"I can afford it. Just take it without worry." Clark patted her head, his voice even softer. "I owe you an apology, Serena. Something came up last night, and I had to leave hastily. I didn't mean to stand you up. You've got to understand—I never intended to leave you behind to go out with Rose."
"Clark, it's not a big deal! I'm sure you and Rose had something important to take care of. I'm 18, not a clueless 8-year-old! You're making it sound like I'm petty."
"Of course not. My sister is the most understanding. You bought so many gifts for the family in one go. How does that make you petty?" Clark smiled warmly, then asked, "Is your vacation over? Are you going back to school?"
"Yes, this afternoon."
In fact, Serena was feeling a bit sad.
She didn't want to leave her home and her family.
But she wasn't like Rosemary, the perfect student who could skip school and wander around.
