Hey readers! This is my first fanfic! Yay! Okay... the usual procedure:
Sailor Moon doesn't belong to me (I wish!) and never will. It belongs to
Naoko and whatever company she granted right to. I, on the other hand
are among all those poor starving authors who write fanfiction and don't
earn money off it. Anyway... don't copy my story or you're going to pay!
(laughs hysterically).
To prevent flames on me, I just want to say that this story is inspired
my Judith Michael's "Sleeping Beauty". A good read, too! Don't worry,
You probably are sick of my babbling now, so on with the story! On yeah,
one more thing, this is rated PG13 - R (more PG13, though. Just watch
for some parts).
Falling Chapter 3 by Angelica (that's me! ^_^) sailoryaoli@hotmail.com
Rated: PG 13 - R
note : indicates thoughts
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder...
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger...
May you never one single step for granted...
God forbid lover never leave you empty handed...
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean...
Whenever one door closes...
I hope one more opens...
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance...
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...
I hope you dance...
Lee Ann Womack "I Hope You Dance"
Serena sat in her office, fiddling with the letter in her hands.
It was the letter from her father. She had waited until now because she
was too scared to read it. Biting her bottom lip anxiously, she opened
and began to read:
Dearest Serena,
When you read this, I must've already passed away.
I've been informed by the doctor that I have colorectal
Cancer. When I am writing this, the cancer had already
spread to the liver. I am positive that I am to die soon.
I have already requested that the chemotherapy is to be
stopped. I give up. But Serena, how I long to see your
face again. I've heard about your success and I congratulate
you. I have always wanted to call you up, but I feel
that I don't deserve your forgiveness for what I've done.
I know my mistake. James did hurt you, in every way I've
imagined. I'm sorry, Serena. You are my only daughter.
I have always loved you. Please Serena, take care of
Thorten, Inc. I had no choice but to give it to you. James
don't deserve it. Trust Darien, he is a good man and
will help you. You will work well together.
Love always,
Dad
"No! Why didn't you tell me?" Serena managed to choked out, gentle
teardrops splattering down the letter, blotching the ink. She wanted to
scream, but don't have the voice. For the first time, she truly missed her
father.
"Why?" She cried out louder in fury, grabbing a nearby cup and hurled
it toward a nearby wall. It shattered into a billion pieces. Finally her body
collapsed in trembling sobs. She was shaking, tears spilling out of her
eyes. Her heart felt like stone. It was five o'clock.
Darien decided to check up on Serena, telling her the workday is already
done and that she should prepared for the social. She's a mystery, he
thought, thinking about her. He had never felt to attached to anyone before.
He had found himself unwillingly drift back to her several times during the
day. He thought about her smile, the wistful look in her eyes, her voice.
Why does he feel like this? It was so strange...
"Serena?" He called, waiting for an answer. There was none. Quietly, he
opened the door. Blue eyes widened at the picture. On the fine cream carpet
was the remains of a cup, broken pieces everywhere. Serena laid huddled in
a corner, her hair everywhere. She was sobbing. THAT, was not what he
expected.
"Are you all right," he said, hesitating. He was not prepared for this,
and therefore don't know what to say. Bending down, he looked at her face.
It was lined with streaks of tears falling from her red, swollen eyes. He
pitied her. His heart bled at the sight of her like that. What happened?
Her mind hazy by her sobbing, she felt arms around her. Dimly she noticed a
familiar pair of stormy blue eyes...
"Come on, I'll drive you home," he soothed, stroking her soft hair. His
arms rocked her back and forth. They were like that for a quite a while. He
waited for her to catch her breath. She sighed, wiping her eyes with her
sleeves.
"I look horrible," she mumbled, trying to wipe her nose as well. Wrapping
his arms around her, he nudged her out the door. No, Serena... you look
beautiful.
"I'm sorry to trouble you," she said, standing near her apartment door,
looking at the patterns of the carpet... which seems to look extremely
interesting all of the sudden. He reached out his hand, gently tilting her
chin to meet her eyes.
