Chapter 44: Her Friend's Advice

Avery was too tired to even wake up from the constant ringing of her phone. She only realized that someone was looking for her when she heard a loud bang on her door the following day. She jolted up, thinking that no one would dare do that to her apartment especially when not a lot of people know her place.

She grabbed her robe, wrapped it around her body, and head to the door. When she opened it, she saw a tired-looking Jane. “What happened to you?” Avery asked as she let her friend in. Jane was catching her breath as she walked to the small living room.

Jane took a deep breath and looked at Avery. She held her phone to her friend’s face, where Avery saw the article about her and Carson breaking up. “What happened? I’ve been calling you since last night because I want to know how are you and you’re not picking up---”

Avery cut her friend off, “Why are you worried about me?” Jane looked at her bestfriend as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I am your bestfriend. We grew up together. I know you’re in-love with Carson. I know something was up.”

Avery looked down, there is no way of hiding it anymore. Besides, everything was already done. She walked to the couch where Jane followed her. “Something happened, right?” Jane asked again as they are now sitting together.

“Yes. Carson knows everything.”

Jane frowned, “What do you mean?”

“The targets. I also teamed up with someone in his office to get his attention but I can’t continue working that way anymore. I don’t want Carson to find out but he caught me with Tim---”

“Wait. Hold on.”

Jane wiped the tears from Avery’s cheek. She didn’t know she was already crying as it was the first time she let our all her feelings. “Calm down and tell me what happened. Take it slowly and one step at a time.”

Jane patted Avery’s back as she told the story. She was a bit sad that her friend endured everything until now but she understood. Avery wasn’t the type to ask help from others unless it was very important.

“So what now?” Jane asked as Avery finished explaining everything. Avery shaked her head. She felt better now. “Nothing. I move to the next target.” Avery was about to get them some water when Jane grabbed her arm.

“No, Ave. I know you’re sick and tired of being with those old men. You deserve to be with someone you love. Someone who loves you too. Everyone witnessed how Carson looked and took care of you. I know too, that you love him. Maybe it’s time that you let go of those roles.”

Avery frowned, “No. I don’t need to do that. I don’t want to depend on a man.” Jane held Avery’s hand with care. “You are not depending on him. You are just letting him into your world.”

“And if one day he decided to leave? Like my dad?”

“Ave, not everyone is like your dad. Not everyone will hurt you. Sometimes you need to take a risk and trust that everything will be fine. If it didn’t, that’s too bad, but what if it did? What if someone out there was willing to embrace and love you for who you are but you are just afraid to give that person a chance?”

Avery looked away. She knew what Jane meant but it was too hard to accept it, especially when all her life, she dedicated it to herself. “I took the risk of being with Brix because you inspired me and well, I got tired of being with the wrong people. Aren’t you tired of being with old useless men who just cares about your body?”

Avery didn’t reply because if she pushed her beliefs, Jane would not risk falling in-love as well. She knew that Carson was different, but inside her, she also knew that he could easily end up like her dad.

“Your parents’ past isn’t your future. You have your own life. You have a choice to change what they had.”

Jane knew it would be useless. When Avery was sure of something, nothing could change her mind. “I won’t convince you again if you really don’t want to, but I am sure that your mom won’t like this if she was here.”

Jane then stood up and head to the kitchen to get their drinks. Avery stood there frozen. She recalled all the times her mother told her to do what makes her happy. But when was the last time she really did follow her heart?

Like Jane said, the two of them didn’t speak of it again. They spent their day watching their favorite shows and Jane updating Avery about her relationship with Brix. It seemed like a normal day but when Jane left the apartment to meet up with her man, Avery was reminded of her reality once again.

With the sudden announcement, no one would be there to protect her from the press. According to the reports, she and Carson had to go separate ways as she had a different goal. Carson didn’t attend the press conference but his mother was the one who answered everything.

“They are still kids and they still want to do a lot of things. My son respected her and admired her until the end. We respect the decision of our son and we will support him in this journey.” Mrs. Lee said as she looked at the cameras with pride.

Avery knew that they probably hate her by now and it would be weird to go outside. But the night was tempting and Avery needed fresh air. She didn’t want to be locked in her room tonight.

So she decided to risk it. She wore a black hoodie and pants. The night was perfect for walking. No one would see her and bother her about anything. She needed to clear her thoughts about everything. Her next plan.

“Avery?”