Chapter 37

My father immediately joined our hug. In the corner of the room, I saw Keelan giving us a smile. I could tell how happy he was seeing we’re finally back together. After our little family reunion, I apologised almost a hundred times to them while I cried my heart out. My mom cooed and comforted me. My father then told me what happened during the three days I was knocked out. As soon as I was sent to the hospital, Stefano called them immediately. He was sure fast to call my parents. Last time it happened, it ended really badly. To my surprise, right now it wasn’t like that at all. My parents told me Stefano explained everything to them from how I saved his life down to the detail that he, of course, wasn’t supposed to know. Yes, it was how I coped up and performed surprisingly well in military school. He explained everything to them. If I know any better, he was trying to fix his guilt. My father swelled with pride once he knew I graduated at the top, much more when he knew I was selfless enough to save someone- twice at that. Stefano seemed to tell them all the positive things I did, how great I was doing and how I was so sweet to always be ready to help with his parents and to others as well. He and I always fight, always bicker with insignificant things but then and there I wondered why he just spoke all those good things about me. Perhaps it was because of guilt or the conscience that nagged him to do it. After all, his life was spared twice because the woman herself was stupid enough to jump for him. The result ended with her almost being killed and now lying on one of the hospital’s bed. All that aside, I wonder what happened to Brunton when Stefano caught him in the act? I’ll seek for the answers later. Right now, I want to be with my family. Oh, how I missed them so much. "Next time, I want to hear this kind of news from you first. I don’t want others to tell me how my daughter did so well all this time." My father shook his head a few times. I knew there was a disappointment in his self for being so negligent towards his only daughter. I could see in his eyes how much he was hurt and angry at his self. "We’re sorry, sweetie. We owe you a lot. It hurts to know that some man outside our blood knew you better than us." He said with regret etched in his voice. "It’s fine, Dad. Really. I think I deserved everything that came my way. After all, I was more than a headache to you. But I promise you, I’m not anything like that anymore. I did what you told me to do and repented for the trouble I’ve caused you. I’m glad that you finally know this. I have always wanted to tell you all this time and be proud of it." I gave them a small smile. I’m beyond thankful for Stefano. If he wouldn’t have blabbered his mouth, our relationship would’ve still been sour. I must admit I didn’t know what to feel when my family came to suddenly know everything but the result made me extremely happy. "Oh, dear. We are more than proud of you." My mother squeezed my arm as a form of affection and smiled to me lovingly. "I guess my decision to send you to military was the greatest idea I’ve ever thought." Dad said amusingly. "It is for me. I gained muscles... and girls." My little brother who’s no longer little, butted in. I chuckled. "No girls yet, Keelan boy. You know our rules." Dad warned Keelan with seriousness. My mom and I laughed while Keelan just frowned. "Keelan here, dear, is the golden boy of their school. You have no idea how girls admire him. Oh, how I’m so proud of my boy." My mom said animatedly with a cute giggle. "I figured. I mean we do have really amazing genes." I looked at my mom and dad teasingly. "Of course." My dad replied proudly with a chest out. We laughed. Mom is beautiful despite her growing age and so is dad who is so handsome and cool in his own dorky ways. Keelan and I were like twins. We’re each others male and female version. We both have emerald green eyes from dad and light brown hair with streaks of blonde from our mom. I haven’t even dyed it because it’s perfect the way it is. It’s amazing that we inherited both of their charms. It’s like they intentionally made us this way. I smiled at the thought. The next day, I was bombarded with none other than my clingy but sweet friend, Sierra. Ashton was with him. I don’t know if I had to be surprised or not. I was sure that if Ashton would come here it would be with one of his friends or just alone. But I’m still happy for them, it just means that they’re relationship is getting better. Sierra was crying and whining at me on why I was so careless and stupid to endanger my life. Although with a laugh, I was touched at her extreme concern for me. I then realised how much she cared for me. With just a short amount of time with her, I found a really great friend in here. A first real friend and I’m sure this will continue for a lifetime. I was so happy that I wanted to cry but I held it in. I had already exhausted myself from crying yesterday. Ashton on the other hand smiled at us, amused by