November, 2018

"Sit up straight, Avery! Remember your manners, Avery! Be perfect in every single way or you're a disappointment, Avery!" I recited to Kaden angrily while shoving various ingredients into our shopping cart.

We were at Safeway.

"Ave, don't you think you're being a little overdramatic?"

"No, trust me I wish I was. I literally had to sit through a two hour conversation about respecting your parents because I went to a fucking football game!" My voice must've been louder than I intended it to be, because a lady walking with young kid scoffed, covering his ears.

"I am so sorry." I whispered frantically, but she either didn't hear or straight out ignored me.

Kaden nearly fell over in laughter.

"It's not funny! I probably just scarred that kid for life!"

"You need to stop worrying about everything Ave, it won't just be you and your parents, Olivia will be there too. Maybe they'll focus all their attention on her?"

"Jesus, I hope so. Liv does have a way of making things about her, maybe I'll just be able to eat my food in peace."

"There, looking on the brighter side already." Kaden didn't seem super engulfed in our conversation, because his eyes were focused on the grocery list.

"How old are you, eighty? Why do you have a grocery list?"

"Well sorry for wanting to remember what I came to the store for."

"Aren't you like a genius? Just, remember!"

"I'm honored Ave, I really am, but that's not how it works and I'm not a genius."

"Whatever." I slouched as I unenthusiastically pushed the cart through the isles.

"Ave, what is is gonna take to cheer you up?" Kaden turned to me.

I sighed dramatically. "Nothing until the stupid dinner is over."

Kaden looked to the ceiling as if he was deep in thought before his lips curved into a smirk.

"Go along with it."

"With wh-" Before I could finish my sentence, Kaden got down on one knee, holding an apple.

Oh. My. God.

"Brittney, I know it's been a rocky road and I haven't exactly been the easiest to work with-"

I hate him.

"-but I can't imagine a life without you. You're the air that I breathe, the only light in my life-" His tone was overdramatic and I could easily tell it took everything in him to not burst out laughing.

"So Av-Brittany McDonald, will you do me the honor of marrying me."

Inwardly, I was dying of laughter, but I couldn't just give up on the façade before I got a chance to chime in.

Putting on a smile and pretending to wipe some tears, I put my hand over my heart.

Of course Kaden chose the most crowded section of the store, all eyes were on us.

"You know how much I want to say yes right away, but I need you to to promise you'll kick your addiction first. Alcohol isn't the solution to everything." It took everything for me to hold my serious tone and not laugh hysterically.

Kaden raised his eyebrows in amusement before putting a serious expression back on his face. "I'm a changed man, I'd do anything for you Brit."

"Then yes! I'll marry you!" I exclaimed in an overly enthusiastic tone. I took the apple out of Kaden's hand before he got up and hugged me, lifting me up spinning me around for effect.

The whole grocery store applauded, while I focused my gaze on Kaden, who had simply winked at me.

When we got in line to pay for the groceries, the woman running it gave us a large smile.

"Congratulations you two!" She exclaimed.

Kaden smiled. "Thank you, I just can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this one." He turned to me as he spoke.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you chose Safeway as your location to propose."

"I thought it was peculiar too, but Britt here has always wanted to be purposed to in a grocery store. She never stops talking about it, so I decided this would be where it's best."

"Well, you two will have the cutest kids!" The woman looked confused when Kaden laughed slightly after her words, probably unable to hold it back anymore.

Amateur.

"Actually-" I turned to Kaden before continuing.

"I'm pregnant with triplets! Waiting until now to tell you just felt like the right choice. It didn't feel right to tell you the good news while you were still in rehab."

"Great, let's get some expensive wine to celebrate! Oh wait... forgot we were seventeen for a second." Kaden expressed, ending the sentence in a disappointment tone.

"Okay, well here your receipt, happy early Thanksgiving and good luck with the pregnancy!" The lady was now obviously weirded out, but Kaden and I still kept a smile on our faces.

"Thank you." We said in unison.

The second we stepped out of the store, we both exploded in laughter, nearly falling over.

"That was your great plan to cheer me up?" I questioned, laughter still flooding my voice.

