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."

you lots of gifts. But I promise to

"Promise not

camp. I promise," Dwayne said,

hugged again, Maverick burst into

you,"

miss you

emotional emotion, that I barely held back my tears. I hugged Dwayne

a

boarded the plane. We got to our seats beside the window and strapped on

so I could have some moment of solitude to myself. As the

Would I ever feel the same way again? Dwayne's words echoed in my mind: "Never say never." But deep down, I knew how fleeting promises could be. "Mama, are we there yet?" Maverick asked, jerking me out of

baby. Almost," I smiled to

attention to his tablet. I, on the

We were coming home.

*******

York. The long trip had already taken its toll, and Maverick and I were

lounge, with the Porter carrying out luggage behind

invisible force

a little haggard, though that couldn't hide his elite

of

echoing in empty hallways, whispered promises under starlit skies, and the pain

I stood there, felt a I surprising lightness in my chest, as

unexpectedly, he turned and glanced in my direction. Time

moment. My heart didn't

an unfamiliar calm. I quickly looked away, a smile creeping

anymore," I whispered, the words flowing freely, each one a small release of the past. I took a deep breath,

memories

fade as I resumed

crowd around me blurred, and with each

the arrival hall, I spotted Mother

rushing towards us,

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

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