Author's Note: Please review!!! I don't know if I should continue this or not.... I still have other fics readers are waiting for to be finished.
Serena had gotten home from school, late as usual. Of course, hanging out in the arcade was all she did after school. Usually it took her an hour, but this time, it was two. Two hours late! Her mom was going to kill her! Serena had tons of homework to do, since it was nearing the end of the school year and she'd be leaving Junior High forever, and entering the world of 'grown-up teenagers.' She had long waited for that day, of the day she'd say goodbye to her 8'th grade friends, and those who were staying in for another year; the day when she'd say goodbye to the large brown building; the day she'd forget about schoolwork and homework and just pig out and hang out with friends during the summer vacation.
Closing the door silently behind her, Serena tip-toed up the stairs and to her room. She was sure her parents didn't notice her, for she was just too quiet to be heard. Closing the door that would save her life, Serena sighed, relieved her parents didn't even hear a sound. In fact, she didn't even hear a sound.
Throwing her old fashioned back pack, Serena stumbled to her bed. Grabbing the tv-remote, she clicked a red button and settled herself in front of the blaring box, watching the moving pictures. She had come a whole hour late, sadly missing an episode of "Compelled". It wasn't quite a series, containing three two and a half length episodes. Grabbing a pack of Cheetos from under her bed (where she secretly hid them the other night so she wouldn't have to go through another begging session with her mom) and slid her arm in the bag, returning it with a handfull of yellow chips. Stuffing one at a time into her mouth, Serena clicked on the remote, trying to find a normal tv channel with a normal show.
Finally, she had found a tv show, called "Lying Isn't Any Good" and, crossing her legs and eating the last few chips, Serena watched the screen.
"Awefull!" Serena giggled in front of the screen. "That woman is nuts!" The black haired woman pulled the man's hair back in order to get him off of her. Luckily, it was rated PG-13 because Serena was not allowed to watch R rated movies. Serena never did, except when there were very interesting- sounding movies in the theatres all her friends went to. Well, Serena thought, at least when I'm in High School I won't have to worry about high- rated movies. I'll even watch NC-17, if I ever find one.
The movie went on for about an hour. Finally getting annoyed, Serena got up and opened her bedroom door. She hadn't heard a sound from downstairs or upstairs the whole time! Probably because of her blaring tv? Whatever it was, Serena ran down the stairs just as a phone rang. Flying into the kitchen, Serena picked up the receiver.
"Hello?" she said, expecting to hear her mother's voice on the other line, making an excuse of why she wasn't home.
"Kamingston residence?" asked a male voice instead.
"Y-yes." Serena got a bit worried. Who was that?
"Who is this?" I should ask you that question! Serena thought. But kept it to herself.
"Uh, Serena Kamingston." she replied instead.
There was silence for a second or two. Serena started getting a bit more worried. "Are you Jenny's and David's duaghter, Miss?"
"Uh, yes. Something wrong?" Serena asked, determined to find out what it was quickly so she could get back to her show. She figured her parents were probably shopping for her little sister, Ann, again. She always was getting things she wanted! She was only nine and look at her room: all messy, you can't even see the floor, her parents packed her with the stuff she wished.
"Yes." Now Serena's worried expression came stumbling back, carrying a confused one along.
"Well, what is it?"
"Miss Serena Kamingston, your parents had an accident. . . " the male voice replied, his voice just a bit above a whisper. Serena froze. Were they okay?!
"Are they alright?!" she whispered back, nothing but fear and horror in her voice and features.
"Actually . . . Serena . . . they're gone."
Everything went black. Dropping the receiever from her hand, more like it slipped on its own, she laightly fell to the kitchen floor, caught in gazillions of thoughts and doubts. And horror. Please tell me they're lying! moaned Serena's mind second after second. The next time the blackness faded, Serena found herself in horrible pain. Her head throbbed. Her hand and ankle throbbed. She must've fallen hard on the floor hurting herself. Now Serena was peacefully, ehem hurtingly, lying on a little bed, covered with white sheets, some on top of her, serving like a blanket. She opened her eyes slowly.
There was a woman looking down at her, with short black hair, blue eyes and a smile plastered to her lips. "You better take a longer nap, Miss." she whispered over Serena's head. She turned, getting a better view of the person.
"Who . . . are you?" she whispered, feeling some pain grow in her head, hitting her hard here and there.
"Amy Anderson. You may call me Miss Anderson." replied the woman. She had a light voice as a feather, so soothing so peaceful, so soft . . .
"A-are my parents alright?" Serena said, remembering the conversation on the phone but not the last sentence that had come out of the man's mouth. Amy's features suddenly changed. Her chest rose as she took a deep breath. "What . . . happened . . . to them?"
"You better lie down, Miss." Amy Anderson gently lay Serena's head back on the soft pillow. "Meet Darien Shields, now. He's . . . he's going to . . . "
A tall man walked over to Amy. Serena was still somewhat dizzy. She turned her head cautiosly. The man in front of her was tall, mascular, with black hair and a gorgeous face. Weary, Serena closed her eyes. She heard knees bend and warmth against her cheeck. Darien placed his hand on her cheek, no expression on his face at all. Looking up at the doctor, he asked her in a deep voice.
"Is she alright?" he spoke. Wait a second . . . she recongnized that voice! Was it really . . . the creep she was always bumping into at the arcade?!
Serena's head hurt like heck; she couldn't look up. Neither could she get away from his warm hand. She saw Ms, Anderson standing behind, with a worried look on her face. She was worried whether Serena was okay. She's seen Serena's face when she winced in pain. So Serena didn't try it anymore. She did not want to worry the doctor.
"W-what is he going to. . ?" Serena managed to whisper. "A-and w-what happened?"
"Well, as far as I know," Ms Anderson said thoughtfully, "is that you fainted when you found out about your parents -- really, I'm so sorry -- and probably hit something hard. You better lie down. But here's the good news: your sister is still alive." Amy smiled warmly. Serena's heart skipped a beat. Really?! That was great! That had to be a miracle! Her sister, Ann, was young and Serena beleived, even though she sometimes was rough on her, that Ann should live a long and happy life.
Serena slowly closed her eyes as Darien's hand lifted. "When am I gonna recover?" she whispered, with closed eyes. The burned so much! She probably had high temperature; hitting her head so hard and almost breaking an ankle!
"Well . . . yo-you will be able to go home tonight, but you can't actually go home. The house is full of policemen right now, and you're not going to be able to live there any longer; not until you're old enough, eighteen at least." Amy explained.
"When's my s-siter gonna recover?" Serena asked wearily. She was still as sad as she possibly could be about her parents death. That moment seemed so unreal to her, it was as if it was all a nightmare. She was still a but dizzy and felt like spilling out all those tears after keeping them there, seizing them from flowing down her cheecks before.
"Actually, if she does recover in at least two weeks -- that's out theory right now -- she's going to have to stay at the hospital for about a month or two." Ms Anderson paused. "She has a very serious head injury and a broken arm and leg. But, luckily, she has survived. Hopefully -- we hope -- that she'll recover in about two weeks or three. She's very tired and barely opens her eyes."
