11 End of Summer Vacation

11 End of Summer Vacation
11

End of summer vacation

Two months later, Ryan was preparing to leave Gram's town, leaving Tessy, his new-found friends, and the quiet simplicity of the countryside behind. The very place he’d once dreaded being sent to now felt like the best thing his father had ever done for him. Back then, he had been angry, even furious, when his dad forced him to spend the summer here. But now, it has grown on him. The people, the pace, the peace... and Tessy.

Leaving everyone behind, especially her, gave him mixed feelings. But he knew he couldn’t stay forever. Reality waited for him back in the city.

Patricia sat on his bed cross-legged, watching Ryan fold his clothes with an exaggerated pout. “You’re really going tomorrow?” she whined, flopping dramatically backward onto the bed.

Ryan chuckled, folding another shirt. “Yes, Patty. Tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll miss you,” she groaned. “I’ve gotten used to you and your gorgeous face.”

He glanced at her, amused. Patricia never failed to remind him that she thought he was good-looking. Always blunt and honest. “I’ll miss you too,” he said sincerely.

Patricia sat up abruptly, arms crossed. “Liar. The only person you’ll miss is Tessy. You won’t even miss Grams!”

Ryan laughed. “You’re not entirely wrong.”

“Exactly!” she said triumphantly, sticking out her tongue.

“Patricia!” Grams’ voice called from downstairs.

Patricia jumped. “Ugh. Coming!” she called back.

“Go help Grams out.” Ryan said, shooing her off the bed with a grin.

Meanwhile, at the Smith mansion, a storm had arrived in the form of Victoria Smith. She arrived like the Queen she deemed herself to be. She swept into the estate like royalty, adorned in flashy clothing and an even flashier attitude, arrogant demeanor. The maids bowed and quickly made their way, well-versed in her reputation, steered clear of her path.
Margaret rushed over, having been informed that Victoria had entered the premises. What now? What does she want? She thought with a sigh.

Victoria took sight of Margaret,her eyes met hers and her face instantly contorted with disdain, irritation and disgust.
“Tsk Tsk!” She clicked her tongue. “Margaret!” She called like the name left a bitter taste in her tongue. “It's not nice seeing you.” Margaret sighed but kept her expression neutral. Victoria had always acted more like the youngest than the eldest.

Victoria strolled to the couch and dropped herself onto it with a dramatic flair.

“Victoria,” Margaret said carefully, approaching. “Why are you here? Sir Alex isn’t around. He left early this morning, and I don’t know where he went.”

Victoria’s brows raised in disbelief. “What do you mean?” she asked, clearly offended.

“I… I mean…” Margaret stumbled, unsure of what exactly she’d said wrong.

“What is with the question?” Victoria snapped. “Are you trying to tell me I have no right being in the Smith mansion?”

Margaret sighed, realizing the landmine she’d accidentally stepped on. “I’m sorry, Victoria. I didn’t mean it like that…”

“Just shut up,” Victoria cut her off. “Hearing my name come out of your mouth stinks, but what can I do? You’ve got Alex and Ryan’s protection, for reasons I’ll never understand.”

Margaret wisely said nothing.

“This is my mansion too. I’m the firstborn, the eldest daughter,” Victoria declared, turning to the staff. “You all might’ve forgotten, but I should have been the heir. That old witch thought otherwise.”

She spun around to face Margaret again. “And now you question whether I have a reason to be here? I can live here too. I just prefer my privacy and space.”

That was a lie. Everyone knew it. Alex had practically thrown her out of the mansion. Her history with his late wife had been toxic at best, she and his late wife had always been at odds and after Ryan was born and his wife passed, he still didn’t allow Victoria back in. He’d claimed it was for respect’s sake… and to shield his son and Margaret from her influence.

“This is the Smith mansion. And I am a Smith.” She grinned to herself, likely for reassurance.

She snapped her fingers. “You, bring me wine,” she ordered one of the maids. “Move my luggage to my room.”

Margaret moved to leave, but Victoria’s voice halted her. “I didn’t dismiss you.”

Margaret turned back, silent.

“You might be in Alex’s good book, but I’m still the eldest Smith daughter. And I don’t like you.”

“What do you want me to do, Victoria?” Margaret asked, keeping her tone level.

“You don’t need to know where Alex goes all the time. He can do as he pleases,” Victoria spat.

Margaret blinked, confused. “I didn’t ask where he went. I just informed you that I don’t know.”

The maid returned with the wine, and Victoria poured herself a glass, swirling it lazily.

“Well, don’t act like it’s your right to know,” she said, her tone dismissive.

Margaret held her tongue. Best not to stir the pot.
She figured this is a thing about her knowing her place.

“My little cousin is coming back tomorrow. We’re throwing a party!” Victoria squealed, spinning toward the dining room with her drink.

“You! Move my luggage. Now!” she barked.

“Victoria! Ryan said he doesn’t want a party,” Margaret warned.

Victoria stopped, clearly torn. Her love for Ryan was undeniable… even if it wasn’t always returned.

If there's one thing amusing about Victoria is her love for her cousin Ryan but Ryan doesn't quite like her back.
A one sided love hate relationship they have.

“And who are you to tell me that?” she snapped.
She hated being told what to do or ordered, especially by a low life. Her mind wandered to the low life girl Ronda informed her about. She will never let her cousin take the way his father, Alex took.

“I’m just warning you. He’ll be mad,” Margaret said plainly. Victoria knows it's true and wouldn't want to do what Ryan dislikes. The young man can be quite like his father when he gets annoyed.

Victoria huffed. “Whatever. There’ll still be a feast. And a gift!” she declared, storming up the stairs. “And tell my depressed brother when he gets back that I’ve arrived!”

Once she was out of sight, Margaret exhaled loudly and rolled her eyes.

“Victoria is… too much,” she muttered.

But the thought of Ryan returning tomorrow brought a smile to her lips. Despite the chaos, it was something to look forward to. But Ryan is definitely not looking forward to seeing Victoria.