Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 37

Chapter 37 A Playdate 

“You’re so nice. Ava! Let’s play together and not with Keith,” Lila said, making a silly face at Keith before pulling Ava along. 

Keith stayed where he was, watching them leave, and let out a silent laugh. He turned to survey the room he had sealed away for so many years. Indeed, there was nothing here that couldn’t be seen. 

He walked to the spot where Ava had stood, as if he could still catch a faint trace of her fragrance lingering in the air. Closing his eyes, he savored it, feeling his body and mind ripple. 

After Ava had spoken those words, Keith had been stirred. He hadn’t expected her to understand him. At that moment, he realized he didn’t want to miss this chance. He’d give it a shot. 

Keith had shown vulnerability, and when her defenses were at their lowest, he had planted a subtle suggestion in her mind. No grand, heroic nobleman–he was just a petty, shadowed individual, greedy for that one spark of warmth. 

Lila was young but already quite tall, nearly reaching Ava’s ear. Her body hadn’t matured yet, and her face carried an innocent, carefree charm. 

Her room was dreamlike, not the usual pink cliches. The walls were painted blue, giving a sense of an 

underwater starry sky. Dolls of all kinds were neatly in impressive numbers, and it was a true 

child’s paradise. 

“I’ve got plenty of dolls, Ava. You can pick one out, and I’ll give it to you.” 

Ava looked around the room full of dolls and smiled. “I’m grow 

up now. I don’t play with dolls anymore.” 

“What? You don’t like dolls? What do you like, then?” Lila asked, assuming 

like dolls as well. 

Ava stroked her hair. “I like plenty of things.” 

“Do you like my brother, then?” 

as girls, Ava was bound to 

Ava looked at her. If the child hadn’t looked so innocent and clueless, she might have thought the question was deliberate. 

She cleared her throat. “What happens between your brother and me is grown–up business. You’re still a child, so you wouldn’t understand.” 

Lila bit on a hair tie dangling over her chest. “It’s pretty straightforward. Why do grown–ups always talk so strangely?” 

“But I really like you,” Lila said, hugging her and pressing her little head to Ava’s chest. “You smell better than Mom’s perfume.” 

Ava, caught in the embrace of a child, didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Maybe it’s just the body wash. I’m not wearing any perfume.” 

Lila exclaimed, “It must be your body scent, then! Just like what my classmates always say!” 

1/2 

11:13 Wed, Jan 7 

Chapter 37 A Playdater 

Ava chuckled. “There’s no such thing as body seent. It’s all nonsele 

“Not at all! According to my friends, not all people have it. It’s pretty complicated, and I can’t explain. Lila said, sniffing her own arm. “Too bad I’m not one of those people“. 

Jane entered the room, walking in while saying, “So this is where you’ve been hiding! That made you easy to find. Lila, did you lure her into your room when I asked you to look for them?” 

Lila pouted. “I like Lila. I wanted to give her a doll, but she doesn’t like them!” 

Jane laughed out loud. “Ava is twenty–five, not a little girl like you anymore.” 

Lila snorted. “You’re mean, Jane. I won’t talk to you anymore.” 

She grabbed Ava’s hand. “Don’t talk to her either, Ava.” 

Jane burst out laughing, and Ava finally said,” Alright, that’s enough. You’ve made her upset.” 

“Alright, my little princess. It’s all my fault! How about I get you that deluxe Barbie princess set for your birthday?” 

Lila squealed and ran to grab Jane’s hand. “Jane, you’re the best!” 

Ava seemed surprised. “Barbie princess set?” 

Did they have Barbie dolls here too? 

Jane explained, “It’s a new release. No wonder all the little girls love it.” 

“Although I don’t particularly like Tylissa, I have to admit that she’s really talented,” Keith said. 

So it was her. That made sense. 

The three of them walked downstairs and spotted Samuel, Claire, Cassius, and Louis huddled in a corner, playing a game of cards. 

Keith carried a tray of fruit over. 

Seeing them approach, the group called out, “Want to join us?” 

Ava looked at Jane, eager. “I’ll play! Could you spare me a seat? 

Cassius and Louis both stood up. “You and Jane can take our spots,” Cassius offered. 

Jane turned to Ava. “Do you know how to play?” 

Ava seemed troubled. “Kind of, but you’ll have to explain the rules first. I’m not used to playing it your way.” 

154