Chapter eight: Someone to rely on

Summer arrived with all of its glory. The sticky, humid weather was making it hard for me to breathe.

Oh wait, that's 'cause I'm in the States.

After the dance, the 'friendship' (and I say this because we have a very complicated bond) between me and Mr. Bunny became…strange. We didn't argue as viciously as we used to, but we teased each other. Though there were still moments where my teasing would go too far and he would make a remark that caused me to smack him furiously. What became more frequent, as Kiren likes to point out every single time, were the stares. Some days I'd catch him staring at me as he waved to his fans and he would wink, and I would roll my eyes at him. Other days he'd catch me staring and I would feel all the blood rush to my head and I'd tell him the sun was making me feel dizzy.

Even though the sun wasn't present...

I explained to Kiren that it was just two 'friends' acknowledging each other's presence rather than ignoring them, but Kiren only nodded her head and said, "Suure, I believe you."

But what else was I supposed to say? It wasn't like I actually understood what was going on. Mr. Bunny is my first male friend. Can anyone blame me for being slightly clueless as to how I'm supposed to behave? Maybe she's right. Perhaps staring is impolite.

Before leaving the Cross Academy for summer break, Mr. Bunny had asked me if there was any way he could keep in touch with me and I had felt awkward giving him my phone number. It was the first time I ever gave out my phone number to a guy, and part of me had doubts. He probably wouldn't call. In fact, he won't call. Guys don't call.

They 'forget' to.

Kiren was more than happy to bombard me with everything she had: her mailing address, email address, home phone number, cell phone number and her parents' numbers. All just in case I couldn't reach her the first several times.

The flight back to America was exhausting. I forgot that when returning to the other side of the world you were gaining back your days instead of losing them. It was like time travel. I left Japan eleven at night and was able to get a close up of the stars while the plane was in the air. It was the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. I felt like I could touch them...if it weren't for those damn windows...

The moon kind of bothered me though. It was so bright that I had to block it with my hand so I could see the stars. It was as if the moon had become the sun. Thank God Earth isn't that close to the moon. I'd be blind.

Then time went backwards. Midway through the flight it became afternoon of the same day I left.

I watched through the window as the bumpy clouds coated themselves with hot pink and orange swirls. Funny how clouds look like land when the airplane is above them. They're just white, soft-looking hills. I preferred it when there were clouds because during the time the airplane was going over water, I couldn't tell where the ocean ended and where the sky started. It gave me a brief understanding of what it was like in outer space.

No up. No down. Just air.

And it was weird.

The flight was smooth and for the first time, I was able to sleep! No near-deaths turbulences and I didn't have to grip the armrest like it would be the only thing that could save me. If I remember right, it was the flight to Japan that was a nightmare. I had a kid sitting behind me who wouldn't stop kicking my chair and he kept screaming at his parents that he didn't like the food that the airline provided. My luck, my headphones didn't work so I couldn't watch the movie and I was stuck listening to that kid scream.

That is, until his mother fell asleep and his father got up to use the restroom.

I had turned around in my seat, shot him my deadliest glare and whispered, "Keep this up, and I'll tell the pilot to throw you out."

Of course the kid didn't believe me and voiced it too, waking his mother up and informed her of what I had said. She told me to not to speak to her child like that and she couldn't believe that I would say such a thing. She then asked the stewardess if I could be moved somewhere else because she didn't feel comfortable with me sitting there, threatening her son.

It only took an hour, but the parent got what she wanted and I was moved. The kid grinned at me devilishly and stuck out his tongue as if it would have insulted me, but I laughed 'cause I had gotten what I wanted.

To get away from the annoying brat.

Peace and quiet at last.

No wonder old people hate kids.

Once the plane landed, I had gone to grab my luggage and patiently waited for Mom to show up. Normally she was early or right on time, but she ran late that day. When I saw her I just about dropped all my bags in shock.

She had dyed her hair red and not just any red, but flaming red.

