Monday Morn ♥ (Part 5 to Broken Hearted)

The morning light shone in through the windows of Avery’s living room, painting the room with a honey glow. The rays crept up to the pillow fort that hosted the two sleeping bodies of Chase and Avery, still curled up in their nests of blankets and peaceful tranquility. As the room brightened, Chase began to stir, his eyelids lifting as he groggily looked around. He minorly jumped as he saw Avery sound asleep beside him, and it took him a good few moments to realize where he was and what had occurred the night before. He shook his head lightly, his curly bed head bouncing about his head, tickling his ears and forehead. He brushed his hair back and sat up fully, stretching upwards and bumping the blanket roof above his head with his hands.

What time is it? he wondered to himself, scratching his chin and reaching for his phone. And what day is it-

His eyes flew open in panic when he saw the time on his phone screen.

Monday. It was Monday. And it was 9 AM on that Monday, meaning he should have been at Rejavanate over an hour ago.

Crap! he thought, trying to exit the fort as carefully as he could as to not wake the slumbering redhead beside him.

He crept upstairs to Avery’s bedroom and shut the door behind him, dialing Christina’s number as he went. He stopped before he hit the ‘Call’ button and realized Christina would most likely not answer her cell phone since she kept it on silent and in her bag at work, and only checked it on her breaks. He instead dialed Rejavanate’s number and held the phone to his ear as he waited for anyone to pick up.

“Good morning, thank you for calling Rejavanate!” a cheery voice answered. “This is Jade, how can I help you?”

“Hey Jade, it’s me, Chase,” Chase said, running his free hand through his hair again. “Can I talk to Christina?”

“Oh hey, Chase!” Jade chirped, a tone of concern in her voice. “I’m glad you called, we were a bit worried you didn’t show this morning.”

“I know, I’m sorry,” Chase groaned, feeling embarrassed that he was not only late to work, but had worried his co-workers by failing to call or text to explain why he wasn’t there. “I…I had something urgent come up, and I totally forgot to let Christina know what was going on.”

“It’s okay! It’s surprisingly not too busy here this morning, and we figured it was something major since it’s not like you to not show,” Jade replied. “Here, I’ll go get Christina, okay? Be right back!”

He heard her set the phone down, and he waited patiently as he listened to the muffled sounds that were coming through the other end. Suddenly, he heard the phone get picked up, and a familiar voice lit up his ears.

“Well, if it isn’t Lieutenant Walker! I thought you had died in battle, but here you are, no longer MIA!” Christina said. Chase could practically see the smirk on her face.

“Hey Christina,” Chase replied apologetically. “I am seriously so sorry about this, I totally lost track of time, and I-”

“Walker, relax,” Christina said, her voice returning to normal, shifting out of her teasing. “It’s all good here. I figured something happened with Avery, and she needed you. Was my woman’s intuition correct? I bet she opened up about something big.”

“Yeah…she did. And she asked me to stay with her,” Chase affirmed.

His eyes fell on the box that had been abandoned on her bedroom floor, his blood turning icy.

“Well, then you did what you needed to, and that’s completely fine with me,” she replied gently. “It’s been calm here, and you’re obviously not in trouble for being late considering you’re the boss here. I wasn’t in the slightest bit annoyed you didn’t show, only worried that something bad happened. But I figured you would give me a call when you could, and I’m glad to hear your voice. You think you’ll be in later today?”

“Yeah, I do want to come in,” Chase replied. “I just have to go back to my place and change.”

“Wait, where are you right now?” Christina asked curiously.

Chase froze, choking on his words momentarily.

“Uh, um, I….” Chase stuttered.

“Are you at Avery’s?” Christina asked, a touch of mild surprise in her voice.

“Uh…yeah, I am,” Chase said, a light blush coming to his face, afraid of what Christina was thinking.

“Oh ho ho, it must have been baaaad, then,” she replied, a slight slyness to her voice.

