As of Yet Untitled
By Karisma
Chapter Four
PG-13
Usual Disclaimers Apply
Chapter Four
I squeezed my eyes shut hard and then let them open, hoping I wouldn't
see him there. But he was. And now he was walking toward me, cell phone put
away, and his eyes focused only on me. Good Lord, he looked good enough to
eat.
Coloring slightly at where my thoughts were leading, I pasted a smile
on my face to greet him with and met him halfway through the terminal. We
stopped once we reached each other, both of us not saying a word.
We headed toward the baggage claim, and still not a syllable had been
uttered between us.
"Hello, Serena." He finally said, his voice deeper and colder than I
had remembered it.
"Hello, Darien," I offered him a slight smile as he grabbed the bag I
had pointed out to be mine with such ease it startled me at first.
We finally headed out to Darien's car and I got in the red convertible
after he unlocked the doors.
I stared at him out of the corner of my eye as we drove off. He stared
straight ahead, jaw set tight, strong arms controlling the wheel with
resigned force. The silence was unnerving and I opted to dismiss it.
"How have you been?" I asked, turning toward him, the night breeze
ruffling through my hair.
"Can't complain," he replied expressionlessly, letting one elbow prop
on the door.
I rolled my eyes at the stimulating conversation he had just provided
and gave up trying. We spent the rest of the car ride encompassed in a airy
silence, neither one of us so much as glancing in the other's direction.
When we finally reached my house, Darien pulled into the four car
garage and I couldn't wait to get out and see someone with a pulse strong
enough to utter more than four words. But as I reached to open the door, I
found it wouldn't budge.
"Darien--" I started and turned to find his hand on the lock button
right next to him. The car seemed to shrink even further as I stared up from
his hard, lean frame to his handsome face. I opened my mouth to continue
speaking when his mouth was suddenly on top of mine, crushing whatever I had
been trying to say. At first the kiss was insistent, hard and demanding, but
as I started my unwitting response, it became softer, more tender.
He pulled away after a moment's time, leaving me slightly startled as I
recovered from the touch of his lips on mine.
He stared at me for a long minute, his silver blue eyes boring into my
lighter ones. "I have been wanting to do that for eight years." And with
that he exited the car, taking out my two heavy bags as if nothing had
happened.
I took a moment longer, straightened my clothes and moistening my
bruised lips, before I followed him inside the house where I was showered
with hugs, kisses, and assaulted with questions. while we sat down to eat
and I answered all of my relatives questions and finally met Rita-a gorgeous
woman with lush, brown hair and baby blue eyes-I felt Darien's gaze locked
unto me, watching my every move. Whenever I made eye contact with him, one
brow was arched in a mocking gesture and a slight smirk quirked that
kissable mouth upward. It was enough to disconcert me while at the same
time, made tingles rush up and down my spine.
As I looked back and forth between the two brothers, I examined how
each of them had changed. Andrew was still the same, actually. Grown quite
handsomer, definitely, but still always laughing and smiling at everything
thrown his way. Andrew still had the sunshine Golden boy looks: dirty blonde
hair that set off his warm, chocolate eyes with every laugh he let out.
Darien, however, was still the opposite of his older brother in every
way. He was slower to give a real smile-one that reached those uniquely
colored eyes. He was as attractive as his brother, but in an entirely
different, non-boy-next-door manner. Darien had a dark, brooding aura
around him that suited his ebony hair and dark tan. Andrew was an open book,
whereas Darien...
"Serena?" Someone called my name and I quickly shook out of my thoughts
and looked up to find Andrew asking me something.
"Oh, I'm sorry. What did you say?" I smiled at Andrew's light laughter
at my spacing out.
"Are you ready to kick your old man out of his business?" He asked,
winking at my father, all the while keeping that broad grin on his face. I
looked over at Rita sitting lovingly beside him and was convinced they made
a darling couple.
"There, there, Andrew. It'll be quite a while until Serena can dethrone
me," my father drawled, and I couldn't help smiling. "But I do expect
Darien to teach her about our company since a certain elder brother suddenly
decided to go off and pursue a dream of making video games!"
