DISSOLVE.

Rachel offered a chuckle.  “Yeah, I’m glad Rory is so firmly back in his life for that purpose – and many others.  It really saves me that he can talk to his dad about it all, though.  I think it saves him, too, because he really loses patience with my lack of retention sometimes.”  It was the best and also the least of the reasons Rachel was glad to support Adam and Rory’s rekindling relationship.  The small details that built a life and a person, the commonalities that made bonds possible – she felt like both of them probably needed that with one another.  It also built trust with her and Adam, in a way.  He was starting to believe all the times she had awkwardly defended Rory by trying to delineate the difference between a bad person and bad or selfish choices.  It had been hard for her not to just throw Rory under the proverbial bus in all her disappointment, but now it was paying dividends.  The evidence was small, but measurable. 

She was immediately shaking her head when Ava mentioned being a teacher.  While she generally liked mentoring or explaining, she didn’t have the patience to do it equally amongst any multiples of other people at a time.  One mentee was all she could handle.    “I’m with you.  No way.  I really liked school when I was there, and I like learning, but I didn’t love the environment.  I’ve never looked back.  I’m pretty confidence a master’s degree is as far as I’ll ever go.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how bougie it sounded when she had no idea about Ava’s own background.  Then again, she knew Rory had a master’s degree of his own, which wasn’t a secret and was something he used every day, so Ava probably didn’t care one way or the other.  It could be said she was strung just a little too tightly for this conversation, doubting every word that came out of her mouth. Every doubt was coated in the insecurity of her distinct lack of social awareness.  With some effort, she shook that off and issued another quiet chuckle, perhaps a sound of relief to someone who was a stranger, rather than being strained.  She hoped, because it was at least genuine.  “It’s the only way for me to bake.  I guess it could be said I’m a little too detail-oriented when I’m following the directions, and my inner self-critic is a little less fussy when there’s wine involved.  Because, yes, I’d definitely rather do that than be out in the city – or here – on a weekend night.  The last time I really went out in a planned way was speed dating, which… I cannot in good conscience ever recommend to another living soul.” 

ღ

“Yeah, I can imagine. Especially if they have boy talks, or whatever the equivalent to what girls did anyway.” A faint laughter slipped from her lips. Ava would like to say she’d know how that dynamic would unfold between daughters and mothers, but she had no knowledge in that either. She’d always been on a different wavelength to Evelyn Halliwell, and there was no desire on her behalf to make efforts in understanding the woman either. Neither her or Cleo did, and with her relationship with her father in mind, it was the one of the many reasons why she understood just how important it was for Rory to rebuild this relationship with his son. “Maybe that might be a teenager thing though, they don’t have a lot of patience reserved for adults. I mean, I didn’t really anyway.” 

Then the topic of schooling surfaced, and Ava hadn’t been the most studious person either. Although it was a fact that she accepted long before adulthood, as creativity ran through her veins — it was why she was drawn to fashion so much. Maybe even why she found herself drawn to Rory too. “Hey, at least you made it to getting a master’s degree. I always wondered if I missed out on the college experience though. But school, for one, is something I could never imagine going back. Not at my age anyway.” She smiled softly. “I see kids these days and I feel for them. I can only imagine it’s worse for them nowadays.”

They were both being civil and polite to one another, Ava could sense that, and though the awkwardness lingered, the brunette felt a tad more at ease than she was merely moments ago when she found Rachel standing on the other side of the door before her. At least they could both find something in common, somewhere to stray away from the elephant in the room of it all. “You know, sometimes those kind of baking ends up being the best results. I find that if I cared too much, I end up picking at everything that went wrong with it.” Her smile widened a fraction, nodding in understanding at the mention of speed dating. She tried that, once. After she left Nathan, and it only left her feel more alone than anything else. “Speed dating, huh? I mean, there has to be a more natural way of dating, right? Something about speed dating just makes everything feels...forced, you know? Props to you for going through with it though.”

At the mention of their first time together, Rory smiles, faint, solemn. It excites him, of course, to think that they’d been able to resuscitate their relationship, to experience all sorts of struggle in the time in between and yet to come back all the stronger for it. Still, there is no denying that both of them constantly kept their cards close to their chest, as is the byproduct of hardship.

And, Ava — Ava had experienced the worst of pain of all, one that battered her soul in more ways than one. Where his struggle is internal, a belated manifestation of his buried shame and regret from his brother’s death and then fully yielding to the phantoms of his past, hers has been inflicted by the man who was supposed to take care of her the most. Adding to the burden weighing against her heart is the last thing he’d ever wanted to commit. But his route of keeping everything secret himself has only led them here: dancing around each other, entrusting each other with warm hands and feather-light touches, yet keeping their lips bare of any horrid thing. 

Rory has to speak up. Hasn’t he learned, the first time around? 

So, he does just that. It does not come as a surprise to him that he would articulate his thoughts far too sloppily, his words an entangled mess of genuine sentiments through broken clauses, but Ava understands him clearly and makes quick moves to reassure him. They’ve mastered the art of touch by now, and as her hand grazes at his skin, the comfort it exudes is simple — and best of all familiar. But what surprises him is that Ava follows suit of his words, disclosing her own frustrations about their future, her gaze solemn though expectant. 

“Hey,” Rory stretches out his hand for hers to take, “You know it won’t come to that. I’m always here, and… well, I haven’t exactly been subtle about wanting to spend the rest of my life with you, you know.” He deliberates before bringing the proposal up, searching her face for any sign of reproach. When he finds none, he takes a sharp inhale of breath and continues. “That’s what’s next. Because, this—” With his free hand, he gestures at the air between them, “—this is the only thing that makes damn sense.” 

It’s then he realizes they’ve been in the same boat all that time. Both he and Ava have treated their happiness as something that would inevitably break. This elicits a smile out of him, ironically enough; put that way, their shared sentiment cannot be further from the truth. Upon her admission, his chest feels lighter, like a rock has finally dislodged, clearing the water out of the way. Or sitting in a pool of darkness before the sun casts against it, only to reveal a clear spring. 

If there’s anything the ring box he’s been carrying in his pocket all this time should signify, it’s that his love is the furthest thing from fragile. “So talk to me.”

ღ

Their relationship and the journey it took to be here, in this moment right now, would be one for the books. The extent of their story all remained between them, and Ava knew, that they both were not about to take this for granted. If anything this morning had indicated to her now, was that they both still needed to work on their communication to each other, even if it was a drastic improvement to the years prior already. She wanted nothing more than to shoulder his burden, just the same as Rory when he expressed the same sentiment to her many times before. The problem was, they needed to let each other in. 

Rory was not Nathan, she knew that. 

He was more than she deserved, she knew that too. 

The mention of the proposal did not take her by surprise this time, but rather, her gaze softened at Rory’s words, warmth enveloped her whole as Ava gladly took his hand. “I know, I know,” Her chocolate brown hues met his own, with fierceness of her certainty to her love for him. That had never faltered, not once even when they weren’t together. “And just so you know, I haven’t forgotten either.” As if shyly, a smile formed upon her lips. The memory of that morning alone never faded in her mind, and her rejection left a bitter taste in her mouth when the thought arose. On another day, her answer would’ve been different. That was what she was trying to say. That her answer had always been hanging on the tip of her tongue since that day. 

“I feel the same too. You know, us — being together, the way I feel for you — it feels like the easiest thing in the world. Maybe it’s because I haven’t felt this way in a very, very long time, and that’s why it scares me the most. I don’t want to lose it, you know? I know it won’t happen, but there’s always that thought in the back of my mind that goes, what if?” The admission alone made her feel instantaneously lighter, and she wondered why she didn’t speak sooner. But that was how the past year had been like, the pair of them tiptoeing around one another, until reality gave them nowhere to hide, with only one choice, to unveil their truths to each other.

