Chapter 4: Back home

(OTD)

"I will miss ewwwww, Seri." Butter wailed, clinging onto her petite form for life. Serenity looked at Mama Dido for help, her cheeks were already burning in 2nd hand embarrassment. Butter was buttering her up not to go, not like she had any choice. On one hand, her heart was bustling with joy, She was going to meet her brothers especially Killian. Killian had not returned any of her letters from the last 6 years unlike Bruno, Boris and Igor who continually sent her letters and gifts at every occasion, Mama Dido had told her that Killian was really busy with the trainings and had no time, she tried not to feel sad about it. On the other hand, she felt deeply saddened that she was going to leave her home Island, Butter and Mama Dido. She will miss everything here, the woods, the gourd fields, her ever emotional, sassy bestfriend who had not left her since morning and her old caring mama.

"Butter, I am not going forever, I will always come back on holidays. Please don't cry, you are making me feel bad." Serenity pouted while hugging her wailing bestfriend back.

Butter shook her head, '' Oh serenity, Who is going to save my ass from Mom's wrath if I broke her second vase?"

" You will not-"

"Who is going to buy me ice cream when my soon-to-be ex boyfriend ditched me again?"

"Butter-"

"Who am I going to watch Conjuring 3 with? You know my papa is a scaredy cat and my mom laughs at every scene?"

"It has not been released-"

"Oh Serenity, I am telling you my mom even laughs at Fifty shades-"

"Okay Butter, that's enough. Let Serenity breath." Butter's mom intervened sharply

Butter hesitatingly let go Of Serenity and pouted sheepishly. Serenity gave a small shy smile at the onlookers who were watching them like some sort of amusing creatures.

Serenity turned to Butter's mother and hugged her, " Bye aunt J, please take care of my bestfriend."

Aunt J smiled at her adoringly " of course dear, stay healthy and always be happy. Don't forget to take your vitamins on time, it is very essential for your immune system to stay strong and fight off unwanted bacteria and not to forget Calcium, you need to have strong bones and muscles-"

"Mom! This is not your clinic." Butter drawled.

"You shut up, I am talking to my daughter." Aunt J bite back.

Butter gasped and turned sharply to her Dad as if to say something back But he only shrugged in reply. Butter huffed, crossing her arms.

Serenity then went to Chief Kaptan, Butter's Dad who had also come to bade her goodbye, "Bye, Papa I will miss you."

"Bye dear, have a safe journey and always remember no matter where you go that you got a family in the Island And you will always be welcomed here."

"I know Papa, Thank you for taking care of me all these years."

The Chief smiled down lovingly at the little girl and nodded.

The flight announcement for all the passengers was made, Serenity hugged her dear ones one last time, lingering at her Mama and Butter.

"Sweetie, one of your brothers and the guards will be waiting at the 2nd terminal, you won't have hard time recognizing them, you know how your Athair's men are. I will miss you a lot little one. Please take care of yourself for me and if you have any problem, even a slightest one, you call me instant okay?" mama Dido whispered in her ear.

Serenity nodded with tears in her eyes as she waved before entering the entrance gate.

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It was a long exhausting trans-atlantic flight, Serenity yawned, opening her eyes at the announcement of them landing at Dublin International airport. All tiredness flew out of the window once she step foot into the Irish soil, breathing in the twilight Irish breeze, everything was Irishy, she loved the nostalgic feeling arousing in her, Its been a heavy decade, and now she was finally back to her land, her home, the place where she rightfully belonged to. Serenity strolled out to the waiting area, clutching the hem of her sleeves nervously as her doe-eyes wandered around looking for any familiar face, she knew she can recognize her brothers from all the picture books they had sent her. Bruno and Boris had lost their chubby cheeks but they still had the warm hazel eyes and a sharper jaws. Igor had a long face with freckles adorning his cheeks and his hair was dyed in fluorescent grey recently and Killian, still look like her Killy but with more sharper features.

Serenity pouted her rosy lips as she sat down in one of the cranky steel chairs, she checked the time on the terminal board and reset her watch. It was 5.42 in the morning, the sun was about to rise, she wondered if they had forgotten to pick her up, a wave of exhaustion hit her as her excitement drowned itself and she felt herself getting jet-lagged. Still, her tired eyes roamed around the hall, she noticed a couple of man dressed in blue jeans and leather jackets, huge scars ran down their faces and tattoos covering their exposed necks. they were big and terrifying but their eyes cold and hard were looking at her. She frowned in confusion, one of the man whispered something into the other's man ears and he pointed his finger at her subtly.