"It's all right. Remember the social today at 8 o'clock," he reminded,
smiling a wistful smile.
"Well..."
"Well..."
"I better get ready..."
"Yeah... I'll pick you up at 8."
"8 it is..."
Each smiling awkwardly, they parted. Serena stared at his retreating
figure. Giving another sigh, she went back to her apartment.
"Stupid!" She half-shouted at her reflection, splashing her face with
cold water. Why did she lose control? How can she face Darien Shields again?
Wiping her face with a towel, she looked at the mirror again, her mood
lightening. Her puffy eyes had decided to disappear. Grinning triumphly,
she ran her comb through the golden locks. After putting them in "meatballs",
she searched through her closet, finally finding a soft salmon colored tank
dress. It was a simple dress and is made of satin. Finding two ribbons in
a matching color, she gave her buns bows. So far so good.
After spending some while with her mirror, Serena inspected herself.
Silver eyeshadow graced her eyes and light pink lipstick revealed a soft
pout. Hearing the doorbell, she jumped up, getting the door. He was
handsome... very handsome. A simple white shirt and black pants. Yup!
That was it. Very casual... She felt her heart pound at the sight of him.
The way his raven hair draped over his eyes seductively. Damn her hormones!
She had never felt so passionate toward anyone before. This is Darien Shields,
the man you declared to hate! She scolded herself. She could almost
picture Mina's gloating face. But she couldn't help it... especially when he
held her while she was crying... his arms made her feel so safe... she always
declared herself independent, not needing comforting arms to run to. She
wanted to run to him... she wanted him to be her hero... the one who always
rescues her... Her face flushed slightly at her thoughts. He doesn't feel
anything for her... he probably thinks she's a child. She felt saddened by
this. Silly girl! Darien Shields will never be interested in you!With that,
she wiped all her lovestruck thoughts from her mind.
"Ready?" Serena could only nod as she headed out the door.
"Oh wow! This guy's loaded!" She exclaimed as she stepped out of the
car. Serena was glad she could get some fresh air. The silence in the
car was killing her! She giggled. The night was working it's magic on her.
She hadn't felt this happy and carefree since she was 11. The breeze ran
through her blond hair, caressing her silky strands. Grabbing ahold of
Darien's hand, she gracefully began to ascend the stone steps.
"Hello, Mr. Shields!" A cheerful voice called out. It belonged to
Mr. Maven, the owner of Maven Medical Supplies. He was a kind looking
man with white hair and sparkling blue eyes. If my father was alive,
he'll look like him... Serena observed, feeling sadness descended
upon her heart like a stone.
"Hello, Mr. Maven! This is Serena Thorten," Darien introduced. The
old man's eyes fell upon Serena.
"Hello..." she managed to blurt out, a faraway look still apparent
in her eyes. Turning red at Darien's look of confusion, she grinned
cheerfully, as she looked around. Excitement was in the air. She felt
giddy.
"How do you do?"
"Huh? Sorry... it's just that everything here gives off a spell,"
Serena explained, looking embarrassed. Mr. Maven chuckled. The three
chatted for a while longer and Mr. Maven mentioned something about meeting
on Wednesday for a signing. They got the deal!
Feeling a need of air, Serena decided to walk to the balcony, looking
at the millions of stars spreading out above her. Closing her eyes briefly
to feel the night air around her, she opened them, awestruck to see a
shooting star.
"I wish... that I can have happiness someday," she said to herself
dreamily. Her eyes glazed over as she clasped her hand in front of her,
dreaming of the day she'll find a family to belong to...
"You are not happy?" A husky voice said from behind her. Serena
practically jumped up into the air. He was so close... she could feel
his breath on her neck.
"No... I'm not."
"Why not?"
"Um..." Serena stalled, unsure of what to say. Part of her wanted to
poor her wounded heart to him, but she knew she couldn't. Why should he
care about her life?
