The week that had started off horribly, steadily improved. Serenah was giddy with happiness. She and Romeo were dating. Everything with him felt right. She was pleasantly surprised when Romeo set her up with Liz and Penelope to go dress shopping for the dance. She was looking forward to the outing tomorrow.
"What has put such a smile on your face?"
She looked in the mirror at Lael. "I get to go shopping with some friends."
"Oh?"
"We are finding dresses for the homecoming dance. It's similar to the balls we had in the Old Land."
"Ah. I'm happy for you, My Lady."
"Apparently, we have to go to the nearby state to reach the mall. This is all so exciting." She bounced up and down, a grin spreading across her face.
Lael laughed at her exuberance. Serenah didn't mind. She would be able to leave the castle and have freedom from her family. It was a win-win situation for her.
The gentle knock on her door announced Alaster's arrival. He entered, a frown on his face.
"What is it?" Serenah felt the smile leave her face. She tensed, worried about what he would say.
"It's about today's trip."
She felt panic building in her heart. Had her father changed his mind? Had Amanah sabotaged her life yet again?
"Spit it out, please. Don't make me wait."
"Your father has ordered that I attend you on your trip today."
Serenah frowned. "What? Why?"
"He didn't give me a reason. Only the order."
"Fine," she replied, schooling her expression to one of indifference.
Inside she was raging at the unfairness of it. Amanah had her own car and got to go wherever she wanted. She, however, was not afforded the same treatment. Her father always treated her sister better. She couldn't wait until she was eighteen and could go out and see the world.
Fifteen minutes later, they left the castle grounds and headed to the meeting spot. When Liz and Penelope saw Alastar they both frowned.
"What is he doing here?" demanded Penelope.
"My dad wouldn't let me come without him."
"What!"
Liz's disdainful gaze toward Alastar made Serenah feel a little bit guilty. She needed to smooth things over, otherwise, who knew when her father would let her have another day like this?
"It's fine. He can carry the bags." Serenah ignored the look Alastar threw in her direction. "Can we please go? I've been waiting for this day all week."
With another glare in Alastar's direction, Liz led Serenah to her SUV, and they climbed in. Alastar sat in the back with Serenah. The hour-and-half ride to Johnson City, Tennessee, was filled with Liz's wildly eclectic mix of music ranging from pop to classical and everything in between. A few of the songs Serenah recognized from her lessons with Lord Hulight. Those she sang along to much to Liz's and Penelope's amusement.
"You are such an old soul," joked Liz after hearing Serenah sing "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.
"The lyrics are good and speak to me."
"Well, you won't have to worry about not getting any."
"Any?" Serenah didn't understand what Penelope was saying.
"Respect, silly. Romeo is all about it and treats everyone equally. That's why we like hanging out with him, George, and Danny. They are always perfect gentlemen. They are more mature than other guys our age."
Serenah agreed with Penelope. Romeo was mature. It was one of the many qualities she admired about him. He was kind, caring, and never belittled her like her family. He made her feel strong. She hadn't felt that way in a long time.
The conversation strayed to other topics and soon they arrived at the mall. Serenah was amazed at the amount of people at the mall. It reminded her of the crowds that would come out to cheer for the return of her father and sister from their battles. For a moment, she stopped smiling.
"Sera? You okay?"
She shook herself and smiled brightly at Liz. "I'm good. Just got distracted by a random thought. Shall we?"
Penelope laughed and gestured for Sera to join her as she led the group inside.
Serenah couldn't help it. She stared avidly at the people and stores inside. So many things to capture one's eyes! She let her friends lead her to store after store. Alastar silently trailed behind them. She could feel his alertness with every step. She wanted to tell him to relax but knew that wouldn't faze him. When he was in guard mode it was useless trying to get him out of it.
"Let's go in here."
Serenah came out of her thoughts and stared at the sign. Victoria's Secret? Baffled she glanced in Liz's and Penelope's direction. Their eyes gleamed in anticipation. She couldn't understand why.
"Al, stay out here," ordered Liz.
"Why should I?"
"Because this is a women's only store. No men allowed," explained Penelope.
Alastar frowned and Serenah was afraid he'd object. Instead, he grunted, crossed his arms, and assumed a position to the left of the entrance.
"Don't take too long," he ordered.
Penelope rolled her eyes, grabbed Serenah's hand, and dragged her inside with a giggling Liz bringing up the rear.
Serenah's shocked gasp sent her two friends into a fit of giggles. She felt her face heat. Everywhere were pieces of lingerie. Some of it was so revealing that it made her uncomfortable. She was glad Alastar had not come inside with them.
"You should see your face!" Liz clapped her on the back, and Serenah stumbled forward.
Penelope caught her while flagging down a store associate. "My friend needs to be measured."
The young woman smiled. "Please come this way."
The next thirty minutes were a whirlwind of getting measured and picking out lingerie that kept Serenah in a continuously embarrassed state. Finally, Liz declared they were done and exited the store. Liz shoved the bags into Alastar's hand and dragged Serenah to a dress shop called Brenda's Rizz. From the door to the back wall, hundreds of dresses filled the large space. Every color and style imaginable was on display.
Serenah was dismayed. How was she going to pick just one dress from all the options in front of her?
"Breathe, Sera," whispered Liz. "We got you."
Dazed, Serenah stood and watched her friends fly through the store grabbing dresses as they went. Finally, they returned to her side and ushered her to a nearby dressing room. They each had six dresses that they put in the room with her.
"Alright, get ready to dazzle us," encouraged Penelope. "Pick a dress, put it on, then step out here so we can see and give our opinions."
"Um, okay," stammered Serenah. She entered the changing stall and prepared to grab the first dress.
Just what had she gotten herself into?