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Got Milk? Chapter 2 (PG) By: Hell's Huntress (DawnVampiress@aol.com)
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" YOU?! " Both Serena and Darien exclaimed upon seeing each other in the area, let alone in the same building.

Mina knitted her brows together in confusion while Andrew grinned. Serena bit her lower lip bitterly while Darien clenched his fists. So much for having a great day so far.

" What are you doing here, " Serena barked, ignoring what Andrew mentioned about Darien being president.

" Actually, the question is....why are YOU here? "

" I'm here to meet the president of the Sherwington Modeling Company, and I find it hard to believe that he's you. "

" Well I am the president, though I believe I came here to meet a model...not a worn out slut. "

" Why you stupid litt-"

" Excuse me? Am I missing something here? " Mina cut in sharply. She didn't exactly like the fact that the conversation was heading somewhere that she wasn't part of. Why was her cousin fighting with that hunky man in front of her? In fact....why was she arguing with her boss?

Serena regained her composure and flashed Mina an apologetic look. " Sorry Mina, but this THING in front of me happens to be- "

" I believe that THING in front of you is suppose to be your new boss, am I right? " She remarked, feeling ashamed of her cousin's new behavior. She knew that Serena was deffinatly not making a good impression on the first day, and she was deffinatly not one to blow up like this.

Serena sighed and nodded. " Unfortunatly, yes he is my boss. However, he also happens to be the man that I met in the grocery.....the one I told you about. "

Mina's jaw dropped to the ground upon hearing the unexpected information. " No way! That hunk of a man is your new boss?! "

Darien cleared his throat upon hearing what he was address as. Andrew smirked. Mina's hand flew to her mouth when she realized what she just said. However, her interrogations had to come first.

Serena rolled her eyes before flashing Darien a quick glare. " Yeah...that "hunk of a man" is my new boss....and new rival. Though he doesn't seem to have a big hunk of a brain. "

" I resent that remark! "

" Whoa, hold it you two. We came here for business...not for cat fights. If we can't get along right now then perhaps we might as well sit down and chill out over a glass of lemonade. Or we could always quit this whole thing and loose big money, " Andrew remarked, knowing very well that reminding them of their purpose would calm them down.

Sending a few more quick glares in each other's direction, Serena and Darien sat themselves down in the soft seats around the table Andrew reserved. Neither one of them were quite sure how to act in front of each other, especially now that they were seated at the same table. Not only was their cat fight a terrible display, but it could've ruined their reputation as well.

Clearing his throat, Andrew began his little introduction speech....but not before flashing Mina a smile. Mina blushed like a tomato but luckily, she managed to hold her composure.

" So, " Andrew began, reverting his attention back to the annoyed "couple" before him. " As you can see, our company is proud to be sponsoring you, Ms. Parker. We are very proud of having a new president, "

Serena wanted to protest about that last part of his sentence, but refrained from doing so.

".....and we plan to build high mountains for us to climb. Having you work with us is an honor, Ms. Parker. I can already tell you that I look foreward to the next events in our career. "

Serena gratefully smiled at Andrew but kept her eyes away from Darien's own blue spheres. This only got him upset. First she argued with him, and now she was ignoring him?! So much for "honor" of having her work for the company....

" As the new vice president of The Sherwington Modeling Company, I am here to assist you with any needs that you have. I am here to help you with your modeling business, along with the other models, and I am here to dictate to you what your first tasks as a model will be. Darien Chiba, being the company's new president, will be planning your schedules, work, designers, etc. and I am to tell you those things for him. "

Serena cocked her brow and for the first time since the speech began, she looked at Darien who was smirking at her in triumph. Not only will she have to respect and obey him, but she must also have him direct her career?!

Muttering to herself, Serena shifted uncomfortably in her seat before focusing her attention back to Andrew.

" Ms. Parker, I will be giving you a small handbook that will tell you about the rules and other basic information about our company. It gives you the names of our company's staff and models, and a list of the shows that we will be participating in. Our handbook changes every year, since many major events change in this certain time as well. I suggest you read it at home so you will be aware of our company's expectations and other related subjects. "

Serena smiled weakly at Andrew who handed her a small green book. Quickly skimming through it, Serena flipped a few pages and discovered a few pictures of other models and certain shows. Perhaps this was going to be a bit tougher than she thought.

