Hello, readers. Before you read this next chapter of Desert Rose, I was
wondering if you might take a few seconds out of your day to vote for
Zander in the blue box of this following link:
http://abc.soapsindepth.com/talkback/polls/instantpoll.asp If you're
bored, perhaps you want to continue to this link
http://abc.soapsindepth.com/talkback/readerspoll/ , scroll down to the
bottom of the page, and paste Gia Campbell & Jason Morgan in the last box
under favorite couple. For those of you that vote, I want to thank you.
This means a lot to me and for both votes, it takes about 20 seconds. You
all have my gratitude. If you watch GH and don't particularly agree with my
votes, then obviously you won't vote. But if you agree, or you don't care
one way or another, PLEASE vote! We're somewhat losing (as will come
apparent once you vote) Thank you and have a lovely day!
Karisma
Desert Rose
By Karisma
Section Three
Rated: R (For adult subject content, language, and allusions to sexual matters)
Genre: General Fiction; Romance, Alt
Karisma456@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimers Apply July 2002
Cry to Heaven
"You're really not understanding how lucky you are," Darien shot an annoyed look to the striding female next to him, wishing she would stop smacking her gum with that look of supreme boredom on her face. "Yeah, yeah." She blew a bubble and sucked it in her mouth quickly. "For God's sake, will you spit that out?" His voice rose in the courtroom corridor and echoed lightly. He lowered his voice when he saw heads turn their way curiously. He closed his fist around her upper arm and pulled her aside into a corner of the hallway. "What is your problem?" She hissed, trying to pull her arm out of the manacle that his hand had become. "You!" He shot back, his voice rising yet again. He clenched and unclenched his jaw before speaking again, this time in a strained whisper. "You have a chance to walk out of here in a few minutes. Judge Barnum agreed to hear my case for you, but I pulled a favor to get that chance. The least you could do is straighten up, stop smacking that goddamn gum, and try to act like anything but the degenerate that you seem to have turned into." She ripped herself away from his grasp. He could tell she was hurt despite how cavalier she acted. "Fine," she said tersely, walking ahead of him to the proper room. Darien sighed and followed, praying to whomever was listening that this go well.
The Proposition
"She's just a kid, Your Honor." "Counselor, approach the bench." Darien shot Serena a look before striding over to the older man. He leaned against the wood on his side, his eyes on Serena the entire time. She stood ramrod straight, her eyes huge and amazingly innocent. She was wearing a skirt and blouse and he would bet money that they were the only dress clothes she had ever worn. Judge Barnum also stared at the young woman, finding it hard to believe that this slip of a girl was arrested for computer cracking. She didn't look like a criminal mastermind; she looked like she belonged in a family sitcom. Darien pleaded his case further in a hushed whisper for the judge's ears only. "She'll do community service. I mean, really, she's had a hard life-" Barnum raised one beetled eyebrow. "And that's an excuse? Counselor, if that reason flied, every common criminal would come crying in here about how they weren't hugged enough by their mommies." "But *her* mommy was murdered while she watched." Barnum was taken aback. That was certain. His hazel eyes widened as he looked over at the slim woman again. "Jenkins did you say?" "Yes, Your Honor." The older man sighed heavily and slammed his gavel. "Your debt to society will come in the form of a $500 dollar fine and your solemn promise that I won't see you in here again." She nodded earnestly, but not to eagerly. She looked honest. Even Darien had to admire the humble way she slightly lowered her head and said, "Yes, Your Honor." Once outside and free for the first time in months, she didn't laugh or dance around or even offer a thank you. She simply turned to him, her eyes turning into slits as she had to face the sun to see him, and said, "When do you want to leave?"
