Wrapped with Love

Mrs. Thompson turned to her, a warm smile on her face. "Thank you, Akai..You're always so helpful. Let's get everything ready together."

In perfect unison, Akai and Mrs. Thompson collaborated with ease, their movements a testament to their familiarity and trust. She felt a profound sense of homecoming, enveloped by those who genuinely cared for her and made her feel loved and accepted.

Together, Akai and Mrs. Thompson prepared Ryder's favorite lunch dishes - lentil soup, whole-grain pasta with marinara sauce and sautéed vegetables, and a fresh fruit salad with Greek yogurt. As they worked, Mrs. Thompson' asked,"Akai, can you go and ask him to come downstairs, please? This boy of mine is really something! I already asked him to come downstairs as soon as possible, yet he's taking so long. Really, he takes after his father."

"Okay, aunty, you don't get angry. It's not good for your health." she teased to lighten the mood.

Mrs. Thompson playfully rolled her eyes. "You think you're so clever, don't you, Akai? Alright, go get him, and don't let him give you any of his nonsense."

She climbed the stairs to fetch Ryder, her heart racing with eagerness, her hands growing slightly clammy.

She reached Ryder's room and knocked gently on the door. "Ryder, your mother needs you downstairs. Lunch is served." she said, her voice calm.

There was a pause, and then Ryder's muffled voice replied, "I will go..Just a minute."

Ryder emerged from his room, his eyes locking onto hers with a warm smile.

Ryder entered the dining room, his mother beckoned him to hurry up. "Come and sit down quickly, dear. Lunch is getting cold!"

Mrs. Thompson then turned to Akai, "Akai, you too, come and join him. You must be hungry after helping me in the kitchen all morning."

Akai hesitated, her eyes darting towards the door. "Aunty, actually, grandma would be waiting for me at home...so..." she trailed off, her voice tinged with a mix of apology and longing.

Mrs. Thompson's expression softened, understanding in her eyes. "Okay, dear. I know how much your grandma means to you. But next time, I won't take no for an answer."

Akai then remembered something and went to the living room to get it. As she returned, she carried a small packet with her. "Here, take this."

Ryder's curiosity was aroused, and he took the packet from her, his fingers making contact with hers. "What's inside?" he asked, his eyes riveted on hers, his face filled with eagerness.

Her smile grew wider, and she leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "You'll open it after you finish your lunch. By then, be in suspense."

"Okay, then I'll give you thanks later."

"Whatever," Akai said with a shrug.

"Aunty, then I am taking my leave." She informed Mrs. Thompson.

Akai turned to leave, but Mrs. Thompson called out, "Wait, let me ask Mr. Jack to drop you."

"Aunty, don't worry, I can manage to go safely."

Mrs. Thompson's expression turned stubborn, her brow furrowed in worry. "How can I leave you like this?"

"You should listen to mother's suggestion, Akai. It's not safe to go alone."

"Okay, aunty. I'll wait for Uncle Jack."

As Akai sat in the car with Mr. Jack, her mind wandered to the gift she had prepared for Ryder. She had spent hours in the kitchen, baking his favorite cookies, chocolate chip with a hint of vanilla, and carefully packaging them in a decorative box.

"Uncle Jack, do you think Ryder will like the gift I made for him?"

Mr. Jack smiled. "I'm sure Young master will love it, miss. You put so much thought and effort into it."

Akai's face lit up with a bright smile.

"I hope so."

As they approached her house, Akai's anxiety grew. What if Ryder's tastes had changed? What if he no longer liked the cookies she had so lovingly baked?

"Uncle Jack, what if Ryder doesn't like the gift?If his tastes has changed?"

"Miss Akai, the thought and love you put into the gift is what matters, not whether Young master's tastes have changed. He'll appreciate the effort you put in, I'm sure of it."

She was inspired by Uncle Jack's words. She was eager to witness Ryder's response to her present.