So when Rory asked her to talk to him, in this moment — Ava halted for a brief moment. Her mind wracked for just where they should begin. Ultimately, the brunette settled on something that clouded on her mind lately, on the rare nights when the side of her bed was empty, allowing her thoughts in invade her mind. “Do you feel like you’re splitting your time too much between me and Adam?” She blurted out instead, only for her pearly whites to nip on her bottom lip in contemplation, when the words came out wrong. “I mean — when you first told me about Adam moving here, I didn’t exactly react well to that. I guess at the time, I wasn’t sure if everything could work in parallel together. Hell, maybe even my place in all of this.” It was a first step, to say the least. The memory of that night alone was one of the many things they both didn’t dare to address until now. “I still wonder about that sometimes. But now, with us moving in...I know you want to make things work with Adam, and I don’t want you to feel like you’re distracted,” Taking a deep breath, she continued. “What I mean is — I don’t want to distract you from mending your relationship with your son. I don’t want my own insecurities to keep you from that.” 

In plenty of ways the pair had been attached to the hip upon meeting. Ava was one of the few people who weren’t in his family who had looked past his leaning disabilities and forged a friendship with him for better or for worse, something he’d be forever grateful for. Working at the funeral home was something that had simply popped into his brain at Asher’s birthday party and something that thankfully Ava didn’t have to put much thought into. He didn’t want to get paid, having enough money to last him a lifetime from being a professional athlete, but he did want the company. Being at home, all the time, had been making him inevitably restless and ever since he had been diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia as a child, had Gabriel hated feeling useless. Working with Ava at the funeral home made some of the anxiety go away.

Now, could he be working with his mother like he did when he was a teenager? Yes, but Sylvie had a thing about keeping him close at all times since the accident and working with his mother would quite possibly drive him up the wall and it wouldn’t be good for neither of them. He closed the door to the office behind him with one foot while the piece of pizza hung from his mouth, making his way over to one of the chairs in front of Ava’s desk and sitting down on it, it wasn’t often that he fit properly on chairs without looking like the overgrown man child that he was. He still didn’t give the pizza to Ava, placing the box on his lap, he took the piece that was hanging from his mouth with his good hand. “Please, you can have sex with Rory on your own time, we’re here for business, your business, if anything, I’m the one who’s doing you any favor cause this place is creepy as fuck after midnight,” he offered her a smile, but didn’t take long in placing the box on the table after the suggestion of wrestling him. “I want it to be known that wrestling disabled people is a crime,” Gabriel pointed out, leaning back on the chair and giving the piece he had in his hand another bite.

His eyes left Ava’s face and roamed around. He had been to that office countless of times, but he truly meant when saying that things gotten particularly creepy after midnight. He remembered one time when the brunette had begged him to watch a special screening of Night of the Living Dead and Gabriel had spilled popcorn all over the place. He didn’t do well with horror, not in the same way Ava did, but would power through when asked. Returning his attention to her once the rest of the first piece was gone, Gabriel reached for the second. “I really love what you done with the place, not that it’s less creepy, but it’s more you,” he said nonchalantly. “You know mom laughed at me when I said I’d be working with you while I got better? She told me not to call her in the middle of the night when you started freaking me out with death stories, and horror stories, like when we were kids and camped outside my house, Jesus, I swear to God, don’t make me call my mom. I hate it when she’s right.”

ღ

A part of her worried for her best friend. Not that those sentiments would fall from her lips, because Ava was certain that she would not hear the end of it from Gabe — but his accident frightened her nonetheless. One would think, having dealt with death almost daily in the past year or so alone, she would be desensitised to the subject matter alone. The brunette thought she had the ability to do so too, until the difference was that it was her loved ones that were harmed, whether that being a life-threatening accident or not. But rather than pushing him to talk about his thoughts and feelings, she knew what her friend needed was some form or normality. Not for people to tip toe around him like he was an injured animal, but rather Gabriel Livingston, the boy that she’d grown up with since she was in diapers, with a plethora of memories shared between the pair. 

At his comment, a scoff fell from her lips. “Hey, you do realise we’re doing this in our own time too, right? But let’s leave my sex life off the table tonight.” Her nose wrinkled in thought. “Who said I can’t be having fun on my own? Have you thought that you’re crashing my party right now?” A brow rose in challenge, although that was hardly the truth. Gabe’s company was much needed, especially when fatigue was just around the corner and if there was one person that could hold a conversation with her, that would be Gabe himself. On the outside, one might believe that the pair hated one another, but their words merely came from a place of affection, that was how their dynamic was over the years. Watching as he finally placed the pizza box on the table between them, she reached over and fished out a slice, chewing absentmindedly before almost choking on her mouthful at his remark. “Please, you’re only saying that because you know you’ll lose.” Shooting him a pointed look, the thought amused her nonetheless. She wouldn’t really put it past them to wrestle like children, especially once he recovered properly.

“Well, you can thank the arsonist for that.” Ava answered with a shrug, almost nonchalantly — a stark contrast from the morning when she found out about the fate of the funeral home from Rory. Now, that all seemed like a distant memory, but still, she couldn’t shake the thought whether this was something she could do for the rest of her life. Yet whenever that thought surfaced, her aunt creeped up in her mind at the same time. She was doing this to carry on her aunt’s legacy, it was what she deserved. But then, Gabe’s voice pulled her out of her reverie, and her grin widened in memory at his words. “Can you blame Sylvie? But maybe you need to take a different approach to it, or something. What do they call it? Exposure therapy? I’m happy to host a horror marathon for you, maybe that’ll just do the trick. I’m just saying, I’m helping you to prove your mom wrong here, being the great friend that I am to you.” 

Their childhood was far from ordinary and conventional. Friday nights weren’t spent as a family around the dining table, reflecting about the week or walking down memory lane. The four girls frequently saw their parents and their work-striven attitude. Most of the nights growing up, Cleo was tucked and read to sleep by one of the many nannies ─ their appearance in the girl’s life remained limited because the minute they got too close, Evelyn would fire them, and a new face would be held responsible. It’s a robust cycle that carried well into their late teens until independence slithered to the surface. Over the years, there hadn’t been a moment where the blonde held any remorse against their sisters. While she may not be sharing secrets often with the younger sisters or have a chance to see them regularly like Ava, Cleo loves them, and that much matters. “Yup, the four of us,” Reciprocating Ava’s question with a slight purse of their lips and vaulted brows, aware the request is slim-to-unlikely. It didn’t hurt to ask though, because the hidden treasures found in the box may grant them further luck. As predicted, it’s unfortunate, but she still takes the photos in the possession as a simper twirled upward on her mouth corners. “Mind if I keep these? I have some free picture frames and could use some life to my foyer.” And by life, in their conscience, meant showcasing the fact they have a family rather than still photos that remained from the moment of its purchase. “You deserve it,” she points out roughly, a pointed look towards Ava to knock it off with these statements. “Because believe me, out of all people, you deserve this happiness.” It’s as simple as that. “As for myself, it will be interesting to find someone willing to handle my whole being and bat collection, but I’m sure there’s someone out there.”

Fortunately, not giving them much of a chance to think about how they haven’t been blatantly trying, the theatrics of her own being still hasn’t disappointed her yet. Nor is there a likelihood that it will. So the indelible walk down memory lane comes with a guffaw impacting creases in her eye corners and a bright red from the emotions settling on the apple of their cheeks. There’s never been a time with Ava where she hasn’t been engulfed in utter merriment. “Talk about engrossing forms of interest, huh?” Laying the hilarity thick in the interlude free of laughter, nodding a moment later. “Noted ─ I have two routes if my life goes to shit: invent state of the art baseball bats or be an agent to the evergrowing sea of upcoming actors and actresses,” she acknowledged. It could be something. After all, she knows a plethora of knowledge in business and first-hand experience smooth-talking investors from all sides of the field. This known brawny behavior on her behalf will serve Ava well in retrieving the pictures with ease, a tranquil feeling radiating from them. “Oh, with no problem. I’ll have a good window if I’m able to send Evelyn and Arthur on a goose chase,” she smirks, “Just tell me the date you want this completed by.” Casually sending a wink to her sister, peering into the box as the remnants have left its perspective home. It counts a victory given there’s more they have to tackle; they can extend this break period a couple of additional minutes. “I’ll text you with a confirmation date; then we can whip something up. I don’t want anything extra.” Shocker, but she holds a hand up to insist a continuation of words, “I know, hell will freeze over because this statement dared to come out of my mouth, but I’d rather celebrate it with family, close friends, and anyone from my team.”

