Chapter 35: Ryder’s Stay
Ryder smiled warmly. "Grandma, I wasn’t alone .. my best friend,John was with me."
A look of recognition slowly spread across Grandma Grace’s face. "Oh dear, I remember now! Thea did mention that John was traveling with you. Forgive me, my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be."
Ryder’s attention stayed on the road, his eyes scanning the distance. Thea glanced out the window, watching the sky grow heavy with clouds.
"It’s going to rain soon," she whispered, her words almost lost in the quiet of the car.
Ryder asked Thea softly, breaking the silence, "So..where did you go today?" But Thea’s mind was a thousand miles away, lost in thought. She didn’t flinch, her gaze fixed blankly out the window as the scenery drifted by.
Noticing Thea’s distraction, Grandma Grace gently reminded her, "Thea, Ryder’s talking to you."
Thea’s gaze snapped back into focus, her eyes locking onto Ryder’s. "Oh, sorry... what was the question again?I zoned out for a sec."
Ryder’s eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead as he repeated his question, "So, where did you go today?"
Thea’s response was casual. "We went to visit the museum. Grandma hadn’t been there in ages."
Grandma Grace attempted to steer the conversation toward more pleasant topics. "So, Ryder, how was the chocolate?"
Ryder’s expression turned puzzled. "Chocolate? What are you talking about, Grandma?"
His eyes narrowed, shifting to Thea, whose face had suddenly drained of color, her eyes darting wildly, as if searching for an escape.
Thea’s body tensed, her shoulders squaring as she shut down. She avoided Ryder’s questioning gaze, her eyes glued to the passing scenery outside. Her heart hammered in her chest, her mind racing with the implications. She knew precisely which chocolates her grandma was talking about.
"The chocolates Thea took..."
Thea’s eyes flashed with alarm as Grandma Grace’s words hung in the air.
Quickly, she rummaged through her bag, using the distraction to steer the conversation away from the chocolates. "Grandma, don’t forget to take your medicine.." she reminded her.
Her tone was resolute, but a thread of anxiety wove through her words as she steadfastly avoided Ryder’s probing gaze.
Grandma Grace smiled gratefully as she accepted the medicine from Thea’s hand. "I would have completely forgotten if you hadn’t reminded me."
As Grandma Grace swallowed her medicine, the silence inside the car grew heavier, weighed down by unspoken emotions.
Ryder’s face remained a mask, his expression inscrutable to Thea. She darted glances his way, attempting to decipher his thoughts, but his features remained stoic, giving nothing away.
The chocolate incident still lingered in Thea’s mind, a memory she had no wish to revisit. She’d chosen the chocolates as a small gesture to share with Ryder, but seeing him enjoying them with Savannah at the mall had left her wounded. The sting of that moment hadn’t faded, and Thea was determined not to face that pain again.
Silence dominated the journey, and upon arrival, the air was thick with tension. Thea escorted Grandma Grace out of the car, then swiftly withdrew to her room. Left alone, Ryder and Grandma Grace sat on the sofa.
Thea shut the door behind her and leaned against it, her mind racing. "Oh God, what if he asks about the chocolates?" she thought, her anxiety spiking.
"Did he hear Grandma’s words? Of course, he did... what am I going to say?" Thea’s thoughts swirled in a maddening cycle as she tried to prepare herself for the inevitable confrontation.
"Thea, come here.." Grandma Grace called out. With a deep breath, Thea steeled herself and headed downstairs.
Ryder and Grandma Grace chatted amicably. "And how are your parents doing?" Grandma Grace asked. "They’re doing well, Grandma." Ryder replied.
Grandma Grace’s expression turned nostalgic. "Thea was heartbroken when you left for your studies abroad.." she said,"But the moment she heard about your return, her face lit up with joy. She’s been counting the days until your arrival..."
Grandma Grace was recalling the past.
She had seen Thea’s longing firsthand – the way she eagerly awaited Ryder’s calls and messages, her spirits lifted by every communication.
"Grandma, I’ve also been counting the days until his return.." Thea would often say, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Every year on her birthday, Thea would eagerly await Ryder’s call, her heart racing with excitement. Without fail, he would reach out to wish her a happy birthday, and she would cherish every moment of their conversation.
To make the day even more special, Ryder would also send her a birthday gift, a tradition that had become an integral part of their long-distance connection.
The birthday gifts Ryder sent her were always thoughtful and personal.Thea treasured each one, keeping them as mementos of their enduring bond. Whether it was a beautiful piece of jewelry, a book by her favorite author, or a customized item that reflected her interests, Ryder’s gifts always touched her heart.
"Would you like some juice?"
"That would be good, Grandma." Ryder replied.
Grandma Grace headed to the kitchen and returned with a glass of juice and a plate of sandwiches.
"Ryder, why don’t you have lunch with us today?" Grandma Grace asked, her eyes warm with hospitality.
"Grandma, I really should get going," Ryder replied, glancing at his watch. "I have an important meeting today."
"Ryder, please stay," Grandma Grace urged, her voice gentle but persuasive. "It’s been so long since you’ve come to our home. How can I let you leave without having lunch with us?"
After changing her dress, Thea came downstairs to prepare lunch, having caught fragments of the conversation from upstairs.
"Ryder..." Grandma Grace’s voice faltered as she continued to gently urge him to stay.
"Grandma, if he doesn’t want to have lunch, then don’t plead with him," Thea said matter-of-factly, as she began to prepare the meal. "A meeting is more important, after all."
"Okay...as you wish, Ryder.." Grandma Grace replied, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I won’t force you."
Ryder felt a pang of guilt for not agreeing to her request. "I am really sorry, Grandma...next time, surely I will.." he said, trying to make amends.
Just then, his phone rang. "Okay...then settle it tomorrow.." he spoke into the phone, his expression changing from one of regret to surprise.
"Grandma, the meeting is cancelled today...I can stay for lunch.." Ryder announced, a smile spreading across his face.
Grandma Grace’s face lit up with joy. "Thea, Ryder will have lunch with us.." she called out to Thea, who was busy in the kitchen.
