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In My Face
by
Alyson Grant
Chapter Fourteen:
Later That Night:
Back at Ami's house everyone is talking about the party. First Mina goes on and on about that guy she met on the airplane who she invited to the party. Then the girls are just chattering away about who knows what. I wasn't really paying to much attention to them. I was kind of lost in my thoughts.
"Serena didn't you have a good time?" Lita asked me.
I hesitated for a second, "Um.yeah of course. Why?"
"Your just being a little quiet." Mina said with a curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Is there anything wrong?"
"Yes Serena. You don't really seem like yourself." Ami said. "I'm concerned about you, that's all."
"I'm fine."
"She's obviously hiding something." Rei said. "Well Serena? Spill it."
"I'm not hiding anything," I insisted, "Give me a break! I'm just a bit tired that's all."
"Yeah I can only imagine why your so tired." Molly said mischievously.
Rei caught on to that. "What do you mean?"
I mentally groaned. "Yes Molly," I said pointedly, "What ever do you mean?" My eyes cut into her like a knife silently daring her to say anything.
She didn't for her credit say anything.for about a second. Then she suddenly started laughing and laughing and laughing. I shrank back in disgust but as long as she doesn't spill the beans she can find it all as hysterical as she wants. I'd sworn her to secrecy. It wasn't that I didn't trust my other friends, or feel comfortable telling them something personal, it was just that I wanted to keep all that had happened tonight as close to me as possible until I figured out.why. Just, why.
"Am I missing something here?" Mina asked. She looked bewildered.
"We all are." Lita said frowning.
"I mean," Molly said regaining her composure, "I mean," She started to laugh again.
"Cut it out! What's so funny?" Rei snapped.
"N-n-nothing!" Said Molly as she laughed some more, "Absolutely nothing." She shook her head. I mentally groaned. "Not a thing."
"That's so guilty." Rei said rolling her eyes. "They both are hiding something. I swear that they are."
"What do you mean, 'they both'?" I cried. "How did I get in anything?"
"Please." Rei said. "Don't play that game with me."
It was silent for a few teeming seconds. She wanted me to say something but I just couldn't. I felt paralyzed in my thoughts. This wasn't real to me. That kiss never happened. Except it did.
That kiss should never have happened. This was all his fault in the first place! I really can't take this. What's wrong with me?
Don't play games. Don't play games. Don't play games. The name of the game isn't even registering.. I raised a hand to my head and came back with a memory of his hands on either side of my face and of his caressing them with a gentle touch. I looked up. I was staring directly into a pair of dark inquisitive eyes.
"You know what?" I suddenly got up. "I can't take this. I'm going into get something to drink. Anybody want anything?"
"No thanks." Rei and Lita said at the same time. Then they looked at each other and laughed.
"I'll have a glass of water." Ami said smiling up at me.
I turned toward Molly and Mina with raised eyebrows in question.
"Nothing for me." Molly said. Mina just shook her head in no.
"Ok." I took a deep breath then slowly let it out. "I'll be back soon." Then I hurried out the door. Leaning against the wall I closed my eyes and just breathed.
Back in the Bedroom:
"Ok." Rei said, "What's her problem?" She looked around the room curiously.
"Nothing." Molly said defensively. "What do you mean?"
"You know what Molly?"
"What?"
"Maybe you don't know this about yourself." She paused. "You can't lie."
"I'm not-"
"Save it for someone who cares. You are too."
"No I'm-"
"Oh come on Rei. Your too suspicious for your own good." Lita remarked.
"I am not!" Turning back toward Molly, "Everything you feel and everything you are hiding," She raised her eyebrow when she enunciated the word hiding, "comes out and flares in your eyes. Your eyes really are the window to your soul. It's a fucking mirror. You can't hide much in them." She shrugged her shoulders causing her raven hair to rise then cascade down her shoulder blades. "Sorry."
Molly gulped.
Serena's POV:
My feet padded softly down the carpet on my way to the kitchen. I knew that Mrs. Anderson made the most wonderful cake and that there were still a few slices left. Did I dare?
Molly's POV:
Rei is just to smart for her own good. Hmm. I never knew my eyes were so expressive before. Sure did not realize that it could be something that would downfall Serena. I'm being too dramatic though. They aren't getting anything out of me!
