Favo Novel
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."Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
"I can't, little one. I have to work so I can get you lots of gifts. But I promise to visit as many times as I can. Is that okay?"
"Yes," Maverick nodded. "Promise not to forget us."
"I won't, camp. I promise," Dwayne said, ruffling his hair.
As we hugged again, Maverick burst into tears.
"I'll miss you," he wailed.
"I'll miss you too," Dwayne replied.
It was such an emotional emotion, that I barely held back my tears. I hugged Dwayne again, this more tightly. "Thank you for always being there for us," I whispered.
"Anytime," he replied, planting a kiss on my forehead.
We finally waved our final goodbye as we boarded the plane. We got to our seats beside the window and strapped on our belts, getting comfortable.
I got out Maverick's tablet and put on his favorite cartoon so I could have some moment of solitude to myself. As the plane took off, my mind wandered.
It felt surreal returning to a place I had wanted to leave 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 be. "Mama, are we there yet?" Maverick asked, jerking me out of my thoughts.
"Almost, baby. Almost," I smiled to him.
He nodded and returned his attention to his tablet. I, on the other hand, looked out the window.
We were coming home.
*******
9 hours later, we arrived at John 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 my arms.
We made our way to the arrival lounge, with the Porter carrying out luggage behind us, expertly navigating the crowd.
Suddenly, I caught sight of someone familiar. My legs froze, as if an invisible force held me in place. I blinked, willing my eyes to clear, but there he was-Jared.
Three years had passed, yet he looked only a little haggard, though that couldn't hide his elite and domineering temperament. What was he doing here?
A flood of memories surged through
my mind: laughter echoing in empty hallways, whispered promises under starlit skies, and the pain that
followed. But as I stood there, felt a I surprising lightness in my chest, as if the weight of those memories had lifted.
Then, unexpectedly, he turned and glanced in my direction. Time slowed as our eyes met for a
fleeting moment. My heart didn't et
sink; instead, it fluttered with an unfamiliar calm. I quickly looked away, a smile creeping onto my lips.
"He doesn't matter to me anymore," I whispered, the words flowing freely, each one a small release of the past. I took a deep breath, letting the
memories
fade as I resumed
walking. The crowd around me blurred, and with each step, felt lighter.
As I entered the arrival hall, I spotted Mother and Ashley waiting with placards.
"Arielle! Maverick!" My mother exclaimed, rushing towards us, Ashley closely behind her. "Mum," I called back.
She got to us and engulfed us in a hug. Ashley joined in, hugging me and Maverick tightly.
"We've missed you two so much," Ashley said.
Maverick stirred in my arms, opening his sleeping eyes.
"Mum, have we arrived?" And then his face broke out in a smile when he saw Ashley and Mum. "Hi, Grandma."
"Hello, sweetie," she cooed, taking him from me.
Maverick clung to his grandma, plastering her with kisses, and he did the same to Ashley. The reunion was warm and emotional.
"Let's get you two home," Mother said.
We walked towards the exit, and to a waiting limousine.
"Wow, Mum, a limo?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, dear. Welcome home, darling," she said, smiling.
Our luggage was placed in the car, and we got in, heading home. Maverick was still excited about seeing his grandma and aunt Ashley, and he kept chatting.
As we drove through the city streets, I couldn't help the feeling of nostalgia that hit me. The City had improved significantly, but it still held a lot of memories for me.
After about 30 minutes, we arrived at my new house. The house was a beautiful Victorian building, but with the renovation and decor, it had been refurbished to a modern look while still maintaining its Victorian charm. "Wow, Mum, Ashley, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, taking a tour.
"We're glad you like it," they responded.
The house was big, cozy, and warm -the perfect home for Maverick and me.
In the dining room, Mum had prepared a surprise celebration. Champagne bottles were chilling on the dining table.
"To celebrate the queen's return," Mother said, popping open a champagne bottle.
We laughed and cheered, sipping our champagne. As we celebrated, Maverick ran around the house, exploring his new surroundings. I was grateful he didn't have issues adapting.
That night, after the celebration, I lay in bed reminiscing about my return and about starting a new phase of my life. But as I drifted off to sleep, the thought of Jared crept into my head. Did he recognize me at the airport? Did he see Maverick? Henceforth, I have to be careful, as the last thing I wanted was to run into him again.