"I've noticed... what are you hiding, Serena?" He questioned, face in
a frown. I knew it! Ever since I met her... she was unhappy... why?
"What do you mean?"
"I've heard the stories before. What are you hiding? Why are you so
cold?"
"I don't understand," she lied, her body turned stiff. Flashes of her
painful childhood danced in front of her eyes. She wanted to cry. The years
had hardened her... they had made her bitter. Darien said nothing, but simply
wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He was so close... Serena's heart
fluttered. She felt dizzy with happiness. She loved the feeling of him
holding her.
"For a person who liked probing so much, I'm surprised you don't have
a 2 feet long nose," She muttered.
"Are you saying I'm nosy, meatball head?" He asked, amused.
"Yes! And don't call me meatball head!" She cried in mock anger.
"Aye aye..." he said, doing a fake solute. Running on finger on one
of her buns, he laughed lightly.
"Why not? It looks like meatballs," he asked innocently. She simply
growled. In a small corner, it protested. She... a 25 year old model,
a runner from home, an owner of a heart drenched in ice, was flirting like
a school girl! But like she said earlier.. magic is in the air that night.
Sighing contently, she rested her head back onto her chest. She felt warm
and protected in his arms.
**********
"Yes...uh huh... well... tell them we need to sell Amazon immediately.
Yes, I'm sure! Trust me... it can't rise higher than this. Buy from
Genelabs. Yes! God... trust me... yes, that's right. Buy some from Dell
Computers. Yes... buy 200 shares. Okay... bye," Serena hung up, fuming.
They still don't trust her! Just cause I'm a model doesn't mean I'm a
bimbo. Looking at her computer screen, she felt satisfied to see Genelabs
start to rise. Scrunching her brows in anger at the fact that they still
didn't trust her, she flipped through some documents. More paperwork!
The labs were certainly demanding, needing this and that for their research.
Who have to fill the forms to buy this stuff? Me! And the Melissa virus
struck again on the computers in floor 4 of the research labs, causing her
to fill more forms to acquire a computer. Rubbing a finger across her
temples, she felt a headache.
"Setsuna... I hate to bother you, but could you get me some coffee?"
She asked on the intercom. Setsuna is "the" secretary. She would kill for
a private one, though.
"Guess what?"
"What?" She asked rather grumpily at Darien. How did he pop in?
"Maven signed the deal!" He sounded like a little boy.
"That's nice..." she was hardly as exited as Darien. This means a
great deal to the company... but she was in no mood. Thinking of the evil
stack of paperwork, she felt her head start to swell.
"Er... are you okay?" He questioned, slightly concerned. She looked
kinda scary! Serena was in no mood to talk. Thinking of the paperwork
gave her a feeling of frustration.
"No!" She screamed angrily as she continued to rub her head. The
pounding was getting worse.
"I need an aspirin," she added to herself.
"It's the paperwork isn't it?" Silence. "Yeah, it gets really bad."
He chuckled nervously.
"WHAT DO YOU KNOW? You went to a "signing" wit refreshments and
lunch and chatting!" She snapped. He was taken by her tone. It was
really scaring him!
"Well?" She roared. He cowered.
"Um...er... how about I take half of it? We can finish earlier
and celebrate... this deal gives us 10% of all heart capacitors. Not
bad, I'll say," he mused quietly. Her eyes lit up. Grabbing a nearby
stack, she shoved it into his arms.
"Thank you! Have fun!" She said cheerfully. Dragging him toward
the door, she began to hum merrily.
"Why did I offer?" Darien muttered, looking at the stack. Sighing,
he picked up a pen.
It was a few hours later that Serena found herself sitting in the
casual atmosphere of pure bliss. They were in "Jade Garden" (I've
actually been there! The food is great!), a wonderful Chinese
Restaurant. True to its name, green seems to be the color of choice.
