Chapter 3

A nervous chuckle left my lips as I explained everything to Ava. Her face was a perfect picture of shock. I couldn't trust them yet. "I'm excited to join the school of shifters," Ava said, her voice full of excitement. I wasn't expecting this. Her shock remained only for a few seconds. "I'm doing this for mom," I said. Donovan promised me that my mother would be fine like before. Their medical system was the best one in the world. He had assured me of my mother's health. "Will they like to be our friends?" Ava asked. "I don't know." I whispered, "We need to convince mom." That seemed the hardest job. "I can do that," Ava said. Her excitement didn't stumble for a second. Shifter's world seemed dangerous to me. I nodded and got on my feet, "Good night, Ava. Go to your room." I said. "That's all. Ain't we going to discuss more." She asked, pouting her thin natural pink lips. I shook my head and gestured at the door of her room, "Good night," Her tone was still excited to find a new world to escape into. She pushed herself up and walked toward mother's room. I didn't stop her.

I hope I'm not making any mistakes. The change will be for good. I pushed myself up and spun to the door of my room. But I stopped when I spotted my mother standing in the doorway of her room. She wasn't looking sick. "Mom, it's too late," I told her in a slow voice. I smiled at her. She did not return the smile, "Ava told me." Sighing, she darted her eyes around, "We will return home soon after you both completed your study." Mom said. 'I don't know. What Ava has told her. Mom looked convinced. I'm grateful. I wasn't capable of persuading her after knowing so much from Donovan and Mr Morris. I'm not going to sleep for sure.' "Of course, mom." I walked toward her and engulfed her, wrapping my arms around her. I needed it. I didn't expect anything in exchange. The air left my lips when her arms came around me, "Are you okay, princess?" She asked in a sweet, slow voice. I smiled. I didn't know. Why did she call us princess, "Yes, mom? It was a long day at work." I muttered. She kissed my head. She looked at me with her soft amber eyes. Her smile was reaching her eyes. I was seeing it after many years, "You should rest, sweetie." She tucked my hair away from my face, brushing her palm. "Yeah! Good night, mom." I kissed her cheek. She giggled like a little girl. She looked like our elder sister, instead of our mother. I always wondered. How would she have been managing her beauty during her illness? "Sweet dreams, sweetie." She shoved me toward my door and walked into her room. When I closed the door of my room. I had a genuine smile on my face. I can stay with shifters, for sake of my family. I can hope for things to change for good. Particularly for mom and Ava. Life isn't perfect. But we can steal some good moments and never forget to smile.' I heaved a sigh of relief, rubbing at the back of my neck to loosen the muscles there. It was a busy day and a secret unfurling. I wasn't putting my family in any trouble. A soft knock came, jarred me from my thoughts, "Emma," I heard the sweet and slow whisper of Ava. I opened the door immediately and pushed it enough for her to come in, "What's it?" I asked, furrowing my brows. She looked at me biting her lips. She mostly does so when she feels nervous, "Are you really going to stay in a small town, while I'm going to study in Oxford." She asked, her eyes were glistening with tears. "Yes, I wanna see you happy, a doctor and mom, you don't need to worry about her." I told her, "Thanks for persuading mom." I hugged her. I felt her tears as they soaked my T-shirt, "I will miss you." I chuckled, "We're going to meet every weekend." I told her. I don't know that exactly. Pulling back, she wiped her eyes and smirked, "Great. Are you sure? You'll be fine?" I chuckled, "I'm worried about you," "I'll be fine. There will be a doctor. So, mom will be fine, too." She smiled. I smiled and tugged her to the single bed on the one side of the room, "You can stay with me, tonight." "I wasn't planning to go back to my room." Ava rolled her eyes. I shook my head smiling, "Go to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow." I pushed her toward the bed. She climbed up and slipped under the blanket. It wasn't cold, but the weather was changing. I climbed next to her. She missed sleeping with mother hugging her like her favourite doll, but she was scared of her sometimes. She embraced me as I rested my back. 'I'll miss them. '

Despite the worries, I pushed myself out of the bed. Ava wasn't sleeping next to me. To study in Oxford was her dream. She must be packing. She was sad that I wasn't coming with them. I took a quick shower and headed out of the room. My feet froze when I saw Mr Morris sitting in the living room and drinking tea. My mother was sitting on the second single couch, sipping her tea. She always cooked breakfast for us. "Hello, Mr Morris." I greeted him with a smile. "Child! The tea is very good. Join us," He lifted the cup and took a long sip, enjoying it. I sat on the couch but didn't forward my hand to serve myself a cup of tea. I forgot. He was coming to give a ride to my family as he was heading to London too. Ava walked into the living room. She was carrying her backpack. Her eyes met mine, "We're ready to go," I felt sadness. I was doing this for her bright future. After a couple of years, we would be together. Mom would be fine. Ava would be a doctor. Everything would be perfect. I could hope for this. I couldn't imagine the goodbye time so soon. Mom and Mr Morris got on their feet. They slid the cups on the wooden table. "I'll be waiting outside," He said. I didn't notice but they had already packed their luggage. Ava crushed me into a tight hug. My eyes brimmed with tears. I wasn't going to cry. I curled her in a engulf, "Take care of mom and yourself. Don't forget me," I chuckled. She pulled back looking offended, "I won't." Her voice cracked. Tears were running down her cheeks. I swiped my thumb over them, "You can come with me and help me with my job. Your dream... can wait, " I trailed off, mocking. "No," She hugged me again, "I'll miss you." "Me too," My throat began to tighten. Ava pulled back, wiping her cheeks. Mom took me in a tight hug, "Study hard, princess. Message me every day if you can't call. When I want you to come for weekends. You will." She demanded. I hugged her and smiled at her commanding nature. I would miss it, "Ok, mom." I pulled back and sighed deeply, "Mr Morris will be waiting for you." I said. They nodded and headed to the door. I paced behind them. Mr Morris held the door open for my mom and sister. They gave me a quick hug and got in. "Donovan will be here in the evening. Good luck, child." Mr Morris said. I nodded, "Thank you, Mr Morris," He smiled and climbed into the passenger seat. I don't need to say or ask him to take care of my sister and mother. They'll be fine. I waved my hand at the car as the driver pulled away. Ava peeped out of the window. I could see her watery eyes. Closing my eyes, I took a second to breathe deeply, I couldn't sit calmly. I had to pack things. Mr Wolfe might be here at any time. I returned to the living room. I slid my phone over the wooden table, put the cups back in the tray and grabbed them. I carried them to the kitchen and placed them in the sink. I washed them immediately. I couldn't afford a caretaker. I sighed again. I wasn't doubting my decision but it was feeling f***** hard. I packed my luggage. It was only one suitcase. I didn't waste money on clothes and other luxurious items. I had received a message from Donovan that he must be reaching at any time. I was waiting for him for five minutes. I understood I was taking care of his grandchild but shifters, it unsettled me. Was I really going to meet one? Or Mr Donovan Wolfe was testing me for taking care of his grandchild, Sisily. I growled inwardly. I was excited if it was true and scared too, In case, they'd harm me. If a seven years older girl can survive to stay with shifters. Why can't I? If I couldn't see myself fit in that world. I'm taking my ass back home.' "Miss Emma," I startled, jumping on my feet. Mr Wolfe peered at me, his forehead creased, "I don't mean to scare you," He said in an apologetic tone. "No. I didn't notice you. I was just..." I trailed off, I didn't want to share my thoughts. He nodded his head, "Are you ready to go?" He asked. I nodded as there was no option but to accept it. I had already decided. So, no use in wasting time backing up.