Forever, With Love

Chapter Eight

Art

After taking off my scrub cap, I headed to the nurses station to fill out the rest of his chart when I took a peak at the OR board, trying to schedule out the rest of my day since I didn’t have anything other surgeries scheduled. The transplant took most of my shift but it was a great experience. I might be able to scrub and assist in one of the ones Ava is doing at least then I can see her for a bit. She was supposed to be out of work around four today while I was here till three and then I needed to see Celeste. When I looked at the board, I was surprised to see the chief there, erasing tAva's name off the surgeries she was supposed to be on.

“Hey Chief, what’s going on?” I asked as I handed the chart back to the nurse and turned to him, “Is Ava okay? Why are you erasing her name?”

He stood there for a moment, ignoring me while he filled in the name with other residents. I stood there patiently, not moving until he gave me answer. I usually have a lot of respect for those in this position but he knew the history with Ava and I, especially after the car accident. I was the only one that was able to calm her down after we both put our game faces on to save Sawyer's life, no matter what, even if everyone was telling us to step back. We worked well as a team, getting things done and you can see the attraction we had for one another. Hell, we’ve been caught in the supply room a couple of times making out, once by the chief himself in the middle of me ripping her scrub top off. Yeah, not our brightest moment.

“She’s not here today.” He mumbled, not looking at me as he adjusted more things on the board.

“Excuse me? What do you mean she’s not here?” Shocked doesn’t begin to explain how I felt right now. She rarely missed work. She’s been having issues coming in on time the past few months but after finding out what happened with her mom, it explains so much.

“Her and I had a long conversation….and she’s taking some time off…” he said, still not looking at me.

“Can we talk?” he let out a sigh, pursed his lips and closed his eyes, shook his head, “No? What do you mean, no?”

“I mean just that Masters. The conversation between Ava and I is just that, between her and I. She told me to tell who ever asks that she is taking time off so that is all I’m saying. Now, if you can excuse me, I need to go do a bowel resection.”

He started to walk away from me while my mouth hung open. He was short about his answer, angry, almost hurt and I knew something more was going on. I shook my head and snapped myself out of the daze I was in thinking about everything and jogged to catch up to him, grabbing him by the shoulder, stopping his step. He let out a huff and turned towards me with his arms crossing his chest, “Chief…please…I…I need to know what’s going on.”

He looked around him and let out a sigh, “Art, I know about you two more than others. I know about the history between you both and Brandon. I know where your heart lies but I am serious when I say I cannot tell you, not because I don’t like you, but out of respect for her. Go and talk to her and see if she will open up because…” he took a step closer to me and pulled his hand up and grabbed my shoulder and squeezed, “She’s going to need you now more than ever.”

“I know about Sara…”

“There’s more. That’s all I can say but that girl, all her emotions, the rollercoaster of them, her separating herself from her friends and family and holding the world on her shoulders? I don’t blame her one minute for the way she has been lately. We’ve all seen it. She’s not herself. We all know her as the fun and caring woman who brightens everyone’s day. Lately, we see her as someone who is sad, upset, depressed and barely holding on, bottling everything in and hiding. Just…talk to her and let her know I am also here for her whenever she needs someone.” He sighed out, “It’s two. Is your schedule cleared?”

“Just some post-ops.” I mumbled.

“I’ll have an intern take care of it. Go and find her, talk to her and see if she will open up to you and let you in.” he turned and started to walk through the operating room door, “And by the way…I’m rooting for you two. Brandon doesn’t stand a chance.”

“What do you mean? She broke up with him…”

“You didn’t hear it from me…because that would be inappropriate since I am the chief, but he’s planning on winning her back.” He shrugged, “I’ve known her for years. She’s not one to open up about her feelings, any of them. I’ve seen her be hurt time and time again but she holds it in until she explodes…”

“Wait…what do you mean hurt? And you’ve known her for years?” I asked.

