12 Back to the Smith's Mansion

12 Back to the Smith's Mansion
12

Back to the Smith's mansion

Ryan packed up early the next morning, tossing the last of his things into his suitcase with a mix of reluctance. It was time to head back. The car arrived right on schedule, a sleek black sedan gleaming under the morning sun. His luggage stood neatly by the front porch as the driver pulled into the driveway. Golden streaks from the morning sun painted the pavement, and the faint chirping of birds gave the day a strange calm, completely opposite to the whirlwind of emotions twisting in Ryan’s chest.

He didn’t expect it to be this hard.

“Ryan, I packed your favorite snacks for you.” Grams handed him a little container.

“Grams, you shouldn’t have…” He whined, but accepted it.

“I will miss you, boy. Will you be coming back next summer?” Patricia padded over, still in her nightdress.

“Please do.” She tugged at his fingers. “Come back next summer.”

His eyes found Tessy standing silently at the doorway, watching them. Her expression was unreadable, stoic as always. Ryan had never been able to guess what she was thinking; she had a knack for masking her emotions.

He looked back at Grams and Patricia’s expectant faces.
“I will. I’ll definitely be back next summer.”

Grams laughed heartily and pulled him into a hug.
“I will miss you, Grams. Every one of you. And Bruno!” he added loudly.

Bruno, seated at the dining table, rolled his eyes as he poured cereal.
“I wouldn’t.” He scoffed. “I’m glad you’re leaving.”

“Bruno!” Grams scolded, shaking her head.

Ryan chuckled. “It’s okay.” He’d tried to warm up to Bruno over the past two months, and while things weren’t perfect, they were at least better than the first time he’d come here.

As he stepped outside, Tessy walked him to the car, their conversation quiet but heavy with unspoken feelings.

“I’ll keep in touch,” Ryan promised, brushing his fingers through his hair with a small smile. He was going to miss her, her presence, her energy. He liked her, and he knew she felt the same, even if it's only a fraction of what he felt.

“You better,” Tessy replied, arms crossed to hide how much she’d miss him.

Their eyes lingered a moment too long before she huffed and lowered her arms.

“Ryan, I will miss you,” she admitted, looking anywhere but his eyes.

A grin tugged at his lips. “I knew it.” He laughed.

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself.” She smirked, stepping closer. “Make sure you reach out. I worry this distance might put a strain on our relationship.”

“If we put in enough effort, we’ll be fine.”

Tessy nodded and hugged him, surprising Ryan, since she rarely made the first move.

The driver cleared his throat, breaking them apart.
“Your luggage is safely in the car, sir. We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

Tessy nudged him. “You should start going, it’s a long drive.”

Grams and Patricia came out to wave him off. Bruno stayed inside, happy to see him go. Truthfully, Bruno didn’t like the bond forming between Ryan and Tessy. If Ryan hadn’t gotten close to her, maybe they could’ve been friends.

The car horn honked once, a sharp reminder.

Just as Ryan turned to leave, Ronda came sprinting down the road, dragging a tiny suitcase.
“Wait for me! I’m ready!” she yelled.

“You!” she barked at the driver. “Get my suitcase into the car.”

Ryan frowned. “Ronda, what are you doing?”

“Going with you. Duh!”

“No, you’re not,” he said firmly.

“Too late. Already in.” She smirked, hopping into the back seat like she owned it.

Ryan looked at Tessy, who raised a brow and shrugged - your problem now.

He sighed and climbed in beside Ronda. “Why are you coming with me? Wait for your family driver.”

“I packed already. Figured it’d be better than riding alone. You don’t mind, do you?” she asked sweetly. “And the reason I came here was for you. You can’t leave me with them.” She spat the last word, clearly referring to the “low-lifes.”

“I do mind. And I didn’t ask you to come.”

“Well, too late,” she said, tossing on her sunglasses and reclining dramatically.

The drive was filled with her nonstop chatter, about Tessy, the staff, the weather, the poor people, even the shoes she almost wore. Ryan leaned against the window, regretting every life choice that led to this.

“Drop her off first,” he told the driver, who immediately turned toward her neighborhood.

“Huh? I thought I’d follow you to the mansion,” she grumbled.

He didn’t answer.

When they arrived, Ryan didn’t hesitate.

“This is your stop. Get off.” He said, voice clipped.

She tried to linger, not ready to get off.
“But Ryan, aren’t they throwing a welcome party for you? Aunt Victoria…”

“Ronda. Get out.” He snapped.

She rolled her eyes. “Ugh, fine. You’re so uptight. Bye, Mr. Moody.” Ryan barely gave her a glance as she stepped out.

“Bye, Ryan! I’ll text you!” she called as she stepped out.

“Please don’t,” he muttered.

The silence after the door shut was heavenly.
The rest of the drive was quieter. Peaceful.

It was sunset when Ryan’s mansion came into view, modern glass, sharp edges, and a wide driveway lined with perfect hedges. The gates swung open, staff lined up at the entrance.

The front door burst open before the car stopped. Victoria came rushing out like she was greeting royalty.
“Ryan! My darling boy! Welcome home!”

No party, thank God. Ryan exhaled in relief.

“Victoria,” he greeted, stepping out.

She pulled him into a tight hug, her perfume nearly knocking him back.
“No welcome party, but I ordered a feast. All your favorites.”

“Thanks.” He smiled, genuinely glad to be home. “Where’s Margaret?”

Victoria’s smile faltered. “Why are you looking for her? She…”

“Don’t start, Victoria.” Ryan warned, hugging her again. “I missed you.”

Margaret appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Margaret!” Ryan grinned and hugged her tightly. “Where’s Dad?”

“Oh, he couldn’t make it. Something urgent came up,” Victoria said behind him.

That didn’t sit right. Ryan had spoken to his father the day before. He’d said he’d be around.
Ryan’s jaw clenched. “He told me yesterday he’d be here.”

Margaret placed a hand on his shoulder. “He stayed, Ryan. He wanted to. But a client emergency came up just moments ago. He asked me to tell you.”

Ryan's frown deepened. “Ofcourse. Business first.”

"Ryan," Margaret said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "He stayed. He had the intention to. He wanted to. Don't say that!”

Victoria scoffed. “Please. That man hasn’t made time for anyone unless it’s about stocks or meetings. He’s been a ghost. Ever since that woman died, he’s been unreliable.”

Margaret shot her a warning look. “He planned this with us. He really wanted to stay.”

“Still,” Victoria huffed, “he could’ve waited. It’s not every day you return from your summer break. There's always some excuses.”

Ryan stayed quiet. Truthfully, he had hoped to see his father.

Victoria looped her arm through his. “Come. Let’s get some food in you. You look leaner. Did they starve you out there? Probably just basic food, not five-star chefs like here.”

Ryan chuckled faintly. He didn’t have the energy to argue. He's drained from the trip.