Chapter 17: Tensions (1)
While Charlie faced the challenging interrogation with Madam Gizel and Steve, Richelle and Ryan had just returned home, only to be met by their mom at the elevator. They had disobeyed their parents' warning to go out without their security guards, and their mom scolded them for it.
Richelle tried to reassure her, "Mom, we're okay. We just wanted some fresh air."
Her mom, with a hint of worry, said, "I know you want your freedom, but your safety comes first. We have security guards for a reason."
Richelle nodded, "I understand, Mom. We'll be more careful next time."
Her mom's gaze softened, "I just don't want anything to happen to you both."
As they walked inside, Richelle sensed that her mom was concerned about something more than their brief outing. She tried to divert the conversation, "By the way, Mom, I used to be more of an introvert before, but now I love being outdoors. It's nice to experience new things."
Her mom looked closely into Richelle's eyes, "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Richelle's heart skipped a beat, and she felt scared. She didn't want to reveal their new friends and the time they spent together, not yet. Before she could answer, her mom burst into laughter.
"Haha, Richelle! You're too cute. I can always tell when something's bothering you," her mom teased playfully. "You wouldn't need a lie detector. It's written all over your face!"
Richelle chuckled, relieved by her mom's light-hearted response. "Okay, okay, Mom, you got me. But at least I'm smarter than Ryan."
Ryan, who was familiarly embarrassed by his sister's comment, blushed and rolled his eyes.
Their mom playfully defended him, "Oh, but he's more likely to save someone's secret with his undetected lying ability!"
The siblings laughed together, the tension easing.
Their mom then guided them to the dining table for dinner. As they sat down, Richelle commented, "Hmm, this looks delicious, Mom."
Her mom smiled, "Don't judge a book by its cover, taste first and feel all the ingredients binding together in harmony."
Ryan added with a nod, "Yeah, it's like a symphony of flavors."
As they savored the meal, Ryan suddenly noticed something missing. "Where's Dad?" he asked, looking at his mom expectantly.
Her mom's expression faltered for a moment, "He's not home yet?"
Ryan's concern grew, and the atmosphere in the room shifted. "Is he working late again?" he questioned, his tone tinged with disappointment.
Her mom tried to reassure him, "He's just busy, Ryan. Your dad cares about us."
But Ryan couldn't hold back his emotions, "Sometimes I miss how we were before. At least then Dad cared for his family."
Their mom's face softened, "I know it's hard, Ryan, but your dad's job is demanding. He's doing it for us."
Ryan's frustration boiled over, "But we barely get to see him in the morning, and he comes back late at night. We can't even have one meal together as a family, or even minutes of family time. Is that too much to ask?"
They both got into an argument, emotions escalating as they expressed their frustrations and worries. Ryan's tears fell as he spoke, "A man who truly cares about his family wouldn't make them yearn for his presence like this."
His mom tried to make him understand, "Ryan, your dad loves you both, and he's doing his best for the family."
But Ryan had reached his limit. He felt a mix of anger, sadness, and helplessness. He abruptly stood up, "I can't take this anymore," he choked out, walking away from the dinner table, leaving his mom behind.
In the silence that followed, Richelle and her mom exchanged glances, both of them aware of the unspoken tensions within the family. Richelle couldn't help but feel guilty about keeping her own secret and adding to the emotional turmoil.
She quietly excused herself and went to her room, where the weight of the situation lingered heavily on her mind. As she reflected, she realized that her family might be going through their own struggles, just like she was with the secret she was keeping. She wondered if there was a way to reconcile her family, to find a balance that would keep everyone happy and together.
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