After returning to the school from the orphanage, Serena went straight to her room to start writing the lyrics of the song. She knew that the song was another ball entirely. In the original, about 40 people sang it together and they were all top singers of their age. Where did she even get the confidence to dare suggest that idea? She can't even sing all the parts in the correct tune. She wanted to cry. She just dropped the stone on her own feet. Should she use a different song instead? However, she doubts that it will have the same impact. Besides, she already told everyone about it and if it becomes a solo, they will only be disappointed.

Anyway, although she still remembers the song, she could not write everything in one sitting. Some lines were at the tip of her tongue but she could not remember entirely. She decided to fill in the blanks later.

--

On Monday, Gizel, Via and Milly all knocked on Serena's room at about 8:30. Beatrice opened the door for them, and they saw Serena having her breakfast.

The girls took the liberty to sit on the chairs around dining table with her and Gizel started talking.

"Serena, I heard all about it from Via. I wish I was there! Ugh… I so wanted to see that Emily's face when you bitch-slapped her. HAHA! I heard she even cried. What a two-faced slut. By the way, you really are great at managing your time. The midterm exams is just around the corner and you even want to write a new song now. Aren't you afraid that Emily will overtake your spot? Not that I think she can."

Serena who just swallowed the croissant she was eating dabbed the corner of her lips before answering.

"As if I would let her. I am almost done with the song and I have no plans of ever letting her outperform me. Though I do enjoy seeing her try so that she can only be more disappointed later." Serena said as she smirked. She felt like she really looked like a villainess at that moment. Well, it feels good to be villainous though.

"That's the spirit! I don't know why, but I really like you better this way!" Gizel said enthusiastically.

Milly laughed as she cheered. "I have to agree. You can do it Serena! Keep pushing that Emily's head in the gutter!"

Via can only shake her head. Serena was still the same, but whenever Emily was on the picture, she just gets all kinds of sadistic. It doesn't help that Gizel and Milly kept on encouraging her to do so. She had to admit though. She was also enjoying it for Emily was indeed a two-faced slut.

--

On Tuesday, Serena decided to pen a letter to Mr. Edward Easton. Last time they corresponded was about 2 weeks ago. He told her about the income they were able to make after the launching of the songs. Turned out, they made a net profit of 200 grand for each song in just two weeks. Also, according to him, the income was still ever increasing as more people were able to buy the phonograph. In fact, their production was so slow that they were not able to cater all the demand yet.

Serena smiled recalling that. If the songs earlier were able to become that successful when it just launched, and the phonograph just entered the market, then imagine how much the new song will make when they release it by the end of April? She assumes that by then, more people have the phonograph and will be more inclined to purchase a disc. Also, Mr. Easton's company should have mastered producing the discs by then so they will be more equipped and ready for mass production.

Anyway, she started drafting her letter. In summary, she told him that she has this new song that she was writing and that she wishes to ask him for a favor. If possible, she would like to meet him on the 27th of January, if he's not available at that time, he could set another date. The earlier, the better.

--

The rest of the week moved quickly as everyone was busy focusing on preparing for the coming exams. Serena did not have a lot of time to think about her broken relationship or what else as she was too busy studying, recalling the lines of the song, waiting Mr. Easton's reply, and preparing what to tell him once they meet.

On Saturday, she finally received a positive response from Mr. Easton. He told her that although his schedule was tight, he will of course make time to meet her on the 27th. If she is available during lunch, they can set the appointment then. He was afraid that he can not stay long though, as he still had an appointment to keep right after.

Serena replied thanking him for his time and that lunch was good. Hopefully, they can meet somewhere near the school. Also, the meeting will not take that long as they were people who does not like beating around the bush.

--

Come next week, the students were again shuffled for the midterm exam. Serena stood in front of the bulletin board. She can't help but recall that time when Charlton went to meet her and wish her luck. Anyway, she shook her head to get him off of her mind.

She must focus on the exams. She felt quite pressured because she didn't want Emily to surpass her.

--

On Thursday, after the exams were done, she estimated that she did as well as she did during the preliminary exam this time. However, she can only lament her exam in biology, she just couldn't understand the x and y chromosomes, and all those DNA, RNA, etc. that the subject was talking about. She could only hope that the other subjects will pull her grades up again.

In the evening, she received a confirmation letter from Mr. Easton stating that they can meet at Simpson's in the strand that coming Saturday at noon.

--

"Ugh… the last two weeks have been hell." Gizel said as she slouched on Serena's sofa. If was a Friday and the girls decided to meet in Serena's room before going to town for a shopping spree.

"I got to agree. Anyway, Serena, are you getting any sleep? You look like you need to rest." Milly said worriedly.

Serena just smiled. She knew that she was a little exhausted after everything. Last night was the only time she finally was able to breathe. However, instead of being able to relax, thoughts of Charlton started assaulting her. No matter how much she denies it, a part of her still longs for him and his company. When she was busy, she did not have time to think of him, when she was not busy, she can only miss him. In short, she was not able to sleep a lot these days.

She kept wondering, what could he be doing now? Was he also thinking of her as she was thinking of him? But then, she would be reminded of the time he must be spending with Emily, and she would be angry again. She had to keep telling herself that they were over.

"don't worry about me. I'm just a little exhausted. At least now, the exams are over. Also, I was able to finish writing the lyrics of the song last night. So, I guess I can relax now."

"But… should we postpone our day out for next time?" Via suggested.

"No, I'm okay. Let's go." Serena replied. It was good to have the girls with her, at least she can take him off of her mind during this time.

--

TBC