“There is something that no one knows Art.” He sighed and his head hung low as he turned back to me, “There’s a reason why Sara decided to move to down here versus anywhere else. I’ve known that woman since high school, but that is a story for another time. So, when I say I know Ava…I know Ava…and she is…she just needs you okay? Come over to Sara’s tomorrow night.”

“Why?” I questioned. I was still so confused about so many things. I had no idea that the chief knew Ava and Sara and it just made me question so much more.

“Just…trust me. I can see the wheels turning in your head about certain things and I can clear a lot up tomorrow.” He smiled as his phone went off.

“But Ava…”

“She will be there tomorrow.” He winked, “Now…go. I have surgery and I’ll see you tomorrow, five, for dinner. Bring wine.” And he went through the doors, took his phone out and went down the hall before he turned towards the scrub room.

I was stunned and that was putting things lightly. I headed to my locker and changed out of my scrubs quickly just to grab my phone and see it blown up with messages from Finn. I guess the girls called everyone to go to Finn and Sawyer’s house to hang out. It at least gave me something to do before I pick up Lucas to met with Celeste later, so I grabbed my stuff and headed to my car to make my way to Finn’s.

When I got there, everyone seemed to already be here. I stepped out from the car and heard laughing and screaming coming from the back yard and as I peered around the corner, I almost got smacked in the face with a…water balloon?

No…it’s filled with paint! I looked at the scene around me and let out a smile. My best friends, family, having the time of their lives and I will admit, I felt a little bit jealous. I watched as Archer snuck up to Ava, not being able to hear what they were saying as Jordan came up behind her and grabbed her only to be bombarded by balloons. The smile on her face and hearing her laugh was everything so me not being here made it okay, because I knew she was happy. I was about to walk around the corner when my phone vibrated, letting me know that it was time for me to get Lucas from school.

With a small smile on my face, I headed to school and picked up my lil man, only to be greeted by his teacher and a small part of me instantly groaned. This woman doesn’t get the hint and I am sure that she’s the reason why Ava left this morning without saying a word, even after I tried calling her to explain what happened

Lucas’ teacher is Steph Greene and she is obsessed with me to the point where it creeps me the f**k out, ever since the first day she seen me. She’s sent home notes in his take home folder asking about meeting somewhere for drinks a couple of times. I had to go to her boss and tell him what was going on. She stopped but that didn’t stop her from meeting us every morning at the front of the school. I had no choice but to be polite because she used the excuse of meeting all her students at front in the morning and made it a point to talk to the parents that did drop offs.

But when she touched my arm this morning, that was one of the last straws…it burned like she was never supposed to touch me.

“I do hope you have a great day today Art. I really do and if you ever need to talk about anything going on, you know to call me.” She said as she placed her hand on my arm and started to rub. I looked at her, smiled and pulled away slightly, making her drop her arm.

I turned to the side to see if Ava was there. I was going to do something stupid, but I didn’t care. “Steph, I wanted to introduce you to Ava.” But she wasn’t there. s**t.

“Who’s Ava?” she asked, a little bit of annoyance in her voice.

“My fiancé. But it seems she went ahead to go to work. She did have an important surgery today.” The lies rolled off my tongue.

“She’s a doctor?” she questioned, “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone. Is this the girl Lucas talks about?”

“She is. I was actually going to make sure she was on the pick up list for Lucas…so if you can excuse me…I need to head to the office before I get to the hospital.” I pulled away from her and walked to the front office and filled out the needed paperwork, marking ‘mother’ next to relationship which allowed Ava to pick up Lucas all while trying to call her so I can let her know what was going on. I knew I needed to talk to her about this before it bites me in the ass, but she never picked up. As I was walking out, she was waiting for me by the door and she looked like I ripped her heart out. I gave her a nod when she grabbed my arm and stopped me.

“Art…I don’t know what I did to make you so turned off to me…but I would like a chance.” She begged, but something was different about her eyes and her face. She didn’t look sad at the moment, she looked more angry than anything.