"It worked, didn't it?"

"No."

"You're lying."

"Fine, maybe it worked." I caved.

Kaden smiled as we walked through the parking lot towards his car.

"I still don't want to go home." I sighed, putting the bags of groceries I was carrying into the backseat and getting into the passenger seat.

"It'll be okay Ave."

"I know, I'm just dreading it."

"You know, you can call me if you need anything, right?"

"Of course."

"Even though you're basically on house arrest for the next three days."

"I know, thanks Kade."

He started the car. "Don't mention it Ave."

❦ Psychotic ❦

"Avery, you know what Mom will say if you don't dress appropriately tonight."

It was Thanksgiving day. Olivia had arrived less than two hours ago. Although I was relieved and happy to see her, her perfectionist attitude was already starting to show.

She set a classy, ivory lace dress onto my desk chair, she wanted me to wear it.

"Liv, it's Thanksgiving dinner, I'm not going to meet the queen." Don't get me wrong, I liked wearing dresses occasionally when it was appropriate, but I didn't feel like dressing up for a dinner that only my parents and sister would be at.

"Come on, this would look great on you!" She insisted.

She had to say that, because in reality she knew it'd look perfect on her. Olivia had platinum blonde hair, light brown eyes and perfect skin, she could pull of anything.

"If I wear it, will you leave me alone?"

"Yes."

"Fine, but get out." Since I basically pushed her out the door, she put her hands up in defeat.

When she was gone, I focused my eyes on the dress that hung neatly on my chair.

I pulled it over my head and reached my hands behind my back in an attempt to zip it up.

The dress fit nicely, it hugged my waist then flowed out roughly three inches above my knees. It was sleeveless, which meant I was leaving my hair down.

This dress what so "Olivia" it was painful.

My Mom will love it.

I went into my closet and grabbed a pair of two inch heels that matched the color of my dress and stepped into them.

For the cosmetic portion of my routine, I straightened my hair and applied mascara, piercing in some small pearl earrings.

"Avery, you look gorgeous!" Olivia exclaimed, walking into the bathroom.

"Thank you, you look better though." She waved off my comment.

"Lies, now lets go downstairs before Mom starts throwing plates and saying that we don't appreciate her." Of course she was kidding, my Mom isn't that crazy, but it still was enough to make us both laugh.

Down the staircase, a clear view of a neatly set table was in sight. My parents sat together on one side, both dressed extremely nicely.

"You girls look beautiful." My Dad spoke in a proud voice while my Mom nodded in approval.

"Why thank you." Olivia spoke in a confident tone, taking a small bow.

"Thanks" Was all I said.

We took a seat, the slight screech of the chair making me cringe.

Okay, calm the hell down Avery.

"How have your grades been?" My mother asked critically. Of course that was the first question she asks.

"Good, I have all A's, except for one A- at the moment." She frowned, giving me a look of judgement before sipping her champagne.

"What about your friend, the one you're always with. Clark is it? You seem to spend a lot of time with him, how are his grades."

"It's Kaden. He's practically a genius, so of course he has a 4.0." I responded, taking a drink of sparkling cider.

"Good."

"Olivia, I read your article. It was breathtaking." My Father contributed to the conversation.

Olivias face lit up. "Thank you! I think it was pretty good. Although the perspectives were a little hard to get unbiased, the outcome was exactly how I imagined it."

"We are so proud of you Olivia, maintaining a successful career." So she gets a, "We're proud of you." and I get a, "how are your and Kaden's grades."

So loving.

Hired waiters paced around the room, filling our glasses after every sip we take.

Olivia had no problem talking about herself and the thrill of living in Seattle, fulfilling her dreams has a journalist.

However bad I pictured this dinner to be in my head, it's turned out to be far worse. I wasn't being pestered or insulted, and I enjoyed hearing about how Olivia is tackling Seattle.

It was the distance I felt from my parents that made every moment dreadful. Even though they were right in front of me, sipping their expense champagne, they felt further than ever. We used to be so close.

"Avery, your Father and I have something to speak to you about." My Mom's voice was cold as she spoke. I broke out of my train of thought and focused my gaze towards her.

"Yes, Mom?"

