CHAPTER 45: HEAVEN ON EARTH

It was mid-morning when we reached Beechworth the following day. Although I wanted to immediately see my daughter, my father wished that we should rest first before heading to Michael’s residence. We checked into one of the vacation houses our town has.


As expected, our untimely arrival to our small community has been so far the grandest one Beechworth had for maybe a decade, having two highly innovative limousines and a military truck arriving in a small town would really catch anyone’s attention. Many speculative eyes of passersby were curious as all of us headed inside the establishment, while our vehicles were parked stationarily in front of the two-storey building.


Mr. McConnery did the honor of booking all the available rooms for us to accommodate. My father and I had a family room for ourselves, while Lewis and Mr. McConnery shared a room together and so are Nicole and Attorney Sparks. Lieutenant Timothy divided his men with the rest of the remaining rooms. I wanted to stay with daddy for a while, but I am itching to see my daughter.


“I’m sorry, Dad, but I can’t help myself to rest. I desire to see Michelle this instant.”


“But we could see her later, princess, after we get a much needed rest.”


“I simply can’t, Dad. I must see Michelle now. I’ll go check on her first at school, she’s probably there now with Carol. I’ll be back in a short while, I promise.”


“Alright, if you say so. Bring Lewis with you, I’ll be fine here. Tell Attorney Sparks to come over, I need to talk to her now.”


“Alright, Dad,” I was about to head out the door when he suddenly spoke again.


“Be careful, princess. I don’t want myself worrying about you as well.”


“Don’t worry, Dad. This is my hometown. I will be fine, trust me,” He simply nodded before closing his eyes after lying on the mattress.


I saw Lewis who was standing next to Attorney Sparks in the lobby. They were a few inches away from Nicole, who was sitting at the far corner. I told Attorney Sparks what my father ordered and asked Lewis to accompany me to Michelle’s nursery school as per my father’s demand.


“Can I come along, Miss Hunt?”


Out of nowhere, Nicole voiced up that made me and Lewis stare at her in unison. But before Lewis could even speak up, I raised my voice that made her stop from pacing towards us.


“Better stay behind, Nicole. Daddy might need your assistance. I will just see my daughter at school anyway” She was about to say something else, but I don’t have any intention of prolonging the interruptions, because I am so eager to see Michelle. Quickening my pace, I swiftly headed out knowing that Lewis was behind me. The driver of the limousine who took us here opened the vehicle door after I conveyed to him where I wish to go. Right after I got settled in, Lewis followed and went inside as well.


“So we’re heading to Michelle’s school?”


“Yes. I’m terribly sorry if I had to bring you along, Dad told me to.”


“That’s fine, Penelope. I would accompany you myself if given a chance.”


My mind was too occupied and anxious to see Michelle that it failed to register the meaning Lewis’ eyes were telling me. I simply looked outside as the vehicle started moving. Silence filled us as overwhelming anticipation begets my entire system. My heart longs for Michelle, yearns for her perky smiles and warm kisses, and there’s no chance anyone could stop me from seeing her right this very moment.


I was almost running my way towards the small hallway the minute I entered the nursery school. I could hear Lewis’ jolly voice calling out for me as he caught up on me. Carol was the first to see me a few meters away from Michelle’s room. She swiftly walked towards me with a smile of relief.


“Penelope, when have you arrived? You should have told me that you’d be coming.”


“I wished to surprise Michelle. How is she?”


“She’s still bitter with Michael since the day before, but a bit fine now. She didn’t go to school yesterday and simply stayed home. Michael asked me to stay in for a while with them until your daughter’s done with her tantrum stage” She said before glancing at Lewis, who was now standing beside me. By the looks in her eyes, she wanted to ask something, yet chose not to.


“Oh, by the way Carol, this is Doctor Lewis White. He is my father’s personal physician.”


“Hello, Carol. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”


“The pleasures all in mine, Doctor White.”


“I’ll go to her room first and see if I could excuse Michelle to her teacher.”


I didn’t wait for any response from them and immediately walked straight ahead. My heart was thumping loudly as I am so excited to behold my daughter. It was as if I hadn’t seen her for years and missed her so much. Just when my feet halted next to Michelle’s classroom, my daughter’s eyes swiftly darted towards it and I witnessed how shocked she had become of seeing me.


“MOMMY! YOU’RE HERE!”


In a split second, I kneeled on the floor as she ran towards me and gave me the warmest hug I had ever received from her. It felt heaven on earth while being in her arms again. No words could ever describe the joy and content of being close to her. I stood up while carrying her safely in my arms as my face beams with immeasurable gladness and overflowing delight.


“Hi, Baby! How are you?”


“I missed you so much, Mommy! Did you come to take me with you? Is Grandpa with you now? Where is he, Mommy? I want to see Grandpa!” Her obviously excited voice made me all-teary eyed as I clung to her soft and fragile body.


“He is, but he’s resting now at St. Charles Inn. I’ll take you there later after your class.”


“Can’t we go there now, Mommy? I wish to see Grandpa now. Please, Mommy.”


“Alright, you go to Carol first while I talk to your teacher.”


After excusing her for class, I headed back to them while carrying her school bag. Michelle was asking a series of questions to Lewis the minute I arrived, which the latter happily answers while chuckling.


“No, Michelle, I am not your mother’s boyfriend. I am your Grandfather’s personal doctor.”


“But why are you with Mommy now and not with Grandpa if you said that you are his personal doctor, Uncle Lewis?” I couldn’t help but smile at her inquisitiveness and talkativeness.


“It’s because your Grandpa told me to accompany your Mommy here.”


“My mommy is a tough lady, she can handle herself. Grandpa should have known better that Mommy doesn’t need someone to accompany her. She’s big already. Only small ones like me needed someone to be with us at all times.”


“I will tell your Grandpa about what you told me, Michelle.”


“But I don’t mind you accompanying Mommy, Uncle Lewis, so bad people will not try to hurt her. You seem to be a nice person who can protect my mommy, right?”


“Of course, I will protect your mommy. I will protect her with all my heart and see to it that no one will harm her.”


“I wish Daddy could also say that to Mommy” Her voice suddenly became somber, which made me swiftly carry her and hug her tightly.


“Let’s go? Your Grandpa will be thrilled to see you.”


I didn’t want her to feel any remorse or even sadness now that I am here. I wouldn’t let that happen now that she was with me. I will make sure and see to it that no one, not even her father himself, could make her weep in sorrow ever again. There’s no way in hell that she will weep with painful tears, not when I'm around.