It's a wonderful morning and a new day. Lila-Rose is still in bed.
Ding ding ding! the alarm sounds.
She wakes up for the morning. She prepares and heads to the kitchen to make breakfast.
Let's give that another try!
"So, what will I eat today?" she asks, mostly to herself.
Pancakes, bacon, and sausage - I should really choose one.
After some minutes of pondering, "I think I'll go with pancakes and waffles," she said, her mouth already watering at the thought of it.
Her mom comes in…
"What's for breakfast Lila-Rose" her mom says.
Oh good morning mom, it's pancakes, waffles and syrup.
"Ohh, that would be nice, how about I join you so we can make some for everyone" her mother says.
Lila-Rose smiles and nods in agreement. "That sounds great, mom! I could use some help."
They get to work, measuring out the ingredients and mixing up the batter. The kitchen is soon filled with the comforting smell of pancakes and waffles.
"Good morning familia" Jeremy says still in pajamas.
"Hey there, sleepyhead!" Lila-Rose teases. "Want some pancakes and waffles?"
"You bet!" Jeremy says, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "I'm starving!"
The whole family is soon gathered around the kitchen table, digging into the delicious breakfast. There's laughter and conversation, and it's a perfect start to the day.
After breakfast, the family has settled back into their normal routine, Lila-Rose starts getting ready for work. She grabs her bag and heads out the door.
As she's walking to the bus stop, she feels a sudden wave of gratitude. She's so thankful that her family is safe and sound. She sends up a silent prayer of thanks, and then heads off to start her day.
When she gets to the institute, she makes her way to the meeting room to meet up with her team.
Just as they're getting settled, a voice is heard over the intercom, calling everyone to the hall for a general meeting.
The team gathers in the hall, curious about what the meeting is about. They take their seats and wait for someone to speak.
Finally, the director of the institute walks in. He's a tall, imposing man with a serious expression.
"Good morning, everyone," he says. "I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called this meeting. I'm afraid I have some bad news."
The room falls silent, and everyone holds their breath.
"Some of our members who were on patrol were attacked by our rival organization last night" he continues.
Gasps and murmurs ripple through the room at the news. The director raises his hand, asking for silence.
"I know this is shocking, but it's true," he says. "One of our team members was badly injured and is currently in the hospital. The rest of the team was able to escape and are all safe."
He pauses, letting the news sink in.
"We don't know what their motives were for the attack, but we will not let this go unpunished," he continues. "I've called you all here today to inform you of the situation and to discuss our next steps."
"We will have to tighten our security" he goes further.
Several people nod in agreement with this suggestion. One member raises their hand.
"What kind of security measures do you have in mind?" they ask.
The director nods. "First, we will increase patrols around the perimeter of the institute. Second, we will install more security cameras and upgrade our security system. Finally, we will increase our training on self-defense and security protocols."
He pauses, letting the team digest the information.
"We will also be conducting a full investigation into the attack, to determine why they did it.
"Are you sure they are members of Frank Meyer's group?" another person asks.
Lila's heart sinks at the mention of her father whom she believes to be dead.
"Affirmative, they are the only rivals we have" the director replies.
Lila's heart is pounding in her chest. She's trying to keep her expression neutral, but her mind is racing. Could her father really be alive? Could he have orchestrated this attack?
She tries to push the thoughts away, focusing on the director's words. He's still talking about the security measures they'll be taking. But she can't help but wonder if her father is out there, somewhere, plotting against them.
As the meeting goes on, she can't shake the feeling of unease. It's a feeling that will stay with her for the rest of the day.
My father has been believed to be long dead, so who is orchestrating this attack?. What's this?" Lila says quietly.
They are all dismissed. Lila goes back to her group and tells them about her encounter with the demon the previous night.
The team is gathered around Lila as she recounts her encounter with the demon. Their faces are a mix of shock, confusion, and curiosity.
"So you're saying there's a demon out there, ?" Mark asks.
Lila nods. "That's what it seems like," she says. "But we don't know for sure. We need to figure out what's going on, and fast."
"How are we supposed to do that?" Shane asks.
Lila hesitates for a moment, considering whether or not to tell the team about the strange man she met. She decides against it, not wanting to add to their worries.
"We'll need to do some research and see if we can find any clues," she says instead. "We'll have to be careful, though. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."
"That reminds me," Isabel says. "We got an invitation to a party.
The invitation is from the director's assistant of the Berlin institute. Mark got in touch with him some time ago and he wishes to speak with him again so he invited the whole team." she continues.
"Wow that's great" Christine exclaims…."I can't wait."
"I know just how much you love parties Christine" Lila says with a giggle.
"You're coming right?" Christine asks Lila with a serious look.
"No, I don't think I want to," Lila said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
"Come on, you don't want to come?" Christine said, a smirk playing on her lips.
