Ava:

Thanksgiving for cheerleaders is a little different- while everyone else enjoys the game or the parade, we're stuck here freezing our (nonexistent) balls off. The tights they allow us to wear beneath our skirts do little to ward off the wicked winds whipping around us like an icy taunt. Each gust bites at my legs, sending shivers up my spine, as I try to focus on the task at hand.

To make matters worse, Riley is still on a personal mission to make me miserable. Her snickers echo around me as she whispers to her pack of hyenas, their laughter ringing in my ears like an unwelcome alarm. Grow up, bitch, I think, the words simmering just beneath the surface.

It's nine a.m., an hour before the game starts. The football team is warming up on the field, their bodies moving in unison, and I can't help but catch glimpses of the cheerleaders near the sidelines, full of energy. My heart lifts when I spot Lexi sitting at the bottom of the bleachers, her eyes bright with encouragement. I grin, waving a pom-pom in her direction, then do a playful spin, shaking my ass a little for effect. When I turn back, she's laughing, shaking her head disapprovingly, the kind of look that says 'you're ridiculous, but I love you for it.'

Riley groans beside me, her disdain palpable. "I thought I wouldn't have to see two of the ugliest people I know today," she whines dramatically, flicking her eyes between Lexi and me like we're the source of her misery.

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "Did your vision blur when you looked in the mirror?" I shoot back, tossing my hair over my shoulder with a flourish before moving farther away from her.

Coach calls us forward as the game finally starts, her voice cutting through the chilly air, commanding attention as she tells us to start with a pyramid. The weight of anticipation hangs heavy around us, and I can feel my heart racing- this is one of my first games back since my suspension. As the flyer, all eyes will be on me, and the pressure is a familiar, unsettling thrill.

I take a deep breath, the cold air filling my lungs, and for a moment, I try to push thoughts of Milo out of my mind. Just yesterday, he had asked me out on a date, and the flutter of excitement from that moment still lingers. I can't believe he actually accepted my apology, after everything. And not only that, he actually wants to give it a try. We'll see how long that actually lasts, once he gets to know the real me. My mind races as I try to shake off the thoughts, but they cling stubbornly, distracting me as I stretch and practice my chants.

As we stack ourselves for the pyramid, I climb higher, the ground receding beneath me, and suddenly the world shifts. The cold wind rushes past me, but it's a different kind of chill- the adrenaline surging through my veins is warm, almost electric. I glance out at the crowd, feeling the rush of cheers and the weight of expectation, but my eyes instinctively search for Milo. It's silly of me to think he'd show up, to surprise me. But I can't help the way my eyes scan the sea of people.

As I reach the top of the pyramid, I can hear Lexi's cheers mingling with the crowd's excitement, and for a moment, I feel invincible. I strike a pose, arms raised, letting the thrill of the game wash over me. It's a perfect moment- until Riley's voice cuts through the air, yanking me back to reality.

"Don't fall, Ava!" Riley's voice cuts through the crisp morning air, sharp and mocking, a reminder of her constant need to tear me down. I can feel the weight of the crowd's attention, their eyes on me, and in the background, Riley's friends stifle their laughter, each sound prickling my nerves.

But today, it doesn't get to me. My focus hardens, narrowing in on the moment. Riley's opinion, her ugly whispers- it all fades away. I'm here to cheer, to prove myself, not to crumble under the weight of this ugly, jealous cunt-bag.

I throw a dismissive glance her way, the edge of a grin curling on my lips before I turn back to the crowd, flashing them my most dazzling smile. My body moves with muscle memory, and I flip down from the top of the pyramid with ease, landing perfectly in the hands of the girls below. The crowd bursts into applause, a wave of excitement that sweeps over me, but it's Lexi's scream that stands out above the noise, her voice a grounding force, cutting through everything else.

The rest of the game is a blur of movement and sound- shouts, chants, and the slap of my shoes against the turf. My throat feels raw from all the yelling, but I push through, each cheer taking me further away from the petty dramas that try to claw at me. The game itself is close, though we don't win. Still, there's pride in the effort, and for a moment, that's enough.