"Ok thanks to Rei you've practically admitted it," Lita shot a glance over Rei's way, "We know that you are hiding something and we want to know what it is."
"I already told you."
'You already told us a lie. We know. We know."
"Be quiet."
"Not my style."
"Obviously."
Serena's POV:
This cake is so delish. Compliments to the chef! Mrs. Anderson is so nice. Isn't it weird though? You never would suspect a doctor of harboring secret talents in the kitchen. Lucky me to have found them! I'm almost feeling calm now. My mind is racing though. Darien. Darien. Darien. Darien.
Why did he kiss me? No, better yet, why did I kiss him back. Sure he was practically holding me captive but it wasn't like he was holding me so tight that there was no possible way I could have gotten away. If I wanted too.
That's what scares me. I didn't want to. I was struggling to get away, squirming and whatnot but after a few seconds of his lips touching mine I was, I hate to admit this very cooperative. That's scary. This is the guy I was sworn to hate right? As in if I saw him on the streets of Tokyo I'd walk on by. I don't associate with him. Not after what he did to me.
All that teasing hurt. I didn't know what to think. Sometimes it was like the teasing was hiding underlying affection but most times I just felt like it was just another person getting on my case about everything that was wrong about me. How much I ate.guiltily I unconsciously stroked my crumb caked mouth. My not so stellar record in school. Being notoriously late.
I know that I wasn't the most responsible person back in the day and If I were to be completely honest I'm not really that much more responsible now but did I really need someone badgering me day in and day out about it? No. All of that really wasn't necessary, Why? It hurts. It does. I don't care if anyone thinks I'm soft for saying how much things hurt me but it's true and I don't apologize. I was constantly apologizing before for every little thing. I'm sorry for being late, I'm sorry for my grades, I'm sorry for this and I'm sorry for that. If I was upset and I ended up being uncharacteristic I'd be apologizing for that too. I was sick of it. So I stopped.
I went over to the sink and splashed my face with some cool water. I wasn't about to start crying over anything because there was nothing to cry about. Just like there was nothing to apologize for. I don't know what he thinks he's doing but if he thinks he's going to toy with my emotions and in the end I'm the born again fool he has another think coming! I'm different now. And I make no apologies. I'm not the same person I was, when I was just starting high school. I really don't think so. I'm pretty much the same.but at the same time very different. Make no mistake.
Back in the Bedroom:
".Come on you had better tell us Molly."
".We know your not telling us something."
"Not telling us something like what?" I asked as I came into the room.
All heads whipped around to face me, leaning against the door, with two glasses in my hand.
"Nothing." Ami said weakly.
"Something." Rei said firmly.
"Drop it Rei." Lita said rolling her eyes. "Please. Just drop it."
"Why should I?"
"Because it's probably none of your business!" Lita exclaimed.
"Aren't we all friends here? Do we keep secrets from each other? Is that even necessary?"
"Not everything going on in our lives is open territory Rei."
"Well.maybe it should be."
"Or not." Ami said gently.
"Whatever!" Rei sat back. She folded her arms. She fumed.
"Right." Mina sighed, "Whatever."
Molly gave me a pleading please forgive me look. I smiled back at her, strode across the room and sat down next to her.
"Why are you guys harassing poor Molly?" I smiled and handed Ami her glass. Then I took a slow sip from my own.
"We aren't. We were just asking a few questions."
"About?"
"Well you seemed so weird that we wanted to know if something was wrong with you."
"Then ask me."
"We did remember and think your lying your ass off."
"Really?" I asked sweetly. "Then bye, bye, bye to my ass then huh?"
Everyone started laughing again. The ice was broken and regular conversation resumed.
It wasn't until about half an hour later when we were getting ready for bed. I was lying down and my eyes hazily focused on the swirls of blue decor in the room.
"So Serena." Mina asked with a yawn.
"What?"
"You never saw Darien tonight, right?"
I paused, "What do you mean?"
"Well you told all of us to make sure the 'jerk' stayed far away from you. I was just wondering if you succeeded in that little goal of yours. I mean I would have helped more but I was just a little busy with-" Her voice had taken on a love struck quality.
"Please don't start up on him again Mina. Please. I am so begging you on this." Lita moaned.
"Well I never!" Mina huffed.
I laughed. "You have talked about him a lot tonight Mina. You have to admit."
