Once Upon a Faerie

Sad goodbyes

I was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, contemplating everything that was just shared with me. After asking about who killed my father, there was more awkward silence until Michael finally shared that still to this day, no one seemed to know who was behind the attack or the motive. Mum seemed just as surprised about that news as I was. He explained there have been no new threats since then, and no one really expects more as they suspect that it was my dad that was the target. Even with that news, he said being royalty always carries threats and danger, but I would always be well protected and guarded, especially in the early days of my return. Upon hearing this, something didn't sit right about the situation. Call it a gut feeling, but I feel like there is more to the story.

It made me start thinking about how the attackers managed to get to us and kill my dad if we were meant to be 'well guarded', but I guessed eventually I would find out more.

I moved on thinking about fated mates and if I had one waiting for me back home. Home... this was meant to be my home, but now finding out about everything tonight and how my dad died saving us, it feels only right to go back and take on his title, if not for me, but for him and his death. I mean, yes, this place will always be my home, but I guess I have a new one now.

Mum explained that she wouldn't be able to return with me as she couldn't leave Keith and Tom, and she was glad it was Michael that came to get me, someone she trusted. Ares assured Mum he would protect me and help me navigate the fae world. I understood why she couldn't come back, but I'm not going to lie and say it didn't scare me going over all alone

Michael and Ares ended up leaving us alone on the deck. Mum and I ended up talking for a lot longer than either of us expected. She told me a little more about her life with dad and her life living in the summer court. She admitted she was glad I took a natural liking to the summer court and not one of their enemy courts like winter. We talked about fae powers and what mine could be. It turns out that being royalty, I could easily possess magic from all courts, especially if trained well. Mum said dad could yield any power from any court easily after many years of practice. This comment also made me think about how these bad faeries managed to kill my father if he was supposedly so strong. But I kept that out of my mind while listening to Mum talk about her life back then.

I wondered how Keith and Tom hadn't returned and interrupted us yet until Mum explained that Michael used a power of persuasion to convince them to have a father and son bonding night in the city. Apart from that, Mum said she had no idea where they went but would eventually be back.

We also covered my back story for leaving so suddenly. I said we should keep the original idea of leaving with Michael and Ares for a job but say it was through Michael's contacts that he got me a role in a doctors office to learn more about being a doctor before heading to university. Mum agreed that sounded more believable as everyone knew I wanted to be a doctor.

Eventually, Mum started yawning, and before retiring, she told me how proud she was of me in how I have handled the situation so far and that my dad would be proud of the person I have become. I think we both shed a few tears while we shared a goodnight hug, shortly after separating ways to go to our bedrooms.

I had a fairly restless night sleep.knowing that tomorrow I'm going to have to say goodbye to my best friend Lucy and lie to her at the same time. Saying goodbye to Tom and Keith will also be hard. Mum said she would explain to Keith tonight when he got home about me leaving, and I just hoped he didn't try and stop it.

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The next morning, I was pretty tired as I did not sleep well. I dressed and went straight downstairs so I could make the most of my last day. I had already texted Lucy last night explaining that I had to meet her before lunch. In the kitchen, everyone was there, including Tom, who seemed to be crying!. As soon as he saw me, he rushed over, embracing me in a hug.

"How could you just up and leave like this!, to go live with strangers?" I was a bit taken back to his reaction to the news. I mean, we love each other, but we have never been overly affectionate to each other, not like this, at least.

"Uhhhh, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity," I said, thinking on the spot and reluctantly returning his hug. I also locked eyes with Keith, who gave me a grim smile. Not one that was happy about the situation but one that understood. Mum had made our last breakfast together. We sat there eating in silence with the odd conversation. Mum thought it would be nice for us to do something before I left. However, I hesitantly told her I had to go see Lucy before I left. Everyone, including Tom, understood.

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I met Lucy at our favourite burger joint. I wouldn't usually eat this three times in one weekend, but I knew I was going to miss them aswell.

"You're WHAT!" Lucy cried out when I told her the backstop.

"I know it's last minute, but they leave today, so It's my free trip there," I hastily replied. I hated living to her of all people. She has been there through everything since we were like 6.

"I'm trying to be mad, but I can't be.. I'm excited for you. I really am, " She said in a sullen voice. "But I'm going to miss you like crazy," She continued.

We ate our burgers in record slow speed, savouring every last moment together. We laughed and cried over the course of two hours before I checked the time.

"I better get going," I said, standing up from the table. At this 5 both had teats in our eyes.

"I love you, and don't forget about me when you become a fancy doctor."

"I love you to and don't worry I won't, we will organise a catch up as soon as we can I promise" I said half telling the truth, but I'm not too sure how logistically hard it is bouncing between the two worlds.

we hugged one last time before leaving in opposite directions. That went way better than I thought it was going to go, I thought. However, saying this goodbye had me second-guessing everything.

Now, to go home and pack!