Encroachment

Ava stood in her hotel room looking at her bed, she had already dressed for practice. Clean sheets and it barely looked like it been slept in. She glanced over at Sara’s bed. Clothes draped all over, Ava could not believe it was possible for a person to live like this. The chaos hurt her brain as she heard the bathroom door open, she grabbed her small bathroom bag, rushed into the bathroom, and slammed the door. Sara stood silently staring at the door, "What the hell, was Ava’s problem” Sara thought to herself. She shook her head and made her way over to her bed. She grabbed the pieces of her practice kit.

Ava rushed through her morning routine as Sara had taken up so much time that it left Ava barely fifteen minutes to get ready for early practice. It had only been two days, and already Ava was finding herself ready to explode. Sara was an utter mess, literally she was messy and she snored. Ava had barely been able to sleep. So, she was already in a mood when she woke up from her broken sleep. She pulled her hair back in its usual bun but honestly her head was already pounding so she quickly unpinned it and let it sit in a high ponytail.

When Ava came out of the bathroom Sara stood still, her shorts in her hands slightly bent over with one foot in. Her eyes glanced up and met Ava’s which had gone wide at the sight of Sara. Ava’s brain was malfunctioning, she wasn’t moving no; her eyes were slowly moving down Sara’s legs. And in true Sara fashion a smirk appeared on her face, she slowly slipped her other leg in the shorts and pulled them up to her hips. Sara watched as Ava stood frozen watching her every move.

“See something you like?” Sara asked with the damn smirk still on her face as she sauntered over towards Ava who seemed to snap out of it as Sara approached.

“I see someone who kept me awake half the night snoring, someone who doesn’t seem to know how to use a dresser.” Ava replied pointing toward the dresser in the corner. “Honestly I see someone who thinks they are god’s gift to the world.” Ava grunted, throwing her bag over her shoulder and quickly leaving the room.

Ava moved quickly down the hall; her heart was beating a million miles a minute. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Sara in her underwear and felt a flush cross her cheeks. She made it to the elevators and pushed the down button multiple times. She knew it wouldn’t make the elevator come sooner but somewhere in the back of her mind she was telling herself she needed as much distance between herself and Sara as humanly possible.

Sara was still standing in the room; her brain had been on the last few days. Laurel and her dad had surprised her by being at the game. They had taken her out for a nice dinner after the win. Sara had scored a goal and assisted on one from Kara and then was subbed out in the sixtieth minute for Morgan to come in, who of course scored the third goal and cemented the win. The next day the team jumped on a plane and headed towards the training center in Dallas. And of course, true to her word Gideon had roomed Ava and Sara together. The only thing so far that Sara had learned in the last two days was Ava was insanely neat and not a fan of clothes being left lying around.

She grabbed her cleats and walked out of the room and down the hall. The next three days Ava did her best to avoid being in the room while Sara was awake. So that meant late nights in the gym and tossing and turning as she tried to fall asleep with Sara snoring in the room. The word exhaustion took on a new meaning. In one of their team meetings Ava found her eyes drifting and drooping slowly.

“Am I boring you Sharpe?” Gideon said loudly as she stood right next to Ava who jumped up and knocked her notebook off her table.

“No Coach.” Ava replied quickly as everyone tried to hold back their laughter.

“Could have fooled me.” Gideon said walking away. “Anyone else want to nap today?” She added and everyone slid down in their chairs. Gideon looked around and then her eyes settled back on Ava. “Why are you so tired?” Ava froze, what was she supposed to say. Sara snores like a freight train! Or you roomed me with my own locomotive? She just looked away without saying a word. “Well, the team will be happy to know that two extra sets of suicide sprints will be added at the end of practice.” The room filled with groans and Ava could feel the anger in the room. They were already practicing twice a day, and everyone was exhausted, and this just made everything worse.

“Great job.” Lena said as she walked past Ava brushing her shoulder.

