Where We Belong
Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Ava sweetheart I'm so proud of you". My mom sobbed as she pulled me in for a hug.

I had graduated in becoming a doctor. All the hard work and hours of studying had finally paid off. Icouldn't contain my excitement or the tears that were rolling down my cheeks. I was happy and Icouldn't wait for the next chapter of my life to begin.

"It's you against the world now baby, you done it, you made something of yourself. I love you A".

...

It had been months since I graduated and I couldn't for the life of me replace a job or placement. Nohospital was willing to give me a chance. I needed more experience or I wasn't the right person forthe job. I needed recommendations and that was something I didn't have. I was fresh out the packeteager to start my career.

I had worked so hard, graduating the youngest in my class and right now it all felt like a waste. Thestudent loans, the hours of non stop studying and for what, to get knocked back at every chance?

Grabbing the necklace around my neck something I always did when I was frustrated I let out aheavy sigh. The necklace was the only piece I had left of my dad, the last time I saw him I wasseven.

I understood why my mom had taken us away but it still didn't help the emptiness I felt, the piecethat always felt missing. I was seven, I didn't understand what was going on. Growing up I askedquestions but I never got the answer I wanted. I knew he spent a good few years in prison but whatI didn't understand was why he didn't try and look for me.

My dad wasn't your typical dad, he was the leader of an MC in downtown NewYork. I didn't knowmuch but I knew enough. I had so many unanswered questions and no one to answer them. Mymom didn't like talking about him, my dad was a sensitive subject. I knew deep down he was thelove of her life.

"Ava, honey?"

"Yeah mom?" I called hiding the necklace back under my T-shirt. She knew I wore it, she didn't likeit but she knew it was important to me.

"Still no luck baby?" She asked leaning against my open door.

Shaking my head I pulled my knees up to my chin "I can't seem to catch a break, I can't even get aplacement. No one wants to take a chance on me". I sighed.

Walking towards me she took a seat on the edge of my bed and squeezed my hand "Don't give upA, it'll happen when you least expect it and besides they'd be fools not to hire you" She kissed myforehead before standing back up "You hungry?"

"Not really. How was work?" I asked.

My mom worked at the local hairdressers as a beauty therapist. Standing at 5 foot 5 and 39 yearsold my mother was beautiful. She had me when she was young but she never gave up. Shebasically raised me on her own and I'll be forever grateful that she is my mom. Growing up I wantedfor nothing, she provided and gave me everything I needed. She worked hard for the life that weboth have.

"Long and tiring my feet are killing me" She winced as she removed her shoes and placed thembeside my bed.

I never did understand why she wore heels to work when she was on her feet all day. Flats wouldbe a better option for her. Appearance was everything to my mom, her hair was always done toperfection along with her make-up, especially when she was working.

"Come have a glass of wine with your mom. It's been a long day and I sure as hell need one". Icouldn't say no to that.

.....

"I think I need to widen my search" I said taking a sip of my wine.

We were curled up on the sofa with the t. v on and the blankets wrapped around us. Most of thetime this was how we spent our nights. I didn't have many friends so there for I didn't have a bigsocal life.

Taking her eyes of the t. v she glanced at me "What do you mean widen your search?" She asked.

"I mean maybe try different hospitals. I'm not having much luck here. I could maybe apply to somein another-..."

"No Ava" Cutting me off she pushed off the blankets and stood up "You want another glass?".Taking the glass out my hand giving me no time to answer. This conversation wasn't going to godown well.

Was it so bad that I wanted to replace my dad. I wanted to replace a great hospital to work in and thatwasn't going to happen here. I couldn't bring up my dad, I couldn't even mention his name. I didn'targue with my mom ever but it was time I started making my own decision and living my own life. Ihad done what she wanted, I had made something of my self.

"Ava?".

Snapping out of my thoughts I took the glass of wine and waited until she was comfortable. Taking asip of my wine I glanced at her and noticed she was in a world of her own, trapped in her thoughts. Ihated the look she gave me when I tried to ask about him. Did he hurt her that bad?

"How did you get out?" I asked. This question was one that always played on my mind.