ღ

On the outside, Evelyn Halliwell spent all her energy trying to craft the picture-perfect image of their family for the island to see; although that was no easy feat, not when Ava spent her time causing mischief, perhaps a way to get her father’s attention when she was a teenager. Simple to say, there was never a dull moment coursing through their household, both for the better and worse, because the brunette knew she neglected some of her duties as their eldest sister — something which she was trying to make amends of right now, on top of all the unresolved issues in her life. Maybe focusing on others formed great distractions, until everything came back in a full circle and hit her with full force. Slowly, but surely though, she was learning that over the past year. To not bear on so much on her own and share her burdens with others — even when there were days her stubbornness took over in strides, trying to shut down the new habits that she was trying to instil in her life. It was a saddening truth that there weren’t many photos of the four sisters together in comparison to the ones taken of her and Cleo. The reality being that her and the blonde before her had always been closer because her sister understood most of her life’s decisions, whether they were in agreement to them or not. “Sure, but do you mind me making a copy of these too? I barely remember having these taken, so it’ll be nice having this displayed somewhere in the new place as well.” As the topic shifted, her gaze softened at her sister’s words. “You’re only saying that because you’re my sister,” She started, before retaining somewhat seriousness as she continued. “But thank you. I mean that — even if the idea of being happy still takes some getting used to sometimes.” She reached over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before a chuckle fell from her lips. “Oh, there will be, I have no doubt there’s someone out there for you. It’s only their loss if they can’t.”

Then it was just times like this, chattering about mindless topic, not a single worry in their minds — even just momentarily, that Ava missed the most. There’d been a good part of the last decade that lacked such light in her life, and while it would be a while before those memories became background noises in the back of her mind, the light at the end of the tunnel was there. She could see it now. “Better than having some boring old interests, if you’re asking me.” She answered with a shrug, a grin stretched upon her features nonetheless. “See — you’re already doing better than me, you have two back up plans. But are you sure you’d want to wrangle Hollywood’s finest?” Her brows rose in question. Not that she doubted her sister’s ability in such career, but rather the potential headache that may arose with the profession. Nevertheless, these were all hypotheticals, as there was no indication that Cleo’s business would ensue in failure. The blonde would not allow that to happen anyway. Although the conversation was all in jest, she couldn’t help but perk up slightly at the plan that conjured up in ridding evidence of her pageant days. “Both of them? Good luck with that, I hear they can hardly stand to be in the same room as each other right now. Did I mention that I’m probably in Evelyn’s bad books right now?” Rolling her eyes at her own words, but the brunette knew she was partially at fault for that, considering she kept the knowledge of their father’s infidelity to herself. Then, Cleo’s latter comment pulled her out of her reverie, shock evident across her features. “Cleo Halliwell and lowkey? Now, this just made the release party even more interesting. Are you sure you want to invite our parents to this? I’m sure nothing extra isn’t part of this family’s vocabulary, like, at all.”

In peculiar intervals, specifically in the wee hours of the morning when sleep finds no integration with their body, Cleo lies awake in wonder over what kind of mother she’ll be. Or if becoming a parent will ever be in their future. The blonde knows these concerns stimulate to the surface due to a few external factors: age, her sister settling down again, but the biggest supplier of these enclosed insecurities is the one and only, Evelyn Halliwell. Everyone knows the matriarch of the Halliwell household is a woman Cleo shares one too many similarities with. Though some traits aren’t a disadvantage, especially having the drive to work and fight for what they rightfully deserve, but witnessing the disinterested approach firsthand frightens the blonde on a regular. It’s one thing to thank a parent for particular genes, her laser-sharp jawline, but it’s another thing to assume she’ll end up a striking image of the matriarch and be the worst mother possible. Hence, anytime Evelyn pressures the eldest Halliwell girls about finding a forever and widening the family bloodline, Cleo reticulates in a fight. The last thing she wants is to admit that she panic-stricken once, in all of the thirty-something years on this planet, and it may be beyond her control.

Rather than allowing this consumption of thoughts and the sparse parental image of the four of them at Cleo’s university graduation to indicate something’s bothering them, the blonde digs further to preoccupy and avoid any genuine concerns. Though, Ava knows her too well. Enough to the point where the statement about keeping some of the pictures comes with a poised brow just as the blonde tilts their head back for a moment ─ not because they regret speaking up and letting nostalgia overtake, but to think of the pictures they have in the Avalon apartment. “You can make me a few copies,” she states dryly, “I need the graduation picture, Christmas from ‘07, both of our debutante balls ─” Pausing, her head returns to its normal level eye level before azure hues tamper due to laborious thought. “Do we have one in the stack with all four of us?” By all four of them, the second eldest meant the sisters. “And I think that should be all,” Songbird falsetto concludes, taking a moment to look at their sister before deciding the fate of the item in her possession. She can see the mirth expression upon Ava’s face, and it’s a worthy sight after all of this time. But, it wouldn’t be a Cleo moment if they didn’t interject the moment with a sharp remark, “The way you speak about interior decorating with your beau almost makes me want to have this for my future.” Which is nonexistent currently, but it doesn’t hurt to imagine an innocent possibility for the future.

Nevertheless, their conversation sweeps gracefully into its next topic, instant in causing a peal of laughter to escape their mouth, all because of Cleo and her love for those baseball bats. The interest in collecting bats is a peculiar one. As it frequently received perplexed looks when the blonde explained it’s their form of trophies and medals. Though, the rational thinking on their behalf knows these items she’s collected is helpful for protection in the unpredictable, dangersome world. It’s merely killing two birds with one stone. “Can you believe how long I’ve had some of these bats?” The first one she collected was after the first year of filming Saint Catalina. “All of the questionable looks I’ve received all over the years about my choice of collecting, yet now… those people who probably judged me wish they were on my level and were as inventive as I am,” she hums in remembrance. A laborious shift causes solemnity to settle upon the younger woman to guide her sister in the right direction of having possession of her pageant photos once and for all. “But, your pictures are probably at home ─ in the attic, most likely.” Which has become Evelyn’s go-to storage location due to their mother’s recent interest in remodeling the Halliwell Estate. Now pulling out a ragged blanket, no life in its current existence, she throws it into the trash pile. “Oh, I asked your future sister-in-law to help me narrow down on flavors. Poor girl needed to have a little bit of fun,” she says in a soft smile, tucking a loose lock before continuing: “However, f you want to help me with planning a release party, I wouldn’t say no. I should know the expected release date in the next week, week and a half, at the latest.”

ღ

The bad always wielded more power over the good; the same could be said by her childhood memories, so when the two Halliwell’s were now sitting on the floor, reminiscing about the past — Ava only realised now, how much she focused on her anger with her family, and that she lacked in being the sister that was expected of her. Just like the same expectation she placed upon Arthur and Evelyn Halliwell all her life. Although the later merely seemed like a bizarre dream in her mind, she often wondered if Cleo ever harboured some form of resentment for that. At the same time, she knew her sister well enough that she would not be afraid to speak up when needed. It was one of the qualities that she admired about the blonde. As her younger sister listed out the photos she required copies of, the brunette began to filter them out of the stack of photographs, just in case they would slip her mind once Cleo headed home for the night. “The four of us?” Her brows knitted together as she looked through the photos again, only to find two in said pile. “Oh, there’s these two,” She handed them over to her, in case she wanted to inspect them herself. Perhaps it was saddening how there was so few of the four Halliwell sisters together, but then, it was rare to find a moment when the six of them all gotten along in harmony. Smiling fondly at her sister’s remark, she could almost feel the apples of her cheeks heat up faintly as her mind drifted to Rory for a brief moment. “You know it’s nice. Really nice. I still don’t think I deserve it sometimes...yet here we are. But when you really want it, Cleo — you will have it when the time comes, as cheesy as that sound.”

