Chapter Text
Sara (Ava) unlocked the front door and walked slowly into her quiet house. She had been very nervous about talking and opening up to Ava, along the drive back home. She wondered if Ava would ever forgive her for the pain and suffering that she had caused her. She took a deep breath before heading towards their home office, assuming that Ava must be in there. She walked past the living and froze on spot as she heard someone clearing their throats.
Sara turned to see Ava (Sara) sitting on the couch, with a cup of coffee in hand. She blew out the breath she was holding in, out of shock. “Ava! You scared me there. The house was quiet so I thought that you would be in the office room…” Sara muttered. Ava put her cup down and said “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Actually, I was waiting for you. I have something to discuss with you…”. Ava motioned for Sara to take a seat. Sara sat at the armchair, placed right opposite to the couch. She placed her bag in her lap and said “I’ve been meaning to talk to you too. I was hoping you would be home early…”. Ava appeared to be so calm and composed that Sara started to feel uneasy, in the pit of her stomach. Ava smiled and said “Okay… so we both have things to say to each other. Do you want me to start, or do you want to do the honor?”. “I think I’ll go first… I’ve been imagining this conversation in my head, like in so many way…. All ending with different outcomes…” Sara chuckled nervously. Ava smiled and nodded for her to proceed.
Though she appeared to be calm on the outside, Ava was battling an inner turmoil. As soon as Sara said that she wanted to talk to her, Ava had started to panic and almost lose the composed posture she had been faking, in front of Sara. Sara moved to open the bag and she took out a familiar binder and placed it on the coffee table, right in front of Ava. Ava’s eyes widened when she realized what the binder was. “So, I found this in the drawer, at your office…” Sara said softly. Ava sighed and said “Of course, you did…”. “Do you want to tell me about it?” Sara asked, looking right into Ava’s eyes. Ava hummed and started to recall the time where she was secretly preparing the binder.
She took the binder into her hands and started to explain, “I made this binder almost over two years ago. I remember the time where we have discussed whether or not we want kids. At the time, I wasn’t fully prepared to add a child into our small bubble. Life was a lot easier with just you and me. And with both of us working, I thought we should give it some time before we think about having a child. But somehow along the way, your enthusiasm towards kids have changed my mindset. You were so good with Kyle. You were so loving and caring towards him, that watching you with him felt like a blessing to me. It totally changed the way I planned our future. And one day, I just woke up feeling so sure about wanting to have kids with you. I started planning this binder and did some research on IVF procedures. I checked for suitable clinics for us to go. Looked for best doctors. I planned it as perfect as I can…”. Sara looked at her in awe and asked, “But why didn’t you tell me about this?”.
Ava smiled and said “I don’t want to rush into things. I wanted both of us to be fully committed to this. And I can’t do that if I’m always working till late or rarely come home. The same reason why I really wanted to be one of the partners in my firm. When Simon told me about the promotion and my chances of getting this partnership, I was ready to grab it. I worked day and night so that I get to be partners with Simon and Bryan. Landing this partnership would mean to reduce my workloads. I would be able to have my own assistants. My timing would be more flexible. I get to spend more time with you at home and fully commit myself to this plan. My pregnancy planning had perfectly aligned with my work plans. I was getting near to landing the partnership. I was going to give you this binder as a gift for Christmas and get us started, right after I came back from the work trip. But your mom passed, and I messed up big time… We would at least be pregnant by now if it weren’t for me.… It was all my fault…”. Ava looked down at the binder and rubbed on its surface.
“It wasn’t your fault…” Ava looked up as Sara uttered the words. Sara stared deeply into Ava’s eyes as she tried to read her emotion. “Sara…” Ava tried to say, but Sara cuts her off “It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do any mistake. It was Simon’s fault…”. Ava frowned. “What are you talking about? Simon doesn’t have anything to do with this…”. Ava looked upset. “Let me explain it to you. Today, Claire had opened up to me about something that you didn’t know. Simon had humiliated her earlier, so she decided to come clean about him. Ava, you didn’t get to come home that day because Simon sabotaged you. He wanted to make you stay, at all costs. So, he blackmailed Claire and told her not to book any flight back home for you. He asked her to tell you that all flights were booked. He tricked you into believing that he was trying to help you. But in reality, he had forced you to stay for his own benefits, without you even realizing it. And he was using you all this time! He wasn’t going to give you the partnership. It was all a lie!” Ava’s mouth was agape, in shock as Sara spoke.
“And I was so stupid for not believing in you. I blamed and punished you for the mistake that you never did. I am so sorry, Ava. I treated you so badly…” Sara couldn’t find words to express how sorry she was. She stared at Ava, wondering what was going on, in that mind of hers. Ava felt her heart sank. Disappointment was clearly written on her face. Why did Simon break her trust? Why only now the truth has to come out? Right when she and Sara were going to get separated. Why does Sara have to apologize to her while she was ready to serve her with a divorce paper? Why does all of this have to happen now? Ava thought to herself. “Enough about this… I have something to discuss with you…” Ava said suddenly, and Sara shifted in her seat. She was slightly hurt because Ava chooses to ignore her apology. “What is it that you want to talk about?” She asked in a discreet voice.