Serena gasped. "How long have I been knocked out, Ms A-anderson?"
"Well," she replied, looking at Darien who looked down at Serena with an expressionless face. "About two days. We've been keeping you asleep for a while to make sure your sculp hadn't cracked, or else you'd die for sure."
Serena relaxed. Two days, she thought. Got her beauty sleep.
"You better take a nap, Miss Kamingston, while we'll look for your three- year home." Ms Anderson said, turning around, but stopping abruptly, looking at Darien. "Mr. Shields? Are you going to stay or go? Miss Kamingston needs her rest."
"Oh, right." he replied, getting up and walking along with Amy Anderson, the doctor. Darien followed Miss Anderson out the door, as she locked it. Serena could still hear their whispering conversation and footsteps, faiting with each second away. After it was silent, Serena quietly feel asleep, with a thought.
She's been thinking about it over and over, and she had finally dreamed up that nightmare. Serena was riding in a car with her mother, father, and little sister, Ann, from the mall. Driving home, they were taking a shortcut -- the highway. Suddenly, Mr. Kamingston looked back at Serena as she said something like, 'Oh, he's 19, mom.' Then everything happened so fast. Even during her sleep, Serena was dizzy again. They had driven out of the road and were falling at a high speed down into the ocean. Before she woke up, they were just about to hit the hard rocks.
"Ah!" she cried out as she jerked up. She didn't feel the pain anymore. Why? "Miss Anderson?"
"Yes, Sere-Ms Kamingston?!" Amy flew into the room. It was quite dark, but her room was all orange as the sun rouse. "You alright?"
Boy, didn't Serena scare the poor doctor or what! Amy looked so sleepy yet worried. "I'm sorry, Miss Anderson . . . i-it was just a dumb dream. Sorry to disturb you."
But the doctor kept looking at her, straight in the eyes. They were peircing! As if she tried to read the real truth off of them. "Alright," Serena gave in, "How come I don't feel the pain anymore?"
"Oh -- uh, I gave you a shot at night about four or five hours ago. That was from the pain, sickness, and temperature. You're okay now. You will be able to get out of this hospital soon, Miss. Don't worry."
"No, I don -- but who's taking me in? Did you find someone?" Serena asked, realizing she didn't have anywhere to go.
"Well . . ." Ms Anderson sat down next to her. Serena noticed she was always worried and shy around her. She was actually a shy doct--woman. "Last night, I had a talk with Mr. Shields. He said he knew you somehow. Well, I practiacally begged him to take you in. I was so worried about you . . . I didn't even realize he might be lying. But I know him, knew him ever since we were in Junior High. So I trust him.
"He agreed, finally, after hours of begging. I -- I didn't know anyone else. I mean, there weren't any relatives in the Kamingston profile, so . . . so he was the only one I thought would be nice. He's really sweet, beleive me." Amy gave little laugh to cover her nervousness. "I-It's been settled." Amy sighed furtratingly. What if Serena didn't want to live with him three years? She'd been so determined to find the girl a home fast, she had already made Mr. Shields sign the papers. He seemed reluctant while he was signing the sheets, too.
"Oh." Serena sighed, too. She couldn't tell Ms Anderson now that she hated that guy, because she already knew how hard she tried to find Serena a good home. She'd just have to tolerate him somehow. Maybe someday, they'll stop fighting.
"That's -- that's alright with you?" Amy asked, uncertainly.
Serena nodded. Amy's feelings'd be hurt if she told her the truth. "Yes, it's . . . okay, I guess. Thanks." she plastered a fake smile on her face. Phew! The doctor didn't notice that one was fake! Phew . . . Serena thought.
"Uh, Ms Kamingston, by the way." Amy said. "You may call me Dr. Anderson if you want."
"Oh, yes, sorry." Serena gave a smile.
"Oh, it's alright, you don't have to apologize or anything!" Amy protested.
"Uh, Dr Anderson, I thought you said I'd be able to get out yesterday?"
Amy sighed. "Well, didn't I explain it already --"
"Oh, yes, sorry!" Serena apologized, laughing a little. The two laughed nervously. "Anyway, when am I going to leave here?"
Dr Anderson seemed just a bit hurt. Serena knew why. She hadn't meant it to come out that way; she must've thought I wanted to get away from her, Serena realized. "I - I don't mean it in that way, Dr Anderson!" she quickly apologized.
"Oh?" Amy sighed. "Never mind. It's fine. You can leave any time after ten a.m., Ms Kamingston."
"Oh, yeah, you can call me Serena." she grinned. Maybe that help Ames. Wait, why was she calling her 'Ames', not Dr Anderson? Stupid me, she thought.
"Yes, thank you, Serena." Dr Anderson looked behind Serena and out the window. Her eyes brightened. They seemed to sparkle in the light that filled the room. "Oh, look, Serena, it's already getting brighter. Isn't the view so gorgeous?"
Serena turned her head. But she didn't feel any pain, luckily. Her eyss brightened too, at the beautiful sunrise before her. It seemed so unreal . . . "That's . . . totally awesome! I've never seen anything like this . . . this beautiful -- Oh --" she heard a door sqeak open. She turned her head back, with no pain to see . . . Darien Shields peaking through. The doctor heard the sqeaking too, for she looked back too.
"Oh, Mr. Shields, come in." Amy gave him her warm smile. He gave back that smile, only he seemed to make it sexy. "Serena -- you've met Darien Shields -- right?"
"Oh, right." Serena quickly blinked away. Why has she been staring at him? Hmph, she thought, just the stupid smile. No more. He's just a creep. But a cute one . . . one I have to live with. She smiled a little at the funny thought. She had never thought of that. Her living -- being -- in his apartment never crossed her mind. Now here she was, ready to leave for his home, and live there with him. He'd be her new family. Wait, he's already her family!
Mr. Shields walked in and sat down next to Dr Anderson, Serena's bed. "I just heard noise in here, so I -- decided to check out what was going on." he explained as he sunk into the chair. "Hey, Meatball-head." He gave her that smile again. Why?
Serena blushed at the nickname. She didn't like it at all. He was the only one calling her that -- everyone else called her differently. "Hmph, don't call me that!" she snapped. "If I'm going to live with you, you'll have to keep that nickname to yourself, creep."
"Auh, come on." the doctor insisted. "You two, just talking and already fighting?" she giggled a bit. It was just as high-pitched as her pretty tiny voice.
"So? In fact, we met about two weeks ago." Serena explained. Oops. Amy didn't know it was just that long. She quit laughing.
"What?" She said. Serena repeated. "Darien?" she looked at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Y - You didn't seem too interested in that." he explained, eyebrows high. "So I never said anything -- you never asked."
