an un-expected reunion -Ava & Gray-

[izzy.leona.gray&alexx]

Gray smiled as he saw a tear of joy run down her cheek. He looked back down at there little baby girl. He noticed that she was very tired and her eyes kept opening and shutting. He smiled even wider. Then he was offered to stay with them. He pondered and made her wait. Then he said I would love to stay with you guys. How long would you be willing to put up with me? I will be very good. My sisters are at Disneyland for a week and a half. So I could have all that time with you and Annabella. That is if that is okay with you and our ever so cute daughter. he winked at her. He allowed her to leave his arms as she sat down. He sat down next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He said jokingly Didn’t you know, I was a woman? he stuck out his tongue at her. He said softly Maybe tonight ill take care of both of you. Ill order food for us and we can watch a movie or something. Sound like a plan. Ill buy the food and what not. We can try and find a good movie or something on TV tonight. he could tell that she was feeling weak and so he wanted to be there for her.

Then he had stood up and picked her up in his arms. He wondered if they should go home with these two. Ava was tired and didn’t seem to want to be on her feet and Annabella was tired maybe even hungry. He said Here. Ill take you two home. he placed her down gently and then made sure she didn’t fall over. Then he pulled out his cell and checked the time. It was 5:00. He sighed and then looked back at Ava. He put his phone away and then looked at Ava when she gave him a flirty smile. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulders. With his other hand he ran it threw his hair. Then looked at her and then he kissed her on the cheek. Then bent down and kissed Annabella on the forehead and said to her Your daddy is back and might be staying with you for awhile. If your mommy lets me, he glanced at her and then smiled. Then he straightened up. He asked Ready to go home?

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Ava anxiously awaited Gray's answer, fearing it to have been too forward for him, but once she agreed to it, she smiled. When he mentioned how his sisters were conveniently in Disneyland, she couldn't help but to ask, "I thought you were watching them, how could they be in Disneyland. What are they, alone?", she weakly questioned as he lifted her up. She could get use to this whole, being off her feet thing. Then she pondered over his offer of staying for a week and a half, would that be a good thing? On one hand, him staying for that long would give them some time to test drive being a real family, but on the other hand, what if he does something that makes her want to leave him? What if she finds out living with him isn't all it's cracked up to be. She worried that the adjustment would be too big for her to accept, but at the same time, she just couldn't deny him now that they were back together. After all, he already stepped up and let them both know that he was ready to try this whole 'daddy' thing, so why not give him a chance of doing it 24/7?, "It's fine with me it's it fine with you.", she managed to get out with a yawn. Boy was she exhausted.

Gray helped her back onto her feet, "I'm more than ready to head home, could you just call Kirsten for me? She's around here somewhere with the dog. She lives with me too, did I mention that?", she explained as she cradled Annabella in her arms. It was clear that she wasn't the only one ready to call it a night. Ava was too tired to laugh at his joke, so she managed to stick her tongue out and playfully roll her eyes back at him, "Alright, let's go. You should know though, we don't have a car so my house is a few blocks away.", she explained as she settled Annabella back into her carrier. Annabella yawned, which then caused Ava to yawn yet again. Didn't you know? Yawns are contagious.

[izzy.leona.gray&alexx]

No, of course not. They are with family. I was gonna go but one of these nights this week my band has a gig. So I had to be there cause im the drummer. Gray said and smiled at her. He sighed and then realized how much they needed to catch up. He wanted more details on her life and he bet that she really wanted to know more about how he had been and when he had joined a band. He nodded his head and said It sure is okay with me. But it seems I will be sorounded by girls. You, Kirsten and of course Annabella. he winked at her. Then he added I really dont mind, though. Wait, is your dog a boy or girl? he never knew that they had a dog. He really loved dogs. He was thinking of buying one for his sisters Sophie and Jane. They had always wanted one. But his mom had allergies. But it seemed that it wouldnt matter now. So he had a plan to get them a puppy as soon as possible. Maybe like in two or three weeks. When he found a good litter of pups. They had always wanted a labrodor or a huscky german shepard mix. He would get one of those.

