The rest of the week was uneventful, save for going to social security and having her name officially changed permanently to Ava Leigh Lawrence. Once those documents arrive everything will be complete. Then she'll have no choice but to tell her parents, house or no house. Thinking about her housing situation made her contemplate the idea she has.
It's a bold one. The idea will either be loved or hated. You gain nothing by staying inside your comfort zone. Her inner voice is telling her it's the right thing to do. So she's going to be courageous enough to voice her opinion and fight for the good of her marriage. Even if this means sacrificing herself. However as great as her idea is, she never acted on it. At all, period. And there's an extremely good reason for it too.
Friday after school, she and Johnny were going house hunting. Which she must admit is all very strange. Life was so different last year. In her wildest dreams, she never could have imagined getting married at age eighteen, not even graduating from high school. Much less getting married to the love of her life. Throw in being drunk and tying the knot in a Vegas chapel, well then it becomes a work of fiction. But it's not. It's real and all of that actually did happen.
So when Friday afternoon rolled around, she was all smiles from ear to ear. It seems neither she nor Johnny can stop smiling these days. And it's not all attributed to certain extracurricular activities in the bedroom either. Although come to think of it, that has been incredibly fulfilling as well. You think you know someone and then a whole new layer of intimacy gets thrown in. The intimate discoveries have led to a whole other coat of love.
It's truly the most breathtaking experience. Not because of the act itself, but from the closeness and understanding, which comes along with it. Before she just knew Johnny, but now she knows him like no one else. In intimacy is truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, reveal yourself to them, and stand in front of them unashamed, and know you're safeâ- that's true intimacy. And it's sacred.
As soon as the last bell sounded, and she put a bit of lipgloss on, Ava followed Dawn and Rachel out of the gym. In order to try and look mature, she wore a more sensible-looking outfit. Hot pink pants, black and white striped fitted long-sleeve T-shirt (which is tucked into her pants), and belted with a black skinny belt. She wore a cropped denim jacket over it.
Johnny met her outside of the gym, along with the other guys. They all walked to their respective vehicles as a group. The guys also want to get together later, but Johnny suggested "Let's hang out tomorrow instead. We can eat lunch and catch a movie, then go back to Sid's beach house and relax." He turned to Ava and her gal pals. "You chicks are welcome to join in our fun."
They all agreed, except Dutch who wondered "Why?" Then he thought for a minute. "I see what's going on here. You two are going to have some fun tonight. Right..."
In order to get him, quiet Johnny went along with his idea. "You know it Man." Fun it will not be, more like stress. He's been preparing himself for the pressures, and tension, that come with buying a house and being a first-time homeowner.
Once the guys had begun to ride off on their bikes, Johnny turned to Ava. She was saying bye to Rachel, who then rode off on the back of Bobby's bike. Finally. "Babe, you ready?" Taking his hand, she nodded. He looked down at their clasped hands and smiled. They're not alone anymore, they're together.
From school, he drove to Sandcastle Cove. In his research, he discovered there's a realty business there. Picket Fence Property is their first stop. When he parked the car and turned to her, he noticed she's fiddling with her shirt. "You OK?"
Looking at him, she stated "It's a lot to take in. I mean we're buying a house. A real house, not a play one."
Understanding dawned on him. He feels the same, but "This is a good thing. We'll have our own place. A house to call our own. A place to rest our heads at night. A place to go to after all of the ups and downs of the day. I've never had that, a place that's truly mine where I can go every day and feel safe and free. I have my mom of course, but Sid's a part of that equation. This though, this is us."
She loves his words and was going to tell him so. But then he added, "Plus it'll give us the freedom to shake the sheets whenever we want." Shaking her head, she chuckled. He gave her a serious look. "What? At the end of the day, I'm a teenage guy who's been given the keys to the kingdom. Do you realize how incredible that is?" He winked at her.