My smile flickered and then died out as I shifted my gaze to Darien's
placid face.
"I'm marketing computer software, not video games, and you know Uncle
Bryan!" Andrew bantered, sitting back in his seat and intertwining his hand
with Rita's softer one.
"Wait a minute," I interrupted, blinking rapidly for a few seconds.
"What's all this about our company and Darien?" I shook my head, staring at
my father who suddenly looked a tad bit uncomfortable.
"Well, we wanted it to be a surprise, Serena." He started gruffly,
clearing his throat and tossing the monogrammed napkin down. "You know that
when I started a new company, I was co-operating it with a partner, right?"
I nodded, my father had mentioned it briefly in one of his letters and I
assumed that my father would eventually by the other's side out, with no
hard feelings on both parties' sides. "Well, meet the other half of FS
Enterprises!" He held on his hand, gesturing to someone across the table.
Part of me knew who it was before my father had even finished his sentence,
but I slowly let my gaze trail down my father's arm and to my future
partner.
Sure enough, nonchantantly finishing his apple pie, Darien looked up
and fixed me with a impartial and-for me-infuriatingly calm stare.
Needless to say, I didn't take the news that well. "What?!" I
sputtered, wildly looking around the table for signs that this was all some
welcome back joke or something to that effect. There wasn't any; they were
all completely serious and looking closely for my reaction. "How could you
not tell me this? For two years you build a company-that I will one day
own-or rather co-own-and you leave out this rather large bit of information.
That's wonderful! 'A surprise'! Well, congratulations, Father! I am
surprised," I glared at him and to my dismay he seemed to be taking my
outburst with ease and tranquility.
"I don't see how it is relevant at all," he pacified soothingly. "This
isn't that big of a shock, Serena-"
I exploded. "Isn't relevant!? Of course, it is-"
He continued to speak rationally as if I had never interrupted him.
"This is about you, not Darien. You can do your job, that's all that
matters. You have your degree, you can advertise. Now all you need is the
'training', if you will, around the job-which Darien can provide once you
begin work."
I narrowed my eyes and stood up, "I'm now working for him?"
"Well, Serena, only for now. Soon, you'll be working with him." My
father looked up at me as if I was the world's biggest fool, And perhaps I
was. It shouldn't have bothered me as much as it did, I'd admit that, but
for some reason,
"What am I going to do? Be his secretary?" I bit our sarcastically and
when I saw my father's face I realized I had hit right on. "No, no. You
can't possibly be serious!"
"Serena! I don't see what the problem is, it's just Darien after all."
My father countered, rising himself. We must of look ridiculous, fighting
over everybody's heads. All the table's eyes flickered back and forth, as if
watching a tennis match.
"It isn't 'just Darien'!" I threw my hands in the air and caught
Darien's raised brow leering at me mockingly and I was quick to correct
myself. "I mean it isn't-oh, forget Darien! The fact is you purposely let me
be ignorant of a very vital piece of information that has to do with
business: our next door neighbors are now our partners! And on top of that,
you landed me a job as the secretary of a man I have known since we were in
diapers! This is a tad bit uncomfortable for me, Father." Not to mention a
man who I was just in a very intimate position with, I silently added. It
then me, Darien knew all about this arrangement! He had known and not only
had he hadn't told me, but he also dared to...to...well kiss me!
"Serena, you'll be allowed to sit in meetings and you'll have the
responsibilities of a secretary and much more, I can assure you that. Before
long, you'll know all the tricks of the trade. Then once you land us a
client, you'll have your real job. It's not the worst possible scenario,
Serena." My father sat down and continued his dessert, I reluctantly
following suit and only then did I notice how tired I was. Exhausted,
actually.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. Jet lag's a killer," I smiled
and was about to exit the large dining hall when Darien's taunting voice
called me back.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Serena," he said, a slight smile
tugging the corners of his mouth.
"And why, pray tell, not?" I asked irritably, rubbing my head. I
suddenly had a pounding headache.
"It's barely eight. If you want to beat jet lag, the best thing for you
would be to stay up with all of us." The others nodded their agreement and I
let out a huge sigh and resignedly sat down once again.
