The Blackwood Mansion was quiet now. All the laughter and noise from earlier in the evening faded away as little Mila went to sleep. Lucas stayed in the living room with his parents, Victoria and Charles. The three of them sat close together, but there was a heavy feeling in the air. Victoria and Charles looked at their son, their faces full of questions they had been waiting to ask.
Lucas knew what his parents wanted to talk about. He let out a deep sigh and looked down at his hands.
Victoria spoke first. She leaned forward and asked softly, "Will you tell us about Elena now?"
Charles, sitting next to her, asked, "Is she the daughter of the Ashford family? The ones who live in mansion no. 5 in our neighborhood?"
Lucas nodded slowly. "Yes. Elena is their daughter."
He paused, thinking about how to explain. He had to tell them that Elena was close to his daughter but omit the part that he also had close encounters with her.