He nodded and then went on top of one of small hills of the park and spotted Kirtsen and a dog. He yelled KIRSTEN! COME ON! WERE GONNA HEAD HOME! then he waved and then made his way back down towards Ava. He stepped in a small patch which was pretty muddy. He cursed under breathe and then went back to the sidewalk. He lefted up his foot and looked on the bottom. Gray shrugged and then rolled his eyes. He looked over his shoulder and saw a dog trotting over, wagging its tail. It made its way over to Ava. He smiled and then followed the dog. He asked Exscuse me sweet lady, is this your dog? he was playing around and now awaited Kirsten. So then they could head home. He was also starting to get tired. When he saw both Ava and Annabella yawn. He yawned aswell. He really just wanted to sit or lay down at the moment. He nodded his head and then said How about I carry you home and Kirsten could push the stroller and the dog could just follow us home. Or you could just walk. he shrugged.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Ava was relieved to hear that Gray's sisters weren't alone, "Oh with the family in Disneyland? That sounds fun. Maybe we can take Annabella there someday.", she teased as she watched him call Kirsten over. After she had said that, she began thinking how much fun it would be for the three of them to get there like a family, someday. Ava already decided that she wouldn't waste the money at Disneyland with a newborn. It makes much more sense to bring her daughter when she was old enough to remember the experience. After all, Disneyland wasn't free; far from it! And who knows, perhaps Annabella can have a sibling to share the experience with someday. Ava already knew that she would have more kids someday, but for now she was more than satisfied with Anabella. She yawned again, while she waited for Kirsten to come over. All she was thinking about was how much Kirsten would call her a hypocrite after she realized that Gray was going to be staying with them for the duration.

Meanwhile, as Kirsten was playing fetch with their puppy, she heard a male's voice call to her from a distance. As she looked up, she saw Gray standing there, saying something about how they were going home. This confused Kirsten, did he say that she and Ava were going home, or did he say that the four of them were going 'home'? Just what did Ava and him discuss while she was playing with the puppy? She almost felt sorry for edging Ava on to go to the park today. She squinted her eyes to double check that it was Gray who was calling her as she made her way toward him. At the sound of the whistle, Gypsy (the puppy), went flying over to Ava. Kirsten followed, questioning her sisters intentions with her eyes. Before Gray could get down that hill, she wanted to have a word with her sister, "Ava, what are you doing? Is he coming home with us?!", she quickly whispered. Ava just smiled in response, "While you were watching Gypsy, he and I had a talk. He figured out that he is Anabella's father and we sort of...made up. So yeah, I kinda--sorta....invited him to stay with us. Before you get mad, please just hear me out. I--I just want to 'test drive' this family, ya know? See if Gray is really serious about being a father and all...", she finished, also in a light whisper.

Kirsten could not believe what she was hearing, "Are you nuts?! Have you completely lost your mind? What did he do, spike your water bottle! Ava, YOUR the one who told ME to stay clear of him, and now YOUR telling me that he's coming to OUR house? I am so out of here!", she screamed as she stormed off with the dog, no longer caring if he could hear them or not. She wanted to make it quite clear that she was not okay with this arrangement.

Once Gray was down the hill, she apologized for her sister's actions, "I'm so sorry if you heard that. Kirsten just doesn't like...change, very much.", she attempted to cover as she placed the pacifier back into Anabella's mouth. You know kids, always spitting their pacifiers out and then crying as a result of their lost distraction, "Gypsy is a girl too.", she replied with a giggle, "You sure you can handle being the only guy in the entire house?", she kidded as she began exiting the park, "Oh as nice as being carried home sounds, I don't think Kirsten is going to push the stroller. Plus, I really need to re-gain my ankle strength, but thanks...honey.", she finished with a wink.

[izzy.leona.gray&alexx]

While checking his shoes for mud or dog poop, he heard Kirsten and Ava talking. He could tell that he may not be welcomed in there house by Kirsten. He sighed and then looked over at the two. He wanted to help, he really did. He had a goal, it was to be a very awesome dad and be there throughout the years of Annabella life. He hoped that they would have a good relationship between them. If it was the whole things were she thought she was to cool for her dad, it would really hurt him. But he hoped to have a strong relationship. He walked back to Ava when he saw Kirsten storm off. He raised and eye brow at her and said I take it she is not going to give me a very friendly welcome if I stay with you guys for awhile. Well, yea I sort of did hear what she said. But its alright. I do sort of deserve most of what she said. he then knelt down by the dog. He smiled and patted the dogs head. Gray was slobbered on the left hand. He laughed and then straightened himself up.

