Chapter 16Avery
Chapter Sixteen
Avery
18 years old
"You can't be serious, Avery!" Grandma's voice cracks with disbelief.
I grip the edge of the kitchen counter, my knuckles turning white. "I am serious. I love Eric, and I'm moving in with him."
Grandpa's face reddens. "You're far too young for this nonsense."
"I'm eighteen," I shoot back. "And I have the money Mom and Dad left me."
The mention of my parents sends a pang through my chest. I push it down.
Grandma's eyes soften. "Sweetheart, that money is for college. For your future. It's what your parents would have wanted."
Hot tears sting my eyes. "What they would have wanted doesn't matter anymore. They're gone. They left me alone."
I blink back tears, remembering the car crash that took my parents. The loneliness that's haunted me since. Eric makes that ache go away.
"Oh, Avery." Grandma reaches for me, her lined face creased with worry. "It's natural to still feel upset. But they loved you so much-"
I jerk away from her touch. "Eric loves me now. He's the only one who understands me."
Grandpa scoffs, but I ignore him.
"I'm moving in with Eric," I repeat firmly. "It's true love. You can't stop me."
My heart races as I say the words. Part of me can't believe I'm really doing this. But I have to. Eric needs me. We need each other.
"Please try to understand," I plead, but my grandparents' expressions remain stubborn.
I know they think I'm making a mistake. But they're wrong. Eric and I are meant to be together. I'll prove it to them.
Grandpa's bushy eyebrows furrow. "At least tell us where you're moving to, Avery."
I hesitate, then sigh. "Worcester. "
They exchange a loaded glance that makes my stomach clench.
"Worcester?" Grandma echoes. "But why not stay in Boston? We both went to Northeastern, you know. There's still a spot for you there."
I shake my head, feeling the familiar tug of frustration. "I don't want to go to college right now. I want to support Eric's art. He's so talented."
"And what about your talents?" Grandpa asks, his voice rising. "Your future?"
"Eric is my future," I insist. My cheeks burn. Why can't they understand?
Grandpa's face reddens. "There's no use arguing if you've made up your mind. You're an adult now. Old enough to make your own mistakes."
"Harold!" Grandma hisses, but I cut her off.
"No, Grandpa's right." I lift my chin defiantly. "I am an adult. It's not a mistake. And I am doing this."
My heart pounds. I've never stood up to them like this before. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
I think of Eric waiting for me, of the life we'll build together. No more feeling alone. No more doubting myself.
This is my chance to prove I can make it on my own. To show everyone - including myself - that I'm not just some lost, orphaned girl anymore.
I'm Avery Bennett. And I'm ready to start living.
Grandma's eyes fill with tears as she pulls me into a tight hug. Her lavender perfume envelops me, familiar and comforting. For a moment, I'm that little girl again, seeking solace after losing my parents.
"Promise me you'll call," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "Stay in touch. Let us know where you're living so we can visit."
I swallow hard, pushing down the lump in my throat. "Okay, I promise."
Pulling away, I grab my packed bag from the hallway. The weight of it, filled with my hopes and dreams, steadies me. Without looking back, I dash out to the driveway where Eric's beat-up Volkswagen idles.
I toss my bag in the backseat and slide into the passenger side. Eric's there, all messy hair and bright eyes. He leans in, his lips finding mine in a quick, eager kiss.
"How'd it go, babe?" he asks, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel.
I blow out a shaky breath. "They're not happy. But I told them I'm an adult now. I can do what I want."
Eric grins, starting to pull out of the driveway. "Hell yeah, you can. We're gonna love it in Worcester."
As we drive, Eric launches into his plans, his voice animated. "I'm thinking a studio downtown. Maybe even a gallery. With your parents' money, we can make it happen."
I nod, trying to share his enthusiasm. But his next words make me pause .
"College is such a waste when you've got real talent and a dream, you know?"
I glance at him, wondering if he means my talent too, or just his own. But his eyes are on the road ahead, already seeing our future unfold.
I watch Eric as he talks, his eyes alight with passion. My heart swells. This is why I'm doing this, I remind myself. For love, for art, for dreams bigger than Boston.
"Hey," I say, interrupting his excited rambling. "I've actually been working on something lately."
Eric glances at me, curiosity piqued. "Yeah? What's that?"
"It's a mural," I tell him, a hint of pride in my voice. "Not painting like you do. I'm doing cutouts. You know, where small pictures come together to make one big image?"
"That's awesome, Avery!" Eric grins, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "I can't wait to see it. Bet it'll look killer in our new place."
I beam at his enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. This is what support feels like, I think. This is what I've been missing.
"Actually," Eric says, his voice taking on a mischievous tone. "I've got something to show you too."
He takes his right hand off the wheel, fumbling with his sleeve. "Check it out."
I lean closer, curious. As he pushes up his sleeve, I gasp. There, inked on his forearm, is a heart with our names intertwined.
"Oh my god," I breathe, tracing the lines with my fingertip. "Eric, it's beautiful."
He grins, clearly pleased with my reaction. "You like it?"
"I love it," I say, my voice thick with emotion.
Eric leans over, capturing my lips in a deep kiss. The car swerves slightly, and we break apart, laughing as he quickly rights it.
"Whoops," he chuckles, turning on some music. "Ready for our new adventure?"
As we drive away from Boston, leaving behind everything I've known, I nod. "Ready as I'll ever be."