“When I said it’s me and not you, I mean it. I have never shown any type of interest in you that way and I’m sorry if you thought otherwise. Ava…she’s the love of my life and she always has been. Nothing, and I mean nothing will ever happen with us.”

“What does she have that I don’t?” she asked without emotion in her face. I was taken back by how much she changed from one second to the other and it was giving me creepy vibes, like déjà vu vibes from when I was around Ashleigh and Tonya.

“…who are you really?” I eyed her and she looked at me shocked. I shook my head and snapped my self out of those thoughts, “Sorry, you just reminded me of someone from my past. I have a heart transplant surgery to get to so if you don’t mind….”

“How was the surgery today?” She asked me with a smile on her face as she held Lucas’ hand. I look at him and held my hand out because I could see how uncomfortable he was.

“Um…good. Come Lucas, I have an appointment and then we’re going to surprise mommy.” He gave me a slightly confused look but then ripped his hand away and ran to me.

“Where are we going?” He whispered as I picked him up. I looked over his shoulder and she just stood there, creeping me out.

“It’s a surprise. By Steph.” I said without giving her another word as I rushed Lucas to the car. I buckled him into his booster seat and noticed Lucas was off, “What’s up lil man?”

“Ms. Steph scares me…” he whispered, making me pause, “She…she said something about you and her being together and I don’t want you guys to be dating.”

“Where did you hear that buddy?” I asked as I tried to control my anger.

“She was talking to another teacher about you. I don’t want her to be my mommy…I want Ava.”

“Luke, I promise you this. She will never be your mom. No matter what anyone says, remember that.”

“Promise?”

“Promise. Now, we are going to see Celeste.” And his face lit up.

“Is Dr. Price going to be there?” he asked getting all excited. Dr. Price was his therapist when I got everything settled and he adored them both. Sometimes, they would work together and do appointments together with him. They always ensured they made it fun and interactive and they both have helped him in way I could never.

“No buddy. She’s in her office.”

“Then why are we going to see Celeste?”

“Because I need to talk to her and then I’ll make an appointment for you with Dr. Price, okay?” he nodded his head and we proceeded to head to the café where Celeste messaged me to meet her. I was nervous. I’ve been seeing her since I moved to Crossdale and she’s help a lot. It’s something I never really talked about with anyone. It was actually Aiden who brought up the idea and it's helped, it's just no one knows that I'm going.

I walked into cafe and Celeste was already waiting there, with a coffee for me, a chocolate milk and a cookie for Lucas along with some crayons and paper. Her face lit up as I came over and she stood up to hug me, me hugging her back.

“It’s been too long.” She said as we sat down, “You need to make sure you come see me more often.”

“I know. It’s been crazy but things…things are more complicated.” I did a sad side smile and looked down at Lucas as he immediately started to draw.

“Well, talk to me. What’s going on?” she asked as she placed her hands coffee and smiled.

“Ava…” I sighed out.

“Oh, this is going to be juicy.” She smiled and I just rolled my eyes. Even though she was my therapist, she was also a friend so these meetings felt completely natural.

“I found out…her mother has cancer and she’s not doing well.” I said softly so Lucas didn’t quite hear me. Celeste’s face was in shock hearing this.

“No…Sara has cancer?”

“Please…don’t say anything.” I begged, “But yeah, and it’s not good. I promised I wouldn’t say anything to anyone and it’s killing me on the inside. But I also found out she’s moving, I mean Ava…and I want to try everything possible to have her not move but…”

“She’s independent. There’s no changing her mind. The question is, why is she moving?”

“I have this feeling that something else is going on but she isn’t opening up to me.”

My hand was a bit jittery so she grabbed it and started to rub her thumb on the back of my hand to calm me down. She always tried but it never really helped. The only person that could calm my shaky hands was Ava. I looked down at her hand on mine and gave her a soft smile.

“The solution is simple Art. You two are like the same person. You need to sit down and talk to her about everything you’re feeling. And you need to be honest. No hiding things from her. How can you build something if you’re not willing to open up yourself?” I gave her a small smile while she returned one to me before her eye went to Lucas, “What are you drawing there buddy?”

