Forever, With Love

Chapter Two

Art

She haunts me. Everyday she haunts me because she’s everywhere. She’s everywhere when I’m with our friends, she’s everywhere in this town and everywhere in my apartment because she still had traces left by her, no matter how much I tried to erase her after I crushed both our hearts and I admit it, it was my fault. A hair tie, a brush, a pair of panties that I magically didn’t rip off her. I remember the day I first met her. It was like I saw the goddess of love coming right towards me as our eyes never left each other’s. I have never felt like this before. I wasn’t one to believe in love at first sight, hell, I still don’t, but there was something. I don’t know what it was but I knew she would become an important part of my life. And ever since that day, it’s been like a damn rollercoaster ride since. I still was kicking myself in the ass when I first talked to her as Lucas’ doctor.

I said some nasty things and took what she said out of context but she took it at the office. Outside the office, not so much, she let me know her feelings loud and clear because there was nothing holding her back. After a long conversation with Jordan about her being Ellie’s doctor and what they went through, I knew I had to man up and apologize. I had to do something because I will admit, I was wrong and I wanted another chance for her to be Lucas’ doctor.

Honestly, maybe it would open that door for me.

It did but then she slammed it shut and I kept bursting it open and it’s been this gigantic circle.

The drink I was holding in my hand looked nasty but this is what Summer said she liked. Some pink thing from Starbucks with strawberries floating around it. The barista gave me a weird look when I ordered it because I called it the pink thing that girls like that sound gross and has a tangy taste to it. She knew what I meant but still, who would have thought the drink would have been simply called a pink drink.

The logic is so simple but I am such an i***t.

I walked into the office where she works and headed to the receptionist desk, but no one was there. It was about an hour before she was supposed to leave so this was a good time to catch her. I knew she didn’t have patients in the last hour so she can catch up on charting, at least that’s what Summer told me. As I was almost to the desk, the other doctor that I switched to, Dr. Grant was walking out and what I heard made me want to throat punch him and rip his d**k off and feed it to him making me regret switching Lucas to him.

“Dude…it worked.” He laughed, “The gorgeous thing fell for it and asked me out. Gotta play hard to get. The s*x will be so worth it in the end.” I looked at him and snarled a bit. I don’t know who he was talking about but you don’t talk about woman like that, “Gotta go, the girlfriend is calling and dude, don’t say anything. I got this. She will be in my bed soon enough and I so cannot wait to taste her.” He took his phone and went to the other call, “Hey beautiful. Just walking out…”

I shook my head in disbelief and walked past the receptionist and towards where the offices were. Fuckin’ pig. I hate guys like that. Ones that use their looks to get what they want and have no shame.

I know I’m good looking. I take pride in myself, my body, everything but I don’t flaunt it. Like the day I met her for the first time, I scrambled and got a shirt on because it’s polite. I have no shame and I don’t mind showing it off but in that way? That’s toolish and I’m not like that.

Once I get to know her a bit better I will be more than happy to show my body off for her anytime she wants and only she will be able to touch it. She just doesn’t know it yet. I pick her and that’s it. Call me possessive. Call me crazy. Because I’m all of it.

I walked to her door and noticed it was open, so I did a soft knock, making her look up at me. Did you know she wore glasses? Such a fuckin’ turn on. She was nose deep in charts wearing these black rimmed glasses as loose blonde hairs were starting to fall around her face as she typed on her computer.

She was beautiful and I’m an ass for treating her that way. They were right, all of them. I took it too far and needed to apologize.

So nasty pink drink and I are here to say sorry.

“Hey.” I whispered, knocking on the door quietly making her look up. She didn’t look surprised or upset as she looked at me with a c****d eyebrow, eyes above the top of her glasses. Someone must have told her I was coming. My bet is on Summer. She could never keep her mouth shut.

“Mr. Masters. How can I help you?” and my d**k wanted to come out and play because her saying that wearing her scrubs and those glasses? Total fuckin’ turn on. I took a deep breath to calm my semi and gave her a soft smile.

