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 sofa in the living room. They were Emma, Daniel,

remembered her sister and mother’s instructions about

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 his

and received a message from Emma. It was

first, asking Emma, “Emma, what happened? Do we

people, and calmly said, “Ava is pregnant. Let

in

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

unexpected news of Ava’s pregnancy, given that she still had

might have anticipated a more cautious approach, considering the timing and the impact on their plans. The contrast between the expected moderation

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

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

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

the heavy silence, Joseph and Christina 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 silence, searching for a way to address the unexpected situation

stunned state, could only manage to briefly part her lips before closing them, struggling to find the right words to

was what puzzled them. Based on Frank’s love for

everyone confused, Emma explained gently, neither hurried nor anxious. “Don’t misunderstand, Frank. He doesn’t know that

to get pregnant on her own.” Daniel couldn’t believe his ears. His daughter’s

and Christina were speechless and didn’t know how to

it was indeed her

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

Natalie check her body. This plan has probably been on her mind for a while. She may feel guilty about the sudden one-year delay in graduation and doesn’t want Frank to wait

Frank too well. If Frank didn’t agree to her getting pregnant, she definitely wouldn’t

outrageous thing Ava has done in her 20-odd years. It’s because she understood Frank so well that she resorted to such

Frank was ingrained

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.

mere companions for school. Their primary role was to ensure Ava’s safety. Their capabilities were undoubtedly top-notch,

does Ava plan to tell Frank? We can’t keep it a secret forever.

she had wanted to inform Frank. Typically, she wouldn’t be due to come home until the last week before school started. This

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

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

perspective. He wanted to inform Frank. After all, it

was a joyous occasion and shouldn’t

concern, asked Christina, “Christina, were you worried

there were concerns. When alone, one tends to

like the empress in soap operas, she might unexpectedly miscarry. She fears that the joy might