The Howards

Chapter 10

The moment Rick stopped the car in front of S.Angel, I sneaked into S.Angel through the backdoor and I pressed on the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Please make your way down to receive hugs and kisses from your beloved kids."

I heard Karina's excited scream coming down from upstairs and then followed by footsteps that are hurrying down the steps. Rick placed our luggage by the door, smiling as Karina greeted us. She flung herself onto me, "I've missed you terribly,"

I tightened my arms around Karina, then put her at an arm's length, "Rina, what the hell? What is your secret of growing up?"

Karina threw her head back, laughing. Puberty has done a good job on Karina. Her long blonde hair tied into a messy bun and she is wearing her latest clothing collection.

Karina went to Rick next, hanging on his arm as she talked to him.

Gemma showed up next. I kissed her cheeks, "Hey pretty Gem."

She giggled, "Hey beautiful. How's the drive?"

Rick kissed his mother and said, "Eleanor can't stop jumping in her seats. I have to tie her to the seat."

I smacked Rick on his chest. He grabbed my hand instead, kissing the back of my palm. I blushed. Rick has this kind of effect on me ever since we went to college. But my heart still craves for Randall.

Speaking of Randall, he sauntered down the steps, as sexy as ever. I could see Ray's feature on his handsome face. He glanced at our hands, disappointment washed over his face but quickly replaced by his signature smirk, "The students are back,"

Rick grinned, "Aye, here comes the youngest successful architecture."

Randall spends his two years building up his name and designs. Last year, he got his name on first ten famous young architecture, got quite a number of interviews and certificate for his work.

Randall turned to me with a smile, opened his arms. I went into his arms, "Hey stranger,"

"Hey yourself," He whispered into my ears. Gemma clapped her hand, "Alright, Dream lake or S.Angel,"

I smiled widely, excited, "Dream lake, of course,"

••••

We unpacked our things in Dream Lake, rest for a few hours before heading back to S.Angel for dinner. Randall has finally pave the path from S.Angel to Dream Lake. It was for the Gemma and the housekeepers so they won't get lost in the woods.

When I entered S.Angel's kitchen, I was surprised to see my mother making dinner with Gemma. I literally stopped my tracks by the kitchen entrance with Randall around me. He squeezed my hand, with an encouraging smile.

I took a deep breath and called out, "Hey mum,"

Mum stopped whatever she was doing with her back facing me. Gemma smiled, as I approached her, "Hey."

Mum turned to me slowly, with her hair covering half of her face. I saw a small smile on her face, "Hi,"

My hands were shaking. When I was in university, I had to depend on Gemma to update my mum's status. Sometimes, I send an email to my mum, hoping to get a reply but the reply never came.

"Um, its nice to see you," I smiled, "Did you receive my emails?"

She nodded then she went back to work on her cooking.

Everyone started to get seated around the dining table. Randall and Rick left a place in between, so when Karina wanted to sit down. Rick gently pushed Karina away, "Sit the other side, Rina,"