Then he replied about the topic of Disney land, he said Yea, when Annabella is like maybe and year or two we should take her. She would love it so much. he shrugged and then yawned again. He looked at Ava and nodded. He replied I can handle all girls. If not ill go and buy a male dog for company. he looked down at the dog. He asked What breed is she? he looked at the stroller and saw a leash in hanging out of the back. He went to grab it and attached it to the dogs collar. Gray smiled when she spoke and called him honey. He said Ill was he dog home my love. and then added That sounds like a good idea. You should walk home. he didn’t want to do something to mess up. He had just patched up one of the many problems. But he had to take it easy with Ava. Then they started to exit the park. He looked back and then forth. He was over joyed. But it had been a very long day.

The last time Gray had been at Ava’s house was like many years ago. That was when they had made it there special night. He still remember how amazing it was and he couldn’t get over it these many of years. It was like ironed into his memory. He smiled and now that they were back together they may, sometime later in there life have more of those nights and may have more kids. He didn’t want to push her, he was happy with Annabella. He said We have a lot to catch up on. Once we get back to your place ill order pizza and maybe we could watch a movie after we have fed Annabella. he shrugged and then looked at her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He held the leash in the other hand. Gypsy was a very good dog. They passed a lot of group of girls. They waved and did flirty things, but he kept his gaze going between the two girls he had now. Well maybe make that three girls, Gypsy was the third. He wondered if Ava had noticed and was proud.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Even though Ava was there when Kirsten made her rude display at Gray, she still couldn't believe it. She had never seen that side of Kirsten before; perhaps it was PMS?, "I know but she still shouldn't have freaked out so much...", she replied as she pushed Annabella's stroller out of the park. Finally, after this very long day, she was at least on her way home. Although she did worry about how Kirsten was going to react when Gray walked through the door, she knew in the long run it would be alright. Then she began wondering where he would sleep for the night, after all...her house wasn't exactly, well...big enough for all the occupants it now had to shelter. The thought of allowing him to sleep beside her in her bed did cross her mind, but she didn't want to move too fast, so then she thought about having Kirsten sleep by her side in her bed and Gray stay in Kirsten's room. Judging by Kirsten's previous reaction, that probably wouldn't work either. So where could he go? Maybe he could fit on the couch? It was really small though, or maybe on the chair in Anabella's nursery? The questions began giving her a light head ache as she strolled closer and closer to their house, "Won't be long, now.", she remarked as her bungalow became within seeing distance.

She had almost forgotten to answer Gray's question about the breed of her dog, "Oh, Gypsy is a pure bred German Shepard.", she replied with a smile. My love. A flurry of warmth swelled through her at that word. He used to call her that all the time, but that was way back in the day. She was very happy to realize that he could now continue calling her that. She was his love again, so he better not mess it up, again. Everyone deserves second chances, but three strikes and you are out.

At the request of the movie and popcorn date, she sighed, "Yea maybe, but I am honestly too exhausted to stay up watching an entire movie.", she responded as she reached into the diaper bag, searching for her keys. How embarrassing would it be for them to get home to a locked house, and no key in sight. She was almost sure she had packed them into the diaper bag, though.

[izzy.leona.gray&alexx]

Gray wasn’t that offended by Kirsten’s act. He knew he might get murdered tonight or in the morning. Then it came to him. Where was he going to sleep? Last time he had been to there house, he had slept next to her. But a couple times he had been told to go on the coach. Will more like attempted to fit? Since he was wimpy back then nothing seemed to work and he was too weak to figure out a way to fit. He was wandering on asking the question, and then he thought not. Who knows, maybe Ava had a plan already made out were everyone was going to sleep. He glanced down at the puppy as it went a little forward of him and then looked up at him to see if it was alright. He nodded his head and it seemed to understand. It went sniffing and snuffling ahead. He smiled. He was going to have to get used to all these girls. When Ava replied to his question it snapped him out of his thoughts. He replied I was thinking of getting either a pure breed husky or german shepard for my sisters. and then added teasingly It would of course be a boy though. he stuck his tounge out at her. Then he felt his phone buzzing. He ignored it and kept walking with Ava.

