Hope for Tomorrow ♥ (Final Part to Broken Hearted)

Chase pulled into the lot for Rejavanate and parked, grabbing his bookbag from the passenger seat and quickly exiting his Jeep, locking it behind him, and swiftly walking up to the coffee shop. He opened the door and stepped in, taking in the sights and smells of the interior: there were about twelve students scattered about the shop, and Jade was at the register, looking up to watch him when he entered.

“Hey, you made it!” she said, a bright smile on her face as Chase made his way to the employees-only door, pushing it open and stepping into the back kitchen. He set his bookbag on the chrome countertop and plucked his apron from its hook, slipping it over his head and tying the strings behind his back.

“Yes, I did,” he replied a bit breathlessly once he had stridden up to the register where Jade awaited him.

“I’m glad! Christina is in the restroom. It’s been really chill for a Monday, so no stress boss!” she said, reaching up to pat his shoulder. Jade was five feet and two inches, so she was often reaching up to obtain items she needed, or in this case, to reassure Chase.

She beamed at him, her deep blue eyes glimmering; she had a bit of a crush on Chase but had attempted to keep it a secret. She really didn’t want to have a workplace romance, so she admired Chase from a distance, keeping her feelings tucked away in her heart. She readjusted her ponytail, sweeping her jet-black hair back up, tying it more securely, revealing her silver-studded ears. She sighed and stretched her arms upward, barely adding any height to her small frame.

“Once Christina comes back, I’m gonna bounce, okay? I have an appointment I need to get to, and now that you’re here to man the fort, my post has been relieved,” she said, beginning to count out her tips from the coffeepot they used as the tip jar.

“Sure, no problem, thank you so incredibly much for being so patient and for coming in at the last minute, Jade,” Chase said with utmost gratitude.

Jade felt a light blush rise to her face at being thanked by Chase, keeping her face slightly turned away as she counted out the bills to take her portion.

“It wasn’t an issue at all, boss,” she replied, willing the pink hue on her cheeks to fade before she turned back to face him, a placid smile on her face.

“Walker, you finally made it!” Christina crowed, suddenly materializing by Chase’s side, causing him to jump.

“Geez, Christina, nearly gave me a heart attack,” he said, turning towards her and looking put-out.

She laughed, tossing her long brown hair and folding her arms across her chest, perking one eyebrow up.

“Well, you made me freak out just a bit today, too,” Christina retorted. “I thought you had died. I thought I would never see you again, that you had been spirited away into the nether realm. But it turns out you just had been whisked away into the night along with a certain redhead.”

Chase silently willed Christina to stop talking about his ventures from the night before, hoping that Jade wouldn’t get the wrong idea. He had already been teased enough for his unplanned stay at Avery’s house.

Jade looked between the two of them, Christina grinning like a Cheshire cat while Chase’s face had morphed into mortification.

“Well, uh, I’m gonna take off!” Jade said awkwardly, scooting around both of her coworkers.

Redhead? Did she mean Avery? Jade thought to herself, making her way towards the back.

She knew Avery well, especially since the girl had a whole corner of the coffee shop dedicated to her. It was literally known as Avery’s Corner, and the girl occupied it often, typing away at her laptop, scribbling in a notebook, and sipping her chocolate cold brews. Jade had initially hated Avery, finding her presence to be a thorn in her side. She didn’t exactly know why, but Jade felt that Avery was too much of a damsel-in-distress who was treated like a princess, especially since she garnered both free coffee and Chase’s attention. Plus, the other staff members seemed charmed by her.  Jade had tried to get over her feelings but still couldn’t help feeling envious of how close Chase and Avery were. As far as she knew, the two had no interest in being together romantically, but even Jade had to admit they would make a cute couple. She didn’t like feeling petty and catty, so she had slowly attempted to be more friendly towards Avery, but abandoned the effort and simply tried to avoid her.