"Your father and I have new clients, ones that could potentially make us a great amount of money in the future."

Uh, okay?

"That's great." I replied respectfully. She nodded.

"Yes, it is. However, they'd like to see us during the months of December and January."

"They're located in Europe." My Dad cut in.

My stomach twisted, I could predict what was coming.

"When do you leave?" I managed to say without my voice cracking.

"The second of December. We return January twenty-third."

"You're gonna be gone for Christmas?" Tears pricked my eyes as I processed what they were telling me.

Ever since my parents changed careers and became successful, our dynamic changed. They used to rarely leave the house, then it was two days a week, which soon changed to weeks of absence at a time. The one time of year I could always count on my parents were the holidays. Christmas was especially my favourite. It was the one time of year where they loosened up a bit and laughed, took the time to talk to me.

"Yes Avery, we'll be absent for Christmas this year."

"My last Christmas at home?" Now, I let my voice crack.

"Unfortunately, dear." My fathers voice was far more comforting.

"Will Olivia at least be here? So I won't be alone?"

"I'm so sorry Avie, Scott and I are going to Hawaii for Christmas." Olivia spoke with sorrow and a hint of guilt. Scott was her boyfriend of three years, a guy who I didn't particularly like but also didn't hate.

Betrayed tears slipped my eyes though I had been trying desperately hard not to let them. Christmas was the one thing I had left with my family, my favourite holiday, and now I didn't even have that.

"Oh, stop that Avery. It's not polite to cry at the table." The disgust hinted in my Mom's tone did it.

"Are you kidding me." I asked shocked, looking my mom dead in the eye.

"Have you forgotten your manners? Do not raise your voice."

This time I stood up, slamming my hands against the table. "I am seventeen years old, and you expect me to act like I'm thirty! I'm not perfect Mom! Even though you and dad basically traded me for money, I find myself doing everything in my power to impress you! How sick is that?

There is one time a year where I get to be a teenager, where I get to breathe around you and pretend like this family hasn't gone to complete shit! Of course you're taking that away too. I finally see it. You just simply don't care about anyone other than yourself. Your  morals are almost as dead as our relationship.

As for you dad, you let her do it. You try to put up the whole "good cop" act, but you sit and watch her treat me like I'm a fucking lap dog that she can train to do whatever she wants!

You have Olivia, she can be your perfect daughter. I can't handle it anymore." Tears leaked frantically out of my eyes, blurring my vision.

I rarely lost my cool, as I considered myself a fairly nice and calm person, but I couldn't handle it anymore. Pushing in my chair harshly, I headed towards the door.

"Avery Elizabeth James, where do you think you're going!" I hear my Mom yell.

"Anywhere other than here." Was all I said before grabbing my keys off the hook and slamming the door with all my might.

I walked quickly towards my car even though I was wearing heels, not wanting to take the chance that my mom might come and drag me back inside herself.

The interior of my car was brisk, nearly colder than it was outside. I quickly turned on the engine and backed out of the driveway, blasting the heat to eighty-three just so I wouldn't freeze to death instantly.

Usually I didn't cry, I didn't like it. I didn't like the feeling of lukewarm water dripping down my face or the vulnerability it showed.

But I couldn't stop it, not this time. Tears leaked one after one onto my dress as I drove to the only place I knew I could go.

To the one person I knew would understand.

By the time I reached the gates to Kaden's neighborhood, my car had warmed up, but I couldn't keep my emotions in check.

I pulled my car in front of his house, not parking in the driveway but in front of the lawn.

Taking a few deep breaths, I twisted the keys to turn of the engine and stepped out of the car, basically sprinting towards Kaden's front door.

Why didn't I grab a jacket?

There was a pit in my stomach as my fingers hovered over the doorbell.

Did I really want Kaden to see me like this?

Swallowing my pride, I finally put pressure on the button, provoking a faint 'ding' from within the house.

Hearing footsteps near the door, I inhaled.

Kaden answered the door, wearing a dark grey button up shirt along with dark jeans.