The Answer
"Excuse me?" He said. It seemed to be the only reply he had whenever she said something that completely threw him off. "We're going to Maine." She got into the passenger seat of his car, staring ahead through the windshield as he remained standing a few feet away from where his car was parked. When he finally slipped behind the wheel, he waited a bit before turning to her and repeating very slowly, "Excuse me?" "What, am I speaking German here? We have to get to Southfield, Maine as soon as possible." She waved her hand near the ignition and Darien got the impression she wanted him to start the car and get out of the parking lot. By the time he was on the road, his hands clenching the steering wheel in anticipation for words he knew he did not want to hear, he had finally figured out the right questions. "Why do you have to go to Southfield?" "Because that's where Reeds is." "Who the hell is Reeds?" "You'll find out." "Oh, right, of course," he replied pleasantly. "Why do I have to go with you?" She shrugged. "You don't *have* to. I thought I'd repay you for getting me out of there. I don't want any debts hanging in the air." "Exactly how would dragging me to Maine be of any help to me?" She turned in her seat to look at him intently. One side of her mouth rising in a knowing smile, she answered, "I thought maybe you were sick of doing small cases for some company taking all the credit for your work." He met her gaze briefly and coolly. "And how do you figure that?" "You helped me out because you were bored. You wouldn't be bored if you were handling cases that took up your talent, time, and energy." She stared out the window, watching as trees and scenery flew by. He was surprised he was surprised. He had known she was smart right from the bat. Her sharp mind was bound to uncover some things about him. "Going to Maine would help out my career by." He trailed off, letting her finish the sentence. "Reeds told me that he couldn't look for my mother's killer because the time allotted for such a search had run out." Darien's head swung over to look at her disbelievingly. "Are you sure you heard right?" She glared at him with disgust. "I was young, but I wasn't stupid and I wasn't deaf. Anyway, he obviously lied to me. But he lied for a reason and I'm going to find out what it was. And when I do, you might want a piece of the action. It could mean hitting the big time for you; you'd get the major cases after word gets out of your part in this. You wouldn't be working for some hardass boss giving you pickpockets and computer crackers." She grinned and he was alarmed at how it turned her usually pessimistic face into one of youth. She was pretty. "If you stick with criminal law, you could be the next Johnny Cochran." "Just what I always wanted," he muttered, executing a sharp left turn.
"What?" "Nothing." "So what do you say?" He looked at her as he pulled up his parking brake. Her eyes were hopeful and guarded at the same time. They were a wonderful shade of blue, he realized. Snapping out of it, he digested what information he had just been thrown. She was going to Maine with or without him. And she was going to kick some ass, if the way she felt about Reeds was any indication. Did he want the fame that would come with the unearthing of such a scandal? Yeah. But did he also want to keep the impetuous and angry young woman in front of him out of trouble? Hell, yeah. "Give me fifteen minutes to pack."
Makeover
"Why are you staring at me?" Darien blinked and let his gaze fall away from her face. "We have to get you a haircut." She rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly. "Well, aren't you the charmer?" She seemed to be relatively normal again. He had noticed her change of behavior on the plane. She had been withdrawn, staring out of the window as if the clouds could give her the answers she was desperately seeking. But now, as they sat in an airport shuttle, she was back to her caustic, defensive self. Strangely, he found himself wishing she would show him more of the pensive and all around hidden side of her. He told himself he didn't care either way, just as long as she stayed alive and he had a case. "And some clothes." He pointedly lowered his gaze to her bare midriff. "What?" She asked belligerently, crossing her arms over her chest in an automatically protective gesture. "And the nose ring." He continued, ignoring her angry looks at his obvious distaste of her fashion style. "I happen to-" "Not to mention a new attitude." Her lips pursued, she gave him the finger along with a narrowed glare. He laughed aloud at the action despite himself. Leaning forward, he said something to the driver that didn't quite meet Serena's ears, thought it piqued her curiosity. The van stopped near the curb and Darien got out, taking his duffel bag with him. Although slightly confused, Serena followed suit, watching as the green vehicle took off again. She turned to him. "This is not the orphanage." "You're right." He began walking. She followed, her temper stirring. They walked in silence until he stopped in front of a small shop. Suzie's Beauty Boutique she read. Slowly, her head shook as she turned to face him. "No." He nodded grimly, practically pushing her through the door that jingled as they entered. "Yes."