Serenity felt something arose in her, a chill ran down at her spine, the way they were looking at her was unsettling with her, she quickly look around, there were not many people in the area, the airport security was quite far from where she was sitting as she had come out to the 2nd terminal waiting room. There was only an old couple dozing on their chairs. Her breathe hitched as she saw the two guys making their way to her, she quickly got up, taking her small suitcase, she fasten her pace to the main entrance hall. Serenity knew that her Athair had a lot of enemies and they were always looking out for opportunities to hurt his family, Killian had warned her many times when she was young about stranger-danger.

There was no one in sight, her heart spiked up in fear, hearing the heavy approaching footsteps. She started running, she heard them yelling at her in some language but the fear took over and she was numbed to all her other senses. Just her luck, she saw a man dressed in the airport security uniform and quickly rushed to him. Before she could call out to him, a huge hand quickly covered her mouth and pulled her to the side. Her eyes widened, terrified she started thrashing around in his hold. Tears leaked down her eyes as she helplessly tried to free herself from the brute.

"Shsss, Seri, its me! Calm down."

Serenity froze, her frightened self slowly coming to senses as she hear the familiar voice. Tired and exhausted, she felt limp on to his chest. He slowly uncover his hand and turned her around, her amethyst eyes were pooled with tears, her pouty lips quivering from the sudden assault, He tried to hide his smile, amused at his little innocent sister.

'I-Igor! Thank God, it was you. I-I Thought t-those big men we-" Serenity sobbed, clutching onto him tightly.

"Its okay sweet, They are not bad guys, they are my men and they are here to protect you. See." Igor softly patted her back. He pulled out of their hug and guided her towards the two men who stood a few feet away from them with their heads bowed.

"This is Dan and Benny. They mean you no harm, they were just coming to get you." Igor explained, Serenity felt embarrassed and stupid at the same time, she acted on her impulse instead of trying to find out who they actually were.

"I am so sorry Dan, Benny. I mistook you guys." She apologized softly, looking down. Serenity heard a gasp and she looked up to find the two big men looking at her with wide eyes and their jaws dropped. Shock and amazement sparkling their emotionless eyes. She looked at Igor confused with their reaction. Igor gave her a small smile, shaking his head "Told you, she is an angel."

Dan nodded with a slight smile tugged up on his lips " It was our mistake too, Miss. we apologized for scaring you like that."

"Oh no, It wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have judged you like that. Please don't apologize, you will make me feel bad"

Again they had that shock expression but nodded wordlessly.

''Okay, sweet. come, everyone is waiting for you at home.''

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An elite crowd of ladies sat at the round table tea hall of the crystal mansion enjoying the Early pre breakfast herbal tree. Fake smiles and even faker compliments drifted in the air as the ladies rushed to brag about their latest conquest or deals acquired by their respective husbands. Victoria O'Sullivan had invited a few close friends over to spent the week in the mansion before the great anniversary ball that was to take place in the late evening itself.

Her wedding anniversary was something she had planned on for an entire year, selected power-hungry families and clans were sent invitations, the Crystal mansion was bustling with chaos of top-notch planners and designers running around to make everything swept to perfection. She wanted it grander than any of the anniversaries the Don had with his other wives but sadly this was the story all the wives tell. It was an inner battle among themselves too as they tried to impress the Don as much as they could. Victoria could feel the jealous sneers and twitching side eyes from her other wife-sisters; Charon, Anushka and Albina.

She smirked satisfied at the smoke burning off them, the even better news was that his son, Killian O'Sullivans had return from his long enduring voyage and he was all set to take up the crown which would even make her more powerful. Killian would control the Irish mob and she would control Killian, her plan was set and ready to sail.

"Vicky, I heard that your youngest child is coming back today, Is it true?" Leila Romero, a very good friend to the former enquired while sipping onto her green tea.

Victoria held in the urge to sneer at the mention of that little brat. Youngest child? pfft! she thought. That abomination doesn't deserve to be born, her bitch of a mother had lured her husband very cunningly and that little prude had tried stealing her son 10 years ago, Thank Goodness Killian was saved as some senses hit the Old Don and he had sent her away far where civilization doesn't even matter.

