9
Ava “s POV
I rushed Dalia into what appeared to be the kitchen.
To say the least, it was enormous; there was an island in the middle of the kitchen with a sink at one end and stools all around it. The counters were black and white marble, and the cabinets were dark grey to match the house’s theme.
Before we went playing, I took Dalia’s hand in mine and asked if she wanted something to eat. I was avoiding Andrew at all costs because I knew he wouldn’t try anything with Dalia around.
I’m not afraid to defend myself. When I first moved to New York, I looked for a self-defense class, and now I also practice kickboxing. I just didn’t want to roundhouse his a$$ on my first day at work.
She looked at me and said, “Avaaaaaa, can I have some cream crackers?”
“Of course, Princess,” I said as I looked at her bright eyes and smiling face.
Dalia exclaimed, “On the top shelf!”
I grumbled as I looked up to where she was pointing, knowing I couldn’t reach it but hoping to find a stool somewhere.
“Stay right here, Princess, I’m going to look for a stool.”
“All right, Aavaa,” she said.
I laughed as she said my name, knowing that most kids her age couldn’t roll their “r’s.” “yet.
I entered the dining room and noticed some chairs that I thought would be fine to use. I took the chair and dragged it into the kitchen.
When I arrived, I saw Dalia sitting at the counter eating Animal Crackers and Andrew talking to Dalia with his back to me. I sat down and walked over to the cabinets to get her some water.
I locked my gaze on Dalia, who exclaimed, “Avaaa!!!”
I noticed Andrew “His back tightens and his jaw twitches. He was mesmerizing, but the moment he turned towards me and looked at me, I was shaken. He was enraged, and all I wanted to do was put him in his place for being so impolite.
“Dalia, go to the other room and start coloring; Ava will be right there with you shortly.”
My name tasted like poison in his mouth, and I never wanted him to say it again.
Dalia exited the room, smiling and content with her Animal Crackers. I returned my gaze to him, but this time he was closer to me than I had anticipated.
He put both of his hands on the wall behind me as I leaned against it. I was uneasy under his glaze as he looked at me. I needed to get out of there, so I placed my hand on his chest and tried to push him away, but he didn’t move “I didn’t move an inch. He slammed my wrist against the wall behind me, which was on his chest.
I was drawn to the action.
“Never again should you put your filthy hands on me.” He spat out, still staring down at me, our faces only inches apart.
I despised him because he reminded me of all the thoughts I had pushed to the back of my mind. I calmed myself down and mentally told myself that I was no longer weak and that I would not be pushed around like I used to be.
With my free hand, I grabbed his wrist, twisted it, and took my hand and shoved him off me, taking advantage of his surprise. I shoved him away from me a few feet.
“Don’t ever touch me again, and if you ever need to talk to me, you can do so through your mother.” You are not my employer, and as such, you do not have any kind of authority over me. Please do not ever bring my name up in your mouth again.” I spat out while staring him down.
I walked out of the kitchen to find Dalia before he could say or realize anything.
The rest of the day was uneventful, but I had a constant adrenaline rush going through my body. I felt like I could run 10 miles because I had taken all these classes but never had the opportunity to put them to use in real life, and even though I only pushed him and may have given him a sore wrist, I really felt great about myself.
He realized I wasn’t someone he could intimidate and manipulate. I was no longer the helpless girl; I am strong and will never allow anyone to take advantage of me again.
The day flew by, and it was soon time for me to return home.
Mrs. Veronica had inquired about my living situation and whether I would be willing to move in with them, but I quickly declined. I knew I couldn’t avoid Andrew forever, but I didn’t want him to find out where I was living.
I even lied about my address so that only people I truly trusted knew where I lived. I was relieved that the family didn’t know where I lived, but even more relieved that “he” didn’t know. I gave Jenny my address; I know it’s illegal, but Jenny lives in the same apartment building as me and knows what I’ve been through.
She insisted that I give her address to all of my employers just in case. Her boyfriend was always with her, so he would be there if anything happened. I’d have to be cautious around Andrew; he was dangerous, and I couldn’t let him find Jenny instead of me.Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.
I got out of the house and onto the subway. I was lost in thought when my stop came faster than I expected, so I got off and walked to my apartment building.
After I got into my apartment, I took a quick shower in an attempt to wash away everything Andrew had made me feel. I exited and changed into a tank top and shorts.
I climbed onto my bed and dialed Jenny and Charis’s numbers. They both answered the phone when it rang a second time.
“Avayyy!” Jenny yelled.
“Bitch, tell me you got the job!” exclaimed Charis.
“Guys, I got the job.”
I then proceeded to tell them about the pay, at which point Charis nearly had a heart attack and informed me that we were going to be getting linked bank accounts. I told them how excited I was, and the family was wonderful; of course, I “forgot” to mention Andrew. If I told them about him, I knew they’d come to his house with pitchforks and torches. After a conversation that lasted an hour, we finally hung up because it was going to be Monday in the morning, and we all had to get up and go to work.
I tried to sleep by closing my eyes, but every time I did, I saw him and his piercing green eyes.
I finally fell asleep around 2:00 am