The day of the Christmas party had finally arrived at the college, and excitement was in the air. Students buzzed with anticipation, the halls decked out with festive lights and decorations. The snow outside added to the charm of the night, blanketing the town of Woodsville in a peaceful glow.
Tristan, Derek, Mathew, and Emily were getting ready for the big night, each of them determined to leave their worries behind and simply enjoy the evening.
"Does this look good?" Mathew asked, adjusting his bow tie for the third time in the mirror.
Emily chuckled.
"Mathew, you look fine! It's not a runway; it's just a Christmas party."
"Just a Christmas party?" Derek grinned, leaning against the wall.
"I hear the entire faculty's attending, and I'm not missing a chance to impress a few professors. You know, get ahead for next semester."
Tristan, who had been silently putting on his jacket, finally spoke up.
"Or you could just enjoy the party like a normal person, Derek."
"Where's the fun in that?" Derek shot back with a playful smirk. "Besides, if the sheriff's son doesn't make an impression, who will?"
They all laughed, but there was an underlying tension in the group—especially around Tristan. He had been distant over the last few weeks, as if something was weighing heavily on his mind, though he hadn't opened up about it.
Emily noticed.
"You okay, Tristan?" she asked softly as they prepared to head out.
Tristan nodded, but it was clear something was bothering him.
"Yeah, just… you know. A lot on my mind."
Mathew clapped him on the back.
"Come on, let's forget all of that tonight. We're here to have fun. Whatever's bugging you can wait."
They stepped out into the cold winter air, the snow crunching beneath their feet as they made their way to the college hall. The party was already in full swing by the time they arrived—laughter, music, and the smell of delicious food filled the room. The lights twinkled overhead as students gathered in groups, talking, dancing, and enjoying the festive spirit.
Tristan tried to shake off his unease and joined his friends on the dance floor. For a few hours, they managed to let go and enjoy the music, dancing and laughing without a care in the world.
Later in the evening, after the party had begun to wind down, Derek nudged Tristan and motioned toward a quieter corner of the room.
"Hey, let's step outside for a bit."
Tristan raised an eyebrow but followed Derek out into the cold night. They found a bench near the entrance, the crisp winter air biting at their skin as they sat down.
"What's up?" Tristan asked, pulling his coat tighter.
Derek said to Tristan, "I asked my dad about your grandfather."
Tristan blinked, . "My grandfather? Did you found out anything?"
"Well," Derek started, rubbing his hands together to keep warm, "you mentioned him a few times, and I know you've been curious about your family history. So, I asked my dad—since, you know, he's the sheriff and all—if he knew anything about your family."
Tristan felt a wave of curiosity wash over him. His grandfather, especially, was someone he knew little about, and it had always bothered him that no one really talked about him.
"And?" Tristan urged, leaning forward. "What did he say?"
Derek's face softened as he continued.
"He told me that your grandfather is a really good man. Humble, noble—someone everyone in Woodsville respected. He's the one who helped establish a lot of what the town is today. My dad said he worked really hard to make sure everything ran smoothly, and he was a big part of the community."
Tristan frowned.
"I knew he was important, but my parents never talk about him in much detail."
"That's the thing," Derek said, glancing away.
"My dad said your grandfather built this town, and now your father's the one managing everything."
Tristan's heart skipped a beat. He had never felt connected to his family's legacy. He had always felt like there was a part of his history that was hidden from him. "But...?"
"But," Derek paused, clearly uncomfortable, "my dad hesitated when I asked him about certain details. He wouldn't say much more, and he changed the subject."
"What do you mean?" Tristan asked, his voice now edged with frustration.
"I don't know, man. He didn't tell me everything. It was like… like there was something he didn't want to talk about. Something he didn't want me—or you—to know."
Tristan sat in silence for a moment, processing Derek's words. Ashe just came to know about the business loss and now hearing this from Derek, made him think more about his family secrets,he felt like there was something his family wasn't telling him, some part of his heritage that remained shrouded in mystery. But hearing it confirmed, even indirectly, was unsettling.
"So, there's something they're hiding," Tristan muttered, more to himself than to Derek.
"I don't know for sure," Derek said, placing a reassuring hand on Tristan's shoulder. "But it seems like it."
Tristan sighed heavily, the weight of the unknown pressing down on him.
"Thanks for asking, Derek. I appreciate it."
"Of course," Derek replied, giving him a small smile. "I figured it might help."
They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the snow fall softly around them, before Mathew and Emily found them outside.
"Hey! What are you guys doing out here?" Emily asked, shivering as she stepped outside. "It's freezing!"
"We were just talking," Derek said quickly, standing up. "But you're right, it's freezing. Let's head back in."
As they made their way back inside, Tristan couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was going on. Something his family didn't want him to know other than the business loss.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter, music, and holiday cheer, but Tristan's mind was elsewhere. His thoughts kept returning to his grandfather—this noble man he barely knew—and the secrets his family was hiding.
After the party, as they all headed home, Tristan found himself walking a little slower, hanging back from the group. Derek noticed and fell into step beside him.
"You alright?" Derek asked quietly.
"Yeah," Tristan replied, though his voice didn't sound convincing even to himself. "I just… I need to figure this out."
Derek nodded. "You will. We'll figure it out together."
Tristan appreciated Derek's loyalty. He wasn't sure what he was up against, but knowing his friends had his back made the burden feel a little lighter.