Later that evening, we all gathered around our sitting room to watch a
movie that would hopefully keep me awake. By this time, my head was nodding
off every few moments. The film was a utterly stupid, yet entertaining,
romantic comedy about two people who despised each other-yet fell in love.
Original. As if that was actually plausible. If you can't stand someone, you
can't stand someone. You're not going to turn around fall into their arms
with a huge, corny speech on how they had loved each other from day one.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remembered was
waking up the next morning in my old room which was exactly the way I had
left it, thought it felt strangely foreign.
"Serena!" My mother's call echoed through the large house and finally
reached my ears.
"Coming!" I shouted back and shrugged into a white robe. As I ran down
the long staircase, I took in the familiar trinkets and nick nacks that made
this mansion my home. I swung into the dining room and saw my father and
mother sitting at the table and tears pricked the back of my eyes. I hadn't
realized how much I had missed the little things until I saw this familiar
scene unfold. "Good morning, Father." I said cheerily and he looked up,
surprise etched all over his distinguished face. It took me a moment to back
pedal my mind and remember the conflict we had hashed the last evening. I
was still miffed at him for not telling me earlier, but what could be done
now?
"Good morning, Serena." My mother said as Rosaline, our cook at home,
placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. I thanked her and began to
dig in-something I was always very good at. "What time are you going down to
get your gown, dear?"
I froze mid-bite and flicked my head up to the grandfather clock and
nearly screamed. Instead I let out a muffled whimper and let my fork clatter
onto the plate. I jumped up, excused myself hurridly and ran back up the
stairs in record time.
Once in my room, I jumped in the shower and came out faster then
Superman. Getting my clothes out of the luggage was the worst part. I had to
rummage for the right keys, then ruffle through the plethora of clothes I
had brought. Finally, deciding on a white and blue sundress, I shoved on
some sandals and ran a comb through my wet hair.
Running down the stairs once again, I managed to let out a breezy good
bye to my parents before going into the garage. Only to return seconds later
and see my father absently holding out car keys.
Sometimes that man knew me too well.
I raced down to the bridal store and was actually only ten minutes
late.
"Sorry," I breathed, trying to catch my breath.
Rita flashed me a bright smile and winked at me. "We only got here a
few minutes ago ourselves."
I craned my neck and found out exactly who "we" was. It was Rita, two
other attractive, young women I didn't know, Andrew…and Darien. What were
they doing here? More to the point, what was he doing here?
It turned out that Rita had dragged Andrew with her because she felt it
was important to make all the wedding decisions together. Andrew, feeling as
if he was going to be out numbered and possibly ganged up on by the opposite
sex had turned to Darien for the sole reason of safety in numbers.
The other two women, Mina and Raye, had their dresses altered and
picked out already. I was the only one there for whom Rita hadn't picked out
a style. My dress was supposed to be slightly different than the other
bridesmaids-though same in color (a light lavender).
Mina Chaise was a tall blonde with an air of confidence and style that
seemed to encompass everything around her. The icy blue two piece suit
accentuated her wonderful figure. Raye Lampard was as beautiful as Mina, but
in an entirely different way. Her raven hair and red tank dress suited her
figure well. Both women gave me a warm welcome and I was immediately at ease
with them.
I tried on the first dress. It was an off the shoulder satin one with a
rose right above my breasts. As far as I was concerned it had only one
fault-and it was a doosey.
I stepped up to the platform where they all stared at me in a row of
chairs. Rita and the women looking up avidly, Andrew staring out the window,
and Darien staring up into my eyes with that infuriatingly calm mask of his.
"I love it, don't you?" Rita crowed and Raye and Mina chimed their
approval.
I shook my head furiously and crossed my arms over my chest.
Rita looked confused. "But why, Serena?"
I sighed heavily and turned around to reveal the huge bow that covered
my backside. It looked perfectly ridiculous and apparently they agreed
because I suddenly heard roars of laughter. I spun around, hands on my hips,
and found the women smothering giggles. Andrew was not that polite and was
practically rolling on the floor. Darien was by far the worst, thought. He
was smiling the biggest, most idiotic grin I had ever seen. His eyes were
sparkling and even in my livid state I had to admit he looked much better
like that.
