32 Dunphy House

Dunphy house.

When I entered my room, I felt a bit dejected. Not because I couldn't spend my summer vacation with Ava, but because I had to convince my mom to accept the invitation from Ava's mom.

I glanced at the iPod on the table, a gift from Ava's grandma. Turning it on, I noticed three songs that Grandma Maya had mentioned to me. I saw the titles:

- "My Heart Will Go On" - Artist Unknown

- "I Will Always Love You" - Artist Unknown

- "Talking to the moon" - Artist Unknown

I realized Ava hadn't put her name on the songs. Curiously, I searched for them on the internet but found no results. Ava hadn't uploaded these songs online. I wondered why. I needed to ask her in person.

"Damn it, I forgot to ask Ava's number from her mother," I muttered in frustration.

I grabbed the headphones and plugged them into the iPod and checked in first song.

______

[My heart go on - Celine Dion.]

______

🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

The melody began to spread through my ears, and the music started to evoke a calming sensation. After a few seconds, I recognized the sound of a tin whistle. I'm familiar with it because Dylan's band members often use it into their music.

-🎶Every night in my dreams

I see you, I feel you🎶

🎶That is how I know you go on

Far across the distance

And spaces between us🎶

🎶You have come to show you go on

Near, far, wherever you are🎶

🎶I believe that the heart does go on

Once more, you open the door

And you're here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on🎶-

I recognize Ava's voice; I remember hearing it yesterday. It's just that this song feels distinct from what I heard from her last night.

🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵

-🎶Love can touch us one time

And last for a lifetime

And never let go 'til we're gone🎶

🎶Love was when I loved you

One true time I'd hold to

In my life, we'll always go on🎶

🎶Near, far, wherever you are

I believe that the heart does go on🎶-

I'm not usually a fan of silent types of songs, but there's something about this one that really connect with me. It's like each word carries its own weight, creating a powerful emotional experience that's hard to put into words.

-🎶Once more, you open the door

And you're here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on🎶-

Her voice got lower here, but it's still calming. I don't understand the meaning, but the song is beautiful.

🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

🎶You're here, there's nothing I fear

And I know that my heart will go on🎶

🎶We'll stay forever this way

You are safe in my heart and

My heart will go on and on🎶

Damn it, what was that high note? I got goosebumps after hearing the last part of the song. It's an amazing song.

I was about to start another song when I heard someone call my name.

"Haley."

I pocketed the iPod and went downstairs, only to find Mom with Uncle Mitchell.

Mom looked at me and said, "Hailey, I have to go out with your uncle, so take care of your brother and Lily."

I replied, "What happened?"

Mom sighed and said, "You see, Gloria is pregnant, and she wants to give Dad a surprise. She asked for help to arrange a party."

I replied sarcastically, "So I'm going to have another uncle."

Mom shouted at me, "Haley!"

I grimaced, knowing that Mom wasn't thrilled about the pregnancy, but also not displeased. Sometimes, I don't understand her.

As Mom was about to leave, I stopped her and said, "I'll take care of them if you'll allow me to spend my summer vacation with Ava's family."

Mom rubbed her forehead and said, "Haley, we can talk about this later."

Claire rubbed her forehead and replied, "Haley, we can discuss this later," as she left the house without giving Haley a chance to speak.

In the car with Mitchell, Claire explained the situation regarding Ava and the events that had unfolded. Mitchell, upon hearing the story, began laughing and remarked, "You know how many times you do that thing."

Confused, Claire asked, "What thing?"

Mitchell explained, "Talking about people behind their backs and judging them, like you did to Gloria in the past."

Defensively, Claire responded, "Gloria married Dad with a 25-year age gap."

Mitchell retorted, "That doesn't give you the right to judge her."

In a defeated tone, Claire conceded, "Okay."

As Claire drove, Mitchell inquired about the invitation for Claire to spend the summer vacation with Ava's family. Claire nodded and handed Mitchell the card Melissa had given her.

Upon seeing the card, Mitchell was shocked. He turned to Claire and asked, "You mean Ava's mother is Melissa Lewis?"

Claire confirmed, "Yes, I met her this morning, and she not only invited Haley but the whole family."

Surprised, Mitchell said, "Claire, do you know who she is?"

Claire shook her head and replied, "I met her today, Mitchell. The card says she is a lawyer, but why are you overreacting?"

Mitchell sighed and explained, "I'm overreacting because you met the best corporate lawyer in Los Angeles and the chairman of 'Lewis & Associates'."

Claire pulled over and asked, "Is that a big deal?"

Mitchell replied, "Not for you, but for me, it's a big deal. She's one of my idols."

Taken aback, Claire gave him a weird look.

Seeing her expression, Mitchell clarified, "You think I'm gay, so I can't have a female idol."

Claire shook her head and apologized, "Sorry, I didn't mean to assume."

Mitchell sighed and said, "I idolize her as a lawyer, as I am a lawyer myself."

Mitchell continued, "As Dad thinks being a lawyer is a downgraded job."

Claire nodded, understanding her father's perspective well.

Mitchell handed back the card to Claire and said, "So what are you going to do?"

Claire asked, "About what?"

Mitchell replied, "I'm talking about the summer vacation."

Claire said, "I don't know what to do about it."

Mitchell said while checking something on his phone, "In my opinion, you should accept the invitation."

Claire asked, "And why is that?"

Mitchell explained, "Well, you can apologize to Ava during the vacation, and I can meet Mrs. Lewis in person."

Haley was taking care of Lily, who is 4 years old.

To be Continued...

[Author's note: Please write a review; it motivates me to write.]l

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