***********************
Love Through Time - A Serena & Darien Saga
Volume I, Chapter vi
By Sailor Europa
"Serena? Are you listening to me?" My head snapped to attention at the
words, my eyes temporarily taken off the musty sidewalk I had been watching
so intently. I gazed up at Harlan, who just continued to glare angrily down
his nose at me. I bit my lip, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. He
huffed in disagreement, as I let my gaze slip back down the my feet, as they
appeared every few seconds from beneath my velvet dress, then disappeared
again as my legs kept my body moving. I sighed, looking up absently, my eyes
catching Selene giggling as she ran in front of my gaze every so often. I
tried hard then to keep my mind on Harlan's self-absorbed tone as he
chattered on about some man who came to his club last night. I hoped I was
at least looking like I was paying him some attention, when the fact was, I
wasn't.
Harlan had taken a longer lunch break today, upon Selene's insistence,
in order to take her, and unfortunately me also, on a walk through the park.
So afraid to break her heart by declining, I reluctantly agreed to go.
Although now, my mind was beginning to drift back to more interesting
things. Or people, as the case may be. I felt my face flush violently, my
unabashed passion from the past night now replaced by shame, embarrassment
ruling my mind as I thought back to the hidden meeting. I sighed dejectedly,
hoping he hadn't thought the same thing....
"Serena?!" Once again, my mind was jolted back to the present, the dark
haired man in my day-dream now replaced by the annoyed face of my companion.
He gave me a stern scowl, his disapproving frown wearing down on my
conscience. I gulped nervously, nodding violently, hoping I could convince
him I had been paying attention. He glared at me for a few more seconds,
still slightly suspicious as he began to talk once more about himself. I let
out a sigh of relief, determined not to make him anymore upset than he
already was. I refused to let my mind wander now, and I now began to notice
the streets that we were passing, and I listening slightly, as my mind
whirred in recognition....
Oh no......
My eyes darted around frantically as we paused for a few seconds for
Selene to catch up, who had at some point fallen behind. I felt my palms
perspire as I gazed up at the all too familiar book shop teaseing and
taunting me ironically. My mind was racing and my face ignited, my cheeks
growing hot as I ducked down, ashamed to show my face around here. God, I
hoped he wasn't around.....
"Serena!!" Harlan's voice was far above his natural tone, and I
realized I had once again gotten distracted, and rightfully so, I thought.
But now, his annoyance was replaced by a vengeful, blazing eye, now glaring
agrily at me. I couldn't speak, and my feet became rooted in my present
spot, paralyzed by his malicious expression. "This is the third time you've
ignored me!" His voice rose with each word, the people milling about the
streets now all stopping to stare, their whispers still very audible over
Harlan's frightening bellow. My eyes glanced fiercely about, pausing for a
second on the book shop window, my mind falling to fear as I noticed most of
the visible people inside watching also, eyes wide with anticipation. "I
should not have to deal with your disrespect!" Fully screaming now, I barely
had a chance to react before I was taken aback.
He struck me.
Stunned more than hurt, I struggled back, my legs failing to fully
support me. My head spun in the direction of his swing, and I felt my
flaring cheek in shock as I slowly turned my head to face him again. His
eyes were curved upwards in a somewhat blissful grin, his mouth still
twisted in contempt. My eyes were wide, and I couldn't even blink as I met
his stare head on, my face a mask of confusion and hurt as I tried to
comprehend such a hideous task, right out in the street. I felt a tear fall
down my red cheek, and I watched as he willingly pulled back again. My hands
raised involuntarily to block my face, my eyes squeezing shut tightly as I
did. Realizing what I had done, my eyelids flew open, gazing back at him as
his eyes widened in shock and disgust. Oh God, what had I done?
He drew back fully, winding up preparation and I felt my body tighten
in suspense, my arms bolted at my sides, paralyzed as I watched his arm
swing around from behind....
...When another hand entered the scene, it's long fingers wrapping
tightly around Harlan's wrist. Taken aback, I watched in shock as Dariens'
brooding figure barreled over Harlan, gently forcing me backwards as he
stepped in harms way. I scurried over the side, my hands pushing me up off
the dusty street.