"Ooh, Dari--Mr. Shields . . ." Amy groaned. He always did that! She was supposed to be smart enough to do everything right. Wasn't her IQ 300? Did they make a mistake, maybe? No, she wouldn't become such a great doctor at such a high level then. Amy turned to Serena. "We've been friends for a long time -- and he always does that!"
Serena smiled warmly. She cooled down some. Speechless, she just murmured, "I see . . ."
"Well . . . Serena? -- when're ya ready to go and check out your new home?" the guy asked. He was still a bit nervous and off-guard about that whole home-thing. He wasn't himself. Of course, having his own parents die in a car accident (too?), he knew how she must've felt. He was a 'warmhearted' guy, that's how he considered himself and both of him and his best friend, Andrew, knew it; or at least thought it. So, Darien tried to be that guy Andrew imagined at times.
"Anytime."
"Even right now? You gotta get your things into my apartment, you know." he explained, using very little of the vocabulary stored in his brains. That meant to be a joke, sorta, but none seemed to laugh.
"I guess I am." she sighed. But made no attempt to move. She already figured she was in a shirt and underwear. So she tsya under her covers.
"What?" Darien said as she looked at him expectantly. "If you're ready, get up and go."
Serena and Amy rolled their eyes. Then spoke at the same time, "She-I need to change."
"Oh." he raised himself and walked out the door nonchalantly. After they were sure he was gone, they had a good laugh.
"Trust me, Serena." Amy said through her laughs. "He's very sweet and funny most of the time. He . . . never drinks or smokes!"
"That's good." Serena laughed back. Finally settling themselves, Dr. Anderson handed Serena her clothes and walked out of the room, too. She heard a low and a high voice out the door having a small conversation, but quite an important one.
Serena got up, examined herself. How much did she weigh? She thought. Was she really that fat? Taking off the hotpital's shirt which had some stains of blood on it, she shook and dropped it on her bed. Well, Serena, she thought as she looked at the mirror at the other end of the room after walking toward it. You don't look so sexy, sadly, I never did . . . she sighed. Pulling her own T-shirt on, she garbbed her jeans and pulled them on too.
Finally ready, the girl walked out of the patient-room. Greeted the two again for no reason and walked off with Darien, handing the doctor the clothes they provided her with while she was injured.
"So . . ." Serena paused, thinking of what she should call him -- Darien or Mr Shields?
"You can call me Darien." he replied as if reading her mind. "Go ahead."
"So, Darien, how are we gonna get to your . . . apartment?" she asked nervously. This wasn't a normal way of her -- ahem, them -- talking yet. She just didn't know him well yet. She searched the parking lot expecting to see his car. But how would she know it's his? Did he even have one?
"Oh, by car, of course." he replied nonchalantly.
How does he do it? Serena thought looking up at him with her blue eyes. I mean, talk so cooly? He pointed to a red BMW that was parked about a block away. Away from the parking lot -- it was all blocked with other cars. Many patients!
When they got to the red car, he shoved a key into the whole and unlocked the car.
Well, thought Serena to herself. Here it goes. Gonna be living with a creep . . . but a cute one. she smiled secretly to herself as she got into the car.
Darien started the car. Now they were driving away from the smelly building, and closer to his apartment. Actaully, Serena didn't want to live with him. She didn't want to even spend a day with him! What -- it didn't matter if he was cute; his attitude ruined everything.
Serena had completely gotten her mind off her parents' death. But now, thinking of a new house made her remember. Small tears formed in her eyes, which soon would get bigger and bigger. She turned toward the window and watched other cars pass by, so he wouldn't notice her crying silently.
Like that they drove half of the way, all silent, no one spoke and no one coughed. Just the engine of the car, and the noise outside, was the only sound around them. But then, Darien broke it, startling Serena a bit. She still couldn't wipe the tears out of her eyes. She could just hope he wouldn't notice.
"What's wrong?" he asked. Did he know?
"What made you think that?" Serena replied, 'straightening' her voice so it wouldn't sound like she was shouting on the top of her lungs or crying deep in her throwt. She kept staring out the window even as she said it.
"Well, you sure seem quiet . . ." Darien said, sighing. "I just have the feeling -- it's your parents, isn't it?" it was more of a statement than a question. Serena questly shook her head up and down. There was more silence. "I have an idea." Darien broke the silence again. "Why don't I take you somewhere to take your mind off of it? Something that'll keep you busy. What'd y'say to that?"
"Mmm . . ." she thought for a second. "Alright." She could just feel his eyes on her! Wasn't he watching the road? "Watch the road," she suddenly said, almost automatically. She was afraid of it now; she had to make sure he was keeping his eyes good on the road, or else they might have an accident.
"What?" he said, quickly moving his eyes back to the road, just peeking at her once in a while. Getting tired, Serena reclined on the car seat. Right away he noticed her puffy eyes. She was still trying to rub off the wet spots. "Don't," he said, reaching over and pushing down her hand off her face, "that'll make your eyes hurt." He had kept his hand firmly on hers the rest of the way, making her feel awkward.
Finally, what seemed an eternity, they were at his apartment. Unlocking the door to it after riding the elevator, Serena waited patiently while he turned his key this and that way. Opening the brown door, he let her in first, saying ladies first. Serena walked in slowly and looked around.
It wasn't as she had expected. It was clean and bright. Nothing like she imagined his house would look like; she had imagined it to be messy, dusty, dim and stuffy. But it was quite the opposite. The atmosphere and the look of the apartment had helped her with the thought of her staying in his home. At least it was clean and nice, she thought. Just how different was he?
By the time they had gotten to his apartment, Serena had asked a dozen questions in her head about him, all unanswered. Was she going to fnd the answers to them soon, before something happens?
Well, there went her imagination. It wasn't as wild as before her parents' accident. Now it was driving her crazy! She'd make a big deal out of a simple question. She'd think that a sound made by a cat was someone tip-toeing toward her, some robber. It was now that she thought these things. Before it wasn't a big deal to her though. She guessed it must've been the effect from her parents' death and her sister's injury.
"What about my stuff?" Serena asked out of the blue. Both of the had totally forgotten about that.
"Oh, that." he said, waling past her after locking the door behind him. "It's already here. The officers had to give it to me because they had to keep anything unimportant our of the house to help them f --"
"What?" Serena interrupted. "What are you talking about? My parents died in a car crash, right?" What in the world was he talking about? Murder of her parents? No, they died in a car accident, the police told her themselves.
"Right. J-Just an investigation, you know." Quickly Darien replied. Serena sighed, looking around she walked over to a light blue couch and sat on it. Right away she sunk in. The couch was so soft! Serena giggled.
"You like that?" Darien asked her, setting his keys on the coffee table before her and sitting down beside her. He gabbed the tv changer and turned the tv on. He had a large tv screen, VCR, DVD and CD player set in the only shelf under the tv. He handed Serena the changer. "Here, see what's on."
"Where you going?" she asked as he got up. "You leaving?"
"Ohh, no." he smiled. "I guess I can watch some tv with you and relax. It's been a short night and I gotta get some rest. Don't you?"