Then looked ahead when she said they were close. He saw the house he had missed so much. He had remember how much he turned up randomly and how Kirsten would always retreat to her bedroom. He chuckled at the memories. When they were right out side, Ava went through the diaper bag for the keys. Gray said My love, would Kirsten be home? You could just ring the door bell. Or… and he bent down a little and reached into the strolled and spotted the keys next to Annabella. He gently moved them and said Annabella had them. She wanted to freak out her mom there. he smiled and handed the keys to her. He was always good at helping out. When the used to date she usually lost something and he found it. He sometimes was called the retriever or something like that by his friends years ago. He nodded his head and said Well, if you got a TV in your room we could watch it there and when you fall asleep. If you want ill try and sleep on the coach. Or I could stay in there with you. Cause I may fall asleep as well. Im very tired. he shrugged and then looked around them.

Then his phone buzzed agian. He rolled his eyes and answered Hey?....ummm....yea this is her son. Grayson Johnson.....is she alright?....oh well she had two other daughters and they are in the fifth grade.....how am I gonna tell them that their mom just dyed? I basicly just told them that she was in a coma. Ok...Ill tell them, bye he slammed his phone shut. Even though his mom just died. He didnt feel sad. He had know idea why... Then it hit him, him and his mom never ever got along. All they did was fight. He looked down at his feet and then looked up. Why? Why did they fight? The answer never came to him. He sighed and then looked at Ava and then Annabella.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Where did the keys go? She wondered if they might have fallen out back at the park, but then once Gray suggested to ring the doorbell, she giggled, "Oh yeah, she probably is home.", she replied as her cheeks turned to a reddish color. Then Gray had showed her that the keys were with Anabella, "Oh I think we have a little criminal in our hands.", she teased as she inserted the key into the lock. She was embarrassed to learn that the door had already been unlocked, and hoped that Gray didn't notice this small detail. Then Gray explained to Ava how he wanted to get either a German Shepard or a Husky for the girls, "I definitely recommend a German Shepard.", she said with a smile as she looked down at Gypsy.

Sometimes it seemed like Gray could read Ava's mind perfectly. It wasn't just a coincidence that just as Ava was thinking about the sleeping arrangements, Gray questioned her on them. Then he became a little bit forward and suggested that maybe he could sleep in her bed, making it pretty clear that he didn't like the couch. Ava asked herself if that would be moving too fast, but after this long day, would collapsing into bed with Gray even matter. With her mental state of tiredness, she probably wouldn't even notice he was there. She began feeling guilty for taking so long to answer Grays question, "Oh um, I guess we could--um share a bed...", she replied, sounding a little unsure of herself. She hoped she wasn't making him feel uncomfortable or un-welcomed like Kirsten did.

Suddenly, Gray's phone rang. She didn't mean to overhear his conversation, but since he was standing right next to her, she couldn't help but ease-drop. Ava was devastated by the news, and expected Gray to break down right there in her arms. She wouldn't mind comforting him. Now that she had heard the news, she decided to let Gray sleep with her in her bed, "Gray, I'm so sorry. If you want, I wouldn't mind you sleeping in my bed.", she finished, thinking that he probably wouldn't want to be alone tonight.

[izzy.leona.gray&alexx]

Then the death started to hit him, it hit him harder then anything. He remember the last time they talked they were fighting. They had only been friends when he was young. He knew that Ava had over heard the phone call. He looked at her. Then the key went in the lock and the door opened. He awaited her to go in with the stroller. Once she did he come in and was in a total daze. He felt like he was going to brake down. He really would want to sleep alone. When she said it was alright for them to share the bed. He said hoarsely Thanks. I would hate to be alone tonight. But just to warn you, I may cry a little. Could I sit down? I feel very weak. he made his way to the sofa in the living room. He slipped off his shoes and sat down on the coach. He actually sort of fell down. He leaned forward and put his head in his hand. What was he going to tell Sophie and Jane? He bit his lower lip and shut his eyes. He didn’t want to ruin the night her with Ava. But what was he supposed to do.

