It's the day that T.K. and Carlos are announcing their engagement. T.K, Carlos and Owen are impressed that Avery has managed to keep the secret and that, in particular, she hasn't told Jason and Megan. The only other people that know are Carlos' parents, Andrea and Gabriel. Avery has managed to get everyone over for the party under the pretence of a Rodeo party to celebrate Carlos supposedly getting on the hall of fame in a local bar for breaking the record of longest time spent on their mechanical bull. Surprisingly, everyone bought it. She's spent the whole day decorating the house with balloons and banners that say "congratulations" whilst Owen has been preparing the food. Before they know it, it's an hour until the party. Owen walks into the garden where Avery is putting the finishing touches on the buffet spread.

'Ave.' He gets her attention and she turns to face him. 'People are going to start arriving soon so you might want to get ready.'

'It's okay, I've got time.' Avery shrugs.

'The last time you said that, it took you nearly an hour and a half.' Owen chuckles.

'In my defence,' Avery holds her hands up, 'I got distracted by Taylor Swift songs.'

'Go on.' Owen shakes his head, motioning for her to go get ready.

.

An hour and a half later, everyone from the 126, Grace, Andrea and Gabriel. Jason, Megan, Charlotte, Sharon and of course T.K and Carlos are at the Strand residence. They're all standing in the lounge with a drink.

'So, Carlos, how exactly did you manage to hold onto a mechanical bull for five minutes?' Judd asks Carlos. Carlos glares at Avery who smirks before turning back to Judd.

'Actually, that's not the reason for the party.' Carlos informs everyone.

'But Ave said-' Marjan starts.

'I know what Ave said.' Carlos sighs. 'I don't know why she said that. How she thought, me of all people, could hold onto one of those damn things for that long, I don't know.'

'Then why the party, and all the balloons, banners and food?' Paul asks, confused.

'Well, that is because,' T.K. starts, grabbing ahold of Carlos' hand, 'Carlos and I are engaged.' A chorus of "oh my gods" and "congratulations" fill the room. Everyone goes around and embraces the happy couple. After a while, everyone settles down. 'I honestly don't know how any of you believed Ave's ruse.' T.K. chuckles, shaking his head.

'To be fair, she was very believable.' Jason states. 'That's saying something coming from me because I can often tell when she's bullshitting.' He adds, laughing.

'Maybe I should pursue a career in acting.' Avery dramatically flicks her hair with her hand and everyone laughs.

'Well, there's food outside and some more drinks.' Owen tells everyone. 'I was going to put Avery in charge of music then I realised she'd only play Taylor Swift.'

'Hey!' Avery exclaims, pretending to be offended.

'I've connected my IPad to the soundbars so just queue up whatever song you want. We're all adults, well most of us.' Owen looks at the group of teens. 'So don't be throwing bitch fits over songs and changing songs halfway through.' Everyone laughs and makes their way outside.

.

Later that evening, everyone is out in the garden with some sparklers. Owen, Carlos and T.K. have avoided giving Avery one to try and avoid her dark humour and any impulsive thoughts she may get. So, when they turn their backs, Charlotte hands her one and lights it with a lighter.

'CHAR GAVE ME FIRE!' Avery yells. Everyone turns and looks at them.

'You gave her fire?!' Everyone exclaims at the same time.

'Was I not meant to?' Charlotte looks between everyone whilst Avery just shrugs.

'Shit.' T.K. mutters. 'It's fine, you didn't know.'

'Wait, would she try to hurt herself?' Charlotte asks concerned.

'Not exactly.' Megan shakes her head.

'Then-' Charlotte stars but Avery speaks up.

'Can I chuck it in the air and try to catch it?' Avery asks, a massive smile on her face.

'No!' Everyone shouts.

'Darn.' Avery stomps her foot eliciting a horrified look from Charlotte.

'It's okay. This is Avery's dark humor.' Jason explains. 'She gets given something and she finds a way to say something like that.'

'Or do something like that.' Carlos mutters, subtly referencing the hammer incident. Avery's sparkler goes out and she makes a pouty face. She walks up to T.K and Carlos and makes "puppy dog eyes".

'More?' She asks in a childish voice.

'There are no more.' T.K. laughs, ruffling his little sister's hair. 'Which is probably for the best.'

'I wasn't actually going to throw one or do something stupid.' Avery raises an eyebrow.

'We know.' Carlos nods, 'but it's true, we're all out.'

'Besides,' T.K. adds, 'you wanted to make a toast or whatever didn't you?'