Serena nodded her head. He was so nice to her. Unlike that when at the arcade. It was like he was a totally different person. "Darien? Why are you so nice to me all of a sudden?" she got the guts to ask him.
Darien sighed nervously and sat back down. He scratched the back of his head and reclined on the soft couch beside her. "Uh, well, I dunno. Probably because I know how you feel."
"What do you mean?" she sank in more.
"Well, my parents died in a car crash when I was about six years old. I lived in the orphanage ever since, until I was eighteen and was old enought to take care of myself." he explained, looking straight at the tv.
Serena looked at his with eyes full of pain and sorrow. "Oh. I'm sorry." she whispered and turned back to the tv.
"Do you want to get a nap?" Serena shook her head no. She wanted to rest and watch television. "Well, I hope you don't mind me here on the same couch."
They laughed a little. "No, I - I guess it's alright. Your house anyway."
"Oh, no." he protested, shaking his head and smiling at her. "It's yours too, from now on. Take whatever you want, it's your apartment as well. So feel more at home, alright?"
"Alright."
"Okay, lets watch tv." he said, leaning toward her. "I wanna lie down, if that's okay with you."
Serena kept her eyes on the screen. "Okay."
He lay down, feet outstretched to her side of the couch, and watched the television. After switching and clicking, they settled down on a horror movie, rated R. It wasn't long before Serena got tired herself (since she didn't get much sleep that night) and lay down on the couch too. Before the movie was over, she fell asleep, but not snoring. Hey, she doesn't snore!
Serena woke up in a soft bed, facing a window as the sun shone bright into her face. Closing her eyes again, Serena turned back and opened them again; the rays were blinding. As she opened her eyes she saw someone she hadn't expected. Darien. Jerking up in the bed, Serena looked around. She guessed she must be in his bedroom. And she guessed he had only one room. He was at the other side of the bed, almost falling off, his back turned to her. Right away, Darien sleepily turned to her, and opened his eyes wearily.
"Morning alread --" Darien stopped abruptly at seing Serena next to him, looking at him. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, I - I stayed up late last night after carrying you in here. I guess I was too sleepy to notice you. I'm sorry." He flipped the sheet and flipped it back over himself. He was undressed.
Serena giggled at the sight of him. He looked so cute, like a little boy then. Taking a peek under the covers, she sighed; releived that all her clothes were still on. She got up. "I'll go and you get dressed. Next time though," she paused by the door, "Make sure you're far from me."
He smiled. "Alright. Sorry." he apologized again. Serena left. He heard her footsteps walking around his house, probably figuring the way to the bathroom. Finally, he heard the door shut. He got up and pulled on his jeans, soft laughs escaping his throwt at the thought of him falling alseep with her in bed with him. He must've been too sleepy to do such a foolish thing. At least she wasn't mad. Then he put on his T- shirt. There was another slam, as the doors to the bathroom opened and closed, probably Serena walking out of the bathroom. But she had left the water in the shower running. Probably forgot her clean clothes.
Walking nervously to the bathroom door, he sighed and shook his head in embarrassment. The door squeaked as he opened it. He didn't remember the door squeaking . . . that way. He didn't even remember the door making a sound. Then he reliazed what it was.
"Close the door, Darien!!" Serena shouted. Serena was taking a shower! Damnit! Another accident! What was wrong with him!? Soon she'd end up running away from him, thinking he wanted to seduce her.
"I - I thought you weren't in there! So sorry!" and he closed the door. Then hit himself in the head. How stupid could he be? He could've knocked, couldn't he? Maybe it's because he isn't used to someone in his house like . . . Serena Kamingston. Or more likely a young teenager.
Walking back to his bedroom, he kept repeating 'Damn you, Darien; Damn you, Darien.' From now on, he thought, I'll stay away from her. But what will she think? He'll to take care of her, feed her, dress her (as in buying new clothes!), and drive her to school if she'd refuse to take the school bus, he'll have to help her with her homework, take her out sometimes, give her money for schoollunch, soon buy her a car in less than a year, buy medicine while she's sick . . . What was he thinking? Taking care of a teenager when he never even had one in his apartment?
Darien sat down on his bed and waited patiently for about ten minutes. Getting tired of waiting, he shouted, "You done yet?"
"No!" Serena shouted back as the sound of the water fading. "Almost."
"Hurry!"
"Okay. I'll be out -- whaaa!!" Serena screamed. Darien, hearing her yelling, feared something happened. Something did happen.
He stopped by the bathroom door, and listened. "What happened?"
"I slipped . . ." she wailed. There were groans as she tried to get up. He heard her curse.
"A . . . are you okay?" Darien asked. He hoped nothing bad happened to Serena. There was no reply. "Serena?"
"Ugh . . . Ow . . . what do you think?" she finally replied. "Of course not! Your floor is harder than cement . . . oww . . ." Serena tried to get up again. Her knee throbbed. She had hit her head on the sink when she fell; she felt pain in her head, streaking here and there like lightning. Unsuccessful, she gave up. "I - I don't think I can get up."
"What? Do you mean your legs are broken?" he didn't believe that.
"No, but my ankle . . . it feels as if it's broken." Serena wailed. Tears formed in her eyes without her even noticing. Now how would she get up? With head spinning, broken knee? If she'd ask Darien to help, it wouldn't be possible for her to cover herself before he enters. Well, Serena thought, what a stupid accident! Her knee felt hot, as if burning now.
"Need help?"
"Sure, but I don't have anything on --"
"So how are you going to get up? Can you even move your broken leg?" he asked.
"Well, not the one with the . . . broken ankle. It wouldn't move. And my head hurts . . ." she wailed again. Thinking about it had made her head hurt even more with each beat of her heart.
"I'll help you. Get something over yourself then." Darien suggested. That was a good idea. But a useless one because Serena couldn't reach.
"This is useless. I've never heard anything about not being able to move or walk with a broken leg. But here I am!" Serena sighed. Now what? She was laying on the bathroom floor all naked and he was going to even touch her? Nuh, just not that.
"Fine, try getting up yourself." Darien sighed and walked away to the living room and turned on the television.
"Darien!" he heard Serena shout several times. "How in the world am I supposed to get up?"
"I don't know. You didn't seem to want me to help you." Darien replied, not taking his eyes off the tv. "Get up yourself."
"Uh! Thanks alot, Guardian!" Serena said. He was her Guardian from now on, wasn't he? Serena didn't even realize she was practically begging him to help her up -- and see her naked, not to mention 'touch' her body.
So she wants me to help, Darien thought. Alright . . . hope she got something over . . . Or else she wouldn't even ask him for help. Standing up, he walked back to the bathroom slowly. "I'm opening the door." he warned.
"No, wait!" Serena yelled, alarmed. She quickly looked around for something. The towel was way above her. Her clothes were hanging with the towel, too. "Shit." She whispered, trying to cover herself. "Close the door!"
But it was too late. He already opened the door. Serena eyes burned with embarrassment and anger as he walked in. She was laying silently, her back turned to him . . . as he closed the door behind, not seeing that she was still naked.
