As we stood in the empty hallway, I felt emotions wash over me. It was hard to believe that we were leaving our old home behind. I looked around, taking in the empty walls and the boxes that were piled high in the corner. It was strange to see everything packed up and ready to go.
My heart ached as I watched the twins run through the hallway, their feet echoing loudly. It was a sound that I had loved to hear over the years, but now it felt bittersweet. Nathan and Nadia shrieked with laughter as Alex jumped out on them, picking them both up in his strong arms. Nadia held onto her favourite dolly as Alex spun her around, and Nathan danced at his feet, shouting for his turn to be spun in the air.
I couldn't help but shed a tear as I watched them. It was hard to imagine leaving this place where we had made so many memories. But I knew that it was time to move on, to start a new chapter in our lives.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked, noticing the tears in my eyes.
I nodded, wiping them away. "I'm just going to miss this place."
"I know," he said, pulling me into a hug. "But we're going to make many new memories in our new home."
I smiled, feeling grateful for his support. "You're right. Let's go make some new memories."
As we walked out of the empty house, I took one last look at it. It was strange to see it so open, but I knew it was time to move on. The future was uncertain, but I was ready to face it with my family. Saying goodbye to Maria was one of the hardest things I had ever done. She had been there for me since we first arrived and had been my support pillar for all these years. The thought of leaving her behind was almost unbearable.
As I hugged her tightly, I felt a lump in my throat. Maria had been more than just a friend to me. She had become like family, and it was hard to imagine life without her.
"I'm going to miss you so much," I whispered, my voice cracking.
"I'm going to miss you too," she said, tears streaming down her face. "But I know that you're going to do great things."
I smiled weakly, feeling grateful for her words of encouragement. But it was hard to imagine doing anything without her by my side.
As we pulled away from each other, I felt a sense of emptiness wash over me. Maria had been such an essential part of my life, and it was hard to imagine moving forward without her.
But I knew that I had to be strong, to face the challenges ahead with courage and determination. Maria had taught me so much over the years,
and I knew that her lessons would stay with me always.
"Thank you for everything," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Anytime," she said, giving me one last hug. "You know where to find me if you need me."
I nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in her words. Maria may not be physically with me, but I knew her love and support would always be there. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. It was hard to imagine life without Maria by my side, but I knew that I had to keep moving forward.
I took a deep breath, trying to push the sadness aside. I knew that I had a long journey ahead of me, one that would be filled with challenges and obstacles. But I also knew that I had the strength and courage to face them head-on, thanks to the love and support that Maria had given me over the years.
“Are you coming for a holiday because Alex told us we have a swimming pool?” The twins asked Maria in unison as they hugged her too.
I smiled at them, and Maria nodded. “Of course.”
Alex lifted Nadia into the car and buckled her into her car seat and then did the same with Nathan after they had finished saying their goodbyes to Maria.
“Thanks for everything, and remember I’m only a call away if you need me for anything.” Maria reminded me for the millionth time. Alex was already in the front of the van waiting for me and smiled warmly as I got in. I was a mess of emotions as he started the van. “Ready?” He said, and I nodded, trying to hold back another outbreak of uncontrollable tears. “I’m ready, let’s go.”
As we drove away, I looked out the window and tried to organise my thoughts. "I'm going to miss Maria," I said softly. Alex reached over and took my hand. "Me too," he said. "But we'll see her soon."
The twins chatted excitedly in the back seat, and I smiled at their enthusiasm.
“I want to go swimming!" I laughed and said, "Well, we'll have to check out the pool too." Alex squeezed my hand and said, "It's going to be a great adventure."
I smiled at him and felt a sense of comfort, knowing that we were all together. As we drove along, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my family and the memories we were about to create.
The thought of Lochlan wasn’t going to ruin this for me. He would never get near me again let alone find out about my twins. They did not need him and neither did I.
The twins fell asleep about an hour before we arrived at the airport. I must have fallen asleep to because the next thing I knew we had stopped and Alex was out side talking to his friend who had arranged to meet us there.
“Mario.” Alex greeted him cheerfully.
He slapped Alex on the back as they hugged. “Good to see you again my brother.” He said in a deep voice.
“Ah this must be the beauty that has tamed my dear friend.” Mario stated and he kissed my hand and greeted the twins with a bag of lollies each which they were delighted with. They both looked at me hopeful and I nodded that they could have one. I did not want them to get to much of a sugar rush. They were already over excited.
"Are we going on that big plane with everyone else?" Nathan asked, his eyes wide with wonder as he gazed up at the sleek, white jet that towered over us. Nadia followed her brother's gaze and her mouth dropped open in amazement.
“Oh no, not that one. More like that one over there.” Alex pointed and my eyes followed his finger and I gasped out loud, slapping both of my cheeks.
He had to be joking.
I was so surprised that I could barely form words. "Wait, what?" I stammered, feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement. Alex turned to me with a smirk, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "No joke, that there is my private jet," he said, his voice laced with pride.
“You haven’t told them?” Mario looked at Alex with surprise. Alex shrugged his shoulders like it were no big deal.
“Told us what?” I frowned and looked at Alex curiously.