The afternoon passed rather slowly for the foursome, since the introduction seemed to take up a rather long while. There were obvously many requirements, and Andrew's explanation was only revolving around the basic ones.

Andrew did most of the talking, Serena could only listen, Mina had her eyes glued on Andrew the whole time, and Darien........Darien simply smirked and gave a few sentences to the speech. He was obviously not a man of many words when it vame to events like this.

" So I hope that you will enjoy our company, Ms. Parker. Please read the handbook tonight and perhaps you should grab as much rest as you can. The first day of work can pretty hectic at times...especially if you're not familiar with it. "

Serena smiled at Andrew before standing up for a handshake. " I'm sure I will enjoy it. It sounds...wonderful, " she inwardly cringed at the last word. Liar! How could it be wonderful? Stupid Serena. Really smooth and stupid, she cursed herself.

" Well then, we shall see you tomorrow at our company at 7 a.m. Work starts at around 7:15 and it could last all the way till 10 at the most. We don't really go any later than that unless there's a major event going on. Let's just say we want you there about 15 minutes early to get ready. There's a piece of paper in your handbook that gives you directions to our company building from City Hall. I'm sure this will be a succesful business, " Andrew grinned.

Serena smiled and turned to Darien. The two stared at each other for a moment before hesitantly giving a cold and quick handshake. " See you tomorrow, Mr. Blake, " Serena barked. Darien nodded and smirked one of his annoying smirks once again. " Don't be late, Ms. Parker, " he bit back.

Serena glared at him and turned toward to Mina, signaling her to come along. However, she found Mina and Andrew lost in each other's eyes, smiling like frozen idiots. Grinning to herself, Serena slightly shook Mina's arm, snapping her out of her dream world.

" You're very rude, Ms. Parker. How could you even think about bothering your cousin? " Darien drooled, knowing very well that another arguement was heating up.

Serena cocked her brow at Darien. " Excuse me? "

" What are you....deaf? Mina was obviously invovled in something else. It was very rude of you to snap her out of her business. You should try minding your own work, Serena. "

" What?! I am NOT deaf. I have very good hearing, thank you, and I was not rude! Of course I had to snap her out of her dreamworld, since we have to leave. It's what anyone else would do. Maybe YOU should try minding your own business nextime. By the way....it's Ms. Parker to you. "

" I can call you whatever I want. I'm your boss now, remember? "

" Some boss you are! I can't even believe you were even chosen to be in charge...."

" Well, I was. I, myself, can't believe that you are chosen for our company. "

" Well it's not my fault if you picked me. "

" I didn't pick you. My father did, though I don't know why. "

" Well then I pity your father, not because he chose me, but because he has you as his son! "

" Watch your mouth, Serena. You can get fired. "

" Fired right when I'm hired? For what? For pointing out the truths about a snotty guy like you? "

" No....for disrespecting your own boss. "

" Well then I guess you should be removed from your position as president since you are disrespecting one of your models, you snake. "

" I may be a snake but at least I'm not as hairy as a gorilla. "

" Well at least I don't look like one! "

" Talk about brainless monkeys. "

" You should talk, you immature c-"

A bright flash interrupted their arguement. A man wearing a black cloak took a picture of the arguing couple before running off. Mina's brows knitted together in confusion while Andrew's eyes went wide in terror.

" Shit! " Darien cursed audibly, now fully aware of what just happened.

Serena wanted to ask him why he was so upset over that picture, but she refrained from doing so. Her features already displayed interrogation.

" What was that all about? " Mina asked.

" Paparatzi, " Darien muttered. " This incident is going to be posted on front pages everywhere. "

Mina's eyes widened in shock. " You mean....that guy was from the media? He took a picture of us for the newspapers? "

" Deffinatly. This is going to be a major scoop for him. Not only do we have a hundred eyes in this place on us, but the whole world will know about this. Imagine, the newly elected president and model for the Sherwington Modeling Company are having an arguement. The media will love this...." Darien groaned before turning back to Serena.

" You see what you did? Thanks to you, we now have the media on our backs, and we haven't even started any major business yet. "

" Thanks to me?! Excuse you, Darien! I was about to leave earlier but you stopped me. If you hadn't made all those immature remarks in the first place then this wouldn't have happened! You can't blame me. I wasn't the one who butted into someone else's business. "

Darien was about to reply but Andrew cut in. " C'mon now, you two. Just please stop it. We already have our picture stolen for the newspaper. I don't think we need another one. If we want things to work out and not get worse, then we have to refrain from arguements. If not for your sakes then for for the company's sake. "

Darien and Serena shot each other one more quick glare before turning around to leave. Grabbing Mina's wrist, Serena quickly walked out of the hotel while Darien did the same to Andrew. Looks like their career isn't going to be that good after all.

