Avalon Expandable Heart: The Wild Heart Series

by Shantelle McKinnon

  And I must retaliate to that thought yet again and kick myself mentally for the millionth time, running my hand over my short fuzz to remind me of my decision. I told myself that was it, after she made me look like what Sam dubbed, ‘a blonde out of control microphone’ I wanted to back off from her friendship. Because, come on, being friends with Avalon is half bloody dangerous.

  Well, that and the fact I heard she broke my arch enemy out of the cop shop. That smacked me in the guts worse than anything in the world could have. It was like she picked him over me! I thought if I didn’t talk to her for a few days after the whole hair thing that she would freak out and come over, miss me, realise she wanted to be with me. But no, she was off with him, so the rumours had it.

  And on that very same grapevine this morning, word was that Av went to a fricken cage fight with him and climbed into the bloody cage for him. The story is pretty wild though, so I’m not taking it as gospel, ears getting sliced off and stuff like that. Please. Although, with Av, you never know. I’m beginning to see where my mum’s diagnosis of her sanity stems from. Taking a deep breath, I steal myself to the fact again that she’s no good for me. That she’d only bring me down. Mum congratulated me on keeping away from trouble, meaning Av of course. She said she could see my path clearly again during her ‘talk’, pity I couldn’t.

  I miss her.

  A lot. No matter how insane she actually might be.

  The line up to this swanky restaurant is long and everyone is dressed to the nines, Mum says it’s the IT place to be seen. Funny, a few months ago I would have known that. Cared about it. Half of me doesn’t give a shit at the moment. I feel lost. Empty. Bored and unmotivated. Pulling out my phone I reread her last message about me doing a Sampson and Delilah skit with her for the next Naked Chef episode and telling me to start cracking with the hair care basket she left me, which by the way, was choc full of old men gels and crap for baldness. She even added hair chalk and spray on hair (for African American men!). I can’t help but smile now, but I was furious when I first read that message. I’ve never met someone so annoying and fun at the same time.

  I want to text her but don’t know what to say. No wonder Noah had to hit the Cosmo’s to get ideas. My looks have always done the talking. And when I haven’t talked to Mum, she generally always caves and comes to me. Not Avalon though. Never Avalon.

  “Thanks, mate,” I frown, turning toward the sound of the voice that is probably just a trick my brain is playing on me.

  A girl, Avalon’s size, is leaning into a taxi’s door. She’s dressed as an angel, which could be Av for sure, the one person I know who doesn’t care what she’s wearing as long as she’s happy wearing it. The only thing is the girl’s long brown and golden locks are shiny and hanging in loose curls down her back, cascading over the feathery wings.

  I don’t remember Av ever really brushing her hair to that extent or whether I would even trust a curler in her hands. I see the boots then peeking under the dress and my hope rises against my brain’s will. When she turns around, my heart leaps in my chest, that beautiful face crushing every mental plan I had to push her out of my life.

  She doesn’t look overly amused as she surveys the line, she reaches in her dress and pulls out her phone. Probably calling Noah a mean little voice snides in my head. But why would she call him? He can’t even talk. Whoever it is doesn’t answer and I see Avalon as a painting we were shown in Art once, our teacher described the woman as vulnerable and forlorn. Av’s arms slink around her body like she’s trying to hold herself together. Whatever she’s feeling only lasts for a few seconds, thank Triton because it’s bloody unsettling to see someone that strong have a weak moment, she stands up taller and her eyes turn hard and cold. Those icy blue chips pass over me as she surveys her surroundings, I shake my head, I must have been seeing things to think Av was even in the slightest crumbling, that it might be the key, the opening to my chance. Her gaze returns a millisecond later and her face lights up. “Seth!” She squeals rushing to me. I die a million deaths as she lets her arms wrap around me. She smells like horses, fresh grass, flowers and the Hostel. Life.

  She looks up at me smiling and I notice the purple smudges under her eyes and the tiredness plaguing her face, for a moment I’m torn, hoping I was the cause of it and then again hating to be the cause of it. I hope she’s been missing me, detesting that I haven’t spoken to her, that all the stories of her being with him were made up. “You big sook!” She berates me reaching up to rub my head. “Magic, blonde eight ball should I be worried my mother has a secret plan?”

