Serena's POV
I was looking at myself in the mirror. The purple highlights from my hair was still visible. When I was young, we tried to color my hair black but it doesn't change anything since it always goes back into it's original color so Mom decided not to color it anymore. I was wearing the white cropped top mini dress that I bought from the boutique that I saw before from my way home. I got a feeling that I already saw this but I can't remember where. It's weird because there are places or things that I felt like I already seen it and that I already went there but can't remember it .
Today was my Father's death anniversary. And we'll going to visit him. It's making me sad that I didn't even got a chance to be with him. Seeing my baby pictures with him carrying me makes me cry.
"Are you ready?" Mom asked me as soon as I entered her car.
"Yes Mom." I smiled at her as she starts the engine.
After a 30 minute drive, we arrive at the cemetery. As I approach Dad's tomb, I gently lay the flowers that we bought. Then Mom lights up the candle beside it.
"We missed you," Mom mumbled softly. Her voice cracked up a little. I quickly hold her arms as I lean on her shoulder.
"You don't have to worry, we are fine. As what I promised you, I will protect Serena at all cost. Even if it will cost my life."
I hold unto Mom tightly when I heard what she said. Tears started to fill my eyes.
"Mom.."
"You can count on me, I promise." Mom said as she smiled to my Father's tomb. And then she look at me.
As I look at her, her eyes speaks  different emotions. Love, assurance and... Is that anger that I see?
"I'll protect you little dummy, I promise."
Mom said as she pinch my nose. And my tears fell on it's own.
"You are making me cry Mom," I said as I sniff. She immediately hugged me. A tight hug that is saying she'll be here no matter what happens and she'll never leave me alone.
"Now, say good bye to your Dad. We'll still go somewhere."
"Huh? Where to Mom?"
"You'll see."
I quickly nooded. After I bid my good bye to Dad and fixed the flowers, we left the cemetery. I'm suddenly curious where we will go. Maybe we'll have a dinner date? Now, exitement and happiness fills me.
"We're here, Serena."
I quickly look outside the car's window. A huge silver gate is the first thing that I see. It's very tall. It was surrounded with brick walls that stretched for miles in the road.
"Cassopeia" it said. I turned around to look at Mom. This name is familiar.
"Mommy, is this...?"
I didn't even finish my question but Mom nodded quickly.
"Yes Serena. We're here, the place where magic exist."
My jaw dropped. I was staring at Mom almost unbelievably.
"Woah Mom, are you sure this is the place were we'll going?"
I was expecting Mom to shake her head no but then she smiled and continued driving inside when the gate opened. I was lost at words. I can't believe Mom is the one who will brought me here when infact she strictly told me not to talk or even mention the word 'magic'.
I look outside as we enter the place and everything was just breathtaking. From the fountain that produces a crystal clear water, to the wide lawn, the hanging plants and different flowers that are in the garden and the trees that are surrounding the place. Everything looks so enchanting. There are even different kind of butterflies flying around the garden. Mom was not lying when she said that the place was enchanting.
When we stopped at what I guess was a castle base on it's structure, Mom pulled me inside.
"Mom..." I called her.
"I know you are curious why I bring you here but I will explain to you everything. Let's get inside first."
When we entered inside, the place was huge. If the outside appearance is beautiful, it's more enchanting here inside. The walls were painted with ceramic white. A big chandelier was place right at the center. It was glowing. Around every corner was a little lamp light that lights up the entire place. Around the corner was the grand glass staircase. I'm lost at how beautiful it is. When we are at the top, we entered in an office, I think. The double glass door that reached up to the ceiling is open that allows you to see the view outside.
"So.. what can you tell about Cassopeia Serena? Is it beautiful?" Mom asked when she sat in the sofa infront of me.
"What do you mean beautiful Mom? It's more than that! I mean the place is breathtaking, I swear!"
Mom laughed at my reaction. But, she can't blame me. The place is just so beautiful.
"Do you wanna stay here?"
I stopped smiling when I heard her question. I quickly look at her.
"I... What do you mean Mom?"
Are we going back here? If yes, why? It's very sudden. Mom stood up and came near me. Her face suddenly became serious that made me nervous.
"I know I am the one who told you not to use or even mention magic bit because of the happenings recently, I am giving you my permission to stay here. You will learn many things in the Academy that will be at your advantage someday."
I'll transfer school? And Mom looks like she knew about what is going on inside my head because she answered my question.
"You will not necessarily transfer school. You'll come here during weekends. To learn other magic tricks and everything. You will still go at your school, that is if you wanted to continue your study there."
Then Mom held my hands.
"I knew what had happened to you this past days and that is why I bring you here, it is for your own protection." Mom said seriously.
"You knew what happened Mom? How did you know?" I asked curiosily.
Does that mean Mom knew about the fight yesterday? And the accident in the forest which I did not told her?
"It's not important how I knew all of those Serena."
"But..."
Mom stood up and took her bag so I stopped talking. When she came back, she's holding a small box in her hand.
"Here," she took out a necklace from the box. The necklace was a small crystal ball. It was simple yet it's unique and special. She put it in me then she fixed my hair after that.
"There. That necklace will protect you."
"Protect me?"
Mom nodded. "You will use that when you badly needed a help. When the situation calls for a life and death situation, hold that crystal ball and that will come to your rescue."
"Does that mean, I can't hold it?" I asked Mom.
"Yes. Only use that when you have no other way out, you understand what I mean right?"
I nodded. I'll only use this during difficult situations. This must be something special. I smiled as I am looking at it. Then I remembered what Mom said earlier. How did she knew about what happened this past days?
"Right Mom, how did you knew what happened this past days? I never told you about it though?" I look at her with questioning eyes. But before she could answer, someone entered the room.
"You already arrived. Sorry I'm late. I had fix something."
I turned around and saw a woman wearing a black pencil skirt paired with a white blouse. She was all smiles as she approach us. I furrowed my brows when I saw how she bowed a little when she was infront of my Mom. Does Mom works here?
"Are you here for a long time?" She asks while fixing the folder that she's holding in her desk.
"Not really. Well, since your here I'll leave Serena to you." Mom said as she smiled at the lady. And she quickly nodded.
Mom looked at me as she gets her bag from the couch.
"I'll wait for you outside, sweetheart." Mom said.
And before I can give an answer, Mom exited the room. And I saw the lady bowed again as Mom leaves the room. Okay? What the hell was happening here?
"Nice to finally see you here Serena. It has been 15 long years when you left here." She said when Mom left. She was still smiling brightly.
"Ahhm...." And the words hang in my mouth. I don't know how will I address her. I also don't know what to say.
"You can call me Miss Scarlet, Serena." She said and then she smiled as she approach me.
"You had grown so much dear. You are such a stunning lady just like your Mom. And I won't be surprised if you'll turn out to be as powerful as your Mom."
And as I hear her last sentence, I look at her curiously.
"Huh?"
~