Both sisters relaxed on the bed as they began to watch a movie. Whenever the scary parts came up, one of them moved closer to her sister, seeking comfort. The other sister held her hand, reassuring her every time she got scared.

A peaceful silence filled the room until suddenly the door burst open with a loud noise.

When she saw the person at the door, she instinctively hid behind her sister.

"Why didn't you stay in your room, sweetie?" he scolded, giving her a stern look and then turning to her sister.

"Dad, I just wanted to watch a movie, but my TV stopped working," her sister sighed.

"What? Why didn't you tell me earlier? I could have called the technicians this morning to fix it," he replied with concern.

"It's okay, Dad. Ava's TV was working fine, so I came here instead," her sister reassured him with a warm smile.

"Oh, Ava's TV is working? Let me move this to your room, then," he said, unplugging the TV cables and heading to her sister's room, despite her sister's protests.

Her sister gave her an apologetic look before rushing back to her room.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt the pain of losing her innocence. She loved watching TV, and now that it was gone, she knew it wouldn't be the same.

....................***....................

Pretty things don't lie

Ava's morning began with a mix of emotions, the remnants of a sad and lonely night still haunting her thoughts. Despite her efforts to start the day anew, her mind was preoccupied with old memories that weighed heavily on her.

Today was a special day—it was both Ava and Olivia's birthday. However, a cloud of suspicion had begun to hang over their shared birthday. The previous night, Olivia's friends had not openly questioned the unlikely coincidence of two close friends having the same birthday, but Ava sensed their unspoken doubts. It couldn't be a mere coincidence, and they seemed to be harboring questions about her true identity and relationship with Olivia.

Ava knew she had to be cautious. She was on a mission to locate Olivia while keeping her true identity hidden, and she couldn't afford to let anyone discover the truth. 

Were Olivia's friends planning to dig deeper into her background? Would they start investigating her past? These questions troubled Ava.

Her father, a former mafia member, played a significant role in maintaining the secrecy around their family. To the world, he was a doting father who adored Olivia, and this façade was all anyone knew about him. However, this secrecy made Ava feel vulnerable as if she were standing on a shaky foundation. 

She couldn't bear the thought of losing the newfound friendships she had developed with Olivia's friends. Her father's cruelty and Olivia's friendship were the only constants in her life, and she couldn't allow her feelings to jeopardize them.

Ava understood that she had to create some distance between herself and these new people in her life. She had dreams of returning to Paris, where she felt safe and free from the constraints of her family's criminal history. She knew that her father would not allow her to stay in her current surroundings once Olivia was found. In her real world, she had no father or sister, and that was where she belonged. 

As Ava emerged from the depths of her contemplation, she was startled to find a few unbidden tears trickling down her cheeks. She hadn't even been aware of the emotional turmoil that had caused them. Swiftly, she brushed them away with the back of her hand, determined to regain her composure.

Her focus then shifted to the task at hand: choosing an outfit for the day. Her closet held an array of choices, but today held a special significance—it was her birthday, and she wanted to feel like her genuine self. After a moment's contemplation, she settled on a lovely off-white skirt and a matching top. She distinctly remembered buying this outfit during a shopping spree with Amara. It was a piece that had made her feel confident and comfortable, and she hoped it would carry those feelings into her day.

With her outfit selected, Ava embarked on her next ritual—a long, rejuvenating bath. The warm water cascaded over her, enveloping her in a cocoon of serenity. It was her chance to wash away not only the physical remnants of her previous night's sadness but also the emotional weight that had clung to her. Each drop of water seemed to cleanse her soul as she luxuriated at the moment, her thoughts drifting to happier times and the promise of a fresh start on her birthday.

Ava was determined to present her true self to the world today, despite the uncertainties that loomed around her. She wanted to face the day with confidence, hope, and authenticity, and her choice of outfit and this refreshing bath were symbolic steps in that direction. Today was about embracing her identity, even if it had to remain hidden from certain people, and celebrating her existence in the world.

As Ava stepped out of the soothing embrace of the bath, her body was wrapped in a fluffy towel that provided a gentle comfort. Droplets of water clung to her skin, and the bathroom air was thick with warmth and steam. She felt refreshed, both physically and emotionally, as if the water had washed away the residue of her melancholy night.

Her long, wet hair was her first priority. She picked up a towel designated for her hair and gently began to dry the damp locks. The towel's softness and the rhythmic motion of her hands offered a sense of familiarity and routine that felt comforting amidst the chaos of her current situation.

After ensuring her hair was adequately dry, she moved on to the next step. Ava decided to apply some light makeup, accentuating her features with a touch of mascara and a subtle hint of lipstick. The reflection in the mirror before her was slowly transforming. She could see her eyes brightening, and her lips regaining a hint of color. These small enhancements were like a mask she put on to face the world outside—a world that was unaware of her true identity.

As Ava finally slipped into the chosen off-white skirt and top, she looked at herself in the mirror once more. It was a poignant moment. She hadn't seen herself like this in what felt like a long time. The reflection gazing back at her was a reminder of her true self, the person she had been before she embarked on this mission of secrecy and disguise.

Satisfaction radiated from her expression as she took in her own image. For the first time in a while, she felt a sense of normalcy, of being herself again. It was a welcome feeling amidst the constant need to hide and maintain a facade.