Why did she went with him... a man who pissed her off no less than a
week ago? She don't know. Why was she flustered when she meet his
eyes? Another mystery. And why does she act so childish in front of him,
all ice melted? Ah... the glorious mystery of life.
Serena's mind reflected on the few day before she found out...
about her father's death. She was a model then. She still recalled when
she thought about her model life. About her fake smiles. After the
company had fallen into her hands, she felt happy... for the very
first time. Darien... he made her feel so relaxed... no matter how
bad of a start they got. So there she is now, sitting in the "Jade
Garden" wearing her light navy suit in a place where people wore
evening gowns and tuxedos. What can she say to the people that stared?
Paperwork ran late... no time to change? Instead she sat there with
an amused expression, not flinching at the stares, though she glanced
around, her eyes flashing with irritation.
"I'll have the Three Sea Dumpins, a small dish of Chao Mein with
chicken, ooh... these Shu Mei looks good! A sweet and sour shop, an
appetizer serving of egg rolls..." Serena listed. She was practically
drooling! The waiter gave her a perplexed look. The man apparently had
a good head on his shoulders and scribbled it down quickly and turned
to Darien before she could finish... if she'll ever finish.
"And I'll the Shanghai Spicy Noodle special, large serving." He
added to the long list of food the waiter was writing.
Serena squirmed. It had been ten minutes already! She was starving
(the paperwork wore her out). Her large eyes shined with hope at a
waitress walking toward them... to the next table. She pouted, feeling
impatient... and fully unaware of Darien's loving gaze.
"Here you go, sir," A voice called out. Serena looked disappointed,
eyes longing for Darien's meal. He looked teasingly at her before dugging
in. This is heavenly! He frowned at the thought. He was starting to
sound like meatball head! Looking up, he saw the cornflower blue eyes
fixed on his meal, a glazed dreamy appearance on them. A pink tongue
darted across curvy lips. She was very hungry.
"Um... Serena... is it me or are you intending on drowning us with
you drools?" He commented lightly. She looked embarrassed, her face
flushed. And then her eyes became twin torches, seeming to spill out
living fire.
"Humph... why should I drool?"
"Denial is not just a river in Egypt," he teased. Her face instantly
turned angry... or angrier.
"Miss..." a voice said behind her. IN less than 0.25 seconds, she
smiled, wiping her mouth of some drool, and grabbed her plate of dumplings.
That wasn't why Darien's blue eyes bulged. They had left her a small cart
of food. He grimaced. His wallet is gonna be very empty soon. But it was
worth it. Serena looked so happy that she glowed. Without hesitation,
she began to shovel food in her mouth.
"What a great meal!" She sighed, feeling satisfied. Her partner
gawked at her, muttering something about she setting a New Guinness
World Record.
"You know... we should celebrate more often..." she suggested
merrily.
"And let you eat me broke?" He complained, giving her a dark look
and jotting down a check.
"But... I want dessert!" She whined. Darien winced. Anything but
more food.
"We can get some ice cream later," he suggested, then mumbling to
himself about a bottomless stomach.
Hand in hand, the two left the place, walking to an ice cream store.
Darien fumbled with the wallet. 3 dollars. That was the only amount of
money left. Enough for a regular milkshake. He told Serena to take it.
Grinning like a child, she bounced up to the counter. Small hands wrapped
around a big cup of strawberry milkshake. Then those blue eyes frowned.
"You didn't get anything."
"I didn't have enough." She looked guilty... and then he could've
sworn a lightbulb flashed on top of her heard. She came back grabbing
an extra straw.
"You can share with me..." she gestured quietly. He laughed, his
voice low and rich. It was such an innocent solution. But *Sharing* a
milkshake can mean so much! But her eyes are pleading and he couldn't
say no. Giggles followed in the empty ice cream shop...
(to be continued in chapter 4)
Well... email me at sailoryaoli@hotmail.com or weizhouus@yahoo.com, K?
