𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗿
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀

"𝖦𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗇𝖺! 𝖲𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝖠𝗉𝗈𝗅𝗈𝗀𝗂𝗓𝗂𝗇𝗀!"

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The bright lights of New York City shinned even in the middle of the day. The coffee shop Serena was sitting in was absorbing not only the natural sky light, but the bright LEDs throughout the city. She slowly sipped her iced coffee, taking in the warmth from the sun.

After Raphael had left in such a storm, Leo had attempted to apologize on his behalf. Serena smiled as she remembered how long it had taken her to convince the blue turtle that she was fine, and that her feelings weren't hurt. 

She was so lost in thought, that she didn't see Kai and Naomi take their seats across from her.

"Hello? Earth to Serena." Naomi says

Serena snaps out her gaze and turn her attention back to her friends.

"Uh? Oh, sorry."

"Are you okay, Serena? Your attention has been in and out all day." Kai states

She places her pale white hand onto of Serena's tanned olive one, giving it a lite squeeze.

"I just have a lot on my mind."

"I'd say." Naomi starts

She takes a sip of her coffee before continuing

"When was the last time you actually took care of yourself?"

Serena stares at her for a second, she goes to speak, but does not get a chance to respond.

"And taking care of your dog, tending to your fathers' garden, and writing sad songs doesn't count."

Serena's face falls once more. 

"You have been moping around ever since you found out about Zach cheating on you."

"Naomi." Kai warned, not wanting to upset Serena more.

"No. Someone ends to say it. And as her best friend, that's my job."

A wave of silence falls over the trio, until Serena speaks.

"She's right. I know I've been different since breaking it off with him and I'm sorry-"

"Good God Serena! Stop apologizing!" Naomi groans

Serena and Kai turn their attention directly to her as she continues.

"This is your problem! You let everyone walk all over you, and you apologize for it. And then when you've had enough you blow up and ghost everyone for weeks!"

The two girls looked to her in shock. Serena's faced showed she was upset, but deep down she knew she was right. Serena sighs, before responding.

"Your right Naomi, I'm a major people pleaser, and then I get upset when I don't receive the attention: I give to everyone else."

Kai's hand finds Serena's, remorse shown on her face.

"We're sorry Serena, these past few months have been difficult for you, and we haven't helped you in any way. And in some ways, we made it worse."

Naomi nods, agreeing with the blonde headed girl.

Serena smiles sweetly at them before standing up. Naomi and Kai follow suit, wrapping their arms around their friend.

"Alright, come on. I've got the full day planned out." Naomi says after a few minutes

Serena and Kai look to her in confusion. She only motions for them to follow her as she leaves.

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"Okay, this is nice."

Serena says, lying face down on the massage table.

After leaving the coffee shop, Naomi drove the girls to her aunt's spa. After quickly stripping their clothes, they piled onto the different massage table, excitedly awaiting their massages.

"Oh, it gets even better, the mud room is finished." Naomi states

Serena and Kai hum in response as they the massagist continue.

After a few hours of girl talk and a long, nice mud bath, Serena returned home.

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Monday morning came bright and early the next day. Serena sat dreading the moments to come. The big open room the student council used for its meetings seemed to close in on Serena. She ran her and across her face, massaging her forehead.

'Maybe he won't be here today! yeah, he's already 10 minutes late, maybe I should-'

Serena's thoughts are cut short, as the person she had been dreading coming walked through the door.

"Sorry I'm late, practiced last a little longer this morning." Zach says 

He sits a few chairs down from Serena on her right.

"It's alright. Your here now so we can begin."

Taking a deep breath, Serena continues.

"I'll just cut straight to the point. The student council needs an extra thousand dollars for prom night."

"Would you mind running me through why exactly we suddenly no longer have enough money for prom?"

Serena let out a sigh and began to explain the situation to him. Zachary listened carefully, nodding as she talked. As she finished, Zach repositioned himself, sitting up a little straighter.

"Have you tried calling Gracie's?"

"I've talked with Madelyn Gracie myself, and she agreed to fund the money in full, but it won't make it to the school's bank account until the 26th, and we have to have the rest of the money by the 23rd."

"I see. So, let's work out a deal." Zach says

Serena motions for him to continue

"As I told Kathy, you have to help us plan and prepare for this event."

Serena nods as she responds

"That seems more than fair."

"And whatever money is left over goes to the college tryout fund."

Serena gives him a blank stare for a few moments before sighing once more.

"Alright you have a deal."

"Well played Palmer." Serena compliments

Zachary looks to her in shock

"Thanks..."

"Alright, let's get to planning this thing, I don't have all day."

Serena gets up from the table and walks over to the closet. Zach watches her every move, regret filling his mind. For the first time since they had broken up, Zach realized just how much he missed her. Her smile. Her laugh. The way her brown eyes shinned under the golden sun. His face falls in remorse, and then fills with anger as another image of her floods his mind.

He breathes in and out, collecting himself as she returns with a whiteboard and expo markers. She tosses him the green and black markers and motions for him to get up.

Forty-Five minutes later, the two had created a full proof plan. With the help of the student council, the football team would host a carwash and cookout. Zach and his team would oversee the carwash, while Serena and her team would be responsible for the cookout.

As the bell rang, they shook hands and went their separate ways down the halls. Zach turned over his shoulder, on to see Serena walking a straight line. Her confidence pouring through the halls around her. She was practically glowing. He watched all the way until she turned right, and another wave hit him.

Serena and Zach sat on top of a hill; a picnic blanket spread out beneath them. Serena continued to chew the strawberry in her mouth. Zach watched her in awe, her beauty still making him stop breathing

"What?" She questioned sweetly

He places a gentle kiss to the crown of her forehead before speaking.

"You are so beautiful."

Serena giggles, looking away from him.

"I have something for you."

Serena turns her attention back to him, curious.

Zach pulled a small ring from his jacket pocket. Gently grabbing her hand, he sipped the ring on her wedding finger. Serena gasped at the sight. Zach gently nudged her head up, so he could look her in the eyes as he spoke.

"This is a promise ring. I promise, that one day, I'll put a gold band on that finger. And you will be Mrs. Palmer."

Tear rolled down Serena's face as she tackled him into a hug.

"I take it you like it?"

"Like it. I love it."

They share a kiss as the sun begins to set in the horizon

Pulling the ring from his pocket, he fiddled with it in his hand. The ring that made to perfectly fit Serena Valentina, the woman he had once loved.