The Talk

Ava's house at the bay.

It was evening, Ava was sitting on her couch waiting for Daniel. Her mind was in chaos, she has been thinking all day long, how to talk to Daniel about what happened last night. She also wanted to ask Daniel about the tax but she didn't know how to ask him. Could Daniel really do something like that?

Last night things got a little out of hand when Daniel came to her parent's house following her, she knew he misunderstood her when saw her with Oliver there but she also knew if she explained it to him clearly he will believe her. But what she was going to do with Oliver? 12 more days left and she still couldn't come up with anything to get away from Oliver. On top of that if what Oliver said was true and the court refused to let them get a divorce then what she was going to do? Ava was afraid Oliver would do something drastic if she didn't go back after these 12 days. what if he really hurt Daniel? Ava was lost in thought when Daniel came back from Office.

"Hi," Daniel said lightly when he saw Ava was seating on the couch. He has been thinking a lot since last night and he came to the conclusion that it was his mistake. Ava asked for time from him, she hasn't promised him anything so he shouldn't have invaded her privacy because of his insecurities. He has already decided to come clean with her and apologize for his insensitive behavior.

"Hi," Ava looked at him and said lightly. She kept silent for a while not knowing how to start the conversation. No matter what was the result of their conversation she still wanted Daniel in her life as a friend. Ava knew it was selfish of her but she didn't want to lose him. She might not have any kind of romantic feelings for him but she will always regard him as a big brother. A friend, a confident, and a mentor. "We need to talk." finally Ava said.

Before Daniel could say anything Nina came running shouting "Daddy, you are home."

Daniel picked her up and said softly, "How are you doing daddy's little princess?"

"I have been good, but daddy didn't you promise me that you would take me and mom for an ice crème tonight? " Nina said coquettishly.

Ava quickly said, "Nina you will catch a cold if you have ice crème at night. How about I'll take you tomorrow after school?"

Nina pouted but agreed. "OK, Mommy"

"Good girl now let's go and have dinner first," Ava said and looked at Daniel as if asking him.

Daniel nodded and walked to the dining table still holding Nina in his arm. The three of them sat at the diner table and had a normal dinner like a family, they talked and laughed about trivial matters, it was a warm atmosphere. After dinner, Ava cleaned up the table while Sister Li took Nina to give her a bath and put her to bed. When Ava was done, she said to Daniel, "Let's go to the study and talk."

Daniel nodded and said, "Alright, let's go."

They came to the study and sat down beside each other silently. They both were waiting for the other to start the conversation.

"Ava.. "

"Danny.. "

They both said at the same time and smiled. Then Daniel Said, holding Ava's hand, "Ava I am really sorry for last night, I shouldn't have done that. I know I was insecure and did something irrational by invading your privacy but trust me Ava I do trust you with all my heart. Please forgive me this time. I will never do that again"

Ava's eye's instantly softened as she said, "I know Danny, I understand and I am not angry with you anymore…and what you saw last night..." However, Ava couldn't finish as her phone started to ring. Ava stopped and looked at the phone but seeing it was an unknown number she hesitated before she picked up the call. She didn't know why seeing the call she had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind.

"Hello, Ava Green speaking!"

"Hello, Ms. Green I am calling from the police station."

The next few seconds Ava heard what was said to her from the other end with a pale face then she hung up. she stared at the distance in a daze.

Looking at Ava Daniel knew something was not right. "Ava, what happened? "

Ava blinked and looked at Daniel then said in a panicked voice "Danny, we have to go to the police station. Sarah has been taken to the station and the officer is saying it's serious, they are pressing charges against her for selling drugs."

"Alright, calm down Ava, Let's go, I'll come with you to the police station?"

"Danny, how is it possible? It can't be Sarah, there must be some misunderstanding." Ava was puzzled, she couldn't make sense of anything. She quickly got into the passenger seat as Daniel started the car and they headed toward the police station.

"Don't worry Ava I am sure it's a misunderstanding. Don't worry I am still here I'll get her out immediately." Daniel also knew Sarah's character she couldn't do such a thing so it must be a misunderstanding.

On the way to the police station, Ava got a call from her mother. Ava wanted to avoid it but then thought what if she was looking for Sarah? So she decided to pick it up. Ava said as calmly as she could muster, "Mom, what's up?"

"Ava, have you talked to Sarah? She went to dinner with Amy, I have been trying to call her for a while now but her phone is switched off. Do you know where she is?" Lilly's worried voice came from the other end.

Ava's heart tightened, "Mom, this silly girl, don't worry about her. She is at my place. Her phone must have run out of battery."

Lilly was not easy to fool, she heard the car noise and asked doubtfully, "Ava, are you outside right now? Is she with you?"

Ava paused for a second then said, "No mom she and Nina wanted to have fried chicken so me and Daniel are on our way to get some for them. They are still home. I'll ask her to call you when we get home. OK, Mom! "

Lilly breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright. But tell them not to have these junk foods, these are not good for their health. Anyway, you go ahead, I'll talk to you later."

"Good night, mom!"Ava felt guilty for lying to her mom but she didn't want to worry her.