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" Yes Ms. Standford, I'm afraid that my boss is beyond terrible, " Serena moaned in depression. Ms. Standford pitied the poor girl, though she didn't exactly see how Mr. Blake could be that rude. From what almost the entire population of people in the country knew, Mr. Blake wasn't exactly a man to pick arguements with people he didn't know. The only time things like these happened was when someone was bothering him, and Serena wasn't one to do that.


" So you're saying that you don't want to accept the job then? "

" Well...not exactly. It's not that actually. I do want the job, and I guess I'm sticking to it, but-"

" But you don't like having Mr. Blake as your boss? "

" Deffinatly not, " Serena sighed hopelessly while sulking down into her chair. It was eight in the evening and she had just finished eating her dinner. She still had to buy enough time to prepare her things for work the following day, plus she still has to grab some sleep. However, just thinking of the horror the next day would bring was enough to keep her awake for eternity.

" Well then, perhaps you should just try to ignore Mr. Blake's remarks and just continue with your tasks as a model. He can't blame you for not wanting to have another arguement. "

" That's true, Ms. Standford. I guess I'll do that....."

" Good. Now I must leave, Ms. Parker. I still have to close the building before I head home. My husband's probably waiting for me by now. He told me he'd be home early yesterday. "

" Alright then. "

" Before you go, let me just double check your new schedule. Your ballet classes will be moved to seven in the evening during Saturdays only right? "

" Yeah. I'm gonna have to buy more time for modeling now that I'm actually part of a huge company. I just hope my students will understand...."

" Oh, I'm sure they will, but didn't you say that your work ends at ten in the evening? "

" It does.....on weekdays only. I read the handbook Mr. Johnson gave me and it mentioned something here about early dismissal during weekends. So I guess I can leave early during Saturdays. "

" Alright. I'll see you on Saturday then, Ms. Parker. "

" See you then. Thank you. "

" You're welcome. Goodbye. "

" Bye....."

Serena returned her phone in it's cradle and helplessly stared at her clock. Eight o' five........ looks like tomorrow is approaching sooner than she expected.

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The cool morning air blew against her face as walked down the deserted sidewalk. Very few people were awake at such an early time, and she had to be one of them. However, she didn't regret it. Looking at her wrist watch, she grinned upon seeing the time. 6:45......Perfect. She was deffinatly going to impress Mr. Blake with her early attendance.

Walking in a coffee shop, she sat herself down on one of the stools in front of the counter table and waited for a waiter to take her order. Only a few other people were inside and most of them were men. They had their eyes glued on her. Smirking to herself, the malicious female tossed her hair back and crossed her legs, exposing her thighs. A girl could get used to this much attention.

She had walked in that morning to grab a cup of coffee with milk. She could never stand plain coffee. If she was going to drink that type of beverage then she might as well make it taste good. Coffee without milk was too aweful for her. Besides, she needed it right now. She could still spare enough time before she got to work. After all, the building was right in front of the coffee shop.

" Would you like something to eat ma'am, " a young waiter interrogated, taking note of her well defined body. The woman rolled her eyes. " Well of course I want something, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Get me some coffee with milk. "

The waiter cocked his brow at her rude order before jotting it down. " Anything else? "

" I don't recall saying I had anything else to order. "

" Alright then, " he muttered before turning on his heels to leave. Women these days, he thought bitterly. (AN: No offense to all readers of my gender. ^^'')

All the other men in the room disapproved of her behavior as well, though they still couldn't take their eyes off her body. For all they knew, she was just playing hard to get.

A few minutes had passed and the waiter came back with her cup of coffee. He didn't exactly look too comfortable having to serve her.

" Took you long enough. " She barked.

Knitting his brows together, the waiter fought to hold his patience. " Sorry, but I had other guests to serve. "

" Ladies come first, you know. "

" Well in case you haven't noticed, you're the not the only lady in here you know. You can't expect to get all the attention you want. "

The woman frowned at his rude remark and was about to answer back when she noticed his mezmerized expression. His body seemed to be frozen in place while his eyes were glued on a certain spot. His mouth was slightly ajar while a small smile slowly rose to his lips.