"You've got to be kidding me," she said again with a laugh.
"I'm not kidding," Lila said, her tone firm.
"Come on, baby girl. Please?" Christine said, her voice pleading.
"Okay then, I'll go" Lila says.
"What time is the party?" Shane asked, curious about the details.
"Oh, I almost forgot, it starts at 6 p.m." Isabel said, her voice apologetic.
"Today?" Lila asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes, today," Isabel confirmed.
"That's unbelievable!" Lila exclaimed, her mind racing as she tried to process this new information.
"Don't worry, we'll get everything done in no time," Christine assured Lila, her voice full of confidence.
"Okay then," Lila said, her voice still a bit hesitant.
"I think I'll go get something to eat. I'm really hungry," she added.
Lila stood up from her seat and walked out of the room, leaving her team behind as she headed to the cafeteria. As Lila was making her way to the cafeteria, she was distracted by her phone, and she suddenly bumped into an elderly lady who was walking in the opposite direction.
"I'm so sorry, ma'am," Lila said, her voice filled with regret.
She's clearly feeling bad about what happened.
"It's okay, my dear," the elderly lady said with a kind smile.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Lila asked, still feeling a bit guilty.
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine. No need to worry," the lady replied, reassuring Lila.
Immediately Lila realises who she is. She's Magdalene Lightwood!
The Lightwoods are a very prominent family in the Quove.
She lived a life of solitude after losing her husband Michael, and their 3 year old son in a Car accident. All that happened 21 years ago though it's hard for her to move on.
Lila noticed a little box fall out of the lady's bag and opened it. She could see the contents of the box, which included a baby's shoe and cap.
The lady noticed Lila's curious expression and spoke.
"They belong to my late son. I keep them in memory of him," she said.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Lila said, realizing that her curiosity must have caused the lady pain. "I didn't mean to pry. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"It's okay, my dear," the lady said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "I appreciate your concern. It's nice to know that there are still people who care."
After a few more exchanged words, Lila and the lady parted ways, each going in their own direction. Though their meeting had been brief, it had been meaningful. Lila felt a sense of connection, even with a stranger.
After finishing her lunch at the cafeteria, Lila returned to meet her team.
"What took you so long?" Christine asked.
"I bumped into a lady," Lila explained. "Her name was Magdalene Lightwood."
"You mean the lady who lost her husband and son on the same day?" Christine asked, recognition in her voice.
"Yes," Lila confirmed.
"That's really tragic," Christine said, her voice heavy with sympathy.
"You know about her?" Lila asked, surprised.
"Yes, I've heard about her story," Christine replied. "It's just heartbreaking."
"It really is," Lila said, her heart heavy with empathy.
Lila notices a glow on Christine's skin. "Wow that skin care sure works for you" Lila says appreciating Christine's beautiful brown skin
Just as Lila and Christine were discussing the beauty of Christine's brown skin, Mark entered the room.
"I think it's time for everyone to go home and prepare for the party," he said, a smile on his face.
Lila and Christine looked at each other, both feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. The party was just a few hours away, and they were both eager to get ready. After all, it was sure to be a night to remember!
Mark's announcement that there would be dancing at the party was met with mixed reactions from Lila and Christine.
While Christine seemed excited at the prospect of showing off her dance moves, Lila's smile turned to a frown. It was clear that she didn't have a partner to take to the party.
But Christine had a plan. She went back into the room and whispered to Mark, "You're my partner."
Then, she gave him a quick kiss on the lips, causing him to blush and giggle. It was clear that these two were more than just colleagues - they were partners in crime!
She notices the frown on Lila's face. "Do you have a problem choosing a partner" she asks Lila.
"Of course I do!" Lila said, her frustration evident. "I don't have anyone to ask. And even if I did, I'm not sure I'd want to go with them."
Christine gave her a sympathetic look. She knew that Lila was feeling a bit left out, and she wanted to help.
"Don't worry, we'll figure something out," she reassured her friend. "You'll have the best time at the party, even if you don't have a partner."
Lila managed a small smile. "Thanks, I appreciate that."
"Mark and I will come pick you up at 5:30 p.m.," Christine said, giving Lila a reassuring smile. "We'll make sure you're ready for the party and that you have a great time. We're a team, after all!"
Lila felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She was lucky to have such supportive friends. "Thank you, that means a lot to me," she said, genuinely touched by Christine's gesture. "I'm really looking forward to the party now!"
"Me too," Lila said, giving Christine a warm smile. "See you later."
"See you then!" Christine said, giving Lila a quick hug before heading out the door.
As Lila watched her friend leave, she felt a sense of anticipation and excitement. She couldn't wait to see what the evening had in store for her. And with Christine and Mark by her side, she knew it would be a night to remember.