For seconds, I watched in agonized anticipation as Darien's narrowed
eyes stayed locked on Harlan's, who was just beginning to recover from his
surprise, and upon realizing who had interrupted him, turned to an
expression of loathing. My breath came quickly, and I moaned in misery,
hoping this didn't escalate to what it had the potential to become.
Harlan wrenched his arm away and rubbed his wrist, his eye-line not
faltering from Dariens piercing glare. The street had gotten eerily silent,
most people stopping to watch curiously or running quickly for cover from
the conflict. I stood back, my mind whirling as to what to do. I didn't want
to anger Harlan more, but I was so afraid something drastic would take place
in front of my very eyes. I didn't know how to help, what to do. I couldn't
interfere without risking suspicion from Harlan, which would only cause more
trouble, not only for me, but for Darien too. And the thought of that only
made my blood go sour....
"What do you think you are doing?" Harlan growled from under his breath
as Darien's stance stood perfectly still, his face contorted in disgust as
he took a step closer.
"Something someone should have done a long time ago...." He muttered,
practically spitting the words back at Harlan. "Didn't anyone ever teach you
respect?"
"I don't believe that is any of your business....." Harlan replied
tauntingly, practically daring him to contradict him. Dariens eyes got cold,
and I almost wondered if he was going to retell the whole clandestine affair
to him, his eyes looked so cold. He glanced my way, and I gave him a
pleading look. His gaze reluctantly averted back to Harlan and he stood up
straight as he drew in a deep breath.
"I'm making it my business." Darien muttered, his eyes shooting the
floor in guilt. My heart felt heavy as I watched his eyes grow serious, and
I fought the urge to throw him a reassuring glance. Although I wished to God
he wasn't doing this, I couldn't fight the emotions that washed over me as I
watched him defend me. I couldn't imagine Harlan doing that, nor did I want
to. My love fought against my angst then, eventually both being overrun by
guilt for even thinking such things at this time. I sighed inwardly,
rejecting all thoughts for the moment.
"I think it would be in your best interest to just take a step back,
and let me handle my own matters." Harlan said, turning his back on Darien
as he straightened out his jacket. Darien stood still, his body writhing in
anger.
"Not until you can handle your 'matters' _and_ your wife," He
emphasized the last word in such contempt even I cringed. "RIGHT." Harlan
stopped, his fists clenched at his sides. My breath stopped as I watched him
turn around slowly, Darien still holding his head up confidently.
"Are you insinuating that I can not handle my wife correctly?" Harlan
said, his face inches from Dariens. Not wavering, Darien just stared back.
"I did not insinuate a word.... I said it flat out." Darien said.
Harlan narrowed his eyes and I watched him pull one clenched fist back,
before I realized I couldn't take it.
"NO!!" I screamed, before I even had a chance to think. I flung my body
onto Harlan, putting my own hand over his, my other one firmly on his chest
and looking him squarely in the eyes. "Harlan, DON'T make a scene!" His eyes
hardened, looking right past me. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at my
interference, just before he gave me a disapproving scowl, and shoved me
roughly to the ground. I gave a barely audible howl as my arm caught on the
cement, causing a long wound to bleed immediately. I cringed in pain, tears
of frustration and agony springing from my eyes.
In one mistaken moment, Darien's attention was averted as I was
hurtling toward the pavement. His eyes grew wide, and I watched him scramble
in vain to grab my hand to keep me from falling, when Harlan decided he'd
had enough, and wound up, concentrating all his energy on one punch. Darien
looked up just in time to catch the knuckles in the jaw, and he cringed
silently in pain, stumbling backward. He shook his head, swallowing hard. In
one swift moment, he pulled back his massive arm, clenching his jaw in
determination. I immediately jumped up, abandoning my own cuts, and threw
myself in between the both of them.
"Stop it!" I yelled, my outburst enough of a distraction to cause
Dariens arm to drop slightly. I put my hands on Dariens chest, pushing him a
few feet back. Taking the opportunity undetected from Harlan's eye, I looked
him in the eyes, throwing a quick, hard glare at him. I mouthed the word 'NO
' and I felt the tension in his body dissipate and my own muscles relax. I
took a deep breath and turned to my husband, a stern expression creasing my
face. He huffed, knowing he wasn't going to win this one and stood up
straight, his head held high as he gazed down his nose at him.