“It’s not like that-”

“Walker, Walker, relax,” Christina cut him off, her voice back to her maternal tone. “I’m not assuming anything, I’m just teasing you. I know she wasn’t okay, especially after all you told me on Saturday. I don’t think you guys did the horizontal dance, and I’m sure Marie was aware you were there.”

Oh my God, Marie must have seen us, Chase realized in horror.

“Uh, yeah, she knew I was here,” Chase said, a little mortified at Christina’s dance comment.

 “Well then, nothing to worry about!” Christina replied perkily. “Get here when you can, and tell Avery to come, too. I have something for her.”

“S-Sure,” Chase stammered, his mind whirling. “Thanks, Christina, it means a ton to me.”

“No biggie, Walker. See you later!” Christina said before hanging up the phone.

Chase stared at his phone for a moment, processing the conversation, red with embarrassment. He shook himself out of his stupor and slowly worked up the courage to call Marie. He felt that he needed to apologize for his unannounced overnight stay.

He dialed Marie’s number, knowing she had more free access to her phone at work. It rang twice before she picked up.

“Good morning, Chase!” Marie said, her voice warm and loving. “Did you sleep well?”

“Oh, um, yes,” Chase replied, his face growing even redder. “I wanted to apologize, I didn’t mean to intrude and stay over without your permission. Avery told me something last night and asked me to stay, so I did…and I’m sorry if you’re offended that Avery and I were…um…sleeping together. I mean not together, but next to each other, and that, uh, I-”

Marie burst out into light laughter, and Chase trailed off in his apology, fully lobster red at this point with embarrassment.

“Chase, honey, it’s okay,” she replied, still laughing gently. “I’m not one bit concerned about you and my daughter. In fact, I thought it was one of the sweetest things I’ve seen in a while when I saw you two in the living room this morning. It brought back good memories of when you two were little and you would sleep over. You two were always master architects when it came to making pillow forts. I’m not the least bit offended, and I’m sure she needed you if you stayed last night.”

“Well…about that,” Chase murmured, beyond relieved Marie wasn’t angry. “I have something to tell you. About Avery. About what she told me last night.”

“Oh? What’s wrong, love?” Marie asked, concern filling her voice.

Chase paused, the words catching on his tongue. He didn’t know if this was a good time to tell her, or if he even should.

“Um…I…I actually think it would be better to tell you after work, when I see you next. Is that okay?” he said, his eyes returning to the box that Avery had been hiding.

“Absolutely,” Marie affirmed. “I’ll be home today after 6, if you can see me then. You get off work at 5, right?”

“Yes,” Chase answered. “I’m actually going to head in soon, I got up late, but my coworkers got my back.”

“Oh no! Well, you better get going, then,” Marie said. “I need to get going too, my client just arrived.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to you later then,” Chase replied, still grateful that Marie wasn’t mad, but full of anxiety over telling her about last night. “Bye, Marie, I hope you have a great day at work.”

“You too, love,” Marie said affectionately. “Bye for now.”

The call ended.

Chase sighed and dropped his arm to his side, sliding his phone into his pocket, mulling over the events of the previous night. He looked once more at the box and shifted with uncertainty, feeling nervous to approach it as if it contained a ticking time bomb. He eventually closed the space and peered into the container, still shocked at its wretched contents that spoke of Avery’s pain and suffering. He picked the lid up off the floor and slammed it onto the top, sealing the items away from his sight. He tucked the box under his left arm and turned back towards Avery’s bedroom door, exiting the room and creeping up to the banister, looking down into the living room. Avery was still asleep, her russet hair spread out over her pillow, her body moving with her steady breathing. Chase tiptoed down the stairs and collected his keys from the coffee table before slipping out the front door. He stowed the box away in his trunk and then turned back towards the house, entering the living room once more to wake the sleeping girl.

“Ave, hey Ave,” he whispered, kneeling beside her and gently shaking her shoulder. “Ave, wake up.”

