* * *

Every night I've sat awake seeking answers, trying to determine if the decision I made was right. It's been twelve days and that's all I think about. I see the way he looks at me during school like all he wants to do is corner me and blurt out his inner secrets, I can see it burning in his eyes. Typical Avery though, I do what I do best, avoid him like the plague. I'm scared to hear what he has to say, there's a part of me that doesn't want to hear it.

There's also a part of me that thinks this is the perfect opportunity for me to just let go and move on, start fresh. Every time I think of that though an image of Drew pops into my head. I can't just leave him, I spent so long looking for him and I wasn't ready to let him go. Call me selfish but he's one of the reasons why I stayed put.

'Jaxon as well'

Last time I was ready to carry on and be on my way, that was because I was fearful of Noah finding me. Now? He knows where I am, he will only keep finding me if I kept running.

'Admit it. He's another reason you stayed.'

I rolled my eyes at my conscious and how opinionated it can be at times. I didn't want to admit it but as much as I talk about moving on, there's a part of me that is still latched on to him and I have no idea why or how to get past it. Shaking my head from my own thoughts, I continued to clean the table getting it ready for the next customers. Work was a good distraction because I was constantly moving, sometimes my thoughts snuck in but most of the time I managed to keep them at bay.

My phone was always in my pocket though in case of an emergency with Alena, which thankfully Tom was okay with. Something told me Bianca probably had something to do with that but, I was appreciative none the less. My phone vibrated four times simultaneously causing me to stress out, thinking it was Lisa. Flashbacks from that last conversation I had with her came to mind, making me practically run to the kitchen to offload my tray before grabbing my phone. My heart sank as I read the messages.

Thu, May 12, 07:23 PM
Noah: Can you please meet up with me? Just to talk.

Thu, May 12, 07:23 PM
Noah: I need to show you something.

Thu, May 12, 07:23 PM
Noah: Please! Stop ignoring me, it's destroying me.

Thu, May 12, 07:23 PM
Noah: Ive got your name inked on my forearm to show the world I belong to you. The way you belong to me.

I stood there as I stared at his last message. He got my name tattooed? He would be sadistic enough to put it in the same location as the one he carved into me. Despite this revelation though, all I could think about was how I had totally forgotten to change my number. How could I be so stupid to forget that! I looked at the clock and noticed that I still had time, the shopping centre closes at nine. I bit on my lower lip as I weighed up whether I should ask Tom if I could leave early and make up for the extra hour and a half. I knew I could have just changed it tomorrow when I didn't work, but I didn't want to wait anymore. I wanted to change it now, I didn't want another day of worrying when I would receive his message and what it would contain. I walked slowly to Tom's office and stood there as I contemplated my idea. Just as I was about to knock, his office door opens causing me to jump in shock.

'Now you look like a creepy weirdo'

'Great work Avery'

"Avery! You okay?" He asked before smiling at me.

I smiled before biting on my lip in worry, "I need to ask a huge favour."

His smiles dropped slightly as his facial expression changed to concern, "Is everything okay?" He asked as he moved back, allowing me to walk in. I took slow measured steps as I sat down on the seat and waited as he closed the door before walking across his desk to sit opposite to me.

"Yeah, maybe...I dunno actually. I just- I know it's inconvenient and I'm sorry but-"

Tom chuckled, "Spit it out, Avery"

"What are the chances of me finishing now? I promise I'll make up for the extra time next week. I'll even come in tomorrow. I just have to do something really important-"

"Go."

"It's okay, I understand." I blurted out, a part of me already knew the idea would get rejected. I was stunned when Tom started chuckling, had I missed something?

"I said, go."

"Go?"

He smiled before nodding his head, "Go, you're a hard worker who doesn't complain or call in sick for that matter. Go. We will manage."

I smiled out of glee at him, "Thank you so much!"

"Just be careful with whatever it is you have to do, okay?" He asked sternly. I smiled and nodded at him once more.

"You have no idea how much you are helping me! I'll make it up to you guys."

"I have no doubt that you will."

After saying goodbye to Tom and some of my friends from work I was off, there was only one place I had in mind and nothing was going to stop me.

* * *

"Okay, so just sign here and you are all done."

I smiled as I starred at the paper work in front of me, I've never been so happy to sign anything before. Quickly jotting my name, I wanted this process to be over.

"Give it twenty-four hours and your new number will activate. The number is on the back of the SIM card holder in case you forget."

"Thanks for your help, Anthony"

Grabbing my paperwork I decided it was time to leave, I had managed to get there just after eight-thirty, leaving me with less than thirty minutes to change my number. As soon as I walked out of the store I immediately felt like the world was off my shoulders, I felt free like I had no shackles on. If I knew this was the feeling that was going to accompany me, I would have changed my number a lot sooner.

I knew why I tried to avoid it, it was for selfish reasons but honestly, I couldn't be bothered with the process of messaging everyone I knew just to let them know of the change. I managed to get home in under twenty five minutes, quickly having a wash before grabbing the laptop to take it downstairs with me. I connected my phone to transfer my contacts over so that I could message everyone. I looked at the time when I realised that I should have notified my mum. Panic set in as I quickly called, I didn't want her to think I purposely blocked her out. Relief washed over when receptionist answers, after going through an I.D check she transferred me through to my mum,

"Hi baby."

