Chapter Forty One ~ Goodbyes

The day the Cunninghams announced their departure was an odd day. When Mr Cunningham told everyone at dinner, we couldn't quite believe it. There had been endless weeks where Loveday was begging her father to kick them out their castle home and now they were leaving voluntarily.

I had to admit that I was more than happy for their departure. It would mean Henry was gone and I wasn't at risk of running into him and he apologising for all the damage he had caused to the family.

I didn't have the heart to be civil with him anymore.

The day the Cunninghams were leaving was the same day us Merryweather lot were returning back to Merryweather Manor. Robin, Mr Gomez and Wrolfe had all recovered physically from the attack from the witch and her sons so Loveday and Uncle thought it best we return home to Moonacre.

I packed slowly on the day. I didn't want to leave and Loveday knew it. Though she insisted it was time for us to head back as we were pushing her father's hospitality. She knew the only reason I didn't want to leave was because of a certain brother of hers.

Since the incident under the waterfall, I had been near inseparable from Robin. I was scared he would tire of me but he never did. Even though I had known him for the considerable amount of time I had, he still made my stomach feel weird and my heart race. I was just a love-struck foolish girl.

I had finished packing up all my stuff in a bag that Mrs Harper had leant me and I took a deep breath. I glanced around the room with an odd feeling. This had been my bedroom for so long, it was weird saying goodbye to the room after long weeks of living in it. I was so caught up I jumped when the door knocked. Loveday. Probably come to insist I hurry up and take my stuff to the carriage so we could get going. She was so bossy!

I scooped up my bag, took one last glance around the room and went to answer the door.

"I'm ready, Loveday, no need to…" I stopped when I yanked open the door and saw that it was not Loveday. Robin stood, casually leaning against the door frame, an eyebrow raised.

"Have I come at a bad time?" He asked, amused. I shook my head madly and this caused Robin's lips to turn up in a smile. His eyes lingered on the bag in my hand. "My sister sent me up to tell you to hurry up and get your backside down to the carriage." I should have guessed. I sighed and shooed Robin away from the door. With one glance back inside my room, I shut the door quietly behind me, not knowing when I would be staying in it again.

"I really do not want to leave." I admitted, turning to Robin. He smiled and took the bag I was holding from me. He slung it over his shoulder then with his free hand, entwined his fingers with mine.

"You better not be late." He told me. "Loveday will throw a fit."

As we walked down the castle, some of the servants bid their goodbyes to me. I was slightly taken back by this, as most of them hadn't shown any interest in me in all the time I had been here.

"Good bye, Miss Maria." A male servant said. I glanced over my shoulder and called my thanks and good bye, almost timidly. When I did, I caught Robin's ever amused face.

"What?" I questioned. I saw him glance side ways at me then he shrugged. "Why am I suddenly so popular with everyone?" I asked. His smile grew. Gently he lifted our entwined hands in front of my face. I raised an eyebrow, not quite getting what he was meaning. All I could see was Robin's and my hands, linked together in a way that made my stomach twinge.

"Because of me." Robin told me finally. I still didn't say anything. He sighed dramatically. "Most of these people have had to watch me grow up, deal with my arrogance and depression." He paused. "I was quite a miserable child." He mused. Robin turned to grin at me. "I suppose they're just thankful to see me happy for once in my life." I didn't say anything, processing his words.

"But I still don't get what that has to do with me." I frowned. We were coming to the entrance now and I saw figures gathered together by two grand carriages. I heard Robin's low chuckle as we exited the dark walls of the De Noir castle. Faces turned to us as we approached. Loveday's stuck out the most. She looked frustrated at first, but her features then softened to a smile. I guessed it had something to do with my escort.

The Cunninghams prepared to get into their respectable carriage. We were to wave them off then we were to set off back to Merryweather Manor. A lot of people had gathered in the De Noir grounds today.

Robin's hand disappeared from mine as he took my bag to the Merryweather carriage. I watched him leave me then I turned to Loveday, who smiled fondly at me. I gave her a look to tell her to not even bother saying anything then looked to where the Cunninghams were saying goodbye.

"It's been an…" Mr Cunningham paused. "Interesting stay, my brother." He addressed Mr De Noir, who looked slightly shocked by Mr Cunningham's use of 'brother'. "Though I thank you warmly for letting my son and I stay in your humble home." Mr De Noir smiled. A genuine smile.