"That's true. We all know more about that boy than necessary." Ami said.
"Go Ami!" I cheered.
"I hate it when you all gang up on me like that." Mina grumbled.
"Well Serena?" Rei asked.
"Well what?" I had a feeling that I knew what was coming.
"Did you see Darien tonight?" Her voice seemed to be tinged with suspicion. Was it just my imagination?
Molly giggled.
"Molly would you shut up? What in the world is so damn funny?"
"No." I said quietly.
"No what?"
"Ah no I didn't really see him."
"What do you mean you didn't really see him? You either did or you didn't. Which is it?"
"What's it matter?"
"Oh excuse me for caring?"
"Rei-"
Molly started laughing even harder. She jumped up. "I'm sorry g-g- guys. I'll uhh. I need to.I'll be right back!" Then she raced through the door leaving amused us behind.
"Molly sure is happy tonight isn't she?" Ami asked wryly.
"Yeah I know."
"Think she met somebody tonight?"
"And that would be why she's grinning like a fool?
"Who knows?
"Yeah who knows? We sure wouldn't know. Seeing as no one tells anyone else anything anymore. Serena." Rei ended pointedly.
"Oh be quiet. I swear you've such an active imagination." I grumbled. I burrowed under my cover as a worried feeling took over me.
"I don't think so."
"Rei what are you trying to say?" Lita asked.
"Forget it."
"About time."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Goodnight everyone." Mina said cheerfully.
"Night Mina."
Rei's POV:
I know something is going on. I can feel it in my bones. Instinctively I just know this to be true. It's weird how Serena the regular chatterbox just wasn't talking tonight. She seemed just fine at the party. She was living it up and dancing with almost all of the guys there, so what was her problem now? It really seemed like she was having a great time. Why am I so concerned? Why. I don't know. All I know is that one of my closest friends isn't herself. You can't blame a girl for wondering why.
Another thing I wonder is why Molly was giggly tonight Whenever the conversation even got close to.got close to.got close to what exactly? Wait I can figure this out. The latest was when we were asking Serena if she saw.That's it! Darien. That guy Serena doesn't like.
Or does she?
In My Face
by
Alyson Grant
Chapter Fourteen:
Later That Night:
Back at Ami's house everyone is talking about the party. First Mina goes on and on about that guy she met on the airplane who she invited to the party. Then the girls are just chattering away about who knows what. I wasn't really paying to much attention to them. I was kind of lost in my thoughts.
"Serena didn't you have a good time?" Lita asked me.
I hesitated for a second, "Um.yeah of course. Why?"
"Your just being a little quiet." Mina said with a curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Is there anything wrong?"
"Yes Serena. You don't really seem like yourself." Ami said. "I'm concerned about you, that's all."
"I'm fine."
"She's obviously hiding something." Rei said. "Well Serena? Spill it."
"I'm not hiding anything," I insisted, "Give me a break! I'm just a bit tired that's all."
"Yeah I can only imagine why your so tired." Molly said mischievously.
Rei caught on to that. "What do you mean?"
I mentally groaned. "Yes Molly," I said pointedly, "What ever do you mean?" My eyes cut into her like a knife silently daring her to say anything.
She didn't for her credit say anything.for about a second. Then she suddenly started laughing and laughing and laughing. I shrank back in disgust but as long as she doesn't spill the beans she can find it all as hysterical as she wants. I'd sworn her to secrecy. It wasn't that I didn't trust my other friends, or feel comfortable telling them something personal, it was just that I wanted to keep all that had happened tonight as close to me as possible until I figured out.why. Just, why.
"Am I missing something here?" Mina asked. She looked bewildered.
"We all are." Lita said frowning.
"I mean," Molly said regaining her composure, "I mean," She started to laugh again.
"Cut it out! What's so funny?" Rei snapped.
"N-n-nothing!" Said Molly as she laughed some more, "Absolutely nothing." She shook her head. I mentally groaned. "Not a thing."
"That's so guilty." Rei said rolling her eyes. "They both are hiding something. I swear that they are."
"What do you mean, 'they both'?" I cried. "How did I get in anything?"
"Please." Rei said. "Don't play that game with me."
It was silent for a few teeming seconds. She wanted me to say something but I just couldn't. I felt paralyzed in my thoughts. This wasn't real to me. That kiss never happened. Except it did.