Jade began untying her apron to hang it up and grab her bag, but Chase appeared behind her, gently tapping her on the shoulder.

“Hey Jade?” he spoke, seeming hesitant.

Jade turned, looking up at Chase, managing a small smile.

“Yeah, what’s up?” she asked.

“Um…I just wanted to thank you again for covering for me. I super appreciate it, and I promise it won’t happen again, me being late again. Avery had an emergency last night, and I ended up needing to stay and help her.”

Jade’s suspicion was confirmed, and she nodded.

“I thought that’s who Christina was talking about. Is she okay?” Jade asked, the little prick of envy biting her heart.

“Yeah, she’s coming in a bit later today, as usual,” Chase replied. “It…it was bad. So that’s why I wanted to thank you.”

“Like I said, it was no trouble, boss,” Jade said, internally telling the annoying sensation of feeling jealous to get lost. “I’m glad she’s okay.”

Chase nodded, a smile on his face. Jade couldn’t help but admire his cute smile, the little dimples in his cheeks revealing themselves. It made the envy come on stronger.

“Have a great rest of your day,” Chase said earnestly. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Jade was normally scheduled to work on Tuesdays.

“Yeah, I’ll be here,” she affirmed, casting a smile and wave at Chase as she exited the door and made her way across the shop and out into the parking lot.

She noticed that Avery had just pulled up and parked, and was getting out of her car, fumbling with her keys. Jade felt the familiar annoyance she had towards Avery rising up, briefly trying to shove it down into the depths of her being. She attempted to speed walk to her car and avoid being seen, but Avery had just looked up and spotted her, a smile appearing on her freckled face.

“Hi, Jade!” Avery piped up, waving as Jade nearly cantered to her car.

“Oh, hey, Avery,” Jade replied, slowing her pace and attempting a smile. “What’s up?”

“Nothing much, I’m just heading in to see Christina and hang out,” Avery said, adjusting her blue backpack on her shoulders. “She had asked me to come in today because she had something for me.”

“Oh,” Jade said. “You’re not here for Chase?”

“Well, him too,” Avery affirmed, noticing how Jade’s mood seemed to darken.

“I heard he spent last night with you,” Jade said shortly. She gave up on trying to be nice.

“W-What?” Avery stammered, looking nervous. “Who said that?”

“Chase told me. He said you needed help last night, so he stayed with you, which is why he wasn’t here this morning.”

“Oh…yeah, I needed his help,” Avery replied quietly, looking down at her shoes. “Things are…really rough right now.”

“When are you two gonna drop the act and start dating already? You’re not fooling anyone by pretending you don’t have feelings for each other,” Jade said roughly.

“We don’t,” Avery said, her voice growing fainter. “He’s my best friend, and he’s practically my big brother – he’s family to me, and my mom.”

“I don’t really see how you can just be friends. It’s impossible for guys and girls to only be friends,” Jade asserted.

“I don’t think that’s true,” Avery replied, shrinking in on herself. “With good boundaries in place, and with clear communication, it’s possible for anyone to be good and close friends without getting romantically involved. I don’t really know where this is coming from, Jade…did I do something wrong?”

Avery’s question made Jade take pause. She turned inward, withholding her rage briefly.

“No, I guess you didn’t. But I don’t get why you’re always hanging around, and why everyone pities you so much. You can’t have it that bad. You’re just playing victim, and everyone falls head over heels for you,” Jade spat.

Avery began to cry. She couldn’t help it.

“I…I know that’s how it must seem,” Avery said, her voice watery. “Trust me, it’s embarrassing for me. It really is. The attention, the fact my struggles are slowly getting more noticeable, that people are being so nice to me because they think I’m broken or something. It makes me feel guilty and pathetic. I don’t want to be helpless or appear that way either. I’ve been working really hard to get better, so I can be stronger on my own, and not be so reliant on others, especially Chase. I’m sorry that you think that way about me. I don’t try to bother anyone. I…I’m just not okay right now,” she finished, managing to lift her head and look at Jade, who looked at her coldly, seemingly unmoved by her tears.