"You are going to go back to work," I said, pushing Harlan even farther
away from Darien. "And calm your nerves down." I turned him around and gave
him a nudge towards the corner. I risked a quick, pathetic look towards
Darien and heaved a huge sigh as I watched him gaze helplessly at our two
disappearing figures. I closed my eyes and bit my lip, only having the
courage to thank God that this was all that had taken place. Shaking my
head, I said a terse good-bye to Harlan as he headed back towards his
office, and I walked a confused and now depressed Selene back home, only
wanting to curl up and cry instead.
*****
"Just hold still!" I said in an exasperated tone. I had returned to
Dariens an hour later, only to find him holding an ice pack to his chin,
which had begun to swell and bleed in open parts. I sighed, pressing a cold
rag to his jaw, which was now turning all shades of purple. He cringed and
even whined a bit, and it was all I could do not to laugh at his low
tolerance for pain. I grinned inwardly at the idea of such a massive man
being scared of a little water. His face scrunched up in agony as I rolled
my eyes and shook my head. "It can't be that bad...."
"You aren't the one who took a fist in the jaw...." He mumbled. He
eventually got fed up and pulled the cloth away from me and threw in back in
the cold water bath. He grew annoyed and turned away, crossing his arms
defiantly. I sighed, leaning my neck back for a second, thankful for the
break.
I sat for a second, watching his back as he slumped over in his chair.
Sighing, I shook my head in defeat and returned the tub of water back on the
counter near the kitchen. I remained standing, my arms crossed over my
chest, waiting somewhat patiently for him to break.
"Darien...." I sighed, my patience wearing thin as he sat riggedly with
his head down. I watched his back loosen and he sighed himself. "What
happened today?" He paused before answering.
"I don't know...." His voice cracked and I watched his stricken face
swivel around to face me. He couldn't look me in the eye and I almost
thought for a second he might cry. My heart throbbed and I put my hand
softly on his shoulder. "Serena, you know I would never let anything happen
to you.... and watching him....." His voice got softer and I watched his jaw
clench in contempt, which, under the circumstances must not have been easy.
I shushed him by cupping his face in my hand, rubbing his chin gently. He
sighed, his jaw coming unwound at the gesture, and closed his eyes as he
leaned his head into my palm. A small, private smile crept onto his face and
he gently kissed the ball of my hand. I grinned contentedly, thankful to
finally be off the subject of this afternoon. His expression grew solemn
suddenly and his eyes opened sadly as he pulled himself up off the chair and
walked himself back to the kitchen.
Puzzled by the swift change in emotions, I stood up and slowly followed
him. Halfway there, he ventured back and stopped in front of me. His face
got a little hurt, but considering the injury, I didn't stop to think about
it. He brushed past me quickly though, hardly giving me a second look and
sat back on his chair once again. I felt hurt and my heart pounded
questioningly as the silence began to suffocate me, unlike the comforting one
from a few moments ago. I wanted to escape it, but I could found it
impervious to analysis, and impossible to grasp. I sighed, blinking back
tears, knowing this wasn't the time to become sensitive.
Giving it one more try, I walked softly over to him, and slipped my
hand over his shoulder. "Darien....." I mumbled softly, massaging the
covered skin gently. I cringed as he pulled away at my touch. Dejected and
utterly hurt, I immediately backed away, hardly mumbling a good-bye as I
padded sadly to the stairs. I chanced another look at him and watched his
shoulders sag lightly, his form growing despondent. Sighing in confusion and
pain I pulled on the door and listened to the slight creak as I entered the
stairwell.
"Wait...."
I stopped. Rotating around, I hesitated before venturing back. His body
heaved as he drew in a breath and turned to face me.
"Serena, I'm sorry." I stared, not knowing whether to reply or not. "I
just found something out.....And I'm not sure how to react to it." I nodded,
taking one step towards him. He sighed and stood up. "Serena, a friend of mine
in France is incredibly sick, and he needs someone to take care of him." I
nodded still, my mind not quite grasping the concept.