She took note of the other men in the room who had the same expressions as well. Their attention was no longer focused on her.

Turning around in anger, her eyes widened upon seeing who stood by the coffee shop's door. A blonde female stood there with a body that was probably even better than hers. With long, creamy legs, golden hair, sky blue eyes, and a very slim waist, she was a goddess.

The blonde female walked in and blushed under all the men's gazes. Biting her lip in embarassment, she walked up to the counter table and grabbed a stool that was three stools away from where the other woman was sitting. The waiter who instantly took note of this, quickly walked up to the blonde female and smiled. " May I take your order miss? "

Serena smiled sweetly and nodded. " Yes, I'de like to have some coffee with milk for take-out please. " The waiter, feeling more comfortable with the respectful request, jotted it down quickly.
" Is there anything else you'de like me to get for you? "

" No thank you. "

Leaning on her elbows, Serena shifted uncomfortably upon feeling all the people's gazes on her. Not only was it scary and flattering enough to have all these men practically drooling over her, but she also had a fiery tempered female's gaze on her. The woman beside her seemed to be muttering jealous curses.

" Here you go, " The waiter called out while handing her a bag. " That will be a dollar twenty, ma'am. " Serena pulled out two dollars and handed him the bills. " Keep the change, " she smirked before gracefully walking out of the coffee shop.

The waiter sighed almost audibly but instantly cleared his throat upon remembering the other woman in front of him. Frowning, he walked over to her to charge her with her bills. " That will be a dollar twenty ma'am, " he remarked.

The woman stuck her hand in her purse in search of bills. Much to her bad luck, she found that she only had a check with her and no cash. Growling, she annoying smiled at the waiter who cocked his brow. " Do you accept checks, honey? "

The waiter silently snorted and shook his head. " Sorry but we accept cash only. "

" Well what do you want me to do?! I only have a check with me. "

" Then that is your problem, miss. Not mine. "

Growling in frustration, she leaned over the counter and pulled the waiter's collar. " Get your manager....now! "

The waiter felt rather intimidated by her but held his composure. " He's not here, miss. You'll just have to wash the dishes. "

" What?! I just painted my nails last night, and I am not going to ruin them all because of some detergent crap....."

" We don't exactly use detergent for washing the dishes ma'am. We use dish liquid....not soap for clothes. "

" It makes no difference. I'm not going to wash! "

" Well ma'am you have an option. You could either wash the dishes from this very minute till seven thirty, or I could call the cops and have them make you pay an even bigger sum of money. "

" You can't do that! "

The waiter smirked and tapped his finger upon a red button on the counter. " Well this button calls security...."

Growling in frustration, the woman stomped around the counter and burst through the kitchen doors, leaving a smirking waiter and a stunned audience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

" Excuse me, ma'am? "

" Yes, miss? How may I help you, " an elederly woman looked up from behind the information booth.

" I'de like to know where I'm supposed to meet Mr. Darien Blake. I'm supposed to be working with him today but I had no idea that this place is so huge. I'm lost, and I don't know where or how to start. "

The woman chuckled. " You must be Serena Parker, am I right? "

" Yes ma'am, I am. Has Mr. Blake given you orders about me? "

" As a matter of fact, he did. He wanted me to tell you to go to his office. You'll find that at the fifteenth floor, section "Ib." Once you find that section, you are to enter and knock on his office door. There are people up there who will help you. "

" Alright, thank you ma'am. "

" Mrs. Harris will do. "

" Alright...thank you Mrs. Harris. "

" You're welcome, Ms. Parker. "

Giving her a quick smile, Serena entered the elevator and clicked 15. From the looks of the buttons, it seemed as if the fifteenth floor was the top floor. There were no other upper floors following it. That must be where all the important staff members are, she figured.

The ride was a smooth one though it seemed rather long. Even though the elevator carried a soft scent of fresh roses, that didn't calm down her beating heart. The elevator doors were actually mirrors that allowed her to see herself when they closed. This allowed her to observe her reflection and check if she was presentable enough.

Satisfied, Serena confidently walked out of the elevator doors when it reached the top floor. Smiling to herself, she allowed her eyes to roam around her new surroundings. The whole building smelled fresh, and everything was bright and clean. She felt as if she were in an airport rather than a business company.