I LOVE ALL COMMENTS! Anyway... onto the next chapter!
Sailor Moon doesn't belong to me (I wish!) and never will. It belongs to
Naoko and whatever company she granted right to. I, on the other hand
are among all those poor starving authors who write fanfiction and don't
earn money off it. Anyway... don't copy my story or you're going to pay!
(laughs hysterically).
To prevent flames on me, I just want to say that this story is inspired
my Judith Michael's "Sleeping Beauty". A good read, too! Don't worry,
You probably are sick of my babbling now, so on with the story! On yeah,
one more thing, this is rated PG13 - R (more PG13, though. Just watch
for some parts).
Falling Chapter 3 by Angelica (that's me! ^_^) sailoryaoli@hotmail.com
Rated: PG 13 - R
note : indicates thoughts
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder...
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger...
May you never one single step for granted...
God forbid lover never leave you empty handed...
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean...
Whenever one door closes...
I hope one more opens...
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance...
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...
I hope you dance...
Lee Ann Womack "I Hope You Dance"
Serena sat in her office, fiddling with the letter in her hands.
It was the letter from her father. She had waited until now because she
was too scared to read it. Biting her bottom lip anxiously, she opened
and began to read:
Dearest Serena,
When you read this, I must've already passed away.
I've been informed by the doctor that I have colorectal
Cancer. When I am writing this, the cancer had already
spread to the liver. I am positive that I am to die soon.
I have already requested that the chemotherapy is to be
stopped. I give up. But Serena, how I long to see your
face again. I've heard about your success and I congratulate
you. I have always wanted to call you up, but I feel
that I don't deserve your forgiveness for what I've done.
I know my mistake. James did hurt you, in every way I've
imagined. I'm sorry, Serena. You are my only daughter.
I have always loved you. Please Serena, take care of
Thorten, Inc. I had no choice but to give it to you. James
don't deserve it. Trust Darien, he is a good man and
will help you. You will work well together.
Love always,
Dad
"No! Why didn't you tell me?" Serena managed to choked out, gentle
teardrops splattering down the letter, blotching the ink. She wanted to
scream, but don't have the voice. For the first time, she truly missed her
father.
"Why?" She cried out louder in fury, grabbing a nearby cup and hurled
it toward a nearby wall. It shattered into a billion pieces. Finally her body
collapsed in trembling sobs. She was shaking, tears spilling out of her
eyes. Her heart felt like stone. It was five o'clock.
Darien decided to check up on Serena, telling her the workday is already
done and that she should prepared for the social. She's a mystery, he
thought, thinking about her. He had never felt to attached to anyone before.
He had found himself unwillingly drift back to her several times during the
day. He thought about her smile, the wistful look in her eyes, her voice.
Why does he feel like this? It was so strange...
"Serena?" He called, waiting for an answer. There was none. Quietly, he
opened the door. Blue eyes widened at the picture. On the fine cream carpet
was the remains of a cup, broken pieces everywhere. Serena laid huddled in
a corner, her hair everywhere. She was sobbing. THAT, was not what he
expected.
"Are you all right," he said, hesitating. He was not prepared for this,
and therefore don't know what to say. Bending down, he looked at her face.
It was lined with streaks of tears falling from her red, swollen eyes. He
pitied her. His heart bled at the sight of her like that. What happened?
Her mind hazy by her sobbing, she felt arms around her. Dimly she noticed a
familiar pair of stormy blue eyes...
"Come on, I'll drive you home," he soothed, stroking her soft hair. His
arms rocked her back and forth. They were like that for a quite a while. He
waited for her to catch her breath. She sighed, wiping her eyes with her
sleeves.
"I look horrible," she mumbled, trying to wipe her nose as well. Wrapping
his arms around her, he nudged her out the door. No, Serena... you look
beautiful.
"I'm sorry to trouble you," she said, standing near her apartment door,
looking at the patterns of the carpet... which seems to look extremely
interesting all of the sudden. He reached out his hand, gently tilting her
chin to meet her eyes.