"Why? yes." Victoria feigned sadness, "That poor child must have missed her family a lot. I can't wait to see my little Serenity."

"Well then you won't have to wait Mama Vic, our little angel is here." Igor announced cheerfully and entered the Tea chamber. He caught the attention of the entire room as they craned their necks to see the said person.

"Serenity is here?" Disgust laced her voice but Victoria still managed to let a forced smile rest on her face.

"Seri, Come in!" Igor softly called.

Quiet steps resonated the room as the auburn haired girl slowly sauntered inside, her big doe amethyst eyes looking around in nervousness. She pulled on the hem of her sleeves while biting her lips. The ladies cooed at the adorable creature and talk about her beauty in hush tones.

"Goodness, Isn't she a pretty little thing?"

"Look at her eyes, amethyst! I have never seen something so enchanting before."

"She doesn't look like a regular O'Sullivans, maybe I should introduce my nephew to her."

Victoria sneered silently at the word "regular" and she cleared her throat sternly while faking a too sweet smile.

"Welcome home, sweetie" Victoria strolled and embrace Serenity into a tight hug.

"You don't know how much everyone misses you here!" She gritted and crushed her harshly under her arms. Serenity let out a whimper in pain. Mama Victoria was faking it, she knew it, she was surprised to see her acting all lovey dovely.

"welcome home Serenity!" Albina nodded curtly and turned away. Serenity let out a quiet thank you. Charon rolled her eyes and went back to sipping her tea.

"Welcome home, Er- What are you even wearing? Its horrendous! It looks like some hand me down rags. Oh How did I forget? you have been living with Dido, her old weird fashion might have rubbed on you too. Don't worry, We have arranged a designer to customized your line. Now you might look more humane." Anushka snickered.

Serenity was confused and she look down at her clothes- A soft pink hoodie and black tights with Black high-top converse. It was basic human clothes. What did she mean by that?

"Mama Anu, Give her a break. She just arrived here" Igor rolled his eyes

Anushka only replied with a side twitched of her lips and turned away.

One of the ladies cleared her throat "Well, Vicky. Won't you introduce us to this sweet little thing?"

"Sure" Victoria forced a laugh and turned to them.

"Serenity, These are my friends-"

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"Do you like it? Boris renovated it himself before he left."

Serenity looked around her room in awe, It was perfect. Everything was pink the last time she left, she was obsessed with the color for a while. Boris had done a really good job, she loved the soft colors very much, it had a touch of elegance even if it seemed cozy. Her favorite part was the large glass sliding window that led to the balcony with the sunlight streaming in. Igor had asked her if she wanted a bigger room but she declined, she was more attached with her little safe haven.

"I love it, Igor. Its so pretty." she gushes excitedly. "I'll make sure to write to Boris about this."

Igor chuckled, looking at her amused "Hmm, I will leave you to it, then. The ball starts at 6 in the evening. Get some rest, I will sent up some help to get you ready. Just let me know if you needed anything."

She nodded and hugged him. Igor sighed intently as he felt her warm embrace, its been so long since he had been hugged. His own mother never hugged him. Serenity settled in him as the pure loving sensation settled in his stomach. Serenity truly brings serenity wherever she goes.

She pulled away and look up at him with a pout, " Igor, Why didn't Killian come to see me? Is he really that busy? I have been away for a long time. Does he not miss me?"

Igor gulped hesitatingly before forcing a little laugh, his blood boiled at that asshole.

"No, Seri. Killian is really occupied with the business Athair gave him, he will meet you directly at the ball. You know how Mama Vic is, she wants everything to be perfect so Killian is trying to help her out by freeing Athair from his loads of work. Don't be disappointed okay?"

Serenity tried to cheer herself up and not be selfish even if her mind was filled with doubts "Okay Igor."

Igor gave her one last kiss on the forehead and walked out of the room.