“Yeah, thanks for that Sharpie.” Pinoe said as she followed Lena out of the room.

“Guys, lay off will yah?” Kara said, her hand squeezing Ava as she passed her.

“Thanks.” Ava mumbled and Kara winked at her before she followed the rest of the team out.

“Good Job.” Sara said from behind Ava who turned quickly to see she was alone with the smaller blonde. “Maybe stop staying at the gym all nights of the hour.” Sara said but when she said gym, she held up her hands as if to insinuate Ava wasn’t really at the gym.

“What the hell does that mean?” Ava asked angrily.

“Oh, come on, you haven't come back to the room before ten the last three nights.” Sara replied quickly. “Obviously your girlfriend is hiding somewhere in this hotel.” Sara muttered as if it bothered her, which Ava thought was odd but pushed that to the back of her mind for now.

“Are you kidding me?” Ava said loudly. “You are the reason I am so tired.” Ava said loudly and Sara brought her hand to her chest in shock.

“How is this my fault?” Sara asked angrily and slightly hurt if she was honest. “I have been on my best behavior. I have been doing better keeping the room cleaned up and I even cut my morning routine in half, so you have more time in the bathroom before our morning practices.” She was in shock. “You’re the one who is out all night and then tired in the morning.”

“You SNORE!” Ava grunted, turning towards a chair and sitting down in defeat. “You are so loud at night. I started staying at the gym sleeping a few hours there and then my alarm goes off. I come up to the room. I try and try to fall asleep but most nights I maybe get like one, maybe two hours. And I can't wear ear plugs because then I wouldn’t hear my alarm.” Ava had no more fight in her, she was so tired.

“You do realize you could have said something.” Sara said quietly as she watched Ava close her eyes.

“Sara, I am so sick of fighting with you. I just thought I would figure it out myself.” Ava replied.

“Well, I will see what I can do about this little problem. But for now, why don’t you go and get some rest. We don’t have afternoon practice for like seven hours. I will come back to the room and make sure you are up at least two hours before.”

“I can’t I have to meet up with Lena and Kara for lunch.” Ava said moving to stand up and Sara stepped forward.

“Seriously I will tell them I sent you to get some rest. And I will tell them why you are so tired maybe they can help me figure out the whole snoring thing.” Sara said looking down and Ava couldn’t help but wonder if Sara was embarrassed.

“Has no one ever told you about this?” Ava asked. “Maybe a girlfriend or boyfriend or something?” Ava added.

“I am not exactly a relationship person, so I don’t tend to fall asleep....” Sara stopped and didn’t finish the statement. “Doesn't matter just go back to the hotel and get some rest Sharpe.” She pulled Ava up fro the chair and Ava was so tired she just let her. Sara pushed her towards the door. “Go to bed.” Sara said sternly.

“Okay, fine.... MOM.” Ava chuckled as she left the room. Sara found herself smiling, Ava had made a joke with her. Sara bit her bottom lip and shook her head. She liked tired Ava, and now her mind was racing with what Ava would be like drunk. She shook her head and left the room.

The next few days were a test of sorts, for Sara. She had spoken with Lena and Kara about possible ways to stop snoring. Lena had said to sleep on her side and maybe that would solve the issue. Ava assured her the next morning that it in fact was not. So, she tried to do a nasal lavage thinking maybe if she cleaned her sinus’ maybe that would work. Nope it in fact caused Sara to puke for hours which didn’t help Ava sleep at all as she refused to sleep until she knew Sara was ok. The next night Sara propped her head up on pillows since she couldn’t exactly elevate her bed. Ava said it was better but still loud and, in some cases, when she adjusted in the bed it got even louder.

It had been almost a week since she started trying to figure out how to solve the issue. She noticed Ava was taking naps in between practices and conditioning. The friendly game was fast approaching, and Sara was determined to fix this issue, she finally stopped and realized she was trying to go out of her way for a teammate. Not just a teammate but Ava of all people. She realized quickly that even without sleep Ava and her hadn't argued in days.

