Between 2 Hearts – Episode 12

       A week had passed, and the dynamics between Naomi and Alex had shifted dramatically. They no longer saw each other or even spoke to each other, even in school. Alex ignored Naomi, making it clear he didn’t want anything to do with her.

Naomi, on the other hand, had come to terms with the new reality. She knew Alex would never be friends with her again after what had happened. With a heavy heart, she decided to let go and focus on the upcoming exams, which were fast approaching.

But amidst the distance and heartache, Mia remained a constant source of comfort and joy for Naomi. The little girl was always by Naomi’s side, cheering her up and playing with her.

On this particular day, Naomi and Mia were seated under the tree at the gate side. Naomi was teaching Mia some books, preparing her for when she would start school the following summer.

Meanwhile, Alex and Diva were busy preparing to leave for the state immediately after their exams. The atmosphere around them was filled with excitement and anticipation, a stark contrast to the sadness and distance that had settled between Alex and Naomi.

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  The exams finally came to an end, and Naomi had performed exceptionally well in her papers. Her father beamed with pride, overjoyed by her outstanding results.

Alex and Diva had also excelled in their exams, and their mother took them out to celebrate their impressive performance.

Days later, the guards were busy loading the family’s belongings into the car, preparing for their departure to the airport. The workers at the palace looked on, sadness etched on their faces, as they bid farewell to the prince and princess, who were leaving to continue their education in the state.

Naomi and Mia stood at the gate, watching from a distance as the commotion unfolded. They could see the guards scurrying about, loading the last of the luggage into the car.

“Mom said they’re traveling today to continue their education in the state,” Mia said, her eyes fixed on the scene before them.

 “Yes, I know. I’m going to miss them.”

 “Me too… So, has Alex started being friends with you again?”

Naomi shook her head, a hint of sadness in her voice. “I don’t think we can be friends anymore. He hates me now. Now that he’s leaving, I pray he finds friends over there.”

Mia’s eyes sparkled with understanding, and she slipped her hand into Naomi’s, offering a comforting gesture.

  After the guards finished loading the luggage into the car, Alex and Diva rushed to hug their father before leaving to join their mother in the car.

As they pulled away, they waved at everyone, and the car drove off towards the gate. Naomi and Mia watched from the side, their eyes fixed on the departing vehicle.

Daniels rushed to open the gate, and then quickly moved to open the main gate, allowing the car to pass through. As the car drove by, Naomi looked into the window, her eyes locking onto Alex, who was focused on the iPad in his arms.

Diva, on the other hand, caught her eye and smirked, a triumphant glint in her eye. The car drove off, leaving Naomi and Mia staring after them, the sound of the engine fading into the distance.

Tears filled Naomi’s eyes, and her father rushed to pull her into a warm hug, offering comfort and solace. He left his assistant to close the two gates, his focus solely on his distraught daughter.

   “Don’t worry, it’s going to be fine,” Mr. Daniels said, patting Naomi’s back reassuringly. “Don’t cry, Naomi, I’ll be here for you.”

“Don’t cry, I will be here for you”. Mia’s voice was gentle, trying to comfort her friend.

  Naomi pulled away, wiping her tears and taking a deep breath.

“You still have Mia, so don’t cry,” he said with a warm smile.

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As time passed, Naomi and Mia became each other’s rock, playing and reading together. Life slowly returned to normal, and Naomi’s smile began to reappear.

When they had some free time, they’d help Mrs. Ruth in the palace kitchen with small tasks. One day, she handed them some trash to dispose of in the backyard trash can.

As they approached the trash can, Naomi spotted a familiar paper amidst the discarded items. She pulled it out and unfolded it, revealing the family photo she had drawn for Alex.

“What’s that?” Mia asked, leaning in to take a closer look.  “You drew this for Alex?” She asked, her voice soft.

 “Yes.”

 “Why is it here in the trash can?”

 “Maybe he threw it away.” She folded the paper and tucked it into her shirt pocket, trying to compose herself.

 “Are you sad about it?”Mia’s voice was gentle.

Naomi nodded

  “A little, but it’s going to be fine. I know I’ll never see him again.”

“I’m sure he’ll be back after finishing his studies.”

 “Even if he comes back, do you think he’ll want to see me?”

“You never can tell. Come on, let’s go.”

Together, they threw the trash into the can and walked away.

  

   Later that evening, Naomi sat in the dining room, her mind still reeling from the discovery of the family photo she had drawn for Alex in the trash can. Her father, Mr. Daniels, entered the room and joined her.

“Are you okay?” he asked, noticing the look of distress on her face.

Naomi shook her head. “Not really.”

“What happened?”

 “The family photo I drew for Alex… I saw it today in the trash can.”

“Do you think he threw it away?” He asked.

 “Yes, you know he hates me after what happened.”

 “I don’t think he hates you, Naomi. He was just angry. But I’m sure he didn’t throw that away.”

 “How come I found it in the trash can, then?”

 “Maybe one of the maids assigned to clear his room saw it and threw it away.” He offered a plausible explanation.

 “You think so?”

 “Yes.”

 “Okay, if you say so.” She smiled weakly.

Mr. Daniels smiled back and stood up. “Alright, help me set the table. Let me bring our food.”

After dinner, Naomi retired to her room, her mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Alex and the family photo. She opened her drawer and pulled out a small box, carefully placing the crumpled paper inside before closing the lid and returning the box to its place.

With a sigh, she lay down on her bed, her eyes drifting shut as sleep slowly took over.

TBC