Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23 NEOLA I hold the resignation letter on my hand, shaking. I tuck my hands inside my coat, taking the other path leading to the head nurse. I don't want Simon to see me. Or Kendra. Or Rose. I don't want the kids to be hurt. I open the door and went in. The head nurse, Jodi, is surprise to see me there, not wearing my uniform, "Miss West, how can I help you?" she looks at me as I stood there, my hands shaking, "Please sit down." I bowed and take the seat in front of her table. Biting my lip, I gave her my resignation letter. Her eyes widened, "Why? pourquoi?" She takes the letter and put it inside her drawer, "Neola, the kids love you so much. You gave them hope when they are losing it. They need you. We need you." Her eyes shone as she cried. She held my hands and I grip hers tightly, "I know. But I can't stay. I need to go back." "Back to where?" I look at her eyes, so full of questions. I bit my lip. "I am sorry, I can't tell you…" "Do you really have to go?" I shake my head towards her direction and confessed, " Yes I have my duties…I never wanted to leave but I can't do that. I am thankful for everything you have done for me. I am so sorry, I have to leave, goodbye." I let go of her hand and Jodi cries as she watch me go out of the door. I lean by the door as it close. Many thoughts running inside my head. I wanted to stay for the sake of the children but I can't I have to be selfish of what I wanted. I have to tell Luke that I can't live like this anymore. If I have to plead then I will do that. I walk down and took the elevator. It was surprising not to see any of the kids. I guess they are asleep since it is time for their nap. I am about to head out of the hospital when Simon's voice rang out. "Tata Nela!" he broke off into a run and I catch him midway. He was crying when he looks at me. He fix his beanie before he lean on my arms, his light blonde hair shining."Tata Nela, where did you go? I miss you." he hug me so tight, it hurts to let go of him. Taking him on my arms, I carried him and just hold him. I sat at the bench, waiting for Elle's call. When she did, I swiftly took it while Simon lies on my arms, still crying, "Elle, I am here at the hospital. I am having a hard time leaving the kids, should you go here instead?" She agreed and ended the call. It took them less than an hour to reach the hospital. Jacob looks at the boy on my arms before asking, "Aunt Nela, who is he?" Simon raise his head and looks at Jacob. I put Simon down and reluctantly went towards Jacob. They curiously look at each other before Simon held out his hand, "Bonjour, Je suis Simon" Jacob weirdly looks at Simon before taking his hand and shaking it, "I'm Jacob, Jacob West." Simon smiled at him before asking, "Can I borrow your Light saber?" * "Aunt Nela, Simon is a good friend, I'd like to visit him again in the future, " Jacob's words startled me. The plane is about to land in France. The bright morning sun and Jacob's voice woke me up from my reverie. I adjusted him on my lap before staring at Elle who is currently dozing off. I lightly tap her arm as the flight attendants announce that we are about to land. The slight tremor of the plane made me close my eyes and hope that it will stop. When the plane finally halts, I look at Elle to see her smiling at me. "Oh, Neo, " she pats my head. We stood and went down, gathering our things. I took Jacob's hand as he walks beside me. When we reach the gates, we proceed at the other hangar where we will ride the helicopter. It took us an hour to reach the province. I smiled as I see the mountain from afar. I am finally home. We were welcomed by the maids. The limo took us to the castle and I laugh as Jacob pointed outside at the horses, "Aunt Nela, that horse…I want to ride that horse." I pinch his chin and hug him close. Looking outside, I can see Fleur riding the white horse. She quickly race us back to the castle and laugh. The back of my neck prickles. The sudden jealousy I felt has come back. It is time for me to claim what is rightfully mine. I will fight for Luke no matter what. Getting off from the Limo, I glared at Fleur as she stood there, hair tied in a bun and her flawless skin gleaming. If I could only… "So you are back from your travails?" I glared, not answering her. Elle was assisted by the maids and took Jacob inside. I stood there, still staring at the foul girl. "Pourquoi? You can't answer me, oui? You haven't been gone that long…you should have stayed there for another month." "And after that, what will you do? Marry him?" She smirks at me, flailing her arms as she prance around with her skirt. "Of course. I am glad because Luke is finally breaking your engagement with him. I will be appointed crown princess in a week which is why I am preparing for the ceremony, " She gave me a once over before she laughs, "I am confident I can do well because I am not afraid of horses." Something appears to be blocking my throat as I stood there, watching her. I couldn't even defend myself and talk back. What happened to me? I watch as she walks away, wounding my ego once more. That girl, if only I could prove myself against her. I wipe my face and head up to my room. * I look around for Luke. It took me most of the day of rounding the halls and