“It’s weird.” Sara said, sitting down next to Kara.

“Why is weird?” Kara asked.

“It’s like she hasn’t even raised her eyebrow at me. And well she isn't even mad anymore about the whole snoring thing.” Sara said quietly.

“She isn’t mad because you are trying to fix it.” Lena said sitting down across from Sara and Kara. Kara smiled at Lena who just bit her bottom lip at the sunshine smile Kara had shot her way.

“Ava is actually a really nice person, if you took the time to get to know her.” Kara said quietly looking at Sara who shook her head.

“No way, she made it clear a long time ago she is not interested in being friends.” Sara said, grabbing her wrap off her plate and taking a huge bite.

“What exactly is the story there?” Lena asked and Sara shook her head raising her hand to cover her mouth to reply.

“Nope, not opening that door.” Sara said and looked around the room. Her eyes met Ava’s and Ava quickly looked away and Sara turned back to her table with a confused look on her face. Was Ava looking at her just then? Nope, no way she is just imagining it.

“Ladies!” Gideon said and everyone turned towards the coach who had envelopes in her hands. “Today is the day, it’s pairing day.” The veterans got excited, and the newbies were confused.

“What's pairing day?” Sara asked, looking at Lena who was smiling.

“It’s where people are placed in pairs and have to spend the day together. They have to do everything together.” Lena said as she watched Gideon call out names and people were slowly calling out their pairs.

“Danvers.” Gideon said and Kara jumped up grabbing her envelope and smiled when she saw the name on her card.

“Lena.” Kara said excitedly.

“Sharpe.” Gideon called out and Ava stood up and took the envelope and pulled the name out and Sara swore she saw a hint of a smile before Ava looked right at her.

“Lance.” Ava said quietly. Sara turned towards Lena who was trying to cover her amusement but failing miserably.

As breakfast came to an end everyone was pairing off with their assigned buddies and Sara sat and watched as Kara and Lena walked out talking about what they were going to do. She turned to see Ava putting her dishes in the bucket where everyone placed their dirty dishes. Ava turned and made her way over to Sara who was just watching her waiting for a judgmental statement.

“So, what did you have planned today?” Ava asked as she sat down next to Sara.

“Ummm.” Sara racked her brain, what was she going to do today. The only thing she had known she wanted to do was go shopping. She wanted to get some Texas shirts for her sister and father. “I didn’t have much planned I was just going to go to the mall and find some shirts for Laurel and my dad.”

“Great, I need to get some for Adam and Anna.” Ava said with a smile.

“Are those your parents?” Sara asked knowing it was a stupid question. She wouldn’t call her parents but their names.

“Wow, you really don't know anything about me.” Ava sighed. “Adam and Anna are my older siblings.”

“I knew you had siblings I just didn’t know their names.” Sara mumbled “Sorry.”

“It’s okay, I guess that’s what this whole day is kind of about.” Ava replied and stood up. “The mall probably isn't open yet, but I was going to go for a walk around Klyde Warren Park. It’s on my list of places to see in Dallas.”

“You have a list?” Sara asked and Ava smiled.

“Yep, today was Klyde Park, tomorrow is the botanical gardens, and the day after is the Museum of Nature and Science.” Ava explained proudly.

“What did you do yesterday?” Sara asked.

“No Comment.” Ava said quickly and Sara tilted her head.

“Fine.” Ava said, looking around. “I went on the JFK assassination tour.” she said quietly, standing up quickly. “Okay you come with me to the park, and I will go with you to the mall. Win, win.” She added looking at Sara. Who stood up and just shrugged.

“Alright but I am going to ask more about your list.” Sara said, following Ava out of the room.

