What Serenah noticed first about the football field was the noise. It reminded her of the day her father had first come home victorious after a battle with the Cornibus kingdom. The shouts, the cheers, and the smiling faces had made her so proud to be his daughter. She had watched from the balcony of her room as he arrived at the castle gates, a hero, worthy of praise.
She shook her head. She didn't have time for a trip down memory lane. She needed to focus on the upcoming football game. Excited at the prospect of being a normal teenager, Serenah jumped out of the car and ran to join Liz and Penelope as they came across the parking lot. She felt Alastar's disapproving glare heat her back. She chose to ignore it. She would have fun, no matter what.
"Sera! Let's go." Penelope grabbed her hand, practically dragging her toward the entrance.
Liz paid for their admittance, and they slipped into the crowd flowing into the stands. Serenah stared wide-eyed at the stadium and field. The number of people who showed up was impressive. Again, she couldn't help thinking of her old home and the knighting challenge that her father held every year looking for more knights to add to his army. The thought made her frown. She wiped it from her face when Liz turned to look at her.
"Look!" Liz said as she frantically waved at someone in the stands.
Serenah tried to see who it was, but all the humans blended together making it difficult to get a look.
"Liz!'
Serenah turned to her left and saw two boys running toward them.
"Vic, Alex! Hey, you two. How are you tonight?"
"Fine," chorused the younger boy.
Both boys had light brown hair and blue eyes. Serenah blinked in surprise when the older one came to her and unabashedly studied her. She fidgeted, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze. Just who was this kid?
"Hi, I'm Alex and this is my younger brother, Vic. You must be Sera."
She stared at him in surprise. "You know me?"
"Yep!" replied Vic who left Liz and came to his brother's side. "You're all our big brother talks about."
"Big brother?"
"Yes. Romeo is our brother," explained Alex.
Serenah gasped in surprise. She didn't know Romeo had brothers. Of course, she'd never asked. She was still new to relationships and dating. She was embarrassed that she had never asked about his family. What kind of girlfriend was she if she didn't even know that small detail?
"Come on!" Vic grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the stands. He started waving wildly and she saw a man with light brown hair and hazel eyes waving back. Was he Romeo's dad? The man came down the steps and stopped in front of them.
"Hello," she stammered and dropped her gaze.
She flinched when he stuck his hand out to shake hers. "Hello, I'm Mark Lancaster, Romeo's father."
"I'm Sera Holland. It's nice to meet you, sir." Serenah raised her head and shook his hand.
He grinned and she thought, Romeo's smile is just like his father's. Mr. Lancaster let go of her hand and gestured to the seats he had saved for them.
"Please join us. Romeo told me how many were coming so we should have enough space for everyone." He led the way up the steps and pointed to the saved spots. He patted the spot by him. "You can sit next to me, Sera."
Serenah's eyes widened and she glanced at her friends. Liz gave her an encouraging smile. Alaster's face was expressionless. She sat down next to Mr. Lancaster. There was a brief scuffle as Vic and Alex argued over who would sit to her right. Liz separated them and told Vic to sit next to Serenah. Alex pouted and she smiled.
"You can sit by me next time," she promised.
"Alright!" He gave her a fist bump and sat down beside his brother.
"So, Sera, why do you like my brother?"
Serenah blushed at Vic's blunt question. "Um, he is sweet, kind, and respects me."
"Really? My brother sweet and kind?" Alex doubled over with laughter. "Romeo so doesn't deserve a beautiful, amazing girl like you."
Serenah blushed and froze at the compliment.
"Alex be nice," warned Mr. Lancaster.
"Yes, sir," Alex smirked but settled down.
"Sera, how much do you know about football."
"Not a lot. Romeo tried to explain it to me. I'm still confused about certain things."
"No problem. I'll explain as the game progresses."
"Thank you." Serenah sat up when the announcer started the game. She only had eyes for Romeo as he jogged out onto the field to the roar of the spectators. She smiled, happy that he was so well-liked.
For the first two quarters of the game, Mr. Lancaster explained the rules of the game, the plays, and the players' positions. The game wasn't too complicated, and she was able to understand his explanations. She cheered along with everyone when the team scored points and groaned when the other side did the same.
She was having fun until the game went to halftime when she spotted her twin and the other cheerleaders coming on the field to be part of the halftime show. She was startled when she made eye contact with Amanah. A chill stole over her. That look…she felt fear fill her. Any time her sister looked at her like things, bad things happened. She prayed to Autem that just for tonight, nothing would go wrong.
"Sera? You okay?"
"Um, yes. Sorry, was lost in thought." She glanced at the scoreboard.
Coeburn was at twenty-one while the visiting team was at seven. According to Mr. Lancaster, that could change at any moment. She forced herself to watch the halftime show. She made sure not to look at her sibling. She needed to focus on the game and Romeo.
The game resumed and she watched as Romeo led the team to victory. She screamed and cheered along with everyone else at Romeo's triumph.
"That was amazing!" Serenah grinned at Romeo's father. She saw his proud pleased look. "He is so gifted and athletic. I'm glad I got to come tonight."
"I'm glad you did, too."
She smiled happily at Romeo's father.
"Well, Mr. Lancaster, we are heading to the dance venue," announced Liz. "Please let Romeo know to meet us there."
"Will do, Liz. You kids have fun." He waved bye to them.
Alex and Vic waved by as well. Serenah felt joy at being welcomed by Romeo's family. So different from her own. No, I will not let my thoughts be depressing. I'm going to have fun, she silently rebuked herself. She followed Liz, Penelope, and Alastar back to the vehicles.
Alastar started the car, and they followed Liz to the venue. Serenah felt her excitement building. She couldn't wait to dance with Romeo.