**Stormy Weather**

Ashley's phone buzzed on the counter, shrill and insistent, as she was savoring the warm morning sun and the gentle hum of conversation with Avan. She groaned, not wanting to break the spell of the peaceful morning, but Avan encouraged her to answer it. "It might be important," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. Ashley hesitated, then picked up the phone, her heart sinking as she saw her mother's name on the screen. "Hey, Mom," she said, trying to sound casual, but her voice came out tight and guarded. Her mother, Karen, launched into a rambling conversation about her and Ashley's father's plans to visit LA. Ashley's stomach twisted into knots as she listened. She hadn't seen her parents in years, not since she'd finally found the courage to cut ties with her abusive father and enablement-prone mother. "Mom, I don't know if that's such a good idea," Ashley said, trying to stall. Her mind was racing with memories of her childhood, of the countless times her father had belittled and berated her, and her mother's inability to protect her. Avan, sensing her distress, put a hand on her arm, his touch a comforting presence. But Karen was undeterred. "We've already booked our flights, sweetie. We'll be there tomorrow. Your father has some business to attend to, and I wanted to see my grandbaby." Ashley's heart sank. She hadn't told her parents about Ender, not wanting to open herself up to their criticism and judgment. As she hung up the phone, Avan's concerned expression mirrored her own feelings. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and soothing. Ashley took a deep breath, letting the memories wash over her. "My parents are coming to LA. My mom just called to tell me they're arriving tomorrow." Avan's expression turned sympathetic, and he pulled her into a gentle hug. The next few days were a blur of anxiety and preparation as Ashley tried to mentally prepare herself for the visit. She knew her father's presence would be like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over her life and threatening to disrupt the fragile peace she'd found with Avan and Ender. She began to wonder if she'd made a mistake by not telling Avan about her parents sooner. Should she have warned him about the potential danger that was her family? On the day of their arrival, Ashley's anxiety spiked as she watched her parents emerge from the airport shuttle. Her father, Malcolm, looked older and more menacing than ever, his eyes cold and calculating. Her mother, Karen, was a shell of the woman Ashley remembered, her eyes sunken and her skin pale. As they made their way to Ashley's house, the tension was palpable. Ender, sensing Ashley's unease, clung to her leg, his big brown eyes watching her parents warily. Avan, sensing the tension, stood up, his eyes locked on Malcolm's. "Hey," he said, his voice firm but polite. "Welcome to our home." Malcolm's response was curt, his eyes raking over Avan with disapproval. "Avan, nice to meet you." Karen, on the other hand, was effusive, cooing over Ender and showering Ashley with awkward hugs. As the visit wore on, Ashley's worst fears were confirmed. Her father was as critical and belittling as ever, his words cutting deep into Ashley's psyche. Her mother, meanwhile, was distant and detached, more interested in her own problems than in connecting with her daughter or grandson. Avan watched the dynamics with concern, his eyes flashing with anger as he observed Malcolm's behavior. He knew that Ashley's past was complicated, but he'd never seen her so raw and vulnerable. He made a mental note to be supportive, to be there for her as she navigated this difficult situation. As the evening drew to a close, Ashley felt exhausted and drained. She knew she had to take care of herself, to prioritize her own well-being and Ender's safety. But as she looked at Avan, she knew she wasn't alone. She had him, and together, they could face whatever challenges came their way. Little did she know, the stormy weather was only just beginning.