The Meeting After Four Years III

"Yes". Her tone was tinted with determination as she made up her mind, after all she couldn't hide away for the rest of her lives.

"That's it". Betty clapped her hands excitedly in glee.

"But what about the logistics? It's quite a distance from here, because of the kids?".

"Don't worry about that. I've already made arrangements for transportation and accommodation. We'll be leaving tomorrow and staying in a luxury hotel for two weeks till the event is over". Betty quickly resumed her role as a manager stating the necessities.

As they were discussing, the front door opens and Mia's two daughters, Mirabelle and Annabelle, burst into the room, their school bags slung over their shoulders.

"Mommy, we're home!. Mirabelle shouted excitedly running into her mother's embrace.

"Guess what mommy? . We got an A on our exams". Annabelle shouted in glee.

Mia smiled warmly after checking their exam's results. " That's fantastic, sweetie! I've got some exciting news for both of you. We're going on a little adventure tomorrow.

"What kind of adventure?". The two little girls chorused, eyes widening with curiousity.

"We're all going to the neighboring city for mommy's runway show! You'll get to stay in a fancy hotel for two whole weeks". Betty announced and the kids roared in excitement.

"Really? That sounds amazing!". Mirabelle shouted, jumping with excitement.

"Can we go, mommy? Please!". Annabelle held Mia's cheeks.

Mia felt relieved at their expression and replies but still she couldn't brush away the thought of "him".

He's the reason she's been shying away from the show, she just didn't want to cross path with him so she made a mental note to inform Betty to let their accomodations be at the outskirts of the city, far away from him.

"Of course, you can! I'm so glad you're excited. It's going to be a lot of fun". Mia pinched their cheeks playfully.

The girls squeal with delight, and Mia can't help but feel a surge of happiness at their enthusiastic response.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucian was just about to start his car's engine when a round small figure ran up to him.

"Daddy". Jeffrey a short plump boy who couldn't be more than four years old ran up to Lucian, his round face radiating an energetic smile.

"Little Jeff". Lucian crouched to his height, rubbing his curly hair affectionately. "How are you doing?".

"I'm fine". He giggled. "You promised to take me out today for an adventure, remember. So here I am".

"I didn't forget". He patted his cheeks and carried him in the car fastening the seatbelt before running to the other side of the car.

"I'm sorry for. . .". A tall pretty lady walked up to him, fiddling with the hem of her dress apparently lost of words.

"It's okay Nina". Lucian smiled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to barge into your house you know . ."

"It's really alright.. ."

"Mama , stop delaying Daddy. We're getting late". Jeff impatient voice rang out from the car as he stretched his neck to look at them and the duo burst into laughter.

"Alright then, I won't delay you any longer". Nina smiled in retrospect to which Lucian nodded and entered the car.

It was still quite early when they got to the amusement park but the vibrant and lively atmosphere was unlike that of every sunny day as the amusement park was filled to the brim.

Families and children of all ages were milling about, enjoying the various rides and attraction.

Jeff squirmed excitedly in anticipation in Lucian's arm's as he took in the lively atmosphere.

Lucian watches as Jeffery's eyes light up with excitement at the sight of the colorful rides and attractions and he couldn't help but smile at his infectious enthusiasm.

" Well, Jeff what do you want to do first?". Lucian grinned.

"Can we go on the roller coaster, Daddy?". He asked excitedly.

"Sure". Lucas chuckled and hoist him onto his shoulder as he giggled excitedly.

"Now, where next do you wanna go?". Lucian asked Jeff who gazed around excitedly after having fun and riding the rollercoaster.

As they passed by the carousel, his eyes suddenly lit up with excitement, tugging on Lucian's hands and begging to go for a ride.

"There, there. I want the carousel".

Lucian chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately before nodding in agreement. They joined the line of eager children and parents, patiently waiting for their turn to hop onto one of the brightly decorated horses.

As they settled onto a majestic steed, Lucian couldn't help but notice two identical girls, about the same age as Jeff giggling and chatting animatedly with their nanny.

The girls, with their long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes, exuded an air of innocence and mischief that immediately caught his attention.

As the carousel started its gentle swirl, the girls' eyes locked onto his and Jeff's, their smiles widening as they admired the sweet bond between father and son.

Lucian couldn't help but return their smiles, charmed by their playful antics.

After the ride ended, Lucian led Jeffery to the two girls who were still chatting with their nanny.

The girls look up at them with wide-eyed wonder, their identical faces mirroring each other's expressions.

"Hi there". Mirabelle beamed happily.

"Hello". Annabelle waved.

"Hello Sir, hello there kiddo. Trust you're having fun". The girl's nanny greeted.

"Sure, can we go on the carousel again". Jeff grinned.

"Of course". The nanny laughed.

"Do you mind if Annabelle and Mirabelle join us?". Lucian asked politely.

"Sure". The girl's chorused not waiting for their nanny's consent.

"Yes Sir".

"Thanks". Lucian smiled , for some reasons he couldn't explain he felt attracted to the girls and couldn't help but want to be around them .

As they make their way to the carousel, Lucian hoist Jeff onto his shoulders, and the girls giggle with delight at the sight.

They admire Lucian's strength and playfulness as he interacts with Jeff, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Your dad is so cool, Jeffery". Annabelle laughed gazing up at Jeffery.

"Yeah, I wish our dad was here too". Mirabelle butted in.

Lucian overhears their whispered conversation and feels a pang of sympathy for the girls. He knows exactly what it's like to long for someone's presence most especially a father's presence.