"It's all right. Remember the social today at 8 o'clock," he reminded,
smiling a wistful smile.
"Well..."
"Well..."
"I better get ready..."
"Yeah... I'll pick you up at 8."
"8 it is..."
Each smiling awkwardly, they parted. Serena stared at his retreating
figure. Giving another sigh, she went back to her apartment.
"Stupid!" She half-shouted at her reflection, splashing her face with
cold water. Why did she lose control? How can she face Darien Shields again?
Wiping her face with a towel, she looked at the mirror again, her mood
lightening. Her puffy eyes had decided to disappear. Grinning triumphly,
she ran her comb through the golden locks. After putting them in "meatballs",
she searched through her closet, finally finding a soft salmon colored tank
dress. It was a simple dress and is made of satin. Finding two ribbons in
a matching color, she gave her buns bows. So far so good.
After spending some while with her mirror, Serena inspected herself.
Silver eyeshadow graced her eyes and light pink lipstick revealed a soft
pout. Hearing the doorbell, she jumped up, getting the door. He was
handsome... very handsome. A simple white shirt and black pants. Yup!
That was it. Very casual... She felt her heart pound at the sight of him.
The way his raven hair draped over his eyes seductively. Damn her hormones!
She had never felt so passionate toward anyone before. This is Darien Shields,
the man you declared to hate! She scolded herself. She could almost
picture Mina's gloating face. But she couldn't help it... especially when he
held her while she was crying... his arms made her feel so safe... she always
declared herself independent, not needing comforting arms to run to. She
wanted to run to him... she wanted him to be her hero... the one who always
rescues her... Her face flushed slightly at her thoughts. He doesn't feel
anything for her... he probably thinks she's a child. She felt saddened by
this. Silly girl! Darien Shields will never be interested in you!With that,
she wiped all her lovestruck thoughts from her mind.
"Ready?" Serena could only nod as she headed out the door.
"Oh wow! This guy's loaded!" She exclaimed as she stepped out of the
car. Serena was glad she could get some fresh air. The silence in the
car was killing her! She giggled. The night was working it's magic on her.
She hadn't felt this happy and carefree since she was 11. The breeze ran
through her blond hair, caressing her silky strands. Grabbing ahold of
Darien's hand, she gracefully began to ascend the stone steps.
"Hello, Mr. Shields!" A cheerful voice called out. It belonged to
Mr. Maven, the owner of Maven Medical Supplies. He was a kind looking
man with white hair and sparkling blue eyes. If my father was alive,
he'll look like him... Serena observed, feeling sadness descended
upon her heart like a stone.
"Hello, Mr. Maven! This is Serena Thorten," Darien introduced. The
old man's eyes fell upon Serena.
"Hello..." she managed to blurt out, a faraway look still apparent
in her eyes. Turning red at Darien's look of confusion, she grinned
cheerfully, as she looked around. Excitement was in the air. She felt
giddy.
"How do you do?"
"Huh? Sorry... it's just that everything here gives off a spell,"
Serena explained, looking embarrassed. Mr. Maven chuckled. The three
chatted for a while longer and Mr. Maven mentioned something about meeting
on Wednesday for a signing. They got the deal!
Feeling a need of air, Serena decided to walk to the balcony, looking
at the millions of stars spreading out above her. Closing her eyes briefly
to feel the night air around her, she opened them, awestruck to see a
shooting star.
"I wish... that I can have happiness someday," she said to herself
dreamily. Her eyes glazed over as she clasped her hand in front of her,
dreaming of the day she'll find a family to belong to...
"You are not happy?" A husky voice said from behind her. Serena
practically jumped up into the air. He was so close... she could feel
his breath on her neck.
"No... I'm not."
"Why not?"
"Um..." Serena stalled, unsure of what to say. Part of her wanted to
poor her wounded heart to him, but she knew she couldn't. Why should he
care about her life?