“It’s me, my daddy and my future mommy!” He said with excitement.

“Who’s your future mommy?”

“Not Ms. Steph.” He scrunched his nose as she gave me a weird look.

“His teacher is obsessed.” I shook my head.

“It’s Ava! She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to be my future mommy.” He smiled.

“And how do you know that?”

“Because I deamtered of it.” We gave him a questioning look, "You know, when you're sleeping and it's like a movie happens in your mind."

“Dreamt, Lucas.” And he repeated it to me, “How is Olivia?” I asked her.

“She’s doing great. Thank you for asking. I actually have dinner with her tonight! Oh, and while I have you.” She went into her bag and handed me an envelope, “I want to invite you and a plus one, but I insist on that plus one to be Ava.”

I opened the envelope and seen a wedding invitation stating, “You are cordially invited to the union of Celeste Meyers and Olivia Price.”

“I can see if I can convince her to go.” and with a smile, she nodded her head and we continued the coversation and by the end, I felt a sense of relief, knowing what I needed to do.

After my meeting with Celeste, I decided to head over to Finn's place to see if he can watch Lucas tonight for me so I can have that needed conversation with Ava. I pulled up to their house and was instantly bombarded with Finn and Sawyer waiting for me outside on their porch. “Lucas! Go in the back and play with Ellie, Miles and Ivy.” Sawyer smiled as Lucas darted from the back of the car and around to the back of the house, the picture he drew flew out of the car and on the ground. I picked it up and smiled at it again.

“Is there something you need to tell us?” She asked nonchalantly while I just gave her a confused look.

“What are you talking about?”

“Why didn’t you tell us you have a girlfriend and why have we not met her yet?” she c****d her eye brow at me.

“Dude, what is she even talking about?” I asked Finn, utterly confused.

“So…we um…” he stuttered out.

“Oh, don’t be nervous now!” she glared at him, "You had plenty to say about the matter before your best bud came over."

“I’m not nervous, I just think you guys are over reacting over something we don’t know about.” He rolled his eyes.

“It was clear as day. We all saw it and it broke her!” she started to get defensive.

“Can one of you two explain to me what’s going on? Because I have places to be.”

“Your red headed girlfriend I bet.” She scoffed and that’s when it clicked…they must have saw me in the café.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration, “Her name is Celeste. She’s a freaken therapist and I’ve been seeing her since I moved to Crossdale the first time because of the crap that happened with my brother. And she’s a freaken lesbian. She’s getting married to her fiancé soon.”

“How do we know you’re not lying.” She crossed her arms over her chest. I get that she's being protective of Ava but come on!

“Dude…seriously?” I looked at Finn pointing at Sawyer.

“I believe you man. I know Celeste I just didn’t get a good look at her and the last time I saw her, her hair was blonde, not red. Maybe that's why Felix said she looked familiar. But she’s extra protective of Ava right now.”

“Why?” I asked, “Where is she? I need to talk to her. I was going to steal her away...”

“She went to her mom’s house.” Finn said.

“Finn!”

“Oh shut up Sawyer. Damn it. You and the rest of the girls are so overdramatic when it comes to each other. I get you're all protective of one another and it's what we all love about each and every one of you but give the man the benefit of the doubt.”

“She’s hurt more than you guys know.” She said after a sigh, “I’m just…worried about her.”

I walked over to Sawyer and pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head, “I know you mean well but I need you to trust me okay? The reason why I want to look for her is so we can clear things up.. Because of this…” I handed her the picture that Lucas drew and her eyes went wide as her hand went to her mouth, “On top of Lucas wanting Ava to be his mom, he started to call me dad. And I well…kind of told his teacher Ava was my…fiancé…”

“You did what?” They both said.

“Are you nuts?" Finn asked, "She is so going to cut your d**k off"

“I’m not. She is. But do you mind watching Lucas so I can go to her place?”

