NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: CHAPTER 7
As Avery pulled up to the apartment building, she could already sense that Wesley and Claire weren't well-off. But she hadn't expected just how cramped their home would be.
At the entrance, she took in the modest two-bedroom apartment. The layout was straightforward—kitchen and bathroom on one side, bedrooms on the other, with a tiny balcony in between. The living room was simple and functional. Big cabinets and storage units filled most of the space, with shelves lining the walls, all crammed with various odds and ends. A long sofa and a table were pushed against one wall, while a dining table with three chairs sat in the center, cluttered with dishes. The room was so tight that just moving around seemed like a challenge.
Avery slipped into a pair of house slippers and stepped inside, noticing toys scattered across the sofa—clearly a child's. Are these my brother's kid's toys? she wondered.
Her eyes were drawn to a family photo hanging above the TV. Eleven people, she counted. In the photo, Wesley and Claire stood with an elderly couple, five young men, a young woman, and a little girl. Wesley noticed where she was looking and proudly pointed out the figures.
"Those are your grandparents. The five young men are your brothers, and the young woman and little girl are your sisters."
Avery's confusion deepened. Sisters? she thought. Does he mean my twin? But as she looked closer, it was clear the young woman looked nothing like her—definitely not a twin. A new question began forming in her mind. Where is my twin sister? Why isn't she in the family photo?
Sensing her confusion, Wesley quickly explained, fearing that Avery might think the family didn't welcome her.
"Avery, let me explain…" He glanced around the small living room, visibly uneasy. "Everyone was so excited when they heard you were coming home. They all wanted to see you right away, but the house is just… well, too small. They thought it might be too cramped for you if everyone came at once. So, they figured it'd be better if you had a chance to settle in first, you know… get used to things."
But there was more to it, something left unsaid. The real concern was that Avery, raised in luxury, might not handle their modest home well.
Claire nervously fidgeted with her hands, her eyes glued to Avery. She couldn't help but marvel at Avery's beauty—innocent, like an angel. And here she was, brought back to this old, cramped apartment. Will she be disappointed with our home? Will she even want to visit us again? Claire's thoughts raced.
Sensing Claire's anxiety, Avery gave her a warm smile. "It's fine, really. I'll have dinner with you and Dad tonight, and I'll catch up with everyone else later."
She could see the effort Wesley and Claire had put into preparing for her visit. The house was spotless—no dust anywhere. Even the balcony railing and the tight corners under the table were clean. The kitchen was grease-free, and the bathroom was fresh and tidy. Avery appreciated the sincerity behind their efforts and felt moved by their warmth.
Relief washed over Wesley and Claire as they experienced Avery's kindness. One had reddened eyes, while the other's were misty with unshed tears. Whether or not Avery fully accepted this family, they felt content knowing she was kind and thoughtful. They were grateful and asked for nothing more.
"Avery, you must be tired from your journey," Claire said, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand and awkwardly pulling out a chair. "Please, sit down. I'll get you some soup."
"Thank you, Mom," Avery said, placing her bag on the sofa and sitting at the dining table.
Avery noticed that the dining table was a new folding table. It was large enough to accommodate the family but designed to be folded and stored away when not in use, freeing up space in the small living room.
As Claire served the dishes, Wesley said, "Avery, let me tell you more about our family. Your grandparents live in the countryside. They're almost eighty and not in the best health. Your eldest brother moved in with them to care for them.
"When we did the paternity test with you last week, it was your brother who called to tell me that Grandpa might not make it. That's why your mom and I had to leave so abruptly. I'm really sorry."
When they rushed off after the paternity test, Wesley and Claire had felt guilty for leaving so suddenly, especially when Avery, likely their biological daughter, deserved more of their time. Now, they finally had the chance to explain.
Avery asked with concern, "Is Grandpa alright?"
Wesley's heart warmed at her question. "Thanks to quick medical attention, your grandfather pulled through."
Avery smiled gently. "My brother must be a good person if he's so devoted to Grandpa and Grandma." She meant it sincerely. Having been raised by her grandmother in the Murphy family, Avery felt an immediate connection to her eldest brother, even though they hadn't met.
Wesley's face lit up with joy. "Your eldest brother is indeed a good person, and so is everyone in this family—including you."
Claire smiled. "When they heard you were coming home for dinner today, they sent us radishes and other vegetables from their farm early this morning so that you could enjoy them." To keep them fresh, they sent them right after harvesting. "They're really delicious!" Claire beamed with pride.
Avery took a sip of the creamy radish soup, and her eyes lit up with delight. "It's amazing! Send my thanks to them!" she said, her voice full of warmth.
Despite having sampled the finest cuisines, Avery savored the simple, home-cooked dishes in front of her. Each bite was a revelation, and she couldn't help but praise the meal.
As Avery eagerly drank the soup, her usual refined table manners gave way to an unrestrained enjoyment of the food, as if she couldn't get enough of the comforting flavors.
Wesley and Claire exchanged glances, their faces softening as the tension dissolved. The joy in their eyes shone bright, filling the room with warmth.
Wesley added, "Your grandparents said they must come to the city to see you once they feel better. Even on their deathbeds, they want to see their precious granddaughter one last time."