"Stop it!" I insisted and fought the childish urge to stamp my foot.
"It isn't that funny." I muttered after it was clear they wouldn't cease
their peals of laughter any time soon. I hiked up the many layers of the
dress and stopped back into the dressing room.
The next dress wasn't as hilarious, but it came pretty close. As I
stared at myself in the mirror, I cringed at the scoop neck dress. At my
waist it poofed out into the most ridiculous circle like ring I had ever
seen.
"Serena?" Rita called. "Are you alright in there?"
I took one look at myself again. "I'm not coming out!"
Mina further coaxed me. "Oh, Serena, it can't be that bad…not as much
as the first one!" And with that I hear gales of laughter come from where
they all sat. "Seriously, Serena, come on. We promise not to laugh."
I slowly came out and climbed up the steps to the pedestal. I glumly
stared at their faces as they took in the awful thing. Darien coughed and
suddenly found the floor fascinating. Andrew's eyes bugged out and the girls
just looked happy they didn't have to wear it.
"Good-bye!" I stomped back down and ran as well as I could back into
the safety of the dressing room.
The last dress was the one I fell in love with. It was a
spaghetti-strapped satin one with an empire waist that besides clinging
lightly to my hips, fell straight down. The criss-cross back was my favorite
feature. It was a bit long, but with heels it would have been just the right
length. I came out and took a deep breath. Slowly stepping up, I clasped my
hands behind my back and awaited the verdict.
The were all silent for a moment until Rita finally shrieked. "Oh, it's
darling, Serena!"
I beamed as Mina and Raye nodded their approval, complete with winning
grins. I shifted my gaze to Darien, nervously. For some reason-which I
couldn't explain if my life depended on it-his opinion mattered the most.
And I was more than satisfied with his response. He remained silent, staring
up at me dazedly. I fought back a smile at his soft face and beautiful eyes
staring into mine.
And then the moment was over. He cleared his throat and went back to
the book he was reading. "You look fine, Serena," he said distractedly. I
was too happy to be disappointed. I had seen the first look he had given me.
The one that had "Wow" written all over it.
I quickly changed back into my normal clothes as Rita picked out the
exact color she wanted our shoes to be dyed in.
"Andrew how many men our going to be up at the alter with you?" Rita
asked sweetly as we all had lunch at a nearby restaurant.
"Just Darien, I assumed," Andrew answered, spearing a green bean
without much interest.
"I know you have more friends that just your brother," Rita scolded and
then turned to Darien. "No offense."
Darien held up his hands. "None taken. I'm always telling the man he
should get out more."
Andrew rolled his eyes and continued to eat. "What difference does it
make?"
"Well, sweetie," Rita began innocently. "I was just thinking how
wonderful it would look if each of my bridesmaids came down the aisle with
your best men."
"But isn't it best man? As in singular?"
Rita sighed, exasperated. I watched with an amused smile as she said
calmly, "Andrew, please don't be difficult."
"But, I'm-"
"Good!" Rita clapped her hands together happily. "Then it's settled.
You'll find two more men for Raye and Mina."
Andrew nodded thoughtfully as he chewed. "I know Chad and Melvin would
be happy to do it. But what about Serena?"
I think I knew where this was all heading and I hadn't completely
decided whether or not it was a good thing.
"Oh, she and Darien have been childhood pals forever, haven't they? It
would only be proper for them to walk down together!" Rita answered
breezily, waving a hand in the air as if it was the most obvious thing in
the world.
Andrew shared a look with both Darien and I and I knew we were all
thinking the same thing. Childhood pals? I wouldn't exactly call the guy who
chased me around the living room until he finally pinned me to the ground
and then threatened to spit in my face "childhood pals". But who where they
to argue with the bride?
I suppose some part of me-probably me heart-was secretly happy to be
arm and arm with Darien. I sneaked a peak at his reaction. Which was-big
surprise-impassive and cool.
So I would be walking down the aisle with Darien Sandborn: my supposed
"childhood chum" and my partner-the next week would definitely prove to be
interesting.
