Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

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I was eager to see Serina and I arrived early at our old high school.

It didn't take much effort to set up this reunion and I was surprised to hear how many of my ex-classmates were eager to meet with me. No one questioned the odd timing or the urgency.

I guess some of them will be disappointed to find out that I don't have an intention to reconnect with them. But I don't care about their false pretenses and hidden agendas. I only care about Serina, aka my Sanya.

I can't wait to see her!

The school is not important, it's only for the purpose of gathering and making it feel like it's a group event.

I did this because I had a strong feeling that if I invited Serina to meet with me only, she would not come.

However, I will be damned if I allow these nobodies to spoil this for me.

I booked a private room in the luxurious restaurant, worthy of my reunion with Seraphina. Well, it's not exactly worthy, but it's the best I can do. Once I convince her that we are meant for each other, I will shower her with all the good things she deserves.

From the moment our eyes met, it was always just Serina and me, and that's how it will be in the future as well. I will make sure of it.

As others trickled into the classroom, my heart jolted whenever someone showed up at the door.

"Hi Drago, it's been ages…", Tilia greeted me with a big smile that nearly matched the size of her exposed cleavage.

It didn't take long for the class slut to hit on me. Do I look like an easy target?

"Hi Tilia", I called in return. "How is your husband?"

That shut her up. She mumbled how he is fine and went to her seat.

I checked the time. There were still ten minutes left and I will lose my temper at this rate. What if she changed her mind?

I chanted internally that Serina will come. She has to. Mona told me that Serina got the letter and is planning to come, but I had difficulty believing it.

However, that distinct sound last night was Big Ben, which means that Serina is in London, and she wouldn't be in London if she is not coming for a reunion.

I will see her today! Finally!

Oh, God! My hands are shaking! And it's not just my hands, my whole body was trembling since this morning.

I'm completely under the Seraphina-effect.

I decided to focus on my phone as a distraction and it can help deter people from approaching me because they might think I'm busy.

Cynthia and Bettany were talking, despite me ignoring them, and the classroom quieted down a second before the scent of jasmine with a hint of Japanese wisteria hit my system. She is here!

God, how much I missed her!

She was the same, yet different. I couldn't pinpoint what changed, but I didn't care because my Sanya was back, this time as Seraphina.

I couldn't stop staring at her, knowing that I look like a fool, yet there was not a single cell in my body that wanted to turn away from the only woman in my world. 

She looked amazing, smelled even better, but the best part was that she was looking at me as well. Breathtaking.

We exchanged a few words, and I soaked in her presence greedily.

I noticed Serina's discomfort as she spoke about herself, and I took that opportunity to hold her hand.

My heart was at risk of jumping out of my chest at the possibility of her pulling her hand back. I was never that anxious. But then she laced her fingers with mine and that was the confirmation I'm on the right track. 

The pull she feels is stronger than anything. I've got this.

I know that she loves me, but I can't reveal that because if she realizes her dreams are not really dreams, I will be in a bigger pickle than I currently am.

I know that I messed up and I don't want to increase the difficulty of this challenge to get her to trust me and open up.

I need to take this slowly and not spook her and everything will be alright. It has to be.

The old teacher called my name, and I responded briefly without getting up.

Did Serina realize I copied her answer? I did that on purpose, to show her that we are the same.

"Shouldn't you say more about yourself?", Serina asked me in a whisper.

I shrugged. "People who deserve to know more, know it without me talking about it here."

She nodded and then her face fell. Oh, God! Did I just say that she doesn't deserve to know more? I can be such an idiot sometimes.

I need to fix this, quickly!

"Hey…", I called in a low voice. "I look forward to us catching up over lunch."

"Sure…", she said with a stiff smile, and the only thing that told me I didn't completely blow this up was the fact that her hand was still in mine under the desk.

The next half an hour was a mix of torture and bliss as I was painfully aware Serina was right next to me. I wished to know what's on her mind, but even without a mind-reading device, I could see that she was torn and fighting her insecurities.

I wanted to pull her into a hug and kiss all her doubts away, but I knew that it would be too fast and too soon and she would never approve of me doing such a thing in this setting.

Serina is a shy girl and the only reason I got to enjoy her embrace is because she is confident that those are dreams.

"This concludes our roll call…", Mr. Morris said. "Mr. Orsini was kind enough to book a venue for us to enjoy a meal at the Piping Vault…"

Sounds of 'ohs' and 'ahs' filled the classroom like it's a big deal. It's an exclusive restaurant with private rooms that are not too cramped because I knew that Serina wouldn't like to get too close to these people. And I made a special arrangement, just for the two of us.

"Now, if we could all proceed to the Piping Vault, reservation is on Mr. Orsini's name…", Mr. Morris stood up, eager to experience luxurious dining. I guess with his teacher's salary he can't go to such places normally. 

"Shal we?", I asked Serina, and she nodded but didn't show an intention of getting up.

I leaned closer to her. "Is there a problem?"

She glanced down. "Can you let go of my hand?"

I smiled and tightened my hold on her. "Not today." And not ever again, my dear.

She looked at me helplessly, but she allowed me to pull her up and lead the way. Maybe because most of the people left the classroom already.

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