“Well, I can tell you that you’re not doing a good job of trying to not be reliant or appear helpless. Chase looks exhausted today, and I’m sure it’s all because you just had to have his help. Get over yourself and grow a pair.”

Jade turned on her heel and stomped off to her car, leaving Avery behind, mildly in shock. Jade threw her bag into her car, got into the driver’s seat, slammed the door, and took off as soon as she got her car started. Avery stared after her, feeling the stabbing pain of rejection that had become familiar to her over the years. This wasn’t the first time someone had greatly misunderstood her, especially other girls. Avery trudged towards Rejavanate, her heart heavy and hurting. She pulled open the door and stepped inside, looking downcast.

“Avery Joy! You’ve arrived!” Christina’s head poked out over the register, her excited expression quickly fading as she noticed Avery’s ashen face. Chase joined her, also noticing Avery’s pained demeanor.

“Hey,” Avery said, attempting a smile and quickly walking towards the corner of the shop she normally occupied, trying not to attract the attention of the other customers who had looked up when Christina had called her name out. She felt that everyone was staring at her.

She slung her backpack off of her shoulders, setting it on the plush couch and plopping down, keeping her head down so no one could see her teary face.

As she had earlier, Christina seemed to magically appear before Avery, her dark brown eyes full of concern.

“Avey, baby, what’s going on?” she asked lowly, looking down at Avery.

“Um…nothing, I’m fine,” Avery murmured, still hiding her face.

“Nuh-uh, that’s some BS,” Christina said firmly, tapping Avery’s shoulder to get her attention. Avery glanced up and Christina pointed to the employees-only door. “Get in there,” Christina commanded.

Avery stood, abandoning her possessions and following Christina into the back, where Chase stood, looking worried.

“Ave, what’s wrong?” he asked, reaching for her.

Avery backed away, evading his hug.

“Nothing.”

“Avery Joy, don’t be like that,” Christina said, hands on her hips, her maternal tone at full force. “We both can see you’re not okay whatsoever. Spill it.”

Avery braced herself by firmly planting her feet and then looked up, though she stared at the wall behind Chase and Christina, rather than looking at either one.

“I’m sorry if I’m a burden,” she said, her voice void of emotion. “I’m sorry that I need you all of the time, Chase, and I’m sorry that everyone pities me, and that I bother everyone by hanging out here. I won’t come anymore, and I’ll try to work out my problems on my own.”

Chase and Christina looked at each other with deep concern before turning their eyes back to Avery, who looked deflated.

“Ave, what do you mean? No one thinks you’re a burden, and I made the choice to stay with you. Again, me being late wasn’t your fault, and I don’t think you bother anyone here. We all enjoy having you around.”

“Except Jade,” Avery replied darkly.

Christina furrowed her brow, trying to put the pieces together before realizing what happened.

“Hold up,” Christina said. “Did Jade say all of this to you? Did you see her out there when she left?”

Avery didn’t reply.

“Oh helll no,” Christina said, growing visibly angry. “What is her problem? I always got a weird vibe from her whenever you came around. Did she seem off, Chase?”

“Er, I mean, she seemed fine,” Chase answered. “She didn’t seem upset she had to cover for me last minute, and I was sure to thank her, and-”

“And you told her that you were with me last night,” Avery said.

Christina looked at Chase with horrified eyes.

“Oh my God, Walker, why the hell would you say that? You can’t just go around spouting that information to anyone.”

“Well, you’re the one who first made the comment that I was ‘whisked away into the night with a certain redhead,’” Chase retorted, looking frustrated.

“Yeah, but I didn’t say you spent the night with her,” Christina glared.

“Neither did I! I just said Avery needed my help last night because of an emergency, so I stayed and helped her.”