----Flashback

"Hey darling, sorry I'm late," she smiled and I noticed how her gray eyes glittered. "It's just so early in the morning."

"It's ten in the morning. I think early has gone and died," I shot her a tired glare. I had only slept for seven hours on the airplane, but the flight had been long and it still made me feel exhausted.

"So who is he?" I bluntly tested her.

"He who?" she blinked innocently.

So I was right.

"The guy you dyed your hair for. You hate red hair," I retorted.

She waved her hand. "What are you talking about, Serena? How could I hate red hair when you have red hair? Hmm?"

I quickly became annoyed, catching the scent of alcohol even though she wasn't standing close to me. "Okay, what did you drink? You reek of alcohol. Don't you know it's against the law to drink and drive?"

"I'm not drunk," she frowned yet she stumbled over her own feet and nearly tripped over my luggage.

It's sad knowing that the day I come back to the States, Mom decides to get hammered.

"What does DUI stand for?" I quizzed her.

She hiccupped, covering her mouth and chin with her right palm. "Drinking under the influence?"

"You're tipsy. Not wasted, but still not in the right conditions to drive," I sighed, fishing for my license. Thank God I had gotten it before I left for Japan. "I'm driving."

"No you're not," she whined, hiccupping again. "It's my car."

"And this is my life. I'd like to keep it," I argued.

I made her pick up the luggage and carry it to the car. I took the keys from her despite her constant whining about being able to drive.

Like I'd take that chance.

However, I was about to put the car in drive when I thought, 'Hmmm...what sounds nicer in the headlines? 'DRUNK MOTHER DROVE AND CAUSED FATAL ACCIDENT' or 'YOUNG GIRL FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL'?

Either way I saw myself dying.

I took Mom's silver iphone and searched for the only person who was old enough to drive and whom I trusted. Mrs. Rangus...the neighbor who I had bitched at on that infamous slap day. The phone rang three times before she picked up.

"Hello?" A gentle feminine voice asked.

"Hey Mrs. Rangus, it's Serena Fontana. I was wondering if Mom could call in a favor."

"What is it?" came the tired response.

"Well you see, Mother dearest here isn't in the best...condition to drive and neither am I."

"You need me to pick up from the airport?" There was a hint of annoyance in her voice and I ignored it.

"That would be lovely if you could."

"I'll be there within an hour."

"Thank you so much!" I tried to sound as cheerful as possible but Mrs. Rangus only grunted in reply.

So I turned off the car and waited for a lady with white curly hair and dull rusty-hued eyes to drive up to the pavement. Mom giggled as I forced her to put her head onto my lap as we sat on the green, cold metal bench outside of the airport. Finally, my oh-so-charming neighbor pulled up to us, giving me a frown. She unlocked the doors.

"Thank you so much," I repeated, more tiredly this time. "And I'm very sorry."

"Just get in." She gestured me with her hands to enter the car. "I'm in a hurry. I have grocery shopping to do today."

Normally I would have offered to do it for her but I was too tired.

"What about our car darling?" Mom asked with a sheepish grin on her face.

"I'll come back to get it with Erica," I said vaguely, already feeling my eyes close.

"Don't bother. I'll have my husband and son come get it for you. Just give me the keys."

I handed over the car keys since I wasn't in the mood to argue. It wasn't the first time that Mrs. Rangus had to pick us up and take the car. Mom likes her alcohol and in the past I would stay up too late to gaze at the stars, so I was tired by the time Mom needed me to drive her somewhere or something among those lines. Not even fifteen minutes later, I fell asleep. Technically speaking it was noon of the next day for me so it was understandable that I was tired. When we arrived home, Mrs. Rangus shook my shoulder and woke my mother, who was sleeping on my right shoulder.

