Chapter Eight

She is shy, he is cruel

Romance and tragedy

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Episode eight: Shadow of the past

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Eliot Mansion

The mansion was eerily silent that the dropping of a pin can be heard,after the discussion between Aaron and his son . The only sound the rustle of pages from the scattered books in the living room making it look disorganized and disoriented

Ryan sat on the floor in the center of the living room he buried his head on the couch,his slow cries echoing through the room.

His mother, Maya,watched him with a mix of sadness and helplessness in silence standing behind one of the pillars in the living room, she took slow step towards him and sat beside him placing her hands on him to comfort him, Ryan rised his head to stare at his mother before enveloping her in a tight hug, She rocked his back to comfort him, rising his head to look at her

" I'm so sorry my baby, I'm sorry I can't do anything to help you" She whispered bitterly, she pulled back wiping the traces of tears on his face.

" Listen my dear son, you have to stay strong no conditions in life is permanent, I want you to be very successful and you must do well in your state exam which starts next week" Maya said her voice cracked with emotion, she sat him on the couch and ordered a maid to get a first aid kit, Aaron, his father, hit him during their argument out of anger leaving bruises on his hands . The maid brought it and dropped it on the glass center table and stood beside them she felt sorry for them but she won't dare say a word . His mother cleaned his wound and he winced in pains, she finished treating his wound and closed the first aid kit the maid took it and left

Maya sighed sadly " Go upstairs and wear a long sleeve Aurelio would be here any moment from now"

Ryan left to his room and moments later he came down stairs wearing black long sleeve and a grey sweatpants he smiled sadly at his mother.

" Looking good my son, now tidy up this place and take your books to your room" she said stroking his hair fondly before leaving.

…

Aurelio rushed down to Ryan's house after his conversation with Mr Eliot over the phone he didn't wait for basketball practice and told the rest of the guys to play without him. Mr Eliot told him that Ryan wasn't feeling well and that's the reason for his absence, he felt a wave of relief, the girls insisted on coming with him but he told them he would go alone and would give them feedback.

Aurelio rang the doorbell twice before the a guard opened the door for him. He felt cold shivers with the way the mansion was quite, he took his time to stared at the luxury of the house but little did he know the pain that lay beneath the luxury.

Maya came out of the kitchen to welcome him, she gave him a tray containing two glass of apple juice and chips before pulling his cheeks playfully she loves doing that and gave him a nickname " baby cheeks" because of his soft chubby cheeks

" Baby cheeks, it's been long since I saw you anyway take the refreshments to Ryan room he is waiting for you" Maya said and was about leaving she didn't wait to see or hear his expression and reaction when he asked her about Ryan's health she turned and smiled before giving him a response " he just had a high fever, the doctor has attended to him so he is fine now"

She felt bad for lying to him, she masked her face with a smile that is not genuine and the warmth didn't reach her eyes

…

Aurelio placed a gentle knock on the door and entered after hearing a response. He placed the tray on the nearest table.

Ryan was sitting on his bed a table Infront of him with his books on it. He looked at Aurelio with a blank expression

Aurelio he took slow steps and stood beside Ryan

" Aaron called you here " Ryan said, Aurelio stared at him with widened eyes, he was shocked by the way Ryan addressed his father by his name but decided not to ask why

"He did and how are you doing?" he said trying to touch Ryan but she shoved him off.

" I'm fine and don't touch him don't fuckin' try that again" Ryan said raising his voice

" What is wrong with you Man, I don't just understand, is there something you are not telling me" Aurelio said but Ryan ignored him

" Let's start reading that's what Aaron called you for" Ryan said and began opening the books in a fit of rage, Aurelio stopped him holding his bruised hand and Ryan winced

" Stop would you" Ryan shouted removing his hands and stood up

" I told you not to touch me you love things the hard way right"Ryan said pushing the table in a fit of rage

Aurelio stood up, worry and anger evident in his eyes. " What's wrong with you Man"

Aurelio rolled up Aurelio sleeve and was only opportune to see a little of his bruise because Ryan immediately covered his arm

" Just stop it Aurelio, stop with the fake care" Ryan yelled pushing him away from himself and Aurelio staggered back

Aurelio chulcked sadly " Fake you say"

" I wish you the very best in your exam do well to study hard and don't forget we have an upcoming basketball competition" with that said he stormed out of his room ignoring Mrs Maya who was coming to get the tray she gave Aurelio

She entered Ryan room just to find him sitting on the floor beside his bedroom, he was having one of his episode, he has ANXIETY

Mrs Maya sat beside him hugging him to herself while patting his back. His mother left him after he calmed down.

Ryan slumped against his bed, exhausted. "Why can't anyone understand me?" he whispered.

Maya watched from the doorway, heart heavy. She knew Aaron's actions were damaging Ryan's psyche.

…

Aurelio stormed out of the mansion, confusion and concern swirling. "What's going on with Ryan?" he wondered.

Aurelio stood beside the gate as he was trying to haul down a cab he was extremely angry, he felt really bad that Ryan didn't trust him or see him as a friend, he wiped away the tears that fell on him cheeks.

He removed his phone that was ringing from his pocket, he stared at the caller, it was Brielle, he swiped green

" How is Ryan?" she asked as soon as he picked, he could hear her aggregated breath, he cleared his throat before replying

" He is fine and still as grumpy as ever" he said and quickly hanged up to avoid further questions.

As Aurelio walked away from the gate entering inside the cab a figure watched from the shadows. "Ryan's secrets are mine to keep," they thought, smiling sinisterly

…..

In the night

Thompson Lopez Hut

Caterina stared at the stacked up bills on the table she sighed triedly, she just arrived from school. Thompson came out of the kitchen when he heard footsteps, he was busy making dinner he somehow managed to get money to cook a decent meal for the night,

for a moment he thought that the Don's men were back, he sighed a breathe of relief when he saw that the footsteps belong to his niece he smiled, he noticed her attention wasn't on him so he traced her gazed and it was the bills on the table that she was staring at. He quickly started packing the bills and that when her attention shifted to him. She sighed dropping her bag on the chair.

" Past due again" she said her voice laced with sadness

Thompson pocketted the bills " Oh no dear"

" Uncle don't lie to me" Caterina said in annoyance

" Don't worry about it I will take care of it from tomorrow I will start looking for a job" he reassured

Caterina dropped lazy on the couch closing her eyes her right hand on her temple, her mind travelling to the past.

" I wish my parents were still alive our lives would have been better you wouldn't have to be looking for Job" Caterina said sadness and pain evident in her voice and Thompson swallowed an invisible lump as cold sweat broke on his face.

The smell of burnt food brought back Caterina's attention, Caterina been the first to notice quickly stood up on her feet calling her uncle's attention but he didn't seem to notice or hear her voice, the snapping of her finger seems to do the trick.

" Where is your mind at uncle? I have been calling you, the food" Caterina said and that statued Thompson

" Oh right.. the food" he stammered before dashing into the kitchen and Caterina stared at him with a suspicious gaze

…..