That kiss should never have happened. This was all his fault in the first place! I really can't take this. What's wrong with me?
Don't play games. Don't play games. Don't play games. The name of the game isn't even registering.. I raised a hand to my head and came back with a memory of his hands on either side of my face and of his caressing them with a gentle touch. I looked up. I was staring directly into a pair of dark inquisitive eyes.
"You know what?" I suddenly got up. "I can't take this. I'm going into get something to drink. Anybody want anything?"
"No thanks." Rei and Lita said at the same time. Then they looked at each other and laughed.
"I'll have a glass of water." Ami said smiling up at me.
I turned toward Molly and Mina with raised eyebrows in question.
"Nothing for me." Molly said. Mina just shook her head in no.
"Ok." I took a deep breath then slowly let it out. "I'll be back soon." Then I hurried out the door. Leaning against the wall I closed my eyes and just breathed.
Back in the Bedroom:
"Ok." Rei said, "What's her problem?" She looked around the room curiously.
"Nothing." Molly said defensively. "What do you mean?"
"You know what Molly?"
"What?"
"Maybe you don't know this about yourself." She paused. "You can't lie."
"I'm not-"
"Save it for someone who cares. You are too."
"No I'm-"
"Oh come on Rei. Your too suspicious for your own good." Lita remarked.
"I am not!" Turning back toward Molly, "Everything you feel and everything you are hiding," She raised her eyebrow when she enunciated the word hiding, "comes out and flares in your eyes. Your eyes really are the window to your soul. It's a fucking mirror. You can't hide much in them." She shrugged her shoulders causing her raven hair to rise then cascade down her shoulder blades. "Sorry."
Molly gulped.
Serena's POV:
My feet padded softly down the carpet on my way to the kitchen. I knew that Mrs. Anderson made the most wonderful cake and that there were still a few slices left. Did I dare?
Molly's POV:
Rei is just to smart for her own good. Hmm. I never knew my eyes were so expressive before. Sure did not realize that it could be something that would downfall Serena. I'm being too dramatic though. They aren't getting anything out of me!
"Ok thanks to Rei you've practically admitted it," Lita shot a glance over Rei's way, "We know that you are hiding something and we want to know what it is."
"I already told you."
'You already told us a lie. We know. We know."
"Be quiet."
"Not my style."
"Obviously."
Serena's POV:
This cake is so delish. Compliments to the chef! Mrs. Anderson is so nice. Isn't it weird though? You never would suspect a doctor of harboring secret talents in the kitchen. Lucky me to have found them! I'm almost feeling calm now. My mind is racing though. Darien. Darien. Darien. Darien.
Why did he kiss me? No, better yet, why did I kiss him back. Sure he was practically holding me captive but it wasn't like he was holding me so tight that there was no possible way I could have gotten away. If I wanted too.
That's what scares me. I didn't want to. I was struggling to get away, squirming and whatnot but after a few seconds of his lips touching mine I was, I hate to admit this very cooperative. That's scary. This is the guy I was sworn to hate right? As in if I saw him on the streets of Tokyo I'd walk on by. I don't associate with him. Not after what he did to me.
All that teasing hurt. I didn't know what to think. Sometimes it was like the teasing was hiding underlying affection but most times I just felt like it was just another person getting on my case about everything that was wrong about me. How much I ate.guiltily I unconsciously stroked my crumb caked mouth. My not so stellar record in school. Being notoriously late.
I know that I wasn't the most responsible person back in the day and If I were to be completely honest I'm not really that much more responsible now but did I really need someone badgering me day in and day out about it? No. All of that really wasn't necessary, Why? It hurts. It does. I don't care if anyone thinks I'm soft for saying how much things hurt me but it's true and I don't apologize. I was constantly apologizing before for every little thing. I'm sorry for being late, I'm sorry for my grades, I'm sorry for this and I'm sorry for that. If I was upset and I ended up being uncharacteristic I'd be apologizing for that too. I was sick of it. So I stopped.
I went over to the sink and splashed my face with some cool water. I wasn't about to start crying over anything because there was nothing to cry about. Just like there was nothing to apologize for. I don't know what he thinks he's doing but if he thinks he's going to toy with my emotions and in the end I'm the born again fool he has another think coming! I'm different now. And I make no apologies. I'm not the same person I was, when I was just starting high school. I really don't think so. I'm pretty much the same.but at the same time very different. Make no mistake.