  She grabs my head and pulls it down, pretending to read it “Yes... damn it.”

  I straighten confused, “Your mum is coming tonight? Here? Why?”

  Av’s angelic face sours, “Only the devil knows the real real reason, but she said if I came tonight to have dinner with her friends she wouldn’t make me go to school anymore.”

  Av not at school anymore? The rest of the year is going to suck. I’m suddenly glad it’s almost over. “What can I say she knows my weaknesses? And hey, how’s this for breaking news... apparently, you’re small fry in the whole love game that she plays. Mum has found me a new guy to terrorise,” she grins evilly, but I can see that she is annoyed about it.

  Hell! I’m annoyed about it, “Do you know who?”

  Av scoffs, “As if I care. “

  The twist in my gut eases as I realise I have nothing to worry about if Av takes a dislike to whoever it is, and if she does like him it means Noah isn’t in the picture and I can bash the guy up and be rid of him. All will be good.

  Noah, I hate him in my thoughts, hate that rumour of her and him. Even though the other day he seemed to back off, maybe it was my new haircut.

  “Although, Mum was adamant I be myself, so I’m a bit wary,” she frowns. “She has never, ever said that. And I mean ever!” Av studies the surrounding crowd with narrowed eyes as if the answer will pop out of one of the overdressed patrons. She doesn’t seem herself.

  “Is that why you came the total opposite, Satan?” I grin at her thinking of all the times I’ve called her that and why.

  A shadow passes over her face, “No, this is for someone I care about.” I know that tone, it’s always reserved for someone old, she deems family.

  “What’s your plan, to be you or not to be you?”

  “I will be being me, if I act the opposite of what she wants...,” she chews on her lip. “Actually, she may want that so I will take it as I go. I plan to be very quiet and very restrained.”

  “Right, should I take bets on how long that will last?” I chuckle, dubious.

  “I will, you watch,” she places her hand on her hip.

  “You know I kind of feel jaded,” I think about our first dinner together. “That when I was that guy you bloody Viagraed me. And now you’ve all gone soft, so this guy gets off scot-free.” I wave my arms dramatically.

  Av just looks at me.

  “What? You’ve got something?” I ask suddenly excited to see what will happen.

  “I hope you’re coming to watch the VA residents perform. Your Pop is one cool chookie,” she waggles her eyebrows. “And apparently he doesn’t need the ‘stuff’ the nurse thinks he might.”

  She pats her thigh. Love Av so much. Speaking of that...

  “So,” I hedge, desperately wanting to find out the truth to the rumours that have been assaulting my ears. “Should I call you when there are any auditions up for Prison Break?”

  She laughs, and I can help but join in. When she laughs, you feel good. I’ve also missed that killer smile. It’s devastating.

  “Ah, so that’s what the silent treatment was about.” She tweaks my cheek when she stops laughing. “I knew it couldn’t be your hair because it is Summer and you’re probably happier with it short.”

  “How about I shave yours off and you can test that theory?” I growl at her. Not happy to lose what I deemed my signature look. Chicks dig the long haired surfer loo
k.

  She glances up at me, “You could try.” My eyes flick involuntarily to her leg where I know that damn big knife Rambo is missing is strapped nice and snug. Razor sharp. Ready to taste more human blood... cow blood... any blood.

  I fold my arms, she wouldn’t hurt me. “You still didn’t answer my question.”

  “Nah, I don’t have time to audition for anything pretend, mate. I like the hard stuff, let it go to someone else that would only ever act it out,” she tilts her head to the side happy with herself.

  “I forgot how annoying you can be,” I grumble before stretching out to push her gently backward as the line moves up behind her.

  “Fine, I’ll be unannoying for a moment. I’d do it for you, you know that right? We’re friends and if you were in the jaws of death, I’d help you no matter what,” her expression is serious as her eyes study me. I remember once how I wondered what it would be like to be claimed by her, when she camped out to protect Harry, and now I have that. I should be happy, but I want more. I want to experience it. What must it feel like to have something amazing done for you?