“Peace offering.” I walked over to her desk and handed her the drink. She looked at it and looked back up at me and back at the drink. Before taking it, she took her glasses off and took her hair and redid the messy bun she had going on.

“How did you know?” she asked, taking it and taking a big sip, “Thank you. I needed this.”

“Summer.” I smiled.

“And this is a peace offering for?”

“Being a jerk earlier this week. Is it okay if I sit down?” I asked as she nodded her head so I sat down in the chair in front of her desk. My leg was starting to bounce a bit because I was so nervous. I never got this nervous with anyone, even with Toya. “I was out of line and thinking about it more, I would love for you to be Lucas’ doctor, I mean, if you still have an opening and want him as a patient." After hearing the conversation he had on the phone, there is no way I want touching and being close to my nephew.

“Go on…I sense there’s more.” She started to tap her fingers on the desk and all I could imagine is her hand wrapped around me, stroking me. God, it’s been so long since I’ve had someone besides myself touch me. I needed it and I wanted her but she deserves more than just a one and done. f**k, I couldn’t even do that to her if I wanted to.

“You were right. I should have looked at your suggestions and take them into account with his health, physical and mental. This whole thing, moving from California to Texas and leaving the only family he knows is going to be hard on him even though he’s only five. I haven’t even had custody of him for long. I’ve only been this close to him for the past six months when my brother moved back to the states so all this is new to me. And I talked to Jordan, He told me about what you did with Ellie and I should have paid more attention to what you were saying but I was scared.”

“Why though? Why are you scared? I know you’re a resident and you’re looking for placement so I know you know what I was talking about. I just don’t get why you wouldn’t listen to me.”

“How did you know?” I asked, surprised.

“Can you keep a secret?” I nodded my head, “I work for the FBI and I am fantastic at finding information about anyone.” She winked at me and I couldn't help but chuckle, "But not really, the internet has loads of information if you just know where to look."

“That's a bit scary, not gonna lie." I laughed and shook my head, "But yeah, I'm waiting for a call from a couple of places. Looking into one of the smaller clinics to finish up and get a feel for what I want to do."

“You’re what, twenty four, twenty five?” she asked, avoiding the question.

“Yeah...” I shrugged and her eye went wide, “I was a smart kid. I had to be but that's a story for different day."

“See, now you're holding out on me. This is why we can't be friends." She c****d her eyebrow, leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest and damn, my d**k with went chub.

“The real question is should I be worried about you becoming a crazy stalker? Because I wouldn’t be surprised if someone in this group of people we hang out with turn into one. It’s bound to happen.” I laughed.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She smiled.

“So, my other question is, how are you a pediatrician?”

“I’m not. I’m still in my residency. I’m in my third year and I was doing it here and I plan to go further with it. Oncology maybe…maybe transfer to surgical. I'm not one hundred percent sure yet.”

“How…”

“You’re not the only one with brains.” She chuckled with a wink, “I took all college courses in high school and during the summer I attended college classes to get my prerequisites over with. When I started college, I was already a junior and the rest is history.” She shrugged.

Confident. Smart. Beautiful. Perfect. Mine.

“So, Art…why are you really here? Besides a peace offering.” She asked, smiling as she looked towards me.

“I figured if we are going to be around the same group of friends, we might as well try to get along. Who knows, we could end up being…close.” I smiled, “Do you want help?”

“With what?”

“The charts.” I smiled and she just smiled back. I had a feeling that things were going to be epic and that day, I spend the next two hours with her and charting, but it was mostly filled with laugher and smiles. I couldn’t remember the last time my stomach hurt so much and I couldn’t wait to see this girl again.

During breakfast, after I ran into her, well, Snoop ran to me while I was stretching, I did what I could do to convince her to let me spend time with her. To start over. It’s at least we can do. We have the same friends and to be honest, I miss having her around. I’ve gotten so used to her being there almost every day that my place feels empty without her there.

The others don’t really know how close we were until the big blow up at the cabin after we found Finn and Sawyer after Jordan and Summer’s wedding. That day is when they figured out things between us were serious and then poof, gone.

