Chapter 2: Long Time no see
Mark and I spent a nice time talking and catching each other up on the past 2 years. He had changed so much, from his newly toned body to his new sense of humor. The only thing that remained the same was that deep sexy voice and those deep emerald green eyes of his. I could definitely get lost looking into those pools of enchantment. There was something about him that I hadn't noticed before but I couldn't put my foot on it.
He told me about how he opened his own gym and was also a special trainer there. "How much do you charge your clients?" I asked.
"Well its $45 a month to be a member there and if you would like for my to train you…that's $20 a session." He told me as he finished off his cheeseburger. "Why? Are you interested?"
I smiled at him, "Maybe. I need something to do in order to keep myself occupied."
"Hm, well for you I'll charge $15 a month."
"Awe thanks, that would be awesome until I find a good job. Do you know of any places I could work?"
He smirked, "You could work in my gym…I kind of need a secretary anyway."
"Really? Well I do have some experience with making appointments…"
"Then it's settled, you can start in two days if you want. I open up at 7 am."
I smiled at him, "Thanks Mark, you are a wonderful friend."
"No problem darlin'…now tell me a little about you."
I told him about all the hard times I went through when he moved away like the two jobs I attempted to work and failed miserably at. I left out the part about Eric. I figured that it would be safer to do since Mark and Steven never liked him.
After we finished eating, we got back into his truck and headed off to Steve's house. To be honest I was very excited about going to live with him. I had missed him so much and I couldn't wait to see him and his pad. While we were heading there Mark popped in a Limp Biskit CD and we jammed to a few songs. I had a great time dancing in my seat and swinging my hair. It had been a long time since I had any real fun.
We pulled up in front of a big white house almost ten minutes later. My jaw dropped in awe as I looked around and my brother's big house. There was a big porch with a swing on one side and a couch with a few chairs on the other side.
"Does he really live here?" I asked in disbelief. "It's so huge!"
Mark laughed, "Yes he really lives here, but be warned, he doesn't live here alone."
"Who else lives here?" I asked, but I soon got my answer. When we pulled up in front of the house, a long blonde haired woman with blue eyes and a evil smirk on her face came towards the truck and folded her arms. "Who in the hell is she?" I asked.
Mark sighed, "That's Erica…your brother's wife…me and her don't exactly see eye to eye."
I unbuckled my seat belt, "I can see why…she seems bitchy." I said.
"Darlin' she is more than bitchy…she's the damn devil in woman form. I swear she's only with Steve for his money."
I sighed and then nervously got out the truck. I was really hoping that I wouldn't have to beat her ass. "Hello, " I said as I hopped down. "You must be Erica,"
She walked up to me and shook my hand, "Yes, I'm Erica and you must be the new maid of the house."
"What?" I snapped.
"Lay off Erica…you know exactly who she is." Mark said as he made his way to the back of the truck to help me get my suitcase out the back. "Don't mind her Serena she was born a bitch."
"Watch your mouth Mark." She snapped before turning her attention back to me. "So Serena, how long will you be staying here?"
"I just need to stay here until I can get on my feet. Trust me it won't be that long."
"Good because I don't plan on being a babysitter for the rest of my life."
Mark sighed, "Erica…leave her alone. Damn she just got here."
"And I'm just about done here; do you know somewhere else I can go?" I asked him, slowly getting annoyed.
Before Mark could answer I heard a familiar voice coming from the garage. "She isn't going anywhere. Stop being a bitch Erica. Better yet, go in the damn house."
We all looked over to see my bald headed big brother walking towards us. I felt my smile return to my face and without thinking I quickly ran up to him and threw myself into his arms. He picked me up and spun me around with a big smile on his face.
"Steve! I missed you so much!" I cried. "Why didn't you tell me about your job?"
"I'm sorry sweetie I just didn't want you to tell mom and dad. You know they would have killed me if they knew."
I smiled at him with a nod, "Yea your right, "
"Well come on in so I can show you where your staying." He told me as he wrapped him arm around me and walked with me towards the house. "Thanks for picking her up for me Mark. You're a great pal."
"No problem man, just make sure you do something about your winch." He said as he glanced at a snickering Erica.
"Oh don't worry I will," Steve said. "Hey maybe we should go out for dinner tonight, you know to celebrate Serena being home."
"Sounds good to me, just call me when you're ready." He said as he hopped into his truck. "See you guys later,"
Steve and I waved as Mark started up the truck and drove off. Steve then picked up my bags and carried them to the house for me. I followed him with no hesitation even though I was stared down by his wife.
"Wow Steve I love your house. You must have paid a fortune for this place." I told him as I looked around at his large living room with a flat screen TV. We then passed his kitchen which was equally as large and beautiful.
"Thanks sis, I had this place personally built for my own satisfaction and that of my guest. Here's your room."
He opened a door that was at the off to the left at the top of the stairs. My breath was taken away at the sight of the purple walls, the soft white carpet, and the queen sized bed with canopy curtains and light purple bed spread. There were many pictures of me and Steve everywhere from when we were children.
"You did this for me?" I asked.
He sat my bags down on my bed, "Yea of course I did. I had this room made when construction began. I hope you like it."
I smiled at him softly, "I like the room…but I would have loved it more if you would have told me the truth about your job. It's not like I would have been begging for money even two seconds."
"Wait a minute Serena…that wasn't the reason I didn't tell you and you know it."
"Then what was your reason? I was over there struggling to keep myself alive for two whole years after mom and dad died. Not once did I call you and ask you for anything."
He sighed, "Serena please, I'm sorry that I haven't been there for you but I'm trying to be now."
I folded my arms and then sat down on my bed. "I think I need a little time alone if you don't mind."
He nodded and then turned to leave, "Your bathroom is in that door next to the balcony. Let me know if you need anything else."
With that he quietly left my room, shutting my door behind him. I began unpacking soon after that. Once I was done I took a nice hot bubble bath and relaxed for awhile.