"You are very welcome, George." He held out his hand and Mr Cunningham took it instantly. "I would say 'come again soon' though I think I need time with my son and daughter for a while." Mr Cunningham nodded.

"Of course." He agreed. "Next time, if there is a next time, I shall make sure I ask before I grace you with my irritating presence." Mr De Noir opened his mouth to say something, which I guessed to be him telling his dear brother-in-law that he was not indeed irritating, though he seem to decide against it and closed his mouth slowly. A smile formed across his face.

"Goodbye, dear brother." Mr De Noir said, his voice flattering slightly at the use of the word 'brother'. I had not expected him to call Mr Cunningham that, and I didn't think Mr De Noir had either. The two men embraced in an awkward formal hug then Loveday and Robin stepped forward to say good bye to their uncle.

Goodbyes were made. Mr Cunningham seemed to be forgiven for everything he had done and everyone treated him like a respectable guest. His son on the other hand was the complete opposite.

Mr De Noir shook Henry's hand awkwardly and gave him a look of dissatisfaction before walking away from him and standing beside his son and Mr Gomez. After Loveday had bid her uncle a safe journey, she hesitantly stood in front of her cousin. Henry gave her a small smile and I saw her return it with a forced and strained one. The hug between them was even more awkward than both their father's. Loveday, much like her father had done, retreated away from him and came back over to where Uncle and I were stood.

Awkward and hesitant exchanges were given to Henry until only Robin and myself remained, though I had no intention of saying my goodbyes to the Cunningham boy.

Robin strode towards his cousin, his hands buried deep into his pockets. He tipped his head back slightly and stared down his nose at his cousin.

"I suppose, I'm sorry is out of the question." Henry said finally. Robin chuckled and sighed.

"I forgive you Henry for everything that you've done." Robin began. He shrugged once. "Though I still don't like you very much, I'll be civil with you." Henry gave Robin a warm smile and held out his hand for Robin to shake. Robin stared down at it for a few short moments before sighing again and taking it in his own.

The cousins shook hands.

Robin made his way back to his father. I couldn't help but laugh at the looks both Mr Gomez and Mr De Noir were giving Robin. Mr Gomez was biting his lip, failing to hide a grin, and had his eyebrows raised high. Mr De Noir stared at his son in shock at the civil actions that had just been witnessed between his son and nephew. Mr Gomez muttered something and Robin shoved him hard.

I was too busy watching the men's exchange that I didn't realise Henry was watching me.

"Maria?" Henry asked, cautiously. When he did, the De Noir's actions stopped and the three of them feel serious. Robin glanced at me, meeting my eyes with him. Reluctantly, I turned to face Henry. His face seemed to be pleading with me so I sighed and walked towards him. I didn't want to make a scene. "I'm going to start off by saying, I'm sorry." I raised an eyebrow.

"I sort of gathered you were sorry. You have been telling me for weeks on end now." I told him, trying not to sound too frustrated. I didn't want to hear a sob story from him.

"Yes but you weren't listening properly then." Henry replied. I narrowed my eyes slightly and folded my arms carefully across my chest. I waited for the Cunningham boy to continue. "I'm sorry for my arrogant and rude behaviour throughout my stay here. I'm sorry for forcing myself upon you at your birthday, then, drunkenly, telling an evil witch and her sons stories that nearly got you killed." I let a smile grace my smile. Henry paused and glanced around before sighing. "And I'm sorry for coming in between you and my cousin." I couldn't help but glance sideways to where Robin stood.

He stood boldly with his hands held behind his back. His dark eyes watched Henry's and my exchange with his head tipped up slightly and his hat pulled down so you could just see his eyes glistening. His lips were turned up in one corner in a tell-tale smirk. Robin had never looked so dark and more intimidating than he did then. His demeanour softened slightly when he saw me looking at him.

"Maria, please forgive me." Henry's voice brought me from my staring at Robin and back to Henry's begging for forgiveness. I sighed.

"I doubt we're going to see each other for a while so I don't see why it matters." I shrugged once. His eyes burned into me in a very over powering way.

