STOLEN | THE ORIGINALS

2.3 | Here We Go Again

[ Chapter Eighteen ]

RAYLYNN DID not think she could ever get used to life with the Mikaelson family again. While they were ones for theatrics, they were also ones for the extravagant.

Kol came up with another brilliant idea. One that involved a compelled private chef who doubled as a server. Something Raylynn and Hayley thought they did not need, but they allowed the behavior for a little while.

The next morning, the family settled into the countryside home. Raylynn knew that Ryan and Hope would have to ease into their new dynamic. They were not used to the Mikaelson way of life, or the different personalities they possessed. Of course, they heard stories of their father, aunts, and uncles. But, it was another thing to meet them in person.

Ryan had always wanted to know the family promised to him. More so than Hope on most days. He became fascinated with the stories of their heroic father and brave aunts and uncles. His interest grew over the years, and now he would get to meet them.

Raylynn woke Ryan as she did every other day. She let him dress himself, a grey t-shirt and knee-length athletic shorts, and made him breakfast. Pancakes. His favorite.

By the time they made it to the kitchen, Hope had already woken and went outside to meet the Mikaelsons. Raylynn and Hayley thought it would be best to introduce them at separate times. Just to make it easier on the children. Despite being so close in age, they were polar opposites. Hope remained quiet and reserved, while Ryan ran wild and carefree. There was no telling how they would react to meeting their long-lost family members.

Raylynn leaned against the counter, sipping her mug of coffee, and waited for Ryan to finish his breakfast. The house warmed in the last summer air, forcing the woman to dress in a pair of short jean shorts and t-shirt. She could not hold back the news any longer. Klaus, her son's father, stood just outside on the front porch. Ready to meet his son.

But, she had to wait until Ryan finished his food to tell him. Raylynn knew that Ryan would want to run out there and not give his pancake a second glance. So, she held back.

Until now.

Raylynn set her empty mug into the sink and whirled back to Ryan. He shoved the last bit of his pancake into his mouth and then pushed his plate across the counter. Raylynn took the dish and set it in the sink, before she turned back to her son. "So, I have a surprise for you," she voiced, capturing his attention.

Ryan's eyes lit up at her words. "What is it?" he asked, bouncing a bit in his chair.

Raylynn stepped forward to rest her hands on the counter in front of him. "Well, you know how I told you that your Aunt Hayley and I weren't coming home along?" He nodded. "How would you like to meet your dad?"