Taking her purse up from the floorboard, she told him "Well this kingdom is on lockdown until further notice." He pouted at her statement. "We'll see how this house hunting goes. I feel like it's going to be stressful."
Having the perfect solution, he stated "And what better way to relieve stress thanâ-" He couldn't finish his words cause she kissed him.
After their too short kiss, which Johnny also pouted about, they got out and went inside. The secretary, who was busy filing her nails, greeted them. She pressed a button for one of the realtors, then went back to working on her nails again. Ava was not impressed.
A short plump woman, with shoulder-length red hair, met the couple. "Hello, I'm Meredith. It's so lovely to meet you. You must be the Lawrence's. I have you on my schedule." She led them to her office, where they discussed what they are looking for in a house. Traditional coastal design with modern influence mixed in. At least four bedrooms and three baths. A great kitchen and living room, cause they enjoy entertaining. A big master bedroom with a spacious closet and on-suite.
Meredith took out some files and went through listings. She pulled several properties and had them follow her outside, where she guided them through their house hunt. Johnny followed her in his car. They passed by a neighborhood with lovely homes, then came to a stop in front of a two-story modern beach house. Although cute on the outside, the inside left much to be desired. It's a fixer-upper which they're not in the market for.
The couple viewed three more houses after that one. All nice, but each had different things wrong with them. For example, one was gorgeous and has a good layout, but there's not enough living space and so it went. But then Meredith took them to a property that is a little more inland, yet on a river that leads out to the bay. The property is about five acres in size and the house is lovely.
Ava adored Sid's beach house so much she was willing to sacrifice herself to buy it from him. But she's glad he's out of town on business because this house is so much better. It's a one-story, with a traditional coastal influence and modern updates throughout. Meredith told them "There are some Lowcountry and Creole influences here."
As they toured the home, Ava could definitely see those influences. The shutters are truly Creole-inspired with the way they open and sit on the house. The formal living room, just off the foyer, is fresh and sophisticated. It has wood beams running across the length of the ceiling, which brings a cozy touch. Updated built-ins on either side of the fireplace are all white with a scallop detailing across the top. The kitchen is made for entertaining, with a large island and floor-to-ceiling windows which bring in tons of natural light.
However, the most gorgeous space is the master bedroom and bathroom. There's a sweet bay window with upholstered armchairs and an ottoman. The previous owners left them. The room is dressed with soft soothing colors, that flows into a white and blue bathroom with soft floral wallpaper. The focal point is the claw foot bathtub and large walk-in shower. There's his and her sinks, which made Johnny thankful, and marble countertops on all of the vanity spaces (same as the kitchen).
There are four more bedrooms with four more baths. Plus a screened-in back porch with a brick-paved floor, an in-ground pool, and a two-car garage. Johnny liked the fact the front drive is paved and not just rocks (like they had seen at other houses). Meredith told them the house lists at one hundred and thirty thousand. It's not a terrible price to pay for land and a good house.
Meredith left the couple to explore the house again. She could tell they both like it. When she left them, the couple returned to the kitchen. They took in the spacious room one more time. Johnny leaned on the island and asked, "So what are your thoughts?"
Running her hand along the length of it, touching the marble, and looking at the cabinets, Ava turned to him and smiled. "I really like this house. It has all the things we want and more. I love this space. It's so huge, as is the living room. These spaces are perfect for entertaining our friends. Plus the master bedroom is enormous and the bathroom on-suite is SO nice. What do you think?"
Johnny knew she liked the house the minute her feet stepped inside. Her eyes had lit up just like her face. Plus he approves of it too. "I think we should get it." In an instant, his arms were full of her. They hugged in what could very well be their new home.
Before they left, Johnny told Meredith they want it and are prepared to pay today. Meredith has never dealt with this kind of client before, one who buys on the spot, but told him "Let's at least see if the sellers will lower the price some. How about I put in an offer for one-twenty?"