All because I opened my big mouth, at least that’s the only thing I could think of. It was the only thing that made sense, kind of. Not really, but it was the moment I pinpointed things changing. It was the moment I f****d up the most and was starting to lose the woman I started to fall in love with, but I never told her that. I should have told her and I will forever regret that I didn't.

During our on and off relationship, we had some of heated discussions that let to mind blowing s*x, but it wasn't just that. We did a lot of talking, getting to know each other but we didn’t talk about the big things affecting us now and then. And it was those big things that when they were brought up caused us to fight and made her run from me. It only made me wonder what happened in her past that made her so closed off…so used to running. She had a hard time opening up to me about the big things. All I wanted was her and everything she had to offer, the good and bad, a future.

Finn was right, I needed to come clean to her about everything but I was afraid of losing her permanently. I lost her because for some reason, a future with me scared her and I don’t know what I would do if I lost her for good. Right now, because she’s still talking to me, there’s still hope. But I could tell by looking at her she had her own secrets she didn’t want to share with me. No relationship can go on like that with secrets.

I just want want her to stop pulling away from her friends, from me.

Maybe this could be the first step. We can start over. I couldn't lose her so right now, friends is all we can be until I can convince her otherwise.

I watched her stand up and stretch. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The messy blonde hair, her wonderful body exposed because of the sports bra and yoga pants she was wearing. The black tips of a tattoo peaking from between her breasts making me want to reach up, pull off her sports bra and kiss it. Beautiful. She bent down and unhooked Snoop from the hook and nudged him to get up but all he did was look at me.

Standing up and motioning him to follow, he listened, “Why does he always listen to you and not me when you’re around? I’m the one that took care of him since I got him when I moved down here.” She glared at the dog, holding the leash out for me to take. It was adorable and I couldn't hide the smile that crept.

I tried to hold my laughter I really did and you could see it in my face, “I don’t know. I guess I’m just a dog whisperer.” I shrugged.

“You can stop being all cocky about it now.” She glared but then her gazed softened, “Come on before I change my mind.”

“After you Bella.” And she paused her step for a moment and looked at me over her shoulder. There was that sparkle in her eye telling me she loved it when I called her that. Hell, she loved it when I spoke Italian to her and I loved her reaction and I intend on doing it more.

“I just need to stop by mom’s really quick. Can you wait outside with Snoop while I go in? It will only take a moment and then we’ll go to my place after I bring him him.” She asked as we started the walk.

“Of course. Do you need help at your moms? Is there something I can do?” I asked. I think I noticed her pause for a moment but it came and went quickly. Something was up. I saw her demeanor change but for just a moment. Her body quickly stiffened and then released as she closed her eyes. If you didn’t know her you would miss it.

But I know her too damn well and I will always notice.

“No. I’ll be fine. I just need to talk to her real quick and grab my sweater and keys.” She mumbled.

We continued to walk in silence. There were so many thoughts rolling through my head. I wanted to do so much, talk about everything and how we can fix us and be together again because after not having her in my life, I realized I don't really have one unless she's there. I gripped the leash a bit tighter gathering my strength and nerves, “Ava…” I said softly as I stopped walking. She didn’t hear me so I went to grab her arm, making her snap her head as she looked down at where my hand met her wrist, “I uh…”

“Cat got your tongue? You’re usually more conversational than this.” She said as she c****d her eyebrow at me. Sassy. I love it.

“Can I, uh...come in and see Sara? I feel like I haven’t seen her in ages and the last time was at Sawyer and Finn’s wedding.” I asked. I figured having a quick visit with Sara wouldn't put us any more behind in our conversation. I missed her and wanted to catch up because I owe it to her mother for having her daughter in my life the way she has been. Ava hesitated, but I knew it was going to be hard to say no. I spend a lot of time with Sara before things went south with Ava. Lucas spent a lot of time too and we both missed her.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Mom hasn't been herself lately and just needs time to uh...figure things out.” She mumbled as we got to her mothers and stood out on the porch. Snoop was itching to get inside but I didn’t want to let him go, not until she said it was okay. Something inside me just told me to hold on tight to that leash, “Just…wait here. I will be right back to grab Snoop then we can go.” She turned and left me and Snoop on the porch, so I sat down and scratched his head, looking at the door.