As we file off of the field, Riley makes a point to shoulder past me, her arm brushing against mine with just enough force to be intentional. "God, can you watch where you're going?" She snaps, her voice dripping with disdain as she folds her arms tightly across her chest.

I glance at Lexi, who meets my gaze with a small, knowing smile. She doesn't have to say anything; she already knows what's about to happen. I take a step toward Riley, my eyes locking on hers, and she freezes, a flicker of apprehension flashing across her face. She remembers- she remembers exactly what I'm capable of. But instead of giving in to the urge to lash out, I lean in close, my voice low and steady.

"Kill yourself, Riley," I say quietly, a smile still on my lips, but there's no warmth in it. The words are meant for her alone, and the impact hits instantly. Her expression shifts, the confidence draining from her face as I pull back, satisfied.

I walk away, leaving her standing there. Lexi falls into step beside me, her arm looping through mine. "What did you say to her?" She asks, her amusement clear as she glances at me.

I shrug, a slight smirk still tugging at my mouth. "Told her to kill herself," I say, my voice light but firm. It feels like the final word on the matter, and I'm done with it.

Lexi laughs under her breath as we reach her car, the sound more approval than humor. "Deserved," she mutters, sliding into the driver's seat. I follow her, tossing my pom-poms into the backseat as I buckle in.

The cold finally sinks in, and I shiver slightly. Lexi notices, pulling a blanket from the back and tossing it over my lap. I nod in quiet thanks, wrapping it around myself as the warmth slowly seeps in. The game, the cold, Riley- it all fades into the background as we drive away, the weight of it all lifting as we move forward.

"Where do you think Milo's going to take you?" Lexi asks, her voice casual but curious as we wind down the roads towards her house. The trees blur past us, their colors muted from how fast Lexi is driving. The wind outside whips through the cracks in the window, tangling my hair in chaotic strands.

I shrug, biting back the grin that's threatening to spread across my face. I've been to enough therapy sessions to know what I'm feeling- and for once, it's not just lust. Sex is always at the forefront of my mind, yeah, but this time I actually want to get to know him. Milo's different. Whatever's between us feels stronger, like something tangible, something I can't easily walk away from. He's so unlike me in so many ways, and yet, we're drawn to each other, like two broken halves of the same story.

The truth is, I don't know much about his life- just enough to understand it's rough. The fact that he's living alone at our age says enough, and those scars on his wrists? They tell their own story. Part of me wonders if we share a common pain, something that connects us beneath the surface, pulling us toward each other despite all the reasons we shouldn't be.

"I don't care," I say quietly, my voice nearly swallowed by the wind as I turn to glance at Lexi. She doesn't look at me, just nods, her focus on the road ahead, her face unreadable. I take a breath and force the words out, knowing how vulnerable they make me feel. "This is... scary for me. 'Dates' for me usually end with a guy's cock in my mouth. And Milo made it clear- he doesn't want to have sex again for a while."

Lexi lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head like she's heard something unbelievable. "Well, that's the end of that, then, huh?" She teases, casting a quick glance my way.

I shake my head, trying to sound more certain than I feel. "No, I actually want to try this," I say, my fingers picking at my nails nervously. "I'm an adult now, Lex. I need to start having real relationships. Playing with boy toys isn't enough anymore."

Lexi is quiet for a moment, processing my words. She finally nods slowly. "I'm proud of you," she says softly, but there's something hesitant in her tone, like she's not entirely convinced. Maybe she's just surprised, or maybe she's seen me go down this path too many times to believe I'll actually change.

I fall silent as the car pulls into Lexi's driveway, the gravel crunching beneath the tires as we roll to a stop. Her house looms in front of us, as grand and familiar as ever. Each time I come here, it feels more like home- more than the place I just left behind for good.

I think back to the day the movers came. Lexi's parents had hired them, and I watched as they carried out everything I owned. My mom had just stood there, watching it all unfold, saying nothing. Her crackhead boyfriend had glared at us the entire time, his presence a constant reminder of everything wrong with that house.