Ava and Johnny agreed and they all went back to the real estate office. Meredith worked up a contract, and pending a passing inspection and the acceptance of their offer, the newlyweds could be homeowners by the end of next week. When they left her office, all they wanted to do is relax. They both felt on edge but alive.
After ordering at Sonic, the two went back to Sid's beach house. It was there in the living room, that Ava confessed her previous plan to Johnny. "I had this great idea of going to Sid and buying this house from him." She saw the discomfort written on his face. "I thought I could use my golf winnings to help sweeten it. But then I knew I couldn't do it. What we share is sacred and true. I can't go behind your back like that, especially when you asked me not to. Plus the house we found today is ten times better than this one, and I love this one."
His heart fluttered at her words of what we share is sacred and true. It is, he agrees. His posture and jaw relaxed. "Thank you for trusting me enough to not do that. If you had gone through with it, then I don't know what I would have done. It would have meant you don't trust and respect me. And without those things, there's no love, no communication, and no reason to go on."
Those words cut her deep. Yet they're accurate. He looked at her and stated, "We have sufficient funds. Plus my financial advisor continues to make money with my money every day, so there's that. I need you to believe it."
She leaned forward and placed her hand on his arm, in recognition of support. It's time she had a real talk with him. "It's hard for me to trust sometimes. I have tendencies to want to do things myself." Seeing his frown, she told him "But for you, for us, I'll try. I'll try to be better about that." Her eyes looked away. "You see Johnny, I also have these obsessive tendencies. When I hone in on something it's hard for me to let it go. During my battle with anorexia, I was obsessed with how I looked. Like I'm not pretty enough, not thin enough, not like her enough, not this, and not that enough. And because I obsessed so much over those things, it led to me hating myself and trying to reform how I look or how I act. Once I got over the anorexia, I had to also break all of the bad habits that I learned during that time. Obsession is one of them."
His blue gaze is fixed on her. It's hard for him to hear this, that the love of his life hated herself. She's beautiful to him, inside and out. All he could ever want is in her arms. He put his food on the coffee table and held her hand.
Catching her second wind, she continued talking and explaining. "Obsession over small things is something I haven't fully broken. Instead of obsessing about my looks, I sometimes transfer it onto other things. Finding a house is one of them and having money to live on is another. Please know I don't do it to be mean-spirited or because I don't love you. It's just a struggle for me."
Stopping and closing her eyes to clear her head a minute, she thought of her next words. Upon opening her hazel eyes, Ava took both of Johnny's hands in her own. Fixing her own gaze on him, she spoke clearly and with love. "I promise to be on your team, to be faithful to you and us, to be quick to forgive you, to stand by you so you never have to stand alone. I promise to respect you, follow your lead, support you, call you out on your crap, trust you, and above all love you."
She wiped a tear falling down his cheek and wiped her own. His head bent down to kiss her hands. "For the record, I think you're hot. I tell you all the time you're the tastiest babe in the school, and I mean it. You might not believe yourself but believe me when I say it." He kissed her forehead. "Whatever you lack, Babe I got it. We balance each other out. You have a bad day. I promise you a better night. You need support? I'll be your backbone. I'll keep you motivated, challenged, and at the top. You get tired? I'll carry you on my shoulders. You got me. I got us. I love you."
The couple sealed their love with a kiss. Sweet, and full of passion, and pure of heart. He pulled back and caressed her cheek. Then they finished eating their dinner, feasting on greasy food and respect for each other. The couple lay on the sofa, watching a movie together. All The Right Moves with Tom Cruise is one of Ava's favorites.
While they were watching the movie, Johnny said "I don't know if I should be jealous of him or not."
Ava grinned, even though he couldn't see it. "Definitely not. He may be good looking but Tom Cruise has nothing on Johnny Lawrence. If I'm the tastiest babe, then you're the yummiest hunk." A chuckle filled her ears and her eyes saw a grin on his face.
