Avril smoothed her dress the last time as Ella Kahn opened the door. Organising herself always reduced her anxiety. She could not wait to see Mom's expression when she sees Ashton.
"Oh God Avril, where were you?"
Avril opened her mouth to say something but her Mom cut her off.
"I had been waiting for you. You should have at least left a note or replied to one of my texts. I was so worried something might have happened to you and then today's your party and I don't want you to-"
"Mom. See, I'm fine. Calm down. Let's get in."

Her Mother was so messed up. Before Ashton left, she had always been a all-work Mom who had no time to care about her kids. Avril used to wonder why did she even had kids?
But ever since Ashton disappeared, her face had started to get oily, and she would miss loads of makeover appointments and prefer to stay at home. She was so worried she'd lose her two girls as well.

Once they got inside, Avril held her Mother by the arm and took her to the table.
"Mom, I have a surprise for you."
Her Mom raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Me too!"
Avril stared. Haha?
"I bought you a beautiful dress for the party. Wait-let me fetch it." She started for the stairs but Avril stopped her.
"It can wait Mom. I have something more special. And I want both Dad and Courtney to get here ASAP so I could you it to all of you. I'm so sure you'll love it!"
Ella Kahn furrowed her brows. "Well, I'll call them at lunch. Can your surprise wait till then?"
Avril nodded.
Mom gave her a smile and went upstairs.

Someone knocked on the door.
Avril turned to find Ashton standing there, his lips tight from the edges. "Av, do I have to stand out till then?!"
Avril sighed. He was being so silly. "C'mon Ash. I was just coming for you. Let's hide you in my bedroom."
Avril led Ashton upstairs and locked the door behind her.
"So here we are."
Ashton glanced at the room. "How long has it been! I missed home, man!"
Avril smiled back.
"Hey, what's that?"
Avril followed his gaze to her wall where she had pasted all photos of Ashton that she could manage. There was his picture from Chicago, when he had been interviewed by the Manager of IKLC for winning a Silver Medal. Another was a family photo, in their vacation house near the Clifton Beach in NY. There were other pictures too, from school and friend's hang out.

"Oh, just a little shrine for you." She replied.
A pleasant smile appeared on her brother's face.
"I like it, it's awesome."
***

Her Mom called out, "Lunch is served!"
Avril peeled downstairs, watching her Dad take place next to Mom. Courtney sat opposite to them, an unhappy expression on her face. Well, she had wipe it off the moment she sees Ashton.
It felt so good.
Avril went over to the table and sat next to Courtney, leaving a seat in between.
Her Dad looked at her. "Avril, can't it be fast. I have this appointment that-"
"Dad, Mom, there's something you need to know."
Both her parents raised their eyebrows. "What's up Av?" Called Courtney.
Avril took a breath, stood up and went to the staircase. She motioned Ashton, who stood on the first stair, to come down.

As Ashton approached the last stair, Avril noticed her Mother's eyes do a squint, her Dad's eyes grow wider, and Courtney's mouth fell open.
"Surprise!" Avril gleamed as Ashton appeared in front of everyone, an expectant look on his face.
Ella Kahn jumped from her seat. Courtney's hand hit her mouth. Her Dad just stared.

It stayed like that for five whole minutes.

Then Ashton broke it. "Hey, Mom."
Her Mom still stared.

Then she moved towards him and hugged him tight. Tighter than ever.
Kenneth Kahn stood up too and joined his wife and son. Courtney came over to Avril and smiled.
A perfect reunion.

Avril savoured every moment of it deep in her heart so she could never, ever forget this moment.