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Chapter 14
"Julia was born prematurely," Maya said once everyone settled on their chairs.
Alex and Julia had insisted on sitting next to Gale, so he sat in the middle between the two kids, and he wasn't about to complain. He likes these kids too much.
Avelyn was evidently uncomfortable with it, but she didn't say a word, she silently took a seat across Julia.
Trying not to read too much into the situation and decided that it would be alright to engage in the conversation as long as he doesn't seem too eager, Gale chimed in. "I've been wondering how Julia and Alex shared the same birthday."
"You know their birthday?" Avelyn asked Gale, the first time she talked to him since he arrived.
Gale nodded calmly even though his heart was beating wildly. "Alex told me when we introduced ourselves to each other so I can help them. Julia was very persistent that I can't help as long as I am a stranger."
"Uncle Gale's birthday is in November!" Alex said.
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Both Gale and Avelyn snapped their heads towards Alex."Alex!" Denise hissed."It's okay, Dee," Avelyn interjected. "I am a single parent, Doctor.""Please, call me Gale." He said as he tried to suppress his victorious smile at knowing that Avelyn is a single parent.Avelyn made a face to protest, but then she sighed. "I– alright.""I'm sorry if my question makes you uncomfortable.""No, it's fine. It's just– it's been so long since the last time I have to explain this matter to anyone. I hardly have time to make friends, so meeting new people was quite a challenging task for me. I'm sorry if my demeanour was a bit slack and cold. I hope I don't offend you." She said to Gale and then glanced at Molly and Ben with an apologetic smile.Molly and Ben smiled understandingly at Avelyn, but Gale only watched her with a straight face, although deep down he still felt so happy at the prospect that he could have feelings for
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