The bell behind the restaurant door rings as I step through the doorway. I scan through the mass of faces until I see the one person calling my name, their hand frantically waving in the air.

"Ava, over here," shouts Kyle.

I walk across the restaurant and take a seat across from him. We're in one of the middle booths, so there's chatter on either side of us which makes it hard to concentrate.

"Have you ordered food?" I ask.

"Yes, and I got you the usual," he replies.

"Hey," I groan. "I was supposed to buy you lunch this time around!"

"With what money?" he questions. "You don't have a job or money, so let me get this. When you're cashed up, you can take me on a fancy date." Kyle winks.

"So, I'll take Charlotte on a date for you?" I tease. "We could go to the casino and live it large, or the cool restaurant that spins around. Does that sound like a good idea?"

"What about me?" he pouts.

"What about you, Kylie boo?" I giggle.

"So mean." He sniffles. "Now tell me, what's the goss? What's happening with Axel?"

"We're good, but just friends," I clarify. "I only want to be friends."

"Does that mean you're not bringing him to the party then?" he asks.

"No." I shake my head.

"Do you want him to be there?" questions Kyle.

My voice gets lost in my throat as I go to answer. I'm torn either way when it comes to Blake and Axel. Excited for the possibilities, yet scared of those same possibilities. I certainly don't want a relationship but I enjoy this.

I don't want to be with Axel, but he keeps me safe when it comes to Blake. I need all the help I can get when it comes to him. Blake has a way of making me feel weak and with Axel I feel different. Not the romantic feeling type, but free, like a bird soaring through the open air. Nothing to hold me back, just the open sky and the horizon.

Being with Blake comes with a lot of responsibilities, ones I'm not sure I can face myself. At some point, babies grow up and then what? They go to school, they learn, they become their own minds, and well, the thought of raising a child, let alone someone else's is extremely terrifying.

What if I screw up London's life?

"Look, Ava," says Kyle. "I'm happy that you're happy, so you do you."

"Okay." I smile.

"Just don't be afraid to go after what makes you happy."

"Don't worry, Blake, I will." I grin.

Our food eventually arrives which leaves the pair of us excited. He's ordered us a spicy chicken with a side of chips.

"How's Charlotte?" I inquire.

"Yeah, she's good," he replies.

"Anything new with you guys?"

"She's actually thinking about finding her child because of what happened to Ivan. Although, she's conflicted about it," he says.

"Oh, I had no idea." I frown. "I'd support her on any level. I know it might be awkward after everything that has happened, but I think that if she has the chance and she wants to do this, she should do it."

"I'm glad you're okay with it," Kyle replies.

"How do you feel about Charlotte looking for a child?"

"If this is what she wants, then I'll support her." He shakily grins.

"That's good then."

The world is moving so quickly. You blink once and soon enough, it doesn't matter anymore. Charlotte should follow her heart wherever that takes her. One day, that child is going to want to know her, and it would be nice if she gets the chance to know share that experience.

"It'll be weird," Kyle admits, "seeing my girlfriend with her child but I'm willing to support her."

I can't help but laugh. I'd spent so long seeing Blake as just himself, and then within what seemed like seconds, he became a devoted father.

"That was Blake for me," I comment.

"But?" He frowns.

"I don't know, things are different now." I sigh.

"How about we go as a group?" he offers. "I'll swing by with Charlotte and pick you up."

"No, it's okay." I smile. "I'll just meet you both later on."

"If that's what you want." He nods.

After lunch, Kyle's phone buzzes across the table top. He takes the call and shoots me an apologetic look.

"Hi, Char, what's up?"

I look around the room so that I don't appear nosey. When the call ends, I turn to smile at him.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go. I'll see you later?"

"Sure, and thanks for lunch."

"No worries." Kyle happily grins.

I slide off the booth and hug Kyle goodbye before he slips out the door. He quickly runs towards his beat-up blue car before getting in and driving off. I finish off the remainder of my meal before leaving as well.

It's slightly weird sharing my best friend, however, I'm ecstatic he's happy. Although, it'll suck trying to find my own outfits, at least he won't be making jokes about my underwear.

What do you think about Kyle and Ava's chat? How about Charlotte and trying to find her child?