Different
"Much better." She swung her head back and forth, wrinkling her nose at her reflection. "I guess." Her hair had been washed and cut so that the chopped hairstyle was now tactfully layered. It was still short, barely brushing her shoulders, but it looked maintained and even flattering. Serena watched as he paid the bottle blonde, probably Suzie. The older woman cracked her pink wad of gum and winked as she took the money. She lifted an uncertain hand to touch the back of her head tentatively. Her hair was soft. The silence was unnerving. She broke it. "I'm not even sure Reeds still works at APD." The comment was unnecessary, but he nodded, grateful for the words, as empty as they were, to fill the quiet gap. "We'll see where this takes us. Augusta City Orphanage is only a block away." He meant to look at her briefly as he spoke, but his gaze stayed on her as they walked. "What?" Doubt was clearly in her voice as she touched her head again. "You look.different." Not sure how to take that, she lowered her gaze. "Oh." He wanted to reassure her that the haircut looked nice. That different wasn't bad. But he simply took another step toward her past.
Peace
She entered through the doors after him, swiveling her head slowly, taking in every detail and matching it with her memories of the place. It was virtually unchanged, untouched. She could smell burnt food, hear the screams of children-sometimes laughter, mostly cries. She almost expected to turn around and be nine years old again. Mute and shamed, lowering her head noiselessly as kids taunted her to speak. But she remained the same, Darien looking back at her with mild concern. She lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile. It fell as soon as he turned forward again. Her survey of the makeshift home she was shuttled from years ago was cut off by the sight of a familiar figure straight ahead. Serena walked directly towards the woman, taking in her changed appearance. The red- auburn hair that had always been pulled back was in the same style now, but gray peppered the look. Molly had never been an especially attractive woman, but she had cared for Serena when no one else had bothered. That fact alone caused concern to run through Serena as she noticed the deep crevices around the woman's eyes and mouth. Her eyes were different now, Serena realized. They no longer held the same proud dignity they had always maintained. No, the Molly before her now looked beaten by life. A perpetual pain and sadness was etched into her and no amount of anti-wrinkle cream or age-defying projects would ever be able to erase it. It didn't take Molly less than a second to recognize Serena. At fifty- two, Molly had though of Serena Jenkins at least once everyday of her life. She had thought about that night more than once a day-the guilt would never allow her to forget. And in a way, Molly did not want to forget, she did not deserve to be blessed with the peace forgetting would allow. Molly lifted a shaking hand to touch Serena's face. Her fingertips were rough, any softness they had been born with was stripped away by life. The moment Molly made physical contact with the younger woman, it was as if a dam burst. Shame and guilt had been bottled up inside of her for over a decade. Now, as she looked into the eyes of whom it had all been for, Molly felt purged. She may never be forgiven for what happened to Sabrina, but seeing Serena's blue eyes, sharp and keen as ever, the older woman knew she had done the right thing twelve years ago. Tears streamed down her weathered face and Serena was at a loss for what to do. Molly took her hand and led her to an empty room, oblivious to the man following both of them. Once the three of them were inside, Molly shut the door and immediately embraced Serena. She returned the hug and it was a full minute before Molly let go. Molly wiped her cheeks before speaking. "Not a day went by that I didn't imagine what you looked like all grown-up." She smiled, but it was short-lived at her next thought. "You and Sabrina." "Sabrina?" Molly's head jerked up at the inquisitive tone. She then realized that Serena did not know. Of course she didn't. How could she? Molly refused to feel guilty for what she was about to do. She had kept this horrible secret within her for twelve years, it was time to let it out and peace in. And Serena needed to know, her life could depend on what Molly was able to tell her. "That night, years ago, when I sent you to Georgia. Do you remember?" Serena could only nod. "I sent you away because I knew you were in danger." Molly looked away, unable to meet Serena's blue gaze. "Kath told me-" "My mother? You knew my mother?" Serena's hand found its way to Molly's arm and clutched it. Molly only nodded once, sadness once again flooding her eyes. "They were going to hurt you, so I sent you someplace I thought you'd be safe. But I didn't think-I just didn't think." Soft sobs were heard from her as she turned away from the two other people in the room. Her slight back shook with grief as she continued, "Sabrina Woodward was the girl I put in your bed. I thought that they'd see her and realize that you weren't there. But-" Molly drew in a trembling breath. "They killed her anyway. They thought she was you."