I thanked her again and slowly removed the luggage from the trunk, fumbling over the keys as I tried to unlock the door. My eyes felt like they were sometimes crossing themselves and drooping down to my knees. Mom leaned her left elbow onto my shoulder, needing support to stand up and after five minutes--I had to find the right stupid key--the door opened and I led Mom to the couch so she could rest there rather than follow me around.

I took the liberty of dragging my luggage into my room and closed the door when I got everything in.

I don't remember ever making it to the bed, but that's where I woke.

--End of flashback

I stared at the man who sat in front of me at the dinner table, studying him with a cynical eye.

"Your name?"

"Adam Motsies."

"And where are you from?" I interrogated.

"Stop that Serena, it's not like he's an illegal alien." Mom lightly shoved me but I ignored her.

"I asked you where you're from."

"South Dakota."

"What are you doing in Virginia?"

"Met your Mom while you were-"

"Away and what? You thought you should pop in to see her while her extra baggage was currently missing in action? She must have warned you that I was a pain the ass," I cut him off coldly.

He sighed hesitantly and cleared his throat. "No it's my only time off of work."

"Oh," I said, trying to sound interested, "And just what do you do? Mister…"

"Motsies. Adam Motsies," he frowned at me. "I'm a government analyst. I look for terrorists."

I cracked up. "Good. I should be a perfect example then!"

He blinked confusedly. "But you're not qualified as a threat to the United States."

"Who said I'd be threatening America?" I grinned. "No, no, I'm going to be your own personal terrorist."

He jested. "I suppose I should feel special then if you don't normally abuse people."

Mom laughed sarcastically. "Oh no dear, she traumatizes everyone."

He glanced up at her. "How did you manage to raise such a creature?"

"Without anyone's help," I snapped.

He glared at me. "And she seems like she needs it."

"I think I can handle my own daughter, thank you," she said, lightly smacking him on the head and she turned to me. "Serena, show some respect though. He is offering you to go to a beautiful private school nearby."

"You say that because you don't like me being in Japan. However, that would give me more precious time with him," I smiled maliciously at him.

"You don't scare me child," he laughed. "I work with much worse."

My face darkened. "Oh, this is just the beginning, Mr. Tampon."

That earned me a firm smack on the head, but it was true. His ridiculous choice in clothing made it hard for me to take him seriously. He was wearing a white shirt that had a red swirly pattern going down the middle where the buttons were and black slacks, and for some reason I had oddly envisioned him as a tampon with blood going down the middle--yes I know I have a disturbing imagination. It can't be helped!

He had no hair and the coldest black eyes I'd ever seen. The vibes I was getting from him didn't exactly soothe me either.

"Apologize," Mom ordered. "You know better than to insult adults."

"Oh please, he brought it upon himself," I sneered.

"I take it that you don't want to go to this school?" he questioned me as he stared at the brochure of the school in front of him. "I don't see why. I've heard it's a brand new school with-"

"What you hear is different from what actually goes on, so no, I don't want to attend this private school. I've already adjusted to the school I'm attending now," I interrupted.

"Young lady, you need to learn how to respect your elders. You can't just interru-"

"My respect is earned, not given gramps."

Mr. Tampon and I shot each other death glares.

"Well," Mom sighed. "Now that we're all getting along, how about tea? Anyone want cookies?"

Tea? Cookies? What kind of crack did this guy have Mom on? She was never into that crap before I left. Ugh! I'm gone for a semester and she gets herself into this mess!

"No, I gotta go," I said, standing.

"Where are you going?" she asked. "You just got back and you already want to leave me?"

The question tugged the corners of my heart and I slowly turned to face her. She may act like she's annoyed to have me around, but the concerned and slightly frightened to be left alone again look I was receiving convinced me that she had indeed missed me.

I gave her a real smile and a wink. "Mom, I'm gonna visit an old buddy."

"If you mean Erica, then I suggest you to bring some protective pads. You know how rough she is."

I shrugged it off. "Ah, she's my kind of crowd."

I was putting on my shoes when I heard him whisper to her that she shouldn't let me leave. I rolled my eyes.

