Arranged to be Yours

Chapter 17

"Attention all passengers, this is the final boarding call for flight 218 to Shanghai, China. I repeat, this is the final boarding call for flight 218 to Shanghai, China."

The intercom was slightly scratchy, not exactly pleasant to the ear, but I let out a deep breath nonetheless, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I turned, arms open. "Well, this is it. Any last hugs?" Immediately I was engulfed in the embrace of my best friend, Aurelia, her soft sniffles reminding me of a bunny.

"I know you must go," she began, voice soft from all the silent tears she's been shedding, "But I'll miss you so much..."

I laughed, a light huff of air whilst stroking aimless patterns on her back.

"You know it's not forever. We'll see each other again, of course we will! We're practically sisters after all."

Two days ago, Adrien had showed up at the farm and with a horse blessed with wings, I managed to escape him and hide away at Wild Herd Nook. True to my word, I did sleep on the matter and the next morning when I'd trotted back into the riding school, I'd told my cousin about my decision, one he supported completely. It only took a few calls here and there before everything was set up and the ticket was booked.

You see, Adrien wasn't the only one who'd been busy with work. He just didn't care enough to ask me about my own.

A couple of weeks ago, I'd been approached by my father. When we'd still been known as Dream Finish Publishers, we'd opened a branch in China, knowing it would give us a stronghold if we had allies in one of the top countries worldwide. Naturally, when the companies merged and became Glass Bridge Entertainment, the branch name fell under that banner. Still, the manager called and requested assistance in the Junior Writer's Program and in handling the company matters there, wanting to know how the new system worked. It was a huge opportunity and a once in a lifetime occurrence. My father and I debated long and hard on who to send, but I'd called him last night with the perfect candidate...

Me.

I didn't exactly give him time or room to argue. Besides, my case was quite solid.

The Junior Writer's Program was my responsibility and besides, it would be good exposure for when Adrien and I took over the reins. He'd been so thrilled at the idea that he didn't catch the way I spat out that bastard's name. Either way, my father had agreed so here I was.

When Aurelia finally pulled away, I faced my cousin who stood stoic and emotionless.

"Come here, Romeo." I joked, dragging him in for a hug and ruffling his hair in the process, to which he grunted in displeasure.

"Take care of yourself, Kathy."

Melting in the familiarity and comfort of his arms, the lovely aroma of English Blazer tickling my nose, I answered, "I will, I promise. Like you said, it's a new beginning. A clean slate."

I pulled away, eyes glistening and moist with unshed tears as I smiled, taking my carry-on in hand.

"I'll call you as soon as I get there."

Damien groaned. "Please check the time difference first. I'm going to flip if you call at two in the morning or something."

I playfully slapped his arm, dodging out of the way when he wanted to return the favour. Laughter erupted from my throat like bubbles in soda.

"I love you both!" I called over my shoulder, waving to them as I made my way to the terminal and a whole new adventure.

Until we meet again, I thought to myself.

After all, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, and it's without a doubt a new me.

***
The airport was abuzz with activity.