Ava, our company is bankrupted. We are sorry honey- my mom broke down in tears. I couldn’t move. I didn’t know how to console them. And why they are even saying sorry. It's not their fault. I know they tried their best so that the company could last longer.

I tried to be strong. At least for their sake. Mom is already crying. Dad is trying to be strong but I know he is also broken from inside. Finally, I reached my mom and hugged her like there's no tomorrow.

Hey, mom don’t cry please- my own voice was shaken. Dad please say something. Tell her not to cry- I said, my eyes betraying me as I cried my heart out. Mom sobbed as she hugged me tightly. Dad came and wrapped his arms around us.

Don't cry you two. I'm trying to strong here- dad said, his voice so low as if he is trying hard not to break down before us. Dad, what are we gonna do now?- I asked, my voice so harsh for crying so much. Everything will be fine. Just have some faith in us princess- dad said more likely convincing himself. I just nodded as I didn’t know what else to say.

Let's go. We have to go somewhere- dad said as he came into my room. I looked at the clock. It's 7 pm. After crying so much I didn’t have the heart to go anywhere but then again I couldn’t hurt my dad's feeling. Just give me five minutes dad- I said climbing down from my bed.

Where are we going dad- I asked as we got into our car. To meet my friends- dad said as he started the engine. It took us around twenty five minutes to reach our destination.

We were looking for my dad's friends as we entered the restaurant. Dad started walking towards a woman. I didn’t know dad has this side in him- I was mumbling when mom smacked my head. Ouch. What's that for?- I asked rubbing my head. Don't speak of your dad like that. She's his childhood friend- mom said. I was turning red. I'm such an stupid.

Is that your beautiful daughter?- the woman in red asked as she hugged me. I tried to mirror her smile but failed terribly. Aww~ don’t give me that fake smile, love- the woman said and both my parents along with the woman in red started laughing like maniac. Stop being sarcastic Alissa- my dad said trying to stop his giggles.

I froze in my place. I just embarrassed myself for the second time today. This day couldn’t be any better. My daughter is not good at socializing with new people- dad said rubbing my shoulder lightly. I stayed silent this time. I'm not ready to embarrass me anymore.

Cool down Eric. I was just trying to know her properly- Alissa said smacking dad's shoulder. Come, Let's go. We have reserved our seat over there- Alissa said as she guided us towards the corner.

We took our seat and finally Alissa looked at me. I hope you didn’t mind earlier- she said softly. I nodded and she smiled. I'm Ava- I said trying to forget about the earlier embarrassment.

It's been a while- a deep voice spoke behind us. We turned around and saw a handsome man standing behind us. You’re late like always- Alissa said pouting her lips. What’s her age? Five?- I tried not to laugh. I like this woman in red. She's lively, fun-loving, sarcastic completely opposite of me.

Denial, Alissa's husband took his seat and they all started talkin. Soon after I was invisible for them. I didn’t know what to say, I didn’t have anything to say as I don’t know them. Their chatting came to a halt as a waiter approached us. They order the food and I also did. They again started talking.

We had to wait for the food. I could heard them talking about business, bankruptcy and me but I didn’t bother asking them anything.

I'm sorry for making you wait for me mom- I heard a deep, husky voice. I heard this voice before- my thinking stopped as the person came before us. Alec. I knew it. I just laughed at myself. My luck. It's really that bad- I mumbled.

I'm not talking to you- Alissa whined like a child. Alec wrapped his arms around her mom and kissed her cheeks. I'm sorry- he said again and it worked. It actually worked for him.

Here, meet my friend Eric Lee and his beautiful wife Joe Lee- Alissa said Alec as he turn to our direction to greet my parents.

His dark green eyes met mine and for a moment I think I stopped breathing. He didn’t seem shock, surprise or thrilled to see me. But I was actually really shocked to see him. He ignored my existence and greeted my parents politely. It's a rare sight. Alec being polite- I mumbled to myself.

Go, sit beside Ava- Alissa pushed Alec towards my direction and I just avoided meeting his eyes. I couldn’t handle the intensity his eyes holds. He sat beside me, ignoring my presence. I tried to do the same.

Alec, your uncle and aunt Lee had to go through some tough time and their company went bankrupted- Alissa said, her voice sympathetic. I wanted to think that was just a bad dream. I wanted to believe everything is fine. But the reality is different.

But I didn’t understand why Alec had to know about it? It's not like everything is gonna be like it was before.

Uncle and aunt Lee will move to another city for few weeks- Alissa said and I furrowed my brows. I didn’t know anything about moving.

We are moving? Where? When?- I asked, panic evident in my tone.

Honey, you didn’t catch the line properly. I said your parents are moving- Alissa said in a motherly tone. It's the first time this evening where I saw her being serious.

W-what about m-me? Are you leaving me? Where will I stay?- I asked looking at my Dad. He gave me a assured smile as if he had managed everything. I was hurt. I was speechless. I stayed silent.

Of course not, honey. You will live with us for the time being- Alissa and Denial said in unison. Both me and Alec looked at their direction.

I shook my head and looked at my parents. My mom squeezed my hand and assured me that everything will be fine. I nodded my head as I didn’t want them to worry about me.

Alec, don't do anything stupid. I won't tolerate any stupidity of yours with Ava- I heard Alissa talking to Alec.

I looked at them and I saw Alec looking at me. A smirk was plastered on his face.

Jerk- I mumbled as I signed.