The distinct smell of coffee enlightened her senses as she passed a coffee machine that was brewing coffee that minute. Perhaps someone turned it on so that it would be fresh by the time more people came in.

Her thoughts had been so lost in their own little world that it took her a moment or two to realize that she had just passed section "Ib." Biting her lip, she turned around and kept a sharp eye for the section. Not missing it this time, she turned a corner and walked into the hall. Two more coffee machines and three boxes of freshly baked doughnuts were set on a table that stood beside the walls. Beside it stood a plant while another stood across.

The hall was rather long.....probably enough to hold about ten people lined up while laying down. It must've cost a fortune to pay for all this, she thought in awe. If this was the life of a model everyday at work, then she might just love it.

Increasing her pace, she held her shoulders back and smiled in relief when she found two huge glass doors in front of her.....probably seven feet tall.

Taking a deep breath, she took a step and nearly gasped when the doors opened on their own. Regaining her composure in just one second, she walked inside the huge room, mentally cursing and laughing at her stupidity. She was so nervous that she didn't even notice that the doors had no handles. Besides, they were glass. Perhaps she should've expected it.

Walking inside, Serena took note of the many stares the people gave her. It seemed as if only some of the staff were already present, since she could still see empty desks.

Staff members looked up from their compartments and even scooted their chairs a bit to watch her. There were couches within the building in which a few models sat, eyeing her suspiciously. Some of the male members grinned at her while others simply smiled and turned back to work. Obviously, those men had their girlfriends. However, others still managed to get hit by some of the female members.

Walking passed their desks, she took note of two other doors within the room. One labeled Andrew's name, while the other labeled Darien's. Walking up to Darien's office door, she raised a hand to knock but quickly hesitated. A femenine voice called out from behind a desk beside the door, " Excuse me miss, you can't enter until Mr. Blake knows you've arrived. Do you have a meeting with him? "

Serena turned to face the raven haired woman behind the counter and smiled. " Actually, I'm suppose to be a new model working for him. Mrs. Harris from downstairs told me he wanted me to meet him at his office. "

" Oh, so you must be Serena Parker, " she exclaimed.

At this, all eyes in the room fell upon her. Whispers could be heard within the air while a few jealous glares were cast upon her. The rest were either friendly or curious.

" Um....I take it everyone is expecting me, " she remarked feeling embarassed.

The woman laughed and extended her arm for a handshake. " Yeah, I guess you could say that. I'm Rei Hino, Mr. Blake's secretary and cousin. "

Serena accepted the handshake and smiled. " Nice to meet you Rei. I'm.... well, I guess you know who I am. "

Rei grinned. " Yep, me and everyone else in this building. Mr. Blake told us that we'd be having a new model with our company. It's usually Mr. Johnson who picks the models, but when Mr. Blake's father....the other Mr. Blake, chose you to be the new model, everyone here got excited. He never really picks anyone himself unless they're really good, and Mr. Johnson even told us that he sounded very excited over telling his son about you. "

Serena cocked her brow. " So I guess that's why everyone's eyes are on me, " she turned around to look at everyone and smiled at those who smiled at her. Much to her surprise, a few women even waved.

" Yes, that's basically it. I guess you're popular on the first day. No wonder Mr. Blake wanted to meet you personally in his office. He wanted me to send you in the moment you got here, though I think I didn't do that, " Rei bit her lip in embarassment.

Serena laughed nervously, wondering if Darien was anxious to see her in a good way, or a bad one. " Well then, just ask him if I may come in. He'll never know I arrived a few minutes ago. "

Rei shrugged, " We may have sound proof doors but Mr. Blake has his ways of knowing things. Either way, you might as well go in. I don't think he'd care if you didn't ask.....at least not with you. "

Serena smiled gratefully, though she wasn't exactly comfortable upon being popular on the first day. People were already treating her differently in a good way....sort of. If she didn't know any better, she'd swear that this would lead right to jealousy the following day if there weren't any friendly people with the staff.

Clutching the handle bars, Serena knocked thrice before entering. Shutting the heavy doors behind her, she walked over to the green marble desk in front of her, and waited for the chair behind it to turn around.

Tapping her right index finger upon her left wrist, she waited for Darien who was obviously sitting on the chair to turn around so that she may face him. It seemed to take a long time, and she was beggining to wonder if he even knew she was there. The chair's back was still facing her and no words escaped her throat.

Silence......

Still Silence.......

