**Chapter 8: Morning After**

Morning After The sudden interruption from Ender had left Ashley feeling a bit disoriented. She smiled weakly at her brother, trying to gather her thoughts. Avan, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled at Ender. "Hey, I'm Avan," he repeated, his voice warm and friendly. "I'm a friend of Ashley's." But before Avan could say another word, a loud voice boomed from the doorway. "ENDER! WHO IS THIS?" Mrs. Patel, Ashley's mom, stood in the doorway, her eyes fixed on Avan with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. Ender, still sitting on the bed, looked up at his mom with a mischievous grin. "Mommy, he said he's a friend of Ashley's!" he exclaimed, pointing at Avan. Ashley's mom strode into the room, her eyes never leaving Avan's face. "I don't think so," she said, her voice firm. "Ashley, who is this? And what is he doing in your bed?" Ashley's face went bright red as she struggled to come up with an explanation. But before she could say a word, Avan stood up, his movements smooth and confident. "I'm Avan, Mrs. Patel," he said, his voice respectful. "I'm a colleague of Ashley's. We... uh... met up for a late-night project discussion." Ashley's mom raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "A project discussion... at 8 am... in your bed?" she repeated, her voice dripping with skepticism. Ashley felt her face grow even hotter as she tried to intervene. "Mom, it's not what it looks like," she began. But her mom wasn't having it. "Ashley, I think you and I need to have a talk," she said, her voice firm. "In private." As her mom gestured towards the door, Ashley felt a pang of anxiety. She had a feeling that this conversation was going to be a long and difficult one. Avan, sensing her unease, stepped forward and wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "I think I'll leave you two to talk," he said, his voice low and gentle. "But before I go, may I have a minute with you, Ashley?" Ashley nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Avan. As he pulled her aside, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them, and whether her mom would ever approve of their relationship.