CHAPTER 5

I ran my fingers through my blonde tresses for the hundredth time. I was sitting in the family room, waiting for my father to arrive. It turned out that my father came home earlier than he was supposed to, which was very rare. He immediately demanded for a meeting with me, so I had to draw myself out of my daydreaming about (okay, I admit it) Darien and drag my butt down to the family room. The family room was probably the most impersonal room in the house. It was huge, and consisted of a fireplace, a sofa set and a few other furniture pieces here and there. Hanging above the fireplace was a huge family photo. It was taken when my mother was still alive. We all looked so happy then. Just like an all-American, perfect family. Which, of-course, is complete bullshit.

I sat down on the plush sofa and grabbed one of the magazines sitting on the coffee table, wondering how long it would be until my father 'blessed' me with his presence. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long.

He looked completely the same. I'd expected him to be balding and a little pudgy around the waist. But he looked young as ever and his hair never looked healthier except for a few gray hairs. He appeared fit and up to shape. My father's eyes finally landed on me. He nodded in acknowledgement.

I couldn't believe my eyes. After all these years, that's the best he can come up with? I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. My father could care less about me. With my mind full of hurt and my heart full of hatred, I turned my cold eyes back to my father.

"Serenity. I see you're here" He stated, "I trust that you had a good trip."

I shrugged.

All small talk set aside, my father got down to business.

"I wanted to see you to inform you of the school you will be attending. You'll be going to the same school as your twin brothers. Hazel McCallion Private School, I believe. I heard that you attended a public school back in Hamilton. What's it called? Westmount? "

"It's called Westdale." I corrected him.

"Westmount and Westdale, same thing. Anyway, you'll be required to wear uniforms. Hazel is a very respected school, unlike many of the schools in Hamilton. You can go with Jake and Justin to purchase your uniforms. There's no point making two trips for the same school uniform."

"What are you talking about? Westdale is a well-known school in Hamilton. It's among the top ten schools in Ontario!" I was seething. How dare this man try to put down my high school? What an ass!

"I'm not saying that Westdale is a bad school, Serenity, I'm just pointing out that schools in Miami are obviously much more advanced and proper than the ones in Hamilton."

"You're entitled to your own opinion, as I am to mine. And in my opinion, Hamilton kicks butt. We could take on Hazel any day and beat their sorry asses all the way home." I declared. My eyes widened as I realized what I said. There was hardly a time when I could control my tongue. It was my trademark back in Westdale and I knew that if I didn't learn to keep my mouth shut, I would be in trouble. Big trouble.

"Serenity Ann Monaco! Control your tongue, young lady." My father snapped. "I never want to hear you speak like that to me again. I'm your father and respect is something I demand from all my children."

"My father! You say you're my father? You certainly didn't act like one for the past eight years. Where the hell where you when I actually needed a dad?"

"Control your tongue, Serenity. It's a wonder how my parents put up with you in Canada."

"Grandma and grand pa were the best parents I could ask for. I don't know how you could be related to them, considering the fact that you're cold, ruthless and selfish. You're everything they're not. And you know what? I'm glad mom died. At least she wouldn't have to see your face anymore. At least she wouldn't have to bear with the knowledge that you're the father of her children. God did her a big favor by taking her away from you. She-"

SLAP

My cheek was numb with pain. I peered into my father's livid eyes and then looked down at his hand. That same hand had just slapped me. Never in my life had anyone hurt me so much, both emotionally and physically.

My eyes filled with tears.

"I'm glad mom died," I whispered, throwing open the big oak doors and running out. I ran down the dark corridors as if my life depended on it. Tears were now flowing freely from me. I desperately wanted to get away. I felt trapped, as though no matter how much I tried nothing would ever be okay. I suddenly collided with a hard body, and would have gone flying had it not been for the hands that prevented me from doing so. I looked up to meet the questioning gaze of Justin.

"What is it, Sere?" he inquired softly. "What's wrong?"

Sobs racked my body as I held on to him.

"Shh. It's okay. Everything is fine. Take deep breaths. You'll be fine." He whispered into my hair, running his hand up and down my back in an attempt to calm me.

I suddenly felt sick. I wanted to go back home. Back to Lita, Ami and Rei. Back to the loving faces of my grandparents. Back to the people who loved me. I wrenched myself away from him and sprinted down the hall, almost tripping over a stunned Jake. I could hear Justin running after me. I ran all the way to my room and shut the door before securely locking it, ignoring Justin banging on my door. I crawled onto my bed and curled myself up into a ball, shutting my eyes and putting my arms over my head, praying that my hurt and pain would go away. Wishing that my tears would end.

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