"You know, even though I was completely drunk that night, I meant what I said to you." He said. I saw him lean in slightly and I instinctively leant back. Someone coughed loudly to my right, which sounded a lot like Robin, and I saw Mr Cunningham shoot an arm out to grab his son. Realising his had stepped over a line, Henry straightened up and sighed. "I'm sorry." He muttered. I nodded once and held out my hand to him. He stared down at it cautiously.

"If Robin can be civil, then so can I." I told him. Henry finally took it and shook it, longer than was necessary of course. When I had finally pulled my hand from Henry's grip, I wished Mr Cunningham a safe journey and farewell then walked over to stand back between Loveday and her father. Loveday's eyebrows were raised up high.

"Told you he was no good." She muttered to me as her uncle and cousin boarded their carriage. I rolled my eyes at her.

The Cunningham's carriage left the grounds of De Noir castle a few moments later. Their departure unloaded a great wash of relief from me and I couldn't help but feel more relaxed. Though now it was us Merryweather's turn to say goodbye to everyone.

Goodbyes were rushed and cheerful. There was a lot of hugging and cheek kissing. I found myself saying good bye to Mr De Noir three times having getting confused with the order of things.

Jude and Jesse gave me hugs and told me that I was to visit them both soon. It would be weird not spending time with the children daily. I promised them I would then turned to their mother. Again, I promised Mrs Harper I would return her bag to her in good condition and that I would take care for it. She only smiled and hugged me tight. Mr Gomez expressed his worries for what my absence would do to Robin's behaviour and informed me that it was most likely that things would return to normal and Robin would continue annoying him, leading to Mr Gomez clipping Robin around the ear for it frequently. I laughed to this and told Mr Gomez that Robin probably would deserve it.

The truth was I was more than glad to hear that Robin hadn't changed at all because of recent events. After what he had told me under the waterfall I was worried that he would change and I would not love him anymore. I had fallen in love with what he was now, after all. I wasn't sure how I would feel for him if he changed and went 'good'. Though my fears were over nothing and Robin's behaviour and moods continued like the conversation we had never happened. Which I was more than pleased with.

Finally I found myself standing in front of Robin, who didn't look any where near as terrifying as he had done a few minutes ago. Instead he looked his normal, smiling, handsome self.

"How is it that you're always the last person I say goodbye to?" I mused. Robin grinned.

"Well, you know what they say, princess; 'save the best till last'." And he most certainly was. Before I could reply back, Robin pulled me into a hug. I rested my head against his chest and I felt Robin tuck my head under his chin. I closed my eyes and just remained there still, feeling the warmness of his body against mine. Why did I have to leave him now? "You know what's even better?" I heard Robin ask.

"Hmm?" Was my only reply.

"My irritating cousin is not here to ruin everything." I could sense the smile in his voice. When I pulled away from him, sure enough, a large grin was plastered on his face.

"I thought you weren't jealous?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Robin just rolled his eyes then pressed his lips firmly to mine. Of course it wasn't as forceful as I had hoped, though I did remember that our families stood around us, probably watching. When Robin pulled away, I smiled up at him and hugged him once more.

"I'll save you the embarrassment of saying this in front of my sister, so I'll say it now quickly." Robin whispered into my ear. His breath tickled. "I love you, Maria." I didn't even bother hiding the smile. No matter how many times Robin said it, I couldn't get over it. My stomach squirmed with delight as the butterflies inside fluttered uncontrollably.

"I love you too." I whispered back. When we finally pulled apart, I noticed everyone watching our exchange. I couldn't help but feel my cheeks burn as a blush flushed over them and I saw Robin's smile widen into a grin. He was immune to embarrassment, unlike myself.

We boarded the carriage. Mrs Heliotrope joined her husband, Digweed, up at the front of the carriage, refusing the ride inside with Wrolfe. Uncle climbed into the carriage first, followed shortly by Marmaduke, who had, much to Uncle's protests, insisted he sat in between Uncle and Loveday again. The chef admitted he didn't like sitting by the window as it made him feel queasy. Loveday found this amusing, whereas Uncle found it annoying, having wanted to sit beside his wife on the journey back. Though Marmaduke got his way once Loveday got involved. Uncle always gave into Loveday.

