Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 315

The commencement of the game marked a moment of excitement. Joseph settled beside Rose, followed by Alex, Natalie,

Trevon, Hackett, Sherri, Ava, and Frank.

Whether it’s Ava, Sherri, Rose, or even Natalie, all of them cherished the current ambiance. This was a hard-earned moment for everyone.

As melodious music filled the air, Rose elevated her left hand and declared loudly, “1,” Joseph’s warm voice chimed in, “2,” and the numbers 3, 4, followed, and so on.

Ava landed as the eighth in the first round. Nearly letting slip an “8,” she caught herself just in time. A smile tugged at’her lips as she playfully scratched her head, her gaze sliding toward Frank, who was seated next to her.

Her pale hand suspended mid-air as a blush formed on her cheeks. She hesitated in patting him.

All eyes fixated on the outcome of the first round, curious about whether Ava would dare to hit Frank and how he would react.

On the other hand, Joseph remained calm and composed, almost as if he was privy to the outcome, a slight smile adorning his lips.

That was not what Trevon Wilson and Natalie Foster were thinking. While the couple held distinct perspectives, they acted harmoniously as they calculated the upcoming head-pats.

After a moment, they spoke in unison and shared a knowing smile, “This is the start to the end…

They were prepared to be the ‘victims’ of the game later on

“Go ahead, vent your frustrations. There is no need to restrain yourself,” Frank remarked with a smile.

With an audience watching, Ava found herself torn between hitting Frank or holding back. Abstaining would stall the leaving the others hanging.

game,

Ava concluded that a pat on the head during the game was not about revenge. She clenched her fist, then relaxed it before patting the back of Frank’s head. While it was not a brutal hit, the power from the pat caused Frank’s head to tilt forward. Witnessing this, Hackett could not help but silently chuckle. It was rare for them to witness Frank in such a pitiful plight. If only he had reacted much quicker, Hackett could have captured this as a memory so they could play the video on a grand screen during Frank’s wedding.

Trevon threw Frank a meaningful glance as he suggested, “One more time, perhaps?”

Joseph automatically brushed the statement aside. While Trevon had calculated, Joseph had done the same. After patting Frank, Ava’s frustration seemed to have waned, and warmth radiated from her heart.

After patting Frank on the head, Ava’s frustration seemed to have waned, and warmth radiated from her heart.

In the second round, Frank was eighteenth, and Rose’s turn was right after his. Frank drew his hand back a tad before delivering a solid pat to Rose’s head.

much. Can’t you ease up

did not say that

nudged her elder brother’s arm before continuing the count,

Joseph’s head. A hint of awkwardness surfaced, and she cleared her throat, addressing Joseph as she

and reassured her, saying, “There’s no need for you to worry. We will follow the

embarrassed, wondering how she had missed herself. Regardless of the number, she could not avoid being part of the

any awkwardness. Clad in masculine attire, their familiarity with each other was evident. Before the pat, Alex even quipped, “Just treat me like

Ava got along so well with this tomboyish girl and brought her to

pat fell on Natalie in the fifth round; in the sixth, Natalie’s target was Trevon. Anticipating the hit, Trevon obediently lowered his head, inviting the pat

gentle and hesitant. Trevon reveled in the experience, showcasing affection for their son by playfully

away his father’s larger hand away with his chubby one. He cried, “Don’t touch me1”

remarked, “This visit to Sapphire City has bolstered your

as a showdown between the men. Trevon’s hit on Hackett was so strong that it could have caused a concussion. Hackett, after that, rubbed his head, muttering. If I wake up

Blackwell kept rubbing the back of his head and cursing. “If I wake up tomorrow

response, Trevon inquired, “Are you extorting

opting for a kiss instead He gently kissed Sherri’s head, prompting a collective ‘aww’

that boldness seemed to have waned. The transformation from daring to reserved puzzled

disregard. Ava sensed Frank’s eyes on her, yet her embarrassment prevented her from

encouraging pat. And in the final round, the tenth, Ava’s number was “98,” and she swallowed the

round, a perfect ending! Give it

was the perfect ending.

voice once again caressed her ears. In the dim night, the campfire cast his silhouette in sharp relief. It was distinct, captivating, and charismatic. His lips parted slightly as he said, “Feel free to hit

She wanted Frank to woo her. It was a simple request, yet she was cautious of her

with her words and

once more. Observing. Ava slightly regretted her restraint. Her hand remained suspended mid-air. Standing tall, Frank slowly guided her hand back to its original

hard blow? Was it alright?” Ava

cellular stir that raced through her body. Her heart

captured each

reluctantly spoke, Tm leaving. You guys keep

the rest of the group rose to their feet as they intended to bid Rose farewell. However, Rose declined as she disliked

embarking on a long journey. I’m simply returning to Athana. Spare me that mournful look. Smile, everyone. Life is beautiful, so

to see me off. You’ve already arranged a private plane for me to stay till late. I’m incredibly grateful for your assistance. I owe

he mused, aware he might not have been

but Frank sidestepped, lifting a foot to stop him. “Stingy, it is just one