Chapter Text
The final bell of the school year had barely stopped echoing down the Abbott hallways when the teachers began gathering in the lounge like a collective sigh of relief. Papers were filed, boards wiped clean, and Janine had already begun her “Summer Goals” list in a notebook no one asked to see.
“Beach house with my sisters,” Barbara said, sipping her tea with elegance. “Quiet, peaceful, and no cell service.”
“I’m going to Atlantic City,” Melissa added, already pulling out a pack of cards. “Little blackjack, little drama, good seafood. Can’t beat it.”
Janine beamed. “I’m volunteering at a nature preserve in the mornings, and I signed up for a self-improvement seminar in the afternoons!”
Gregory nodded slowly. “I’m sleeping.”
Everyone murmured approvingly.
Then Ava walked in like a walking Us Weekly cover: sunglasses on, lip gloss shining, with a folder labeled “The Summer of Ava: International Edition.”
“Oh, y’all staying domestic?” she said with a smirk, tossing her coat over a chair like she was allergic to cheap fabrics. “That’s real... humble of you.”
Melissa narrowed her eyes. “What’s your game, Ava?”
“I’m glad you asked,” Ava said, opening the folder with a flourish. “Because this summer, I’ll be in Italy. That’s right. Land of pasta, passion, and Prada outlets. Florence, Rome, Amalfi—every vowel, baby.”
Janine gasped. “You’re going to Italy?! With who?”
Ava raised her brows, cocked her head. “With my man, obviously. We international now.”
“Ohhh no she didn’t,” Jacob whispered, half-laughing, half-scared.