His old self would be crying a lot now. But tears didn’t want to come. He then felt his phone buzz and he opened his eyes. He feared that it was the family friend’s parents. He checked. He was right and he didn’t want to talk to them right now. He threw the phone to a cushioned armchair across from him. Then leaned back in his seat and looked up at the ceiling. He gritted his teeth and then tried his best to cheer up. He said Ill order the pizza now. Is that alright? Im very hungry I didn’t have lunch. he attempted to smile at Ava who was in the hall way. Then Gypsy the dog appeared by his feet. He smiled weakly and stroked her. Now all he needed was Kirsten to be rude to him again or make him feel unwelcomed. His phone kept buzzing and buzzing. He rolled his eyes and pushed himself up. He made his way over to the chair. He lifted up his phone and wondered if something was wrong.

Gray answered, his voice very hoarse and weak Hey, sorry. Ummm….Oh yeah…really? The hospital called you? Wow. Did you till em? WHAT! Why’d you tell em? I was going to when you guys got back. Howd they take it? Ohh. Do they want to talk to me? Oh they are asleep. Tell them to call me soon. he hung up and put his phone down gently this time. He put it on silent. He then remember he was to order pizza. He picked it up and sat back down and dialed the number. He ordered a pizza, it was medium size. He looked over and saw Annabella’s concerned face. She must have had the feeling that daddy wasn’t ok.

[Gaby.Lily.Kaci.Eva.Cam♥]

Ava continued wondering if it would be uncomfortable or not to have him in her bed again. Under the circumstances though, she could not deny him. When he asked if he could sit down and order pizza, Ava had few words, "Of course, make yourself at home.", she whispered as she placed Annabella in her bassinet. Ava's house was too small to afford a proper crib, but then again...a bassinet was portable....so that made it easier to keep an eye on Annabella while doing other things in the same room, at times. Ava glanced at the clock, 9:00 PM[/i]...it was a bit late for dinner, but again...under the circumstances it was alright.

Once Annabella was settled in her bassinet, she followed Gray out to the couch. She silently took a seat next to him and watched him fall into the couch. She wished she could comfort him, but she could see on his face that he was devastated. Just as she was about to hand the home phone for the pizza, his phone rang. Now she wasn't as ease-dropper, but since she was sitting right next to him, she couldn't help but overhear his conversation. His sisters already knew? That wasn't right! He should have been allowed to tell them in his own time. On the other-hand, at least he had them to fully comfort him...since they were going through the same thing, just at different ages. She then wondered who the news was harder for? His younger sisters or him? She concluded that the younger you are, the less you remember and the older you are, the more memories you have. It was probably harder for Gray.

After he hung up his phone, she didn't say a word. Instead, she moved closer to him and began giving him a hopefully soothing back rub, something she had only done for him back when they were dating. She softly kissed his neck, and massaged her fingers into and around his back. Her face was softened and no glimpse of a smile showed, she was pretty devastated herself. The realization of his mother's passing, made her feel guilty for not keeping touch with her own mother, and she began wondering what her mother was doing at that very moment. A single tear leaked down her face, and she quickly wiped it away. She had to be strong for Gray.

[izzy.leona.gray&alexx]

There was a very long and some what needed quiteness. It was a way to reflect for him, but also a way that brough back bad memories. Gray shut his eyes agian. His emotions were mixed up and he had no idea what to do with himself. But he had to be strong. Not just for his sake, but for Ava and their daughters sake. He opened his eyes as Ava sat down next to him. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and said Have I ever told you that you are the best girl I know and love. Other then Annabella. I am gonna try and be the best dad ever and not leave you guys alone. he pulled off a smile and then felt her arm go behind him. He leaned forward an inch. He remembered when they used to date, way back in the days, she would always give him a great back rub either after football practice, skateboarding, surfing, outdoor ed trips or when they were watching a movie at home.

He sighed softly and looked at the time before he knew it the door bell rang. He said Ill get it and im paying. when they used to date they fought over who would pay for what and when. Gray pushed himself off the coach and made his way to the door. He opened it and it was the pizza dude. He took it and put it on the hall table and then gave the money. Then thanked him. When he brought in the pizza and placed it down, he noticed that a single tear had rolled down her cheeks. Gray wondered what was the matter, but the look on her face told him not to ask. He asked Wanna use plates or hands? he sat down agian and opened the pizza box. He loved pizza smell.

Gray looked over at Annabella. Then made a funny face at her. Then looked back at Ava. Gray leaned over and kissed her on the lips and then leaned back.