggled, and she gave me a wink. We both spent the ride scrolled through our phones.

“Still obsessed with Mar—”

“Correction: I am not obsessed,” she interrupted, emphasizing every syllable. “I am a dedicated fan, Gold.”

“Okay, okay,” I muttered, laughing.

When we finally arrived at the water park, I was blown away. It was my first time seeing a place like this in person. We paid the driver and I linked my arm with Ava’s.

“We are going to have so much fun!” she screamed, causing several people to turn and look.

“Oh! Sorry!” she apologized, bowing slightly as people smiled at her enthusiasm.

We walked up to the payment counter to check in, but the clerk stopped us. “Your admission and all expenses have already been covered,” he said.

Ava’s laugh turned a bit nervous. I was floored. We had only just arrived—who on earth would have paid for us in advance?

“Don’t you think this is a little weird?” I whispered in her ear. Ava just shrugged it off.

“Who cares? It’s paid for. Let’s just have fun!” she said, her worries disappearing as she pulled me toward the slides.