* * *

It's been seven dreadful days since finding out about my mum. Bianca was kind enough to give me Bereavement Leave for two weeks, while school could only give me a week but I was grateful either way because it allowed me to put focus on my case against Noah and help my dad with finding the truth about my mums death.

We were both sitting in his office watching the security footage which was the most draining part because we had to watch it from the moment she entered the clinic. So far, nothing suspicious had come up. I was beginning to get disheartened about our chances of catching Henry. Until, we saw him arrive at 7:30pm the Saturday we had all been there. The anger began to boil through me when I saw that no one was at the from desk, which allowed him to walk freely into the clinic.

"We got him! The prick!" I whispered as I slapped my dad's shoulder in excitement.

"That's only the first half. We still need to follow him through the cameras to see where he goes. If we can catch him going into her room. We can get him arrested and sue the clinic."

"Sue the clinic?" I asked in confusion.

"They had a duty of care that they failed on. Avery, based on these videos, they are fucked in court. Excuse my language." Dad said as he winked at me when he excused himself, making me smile at him.

The smile drained from my face when I saw Henry leave my mums room with a smile on his face. It was at that point that he succeeded in his mission. Before I could say anything the screen paused. I looked at my dad in confusion but didn't question it when I saw the look he was giving me.

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect her." He whispered.

I shook my head as my eyes began to water, "This is not your fault. You helped her get clean and get another chance with her kids. Thank you Dad, I love you." I said as I wrapped my hand around his shoulder.

"Love you too, kiddo."

"So what happens now?" I asked.

"You focus on school, work, college applications and your case against Noah. Leave this with me and Oliver. We will have it all sorted." Dad said as he grabbed his phone to make a call.

"Dad, about college. I'm not going. I plan on working full time, I can't leave Alena. Especially after what happened to Mum."

I watched as Dad got up to open one of the draws in his home office. My eyebrows creased in confusion as he came back with a pile of paperwork.

"I've done the same to Andrew. These are some applications, just read and have a think about it. For me, please?" He said as he reached his hand out to pass the papers as he sat back down in his chair.

"There's always a way for you to complete your education and be with Alena. Don't throw in the towel without doing your research." He added.

I looked between him and the papers before letting out a sigh, "Okay, I'll think about it." I said as I grabbed the paperwork off him.

"That's all I ask."

I scoffed as I looked at some of the universities, "Yeah, I can't afford any of these schools."

"When did we discuss you paying for your education?" Dad asked as he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Dad-"

"Dont Dad me. I will pay for your education should you choose to go. I will pay for Andrews, Michaels and Alena's. Do not argue with me over this." He said in a stern voice.

I let out a sigh as I got up from my seat and wrapped my arms around his neck, "Thank you. I honestly wouldn't have survived all of this without you in my corner."

"I'll always be there for you. Now go home and read over these schools and let me know what you think." He said.

I let out a laugh before nodding and grabbing my bag, "Yes, sir."

* * *

Looking at these applications only began to stress me out. I had no idea what I wanted to study. I never really thought about what I wanted to do when I grew up, I honestly didn't think I would last this long. What if I couldn't make a decision? What if I made the wrong decision and made my dad pay for education I didn't want? I've spent the last few hours doing my research as promised, but it's only increased my stress load.

"Found anything you like?" Isaac asked as he sat on the couch next to me.

I looked up at him in confusion, "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Nikki?"

"That was before I knew that you guys had a falling out, I told her to grow the fuck up and if she couldn't then there was no room for her in my life." He said casually as he flicked through the channels.

I let out a groan as I placed the paperwork on the coffee table in front of me, "Why did you do that?"

"Because she had no right to make accusations like that or believe those stupid rumours." He said, anger evident in his voice.

"I don't want to be the reason you guys fight." I said calmly.

"You're not. She is." He said as he grabbed his glass, taking a sip out of it.

"So, anything interesting?" He asked, changing the subject.

"So far, I'm liking the Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing." I said as I shrugged my shoulders.

"Wanna become a famous writer?" Isaac said as he smirked at me.

"Shut up. I just like the idea of writing. I've got enough to say." I said, smiling at him when he let out a chuckle.

