Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

The next day, as usual, Frank sent Ava to the airport. Pat carried the luggage and walked onto the plane. After the two kissed goodbye, they separated.

The plane took off into the sky. Frank left after smoking a cigarette, as he always did.

A few hours later, at Turner Manor…

With Pat respectfully carrying the suitcase behind him, Ava strolled. She didn’t bounce around as usual but moved steadily and carefully, leaving footprints one step at a time. Seeing movement in the yard, Emma rushed out from inside the house.

Before Ava returned, Natalie had already called Emma and explained the situation. After listening, Emma felt that her daughter was a bit willful this time, and she should tell Frank about it.

However, not knowing her daughter’s thoughts, she hesitated to call Frank before understanding the situation when her daughter returned.

“Tired?” Emma gently supported her daughter and walked inside.

Observing her mother’s facial expressions and gestures, Ava discerned with certainty that her sister had likely discussed the matter with their mother. The nuanced details in her mom’s demeanor, perhaps a subtle shift or a particular reaction, provided Ava with cues indicating that her sister had, in all probability, already shared the information.

“Mom, do you think I did the right thing?” Ava walked to the sofa, holding Emma’s wrist.

“You and Frank have been engaged for a long time. Technically, getting married first is also possible. But Frank doesn’t want you to be restricted in college. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been such a long time without any accidents. This time it happened because of your actions,” Emma explained.

Ava wanted to surprise Frank with a marriage certificate when she graduated, ensuring that marriage and having a child would happen simultaneously, no longer making her feel like she was lagging behind.

Emma helped her daughter sit down, held her hand, and said, “Ava, you’ve grown up. Technically, you have a baby now and are about to become a mother. Mom should respect your decision, but you should tell Frank about this. He has the right to know as the child’s father.”

Ava expressed her most significant concerns. “But what if something happens to the child? What if it’s not healthy? What if I need to protect the pregnancy?” Her voice softened as she spoke, lowering her gaze and playing with her nails.

Emma squinted, sensing a hint of tension in her daughter’s emotions. Not wanting to force her to decide, she gently reassured her, “Ava, there aren’t as many ‘what ifs’ as you think. Whether the child is good or not, it’s Frank’s child. Frank won’t dislike or reject it. Moreover, this situation never happened; let’s not worry too much. Relax, okay?”

Ava thought to herself. She just wanted the surprise stable for a while and didn’t want any disappointment to occur.

Seeing her daughter silent, Emma sighed inwardly. She didn’t dare press the child too hard. “Mom understands your concerns. Let’s not think about anything for now since you’re back. We’ll understand the situation after you’ve relaxed.”

Ava raised her gaze, making eye contact with her daughter. Emma Turner said, “Rest assured, you must tell Frank about this. Mom won’t do it for you. But Mom hopes you’ll share it with Frank soon. He’ll be very happy.”

With her soft-spoken and reassuring manner, Emma skillfully communicated the information, fostering an environment where any potential psychological burdens were alleviated.

In response, Ava acknowledged the conveyed details and exhibited internal contemplation and uncertainty regarding her earlier resolution. Emma’s delicate and calming approach was a catalyst for Ava’s introspection, prompting her to reevaluate the decisions she had initially made.

Emma also felt that her daughter had grown up. She patted her daughter’s head affectionately, giving various pieces of advice like Natalie did.

Twilight arrived, and the villa was as bright as day.

sitting on the sofa in the living room. They were Emma,

pregnancy. She remembered her sister and

everyone present except Emma, the other three didn’t know about Ava’s pregnancy. The whole family was in pajamas, and the atmosphere was somewhat serious. Christina

minutes ago, the two had just hidden under the covers and received a message from Emma. It was a brief

“Emma, what happened? Do we

sat upright, glancing at the three people, and calmly said, “Ava is pregnant. Let me explain what we need to be careful about

three people answered in unison,

calm, was now in turmoil. He looked at Emma with complex

of prudence and understanding within the character of Frank. The unexpected news of Ava’s pregnancy, given that she still

and the impact on their plans. The contrast between the

in September this year, but she decided to pursue a double degree, leading to a delayed

even advised Ava not to be anxious

say that he wouldn’t let Ava get pregnant during

minds. The weight of the revelation hung in the room, and the two of them

in her stunned state, could only manage to briefly part her lips before closing them, struggling

was what puzzled them. Based

confused, Emma explained gently, neither hurried nor anxious. “Don’t misunderstand, Frank. He doesn’t know that Ava is pregnant, and it’s not an accident. Ava did it herself,

own.” Daniel couldn’t believe his

Christina were speechless and didn’t know how to react to this

that it

touched his forehead and asked, “Is Ava planning to get married and have a child when she graduates on

mind for a while. She may feel guilty about the sudden one-year delay

knew Frank too well. If Frank didn’t agree

she understood Frank so well that she resorted to such a plan. This

that Ava’s love for Frank was ingrained in the

for a brief moment. Breaking the silence, Joseph took the initiative to speak. After a few seconds of contemplation, he swiftly reached a decision. “I’ll organize someone to accompany Ava to and from school starting

to ensure Ava’s safety. Their capabilities were undoubtedly top-notch, as evidenced by individuals like Ethan, Pat, and Benjamin. It

arranged by Joseph is fine. When does Ava plan to tell Frank? We

entire family was exceptionally insightful and ready to draw connections from subtle changes. Ava wouldn’t have returned today if she had wanted to inform Frank. Typically, she wouldn’t be due to come home until the last week before school started. This early return, a half-month ahead of schedule,

Frank on October 1st, but

in her belly was almost three months old. At three months, it was about time

inform Frank. After all, it was his child. “Did

and shouldn’t be

Christina, “Christina, were you

concerns. When alone, one tends to overthink. However, Joseph always

situation. She’s afraid that, like the empress in soap operas, she might unexpectedly miscarry. She fears