Quickly days passed, only one day left before Ryder had to go to Scotland as he wanted. Thea was sad about the fact that he was leaving. For four years, he was going to stay there. She was getting anxious about his well-being. She had asked her grandma to prepare the dishes that he liked, and she helped her grandma in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and marinating meat. Meanwhile, she herself prepared his favorite dessert, 'Chocolate Cake'.
"Grandma, is everything ready?"
"Yes, dear. We've made his favorite dishes, and your cake is perfect."
"I'm going to miss him so much, but I'm more worried about you, my dear."Grandma Grace's eyes misted over.
Thea hugged her tightly.
"I'll miss him too, Grandma. Four years feels like an eternity. But I'll be strong for him, and for myself." Thea whispered.Her grandma stroked her hair.
"That's my brave girl. You've always known that Ryder has to follow his dreams. And I know you'll make sure he doesn't forget you while he's away."
Thea took a deep breath and picked up the dishes.
"I'll go now, Grandma. Wish me luck! And don't worry, I'll take care of myself."
"Good luck, dear. Tell Ryder how much I will miss him."
Thea's face lit up with a smile as she left.
At the Thompson's residence, she found Elizabeth absorbed in preparing Ryder's treasured dish.
"Thea, sweetie!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her eyes warm with welcome.
"Come on in. Ryder is almost ready to leave. Oh, I can smell something delicious! You've made his favorite dishes, haven't you?"
"Yes, Aunty. And a special dessert."
"You and your grandma have outdone yourselves. He's going to love them."
"Today, I'll have the pleasure of serving you all."
Elizabeth smiled,"Okay, dear. Thank you, Thea. You're so thoughtful. I know this isn't easy for you, but Ryder has to follow his dreams."
She handed the dishes to Mrs. Jane, who was standing nearby, her eyes sympathetic.
Thea then made her way to Ryder's room.
'Knock knock.'
"Come in..." Ryder said, his voice muted by the luggage, but his tone was calm.
Thea opened the door and entered, her eyes scanning the room, noticing the half-packed suitcases, the familiar setting that would soon be left behind.
Ryder was packing his last few things, his face concentrated on the task, but his eyes gentled as he saw her.
"Is everything ready?" she asked.
"Almost done packing. I can't believe I'm finally leaving."
Thea's tears spilled over as she clung to him.
"Ryder. I'm going to miss you so much."
Ryder's face contorted in a mixture of sadness.
"I know, Thea. But I have to do this. I promise to make it worth it. Before you know it, I'll be back."
"I have a surprise for you...After you're done with your packing, come downstairs."
Ryder raised an eyebrow."What is it?" he asked, but Thea just laughed.
"No, no, no! It's a surprise, Ryder. I won't disclose it to you."
Ryder sighed, his face softening.
"Okay, I'll come down soon."
Thea descended downstairs.
She entered the kitchen, where Mrs Jane was busy preparing the final touches for the meal.
"Aunt Jane, shall I help you?" Thea asked, her eyes scanning the kitchen.
Mrs. Jane smiled, her eyes warm with affection.
"No, Miss. You've done enough already."
She and her grandma had prepared: the juicy chicken fajitas and the warm flour tortillas.
She knew how much Ryder loved these favorite meals, and they had made them especially for him.
Elizabeth and Thea were sitting at the dinning table, chatting and laughing, when Ryder walked into the room.
Thea's eyes locked onto his, her gaze never wavering.
He was wearing his usual home wear - a fitted white t-shirt and worn jeans - but to Thea, he looked more handsome than ever.
His hair was messy and his smile could light up a room.
Thea felt butterflies in her stomach as she gazed at him.
"The surprise?" Ryder asked, his eyes teasing hers.
"Will tell you later," Thea replied, "First, you sit and have your lunch."
Ryder raised an eyebrow."You're not having lunch with us?"
Thea shook her head."No, I had my lunch at home. Let me serve you two."