Chapter 166: It’s So Romantic
Thea’s voice was shaky as she answered, "Hello, Grandma..."
"Hello, sweetie.." Grandma Grace replied. "Thea, are you crying? What’s wrong?"
Thea’s tears flowed freely as she spoke. "I just miss you, Grandma."
Grandma Grace’s voice softened with compassion. "Oh, Thea, I miss you too, sweetie. So much."
Thea ended the call with her grandmother. Her spirits had lifted considerably after their chat. She continued to sit in the same spot, deep in contemplation.
A knock on the door shattered the stillness, yet Thea remained unaware. The door slowly opened, and Charlotte quietly entered. She walked over to Thea, observing the faraway expression in her gaze. Charlotte took a seat beside her.
Thea’s eyes filled with tears. "Charlotte, at times I feel incredibly thankful to have each of you in my life.." she expressed, her voice quavering.
"I think about all the people who are orphans or have lost their loved ones, and it breaks my heart. But then I look at us, and I feel so fortunate to have found you all."
Thea’s face became thoughtful as she started to talk. "I’ve always been intrigued by a part of my family that has remained concealed.." she remarked. "I have an elder uncle on my father’s side, yet for some unknown reason, Grandma has never mentioned him to me. "
"I ...recall a day when I was six years old. Grandma.."she paused before continuing,"I were on our way home from the supermarket, and we caught some neighbors murmuring about us. "
"It has been just a few months since I lost my parents.." Thea said, her voice shaking. "Then, I overheard some neighbors discussing why Grandma wasn’t sending me to live with my elder uncle..I stood there, stunned and bewildered. One question swirled repeatedly in my mind: Why wouldn’t Grandma want me to be with him?"
Thea paused, her gaze wandering as she remembered the painful experience.
"I felt angry with Grandma that day.." Thea continued. "When she heard the neighbors talking, she quickly brought me inside. I didn’t talk to her for the rest of the day. "
Thea’s voice fell to a whisper, her words almost inaudible.
"That night, I was about to enter Grandma’s room when I stumbled upon a conversation.. "
"Grandma was on the phone, chatting with a man on speaker mode. . she was talking about me, and I couldn’t help but listen."
"The man’s cold, heartless words still echoed in my mind, piercing my soul like a dagger: ’An orphan is not our concern.’ I remembered the shock that registered on Grandma’s face.He hurled insult after insult at her. His venomous tone cut deep, labeling her as ’cheap’ and ’worthless.’
I was young and naive at the time, unable to fully grasp the context of his words, but the pain and humiliation that radiated from Grandma’s being has stayed with me ever since."
"The man’s words struck hard.." Thea went on. "Grandma was clearly unsettled. She didn’t respond, just quietly absorbed the malice. I observed as she ended the call, her eyes filling with tears. She sobbed softly, her body shaking with every cry. "
"I feel utterly alone.." Thea whispered, tears streaming down her face. "First, my parents left me, and now it seems my uncle doesn’t want me either. It’s a crushing realization that I’m not wanted by anyone who’s supposed to care."
"After meeting Ryder and his family, and experiencing their love and kindness, I finally began to heal.." Thea said, a soft smile on her face. "With Grandma’s unwavering support and care, I’ve learned to cope with my past. When I think back now, I don’t feel the same sadness that once overwhelmed me."
"I may be an orphan, but I’ve found a new sense of family with Grandma and all of you. You’ve shown me that love and belonging aren’t just about blood ties."
As she spoke, Thea’s eyes welled up with tears, but this time, they were tears of joy and appreciation. She gently wiped them away, her smile still shining through.
Charlotte’s eyes were teary, as Thea had never shared this before. "And your..?" Charlotte asked, her voice trembling.
Thea’s expression turned resolute. "You mean that man... I haven’t asked my grandma about him not at once... I only have grandma... I don’t want anyone else..." Thea replied.
"Really, there are some people who are worse than animals.." Charlotte replied, shaking her head in dismay.
