Eva

Genova inched closer to her mom and wiped the tears away from the older woman's eyes with her thumb.

"Mom, dad. Please take good care of yourselves. I will phone you once our flight lands in Wooddale," she said while fighting back her own tears.

Mary sniffled. "Okay honey… please be safe out there."

"Be vigilant and always watch your back. Big cities aren't that safe for young girls like you; avoid getting deceived by some bastards that might try to sweet talk you into doing anything with them." Her dad chimed in.

Mary and Genova both turned to look at him and burst into laughter.

The man's jaws were clenched as though the mere thought of it was about to make him go on a killing spree.

"Our little girl isn't a child anymore, honey. She will find her right match one day and have her own family. I'm even more glad she's being sent away because no man will dare to pursue her knowing her dad will rain hellfire on them," Mary chided her husband.

Ferd uttered no word. However, one could tell he disagreed with whatever his wife had just said. He couldn't stomach the idea of any man getting rough and intimate with his little girl.

'I will kill the bastard before he even gets close.' His hands balled into fists as he swore internally.

[Attention please! This is to announce that flight 32456 to Wooddale is still boarding at gate 52. All remaining passengers, please proceed to gate 52 for your boarding. There will be no further call for this flight, thank you]

Genova knew she was running out of time when she heard the announcement.

"I have to go now-" she was saying when her mom gathered her again in a warm embrace.

"Always remember that we love you so much, and we'll always be here for you whenever you need us," Mary said through tears when she finally pulled away from the young lady.

"I know, and I love you guys more," Genova responded with a forced smile.

With that, she turned around and hurried toward the boarding gate without looking back.

She didn't want to miss her flight which would mean paying an extra fee to rebook the ticket. That would be a waste of money!

Mary and Ferd stood there and watched until their daughter's figure disappeared - getting mixed into the busy crowd.

"I hope she will be safe out there. I am worried about her… we both know what happened-"

"She'll be okay, my love. Don't worry too much about her; our little girl is smart and will know when she faces any danger," Ferd interjected, cutting her off from worrying too much.

"Let's head back home!" He added.

------

Genova was sweating bullets by the time she ultimately boarded the aircraft. She would have missed her flight any second later.

She let out a deep exhale, wondering why traveling was so exhausting.

If only she had teleportation magic like in those fantasy movies she had seen or could run as fast as the flash... Imagine how quick it would be to travel all over the world.

[Good day Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. Welcome onboard aircraft (airbox 386) to Wooddale. We are expected to arrive at our destination...]

Genova quickly brought out her phone to inform her parents that she was already onboard the aircraft and was ready for departure while the announcement was ongoing.

When she was done sending them the text message, she turned the phone off before putting it back inside her handbag.

She then rested her head on the headrest of her seat and closed her eyes for a nap.

~A few hours later~

Genova was woken up by one of the air hostesses. She was told to fasten her seatbelt and prepare for landing.

She yawned and slightly stretched her body while looking out the window to see the magnificent and bustling city of Wooddale. The last time Genova visited this part of the world was over six years ago.

A small smile graced her lips as she reminisced memories of her aunt.

One could tell they were happy recollections with the look on her face.

Genova didn't waste time turning on her smartphone to let her parents know she made it to Wooddale in one piece the minute their plane touched down. After that, she did the same with her aunt, informing the woman of her arrival.

Done picking up her luggage, she headed for the exit in good spirits.

The excitement to see the second person that meant the world to her after her parents overshadowed the pain of separation she felt until now.

Her steps came to a quick halt when she saw the lady standing about 177cm tall, dressed elegantly in a tan pantsuit and her healthy caramel locks danced along the early spring afternoon wind.

As though sensing her niece's presence, Eva turned her head to the left and their gazes met.

The excitement bubbling inside Genova skyrocketed the second she locked eyes with her aunt.

She quickened her pace, left her luggage when she was close enough to the older woman and threw herself on the gorgeous lady. "Aunt Eva. I've missed you so much."

"Oh, I've missed you too, honey. So good to see you again." Eva cooed. "Wow, look at you, such a fine woman you turned out, my dear."

Genova blushed. Her aunt was always good with words.

Eva chuckled. "Okay miss sweet sixteen..." Eva leaned toward the girl and whispered, "You seem to have a very keen suitor behind you. The young man hasn't averted his gaze since you walked out of the exit gate. I wonder how your dad has managed to keep you safe until now. It must have been a tough job, given how you have developed all the right curves in all the right places."

Genova felt her cheeks burn at Eva's remarks. She had assumed age would have done an excellent mellowing on her aunt, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

The never aging woman was the same as ever! Brazen!!