the rooms but he is nowhere. Elle stayed back at the castle while I take Jacob outside. She decided to catch up with the queen about their family and how traditions were done in the past. I took Jacob to see the horses. He is so happy he even ask to ride one. Still not over of my fear of horses, I watch him and the trainer, Jacques. My heart beats fast as I stare at Jacob climb down from the horse and took my hand, "Aunt Nela, why don't you try riding Wildfire? He is a good horse." I stared at the brown stallion, its hair appearing like something on fire. I nodded at him and the trainer before climbing up the horse. I look at them from down below. The trainer thought me certain techniques on how to ride the horse. I click my boot on the sides to make it move and hold the reigns to make it stop. After a while, I get the hang of it and happily rode around. "Why don't we try for the beach, your majesty?" Jacques inquired as he hold Jacob's hand. Jacob happily swing their arms making Jacques laugh. " the beach?" "Yes, your majesty. I will accompany you together with the guards. It will be a good warmup." I nodded my head at Jacques as he calls for a backup guard. After a while of waiting, Edam arrived together with Sebin. I look at them and nod as they greet me, "Your majesty, we never knew that you will come back so soon, " Sebin says as he stops beside Wildfire. Edam glared at him and they both have a stare down. Confuse, I look at the both of them and was surprise when Jacob's voice rang out, "What are we waiting for? Let's go!" he raise his arms and together we rode our horses. Wildfire was fast. He quickly outruns the others and in just a few minutes, I reach the shore. I gladly smell the breeze and stared at the horizon. Flurries of snow fell and I happily race back to the forest, not waiting for them. It was a very fun experience to ride on my own. Wildfire race through the greens and quickly stopped when I yank the reigns. "Shh, " I squinted my eyes and peek through the leaves. "Why do I need to keep quiet? It's only the two of us here." I gasp. My eyes widening. I can hear Fleur giggling. I look at the man who is with her, his back towards me. I couldn't see well so I click my boots to make Wildfire move a little. I still couldn't see his face but I am sure that it is Luke. All afternoon I thought Luke was there at the castle and here he is, his back towards me, golden hair shining as I watch Fleur lie down beside him. They are lying on the back of a wagon, a blanket over them. "Oh…" He happily snatch her gloves and snap his teeth, making some growling sounds. Fleur giggled. I bit my lip to stop myself from crying. I watch as Fleur grab his head. I did not wait for her to kiss him. I pulled Wildfire before clicking my boots. Its so tragic that it is only me who is hurting right now. I hated the fact that I even went back for him. I am so stupid. I thought we were alright. I should've stayed in Canada, In that way, I could've saved myself from pain. Clicking my boots, I duck down as Wildfire race back to the castle. The leaves were caught on my hair, my face stings as the cold hits it. I can see the castle from afar. I click my boots again, racing towards it. When I reach the gates, the castle guards were astound to see me riding the horse. I hastily climb down Wildfire, tie his reigns before running up the castle. I collapse on my I did not wait for any of them to be back. I took my backpack and left a note for Elle at their room. I sob as I went down the stairs, the maids asking me what's the matter. When I reach the second floor, I saw the king, sitting by the balcony. I look at him once before turning my back at him. I was surprised when some choking noise rang out. I turn around to see him struggling to breath. His hand on his throat. Running towards him, I hastily rub his back. He was turning blue. He collapse on his chair, his chest heaving. Worried, I look around and ask for help. Desperate, I push him off his chair and catch him as he fell on the floor. He looks at me, eyes wide before it slowly close. I panicked. "Your majesty?" he did not respond. His lips blue. Gently laying him down, I started pumping his chest. "Oh, please. Please your majesty, wake up…" "My King!" Argus' voice rang loud as he approach us, "What happened?" "He suddenly collapse." I pump his chest, quickly. Tilting his head, I puff some oxygen in him. "Your majesty, please…" I pump his chest some more as Argus tries to contact the doctor. My arms hurt. My chest burns. My head is spinning. I am getting dizzy, I tried for another time and rejoice as the king suddenly take in more breath. "Thank God." Argus breathe out a sigh as the king finally recovers. The king looks at me before he holds my hand, "Merci…" He whispered, holding my hand in his. He gave it a tight squeeze before smiling at me. The medical team swept him up on his feet and carried him towards the ambulance. I stare at them as they take him away. The king looks at me, his eyes full of regret as he watch me walk away. Though, I stop as I see him. Luke was there staring at me eyes wide as he remove his hunting gear with no Fleur clinging on him. I glared at him before walking out of there. He can stare for all I care. 계속 * Another one tomorrow :) so what do you think about this chapter???