The Queen's return

(Arielle's POV)

The day of our return had finally arrived. I stood in my room, taking one last look around. I had gotten ready earlier, packing all my belongings and Maverick's, into the suitcases Dwayne had gotten us. "Are you ready?" He called out, standing at the doorway.

"Yes, I think so," I replied, taking a deep breath.

"Alright, I'll get the suitcases," he said, already lifting one off the ground. "Maverick's in the car."

"Let me help you with one of those," I offered.

"No, you go ahead," He said, but I ignored him and carried one of the suitcases.

"You don't give up, do you?"

"No, I don't. Not when I learn from you."

We carried the suitcases to the car and Dwayne placed them in his car's trunk. He was driving us to the airport despite my protest.

We got into the car, with Dwayne getting behind the wheel. "Hey, are you okay, buddy?" He asked, turning to Maverick who was in the backseat. Maverick shook his head, his eyes misty. "I'll miss nanny Jessica."

"I know, champ. But you will get to face Time her always like she promised. Now cheer up, you're about to embark on a memorable journey."

That seemed to lift Maverick's spirits, and he began peppering Dwayne with questions about New York. Dwayne answered every one, his voice warm and reassuring, which only made it harder for me to ignore the knot tightening in my stomach. I couldn't shake the feeling that I might never see him again, despite his insistence that he would visit often.

At the airport, Dwayne helped us navigate the check-in security and other procedures.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" He said as we reached the gate.

"I will. Thanks for everything," I replied.

But as we shared a hug and made to leave, Maverick clung to Dwayne's leg.

"Please, come with us."

lots of gifts. But I promise to visit as many times as

"Promise

won't, camp. I promise," Dwayne said, ruffling

we hugged again,

miss you," he

you too," Dwayne

such an emotional emotion, that I barely held back my tears. I hugged Dwayne again, this more tightly. "Thank

planting a kiss

boarded the plane. We got

cartoon so I could have

hold the same memories? Would I ever feel the same way again? Dwayne's words echoed in my mind: "Never

baby. Almost," I smiled

to his tablet. I, on the other hand, looked out

We were coming home.

*******

F. Kennedy Airport in New York. The long trip had already taken its toll, and Maverick and I were exhausted. He was a lefty sleeping in

lounge, with the Porter

My legs froze, as if an invisible force held me in place. I blinked, willing my eyes to

yet he looked only a little haggard, though that couldn't hide his elite and domineering temperament.

of memories surged

empty hallways, whispered promises under

I surprising lightness in my chest, as if the weight of those

direction. Time

My heart

instead, it fluttered with an unfamiliar calm. I quickly looked

each one a small

memories

fade as I resumed

me blurred, and

hall, I spotted

towards us, Ashley

to us and engulfed us in a hug. Ashley joined in, hugging me and

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