Last Wish
Serena remained silent, her body not moving one muscle. She didn't blink, didn't breath, didn't think. She felt nauseated. Darien must have seen it on her face because he took her arm and led her to a chair. She sat down numbly, her gaze slowly crawling up to meet Molly's. At that moment, they both shared a guilt that they did not deserve. The loss of a young girl was heavy on their shoulders. Molly cried harder. Serena could only stare. It was a few moments until Molly could control the sobs wracking her body. When she did, she looked up to see both of them. Serena sitting woodenly in a chair and Darien kneeling next to her, trying to get her to talk. "I have a Kath's will. She wanted you to see it." Molly left them. Serena blinked at the words. She turned to look down at Darien's surprised eyes. They were both thinking the same thing, but Serena voiced it anyway. "What kind of twenty-five year old has a will?" Darien stood up. "One that knows she may die soon." They stared at each other then. A zillion random thoughts ran through her mind, but she couldn't grasp onto one long enough to translate it into something she could begin to understand. It was only after an unsettling pause that Serena managed to shake the incoherent shards of thoughts and realized that something was off. "Where is she?" Darien asked, running a hand through his hair. He turned around where he stood, taking in the numerous filing cabinets around the room. "And where are we?" Serena stood up suddenly and opened the door. Darien followed. They were in a deserted hallway. Serena walked across the corridor without hesitation. She entered a room directly across from where they had been seconds ago. It had been Molly's office all those years ago and Serena would bet money she didn't have that it was still hers. When she entered the room, she saw Molly rummaging through a drawer a few feet away. The window directly behind the older woman illuminated her figure, but Serena had to squint past the sunlight coming in through the glass. She felt Darien come up behind her. Swallowing, Serena took a few steps closer to the woman. "Molly, I-" She was still talking when Molly's head exploded.
Desert Rose
By Karisma
Section Three
Rated: R (For adult subject content, language, and allusions to sexual matters)
Genre: General Fiction; Romance, Alt
Karisma456@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimers Apply July 2002
Cry to Heaven
"You're really not understanding how lucky you are," Darien shot an annoyed look to the striding female next to him, wishing she would stop smacking her gum with that look of supreme boredom on her face. "Yeah, yeah." She blew a bubble and sucked it in her mouth quickly. "For God's sake, will you spit that out?" His voice rose in the courtroom corridor and echoed lightly. He lowered his voice when he saw heads turn their way curiously. He closed his fist around her upper arm and pulled her aside into a corner of the hallway. "What is your problem?" She hissed, trying to pull her arm out of the manacle that his hand had become. "You!" He shot back, his voice rising yet again. He clenched and unclenched his jaw before speaking again, this time in a strained whisper. "You have a chance to walk out of here in a few minutes. Judge Barnum agreed to hear my case for you, but I pulled a favor to get that chance. The least you could do is straighten up, stop smacking that goddamn gum, and try to act like anything but the degenerate that you seem to have turned into." She ripped herself away from his grasp. He could tell she was hurt despite how cavalier she acted. "Fine," she said tersely, walking ahead of him to the proper room. Darien sighed and followed, praying to whomever was listening that this go well.