“Okay, but that implies a lot more,” Christina sighed, rubbing her temples.

“No, it doesn’t!” Chase said a bit more loudly.

“Please, stop!” Avery suddenly half-shouted, slamming her foot down.

Christina and Chase looked shocked, turning their attention back to Avery, who was slightly shaking.

“Stop fighting,” she whispered. “You’re freaking me out.”

Christina softened, remembering that Avery was sensitive to raised voices, and calmed down a bit.

“Okay, we both messed up,” Christina said, looking at Chase. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that, especially with Jade standing there. I wasn’t thinking about the fact she might take offense or think something else happened between you and Avery, and it wasn’t my place.”

Chase sighed, releasing his tense shoulders as he let out a breath.

“And I’m sorry to both of you. Christina, I’m sorry for getting defensive and for pointing fingers. And Avery, I’m sorry I jeopardized your privacy to someone who didn’t need an explanation. What did she say to you?” Chase asked gently.

Avery told them what Jade had said, from the accusation that Avery was hiding having feelings for Chase, to Avery playing the victim for attention, Avery being too reliant on Chase, and that Jade told her to get over herself. Avery also told them what she had said to Jade, that she was going through a rough time, and that she was trying to be stronger and handle her own problems more on her own, and that she wasn’t looking for attention or pity.

Christina and Chase both had expressions of mild horror on their faces when Avery had finished relaying Jade’s spitfire words.

“Well, someone’s a bit jealous,” Christina said, shaking her head in disgust. “Geez, I had no idea she felt that strongly about you. I always could tell she had a thing for Chase, but I also thought she could handle it like an adult. I guess not. I’m so sorry Ave, she had no right to blow up at you like that. I’ll be having a talk with her about it tomorrow.”

“Please don’t,” Avery begged, looking fearful. “I don’t want the drama, or to look like I snitched. It will just make her think I came to you crying, looking for attention and pity like she already thinks I do.”

“I don’t give a flying fart what she thinks. Her behavior is disgusting, and no employee of mine has any right to act like that to anyone, no matter their personal feelings. You are nowhere in the wrong here, and you shouldn’t be bullied or harassed in a space where you are welcome to be, even if Chase or I didn’t work here,” Christina said firmly, crossing her arms.

“Maybe I should be the one to talk to her, Christina,” Chase said quietly. “This is my fault, and I should be the one to set things straight, especially since it’s me who Jade thinks is also hiding feelings and that Avery only comes around for me and is using me for help and pity…or whatever else she thinks.”

Christina pondered Chase’s words a moment, before nodding her head in agreement.

“I think that’s best, too. But I’ll step in swinging if I have to,” Christina said, raising her fists as if she were about to box an opponent.

Avery still looked panicked as the two carried on in their conversation about how to deal with Jade.

“Look, I really don’t want to push this any further,” Avery pleaded. “I just don’t want her to hate me any more than she already seems to, and I don’t want to look desperate.”

“You won’t,” Christina replied firmly. “It needs to be handled, and so it will be. Don’t worry about it Ave, it’s all gonna work out. Now, can I please hug you? You’ve had one hell of a night and now a day.”

Avery smiled weakly and obliged, stepping into Christina’s waiting arms and getting squished into the girl’s chest.

“Get in here, Walker, it’s a team hug,” Christina said, looking up at Chase over Avery’s head.

Chase smiled and stepped up to the pair, wrapping his arms around them both and squeezing tight. The trio hugged for a bit more before releasing one another, and Christina smoothed out Avery’s hair before patting her cheeks.

“Keep your head up, Avey girl. Don’t let them get to you,” Christina advised, composing her face into a serene expression.

“Okay, mom,” Avery quipped, giggling with a genuine smile.

Christina’s hand flew over her heart and she gasped dramatically.

“Stop, you’re gonna make me feel old,” she said, putting on a look of fake hurt.

