(9) FAREWELL

It was hard for Lily to bring up the topic of moving out. Her family would be sad and that was something she won't want to see.

Her decision to marry was rather impulsive but there was no regret. She was sure that her family would support her decision but since she'll be back after two years, she had decided to hide it from them.

It had been two days after she had finalized her contract but was still not sure about what to tell them.

Lily was still making up her mind when she heard a knock on the door.

'Clack'

Two strangers were standing in front of her house. But the smile on their face told Lily that this must have been their destination.

A tall, handsome man and a cute girl. They had bright smiles and seemed friendly.

'But why are they here?'

As if the girl knew what Lily was thinking, she passed an envelope to her.

It read-

[ I'll fulfill all my promises. You must stick to yours.]

And the address was Duchy Aflantia.

She glanced and them and then at the letter.

"Lily who is there?" Harry came as he heard them.

"Ah..."

It was not John's handwriting but no way could she explain it in some other way.

"They- they are my friends." She stiffly pointed at them.

"Hello, uncle! I am Rika and this young man here is Mathew. We are Lily's friend." She was full of energy as she introduced herself.

"Oh! Please come inside. Cherry look who's here." He called for his wife who was cooking breakfast in the kitchen.

Before Lily could say anything they were already inside. It was evident from the letter that it was the Duke who had sent them.

Lily had asked for helpers who would take care of her parents during her absence. The people had come to help.

"I'll have to tell them today or it might be too late." She murmured to herself.

Everyone had gathered around the table for the breakfast.

"So Rika, what are you people doing here?" Cherry had started her inquiry.

"Aunty, I have to tell you something first." Lily interrupted in between. She had finally made up her mind.

"Yes, dear, please speak."

"I have decided... to travel around the country... and... gain some experience and... new knowledge. My friends are going to help for the period." Lily said everything, whatever came to her mind without looking up for once.

"Lily! What are you sayi-" Before Harry could question Lily, Cherry placed her hand on Harry's.

She shook her as if trying to stop him from asking anything.

"Baby, look at me." She called Lily very sweetly. Hearing her voice, Lily raised her head and saw what she wanted to avoid the most.

Her mother was smiling a very painful smile. It was her way of conveying that she respects Lily's decision but was also very sad because of it.

"When are you going to leave?" She asked with the same tone and the same expression.

Two days had already gone from the one-week time she was given. Lily wanted to end the discussion but she could not.

"In.... 5 days...." And she stopped. She could not speak anymore.

"Ahm... Since we have finished our food, we are going to unpack luggage now." Rika stood up brightly and pulled Mathew upstairs.

She did it so proficiently that it seemed normal for them to leave to unpack their luggage.

"Haa!" Harry controlled his anger and tried to reason with Lily.

"Lily, why are you thinking of going somewhere and that too so...so suddenly."

"Lily your father is worried about you. If you have any problem you can tell us." Cherry tried to assure her.

'Father' It was a word Lily had never used. Though she had excepted them as her parents in her heart she couldn't word her feelings.

"It... It's not like that. It's just that... 'that day' I realized how relaxed I had become. I want to do something and for that, I need new experiences and opportunities."

That day was something they couldn't forget especially Harry and she herself.

She glanced over and noticed that he had gotten pale. Most probably remembering those scenes again. That pain and fear...

'Stop! Lily.'

"But Lily look I'm all okay. Even the doctor said that there was nothi....."

"I know! But I want to reassure myself. Never again I am going to be so helpless again." Lily shouted before her aunt could complete her words bursting with emotions.

Large drops started falling from Lily's eyes. She had controlled herself so far but for how long could she have hidden that fear in her heart?

Lily was strong but fragile at the same time.

That little yearning for love is still there inside her. She couldn't stand losing these people. They were the only ones for whom Lily could do anything...Anything!

Cherry and Harry looked at each other and sighed. The discussion had ended and they understood that they could not say anymore. Their child had already made a decision. Now all they could do was support her and pray for her safety.

"Now-now, you are a grown-up..stop crying over little things. We can't handle your tantrums in this old age, can we?" Cherry embraced Lily and tried to lighten her heart.

"What will your friends think of us if they saw you in this state." Harry stood by Lily's chair and smiled brightly.

"Sniff..sniff... I..sniff.. love you...sniff both." Lily was reminded of the warmth she felt the first time she met them. She hugged Cherry tightly.

'I am not going to lose this.' She was determined.

After the ruckus, everything went smoothly. Lily's days became more hectic, she had to complete all the tasks before going and teaching her 'friends' how to help her parents but thankfully Rika and Mathew adjusted quickly. Just like that the remaining five days went in the blink of an eye and it was finally the day of departure.

 ***********