Serena had gotten home from school, late as usual. Of course, hanging out in the arcade was all she did after school. Usually it took her an hour, but this time, it was two. Two hours late! Her mom was going to kill her! Serena had tons of homework to do, since it was nearing the end of the school year and she'd be leaving Junior High forever, and entering the world of 'grown-up teenagers.' She had long waited for that day, of the day she'd say goodbye to her 8'th grade friends, and those who were staying in for another year; the day when she'd say goodbye to the large brown building; the day she'd forget about schoolwork and homework and just pig out and hang out with friends during the summer vacation.
Closing the door silently behind her, Serena tip-toed up the stairs and to her room. She was sure her parents didn't notice her, for she was just too quiet to be heard. Closing the door that would save her life, Serena sighed, relieved her parents didn't even hear a sound. In fact, she didn't even hear a sound.
Throwing her old fashioned back pack, Serena stumbled to her bed. Grabbing the tv-remote, she clicked a red button and settled herself in front of the blaring box, watching the moving pictures. She had come a whole hour late, sadly missing an episode of "Compelled". It wasn't quite a series, containing three two and a half length episodes. Grabbing a pack of Cheetos from under her bed (where she secretly hid them the other night so she wouldn't have to go through another begging session with her mom) and slid her arm in the bag, returning it with a handfull of yellow chips. Stuffing one at a time into her mouth, Serena clicked on the remote, trying to find a normal tv channel with a normal show.
Finally, she had found a tv show, called "Lying Isn't Any Good" and, crossing her legs and eating the last few chips, Serena watched the screen.
"Awefull!" Serena giggled in front of the screen. "That woman is nuts!" The black haired woman pulled the man's hair back in order to get him off of her. Luckily, it was rated PG-13 because Serena was not allowed to watch R rated movies. Serena never did, except when there were very interesting- sounding movies in the theatres all her friends went to. Well, Serena thought, at least when I'm in High School I won't have to worry about high- rated movies. I'll even watch NC-17, if I ever find one.
The movie went on for about an hour. Finally getting annoyed, Serena got up and opened her bedroom door. She hadn't heard a sound from downstairs or upstairs the whole time! Probably because of her blaring tv? Whatever it was, Serena ran down the stairs just as a phone rang. Flying into the kitchen, Serena picked up the receiver.
"Hello?" she said, expecting to hear her mother's voice on the other line, making an excuse of why she wasn't home.
"Kamingston residence?" asked a male voice instead.
"Y-yes." Serena got a bit worried. Who was that?
"Who is this?" I should ask you that question! Serena thought. But kept it to herself.
"Uh, Serena Kamingston." she replied instead.
There was silence for a second or two. Serena started getting a bit more worried. "Are you Jenny's and David's duaghter, Miss?"
"Uh, yes. Something wrong?" Serena asked, determined to find out what it was quickly so she could get back to her show. She figured her parents were probably shopping for her little sister, Ann, again. She always was getting things she wanted! She was only nine and look at her room: all messy, you can't even see the floor, her parents packed her with the stuff she wished.
"Yes." Now Serena's worried expression came stumbling back, carrying a confused one along.
"Well, what is it?"
"Miss Serena Kamingston, your parents had an accident. . . " the male voice replied, his voice just a bit above a whisper. Serena froze. Were they okay?!
"Are they alright?!" she whispered back, nothing but fear and horror in her voice and features.
"Actually . . . Serena . . . they're gone."
Everything went black. Dropping the receiever from her hand, more like it slipped on its own, she laightly fell to the kitchen floor, caught in gazillions of thoughts and doubts. And horror. Please tell me they're lying! moaned Serena's mind second after second. The next time the blackness faded, Serena found herself in horrible pain. Her head throbbed. Her hand and ankle throbbed. She must've fallen hard on the floor hurting herself. Now Serena was peacefully, ehem hurtingly, lying on a little bed, covered with white sheets, some on top of her, serving like a blanket. She opened her eyes slowly.
There was a woman looking down at her, with short black hair, blue eyes and a smile plastered to her lips. "You better take a longer nap, Miss." she whispered over Serena's head. She turned, getting a better view of the person.
"Who . . . are you?" she whispered, feeling some pain grow in her head, hitting her hard here and there.
"Amy Anderson. You may call me Miss Anderson." replied the woman. She had a light voice as a feather, so soothing so peaceful, so soft . . .
"A-are my parents alright?" Serena said, remembering the conversation on the phone but not the last sentence that had come out of the man's mouth. Amy's features suddenly changed. Her chest rose as she took a deep breath. "What . . . happened . . . to them?"
"You better lie down, Miss." Amy Anderson gently lay Serena's head back on the soft pillow. "Meet Darien Shields, now. He's . . . he's going to . . . "
A tall man walked over to Amy. Serena was still somewhat dizzy. She turned her head cautiosly. The man in front of her was tall, mascular, with black hair and a gorgeous face. Weary, Serena closed her eyes. She heard knees bend and warmth against her cheeck. Darien placed his hand on her cheek, no expression on his face at all. Looking up at the doctor, he asked her in a deep voice.
"Is she alright?" he spoke. Wait a second . . . she recongnized that voice! Was it really . . . the creep she was always bumping into at the arcade?!
Serena's head hurt like heck; she couldn't look up. Neither could she get away from his warm hand. She saw Ms, Anderson standing behind, with a worried look on her face. She was worried whether Serena was okay. She's seen Serena's face when she winced in pain. So Serena didn't try it anymore. She did not want to worry the doctor.
"W-what is he going to. . ?" Serena managed to whisper. "A-and w-what happened?"
"Well, as far as I know," Ms Anderson said thoughtfully, "is that you fainted when you found out about your parents -- really, I'm so sorry -- and probably hit something hard. You better lie down. But here's the good news: your sister is still alive." Amy smiled warmly. Serena's heart skipped a beat. Really?! That was great! That had to be a miracle! Her sister, Ann, was young and Serena beleived, even though she sometimes was rough on her, that Ann should live a long and happy life.
Serena slowly closed her eyes as Darien's hand lifted. "When am I gonna recover?" she whispered, with closed eyes. The burned so much! She probably had high temperature; hitting her head so hard and almost breaking an ankle!
"Well . . . yo-you will be able to go home tonight, but you can't actually go home. The house is full of policemen right now, and you're not going to be able to live there any longer; not until you're old enough, eighteen at least." Amy explained.
"When's my s-siter gonna recover?" Serena asked wearily. She was still as sad as she possibly could be about her parents death. That moment seemed so unreal to her, it was as if it was all a nightmare. She was still a but dizzy and felt like spilling out all those tears after keeping them there, seizing them from flowing down her cheecks before.
"Actually, if she does recover in at least two weeks -- that's out theory right now -- she's going to have to stay at the hospital for about a month or two." Ms Anderson paused. "She has a very serious head injury and a broken arm and leg. But, luckily, she has survived. Hopefully -- we hope -- that she'll recover in about two weeks or three. She's very tired and barely opens her eyes."