Ava and Sara took Sara’s rental car to the park. The park was breathtaking, the duo walked around amazed at the fountains and arches that lined the park. The green grass area situated right in the middle. They glanced over at the small pickup game of soccer in the grass, and both smiled.

“Wanna, join in?” Ava asked glancing over at Sara who smirked that damn smirk.

“If they let us.” Sara replied with a chuckle. Sara moved towards the guys sweating it out and passing the ball around. “Could you use two more?” Sara asked and the men looked over at the duo.

“Can you play?” A shorter man asked with a ball at his feet.

“Kind of.” Sara smiled her brightest smile; Ava nudged her, and Sara looked back at her and shrugged. “Flirting will get you everywhere Sharpe.” she winked.

“Gross.” Ava mumbled. “Damn bi-sexual.” She uttered and Sara laughed out loud.

“Let’s see what you got.” Another man said stepping forward and kicking the ball over to Ava and Sara.

The ball was definitely going over Sara head, but Ava tracked back on her heels and leapt into the air using her chest to bring the ball down to her foot. Ava stilled the ball on her foot and looked at Sara. She then started to juggle the ball between her feet. Of course, she wanted to do an around the world but that was too simple, she needed to show she had skills.

An around the world was simple but a half atw crossover was a little more complicated so she tossed the ball in the air a little and brought her right leg around it and used her left leg to tap it up again instead of just letting the ball fall she went back to juggling and then she tossed the ball again twisting her body to catch it behind her bending her leg back and then letting it roll slightly pushing the ball back to her front and was dribbling again. She kicked the ball up and bent forward slightly catching it on the lower part of the back of her neck and then smirked at Sara before letting it roll off her neck and down her back to which she just kicked her right foot out without thinking and the ball came right back over in front of her where she started to juggle it again. Sara stood with a proud smirk on her face as Ava showed off her skills. Ava looked up and saw the goal they had in place and quickly kicked the ball up in the air and on the way down kicked it up towards the goal. Everyone watched as it looked like it was going to sail over the bar but the spin on the ball caused it to dip at the last second into the upper right-hand corner. Causing Sara to look over at Ava with raised eyebrows.

“Damn Ava.” Sara said in shock “Why aren't you taking the free kicks?” she added in utter disbelief.

“No one asked me too.” Ava said shrugging and looking at the men who were wide eyed and staring a the tall blonde. “Is that good enough?” She said with a smile. One guy moved forward and smiled.

“Absofuckinglutley.” He chuckled and raised his hand. “She’s on my team.” He moved towards her and held out his hand. “Names Robbie.”

“Ava.” she said and smiled as she motioned to Sara. “This is Sara. She is not as awesome as me but, she can handle herself.”

“Great, you can both be on my team.” Robbie said with a smile. And looked at the other guy who just shrugged. “You’re going down this time Adam.”

“Keep dreaming Robbie, you haven't beaten us once in two years. And today isn't going to be any different.” Adam chuckled.

“So have you ever played schoolyard ball?” Ava asked, looking at Sara.

“It’s been a while since I played a pickup game.” Sara replied chuckling. “Even longer with a bunch of guys.

“Well let’s do this Lance.” Ava smiled as she trotted towards the guys and motioned to where she wanted to play.

Sara was shocked to see Ava wanted to play a defensive midfielder position. Sara had never played with Ava in this position before she had always been the center back with Nora on the field the so-called wall of defense Sara had spent years trying to break through. So, to see Ava take a midfield position was, well it was new.

This pickup game did one thing and that reminded her of how much fun soccer could actually be. Nutmegging a player and darting past him to throw the goalkeeper the absolute wrong way and score a goal. Being wrapped up in a bunch of stranger's arms. Robbie kept rubbing it in to Adam that his team was winning. Sara and Ava had so much fun they even tried out the cross that the coach had been working with them on. Sara nailed the volley perfectly and the goalkeeper grunted in frustration. They finally called the game when it hit eight to nothing. Robbie ran and the whole team gathered around Sara and cheered. They had helped them win for the first time since playing against Adam’s team. And Ava had made some wonderful defensive plays making it nearly impossible for Adam’s team to score.

