Chapter 16: 2

I didn't need to think. It was obvious that I was going to choose the second option. I would never endanger my family, even if it means I had to sacrifice my happiness. "Fine. I will go with you. But I have some conditions," I said. "And what are they?" He asked. "I'm not going to discuss them with you. I need you to take me to Prince Nathan. I'll talk to him about them," I requested. "And he shouldn't be cold to me while I am discussing my conditions," I continued after seeing Harry's hopeful expression. "Wonderful! Just wonderful, little girl!" he exclaimed, ignoring my continuation. "But I need to talk to my family about this. I want them to accept the fact that I'm leaving," I said. Harry grinned. What did he do now? "No need, little girl. Oh Colin dear!" he called. Gasping, I saw Colin open my bedroom door and entered with Jacqueline behind him. Colin didn't look angry. He looked...normal. "What, Harry?" said Colin, exasperated and annoyed. I stared at Colin in disbelief. "Do you two perhaps know each other?" I asked, looking at Harry and Colin. Harry stood up and walked towards Colin, wrapping his arm around Colin's shoulder. "Of course we do," replied Harry, smiling weirdly. "...I'm confused," I stated. Jacqueline sat next to me on my bed, giving me a warm smile. "Harry helped me rescue you...slightly," explained Colin. "What?" I partially shouted, shocked. "But if you wanted me to stay with Prince Nathan then why did you help Colin, Harry?" I asked, bewildered. "It was all a set up. I'll explain everything later. Now, talk to your family quickly; we're going to have to leave in ten minutes," ordered Harry. "Fine. Colin...about me being the Prince's soul mate, I didn't-" "Emily, it's okay. I was shocked myself at first to learn that you were Sertia but then it made a lot of sense," interrupted Colin. "How so?" I asked. "Why did the Prince take you away from us? Why did he keep you in his private castle for three days? If you were a criminal, you would've been in the Prison by now, either locked up for years or executed," he explained. "You're not mad, right?" I asked, hopeful. "It's not your fault Emily so why should I be mad? To them, you are Sertia, but to us, you will always be our Emily," he stated. I was so happy and relieved to hear him say that. "Can I have a hug?" I requested, feeling really emotional at that moment, hopeful. Colin grimaced. Laughing, Jacqueline dragged Colin towards me by the arm and then Colin reluctantly gave me a gentle hug. "Happy?" sighed Colin. "Extremely." I replied, giggling. "My turn!" exclaimed Jacqueline, hugging me. "Now Emily, you have to visit us often, okay? You are my sister and it is your job to stay in touch with me frequently, alright?" "Of course, Jacky!" I said. Then I heard a sigh emitting from Harry. "Can we go now?" grumbled Harry. I nodded. Before Harry picked me up, Jacqueline quickly took out a small, black box and opened it to reveal a simple, yet elegant, silver necklace and it's pendant was in a heart shape and it had many diamonds on it. She took it out and put it around my neck, closing it. "Here. It looks beautiful on you. I was planning to give this to you," she explained. I gave her a huge smile. "Thanks. I love it!" I said. Harry picked me up gently and carefully carried me down the stairs, through the front lawn and placed me on the seat in his large, black jeep that had blackened windows. Hugging me one last time and smiling, Jacqueline stepped back with Colin and started to wave farewell to me. Colin also waved, but not as enthusiastically as Jacqueline. Colin was just...Colin; serious, mostly emotionless and, at times, scary. Jacqueline was his total opposite. Opposites attract, I guessed. Harry entered the jeep, sitting next to me. The driver closed my door and sat down on the driver's seat, starting to drive it. I looked at Harry. "What is he doing right now?" I asked, referring to Prince Nathan. "You'll have to see for yourself, little girl," he replied, sounding dull. "Thank you, Harry, for helping me. I really appreciate it." "Oh sweetheart, you'll soon see that I am more precious and desirable than Nate," he said. Then he leaned closer to me and whispered, "And, if you want, you are always welcome to elope with me." "In your dreams, stupid," I replied sternly. He just chuckled slightly, amused. "You definitely have a different personality now. Sertia was a very sweet and a caring type," he informed. I just rolled my eyes. "I am not Sertia. I'm Emily Florence, Sam's kid. Got it?" I snapped. He just continued to chuckle like a careless kid and I just rolled my eyes, annoyed.