“Ray mentioned to me about the problem you are facing at the gym and about your overdue loan repayments…” Ava said, and Sara immediately winced. She brought her fingers up to the bridge of her nose and pressed it. “I completely forgot about that… Did the officer from the bank gave us a visit again?” Sara asked, feeling annoyed. “Ms Joanne? Nah… Ray ‘accidentally’ told me, thinking that I am you” Ava shrugged. “And…” Sara motioned for Ava to continue. “Right. So, I didn’t mean to interfere in your affairs, but I thought you could use some help. I had a client once, back in 2016. He owns fitness franchises, which is quite popular here in States. I think you must have heard about it. It’s called ‘Joe’s Bros Gym & Fitness Club’…” Sara cut her off before Ava could continue. “Oh my god! You knew GI Joe? From the J-B Gym?!”. Ava chuckled and said “If you mean Johnathan Hawkins, then yes. I knew him. Okay, moving on. He kind of owes me a big time. So, I decided to ask for his help to save your gym. I emailed him a business proposal, requesting him to let you be his franchisee. And he replied to the email, saying he has a business proposal for you instead. He agreed to let you be his franchisee. He said that he would also help you upgrade your gym. But he invites you to join in a partnership with him and work at his gym as the lead instructor. You will receive a share in profit, and separate income as an instructor. He wants you to join the gym’s main branch in Seattle” Ava passed the copy of business proposal to Sara. Sara’s eyes went wide in amazement.
“Ava… this is HUGE! I don’t know what to say…” Sara went speechless. Ava smiled and said “It IS huge. This could be the solution to your problems, Sara. This could be your future too. Once you’ve accepted this proposal, you could get your gym fully revamped. You could put Ray in charge of this branch when you started working in Seattle. This could fully benefit the both of you…” Ava convinced her. “I don’t know… just let me think about this…” Sara trailed off as Ava’s smile faded. She noticed the change in her behavior. “What’s the matter, Ava?”. Ava sighed and said, “I have another thing to discuss with you…”.
“Okay… I’m all ears. Tell me…” Sara started to feel that something was wrong. Ava passed a folder to Sara and said, “I need you to sign this...”. Sara frowned. She quickly opened the folder and took out the papers. Her eyes went wide in shock. “Ava…. This is….” She swallowed nothings. “I know. The divorce papers… like you asked for…” Ava tried to maintain her blank expression. “Ava… didn’t you hear my apologies just now? Then, why are you doing this?” Sara started to tear up. “I’m trying to help us out here… Like you said. It would be better if we part ways amicably, rather than keep on hurting each other every now and then. So, please sign the papers…” Ava clenched her jaws, in an attempt to suppress the overwhelming feeling, she’s experiencing. “No! You don’t mean that! Ava, I’ve already apologized. We could talk about this. I never meant what I said…” Sara said as tears fell down her cheeks.
Ava stood up in frustration and said “Why are you making this so hard for me?! Just sign the damn papers! Take the job and have your happy ending!”. Sara stood up and came face to face with Ava. “You seriously think that I would be happy after breaking our marriage and take a job that requires me to move out of this city? The same city where I’ve been my whole life? The same city where we met and fell in love with? The same city where we have built our lives with? There is no happy ending for me without you, Ava. You are my home and my forever happy ending, Ava...” Sara sobbed her heart out. “No, I am not. I am no one’s happy ending. Just sign the paper… please…” Ava broke down and sobbed. “Why are you so adamant that I sign those papers?!” Sara hissed in anger. “Because I don’t want to keep hurting you! You won’t be happy if you keep on being with me. I’ll keep on breaking promises, and you’ll suffer because of that. I’ve put you through a lot of pain and sufferings, Sara. And I know you hate me for it. I can see it in your eyes, every time we fight. I hate that I make you so unhappy. You trusted me with your heart, and I kept breaking it. I realize that I’m not the right person for you, Sara. You have to find someone who could make you happy. That someone is not me” More tears roll down Ava’s cheeks as she ended her sentence.
