The complicated mood

Ava's House at Bay,

Ava got out of the car and slowly walked toward her house. The round moon was hanging high in the dark sky, spreading its silver moonlight into the courtyard. Ava could hear the sound of sea waves crashing into the shore from afar; she took a moment to admire the divine beauty in front of her. The silver lights and the sound of nature on a quiet night looked mesmerizing.

Ava was in a complicated mood tonight. Although she should be happy because she met her family after three years and she was happy. But she felt like there was a distance between them, although her family was just like before but she still didn't feel at home. She wondered if was it them who changed or if it was her. Her parents didn't mention Oliver again for the rest of the night but she still could tell something was missing there. She knew they were not happy and she couldn't even blame them when she didn't tell them anything. Moreover, it was Oliver who looked after them for the past three years so she understood their dilemma. Did she make a mistake by coming back? Or was it a mistake to leave? Ava took a deep breath and slowly walked inside.

Ava entered the porch and was greeted by a warm scene in front of her, Daniel and Nina were talking and laughing in the living room. Instantly her mood lifted up and a gentle smile showed up on her lips as she said startling the father and daughter, "Little girl, why aren't you in bed yet?"

"Mom, you are home. Nina was waiting for you." Nina saw Ava she came running to her.

Ava quickly picked her up in her arm then hugged and kissed her cheek. Nina said in an excited voice, "Mom, dad said he will take us to the zoo tomorrow."

Ava came to the couch and sat down still holding Nina in her arm then asked Daniel, "How can we go to the zoo tomorrow, Don't you have work?"

"I can manage it. It gets too busy on the weekends, since she wants to visit the zoo let's go tomorrow." Daniel said in a gentle tone and a warm smile on his handsome face.

"You know if you are going to spoil her like that then she will be out of hand," Ava said shaking her head. She knew Daniel couldn't say no to the little girl that's why he agreed. Nina was more demanding of Daniel than Ava because she was very strict with her. Ava loved her without any doubt but she wouldn't give in to her all demands but Daniel was the opposite, he will just spoil her.

"What are you talking about? Our daughter is such an angel, she will never! So it's ok to spoil her a little." Daniel rubbed his daughter's hair and said with a dotting smile, he seemed very happy.

Daniel loved this little girl, if it wasn't for Nina, Ava will never agree to marry him so he was grateful to the little girl. Besides, Nina was so adorable and obedient that it was impossible for anyone not to love her.

"You, father, and daughter are unbelievable. What am I going to do with you two" Ava sighed, "Come on girl, it's late, let's go to bed."

"Mom, can Daddy sleep with us tonight?" Nina put her arms around Ava's neck and said in her sweet voice.

Ava smiled and agreed. Usually, when Ava is home, Nina would sleep with her in her bed and she rarely makes any request to sleep with both of her parents, so Ava didn't deny her.

"Yes, but we are going now, ok!" Ava said and stood up looking at the clock. It was already 9:30, she should already be in the bed by now.

"Ok mommy, let's go daddy I am ready to go to bed," Nina said happily.

Daniel laughed and followed the mother and daughter toward their bedroom. Ava put Nina to bed and immediately Nina started to demand to listen to her favorite, the little mermaid story from Daniel. Daniel started the story and smiling Ava went to the bathroom to take a shower.

By the time Ava came out from her shower, Nina was already asleep. Daniel closed the book and looked at Ava warmly then stood up. He knew the rule as soon as Nina was asleep he will have to leave the room.

"She is asleep? "

"Yeah."

"You should go to bed then, it's late," Ava said with a smile.

Daniel sighed and came to Ava then he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and said softly, "Goodnight wife!" Then he turned and left the room. He wished Ava would stop him but she never did.

Ava turned off the light and lay down on the bed, 'Wife' the word sounded foreign coming from Daniel's mouth. Maybe it's because Oliver used to call her that. It's been two years but she still couldn't let Daniel into her heart. She didn't know why she couldn't accept Daniel as her husband knowing he has already accepted her as his wife. By now she should be over Oliver but here she was thinking about the man who hurt her the most while hurting the man who did everything to keep her happy. Maybe it's time she should let go of Oliver and accept Daniel.