"Ave, are you okay? What happened?" Kaden looked at me with concerned eyes.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Jesus, wheres your coat? Come in, you're going to get frostbite." Kaden opened the door wider and I stepped in, my arms still crossed together in an attempt to maintain body heat.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come. It's just my- you see they-" My teeth chattered as I talked and I couldn't tell if it was because I'm nervous or because I'm cold.

"Ave, you have a little something right here." Kaden smiled comfortingly while he quickly wiped his thumb underneath my eye, probably getting off some of the mascara I knew was smudged on my face.

I laughed slightly. "It's supposed to be waterproof." I joked.

"Kaden?" An unfamiliar voice called from the kitchen.

I froze, turning to Kaden guiltily. He was having a family dinner too, of course he was.

How selfish could I have been? This whole time I've been complaining about my problems with this Thanksgiving, I didn't even think to ask Kaden about his. Whether or not his parents were coming home.

Here he is, helping me, while his parents are literally waiting in the other room.

A woman who looked to be in her mid-forties turned her head towards us, her expression brightening when her gaze met mine.

She was dressed similar to my mom, she wore heels and a black dress, but somehow she seemed entirely different.

Different in a good way.

"Oh dear! Kaden, you didn't tell me you invited a guest!" She exclaimed, a smile spread widely on her face.

"I must have blanked. Mom, this is Avery. Avery, this is my Mom." Kaden's voice was similar to how it was when we first met, rehearsed.

"Nice to meet you." I hoped my voice came out politely and not as taken back as I felt it sounded.

"The pleasure is mine, dear. Are you joining us today?" Her voice was hopeful.

"I don't know I-"

"Actually, I won't take no for an answer. That is, unless you have other plans?"

"I-uh, no I don't." Why wasn't I able to lie.

She clapped her hands in excitement. Turning around, she motioned for us to follow her. I quickly wiped the bottom of my eyes in an attempt to get rid of any evidence of my previous state.

"I'm so sorry." Kaden whispered into my ear. I gave him a confused look before locking eyes with the one and only Thomas Wells, a man I had not heard great things about.

"Who's this?" He asked, his tone calculating.

"Dad, this is Avery." Kaden spoke clearly.

Kaden, his Mom and I all took a seat. I fidgeted awkwardly with my fingers.

"Would you like some champagne dear?" Kaden's Mom asked.

"I'm driving, but thank you so much for the offer."

Dear God, please make my nervousness go away so I can have a conversation like a normal person and not an emotional wreck.

"Nonsense! You can stay here, it's not like we don't have enough space." She laughed probably in an attempt to break the tension in the room.

"Uh, sure. Thanks."

"So, Avery is it? What plans do you have after high school? Kaden here is going to attend Columbia." Thomas spoke, and if looks could kill I'd be six feet under.

Uh... nice to meet you too Mr. Wells?

"I'm hoping to attend NYU in the fall."

"What career are you planning on pursuing."

Is this just small talk for business people?

"Hopefully something in the film industry, screenwriting, producing, directing, anything along those lines."

"NYU is a great school! I have a few friends who went there." Kaden's mom pitched in.

"It's not Ivy League, but then again, some people just aren't cut out for such an education."

Was it something I said?

"Dad, that's enough." Kaden stepped in.

"Oh dear, I sincerely apologize, you must not have the funds to go there."

"Dad!" Kaden's voice was now raised slightly.

"Thomas!" Kaden's Mom exclaimed at the same time.

"Listen, I'm really sorry that I intruded, but I should really get going now." As much as I wanted to stay, to get away from my parents, I couldn't stand much more of this.

"No, no, no. Thomas means well dear, please just stay."

"Marilyn, let the girl do what she pleases." Thomas somehow managed to keep his voice professional and express annoyance at the same time.

"You promised me that tonight you'd be good! That you'd let us have a civilized dinner! And our only son decides to finally introduce us too a girl and you go mess it up before you even know her!" Kaden buried his face in his hands as his Mom spoke, in distress and embarrassment.

"Well I happen to think our son could do better."

Ouch.

"Excuse us." Kaden interrupted, grabbing my wrist and pulling me out of the room.

"You shouldn't have to listen to that, I'm so sorry." He spoke, his voice strained.

"It's not your fault, I