The Truth Unveiled

My heart skipped a beat as Ava and I both turned to each other, our eyes widened in shock. Was that really a gunshot? In this peaceful mansion?

Without saying a word, we both stood up and scanned the surrounding area, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. The once serene garden now felt unsettling, the birds chirping had ceased and an eerie silence hung in the air.

I felt a surge of fear grip my heart as my mind raced with a million possibilities. Was someone hurt? Was there danger nearby? My thoughts were interrupted by Ava's voice, filled with concern.

"Did you hear that?" she whispered, her eyes searching mine for answers.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. Together, we cautiously made our way towards the front of the house, following the direction of the noise. The adrenaline pumping through my veins made each step feel heavier than the last.

As we reached the edge of the garden, we noticed about seven guards gathered near the main entrance, their voices hushed and tense. My heart pounded in my chest as I realized the gravity of the situation.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as we approached them. The sight before us made my blood run cold – a car had screeched to a halt a few yards away, its driver slumped over the wheel.

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks – the gunshot was not just a sound, it was a terrifying reality unfolding before my eyes. I reached for Ava's hand, seeking comfort and reassurance in her presence.

I felt a strong arm curl around me protectively, the world around me seemed to blur into a chaotic frenzy. 

"Let's get you inside, Ivory." I raised my head to look at Clark before nodding. I quickly scanned around to see if I can see a glimpse of Alexander, but I didn't. 

We were back in Alexander's room within a couple of minutes. Clark helped me sit on the bed with Ava in tow.

"I'll be back." Clark was about to leave when I grabbed his wrist, making him stop in his steps and turn to look down at me. 

"What happened?" I managed to voice out.

"I don't know, but we won't rest until we do," he replied, his determination unwavering. "You both just remain here, alright?" I nodded at him and he left, not without glancing over at Ava who was sitting quietly on a one-sitter. Her gaze was lowered and she seemed lost in her thoughts. She look so withdrawn and gloomy.

Ava is usually lively and vibrant, so full of life. Seeing her so quiet now, leaves me on an edge and an aching heart. Ava is definitely going through something. Usually, in the past, whenever she had a bad day or is going through something, she'd always tell me about it. 

Was it her new bakery? Something personal? She hasn't breathed a word about anything to me, which means I'll have to get it out of her mouth myself.

"Pssst, hey!" She looked up me and gave me a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Another sign that something is probably troubling her. Ava wouldn't reply me with a smile, instead she'd reply with an eye roll, a sassy word or make faces at me, but definitely she wouldn't reply with a smile. Worst comes to worst, she'd just chuckle or giggle, but never a smile.

I waved her over and adjusted for her to sit beside me on the bed. She sighed deeply as she settled beside me. I gave her a long look, but she kept her eyes solely on her fingers. I know she could feel my gaze on her and the heaviness in the air.

"Ava, tell me, what's wrong? I know something is going on with you. It's written all over you. So, tell me, what happened? What's the matter?" As those questions left my lips, she looked up at me. I gasped when I saw the storm in her eyes, before they came pouring down. Endless streams of tears kept pouring down her face and she was sobbing uncontrollably.

I pulled her to me in a warm and comforting embrace, whispering and muttering soothing words to her, to calm her down. I slowly disengaged from the hug to look at her face. Her sobbing has reduced a little, but tears kept streaming down her face.

"Please, Ava, tell me, what happened?" She looked up at me, her eyes red and swollen.

"My dad....He passed away on Wednesday," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I gasped in shock, my heart breaking for her. On Wednesday? Today is Sunday, meaning, it's been five days since her father's demise. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have been there for you," I said, feeling a pang of hurt that she kept such a devastating news from me. Believe me, I know and I understand how she feels, because I've been there before. I know how it feels to loose a parent, much worse when you loose two.

Ava looked down, unable to meet my gaze. "I didn't know how to tell you. I was scared... scared of losing you too," she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion.

I felt a surge of anger rise within me, but I quickly pushed it aside. This was not the time for bitterness or resentment. Ava needed me now more than ever, and I wouldn't let her face this pain alone. She was there for me when I was facing mine, now it's my turn to be here for her.

Taking a deep breath, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry, Ava. I'm here for you, no matter what. You don't have to go through this alone," I whispered, my own tears falling freely now.

Her father was family. I can still remember the days when he'd take I and Ava out to shopping in his old Toyota. The jokes he usually cracked to lighten up my mood whenever I was feeling down. The day he saved me from a near rape experience. I would miss him dearly. I really would.

Her father has been battling cancer for six months now, which she told me about. It got worse last month, but he also looked better the last time I visited him at the hospital.

Ava clung to me, sobbing uncontrollably as the weight of her grief washed over her. I allowed her to sob in my arms, knowing fully that she needed to let it all out. 

After what felt like an eternity of tears and silence, Ava finally lifted her head, her eyes searching mine for a sign of understanding. I held her gaze, my heart aching for the pain she was going through.

"I should have told you, Ivory. I'm so sorry," Ava whispered, her voice filled with remorse.

I reached out and gently brushed a stray tear from her cheek. "It's okay, Ava. I know you were hurting too. I'm just glad you told me now. He was like a father to me too, so, I understand how you feel," I said softly, offering a faint smile.

Ava's shoulders relaxed slightly, the tension beginning to ease from her body. 

"Thank you for being here, Ivory. I don't know what I would do without you," she admitted, her voice filled with gratitude.

I squeezed Ava's hand, a silent vow passing between us. "You'll never have to find out, Ava. I'll always be here for you, no matter what," I promised, my eyes reflecting a deep sense of loyalty and friendship.

We are not just best friends, we are sisters of the heart, connected by a bond that forged in trust, understanding, and love. We'd be here for each other through thick and thin, in both joy and sorrow.

In all this, little did I know that a pair of grey eyes was silently watching us.