"Look Mr. Tampon, she's not five," I cornered him in the kitchen. "She can make her decisions and she knows me better than you do. So instead of suggesting that I shouldn't leave, which doesn't make sense because it would be in your best interest that I leave, keep your mouth shut."

His eyes widened in shock and he was about to open his mouth to retort but I cut him off again.

"By the way, if you want to stick around I'd suggest you increase your car insurance," I winked at him, "Accidents are bound to happen."

He closed his mouth, shooting a pleading look to my mother as if he needed to be saved but she chose to ignore it.

"Be back before dinner," she said, adding, "by the way, I've seen that you've lost weight. How come? What have you been doing?"

I stopped in my tracks with my hand on the door handle, thinking that I had better let that slide instead of getting upset over it. "Nothing. Just eating the right foods."

Yep. Props to Kiren, my new diet.

VVVVVVVVVVVV

I stood in front of a red brick jewelry store meant for ear and belly button piercing, and if I remember right, people got their tattoos done here too. The small store's violet colored name Cristella hung over the unstained, wide window and for the first time in my memory it wasn't crooked. The door had an OPEN sign dangling from the handle and I entered the store. I scanned the area in search of any of its employees and grinned when I saw her. One of my favorite things about Erica is that I could spot her in a crowd within seconds. Erica held her head high even when people who hated her surrounded her and owned the floor when she walked with her confident stride.

I rubbed and scrunched my nose. I never did get used to the inky smell of the place.

"Yo! Long time no see," I smirked as I saw her familiar face scowl at me. "And I bet you still hate me for nearly killing your dog the last time I was here."

"You ran over her," she reminded me harshly as she took a washcloth and wiped down the counter. "The only species I tolerate and you run over it."

"I didn't see her and it was my first time driving, can you cut me some slack?" I rolled my eyes. "How is the old bugger anyway?"

"Alive," she answered. "So stay away from my house."

"I'm not planning on coming by any time soon," I said, now studying her hair. "I could have sworn your hair was purple the last time I was here."

"It was and now it's not, Captain Obvious."

Her short blue hair was cut in a way that it stuck out in all directions and it had streaks of green blended in.

"It makes your eyes look blue."

"They are blue you idiot."

Erica's eyes were the kind of blue that I didn't like. They were cold and piercing when she was upset, like she was looking right through me and could see through my bullshit. It made me miss Mr. Bunny's eyes and the way they swayed to life.

"I hear your Mom's got a new toy," she stated flatly, "Fancy that. Didn't you torment the last guy she tried to date?"

"Yep," I replied curtly, leaning on the same counter.

"What exactly did you do? I don't remember," she questioned thoughtfully, fiddling with her fingers on the counter.

I giggled madly. "I chased him down with his own car."

She shook her head once more. "Nice. I imagine that you actually aimed to run him over this time. So any injuries?"

I shook my head. "Nah, I decided to be somewhat humane."

"You're nicer than I am."

"Don't I know it."

"So how's Japan? Any weirdos?"

I could tell that she really wanted me to leave since I have always made her feel uncomfortable while she was working, but she didn't know how to get rid of me without involving blood. So I amused myself, lingering around the earrings and necklaces.

"Are you kidding? The school has a whole flock of them," I yawned, finally answering her and stretched. "Sorry, still suffering jet lag."

"Then you should go home and get some sleep. I hear sleep works," she snorted, but she became curious as I knew she would. Erica always did want to travel.

"What kind of weirdos?"

"The kind that rapes."

Erica rolled her eyes as she shook her head. "Very poor choice of words, Serena. Be more specific."

"The women are all boy crazy and there's the Night Class students. They attend classes during the night and sleep through the day."

"Boy crazy women, hmm…we have those here. Night classes, we have those here too. Nothing strange," she answered, losing interest and returned to her work at the cashier.

"Yea, but they go all night. I mean they're even there at five in the morning," I told her, getting close enough so I could count the brown small freckles on her face.

