by Cat Mann
Chapter 16
Inconsolable
When I opened my eyes on Thanksgiving morning, Ari was already awake. He was holding me tight, running his fingers softly down my arm.
“Hey,” he whispered, “Good morning, Baby. How did you sleep?”
“Morning.” I stretched, “Do you want the truth?”
“Always.”
“I slept really great. I am so sorry that I kept so much from you. I am glad that I was finally able tell you everything that has happened.”
“I’m glad, too.”
“What time do we need to be at your parent’s house today?” I stretched again and then added a yawn.
“An hour ago,” he smiled.
“Oh, my! What time is it?”
“Ten thirty.”
“I’m so sorry! You could have gotten me up.”
“It’s fine, Ava, relax. I sent a text to my mom this morning to let her know we would come over later today.”
“What did she say?”
Ari leaned over the side of the bed, picked his glasses and cell off the bedside table and read the text.
“Thank you for letting me know. Have a nice morning with your beautiful girl. I love you both so much. We will see you this afternoon!”
“Wow, that's … so nice.”
“Of course it was nice, Ava. She’s my mom; what did you expect?”
“I saw you two talking last night, Ari. I heard what she said. She looked so angry with me … she should be angry with me, you all should be.”
Ari ran his fingers softly down my face.
“She is not angry with you. Nobody is. We're worried about you.”
“Mmm … ” I wrapped my body tighter around Ari. I felt so safe there in his arms.