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."

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

nodded. "Promise not to forget

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

we hugged again, Maverick burst into

miss you,"

miss you too," Dwayne

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

he replied, planting a kiss on

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

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

ago. Would it still hold the same memories? Would I ever feel the same way again? Dwayne's words echoed in my mind: "Never say never."

baby. Almost," I smiled

attention to his tablet. I, on

We were coming home.

*******

Airport in New York. The long trip had already taken its toll, and Maverick and I were exhausted.

with the Porter carrying out luggage

My legs froze, as if an invisible force held me in

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

of

laughter echoing in empty hallways, whispered promises

lightness in my

in my direction. Time slowed as our eyes met

My heart

unfamiliar calm. I quickly looked away,

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

memories

fade as I resumed

me blurred, and

I entered the arrival hall, I spotted Mother and

us, Ashley closely behind

got to us and engulfed us in a hug.

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