Runaway[Solo;Cipriano Residence]

Avery sat on her desk, tongue out, puzzling over a math question. While she held a 3.8 GPA, she still had some trouble with math. Her azure gaze traveled over to the sleeping Mikemon on her bed and smiled softly. At times like this, it was hard to remember he was digital data from another world, and slightly dangerous at that.

"Amore?" her father's voice drifted through her bedroom door. Over time, she and her parents had developed an honor system. A.J had never given them any trouble whatsoever so she was allowed to leave her bedroom door closed. If they needed her, they would courteously knock or call through the door. A.J. stood, kicking back her computer chair and leaned across the bed to flick the covers up on Patch just enough to hide him. 

"Come in," she called, sitting back down at her desk. The tall man known as Adriano Cipriano stepped in, as usually dubbed up in a suit and tie. It seemed like years ago when she could recall seeing her father in relaxation clothes, but she knew his job called for him to dress as such. "Yes, papa?" she asked, blinking owlishly at the older man. The tall Italian scuffed his foot against the hardwood floor and frowned before meeting his fifteen-year-old daughter's blue eyes that were so reminiscent of his wife. 

With a sigh, he crossed the room and sat on her bed. A.J. frowned, noticing how he almost seemed to fold into himself on her tiny bed. She shot a quick glance at the bundle that was Patch, but luckily her father hadn't disturbed his cat nap. "

"Is there something you wanted to talk about?" 

"Well, as you know my job requires..."

And just like that, the rest of her father's words fell from his mouth, but it all sounded like rushing water to her ears. She bent her head forward, fisting her hands against her eyes, hands on her knees. A dark curtain of hair fell over her face. If only it could truly separate her from the situation.

"We know moving is hard on you. But we've only been here a month and you couldn't have adjusted that quickly..." 

"Couldn't have adjusted that quickly? How do you know? How do you know who I've met and made friends with?!" she screamed. A flicker of movement behind her father caught her attention and she growled under her breath. Of course Patch could hear them, but she just sent up a silent prayer that he wouldn't get them both caught. Wetness streaked her face as she realized. If they left, she left Patch behind. 

"Avery, you'll make new friends. You're such a likeable girl...."

A.J. stood up, knocking the chair over. "I can't make friends because everytime I do, you drag me away from them!" Her voice rose another notch, almost in hysterics now. "I want you out of my room!" 

The tall man stood, his deep hazel eyes sad, yet stormy. "This isn't the end of this conversation. You will be moving with us. I am providing for you and your mother," he whispered. The anger was not quite there in his voice despite his narrowing eyes. He strode out of her room and slammed the door. Just as he disappeared through the threshold, Patch perked up and stared at A.J. as she slid down against her back. A soft mew alerted her and she sighed, gathering the small Rookie into her arms as tears streamed down her face.