The mention of Cleo’s collection caused laughter to spill over her lips, shaking her head in thought at her sister wielding such weapon over these years. It was something that never failed to amuse her, even though the prospect of it often rose people’s brows at times. Still, nothing about being a part of their family indicated normality. That was the rule one of growing up in such household. “You collect bats, I find the funeral home relaxing — there’s nothing normal in a day of being a Halliwell. They can judge all they want, it’s better than some of the fetishes out there, if you’re asking me.” Grinning, she nodded in agreement at her sister’s words. “You know, if this wine business doesn’t work out, you can always try out the bats, it’s niche enough to get people’s attention anyway. Maybe you should copyright that before anyone gets the same idea.” Although she was not that knowledgable when it came to those kind of businesses, it was more the blonde’s forté than anything. “Huh, any chance you can get rid of it, before anyone has a chance to show them to Rory?” Ava asked in jest, but it wouldn’t be the most terrible idea to rid them all, considering it was often a time of her life that she remained tight-lipped about. Something she had partaken in against her own will. She couldn’t help but blush slightly at the remark about Ellie being her future sister-in-law, briefly reminded of her boyfriend’s sudden proposal in the past year. “That’s good, I’m glad you can get her in on that. She’s still young, she deserves all the fun.” She smiled fondly as she continued. “But you know I’ll be there to help at any moment’s notice, I need a break from all the funerals ever so often after all. Sometimes the living aren’t all that bad — present company included, of course.”

at halliwell funeral support  on APRIL 27TH. around two in the morning.

closed starter for ava halliwell — @avahalliwell​.

Not in one million years did Gabriel expect to be working with Ava at the funeral home. 

For once, he was the most scared person in the room when watching any kind of horror movie, despite powering through them all. His friends knew better than to ask him to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre with them and both Georgina and Gabby had held his hand during those movies long enough to know that he had a death grip. Thankfully he had broken no hands or fingers, but had apologized profusely.

Secondly, the funeral home was ominous, and not in a good way. He had visited the place a few times throughout his life, not for any major loss in his life, but because him and Ava were mostly glued to the hip at all times and wherever she was, he was most likely to be there too. Still, did not mean that he liked it. So it was at least strange that he had offered himself up for a job at the place, but his fear did not outweight the boredom of doing nothing during all his waking hours before he eventually took the sleeping pills and repeated his day once he woke up again. He was thankful that Ava took him in without reservations, even if some of their days were longer than they had expected.

Like that one, two in the morning and they were preparing for an early morning funeral. Gabriel had stepped out from Ava’s office once the pizza had arrived, he knew she’d want to pay, but he still did it for her, thanking the delivery guy and grabbing a piece of pizza before he even got to office, pushing his way inside once he had arrived at the door. “Pizza makes it not so bad that we’re still here,” he grinned, still talking with a full mouth, “I’m sorry they didn’t drop your pizza by, I don’t think I can share.”

ღ

The funeral home had always been a place of escape for Ava; when she was younger, it was to be free of the proverbial restraint Evelyn Halliwell placed upon her. When she returned to Catalina after a decade of terror inflicted by her late husband, it was somewhere she found solace in, despite the eerie reputation the funeral home held to most people. Now, more than a year of returning home, with a reconstruction of the establishment under the belt, she didn’t know what this place meant to her anymore. It was always to carry on her aunt’s hard work in her mind; but lately, she found herself wondering if this was what she really wanted for the rest of her life.

Although it was late nights such as tonight that often invited these thoughts in Ava’s mind; had it not been for Gabe keeping her company tonight, she was almost certain she would spiral a tad further. The prospect of her childhood friend working alongside her was something that’d never crossed her mind before; sure, they’d hung out here in the past whenever she helped out with her aunt, but truth be told, the moment he set foot through the threshold, her mind already went into overdrive, thinking of ways to put her mischief into use. She wouldn’t dare to say it out loud, but his company was much needed, filling out the silence during occasions when she had to prepare for an early funeral service.

The brunette was hovering between hungriness and tiredness, her head pressed against the wooden desk when the door swung open again, not bothering to look up until a whiff of greasy pizza filled her nostrils. “Hey, you didn’t tell me the pizza guy was already here.” At his remark, Ava childishly stuck her tongue out at Gabe, leaning back against her chair as she eyed him, before her gaze fell to the pizza box in his hand. “And this is how you pay me back for spending time with you over my boyfriend at two in the morning? Ouch, you wound me, Gabe.” Then, a thought crossed her mind, and a smirk gradually formed upon her features. “You know I’ll wrestle you for the pizza, the night is still young after all. It’s up to you if you want to do this the easy or hard way, my friend.”

Rachel echoed Ava’s chuckle.  She wasn’t sure if it was normal or expected to comment on the qualities of an ex that might overlap between relationships.  She had only recently come around to the idea that she could remember certain things about Rory with a degree of fondness, rather than everything being tinged with hurt and maybe something a little bitter.  Just because they hadn’t worked out didn’t mean there weren’t good things about him, good things about her, and good things about their relationship.  There were definitely qualities Adam had inherited from his dad, or had adopted if not been genetically gifted, and she could love those things, too.  

“Yeah.  I mean, I was always a reader, too, but it was definitely never comic books.  I’ve tried more lately, but my success has been pretty limited.  I’m considering finding audio formats so I understand what he’s talking about more often, but I’m not there quite yet.” 

She shrugged, taking a sip of her water.  Obviously she’d been expecting Rory, but there was no point in being rude or sarcastic about it.  There was every possibility this was just as uncomfortable for Ava as it was for her.  They were fumbling through together and the only way they’d be successful is with grace and patience – two things Rachel could only ever manage with a concentrated effort.  So she made one now in the hopes Rory would be able to recognize the effort for what it was  – mending bridges for Adam’s benefit. 

“Yeah, I kind of wish Spring Break was still an expected thing as an adult.  Instead, we have weekends that are never long enough.”  She shook her head, but offered a genuine smile.  “Baking can be exciting,” Rachel disagreed, but pleasantly.  “I have a pie crust my mom made without a second thought that I will be beyond thrilled when I can replicate.  If I’m serious about it, I should probably stop having a glass of wine while I’m trying to do it.  I guess that’s all the homebody in me, too.” 

ღ

The concept of sitting in harmony (if she would go as far as saying so) with her boyfriend’s ex was one that seemed to be fictionalised in her mind. Perhaps that was due to her own experience with Nathan, and he was not the kind to willingly admit any form of failure, and that included their marriage. Granted, Ava knew she was not always surrounded by monsters like her late husband, but that didn’t stop the blanket of pessimism to loom over her life, and it took the turmoils of last year for her to crawl towards the light that deemed missing for the past decade of her life, even if that was still a working progress at times. 

“I guess we’re both on the same boat about that. Rory seems to be passionate in comics too though, which is nice for Adam than to spend all his time trying to explain what’s the latest new superhero in town, or whatever that is.” And for Rory too, although she didn’t add. Ava knew just how important salvaging his relationship with his son was, considering the times missed when it wasn’t at all smooth sailing in his life too. It was ironic how in their dark time they’d found each other, but only now, did she realise at what cost that came to. Her own relationship with her family wasn’t at all great either, and which was why if Rory needed to prioritise his son over her, she would understand that wholeheartedly. Even if her own insecurities was telling her otherwise.

“Right? Unless you’re a teacher, I suppose. But it comes at a compromise, doesn’t it? I could never go back to school.” Her smile widened slightly as she spoke. Ava had never been a studious person, not when she spent her teenage years striving to annoy her parents alongside with Cleo. “Hey, there’s nothing with enjoying a glass of red while baking. I’d be lying if I don’t do the same too. I always bake enough to feed a village, but doesn’t it beat going out on a Friday night?” 

To think all of the moonlight evenings, in which the sisters refused to go to bed under Evelyn’s iron fist, would be spent discussing how they’d love their futures to turn out to be. Certain elements of the last decade were never in discussion: specifically Ava’s marriage to a man who laid his hands on her and Cleo’s car accident a month after hearing words from the American Ballet Theatre. But, how would these two know the cards the universe had prepared for them? Those evenings were when both girls were young, bright-eyed, and full of innocence. Sure, the sisters had to deal with Evelyn Halliwell and the misfortune of her being every day of their lives, but the sheltered upbringing did nothing to prepare them for the complications. Though even in these misfortunes and mountains that needed to be climbed after losing hope, if it hadn’t been for Ava and the sisterly bond, their conscience couldn’t imagine where things will be. Let alone living, in reality, they’re currently in, Ava in the progress of moving in with Rory after years of back and forth (childlike play, might the younger claim it to be), and Cleo further growing their name in the world of business.