“I mean, you kinda are the Team Mom around here,” Chase said, joining in on the joke. “All of the staff members look to you for advice and direction.”

“Yeah, that’s what I meant!” Avery grinned, nodding rapidly. “You’re the Team Mom! Team Mom, Team Mom, Team Mom!” Avery began to chant.

“Team Mom, Team Mom, Team Mom!” Chase joined in, and both he and Avery kept the cheer going before Christina waved her hands.

“Okay, I get it, now be quiet before we annoy the customers,” she laughed, shaking her head and smiling at them both with fondness. “Speaking of that,” Christina quickly turned and popped her head out to check on the register. By some miracle, no new customers had arrived, and some of the twelve that had been there when Chase had arrived were gone. A few remained, continuing to read, type, or chat, seemingly unbothered and unaware of the exchange that had been occurring in the back kitchen.

“Okay, good,” Christina breathed a sigh of relief before spinning back to face Avery. “Okay, now, I can finally give you your birthday gift,” she said, clapping her hands with glee.

She sidled past Avery and rummaged in her tote bag before pulling out a wrapped box with a navy blue bow on top.

“Happy Birthday, Avery!” Christina sang, handing her the gift. “I hope you love it.”

“Aww, Christina, thank you,” Avery said with a hint of shyness, taking the present. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“But I wanted to get you something,” Christina countered. “And so I did. Now please hurry and open it.”

Avery laughed and began to pull off the shiny white wrapping, along with the bow. The paper came off to reveal a brown box, which she carefully opened. Inside, nestled in brown packing paper, was a mug. Avery gently pulled it out, dislodging it from its protective bed, and gasped when she turned it over in her hands.

On one side of the mug was a beautifully printed monarch butterfly, its black-and-orange hues deep and rich. Avery’s name was embellished above the butterfly in a dancing script, and on the other were the words ‘Fly high, darling’ in the same script.

“It’s your mug for whenever you come to visit,” Christina said, enjoying Avery’s reaction of excitement. “We’ll keep it here for you, and whenever you order a hot drink, that will be for you to use. And I know you love cold brew, which is why I also got you this,” Christina continued, pulling out a separate gift bag from her spacious tote bag. Christina took the mug from Avery and then handed the bag to her, and Avery took the tissue paper out from the top, pulling out a clear plastic tumbler cup with a phoenix printed on one side, Avery’s name above its head and outstretched wings, with ‘From ashes comes beauty’ imprinted on the other side.

“Wow,” Avery whispered, looking at the mug in Christina’s hands and then to the cup in her own grasp. “Thank you, Christina, they’re absolutely beautiful,” she said, looking up at Christina with a shimmer in her eyes before placing the cup aside on the counter and hugging Christina.

Christina returned Avery’s embrace and smiled.

“I’m so happy you love them,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to give them to you, I was so excited. And like I said, these are for your exclusive use when you come in, which means you need to keep coming in order to use them, even if Jade is a jerk. You are always welcome here and don’t you dare let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m proud of you for doing your best to stand up to her, and I know you’re gonna be just fine. You’re amazing, and you have a heart of gold, and I’m always here if you need me, okay? I’m sure the same goes for Walker,” she finished, looking over at Chase, who had been quietly watching the exchange, also blown away by Christina’s gifts.

“Of course it does,” he affirmed, patting Avery’s head, who was still hugging Christina. “I’m always here for you, too, Ave. And wow, these are truly beautiful,” he said, picking the cup up from the counter and turning it over in his own hands, and then the mug when Christina handed it to him after letting Avery go.

“Thank you,” Christina said, a grin on her face. “I think I did pretty good.”

“You did,” Avery said, her eyes shining with happiness. “I love them so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“You are most welcome, Avery girl. And they’re both already washed, so let’s try one out! What drink are you feeling today?” Christina asked, taking the cups back from Chase and heading to the front of the store, looking back at Avery for an answer.

