Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Frank complied with Ava's arrangements. He stayed in Sapphire City for another week before returning to Athana to arrange the wedding.

During this week, Ava displayed a reassuring demeanor, not being overly clingy to Frank. She seemed almost as she was before her pregnancy, perhaps a bit more cautious in her actions.

Just after school ended, she entered the living room with small, measured steps, accompanied by her bodyguard.

Emma was already waiting there, a hint of concern hidden deep in her eyes. She glanced at the bodyguard behind Ava.

The female bodyguard nodded respectfully, her eyes indicating that everything was fine today. "Madam, I'll be heading out now." Emma nodded. "Thank you, Yana." Outside, Benjamin was enjoying his peanuts snack under the sun, while Ethan and Pat were with Joseph.

Benjamin stayed at home; he used to be Joseph's backup when Pat was in Athana.

He was quite the chatterbox, which Joseph found a bit annoying.

As soon as Benjamin saw Yana, he started to chat, "Yana, is school fun? Tellabout it." Yana, with a cold face that suggested she wasn't easy to get along with, completely ignored Benjamin's words.

She seemed indifferent, lazily leaning against the wall, ready to act at a moment's notice.

Seeing her indifferent expression, Benjamin found it amusing. "Why are you so tensed? It's not like we're under attack. You're here just to protect the young miss. Why do you look like you're ready to charge into enemy lines?" His comment earned him a stern glare from Yana, her cold gaze sweeping over him. Benjamin shivered unexpectedly but couldn't resist being cheeky, "I'm just afraid you'll get bored all alone. Thought I'd keep you company, and help you adjust in advance.

"I'm telling you, don't be nervous. Seriously, don't be nervous. The young miss is really nice. Lettell you, the young miss in Athana is also nice, and so is her husband. | haven't met him yet. They say he's not easy to get along with, worse than Mr.Roberts. They say he's a chameleon. Say something wrong, and you'll get scolded. But they say he goes to Southland. I've only heard rumors though." Benjamin kept rambling on, sharing everything he had seen and heard with Yana.

She was incredibly fed up. After a full day of classes, she wanted speace and quiet. She walked off in a different direction, hoping to escape Benjamin's incessant chatter. Unfortunately, the talkative Benjamin followed closely behind, still babbling away about trivial matters.

Yana, at her wit's end, swiftly grabbed his wrist, executing an impressive shoulder throw. After the throw, without bothering about whether Benjamin was hurt or not, she walked away briskly.

Left wincing in pain, Benjamin cried out, "My butt! Oh my, why resort to physical action? Why do you women love shoulder throws? Is it because they look cool or something?" A bodyguard cover to assist Benjamin, reminding him, "Why don't you learn your lesson? Why provoke her?" Rubbing his sore bottom, Benjamin put on a pitiful expression. "I was just trying to be kind, chatting with her since she was alone. Good intentions, you know? But she turned out to be so aggressive, like a tomboy.

"Ouch, my butt, my waist! Yana, lettell you, if my back gets ruined, your life is over! You'll be responsible forforever," Benjamin yelled toward the vanished Yana, nursing his injuries.

A nearby bodyguard chuckled softly, and someone chimed in, "You're thinking too much. If you don't want to get beaten up, it's better to keep quiet." Remembering the shoulder throw, Benjamin felt an even sharper pain in his rear. He reluctantly sealed his lips, lacking enthusiasm. When someone attempted to check his injury, Benjamin shooed them away, saying, "Get lost! It's not for just anyone to see. Only my future wife can see this. Get outta here!" Ava and Emma were just about to sit on the sofa when they heard the commotion outside. As they emerged, they spotted Benjamin grimacing and rubbing his butt.

Ava scanned the surroundings, furrowing her brow slightly. "What's wrong? Did you get into a fight?" One of the nearby people, about to explain that Yana had thrown Benjamin, promptly shut their mouth when Benjamin shot them a cold glance. Compared to the other bodyguards, Benjamin was clearly favored by Joseph.

He lied, "Just slipped by accident. No big deal, Miss, Mrs. You both can go inside. | just had a little fall." Emma looked somewhat skeptical, and Ava too was puzzled. Eventually, they turned and went back into the villa.

"Class is over. Shouldn't you text Frank?" Emma observed her daughter's cheerful mood, feeling assured herself, and spoke gently.

