Ava's Ordinary Life

Ava

"Happy birthday, Ava," my mother said, her voice tinged with pride as she reached out to squeeze my hand. "I can't believe my little girl is all grown up."

"Thank you, Mom," I replied, my voice catching slightly with emotion. "I'm just grateful to have another day with you and Dad." My father chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he ruffled my hair affectionately.

"You'll always be our little girl, Ava," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "No matter how old you get." As they sat down to breakfast together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" I asked shoving a piece of bacon in my mouth as I cleaned the pans I used to cook.

"I'm only working a half day today and your father only has two work orders for today so everything should be smooth for the party tonight." I nodded and smiled 

"Perfect! I'll see you guys later then." they both nodded as they gathered up their stuff for work. My parents quickly ate and headed out for work as I cleaned up.

A knock at the door broke me out of my reverie. I hurried to answer it, opening the door to find Lucas and Elara standing there. Lucas greeted me with a warm smile and a quick kiss, his arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace.

"Happy birthday, Ava," he said, his voice filled with affection.

"Thank you, Lucas," I replied, feeling a flush of happiness.

Elara, however, seemed distracted. She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, her expression distant. I invited them both inside, and we made our way to the kitchen where I had prepared breakfast for us to share.

We sat down at the table, and as Lucas and I chatted and shared loving glances, I couldn't help but notice Elara's continued silence. She picked at her food, her gaze often drifting away from us.

"Elara, is everything okay?" I finally asked, my concern growing.

Elara looked up, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of frustration and sadness. "I'm fine, Ava," she said curtly, but it was clear that something was bothering her.

Lucas and I exchanged a worried glance.

"Really, Elara," I said gently. "What's wrong? You can talk to us."

Elara sighed, uncrossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. "It's just... I see you two together, and it's hard. I thought I could handle it, but it's harder than I expected."

Lucas frowned, looking genuinely concerned. "Elara, you know how much you mean to us. We don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"It's not just that," Elara continued, her voice wavering. "It's that... I can't help but feel like I'm missing out on something. Seeing you two so happy together makes me realize what I don't have. It doesn't help that my followers keep asking me when I'm going to get a boyfriend, it's so annoying."

Her words hit me hard, and I reached out to take her hand. "Elara, you're my best friend. I want you to be happy too. If there's anything we can do to help, just let us know. That's the internet though, they always are going to have an opinion on something that has nothing to do with them. I don't know how you do it El."

Elara gave a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Ava. It's just something I need to work through. I'll be okay, eventually."

We finished our breakfast in a more subdued atmosphere, the weight of Elara's feelings hanging over us. As we cleaned up, I couldn't help but think about how complicated relationships could be, and how important it was to support those we cared about, even when things got tough.

After breakfast, I set about my chores with renewed determination, my mind buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead. Despite the usual routine, there was a spark of excitement in the air, a sense that today would be different, somehow.

As the morning wore on, I lost myself in the rhythm of my tasks, the sun rising higher in the sky with each passing moment. By midday, the garden was weeded, the animals fed, and the laundry hung out to dry. With a satisfied smile, I paused for a moment to soak in the beauty of the world around me, the vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle rustle of the leaves a reminder of the simple joys that surrounded me.

As I made my way through the bustling market, the scent of spices and fresh produce mingled in the air, teasing my senses and drawing me further into its vibrant embrace. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets as I navigated my way through the throngs of people, my basket swinging lightly at my side.

The weight of my chores was still heavy on my shoulders, I couldn't help but feel the eyes of the townsfolk lingering on me with disdain.

"Move dog!" Someone grumbled and I felt a shove and I stumbled a bit. I sighed and took a deep breath trying to let it go but soon enough someone's foot came slamming down on mine and I was shoved again this time falling over, my face in the dirt.

"The mutt is finally where she belongs, with something that she is worthy of....dirt!"

They laughed at her cruel jokes. I didn't even bother remembering who bullied me, they all did and eventually the faces blurr together. I laid there for a few minutes trying to wait for them to leave so I didn't have to see the faces of my bullies. suddenly someone pulled at my hair and I yelped in pain.

"Stay away from our future Alpha you filthy dog." They shoved me back to the ground dirt kicking up in my face. I used to cry but I wasn't going to do that today, it was my day today. I would get my wolf and this will be the last day I have to endure this treatment.