"Maybe they're vampires," she said offhandedly.

"Yes, and then maybe some of the teachers are werewolves that eat pixies at night," I derisively responded.

"Now that would be interesting," she grinned but I rolled my eyes.

"Still a fan of fantasy I see."

"And you're still as sarcastic and practical," she replied. "Boring."

"Says you. People think I'm interesting over there," I smirked.

"That's because they're sheltered from the real insanity that breeds here," she mumbled as she began calculating the left over money.

"What are you trying to say? That I'm normal?"

"Oh hell no. You're nut case, but at least you haven't tried killing anyone, drinking or taking drugs." She paused. "Scratch that. I think you might have tried killing someone."

I laughed. "I'm not that cruel."

"You're already giving that old man a hard time, aren't you?" She shook her head when she saw my oh-so-guilty grin. "You're a monster."

"Oh? And what about yourself? Has Erica been tamed while I was gone?" I taunted her and it struck a cord.

"Yea right, as if anyone could," she sneered. "So what's this old man like? Anything I can help with?"

Now there's the real Erica.

"Nah, I got this one covered. He's some government analyst."

She made a face. "Be careful with this one then. He might have some of his own tricks."

"Mr. Tampon? Give me a break," I snorted. "He's no better than Mr. Bunny."

"There you go again with those bizarre nicknames," she sighed.

I blinked, actually examining her this time and realized that she wasn't being her normal kill first and ask questions later persona. In fact, in the past she had always thrown something at my head when she saw me. Always. It didn't matter what day of the year it was. She also would have mentioned what kind of weapon she was wearing the moment I dodged the said thrown object and threatened my life with it. If I had gotten passed all that, then she would have jumped on me personally.

It was tradition, really. People had always believed we were archenemies because they often found us on the floor, physically tearing each other apart. What they couldn't understand is that we were friends because we were each other's punching bag. Rather attempting to bash our parents' heads in, we took it on each other. We understood pain and we could take it. As long as it was from each other.

However, Erica, hands down, is stronger than me. So it was usually me going back home with bruises and broken bones. I can only count on one hand how many times I've won our physical fights. Verbally though, I was number one. I knew how to push her buttons, which led to those physical fights.

"Something happened while I was gone 'cause you're acting weird. Did the divorce finalize or something?" I inquired.

"Oh no, they're still duking it out," she scoffed.

"Then what happened?" I asked curiously.

Erica sighed again. "If Dad wins, then I have to move to Germany because that's where his job is taking him. If Mom wins, then I'd be moving to Kansas so we could live near family. Either way, I won't be able to stay here."

"I thought you were old enough to decide who you could live with?"

"I am and I can, but neither of the two will be living in our house once the divorce is finalized." She rolled her eyes in a tiredly way, as if the war between her parents was finally wearing her down.

My anger was triggered by Daddy's little vanishing act and Mommy's nitpicking ways.

Erica's anger was triggered by her parents' separation.

I was the only one who knew that Erica, while she acted indifferent about the divorce in front of her parents, felt hurt by her parents' actions and words. She hated it when she had to play referee, like she was standing in the middle of a football field to tell the players to cool off, and she hated it when they tried to use her in their battles. She loved her parents equally but they were both manipulative, sneaky beasts.

They never asked her directly of how she felt about the other parent. No. They trick her into it by asking where would she rather live. If she chose to live in Germany, it automatically meant she loved her father more. If she chose Kansas, it automatically meant that she loved her mother more.

It becomes extremely tedious, especially when she feels like she's the rope that they're tugging back and forth on.

"So you looking forward to Germany?" I didn't ask this because I thought she would choose to live with her father. I asked because I knew her love of travel.

She bit her bottom lip, her eyes showing that she was half nervous and half excited. "I don't know. I've never lived in a different country before."

"It's not as bad as it seems, trust me," I smiled. "You get to meet cool people too. Not just the weirdos."