About an hour into the movie they both fell asleep on the sofa. Johnny woke up first. Trying to roll over, he realized he couldn't. Opening his eyes, and letting them adjust to the darkness, he understood why. Ava had rolled over and had him in some kind of a strong and weird leg lock, with her head on his chest. He tried gently pushing her off, but it didn't work. So he settled for picking her up and carrying her to bed, where he finally had space to stretch his long legs out.
The next morning, saw the couple spend a lazy Saturday morning in bed. They really didn't want to do anything but knew they needed to check in at home. Seeing as how they did not make home last night, or call, their respective mothers would be worried.
After showering, changing, and eating breakfast Johnny drove them home. Driving down the twists and turns in their neighborhood, they made plans to see each other later at one. "In a few more days we won't have to do this. Me dropping you off and us meeting up together later. It'll be us together 24-7," he told her. She could not disagree with that statement. They're both looking forward to that day.
When he pulled up to her house, Ava noticed her father's BMW is in the drive. She hopes he doesn't bombard her with questions. That can be super frustrating. Before she got out, they kissed goodbye.
Inside her house, she didn't bother to greet anyone just went straight up to her bedroom. Chase was waiting for her, sitting on her bed. He seemed totally nonchalant and grubby with his hair sticking up in all directions again. Narrowing her eyes, and feeling frustration at him being in there uninvited, Ava asked "What do you want?"
Chase gave her an eerie smile, similar to The Joker. It's creepy. "What do I want? So glad you asked. I want no trash duty for a month. I want your allowance for half a year. I want season passes to Six Flags. I want candy for a month, anytime I ask for it. And I want tickets to see the Lakers, courtside."
Ava couldn't help but wonder what the heck he's on about? "Have you fallen and hit your head? Why would I EVER do all of that for you? You who dyed my hair blue, who put my toothbrush in the toilet, who farts in my face... You must be living on Fantasy Island."
Rubbing his hands together and giving her a mischievous, spiteful expression, Chase began to explain. "I'm SO glad you asked Sis. Besides the fact that we're family, it would be in your best interest to do those things."
Not impressed with his answer, Ava put her hands on her hips. "Why," she asked again. Turning she stared at him with irritation mounting in her body, as evidenced by her tense face.
As if by magic, he pulled an oversized Manila envelope from behind his back. Why hadn't she noticed that before? "Because if you don't, then I'll have to share this with dear old Mom and Pops." He then gave her the envelope.
Opening it cautiously, she pulled the contents out. Her left hand went flying to her mouth, while her legs struggled to keep standing. Right there in the envelope are pictures of her and Johnny at their wedding ceremony. A letter from the chapel accompanied them. It stated that their pictures, from their wedding package, have been developed and they thanked them for choosing Little Chapel On The Strip. Great balls of fire!!!
Seeing his sister's recollection, and reaction, Chase announced "I'm sure our parents would just love to know their saintly daughter up and married Rat Face. So are you going to provide the goods or not?"
Since she has the photos in hand, Ava stated "No. I have these right here." She waved the photos around. "And you're not getting them or anything from me."
A mischievous laugh came out of his horrible mouth. "Oh, Ava. You're hilarious. I had copies made this morning. So what are you going to do?"
Great balls of fire!!! She's going to cut his hair off while he sleeps that's what. But she now has no choice. "Fine" she stated with annoyance in her voice.
He got up and patted her shoulder. "Pleasure doing business with you Sis." When he reached the door, he told her "I expect candy and your allowance by Monday." Then he exited with the same eerie Joker grin as when she entered.
Once he left, she took the folder and put it in her purse. She has to tell Johnny about this when she sees him later. Evil, stinky, ugly, fart face brother!
**Author's Note**
Hi dear readers. Just a quick note to let you know that I will not be publishing chapters on the weekend anymore. I want to use that time to proofread for the coming week. So new chapters to both my stories will be published Monday-Friday. Love you all!