Monday morning rolled around and Serenah was exhausted. She had spent the weekend nursing her wounds and completing Amanah's homework in addition to her own. She dragged herself to school and tried to act happy. She could tell that Romeo wasn't buying it. She didn't have the energy to divert his attention. To be honest, she appreciated his worry. No one else at home gave a damn.
"…so are you ready to go shopping for our Winter Ball dresses?"
"Um, what?" Serenah shook her head and tried to focus on the lunch conversation.
"Sera, are you alright?" Liz asked, a frown forming on her face.
"Yes, I'm fine," Serenah said, willing Liz to buy into her lie.
Liz's eyes narrowed. "What I was saying is that we need to pick out our Winter Ball dresses."
Serenah was confused. There was another dance happening? So many things were going on that she was losing track of dates.
"Um, when is the Winter Ball again?"
"In December. So in six weeks," Penelope supplied with a grin.
"But I thought we got dresses back in September?"
"We did, but new ones are out and we should go see if something new catches your eye."
Serenah didn't know what to think. Did all humans love to spend money on clothes all the time? Wasn't it exhausting? Then again, her sister was always buying clothes and changing her look. Serenah didn't worry about fashion. She was always dressed by a person of her father's choosing or Lael since they came to the human realm.
"So, this Saturday is good, right?"
Serenah had to admire Liz's persistence. She smiled. "Sure, as long as I get permission."
"Yes!" Liz did a happy dance at her seat and Serenah laughed.
Romeo leaned in close and whispered in Serenah's ear, "I can't wait to see what you pick."
Serenah blushed at his seductive tone. He always made her heart flutter. No one cared to make her feel beautiful and wanted. She smiled and shivered when he ran a finger down her back. She was hyperaware of all his movements. Her mark heated with his emotions and she blushed more.
She fanned herself and ignored Liz's and Penelope's knowing grins. Thankfully, the bell rang signaling the end of lunch. The group headed back to class and Serenah focused her attention on making it through the rest of the school day.
Finally, school was over. Serenah and Alaster drove to Mr. Lancaster's law firm. They arrived at the same time as Romeo. The three went inside and Serenah marveled at the interior. The beautiful wooden floors and the scenic décor were calming to the senses. She felt safe and at ease in the lobby.
"So, what do you think?"
She grinned and turned to Romeo. "I love it. If I had my own business I would have a lobby like this."
"Maybe we can make that happen for you after graduation."
His words shocked her. She hadn't thought that far ahead. Maybe she should begin to make her after graduation plans.
"Maybe," she murmured and followed Romeo through the lobby and to the back.
They arrived at his father's office and after knocking, entered. Mr. Lancaster sat at his desk with a smile. His assistant was standing to the left taking notes.
"Dorothy, thanks. Make sure Mr. Albertson gets the date and time of his case."
"Yes, sir," Dorothy replied, pushing her glasses up her nose before leaving the room.
Serenah watched Mr. Lancaster stand and come around his desk. He gestured for them to have a seat. She sat in the middle with Romeo to her right and Alastar to her left. Mr. Lancaster sat on the opposite side.
"Where is your sister?"
Serenah shrugged. She had sent Amanah a text, reminding her of the internship. She didn't know if her sister even read it.
"I don't know," she truthfully responded.
"I see," Mr. Lancaster said, his expression full of disapproval. "Well, we'll get started. I will be assigning you to different areas based on your teachers' recommendations and the advice of your guidance counselor. Any questions so far?"
Serenah and Alaster both shook their head. His explanation was pretty straightforward.
Mr. Lancaster opened his mouth to speak when a loud knock interrupted him. He frowned. "Come in."
The door swung open and Amanah sauntered in. "I'm here," she announced with a smirk. "You can begin."
Serenah gasped, stunned by her sister's behavior. Why was Amanah acting all high and mighty? Didn't she know that Mr. Lancaster wouldn't like her doing that?
Mr. Lancaster's eyes narrowed and he stated coldly, "When interning with my firm, you will be punctual or you will be let go from the program."
Amanah gave him a pretty pout while twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. "Can't you let it slide just this once? I got lost on the way here."
Romeo snorted and gave everyone an innocent look. Amanah glared at him. Serenah felt like the situation was spiraling into something bad. She didn't want conflict. She could only imagine what her father would say if he found out about this. She was pretty sure she'd get blamed for it.
Her attention was dragged back to the conversation by Mr. Lancaster's firm tone.
"No, I will not let it slide. It will be noted in your file that you were ten minutes late without a phone call to inform my firm of your tardiness. My firm is not hard to find. All the other interns made it here today without issue. You are the only tardy one."
"Fine, I'll be punctual next time," growled Amanah with an angry huff and hair flip.
"Good. Now, everyone come with me. I'll put you in your assigned departments."
They all stood and followed Mr. Lancaster out. Amanah chose to be near the back of the group. Serenah could feel Amanah's glare heating her back. Yep, this was not going to go well.