Shifting from her right leg to her left, Serena absently stared at her wrist watch. Why didn't she say something? Was she too nervous?

" I see you've arrived early, Ms. Parker, " a strong, masculine voice greeted from behind her, causing her to squeek. Jolting around, Serena was greeted by a smirking Darien who was actually making himself some coffee on the table that stood beside the door.

Frowing, Serena forced a calm smile and nodded. " Yes, I have. You told me to come early so I did. After all, I couldn't be late. " Now it was her turn to smirk.

Darien chuckled and gestured toward a forest green couch. " Please have a seat. "

Serena did as she was told and crossed her legs, ready for business. Darien grabbed his chair from behind his desk so that he faced Serena when he sat down. " Coffee? " He asked, stirring his beverage.

" No thanks. I just had my morning coffee, " she stated. Darien was about to make another witty remark but refrained from doing so. He fought to keep his mind on what they were really here for.....business.

" Well then, you are obviously here for your modeling business. This means that you are representing our company and you are going to do exactly as you are told by our photographers and head members. You are allowed to choose between a selection of clothes given to you, depending on the occasion, and you are to keep up with your schedule. All the clothes and shoes that you wear will be yours after you use them. "

Serena wanted to smile upon hearing this but maintained a formal appearance. " Alright. "

" This whole building has rooms for photo shoots, videos, shows, clothes selection, designer rooms, and others. These are basic rooms you'll find yourself in everyday. I'm sure I don't have to explain to you what the photo shoot rooms are for. For the videos, if we ever have to make small commercials then you are to film them within the video room. All the clothes you'll ever need are in the clothes selection room, and as a model, you automatically have your own compartment of clothes that change every week. There are clothes for every occassion in there....kinda like a locker room except it's way bigger. This means that for every clothing you wear, you'll have a new all the time. "

" I see, " she absently replied, wondering if her wardrobe was big enough to fit them all. Perhaps Mina should enjoy them as well.

" The show room contains our stages. We have two of those here and if we want to introduce new designes to the audience, we show them through shows. Some companies might want to put up a show using our stages, which gives us more money. The designer room is where you meet up with your designers, photographers, and directors. Let's just say it's a meeting room for you and whoever's in charge with your certain tasks. I pick the designers for you. "

Serena uncrossed her legs and crossed them again using the other leg this time. From the way he was explaining things, it seemed as if she would have to practically run everywhere in the building, depending on her schedule.

" Now, I have just explained the basic rooms. You can figure out the rest within the next week. I am assigning certain models to help you on your first two weeks of career with us, since everything might be rather complicated for new commers. For each task that you have, you are to be partnered with a model who happens to work at that task at that certain time. Let's just say we're back in high school when you have to run around for your different subjects, and a student from your class tutors you with a certain subject. It's the same, except this time, things are a bit harder. "

Serena nodded and shifted in her seat. Darien took note of her crossed legs before focusing on their conversation again.

" Now, your first task is to memorize all the rooms here, where they are located, what their purpose is, and what the rules are. Within the next two weeks, I expect you to know these since your first jobs as a model will start right after these weeks. I will assign you a model right now to give you the tour. "

Pressing a button on his desk, Darien waited for his secretary to answer. " Yes sir, " Rei's voice replied through the speaker. " Rei, I want you to send one of the models downstairs up here to help Ms. Parker. "

" Yes, sir. "

Leaning back against his chair, Darien waited for Rei to reply. A heavy silence coated the room as the two characters stiffly sat in front of each other. Neither one knew what to do or say in front of each other. It's as if they were strangers.

The silence wasn't one of those comfortable ones in which all you had to do was wait. It was more than that. Darien was worried if the model they were going to choose was going to be a snotty one. He didn't exactly want someone to torment Serena......wait a second! Of course he did! Here he was sitting in front of his enemy so of course he'd want her life tormented. Enemies were suppose to torment each other....so why should he care?

Serena bit her lip in anticipation. She was beggining to wonder if all the models here were nice. So far, only female and male staff memebers smiled.....none of the other models said hello. Who knows what the other models would do. In fact, what would she do now that she was working in this company with a boss she couldn't help but feel disgusted and attracted to? She was feeling nervous upon wondering what the next few years of her life here would be......if she survived.

" Sir, Ms. Beryl Ruth is here, " Rei's voice cut the silence through the intercom. For some reason, her voice sounded disapproving, disgusted, yet a bit afraid.