"I'm afraid he might be tired and fall asleep. I'll message him in half an hour." As Ava finished speaking, her phone rang, undoubtedly a well-timed call from Frank, who calculated Ava's expected arrival based on the route, speed, and potential traffic.

"I'll get you sfruit from the kitchen. You can talk to Frank," Emma suggested politely, seeing her son-in-law had called.

"Okay, thanks, Mom." As Ava answered the phone, she heard Frank's familiar voice on the other end, and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Glancing at the kitchen, she lowered her voice, calling softly, "Honey." There was silence on the other end as Ava spoke, and she assumed the call had disconnected. However, she could hear breathing but no voice. "Honey, did you hearcalling you?" she whispered several times.

Frank took a deep breath before responding, "Mm... Are you home?" "Yes, | am. Did you put a tracker on me, or did you get Yana and Benjamin's phone records? | barely stepped inside, and your call cthrough," Ava removed her shoes and settled on the couch, grabbing a cushion to prop herself up.

"No, | just figured it out." Frank chuckled softly on the other end, sensing the good mood in Ava's voice. He was less worried now. He had been concerned earlier about Ava feeling lonely going to school alone, but now, it seemed like he had overthought it.

"Well, have you told Rose that I'm pregnant?" "Yup. | have," Frank replied, fearing that if he didn't inform Rose, she would chase after him to scold him later.

As Ava wondered why Rose hadn't messaged her.

Frank seemed to anticipate her thoughts and preemptively explained, "I ask her not to bother you." Upon returning to Athana, Frank informed Rose about Ava's pregnancy but instructed her not to disturb Ava. He planned to wait a few days before inquiring again. He made sure to explain all the details to Rose about the situation.

"No wonder. Alright, I'll message her in a while. I'm not scared or nervous now; | can share the news with Sherri and the others." "Sure." After a few more words, they ended the call. Emma brought out the fruits and placed them on the coffee table, "All done with your chat?" "Yeah, Mom, I'm planning to share the news of my pregnancy with everyone." "Sure, the sun's a bit strong today, I'll move the flowers. Remember to eat your fruits." "Okay." She speared a piece of apple with her fork and sent a message in the Women's Congregation. It read, [Sisters, I'm pregnant, and it's twins!] Stella replied first. Her text read, [Whoa, so I'm the only angle left single in this entire group? | am the unique one now.] Sherri playfully tapped Stella, [I'm not a angle? Hmm? Hmm? Hmm?] Even through the screen, one could sense the threatening tone behind those three "hmm's." Stella, full of the will to survive, immediately replied, [I'm sorry, sis. You're all angles, I'm the maiden.] Sherri was quite satisfied with this response and posted a relieved emoji in the group along with an emoji of someone nervously shaking their leg while sitting on the couch.

Sherri began scheduling her agenda for next year. Her text read, [Ava, you've got to havethere for the birth; I've already made an advance reservation.] Everyone assumed Ava had just becpregnant, and the group filled with blessings.

Rose posted an embarrassed emoji and added, [Ava, if you had delayed a few more days, | think | might have burst!] In this conversation, Christina and Natalie remained silent as both of them were already aware of the news.

Christina was fine, but if Natalie chimed in, Sherri would have scolded her.

Ava added playfully by sending a text that read, [Oops, sorry, everyone! How about | treat you all to a grand meal when I'm back in Athana? Can you forgive me?] One after another, she sent a series of playful and pleading emojis.

Rose replied, her text read, [It's not a big deal. After all, you're my sister-in-law. I'm very forgiving. I'll forgive you.] Frank, worried about Rose, had taken the initiative to send a message to her earlier that morning. The intent behind his message was clear. He wanted to caution her against sending any messages haphazardly to Ava, so as to prevent any potential aggravation or disruption.

Ava replied, [You're the best, Rose. Love you.] Emma walked in from the yard, wiping the sweat off her forehead. Ava turned to her, "Mom, can a bridesmaid be someone who's been married before? Grandma said it wasn't allowed, so who can I invite?" Emma patted her plain-colored dress and replied softly, "Hmm, as Grandma said, they should be unmarried and childless. Do you want your sisters to be bridesmaids?" Ava turned back, reclining on the sofa again. "Sis said she couldn't be my bridesmaid last time." After the base check-up, Ava had discussed marriage with Natalie and even talked about bridesmaids. However, Natalie had declined without hesitation, mentioning that despite looking young, she was a mother of three and couldn't be a bridesmaid.

