"Ava sweetheart I'm so proud of you". My mom sobbed as she pulled me in for a hug.
I had graduated in becoming a doctor. All the hard work and hours of studying had finally paid off. I couldn't contain my excitement or the tears that were rolling down my cheeks. I was happy and I couldn't wait for the next chapter of my life to begin.
"It's you against the world now baby, you done it, you made something of yourself. I love you A".
...
It had been months since I graduated and I couldn't for the life of me find a job or placement. No hospital was willing to give me a chance. I needed more experience or I wasn't the right person for the job. I needed recommendations and that was something I didn't have. I was fresh out the packet eager to start my career.
I had worked so hard, graduating the youngest in my class and right now it all felt like a waste. The student loans, the hours of non stop studying and for what, to get knocked back at every chance?
Grabbing the necklace around my neck something I always did when I was frustrated I let out a heavy sigh. The necklace was the only piece I had left of my dad, the last time I saw him I was seven.
I understood why my mom had taken us away but it still didn't help the emptiness I felt, the piece that always felt missing. I was seven, I didn't understand what was going on. Growing up I asked questions but I never got the answer I wanted. I knew he spent a good few years in prison but what I didn't understand was why he didn't try and look for me.
My dad wasn't your typical dad, he was the leader of an MC in downtown NewYork. I didn't know much but I knew enough. I had so many unanswered questions and no one to answer them. My mom didn't like talking about him, my dad was a sensitive subject. I knew deep down he was the love of her life.
"Ava, honey?"
"Yeah mom?" I called hiding the necklace back under my T-shirt. She knew I wore it, she didn't like it but she knew it was important to me.
"Still no luck baby?" She asked leaning against my open door.
Shaking my head I pulled my knees up to my chin "I can't seem to catch a break, I can't even get a placement. No one wants to take a chance on me". I sighed.
Walking towards me she took a seat on the edge of my bed and squeezed my hand "Don't give up A, it'll happen when you least expect it and besides they'd be fools not to hire you" She kissed my forehead before standing back up "You hungry?"
"Not really. How was work?" I asked.
My mom worked at the local hairdressers as a beauty therapist. Standing at 5 foot 5 and 39 years old my mother was beautiful. She had me when she was young but she never gave up. She basically raised me on her own and I'll be forever grateful that she is my mom. Growing up I wanted for nothing, she provided and gave me everything I needed. She worked hard for the life that we both have.
"Long and tiring my feet are killing me" She winced as she removed her shoes and placed them beside my bed.
I never did understand why she wore heels to work when she was on her feet all day. Flats would be a better option for her. Appearance was everything to my mom, her hair was always done to perfection along with her make-up, especially when she was working.
"Come have a glass of wine with your mom. It's been a long day and I sure as hell need one". I couldn't say no to that.
.....
"I think I need to widen my search" I said taking a sip of my wine.
We were curled up on the sofa with the t. v on and the blankets wrapped around us. Most of the time this was how we spent our nights. I didn't have many friends so there for I didn't have a big socal life.
Taking her eyes of the t. v she glanced at me "What do you mean widen your search?" She asked.
"I mean maybe try different hospitals. I'm not having much luck here. I could maybe apply to some in another-..."
"No Ava" Cutting me off she pushed off the blankets and stood up "You want another glass?". Taking the glass out my hand giving me no time to answer. This conversation wasn't going to go down well.
Was it so bad that I wanted to find my dad. I wanted to find a great hospital to work in and that wasn't going to happen here. I couldn't bring up my dad, I couldn't even mention his name. I didn't argue with my mom ever but it was time I started making my own decision and living my own life. I had done what she wanted, I had made something of my self.
"Ava?".
Snapping out of my thoughts I took the glass of wine and waited until she was comfortable. Taking a sip of my wine I glanced at her and noticed she was in a world of her own, trapped in her thoughts. I hated the look she gave me when I tried to ask about him. Did he hurt her that bad?
"How did you get out?" I asked. This question was one that always played on my mind.
