Page 54 of Concealed Deception

A knock at the door stops our conversation; I’m somewhat grateful for that.Moments later, Aunt Lina opens the door, thanking Knox.

I’m off the couch instantly.Her warmth is something I’ve yearned for since I was put through this ordeal.She’s visited every day, much like Lacey, and every day I greet her in the same way, with my arms wrapped around her and my face buried in the crook of her neck, seeking familiarity, needingmyfamily.

“Shh, baby, it’s okay.I’ve got you.”She shushes in my ear as I cry tears of relief.My body shudders with each breath until I’ve gotten hold of my emotions.

“What was that all about?”she asks me as we move to the sofa.

“You arrived in the middle of a mental breakdown.We were discussing her nightmares and insecurities.She’s finally opening up,” Lacey tells my aunt, as if I’m not in the room, triggering my breakdown again.

“I think this is a good thing, Ava.You’ve bottled everything up for a week, not counting your time in hospital.We don’t expect you to be functional all the time.”

“That’s what Lacey said.”I sniffle.

“Lacey is very wise for her age.You both are.I’m deeply sorry we all lied to you.I guess we never expected you to be found.It was my mistake for thinking I could give you your freedom while the threat was still out there.”Her voice diminishes as she too finally lets her truths known.

“Can you tell me more about my mother?”I ask.I never expected pieces of me to be missing, and I think having insight into my family might help me heal.

“She was just like you.Brave, smart, funny, gorgeous.Her hair was a darker shade to yours.She was in love with you the moment she found out she was pregnant.I think that’s what made her fight harder for you.She was determined to right your father’s wrongs.She hated him for what he did to you both.After she found out about the deal, only when Eric came home in a frantic state did she make sure you’d never be found.Unfortunately, we didn’t have the means to hide all the records completely, and that’s how Xander found out who you really are.

“She spent every moment of her time with you when you were born, until she made the ultimate sacrifice.I only wish I’d known what she was doing at the time, or I would have stopped her.She was only going to get groceries while you slept.She knew he'd find you both if she was still alive, she said so in a letter I found under your cot blanket.You need to know, I love you like my own.Your mother was my best friend.No matter what happens from here, you are my daughter as much as hers.”Lina moves closer to me on the sofa, cradling me in her arms.We both ball our eyes out, ugly tears and snot, until we’ve mourned the woman who both gave birth to me and saved my life.

The sofa dips on the opposite side of us, accommodating another pair of inviting arms as Lacey joins us in remembrance.

I’m glad none of the men are here to see this.Having Xander around has undeniably been the best thing for me, but having these women surround me with their unbridled support and love is the ultimate gift.

“I love you both.Thank you for reminding me who I am, countless times.”I chuckle, needing a portion of light.

“Always, baby.You’ll never have to go through anything alone again.I’ll make sure of that.”She smiles at me as we all regain personal space.

“You’re damn right she won’t,” a deep voice confirms.

I jump as Xander speaks and look to the door to see him and Tony standing in place watching us.

“How long have you been standing there?”I ask as I catch my breath from fright.

“Long enough.”He looks to Lina with a grim stare.

Lina turns her attention back to me.“It’s time for me to leave.I’m always a call away, Ava.I’ll be here at the drop of a hat.”She turns back toward Xander while still talking to me.“Nothing will stop me.”With an added squeeze of my hand, she rises, intending to make her exit.

Once she’s gone, I sit back, close my eyes, and take the first deep breath of the day.It may be early afternoon, but I’m exhausted.Who knew having a breakdown was what I needed.I make a personal note to listen to my body and mind rather than pushing everything aside and ignoring it.

“Treasure, are you all right?”his solemn voice whispers beside me.

“Mm, I am now that you’re here.”Xander’s presence alone after what happened calms my mind.The people in my life are better than any pill I could be given to heal.

“I have someone here who wants to see you.”He’s cautious as he tells me.

My eyes open to scan the room, making sure it’s not some trick.Then I see her.

“Quinn!”I’m out of my seat before the words leave my mouth.“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”I hold her shoulders while I pepper kisses on her cheeks.There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her; she risked her life for my own.

Quinn laughs as I become overbearing, then Tony pries me off her.

“Boss lady, I think she gets the idea.Let’s give the girl some space.”He laughs.

“I’m okay, Mr.Tony.”She takes my hand, guides me back to the sofa and sits next to me.“I’m pleased the gift I left you helped.I wasn’t sure they would be of any use.”

Quinn looks healthier.She has a natural rose blush on her cheeks.

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