A Single Mom Meets Someone New Ch 73

Leo and Peggy waited for royal caravan carrying their guests to arrive. Two black Limos pulled up in front of them. The door of the first swung open and Victoria jumped out. 

“Daddy!” She ran and jumped into his arms. 

“Princess. You’ve gotten so big.” He said. 

“Let me hold that sweet little angel.” Peggy said reaching for Quin. Bette handed the little one over. Leo sat Victoria down and reached for Zach.

“There’s my big guy. They are so much bigger in person than on video.” He said. 

“Hello mummy.” Helena hugged her mom. 

“Hey guys. I’ve missed you so much.” Peggy hugged Helena and then he grandchildren. 

“We’ve only been gone 2 months.” Wilson said. 

“2 months too long.” Leo said. 

“Where’s Gillian?” Tina asked. 

“Umm, Let’s talk inside.” Leo said. Peggy gave Helena a glance. 

“Come on kids let’s go see what goodies are inside.” Peggy said. 

“Presents?” Victoria said. 

“Yes!” Wilson said. 

Bette, Tina and the kids followed Leo and Peggy inside the palace. Helena went out back to the stables. 

The kids dived into the pile of gifts. Wrapping paper was flying. 

Bette pulled Peggy aside. 

“What was that look you gave Helena?” She asked. 

“Gillian isn’t the same person as you used to know. I wouldn’t get my hopes up of a happy reunion.” Peggy said. 

“I understand. I thought everything was fine.” Bette said. 

“Let’s just say that the past 5 years have been hard on her.” Peggy said. 

“Peggy, What’s going on?” Bette said. 

“After Her Majesty died. The vultures attacked. It was brutal. Gillian, well lets just say she didn’t handle that well. The first couple of months she fought back and then one day she just stopped and let it continue.” Peggy explained. 

“I don’t understand.” Bette said. 

“Look Mommy, Daddy got me another tiara.” Victoria showed off her gift. 

********

“Your mom is asking for you.” Helena unmounted her horse.

“Yeah well.” Gillian sat on a low branch of an old tree.

“What’s up?” Helena sat next to her. 

“Just thinking.” Gillian wiped a tear from her cheek. 

“About?” Helena said. 

“Tomorrow.” Gillian looked at her older sister. Helena was the only one who had been by Gillian’s side since day one. They may not have been blood sisters but were sisters in every since of the world. 

“It must be scary tomorrow is a really big deal.” Helena said.  

“Tell me about it. Its hard enough dealing with that much less everyone else after everything.” Gillian said. 

“Listen I know things have been strained with everything that happened, but did you ever think that maybe Tina doesn’t realize.” Helena said. 

“I don’t care if she realizes we can’t change the past, and that’s not what this is all about any way. Dad gave me a choice. I’ll be 21 tomorrow. He said that I can choose to go back to the states and go to school or I can stay here.” Gillian said. 

“What do you mean?” Helena said. 

“That’s what he said last night, but tomorrow I’m going to be named heir to the throne and crowned.” Gillian looked over at Helena. “What should I do?” 

“I don’t know. That’s your decision. The past couple of years have been really intense. Maybe you could use some time away from the spotlight. School would be a good place to do that.” Helena said. 

“I don’t know. You know what Mom and Bette are going to say.” Gillian said. 

“How do you know? When was the last time you talked to Tina or Bette for that matter?” Helena said. Gillian shot her a look. “Okay. I’ll drop it but come on let’s go up to the house.” 

“You go. I’ve got some more thinking to do.” Gillian said. 

“Okay. Don’t think to hard. I don’t want your head to explode.” Helena playfully hit Gillian in the head.