Sara (Ava) quickly stepped closer to Ava (Sara) and bring her hands up to hold her face. Ava looked down at her feet, avoiding eye contact with Sara. “Ava, look at me…. Baby, please look at me” Ava looked up, staring into Sara’s eyes as she continued, “I would never hate you. I’ve had disappointment in you. I’ve had anger for you. But I have never had hated you. No matter what happens or have happened between us. Yes, I was so upset and angry when you didn’t show up at the time where I needed you the most. I was in shock and despair that I let it all out on you instead of dealing with it. I have been very unfair to you. I was so angry at myself for not making any effort to get close to my mother. I wasn’t actively talking to her. I didn’t attempt to connect with her. When I know that her life was in danger, I freaked out. I panicked because I realize, I might not get anymore of her time. Seeing her fighting for her life had only made my worst nightmare came true. I hated myself for being so ignorant. And I took it all out on you. If you had seen any hatred in my eyes, it wasn’t meant for you, my love. It was meant for me. Only me. My pain and suffering came as a result of my ignorance. You have nothing to do with it. You have only given me happiness. Make me see the best in me. You turned my weaknesses into my strength. You tolerate me when I’m being shitty as hell. You laugh at the bad dad jokes that I make. You loved me at my highs. You loved me at my lows. You loved me unconditionally. So, how can I possibly hate you? I can only love you. I love you, Ava Sharpe. And you are always the right person for me. You know why? Because my heart chooses you.”
Ava cried uncontrollably and Sara moved her hands to wipe her tears. “Baby… would you please forgive me?” Sara asked softly. Ava sniffed and nodded while saying “Yes… And I’m sorry too, baby. I love you so much, Jerk Lance…” Sara laughed out loud before nodding. She went up on her toes and captured Ava’s lips in a passionate kiss. They expressed every ounce of love and longingness that have long been suppressed within themselves, into their kiss. A magical spark appears out of thin air and exchanges their bodies back to themselves. Sara broke the kiss as she felt a tingling sensation on her spine. “Oh my god! Babe… I’m back into my body!” Sara shouted in excitement. Ava gasps. “I have my body back! Ugh… finally! I’m tall again. It’s hard to reach over to the top cabinet rack with your height…” Ava laughed as Sara hits her on the arm. “Rude!” Ava pulled her back into a passionate kiss.
The kiss soon turned into a heated one as their hands started to roam over each other’s body. Sara let Ava’s blazer to slip to the floor before tearing open her white button ups, without breaking their kiss. She pushed Ava backwards to the couch and when the back of her knees hits the edge, Ava fell on the couch, bringing Sara down with her. Sara moved to kiss down Ava’s body, starting with her jaw and down to her neck before stopping there to bite and nibble on her pulse point. Ava moaned in pleasure. She slides her hand into Sara’s hair and pulled her up for a sloppy kiss. “Is it weird for you as it is for me?” She asked while pulling back. “Don’t remind me… Ugh! So weird…” Sara whined. “So weird…” Ava laughed, repeating her sentence before moving to sit up. She grabbed Sara’s ass and pulled her closer. Sara linked her legs around Ava’s waist before pulling her back into the kiss. Ava stood up and carried Sara all the way upstairs, to their master bedroom where the pair continued their heated session. Divorce paper? All forgotten.
18 MONTHS LATER…
Sara was sitting on the bed, with a small rectangular box in one hand and a pregnancy test in another hand. She opened the box and placed the test in it. The test showed two red lines on it. Sara grinned to herself happily before closing the box and started to wrap it with a gift wrapper. It was Ava’s birthday and she had planned to surprise her wife with this “gift”. When they first took the test, two weeks after the final procedure, it came out as negative. Though they were disappointed, Sara and Ava had already known that first trials don’t always end up being successful. Ava consoled Sara and told her that they could try again in another two months. The parents are usually told to wait for a certain period before trying again. Two weeks later, Sara realized that she had missed her period as she was 7 days late. She immediately felt the urge to repeat the test. After taking multiple tests, Sara was able to confirm for sure that she was pregnant.
Sara wanted to tell Ava, right then and there but she figured that she should wait for a perfect time. Thus, a decision was made to surprise Ava on her birthday. Although it was agonizing to go a full month without telling Ava about her pregnancy. Unable to continue keeping the little secret to herself, Sara had told a list of people about her pregnancy. Namely, her father Quentin, sister Laurel, Nate and Zari. They had all promised to keep this secret to themselves. Quentin was over the moon when he heard about her pregnancy. Laurel was already buying herself t-shirts, that had taglines written on it, such as ‘Best Auntie Ever’ & ‘Coolest Aunt in The World’.
Sara couldn’t wait for Ava to return home. Ever since Ava had quit from McNeil & Howards, she had gone to open her own firm, using some of her savings and with a little help for her father, Hank. She named her firm as Heywood-Sharpe & Associates. She had managed to cut down on her workload by half as she started taking only one or two cases at a time. She had hired 4 junior attorneys, including Claire and Cassie. Cassie was the first to be hired as she had followed Ava when she quits the firm. Claire followed next. And 5 months later, Ava hired the other two. With a flexible working hour, Ava had been able to spend more time with her.