"You can ask Alex, or Stella..." Emma sat opposite her daughter, giving suggestions. This was mainly influenced by the old lady's mindset, teaching them that married or pregnant women couldn't be bridesmaids.

Ava nodded, thinking it might be wise to heed Grandma's advice. "Okay, I'll ask Frank how many bridesmaids we need." In the blink of an eye, another month had passed.

During this period, Frank had made it a recurring gesture to send over a variety of wedding dresses and engagement rings for Ava's consideration, always emphasizing her choice. Once Ava finalized her preferences, Frank adhered to a ritual: he would linger in Sapphire City for a solid week before he'd eventually make his way back to Athana. It was almost a routine; Frank ensured Ava's satisfaction and comfort in the selection process before re-immersing himself in his duties at Athana.

In discussions about the bridal party, Frank had subtly suggested that just two bridesmaids would suffice, pointing out the corresponding number of groomsmen. Ava, considering this suggestion, had a clear inclination towards inviting Stella and Alex to stand by her side as bridesmaids.

One particular day, post-class, Ava coordinated with Alex, requesting her presence at the school gate. Alex, in her usual carefree demeanor, lounged casually on an electric motorcycle, exuding an air of nonchalance that was unmistakable.

Spotting Ava approaching in her elegant white tracksuit, Alex gestured enthusiastically and called out in a somewhat boisterous manner, "Over here!" A few bystanders glanced over, mildly perturbed by the loudness, but Alex brushed it off. After all, she wasn't breaking any laws. As Ava drew near, Alex inquired, "What's the scoop, princess? Needfor something?" Following Ava closely and silently was Yana, the ever-stoic bodyguard. Observing Alex's reaction, she withdrew her gaze, catching Ava's meaningful smile. Alex's instincts kicked in; she had a premonition that this interaction was about to take an unexpected turn.

Seeing Ava's smile, Alex's natural response was an immediate sense of unease; hastily, she interjected, "Hold on, you're not going to ropeinto sbizarre scheme, are you?" Their eyes locked, conveying unspoken thoughts. Ava reached out, taking hold of Alex's arm with a continued smile. "Absolutely not. | simply want you to be present at my wedding, to accompanyto Athana because | am..." She paused mid-sentence, glancing momentarily at her belly. Alex caught the implication. Ava continued, "Hence, | plan to have the wedding ceremony in Athana." Reacting with bravado, Alex patted her chest assertively. "Of course, I'd definitely love to be there. You really think I'd miss an invite from you?" "How come. But... | want... you to be my bridesmaid..." The silence that followed was palpable. Alex and Ava's gaze remained locked, the weight of the moment pressing upon them. After a brief pause, Alex pushed herself up from the electric motorcycle, her throat clearing as she deliberated, "Should | wear a dress? Or stick to my usual outfit?" Ava nodded with certainty, "A dress, something elegant, and smakeup." Feeling quite awkward about the idea, Alex shuddered unexpectedly, "Can | be a groomsman? They usually wear suits, right?" "Yet we've already got enough groomsmen. | am running short on bridesmaids..." Ava's expression betrayed a hint of distress. It was the kind of distress that made it particularly difficult for Alex to refuse. "Oh well, alright, | understand." "Yeah! | made it!" Ava chuckled, even Yana, standing discreetly behind her, displaying a curiosity about how her tomboyish friend would appear decked out as a bridesmaid. An enigmatic anticipation lingered in the air.uld look in a bridesmaid's dress. A strange anticipation lingered.

"Okay then, it's settled. I'll need to inform my husband about the headcount. Shall I provide your height and weight?" Ava called out as Alex revved up the scooter.

Guiding the scooter with one hand, Alex gestured an affirmative sign, an acceptance tinged with resignation.

This was a once-in-a-lifetscenafor close friends. Having been the closest companions during their college years, Alex felt compelled to honor Ava's wishes, even if it meant donning a dress or bleeding for her sake. After all, in Athana, no one would recognize her, and it was just for this one occasion.

The most important thing was Ava's happiness.