The Proposition
"She's just a kid, Your Honor." "Counselor, approach the bench." Darien shot Serena a look before striding over to the older man. He leaned against the wood on his side, his eyes on Serena the entire time. She stood ramrod straight, her eyes huge and amazingly innocent. She was wearing a skirt and blouse and he would bet money that they were the only dress clothes she had ever worn. Judge Barnum also stared at the young woman, finding it hard to believe that this slip of a girl was arrested for computer cracking. She didn't look like a criminal mastermind; she looked like she belonged in a family sitcom. Darien pleaded his case further in a hushed whisper for the judge's ears only. "She'll do community service. I mean, really, she's had a hard life-" Barnum raised one beetled eyebrow. "And that's an excuse? Counselor, if that reason flied, every common criminal would come crying in here about how they weren't hugged enough by their mommies." "But *her* mommy was murdered while she watched." Barnum was taken aback. That was certain. His hazel eyes widened as he looked over at the slim woman again. "Jenkins did you say?" "Yes, Your Honor." The older man sighed heavily and slammed his gavel. "Your debt to society will come in the form of a $500 dollar fine and your solemn promise that I won't see you in here again." She nodded earnestly, but not to eagerly. She looked honest. Even Darien had to admire the humble way she slightly lowered her head and said, "Yes, Your Honor." Once outside and free for the first time in months, she didn't laugh or dance around or even offer a thank you. She simply turned to him, her eyes turning into slits as she had to face the sun to see him, and said, "When do you want to leave?"
The Answer
"Excuse me?" He said. It seemed to be the only reply he had whenever she said something that completely threw him off. "We're going to Maine." She got into the passenger seat of his car, staring ahead through the windshield as he remained standing a few feet away from where his car was parked. When he finally slipped behind the wheel, he waited a bit before turning to her and repeating very slowly, "Excuse me?" "What, am I speaking German here? We have to get to Southfield, Maine as soon as possible." She waved her hand near the ignition and Darien got the impression she wanted him to start the car and get out of the parking lot. By the time he was on the road, his hands clenching the steering wheel in anticipation for words he knew he did not want to hear, he had finally figured out the right questions. "Why do you have to go to Southfield?" "Because that's where Reeds is." "Who the hell is Reeds?" "You'll find out." "Oh, right, of course," he replied pleasantly. "Why do I have to go with you?" She shrugged. "You don't *have* to. I thought I'd repay you for getting me out of there. I don't want any debts hanging in the air." "Exactly how would dragging me to Maine be of any help to me?" She turned in her seat to look at him intently. One side of her mouth rising in a knowing smile, she answered, "I thought maybe you were sick of doing small cases for some company taking all the credit for your work." He met her gaze briefly and coolly. "And how do you figure that?" "You helped me out because you were bored. You wouldn't be bored if you were handling cases that took up your talent, time, and energy." She stared out the window, watching as trees and scenery flew by. He was surprised he was surprised. He had known she was smart right from the bat. Her sharp mind was bound to uncover some things about him. "Going to Maine would help out my career by." He trailed off, letting her finish the sentence. "Reeds told me that he couldn't look for my mother's killer because the time allotted for such a search had run out." Darien's head swung over to look at her disbelievingly. "Are you sure you heard right?" She glared at him with disgust. "I was young, but I wasn't stupid and I wasn't deaf. Anyway, he obviously lied to me. But he lied for a reason and I'm going to find out what it was. And when I do, you might want a piece of the action. It could mean hitting the big time for you; you'd get the major cases after word gets out of your part in this. You wouldn't be working for some hardass boss giving you pickpockets and computer crackers." She grinned and he was alarmed at how it turned her usually pessimistic face into one of youth. She was pretty. "If you stick with criminal law, you could be the next Johnny Cochran." "Just what I always wanted," he muttered, executing a sharp left turn.
"What?" "Nothing." "So what do you say?" He looked at her as he pulled up his parking brake. Her eyes were hopeful and guarded at the same time. They were a wonderful shade of blue, he realized. Snapping out of it, he digested what information he had just been thrown. She was going to Maine with or without him. And she was going to kick some ass, if the way she felt about Reeds was any indication. Did he want the fame that would come with the unearthing of such a scandal? Yeah. But did he also want to keep the impetuous and angry young woman in front of him out of trouble? Hell, yeah. "Give me fifteen minutes to pack."