"Your life would be a very interesting read or movie." Isaac said as he pointed to the Television.

"Ha, yeah right."

Our conversation was cut short when the doorbell rang.

"Expecting anyone?" Isaac asked.

I shook my head in denial as I got up to answer the door. My smile disappeared from my face as I saw Nikki standing there, head down and hands in her pockets. I crossed my arms over my chest as I waited for her to say something first. I had no intentions of apologising first, I don't care how immature that made me sound.

"I'm so sorry! I'm sorry about believing the stupid rumours and I'm so sorry for not being there for you when your mum-" She stopped as her eyes widened in shock.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" She added before stopping again.

I looked into Nikki's eyes and can see real remorse in them, I knew she was genuine with her apology. Grabbing her arm I pulled her into a hug, "I'm sorry too for lashing out on you." I whispered.

"You had every right to. I was acting like a moron." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around my waist.

"Thank God that's over." Isaac called out from behind us.

"Shut up!" We both yelled out before laughing. I grabbed a hold of her hand to bring inside as I closed the door.

It felt good to finally have made amends with Nikki, I never liked having fights with my friends and I think this one got to me the most because it was our first fight. It almost reminded me of Crystal whenever I used to talk about Noah to her, we would always fight because she would always stick up for him and not me. I know it's the not the same scenario but for some reason it still reminded me of that. The four of sat in the living room for a few hours watching a few chick flicks, much to Isaacs dismay. But, he took it like a man and didn't complaint...too much.

After saying goodbye to Nikki, Isaac walked her out. I decided it was time for some juice to get my brain going with these applications that still sat in front of me. How was I supposed to have this kind of conversation with Alena, I didn't want her to think I was abandoning her. I was taking a sip out of my juice while I walked back to the couch until I saw her holding the forms, flicking through them.

"What are these?" She asked.

I shook my head quickly, "Their nothing. Just papers Dad gave me. Let's watch another movie."

Alena looked at me for a few seconds before shrugging and sitting back in her spot. I grabbed the paperwork and placed them on the dining table before coming back to the living room to sit with her.

"So shall we continue our conversation about what college we are applying to?" Isaac asked as he walked into the living room.

My head whipped towards Isaac as my eyes widened at him in horror. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he looked at Alena who was now looking between the two of us.

"Have you applied to any of them?" She asked quietly.

"No, Alena. And I'm not. I won't leave you. Packaged deal, remember?" I said as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders to bring her closer to me.

Alena, not saying anything got off the couch and walked out of the room. I let out a sigh as I looked at Isaac who sat next to me in disbelief, "I swear, I didn't mean to."

"It's okay. I'm going to give her a few minutes before going to see her." I said as I stared absentmindedly at the TV. Until, Alena came back into view in front of me. I looked at her before looking at her hands, one holding the papers and the other holding a pen.

"You have always put me first. It's time I put you first. Apply." Alena said quietly as she smiled at me.

My eyes began to water as I looked at my sister in disbelief, "Ar-Are you sure, Alena?" I asked.

She giggled before nodding, "Yes! As long as I get to help you choose something you will like."

I let out a chuckle as I leaned forward to hug my sister, "Of course! No one else knows me better than you."

"What if we have to move though? What if I don't find something close by?" I asked.

She looked between Isaac and me before shrugging her shoulders, "I know I said I didn't want to move, but I will move for you. It's time that you do something for you."

"Thank you so much, Aly-Cat." I whispered as I hugged her once more.

"I love you, Avery."

"I love you too, Alena."

"We love you too, Isaac." Isaac grumpily adder.

We both let out a light laugh before responding simultaneously, "We love you too, Isaac."

When my sister found those papers I imagined a completely different conversation, never in my right mind did I expect this conversation to take place. It made me realise that my baby sister was growing up. She was seeing situations in a new light. Now I had to pick up the slack at school and get good scores to have a shot in any kind of college or university.

* * *

A/N: Sorry I've been MIA, I've just been trying to finish the remainder of the story. I've only got a few chapters left! I can't wait!

Next Chapter: We get a short snippet into Noah's life and what he's doing right now.