The shrill of Gav's voice brought the couple back to the present, reminding them that the past should remain in the past as long as necessary. They just hoped that fate would take mercy on their child and spare her from her destiny.
She started shouting and jumping around her father, ecstatic that she was finally going out with her friends on her birthday. "Thanks, Dad." She hugged him once again. Then, she ran toward her mom and hugged her too. "Thanks, Mom."
"I was not the one who agreed." Her mom raised her eyebrow at her but still hugged her back.
"We all know nothing happens in this house without your approval." Gav pointed out, knowing even if her father agreed, her mom could easily veto it and change the outcome.
"You got that right, so better listen to what I will say. Better start acting like your age." Julianne reminded her once again.
Julianne always felt sad that her best friend died so young. She barely had time to spend time with her daughter. Rae would have loved Gav as much or maybe even more than the love she had given her.
But she never regretted the day Simon walked into their house carrying in his arms a sleeping infant. He handed the beautiful child to her with tears in his eyes and called her our daughter.
"Promise, Mom. From now on, I will grow up and act my age." She said, pledging to them, even crossing her heart.
She would do anything and say anything to make them happy. And, of course, for them to allow her to do the one thing she wished for on her birthday.
She had never asked for much before. But this time, she wanted this so badly. It was nagging at her, not wanting her to miss this opportunity.
"Hey, I just want you to be happy on your birthday. But always remember to be responsible." Simon reminded her, pointing out the many pieces of advice and lessons he had shared with her.
They had kept her unaware of her past because it was too dangerous for her as a child. She could not protect herself from the threat that hid in the shadows and under the moonlight.
But now that she had grown up. Was she ready to be a part of her heritage once again? Could they give her up as their daughter? Were they prepared to let her go on her journey toward her destiny?
"Yes, Dad. I promise." She excitedly answered her father with a huge smile plastered steadily all over her face.
She did not mind if her parents were a bit overprotective. She understood that all parents wanted to keep their children safe. She even appreciated the way Jax always defended her.
Her brother always went out of his way to guarantee that nothing untoward would happen to her. He was always there when she needed him.
"Hey, I'm sorry to burst your bubbles, but I am leaving. I can't wait for you anymore. You have to take the bus." Jax stood from his seat, unable to watch Gav, convincing everyone that she was already all grown up.
Secretly, he wanted her to stay as a child because that would mean he could still protect her. He was afraid that as she grew up and figured she did not belong in this family, she would eventually leave them.
She had been an integral part of their family, and losing her would be hard for them, especially him. He would not know what to do if he lost the person he had loved all his life.
"But I don't know how." She finally shouted, facing her brother with a bewildered look. Suddenly, she wanted to take back what she had thought about her brother.
She had never commuted her entire life. It was either her father who took her to school or her brother. But now, Jax was leaving and asking her to take the bus.
"If you think you are ready to party outside of this house. Then, you must learn to commute and handle things by yourself." Jax said with a wicked smile.
He already sensed what her plans and intentions were for her birthday. He wanted to teach her a valuable lesson. At the same time, he wished to get back at her for making him feel that she did not need him anymore.
It was a very immature move on his part. But he was torn between being a good brother to her and wanting more. He could not control his jealousy every time she spoke of her dream.
"Fine." She answered defiantly. "I'm sure I can manage it on my own." She stuck her tongue at Jax before turning away from him and continuing to eat her breakfast. He was not going to ruin her day, she thought.
She was happy, and nothing was going to change that. Her mom and dad were right. She was not a teenager anymore. She had to grow up and act like one.
"That was real mature," Jax said as he moved closer to her and rumpled up her messy hair. Then leaned forward and gave her a soft peck on her forehead. "Be a good girl, and stay safe."
He knew he had hurt her feelings, why she was acting out. All he wanted to do was protect and prevent her from getting hurt. But he also knew that he had to let her go eventually.
He did not want to have these feelings for her. He fought it as hard as he could. His parents raised her to be part of the family and as a sister to him. But he could not control his heart if it continued to beat for her.
"Good luck with your new job too." She could not stay mad at him for too long. She hugged him and kissed him on the cheeks before letting him go.
He walked away from them and left while Gav continued with her breakfast. "You better hurry up, my dear, or you will be late for school." Her mom reminded her again.
Luckily, her university was not far from where they lived. Although she could have resided in a dormitory inside the campus, she opted to stay at their house. She felt she was not ready to leave the nest and the safety of her home.
"Oh my." She suddenly checked her phone in the pocket of her robe and found that she only had a few minutes to spare. "I better hurry up. I still have to catch the bus."
Simon and Julianne only nodded. Although, it would be easier if Simon would drive her to school. But Jax was on the right track. Gav needed to learn how to survive on her own.
It was time for her to spread her wings and fly. Soon, they all had to face the inevitable. She was not their child. She would eventually leave the nest.