Darien frowned in disappointment, but he couldn't send Beryl back down now. Didn't any of his staff members in the lower floors know how to pick a good model? Of all the models, why did they have to pick one of...or probably the worst model of all? With an attitude like Beryl's, he was beggining feel frightened for Serena. He hated to admit it...but Serena was going to need a better model to help her out if she were going to last.

Feeling hopeless, Darien clicked the speaker button and gave Rei permission to let the snake enter. Right after he finished his sentence, Beryl burst through the doors, looking terribly harassed. Anger was deffinatly evident on her face and her red hair was tangled. Her nail polish seemed to be chipped off while a tiny soap bubble sat in peace on her wrist.

Serena arched both of her brows at Beryl while Darien choked back a laugh. Beryl took note of his unwanted laughter and frowned. However, she did not notice that Serena was in the room. She was in too much rage of having her plans to impress Darien ruined.

Clearing his throat, Darien stood up and smiled at Beryl. " Good morning, Ms. Ruth. "

" Good morning, Mr. Blake, " she barked.

Darien cocked his brow and stared at her in disapproval, causing her embarassment to finally catch up to her. Realizing that she was just about to make things worse, Beryl bit her lower lip and put on a show of regretful innocence. " Mr. Blake, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't mean to come in looking like this. You see, I had to wash some dishes.......back at home since I forgot to wash them last night, " she lied, hoping that he'd buy it.

Darien didn't buy any of it. He wanted to ask her why she couldn't just do it later that night, why she even had dishes when she always ate out every evening, and how a soap bubble managed to survive on her wrist this long. If it were only for about five minutes, then that would be rather reasonable...but this?

Clearing his throat again, Darien just choked back all interrogations and nodded as a sign that he understood her. " Apology accepted Ms. Ruth, now please forget about this and set your mind on business. I've called you up here because we have a new model, and I want you to show her around this place for the next two weeks. "

" Oh...." Beryl stated, not really believing what she just heard. " Is-is that it? "

" Yes, that's it. "

Beryl frowned. She came up here feeling excited about talking to Mr. Blake and he needed her all because of this?!

" That isn't any trouble, is it? " Darien asked, masking his face with a slight touch of inocence as well.

" No, " she remarked sweetly before turning to look for the model.

Darien knew what she was doing and smirked, " The model's on the couch. Serena, meet Beryl Ruth. Beryl Ruth, meet our company's new model, Serena Parker. "

Beryl turned to look at Serena. She remembered that girl. She was the girl that stole all her attention at the coffee shop......she'll pay dearly for doing that. Beryl may have gotten attention but it wasn't the attention she wanted. Serena stole all the good parts.

A flash of anger crossed her features but it was instantly covered by a cold smile. Beryl slyly walked up to Serena and grinned. " Hello, Ms. Parker. "

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Author's Notes: No, Beryl the witch has risen! Behold, she's actually beautiful enough to be a model here. What's that snake gonna do to poor Serena?

Anyhow, sorry I had to stop here but I couldn't exactly go on any furthur now. As I have said, I am rather sick though I'm getting better now. I still have a fever but I'm surviving. :)

Thank you so much to all the people that reviewed my work. I hope you find this fanfic good enough. I'm really sorry for any spelling errors that I have created in here. It's really hard to spot them all, especially in my condition. If you don't know why I'm sick then please read the author's notes above. Sometimes things like an author's notes can be important.

Now, I have another problem with my computer. If you look at the top of your screen on the Home page, you'll see a small, rectangle box that has another similar box beside it. One of them says Author, Title, or whatever, while the box beside it is blank. I've searched for my name using that box but nothing happened. With other authors, their fanfics come out, but mine doesn't. :( If anyone knows how to fix this then please email me telling me how to fix it or what the problem is. I'm hoping other authors have experienced this as well and managed to fix it. I'de really like to know. Thanks.

Now, I'm afraid I won't be sending in chapter 3 any time soon. Christmas is comming up, plus a family friend is comming over to my place, so my family and I are taking her all over San Fransisco. ( I live in CA )These are the reasons why I'm trying to feel better so please understand that chapter 3 probably won't be out until the end of the month. However, I will get it out as soon as I can. I will do my best.

So thank you very much for listening everyone and until nextime, I'll see you then. You guys are the best readers ever, and you're part of the reason why I'm feeling better. :) Happy Holidays!