Chapter 7.

My fingers softly touch her hair as I lay next to her. She is now sound asleep and for some reason, this surprised her dad.

Mr Davies was so shocked by Ava's behaviour towards a mere stranger. I mean I am a mere stranger but the way she has been acting towards me, is far different then what she would normally do in a normal situation with a stranger.

Mr Davies told me that she is normally shy and because of how sensitive she is, it takes quite some time for her to be comfortable around someone. I got the sense that there was more to what he has been telling me, just by the way she held onto me when I wanted to put her down at first and even the emotion, his eyes expressed, when he talked about her being uncomfortable around people.

I decided to stay, well for a while, when she started talking about me staying, because I was okay. I just couldn't leave and upset her. I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself, knowing that I upset her.

That would have made me upset as well.

There is just something about Ava, that I can't help myself but to cave in, to what she wants. It's so unbelievable, how I'm growing attached to some strangers daughter.

As I look her over and basically creepily watch her sleep, a memory that I had tried so hard to bury, comes into mind.

" Why do you remind me so much of her?" I can't help but to ask.

My little one would have been about 2 by this time and I would have watched her grow up, but that's not possible. Well it wasn't then, because I had to give her away, it seemed right then. I'm pretty sure that she has the best life right now and is happy where ever she is.

Deep within though, I've always wanted to meet her, maybe see her again, even once.

But I can't, because after giving the baby away for adoption, you can't see her again. This is what I was told by the adoption agency. I remember that I had second thoughts during those months of carrying her in my womb, but at the last moment, I finally seperated from her. I had grown attached to her and I had started fantasising about actually raising her myself, being a single mom.

He might have never wanted her and didn't consider her life worthy, but I did and that's why, giving her away to the best family was me thinking about her future. I couldn't just end her life, no, not the life of an innocent human being. Though she was not planned but it doesn't mean, she had less of a chance to have a good life.

No, she deserved all good things that life had to offer and I am okay, knowing that she is being loved and cherished, by loving parents right now.

" My baby." My eyes widen after my lips release such words.

I carefully sit up and get off the bed, putting some distance between Ava and me. My heart starts racing, just thinking about what I just said.

' I can't believe I let out those words. Gosh, I must be getting too attached way too fast. This is such a dangerous thing for both of us, I shouldn't be acting this way towards a little girl I barely know, she is someone elses daughter.

No, it's better that I leave now, before I let my feelings get the best of me. '

I crouch down next to the bed, looking her over. I don't know why my heart is paining a bit as I prepare to leave. No, I know that I will have to though.

" Ava, I don't know why I am feeling this way but I believe it's best, if I go now. I should leave now before things get anymore weirder. You're the sweetest little girl and I'm glad that I met you but now, we have to go our seperate ways. I'm sorry little munchkin." I lean over and kiss her forehead before taking my things and quietly leaving her room.

I make sure to tip toe around the house, as I make my way towards the exit. My heart nearly drops, when I bump into the house maid, Kelly, I remember Mr Davies calling her.

" You are already leaving?"

I quickly gesture for her to lower her voice.

" I have to go now, where is Mr Davies and - the other sir?" It's better that I don't mention his name.

" They are both in Mr Davies's office right now. Would you like me to inform him that you are -"

" No, no, just tell him after I leave. It'll be better that way." I say, walking past her.

" Sorry miss?" I stop in my tracks.

I turn around to face her.

" We might not know each other and I know you are leaving right now, but I just wanted to say, that Ava really likes you. You are the first person, out of all the people she met, that she is comfortable around. And I have no doubt that you like her too."

" Ofcourse I do, I just think that someone else would be far better then I am, to do this job. I mean, to look after her, someone with a lot of experience." I respond, making sure to leave right after.

I am only ever able to let out a relieved sigh, once I am out of the premises. I realize that I had spent quite a long time there because it is late afternoon and there is a change in the weather. The sun is no more and the clouds have gotten a little darker. I spent so much time with Ava that I almost forgot, that I had to leave.

We spent time playing for a little bit and watching a movie. It was such a funny but cute scene, when it was time for her to eat and she basically didn't want Mr Davies to feed her but me. She was giving me way too much attention and her dad was rendered speechless. I tried all I could to not give attention to Mr Cullen, who I thought would leave soon, but he seemed to stay.

I focused on Ava, telling myself that I was staying for her and not under influence of him.

Though my heart longs to turn back and reconsider taking the job, I stick by my word. I can't go back and face that man again. I don't want to come across him again and be reminded of the kind of man, he expressed to be 2 years ago.

I don't want to have to deal with such a man, who was cruel to me, no, I'd rather save myself from the heartache. Not to mention, being around Ava, who surprisingly, after a few encounters, my heart was growing way too weak towards her.

Memories from two years ago, were resurfacing, too fast and vividly and now, I was being taken back, to my most vulnerable time. It took quite a long time to get back on my feet again, that's why, preventing myself from being taken to that point in my life is best.

I'm pretty sure that I will find another job, I just have to look hard enough.

The sudden sound of thunder pulls me to a stop and I look up at the sky.

" Gosh, it's gonna rain soon." I mutter.

I dig out my phone from my bag, to call a cab. I hear the sound of a car coming from behind me but I ignore it, believing that it's simply a car about to drive past. In the midst of placing a call, I am taken aback by the sound and sight of the car, pulling to stop infront of me.

I take a step back, fanning away the dust that blocks my view due to the work of the car's tires.

I blink in surprise when instead of a stranger coming out of the car, Mr Cullen comes out and he looks mighty pissed off.  As he looks at me, I feel like he is plotting in his mind, how he should go about murdering me.

It's just something I can't fathorm, why he is here and why he is looking at me as if I have done a big crime, when I simply left, like I said I would after Ava sleeps.

Not being able to bear the silence and him staring creepily at me, I keep a straight face and continue my way, with obvious intention to walk past him.

My plans fail when he suddenly blocks my way.

" You left." He says, sounding like he's biting off the word.

Obviously.

" Yes, I did, like I said I would." I remind him.

" You aren't serious are you?"

" Excuse me?"

" You left a little girl behind!"

I take a step back when he raises his voice at me.

Somehow his words hit me and I think of Ava, who I feel bad about leaving but I know that my decision was best.  Looking at him now, I know that it is best that I left because I wouldn't have to deal with him.

"You gave her your word, that you would stay -"

" Yes, for a little while and I did just that."

" No, you broke your word, that's what you did. You looked into the eyes of that little girl and lied, how could you do something like that huh?!"

Why is he making all of this sound like I did the most horrid thing?

I don't like the tone he is using with me right now.

" Mr Cullen, I don't understand what you are so upset about. I stayed until she slept and I left, that's it, I don't understand why -"

" What is your problem?"

" What?" I blink at him, surprised by his question.

" No, tell me right now because it seems that you have a problem. So, I'm asking again, What is your problem Miss Grey?!"

" You know what my problem is, it's you!" I snap. " My problem is you!"