E - 2

And...my friends...my real friends...the only friends I ever had...

Where are you girls , now? I am still there, standing alone in the dark tunnel. Would not you two come running, and say, "Cici, we are here. We are always beside you. Look closely, we are more closer than you think."

Where are you now?

Can not you two see I am back to square one?

Can not we.... can not we just... restart everything? Can not we...meet again...at the end of the tunnel?

Tell me....why are you silent now?!

- Lucy ! Lucy! My child , why are you crying?

I felt a warm touch. It was Greta. She hugged me tightly. Without my realisation, teardrops came out of my eyes.

- I know sweetie, you have gone through enough of this cruel world. Do not hold back. Let the tear wash away all your sadnesses. You will feel better.

- Oh...Greta....I am lost....I can not go on like this.....

- Hushh....You always can. Stand up my tigress! You have a long way to go as 'Cici' !

I sobbed Like a child. It's been so long since I found a comforting embrace like this.....only if momma was here....

- Lucy?

- ..... Yes?

- Your uncle and I was planning a trip to South Korea. Wanna tag along?

Time flies fast. Soon here I am, at the airport with my luggage. Most of them are, obviously, story books, snacks and dresses. I had to beg to my editor for this break though. I would not be honest if I say I was not looking forward to this trip, but part of my intuition is telling me there will be more incidents than a little journey to South Korea.

As expected, the airport is packed with bunch of people. They were all overjoyed. Some was going on a trip like me, some going to work, others returning home. It was filled with din and bustle.

I reserved my ticket online ( I'm very shy, or you can say, introvert. And I find it quite shameful. What's the point of being famous when you can't face public?) Greta insisted to pay for my tickets, but I resisted her. She already did enough for me. I can't just continue to ask her for things when I have the efficiency to do it myself. I don't lack of money, at least after my book became bestseller.

- LUCYYYYY!

I was shocked as hell! Who would not be when you hear a sudden crying of your name then someone just jumps on you?

- Oh God! It's just you, Vivie.

- Just me? Have I become any Tom, Dick or Harry?

Vivian sulked. Even though, I found it quite cute. Couldn't help myself but grin a little.

- Oh my my, what have I done? Please forgive me, Princess Vivian. I will make sure this mistake never happens in future. My heartfelt thanks to you, Princess, for giving me such warm welcome.

- Hmm, that is better. I see you have not forgotten the royal etiquettes.

I noticed even though they were standing far away, Greta and Mister Norman was cracking up.

- Vivian, Bring her with you to us. It is about time to board the plane.

- Coming mama! Vivian shouted back.

- You heard the Queen, Lady Lucine Scott. Now it is time to prepare oneself for the worst....no, it does nott suit, for the best trip ever!

Currently we are taking off. Mr. Norman convinced me I should call him Edward. He is neither more nor less than Greta.

- I do no know how you keep up with Vivi. We easily get so tired of her kingdom games.

- It is easy Greta. I just imagine once I was in her age too, and everything becomes simple.

- No no Lucy. Do not compare your childhood to her. At least you were not spoiled like her. Vivi is not a needy child. We are giving her a proper shelter and education, EVEN a healthy family ! She does not lack anything!

I was dumbfounded for a moment. Then, just to conceal my feelings and racing heartbeats, I laughed, forcefully.

- Why bringing the past in this happy journey? Let us focus on present!

Meanwhile, we were served some kind of instant noodles, but the airhostesses called it ramen. Vivian looked thrilled, as she has never rode on a plane before. Edward was looking at some magazine. Greta concentrated on knitting her scarf. So I focused on the plot of my next book.

I don't know how long I faced out, but a small jerk made me come back to my senses. Then I realised somehow Vivian and Edward managed to switch rows and they were right beside me.

- Lady, I need you right now! Please help me!

- What happened Princess?

- Mama said, you will tell us the story of your first book within this trip. She never let me touch it or read it, always said I should grow up to fully understand this book. I am big now, so I want to hear the story . Please?

Ed smiled.

- She is not alone. I want to hear it from you too.

I sighed. I can't say no to Vivian.

- Okay, I bought my book with me. Vivian, do not tell mama that you are here listening to my story, okay?

- Pinky promise, Lady!

I opened my book, but I hesitated for a moment.

- But really, Vivian. I don't really think you should listen to my story now.

- Why?

- Cause you are really, really young to get it. I'm sorry, Vivi. I promise, when we reach the hotel, I will tell you the story after making it easy for you. Till then-

I opened my small bag and pulled out a book.

- Fairy Tales of Europe!

Vivian exclaimed in joy.

- Yup, it is. I know you are craving for it for a long time. So, I bought it before coming to airport.

- I love it! Thanks Lady!

Vivi returned to her seat overjoyed.