“You guys are awesome!” Robbie said loudly and proudly.

“Thanks.” Ava said shrugging as if she wasn’t sure how to take the compliment.

“We have to buy you guys a drink or something.” Robbie said, looking between Sara and Ava who just laughed.

“Little early for a drink, don’t you think?” Sara replied.

“It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Isn’t that what they say?” He replied.

“Oh my god, it is you?” A woman said as she approached the group and Robbie turned and looked confused. But following the gaze of the woman which was steadily on Sara. Sara pointed at herself and raised an eyebrow. “You’re Sara Lance, you play for the Central City Courage.” She said loudly and Sara smiled. From behind the woman a young girl looked around her and smiled brightly.

“Yeah, that’s me.” Sara said, looking at the little girl. “Hi.” she quietly said.

“Hi.” The little girl responded Sara couldn't help but notice the cute USA jacket the little girl had on. A hint of a golden jersey underneath it.

“What’s your name?” Sara asked and the girl took a sidestep from behind her mother.

“I’m Emma.” She replied and Sara took a step forward holding out her hand.

“Well, I’m Sara and this is...” Sara didn’t get to finish the sentence as the little girl cut in.

“Ava Sharpe.” Emma said loudly causing Ava to beam a brilliant smile. “You play center back for the Star City Warriors.” She added.

“I do.” Ava said and squatted down holding out her hand to Emma who moved forward and took Ava’s hand. She stepped back and unzipped her jacket and a golden jersey with a number 4 on it. The girl pulled the jacket off and turned her back to Ava who saw the name Sharpe in large print on the back of the jersey.

“She loves the Warriors, and when she heard about Sara Lance coming to play on her favorite team she was so excited. But you are her favorite, She also loves the Danvers sisters.” THe woman said as Emma turned to Ava.

“Mom can we take a picture?” Emma said and started to jump up and down.

“Baby I think that is up to them?” Emma’s mother looked at Sara and Ava who both smiled and nodded. Emma started jumping even more excitedly.

“Drew isn't going to believe i met them! She is going to be so jealous.” Emma said and turned towards Sara and Ava.

“Drew said nobody likes a defender, everyone likes attacking players but i told her that you cant win games without defense. That’s what our coach says.” Emma pointed out as Sara bent down.

“Your coach is right, no attacking player is anything if they cant get back and defend the ball.” Sara said with a smile.

“What position do you play?” Ava asked as Emma moved closer to the duo both now on a knee to take a picture with her.

“Center Back, just like you.” Emma said proudly.

“Okay ready?” Emma’s mother asked as she pulled her phone up ready to take a picture. Ava wrapped her arm around the little girl and Sara put her arm ove Ava’s shoulder. They waited as the mom looked through her pics and smiled lowering the phone. “These are great.” Sara stood up and walked over to the mom and looked at the pictures the mom showed her.

“Is it true, that you are really mean?” Emma quietly turning towards Ava who stayed down on one knee.

“I like to make people think i am.” Ava replied softly. “But I tell you what, I will prove to you im not.” Ava said and stood up walking over to Emma’s mom. “When is Emma’s next game?”

“Oh, this Saturday.” She replied and Ava pulled out her phone.

“Great, where?” Ava asked looking back at Emma’s whose eyes had went wide. “I think Sara and I and maybe some friends would love to come cheer her on.” Ava said and turned back to a shocked Mom and Sara. “Maybe bring some cool swag.” Ava added, Emma’s mom went scrolling through her phone and found the information.

“It’s at Money Gram soccer park on Walnut Hill, her game starts at eleven and is on field 3.”

“Great, that sounds like a fun day to me.” Ava said and looked at Sara. “How about you?”

