"How manipulative! See, I said he was interested in you!" Mike was sitting next to her. He had clearly heard their conversation. "But if you're interested in him too, you'll be an item by tonight!"

"He is too young. Young people are impulsive," Avery explained. "I was once young too."

Mike said, "I know! You were impulsive when it came to Elliot, and now you're paying the price."

Avery was speechless.

"Avery, stop looking at Twitter." Mike touched her head. "The people on the internet are so rude! They say very harsh words! Don't take their words to heart."

"I'm not looking at Twitter," Avery said calmly. "Even if I was, it would not affect me. I can still take it."

"That's great!" Mike looked at the time. "Chad asked me out for supper. I'll head out first! Call me if there's anything."

"Go! Don’t drink!"

"I know. I promise you I won't drink!" Mike said before grabbing his car keys and heading out.

Avery turned off the lights in the children's room at nine. When Layla heard A