Ava thought she had the world figured out until it was turned upside down. She must decide if she wants to be free or re-building the life she had.
Series Order: Baby Steps, Colossal Jump, Moving Forward, Little Leaps and Passing Motions.
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The thin piece of paper resting under Angela's hand terrifies me. She flicks the pen against the kitchen bench top as she continues to mutter the things we'll need. As I sit on the couch with Blake beside me, I wince at how expensive it'll be to buy the basics. Maybe Blake and I can live with one cup and a spoon for now? We'll sit on the floor and use a cardboard box for a table.
"We're not going to be able to afford any of this," I whisper to Blake.
As much as I want to move out and explore the freedom of having our own house, this is beginning to feel like more of a hassle than a dream come true. I know it's just a small hurdle, but what next?
"It'll be okay." He pats my knee. "We'll figure it out."
"Your father and I can pay for some of this," says Angela. "We'll cover the cost of-"
"You've given us enough already." Blake quickly dismisses the idea. "You've also got your wedding anniversary party to plan and pay for. Don't worry about us, I'll figure it out."
Angela slowly swings around on her stool to look at the pair of us. Her eyes narrow in with the classic sassy look Angela does so well.
"Blake, you know I can't let you move out of this house unprepared. So drop that idea and let's think! Maybe we could go to the second-hand store for the basics?" she offers.
"That's a start." He nods.
"You can have the bedding, towels, and that kind of stuff," she mutters.
"I can't take the bed, what if you need to use it?"
"I've got it!" Angela jumps off the stool which excitement. "You can have everything here. Take the kitchen ware, the furniture, take everything."
"Now you're sounding crazy! We can't take this stuff."
"Why not?" Angela pouts.
"What if you need it?"
"Why would I need more dishes?" she grumbles. "Your father doesn't clean the ones we have now."
I burst into laughter while Angela seemingly batters her eyelashes innocently. We're going to need a boat load more boxes if Angela decides she really wants to give this stuff away. Knowing her, she'll probably clean her house and give us even more. It's not soo bad but we'd have boxes to the roof.
"Mum." Blake's voice is low with the slight edge of annoyance. "I can't take your things."
"Don't be silly, Blake. What are you going to eat off or at? How are you going to sit and watch television without a couch or screen? These are just objects to me, but it's a home to you. Take it."
"I'll grab more boxes from the entry way." I climb off the couch so that Blake and Angela have a moment to talk.
Down the hall is a set of flat boxes we'd manage to collect from people. I grab one and pop it into shape. As I tape the edges, Blake wanders down the hall and comes to stand beside me.