'Oh! Yeah!' Avery grins. She picks up a random glass with a drink in and turns around. 'Listen up!' She shouts.

'Ow.' T.K. rubs his ear. 'I guess we're back to you bursting my ear drums.'

'Shush.' Avery elbows him. Everyone turns to face them. 'I just wanted to say a few words. Most of you will remember when I first came to Austin I was angry at the world, at dad, at everything. I ran away a few times, lost my marbles a couple of times. I promise I'm not making tonight all about me. There is a point to this.' Everyone chuckles. 'Dad didn't give up on me. T.K. didn't give up on me. None of you guys gave up on me. Coming to Austin changed my life. Literally. I made a new best friend.' She looks at Megan. 'Met an amazing, beautiful girl,' she looks at Charlotte. 'And the rest of you. You're all like family to me now. A few years ago, I didn't think I'd be here to see T.K. get engaged, or even alive. I'm so thankful to all of you for helping me through my toughest times. I'm even more thankful to you,' she turns to look at T.K. tears now filling her eyes, 'for being my big brother, for putting up with me screaming about books and for bringing me back to life.' T.K's eyes are now also brimming with tears. 'Cheers.' Avery lifts her glass up.

'Cheers.' Everyone says in unison and they all take a sip of their drink. As soon as Avery tastes the alcohol in her drink, she spits it back into the glass and hands it to T.K.

'I can't drink that.' She laughs.

'Dad already said you guys can have an alcoholic drink.' T.K. reminds her.

'I know, but I don't want to risk it with my meds.' Avery shrugs.

'Good call.' T.K. chuckles. 'That was a beautiful speech. You had me almost in tears. If that's your engagement speech, I know I'm going to need a shit ton of tissues for your best maid speech.'

'B-best maid?' Avery stutters.

'Well, I- we wanted you to be part of the wedding party. Dad is going to be busy with father of the groom duties and so, instead of having a best man, I wanted to have a best maid. You. If you want to be my best maid.' Avery says nothing, she steps forward and hugs him.

'Yes, I will.' She whispers.

.

Half an hour later, Avery and Charlotte sneak away from everyone to get a few moments of peace. They walk to the front of the house and sit on the grass side by side.

'I think I speak for both of us when I say I'm proud of how far both of us have come.' Charlotte states. 'We've opened up more to the people we love. We've asked for help when we needed it.'

'Yeah.' Avery smiles slightly. 'Even if my dark humour hasn't stopped, I'm proud of us too.'

'Hey,' Charlotte gently nudges her, 'your dark humour is what makes you, you. Don't change that.' She adds. 'They're quite funny.'

'It started as a coping mechanism and I can't stop,' Avery laughs, 'but if it helps, it helps.' She shrugs and Charlotte nods in agreement.

'Listen, there's another reason I suggested we get a couple of moments of peace.' Charlotte admits and Avery turns to face her. 'We've been on a few dates and I like you. I like you, like you. Scratch that, I love you.' Avery stays silent, smiling slightly. 'So, I want to make it official.' She slides her hand into Avery's and their fingers interlock. 'Avery Kate Strand, will you be my girlfriend?'

'If there's anything I've learnt these past couple of years, it's that we've just got to live like this is the moment and this is the day.' Avery states, resting her head on Charlotte's shoulder.

'Did you just quote Jeckll and Hyde?' Charlotte asks, confused and the two girls burst out laughing. 'I take it the answer to my question is a yes?' Charlotte questions once they calm down. Avery lifts her head and plants a soft kiss on Charlotte's mouth.

'It's a yes.' Avery whispers before she kisses Charlotte again. This time, Charlotte deepens the kiss. Behind them, Owen is standing in the doorway of the house, smiling. T.K. walks up behind him.

'Do you know where Ave went?' T.K. asks his dad.

'Yeah.' Owen moves out of the way slightly so T.K. can also see his sister and Charlotte.

'Oh.' T.K. states, a smile spreading across his face. 'I'm glad she's found someone that makes her happy.'

'Me too.' Owen nods in agreement. They watch the two girls lie down on their backs, and hold hands. 'C'mom, let's give them some privacy.' Owen turns to T.K., shuts the front door and they make their way back to the party.

~~~~~~~~~~~

That's the end of This Is The Moment!! I'll be starting the sequel "This is the Day" very soon!! Will Avery get her happy ending or will more pain be in store? Let's face it though, it's me. There's defo going to be more pain coming Avery's way :)  I cried my eyes out writing some of this. 

Remember to read Addicted by @DharmaWinter to read Megan's story! 

Let me know what you think!

Much love