How can I help you, to say goodbye, it's okay to hurt, and it's okay to cry; come let me hold you and I will try. How can I help you to say goodbye

Ava Duncan, born in Noel Park, London, England on May 2nd, 1967 to Klaus and Diana, not only entered the world with a gentle spirit, and a radiant smile, but she captivated the presence of those around her.

Diana hailed from California, but was known in the neighborhood of Noel Park as England's Rose, due to her undying kindness, compassion, and radiant spirit.

Klaus and his sister, Rebecca Duncan, originally hailed from Sandringham, England, and he met Diana as an exchange student in high school back in the 1950s.

The couple married in 1965, and gave birth to Ava in 1967, her name sake is mainly due to her mother's admiration for Ava Gardner.

Growing up, Ava had a happy childhood, who was raised to treat everyone with respect, no matter their social class. She also had a deep passion for books, especially in the French language, something she inherited from her mother.

In 1975, at the age of 8, Ava and her parents, as well as Rebecca and Marcel, relocated to America, in the golden state of California, for better job opportunities, and to be close to Diana's siblings, Freya and Elijah.

Upon her arrival, she met a boy her age, Bobby Brown, who soon became her best friend, and stuck by her through thick and thin. That's where the story begins.

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Summer 1975

Captain & Tennile's Love Will Keep Us Together was number one on the billboard charts, Jaws was the top grossing movie in America, and Klaus and Diana Duncan had just moved to Van Nuys where her two siblings, Freya and Elijah Grey resided, and Klaus' sister and brother in-law, Rebecca and Marcel Gerard, lived down the road from them.

Klaus and Diana's eight-year-old daughter, Ava Duncan, was scared and didn't know her place in the world, as she had only known it in London, where she had a lot of friends, but still felt like an outsider, as she was the only one who spoke with an American accent.

For her young age at the time, Ava was a very mature and smart little girl, mostly due to the fact that she spent an exorbitant amount of time reading, especially in the French language.

"Sweetheart, why don't you go explore the neighborhood, while your father and I unpack." Diana suggested.

Ava fiddled with the string on her shirt. "You mean, go out there? By myself? I don't know mama. It's pretty scary being in a new place you don't know, what if it doesn't work out? Can we go home? I miss my friends."

Diana wrapped her arms around her daughter, and pulled her close to her. "Sweetheart, I know. I understand your fear. But you have to understand something. When you face the unknown, you have to gather every ounce of courage you possess, and tell yourself, that if it's the right thing to do, everything will work out just fine."

Ava snuggled into her mother. "And if it's not?"

Diana moved hair away from her baby girl's forehead. "My sweet Ava, our whole lives are decided by fate, but it doesn't have to be. I promise you, my sweet darling, this place will come to feel like home. Go on and meet some new friends."

Ava kissed her mother's cheek, then grabbed her Walkman, and walked out the door. Outside, she grabbed her bike. "Hi sweetheart, where are you off to?" Klaus questioned as he placed his tool chest on the shelf

"Mama suggested I should explore the neighborhood, while you both unpack." Ava said as she hopped on her bike

Klaus had always been protective of his daughter, and gave her a look of concern. "All right, well, be careful and be back when the street lights come on."

"I will daddy. I love you, more than anything." Ava smiled

"I love you too, sweetheart." Klaus smiled

Ava smiled as she put her headphones on her ears, and pedaled down the street, as Elton John's Honky Cat played, eventually leading her to Encino. One thing she took note of, was the many large manor homes, and the beautiful brunette girl was in awe, as her beautiful violet blue eyes glowed.

Ava was too engrossed in her music and looking at the large manor houses, when she fell off her bike and skinned her knee. "Ow!" the little brunette girl cried

"Are you okay?" a voice rang out

Ava's violet blues were glazed over with tears, and her brunette hair was in her face, but she moved it out of the way to see that a little boy, around her age, with feathered brown hair, blue eyes, and a warm smile ran to help her.

Ava nodded as she wiped her tears from her eyes and picked up her walkman. "Yes, I'm okay. I just wasn't watching where I was going. I'm Ava Duncan."