Serena gasped. "How long have I been knocked out, Ms A-anderson?"
"Well," she replied, looking at Darien who looked down at Serena with an expressionless face. "About two days. We've been keeping you asleep for a while to make sure your sculp hadn't cracked, or else you'd die for sure."
Serena relaxed. Two days, she thought. Got her beauty sleep.
"You better take a nap, Miss Kamingston, while we'll look for your three- year home." Ms Anderson said, turning around, but stopping abruptly, looking at Darien. "Mr. Shields? Are you going to stay or go? Miss Kamingston needs her rest."
"Oh, right." he replied, getting up and walking along with Amy Anderson, the doctor. Darien followed Miss Anderson out the door, as she locked it. Serena could still hear their whispering conversation and footsteps, faiting with each second away. After it was silent, Serena quietly feel asleep, with a thought.
She's been thinking about it over and over, and she had finally dreamed up that nightmare. Serena was riding in a car with her mother, father, and little sister, Ann, from the mall. Driving home, they were taking a shortcut -- the highway. Suddenly, Mr. Kamingston looked back at Serena as she said something like, 'Oh, he's 19, mom.' Then everything happened so fast. Even during her sleep, Serena was dizzy again. They had driven out of the road and were falling at a high speed down into the ocean. Before she woke up, they were just about to hit the hard rocks.
"Ah!" she cried out as she jerked up. She didn't feel the pain anymore. Why? "Miss Anderson?"
"Yes, Sere-Ms Kamingston?!" Amy flew into the room. It was quite dark, but her room was all orange as the sun rouse. "You alright?"
Boy, didn't Serena scare the poor doctor or what! Amy looked so sleepy yet worried. "I'm sorry, Miss Anderson . . . i-it was just a dumb dream. Sorry to disturb you."
But the doctor kept looking at her, straight in the eyes. They were peircing! As if she tried to read the real truth off of them. "Alright," Serena gave in, "How come I don't feel the pain anymore?"
"Oh -- uh, I gave you a shot at night about four or five hours ago. That was from the pain, sickness, and temperature. You're okay now. You will be able to get out of this hospital soon, Miss. Don't worry."
"No, I don -- but who's taking me in? Did you find someone?" Serena asked, realizing she didn't have anywhere to go.
"Well . . ." Ms Anderson sat down next to her. Serena noticed she was always worried and shy around her. She was actually a shy doct--woman. "Last night, I had a talk with Mr. Shields. He said he knew you somehow. Well, I practiacally begged him to take you in. I was so worried about you . . . I didn't even realize he might be lying. But I know him, knew him ever since we were in Junior High. So I trust him.
"He agreed, finally, after hours of begging. I -- I didn't know anyone else. I mean, there weren't any relatives in the Kamingston profile, so . . . so he was the only one I thought would be nice. He's really sweet, beleive me." Amy gave little laugh to cover her nervousness. "I-It's been settled." Amy sighed furtratingly. What if Serena didn't want to live with him three years? She'd been so determined to find the girl a home fast, she had already made Mr. Shields sign the papers. He seemed reluctant while he was signing the sheets, too.
"Oh." Serena sighed, too. She couldn't tell Ms Anderson now that she hated that guy, because she already knew how hard she tried to find Serena a good home. She'd just have to tolerate him somehow. Maybe someday, they'll stop fighting.
"That's -- that's alright with you?" Amy asked, uncertainly.
Serena nodded. Amy's feelings'd be hurt if she told her the truth. "Yes, it's . . . okay, I guess. Thanks." she plastered a fake smile on her face. Phew! The doctor didn't notice that one was fake! Phew . . . Serena thought.
"Uh, Ms Kamingston, by the way." Amy said. "You may call me Dr. Anderson if you want."
"Oh, yes, sorry." Serena gave a smile.
"Oh, it's alright, you don't have to apologize or anything!" Amy protested.
"Uh, Dr Anderson, I thought you said I'd be able to get out yesterday?"
Amy sighed. "Well, didn't I explain it already --"
"Oh, yes, sorry!" Serena apologized, laughing a little. The two laughed nervously. "Anyway, when am I going to leave here?"
Dr Anderson seemed just a bit hurt. Serena knew why. She hadn't meant it to come out that way; she must've thought I wanted to get away from her, Serena realized. "I - I don't mean it in that way, Dr Anderson!" she quickly apologized.
"Oh?" Amy sighed. "Never mind. It's fine. You can leave any time after ten a.m., Ms Kamingston."
"Oh, yeah, you can call me Serena." she grinned. Maybe that help Ames. Wait, why was she calling her 'Ames', not Dr Anderson? Stupid me, she thought.
"Yes, thank you, Serena." Dr Anderson looked behind Serena and out the window. Her eyes brightened. They seemed to sparkle in the light that filled the room. "Oh, look, Serena, it's already getting brighter. Isn't the view so gorgeous?"
Serena turned her head. But she didn't feel any pain, luckily. Her eyss brightened too, at the beautiful sunrise before her. It seemed so unreal . . . "That's . . . totally awesome! I've never seen anything like this . . . this beautiful -- Oh --" she heard a door sqeak open. She turned her head back, with no pain to see . . . Darien Shields peaking through. The doctor heard the sqeaking too, for she looked back too.
"Oh, Mr. Shields, come in." Amy gave him her warm smile. He gave back that smile, only he seemed to make it sexy. "Serena -- you've met Darien Shields -- right?"
"Oh, right." Serena quickly blinked away. Why has she been staring at him? Hmph, she thought, just the stupid smile. No more. He's just a creep. But a cute one . . . one I have to live with. She smiled a little at the funny thought. She had never thought of that. Her living -- being -- in his apartment never crossed her mind. Now here she was, ready to leave for his home, and live there with him. He'd be her new family. Wait, he's already her family!
Mr. Shields walked in and sat down next to Dr Anderson, Serena's bed. "I just heard noise in here, so I -- decided to check out what was going on." he explained as he sunk into the chair. "Hey, Meatball-head." He gave her that smile again. Why?
Serena blushed at the nickname. She didn't like it at all. He was the only one calling her that -- everyone else called her differently. "Hmph, don't call me that!" she snapped. "If I'm going to live with you, you'll have to keep that nickname to yourself, creep."
"Auh, come on." the doctor insisted. "You two, just talking and already fighting?" she giggled a bit. It was just as high-pitched as her pretty tiny voice.
"So? In fact, we met about two weeks ago." Serena explained. Oops. Amy didn't know it was just that long. She quit laughing.
"What?" She said. Serena repeated. "Darien?" she looked at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Y - You didn't seem too interested in that." he explained, eyebrows high. "So I never said anything -- you never asked."
"Ooh, Dari--Mr. Shields . . ." Amy groaned. He always did that! She was supposed to be smart enough to do everything right. Wasn't her IQ 300? Did they make a mistake, maybe? No, she wouldn't become such a great doctor at such a high level then. Amy turned to Serena. "We've been friends for a long time -- and he always does that!"
