Both of them finished preparing the dishes. "Akai, you go and call her," her grandma instructed. Akai went to her room, and as she opened the door, she saw Charlotte sitting on the bed, holding something in her hand. "What is she reading?" Akai wondered. As she approached her, she noticed the diary where she would write her feelings and memories. Charlotte sensed someone behind her. "Akai, I was reading your diary," she said, her voice filled with excitement.
Akai's heart skipped a beat as she felt a surge of anxiety. She had written some personal things in that diary, things she hadn't shared with anyone. Her mind raced as she thought about what Charlotte might have read. "You write so well," Charlotte continued, "I read those moments you have rewritten about your parents, grandmother." Akai felt a wave of relief wash over her. Charlotte hadn't read about Ryder. That was still her secret.
"Akai, your writing is amazing," Charlotte said, her eyes shining with sincerity. "You have a way of making me feel like I'm right there with you, experiencing everything you're going through." Akai smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Charlotte. "Thanks, Charlotte. That means a lot to me."
Charlotte closed the diary and looked up at Akai. "I'm sorry if I overstepped any boundaries. I just couldn't help myself. Your writing is so captivating." Akai shook her head, her heart full of appreciation. "No boundaries were crossed, Charlotte. I'm just glad you enjoyed reading it."
The two friends stood there for a moment, the only sound being the silence between them. Then Akai spoke up, "Hey, dinner's ready. Let's go eat!" Charlotte grinned, and together they headed downstairs, arm in arm, their hearts full of joy and friendship.
As they were having dinner, the atmosphere was lovely, filled with warmth and laughter. "Grandma, the chicken is delicious," Charlotte commented, her eyes shining with delight. Akai's grandma, Mrs. Grace, beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I am jealous of Akai," Charlotte continued, "as she gets to taste these beautiful dishes prepared by you all the time." Both Akai and Mrs. Grace laughed at her remark, their hearts full of joy.
"Oh, Charlotte, you're making me blush," Mrs. Grace said, her face flushed with pleasure. "But I'm glad you're enjoying the food. That means a lot to me." Akai grinned, her eyes shining with amusement. "Yeah, Grandma's cooking is the best. I'm one lucky girl."
Mrs. Grace reached out and patted Akai's hand, her eyes filled with love. "You're not just lucky, dear. You're loved. And so is Charlotte, now that she's part of our family." Charlotte's eyes welled up with tears, her heart touched by Mrs. Grace's words.
As they continued eating, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories. The three of them were creating memories, building a bond that would last a lifetime. And in that moment, they knew that they were exactly where they belonged - together, around the dinner table, sharing love, laughter, and delicious food.
After dinner, Charlotte left for her home in the car. "I will visit you soon, Grandma," she said, hugging Mrs. Grace tightly. Akai smiled, feeling grateful for the strong bond between her friend and her grandma. After bidding goodbye, both Akai and her grandma went inside their home, the warmth of the evening still lingering in their hearts.
"Charlotte is so sweet," Mrs. Grace commented, her eyes shining with affection. "I'm happy that you have such a great friend in college." Akai nodded her head in agreement, her heart filled with appreciation. "Yeah, Grandma, she's amazing. We've been through so much together already."
Mrs. Grace smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I can see that. You two have a special connection. I'm glad I got to experience it firsthand." Akai grinned, feeling happy that her grandma and friend had hit it off so well.
As they settled into the living room, Mrs. Grace put her arm around Akai's shoulders. "You know, dear, I'm so proud of the person you're becoming. You have a heart of gold, just like your parents did." Akai felt a lump form in her throat, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Thanks, Grandma," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means everything to me." Mrs. Grace hugged her tightly, her love and support enveloping Akai like a warm embrace. In that moment, Akai knew that she was exactly where she belonged - surrounded by the people she loved, in a home filled with warmth and joy.
"I forgot to ask, how is Ryder? I haven't seen him for a long time," her grandma said, her eyes filled with concern. Akai's heart skipped a beat as she thought about Ryder. "Grandma, he returned from Scotland a few days ago. He's good, grandma," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
But inside, Akai was bursting with emotions. She had been waiting for his message, eager to know if he had eaten the cookies she made for him and if he liked them. But there was silence from his end, and Akai was left wondering if he even cared. She had worked so hard to make those cookies perfect, just for him.
"Grandma, can I ask you something?" Akai said, her voice barely above a whisper. Mrs. Grace looked at her with love and encouragement. "Of course, dear. What is it?"
"Why do you think Ryder hasn't messaged me yet? I sent him those cookies and...and I thought he would at least say thank you," Akai said, her eyes welling up with tears. Mrs. Grace's expression softened, and she pulled Akai into a warm hug.
"Oh, sweetie, boys can be dense sometimes. Just because he hasn't messaged you doesn't mean he didn't appreciate your gift. Maybe he's just busy or doesn't know what to say," Mrs. Grace said, her voice filled with reassurance. Akai nodded, feeling a small sense of comfort. But deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Ryder just wasn't interested.