“I’d love my usual cold brew, please,” Avery said, smiling.

“You got it!” Christina said, whisking her way through the double doors that swung shut behind her as she took her position behind the register, storing the butterfly mug safely away in the cubby beneath before scooping some ice into the tumbler cup to make Avery’s drink.

Chase and Avery were left standing in the back, and Chase turned to look at her, an apologetic look crossing his face.

“Ave, again, I’m so sorry that I was a fool and made Jade blow up at you,” he said, wringing his hands. “It was stupid of me to say anything to her about last night, and I didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”

“It wasn’t your fault she freaked out on me, Chase,” Avery said, looking at him with tenderness. “She has some things she needs to work through, obviously, and it’s all okay now. I’ll be okay. I’m just so thankful I have you and Christina, and I don’t know what I would do without you both. Thank you again for my birthday yesterday, and for staying with me, and for just being amazing.”

Avery stepped forward and hugged Chase once more, and he squeezed her back.

“I’m gonna go back out front,” she said, turning to exit the back room. “Come join me when you can?”

“I will,” he said, smiling after her before joining Christina in the front.

The hours ticked by as customers came and went, and Avery was nestled in her corner, sipping away at her cold brew through her phoenix cup, journaling peacefully. Soon it was time for Rejavanate to close, and Chase and Christina went about the routine, cleaning up the counters and dishes, closing the register, and turning out the lights. Avery gathered her backpack and got up from her spot, walking up to the counter with her empty cup.

“Can I come back there and wash this?” she asked.

“I’ll take care of it,” Chase said, taking the cup from her with a smile.

“You don’t have to do that,” Avery protested.

“It’s my job,” Chase replied with eyebrows raised before slipping into the back to the sink before Avery could say anything more.

Avery sighed and smiled at Christina, who was laughing to herself as she mopped the floor.

“That Walker,” she said as she shook her head, wringing the mop out in its bucket. “Such a chivalrous knight.”

“That he is,” Avery replied, leaning back on her heels and watching Christina as she finished cleaning. “I’m thankful for him though.”

“Oh, me too,” Christina replied, stowing the mop away and looking around for anything else she might have missed. “He’s a good one, that boy.”

Christina nodded with satisfaction that everything was complete, and then walked up to the counter, pointing at Avery’s chest.

“Can I see your tattoo?” Christina asked curiously, and Avery obliged, pulling down her shirt collar to reveal the butterfly, still protected by its bandage.

“Oh wow,” Christina breathed. “It’s gorgeous. Did it hurt?”

“Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Avery answered, pulling the top of her shirt back up. “I love it, I’m thrilled with how it turned out. The artist was so nice, and Chase was there with me, so I didn’t feel so scared.”

“Of course he was there with you,” Christina replied, a grin on her face. “Wherever Avery goes, there is Chase. It’s just the way the world works.”

Avery giggled and Chase reappeared from the back with Avery’s cup, all washed and clean.

“What’s so funny?” he asked as he bent down to store it under the register next to the butterfly mug.

“Oh, nothing,” Avery said breezily, shrugging her shoulders. “I was just showing Christina my tattoo. Actually, speaking of that, how did you know to get me a monarch butterfly mug, Christina?”

Christina smiled, glancing at Chase.

“Oh, well, I had a little help with my gift idea. A little bird told me that you happen to love monarch butterflies and phoenixes, so I made sure to add those details into the mix.”

Chase looked up towards the ceiling, whistling and scanning the air, attempting to look innocent and like he didn’t know who Christina was talking about.

Avery laughed and shook her head, a bright smile on her face.

“Well, thank that little bird for his insight,” she said. “And again, thank you for the presents, Christina. I love them.”

“I’m glad,” Christina replied, her eyes twinkling. “Anything for you, Avery girl. And now, let’s get out of here. Everything is good to go.”

