Disclaimer: I do not own anything…maybe that pen on my desk but that's all.

Memories

T'was the year 1938, the year I met her in London. Her beautiful, no, gorgeous face. One that I've never seen so much beauty in my life. Her silky skin, her long and golden hair breezing in the wind. Her smile, oh god, her beautiful smile, a smile that tells you everything is going to be alright. Those eyes, those cerulean blue eyes staring at me. Her white dress following the wind showing her curves. Oh, I wish she was here with me, I wish she would feel the same way I feel for her, but my wishes never come true, and I know I can never be with her; she's now with that dreaded Diamond, I can only watch from afar, seeing him following her around like a dog.

Bastard.

Her father just had to pick a handsome man from a wealthy family, why not a gardener, who's handsome yet not as rich and greedy, why not a loyal man who can actually love her, why not me? Darien Shields.

I can see her discomfort in being around with him, her eyes say all. It's sickening in how he touches her and kisses her with no passion, if I was him I would give all the love that she needs, give her everything that she wants, anything for her. But, unfortunately I can not since she barely notices me, maybe a 'hello' and a 'how are you' but that's all. Nor do I think that she returns my feelings.

A woman who's so happy and free like her shouldn't be with a man who's always gloomy and stiff like him.

Any who, I've wasted too much time glancing at her; I should get back cleaning this fountain.

Hours later, I finally finished the fountain, thank god. Footsteps approach me from behind and I quickly turn around to see the one person I dearly longed for looking at me.

''Hello'' She said

''Good morning, Ms Peers.'' I say nervously. '' Anything I can do for you today?'' 'Anything' My thoughts say.

''No…well…yes'' my ears perked up ready to do whatever she wants. ''I was wondering…if…oh this is silly, but could you come with me to the market? I know it's out of the bloom and I barely know you bu-''

''Yes!'' I responded quickly and excitingly knowing if I went id be alone with her and get to talk to her.

She looks at me; her blue eyes sparkle with joy hearing my answer.

''Oh, wonderful! Let me just tidy up and we'll be on our way.'' She flashes me one of her genuine smiles and walks off towards the palace.

I watch her leave, once she disappeared out of sight I danced out of joy and quickly ran to my own little house outside the grounds of the palace and clean myself up and then a thought struck me. Why would she want to go to the market when she has maids doing that job for her and why would she go with me when she barely knows me…oh well that doesn't matter now, I get to do something that doesn't include cleaning, wiping and gardening.

I walk back to the terrace and see her already there.

She gives a sigh and a smile after that.

''Good, your there and here I thought you left'' she said.

I give her one of my reserved smiles and say ''No worries, I wouldn't leave a lovely girl like you alone to go to a crowded market'' She blushes at my saying and starts walking down a dirt path that lead to the town.

I catch up to her and ask ''Ms Peers –''

''Please call me Serena'' she said cutting me off. I nodded.

''Serena, why did you want to go to the market when your maids do that job and why with me?''

She looks at me and her lips curve into a small smile.

''Well, first of all, It's a beautiful sunny day out and I wanted to take a walk so I decided to do this and second of all I wanted to do it with you because, well, I wanted to get to know you better, I mean, I see you everywhere and I know for a fact that you're a very good man.'' She finished off with her finger pointing up in the air making her point.

I chuckled lightly and soon we arrived at the market, crowded with men and women, children shouting and running around, people coming in and out of stores, yes indeed, this was a market.

''So what are you looking for exactly?'' I asked while we started walking past a couple of stores.

''Fresh milk, butter, eggs and some bread.'' She said looking at the signs of the stores.

''Well I'm your man.'' She looks at me, confused written all over her face.

''To say that, I know the market better than you since you never come here and I know the better prices in some of the stores that hang around this area.'' I say in a clever tone.

''Touché'' She exclaimed.

I smiled and led her to one of the stores that was crowded with people; I took her hand and pushed my way through the busy store. I came up to the counter and just on cue a man with blond hair turned around to greet us.

''Well if it isn't my old chum!'' He shouted to me.

''Good morning Andrew, haven't seen you in a while.'' I said still holding Serena's hand.

''I got to busy with this store, you know how it is in the market industry!'' He shouted over the loud crowd and then notices Serena. ''And who might this lovely lady be?'' He questioned.

''Oh! This is Serena Peers you remember? The daughter of Mr. Stephen.''

''Ah yes, the Stephen Peers, wealthy old man.''

''Might I cut in but my father isn't old at all.'' Serena butted in.

Me and Andrew laugh at her tone.

''Of course not, it's just a slang Ms Peers, he's very athletic, to say the worst he might be in better shape than us.'' He laughed. ''So what brings you two in my wonderful store?''

''Don't be so gullible Andy, were here for some of your fine milk, eggs, butter and bread please.'' I asked politely.

''Right away.'' He said turning to get the items.

I turn to see Serena looking around the place and finally her eyes land on me, her left eyebrow lifts up, questioning to why I was looking at her.

I shook my head and turn around to pay for the food.

''Oh no let me!'' Serena says about to pay but I stop her mid way.

'' Its fine, I got it''

''No, I should pay it's my things''

I took my money out and handed it quickly to Andrew's awaiting hand. Serena looks at me trying to put a mad face on but failing.

''I told you, I got it.'' I said giving her a smile.

''A fine man you are, Darien.'' She takes the bag and walks off. I bid Andrew goodbye and catch up to her.

A comfortable silence came between them as they walked the rocky road.

''Darien?'' Serena said.

''Yes, Serena?'' I asked while turning my head, now facing her.

''How come your working for my father as a gardener and not studying in college for something you love doing, I mean you seem a smart man who could do extraordinary things in life yet you waste your time doing this.'' She said pointing to the field in front of the palace.

I stared at her for a couple of seconds thinking of her question.

''Well, I do want to go to medicine school to become a doctor, but I need the money to get in, and I love the outdoors plus the money I receive after a days work is fair. So next year ill be able to get in. But I still adore doing gardening even though it means playing with dirt.'' I said the last part chuckling, she started giggling which I found cute with her hand up to her mouth to be polite.

Before we knew it, we arrived at the palace. I turned and saw a look of disappointment written on her face but it soon went away as she saw Diamond out on the front porch with her father.

''Well I better be off, it was a pleasure to have talked to you Darien, I hope we'll be able to do this again soon, toddles!'' She exclaimed while running back to see her 'fiancé'. I sigh, well better be off to work again for a well pay. I walked back to the terrace and started to plant seed into the ground.

I look back at where Serena was headed to but saw no one except Diamond glaring at me; turning his back to me he started to walk back inside.

I shrugged and went back to work, thinking back of this perfect day, I smiled.

What a wonderful day it was indeed.

Hope you liked this first chapter. Wont do more until I get some of those reviews.