"Wow, like Ava Gardner." the boy smiled as he helped her stand up.

Ava smiled as she picked up her bike. "Yes, my mom loves Ava Gardner, so she thought it was fitting to name me Ava." the brunette smiled.

"Well, I'm Bobby, Bobby Brown." Bobby smiled as he extended his hand for a handshake.

"Nice meeting you, Bobby." Ava smiled.

As the two eight year olds shook hands, they felt something strange, they didn't know what it was. Of course, we know it's butterflies, but eight year old logic doesn't understand the feeling, so they just simply ignored it.

"Well, your knee is hurt, come into my house, and my grandma will clean it for you." Bobby smiled as he took her bike and led her to his house

"Are you sure? I mean, I'm an unannounced guest." Ava said

"It's alright, my grandma won't mind." Bobby reassured as he set her bike by the garage and led her up the walkway

Inside, the two eight year olds walked in, hand in-hand, and Ava admired the many Barbies on the shelves. Then, looking on the wall, she saw photo of a middle aged woman with Ruth Handler, creator of the first Barbie.

"Bobby, your grandma knows Ruth Handler?" Ava questioned as they walked to the kitchen

"Yes, my grandma is the CEO of Mattel, she also designs the Barbie dolls." Bobby said. "You like Barbies?"

"I mean, what little girl doesn't?" Ava smiled.

Bobby smiled as he took her by the hand and led her to the kitchen where his grandmother, Nettie, sat at the table, sketching in her sketch pad. "Grandma, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

Nettie looked up, and took her glasses off her face. Her red hair had some grays peaking through, and her pantsuit was neatly pressed, but her warm and radiant smile, was that of her grandson's.

"Oh, hello, dear." Nettie smiled. "I'm Nettie, what on earth happened to your knee?"

"Grandma, this is Ava Duncan. She fell while she was riding her bike. Can you help her?" Bobby questioned

Nettie smiled as she stood up from the kitchen table, and grabbed the first aid kit. "Of course, darling."

After Nettie cleaned Ava's knee, Bobby showed her around the house, as well as the upstairs, even his room. "Wow, you have Queen records! How cool!" the brunette smiled

"You like Queen?" Bobby questioned.

"I love them and Elton John." Ava smiled. "But I'm from London."

Bobby furrowed his brows. "But you don't have a British accent."

Ava laughed. "Well, my mom is originally from here, while my daddy is from over there. So I grew up speaking mainly in the American accent."

Ava looked at the photo on Bobby's nightstand, which held his parents, Joshua and Catherine Brown. She didn't say anything, as she knew better to ask, it was always better not to speak, but rather to be spoken to, that was until Bobby spoke up first.

"That's my mom and dad. My dad died two years ago, and my mom died over the spring." Bobby said, as he tried not to cry. "Sometimes, the kids pick on me for it, and it hurts. I miss my mom a lot. I especially miss her hugs. They were the best, and they always made me feel better when I was sad." Bobby's tears were falling now.

Ava couldn't stop her own tears that were welling in her eyes. She pulled her new friend in for a tight embrace. "Bobby, I'm so sorry. Kids are so mean."

"Thanks Ava." Bobby smiled as he held on to Ava tightly, almost as if she were his anchor

Ava looked at the clock on the wall which read 7:30. "I guess I better be getting home. Thank you for everything, Bobby." she smiled as the two walked down the stairs

"Now, young lady, you're not riding home with the street lights coming on. I'll drive you home. Come on." Nettie smiled

After Bobby put Ava's bike into the back seat of Nettie's black mercedes, she drove Ava back to her Van Nuys home, while Bobby sat with her in the back seat, the two kids laughing and chatting.

"Come on, I want you both to meet my parents." Ava smiled

Ava walked inside, leading Nettie and Bobby with her, as Diana walked into the dining room, with a pot roast in her hands. "There you are sweetheart, dinner's on the—oh, hello." she smiled warmly

"Mama, this is Bobby Brown, my new friend, and his grandma, Mrs. Brown. I fell and hurt my knee, but Mrs. Brown fixed me right up." Ava smiled

Diana set the pot roast on the table. "Ava, are you alright?" she asked as she examined her daughter's face, then her knee

"I'm alright, mama." Ava smiled

Diana smiled warmly at the older woman, and the young boy in front of her. "Thank you both so much." she smiled. "My name is Diana Duncan, I'm Ava's mother. I hope we can be friends."