  “Jaws of death, huh? Are you going to set your feral mare on me later?” I tug on her hair playfully, incredibly glad that hell horse isn’t in the area.

  “Seth?” she drops her mouth open. “You are turning horsey! Mare? My job is done here, people!” Others in the line look around and I slap my hand over her mouth to shush her before she really gets started.

  “Good evening, Avalon,” Mum appears at my shoulder as I let her mouth free. “Thought I heard your lovely voice.” Mum shoots me expression that screams two very distinct things. See? And be careful.

  Avalon refrains from giving her big, friendly smile, “Hello, Mr. and Mrs Campbell.” Okaaaaay? I raise my eyebrows.

  Mum clucks giving Av one of those smiles that don’t show her teeth, “Please Avalon call me Jennifer.”

  Dad chimes in, “and call me-”

  Only to be cut off. “I think I’ll stick with Mr and Mrs Campbell. It’s probably nice for you to hear it, remind you of your marriage, the sanctity of your union. The vows you promised each other. All that meaning and bonding should be constantly represented somehow, don’t you think?” Avalon’s voice is not overly friendly in its undertone. People around may think it’s chirpy and considerate, but I know Av better. Av gives nothing away as I signal to her to tell me what’s going on. I hope Av is going to play nice, we aren’t in my house anymore. Mum will not put up with a public flaying.

  Turning to see what mum thinks of it, I witness a meaningful exchange of looks between my parents. Dad shifts rather uncomfortably, and Mum’s jaw tightens in agitation.

  “Also, just reminding you of something else important, Mrs Campbell. Terry, your dad, is performing and would love if you could attend. Seth has the details.” Her tone brokers no other answer but yes will be accepted. I don’t get why she’s reverted to cold. I step closer to interrogate her, but I’m stopped by a voice which rings with a whisper of familiarity.

  “Seth Campbell?” I scan the crowd. My eyes stopping on a stunning girl drawing admiring glances as she sashays toward me in a low-cut red dress that hugs her willowy curves, a small part of my brain registers that she’s followed by some other people I don’t bother to take a better look at.

  Kelsey.

  My eyes drink her in. She’s grown into something worthy of adorning magazine covers. Perfect. Perfect girlfriend material. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice mum’s tension replaced by a smug look as she grins at Av.

  “Seth,” Kelsey smiles with her straight white teeth and glossy pink lips. “You have sure grown up into something amazing. I adore the short hair, it really accentuates those gorgeous eyes of yours.” This is the girl I was supposed to be with, supposed to think about all the time.

  An elbow in my ribs causes me to break my stare fest off. “That’ll be fifty bucks,” Av gives me a cheeky wink before fake gagging. She doesn’t bat an eyelid in Kelsey’s direction. Just like with Angel, Av doesn’t really care. What a mess.

  Kelsey stands next to me, one of her creamy smooth hands gently grabs my hand and the other glides over my bicep as she reaches in to place a light kiss my cheek. She smells like silk and satin. Jasmine and spice. She is almost as tall as me, her face is flawless and her voice soft and husky as she tells me how much she can’t wait to catch up.

  “This is not what we agreed on,” I hear Samantha whispering harshly behind my back.

  “I’m being me all the way,” Av says in a voice that is full of restraint. I find I’m glad that Samantha is here, to divert whatever Av has got itching with my mum. I mean, what could Av have with my mum to say that covered up cryptic shit? It vexes me, I mean she only hangs out with Harry and Flea, D and Jaime and Wade, what would they know? They wish they had my parents’ incomes.

  Noah. Noah does not like my parents... at all. It’s reciprocated that’s for sure, but I’ve never known why? Does Av? Did my parents do something? I doubt it. He’s probably written down a bunch of lies trying again to wreck my life.

  They couldn’t have, though, it would have to be some stupid blame thing for his mum leaving or whatever really happened, blaming my mum for not stopping it. Mum describes ending Noah’s family issues like an ant trying to stop a rolling boulder down Mt Everest. I better set Av straight, let her know what a bullshit artist Reed is if that’s what he’s somehow told her.

