Chapter 19 - Friends

The professor sat there smiling as Kyle said, "How are you today, Natalie?"

Natalie? Shouldn't she call her Professor Natalie? Serefina thought still confused if the professor was really there.

"I am good Kyle and how are you Bryan?" Professor Natalie replied.

"Great, thank you," Bryan said. "Natalie, you should be inside. Father would ask a thousand questions before strangling me and Kyle to death."

"Oh don't you worry, Bryan. I know how to handle your father," the professor chuckled.

"I don't understand," Serefina whispered to herself but everyone did hear her because Professor Natalie glanced at her, a sweet smile on her face.

"Right, Bryan told many things but he didn't tell this particular thing," Kyle sighed.

"Uh, we were too busy," Bryan said, calmly.

Kyle turned her head towards Serefina and said, "Since you know each other as student and teacher. I'll introduce you guys as a relative and a friend. Serefina meet Aunt Natalie, my father's sister. Natalie meet Serefina, my friend."

Aunt Natalie? Surprises after surprises today. It felt just like a birthday gift opening ceremony.

"Hmm. Serefina you came yesterday too, didn't you?" Professor asked.

"Yeah, with Bryan. My grandma got missing and he was helping me find her."

"I see. Bryan is a very helpful person, indeed. But one thing I noticed for the first time."

"What?"

Bryan shifted a little but didn't say anything.

"He never brings anyone in Timezium unless its someone special."

"Special," Serefina whispered to herself. Bryan had said she was special in Crintona. And he was serious about it. Serefina lips curled into a smile. He was also a special person. Helping her to the fullest. Kyle and Ava were trying to help her as well.

She didn't have any friends in her former school just because everyone was jealous of her being from the Gracy family. But now she had friends. Real friends.

"Hey," Bryan whispered. "I was serious there. You are special Sef. Never forget that."

"I won't, promise," Serefina chuckled but she couldn't help when tears stumbled down her cheeks.

"Wait, did I say something wrong?" Bryan said, making a worried face.

"I am totally fine, I just..." she trailed off to wipe her tears. "I just can't believe this all. How can you guys be so nice and trust me this much to let me come inside your secret Time Crystal? I am just too grateful and I can't express how I feel."

"C'mon Serefina, we are friends, right? And friends don't be grateful," Kyle said keeping a hand on Serefina's shoulder.

"And besides, I kinda wanna tell you one thing. I-" Bryan glanced at Kyle who raised an eyebrow. "I mean we are always there for you."

"Thank you," Serefina whispered.

"Hate to break this friendly moment up. But what are you planning to do to look for Serefina's grandma?" the professor asked.

"We are-" Kyle began but was interrupted by Bryan.

"We are still deciding."

"Okay, how about you come in and have some tea?" Natalie asked.

"Actually," Kyle began but was again interrupted by Bryan.

"We would love to, right Sef?" Bryan glanced at Serefina. And she just nodded not sure what he was up to.

"Then come on in." The professor stood up from the bench she was sitting on.