So, the reflection of the past isn’t meant to shutter the demons to the surface ─ though it wouldn’t be the first, let alone last time, this happened to Cleo. It’s moreso granting the permission to be the final keyholder, or decisionmaker, on what matters versus what doesn’t in this opportunity unfolding for their sister. And if there’s one thing they know about Ava is the older sister’s tendency to avoid like there’s no tomorrow. Rather than letting that enter into this glistening chapter of hopeful forever with Rory (now that they approve), they’ll force the horrendous tasks of walking down memory lane, which led to a plethora of pictures causing a gleam of authenticity, even overtaking the glaze of her optics now. “Surprisingly, I wouldn’t either.” Songbird falsetto elucidates as it would be tempting with Evelyn’s prior face being in them. But these pictures, the pile of them, isn’t about their mother. No, it’s the sisters standing firmly beside each other through life’s milestones. “What do they say about cheesiness? It adds another five years to your life span?” That’s pure bullshit but manages to cause them to laugh wholeheartedly. “Please tell me you won’t allow Rory to make all of the interior design decisions. I get it; it’s his job and how he breathes for it or whatever, but I want to see you sparkle through,” she says with a pointed expression, aware the Halliwell women have no issue with putting a foot down when necessary.

However, the thoughts happen to be fleeting as the horror stories of Ava’s pageant days crawl to the surface as it instantaneously causes her features to scrunch into a waded-up paper ball. “Have you investigated the Country Club?” Stating factly in a conspicuous tone, remembering the hours they spent in the audience as miniature Barbie dolls waltzed upon the stage. “I’ll be honored to help you. I mean, my criminal record is clean, and I’ve always thought I would look good with a mugshot hanging over my head,” she jests in a topic others would avoid for the life of them. Not Cleo, though. Something about reckless behavior and pushing Evelyn closer to heart palpations fuels the blonde in making decisions in the spur of the moment. It may eventually come back and bite them in the ass, but life’s too short to live by rules and to become a dull, domesticated housewife who only uses it to push children out. Nevertheless, the idea is short-lived as Ava informs on her never kiss and tell policy, as azure hues roll into the back of her head. “Geez Aves, you kind of broke that rule by admitting, let alone thinking, about roleplaying as a schoolgirl in your cheer uniform,” she huffed with tampered hues, now throwing an old blouse into the donate box. Though rather than prospering on, her sister’s okay signals procrastination, as they follow suit in a halt. “Might come off as a shocker, but I’ve been knee-deep in preparing for this upcoming sangria launch that I haven’t had time to enjoy anything else.”

ღ

One might believed that Evelyn Halliwell’s controlling nature would have ultimately drove a rift between the Halliwell sisters. After all, Ava strayed away from the natural inheritance to be in line to take after the family business, and instead, the brunette inherited the funeral home. That responsibility did not fall to Cleo, however, because her sister knew better than to be told what to by the pair that had hardly been proper parental figures to their daughters. The fault with her slightly strained relationships with their other sisters was probably hers, considering she left for New York without a second glance over her shoulders, leaving them to the wrath of her father and stepmother. But the elder sisters were free, in some aspect because they remained grounded to their own beliefs. Even when she didn’t know what her end goal was. But her freedom came at a cost, and her younger sister knew just as much as the small group of people she allowed into her world after many years of shutting everyone out. There was one name they would both not utter now that her late husband was buried six feet under, nor the tragic accident that diverted Cleo’s dreams to become a ballerina either. But it wasn’t as though fate didn’t treat them well, considering the position they both found themselves to be in right now. 

A poised brow raised at Cleo’s response, surprised to hear that they felt the same sentiment as she did regarding the cheesiness of the decorative decision. Her sister had always been someone, in her eyes, that had her laser sharp gaze on the present and future, not the past. But the knowledge of that alone warmed her heart nonetheless, perhaps it was a Halliwell trait to appreciate nostalgia ever so often, even if it didn’t seem obvious that members of their family would ever do. “Do you want to keep some of these?” She waved the stack of photographs in her hand at the space between them. “Or I can make copies of any you didn’t have already.” Warm brown hues fell to the memories in her hand once again, their bright smiles reflecting back at her was enough for a fond smile to form, before laughter spilled over her lips at their remark. “Uh, if that’s the case, then maybe I need more of that, thank you very much.” The last year alone felt like a few years of her life had been knocked out of her, and she wondered if she really, truly lived in the remainder of the last decade either. “I mean, I’m kind of putting Rory in charge of that, but I know he’ll want my input too.” To be frank, the interior design of their home wasn’t so much of a priority for as long as she was able to call a place with Rory home, as cheesy as that sounded. “I do want to bring a part of this place to our new place though.” She added, meaning the Spanish influence of this place. 

“Please, I try to stray away from the country club if I’m not needed there.” Her nose wrinkled in thought, considering most of the time Ava turned up to the establishment was upon Evelyn’s request or for some island event that she rarely had any interest for. “I mean, you have a bat with you as well, so I’m sure you can cover your own ass if you get into trouble, right?” A mischievous grin surfaced as she continued. “Do you think those evidence would be at the family home more than anything else? I really wish we can burn them before any more family gatherings.” Not to mention the potentiality of her boyfriend and his family witnessing her most embarrassing moments either. But those words were left unsaid, just like the impromptu proposal from Rory too. In due course, those matters would be discussed, but like the task of clearing out her belongings today, she was prolonging them for as long as she could. She knew deep down, Cleo probably knew that the packing would be completed by now if she put her heart to it. Which was exactly why she needed her sister’s assistance right now. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” She feigned obliviousness for a moment. “I’m pretty good at keep a tight lip on these kind of things, so I’ll just leave that up to your imaginations now.” Grinning, she nodded lightly as she listened to them. “Oh? How’s that going? Is it ready for launch yet? You know, if you ever need any help, you can always ask me. You know I won’t say no to sangrias.”

Exigent experiences not only test the individuals but the friendships in existence. Some people understand life and the capability it has on a person. In contrast, others fail to realize the grand scheme of things. Yet, with Ava and Georgina, their bond remained intact long before they learned about the shortcomings life presented them. Souls consistently gravitating toward each other as judgment will never linger in the air, nor will either one of them will be greeted with a cold shoulder regardless of how long it’s been since they last spoke. It’s one of the innumerable reasons why the marginally older brunette asked Ava to be Joanna’s godmother. Not only to thank the other for being a rock during the unpredictable hurricanes that cascaded through but for the love she received. It’s why she asked those she trusts with taking on the responsibility of loving and guide the kids like their own, if anything were to happen to her. Of course, the latter is only hypothetical and to covers the basics of the unknown, but essentially, to give her peace.

Even with the bustling afternoon fixated around Asher, it didn’t stop Ava from pulling out the nines for the boy’s birthday bash. The sight indicates to her how much Ava cares about her kids, immediately transpiring in thought about how she knows the other will pull out similar stops when her own bundles of joy enter the world. Whenever that day happens is unclear, but the half-full concept circulating within Geo believes her friends enlarging merriment and foundation with Rory will fully cement the hole Nathan couldn’t mend while providing every dream. “Ava, sweetie,” her silvery voice cuts in, laughter managing to interlace itself, “All you do for Joanna and Asher blows my mind. I don’t even need to beg, plus always willing to extend a helping hand in any way possible. So, you don’t ever have to worry about fighting for that title; it rightfully belongs to you.” However, the statement could be said to the three other godparents, but it’s beside the point. Even if the tone is intertwined with laborious jest, heartening her friend’s spirits doesn’t stop Georgina from the saccharine from overpowering. “But, if you two were to whisk the kids away, maybe in a few weekends from now, I wouldn’t argue whatsoever,” she hums discreetly as mouth corners upturn in a playful manner.

But the blithe conversation concludes before growing devoured about Sebastian and his daughter. In the weeks since reuniting with the former lover, her conscience fails to tug away from the plethora of what-if’s and sorrow swallowing her hole. While the interaction was pleasant, Georgina is no longer able to think solely about herself. Each action and decision will have a consequence for Asher and Joanna’s future. Thankfully, the movement of her hand being squeezed by Ava in appreciation brings her back to the surface as she softly beams ─ the mirth reaction failing to connect with her hazel gaze. “Bash and I broke up briefly toward the end of our sophomore year,” A weakened falsetto confirms the mental calculation unfolding. “Two weeks roughly, and he had a one-night stand in which I believe is how Gianna came into the world.” Assuming the latter portion, she was aware of the one-night stand because Bash came over the following morning and told her everything. Afterward, the topic died entirely, and neither one spoke of it any further. But, the sneaking suspicion has returned to the surface. “All too easy,” she breathes out a laborious sigh, hands slipping into the pockets of her costume, “It doesn’t help that Joanna is fawning after Gianna, though.”