  “Hi, my gorgeous darling,” Kelsey’s mother hugs me. Her father - my once idol- shakes my hand. I move my gaze from Kelsey’s cleavage toward Luke, Kelsey’s brother but he is staring elsewhere not bothering to greet me, he’s staring at Av.

  “Luke,” Samantha swans in between them. “This is my daughter, Avalon. Avalon. Luke.” The rest of the introductions are like water off a duck’s back to Luke. Avalon, however, greets everyone politely with a sweet smile.

  So, she’s sticking to her act, quiet and restrained. Good luck, Fingers.

  She does quite well at it too, although sometimes I wonder if it’s all an act. There’s times when I look away from Kelsey across to where Av is seated, and I see her with her eyes closed or with her arms wrapped around her waist like she’s focusing on just the mere act of breathing.

  I can say without a doubt that Samantha had really wanted Av to be Av, fiery, outspoken and well... just Av. I say this because Samantha takes every chance to send little darts in Av’s direction, masked of course by a joking manner. I miss a lot of them as Kelsey keeps grabbing for my attention. At first, they don’t hit with any noticeable reaction, but I can tell some start to because Av’s blue eyes grow colder and colder.

  Luke, when I knew him was a top guy, I see him in a lot of surfing mags and stuff now since he’s made it pro like his Dad was once. It seems he loses interest in the girl he is with and moseys on to the next, the girls don’t like to be forgotten and make out like Luke is a bastard. He’s not, never has been. I was the same until Satan came along, nothing wrong with it. It’s what guys do. Who can.

  But from the talks with mum about perceived social and cultural capital and how it affects your status I can see why his parents might be trying to curb that tendency now he’s in the limelight. Wholesome is in, not wild and drug-fueled. Fitness and brimming with good health are best sellers now. Both sets of parental figures would match Av and Luke together for different reasons. Av is not a pushover, or one to put up with crap, his mum - his manager- would figure him having a steady, sporty and beautiful girlfriend would amp up his sponsorship appeal, reinvigorate his Mr Nice Guy appeal. And Samantha would obviously be looking at the meal ticket that would come her way from such a partnership.

  Avalon’s facade starts to crumble when the waiter asks for our meals, Avalon asks if the steak is Australian raised beef, when the waiter confirms it, Av orders four serves, three to take away much to pretty much the embarrassment of all on the table. The older women exchange looks.

  Kelsey’s Dad, Rowan, who is very easy-going notice
s and tries to attempt conversation, “So Avalon, you think Australian beef is the best in world?”

  Avalon raises her ice-cold blues, “Don’t you?”

  Samantha utters, “God, not this.”

  “I’ve never thought about it, to be honest,” Rowan smiles back at her, happy the crisis is averted and everything is back to normal.

  “So, you just eat, drink and be merry and never think about where all of it comes from?” those blue eyes have a definite spark in them now.

  “Do you like her?” Kelsey asks softly grabbing my attention away. “Mum said that she was single, that she’d be perfect for Luke at the moment. He can’t keep his eyes off her, she seems nice.”

  “She’s a good friend,” I say suddenly not wanting to burn this bridge but not loving that the whole Avalon and Luke thing either.

  “I never imagined you having friends that are girls,” Kelsey studies me closely. Watching.

  “I like hanging out with her, and she’s not quiet, believe me.”

  “Does Sam like her?” She queries.

  “Adores her,” I think of how Sam stormed off this arvo when I refused to ring Av.

  “Wow,” Kelsey runs a finger through her hair and across her collarbone, my eyes follow its movement until the silence becomes awkward.

  “Things change, I guess,” I shrug hoping she doesn’t see any more than what I choose to tell her. Playing my cards right here will only be a win-win.

  “I hope that your life goals and plans to make it big haven’t, Seth,” she leans in close and my nose fills with her scent reminding me of flimsy silk and satin underwear and that I haven’t been with a girl for ages. “We’ll make an awesome team.” I look down at her golden head on my shoulder and think about it. We would. Being with Kelsey is something that would be good for me, how we’d look in the media, on the beach... then I turn to the girl across the table, the one with eyes now burning bright with fire.