"And....?" I asked. He sighed.
"The illness is long and painful, and I could be there for....a while."
He sighed and put himself back onto his chair. "More than likely, it will be
at least a year." My throat tightened invountarily, the rest of my body not
sure what to make of the news. I walked quickly to him, grabbing his hands
and squeezing.
"I hope you aren't thinking of staying here....Just for me." I said
weakly. He looked up at me and put his massive hands to my cheek and gave me
a sympathetic smile.
"I'd like to...But I know I can't. He needs me, and I would never be
able to forgive myself if I didn't help him." I nodded solemnly. "But
Serena...." He hesitated, looking down at his legs. I stared at him
expectantly and he sighed, frightened.
"What is it?" I asked quietly, reassuringly. He smiled sadly, and I
could tell he was searching for the right words. He tugged at my hands and
kissed the backs somewhat distractedly. I gave a small laugh, my anxiety
climbing. He sighed, defeated.
"Serena.... I want you to come with me."
*******************************
I do so love my cliffhangers! This was the shortest chapter yet, but I think the
content MORE than makes up for it! :) Hope you enjoyed! Feedback, pleaaaaase?
ropachan@cox.net
cielenvoye@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/sailorananke/
Love Through Time - A Serena & Darien Saga
Volume I, Chapter vi
By Sailor Europa
"Serena? Are you listening to me?" My head snapped to attention at the
words, my eyes temporarily taken off the musty sidewalk I had been watching
so intently. I gazed up at Harlan, who just continued to glare angrily down
his nose at me. I bit my lip, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. He
huffed in disagreement, as I let my gaze slip back down the my feet, as they
appeared every few seconds from beneath my velvet dress, then disappeared
again as my legs kept my body moving. I sighed, looking up absently, my eyes
catching Selene giggling as she ran in front of my gaze every so often. I
tried hard then to keep my mind on Harlan's self-absorbed tone as he
chattered on about some man who came to his club last night. I hoped I was
at least looking like I was paying him some attention, when the fact was, I
wasn't.
Harlan had taken a longer lunch break today, upon Selene's insistence,
in order to take her, and unfortunately me also, on a walk through the park.
So afraid to break her heart by declining, I reluctantly agreed to go.
Although now, my mind was beginning to drift back to more interesting
things. Or people, as the case may be. I felt my face flush violently, my
unabashed passion from the past night now replaced by shame, embarrassment
ruling my mind as I thought back to the hidden meeting. I sighed dejectedly,
hoping he hadn't thought the same thing....
"Serena?!" Once again, my mind was jolted back to the present, the dark
haired man in my day-dream now replaced by the annoyed face of my companion.
He gave me a stern scowl, his disapproving frown wearing down on my
conscience. I gulped nervously, nodding violently, hoping I could convince
him I had been paying attention. He glared at me for a few more seconds,
still slightly suspicious as he began to talk once more about himself. I let
out a sigh of relief, determined not to make him anymore upset than he
already was. I refused to let my mind wander now, and I now began to notice
the streets that we were passing, and I listening slightly, as my mind
whirred in recognition....
Oh no......
My eyes darted around frantically as we paused for a few seconds for
Selene to catch up, who had at some point fallen behind. I felt my palms
perspire as I gazed up at the all too familiar book shop teaseing and
taunting me ironically. My mind was racing and my face ignited, my cheeks
growing hot as I ducked down, ashamed to show my face around here. God, I
hoped he wasn't around.....
"Serena!!" Harlan's voice was far above his natural tone, and I
realized I had once again gotten distracted, and rightfully so, I thought.
But now, his annoyance was replaced by a vengeful, blazing eye, now glaring
agrily at me. I couldn't speak, and my feet became rooted in my present
spot, paralyzed by his malicious expression. "This is the third time you've
ignored me!" His voice rose with each word, the people milling about the
streets now all stopping to stare, their whispers still very audible over
Harlan's frightening bellow. My eyes glanced fiercely about, pausing for a
second on the book shop window, my mind falling to fear as I noticed most of
the visible people inside watching also, eyes wide with anticipation. "I
should not have to deal with your disrespect!" Fully screaming now, I barely
had a chance to react before I was taken aback.