"Hello Diana, I'm Nettie Brown. I would love that." Nettie smiled as she shook Diana's hand.

"Welcome to our home, my darling Bobby." Diana smiled as she pulled Bobby into a warm, motherly embrace, something he had missed the feeling of.

"Thank you, Mrs. Duncan." Bobby smiled

After that, Diana, Klaus, and Nettie would spend time together quite often, either at the Duncan Van Nuys residence, or at Bobby and Nettie's Encino Hills Home.

On the day of Ava's ninth birthday, she had a little party at her house, which consisted of her parents, her aunts and uncles, Nettie and Bobby.

Bobby had gotten a special present for her. He had Nettie design a special barbie doll for Ava, that looked exactly like her, which Nettie herself had been working on for months.

At the birthday party, after opening gifts, mainly Barbies from Klaus and Diana, and a beautiful baby doll from Rebecca and Marcel, as well as a Barbie play set from Freya and Elijah, she held Bobby's neatly wrapped gift in her hands

Nettie sweetly smiled at her grandson, who nervously bit his nails, not sure if Ava would like the doll or not. "She'll love it dear." the older woman softly reassured

After Ava carefully took the pink wrapping paper off the box, she opened it to reveal the Barbie doll, which was the most beautiful Barbie doll she had ever seen.

"I-I hope you like it. I had grandma design something that looked, exactly like you." Bobby nervously said, as Ava's violet eyes sparkled and her whole face lit up.

Bobby gulped, watching Ava analyze the doll in the box. Her parents, aunts and uncles surrounded her, and smiled as they noticed the striking similitudes the doll and Ava had.

Bobby sat there, awkwardly looking at Ava's expression to understand if she liked it or not. The Barbie had the same beautiful brunette hair, the same striking violet eyes, and even the same porcelain skin. Nettie knew the young girl loved the doll.

Ava looked up meeting his beautiful blue eyes. "Bobby, she's beautiful. I've never had a doll that looked like me before." the brunette smiled as she walked towards him, with the doll, she carefully removed from the box in one hand and embraced him tightly. "Thank you so much. I'll always treasure this. I'll keep her on my nightstand always, she's too beautiful to play with. Thank you as well, Ms. Nettie."

"You're welcome, my sweet Ava." Nettie smiled

"I'm glad you like it." Bobby smiled as he stood up. "You see, I had been struggling to figure out what to get you, because you deserve everything, but I know you also like Barbies, even though I'll never understand nothing about them, but I asked grandma, to please design a Barbie that looked, well, um, beautiful. Just l-like you—"

Ava quickly noticed his cheeks flush and how he looked down, embarrassed. She blushed too, and stood on her tiptoes, to give him a peck on the right cheek. His eyes widened at the gesture, and she just shyly smiled at him, caressing the hair of the doll.

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August 1981

Those years with Bobby were the best years of Ava's life. But everything went downhill during middle school, and Bobby was bullied more, no matter how many times Ava would take up for him. This caused him to join a karate dojo, Cobra Kai. The more time he spent there, the more he completely avoided Ava, and, in the process, he made four new best friends, Johnny Lawrence, Tommy, Dutch, and Jimmy.

In 1981, their freshman year of high school, Bobby had abandoned Ava completely. The boy who once held her hand and promised friendship was gone, replaced by someone she didn't recognize—someone she feared. With his new friends, he was now the most popular boy in school, loud, cocky, and untouchable. He wasn't the Bobby she remembered.

"I just don't understand, Mama," fifteen-year-old Ava sobbed, curled on her bed with her pillow clutched tight against her chest. Her voice cracked as she turned her tear-streaked face toward her mother. "He's so different. He won't even look at me."