As they sat together in contemplative silence, Charlotte rested her head on Thea’s shoulder, feeling a sense of comfort and companionship. Thea, too, closed her eyes, letting the stillness of the moment wash over her.
It was already dusk..Thea gently stirred. She checked the time and softly called out to Charlotte.
"Hmm, let me sleep a little more.please..." Charlotte mumbled, snuggled deeper into Thea’s shoulder.
Thea whispered again, her voice urgent but gentle. "Charlotte, wake up now. You’re going to miss your flight."
Charlotte’s eyes flew open, and she sat up with a start. "Huh, what time is it?" she asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"You finally wake up.." Thea remarked with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Charlotte grinned, pulling Thea tightly into her arms. "Thea, hold on.." she murmured, keeping her close.
Thea’s smile became gentler as she allowed Charlotte to hold her.
"Did you pack already? " Thea inquired, her voice hardly louder than a whisper.
"Yes, I have.." Charlotte answered, her voice muffled against Thea’s shoulder.
"You’ll do my makeup." Charlotte said with a grin, "and then you’ll stick with me closely."
Thea raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh, I’ll make sure of that. But what if Ryan shows up? Will you still want me by your side?"
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she winked. "Don’t worry, you can keep my grandma company then... he he."
Thea laughed, her eyes shining with mirth. "Now you’re showing your true self!"
Charlotte joined in and both of laughed together.
"Charlotte, the things I revealed to you, please refrain from speaking about it to anyone. ." Thea stated, her gaze fixed intensely on Charlotte’s.
Charlotte responded with a reassuring nod. "Hmm, I assure you that I will safeguard my best friend’s secrets. . . until my last breath.." she pledged.
-----
The flight took around 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach Vancouver. As the plane touched down, Thea gazed out the window, taking in the breathtaking surroundings. She felt an instant connection to the city’s natural beauty.
"Welcome to Vancouver, ladies.." Charlotte said with a smile, wearing trendy sunglasses that added to her chic travel look.
As they made their way to the exit, Grandma Agnes walked alongside them, her eyes shining with excitement. Upon reaching the arrivals gate, a man dressed in a crisp black suit bowed to greet them.
"Madam..." he said, his voice polite and professional.
"Hello, Saul.." Grandma Agnes replied, returning his greeting with a warm smile.
"He’s handsome, but he’s already married.." Charlotte whispered to Thea.
They quickly took their seats in the luxurious vehicle, with Grandma Agnes sitting between them and Charlotte and Thea claiming the window seats.
"Saul, I heard you recently got married.." Charlotte said, her voice friendly and inquiring.
"Yes, Miss.." Saul replied, his eyes focused on the road ahead.
"So, Saul, is your wife your secret crush?"
"Yes, Miss.." Saul replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Wow, this secret crush thing is my favorite," Charlotte exclaimed. "Having a secret crush and then marrying them – it’s just so romantic."
Grandma Agnes turned to Charlotte, a knowing glint in her eye. "You’re speaking as if you’ve experienced it yourself."
Charlotte grinned mischievously. "My imagination is just wild, Grandma."
Thea caught Charlotte’s eye and smiled, and the two friends shared a moment of silent understanding.
As they arrived at the Wright Mansion, Charlotte took Thea’s hand, and they followed Grandma Agnes inside.
Charlotte’s father, a warm smile on his face, greeted his mother as they entered. "Mother," he said, opening his arms for a hug.
"Father, your daughter is also present. . " Charlotte teased, grinning playfully.
Her father’s eyes brightened, and he turned toward Charlotte. "Yes... my beautiful daughter! " He gathered her into a loving embrace.
While they were hugging, he noticed Thea. "Hello, Thea! " he exclaimed, letting go of Charlotte and welcoming her daughter’s friend with a cheerful smile.
"Good morning, Uncle. . How have you been?"
"Seeing all of you brings me great joy." he replied, radiating happiness.
