Chapter 4 - New Life Resolution

Avery's Pov

"Dad, I'm going for a walk. Will you be alright?". I yell as silence was the only thing I got back.

I've gotten pretty used to it, the silence I mean. Ever since mom passed away, Dad has grown silent and reserved. He refuses to acknowledge the fact that she's gone.

It's not like I have accepted it myself. I've just learned to cope with it. These walks give me time to think and reflect on everything that has happened over the past few months.

Also, I need to let out some frustration and anger that has been pent up with me.

Ruby.

Ruby Jacobs. Someone I once thought was my best friend and everything. I helped her so much to deal with her illness and all she could do was disappear when I needed her the most. When my mom died.

When my mom was murdered.

To think I was almost close to asking her out on a date the last time we spoke.

How can she be so cruel? No text. Mrs. Jacobs says Ruby doesn't want anything to do with me but then calls whenever she needs more dose of her formula.

The formula My Mom used to make for her. Yeah, I know how to make it but after last night's call, I couldn't care less.

I have been making Ruby's formula for the past 6 months but I haven't heard from her. It's always her mom on the other end of the phone.

I don't see why I should be helping her when I have problems of my own to deal with unless her mom is willing to convince her to move back or at least talk to me. Mrs. Jacobs says it was Ruby's decision to move.

It just doesn't make sense but at this point, it's Mrs. Jacobs' words against Ruby's silence. I'm so mad, it isn't even funny anymore.

Yeah, at first I thought it was a joke but I guess I was a hopeful fool.

As I walk through the woods, I take the path that leads to the spot where Ruby and I would go to just talk and stay away from the world.

It doesn't take long before I start to hear the rushing water and smell the spring water in the air. A little more steps forward and I see the mini-waterfall just behind the big rock where Ruby and I used to sit and talk.

I head over and lay flat on my back on the rock. I begin to feel nostalgic, remembering all the conversations and decisions we had made on that rock.

We agreed to go to The University of New Orleans together. Just so we can get away from our uptight parents and party every day. Maybe not every day but you know what I mean.

"Damn you, Ruby!", I yell as the tears threaten to fall out of the corners of my eyes.

I begin to wipe them away before they even fall down my face when something caught the corner of my eye.

Ruby & Avery Forever

I stare at the drawing and my heart begins to feel heavy. I begin to realize how lonely I am.

I never made any friends because I had dedicated all my time to be there for Ruby. My mom's gone and my dad is ..... Well, he is what he is. I don't even know what my dad is. The silencer?

The tears start to run down my face without my permission. The disrespect. What am I doing? Men don't cry.

I wipe the tears and make a very bold decision.

Ever since Ruby left, I haven't thought about college because I didn't want to go without her. I'm not going to let her dictate my life. She left and I don't owe her any loyalty.

I would go to New Orleans and leave my dad here. He doesn't care about anything anymore and I need all the distraction I can get.

New Orleans, here I come and it better be worth it.

*************************************************************

Just as I thought my dad didn't care when I told him. I also got accepted to attend The University of New Orleans.

I would be leaving later today to catch my flight. Over the past couple of months, I took the time to renovate and treat myself better.

I got a haircut, a gym membership and it really paid off. All my shirts seem too tight and I gained a couple of new friends. Mostly girls.

Why hadn't I tried this at first? All this attention is great. Is this how it feels to be on the receiving end?

I love it.

And I know you are wondering, what about Ruby? Well, what about her? She's my past and I intend to let it stay that way.

I gave up trying. After I stopped making her formula, her mom eventually stopped calling.

Good riddance.

I know I sound like a jerk but I don't care. I'm past that. I am taking care of myself from now onwards. Me First.

I hope to never meet her anymore. New Orleans is the beginning of a new chapter of my life.

Or so I thought.