“I am terribly sorry Mrs Nechayeva. I know how much it means to you.”

Seren studies Allen’s face. The lawyer really does look like your every day nice uncle, and she is definitely sure he milks it for all it’s worth. Still, looking in his eyes she sees no deception. Allen’s sympathy looks genuine.

“I expected as much, so don’t worry.”

All in all, Seren has it easy. Liam’s family will not press charges. Seren wishes that it is because they realize the error of their ways, but she suspects that it’s the combination of reputation, self proclaimed fencing prowess and the threat of the video of Liam’s ass kicking ending on Youtube that did it.

And it’s not like she wanted to go back to the club anyway. How could she expect to take advice from someone she despises? Salvador bears some of the responsibility for this fiasco. His failure to control Liam cost his team two of their three best fencers.

Still, that was all of her equipment. And fencing partners. And easy access to competitions. Oh well. It’s done.

“As for your stay in Cornell, I was able to reach the disciplinary committee and you are probably looking at some community service works. I will, of course, monitor the situation. I am worried about those agents you met, hum…”

“Chauham and Eriksen.”

“Ah yes. Curious. Is it perhaps related to…?”

“It is.”

“I see, well, I will need to make some research. I will take my leave now. If anything happens, you have my number and remember, don’t talk about it to anyone without me being present. I cannot stress this enough.”

“Dont worry it’s not as if I want to.”

“You have been under a lot of stress recently, hum… You might be more vulnerable to pressure that usual.”

Seren purses her lips. Stress? What a joke. Stress. Hah. More like utter despair. Still, uncle Allen is just doing his job.

“I got it. Mouth zipped until you’re here.”

“Thank you. Oh, I almost forgot. Hum… Your father expressed the desire to join you by phone at 9PM Eastern Standard Time. I believe that it will be during his lunch break. I took the liberty of giving him your current phone number. “

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Seren remembers her gaze make people uncomfortable when Allen finally turns red with embarrassment. It is sometimes difficult to remember that her resting bitch face is currently on overdrive due to pallor and the black under her eyes. She must be really close to that special crazy bag lady look. Her finger distractedly reaches for the tear in her coat’s fabric.

“That’s alright I guess. He hired you after all. “

Then she remembers she is tired of excusing other people behaviors.

“You should have asked me beforehand, this was not polite. Nor professional.”

“I understand Ms Nechayeva. Your father’s arguments were really convincing though.”

“What arguments were those exactly?”

“He said you needed help and help would be offered. You do need help. I am not just talking about the recent circumstances, you will face difficulties in the future. I have met people like Chauham before and they can only be here if they want something for you, and when they do they don’t understand the meaning of no. They always have the means of getting what they want. “

Allen’s steady gaze bores into Seren’s soul. Gone is the nice uncle, as the cold intellect behind the jolly appearance becomes apparent.

“You were broken in that room Ms Nechayeva. He had you. Five more seconds and I would have been too late.”

“I…”

“Just think about what I said, you really do need help. There is no shame in that. The shame would be that you have to drop out of a prestigious university for a stupid reason, or falling prey to the likes of agent Chauham. Take care Mrs Nechayeva and goodbye.”

“Bye.”

(In Russian)

"Hello?"

"Oh Renka, my little one. I am so sorry for your beloved. I wish I could have met him. I will not ask you if you are well, just know that you are in my heart."

"Thank you dad, and thank you for the lawyer, it was a big help."

"I offer you my home again but I imagine you do not want yet to return."

"I am sorry dad, I want to stay."

"Ah yes, you must have unfinished business. You are so strong Renka. Strong like your mother. You stay and do what you have to do, please remember that our home is your home. Ilia has a room saved for you, she would welcome you, always."

"Yes dad, she is a good woman. She has only ever shown kindness to me."

"But she is not your mother and for that, you cannot forgive her. Aaah Renka, you worry your father. Trouble never comes alone in this world."

"I will be very careful."

"Would you come for Christmas?"

"I… Yes, I want to."

"You will? Oh that is great Renka, the little ones will be so happy to see their sister, wait until I tell them!"

"I will plan the trip, I probably won’t stay too long."

"Of course. You must tell me when you land. We will bring you winter clothes. You do not have to worry about anything but to come."

"I would like that and huh dad, thank you for not trying."

"Ah Renka, I only want to protect you and give you the best, but I have come to realize that the harder I try to hold you and the more you struggle. It is best to let you fly away from me and hope you will feel safe enough to return. I will be here for you, always."

"Dad…"

"But I will still try to find you a good husband."

"DAD!"

"Hahahaha not during Christmas. It is a promise. A truce."

"And dad?"

"Hm?"

"If one of Ilia’s friend comes to visit with her young, handsome son who happens to be an investment banker I’m out of here."

"Oh Renka you hurt my heart, do you think your father so shrewd?"

"..."

"Ah very well, young Sergei will be disappointed. Besides, he is an architect."

"I’ll send you my flight detail as soon as I get it. Bye dad."

"Goodbye Renka. It was good to talk to you without all the usual screaming."