Avery stirred, a groan escaping her lips as she opened her eyes, blinking rapidly as they adjusted to the morning light. She looked at Chase, her face brightening in surprise as she sat up, her wild hair flipping from the pillow and then coming to rest over her face. She spit and sputtered, pushing her hair back as Chase chuckled. Once she could see, she looked at Chase with mild confusion as her mind struggled to start up and recall why he was there. She looked around her and took stock of the fort, Chase’s abandoned bed of blankets, and then of Chase himself.

“You’re still here,” she said, a smile breaking out across her face.

Chase smiled warmly, pulling her into a hug. “Yes, I am. Good morning, Ave,” he said, gently squeezing her.

She hugged him back happily.

“Listen,” he said, sitting back on his feet and looking her in the face as she rubbed at her eyes. “I need to go. I slept in and it’s already nearly 10. I’m late to Rejavanate, and I gotta go home and shower and change, and then head over to work. I called Christina and she said it’s all good, but I still want to get some hours in. She asked me to tell you that you should come over later because she has something for you.”

Avery blinked, processing his words before her face fell in a guilty expression.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you late for work,” she said sadly.

“You didn’t make me late, Ave, I totally slept in and forgot to set an alarm,” Chase said gently. “You needed me, and I made the choice to stay. It’s not your fault. And by the way…I took the box, okay? It’s in my car.”

Avery looked somber at his mention of the box, and nodded.

“Thank you,” she murmured, looking down at the ground. “Thank you for taking it…and for staying with me.”

“Hey,” Chase said, putting his hand underneath her chin and lifting her head so she would look him in the eyes. “Anytime, okay? I promise that anytime you need me, I’ll do my best to be there.”

Avery smiled, her eyes full of gratitude.

“But for now, I gotta go, and you need to get moving,” Chase said, suddenly looking sly. “So, wake up sleepyhead!”

He lunged forward and attacked her with tickles, poking her sides and running his hands over her head like they were spiders. She shrieked and burst into a giggling fit, falling over on her side. She had always been incredibly ticklish.

“Chase, Chase, stop!” she howled, still laughing loudly. “I’m awake, I’m awake!”

Chase grinned mischievously and stopped, holding his hands up and wiggling his fingers.

“You have five seconds to get up and get moving before I start round two,” he warned as Avery scrambled to her feet, nearly slipping on the blankets beneath her and getting tangled in the blanket that made up the roof of the fort.

“Okay, okay,” she said breathlessly, now on her feet, tugging the blanket off of her head. “I’ll get going. I’ll clean all of this up and shower, and then I’ll come over to Rejavanate,” she said, gathering her hair into a messy bun and beginning to fold the blanket.

“Alright,” Chase said, laughing to himself at her clumsy mannerisms, a warmth filling his chest. “I’ll see you later, okay?” he said, getting to his feet and walking towards the front door.

“Wait, Chase,” Avery suddenly blurted.

Chase turned, looking at her expectantly.  

“Are you going to tell my mom about last night?” Avery asked quietly, her eyes dropping back down to the floor.

Chase froze, his hand on the door handle. His anxiety crept back up to the surface as he stared at her silently.

“Um…” he started, unsure of what to say. His mind wandered back to his remark from last night about being as honest as he could.

He turned and faced her, squaring his shoulders and taking a breath.

“I was going to later today, Ave. When she got off of work.”

Avery nodded, her eyes still on the ground. She slowly raised her head and looked him in the eyes.

Chase’s heart pounded.

“Can you do me a favor…and let me tell her?” Avery said.

Chase felt his eyes widen, his mouth falling slightly open.

“I…want to tell her myself. To explain what I was thinking, and what my counselor and I have been saying about my dad, and my feelings about his death,” she said, her voice wobbling. “I want to tell her I’m not so bitter and hurt anymore, and that…that I don’t want to die. I don’t want to leave her, and I don’t want to end my life. So, please, can you let me tell her?”

She looked at him pleadingly, her eyes shimmering with a hint of oncoming tears.

Chase relaxed his body, a tender smile crossing his face as he walked to Avery and pulled her into a tight hug.