By Karisma
Chapter Four
PG-13
Usual Disclaimers Apply
Chapter Four
I squeezed my eyes shut hard and then let them open, hoping I wouldn't
see him there. But he was. And now he was walking toward me, cell phone put
away, and his eyes focused only on me. Good Lord, he looked good enough to
eat.
Coloring slightly at where my thoughts were leading, I pasted a smile
on my face to greet him with and met him halfway through the terminal. We
stopped once we reached each other, both of us not saying a word.
We headed toward the baggage claim, and still not a syllable had been
uttered between us.
"Hello, Serena." He finally said, his voice deeper and colder than I
had remembered it.
"Hello, Darien," I offered him a slight smile as he grabbed the bag I
had pointed out to be mine with such ease it startled me at first.
We finally headed out to Darien's car and I got in the red convertible
after he unlocked the doors.
I stared at him out of the corner of my eye as we drove off. He stared
straight ahead, jaw set tight, strong arms controlling the wheel with
resigned force. The silence was unnerving and I opted to dismiss it.
"How have you been?" I asked, turning toward him, the night breeze
ruffling through my hair.
"Can't complain," he replied expressionlessly, letting one elbow prop
on the door.
I rolled my eyes at the stimulating conversation he had just provided
and gave up trying. We spent the rest of the car ride encompassed in a airy
silence, neither one of us so much as glancing in the other's direction.
When we finally reached my house, Darien pulled into the four car
garage and I couldn't wait to get out and see someone with a pulse strong
enough to utter more than four words. But as I reached to open the door, I
found it wouldn't budge.
"Darien--" I started and turned to find his hand on the lock button
right next to him. The car seemed to shrink even further as I stared up from
his hard, lean frame to his handsome face. I opened my mouth to continue
speaking when his mouth was suddenly on top of mine, crushing whatever I had
been trying to say. At first the kiss was insistent, hard and demanding, but
as I started my unwitting response, it became softer, more tender.
He pulled away after a moment's time, leaving me slightly startled as I
recovered from the touch of his lips on mine.
He stared at me for a long minute, his silver blue eyes boring into my
lighter ones. "I have been wanting to do that for eight years." And with
that he exited the car, taking out my two heavy bags as if nothing had
happened.
I took a moment longer, straightened my clothes and moistening my
bruised lips, before I followed him inside the house where I was showered
with hugs, kisses, and assaulted with questions. while we sat down to eat
and I answered all of my relatives questions and finally met Rita-a gorgeous
woman with lush, brown hair and baby blue eyes-I felt Darien's gaze locked
unto me, watching my every move. Whenever I made eye contact with him, one
brow was arched in a mocking gesture and a slight smirk quirked that
kissable mouth upward. It was enough to disconcert me while at the same
time, made tingles rush up and down my spine.
As I looked back and forth between the two brothers, I examined how
each of them had changed. Andrew was still the same, actually. Grown quite
handsomer, definitely, but still always laughing and smiling at everything
thrown his way. Andrew still had the sunshine Golden boy looks: dirty blonde
hair that set off his warm, chocolate eyes with every laugh he let out.
Darien, however, was still the opposite of his older brother in every
way. He was slower to give a real smile-one that reached those uniquely
colored eyes. He was as attractive as his brother, but in an entirely
different, non-boy-next-door manner. Darien had a dark, brooding aura
around him that suited his ebony hair and dark tan. Andrew was an open book,
whereas Darien...
"Serena?" Someone called my name and I quickly shook out of my thoughts
and looked up to find Andrew asking me something.
"Oh, I'm sorry. What did you say?" I smiled at Andrew's light laughter
at my spacing out.
"Are you ready to kick your old man out of his business?" He asked,
winking at my father, all the while keeping that broad grin on his face. I
looked over at Rita sitting lovingly beside him and was convinced they made
a darling couple.
"There, there, Andrew. It'll be quite a while until Serena can dethrone
me," my father drawled, and I couldn't help smiling. "But I do expect
Darien to teach her about our company since a certain elder brother suddenly
decided to go off and pursue a dream of making video games!"
