The following morning, was filled with a lot of talking. Unexpectedly Grandma Grace and Grandpa Carrick decided to drop a visit. Whenever they came, it was like everybody had an ear problem… or everyone was deaf… It was the most one who shouted… because they find it hard to have a quiet conversation. Don't get me wrong… I love my grandparents to death… but all this commotion at 7.30am doesn't help at all.

I got up from bed, and still in my pj's I went downstairs. My parents were already having breakfast with my grandparents, and from their conversation, I could see that all they were discussing was about the New Year's Eve get-together of our family. I always loved those get-togethers. Like that, I could see my cousins, uncle and aunt, and everybody… but this year… I didn't even have the will to attend to it… I felt lifeless… living a monotony… getting up… going for a run and straight to school back home, and ballet on Thursday's and back home to do homework and study… the following day would be the same… and the one after that as well… yet nothing changes… nobody notices anything… my parents seem too caught up in what they have, and little do they know about certain things… they don't remember my swimming competition… they didn't remember that last month I received a first prize in chemistry… Taylor was there… and yet they weren't… I guess it's understandable… it is my fault… in some way… it is… it had to be… mum became infertile because of me… they almost got divorced because I called mum to come home, and she found Elena there… and now they're all sad because of me… I don't know what to do to make them feel better… to take the weight off them… I wish I can take their troubles and carry them myself… I'd do anything and give anything to see them happy… even give my happiness to them… I love them… but do they?

Yes Sera! They do! How selfish can you be in thinking that they don't love you?

Yes… they love me… they love me…

'Good morning peanut.' Dad greeted as he stood up and hugged me.

'Why all this shouting? Do you need a hearing aid as a Christmas Present?' I smirked.

'Sorry dear.' Grandma started. '…but my son makes a huge fuss on everything.'

'Yeah… tell me about that.' I answered back, as I moved to the kitchen water filter and filled a cool glass of water and squeezed a piece of lemon in it. 'Shit…' I cursed, while both 4 adults looked at me.

'Are you ok Sera?' Mum asked concerned as she came forward.

'My eye is burning.' I replied as I rubbed it. 'Liquid lemon drop was shot in my eye.'

'Don't rub it… it will burn more…' Mum advised as she looked into my eye. 'How the hell did you manage to get it underneath your glasses? Never mind… I don't even want to know… Come with me… I have some drops that won't let your cornea get scratched.' She replied as she pulled me from my hand.

'Son, I don't want to get into what goes in your family… but Sera looks horrible!' Carrick started.

'I know dad…'

'What happened?' Grace continued.

'Honestly? I don't know… I'm still trying to figure it out myself.' Dad replied as both mum and I entered back the kitchen, and took my seat beside dad as usual.

'How's school honey?' Grandma asked.

'It's ok. Tiring these days Grandma…'

'It is expected Sera.' Carrick continued. 'I remember when I was in College.'

'Yeah, I remember too.' Grace added. 'You followed me wherever I went.'

'Men…' Both mum and I commented.

'Sweetheart, tonight your father and I have to go to Uncle Elliot's… we may be late tonight.' Mum told me.

'No worries… I'm going to Natalie's today.'

'Taylor has his night shift today.' Dad complained.

'Natalie's mother is staying with us daddy.' I replied back, trying to fix it up immediately, however, I was saved by the bell… my phone rang, it was Natalie. 'Excuse me.' I told the 4 adults before leaving the room.

'Hey Nat…'

'What damn took you so long to pick up?'

'Sorry… my parents and grandparents are here.'

'Anyhow… are you still up for tonight?'

'Most definitely.' I smiled. 'One problem though…'

'What is it Grey?'

'I don't own any clubbing clothing.'

'That's easily re-arranged… you can wear something of mine.'

'Ok.' I smiled. 'Then it's settled. At what time should be at your place?'

'5.30pm/sixish Grey… don't be late… we have to fix your look as yet.'

'Ohh, you should know that I told my parents that your mother will be at 'home'.'

'Ok, thanks for the heads up Grey.'

'I'll see you later.'

'Yes… bring some heel shoes with you, mine don't fit you.' Natalie added… 'Have to go… my mother just came in. See you later Sera…'

I kept looking at the watch, and it was finally time. It was my first time ever going clubbing. Many said you'll meet new people there, and it's where you can let go in anything. I was looking forward to it. I prepared my make-up bag, my shoes, and some sassy underwear. I wanted to feel good from underneath and outside.

Mum and dad dropped me off before them heading to uncle Elliot… They didn't let me go before their constant reminders.

'Keep your phone on you at all times Sera.' Dad ordered. It was his way of keeping track where I was and of knowing where I am. Damn his controlling issues.

'Yes dad…' I told him before I went out of the car. '… give my love to Uncle Elliot, Aunt Kate and Ava.'

'Take care sweet heart.' Mum replied.

I walked up to Natalie's house, and rang her house. Both my parents waited for me to enter the house before them leaving. After few seconds, she opened. I waved to my parents and entered with Natalie.

'You did it girl!' Natalie started. 'I thought you were going to chicken out!'

'Hey! Why would I?'

'Because you're a goody two shoes.' She continued as we went to the living room, where Mark was there.

'Hey Sera.' He greeted.

'Hey Mark!' I replied while Natalie went and dropped a kiss on Mark. 'Wow… what dimension am I in?'

'We wanted to give you a surprise. We're… officially a thing!' Natalie smiled.

'Since when?'

'Last week!'

'… and you don't tell me? I thought we were best friends…. Sisters…'

'Don't take it personal Sera… It's just… we were on a trial, and didn't want to tell anyone… now we're sure.' She told me… 'Do you forgive me?'

'Ok… fine… How can I stay mad at my sister?' I told her as I hugged her.

'It's almost 6.30 people… why don't you two beautiful ladies go get ready huh?' Mark said.

'He's right…' Natalie added. '…and we need to find you something sexy.'

We went to her room, and while she changed into something clubbing material, we started the hunt for me. She had all kinds of miniskirts… all kinds of too revealing tank tops and all kinds of tight ass clothes… it made me a bit uncomfortable trying them… letting alone being in them. Did Taylor know about these clothes? I'm sure he wouldn't approve of them… but I let it pass… it would be no use in asking… Natalie can be quite rebellious…

'Ok… these aren't working Natalie… I look like a whore.' I stated as I took off what seemed like the 5th mini skirt I had tried on.

'Ok… I have one last option.' Natalie said as she went to get a box. She opened it and pulled out a black sweet pencil strapless dress. 'I bought it for me… you can use it if you like it?'

'I love this Natalie… but are you sure?'

'As sure as I'm here…' She smiled. '…besides… I owe you one for letting you in the dark about Mark. Now go try it on girl.'

I went into her walking closet and put it on. I was taking my time in zipping it, but I needed help… I couldn't reach the top.

'Nat, can you close it off please?' I asked while she complied.

'Wow girl! That is amazing on you!'

'Is it too much or?'

'It's perfect girl!.

'We have one other problem Nat…'

'What is it?'

'Your father is a security guard working for my dad… They may track us!'

'And that is why we're leaving any electronic thing here Grey…' Natalie stated as she took my phone from the table and put them in her closet. '… and this is your fake ID. Keep it close… your name is Melissa Greene.'

'You thought of everything… haven't you?'

'Yepps…' Natalie said, as she took some cash out and placed them in her purse. '… and now you're learning the ropes Grey.'