AVA
Kensington Gardens smelled like how I used to imagine it. Fresh-cut grass and something sweet beneath the earth.
The sun was up now. Early joggers passed by in leggings, and a woman jogged with her dog on a leash while she was on the phone. Everything was peaceful, just the opposite of me.
I had texted Elsie to meet by the round pond, and now I stood there, trying not to second-guess why I'd even reached out. This was dumb. I should've just gone to my room and unpacked.
I heard someone call my name.
"Ava!"
I turned as my heartbeat picked up.
My eyes landed on Elsie.
Same wide smile, same caramel brown skin, and her hair in braids now, dyed a warm honey blond. She wore a cropped jean jacket and a long beige maxi skirt, which swished around her Doc Martens.
Her eyes sparkled the