My smile flickered and then died out as I shifted my gaze to Darien's
placid face.
"I'm marketing computer software, not video games, and you know Uncle
Bryan!" Andrew bantered, sitting back in his seat and intertwining his hand
with Rita's softer one.
"Wait a minute," I interrupted, blinking rapidly for a few seconds.
"What's all this about our company and Darien?" I shook my head, staring at
my father who suddenly looked a tad bit uncomfortable.
"Well, we wanted it to be a surprise, Serena." He started gruffly,
clearing his throat and tossing the monogrammed napkin down. "You know that
when I started a new company, I was co-operating it with a partner, right?"
I nodded, my father had mentioned it briefly in one of his letters and I
assumed that my father would eventually by the other's side out, with no
hard feelings on both parties' sides. "Well, meet the other half of FS
Enterprises!" He held on his hand, gesturing to someone across the table.
Part of me knew who it was before my father had even finished his sentence,
but I slowly let my gaze trail down my father's arm and to my future
partner.
Sure enough, nonchantantly finishing his apple pie, Darien looked up
and fixed me with a impartial and-for me-infuriatingly calm stare.
Needless to say, I didn't take the news that well. "What?!" I
sputtered, wildly looking around the table for signs that this was all some
welcome back joke or something to that effect. There wasn't any; they were
all completely serious and looking closely for my reaction. "How could you
not tell me this? For two years you build a company-that I will one day
own-or rather co-own-and you leave out this rather large bit of information.
That's wonderful! 'A surprise'! Well, congratulations, Father! I am
surprised," I glared at him and to my dismay he seemed to be taking my
outburst with ease and tranquility.
"I don't see how it is relevant at all," he pacified soothingly. "This
isn't that big of a shock, Serena-"
I exploded. "Isn't relevant!? Of course, it is-"
He continued to speak rationally as if I had never interrupted him.
"This is about you, not Darien. You can do your job, that's all that
matters. You have your degree, you can advertise. Now all you need is the
'training', if you will, around the job-which Darien can provide once you
begin work."
I narrowed my eyes and stood up, "I'm now working for him?"
"Well, Serena, only for now. Soon, you'll be working with him." My
father looked up at me as if I was the world's biggest fool, And perhaps I
was. It shouldn't have bothered me as much as it did, I'd admit that, but
for some reason,
"What am I going to do? Be his secretary?" I bit our sarcastically and
when I saw my father's face I realized I had hit right on. "No, no. You
can't possibly be serious!"
"Serena! I don't see what the problem is, it's just Darien after all."
My father countered, rising himself. We must of look ridiculous, fighting
over everybody's heads. All the table's eyes flickered back and forth, as if
watching a tennis match.
"It isn't 'just Darien'!" I threw my hands in the air and caught
Darien's raised brow leering at me mockingly and I was quick to correct
myself. "I mean it isn't-oh, forget Darien! The fact is you purposely let me
be ignorant of a very vital piece of information that has to do with
business: our next door neighbors are now our partners! And on top of that,
you landed me a job as the secretary of a man I have known since we were in
diapers! This is a tad bit uncomfortable for me, Father." Not to mention a
man who I was just in a very intimate position with, I silently added. It
then me, Darien knew all about this arrangement! He had known and not only
had he hadn't told me, but he also dared to...to...well kiss me!
"Serena, you'll be allowed to sit in meetings and you'll have the
responsibilities of a secretary and much more, I can assure you that. Before
long, you'll know all the tricks of the trade. Then once you land us a
client, you'll have your real job. It's not the worst possible scenario,
Serena." My father sat down and continued his dessert, I reluctantly
following suit and only then did I notice how tired I was. Exhausted,
actually.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. Jet lag's a killer," I smiled
and was about to exit the large dining hall when Darien's taunting voice
called me back.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Serena," he said, a slight smile
tugging the corners of his mouth.
"And why, pray tell, not?" I asked irritably, rubbing my head. I
suddenly had a pounding headache.
"It's barely eight. If you want to beat jet lag, the best thing for you
would be to stay up with all of us." The others nodded their agreement and I
let out a huge sigh and resignedly sat down once again.