When the last box was loaded into the moving van, I handed Mom my keys. She didn't say a word- didn't even blink. Not when I packed up everything that was mine, not when I walked out of that house for the final time. It hurt, more than I care to admit, knowing that door had closed for good. But now, the sting is fading. Time, therapy, and the Graysons have dulled the sharp edges of it. Lexi and her family have been my lifeline these past few weeks, especially with everything going on with Milo. Some days it feels like life keeps piling on more shit, like it's just waiting for me to break under the weight of it all.

When we step inside, I head straight for the shower, trying to wash off the lingering tension. I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving with Lexi and her family, and as you can imagine, her Thanksgiving is grand. It's not the first holiday I've spent with them- my mom's idea of Thanksgiving is deli turkey and canned green beans, and don't even get me started on Christmas.

Once my hair is washed, dried, and curled, I throw a bow in it, admiring the neat, polished look. I quickly swipe on some makeup, then throw on a cozy sweater and a pair of jeans, leaving my vanity a chaotic mess in the process. Ever since I moved in with the Graysons full-time, I've gotten lazy. I don't need to clean anything anymore- the maid takes care of that. If I'm hungry, I just ask Kit, and she'll whip up anything I want, no questions asked.

I've never felt more spoiled in my life.

The smells of divine food waft through the house, rich and savory, but before I can think of eating, I make my way to the bathroom. I lock the door behind me, kneeling in front of the toilet and pulling my hair back. This has become routine by now, no matter how hard my therapist tries to help. After Riley's taunts, her cruel voice replaying in my head on a loop, I need to make sure I'm in control. I make sure I eat as little as possible, or if I do eat, I purge it right back up.

I've done this so often that I don't even need to force it anymore. My body knows the routine- just a few dry heaves, and the food comes up. The rush hits my chest like it always does, that strange relief that only lasts for a moment. I throw up the little bit I ate earlier, careful not to smudge my makeup, wiping my mouth gently when I'm done.

Once the evidence is flushed away, I brush my teeth and touch up my makeup. The mask goes back on. No one can know. Not today. Not ever.

I head downstairs to where Lexi's family is already gathered, mingling in the foyer and the dining room, laughter and chatter filling the house. It's not quite dinner time, but everyone's here, dressed to impress. I say polite hellos to the family members I recognize, offering nods to those I don't know as well, weaving my way through the crowd until I find Lexi.

She looks effortlessly stunning, as always, in a cream-colored blouse tucked into tailored slacks, her Gucci belt cinching everything perfectly. Her long red curls are straightened and pulled back, cascading down her back like something off a runway. The moment she spots me, her face lights up and she squeals, rushing over to pull me into a tight hug.

"You look gorgeous," she whispers, holding me close for a brief moment before pulling back with a grin. "Kit made espresso martinis- ugh, they're to die for. You have to try one."

She grabs my hand and pulls me toward the kitchen, excitement bubbling in her voice. At the bar, she snatches up two glasses, handing one to me before clicking hers against mine with a satisfied clink. We both take a sip, and just like everything else Kit makes, it's absolutely divine.

I moan in satisfaction, leaning into Lexi as we stand near the bar, letting the warmth of the drink settle in. "This is good shit," I call out to Kit as she rushes by, arms full of fresh produce.

The tall brunette throws me a quick wink before disappearing into the kitchen, no doubt about to whip up something extraordinary. Lexi and I linger by the bar, sipping our drinks, watching her family mill around in their designer clothes, the buzz of conversation filling the space. One of her cousins stops by to say hello.

He's tall, with curly dark brown hair and sharp eyes that flash with interest the second he spots me. His grin is smug, his confidence obvious. He's definitely my type. "Lexi, how have you never introduced me to your friend?" He asks, extending his hand with a flirtatious tilt of his head. Even though I know we've met before, I take his hand just for the fun of it, shaking it with a soft giggle. "Ezra," he adds, his gaze lingering on me.

Lexi rolls her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You've met her before," she snaps, shoving Ezra away with a huff. "Piss off, Richie Rich. Don't your parents want you to keep it in the family anyway?"

I laugh even harder as Ezra's face turns bright red with embarrassment. "Alexis," he growls under his breath, glaring daggers at her. "You know that rumor started because my aunt's jealous of my father."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Lexi says dismissively, patting his shoulder with mock sympathy before pulling me away.

