The One

Going Back To Theodulf

 In her room, she swiftly gathered a few essentials for her brief stay. With time on her side, she grabbed her laptop and delved into her work, sifting through a mountain of documents.

An hour later, a knock echoed through her door. She looked up from the glow of her screen.

"Baby girl, you ready?" came William's voice.

"Yes, Mummy? Is it time already?" she replied, momentarily puzzled as she tossed her laptop aside and grabbed her phone, glancing at the time. "I still have three whole hours, Mummy! You scared me!"

William burst into laughter, just as her phone chimed insistently with incoming messages. "I see Christian is still inundating you with messages, then?"

"Oh, absolutely! Speaking of inundation, I overheard the office is in chaos because their captain is on vacation?" she remarked, humour dancing in her eyes.

"They ought to learn a thing or two about self-maintenance instead of forever relying on your father for everything," Anna interjected, shaking her head disapprovingly as she walked towards the door.

A dutiful husband, William added, "Indeed! They should sharpen their vigilance and flexibility."

"Anyway, Mummy, Daddy, I might head back to Conchobar sooner than expected. I need to get my team on board to expand our wings to Theodulf," she responded as they made their way towards the mansion.

"But I want to sort out our Filtrian deal first – that place practically screams for a branch," she continued, determination glinting in her eyes.

"Not a bad idea, kiddo!" William agreed.

"Absolutely, baby girl! Go for it!" Anna chimed in.

"Seize every opportunity while you can, darling!" William encouraged.

As the trio entered the living room, their path was intercepted by a mouth-watering aroma wafting from the kitchen.

Upon entering the culinary heart of the home, Karol greeted Pepper enthusiastically, "Hi, Aunty!" as she surveyed the array of delicious dishes being carried toward the dining table.

"Hi, Karol, William, and Anna! Please, have a seat!" Pepper welcomed them warmly.

"Let me help you!" Anna insisted, making her way into the kitchen, closely followed by her daughter who echoed her sentiments. "Me too, let me help!"

As they approached, Pepper asked, "Karol, darling, could you run and fetch your uncle for lunch?" Her hands were busy scooping food from the pot.

She stopped in her tracks, eyebrows raised. "Sure, but where is he?" She felt momentarily befuddled, standing between the kitchen and the dining room.

"He's in the office on the second floor, sweetie," Pepper replied with a smile.

With determination, she pivoted on her heel, striding confidently toward the second floor as if on a mission, leaving the others behind her.

William stood beside his daughter, an almost forgotten figure in the background. "What about me? What should I do?" he asked, feeling like a stranger in his own home.

"Could you call the others for lunch? The pack members are in the backyard playing with Peter," she replied, her voice warm but brisk.

As she approached the office, she knocked gently on the door three times before pushing it open. The sight that greeted her knocked the breath from her lungs: Leo, buried beneath a mountain of paperwork, not Peter as she had expected.

In disbelief, she gasped, "Oh, my Lord! Is that you, Leo?!" Her voice echoed through the room, drawing his attention. Leo looked up, surprise etched on his furrowed brow, which quickly melted into a joyous smile.

"Oh, my Goddess! Karol?!" he exclaimed, inhaling the familiar scent that filled the air as he rose from his chair, his surprise evident.

With a playful smirk, she replied, "Yes, you dufus! It's me, Karol," playfully rolling her eyes as if to say he ought to know better.

Leo, momentarily speechless, took her in from head to toe, his expression shifting to a mix of joy and nostalgia. "It's been so long since we last met," he said, his voice laced with happiness.

"Of course, it's been about seven years, hasn't it?"

At the mention of time, Leo's bright expression softened, tinged with longing. "I miss you," he murmured softly, his words hanging between them like a fragile promise. He stayed behind his desk, as if waiting for her unspoken permission to cross the space that separated them, inhaling her scent as though it would anchor him.

She noticed the subtle shift in his demeanour, a smile blossoming on her face. She tilted her head and teased, "You know you can hug me, you slowpoke Leo," her giggle lightening the air.

Without another moment's hesitation, he crossed the room, and she rushed to him, leaping into his arms. He caught her with ease, murmuring, "Oh, Goddess, I've missed you," and they melted into an embrace that felt like home.

Minutes slipped away in their reunion before Leo reluctantly pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He enveloped her in his arms once more, lifting her slightly off the ground as he took in her scent, a blissful sigh escaping his lips, which made her shiver with delight.

"I miss you too, and I'm sorry for what I did," she confessed, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice as Leo held her tightly before gently letting her down.

"Karol, you know we all understand what happened that day. There's nothing to forgive," he assured her, his gaze unwavering, filled with warmth. A flush crept onto her cheeks as memories of her past self surfaced; she quickly turned away, seeking to hide her embarrassment.

"Thank you. Now, let's get some lunch; I'm starving," she replied softly, darting away, leaving Leo grinning at her endearing antics.

Walking side by side, hand in hand, they caught up with each other, oblivious to the curious stares of the other pack members who watched them with bemusement.

As they entered the dining hall, she couldn't contain her excitement. "Guys, look who I found!" she announced joyfully, lifting their entwined hands for all to see.

"Leo, my boy, you're getting taller!" exclaimed one of the pack elders.

"Not that much, Auntie, just a few centimetres," Leo replied politely, his grip on Karol's hand remaining firm as they approached the dining table whereas her attention was drawn to the mouth-watering spread before them, her excitement palpable.

"Go ahead and sit down while I grab some blueberry pie," she said, releasing his hand as she dashed towards the dessert table, leaving Leo momentarily bemused.

He settled at the head of the dining table, exchanging pleasantries with Karol's parents while watching her with fondness.

With her prized blueberry pie in hand, Karol returned, her eyes sparkling with glee. "Karol, sit here," Leo called, gesturing to the empty seat that was perfectly positioned for her.

She took her place nonchalantly, setting her pie beside her while casting a cautious glance at Peter, who eyed her dessert with longing. Thus, their lunch began, filled with laughter and joy, weaving stories of the past and the excitement of the present.

From the dining hall to the living room, their cheerful conversations flowed until the clock edged closer to five.

"Oh no, I'll be late for my flight!" she exclaimed, springing to her feet.

"Where are you going?" Leo inquired, his expression shifting from joy to concern.

"I've got to go now. Bye, everyone! We'll catch up again, okay, Leo? Mummy, Daddy, can you take me to the airport?"

Without missing a beat, Leo volunteered, "No worries, I'll drive you," standing up as she rushed out of the mansion.

Dashing to her house, she gathered her belongings before racing downstairs where Leo waited in his car.

By six o'clock, they arrived at the airport with just half an hour to spare before her flight took off for Theodulf Airport.