Chapter 52: The Mischief Maker
A loud scream pierced the air. "Aah!"
Thea’s head snapped towards the source of the sound, her eyes widening in surprise. She looked at the scene unfolding before her, a mixture of shock on her face.Julia, still eating her cake, couldn’t help but burst out giggling at the commotion she had caused.
As Savannah came downstairs, looking elegant in her fancy dress, unaware of the surprise awaiting her. She approached the table, she suddenly saw a big artificial lizard sitting on the chair, its scaly skin and beady eyes looking eerily realistic. Startled, she let out a loud scream, her hands flying to her mouth in shock.
In her fright, she lost her balance, and the contents of the table fell on top of her, covering her dress in drinks, cakes, and other treats. The artificial lizard, which Julia had placed on the chair earlier, seemed to be staring at Savannah, adding to her distress.
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Savannah, who was now standing in a mess, her dress ruined and her dignity bruised.
Julia, who had been watching from a distance, struggled to contain her giggles. She had planned the prank perfectly, and it had worked like a charm. Julia, too, was trying hard to stifle a grin, her eyes fixed on Savannah’s disheveled state.
The atmosphere was tense, but also hilarious, with everyone waiting to see how Savannah would react next.The room was in chaos as Savannah screamed, "Who did this?" her face red with anger and humiliation.
Alexia, Savannah’s mother, stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury. "Savannah, calm down. I believe I know who did this." she said, her voice low and menacing.
"Julia! Julia! Where is she?" Alexia shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.Julia’s mother, trying to defend her daughter, spoke up, "Sister-in-law, why are you shouting for her name? Don’t try to blame her for this."
But Alexia was having none of it. "You kept quiet. I know you both can’t see the happiness of my daughter. This was planned, and you’re both behind it." she accused, her voice dripping with venom.Julia slowly approached the group, followed by Thea "Why were you calling my name?" Julia asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Here you are! You did this! Say the truth!" Alexia shouted, her finger pointing accusingly at Julia.But Julia’s mother jumped to her daughter’s defense again. "Sister-in-law, she’s just a kid. How can you talk to her in this manner?"
Julia started bellowing, her small body shaking with sobs. "Aunt, how can you blame me? I know you don’t like me, but..."But Alexia cut her off, her voice cold and harsh. "Shut up, Julia. Don’t play tricks on me. Although you’re just 4 years old, you’re troublesome."Julia’s father protested, "Sister-in-law, please mind your words."
Thea spoke up, "Madam Sawyer, Julia was with me. I believe she didn’t do this."
Alexia roared hearing Thea’s words.."Who are you to say in our family matter?"Julia complained to her mother, "See, Mother, how she’s talking to her."
Ryder, who had entered the room saw the commotion asked, "What’s happening here?"
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Ryder, waiting for him to intervene in the chaos.
"Ryder....Ryder." Savannah called out, her voice trembling with distress.
Ryder turned to her . "Who did this to you?" he asked, his eyes scanning her disheveled state.
"Mom is saying Julia did it.." Savannah replied, her eyes welling up with tears.
Ryder’s gaze shifted to Julia, who was standing with her head down, her small body shaking slightly. "Julia, did you do this?" he asked gently, squatting down in front of her.
Julia shook her head vigorously. "No, I didn’t!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
"But I am sure..." Alexia started to say, her voice cold and accusatory.
"Please, sister-in-law, don’t drag the image of our family down with these accusations.." Julia’s father intervened.
Savannah’s father added, "Savannah, why don’t you go and change into a new outfit? We’ll sort this out later."
Savannah nodded, still sniffling, and turned to leave. Ryder stood up and watched her go, his expression thoughtful.
"Julia, come here.." Ryder said softly, opening his arms to her.
Julia hesitated for a moment before running into Ryder’s embrace. He hugged her tightly, trying to comfort her.
"It’s okay, kiddo. We’ll figure this out.." Ryder whispered, his voice full of reassurance.
Alexia’s face twisted in anger, but she remained silent, her eyes fixed on Julia and Ryder.
The room was tense, with emotions running high. It was clear that this was more than just a prank gone wrong – it was a family conflict waiting to erupt.
Ryder took Julia to her parents, and as they approached, Julia exclaimed, "Mommy!" and ran into her mother’s arms.
Julia hugged her mother and glanced in Thea’s direction and gave her a sweet smile. Her mind wondered if Julia was indeed the mastermind behind the prank.
Savannah descended the stairs, wearing a stunning emerald green gown with delicate lace details.
After some time, Thea checked the time on her watch and realized she had stayed longer than she intended.
Someone tapped her on the shoulder and she turned to see Julia’s mother, who bore a striking resemblance to Julia.
"Hello, Madam Sawyer." She greeted her softly.
"Ah, you don’t have to call me Madam, just call me Sister" Julia’s mom said with a sweet smile. "My daughter is talking about you constantly. I believe she truly likes you."
"Julia is very sweet. I feel grateful to have gotten to know her."
Julia who was standing beside her mother went to stand beside Thea, looking sad. "Are you going home, Sister Thea?"
"Yes, Julia, I should head home now.." Thea replied gently."Don’t forget to visit me. I would be waiting for you." Julia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as she hugged Thea tightly.
Thea squatted down and pinched her little nose. "Sure, cutie.." she said with a warm smile, feeling a sense of affection for the young girl.
"Thea take this number. You are welcome to pay a visit to our home.." Julia’s mother replied softly, handing her a piece of paper.
After bidding them a fond farewell, Thea went to John to inform him about her departure. "Wait, I will drop you at your home.." John offered.
"John, you don’t have to. I will take a cab from here." Thea replied, trying to sound casual, but John insisted.
"No,Thea it’s not safe to travel alone at this time." John said firmly, his jaw set, his eyes serious.
When Ryder approached to them he had heard their conversation.."Are you going home?"
"Yes, she wants to go home now. I will give her a lift then, as I will too go home." John said, but Ryder intervened."You don’t have to do so. I am too about to go home. I will give her the ride then. Your house direction is totally opposite to hers.." Ryder suggested.
"Ryder, are you already leaving for home? " Savannah asked, her voice tinged with disappointment, her eyes pleading, as she pouted.
"Yes." Ryder replied."Can’t you stay a little bit more?" Savannah requested.
"No, Savannah. I have some work to attend.." he said softly..
"Thea you too are going home?" Savannah turned her direction to her, her expression changing to a sweet smile, but her eyes seemed to hide a hint of jealousy.
"Yes, he would drop me home." She said softly, her eyes cast down, her voice barely audible.
The three of them bid Savannah goodbye before leaving the hotel, but the atmosphere felt tense, heavy with unspoken emotions.
"Where is Ryder going, Savannah?" Alexia asked, her voice stern, her eyes narrowing, as soon as they left.
"He left.." Savannah replied, her voice flat, her eyes cast down.
"Why is his friend... what is her name... hmm... Thea... going with him?" Alexia asked, her eyes flashing with anger, her voice rising.
"It’s Thea, mom. She went with him as he will drop her at her home." Savannah said, her face no longer holding the sweetness she portrayed in front of them.. her eyes seeming to hold a hint of defiance.
"Didn’t you say anything about it? How can you allow it?" Alexia asked, her voice dripping with venom, her eyes blazing with anger.
"You don’t know this type of girl can go further than you think. You should be aware of her.." Alexia continued, her voice cold, calculated.
"I know, mom. Don’t worry." Savannah finally said, her face expressionless, her eyes seeming to hold a hint of secrets.