“What’s going on boy?” I asked him, wishing he could just answer me. I took in the house briefly from what I could see. Sara took pride in her home but it looked like it seen better days. The grass was taller than normal, paint chipping and the screen door didn’t clasp correctly as it bounced slightly with the wind. It needed a bit of TLC and the idea came to my head. I'm going to help whether she likes it or not, no matter what's going on. As I started to take mental note of everything that needed to be done, there was a large gust of wind that forced open the front screen door, making it slam open. Snoop stood up and ran into the house before I could hold on tight to his leash, forcing me to go after him, “Damn it.” I yelled as I ran into the house I’ve been in a million times.

I listened to the sounds of giant dog foot prints as they echoed through the house. As I was chasing him, I noticed it felt different. It was cold, not as homey as I remember and very very clean, almost too clean. I shook my head at the slight awkwardness and proceeded to look for him.

I remember coming over with Lucas. Sara loved spending time with him. He was the calmer one of the group of kids and she would always teach him new things with cooking and crafts and he absolutely adored her. I would bring him over so Ava and I could spend some time together, just her and I with Sara insisting we do so, so we could build our relationship. It worked out perfectly and she would watch him a lot when I was working. He hasn’t been here recently, not since before we packed up and moved to Austin. After we came back home, I asked her one day if she could watch him but she said she couldn’t do it anymore because she was just getting too tired but she would love for us to come over for dinner once a week like we’ve done in the past.

We did that…once and then it never happened again. I tried to talk to her about it and what was going on but she just shook her head and said she was fine. I never believed her.

All she said was that Ava was happy but she needed me. I asked what for and she never answered.

I left it at that. I didn’t want to push her too much.

I heard his tail wagging as it pitter pattered on the hardwood floor from the door that was open about a foot and heard Ava, “Snoop! You were supposed to be outside until I brought you in to your crate.” She gasped out.

“Avalon, it’s okay.” I heard Sara say, at least it sounded like her, I wasn’t too sure. The voice sounded softer, weaker, like it was straining to even speak, “He just likes to be on the bed with me.” I wanted to go in and see what was going on but something was telling me to stop, that it wasn’t right and not the right time.

Obviously what ever was happening they didn’t want anyone to know.

“Mom…he’s going to hurt you. I can take him to my place for now.”

“He’s too big for your place and then what happens when you move?” she asked, “He’s going to end up right back here because there are no placed in this town that will take a dog his size and I refuse to put him in a shelter. I know the others would take him but then there would be more answers to questions I’m not ready to give.”

Woah…wait…she’s moving? When the hell was that happening and why does no one know about this? I’m sure if Finn and Sawyer knew, they would have told me, right? She couldn’t move not when there’s so much unfinished business between us.

“I know…it’s just…I….” I knocked on the door and waited for a response. I didn’t want to go in Sara’s bedroom without her permission, it’s not right, “Art, please go wait outside.” Ava said through the door

“Stuart’s here?” I heard her ask. She in the only one I will let call me that and smile about it, I have that much respect for her.

“He was just leaving. I ran into him this morning on my morning run with Snoop. He was walking me back before he went to pick up Lucas from Jordan’s for school.” Lies.

“Actually…can I come in?” I asked softly

“No.” Ava answered.

“Yes.” Sara said over her.

It’s Sara’s house so I went into the room and I wasn’t prepared to see what I saw and it was then I instantly knew at least part of what she was going through. My eyes went wide as tears formed taking everything in. Memories flashed before my eyes hurting my heart, everything, everything started to hurt.

She needed me now more than ever even though she won’t admit it out loud. I will be there every step of the way and help as much as I can. She has no choice because now, I’m involved.