"I've noticed... what are you hiding, Serena?" He questioned, face in
a frown. I knew it! Ever since I met her... she was unhappy... why?
"What do you mean?"
"I've heard the stories before. What are you hiding? Why are you so
cold?"
"I don't understand," she lied, her body turned stiff. Flashes of her
painful childhood danced in front of her eyes. She wanted to cry. The years
had hardened her... they had made her bitter. Darien said nothing, but simply
wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He was so close... Serena's heart
fluttered. She felt dizzy with happiness. She loved the feeling of him
holding her.
"For a person who liked probing so much, I'm surprised you don't have
a 2 feet long nose," She muttered.
"Are you saying I'm nosy, meatball head?" He asked, amused.
"Yes! And don't call me meatball head!" She cried in mock anger.
"Aye aye..." he said, doing a fake solute. Running on finger on one
of her buns, he laughed lightly.
"Why not? It looks like meatballs," he asked innocently. She simply
growled. In a small corner, it protested. She... a 25 year old model,
a runner from home, an owner of a heart drenched in ice, was flirting like
a school girl! But like she said earlier.. magic is in the air that night.
Sighing contently, she rested her head back onto her chest. She felt warm
and protected in his arms.
**********
"Yes...uh huh... well... tell them we need to sell Amazon immediately.
Yes, I'm sure! Trust me... it can't rise higher than this. Buy from
Genelabs. Yes! God... trust me... yes, that's right. Buy some from Dell
Computers. Yes... buy 200 shares. Okay... bye," Serena hung up, fuming.
They still don't trust her! Just cause I'm a model doesn't mean I'm a
bimbo. Looking at her computer screen, she felt satisfied to see Genelabs
start to rise. Scrunching her brows in anger at the fact that they still
didn't trust her, she flipped through some documents. More paperwork!
The labs were certainly demanding, needing this and that for their research.
Who have to fill the forms to buy this stuff? Me! And the Melissa virus
struck again on the computers in floor 4 of the research labs, causing her
to fill more forms to acquire a computer. Rubbing a finger across her
temples, she felt a headache.
"Setsuna... I hate to bother you, but could you get me some coffee?"
She asked on the intercom. Setsuna is "the" secretary. She would kill for
a private one, though.
"Guess what?"
"What?" She asked rather grumpily at Darien. How did he pop in?
"Maven signed the deal!" He sounded like a little boy.
"That's nice..." she was hardly as exited as Darien. This means a
great deal to the company... but she was in no mood. Thinking of the evil
stack of paperwork, she felt her head start to swell.
"Er... are you okay?" He questioned, slightly concerned. She looked
kinda scary! Serena was in no mood to talk. Thinking of the paperwork
gave her a feeling of frustration.
"No!" She screamed angrily as she continued to rub her head. The
pounding was getting worse.
"I need an aspirin," she added to herself.
"It's the paperwork isn't it?" Silence. "Yeah, it gets really bad."
He chuckled nervously.
"WHAT DO YOU KNOW? You went to a "signing" wit refreshments and
lunch and chatting!" She snapped. He was taken by her tone. It was
really scaring him!
"Well?" She roared. He cowered.
"Um...er... how about I take half of it? We can finish earlier
and celebrate... this deal gives us 10% of all heart capacitors. Not
bad, I'll say," he mused quietly. Her eyes lit up. Grabbing a nearby
stack, she shoved it into his arms.
"Thank you! Have fun!" She said cheerfully. Dragging him toward
the door, she began to hum merrily.
"Why did I offer?" Darien muttered, looking at the stack. Sighing,
he picked up a pen.
It was a few hours later that Serena found herself sitting in the
casual atmosphere of pure bliss. They were in "Jade Garden" (I've
actually been there! The food is great!), a wonderful Chinese
Restaurant. True to its name, green seems to be the color of choice.
