Chapter 447: His Brooding Teenage Phase
Lariette and Ruediger left the baggage claim area with their wheeled suitcases in tow, heading to the exit of the arrival hall. They walked past a flurry of busy travelers.
The airport doors slid with a soft hiss as people came and went. The temperature was lower once the pair left the arrival hall. Festive songs rang from the speakers, occasionally fading when announcements were made.
Lariette tugged her beige coat tighter around her, the warmth of the flight fading as she stepped into the chill. Her eyes shifted left and right, curiously looking around.
Beside her, Ruediger adjusted his luggage handle with one hand, the other hovering at her back to ensure the huge crowd wouldn’t sweep her away.
"Lari! Rudy!"
Just outside, Madeline’s familiar voice rang above the hustle and bustle within the airport. Once the pair noticed where she was, she waved both hands more enthusiastically. Her grin was bright enough to rival the winter sunlight.
"Finally! I thought you two would be oh~ so~ extremely reluctant to leave your private holiday of two!" Madeline exclaimed as they approached, "Anyway, welcome to Norvonna!"
Lariette laughed while hugging Madeline, "What were you thinking? Anyway, where’s our car to bring us to your dwelling, huh? You’re here as our chauffeur, don’t you?"
"Of course! Come on, your exclusive carriage awaits."
Madeline’s ’exclusive carriage’ was a black SUV in one of the parking spots. Once everyone and the luggage were settled in, the former drove while the pair sat in the back. The vehicle slipped into the heavy flow of traffic.
The drive from the airport revealed Norvonna’s winter charms.
Lariette’s sparkly eyes looked at the rows of snow-laden firs lining the streets. The buildings and their rooftops glittered beneath the afternoon light.
The city was festive even after Christmas a few days ago. Wreaths were hung on lampposts and little shops displayed blinking strings of fairy lights.
Lariette had visited Norvonna a few times before, but each time was brief, and certainly not during winter. She sighed in awe, "Norvonna’s winter charms feel different than those in Velondia."
Madeline glanced at her friend through the rearview mirror. She grinned, "You’ve got many days to explore. My mom’s been decorating since early December. Well, you’ll see the townhouse soon. Lari, you’ll understand why Rudy and I grew up half-spoiled."
Ruediger chuckled, "Half? Weren’t you fully spoiled rotten?"
Madeline side-eyed him, "Yeah, I’m fully spoiled rotten. At least I didn’t have a brooding teenage phase like you."
The cousins’ exchange made Lariette laugh. She turned from the window to the man beside her, "Eddy, you had one?"
"He still does," Madeline clicked her tongue, "He just knows better to hide it from you. You only need to see his cool side after all."
Ruediger shot Madeline a mock glare, prompting Lariette to laugh harder.
The car continued through the older district of Norvonna’s capital city, Havenshire, leaving the heavy traffic behind. Charming brick townhouses stood side by side beneath eaves draped with snow.
Madeline’s mother, Felicia, usually lived here alone with the company of a housekeeper. Her elderly parents stayed in the suburbs most of the time.
The security of this neighborhood was good. Two guards were stationed at the main entrance, only allowing registered vehicles and residents to enter.
Soon, Madeline pulled into a quiet lane. A particular house caught the dazzling rays of the winter sunlight. Its porch rails were wound with garlands, and tiny lights flickered among silver ribbons.
"Here we are, our destination!" Madeline announced proudly as she parked the car.
After unbuckling the seatbelt, Lariette stepped out of the car, her boots falling onto the heated driveway. Her gaze wandered around, taking in the new surroundings.
The scent of pine drifted faintly in the air, and she could almost hear laughter inside even before they reached the door. It was beautiful and calming.
"Welcome to my home in youth," Ruediger whispered, his tone softer.
Lariette looked up, catching his softened gaze under the sunlight. Her lips were drawn into a smile, "I’m happy to be here."
At the place where he called his new home after losing his childhood one, a place that was warm enough for him.
Ruediger, Lariette and Madeline approached the front porch with two suitcases. The door swung open in the next second, revealing a beaming Felicia.
"Rudy, Lari, welcome home!" the middle-aged lady greeted them happily. She was elegantly dressed as always, her hair swept into a loose bun that framed a warm smile.
"Hi, Aunt," Ruediger returned the greeting while setting down the suitcase just inside the entryway, "Look radiant as always."
"Oh, stop charming your old aunt," Felicia giggled, giving the young man a quick hug, "Save that for your lovely wife."
Lariette blushed, and laughter tinged her voice, "It’s true, though. Aunt Felle, you look amazing. I haven’t seen you in almost a year, I think."
Felicia turned to hug her next, "Lari, you’re even prettier and happier than the last time I saw you. Seems like my nephew treats you well, right?"
"Hehe, he surely does. He treats me very well, Aunt Felle."
Lariette’s blush deepened, but she proudly praised her beloved in front of his own aunt. Madeline pretended to gag, earning a smack on the back from Ruediger.
Felicia gazed from her nephew to his wife lovingly. She had already known Lariette from being Madeline’s good friend, but she was also aware of Ruediger’s secret feelings toward the young lady, stemming from his childhood.
"Come in, come in," Felicia held Lariette’s arm, urging her to follow, "Aren’t you freezing? Let Maddie and Rudy handle the luggage."
"Mom~" Madeline slipped off her coat as she trailed after her mother, "It’s not like this is your first time meeting Lari."
"But it’s my first time meeting Lari as your cousin’s wife," Felicia retorted, throwing her daughter a look of mock disdain, "I’ll be like this when you finally bring me a son-in-law too."
"Ughh..." Madeline scowled.
Lariette and Ruediger exchanged a glance when the mother and daughter bantered. She chuckled when he gave her a reassuring smile.