A Stranger to You

Light reaches the void

Serenity's POV

I never knew dad and Mr. Alpin knew about each other. Seconds late, they both came out of the kitchen each holding a mug of coffee

"Princess!"

"Serenity."

They both called in surprise. "I thought you were still asleep," He said. I went to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Good morning," I gave Mr. Alpin a casual look. "Good morning, sir." He nodded at me and smiled. I acted as if I did not eavesdrop on their conversation earlier. I smiled at Mr. Alpin and tried not to show my curiosity and confusion. "What brought you here, sir?" That's the only question that I think wouldn't sound suspicious, and fits in with the situation. I doubt his answer is enough to suffice my curiosity.

"Just stopping by to catch up with your father," I tilted my head quizzically at my dad.

"You never mentioned anything about Mr. Alpin," I stated with my arms crossed over my chest.

"I never shared anything with you about my past friends." He stated as a matter of fact. "You never asked."

"I just assumed you wouldn't give me answers." I shrugged. I have always thought that I got my aloof personality from him. He gazed at me from head to foot that made me raise my brows at him. "What?"

"I'm just surprised you're wearing something bright today." I looked at my shirt with a multi-colored sun print. I mentally smiled.

"I honestly think it's pretty," I remembered the time when he gave me this. It was just a normal day but I was surprised when he handed me the shirt. He said that the sun reminded him of me. I'm his sunshine and at the same time his rainbow. But I never once wore it until now.

"I thought you didn't like it?" He asked.

"I do, maybe I was just too scared to step out of my comfort zone. Black has always been my signature color." He smiled and slightly tilted his head back.

"That's my girl."

"Anyways, I'm heading out for a bit." I was thinking of seeing Nathan today. I know he remembers me, and I also know it would be awkward seeing him. I kind of shared something with him. I bit my lower lip. I was being stupid. I did not expect him to remember me! But I need him to help me with something.

"Ming telling me where you're going?" My father curiously asked with a tilted head.

"It's more surprising than this shirt," I honestly told him. His eyes slightly widened in excitement and eagerly waited for me to say it. "I'm going out to see," I paused. I'm debating with myself whether I should say 'a a friend' or just someone.

"A?" My father asked.

I sighed. "A friend," pertaining to Nathan as someone would stir up some questions in his mind so, it's probably safe to say 'friend'.

"Really?" He obviously could not believe what I just said.

Neither do I, Dad. Neither do I.

I have no idea what Nathan wants when he called my name at the library yesterday but I don't think it's because he thinks of me as a friend. He probably thinks the same way as Dannon.

"I know, unbelievable right?" I tried to laugh but it came out fake so, I stopped it by faking a cough.

"I'm so proud of you. Go out there and be a teenager." I can't help but smile at him. He looks so happy that I'm finally living my life or so he thinks. I bid my goodbyes to dad and Mr. Alpin before heading out.

I'm sorry for lying, dad. God knows how I also want to have friends. I just seem to have this friend repellant stuck in my skin. If they just give a small effort to get to know me, I'm sure I have some interesting characteristics they would like, right?

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