Always You ✔

02 Chapter

**Present Day**

Author’s POV

"POLO, POLO!" Sebrina’s voice could probably break windows at this point, her frustration clear as she rubbed her temple like a stressed-out soccer mom with no wine. "Seriously, this kid is pissing me off!" She yelled again, this time louder, as if shouting was some sort of superpower. "Polo! If your lazy butt isn’t down here in 10 seconds, say goodbye to breakfast!"

Suddenly, she heard the thunder of footsteps, like a herd of elephants, as Polo skidded into the kitchen, snatching his breakfast like a thief. He plopped down at the table with the audacity of someone who’d done nothing wrong.

"What took you so long?" Sebrina narrowed her eyes, using her best ‘mom glare’ that she’d perfected over the years. Polo just huffed, completely unfazed.

"Can’t you see I’m wearing a uniform, or are your *jobless* eyes too blind to notice?" Polo shot back with enough sarcasm to drown a room.

"Hey! I’m trying!" Sebrina threw her hands up defensively, like she was on trial. "It’s not my fault I keep getting rejected. Do you think I *want* to be rejected? It’s been almost five months, and nada. Zilch. Nothing!"

Polo, being the little charmer he is, reached over and patted her back like he was some wise old sage. "Don’t worry, Seb, you’ll find something soon. I believe in you."

"Yeah, but time’s running out," Sebrina groaned. "We’ve spent so much money on this apartment, your school, bills... I’m pretty sure we owe the universe at this point."

"I know it’s tough," Polo said with an exaggerated sigh, "but seriously, let me get a part-time job. I can be a responsible adult too, you know."

Sebrina snorted. "No way. Your job is to be a kid and not turn into a mini version of me, okay? I applied to a few more places. *Fingers crossed,* someone out there wants me."

Polo chuckled, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I have faith in you. Maybe this time, you’ll finally *make it.*" He winked, knowing full well he was poking fun at her.

Sebrina rolled her eyes. "Alright, get going before you’re late."

"Bye, see you in the evening!" Polo leaned in, kissed her cheek, and bolted out of the house like he was in an Olympic race.

---

**8:00 P.M.**

Sebrina was rummaging through her closet like a tornado when Polo appeared at the door, leaning against the frame like he owned the place. "Did someone die, or are you just finally giving up on life?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Sebrina jumped, spinning around. "God, you scared me!" She huffed. "And no, why would someone die?"

Polo pointed at the dress she was holding. "Because that thing looks like it’s ready for a funeral."

Sebrina glared at him. "Oh, so Mr. Fashion Police is in the house. Fine, tell me what I should wear, *since you obviously know everything.*"

Polo raised an eyebrow. "For what, exactly?"

Sebrina’s face lit up. "Oh! I forgot to tell you! I got an email from Hunt Enterprises. I’ve been selected as an assistant!" She practically jumped in the air.

Polo’s eyes widened. "Wait, seriously? That’s amazing! Okay, step aside, because clearly, you have no fashion sense. You’re welcome."

He shoved past her and dove into her closet like a man on a mission. "Seb, seriously, how do you not own decent clothes?" After a few minutes of rummaging, he finally pulled out a structured blazer, white shirt, and skirt combo.

*Very professional.* If Sebrina were honest, she probably would’ve worn sweatpants to her first day.

"Thanks, Polo," Sebrina said, genuinely touched. She knew her wardrobe was… *lacking*, to put it kindly.

"Yeah, well, don’t forget, this means you owe me. Big time. Like, I expect a yacht or something when you get rich and famous," Polo teased with a grin.

Sebrina rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. I’ll buy you something nice. And maybe even buy myself something so you can stop roasting my closet."

After dinner, they settled on the couch for a movie. Of course, Polo picked *The Hunger Games*—again. The kid was obsessed, and Sebrina, being the loving sister she was, sacrificed her beloved romantic comedies because, apparently, the odds were *never* in her favor when it came to movie nights.

Later, as she lay in bed, she set her alarm, her mind racing about what tomorrow would bring. "I hope tomorrow brings some light into my life," she mumbled before drifting off to sleep.

Little did she know, darkness—or maybe just *Austin Hunt*—was already on its way to make things *very* interesting.

**Don’t worry, folks. Austin Hunt will make his dramatic entrance in the next chapter. Stay tuned!**