"I'm not discussing this Ava". Again she was off the couch and making her way into the kitchen.

"You going to bed?" She asked a yawn escaping her mouth.

"No not yet. I'm going to apply for some jobs, I have to replace something" I lied. I wasn't going to lookfor jobs I was going to google my dad and his club and see what information I could get.

"Well I'm going to bed, I'm working early tomorrow". She kissed the top of my head. "I love you Ayou do know that don't you?".

"I love you too mom".

...

By the time I had got myself out of bed my mom had already left. It was just after noon but I didn'tget to bed until late, I was to busy googling my dad. I found out why he was in prison but I alsofound out that he was released 8 years ago.

The media had made out that he was a monster and that he should never have been released, hewas nothing but scum and that he should have died in prison. I had to shut my laptop down, Icouldn't read anymore.

I already knew I was going to NewYork, I had to see my dad again. It had been sixteen years, I hadwaited long enough.

After taking a quick shower I pulled on my leather jacket and threw my duffel bag over my shoulder.Heading down stairs I grabbed my keys and left a note for my mom on the kitchen table.

She wasn't going to like my decision but I had to do this. I knew she would be hurt and disappointedbut I hoped she would understand.

Pulling into the gas station I filled my tank and grabbed a few snacks for the road. It would take meat least 2 days to get to New York from Califonia. As I waited to be served my mom texted andinstantly I felt guilty. We had a great relationship, growing up I had the best childhood and for aslong as I could remember it had always just been the two of us.

'Going to be late tonight honey. You be okay to get dinner yourself? x

Chewing the inside of my cheek I paid for my stuff and got the hell out of there. If I didn't leave now Inever would. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her.

It was Friday morning when I finally seen the 'Welcome to New York' sign. I was exhausted and Ibadly needed caffine. I hadn't slept proper in two days other than getting a half hour here and there.I had been ignoring my mothers phone calls. I couldn't talk to her right now, I couldn't face the hurtand the guilt.

Turning off the engine I grabbed my bag and headed inside a small coffee shop. I needed caffeinebefore I continued and it was good to stretch my legs. The smell of freshly baked muffins hit mynose and my stomach growled with hunger.

"What can I get for you this morning?"

Glancing up I came face to face with a pair of brown eyes. "Can I have and cappuccino and achocolate chip muffin please".

"Sure that'll be $5. 65". Handing me my muffin I waited patiently for my coffee. As I was waiting thedoor to the shop chimed, the noise that followed caught my attention.

The guys that entered were rowdy but that didn't surprise me when I realised who they were. Icouldn't stop staring, especially at the quiet one. He was beautiful, his build, the way he carriedhimself, the attention he received. This man screamed dangerous and I couldn't look away. He wasclad in leather and I knew he was part of my dads club. If the leathers didn't give him away his cutsure did.

I instantly dropped my gaze when he smirked at me. Crap, my mother always did say it was rude tostare. Scraping my chair back I put my rubbish in the bin and high tailed it out of there. Headingstraight for my car I struggled to get my keys from my pocket, the leather was tight and my handswere sweaty. I was embarrassed that I had been staring at him so openly. Laughing at myself I rana hand over my face. "Way to go Ava". I muttered.

I was just about to get in my car when a hand was placed on my shoulder, I jumped slightly a squealfalling from my lips

My breath caught in my throat. He really was beautiful. 6"3 maybe 6"4, he was tall but he was builtso he carried it well. Tattoos covered both forearms, I was curious did he have more?

Looking up my eyes landed on his, my mouth became dry, my stomach tightened. I didn'tunderstand why I was reacting this way to a man I didn't know.

"Got a name darlin'?" He asked his voice rough, mysterious, smooth. A voice that made the hairs onthe back of my neck stand. I couldn't speak, I couldn't speak past the lump in my throat.

"A-Ava" I stuttered "My names Ava".

Seeing the grin form on his face my eyesbrows furrowed. Why was he grinning?

"The names Blaze sweatheart and I'll definitely be seeing you sometime".

Then he left.

I was stood dumbstruck as to what just happened. Who was that man?