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.

the living room. They were Emma, Daniel, Joseph,

gone to bed early because of her pregnancy. She remembered her sister and mother’s instructions about not staying up late, avoiding strenuous exercise, 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 glanced at Joseph, questioning him with her eyes, but Joseph shook

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

asking Emma, “Emma, what happened? Do we

three people, and calmly said, “Ava is pregnant. Let me explain

answered in unison, “Ava

was now in turmoil. He looked at Emma with

of Frank. The unexpected news of Ava’s pregnancy, given that she still had a year until graduation, raised

the timing and the impact on their plans. The contrast between the expected moderation and the surprising revelation left confusion and

Ava would have graduated in September this year, but she decided to

decision. They even advised Ava not to be anxious and to take her time. Frank

daughter became pregnant. “Didn’t Frank say that he wouldn’t let Ava get pregnant during her

Yamin exchanged perplexed glances, both grappling with a multitude of questions swirling in their minds. The weight of the revelation hung in the room, and the two of them remained locked in contemplative

Christina, in her stunned state, could only manage to briefly part her lips before

normal if it were an ordinary couple. However, for Frank and Ava, this was what puzzled them. Based on Frank’s love for Ava, they

nor anxious. “Don’t misunderstand, Frank. He doesn’t know that Ava is pregnant, and it’s

wanted to get pregnant on her own.” Daniel couldn’t

didn’t know how to react to

nodded, confirming that it was indeed her

asked, “Is Ava planning to get married and have a child

child’s timing is well calculated. She even had Natalie check her body. This plan has probably been on her mind for a while. She may feel

Frank didn’t agree to her getting pregnant, she definitely

might be the most outrageous thing Ava has done in her 20-odd years. It’s because she understood Frank so well that she resorted to such a plan. This

was convinced that Ava’s love for Frank was ingrained in the very core

group remained silent 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

that the individuals Joseph intended to arrange were not mere companions for school. Their primary role was to ensure Ava’s safety. Their capabilities were undoubtedly top-notch, as evidenced by individuals like Ethan, Pat, and Benjamin. It was evident that they were highly skilled

arranged by Joseph is fine. When does Ava plan to tell Frank? We can’t keep it a secret

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

“Ava wants to tell Frank on October 1st, but I

her belly was almost three months old.

He wanted to inform Frank. After all, it was his child.

occasion and shouldn’t be kept a

at the others, and then, with a slight concern, asked Christina, “Christina, were you worried about your

were concerns. When alone, one tends to overthink. However, Joseph always comforted me, and things got better

the words spoken, Emma nodded. “Currently, Ava is in this situation. She’s afraid that, like the empress in soap operas, she might unexpectedly