“A day of soccer where I am not the one running up and down the field.” Sara looked at Emma and smiled. “Count me in. I will bring the orange slices.” She added.

“Really?” Emma jumped up and down. “You are going to come to the game?” She asked and Ava got back down on one knee at her height.

“I have to be there to cheer on my biggest fan.” Ava said with a smile tapping the four on the girls jersey. Before she knew it Emma jumped into her arms and wrapped her arms around Ava’s neck.

“Thank you, Thank You, Thank You.” Emma just chanted into Ava’s ear as she hugged her tightly. “Can i tell people?” She asked as she pulled back to look at Ava.

“How about we surprise everyone?” Ava asked looking at Sara and then turning back to Emma. “I am going to see how many friends i get to come with me. I know one person for sure will come with us.”

“Who?” Emma screeched.

“Well, Kara….” Ava didn't get to finish her sentence before she was toppled by the young girl from excitement.

“I think she might like Kara more than you.” Sara chuckled as the screaming girl jumped up and stood tall.

“NO!” Emma replied. “I just really like her, but no one beats the wall.” Emma said proudly moving her hands to her hips. And turning quickly looking at Ava. “Do you think that maybe, Nora Dahrk would come?”

“I will ask.” Ava replied and stood up. “What are you doing Sunday?” She looked at Emma’s mom.

“Oh, well we don't have plans that I am aware of.” She replied.

“Well, now you do.” Sara interjected looking at the mom. She took her phone and sent herself a text. “Tell us how many tickets you need and we will have them waiting at the gate for you.”

“This is the best day EVER!” Emma yelled as she jumped up off of Ava and ran over to Sara and hugged her tightly. “Thank YOU!” she yelled and then ran to her mom. “We can go right?”

“Of course that sounds amazing.” Emma’s mom said and looked at the soccer stars, as Ava pulled herself to her feet.

“Great!” Sara said proudly.

“We will see you Saturday.” Ava added with a smile causing Emma to run over and hug her quickly.

They watched an waved as Emma and her mother walked away. Ava took a deep breath and looked over at Sara.

“So you like kids?” Sara said with that smirk on her face again.

“Why wouldn't I?” Ava asked confused.

“I don't know you don't really seem like the kid type.” Sara replied cocking her head to the side.

“There is a lot you don't know about me Lance.” Ava replied and turned towards Robbie who had watched the whole encounter silently.

“You guys play for the National Team?” Robbie asked and Sara laughed.

“Yeah Robbie, we do. And your welcome!” Sara said and then walked over to a bench and grabbed her bag pulling out her phone. “Hey the mall should be open.” Sara added looking back at Ava who nodded and turned to Robbie.

“We have to go, but this was fun thanks for letting us play.” Ava smiled as she walked over and grabbed her bag from the bench next to Sara’s.

About thirty minutes into shopping with Ava and Sara realized quickly that she is one of those people who show up with a list and get only the things on the list. Ava was not a window shopper and Sara had no plan at all. She wanted to just browse and look for something that stood out for Laurel and her father. Ava on the other hand seemed to be one of those people who was on a mission. Sara couldn't help but laugh and do everything she could to drive Ava crazy.

“Come on Ava.” Sara pleaded as she pulled the taller woman into a store.

“I don't need anything in here.” Ava complained as they entered a shop that was filled with Dallas Cowboys memorabilia.

“It’s America’s team.” Sara chuckled as she looked around the store and Ava huffed.

“We literally play for the American team.” Ava said as she looked around. “They aren't even that good. Havent won a superbowl since like 1996.”

“Oh she knows facts about football.” Sara said sarcastically.

“I have an older brother and a father who are die hard Steeler fans.” Ava mumbled and a smile came across her face. “They would be upset if they knew i was in this store.”

“Oh, well let’s not upset the men in your life.” Sara said shaking her head and pulling Ava out of the store.

“Don’t you have a particular thing you are looking for?” Ava asked as she came to a stop also stopping Sara.