“I am unbelievably proud of you, Ave,” he said into her hair, holding her close as she trembled, wrapping her arms around him. “Unbelievably proud. You are so strong and brave, it’s mind-blowing. You truly are Bravery Avery, and I am in awe of you and your progress,” he whispered.

“Thank you,” she replied, her own body releasing the tension she had been bottling up. “I swear I’ll tell her, I know I can. I’m scared to, but she needs to hear it from me, and…she needs to know I didn’t want to hide my feelings, but I just couldn’t find the words to explain myself. And I’ll make sure she won’t get mad at you, that you were going to tell her yourself, and that you took the pills and knife and…my letters,” she said quietly.

“Atta girl, Ave,” Chase said, squeezing her once more before letting her go. “And I’ll figure out what to do with all of that, okay? For now, it’s out of your hands, and you don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

“I love you, Chase,” Avery said, her voice laced with happiness, gratitude, and fondness.

“And I love you, Avery,” he replied, patting her head. “You’re the best little sister and friend that anyone could ever ask for.”

“I don’t know what I would do without you,” she said, reaching for his hand and holding it to her chest. “I always wanted a big brother growing up, and in hindsight, I always did have one. I had you, from when we were little and still today. And I couldn’t be more thankful. You’re a lifesaver, Chase Walker.”

Chase grinned, lightly bowing as Avery continued to hold his hand.

“I’m glad to be of service, and I’m beyond blessed that you’re in my life,” he replied, straightening up and smiling.

Avery released his hand and bopped his nose with her index finger.

“You better get going,” she said, picking up another blanket and beginning to fold it. “I’ll see you later.”

“Alright,” he said, turning back to the front door, his heart light. “Bye for now, Ave.”

“Bye,” she said, a joy swelling in her chest as she watched him go, the door shutting behind him.

…..

Chase parked in front of his apartment, quickly gathering his things and jumping from the driver’s seat, locking the Jeep and scrambling up to the door. He didn’t want to be too much longer in getting to work. He unlocked the door, stepped in, and was greeted by two pairs of eyes staring into his soul.

“Holy crap, you scared me, man,” Jackson spoke, his hand over his heart. He was standing behind the kitchen counter, his left hand holding a glass of orange juice as he looked at Chase with widened eyes. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I was wondering the same,” said Elliot, who was seated at the table in front of the counter, a steaming mug of coffee before him and his hand poised over his drawing tablet, peering over his round, gold glasses at Chase.

“Sorry, guys,” Chase said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand and looking embarrassed. “I…uh…I was out with Avery yesterday for her birthday, and we ended up back at her place, and well, uh…I spent the night. I meant to text you guys, but something happened and I was distracted and then I fell asleep-”

“Something happened?” Jackson interrupted, raising his eyebrows. “What kind of something?”

“Something important enough that he stayed the night at a girl’s house,” Elliot muttered, one eyebrow cocked as he looked at Chase with mild distaste.

“No, no, not like that,” Chase said, raising his hands and waving them back and forth. “She…she told me something private, and needed me to stay. She…she wasn’t okay. She couldn’t be alone.”

“Oh crap, dude, sorry to hear that,” Jackson said, putting his glass down and looking concerned, his teddy bear side revealing itself. “Is she okay now?”

Jackson had met Avery before since she had hung out a few times at the apartment. He really liked her, and felt protective of her as he did of anyone he cared about. He looked like a typical jock who cared only about working out and hitting on girls, but in reality, Jackson was a big sweetheart who would defend his friends without any hesitation.

“Yeah, she is,” Chase said, nodding. “I just accidentally slept in and now I gotta get ready for work. Christina is covering for me and said it’s all good, but I still want to get over there and get some hours in.”

“Man, Christina is a total MVP,” Jackson said, his fawn-brown eyes shining with respect. “If I was late to work, my boss would kick my butt, especially considering it’s my dad.”

“And yet you’re late to work every other day,” Elliot piped up, his focus back on his drawing tablet as he sketched something out, glancing up at Jackson for a brief second.

