Fifty Three

"Julias! I was wondering when you'd be back to visit," Ariana greeted from the kitchen, donning a blue apron and a welcoming smile.

"Here I am," I said with an anxious laugh, turning to Avery who was stiff as a board next to me.

"Thank God. I'm glad Avery's finally made friends again, and ones I can actually tolerate no less!"

"Mom," he groaned beside me as she laughed good-naturedly.

"Sorry, kiddo. You know how much I adore you even when you're sulking all alone, right?"

"Yes you've made that very clear," he grimaced.

"Why don't you let me help out?" I asked, trying to divert attention away from the clearly very flustered Avery.

"That would be lovely!"

I nudged him, sending a supportive grin over my shoulder before joining his mother in the kitchen.

"You'll have to excuse me for the mess. I was never much of a cook," she chuckled, gesturing around the messy kitchen.

"That's okay. What are you making?"