“Not really, i mean i just figured i would see something and know it was for Laurel.” Sara said.

“Well, she is a lawyer.” Ava thought out loud. “What about a personalized pen set or like some personalized stationary?”

“It’s not what im going for.” Sara said looking around and her eyes landing on Spencer’s gifts and a smile crossing her lips. “Come on.” She added and dragged Ava into the store.

Three hours later, Sara had convinced Ava to purchase a set of tumblers she kept looking at with a lesbian flag decal on them. And Ava had found some really nice boots that Sara agreed would be great for Laurel and a stetson hat for Sara’s father. Ava had found a really nice set of Texas place mats for her mother, a really nice set of golf balls for her father, a gorgeous sweater for her sister, and she settled for a stetson hat for her brother as well.

By the time they made it back to the training center practice was only an hour away. They made their way up to their shared room to drop everything off. Ava couldn't believe she had actually ended up having fun, Sara had pulled her all over the mall from one side to the other and then back and she realized it didn't bother her at all. Sara on the other hand was proudly smiling because she had managed for the first time since they had known each other.

“I think Laurel will like these.” Sara said as they stepped off the elevator.

“She will, she was just talking about boots the other day when she called me.” Ava said as she opened the door to their room.

“You know it’s weird that you are really good friends with my sister and i barely know anything about you. I mean a part from what i have heard.” Sara said as she set her bags on her bed.

“What do you want to know?” Ava asked as she placed her bags in her closet.

“Well, I guess maybe what do you want to tell me.” Sara said and sat on her bed as she watched Ava’s face morph into indecision. “Like whats something I should know about you?”

“I guess you should know since you seem to bring it up.” Ava said and bit her lip before continuing. “I don't have a girlfriend anymore.” Ava said quietly and turned away, as Sara sat up straight.

“Wait, what happened to Jamie?” Sara asked and Ava turned to her and took a deep breath.

“We broke up.” Ava said sternly and then looked away. “That night you came to your sisters house. It had only been a few days after i caught her in our pool with someone else.”

“Wow, Ava i had no idea.” Sara said softly and Ava shrugged it off.

“I don't really put my personal life out here much, but i had to stay with Laurel until i could sell the house. I had a rough time going back after what i saw.” Ava said quietly.

“Ava, about that night…” Sara started but Ava put her hand up and stopped her.

“You didn't know, and honestly we have never been good at communicating. We always seem to be at each others throats. And i know its my fault, I was a kid when we first met and i had some trust issues with people. I….” Ava stopped and looked down. “I was adopted when i was five, i had come from a bad background and the Sharpe’s well they saw something in me, and when they took me in I had issues adjusting for a long time. I didn't really get better until after about ten years old. Nora helped she had a similar situation and she kind of taught me that i could trust people.”

“I had no idea.” Sara said quietly.

“Of course you didn't, but thats because i dont put my personal life out there. I choose to keep certain things to myself. But I am sorry for how i set the tone when we first met. I just…. I don't trust easily.” Ava said. “And I am not so great at relationships either.”

“Hey.” Sar said and stood up. “No, don't do that. Don't make it sound like her actions were some how your fault. Cheating is a choice, it has nothing to do with the person its hurting and everything to do with the person who is doing the hurting.” Sara looked down. “I almost lost Laurel because of Ollie and I will regret that for the rest of my life. And i had to watch Laurel go through that. I am sorry you had to go through that.”

“Well, thanks.” Ava said quietly and then pulled out her phone. “We should head down practice starts in thirty minutes.” Ava started to make her way towards the door.

“Hey, Ava.” Sara said and Ava turned to face her. “I had a lot of fun today.” Sara smiled a genuine smile not a smirk but a bright blazing smile and Ava felt her heart skip a beat.

“Me too.” Ava said quickly and turned opening the door and leaving before Sara had even taken a step.