Later that evening, we all gathered around our sitting room to watch a
movie that would hopefully keep me awake. By this time, my head was nodding
off every few moments. The film was a utterly stupid, yet entertaining,
romantic comedy about two people who despised each other-yet fell in love.
Original. As if that was actually plausible. If you can't stand someone, you
can't stand someone. You're not going to turn around fall into their arms
with a huge, corny speech on how they had loved each other from day one.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remembered was
waking up the next morning in my old room which was exactly the way I had
left it, thought it felt strangely foreign.
"Serena!" My mother's call echoed through the large house and finally
reached my ears.
"Coming!" I shouted back and shrugged into a white robe. As I ran down
the long staircase, I took in the familiar trinkets and nick nacks that made
this mansion my home. I swung into the dining room and saw my father and
mother sitting at the table and tears pricked the back of my eyes. I hadn't
realized how much I had missed the little things until I saw this familiar
scene unfold. "Good morning, Father." I said cheerily and he looked up,
surprise etched all over his distinguished face. It took me a moment to back
pedal my mind and remember the conflict we had hashed the last evening. I
was still miffed at him for not telling me earlier, but what could be done
now?
"Good morning, Serena." My mother said as Rosaline, our cook at home,
placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. I thanked her and began to
dig in-something I was always very good at. "What time are you going down to
get your gown, dear?"
I froze mid-bite and flicked my head up to the grandfather clock and
nearly screamed. Instead I let out a muffled whimper and let my fork clatter
onto the plate. I jumped up, excused myself hurridly and ran back up the
stairs in record time.
Once in my room, I jumped in the shower and came out faster then
Superman. Getting my clothes out of the luggage was the worst part. I had to
rummage for the right keys, then ruffle through the plethora of clothes I
had brought. Finally, deciding on a white and blue sundress, I shoved on
some sandals and ran a comb through my wet hair.
Running down the stairs once again, I managed to let out a breezy good
bye to my parents before going into the garage. Only to return seconds later
and see my father absently holding out car keys.
Sometimes that man knew me too well.
I raced down to the bridal store and was actually only ten minutes
late.
"Sorry," I breathed, trying to catch my breath.
Rita flashed me a bright smile and winked at me. "We only got here a
few minutes ago ourselves."
I craned my neck and found out exactly who "we" was. It was Rita, two
other attractive, young women I didn't know, Andrew…and Darien. What were
they doing here? More to the point, what was he doing here?
It turned out that Rita had dragged Andrew with her because she felt it
was important to make all the wedding decisions together. Andrew, feeling as
if he was going to be out numbered and possibly ganged up on by the opposite
sex had turned to Darien for the sole reason of safety in numbers.
The other two women, Mina and Raye, had their dresses altered and
picked out already. I was the only one there for whom Rita hadn't picked out
a style. My dress was supposed to be slightly different than the other
bridesmaids-though same in color (a light lavender).
Mina Chaise was a tall blonde with an air of confidence and style that
seemed to encompass everything around her. The icy blue two piece suit
accentuated her wonderful figure. Raye Lampard was as beautiful as Mina, but
in an entirely different way. Her raven hair and red tank dress suited her
figure well. Both women gave me a warm welcome and I was immediately at ease
with them.
I tried on the first dress. It was an off the shoulder satin one with a
rose right above my breasts. As far as I was concerned it had only one
fault-and it was a doosey.
I stepped up to the platform where they all stared at me in a row of
chairs. Rita and the women looking up avidly, Andrew staring out the window,
and Darien staring up into my eyes with that infuriatingly calm mask of his.
"I love it, don't you?" Rita crowed and Raye and Mina chimed their
approval.
I shook my head furiously and crossed my arms over my chest.
Rita looked confused. "But why, Serena?"
I sighed heavily and turned around to reveal the huge bow that covered
my backside. It looked perfectly ridiculous and apparently they agreed
because I suddenly heard roars of laughter. I spun around, hands on my hips,
and found the women smothering giggles. Andrew was not that polite and was
practically rolling on the floor. Darien was by far the worst, thought. He
was smiling the biggest, most idiotic grin I had ever seen. His eyes were
sparkling and even in my livid state I had to admit he looked much better
like that.