Serena smiled warmly. She cooled down some. Speechless, she just murmured, "I see . . ."
"Well . . . Serena? -- when're ya ready to go and check out your new home?" the guy asked. He was still a bit nervous and off-guard about that whole home-thing. He wasn't himself. Of course, having his own parents die in a car accident (too?), he knew how she must've felt. He was a 'warmhearted' guy, that's how he considered himself and both of him and his best friend, Andrew, knew it; or at least thought it. So, Darien tried to be that guy Andrew imagined at times.
"Anytime."
"Even right now? You gotta get your things into my apartment, you know." he explained, using very little of the vocabulary stored in his brains. That meant to be a joke, sorta, but none seemed to laugh.
"I guess I am." she sighed. But made no attempt to move. She already figured she was in a shirt and underwear. So she tsya under her covers.
"What?" Darien said as she looked at him expectantly. "If you're ready, get up and go."
Serena and Amy rolled their eyes. Then spoke at the same time, "She-I need to change."
"Oh." he raised himself and walked out the door nonchalantly. After they were sure he was gone, they had a good laugh.
"Trust me, Serena." Amy said through her laughs. "He's very sweet and funny most of the time. He . . . never drinks or smokes!"
"That's good." Serena laughed back. Finally settling themselves, Dr. Anderson handed Serena her clothes and walked out of the room, too. She heard a low and a high voice out the door having a small conversation, but quite an important one.
Serena got up, examined herself. How much did she weigh? She thought. Was she really that fat? Taking off the hotpital's shirt which had some stains of blood on it, she shook and dropped it on her bed. Well, Serena, she thought as she looked at the mirror at the other end of the room after walking toward it. You don't look so sexy, sadly, I never did . . . she sighed. Pulling her own T-shirt on, she garbbed her jeans and pulled them on too.
Finally ready, the girl walked out of the patient-room. Greeted the two again for no reason and walked off with Darien, handing the doctor the clothes they provided her with while she was injured.
"So . . ." Serena paused, thinking of what she should call him -- Darien or Mr Shields?
"You can call me Darien." he replied as if reading her mind. "Go ahead."
"So, Darien, how are we gonna get to your . . . apartment?" she asked nervously. This wasn't a normal way of her -- ahem, them -- talking yet. She just didn't know him well yet. She searched the parking lot expecting to see his car. But how would she know it's his? Did he even have one?
"Oh, by car, of course." he replied nonchalantly.
How does he do it? Serena thought looking up at him with her blue eyes. I mean, talk so cooly? He pointed to a red BMW that was parked about a block away. Away from the parking lot -- it was all blocked with other cars. Many patients!
When they got to the red car, he shoved a key into the whole and unlocked the car.
Well, thought Serena to herself. Here it goes. Gonna be living with a creep . . . but a cute one. she smiled secretly to herself as she got into the car.
Darien started the car. Now they were driving away from the smelly building, and closer to his apartment. Actaully, Serena didn't want to live with him. She didn't want to even spend a day with him! What -- it didn't matter if he was cute; his attitude ruined everything.
Serena had completely gotten her mind off her parents' death. But now, thinking of a new house made her remember. Small tears formed in her eyes, which soon would get bigger and bigger. She turned toward the window and watched other cars pass by, so he wouldn't notice her crying silently.
Like that they drove half of the way, all silent, no one spoke and no one coughed. Just the engine of the car, and the noise outside, was the only sound around them. But then, Darien broke it, startling Serena a bit. She still couldn't wipe the tears out of her eyes. She could just hope he wouldn't notice.
"What's wrong?" he asked. Did he know?
"What made you think that?" Serena replied, 'straightening' her voice so it wouldn't sound like she was shouting on the top of her lungs or crying deep in her throwt. She kept staring out the window even as she said it.
"Well, you sure seem quiet . . ." Darien said, sighing. "I just have the feeling -- it's your parents, isn't it?" it was more of a statement than a question. Serena questly shook her head up and down. There was more silence. "I have an idea." Darien broke the silence again. "Why don't I take you somewhere to take your mind off of it? Something that'll keep you busy. What'd y'say to that?"
"Mmm . . ." she thought for a second. "Alright." She could just feel his eyes on her! Wasn't he watching the road? "Watch the road," she suddenly said, almost automatically. She was afraid of it now; she had to make sure he was keeping his eyes good on the road, or else they might have an accident.
"What?" he said, quickly moving his eyes back to the road, just peeking at her once in a while. Getting tired, Serena reclined on the car seat. Right away he noticed her puffy eyes. She was still trying to rub off the wet spots. "Don't," he said, reaching over and pushing down her hand off her face, "that'll make your eyes hurt." He had kept his hand firmly on hers the rest of the way, making her feel awkward.
Finally, what seemed an eternity, they were at his apartment. Unlocking the door to it after riding the elevator, Serena waited patiently while he turned his key this and that way. Opening the brown door, he let her in first, saying ladies first. Serena walked in slowly and looked around.
It wasn't as she had expected. It was clean and bright. Nothing like she imagined his house would look like; she had imagined it to be messy, dusty, dim and stuffy. But it was quite the opposite. The atmosphere and the look of the apartment had helped her with the thought of her staying in his home. At least it was clean and nice, she thought. Just how different was he?
By the time they had gotten to his apartment, Serena had asked a dozen questions in her head about him, all unanswered. Was she going to fnd the answers to them soon, before something happens?
Well, there went her imagination. It wasn't as wild as before her parents' accident. Now it was driving her crazy! She'd make a big deal out of a simple question. She'd think that a sound made by a cat was someone tip-toeing toward her, some robber. It was now that she thought these things. Before it wasn't a big deal to her though. She guessed it must've been the effect from her parents' death and her sister's injury.
"What about my stuff?" Serena asked out of the blue. Both of the had totally forgotten about that.
"Oh, that." he said, waling past her after locking the door behind him. "It's already here. The officers had to give it to me because they had to keep anything unimportant our of the house to help them f --"
"What?" Serena interrupted. "What are you talking about? My parents died in a car crash, right?" What in the world was he talking about? Murder of her parents? No, they died in a car accident, the police told her themselves.
"Right. J-Just an investigation, you know." Quickly Darien replied. Serena sighed, looking around she walked over to a light blue couch and sat on it. Right away she sunk in. The couch was so soft! Serena giggled.
"You like that?" Darien asked her, setting his keys on the coffee table before her and sitting down beside her. He gabbed the tv changer and turned the tv on. He had a large tv screen, VCR, DVD and CD player set in the only shelf under the tv. He handed Serena the changer. "Here, see what's on."
"Where you going?" she asked as he got up. "You leaving?"
"Ohh, no." he smiled. "I guess I can watch some tv with you and relax. It's been a short night and I gotta get some rest. Don't you?"
Serena nodded her head. He was so nice to her. Unlike that when at the arcade. It was like he was a totally different person. "Darien? Why are you so nice to me all of a sudden?" she got the guts to ask him.