He struck me.
Stunned more than hurt, I struggled back, my legs failing to fully
support me. My head spun in the direction of his swing, and I felt my
flaring cheek in shock as I slowly turned my head to face him again. His
eyes were curved upwards in a somewhat blissful grin, his mouth still
twisted in contempt. My eyes were wide, and I couldn't even blink as I met
his stare head on, my face a mask of confusion and hurt as I tried to
comprehend such a hideous task, right out in the street. I felt a tear fall
down my red cheek, and I watched as he willingly pulled back again. My hands
raised involuntarily to block my face, my eyes squeezing shut tightly as I
did. Realizing what I had done, my eyelids flew open, gazing back at him as
his eyes widened in shock and disgust. Oh God, what had I done?
He drew back fully, winding up preparation and I felt my body tighten
in suspense, my arms bolted at my sides, paralyzed as I watched his arm
swing around from behind....
...When another hand entered the scene, it's long fingers wrapping
tightly around Harlan's wrist. Taken aback, I watched in shock as Dariens'
brooding figure barreled over Harlan, gently forcing me backwards as he
stepped in harms way. I scurried over the side, my hands pushing me up off
the dusty street.
For seconds, I watched in agonized anticipation as Darien's narrowed
eyes stayed locked on Harlan's, who was just beginning to recover from his
surprise, and upon realizing who had interrupted him, turned to an
expression of loathing. My breath came quickly, and I moaned in misery,
hoping this didn't escalate to what it had the potential to become.
Harlan wrenched his arm away and rubbed his wrist, his eye-line not
faltering from Dariens piercing glare. The street had gotten eerily silent,
most people stopping to watch curiously or running quickly for cover from
the conflict. I stood back, my mind whirling as to what to do. I didn't want
to anger Harlan more, but I was so afraid something drastic would take place
in front of my very eyes. I didn't know how to help, what to do. I couldn't
interfere without risking suspicion from Harlan, which would only cause more
trouble, not only for me, but for Darien too. And the thought of that only
made my blood go sour....
"What do you think you are doing?" Harlan growled from under his breath
as Darien's stance stood perfectly still, his face contorted in disgust as
he took a step closer.
"Something someone should have done a long time ago...." He muttered,
practically spitting the words back at Harlan. "Didn't anyone ever teach you
respect?"
"I don't believe that is any of your business....." Harlan replied
tauntingly, practically daring him to contradict him. Dariens eyes got cold,
and I almost wondered if he was going to retell the whole clandestine affair
to him, his eyes looked so cold. He glanced my way, and I gave him a
pleading look. His gaze reluctantly averted back to Harlan and he stood up
straight as he drew in a deep breath.
"I'm making it my business." Darien muttered, his eyes shooting the
floor in guilt. My heart felt heavy as I watched his eyes grow serious, and
I fought the urge to throw him a reassuring glance. Although I wished to God
he wasn't doing this, I couldn't fight the emotions that washed over me as I
watched him defend me. I couldn't imagine Harlan doing that, nor did I want
to. My love fought against my angst then, eventually both being overrun by
guilt for even thinking such things at this time. I sighed inwardly,
rejecting all thoughts for the moment.
"I think it would be in your best interest to just take a step back,
and let me handle my own matters." Harlan said, turning his back on Darien
as he straightened out his jacket. Darien stood still, his body writhing in
anger.
"Not until you can handle your 'matters' _and_ your wife," He
emphasized the last word in such contempt even I cringed. "RIGHT." Harlan
stopped, his fists clenched at his sides. My breath stopped as I watched him
turn around slowly, Darien still holding his head up confidently.
"Are you insinuating that I can not handle my wife correctly?" Harlan
said, his face inches from Dariens. Not wavering, Darien just stared back.
"I did not insinuate a word.... I said it flat out." Darien said.
Harlan narrowed his eyes and I watched him pull one clenched fist back,
before I realized I couldn't take it.