We giggle to ourselves as we walk off, but stop when one of the waiters steps forward, announcing that dinner is ready. The double doors to the dining room open with a grand gesture, revealing a scene so lavish it feels unreal, like something straight out of a movie.

The table is impossibly long, draped in an ivory linen cloth that probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. Crystal chandeliers hang low over the table, casting a soft, golden light over the place settings, which glimmer with gold-rimmed china, polished silverware, and glasses filled with wine that smells like it's been aged for decades.

Lexi nudges me as we step inside, her eyes shining with excitement. "Kit outdoes herself every year," she whispers, nodding towards the feast that's laid out like a banquet. The turkey, of course, takes center stage, but it's not just any turkey- it's this perfectly golden, massive bird that looks like it's been prepared by a chef straight out of Paris. Surrounding it are dishes I barely recognize- succulent roast duck, a glazed ham, and even lobster tails arranged on silver platters. There's a wild rice stuffing with chestnuts, a sweet potato casserole topped with caramelized pecans, and vegetables cooked in ways that seem like they belong in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Everything smells incredible, rich and indulgent, but the sheer extravagance of it is a little overwhelming. Lexi's family is seated around the table, dressed in their designer clothes, sipping their champagne like this is just another Thursday, like they aren't sitting in the middle of what looks like an advertisement for perfect holiday meals. They don't seem fazed by any of it, but for me, it's like stepping into a different world, one where the rules don't make sense and everything is just... more.

The waiter leads us to our seats near the head of the table, where Lexi's mom is already seated, looking as glamorous as ever. She gives us a warm smile, motioning for us to sit down. "I hope you're hungry," she says, her voice effortlessly elegant as she gestures to the mountain of food in front of us.

I settle into the plush chair, feeling like I should be more comfortable than I am. While they take me on trips, and invite me to their holidays, it never ceases to amaze me. Lexi, on the other hand, slides into her seat with ease, grabbing her napkin and draping it across her lap like she's done this a million times. She catches my eye, winking as she raises her champagne flute toward me.

"To surviving another family holiday," she whispers with a mischievous grin.

I pick up my glass, trying to shake off the strange feeling in my chest. "To surviving," I agree, clinking my glass against hers before taking a sip of the expensive champagne. It's crisp and perfect, just like everything else here.

My phone buzzes discreetly in my lap. Glancing down, I fight to suppress a smile. Milo's name appears, accompanied by a simple 'Happy Thanksgiving,' but it's enough to send butterflies swirling in my stomach.

It took time to get here, to really decide if I was ready for a relationship- especially one I almost ruined. My fingers twitch, wanting to reply, but I stop myself, remembering the etiquette classes Lexi's mom insisted we take when we were kids. So, I ignore the message, refocusing on the absurdly extravagant spread laid out before us. Lexi's parents are delivering a speech about the importance of family, and soon, all eyes are on me.

I blink, caught off guard as everyone in the room turns their attention toward me, their smiles wide and polished. Lexi's mom, Darlene, drifts behind me, placing a delicate, manicured hand on my back.

"I simply must take a moment to acknowledge that, while Ava may not be family by blood, she is most certainly family in every other sense," she begins, her voice as smooth and poised as ever. Her thumb traces soft circles against my shoulder in a gesture meant to soothe. "Lexi and Ava have been inseparable since they were toddlers. Ava, darling, I just want to thank you for always being there for our girl, no matter how... spirited she can be."

I offer the best smile I can muster, heat rising in my cheeks under the sudden wave of attention. I appreciate the sentiment, but this feels... overwhelming.

"You're probably wondering why I'm making this speech," Darlene continues, her tone light, as though sharing an inside joke with the room. Lexi shoots me a mischievous grin. What is happening? Am I about to be sacrificed? "Since Ava has been living with us, she's been nothing but a blessing. Truly, despite everything she's been through, she is a little angel. And so, this Thanksgiving, we wanted to show our appreciation."

As if living here wasn't already an unbelievable gift, my jaw drops as they hand me a set of car keys. My gaze snaps up to them, words completely failing me as I stare at the Volkswagen logo glinting in my hand.

"You didn't have to do this," I manage to breathe out, rubbing my thumb over the emblem. I'm sure this is nothing to them, just a drop in the ocean, but a car? After what they did for my birthday?