She narrowed her blue eyes at me. "Yea? You just told me that they were all boy crazy in Japan. So name one."

"Kiren Darako. She tutored me and she's also my roommate. The girl can read my mind sometimes, I swear. She's the sweetest person I've ever met…sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be friends with her," I sighed.

"You feel like you're corrupting her?" Erica smirked.

"Yep."

"How hard was it to learn the language?"

"It took me a while but with everyone speaking it in class, I caught on really quick."

I heard a racket in the back where they normally stocked their belongings and the jewelry and we both looked up. Anthony Skylar, Erica's chubby older brother, walked in humming to himself until he glanced to see whom his sister was talking to and leaped behind the counter.

"I thought you said the demon was gone!" he shrieked, frightened. His blue eyes were much more expressive than his sister's. "Why did you lie to me?"

Okay, I'll confess, I was his bully in the past.

Erica shot him an indifferent look and shrugged. "Wanted to see you jump... and you didn't disappoint."

"Ah! My dear Hamster, how are you?" I asked in my friendliest tone yet he didn't move from his location.

"Fi…F…Fine."

Needless to say I have spent my last two years trying to repent for everything that I had done, but Anthony never forgets and he never forgives either.

"So…did you redo your hair? Last time I was here your natural hair color was starting to show," I smiled kindly, remembering the dark brown roots of his hair.

"Uh…uh huh." He was still staring at me with wide, frightened eyes.

It kinda bugged me that I stirred that much 'terror' in a guy. However, he was my first victim when I discovered Dad was gone so I had been my worst with him.

"Anthony, I need you to do me a favor and take these to the back," Erica handed him her jacket and her black book bag and he took them from her, walking backwards so he could keep his eyes on me and once he got to the door, he sprinted.

"Still have that fantastic affect on him," she chuckled.

I held up one hand. "I've tried."

"I don't think he's forgiven you for shaving his hair that one day when you slept over," she smirked. "Or the time you stole his icecream or the time you killed his pet frog or..."

"I get the picture Erica."

"He acts more like an elephant than a hamster," she shot me a look. "Remembers everything."

"Well in the past he reminded me of a hamster with those plump cheeks," I muttered, drumming my fingers on the counter, remembering what he looked like when he was a child.

He had dark brown short hair and sparkling, naive blue eyes. His freckles always stood out more when he cried. I remember when I found him on the porch, holding his pet frog (now dead...so sorry..), whimpering. Erica had stormed out of the house moments later, tears coming down her face and when I asked her what was wrong she smacked me really hard on my right cheek.

Yep. I think that's where it all started.

With Erica I could be as rough and vicious as I want, but I should have been gentle with her brother. He didn't have the fighting spirit she had, and my words probably stung him like Mom's words made me bleed. Yet it never registered in my head that sensitive boys actually existed.

"I do hope you mean his face rather than his rear," Erica's voice brought me back to the present.

"Like I'd check out his ass." I playfully punched her on her right shoulder, backing away immediately when I felt as though she would hit me back.

"Well, you better get going. I do have to work you know," she told me. "And you still have an old man to get rid of."

"Kicking me out already?" I smirked. "Well, that's a new record. I've managed to be in your presence for twenty minutes without getting my ass kicked."

She winked at me. "That's because I'm working. Just wait till I see you in the streets."

I waved at her once I reached the exit. "See you sometime later."

She waved back, smiling a little bit. "Yup, take it easy."

VVVVVVVVVVVVV

"You got a phone call while you were away, Serena," Mom's voice greeted me when I kicked off my shoes.

"Oh yea? Who?" I questioned, carelessly throwing myself onto the blue couch with ease. Thinking it was nobody important, I turned on the television on full volume, forcing Mom to raise her voice. I did that purposely so she would have to come downstairs to talk to me.

"I don't know! I couldn't understand her accent but she said she went to school with you!" she shouted and I could already hear the annoyance in her voice.