Makeover
"Why are you staring at me?" Darien blinked and let his gaze fall away from her face. "We have to get you a haircut." She rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly. "Well, aren't you the charmer?" She seemed to be relatively normal again. He had noticed her change of behavior on the plane. She had been withdrawn, staring out of the window as if the clouds could give her the answers she was desperately seeking. But now, as they sat in an airport shuttle, she was back to her caustic, defensive self. Strangely, he found himself wishing she would show him more of the pensive and all around hidden side of her. He told himself he didn't care either way, just as long as she stayed alive and he had a case. "And some clothes." He pointedly lowered his gaze to her bare midriff. "What?" She asked belligerently, crossing her arms over her chest in an automatically protective gesture. "And the nose ring." He continued, ignoring her angry looks at his obvious distaste of her fashion style. "I happen to-" "Not to mention a new attitude." Her lips pursued, she gave him the finger along with a narrowed glare. He laughed aloud at the action despite himself. Leaning forward, he said something to the driver that didn't quite meet Serena's ears, thought it piqued her curiosity. The van stopped near the curb and Darien got out, taking his duffel bag with him. Although slightly confused, Serena followed suit, watching as the green vehicle took off again. She turned to him. "This is not the orphanage." "You're right." He began walking. She followed, her temper stirring. They walked in silence until he stopped in front of a small shop. Suzie's Beauty Boutique she read. Slowly, her head shook as she turned to face him. "No." He nodded grimly, practically pushing her through the door that jingled as they entered. "Yes."
Different
"Much better." She swung her head back and forth, wrinkling her nose at her reflection. "I guess." Her hair had been washed and cut so that the chopped hairstyle was now tactfully layered. It was still short, barely brushing her shoulders, but it looked maintained and even flattering. Serena watched as he paid the bottle blonde, probably Suzie. The older woman cracked her pink wad of gum and winked as she took the money. She lifted an uncertain hand to touch the back of her head tentatively. Her hair was soft. The silence was unnerving. She broke it. "I'm not even sure Reeds still works at APD." The comment was unnecessary, but he nodded, grateful for the words, as empty as they were, to fill the quiet gap. "We'll see where this takes us. Augusta City Orphanage is only a block away." He meant to look at her briefly as he spoke, but his gaze stayed on her as they walked. "What?" Doubt was clearly in her voice as she touched her head again. "You look.different." Not sure how to take that, she lowered her gaze. "Oh." He wanted to reassure her that the haircut looked nice. That different wasn't bad. But he simply took another step toward her past.
Peace
She entered through the doors after him, swiveling her head slowly, taking in every detail and matching it with her memories of the place. It was virtually unchanged, untouched. She could smell burnt food, hear the screams of children-sometimes laughter, mostly cries. She almost expected to turn around and be nine years old again. Mute and shamed, lowering her head noiselessly as kids taunted her to speak. But she remained the same, Darien looking back at her with mild concern. She lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile. It fell as soon as he turned forward again. Her survey of the makeshift home she was shuttled from years ago was cut off by the sight of a familiar figure straight ahead. Serena walked directly towards the woman, taking in her changed appearance. The red- auburn hair that had always been pulled back was in the same style now, but gray peppered the look. Molly had never been an especially attractive woman, but she had cared for Serena when no one else had bothered. That fact alone caused concern to run through Serena as she noticed the deep crevices around the woman's eyes and mouth. Her eyes were different now, Serena realized. They no longer held the same proud dignity they had always maintained. No, the Molly before her now looked beaten by life. A perpetual pain and sadness was etched into her and no amount of anti-wrinkle cream or age-defying projects would ever be able to erase it. It didn't take Molly less than a second to recognize Serena. At fifty- two, Molly had though of Serena Jenkins at least once everyday of her life. She had thought about that night more than once a