"I'm not discussing this Ava". Again she was off the couch and making her way into the kitchen.
"You going to bed?" She asked a yawn escaping her mouth.
"No not yet. I'm going to apply for some jobs, I have to find something" I lied. I wasn't going to look for jobs I was going to google my dad and his club and see what information I could get.
"Well I'm going to bed, I'm working early tomorrow". She kissed the top of my head. "I love you A you do know that don't you?".
"I love you too mom".
...
By the time I had got myself out of bed my mom had already left. It was just after noon but I didn't get to bed until late, I was to busy googling my dad. I found out why he was in prison but I also found out that he was released 8 years ago.
The media had made out that he was a monster and that he should never have been released, he was nothing but scum and that he should have died in prison. I had to shut my laptop down, I couldn't read anymore.
I already knew I was going to NewYork, I had to see my dad again. It had been sixteen years, I had waited long enough.
After taking a quick shower I pulled on my leather jacket and threw my duffel bag over my shoulder. Heading down stairs I grabbed my keys and left a note for my mom on the kitchen table.
She wasn't going to like my decision but I had to do this. I knew she would be hurt and disappointed but I hoped she would understand.
Pulling into the gas station I filled my tank and grabbed a few snacks for the road. It would take me at least 2 days to get to New York from Califonia. As I waited to be served my mom texted and instantly I felt guilty. We had a great relationship, growing up I had the best childhood and for as long as I could remember it had always just been the two of us.
'Going to be late tonight honey. You be okay to get dinner yourself? x
Chewing the inside of my cheek I paid for my stuff and got the hell out of there. If I didn't leave now I never would. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her.
It was Friday morning when I finally seen the 'Welcome to New York' sign. I was exhausted and I badly needed caffine. I hadn't slept proper in two days other than getting a half hour here and there. I had been ignoring my mothers phone calls. I couldn't talk to her right now, I couldn't face the hurt and the guilt.
Turning off the engine I grabbed my bag and headed inside a small coffee shop. I needed caffeine before I continued and it was good to stretch my legs. The smell of freshly baked muffins hit my nose and my stomach growled with hunger.
"What can I get for you this morning?"
Glancing up I came face to face with a pair of brown eyes. "Can I have and cappuccino and a chocolate chip muffin please".
"Sure that'll be $5. 65". Handing me my muffin I waited patiently for my coffee. As I was waiting the door to the shop chimed, the noise that followed caught my attention.
The guys that entered were rowdy but that didn't surprise me when I realised who they were. I couldn't stop staring, especially at the quiet one. He was beautiful, his build, the way he carried himself, the attention he received. This man screamed dangerous and I couldn't look away. He was clad in leather and I knew he was part of my dads club. If the leathers didn't give him away his cut sure did.
I instantly dropped my gaze when he smirked at me. Crap, my mother always did say it was rude to stare. Scraping my chair back I put my rubbish in the bin and high tailed it out of there. Heading straight for my car I struggled to get my keys from my pocket, the leather was tight and my hands were sweaty. I was embarrassed that I had been staring at him so openly. Laughing at myself I ran a hand over my face. "Way to go Ava". I muttered.
I was just about to get in my car when a hand was placed on my shoulder, I jumped slightly a squeal falling from my lips
My breath caught in my throat. He really was beautiful. 6"3 maybe 6"4, he was tall but he was built so he carried it well. Tattoos covered both forearms, I was curious did he have more?
Looking up my eyes landed on his, my mouth became dry, my stomach tightened. I didn't understand why I was reacting this way to a man I didn't know.
"Got a name darlin'?" He asked his voice rough, mysterious, smooth. A voice that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. I couldn't speak, I couldn't speak past the lump in my throat.
"A-Ava" I stuttered "My names Ava".
Seeing the grin form on his face my eyesbrows furrowed. Why was he grinning?
"The names Blaze sweatheart and I'll definitely be seeing you sometime".
Then he left.
I was stood dumbstruck as to what just happened. Who was that man?