DUSK TILL DAWN , MILEVEN AU

22.

it was the weekend, sunday to be exact and it was just el and mike at home since mike told abby she could have a day off if she pleased.

he knew abby spent all her time here with el but abby didn't mind since she had no family.

but today, abby took the day to visit her friend at a nursing home so that left mike alone with el.

"apples?" mike asked, handing el some as she sat on the couch in front of the tv.

she nodded, accepting the small plate before he sat down next to her.

she laid down to his shoulder, giving him some of the blanket as she let out a yawn.

"you're tired?" he asked in concern and she shook her head. "no, i'm okay,"

he nodded and hugged onto her as he heard the front door open.

abby came to the kitchen, smiling at the sight before setting down some groceries.

"you're back early," el said and turned. "what did you buy?"

"just some food to make dinner tonight. i was planning on tacos, how does that sound?" abby asked and came over with a few lollipops. "i also got these for you."

el covered her face to hide the widest smile ever as abby wrapped an arm around her from behind, chuckling at her reaction.

el placed a hand on abby's arm. "thank you.." she whispered at how abby remembered what she liked.

el leaned back into her touch and mike turned to smile at abby as a thank you.

"okay, let me put the groceries in the fridge," abby fixed el's hair before walking away and el nodded and went to hug her lion.

"have you been talking to your dad?" mike asked and el instantly nodded. "yes. i asked him to come over tomorrow but he has work so he might come at night instead."

"that's okay, he can join us for dinner,"

el nodded repeatedly. "i'll like that.. i feel like i haven't seen him in forever."

"i know, i know." he kissed her temple gently as she nuzzled closer into him. "he said he might come by to bring me donuts tonight," she looked up with a grin.

he smiled back. "tell him to bring a dozen because i want some too,"

"oh, he better," she giggled just as the doorbell rung.

"is that him? it's early though, he should be at work," mike stood up. "stay here," he said to el who nodded and turned her head to watch him walk away.

he walked to the door and opened it to a small gap before asking. "hi, may i help you?" he asked to a girl that looked to be around in her teenage years.

she smiled. "are you.. is el here? eleanor ives."

"why do you need to find el?" he asked her before it clicked. "ava?"

her smiled widened and she nodded repeatedly. "yes, yes. it's me! is she here?"

mike smiled and nodded. "yes, she is but.. but, she has..." he took a deep breath before continuing. "she has anemia, okay? she doesn't remember you or anything."

ava let out a small breath. "what?"

mike nodded. "yeah.. please, come in," he opened the door wider and ava instantly stepped in. "she's in the family room," he led her to the room and then went up to el from behind. "el, sweetheart," he whispered as she turned with a lollipop in her mouth. "ya?"

ava bit down on her lip to stop the tears from flowing.

el smiled before asking. "who's this?"

ava broke into a small sob as el turned to mike. "your sister," he explained quietly, pushing away so hair from her face. "you know the one i told you about? ava?"