Hannah 2.0

HANNAH’S POV:

YEARS LATER:

“Amelia! Andrew!” I called out waiting outside impatiently for the twins, glancing at the time on my watch.

We were supposed to leave in the private jet about fifteen minutes ago but raising two twins, a boy and a girl, attached by the hip and yet still find a way to get into a fight every single time was definitely a task. 

After leaving the house and my life that day, with barely anything, I found out two months later that I was pregnant and after another two months, I found out I was having twins and that had to be one of the most scary times of my life.

“Mummy, we are ready!” Amelia sang and ran past me into the car and before I could caution her to stop running, Andrew followed behind her. 

I let out a breath, shut the door and stepped into the back seat of my black SUV, bidding the staff goodbye.

I moved to Frerus years ago, and started my life and it was an amazing decision. It was about an eight hour flight and it was on the other side of the continent. I knew no one cared enough to find me but I loved how far I was.

We finally arrived at the airport and got into the private jet where the kids exclaimed in excitement when they saw, “Uncle Lucas!” 

Lucas was my business partner and friend and they kids adored him. We shared a hug and got situated in our seats preparing to take off.

“How do you feel returning back?” He inquired, sitting across from me and I collected a glass of champagne for myself.

“I have no idea but all I know is….I need everyone to know that the old Hannah Jones no longer exists..” I pointed out seriously and he nodded slowly. 

After making sure the kids were comfortable and were now watching a movie on the iPad . I stared out the window until I passed out. 

As I opened my eyes, I noticed the sky looked different here.

We had already landed.

I exhaled and unbuckled my belt when the pilot announced that we had landed and the kids quickly jolted up from their sleep.

“We’re here,” I said, half to myself as though it was just dawning on me.

“Is this where you were born?” Amelia asked from the seat beside me, her small fingers curling into mine.

“Yes, baby. This is home.”

It was strange to say it. Home. The word didn’t sting like I thought it would.

Andrew leaned forward across the aisle,. “Is this where all the bad people are?”

Lucas, seated across me rose up with his tablet in hand, choked on a laugh. “Straight to the point.”

I smiled gently and unbuckled Amelia. “Not all bad people. Just... people we left behind.”

“You mean people you didn’t want to see again,” Andrew corrected, narrowing his eyes like a little lawyer. He was so smart, they both were but Andrew was on a whole other level.

“Exactly,” I answered chuckling, standing as the flight attendant opened the door.

The warm breeze rolled into the jet like a memory. I stepped into it, holding both of my children’s hands as we descended.

“Welcome to Orica ma’am.” The officers greeted holding my hand as I got down the stairs and I smiled at them.

The private terminal gleamed like wealth never left it. Polished floors, security guards with tight smiles, and tinted windows shielding waiting cars. It all looked the same. 

Lucas joined us as we walked to the car waiting just outside. “The house is ready. I told the head of staff to hold off on anything until we land. You’ll like it—quiet, private, and beautiful.”

“Good,” I murmured. “I didn’t come back to be seen.”

He gave me a look. “You mean not just to be seen but also heard.”

And I couldn’t help but smile.

The SUV was cool and silent as we climbed in. And as we drove memories of vacation I had with Janet and my parents when we were younger flashed through my mind. I remember one time, my parents had completely forgetten me in the airport and I was left crying and wandering for over five hours.

They only had two kids…how could they have forgotten one? 

I watched from the backseat, hands resting gently over the children’s laps.

“You okay?” Lucas asked from the front.

I nodded. “Just... remembering who I was the last time I left this place.”

Amelia peeked up at me. “Were you scared?”

“Yes,” I said without hesitation. “Terrified.”

I was broke and all alone, no one to turn to, and discovering I was pregnant was like a cherry on a Sunday. But now I was extremely loved, successful and I had these three with me backed with the belief that I could do anything.

Andrew leaned against my arm. “But you came back. So that means you’re not scared anymore, right?”

And that made me think for a second because I couldn’t find any iota of fear in me. I was ready to officially annul the marriage, get on with my business and love my kids.

I looked down at both of them—my everything—and smiled. 

“No,” I said softly. “Now I’m ready.”

The car turned onto a highway, the city slowly wrapping around us like an old coat. Same skyline. Same pulse. But I wasn’t the same woman who ran barefoot and broken seven years ago.

I was steady now. Whole. Not looking for approval.Not desperate to be seen.Not here to beg for anything.

As the buildings rose higher, the clouds shifted, casting shadow and light in equal measure. I stared out the window, my voice low but certain.

“I’m back,” I whispered to myself as the others focused on their tablet and Amelia was asleep yet again.

She was always so jet lagged after trips.

Then added, “But I’m not the girl who left and they are all going to see that..”