THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS

As soon as they stepped foot in the school premises, Eleanor for one forgot all about the conversation they had with their uncle on the way.

It was like the sad mood had gone with their uncle as he bade them goodbye at the gate, promising to return soon with Cheryl.

After dropping their bags in their class, they proceeded to the field where other children were gathered.

"Eleanor, Elvis, over here." They followed the voice and saw Sophia waving energetically at them from the field.

She was dressed in her sportswear just like every other child on the field.

Those of them that had special roles have been asked to come with extra clothing to change into later when the time was appropriate.

She pulled her brother’s hands as she ran off to meet with Sophia.

"Sophia, you are here early."

"Yea, my mother has to be somewhere urgent this morning so she dropped me off early. But she promised to be back soon with my dad before the game starts."

"Where’s your mom and dad? Are they not coming?"

"No." Eleanor looked crestfallen as she shook her head but the mood didn’t last for long.

"Guess what?" She said, her eyes sparkling like stars.

"My extraordinarily handsome uncle was the one that brought us to school this morning and he will be coming later on with my amazing Aunt Cheryl."

"Really?"

"Mm-hmm."

Elvis quietly walked away to look for Graham among the boys when he saw that the two girls were about starting their silly discussions.

About two hours later, their teacher called them over to change.

After changing from their normal sportswear, they emerged from their classroom both dressed in adorable miniature versions of the school’s athletic uniforms of tiny jerseys and shorts, complete with sneakers adorned with their school’s emblem.

Excitement bubbled through the kindergarten area as Eleanor and Sophia scurried to a designated spot where they were to wait for the special guest.

Eleanor’s eyes sparkled as she adjusted her jersey, while Sophia hopped around with infectious enthusiasm in her mini uniform.

Their teacher, Mr Richards beamed with pride as she handed them a beautiful arrangement of flowers and garland specially put together in the school’s colors for the special guest’s arrival.

Ms Richards knelt down, smiling at Eleanor and Sophia.

"I believe you two are ready to welcome our special guest to our sports event"

Eleanor nodded eagerly, her curly hair bouncing with her excitement. "Yes, Ms. Richards. We’re ready to welcome him"

Amidst cheers from other pupils, Ms Richards led them through the small crowd to the gate where the guest will be coming in from.

The sound of cars approaching signaled the arrival of the guest.

Through Ms Richard’s prior guidance, they positioned themselves where they would easily meet the guest as soon as he highlights from his car.

Eleanor and Sophia stood side by side, their faces lighting up with joy, clutching their gifts tightly.

About forty seconds later, a black Rolls Royce stopped a few meters away from where the two girls and other staff were standing.

Eleanor and Sophia exchanged excited glances before stepping forward, their little faces beaming with excitement.

A well dressed gentleman in black suit and a red tie, came down from the front seat of the car and moved swiftly to open the door.

First, they sighted a long leg adorned in black Testoni shoes extending from the car, followed by the second pair.

Their gaze followed the tall legs upwards, taking in the bespoke suit that fitted the man’s perfect frame like a part of his skin, and up to one of the most handsome faces they have ever seen in their entire life.

Eleanor’s eyes went wide with shock. It was the man in the news with her mother.

Doesn’t that make the man standing before them Shawn Hudson, her father?

A slight nudge from Ms Richard, who sensed that something was off with Eleanor’s attitude, brought her back to reality, reminding her of the reason why they were there and she heard Sophia say.

"Welcome to our school. We’re honored to have you here to celebrate our sports event." Sophia curtsied gracefully, emulating the athlete’s movements, and handed the bouquet of flowers to the man.

Eleanor attempted a miniature bow before extending her hands to place the garland on the man’s neck.

Seeing that the little girl’s hands could not reach his neck, Shawn naturally lowered his tall frame and bent his neck to the little girl’s height whose bright eyes were staring at him like two "forget me nots."

As the man’s face got closer, Eleanor’s heart thumped faster. She carefully placed the garland on his neck.

But before Shawn could straighten up he suddenly felt a soft warm sensation on his right cheek and just as swiftly as it had happened, it ended.

The little girl stepped back with a smile that instantly tugged at his heartstrings.

Confusion initially clouded Shawn’s mind, unsure of the child’s sudden display of affection but the warmth of her kiss and the innocence in her eyes soon triggered a flood of inexplicable emotions.

His heart skipped a beat as he realized that the little girl gave him a deep sense of familiarity that he couldn’t quite fathom.

Everyone watched with mouth agape at Eleanor’s unexpected behavior.

Some even cast curious glances at Ms Richards which seemed to be asking, "was that part of the plan?"

They have all heard of President Hudson’s aversion to having close contact with people.

Although he was one of the major sponsors of the school board, it was already a miracle for him to agree to come to the sports events because of his busy schedule. What was this little girl trying to do? Ruin their hardwork?

They all waited in pindrop silence for the inevitable storm.

********

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

I want to use this medium to specially express my profound gratitude to everyone of you my irreplaceable fans.

Thanks so much for all your gifts, reviews, comments and votes. You’ve made writing quite thrilling and worthwhile.

And I promise to always do my best to make you not regret a single time, coins or emotion spent on this story.

Like I said before, I will not drop the book halfway, for those that have that fear as I am someone that don’t start what I can’t finish.

However, if there is anything you are not comfortable with, feel free to air it as I am open to criticism and also as this is my first time writing, I know that my writing style might not be perfect. But with you wonderful people solidly behind me, it will turn out better than imagined.

Thanks so much once again.