Underestimated Heiress

CHAPTER 20 - Bits and pieces of the past

Jess was extremely nervous, they were now sitting in their dad's study. Everyone was looking at Jess, Jess looked at Ethan as if checking if he was ready, he looked equally nervous. She looked at her parents, who by now suspected that Jess and Ethan were up to something.

Jess took a long breath in and said, "mom, dad, there has been a lot going on recently, which has raised a lot of questions in our mind. I understand that you cannot share everything with us because you are trying to protect us, but you won't be able to keep us in the shell forever. We also feel that we know very little about you both, like all the other kids we want to know our parents, understand more about your upbringing and challenges that you faced while you were growing up. We want to learn from your failures and be motivated from your achievements. We want to know your strengths and become a part of it. I think we are old enough to understand and help you with your challenges."

Jess paused, there was pin drop silence in the room, Jess could hear her heart beat really fast, she continued,"I know you both will understand where I am coming from, I don't want to force you but I want you to trust us, trust your upbringing. If you think we are not ready yet, we are fine with it too, we can wait until you think we are ready."

Jess and Ethan looked at their parents who were currently shocked with what Jess said. They were expecting Jess to ask these questions and saw it coming, but when she actually asked them they felt they were not yet ready to share their horrifying past with the kids. They didn't want them to live in fear. Eric was still thinking and Jenna was still in a shock, words were stuck in her mouth.

When Jess said she didn't want to force her parents, she meant it.  She asked Ethan to walk out with her after she read the expression of Jenna and Eric. Ethan whispered, "but you said."Jess interrupted him by saying, "yes I know, but look at them, it's not something simple. We should give them some time." She took Ethan's hand and was pulling him out of the study when suddenly Eric broke the long silence in the room.

"Wait. Where are you both going?"Eric asked. Jess looked confused not understanding what her dad was trying to say. Eric continued, "Do you think your parents are weak that they can't answer your questions, that's why you thought of leaving from here without waiting for our response? If you have the guts to ask us these questions then you should be brave enough to face the consequences."

Jess's hands were turning icy cold, she was terrified by her dad's tone whereas Ethan very conveniently hid behind Jess making her as his shield. Jess couldn't speak or move, she simply stood at one place like a statue.

Eric calmed down and looked at Jenna, Jenna was extremely nervous and concerned, she was not ready to reveal anything to the kids. She didn't know what Eric was planning but she trusted him completely. Eric gave her a smile assuring her to not worry so much.

Eric said, "both of you, sit down.", after Jess and Ethan sat down in their respective places, Eric continued, "you are right, you both deserve to learn about your parents but it's not so simple. It's a long story and you won't understand it unless it's shared in the right way. I am happy that you were brave enough to ask these questions to us before doing your investigations. There can be multiple ways of telling a story and every person will have their own perspective. There could be a point where you might feel that maybe your parents were wrong, at that moment, can I please request that you come and talk to us about it. Always remember, protecting my family was and will always be my priority."

Jess and Ethan looked at Eric and nodded, of course they will trust their parents over anyone else. Jess always felt that her parents were extraordinary people but why were they living on the farm away from the city. She knew there were a lot of things that she didn't know, and the kidnapping attempt on her was proof that her doubts were true.