Wrolfe jumped in, startling Mrs Heliotrope by shaking the carriage, and took his place on the seat, lying down and waiting for me to climb in next to him so he could lay his large head on my lap. Loveday bid once last good bye to her family and climbed inside the carriage, placing herself next to Marmaduke and filling up their bench inside the carriage. Now it was only me to climb a board.

I took one glance at the De Noir castle and it's inhabitants. Though I knew I would return again some day soon, it was weird leaving this place as it had been my replacement home whilst Robin, Mr Gomez and Wrolfe had recovered. Though all of this meant that the troubles were over and life in Moonacre would be restored normally again. Well, almost normally.

I turned and prepared to climb inside when Robin's call of my name stopped me. I spun back around and saw Robin walking over to me.

"What are you doing tomorrow, princess?" Robin asked, stopping in front of me. He didn't seem to care that everyone was watching us again.

"I've not quite planned that far ahead. Why do you ask?" I replied, smiling up at him, trying not to grin and break my 'cool' composure.

"Well, I'm not doing anything either." He began, grinning. "So how about we nothing together?" His answer just broke my demeanour and I grinned up at him.

"Sure." I nodded. "Sounds like fun."

"Good. I'll meet you at the usual spot at 11." It was a wonder to me how the boy could even remember this exchange so perfectly from when we had had it all that time back when the De Noir's came over for dinner. Robin broke the perfect recital by taking my face in his gentle hands and kissing me again. I had completely forgotten about our audience.

When we broke apart, Robin gave me one last, special, smile before retreating back to his position next to his father and tutor, who greeted him with mirrored expressions. Eyebrows raised and amused smiles. I watched him leave then snapped out of my trance, remembering what I was about to do before Robin interrupted me.

I climbed a board the carriage and sat myself down beside Wrolfe, welcoming his head onto my lap. The three opposite all gave me faces that matched Mr De Noir's and Mr Gomez's, and Loveday even let out a tiny squeal before pulling me into a hug.

"I told you, did I not?" She beamed. I sighed and nodded, letting her have a moment of glory.

I felt the carriage sway slightly then the wheels began to turn. We waved good bye to the De Noir's as we exited the castle grounds. The last glimpse I saw of my beloved Robin was Mr Gomez putting an arm over his shoulders and taking his hat from him. I smiled then collapsed back against the seat.

Back home to Merryweather, we go. My stomach twisted with excitement with the thought of seeing the manor again. Soon enough we would be home again, no more fears of the forest and of the monsters lurking within. No more worry for whether Robin or Mr Gomez or Wrolfe were going to pull through their injuries or not. No more heart ache with the rejection from confessing my love to my best friend. Everything was going to be fine.

And I could now say with confidence and pride that, I, Maria Merryweather, was in love with my best friend, Robin De Noir, and for some strange and unfathomable reason that I could not seem to comprehend and understand, he loved me too.

The course of true love never did run smooth - William Shakespeare

-THE END-

(A/N) And that is the end of Guardian Angel. Please continue reading before you shoot me!

I do realise that this ending isn't what everyone was expecting/wanted, though I tried to write a wedding ending but it didn't seem to work very well with the rest of the story. I did try, I apologise! So I came up with this ending! And again before you shoot me, continue reading!

I have three choices for you all...

REDO THIS CHAPTER - if people don't like this ending, then I will try to redo it and attempt something different, though I cannot promise it will be very good.

OR

SEQUEL - I can write a sequel to this story. This was my first idea. I do realise that this story is SUPER long but I would defiantly make sure that it wouldn't go even close to this length. I do have some ideas for a sequel (though if you do want a sequel I would love to hear some ideas), some that could possibly make a story, and of course it would most definatly be Robin/Maria central.

OR

LEAVE IT - if you think my ending is fine and don't want me to write a sequel, that's fine, I'll leave the story to rest.

I don't mean for this to sound all weird, I just want to know where you all should think I should go with this story as I am very hesitant with this ending. Please Please Please review and tell me what you suggest.

Anyway, thank you ALL so much for all your reviews in my story, I LOVE you all very very much and thank you for sticking with my very long story through it all! I had a lot of fun writing this story and I'm glad you all seemed to enjoy it too. :)

Again thank you and goodbye from me! (don't forget to review and tell me what you think I should do!)

-jemlou-