ღ

The efforts Geo made today, to all the stops pulled by both pairs of godparents alone, made Ava wonder just for a moment, how differently her relationship with her own parents could’ve panned out had the same effort been put into her childhood too. Maybe every fibre of her being wouldn’t have been bubbling with rebellion, maybe her and Cleo wouldn’t need find ways to cause vexation within Evelyn Halliwell. Still, the idea of a loving and caring family deemed non-existent within the Halliwell household. Perhaps on the outside, that was how it portrayed so, but like all relationships, just like her own marriage, there came a different story behind closed doors. Shaking her head at her own dwindling thoughts, Ava was pulled by to present by Geo’s words, beaming lightly nonetheless. “Oh, we better keep this secret between us then. God knows how the others will react if they ever heard you say that.” Although she had no doubt in her mind that they were all just as qualified to be Asher and Joanna’s godparents. If there was one she trusted in her friend, was definitely her sense of judgement. She knew Geo was only humouring her, but it was something she appreciated anyway. “Hey now, you’re giving me ideas. I’ll confer with Gabe and we’ll start going wild with our plan.” She grinned. There was certainly a hint of truth in her words, since it wouldn’t be the first time she dragged Gabe into her own mischief.

But with Geo, their conversations fluctuated between serious and mindless conversations; the cue was evident, as they drifted towards the topic of her friend’s ex-boyfriend. If there was one thing that crossed her mind once when Ava was still residing in Catalina, young and bright eyed with no dire need to any commitment, was that she thought the pair would’ve been there for the long haul. So it was surprising to find that one day, that suddenly all fell apart out of the blue. The brunette was never the one to push anyone to talk, and she knew whenever Geo was ready to open up on this matter, she would be there right by her side. Even at her child’s birthday party amidst all the giggling and joyfulness surrounding them. Her brows knitted towards the center as she listened to her friend’s recollection of the memory, shock washed over her as Geo’s words finally sunk in when she finished. “Geo...” She trailed off, hands clutching the other’s a little tighter in sympathy as she continued. “I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t know that happened and he became a father not long after that, even. So you didn’t know about his kid, then?” The news ought to be a shock to the system, considering during their decades long of friendship together, she understood that Sebastian meant a lot to her friend at some point in time. “No, that probably doesn’t help. But how do you feel about it all? Seeing him again and everything?”  

Despite the lack of coffee and the early morning hour, a persistent restlessness rests against his bones. What nervousness he’s managed to keep dormant is ready to burst against the seams, and his eyes shift between the living room and the door of the house so as to ground himself. Fittingly, it is Ava who offers the most repose; her voice reverberates throughout the room inasmuch as her tender smile comes to ease his nerves. 

Though the topic on which they’ve landed is far from easy. It strikes him suddenly that his reservations of the house run in accord with something else, a fear he hasn’t dared to confront for some time now. Deep down, Rory knows, that whichever property they would choose, they could eventually turn into their own. After all, they had called his apartment — a tiny square in comparison to the rest of the properties queued up for the morning — as a home without little reservations. 

“I think I’ve figured out why none of the places feel like they’re working out.” His pensive expression is made complete with a forlorn stare; for once in his life, he is settled. Returning her gaze, he begins. “It’s not just that we haven’t had to talk about what we want in a place,” he sighs, “I don’t think we ever allowed ourselves to talk about a lot of things.” 

He walks towards the front door and swings it open, letting the air in and giving themselves time to breathe from the weight of his revelation. In any case, they’re due to step away from the house, anyways. Their private viewing is due and he suspects the next couple would arrive any time soon.  It’s only once he steps out to the front porch when he deigns to elaborate, “A lot of the time I think it’s my fault. You know how I always dance around with most people. Try to make people feel better.” He scoots forward so that he could rest his arms against the railing. “But then you’ve got your own way of avoiding talking, too.” A laugh escapes his throat as he looks towards her again, tone still forlorn as he continues. “Look at us, huh?” 

“It’s just — part of me feels bad, you know? Not because I feel bad with you, no, never — I feel bad because I feel so goddamn happy. And part of me thinks I don’t deserve it. ‘Cause of how awful I’ve been. As a father, as a husband, hell, as a son.” Rory sighs, looking back out on the tree-lined street, uncertain whether he has the courage to meet his girlfriend’s gaze. “Do you think that sometimes? How it feels strange, that we’re happy, while everything else feels like it’s falling apart?” 

ღ

House hunting ought to be a daunting process, although Ava didn’t expect them to be riddled with questions — or rather, their buried issues to resurface on such occasion that, in some aspect, supposed to be joyous for both her and Rory. Sure, there came a level of uncertainty as they embarked on this early adventure today. Perhaps they came into all this unprepared, unsure what they were in search for. But her boyfriend was right. There was many things left unsaid between them, and the moment he finally brought it to light, made her stomach sank. 

It wasn’t as though Ava didn’t trust Rory — hell, if she would so bold say so, she would trust him with her life if the past year had proven anything. It was rather fitting that neither of them were great at expressing their thoughts and feelings with words, but through actions instead. The gentle touches to express their affections for one another, all the way to the sudden proposal months ago, all left unsaid, yet unforgotten at the same time. Their happy moments came scarcely, and when they did, she cherished them enough not to say anything else, afraid by the sudden turn of events could just ruin it all for them.

But Ava didn’t jump into disagreement the moment Rory’s words left hanging in the air between them, because she knew deep down, he was right. They talked enough everyday, over mindless topics but they never really talked. Even if they did, it only came at a time when everything was hanging by the thread — the realisation of it all caused her to tear her gaze away from Rory, falling to her shoes instead as she followed him outside of the threshold of this house. “We really make a pair, don’t we?” A breath slipped through her lips, the rush of fresh air eased the sudden heaviness in her chest. “I’ve never been too good with words — you know that, if the first time we were together told you anything.” 

Yet the memory alone seemed like an eternity ago, after all that happened last year. But before Ava could dwell on that thought any further, Rory’s remark brought a rush of sadness to come over her. “Rory,” Her brows furrowed, as she positioned herself in front of him, a hand reached up to gently caress the side of his cheek. “You’re not awful, I know you’ve been trying to make amends in the past year and that makes you better than most people out there. You deserve this just as much as anyone else. But you’re right, there’s a lot that we haven’t talked about, and I don’t even know where to begin.” 

But ultimately, at the mention of just how deserving they were of their happiness, Ava only felt like a hypocrite when her sentiment had been the same. Even after all this time. The revelation only cause her hand to drop to her sides, as she turned away from him. “But yeah, I feel like that all the damn time,” The admission alone caused her to take a deep breath, as she continued. “Sometimes I just want to hold on to these times when everything is going well and not let go, because I’m not even sure if I deserve it either. So I guess that’s why I just always avoid talking, because a part of me always I wonder what’s waiting for us next. Not that you could ever cause me any unhappiness, because I haven’t been so happy in such a long time. But still, last year haven’t exactly been easy for us, you know?” She gave him a sad smile, as she finally plucked up the courage to find his gaze again. “It sounds stupid, but I’m afraid that if we do talk about everything, the illusion of our happiness might just break for us.” 

Aunt Lorraine is unfamiliar and an enigma that frequently pirouettes in their conscience about the other side of Ava’s family. All of their years together, living underneath the same roof with the matriarch known as Evelyn, the second eldest Halliwell not once indulged in the wonder about the pseudo mother figure in her sister’s life. There may have been times when they come off as uninterested, not even caring about the other woman who helped shape their older sister into who she is today, but Cleo knew the reason why she didn’t ask. Had she asked about Lorraine and the details of Ava’s relationship with the other woman, a fit of particular jealousy would come through. Not because she ever once envied Ava, moreso having a place in their glacial heart for the warm-light embrace of the other, but the fact every part of them would’ve wanted someone to believe in them fully.