As for Sara, she had politely refused Mr Hawkins offer for partnership. She had instead chosen to become one of his franchisees. And as promised, Mr Hawkins had helped Sara to fully revamp her gymnasium and pay off her loan. They had renamed the gymnasium as Joe’s Bros Gym & Fitness Club (Star City branch). Mr Hawkins' team had helped Sara to do the promotions, right before the grand reopening. A year later, her gymnasium had become very popular among the locals, especially kids and teenagers who have enrolled themselves into Sara’s martial arts classes. Sara and Ray’s income had doubled ever since. Mr Hawkins was extremely happy with the outcomes.
And 4 months ago, was when Sara and Ava had decided to work on their pregnancy plans. Sara had expressed her desire to carry, and Ava had happily supported her wife. After struggling for a while, they finally found a suitable donor for their baby. Though the journey has been full of stress and difficulties, Sara and Ava were overjoyed by the fact that they would be starting a family soon.
Ava walked into the house, with a wide smile on her face as she called out for Sara. “Baby… I’m home”. Sara jumped off from the kitchen stool and ran to embrace her beautiful wife. “Birthday girl is home! Happy birthday, baby…” Sara said while pecking Ava’s lips. Ava laughed before deepening their kiss. “You have wished the same this morning, for like hundred times…” Ava chuckled while pulling away. “Well… as long as the day isn’t over, I get to celebrate my wife at every moment of it!” Sara said sweetly. “Smooth, Lance. But you do know that I don’t like celebrating birthdays…” Ava said pouting. It was true. Ava had always hated celebrating her birthdays. While Nate was totally the opposite of her. He always goes around reminding people of his birthday, one week before the day itself and demanded his parents to throw him a party every year. He had said that he wanted to celebrate his life, as long as he lives. “Well… I do have a gift for you. And I planned to take you out for dinner tonight…” Sara grinned at her wife. Ava raised her eyebrow and said “As long as there are no balloons, cakes and people singing, I’m good with having dinner outside… Now about the gift… do I get to use it on you?”. Ava wiggled her brows and Sara burst into laughter. “Why don’t you go and sit down. I’ll go get it for you…” Sara said while walking up the stairs.
Sara returned two minutes later with a rectangular gift box in her hand. She came to sit down beside Ava and passed the box to her. Ava chuckled and said, “Did you get me a pen again, baby?”. Sara laughed and said, “Just open it, Sharpe!”. Ava slowly unwrapped the gift box. She opened the lid and froze when she saw the content. She slowly picked up the pregnancy test and looked at the double lines. She gasped. “Oh my god, Sara! You’re pregnant!” Ava said and froze again. Sara looked at her wife and laughed. She was sure that Ava’s mind had gone buffering, while processing the news. Ava’s mouth was wide open, and she gasped again. “Oh my god! Oh my god! It worked! You’re pregnant!!” Ava pulled her wife into a tight hug and whispered “Thank you so much, baby! I love you…”. She then knelt down before her wife and moved to kiss her abs. “And I love you too, Bubbles! I love you so much!” Ava kissed Sara’s abs a few times before hugging her waist, laying her head on Sara’s lap. “I love you both so very much!”. “We love you too, baby…” Sara said while tearing up. Ava got up and sat beside Sara. She wiped Sara’s tears and hugged her tightly. Sara pulled away after a while, stating that they should be going out to dinner soon. “Where do you wanna go? It’s your birthday… So, you get to choose…” Sara asked in excitement. Ava thought for a moment. Suddenly, she was smiling. “I think I know just the place…”
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Ava and Sara walked into Mrs Ming’s restaurant, hand in hand. Mrs Ming came to welcome them as soon as she saw them entering. “Sara! Ava! How are you? It’s been like 3 months since you visited my place…” she said with a smirk. “We’re good, Mrs Ming. Thank you. How are you? We’ve been very busy lately...” Ava replied with a smile. “I’m good too. I’m so happy to see you two being all lovey dovey… I am glad things worked out between you two…” Mrs Ming smiled widely at them. Ava smiled back and said “Yeah… And we have you to thank for. If you didn’t step up to help us, we wouldn’t be here right now. Wouldn’t be this happy together and…” Ava looked to Sara and smiled. She placed her hand on Sara’s stomach and continued “… be expecting Bubbles soon…” Ava grinned at Mrs Ming. The lady gasped loudly and quickly pulled both women into a tight hug. “Oh! Congratulations you two!”. Mrs Ming pulled away and quickly escorted them to a table. “Today’s dinner is on the restaurant. What would you like to have?” She said as she takes a note out of her pocket. Ava and Sara thanked her for her kindness and ordered their food. “Okay… will be back with your foods...” She said while turning around. She stopped in her tracks and turned to them again. “Oh… I forgot to ask… Would you like some fortune cookie?”. Mrs Ming laughed as both Sara and Ava looked at each other before fearfully replying with a “No!!”.