Chase and Christina made their way to the back once more, hanging up their aprons and grabbing their respective bags before exiting to the main area of the store. They all made their way to the front doors, leaving the shop. Christina turned and locked the doors, storing the keys in her pocket and turning to Chase and Avery.

“I will see you both tomorrow, alright? And once again, don’t worry about Jade, it will all get sorted out,” Christina said reassuringly, patting Avery’s arm. “See ya, Walker, don’t be late!”

“I won’t,” Chase sighed sheepishly. “I promise.”

“You better keep it!” Christina called over her shoulder as she made her way off towards her car, and Chase and Avery turned to go to their own cars.

They walked side by side, Chase escorting Avery to her car first. Once she had unlocked the doors and put her backpack away in the backseat, she turned back towards Chase.

“I’m not really excited about going home,” she admitted, looking at him nervously.

“Why’s that?” he asked, his mind far from what they had discussed that morning.

“My mom,” Avery said.

“Oh. Oh, yeah,” Chase’s voice dropped, remembering that Avery was going to talk to her about the box, which was still resting in the trunk of his Jeep.

“I think…I hope it will be okay,” Avery said quietly, beginning to toy with her ring. “I just need to be brave, be calm, and be clear. I know my mom…she won’t freak out. She might be upset or scared, but I know she’ll listen. And I’ll tell her I want her to come with me to my next counseling session so she can be a part of my healing, and so she doesn’t feel shut out. I want her to understand, and I don’t want her to worry I’ll do what my dad did.”

“I think you’re right, Ave. And that’s all you can do, make sure you explain your feelings, and that you are changing for the better, moving into acceptance so you can heal,” Chase affirmed, a gentle smile on his face.

“Then that’s what I’m gonna do,” she said, a determined look on her face. “I won’t be scared.”

“Remember, you’re Bravery Avery. You’ve got this,” he assured her. “Do…do you want me to come with you?”

Avery thought about it for a moment before replying.

“No, not this time,” she said gently. “I need to do this on my own.”

“Is it because of what Jade said? That you rely on me too much?” Chase asked, worry crossing his face.

“No. It’s not. I just know this is something I need to take care of, and I want to do it alone,” Avery replied firmly.

“Okay,” Chase said, his own voice growing quiet.

“Chase, I’m not mad at you.” Avery reached out for his hand and squeezed it gently. “I’m not mad at all. We’ll worry about Jade later. For now, like I told you this morning, my mom needs to hear it all from me. About last night, and how I’ve felt these past few days. I can do it.”

“I know you can,” Chase replied tenderly, smiling as she held his hand. “I don’t doubt it for a second.”

“Good,” she said, returning his expression and releasing his hand. “I gotta go now, she’ll be home soon, and I need to get my words ready.”

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow, then?” he asked, watching as she climbed into her driver’s seat.

“You will,” she said, looking up at him with a nod and a soft smile. “I gotta try out my mug tomorrow. And celebrate my victory with being brave with my mom.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners and his dimples appeared as he beamed at her, backing away from the door.

“We’ll celebrate for sure. Bye, Ave.”

“Bye,” she waved. “Love you lots.”

“Love you, too.”

She shut her door and started her car, pulling out of the lot and heading towards home. He watched after her until she had disappeared from his sight, and then headed to his Jeep. He headed home to his apartment, ready to endure more jabs between Jackson and Elliot and unwind from the day.

The sun dipped in the sky, its light dimming, the falling cascade of the night’s curtain drawing near. The closing act of the day was in play as both Chase and Avery arrived at their respective abodes, Avery preparing her heart for talking to her mom, and Chase pondering how he would talk to Jade the following day.

Broken hearts and fences were now mended, lionhearted bravery marked Avery’s heart, the Monday morning had fallen away, and the night’s spell would soak the world in magic once more.

Tomorrow would be a new day.

Tomorrow would be a whole new adventure.

There was hope that it would be a good day.

 ♥

Image source: manga cap from Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun by Robico