"Hey Ma. Sorry for the late call, just needed to give you my new number."

"Oh you changed it? How come?"

"Uh- Too many telemarketers." I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity. After giving her my new number we ended up talking for a good ten minutes about her progress and Alena and I's grades at the moment. It was refreshing to hear that she genuinely cared about our school progress. It was at this very moment that my life seemed normal, feeling like a normal high school student sitting on the couch, talking on the phone with my mum about anything and everything. It was at this very moment where my life seemed perfect. I was content.

"Honey, what are you doing this weekend?"

I looked up at the ceiling as I tried to visualise my calendar, "Nothing, that I'm aware of."

"No pressure but how would you girls like to come over to visit?"

I had managed to avoid the question last time but I knew I couldn't avoid it this time around. I was going to make an effort with her, I had promised I would talk to Alena about it and see if she was free to come up. It appeased my mum and she seemed happy with my response. Just as I hung up, Alena and Lisa walked in from their night out. Lisa had told me she was taking Alena back to her house because Jonathan was there and they didn't want to leave him on his own. It's not like it bothered me, I trusted Lisa. She's extremely protective over Alena, especially after that frightful night, forcing Alena to stay in the car until she got out first. The good thing about Alena was that you only had to tell her something once so I do believe she learnt her lesson.

I sat there while I waited for Alena to come back down, I had to collect my thoughts and gather my words correctly. I wanted her to give this a chance even though I was still slightly reserved, I didn't want her saying no just to try and please me.

"Hey Avi."

I almost jumped at the sound of her voice, I was so focused that I didn't even hear her come into the room,

"Hey Aly-cat, I need to talk to you about something."

* * *

My sister took the trip a lot better than I expected, I was half expecting her to throw a tantrum and refuse the visit. Never in my right mind did I expect her to be excited about it. According to my sister she was already one step ahead at trying to be a better mum by getting help. The realisation hit me like a ton of bricks, my sister was more compassionate and sympathetic towards our mum than I was. Did this make me cruel? Did I need to see things from Alena's perspective? I knew I had to give my mum the benefit of the doubt, I had to be there for her, really be there for her throughout this tough stage. If she rebounded then there was so turning back, this was going to be my mum's final chance.

We had packed a small overnight bag in case we had to stay the night, I didn't want to drive if it was going to be really late. Especially since this centre was back home and that alone was a good five-six hour drive, I didn't want to take any chances. As soon as Isaac heard about our little trip he insisted I take his car, it was a good ten minute argument until Alena snatched the keys from his hands and agreed to take it.

"I wanna drive with the top down." She said, shrugging her shoulders innocently.

"She's definitely a mini Avery." Isaac scoffed humourlessly. My eyes creased in annoyance at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I questioned, hands on hips.

"I believe you wanted a drive with the top down a long time ago." He stated, winking at me.

Rolling my eyes, I kissed him on his cheek before walking out the from door.

"Thanks, Boo-Bear."

"You're welcome."

Here we were now, parking his car at the front of the clinic. It was such a beautiful car to drive, it was always a dream car but hella expensive, same with the Mustang. Two beauties that only the privileged could afford. We walked towards the front receptionist until I felt Alena's hands hold onto mine, I smiled at her before squeezing her hand in encouragement.

"Hi, how can I help you?"

"Hi, we are here to see Mrs. Olivia Former."

"I'm sorry, we do not have anyone here by that name."

My eyes creased in confusion as I looked down at Alena for a moment, my mind racing trying to think.

"Olivia Winters?"

I waited as she looked through her system, waiting to hear the confirmation that my mum was in fact in this centre.

"Avery and Alena?"

Relief washed over me as I smiled and nodded in agreement. Confusion soon took over and I wondered why she checked in under her maiden name and not Henry's. After showing our identifications we went towards the lounge room where our mum was meeting us. The last image of my mum would always be in my mind, how scrawny and daunt she looked. She was such a beautiful woman and the drugs really did ruin her. I walked in with the expectation of what she would look like. The last thing I was expecting was to see my mum the way I remembered her, before the drugs. She looked healthy, long shiny hair, clear skin, no dark circles. The memories hit me hard and I got teary eyed at my mum who quickly stood up smiling before running towards us. She hugged us tight as she whispered how much she missed her "babies." It was at that point that I knew I shouldn't have pretended like she didn't exist. Deep down, I knew I needed my mum.

"You look amazing, mum" I whispered as I hugged her again. I was in complete shock at my own actions. I think it was because I could physically see her and see just how well she was doing. For the first time, I was excited to sit with my mum and have a simple mother/daughter chat. I had no regrets and believe that we did the right thing by coming today.

* * *

A/N: So, who thinks Avery's Mum is genuine or has a secret plan? Let me know your thoughts!

Next Chapter: Avery finally has a much needed conversation with her Mum. Drew and Avery also make a deal. What do we think that's all about?