I'm Still Listening [Robin+Maria]

Possible Ending #1

[Maria]

"I can't thank you enough, Loveday" I grinned, hugging her tightly. "You can thank me later, find Robin and Naomi before they end up leaving without you" she whispered, kissing my forehead. I bit my lip with excitement, before quickly making my way towards the other edge of the forest, where I planned to meet them. Loveday was going to return home to the DeNoir clan for several days, so that Uncle Benjamin wouldn't suspect as much. I was so grateful for all my family had sacrificed for me, I almost didn't want to leave them. Suddenly I stopped. I felt something wash over me, quickly making me feel very guilty for running away. I couldn't just leave them after everything they'd done for me. I let out a deep sigh and continued on my way so that I could tell Robin the bad news.

After what felt like hours, I finally reached the gate and sure enough, there was the carriage. Robin was sat on the ground playing with his hat while Naomi was petting the horses. Suddenly she turned her head and flashed a big grin. "Maria!" she shouted, making Robin rise to his feet with a large smile. "We were beginning to think you weren't coming!" she wrapped her arms around me enthusiastically. I sighed and gave them a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, I can't leave."

"We thought you might say that" a voice chirped in from behind me. I spun round quickly. To my surprise, there stood Loveday and Uncle Benjamin. "I don't understand" I tilted my head. "Loveday told me what you were planning, and she thought-" Loveday nudged him discreetly, "we thought," Uncle Benjamin continued, "that you're old enough to make your own decisions, and I can see you're in safe hands" he beckoned towards Robin and Naomi. They both exchanged a proud smile and glanced back at me.

"Uncle Benjamin, I don't know what to say" I whispered, trying not to cry with joy. He flashed a friendly smile and held out his arms. I giggled and ran to him, embracing him tightly. "I love you, Maria, and we'll miss you dearly" he whispered to me. "I love you too, Uncle, but don't worry, I'll see you again soon" I ensured him. "Have fun, Maria" Loveday grinned at me. I giggled again and made my way towards the carriage. Robin and Naomi followed behind and we all climbed inside. As the carriage began to roll away, I leaned out of the window and watched the trees and the hills becoming smaller and more distant. At the other side of the forest I could just see the mansion, basking in all its glory. The sun rose slowly over the valley, enhancing its beauty and enormity. Uncle Benjamin wrapped his arm around Loveday and she rested her head on his shoulder, a tingle tear rolling down his face. I felt a lump in my throat and my eyes began to tear up themselves. I took in a deep breath and couldn't stop myself as I began to cry. I smiled and waved goodbye, not only to Uncle Benjamin and Loveday, but to Moonacre itself. My home. My real home.