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.

There were four people sitting on the sofa in the living room. They were Emma, Daniel, Joseph, and

Christina.

Ava had already 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 following every

precaution.

With 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 his head.

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

was a brief message. [Living room, we need to talk.]

Daniel spoke first, asking Emma, “Emma, what happened? Do we need to wake up Joseph and the

others?”

Emma sat upright, glancing at the three people, and calmly said, “Ava is pregnant. Let me explain what

we need to be careful about later.”

The three people answered in unison, “Ava is pregnant.”

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

thinking he had misunderstood.

There was a perceived sense of prudence and understanding within the character of Frank. The

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

and uncertainties.

One might have anticipated a more cautious approach, considering the timing and the impact on their

plans. The contrast between the expected moderation and the surprising revelation left confusion and

curiosity.

Originally, Ava would have graduated in September this year, but she decided to pursue a double

degree, leading to a delayed graduation.

Whether it was the Turner family or the Roberts family, they all supported this decision. They even

advised Ava not to be anxious and to take her time. Frank could interpret it as he pleased.

Daniel was momentarily lost in thought, unable to understand how his daughter became pregnant.

“Didn’t Frank say that he wouldn’t let Ava get pregnant during her time at school? Now she’s pregnant,

and Ava’s entire pregnancy period is practically during her time at school.”

In the midst of 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 that had unfolded before them.

The air was pregnant with unspoken queries, and Christina, in her stunned state, could only manage to

briefly part her lips before closing them, struggling to find the right words to express her astonishment.

A sudden, unexpected pregnancy would be 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 found it hard to believe he

would let her get pregnant now.

Seeing everyone 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, making herself

pregnant.”

“What? Ava wanted to get pregnant on her own.” Daniel couldn’t believe his ears. His daughter’s

actions surprised him.

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

Emma nodded, confirming that it was indeed her daughter’s doing.

After hearing this, Joseph touched his forehead and asked, “Is Ava planning to get married and have a

child when she graduates on October 1st?”

“Yes, the 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 guilty about the sudden one-year delay in graduation and

doesn’t want Frank to wait any longer,” Emma analyzed.

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

This 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 child was truly remarkable.

Christina was convinced that Ava’s love for Frank was ingrained in the very core of her being.

The 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 from school starting tomorrow.”

Christina was aware 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

bodyguards.

Daniel did not object. “The one arranged by Joseph is fine. When does Ava plan to tell Frank? We can’t

keep it a secret forever. It’s not appropriate.”

The 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, was

an unusual move.

Emma said, “Ava wants to tell Frank on October 1st, but I think it’s inappropriate. What do you think?”

Christina calculated the time and realized that Ava’s baby in her belly was almost three months old. At

three months, it was about time to register for prenatal care.

Daniel nodded, considering it from a father’s perspective. He wanted to inform Frank. After all, it was

his child. “Did Ava say why she didn’t tell Frank?”

This was a joyous occasion and shouldn’t be kept a secret.

Emma sighed, glanced at the others, and then, with a slight concern, asked Christina, “Christina, were

you worried about your child’s well-being during the early stages of pregnancy? Concerned about

miscarriage or other issues?”

Christina recalled, “Yes, there were concerns. When alone, one tends to overthink. However, Joseph

always comforted me, and things got better later.”

With the words spoken, Emma nodded. “Currently, Ava is in this situation. She’s afraid that, like the

empress in soap operas, she might unexpectedly miscarry. She fears that the joy might turn into shock

if she tells Frank.”

The two men pressed their temples, continually deep in thought and unsure of what to do. Father and

son mirrored each other’s actions.

Christina, while understanding, felt that Ava’s situation might be more severe than hers. Her primary

concern during that time was the fear of complications due to her age, such as Down syndrome, high

blood sugar, etc. Miscarriage was not a thought.

After a moment of silence, Daniel spoke, “Then let Ava take a couple of days to observe her condition.

Emma, you encourage her to tell Frank if she feels better and less anxious. Keeping it a secret is not

appropriate.”

Emma shared the same sentiment. She also didn’t plan to let Ava keep it from Frank until National Day.

She nodded in agreement.

After a lengthy discussion in the living room, they went upstairs.

In the room, Christina asked, “Joseph, are you really not planning to tell Frank now?”

Joseph held a corner of the blanket and hesitated. “Wait for two more days and see how Ava’s

emotions change.”

Joseph heard Christina say this for the first time. “Why didn’t you say this before?”

Christina responded, “Mr. Turner, I’m all grown up now. I can’t come to you every time I’m nervous.”

Joseph hugged her as they lay down, his chin resting on her head, and said slowly, “You don’t need to

pretend to be strong with me. You can be a little woman by my side. I can protect you, and I do

understand, okay?”

“I understand,” she replied. However, she also felt sorry for his hardships, taking care of this and that

and being considerate in every way.

Ava checked her phone. It was already 9 o’clock. At this time, Frank had already started working. New

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She felt a bit lonely. She absentmindedly touched her belly. This action only started when she got

pregnant. In the chat interface, she typed, [Frank, are you awake?]

Frank was already at the company and quickly replied. [Yeah, up so early today?]

The lies of these past few days could already make up for more than twenty years of deceit. Ava

continued with her falsehoods, texting, [Yes, I need to get up to do my homework. Are you at work?]

Frank replied, [Yeah, at work.]

Ava replied, [Okay, then, you go to work, and I won’t disturb you. I need to work hard, too. Bye-bye.]

[Bye-bye] Frank replied.

As Ava put away her phone in a daze, Frank sent another message. [For National Day, should I go to

Sapphire City, or do you come to Athana?]

After reading the message, Ava sweetly smiled. Deep in her heart, she secretly calculated. It had been

almost three months since National Day. She replied, [Frank, you come to Sapphire City.]

Frank readily agreed. [Alright, I’ll listen to you.]

After chatting for a few more minutes and ending the conversation, Ava put down her phone, touched

her belly, and murmured, “Baby, you must be strong. Dad said he’d come to Sapphire City for National

Day. You can’t disappoint Dad, okay?”