Her violet eyes brimmed with anguish as she went on, her words tumbling out between hiccupped breaths. "And when he does, it's that smug little smirk—like he knows he's hurting me. He brags about the girls who throws themselves at him, Mama. Right in front of me. He laughs about it with his friends, like it's some kind of trophy. He flirts with every girl he sees, like I don't even exist." Her voice broke completely. "It hurts so bad."

Diana climbed onto the bed, pulling her daughter into her arms. The warmth and perfume of her mother's embrace were the only things keeping Ava from falling apart entirely. "I'm so sorry, my precious," Diana whispered, stroking her back.

Ava buried her face into her mother's neck, sobbing until her body shook. "Mama, why does this hurt so much? Why does it feel like my chest is breaking open? What's happening to me?" Her voice was raw, almost desperate, as if she were pleading for an answer.

Diana kissed her daughter's damp forehead, her own heart splintering at the sight of her baby in such pain. "My sweet Ava, it hurts because you liked him. He was your first friend—the boy who welcomed you to The Valley when no one else did. First bonds like that, they leave marks on your heart."

Ava shook her head fiercely, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I don't ever want to see him again. Not ever."

Diana cupped her face, her blue eyes soft but steady. "My sweet cherub, listen to me. There's one lesson I need to teach you—life is about changing. Nothing ever stays the same. Time will ease this pain. It's okay to hurt, and it's okay to cry. That doesn't make you weak—it makes you human." She brushed her fingers through Ava's long brunette hair, rocking her gently as if she were little again.

That night was one of many where Ava cried herself to sleep in her mother's arms, aching with unanswered questions. She could never bring herself to face Bobby—his new arrogance and the company he kept intimidated her too deeply.

But as the years passed, Ava changed too. Slowly, the quiet, bookish girl who once shrank under Bobby's smirks found her confidence again. She bloomed into herself, violet eyes luminous against her porcelain skin, her brunette hair cascading past her waist. She was breathtaking—regal even—the kind of beauty people couldn't ignore. To her classmates, she became the girl everyone wanted. To those who knew her—who loved her, she was England's Rose.

And she didn't rise alone. Freshman year, in English class, she met Ali Mills—the bright, confident girl who seemed to glow with effortless charm. Ali had noticed how beaten down Ava looked, how she kept her voice small, as if afraid to be seen. She had also noticed the way Bobby snickered at her when he thought no one was paying attention. From that day, Ali made Ava her mission, her anchor. With Ali by her side, Ava learned to laugh again, to stand tall, to carry herself with quiet grace.

Soon, it was simply understood: Ali and Ava. You never saw one without the other. They were sisters in everything but blood. Their days were filled with sleepovers at Ali's house—where her parents adored Ava and treated her like family—complete with late-night giggles, nail-painting sessions, whispered secrets, and bowls of popcorn balanced between them while they watched movies until dawn.

On weekends, they ruled the Valley together. Arcade days were for battling it out over Pac-Man and air hockey, shrieking with laughter at every win and loss. Mall days were for trying on outfits neither of them bought, drinking milkshakes at the food court, and walking arm-in-arm past storefronts like they owned the place. Ali's fire lit the spark Bobby had dimmed, and Ava's quiet depth grounded Ali in turn. Their friendship was unshakable.

And Bobby noticed. He noticed everything. The way Ava's violet eyes no longer searched for him, the way her laughter flowed easily with Ali, brighter than it ever had with him. The way her smile now belonged to someone else—a sister she chose for herself.

One Friday evening, on his way to Johnny's, Bobby passed Ali's house. Music and laughter spilled from an upstairs window. He stopped, unable to help himself, catching a glimpse through the curtain: Ava and Ali sprawled across Ali's bed, faces covered in clay masks, their nails painted bright colors, a pile of cassette tapes and magazines scattered around them. Ali's parents had knocked on the door earlier, telling Ava goodnight like she was one of their own.

And she was.

Bobby's chest tightened, jealousy burning deep. That should have been him. He should have been the one making her laugh, the one she confided in late at night. Instead, he was an outsider, watching her build a new world without him. His smirk faltered, regret heavy, before he forced himself to walk away. But the ache never left.

