6 Months Later

With a single luggage containing all my belongings packed, I am ready to leave. To leave and to be freed. From everything.

After six months of hard work, Ellen and I established a successful business. We reopened the club together and for the first three months, we both danced in it. Eventually I stopped dancing there myself but took care of all the necessary things. Since I am the owner I take sixty percent of all profits, while Ellen takes forty because she is running it on my behalf. They make us both two rich women. From now on, she will take care of it in person, and I will work from the comfort of my home, wherever that might be.

I moved out of Adrian's apartment the same week that I said I would. At first, Julian and him gave me the space I demanded, but eventually they began chasing me and begging for a conversation. It was very difficult to avoid them, so we met up one day for a drink at the club, as it is closed during the day. They asked for forgiveness and understanding which I granted them both. The fact that their mother never paid for her mistakes is both unnerving and unsettling, but I let it go. The only way for me to find peace is by doing just that. They are a powerful family with connections in the police department, there is nothing that a small town girl like me could do to bring justice. I could even hurt myself in the process, so I accepted the things as they are. Neither Adrian nor Julian are guilty for their mother's mistakes and they were only children at that time. I also cannot expect them to send their own mother to prison. I only blame them for not being honest sooner, and I removed them from my life because they are both toxic. But I would lie if I said I didn't partly miss them, especially Julian.

Valentin and Ellen didn't get married yet, but they are very happy together. She is helping him open a tattoo studio which is his dream. Ms Heilig is glad to have them both back in town and it probably makes her feel less lonely.

Everyone seems to have their lives settled. Julian and Adrian are back to their old ways, although Ellen says that occasionally Adrian visits the club and always watches one girl which resembles me. That makes me slightly nostalgic, reminding me of the time when we just met and bringing with it the feeling of that initial excitement. Tom is doing the same as always, just this time he has a girlfriend.

So yes, everyone is pretty much settled down except for me. I'm still finding my home and somewhere where I could say I belong. That is why I booked several trips one after the other, hoping I will fall in love with a place and wish to stay. Who knows, maybe I start a new life somewhere in the country or in some big metropole.

___

Valentin hooted the horn in front of my apartment building and I walked out without looking back. Tom, Ellen and him will take me to the airport.

They all smiled when they saw me and we spent the ride casually talking about minor things as though I'm not leaving at all. Somehow it makes the farewell pain easier. It's not like I won't come to see them, I might even come back for good since I am still renting my old apartment, but no one likes goodbyes. Especially since this goodbye holds a lot of uncertainty in it.

"I will take the luggage, it's fine." Tom told Valentin who opened the booth to take out my things.

Ellen and I walked in front, while the two of them followed behind. She has a dash of sadness in her eyes.

"You don't need to worry about anything at the club, I've got it." She tried to reassure me, putting my arm underneath hers as we entered the airport building.

"I have no doubt but I'll still be there whenever you need something, and of course to keep me updated." I showed her my trust because I know how hard working she is. Then I handed her a bunch of keys. "These are my apartment keys. Please check it every now and then when you have time, in case I receive some important post or something."

She nodded and took the keys, then we stopped near the Check In section, waiting for Valentin and Tom to catch up.

Once I checked in and gave away my luggage, the four of us went to a coffee shop because I have half an hour remaining before having to go and find the gate.

We chatted for a while and lost the track of time, but not much. Before passing through the scanner, I gave them all a hug. Ellen's eyes teared up with a sad smile on her face, Tom's expression gave out that he is longing for something, and Valentin kept a positive attitude. I would lie if I said that parting with them doesn't upset me, but I find comfort in the fact that I'm taking this trip with no plans and can return whenever I wish.

When I passed through the scanner, picked up my handbag and put my belt back on, I followed the signs pointing to the gate B. I wished to stop at a shop and get myself a nice perfume, but I saw that the boarding already started. I joined the queue with only a few people remaining and prepared my passport.

The airhostess wished me a warm welcome as I boarded the airplane, immediately looking for my seat. It didn't take long to find it. After taking out my headphones and my phone, I stuffed my handbag up then looked down at my seat which is by the window. However, I am unable to pass as there is a man sitting in the middle, his face buried in the newspaper.

"Ahem!" I coughed in order to draw his attention, but it didn't work. "Excuse me sir...Could you please let me pass?" The man clearly heard me as he moved his legs as much as possible, his face still hidden behind the newspaper.

I sighed realising that I have to push through since he clearly won't get up. I sucked my tummy in and threw myself on my seat once I managed to pass. As I tightened the seat belt and put the headphones in my ears, the man lowered his newspaper.

"Hello Lana." His voice sounded way too familiar and when I turned to face him, my stomach turned upside down.

Julian.

My jaw dropped and I was unable to speak while he stared at me with a half smile. I don't even know how to react to these stunts anymore.

"A few connections and I got the details of your flight." He answered my first question straight away. A part of me is excited about this, but I intended to go on this trip on my own, and remove myself from the toxic environment.

"But why?" It is all I managed to say.

He placed his hand on top of mine and gave it a gentle squeeze as he genuinely stared into my eyes.

"Because I love you. And because this time I know better than to let you go."

He then placed his arm around my shoulders and pulled me right onto him. I didn't let out a word, I didn't object. Instead I took a deep breath and allowed his alluring cologne to play with my nostrils, knowing that this is the beginning of one long journey...