“Do we need to bring him to school tomorrow? We can if needed. Aiden is out doing some camping with Felix and Archer, something about training in the woods or whatever and Jordan and Summer are well...who knows might be working on baby number three.” Sawyer asked.

“Please.” I said as I turned back to get into the car and rushed to Sara’s house. I was muttering to myself, practicing what I was going to say to her until I pulled into her mom’s driveway.

Without missing a step. I ran to the door and it was locked. So I started knocking on the door, “Ava! Open up.” I kept knocking. “I know you’re in there! Don't make me use the spare key!”

I heard shuffling from the other side of the door so I took that as my queue to speak, “Ava…I don’t know what’s going on. I know you have a past and it’s affecting what’s going on between us now and whatever it is, we can face it together! And this thing with your mom, I want to be there for you both. You both need support and I want to be that support because you both are my family. But Ava, one thing is…please…I beg you please don’t move to Trinity Center. I want you to be with me and Lucas…because I cannot…I can’t have you be in that part of the town and get hurt. I don’t know what I would do…Ava…I love you. You know this. Please…” I begged as my hands laid flat on the sides of the door and my head hung low, “Please…open the door.”

The door clicked and slowly opened to reveal Sara standing there with tears in her eyes, “She’s not here. She went back to her place to change because she said she had work tonight.”

“Work?”

She nodded, “yeah, she left not long ago so maybe if you go now, you might be able to catch her. I don’t know what happened today Art, but she’s hurting. She's smiling but I can tell.”

“It’s all a misunderstanding, I promise. I love her.”

“I know you do. Go.” She pushed me softly, making me run back to my car.

“Sara.” I called out and she looked back up at me, “When is she moving?”

“I don’t know. Soon I think.” With a final nod of my head, I started my car and drove as fast as I could to Ava's because I'm ready. Forget hearing why. I don't need to know the way, I just need her.

I ran through the hallway to the familiar door that I've spent a lot of my time at, just to have my heart fall when I saw the eviction notice on her door with the broken seal, telling me she or someone else was here. Why would she not tell anyone the seriousness of her situation? Is this why she was moving? She knew this was going to happen? With my phone in my hand trying to reach her, I ran back to my car and drove to the hospital since Sara said she was working tonight, maybe thinking they called her in. After verifying with the staff, she wasn’t there so I called Sawyer. I felt like I was chasing her more than anything. It's like this woman can just disappear on me in a blink of an eye.

“Where is she?” I demanded as I drove to Trinity Center, my nerves going crazy thinking that she lied to her mom and moved there sooner than expected. I couldn’t imagine the things that could happen, her getting hurt or caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to her.

“What do you mean? She said she needed to help her mom?”

“Her mom said she went home to change and go to work. So I went to her place and there’s a freaken eviction notice on her door! So I rush to the hospital and she’s not there.”

“I don’t know. Find her. I’ll call her.” And she hung up on me as soon as I pulled into the leasing office parking lot.

Rushing in, I caught the girl right before she was about to leave, “Stop, please. I need help.”

“Okay….” She said warily, “What can I help you with.”

“Ava Patterson. Does she live here?”

“I can’t give out that information.”

“I don’t need an apartment number or anything. I just need to know if she’s here so I know she’s safe. Please.”

“I can’t…”

“I’ll do anything.”

“Anything?” I nodded and she smirked, “A date.”

“What?” I was surprised, “Lady, I’m sorry but…”

“I’ll do this for you if you take me on one date.” She sighed out, “Just to make my ex jealous.”

“I can’t…I…this is the woman I love and I just…please. I don't need the apartment number or anything, just if she's safe.”

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes and did some typing, “The things I do for people who love one another. Stupid." she mumbled, "No…she’s not currently living here…sorry…”

I paused at her words, everything is even more confusing. I went back to my car just to sit there, pondering, wondering where she could be. What was even going on? Sara said she went to work but she's not there. She also said she isn't moving to Trinity but there's an eviction notice on her door. I was more confused than before, but one question remained, Ava…where are you?