Destined

Chapter 3. Marias Past

The next day I wake up feeling lighter then a feather. The last few days have felt like a complete dream. Saving Moonacre Valley, bring the De Noirs and Merryweathers together again, and of course... Robin.

As if on cue, the secret door by the fireplace opens, and out he pops.

"Robin! What if I was changing!?" I giggle, not mad in the slightest.

"Considering I've already seen you in your underpants... let's just say we are way past pleasantries." He says giving me that famous smirk that I both love and hate.

He walks over to my bed, sitting and making himself comfortable.

"How can you still be in bed at this hour?"
"I was daydreaming. About someone." Without moving my head and I move my eyes to look at him, this time giving him a smirk back.
"Oh, well then, happy to make your dreams come true." He says giving me a mock bow.

I giggle and finally get myself out of bed. I walk over to my chair, where Loveday has continued to put a different dress. I pick it up and hold it against me. I look over and Robin is leaning his face on his hand, as if ready for a show.

"A little privacy why don't you." I say, throwing a pillow at him.
"If you must insist." He says rolling his eyes and turning around.

I dress quick, in case he loses patience or decides to take a quick peek. He turns around just as I begin braiding my hair. He walks over to me, taking my hands away and letting out the braids.

"I like you better with your hair down." He says, leaning to give me a kiss.

As our lips meet, once again it's like a spark shocks me and I feel myself floating on air.

I mess with one of his curls, letting it bounce as I let it go.

All of a sudden theirs a knock, and just before I have a chance to say anything, Loveday strolls in the room.

She takes one look at us and rolls her eyes.

"You know you shouldn't be sneaking in that way Robin. Just come through the front door like a normal person."

"Where's the fun in that?" He retorts.

"Maria, theirs someone here asking for you. A young man."

With that everything is quiet. Robin's smirk has disappeared and he's looking at me to see my reaction. I on the other hand have no words.

The three of us walk down the long steps until we make our way into the front room. First I see Uncle Benjamin, drinking his usual glass of wine at early hours of the day. At first all I can see is the top of the strangers head,  But it's enough for me. He suddenly gets up and turns towards me.

"Maria!" He exclaims coming over to me and lifting me into a giant hug.

For a moment I stand in shock. Unable to move.

"Maria, aren't you happy to see me?" He asks looking a little hurt.

"Peter...how are you here? More important.. how are you alive?" I ask, my voice quivering.

"Let's just say the British army isn't known for having good communication. Their was a different Peter who died and they must've mixed us up. But I'm here now. When I heard that your father had passed and that you'd come to live with your uncle, I had to come see you. I used some of the money I made, to get a train ticket here."

"Unbelievable!" I exclaim still in shock.

"Umm, yeah so who is this Maria? Robin asks, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

I break out of my trance, skiing my head.

"Oh dear! I'm Imagine sorry. Uncle Benjamin, Loveday, Robin... this is Peter Lancsky. His father was my my father's best friend, and we practically grew up together as good friends. And then he was shipped off to boot camp after his father died. And of course at my father's passing, I figured I'd never see him again!"

Everyone's quiet and I know Robin is trying not to come off jealous. Jealousy isn't something he will ever admit too.

"Maria! It's been what? Like 2 years? You look great!"

"So do you!" I remark, taking in his blonde wavy hair that was once buzzed,, and is now pulled in a messy bun, his height being several inches taller than when I last saw him, and even his muscles seemed to have grown. He was no longer the skinny boy I once knew. Of course I had changed as well. My once unruly hair is longer and better kept, and I'd also lost my baby fat that I was insecure about. However his transformation was much more noticeable.

I take a look over at Robin, with his curly brown hair, Boulder hat, feathers, and black clothing. They were definitely night and day, however the height was definitely similar. Robin's arms are crossed, and I can see he hasn't made his usual smirk in awhile.

"So do you have a place to stay Peter?" Asks my uncle, standing up to walk over and shake his hand.

"I was thinking of pitching a tent near the woods. I don't mind, I've done it a lot these past few years." He says humbly.

"Nonsense, we have a spare room on the third floor, your welcome to it for as long as you need."

"Thank you sir! That would be truly amazing!"

"Now Peter, we have soooo much to catch up on." I say with pure joy at seeing my longtime friend.