Thea's eyes followed Ryder as he turned to face John, "Why are you here, man?" Ryder asked, a smile spreading across his face.
John rushed towards him, a huge grin on his face. "I'm coming with you, bro! I'm not letting you have all the fun in Scotland!" He wrapped Ryder in a tight hug, pounding him on the back. Ryder laughed, returning the hug. "Ryder! I can't believe I am doing this out of impulse!" Mr. and Mrs. Thompson felt relieved that their son wasn't going alone. "We're so glad ..John is joining you, Ryder." his mother said.
Thea's heart swelled with happiness for Ryder, but a pang of sadness hit her as she realized he was leaving. She smiled weakly, her eyes shining with tears. "You'll have an amazing time in Scotland, Ryder..." she whispered quietly.
As they bid their final goodbyes, Thea's eyes clung to Ryder's silhouette, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She watched as he and John made their way to the boarding gate, her eyes never leaving him until he disappeared from sight. "I'll wait for you, Ryder." she whispered in her mind. "Always."
After taking leave of Ryder's parents and grandparents ..Thea returned to her residence, the automobile Elizabeth had procured for her conveyance gliding silently through the thoroughfares. As she stepped into her dwelling, she was enveloped in the inviting, familiar fragrance of her home. Her grandmother, Grace, gazed up from the kitchen, a scalding cup of tea in her hand. "Have you arrived?" she queried, her eyes filled with solicitude.
Thea nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Yes, Grandma. I'm back."
"Good. I was concerned about you being out too late. It's not secure for a young woman like you to be out alone for too long."
Thea nodded, aware her grandmother was correct. She proceeded to her room. As she opened the bookcase compartment, her gaze fell upon a weathered, leather-bound journal with the title "My Memories" engraved on the cover. She retrieved it, tracing her fingers over the supple leather.
Settled on the floor, she opened the diary. The pages were filled with her written thoughts, recounting her experiences with Ryder. She turned through the pages, her heart filled with longing. There were notes about their first encounter, their carefree times, and their meaningful exchanges.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she read through the memories she had shared with Ryder. She longed for him already, but reliving their moments brought him nearer to her heart. A soft smile played on her lips, despite the tears, as she felt thankful for the time they had spent together.
"Oh, Ryder..." she breathed, her voice barely audible. "You'll be away for so long, but I'll cling to these memories, and they'll sustain me until you return to me."
The diary fell open to a page with a quote scribbled in the margin: "Love is not about being together, but about being apart and still feeling the same."
Thea's heart fluttered as she read the words, knowing they were true. Her love for Ryder wouldn't diminish with distance or time; it would only intensify, until they were reunited again.
Initially, she enjoyed spending time with him, but as she matured, she realized her emotions had blossomed into love for Ryder.