The rush of wind ceased as the car came to a halt in front of the grand mansion, a blend of old-world charm and modern elegance. Noah stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings of his grandparents' house. The crimson hue of the bricks seemed to welcome him back, evoking memories of childhood summers spent in this sprawling estate. Cordelia, with an excited smile, went for the door, yanking it open to reveal a vibrant sight of their relatives and family friends, all with varying shades of red hair that mirrored their own. Her smile broadened as she spotted her mother, old but strong, with short red hair and a wrinkled smile that radiated warmth and love.
Cordelia grabbed Noah's hand, pulling him along as she hurried towards her mother. The older woman wrapped Cordelia in a big hug, complimenting her on how stunning she looked. "I brought you, someone," Cordelia announced with a smile as she stepped back, making room for Noah.
Noah's heart sank as he stared at his grandmother, mustering a pained smile as he recalled the last time they had met. He had set up some pranks that ended up damaging the only valid portrait she had of his grandfather, her late husband. She was emotionally attached to that particular portrait, and Noah remembered the look of rage and disappointment she had directed toward him before slumping into her favorite cultural chair, her expression filled with sadness. And, of course, he had run off without facing the consequences.
"Well, well," his grandmother said, crossing her arms and fixing Noah with a stern gaze. "I guess I'll have more work to do than planned. Except I tie him up," She then turned to Cordelia, her expression questioning. "Why did you bring him?"
Cordelia's smile faltered momentarily before returning, her tone earnest as she replied, "No, no, he has changed. He's a perfect young man with good intentions now," she reassured, her words sounding more like a plea than a statement of fact.
His grandmother scoffed, her hand still crossed. "Imagine," she began with a big smile, "He got into Harvard," she said, her grin stretching from ear to ear.
Noah's stomach churned as his grandmother's words hung in the air. He knew what was coming next.
"Because you paid his way into Harvard," she remarked, her tone laced with bitterness and accusation.
Cordelia gasped in amusement, "Nope, he got all A's in his high school diploma, and he even got an award," she exclaimed, pulling up her phone to show her mother the pictures.
Her mother's scowl slowly faded as she examined the images. "Because he finished high school?" she asked in surprise.
"Uh huh," Cordelia nodded, a proud smile on her face.
"How?" her mother asked, clearly perplexed.
"God brought him back to me," Cordelia replied simply, her faith evident in her words.
Noah smiled, confirming her testimony with a nod. "I'm sorry for ruining that portrait. It was a mistake," he added, his voice sincere.
Her frown lightened at his apology. "Now, what do you want to study? Music?" she asked, her tone softening.
Cordelia jumped in nervously, "Nonsense. He got accepted as a business student," she interjected quickly.
Noah nodded in agreement, playing along with the facade.
"Great. Hope you don't lose your miracle," his grandmother said to Cordelia, a hint of skepticism in her tone, though she managed a small smile.
Cordelia smiled back before bustling off to greet her other relatives and siblings, spreading the news of Noah getting into Harvard like wildfire. The house was filled with chatter and noise as uncles and aunties came to congratulate Noah and confirm the truth of his achievement, questioning his apparent change.
YOU ARE READING
Days Are Numbered
Teen FictionNOAH MERRIDEW is your typical popular kid who can't keep his emotions composed. Being the only child of a rich couple he is spoilt and rotten to the core with all his caprices being answered. However, thing takes a different turn when his father die...