While Bobby strutted through the halls with his new friends, Ava walked beside Ali, her sister in all but name. And when Ali began dating Johnny Lawrence, Bobby's closest friend, Ava kept her promise to herself. Even though she spent time with Ali, she avoided the Cobra Kais at all costs.

Because in her heart, she blamed them for what Bobby had become. And she wasn't ready to forgive.

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May 2, 1984

It was the end of junior year. Seventeen-year-old Ava sat beside Ali in eighth-period history. Across from them were Bobby and his best friend—Ali's boyfriend, Johnny Lawrence.

Bobby couldn't take his eyes off her. The beautiful brunette he missed and loved so deeply. Every year, he slipped an unsigned birthday card into her locker, just to keep the tradition alive—even though he knew she'd either shove it back into his or toss it away the second she realized it was from him.

"Happy birthday, Ava," Ali said warmly, handing over a card and a small box. Inside was a necklace that perfectly matched Ali's own diamond heart pendant.

"Thanks, Ali," Ava smiled, her expression softening only for her best friend. She clasped the necklace around her neck, then hugged Ali tightly. "You really didn't have to."

"I know. But I wanted to," Ali said, grinning. "So... what are you doing after school?"

Before Ava could answer, Bobby suddenly stood and slid into the empty seat beside her. "Hey, Ava. Can we talk after class?" His voice carried a hopeful edge.

Ava's violet eyes snapped to him, ice-cold and unflinching. She shot a quick glance at Ali, whose calm, unwavering gaze told her friend she had support—no words, just presence.

Then Ava turned back to Bobby, her violet eyes hardening. She rolled them with deliberate cruelty, letting every ounce of hatred radiate from her.

"I have things to do. I'm meeting my mom and dad at the diner." She paused, then leaned closer to Ali with a pointed sweetness. "And you're invited."

Bobby's hopeful expression faltered. He had wanted this chance to make things right, to fix what he had broken years ago, but the girl beside him had no intention of giving him that chance.

It wasn't the first time Bobby's tried to talk to her and make things right. In 1982, when he went with his friends to see Rocky III, he saw the brunette with Ali, and tried to make things right then, but she — understandably so, avoided him like the plague.

"Ava, please," he said again, desperation creeping in. "It'll only take a couple minutes."

Ava's eyes narrowed, sharp as glass. "You don't get it, do you? I don't want anything to do with you—you're just like the rest of them. Nothing but a heartless asshole." She leaned closer, letting her words slice through the air. "What part of no don't you understand?"

The words landed like a slap, silencing even Johnny.

Bobby froze. The word ripped through him, heavier than any punch he'd ever taken in the dojo. Asshole. From her lips, it wasn't anger—it was a sentence. His chest constricted, his heart fracturing in a way he couldn't hide. He blinked hard, swallowing against the burn in his throat, but the damage was done.

Before Ava could finish her sentence, the door to the classroom opened. The principal walked in, flanked by two police officers.

"Mr. Harris, we need to speak with Ava Duncan. It's an emergency."

Confusion furrowed Ava's brows as she slowly gathered her things. Ali touched her arm for reassurance, but Ava's stomach churned with unease as she followed them into the hall. The door closed behind her with a heavy thud.

"Ava," Principal Webber said gently, "I'm afraid there's been a car accident."

The world seemed to tilt beneath her feet.

At the hospital, a doctor led her into the cold sterility of the morgue. "Miss Duncan," Dr. Ben Graham said softly, "we found them about an hour ago."

Ava's trembling hand reached for the sheet. As she pulled it back, the sight of Klaus and Diana's lifeless faces tore the breath from her lungs.

Her parents were gone—forever.

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May 8th, 1984

After the deaths of Klaus and Diana, Ava was placed under the guardianship of Freya and Elijah, who moved into the Duncan Van Nuys home. The house was full of family—her aunts, her uncles, and Ali, who refused to leave her side for even a moment. Yet despite the company, Ava had never felt more alone. She loved her parents more than anything, especially her mother, and the unbearable loss carved a hollow place in her heart that nothing could fill.