The room breaks into polite, subdued clapping, and Lexi's family surrounds me with warm hugs.

Lexi pulls me into a hug, squeezing me tighter than usual, her arms holding on like she's trying to shield me from the world. "I warned you my parents were extra," she whispers, her voice light, but there's something comforting in the way she says it. I nod, trying to laugh, but the sound gets stuck in my throat. Everything feels overwhelming- too much to process all at once.

I stare down at the keys in my hand, tracing the Volkswagen logo with my finger over and over. A car. A gift far too big for someone like me. The magnitude of it weighs heavily, mixing with all the other things I've been trying to keep buried lately. I blink back the tears threatening to rise, feeling the now familiar ache of gratitude that's almost too much to bear.

Darlene approaches, her presence elegant and commanding, but her hand on my shoulder is gentle. "Think of it as a small gesture, Ava," she says smoothly. "You've brought so much happiness into our home- more than you might realize. This is just our way of showing how much you mean to us."

My chest tightens, a lump forming in my throat as the room's attention settles on me. I feel out of place, like I don't belong in this carefully curated world. Their generosity feels overwhelming, almost suffocating, and I don't know how to handle it. Family, they keep saying. But I've never known a family like this.

The weight of their gazes presses down on me, eyes from all around the room- mostly strangers- smiling like they know me. But they don't. None of them do. My life, my chaos, feels like it's spilling over the edges of their perfect, glossy world, and I have no idea how to make myself fit here.

"You're part of the family," Lexi's dad adds, breaking me from my self-loathing, his voice firm but warm. "And family takes care of each other."

The word "family" hangs in the air, and for a second, I want to believe it. I want to believe I'm really part of something this good, this stable. But all I feel is the distance between this moment and everything that's falling apart in my life. I can't quite fit into this world of theirs.

I force a smile, my face flushing under the weight of all the emotions I'm trying to keep under control. "Thank you," I manage to say, though my voice feels small and thin. "This is... really generous."

Darlene smiles, waving off my protest. "You deserve this, Ava. After everything you've been through, it's time for something good."

I nod, taking a small sip of champagne, hoping it will calm the storm inside me. The bubbles are sharp on my tongue, but everything else feels blurry. Lexi's dad raises his glass again for another toast, and the room echoes him with a chorus of "To family."

I lift my glass, but my voice is barely a whisper. The word "family" tastes foreign on my lips, and the sting behind my eyes grows stronger. I take another sip, trying to ground myself, but my emotions feel like they're floating above me, untouchable.

Lexi nudges me, her touch familiar and steady. "You okay?" she asks quietly, her eyes searching mine with concern. There's something comforting in her gaze, like she understands me beyond just words.

I glance at her, taking in the genuine worry behind her playful tone. It's the kind of concern that only comes from someone who's been there through everything, through the good, the bad, and the unbearable. I nod, giving her a weak smile. "Just... overwhelmed," I admit softly.

Her expression softens even more, and she wraps her arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close. It's instinctual- like the way a sister would comfort you when you're barely holding it together. "You don't have to go through all of this alone, you know," she says gently, her thumb brushing the side of my arm. "We're your family now. I'm your family."

Her words settle something deep inside me, cutting through the noise in my head. It's that sisterly warmth, that kind of love that feels unconditional, the kind that's been there since we were kids. She's always been there.

I let out a shaky breath, nodding, but my voice comes out quieter than I expect. "Thanks, Lex."

"Hey," she says softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "None of that. This is a happy night. No crying allowed."

I laugh weakly, wiping at the corner of my eye. "Right. Happy."

Her smile widens, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel a little lighter. The room is still buzzing around us, strangers mingling and chatting, but in this moment, Lexi's presence is all that matters. She's steady, like a lifeline, reminding me that no matter how much is falling apart, I'm not completely alone.

"Come on," she says, tugging me toward the dessert table with a playful grin. "Let's get something sweet. You deserve it that, too."

As she keeps her arm draped over me, I lean into her warmth, the bond between us settling like a soft blanket over the chaos swirling in my mind. For the first time tonight, I let myself relax, even just a little.