The Royal Contract

She guessed she had all her affairs in order. She had her bags packed. The last thing she had to do was say her final goodbyes.

Besides, she could always visit this heavenly place if she had forgotten anything. It was not like she was leaving forever.

"Of course, I am coming back." She told the children who kept asking her, reassuring them that she would not forget them.

Although it was a promise that was hard to keep, she would still try her best. She had grown fond of the nuns and the children in the orphanage.

They had become a family to her. She knew she could not just forget each one of them or turn her back on them. After all, she would not have found herself again if not for them.

"So, it is true." Another voice spoke behind her, making her slowly turn to check who it was.

But she had recognized who it was before her eyes set sight on him. She guessed she would not forget him either.

"Sebastian." She greeted him as she watched her friend walk over to her.

Fortunately, he came during the lowest point of her life. He offered his shoulder for her to cry on and his hands to help her back on his feet.

She knew she owed him great gratitude, just like the people in the orphanage. She knew he would always have a space in her heart.

"You are leaving without even saying goodbye," Sebastian dramatically uttered as he bent down to hug her.

For someone tall and fit, she discovered he was a big softy. He always had a warm smile, gentle hands, and a big heart for everyone he had come across.

"Don't be such a big baby." She teased him, patting him on the back. "I know we will see each other again."

She knew this was not the end of their friendship. Besides, the world was too small for them not to bump into each other again.

And with modern technology, communication was just a click on a screen. It would not be hard to keep in touch.

"Yeah! I guess we will miss you." He pouted like a child as he looked at the children gathering around them. "Right, guys?" He asked them all.

In unison, the kids agreed with him. Indeed, it was a touching moment for all of them. How she suddenly wished she did not have to leave them?

However, she also had a life that she had put on hold for far too long. It was time for her to return to her world and face her fears.

"If it makes you feel better, I will miss you all too." She wished she could do more, probably take them all with her, but that was impossible.

Still, she would do everything to help them. She had made it her life's mission. But for now, she had to focus on herself.

First, she had to take her life back before she could do more for others. As she had heard so many times before, she had to love herself before she could love others.

"Ok. Girls and boys, it is time for your activities. Say your goodbyes to Serena." Sister Nenita told the kids. The children hugged her, telling her how they loved her. She never felt an overwhelming joy than what she experienced at that moment.

However, she wanted to believe all good things must come to a pause. Hopefully, not an end, as she waved goodbye to the kids.

"Thank you." She said to Sister Nenita for all her help. She had been the sister she never had, guiding her and putting her back on the right path.

Eventually, she saw the last of the kids, leaving her alone with her friend. She could feel the tears that threatened to drop from her eyes. But she managed to hold them in.

Of course, she did not want to cry in front of the kids. She did not want her leaving to be a sad affair. Those kids already had enough unfortunate and tragic endings, and she was not about to add another one.

"Thank you, Doc." She finally turned to the man that had been her rock while she was here. A true friend that she was fortunate enough to meet.

He did not only treat broken bones, but he had helped her heal her broken soul. Someday, she intended to repay him for his kindness. She believed he also deserved his happy ending.

"No need to thank me. You also have done so much for me." Sebastian smiled at her with tenderness.

She could feel his sincerity. And she knew she would surely miss his warm demeanor and silly sense of humor.

"Anyway, I have to go before I miss my flight." Serena looked at her watch, believing she still had enough time.

She did not like long farewells. And the last thing she needed was to see the kids' long faces if they saw her leaving.

"Can I at least drive you to the airport?" He offered, taking the luggage from her hand.

How could she say no to a few more minutes with her friend? She let him lead the way to the exit. Then, she turned around to glimpse the orphanage one last time.

She guessed there was no turning back as she rode his car and watched him drive her away, out the gates and into the open road.

"So, is Adam picking you up at the airport?" He asked as they entered the freeway.

She knew that Sebastian had a crush on her when they first met. However, she told him they could only be friends because she believed her heart already belonged to someone else.

She hoped that Sebastian truly accepted that because the last thing she wanted was to hurt his feelings. She believed he deserved a woman who would love him back.

"No, I have not told him yet that I am coming." She admitted to her friend.

She knew that Adam had gone to great lengths to make her happy. He had sacrificed a lot to see her. Therefore, she intended to repay his efforts with her simple gestures.

She planned to surprise him by showing up in his apartment unannounced. She had everything mapped out up to the last details. She believed it was the least she could do.

"What?" Sebastian exclaimed, mildly appearing surprised. "Are you sure that is a good plan?" He seemed skeptical as he squinted one of his eyes in her direction before returning his sight to the road.

Of course, there were times that she doubted if she knew what she was doing. More often than not, she felt like she was making a mistake.

But, of course, she promised to be braver this time. She would take some risks and deal with the consequence later if there was one.

"I don't know." She disclosed to him. "But how will I know if I don't try? Right?" She guessed she was more determined this time, even if she had her apprehension.

She turned to the window, watching the light traffic ahead. Then, she saw the airport almost around the corner.

"I wish you luck, my friend," Sebastian said with an amiable smile. She could see that he wanted to support her plan, no matter how he felt.

She guessed that was what she liked about him. He spoke his opinion, debating what he thought was best. But in the end, he respected her decision and never judged her.

"And happiness." He quickly added before she could even respond. "I guess I won't be seeing you for a while." He said as he parked the car near the entrance.

She could tell that she would miss him. But for now, they would have to part. He still had a mission to fulfill while she had to put her life back on track.

He helped her out of the car, pulling her luggage out of the trunk. Then, they stood silent for a few seconds, staring at each other. Discover stories with m,v l'e|m-p| y r

"Goodbye, for now, Sebastian. And thank you for everything." She finally said her farewell to a good friend. "I hope to see you eventually."

She leaned forward, giving him a hug and peck on the cheek. Then, she waved her hands to him as she pulled her luggage away and proceeded to her flight.

"Good luck!" She heard him shout. She turned and glanced to see him one last time before he disappeared from the crowd.

"Yeah, I need it." She whispered to herself as she moved toward the check-in counter.

She knew in a few more hours, she would see him again. And she could not wait to be with him. It was like coming home.

As they said, her home was where her heart resided. And her heart only longed to be with him. She knew he felt the same way.

She might be afraid of what waited for her on the other side of the world. But with Adam on her side, she knew she could face anything.

"Ms. Serena Anderson." The woman at the counter looked up and checked her ticket, probably wondering if she was the same person as the famous one.

"Please..." She wished nobody would make a fuss over her. But before she could even say one more word, the manager was already assisting her, creating a commotion.

Airport security followed, securing her from the growing interest of the other passengers. And it did not take long for others to notice who she was.

"Please, Ms. Anderson, follow us." The manager and the security people assisted her until she was sitting in a VIP lounge, where she would wait for her flight.

She guessed this was just a sample of what she should expect as soon as she returned to her old life. Nevertheless, by now, she should be immune to all this madness.