House of Dreams Solo Closed

Interacting with: N/A Mentioning: N/A Date: 12/22/22

Word Count: 1018

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

Christmas was probably Avery's favorite time of the year. She loved to see the twinkling lights through the windows with snow glistening off the storefronts. She also loved the joy that was everywhere. It made her feel a feeling deep down of happiness. Even though there hadn't been much lately. But, most of all, she loved that she was home. This Christmas, Avery's parents decided to surprise her with spending Christmas at her grandparents. It had been over a year since she had seen them. Actually, it had been a year since she had even seen her cousin, Dylan, who was going to be spending time with there too. She was excited to see him again, and she always missed him. He was like a brother to her. That's why she loved spending time with him. She rarely had time to play with her old muggle friend anymore. Not that her muggle friend even cared. Ever since she had turned 10, she had changed. All she cared about now was makeup and boys. Those two things were something Avery didn't want to spend her time talking about. She wanted to enjoy life, and still act like a kid because eventually she would grow up, and be unable to enjoy the freedom she had. She was dreading that part of growing up. The one thing that motivated her to grow up was that she could finally move back home. At least, she hoped she could move back home. As Avery rode the train with her family, she thought back to the summer when she had last seen her family. They had such a great time exploring a new part of the woods, but they never got to finish. Avery's mom forced them to come home because she had some "emergency" at work. She refused to let us just stay, so we all had to come home. Ever since then, she hadn't even gotten a letter from Dylan, or anyone else. And since then, she had rarely seen her mom. She didn't know why. Her work kept her busy enough that the only day she allowed herself off was Avery's birthday. That was the last time she had actually spent time with her. They spent the whole time doing the thing they loved most. Watching movies as they baked, and spent what her mom called "girls day". Avery sighed against the window as she watched the rolling hills. She missed the days that her, her mom, and her dad used to go camping together. That was when her mom actually cared about her family. Not just about work. Finally the train pulled into the station, and Avery walked out. She began to run when she saw her grandparents and Dylan waiting. She hugged each one of them, but hugged Dylan the longest. She had missed them so much! "Looks like somebody's happy to be here." Grandma teased. "Absolutely! I wish I could be here all the time." Avery responded after breaking her hug with Dylan. Dylan smiled and nodded in agreement. He didn't look much different from the last time she saw him. He still had his messy brown hair and blue eyes. He also still had the same warm smile that Avery always remembered. "Come on! What are we waiting for? I think Avery and I need to finish what we started a year ago." Dylan said as he winked at Avery. Of course he remembered. Avery was worried that he wouldn't want to finish their search, but it was evident after what he said. He must have missed her enough to want to finish it. He was the one that gave her the idea. "Isn't it a little cold to be exploring the woods." Avery's mom inquired. Obviously not being around them enough to know they didn't care. "No way!" Avery and Dylan said together before laughing. "I guess it's settled then. Shall we head toward the farm now?" Avery's grandpa asked as he grabbed some of our bags and headed toward the car. We all followed. Once we got to the car, it was crowded. Since there was only four other seats besides the driver's seat, it was pretty tight. Grandpa sat in the driver's seat with Grandma in the passenger's seat. Dylan sat by the window and Avery crowded in next to him. Avery's mom and dad scooted in after her. With Avery's dad sitting next to her. It was crowded, but everyone was happy. At least, almost everyone. There was only one person that looked uncomfortable was Avery's mom. Avery didn't know why because she was finally home. And she was spending Christmas with her family, parents, twin sister, and her nephew. What could be so bad about that? "What's wrong mom? Aren't you excited to be here?" Avery questioned. "Nothing, Av, I'm fine." She responded. Obviously avoiding Avery's second question. Avery wasn't satisfied, but she knew better than to pry. Her mom had definitely learned to keep things secret. Probably because the Department of Mysteries is so secretive. Avery didn't even know what part of the department her mom worked for. Dylan gave her a nudge and a smile. Obviously trying to lighten her mood. It half worked. Avery smiled back, but the smile wasn't the happiest smile ever. Dylan realized this and whispered into her ear, "Don't worry. If she tries to force you to go home early again, I won't let her. You can't leave again without saying goodbye." Avery nodded. Remembering what had happened. When her mom announced that they had to leave, she didn't hesitate to drag them out the door. Avery had cried the whole way home. Dylan had been helping his mom buy groceries from the store when they left, so she didn't even have the chance to say goodbye. She was still angry with her mom for forcing her to leave. What was so wrong with her and her father staying? She wouldn't have been home anyway, so they should have stayed. Avery continued to watch out the window the rest of the way to the farm. She didn't really have anything to say. The silence even from her grandparent's spoke volumes. Everyone was wondering how long Avery's mom would allow them to stay this time. Hopefully it would be at least until after Christmas.

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