"Did you catch her name?" I asked, now having the television on mute.

"Key Ren Darako?" she said questioningly.

I chuckled, remembering how I first said her name and it was the exact same way. "What'd you tell her?"

"You'd be back tomorrow. Considering the fact that I figured Erica would knock you unconscious," she answered, coming down the stairs finally. "And Adam is staying over the night so behave."

I flashed her an innocent grin. "Aww, Mom, you're taking the fun out of sleepovers."

"I'm not entirely positive you want to push his buttons, Serena," she frowned, hovering above me.

I shrugged. "We'll see."

She sighed exhaustedly. "Only here for three days and you're already a menace."

"Mom I went to Japan, not to some therapy group session. It's not like I'm going to change my personality."

She looked at me thoughtfully. "Yes, well, for my sake, please don't."

I stared at her, examining her features. She had curled her hair today so it looked wavy and her sharp gray eyes almost seemed like they were pleading. What I love about Mom's eyes, though I would never admit it to her, is that when she's really happy they look like they're glowing silver. If anyone has ever seen a silver firework going off at night, then they would know what I was talking about.

Sometimes, I really do wish I had her eyes.

"You actually like this guy, don't you?" I frowned. "Like really like him."

"I do, yes."

"Then this will be fun."

"Serena, I mean it, be nice to him," she warned me. "Or I'll pull you out of that Academy."

"For crying out loud Mom, don't threaten me." I turned on her. "I'm not afraid of you or him, and you know that. As for that Academy, whoopee-do. More time for me to have fun with him. "

Mom shot me one more glare. "You'll regret it, Serena."

"Right, right, night Mom," I humored her as I shut off the television and headed up to my room.

She let out a long sigh and went to her room, where I had no doubts Mr. Tampon was waiting for her. I changed into my night attire and ignored the whisperings coming from the other room, but frowned at the same time. As I figured, Mom still had a lot to learn about her daughter. I didn't torture her potential suitors just because I thought it was fun. I didn't threaten them to watch their backs because I thought it would make my life more interesting.

Nope.

I did it for her.

After she had slapped me that one day and we had apologized to each other and I had promised not to leave her, I made a silent vow. I realized that day that Mom had probably gone through enough heartache—with me being a troll and Dad's sudden disappearance- and didn't need someone else to step in her life who would only disappoint her. I took it as my responsibility to test her suitors and see their strengths and weaknesses.

I wasn't going to let anyone hurt her again.

I'm not a five year old anymore. I can't just pretend everything will be all right the next day when someone hurts her. I can't just lie there while she cries into my hair or pillow anymore.

I decided that I was going to be her shield. I was her knight on a white horse. Her Prince Charming was actually the bloody haired Queen in disguise. Was it often that a mother's protector was her daughter and not her husband? Probably not.

Mr. Tampon has no idea of what I have in store for him.

To my surprise, the phone rang and I scrambled out of my bed before Mom could reach the phone.

"Hello?" I said into the phone.

I heard sobbing on the other side and felt myself stiffen.

"Hello?" I repeated more urgently.

"Se..Sere...Serena-chan?" I heard the female voice whimper and then she hung up.

I sat straight up in my bed, feeling somewhat panicked and after a few seconds I tried to call the number back but got a busy line.

The girl on the phone had been crying... and she was afraid.

And it was Kiren.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Okay, so everyone pay attention to all of the 'minor' characters I just introduced because they have roles. If not major, then it's a twisted one.

As for the bickering between Mr. Tampon and Serena... -laughs sheepishly- that was my first reaction to my now stepfather. Yes, I was...a bit more bitchy back in the day. We're cool now...but I put him through...a lot...

I thank everyone who responded to my question..it was most helpful! And well, ahaha, as if blowfish wasn't obvious enough right? -sweat drop-

My updates are going to be coming slower now. Just thought I'd give you all a heads up.

Soo...after one more chapter...the real drama begins :D. Enjoy