The Game

Chapter 55

Serena

It's clearly an upgrade living in Neal's apartment, but god I miss waking up to Dean's breakfast. Or just waking up to him to be more specific. Maybe I should call and apologize to him.. No, he will just be mad or it will be extremely awkward. Neal said he will be home at 3. He's going to 'homeschool' me. God that sounds ridiculous. Like having him in the class with 30 others wasn't enough, now all his attention is on me.

The door gets opened and I am counting down till he's going to tell me to take out my books. 3.. 2.. and 1.

"Books out." he says.

"Well, hello to you too.." I say and take up my book.

"Here are some papers you need to read and analyze. You have 20 minutes, and afterwards we'll discuss it." Oh dear god, kill me... I sigh and with lazy moves take the paper and start reading it. It's actually interesting.. It's about a girl who was declined citizenship in the US because of an ticket.

"So, let's start up with the appeal forms." Neal says and looks at me. Wow, are those 20 minutes already over?

"Well, she's clearly using pathos to make it upsetting and fight for her case.."

"And where can we see that?"

"When she says she is a human just like the rest of us and that her friends and family live here."

"Yes.." The time passes by fast. He keeps asking me analytical questions and I answer them.

"Okay, now to the discussion. You are her lawyer and have to defend her, what are your arguments?" Neal asks.

"She has been in the US over 10 years and been a good student. She will definitely bring positivity in this country..." I say, not sounding very sure.

"You have to come with arguments that are valid, and not just superficial. For example - she's no criminal. She's always been working. She knows the language - and so on. Look at the legal part of it. What are some ground laws that people should follow when wanting citizenship. Always something that you can document - does it make any sense?"

"Yes.." I say.

"Time's up - have you eaten anything?" He asks.

"Only chocolate..." I say. I have been sitting in the living room all day and bored the crap out of me. I never realized how boring it gets when school is no longer in the agenda. And I was too tired to make food.

"Anything special you want" He says as he goes to the kitchen.

"No, I can eat anything.." I say and turn on the TV. He starts cooking. I can hear the food simmering inside the kitchen. And after some time he brings a plate of spaghetti bolognese and a coke.

"Thank you." I say as he puts it in front of me. It looks delicious and it smells even better. He sits down next to me with his own plate and we start eating while watching Desperate Housewives.

"That bitch. She's such a slut." I say about Eddie. Can't stand her. I really love Susan and Gabrielle. And Carlos. Neal looks at me briefly then looks away again shaking his head.

"What?" I ask him.

"Nothing.." He says and continues to eat. Then we sit in silence again.

"Anything new with my dad and David?" I ask.

"Nope.." Neal answers. Then silence once again..

"Neal? Now that I am staying here, does it mean rules and stuff or are you okay with me going out and coming back late?" I ask him.