Serenity sighed unkemptly before flopping down onto her queen sized bed. She let her mind wandered everywhere. Her mothers still haven't changed although Mama Victoria was too sweet to be true, she wondered if it was because of the presence of the guest. Mama Albina was still as ignorant and cold as ever. Mama Anushka still brags and scold her at everything she does and Mama Charon well, she still resides in her own world. She haven't met Irina and Camilla yet but she heard from Mama Vic that they had gone for early rush makeover to the salon. She haven't seen her Athair and Killian, although Igor tried to comfort her in many ways, she was no fool. Serenity knew her Athair was deliberately avoiding her, Mama Anushka had mentioned it earlier.

"Isn't it strange, Victoria. Our Don always spend the day with the wife in celebration for the special day. I heard him telling Keane two weeks ago that he would like to spent the whole day in the Crystal mansion. What seemed to have change his mind? Maybe someone particular is related with this." Anushka eyed Serenity with a smirk

But Serenity was sure something was wrong with Killian, her Killy would have run to her the minute he heard she landed, her Killy would have picked her up and spin her around while laughing his deep laugh. Her Killy would not have ignored her this way. Over the past few years, Killian had stopped replying to her letters. Bruno had wrote to her that the trainings were getting real serious so Killian had not got time to write. Serenity was unsure though, Bruno and Boris had went for their trainings too two years ago but they still wrote to her every now and then, how come they are not that busy.

Serenity rolled over, willing herself to not take these small matters seriously, maybe Killian was really busy, after all he wasn't the 18 year old boy anymore he was now an 28 year old man. But God, she missed her brother a lot and somewhere in her mind, she prayed that Killian had hold onto the promise he made her 10 years ago.

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Serenity had showered and just gotten out when she was ambushed by a small crowd of beauticians and make up artists. They had pulled her to the make up room in her closet which she hadn't noticed before and started fussing over her look for the night.

"we should make her bold- sexy enough to be feasted on just by a glance. Sir Igor had specifically mentioned that she should stand out in the crowd." one of the makeup artist with mousy hair told the others.

"No,no,no. I want her to have the Juliet vibe. Its a ball and that's what she need." another one commented.

"Nah! I say lets make her a doll. Isn't she adorable?"

Serenity looked at them confused and nervous. These ladies wore extremely fashionable dresses with perfect make ups, they held an air of confidence and they looked really sophisticated and famous.

She felt intimidated.

"um, Excuse me? C-Can I say something?" she nervously held up her hand. The ladies turned to her soft voice.

"Can you keep it m-minimum please? I don't l-like wearing make up." she said softly and blush

The ladies awed at the adorable antics and agreed. Even if they dressed her in rags she will be alluring. She possessed such beauty that will even make Aphrodite jealous and her innocence was a cherry on top.

They complied to what she had said and kept it natural and minimum, mascara were swiped up on her long lashes, her lips were painted in cherry red tint. The hair dresser had pulled her hair up in hot curls before cascading them gently along her back in soft waves, her porcelain skin glowed even without the highlighter and they felt no need to over do it. She was just beautiful without even the make up

" Miss, Sir Igor had sent you the dress, you may put it on now. " One of the helpers forwarded her a big box with the dress inside. She walked inside the changing room and put on the dress.

The moment she walked out, everyone present there gasped. Serenity felt her skin heating up as she looked at them confused. Did she not look good?

She maneuvered towards the mirror, passing their shocked faces hesitatingly.

A small gasp escaped her mouth too, as she watched the girl behind the mirror. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The tight bodice accentuated her small waist and enhanced her bust, she didn't know she had them before, it flared down her hips and reach just below her knees. The peachy color complimented her fair skin, her bare neckline showed her sharped shoulder blades and rigid protruding collarbones.

She felt beautiful.

"Oh. My. God. I am so proud of myself."

"Ah! Beautiful, utterly beautiful!"

"Chef's kiss, muahh!"

Compliments showered on her but Serenity couldn't speak out a word. She was too shocked to register that the girl behind the mirror was her. Overwhelmed by the rush of excitement and nerves, she turned around and hug each one of them. The ladies stayed rooted with shocked before breaking into warm smiles.

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HELLO and merry early Christmas to all my readers. I had originally planned to update tomorrow but....I thought why not give you all an early feast.

i don't think my Christmas will be merry this time. My mom met an old friend last week and she invited their family over for dinner. My mom mentioned that they had a son who is the same age as mine and that I should befriend him to cure my boring ass life. And guess what? IT TURNED OUT TO BE MY EX who I just dumped two weeks ago. Oh boy I am in trouble. Pray for me you all......