The college courtyard buzzed with activity as the friends gathered near Ava's locker. It was a bright, sunny day, and the atmosphere was filled with the enthusiasm of students going about their business. The group had come together, anticipating Ava's arrival, to celebrate her and Olivia's shared birthday.

Krish, a thoughtful and observant member of the group, spoke up, his words punctuated by a sense of curiosity and wonder. "If Olivia were here today," he began, his voice filled with a touch of nostalgia, "she would be so happy to know that there is actually a person who has a birthday in the same month as her, let alone the same day." Krish's eyes glistened with a hint of sentiment as he shared his thoughts.

The friends nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting a mix of emotions. Krish's observation struck a chord with them. The connection between Ava and Olivia's birthdays did indeed seem like a remarkable coincidence—one that Olivia if she were present, would have found delight in. It was a reminder of the special bond they all shared with Olivia and the fond memories they held of her.

Amara, one of Ava's closest confidants, stood among the group, her heart racing as she listened to Krish's comment. Unlike the others, Amara was privy to the delicate secret that connected Ava and Olivia, a secret Ava had entrusted her with just the previous night. Amara knew that Ava had been grappling with the decision of whether or not to reveal her true identity to their friends.

As Krish's words hung in the air, Amara felt a sudden surge of anxiety. She knew that this casual remark could potentially unravel the carefully constructed facade that Ava had maintained for so long. The uncertainty of Ava's intentions weighed heavily on Amara's mind.

On one hand, she understood that Ava might long for the comfort of being her true self, especially on their shared birthday. On the other hand, there were risks involved. If Romano and the others decided to delve deeper into the connection between Olivia and Ava, it could lead to unwanted inquiries, questions, and possibly even the exposure of their mission.

Amara's mind raced as she contemplated the possible outcomes of this situation. She was torn between her loyalty to Ava and the desire to protect their shared secret. Her heart went out to Ava, who had already endured so much, and Amara didn't want her to face any more challenges or risks.

Ava's car glided into the bustling college parking lot, and like clockwork, the attention of the surrounding students shifted toward the vehicle. It had become a daily ritual, a moment of curiosity and anticipation, as they waited for the occupant of that distinctive car to make her entrance. Ava's car had an air of mystique, a magnet for intrigue and wonder.

As the car's engine hummed to a stop, the onlookers held their collective breath, eager to catch a glimpse of the person within. When the door swung open, it revealed a vision of elegance and grace. Ava, the enigmatic beauty who arrived in that striking vehicle day after day, stepped out.

At first, the spectators couldn't immediately place her identity. There was something different about Ava today, an aura of confidence and charm that seemed to radiate from her. Her everyday beauty had been elevated to new heights, and the transformation was mesmerizing.

As Ava moved closer, the crowd's surprise was palpable. They soon recognized her, but today she appeared even more enchanting than usual. It wasn't just her physical appearance; it was the way she carried herself. She exuded an air of self-assuredness that left an indelible impression on anyone who laid eyes on her.

Ava's transformation hadn't gone unnoticed. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they marveled at the remarkable change in her demeanor. It was as though she had unveiled a side of herself that had been hidden for far too long. Her presence today was not just about her physical beauty; it was about the confidence and authenticity she projected, making her stand out in a crowd that had grown accustomed to her mystique.

As Ava approached her locker, she couldn't help but notice the unusual buzz of excitement that seemed to permeate the atmosphere. It was as if her elegant appearance had sent ripples throughout the entire college, with news of her transformation spreading like wildfire through college social media.

Krish, usually composed and confident, was taken aback by Ava's stunning look. He had earned a reputation as a playboy on campus, with many admirers vying for his attention, but today, he found himself completely mesmerized by Ava. For the first time in a long while, he was rendered speechless. His gaze was locked on her, his usual smooth words failing him. It was as if Ava's newfound confidence and beauty had cast a spell over him.

The rest of the gang, equally astonished by Ava's transformation, exchanged surprised glances. Romano, who had always been somewhat reserved, couldn't hide the admiration in his eyes. He hadn't expected Ava to look so beautiful and yet so classy. Even though they had often compared Ava and Olivia in the past, today's Ava seemed like a different person entirely. Their tastes in fashion and their ways of carrying themselves were distinctly unique, further masking any connection between the two.

Amara, who had been aware of Ava's true identity, was momentarily left speechless. She had seen Ava's stunning transformation before her eyes, and the sight had taken her by surprise. However, she quickly recovered from her initial shock and couldn't contain her excitement any longer. Amara moved forward and embraced Ava warmly.

The unexpected outpouring of admiration and support from her friends left Ava feeling both touched and grateful. She had strived to present her authentic self today, and the positive reactions from her friends reaffirmed her decision to reveal a glimpse of her true identity. The college courtyard had become a stage for her transformation, and Ava couldn't help but feel that this was the start of a memorable birthday celebration, one that would hold a special place in her heart for years to come.

__________***__________

In this chapter, I've provided many details because it's Ava's birthday, and I wanted to make sure she gets the attention and explanation she deserves. I hope you all enjoy reading about her special day. And don't worry, there are more surprises planned for her birthday in the next chapter, so stay tuned for that! 

Thanks for reading.

xxx