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

"Promise

won't, camp. I promise,"

we hugged again, Maverick

miss you," he

miss you too," Dwayne

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

replied, planting a

got to our seats beside the

I could have some moment of solitude to myself. As

behind three years 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." But deep down, I knew how fleeting promises could

Almost," I smiled to

his attention to his tablet. I, on the other hand,

We were coming home.

*******

had already taken its toll, and Maverick and

to the arrival lounge, with the Porter carrying out luggage

as if an invisible force held me in place. I blinked, willing my

had passed, yet he looked only a little haggard, though that couldn't hide his

flood of memories

echoing in empty hallways, whispered promises under

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

turned and glanced in my direction. Time slowed as our

moment. My

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

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

memories

fade as I resumed

blurred, and with

the arrival hall, I spotted Mother

us,

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

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