While the boys were accompanied by the Christmas party preparations in their college on the other hand, The Woods Mansion was bustling with its usual pre-Christmas energy. The grand halls echoed with the sound of the servants working tirelessly, decorating the mansion just like every year—rich red and gold garlands adorned the railings, giant wreaths hung on the doors, and the familiar aroma of cinnamon and roasted meats wafted through the air. The estate's lavishness seemed as untouched by time as the traditions that guided each holiday season.
But Tristan, leaning against one of the mansion's tall pillars, felt uneasy. As much as he loved Christmas, this year felt different. Something was off.
Tristan's phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from Derek.
"Party at the quad is wild, man. Where are you? We're waiting for you to start the Christmas party preparations!
Tristan sighed, typing out a quick response.
"Be there in 10."
Just as he was about to leave, his father, Mr. Woods, stepped into the foyer, giving instructions to one of the servants about the guest list. His stern voice cut through the usual festive cheer.
"Make sure the invitations are sent to the Harringtons and the Crawfords. I don't want any mistakes this year," Mr. Woods said.
Tristan overheard and took a deep breath before walking up to him.
"Dad, about the guest list, is it really just the same people again? Same as every year?"
Mr. Woods glanced at him, a hint of impatience in his eyes. "Yes, Tristan. Why?"
Tristan hesitated.
"I don't know... it just feels so routine. We're doing everything the same as last year, but there's so much going on with the estate. Shouldn't we... I don't know, change things up? Maybe invite some new people?"
His father's jaw tightened.
"There's no need for changes. This is how we've done Christmas for years, and it works. Besides, the estate business has nothing to do with the holiday. We keep that separate."
Tristan shifted uncomfortably. He wanted to ask more about the estate, but his father had already made it clear that he didn't want to talk about it. Before Tristan could say anything else, his father's phone rang. Without a word, Mr. Woods walked away, leaving Tristan standing in the massive, festive foyer, feeling just as distant as ever.
Tristan made his way to his car and headed to the college. The campus was buzzing with Christmas energy—lights strung up across the quad, students dressed in festive attire, and Christmas music blasting from speakers near the party area. He spotted Derek near the makeshift stage, waving him over.
"Finally!" Derek grinned as Tristan approached. "We thought you'd ditched us for mansion life."
Tristan forced a smile.
"Nah, just got stuck with some family stuff."
Derek raised an eyebrow.
"Family stuff, huh? Something about the estate again?"
Tristan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, sort of. It's always the same thing with my dad. He's so wrapped up in tradition, and I feel like there's this giant secret looming over us. He won't talk about it, though."
Derek leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Do you think it has something to do with your grandfather?"
Tristan nodded slowly. "It has to. I brought him up again, but Dad just shuts down every time I mention him. It's like there's this invisible wall between us."
Derek frowned. "Man, that's rough. But what about Christmas? You guys always do the same grand party at the mansion, right?"
Tristan sighed. "Yep. Same decorations, same guest list, same everything. It feels so... stagnant. Like, we're putting on a show for everyone, but underneath it all, something's wrong."
Derek paused, thinking for a moment. "What if this year isn't like the others?"
Tristan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Derek leaned in, his voice conspiratorial.
"You said things feel different, right? What if something happens at this year's Christmas party? Maybe that's why your dad's being so cagey."
Tristan's heart raced. "You think something's going to happen?"
Derek shrugged.
"I don't know, man, but I've got a gut feeling. This year feels... off. And I'm not just talking about your family. You know how, in movies, everything's normal until it's not?"
Tristan laughed, though his nervousness was evident.
"You've been watching too many thrillers."
Derek chuckled.
"Maybe. But seriously, just keep your eyes open. Unexpected people could show up, or something might go down. You never know."
Tristan's mind raced. Derek's words were playful, but they echoed his own unease. Something did feel different this year.
Later that evening, after the college party preparations began to wind down, Tristan and Derek sat by one of the bonfires, sipping their drinks.
"So," Derek said, stretching out on the bench, "what's the plan for Christmas? Are you going to press your dad more about your grandfather?"
Tristan took a sip of his drink, staring into the fire.
"I don't know. It's not like he's going to suddenly open up because I keep asking."
Derek shrugged.
"Maybe he doesn't have to. We could do some digging ourselves."
Tristan looked over at him, intrigued.
"What do you mean?"
Derek leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Look, your dad's obviously hiding something about your grandfather. If we can figure out where he's living or what happened between them, maybe we can get some answers on our own."
Tristan frowned.
"But how? My dad's never even mentioned where my grandfather is now."
Derek smirked.
"That's where the fun part comes in. We start asking around. Your family's been in Woodsville for years. Someone has to know something. Maybe an old family friend or someone at the estate?"
Tristan hesitated, but the idea was tempting.
"And if we find him? What then?"
Derek shrugged.
"We talk to him. Maybe he has the answers your dad won't give you. At the very least, it'll shake things up. Plus, if he's connected to the estate stuff, he might be able to help you figure out what's going on."
Tristan stared into the fire, deep in thought. "It's risky."
Derek grinned.
"Since when have we played it safe?"
Tristan couldn't help but smile.
"Alright. We'll start asking around after the Christmas party. Maybe some of the old family friends at the dinner will know something."
Derek raised his drink.
"To a Christmas full of surprises, then."
Tristan clinked his glass against Derek's, the weight of what they were about to do settling in.
"To surprises."