Cleo had people, an example being Tamara Rojo, as this connection line was different because the woman was paid to train the upcoming ballerina in the formative years. Of course, in the years of their connection, they grew into a pseudo-mother daughter connection, but still, a lingering part of them wanted a bloodline connection to overpower the missing hole they didn’t realize they longed for. It would never come from Evelyn because of the woman’s hands-off relationship. Nor would Arthur feel the need to welcome his three other daughters with a homey embrace after a long day at school. Still, these thoughts only come to the surface because a box of essentials that the blonde is digging through makes them wonder if things had been different where they’d be.

Maybe they’d be less of a flight risk and logically think through decisions to subside the nagging located in the pit of their chest. Or perhaps, from the months of being convinced and growing within Evelyn Halliwell, the second eldest Halliwell was doomed from the start. Either way, the scenarios wouldn’t astound them.

Rather than burying into the festering emotions, Cleo indulges in the clearing of the cardboard box as they come in contact with scattered photographs. Upon the first investigation, a few of them was Ava with Aunt Lorraine before sifting through to see the sisters in enormous locations on the island ─ Catalina Island Country Club, Catalina Casino Masquerade Ball last year. Though, in particular, one causes the blonde heartstrings to tug instantly, Cleo’s graduation from University of Berkeley. Both of them young, innocent to the kinds of complications the world can bring to the surface, but it was an afternoon they’ll never forget. After all, she still has the gown from those years ago. “Memory sakes, keep them.” Stern voice waves the photographs with a positioned brow before passing them over to Ava. “You could do one of those cheesy wall frames with the letters spelling out HOME scattered throughout. Maybe you can check up ideas on Pinterest,” she suggests in a neutral falsetto before azure optics glue to the cheer outfit.

Scoffing, and puffing, like they were about to blow the house down, an odd sight of the costume notices a glittery detail in the olive green fabric. “Ava, this is fucking horror, I tell you! Glitter in a cheer uniform? Joan Rivers is rolling in her grave.” Dramatics are laborious in their suit, aware that Cleo, out of the four siblings, lived for giving others a show. Of course, it may only be Ava in their presence, but it doesn’t stop them. It’s why the blonde got nominated most entertaining in her senior year, as it stuck throughout years. But she doesn’t linger on the choice of fabric, thanks to her sister mentioning a potential sexual innuendo. “Oh my god, stop it.” A soft plead slithering through, suppressing a false gag from slipping into the atmosphere, as Cleo just came to like Rory for her sister after a year of testing the male and frequent threats: their favorite was telling him to stick his dick in a wall socket. “I’m not going to ask you questions about every item,” she pointed out, coming across a few worn out sweaters before tossing it in the trash box, “Only items that I feel like you’ll need to talk it through.”

ღ

The way both of the sisters sought guidance and guardianship from figures besides their parents, perhaps could be one of the many chain of events that led to how the Halliwell’s dysfunctionally operated over the years. Although the root cause of it all always stemmed back to Arthur and Evelyn Halliwell — even if Ava could not pinpoint exactly just when, it all went south. Maybe neither of them were fit to become parents, and the brunette merely fell for such illusion when it was just Arthur and her against the world. With the expansion of their family, it was the sisterly bond between her and Cleo that was the greatest gift of them all. To keep each other’s sanity in check whenever they were overwhelmed by the Halliwell matriarch’s antics. Even with her other sisters, she was working her damndest to salvage those severed relationships. Becoming a fixer was part of her job description, after all, maybe the fine line between work and personal life was more blurred than she realised.

While Ava had the tendency to dwell on the past, she was at least attempting to correct this old habit as her mind returned to present again. But today, her reality merely brought a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet to her mouth. If she could have it her way, she would prolong this further, for she firmly believed these boxes were better to remain sealed shut, just like many of those old memories locked safely in the back of her mind. Avoidance was a sweet bliss than provided her with temporary relief, and if she knew better, she would understand such behaviour was only causing more damage than good. Shaking her head lightly in thought, her attention turned to the blonde as she reached into the box containing a plethora of photographs. Peering over her younger sister’s shoulders, she smiled fondly at those memorable moments in life — unbeknownst to them, what life had in store for them. “I don’t think I can ever throw these away,” She took the photographs from Cleo, flicking through them as she continued. “Maybe a little bit of cheesiness is what I need in my new place,” She grinned, both Ava and Rory were not immune to such sentiment every once in a while, although those conversation shall always remain private between the pair. “Well, one thing I can guarantee though, is that I won’t have live, laugh, love plastered on our walls. You know we both have better tastes than that.” 

Shuddering at the thought, Ava was quickly distracted from the horrors of the decorative choice as her attention returned to the cheerleading uniform again. “You think this was bad? Don’t you remember when Evelyn forced me to those pageants? God forbid there’s any evidence of those dark days left anywhere on this island — I’ll make it my mission to destroy all of them.” Her nose scrunched up in disgust, knowing Cleo understood the reign of terror the woman inflicted on them over the years. But even then, she knew her sister at least gave her step-mother some glimmer of hope with her choice of profession. If anything, that surely had appeased her for a while, until her sister decided to cause other troubles of her own to get a rise out of Evelyn. “Sorry, I’ll stop. You know I’m just doing my sisterly duty to scar you for life. I’ll never kiss and tell.” She teased. The fact that Ava and Rory’s relationship remained a secret for a good part of the year, made talking about their relationship to others feel rather strange at times, albeit in a good sense. It was about time that she could talk about the source of her happiness, and she only wished it was sooner, that was all. “Okay,” She nodded, although as if she was caving into the temptation of procrastination, she pulled out her old prom dress as she surveyed it, before absentmindedly asking. “Anyway, what’s been going on in that busy life of yours? I know it’s only been two weeks, but fill me in, and maybe try not to make me feel old as hell in the process.” She added in jest.

To be honest, a life outside of Catalina Island had been limited in its years for Georgina. Only knowing the difference between her hometown and university life for eight years, including medical, as her visits back to the isle remained frequent ─ coming to see her family. So when she lived in Stanford and wandered into San Francisco, she couldn’t imagine herself settling in the city or being just another veterinarian within a one-mile radius of the other. Sure, it had been a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to interact with souls with dissimilar backstories. But, her conscience always drifted to the long-term future: having a family and the importance of settling down. It would’ve given her parents and sibling a chance to admire the city full of differentiation from its Golden Gate Bridge to its alluring oceanic Alcatraz. Still, she always knew Catalina would be her endgame, knowing the ground like the back of her hand as nothing, not even the array of stories from the city, could severe that.

And if it hadn’t been for this decision to return to the quaint island, then Ava wouldn’t be here jesting about being the best godparent in the running ─ a frequent joke amongst Ava, Gabriel, Gabriella, and Rory, as of late. “I don’t know.” Silvery falsetto hums playfully, looking elsewhere in the spacious and bustling backyard for a fleeting moment. “It seems like lately, there’s been a competition between the four of you.” Using the brief adjourn to throw a vaulted brow to the other’s direction, wondering if Ava knew what she’s talking about, “I might have to start purchasing sashes in bulk to have them ready to hand out in these different occasions.” It comes out in a laborious jest, admitting to the other she’s noticed a rivalry amongst the godparents as it provides humor to something mundane to others. After all, this is why Geo asked the four of them to take on the godparent responsibility if anything were to happen to her. It’s the best decision she’s ever made.

Using the interlude to run a hand through her locks and take a sip of her water helps adjust to the intense topic. “You know I would never judge you, let alone call you crazy, Ava,” hazel optics linger upon the companion, indicating the authenticity of her words with a soft beam. “But, it’s about time you start enjoying what’s happening now.” The suggestion comes with her head tilting to the left, “And if the worst is bound to come, you should worry then, as you won’t be alone because I’ll be  there.” If there’s one thing these women know, it’s the importance of leaning on each other through the impenetrable times that’s defined them in the past. Just as the fellow brunette got what was filling the center of the chest, the same goes for Georgina by entering the territory of acknowledging Bash’s existence. With a slight drop of the head, a sigh passes into the vast air. “My mom told me ahead of time.” The news prepared her for the face-to-face run in a few weeks later at Twinkle Toes. However, it’s been challenging to shake off the interaction and how she grew weak at the knees, like her body and heart forgot he broke her heart and left her with no explanation. “But, I did talk to him ─ it was weird because, well, I saw his daughter.” Pausing because there’s a hefty detail she’s excluding because it complicates timelines. “His fifteen-year-old daughter.”