Why did she went with him... a man who pissed her off no less than a
week ago? She don't know. Why was she flustered when she meet his
eyes? Another mystery. And why does she act so childish in front of him,
all ice melted? Ah... the glorious mystery of life.
Serena's mind reflected on the few day before she found out...
about her father's death. She was a model then. She still recalled when
she thought about her model life. About her fake smiles. After the
company had fallen into her hands, she felt happy... for the very
first time. Darien... he made her feel so relaxed... no matter how
bad of a start they got. So there she is now, sitting in the "Jade
Garden" wearing her light navy suit in a place where people wore
evening gowns and tuxedos. What can she say to the people that stared?
Paperwork ran late... no time to change? Instead she sat there with
an amused expression, not flinching at the stares, though she glanced
around, her eyes flashing with irritation.
"I'll have the Three Sea Dumpins, a small dish of Chao Mein with
chicken, ooh... these Shu Mei looks good! A sweet and sour shop, an
appetizer serving of egg rolls..." Serena listed. She was practically
drooling! The waiter gave her a perplexed look. The man apparently had
a good head on his shoulders and scribbled it down quickly and turned
to Darien before she could finish... if she'll ever finish.
"And I'll the Shanghai Spicy Noodle special, large serving." He
added to the long list of food the waiter was writing.
Serena squirmed. It had been ten minutes already! She was starving
(the paperwork wore her out). Her large eyes shined with hope at a
waitress walking toward them... to the next table. She pouted, feeling
impatient... and fully unaware of Darien's loving gaze.
"Here you go, sir," A voice called out. Serena looked disappointed,
eyes longing for Darien's meal. He looked teasingly at her before dugging
in. This is heavenly! He frowned at the thought. He was starting to
sound like meatball head! Looking up, he saw the cornflower blue eyes
fixed on his meal, a glazed dreamy appearance on them. A pink tongue
darted across curvy lips. She was very hungry.
"Um... Serena... is it me or are you intending on drowning us with
you drools?" He commented lightly. She looked embarrassed, her face
flushed. And then her eyes became twin torches, seeming to spill out
living fire.
"Humph... why should I drool?"
"Denial is not just a river in Egypt," he teased. Her face instantly
turned angry... or angrier.
"Miss..." a voice said behind her. IN less than 0.25 seconds, she
smiled, wiping her mouth of some drool, and grabbed her plate of dumplings.
That wasn't why Darien's blue eyes bulged. They had left her a small cart
of food. He grimaced. His wallet is gonna be very empty soon. But it was
worth it. Serena looked so happy that she glowed. Without hesitation,
she began to shovel food in her mouth.
"What a great meal!" She sighed, feeling satisfied. Her partner
gawked at her, muttering something about she setting a New Guinness
World Record.
"You know... we should celebrate more often..." she suggested
merrily.
"And let you eat me broke?" He complained, giving her a dark look
and jotting down a check.
"But... I want dessert!" She whined. Darien winced. Anything but
more food.
"We can get some ice cream later," he suggested, then mumbling to
himself about a bottomless stomach.
Hand in hand, the two left the place, walking to an ice cream store.
Darien fumbled with the wallet. 3 dollars. That was the only amount of
money left. Enough for a regular milkshake. He told Serena to take it.
Grinning like a child, she bounced up to the counter. Small hands wrapped
around a big cup of strawberry milkshake. Then those blue eyes frowned.
"You didn't get anything."
"I didn't have enough." She looked guilty... and then he could've
sworn a lightbulb flashed on top of her heard. She came back grabbing
an extra straw.
"You can share with me..." she gestured quietly. He laughed, his
voice low and rich. It was such an innocent solution. But *Sharing* a
milkshake can mean so much! But her eyes are pleading and he couldn't
say no. Giggles followed in the empty ice cream shop...
(to be continued in chapter 4)
Well... email me at sailoryaoli@hotmail.com or weizhouus@yahoo.com, K?
I LOVE ALL COMMENTS! Anyway... onto the next chapter!