Duke was still embittered a few days later. Serenity had tried to make peace with him each day, but it was no use. He was so heartbroken and resentful, he wouldn't even speak to Joey, who had calmed down and tried to speak to him on Serenity's behalf. Serenity was full of guilt and sadness. Her choice to be with Tristan had lost her a friend. But Tristan did his best to help her forget. She was still happy to be with Tristan and was happy that her brother and Tea approved, though Tea did seem to side with Duke on several occasions. Serenity understood this, because Tea was having her own problems with Yugi and Atem. Serenity still hadn't said anything to anyone. She was loyal to Tea, and believed that she herself could resolve this problem.
Yugi and Atem were still deep in thought about Zorc, where he was, what he was doing and what he planned to do next. They told Duke and Tea, both of whom reacted worriedly. Bakura was also informed. He was scared and grave, but he agreed that if Zorc should ever return, he would be there to help Yugi and Atem defeat them. Bakura was discharged from hospital the day after Zorc's duel with Atem and he was now laying low at home, waiting for the unexpected.
When news got round to Solomon about Zorc's return, he was very worried for Yugi, and no promise of safety and protection from Atem had any effect. He was calmed down for a short time when he learnt of Tristan and Serenity's relationship, but once again grew cross when he heard his business partner was not only stuck in hospital, but was bad tempered due to his heartbreak the same day.
Joey had great pleasure in the fact that one of his best friends and his sister had gotten together, which was a surprising contrast to his first reaction. He rarely left them alone.
On the fourth afternoon of the relationship, Serenity spoke to Joey and Tristan.
"I want to tell Mum about our relationship." she said, "And I want her to meet you both when I tell her today."
Joey and Tristan were surprised. It hadn't even been a week and already Serenity wanted her mother to meet her boyfriend.
"You must really love me to think your mother will." laughed Tristan.
Joey didn't smile. He was worried. His mother abandoned him and left him with his father, she split him and Serenity up for six years. Last time they met, Joey had arrived at the hospital to encourage Serenity to have her eye operation and even then, she and Joey felt awkward around each other. She didn't even thank Joey properly for supplying the money for the operation.
"Are you alright, Joey?" asked Serenity with concern. She could see that Joey was uncomfortable with the idea of seeing their mother.
"I'm fine," said Joey unconvincingly, "but are you sure Mum will approve of you two being together?"
"Why shouldn't she be?" asked Serenity, "She loves me, so she'll want me to be happy."
"If she wanted you to be happy, she wouldn't have separated you from me when we were kids." snapped Joey indignantly, as though he didn't find it possible for his mother to love anyone.
"Joey, I know what our parents did was bad," said Serenity, "but we're adults now and we should let things go and Mum should respect my decision to be with Tristan."
Joey still had his doubts, but didn't want to disappoint his sister.
"Okay, I'll come with you two." he said.
"Thank you, Joey." smiled Serenity.
Joey smiled in return, but he and Tristan still felt either nervous or uncomfortable with the situation.
The next morning, Joey, Tristan and Serenity took the train down to Serenity's neighbourhood. Serenity hadn't told her mother that they were coming; it was to be a surprise. Not only was her daughter in a relationship, but her son would be there for a proper reunion. It was going to be perfect in Serenity's eyes.
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