Back in the Bedroom:
".Come on you had better tell us Molly."
".We know your not telling us something."
"Not telling us something like what?" I asked as I came into the room.
All heads whipped around to face me, leaning against the door, with two glasses in my hand.
"Nothing." Ami said weakly.
"Something." Rei said firmly.
"Drop it Rei." Lita said rolling her eyes. "Please. Just drop it."
"Why should I?"
"Because it's probably none of your business!" Lita exclaimed.
"Aren't we all friends here? Do we keep secrets from each other? Is that even necessary?"
"Not everything going on in our lives is open territory Rei."
"Well.maybe it should be."
"Or not." Ami said gently.
"Whatever!" Rei sat back. She folded her arms. She fumed.
"Right." Mina sighed, "Whatever."
Molly gave me a pleading please forgive me look. I smiled back at her, strode across the room and sat down next to her.
"Why are you guys harassing poor Molly?" I smiled and handed Ami her glass. Then I took a slow sip from my own.
"We aren't. We were just asking a few questions."
"About?"
"Well you seemed so weird that we wanted to know if something was wrong with you."
"Then ask me."
"We did remember and think your lying your ass off."
"Really?" I asked sweetly. "Then bye, bye, bye to my ass then huh?"
Everyone started laughing again. The ice was broken and regular conversation resumed.
It wasn't until about half an hour later when we were getting ready for bed. I was lying down and my eyes hazily focused on the swirls of blue decor in the room.
"So Serena." Mina asked with a yawn.
"What?"
"You never saw Darien tonight, right?"
I paused, "What do you mean?"
"Well you told all of us to make sure the 'jerk' stayed far away from you. I was just wondering if you succeeded in that little goal of yours. I mean I would have helped more but I was just a little busy with-" Her voice had taken on a love struck quality.
"Please don't start up on him again Mina. Please. I am so begging you on this." Lita moaned.
"Well I never!" Mina huffed.
I laughed. "You have talked about him a lot tonight Mina. You have to admit."
"That's true. We all know more about that boy than necessary." Ami said.
"Go Ami!" I cheered.
"I hate it when you all gang up on me like that." Mina grumbled.
"Well Serena?" Rei asked.
"Well what?" I had a feeling that I knew what was coming.
"Did you see Darien tonight?" Her voice seemed to be tinged with suspicion. Was it just my imagination?
Molly giggled.
"Molly would you shut up? What in the world is so damn funny?"
"No." I said quietly.
"No what?"
"Ah no I didn't really see him."
"What do you mean you didn't really see him? You either did or you didn't. Which is it?"
"What's it matter?"
"Oh excuse me for caring?"
"Rei-"
Molly started laughing even harder. She jumped up. "I'm sorry g-g- guys. I'll uhh. I need to.I'll be right back!" Then she raced through the door leaving amused us behind.
"Molly sure is happy tonight isn't she?" Ami asked wryly.
"Yeah I know."
"Think she met somebody tonight?"
"And that would be why she's grinning like a fool?
"Who knows?
"Yeah who knows? We sure wouldn't know. Seeing as no one tells anyone else anything anymore. Serena." Rei ended pointedly.
"Oh be quiet. I swear you've such an active imagination." I grumbled. I burrowed under my cover as a worried feeling took over me.
"I don't think so."
"Rei what are you trying to say?" Lita asked.
"Forget it."
"About time."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Goodnight everyone." Mina said cheerfully.
"Night Mina."
Rei's POV:
I know something is going on. I can feel it in my bones. Instinctively I just know this to be true. It's weird how Serena the regular chatterbox just wasn't talking tonight. She seemed just fine at the party. She was living it up and dancing with almost all of the guys there, so what was her problem now? It really seemed like she was having a great time. Why am I so concerned? Why. I don't know. All I know is that one of my closest friends isn't herself. You can't blame a girl for wondering why.
Another thing I wonder is why Molly was giggly tonight Whenever the conversation even got close to.got close to.got close to what exactly? Wait I can figure this out. The latest was when we were asking Serena if she saw.That's it! Darien. That guy Serena doesn't like.
Or does she?