ღ

With all its flaws, Catalina provided her salvation at one of the darkest times of her life. It was bizarre to think that time in life happened merely over a year ago, when it felt like an eternity as Ava was buried underneath the weight of it all. Some days were more daunting than others, but she knew, if she made the comparison to what she endured before, her bad days were minuscule from the hardship spanned over the last decade. Optimism rarely ran through her veins anymore, but her mind couldn’t help but indulge in those thoughts lately. About the future. Her life in her hometown. While that once was nothing but an empty void to her imagination, spectrum of colours began to shine through amidst the darkness. For that, she knew there were many people in attendance to thank, and Geo made no exception to that. While words was never her forté, she could only hope those sentiments were understood through other actions throughout their friendship together.

Becoming a godparent was something Ava never expected, yet at the same time, it was an honour that she would eternally grateful for. Although at the topic of their running joke regarding their competition as godparents, a chuckle fell from her lips, before she feigned offence at Geo’s reaction. Before a cloud of obliviousness came over her feature, shrugging lightly in pretence that she had no clue what her friend was insinuating. “Come on now, I’m just trying to live up to the expectation as the best godparent.” She grinned. “Plus, me and Gabe are on the same team anyway, we might just whisk your children away for an unforgettable trip one day.” There was some truth in her words though, considering both her and Gabe discussed just exactly how they would win over Asher and Joanna’s hearts. “You totally should, I’ll wear it like a badge of honour.” She quipped, her grin broadened in the thought of four grown adults acting perhaps more like their godchildren’s ages than anything else. Perhaps the amusement of the friendly competition was exactly the serotonin boost they all needed, though.

Geo’s comment was the sole reason why Ava would trust her friend with all her heart. The fact that she wouldn’t harbour judgement for her thoughts built up a strong foundation for their friendship throughout the years. “I mean, if you ever call me crazy, I’ll at least know something’s wrong with me. It’d be a wake up call, even.” Ava answered in jest, before her features softened at her latter words. “I know you will,” She gave Geo’s hand another gentle squeeze in appreciation. “I guess I just need to stop living in the past or future, and instead I should focus on now. It’ll take some time to get there but I promise I’ll try to work on it.” Maybe even, she ought to return to therapy at some point, considering she’d been pushing it aside like a chore since Nathan’s passing. But she didn’t allow herself to dwell on that matter for any longer, because the news of Sebastian’s return ignited a wave of curiosity and concern for her friend at the same time, nodding at the mention of her mom’s warning about his arrival, before eyes bulged slightly at the presence of his fifteen years old daughter. “Fifteen? Wait, that means...” She trailed off, brows furrowing as she calculated the math in her head. “Wouldn’t that be close the time you were together? How did it all go? Bumping into Bash and meeting his daughter, I mean.” 

If there’s one thing Cleo excels flawlessly at, other than running their mouth and threatening people with a baseball to knees, it’s the latest obsession with organization. However, as it’s always been something instilled in them, it only took a binging session of Marie Kondo on Netflix and the death stare she received every time Cleo passed by the pantry to challenge the mess. And if someone was going to tidy it up, it would be no one other than the iron-willed blonde. After a tedious Saturday, a day full of blasting the random Spotify playlists, the vision crafted in their conscience came to life as each shelf had a zone for its residency: baking supplies, easy last-minute meals, general food storage for cans, snacks, and at the top sat pans and other necessity the roommates on irregularly. The sight in front of them brought a wholly of emotions, causing her to share them with others in spam of six photographs.

It may not be much from an outside respective angle. But, the hours of devotion along with frequent smoke breaks to relieve the stress bubbling with them turned out to be worth it. Of course, there had been moments where Cleo thought Marie Kondo came off as a buffoon, tiresome, and too false in their angelic behavior  ─ but the woman had sublime. So while the organization around the apartment came to a standstill, Ava managed to rope Cleo in with sweets and the occasion to catch up. It had been a few weeks, two to be precise, as this isn’t extensive to the years they spent apart when Ava lived in New York, but things could’ve unfolded in two weeks.

Cleo stands error-free with their thoughts because something is happening ─ the step many of them have been waiting for: Ava and Rory moving into together. Or at least, planning to, as the search hasn’t caused the couple to narrow down on a contender just yet. But it’s best to get ahead of the game. Plus, the sweets won her over. How could they say no to baked goods from Catalina Coffee Cookie and Company? Only an idiot.

So here sat the sprawled-out sisters on the floor, digging brought the jammed pack closet as Cleo out a firm plan for them: keep, donate, and throw away. No, if, an’s, or but’s allowed ─ unless the item in possession occupied laborious memories that could benefit future generations (and yes, she means godchildren because that’s all Evelyn has been pestering her daughters about). “God, those colors are hideous. I’m sure it looked gorgeous on you, but who the fuck thought olive green and royal blue would go together? Unacceptable.” Disgust sat upon Cleo’s pinched features like it’s the only suitable expression one should have at the blinding uniform. Instantly a sprayed-tanned hand moves to the throw-away pile, “Ava, it needs to spark joy; how many times do I have to tell you that?” The youngest, after a moment, shoots the other an embowed brow and pursed lips like it should be rocket science. “Unless these spark joy for the one semester you wore it?”

ღ

Her chocolate brown hues casted over the cascaded boxes around the room, labelled with Ava’s name in her aunt’s all too familiar handwriting on its side — even just the sight of it alone made her chest grew heavy with melancholy. Although if there was one thing to conclude her day with, was that Lorralie Halliwell was a sentimental person. The brunette spent her teenage years thrashing about, longing to be free of her proverbial restraints by causing a rise out of her father and stepmother whenever the opportunity arose, that her younger self couldn’t care for these memories at all. For they only brought her bitterness and anger to surface. But the elder woman knew her niece better than she did herself, wordlessly stowing away her personal items whenever they were clumsily thrown into a black trash bag. Only now, she wished she could thank her for this. For maternal role she took on without a second thought when she lacked such normal presence in her life.

But normality was not destined for the Halliwell daughters. Especially not with Evelyn Halliwell breathing down their necks for as long as they could remember. While the two sisters’ coping mechanism had been different, it was no easy feat, growing up in this family. As far as life took the pair so far, intertwined with hardships of their own, Ava was grateful that time and fate brought them together. There was no longer a need to fly across country to visit one another, and it was just like old times, how they were just a call away if needed. Even more short-lived, now that they were situated in the same room together, reminded her of the time where their bedrooms were adjacent to each other too. 

So here Ava was, embarking on this new chapter of her life with Rory, surrounded by her loved ones rather than pushing them all away this time. Although the strained relationships formed in the past decade were mostly rooted in her marriage with Nathan, Cleo remained grounded and never left her life. For that, she was grateful for — even more so now when she certainly needed assistance in decluttering her personal belongings for her next move. For she would be procrastinating if she was left to her own device, and her younger sister had a way of planting her foot down firmly when it came to making decisions too. 

Laughter spilled over her lips at Cleo’s remark, shaking her head lightly as Ava held the uniform to survey it in a better light. But the blonde was right, there was no better light for such awful colour coordination. She should know better too, considering she worked in fashion once upon a time. “Have you heard of any schools with good taste in anything, Cleo? I think not.” Her eyes rolled at her sister’s instruction, since she still didn’t see the point in how this process would help in the first place. Still, she ought to try, especially when she could no longer prolong this task anymore. “I mean, it could spark joy if I wear it for Rory.” Her face deadpanned for a moment, before breaking into a grin. Her quips came often and easily nowadays, with her new found happiness in the recent year, and she wondered if she had her boyfriend to thank for that. “Unless I’m planning on becoming a zombie cheerleader this Halloween, I don’t think so. I think this can go.” She neatly folded the uniform before placing it on the throw away pile. “Are you sure this isn’t making the whole process longer? I swear, if I had to ask myself this for every item I own, we’d be here forever.”