day-the guilt would never allow her to forget. And in a way, Molly did not want to forget, she did not deserve to be blessed with the peace forgetting would allow. Molly lifted a shaking hand to touch Serena's face. Her fingertips were rough, any softness they had been born with was stripped away by life. The moment Molly made physical contact with the younger woman, it was as if a dam burst. Shame and guilt had been bottled up inside of her for over a decade. Now, as she looked into the eyes of whom it had all been for, Molly felt purged. She may never be forgiven for what happened to Sabrina, but seeing Serena's blue eyes, sharp and keen as ever, the older woman knew she had done the right thing twelve years ago. Tears streamed down her weathered face and Serena was at a loss for what to do. Molly took her hand and led her to an empty room, oblivious to the man following both of them. Once the three of them were inside, Molly shut the door and immediately embraced Serena. She returned the hug and it was a full minute before Molly let go. Molly wiped her cheeks before speaking. "Not a day went by that I didn't imagine what you looked like all grown-up." She smiled, but it was short-lived at her next thought. "You and Sabrina." "Sabrina?" Molly's head jerked up at the inquisitive tone. She then realized that Serena did not know. Of course she didn't. How could she? Molly refused to feel guilty for what she was about to do. She had kept this horrible secret within her for twelve years, it was time to let it out and peace in. And Serena needed to know, her life could depend on what Molly was able to tell her. "That night, years ago, when I sent you to Georgia. Do you remember?" Serena could only nod. "I sent you away because I knew you were in danger." Molly looked away, unable to meet Serena's blue gaze. "Kath told me-" "My mother? You knew my mother?" Serena's hand found its way to Molly's arm and clutched it. Molly only nodded once, sadness once again flooding her eyes. "They were going to hurt you, so I sent you someplace I thought you'd be safe. But I didn't think-I just didn't think." Soft sobs were heard from her as she turned away from the two other people in the room. Her slight back shook with grief as she continued, "Sabrina Woodward was the girl I put in your bed. I thought that they'd see her and realize that you weren't there. But-" Molly drew in a trembling breath. "They killed her anyway. They thought she was you."
Last Wish
Serena remained silent, her body not moving one muscle. She didn't blink, didn't breath, didn't think. She felt nauseated. Darien must have seen it on her face because he took her arm and led her to a chair. She sat down numbly, her gaze slowly crawling up to meet Molly's. At that moment, they both shared a guilt that they did not deserve. The loss of a young girl was heavy on their shoulders. Molly cried harder. Serena could only stare. It was a few moments until Molly could control the sobs wracking her body. When she did, she looked up to see both of them. Serena sitting woodenly in a chair and Darien kneeling next to her, trying to get her to talk. "I have a Kath's will. She wanted you to see it." Molly left them. Serena blinked at the words. She turned to look down at Darien's surprised eyes. They were both thinking the same thing, but Serena voiced it anyway. "What kind of twenty-five year old has a will?" Darien stood up. "One that knows she may die soon." They stared at each other then. A zillion random thoughts ran through her mind, but she couldn't grasp onto one long enough to translate it into something she could begin to understand. It was only after an unsettling pause that Serena managed to shake the incoherent shards of thoughts and realized that something was off. "Where is she?" Darien asked, running a hand through his hair. He turned around where he stood, taking in the numerous filing cabinets around the room. "And where are we?" Serena stood up suddenly and opened the door. Darien followed. They were in a deserted hallway. Serena walked across the corridor without hesitation. She entered a room directly across from where they had been seconds ago. It had been Molly's office all those years ago and Serena would bet money she didn't have that it was still hers. When she entered the room, she saw Molly rummaging through a drawer a few feet away. The window directly behind the older woman illuminated her figure, but Serena had to squint past the sunlight coming in through the glass. She felt Darien come up behind her. Swallowing, Serena took a few steps closer to the woman. "Molly, I-" She was still talking when Molly's head exploded.