"Stop it!" I insisted and fought the childish urge to stamp my foot.
"It isn't that funny." I muttered after it was clear they wouldn't cease
their peals of laughter any time soon. I hiked up the many layers of the
dress and stopped back into the dressing room.
The next dress wasn't as hilarious, but it came pretty close. As I
stared at myself in the mirror, I cringed at the scoop neck dress. At my
waist it poofed out into the most ridiculous circle like ring I had ever
seen.
"Serena?" Rita called. "Are you alright in there?"
I took one look at myself again. "I'm not coming out!"
Mina further coaxed me. "Oh, Serena, it can't be that bad…not as much
as the first one!" And with that I hear gales of laughter come from where
they all sat. "Seriously, Serena, come on. We promise not to laugh."
I slowly came out and climbed up the steps to the pedestal. I glumly
stared at their faces as they took in the awful thing. Darien coughed and
suddenly found the floor fascinating. Andrew's eyes bugged out and the girls
just looked happy they didn't have to wear it.
"Good-bye!" I stomped back down and ran as well as I could back into
the safety of the dressing room.
The last dress was the one I fell in love with. It was a
spaghetti-strapped satin one with an empire waist that besides clinging
lightly to my hips, fell straight down. The criss-cross back was my favorite
feature. It was a bit long, but with heels it would have been just the right
length. I came out and took a deep breath. Slowly stepping up, I clasped my
hands behind my back and awaited the verdict.
The were all silent for a moment until Rita finally shrieked. "Oh, it's
darling, Serena!"
I beamed as Mina and Raye nodded their approval, complete with winning
grins. I shifted my gaze to Darien, nervously. For some reason-which I
couldn't explain if my life depended on it-his opinion mattered the most.
And I was more than satisfied with his response. He remained silent, staring
up at me dazedly. I fought back a smile at his soft face and beautiful eyes
staring into mine.
And then the moment was over. He cleared his throat and went back to
the book he was reading. "You look fine, Serena," he said distractedly. I
was too happy to be disappointed. I had seen the first look he had given me.
The one that had "Wow" written all over it.
I quickly changed back into my normal clothes as Rita picked out the
exact color she wanted our shoes to be dyed in.
"Andrew how many men our going to be up at the alter with you?" Rita
asked sweetly as we all had lunch at a nearby restaurant.
"Just Darien, I assumed," Andrew answered, spearing a green bean
without much interest.
"I know you have more friends that just your brother," Rita scolded and
then turned to Darien. "No offense."
Darien held up his hands. "None taken. I'm always telling the man he
should get out more."
Andrew rolled his eyes and continued to eat. "What difference does it
make?"
"Well, sweetie," Rita began innocently. "I was just thinking how
wonderful it would look if each of my bridesmaids came down the aisle with
your best men."
"But isn't it best man? As in singular?"
Rita sighed, exasperated. I watched with an amused smile as she said
calmly, "Andrew, please don't be difficult."
"But, I'm-"
"Good!" Rita clapped her hands together happily. "Then it's settled.
You'll find two more men for Raye and Mina."
Andrew nodded thoughtfully as he chewed. "I know Chad and Melvin would
be happy to do it. But what about Serena?"
I think I knew where this was all heading and I hadn't completely
decided whether or not it was a good thing.
"Oh, she and Darien have been childhood pals forever, haven't they? It
would only be proper for them to walk down together!" Rita answered
breezily, waving a hand in the air as if it was the most obvious thing in
the world.
Andrew shared a look with both Darien and I and I knew we were all
thinking the same thing. Childhood pals? I wouldn't exactly call the guy who
chased me around the living room until he finally pinned me to the ground
and then threatened to spit in my face "childhood pals". But who where they
to argue with the bride?
I suppose some part of me-probably me heart-was secretly happy to be
arm and arm with Darien. I sneaked a peak at his reaction. Which was-big
surprise-impassive and cool.
So I would be walking down the aisle with Darien Sandborn: my supposed
"childhood chum" and my partner-the next week would definitely prove to be
interesting.