Bobby wasn't doing much better. He and Ava hadn't been friends for a long time, but the kindness Diana had once shown him still lived in his memory. When he heard the news, he knew he had to go to the funeral. Not for himself—but for Ava. Still, he kept to the back row, not daring to go near her. She hated his guts, and with good reason. The last thing he wanted was to make her grief any harder.

That night, Ava sat in her bedroom in the Van Nuys home, her doll cradled in her hands. It was a gift from her former best friend, a piece of the past she couldn't let go of. She loved the doll—loved it too much to throw it away. Nettie had worked so hard on it, and in truth, Ava still loved her too.

Ali was already beside her, one arm draped around Ava's shoulders. Her presence was steady, protective—calm but alive with that quiet, confident energy that always seemed to ground Ava.

A soft knock at the door drew their attention. "Ava, darling?" Freya's voice called gently.

"Come in, Auntie Freya," Ava said, setting the doll carefully on her nightstand.

Freya entered, carrying a bouquet of pink English roses—Ava's favorite. She didn't know they were from Bobby.

"These were dropped off for you," Freya said kindly.

"Who are they from?" Ava asked quietly.

Freya glanced at the small card tucked inside. "It doesn't say. It just says: Happy belated birthday. Under the circumstances, I hope this brightens your day, because everyone's spirits rise when you walk in the room. Someone you know? Someone from school, maybe?"

Ava shook her head. "Not anyone I know, Auntie."

Freya smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I know it's going to be hard, but try and get some rest, okay?"

Ava nodded, clutching the roses as Freya quietly left the room, the door clicking softly behind her.

As soon as the door closed, the weight of her parents' absence hit Ava like a tidal wave. She pressed her face into Ali's shoulder, sobs coming in uncontrollable waves. "I... I can't believe they're gone," she gasped, voice breaking. "Mom... Dad... why? Why did this happen?"

Ava pressed her face against Ali's shoulder, her violet eyes brimming with tears. "I... I can't believe they're gone," she whispered, voice breaking. "Mom... Dad... why?"

Ali tightened her hold, her voice soft but unwavering. "I know, Ava. I know it hurts. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

The sobs came in waves, shaking Ava's small frame. She clutched the doll to her chest as if it could somehow anchor her to the world she had lost. "It's not fair," she gasped between sobs. "They didn't deserve this... and I didn't deserve to lose them."

Ali rubbed her back gently, murmuring, "I know. I know. Let it out. Cry. Scream. Feel everything. I've got you. You're not alone, okay?"

Ava pressed closer, her hands clutching Ali's arm, needing the support more than words could express. Her grief was raw and all-consuming, her heart broken in a way she had never imagined.

Hours could have passed like this, the two of them on the bed, Ava's sobs gradually softening as Ali held her. And Ali stayed there, unwavering, her presence a protective anchor, the one person Ava could rely on when the world felt unbearably cruel.

Across town, in his Encino Hills home, Bobby sat slumped on the couch, an old photo trembling in his hands. It was of him and Ava, taken long before he hurt her so badly—back when she still smiled at him like he was her whole world.

On the table beside him sat an open bottle of whiskey. He didn't bother with a glass—just lifted it to his lips and drank straight from it, the burn in his throat nothing compared to the ache in his chest.

When he heard about Klaus and Diana, every instinct in him had screamed to go to her house, to wrap her in his arms and make it all go away. But he knew. He knew she didn't want his comfort. She wanted Ali. She wanted Susan and Barbara. He was a part of her pain. Not her refuge.

He took another swig, eyes locked on the photo, his reflection warped in the glass frame. The more he drank, the clearer one thing became: he had to find a way to make it right. To earn her trust again. To prove he wasn't the same boy who had abandoned her, who had let her suffer while he chased popularity and foolish pride.

Another swig. The whiskey burned, but it was nothing compared to the hollowness gnawing at his chest. And if—by some miracle—he could win her back, he'd give her everything she deserved. A beautiful life. One filled with the kind of love and safety she'd lost. The kind of life her parents had dreamed for her.

Because if he failed... if he didn't somehow prove himself worthy, he would lose her forever.

How can I help you, to say to say goodbye
It's okay to hurt, and it's okay to cry
Come let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you, to say goodbye