“Hey, at least I try to make it on time,” Jackson whined, looking embarrassed. “And I’m good at what I do.” Jackson worked at his dad’s mechanic shop, fixing up cars with both repairs and enhancements.

“I guess that’s true, though you could work on your punctuality,” Elliot retorted, pushing his glasses up with his middle finger and turning his attention to Chase. “I’m glad to hear Avery is okay as well, though it doesn’t look good on your reputation to be spending the night at her house.” He had a look of disapproval on his face, his sage-green eyes fixed on Chase.

Chase moaned, putting his head in his hands. “Guys, we didn’t do anything, you know we’re just friends.”

“Oh we know, we just like messing with you, man,” Jackson grinned as Chase rolled his eyes, turning a bit red once again.

“Alright, well, thanks I guess,” Chase sighed, making his way past the common room and kitchen and towards his bedroom. “I need to get ready now.”

“Just let us know if you’re gonna be out all night again, Chase,” Jackson called after him as Chase made his way to his bedroom. “Elliot almost cried with worry when we didn’t hear from you.”

“Up yours, Jackson,” Elliot muttered in annoyance, glaring at Jackson with contempt.

Jackson let out a half-howl of laughter as Elliot rolled his eyes and continued to draw on his tablet, muttering to himself about Jackson being a giant oaf.

Jackson chugged the rest of his orange juice, tilting his head back and finishing it off with a loud “Ahhh” of satisfaction, just to grind Elliot’s gears a bit more. He wiped his mouth and grinned in Elliot’s direction, who looked like Jackson had just run his fingernails down a chalkboard.

“I’m gonna head to the gym, Elliot my guy,” Jackson said cheerily, washing his empty glass and putting it on the drying rack.

“As if I care,” Elliot said, even though he actually did. Elliot was always a little uptight, but like Jackson, he cared about his room-mates and those he came into contact with, unless they proved themselves to be idiots. Elliot didn’t like idiots. Or dogs. Or when his drawing tablet glitched out and he lost work because he got too engrossed to hit the ‘Save’ button.

“See ya!” Jackson said, grabbing his gym bag and hustling out the door.

“Yeah, whatever, bye,” Elliot mumbled, sipping at his coffee and once again pushing up his glasses.

Finally, some peace and quiet, Elliot thought, adjusting his lavender bow tie and continuing his work.

About twenty minutes later, Chase came barreling out from the hallway, freshly showered and dressed in a white t-shirt, black jeans, and his trademark black Converse. His bookbag bounced against his left leg as he fumbled with his car keys, looking a little flustered.

Elliot sighed and looked up, watching Chase fly into the kitchen and hurriedly attempt to dislodge some bread from the bag to make some toast, his fingers fumbling. Elliot watched him for a moment before he stood, setting aside his tablet and pulling off the glove he wore to avoid smudging the screen.

“Here,” Elliot said, walking into the kitchen and helping Chase get the bread out, popping it into the toaster for him, and then pouring Chase some orange juice in a bottle for him to take. He retrieved a butter knife from the cutlery drawer and then pulled an apple from the fruit bowl that rested on a corner of the kitchen counter. He rinsed and dried the apple, and then handed it to Chase to put in his bag. The toast popped up, and Elliot swiftly buttered it, dropping the knife in the sink to clean later, and plopped the toast onto a plate, handing it to Chase.

“Get out of here,” Elliot said primly. “You’re already late. Eat it on your way.”

Chase smiled apologetically.

“Thanks, Elliot, you’re the best,” he said, hoisting his bookbag back up on his shoulder and scooting out the door with the bottle of orange juice and plate of toast, the apple tucked in his bag.

Elliot seated himself back at the table and took up his glove once more, tugging it back on, picking up his tablet, and resuming his work. He had a small smile on his face as he worked, and quiet returned to the apartment once more.

(To be continued...)

♥

Image source: from the Horimiya manga, written by HERO and illustrated by Daisuke Hagiwara