Darien sighed nervously and sat back down. He scratched the back of his head and reclined on the soft couch beside her. "Uh, well, I dunno. Probably because I know how you feel."
"What do you mean?" she sank in more.
"Well, my parents died in a car crash when I was about six years old. I lived in the orphanage ever since, until I was eighteen and was old enought to take care of myself." he explained, looking straight at the tv.
Serena looked at his with eyes full of pain and sorrow. "Oh. I'm sorry." she whispered and turned back to the tv.
"Do you want to get a nap?" Serena shook her head no. She wanted to rest and watch television. "Well, I hope you don't mind me here on the same couch."
They laughed a little. "No, I - I guess it's alright. Your house anyway."
"Oh, no." he protested, shaking his head and smiling at her. "It's yours too, from now on. Take whatever you want, it's your apartment as well. So feel more at home, alright?"
"Alright."
"Okay, lets watch tv." he said, leaning toward her. "I wanna lie down, if that's okay with you."
Serena kept her eyes on the screen. "Okay."
He lay down, feet outstretched to her side of the couch, and watched the television. After switching and clicking, they settled down on a horror movie, rated R. It wasn't long before Serena got tired herself (since she didn't get much sleep that night) and lay down on the couch too. Before the movie was over, she fell asleep, but not snoring. Hey, she doesn't snore!
Serena woke up in a soft bed, facing a window as the sun shone bright into her face. Closing her eyes again, Serena turned back and opened them again; the rays were blinding. As she opened her eyes she saw someone she hadn't expected. Darien. Jerking up in the bed, Serena looked around. She guessed she must be in his bedroom. And she guessed he had only one room. He was at the other side of the bed, almost falling off, his back turned to her. Right away, Darien sleepily turned to her, and opened his eyes wearily.
"Morning alread --" Darien stopped abruptly at seing Serena next to him, looking at him. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, I - I stayed up late last night after carrying you in here. I guess I was too sleepy to notice you. I'm sorry." He flipped the sheet and flipped it back over himself. He was undressed.
Serena giggled at the sight of him. He looked so cute, like a little boy then. Taking a peek under the covers, she sighed; releived that all her clothes were still on. She got up. "I'll go and you get dressed. Next time though," she paused by the door, "Make sure you're far from me."
He smiled. "Alright. Sorry." he apologized again. Serena left. He heard her footsteps walking around his house, probably figuring the way to the bathroom. Finally, he heard the door shut. He got up and pulled on his jeans, soft laughs escaping his throwt at the thought of him falling alseep with her in bed with him. He must've been too sleepy to do such a foolish thing. At least she wasn't mad. Then he put on his T- shirt. There was another slam, as the doors to the bathroom opened and closed, probably Serena walking out of the bathroom. But she had left the water in the shower running. Probably forgot her clean clothes.
Walking nervously to the bathroom door, he sighed and shook his head in embarrassment. The door squeaked as he opened it. He didn't remember the door squeaking . . . that way. He didn't even remember the door making a sound. Then he reliazed what it was.
"Close the door, Darien!!" Serena shouted. Serena was taking a shower! Damnit! Another accident! What was wrong with him!? Soon she'd end up running away from him, thinking he wanted to seduce her.
"I - I thought you weren't in there! So sorry!" and he closed the door. Then hit himself in the head. How stupid could he be? He could've knocked, couldn't he? Maybe it's because he isn't used to someone in his house like . . . Serena Kamingston. Or more likely a young teenager.
Walking back to his bedroom, he kept repeating 'Damn you, Darien; Damn you, Darien.' From now on, he thought, I'll stay away from her. But what will she think? He'll to take care of her, feed her, dress her (as in buying new clothes!), and drive her to school if she'd refuse to take the school bus, he'll have to help her with her homework, take her out sometimes, give her money for schoollunch, soon buy her a car in less than a year, buy medicine while she's sick . . . What was he thinking? Taking care of a teenager when he never even had one in his apartment?
Darien sat down on his bed and waited patiently for about ten minutes. Getting tired of waiting, he shouted, "You done yet?"
"No!" Serena shouted back as the sound of the water fading. "Almost."
"Hurry!"
"Okay. I'll be out -- whaaa!!" Serena screamed. Darien, hearing her yelling, feared something happened. Something did happen.
He stopped by the bathroom door, and listened. "What happened?"
"I slipped . . ." she wailed. There were groans as she tried to get up. He heard her curse.
"A . . . are you okay?" Darien asked. He hoped nothing bad happened to Serena. There was no reply. "Serena?"
"Ugh . . . Ow . . . what do you think?" she finally replied. "Of course not! Your floor is harder than cement . . . oww . . ." Serena tried to get up again. Her knee throbbed. She had hit her head on the sink when she fell; she felt pain in her head, streaking here and there like lightning. Unsuccessful, she gave up. "I - I don't think I can get up."
"What? Do you mean your legs are broken?" he didn't believe that.
"No, but my ankle . . . it feels as if it's broken." Serena wailed. Tears formed in her eyes without her even noticing. Now how would she get up? With head spinning, broken knee? If she'd ask Darien to help, it wouldn't be possible for her to cover herself before he enters. Well, Serena thought, what a stupid accident! Her knee felt hot, as if burning now.
"Need help?"
"Sure, but I don't have anything on --"
"So how are you going to get up? Can you even move your broken leg?" he asked.
"Well, not the one with the . . . broken ankle. It wouldn't move. And my head hurts . . ." she wailed again. Thinking about it had made her head hurt even more with each beat of her heart.
"I'll help you. Get something over yourself then." Darien suggested. That was a good idea. But a useless one because Serena couldn't reach.
"This is useless. I've never heard anything about not being able to move or walk with a broken leg. But here I am!" Serena sighed. Now what? She was laying on the bathroom floor all naked and he was going to even touch her? Nuh, just not that.
"Fine, try getting up yourself." Darien sighed and walked away to the living room and turned on the television.
"Darien!" he heard Serena shout several times. "How in the world am I supposed to get up?"
"I don't know. You didn't seem to want me to help you." Darien replied, not taking his eyes off the tv. "Get up yourself."
"Uh! Thanks alot, Guardian!" Serena said. He was her Guardian from now on, wasn't he? Serena didn't even realize she was practically begging him to help her up -- and see her naked, not to mention 'touch' her body.
So she wants me to help, Darien thought. Alright . . . hope she got something over . . . Or else she wouldn't even ask him for help. Standing up, he walked back to the bathroom slowly. "I'm opening the door." he warned.
"No, wait!" Serena yelled, alarmed. She quickly looked around for something. The towel was way above her. Her clothes were hanging with the towel, too. "Shit." She whispered, trying to cover herself. "Close the door!"
But it was too late. He already opened the door. Serena eyes burned with embarrassment and anger as he walked in. She was laying silently, her back turned to him . . . as he closed the door behind, not seeing that she was still naked.