his beautiful wife’s antics. Especially the part where she talked about how she was eager to doll me up right after my release in the hospital. She said she misses me so much and she was very worried. Ashton spilled that Sierra yelled at the doctor and almost hit him just so she could see that I was fine and awake. Just the thought of me fighting for my life at the hospital was unsettling for her. His eyes glint with pride and for a man like him, I’m sure he wouldn’t admit what he truly felt for her. My sweet annoying friend wouldn’t have noticed it too. Later that day, Nancy and Henry visited me. The old couple was worried when I didn’t go home for a few days. They said it was unlikely and Nancy was anxious that something happened to me. I wasn’t likely the one without telling them where I go. It became a habit for me to always tell them where I go ever since they asked me to have breakfast with them. So they called Carson and asked him my whereabouts. When Nancy found out what happened, she almost fainted. Henry didn’t know who to worry- his wife or me. I found it funny the way Henry explained it. Both were happy that I was fine but still scolded me to always be careful and not be rash. Nancy emphasised that I was still a woman despite my knowledge to defend myself. The next day, it was Stefano’s parents who visited me. I must admit. I was surprised to see them here. I actually didn’t think anyone would come here and visit me. Maybe it just didn’t cross my mind at all. I was more attentive at the fact that my abdomen hurts like hell. I didn’t really tell them and just beep on the nurse. It was enough that I made them worry so much. "Thanks for coming, Angela, Mr. Ranallo." My awestruck face was really obvious as I thanked them. "We actually came here to thank you, Avery." Mr. Ranallo spoke with his Italian accent that was so prominent. My brows knitted in confusion. Stefano’s father then cleared my confusion. "For saving our son." So that’s why they’re here. It was all the reason. "You’ve been so sweet to us, dear. And now you just saved our son. We really can’t thank you enough." Angela touched my hand as she spoke softly like a mother to her daughter. I could see her eyes were so full of emotion for me. Seriously, everyone comes here so emotional. I don’t know what to actually feel or say to them. I’m safe and sound. Everyone should be happy, not crying. I laughed at the thought. "It’s really no big deal, Angela. I would have done the same to both of you and any other people. I guess it has become my instinct lately." I shrugged. Mr. Ranallo shook his head slowly. "You saved my son twice, Avery. I am aware of what happened the first time. No news wouldn’t get pass by me. I just didn’t pry on it too much since I trust Stefano enough. I know my son can be ruthless with his work. For that, a lot of people hate him. He probably took that asset from me but in some ways we differ. I have my wife to keep me grounded." "Stefano have you two to keep him grounded." I added. "I don’t think his parents are enough to keep him that." Angela replied with a meek smile. My brows furrowed inquisitively. "You’ll understand that when you get yourself a child, Avery." She added. "Children are stubborn. Sometimes they’d listen to other people than their own family." "Is that why you’re persistent on him having a wife?" I asked with plain curiosity. "Yes. But my son thinks he’s not ready yet. He makes a lot of alibis just to avoid it. He’s turning 29 soon and we’re not getting any younger." Mr. Ranallo said. I giggled. "You guys just wanted to have a grandchild." I teased. "That too." Angela chirped while Mr. Ranallo smiled. "Did the doctor say anything when you’ll go home?" Angela asked as she took a sit at the chair beside my bed. "Probably next week. Hopefully the wound will heal nicely soon. I can’t wait to get out of here. People come here to just cry." I joked at the end. "That goes to show that they care too much for you. I hope to see you soon too, dear... out of this hospital. I want to have dinner with you. This time as a guest. I’m going to cook for us." Angela said excitedly. I grinned cheek to cheek. "That’s great, Angela. I have always loved the food you cook. I’ll go." I replied excitedly. "Well, that’s the only thing I could do for you. You seemed to be not the kind to accept material gifts." "You know me so well, Angela. But even if you wouldn’t give me anything, it’s still fine. Like I said, I would have done the same thing to any other people." "You should still take care of yourself, Avery. After all, You’re still a woman. You are not to bare with this kind of burden. There might be no next time with your life." Mr. Ranallo’s voice was laced with concern. Just like everyone who have been in this room. They all have those overly concerned looks. Things like this never crossed my mind at all. It just kinda sad that I tend to forget that there are still people who care. I nodded. "Yes." I gave them a small smile. "Thank you. And I should. I definitely should."