I eventually got up and dusted myself off, continuing with my shopping for today. I just wanted to be left alone for once.

My first stop was the butcher's stall, where I approached Tom with a forced smile. "Good morning," I greeted him softly, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

Tom grunted in response, barely sparing me a glance as he handed over the package of beef. "Happy birthday," he muttered, his tone dripping with contempt as he pushed the meat into my hands.

"Thanks," I murmured, feeling a familiar pang of disappointment at the lack of warmth in his voice. I walked away from the stall, the weight of isolation pressing heavily on my heart. It felt as if I were completely alone in a sea of people, none of whom cared about me or my existence.

My next stop was the deli, where Pat awaited me with a similar coldness in her eyes. "Ava," she greeted me curtly, her lips forming a tight line as she handed over the sliced meats. "Happy birthday," she added begrudgingly, as if the words left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Thanks," I replied softly, taking the package from her. The hurt stung deep, and I fought to keep my composure as I walked away, the familiar ache in my chest growing stronger.

Next, I headed to the bakery, where Helen stood behind the counter with a look of thinly veiled disgust on her face. "Ava," she acknowledged me with a curt nod, her tone bordering on contempt as she handed over the ingredients for my birthday cake. "Here's your flour and sugar," she said flatly, her eyes darting away as if my presence was beneath her notice.

"Thank you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. As I left the bakery, I felt a wave of annoyance wash over me. Why did they have to be so cruel? I clenched my fists, trying to let go of the frustration. I refused to let their attitudes ruin my day.

As I continued through the market, each encounter serving as a painful reminder of my lowly status, I couldn't help but wonder if tonight's celebration would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

As I moved between the bustling market stalls, my eyes caught sight of a flyer pinned to a nearby bulletin board, its bold letters proclaiming:

"Last Chance for Blind Marriages Tonight!"

Intrigued, I paused to read the details, my curiosity piqued by the prospect of such an unconventional arrangement. However, as I scanned the flyer, my thoughts turned to Lucas and I quickly dismissed the idea as irrelevant, I had a boyfriend. Still, something was compelling about finding love in unexpected places, and I couldn't help but tuck the flyer into my pocket, it all seemed like it could be romantic, a cute fantasy.

The coupon for a free pizza on the back was also too good to pass up.

Finally, I stopped by the candlemaker's stall to pick up a few paper lanterns for tonight's festivities. John, the candlemaker, greeted me with a twinkle in his eye as I browsed his wares. He was known around town for his mysterious air, always seeming to know things before they happened and having exactly what someone needed at the right moment. I thought he had some kind of ability. he was too accurate too often to be a mere coincidence. Any time I asked he maintained he was just old and wise, nothing more.

"Ava, my dear, happy birthday!" he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. "Take as many lanterns as you like. It's the least I can do to celebrate your special day."

"Thank you, John," I replied, selecting a handful of lanterns. "These are perfect."

John leaned in conspiratorially, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Did you know that tonight is also the new moon? It's a sign of new beginnings and fresh starts. I have a feeling that something wonderful is on the horizon for you."

I smiled, touched by his kindness. "You always seem to know just what to say, John. Thank you."

He gave me a knowing look, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery. "Enjoy your day, Ava. And make sure to light those lanterns tonight," he said with a wink. "You never know what magic might happen under a new moon."

"I will," I promised, my heart lighter than it had been all day.

As I turned to leave, John called out, "Wait a moment, Ava. I have something else for you."

He reached behind his stall and pulled out a simple pair of black flats, beautifully crafted and elegant in their simplicity. "I made these for you," he said, handing them to me. "They have a special sole that makes them quiet and very durable, good for what you do. I thought they might come in handy."

I took the flats, feeling a rush of gratitude. "John, these are beautiful. Thank you so much. You always know just what I need."

He smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure, Ava. Happy birthday."

I slipped off my old shoes and put on the new flats, marveling at how comfortable they felt. They fit perfectly, and I could tell they were made with care. I tucked my old shoes into my bag and stood up, feeling a newfound sense of confidence.

"Thank you again, John. These are wonderful," I said, giving him a heartfelt hug.

"You're welcome, Ava. Enjoy your day, and don't forget to light those lanterns tonight," he reminded me with a twinkle in his eye.

I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't yet imagine.