Chapter 2: Five years later

Five years later.

I came down from my family jet to have my grandfather employees waiting for me all dressed in suit with two black SUV waiting. I made my way to pops head of security and when I stood in front of him I took off my sun glasses. “Hello, Samuel,” I greeted warmly.

“Welcome home. Ms Cartwright,” the tall ruggedly handsome head of security greeted politely.

“Ruby,” I corrected with a smile. He nodded his head even though we both knew he wasn't ever going to use my name. The people in my grandfather's employ are always professional. He took the little carryon in my hand and turned to head to the car where the other security detail waited. I didn't follow but instead allowed myself to take in the air of the states. I have been away for five years and have missed home desperately.

Words can't explain how happy I felt to be home. A lot has changed over the years. I was no longer the broken woman who left home five years ago. I slide my glasses back on and made my way elegantly to join Samuel. He was waiting patiently with the back door of the second SUV held open for me. I thanked him and entered.

I relaxed back in my seat and closed my eyes to enjoy the ride home. I can't wait to see my grandfather. We didn't get to know each other very well before I left for Europe, and although we kept in touch through the phone. It is not the same.

I heard Samuel make a call as we drove off the airstrip. He was probably calling my grandfather to let him know we were on our way.

I kept my eyes close until we got into the city and I opened it to take in the scenery around us. A lot has changed and a lot remained the same. The street were packed with pedestrians, but more building have been erected that wasn't there years ago.

It didn't take long before we were driving into my grandfather's villa. It was a large acres of land located outside the city. The first time I came here I was left dumbfounded by the beauty and largeness of the place. There is a large area of well mowed field we drove past before getting to the Villa.

The Villa was built into two wings. The east wing called Sapphire, after my grandmother, who unfortunately I didn't meet as she passed away a long time, and the West wing named after my mother. Emerald. Yeah, the females in my family are named after precious stones. My mother just like my grandmother passed away.

Actually, I lost both of my parents when I was very young. I believe I was eight, and that is how I found myself in the system. It wasn't that bad growing up, but it wasn't great either. I missed having a family to call my own, and that is why when Tim came into my life, he was like a breathe of fresh air.

Sapphire is the main wing, and Emerald a beautiful delicate adjunct. I love to stay at Emerald wing, because something about its small and the simple beautiful design of the place resonate with me.

The road leading to the villa was filled with tall trees and forest on each side. It was located in an undeveloped area of the city, where our next neighbors are miles away. The trees and flowers made for a beautiful scenery that brought a smile to my lips as we drove by. It was a welcoming feeling. Like I am back where I belong.

It was evening when we arrived. The gates opened at our approach like they were expecting us and we drove in. We rode through the tarred road running outside the large field to the Villa. We stopped in front of the Villa main entrance and Samuel came around to open the door for me.

I came down and followed him towards the entrance. He pressed in the code into the key lock and then pressed the button on the side of the cobble stone block wall to open the door and let us in. We walked into the beautiful shinny lobby of the villa bathed in yellow light to a welcome party.

Standing in front of the stairs leading further into the villa were my grandfather and the servants of the Villa. They all held a cardboard with different words written on them, except for my grandfather, and it all said welcome home one way or the other. There was also a white banner hug up on the ceiling with "Welcome home Ms Ruby" written boldly on it.

"Welcome home, Ms Ruby," the employees screamed joyfully when they saw me, bursting out confettis.

Their warm and happy welcome brought a shy smile to my face. I looked towards my grandfather, he had a fond smile on his wrinkled face. He looked older than the last time I saw him, but in no way less handsome. My grandfather was a tall man who had aged like a fine wine. Looking at him you will know he was a man who took care of himself. At the age of ninety he still looked fit and walks around perfectly well by himself.

I ran to him and threw myself into his arms and hugged his slightly bigger frame tightly. "I missed you so much, pops," I tightened my embrace on him, almost in tears.

My grandfather welcomed my embrace. His hand moving slowly to enclose me in his arms. My grandfather wasn't a man who was prone to physical affection. I guess my five year absence made for an exception.

The hug was brief before my grandfather pulled back to regard me intently. His green eyes took me all in as if he wanted to make sure for himself that I was alright. Green eyes was something that ran in our family. Including red hair. My grandfather has it, my mother did, and I also.

I patiently bore his regard with a smile on my face. Allowing him to get his feel. I know he worried since I left home. I was his only family and he just found me when I left again. He needed the assurance that I was back home.

"Welcome home, darling," he said in a deep hoarse voice, his eyes slightly wet.

"I am glad to be home, pops," I responded still smiling. The servants have disappeared leaving us two alone. "I know you must be hungry. Want to freshen up before dinner or eat now?" Pops looked at me for my choice. He was right. I was hungry, then again I felt grim from my journey, and wanted to feel clean again.

"Bath first."

He nodded. I will be waiting for you. I kissed his cheek and made my way towards the side door connecting the both wings. My things would have been sent there.

Back in my bedroom I laid down on the king size bed and waited for the female servant helping set my bath to finish. When she came out from the bathroom I thanked her and then waited until she was gone to undress. I made my way to the bathroom naked and then stepped into the warm bath. I could smell the herbs and fragrance the servant used to prepare the bath.

As I sank down into its warmth, I thought to myself how good it was to be home.