G.H.O.S.T.S

The Hidden Truth

Sophia carefully folded Emma's favorite dress and placed it in the suitcase, trying to avoid any wrinkles. Emma watched with a mixture of excitement and worry, her eyes darting between Sophia and the suitcase.

"Aunt Sophia, where are we going?" Emma asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Sophia forced a reassuring smile. "We're going on a little adventure, sweetie. You'll get to stay with Lucas for a while, and I'll be back to pick you up soon."

Emma nodded, but her eyes still looked uncertain. Sophia's heart ached, knowing she had to keep the truth from Emma for now.

In the living room, Ryder and Lucas continued their conversation in hushed tones. Ryder's eyes kept glancing towards the hallway, where Sophia and Emma were packing up.

"I'm telling you, Lucas, something's off. Sophia's not acting like herself," Ryder said, his brow furrowed with concern.

Lucas nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. She's been distant, and that whole thing with Emma staying with me...it doesn't add up."

Ryder's eyes narrowed. "I think she's hiding something, Lucas. And I aim to find out what it is."

As they spoke, Sophia and Emma finished packing and entered the living room, suitcase in hand. Sophia's eyes met Ryder's, and for a brief moment, they exchanged a tense glance.

"Ready to go, Lucas?" Sophia asked, her voice bright but strained.

Lucas nodded, standing up. "Yeah, let's get Emma settled in. Ryder, you coming with us?"

Ryder hesitated, his eyes still fixed on Sophia. "Nah, I'll stay here for a bit. Catch up on some things."

Sophia's expression flickered, but she quickly regained her composure. "Okay, see you later, Ryder."

As Lucas and Emma headed out the door, Sophia lingered behind, her eyes locked on Ryder. The air was thick with unspoken words, and the tension between them was palpable.

Ryder stepped closer to Sophia, his voice low and urgent. "Hey, Sophia, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded. "What is it, Ryder?"

"It's about Lucas," Ryder said, his eyes darting towards the door where Lucas and Emma had just left. "He's getting scared, Sophia. He thinks something's going on, and you're not telling him what it is."

Sophia's expression remained guarded, but a hint of defensiveness crept into her voice. "I'm handling it, Ryder. Don't worry about it."

Ryder took another step closer, his tone gentle but insistent. "Sophia, come on. You're scaring him. And me, too, if I'm honest. What's going on?"

Sophia's eyes flashed, and for a moment, Ryder thought he saw a glimmer of fear. But it was quickly replaced by her usual calm, collected mask. "Ryder, you of all people should understand. Sometimes we have to keep secrets to protect the people we care about."

Ryder nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. She was right; he had his own secrets, his own reasons for keeping quiet. "You're right, Sophia. I'm sorry. I just want to help."

Sophia's expression softened slightly, and she placed a hand on his arm. "I know you do, Ryder. And I appreciate it. But this time, I need to handle it on my own."

Ryder nodded, feeling a sense of resignation. He knew Sophia well enough to recognize when she was digging in her heels. "Alright, Sophia. I trust you. But if you need help, you know where to find me."

Sophia smiled, a small, tight smile. "I do. And thank you, Ryder. That means a lot to me."

As they stood there, the tension between them eased, and Ryder realized that Sophia was still the same person he had known and trusted for so long. Whatever secrets she was keeping, he knew she was doing it for a reason.