"NO!!" I screamed, before I even had a chance to think. I flung my body
onto Harlan, putting my own hand over his, my other one firmly on his chest
and looking him squarely in the eyes. "Harlan, DON'T make a scene!" His eyes
hardened, looking right past me. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at my
interference, just before he gave me a disapproving scowl, and shoved me
roughly to the ground. I gave a barely audible howl as my arm caught on the
cement, causing a long wound to bleed immediately. I cringed in pain, tears
of frustration and agony springing from my eyes.
In one mistaken moment, Darien's attention was averted as I was
hurtling toward the pavement. His eyes grew wide, and I watched him scramble
in vain to grab my hand to keep me from falling, when Harlan decided he'd
had enough, and wound up, concentrating all his energy on one punch. Darien
looked up just in time to catch the knuckles in the jaw, and he cringed
silently in pain, stumbling backward. He shook his head, swallowing hard. In
one swift moment, he pulled back his massive arm, clenching his jaw in
determination. I immediately jumped up, abandoning my own cuts, and threw
myself in between the both of them.
"Stop it!" I yelled, my outburst enough of a distraction to cause
Dariens arm to drop slightly. I put my hands on Dariens chest, pushing him a
few feet back. Taking the opportunity undetected from Harlan's eye, I looked
him in the eyes, throwing a quick, hard glare at him. I mouthed the word 'NO
' and I felt the tension in his body dissipate and my own muscles relax. I
took a deep breath and turned to my husband, a stern expression creasing my
face. He huffed, knowing he wasn't going to win this one and stood up
straight, his head held high as he gazed down his nose at him.
"You are going to go back to work," I said, pushing Harlan even farther
away from Darien. "And calm your nerves down." I turned him around and gave
him a nudge towards the corner. I risked a quick, pathetic look towards
Darien and heaved a huge sigh as I watched him gaze helplessly at our two
disappearing figures. I closed my eyes and bit my lip, only having the
courage to thank God that this was all that had taken place. Shaking my
head, I said a terse good-bye to Harlan as he headed back towards his
office, and I walked a confused and now depressed Selene back home, only
wanting to curl up and cry instead.
*****
"Just hold still!" I said in an exasperated tone. I had returned to
Dariens an hour later, only to find him holding an ice pack to his chin,
which had begun to swell and bleed in open parts. I sighed, pressing a cold
rag to his jaw, which was now turning all shades of purple. He cringed and
even whined a bit, and it was all I could do not to laugh at his low
tolerance for pain. I grinned inwardly at the idea of such a massive man
being scared of a little water. His face scrunched up in agony as I rolled
my eyes and shook my head. "It can't be that bad...."
"You aren't the one who took a fist in the jaw...." He mumbled. He
eventually got fed up and pulled the cloth away from me and threw in back in
the cold water bath. He grew annoyed and turned away, crossing his arms
defiantly. I sighed, leaning my neck back for a second, thankful for the
break.
I sat for a second, watching his back as he slumped over in his chair.
Sighing, I shook my head in defeat and returned the tub of water back on the
counter near the kitchen. I remained standing, my arms crossed over my
chest, waiting somewhat patiently for him to break.
"Darien...." I sighed, my patience wearing thin as he sat riggedly with
his head down. I watched his back loosen and he sighed himself. "What
happened today?" He paused before answering.
"I don't know...." His voice cracked and I watched his stricken face
swivel around to face me. He couldn't look me in the eye and I almost
thought for a second he might cry. My heart throbbed and I put my hand
softly on his shoulder. "Serena, you know I would never let anything happen
to you.... and watching him....." His voice got softer and I watched his jaw
clench in contempt, which, under the circumstances must not have been easy.
I shushed him by cupping his face in my hand, rubbing his chin gently. He
sighed, his jaw coming unwound at the gesture, and closed his eyes as he
leaned his head into my palm. A small, private smile crept onto his face and
he gently kissed the ball of my hand. I grinned contentedly, thankful to
finally be off the subject of this afternoon. His expression grew solemn
suddenly and his eyes opened sadly as he pulled himself up off the chair and
walked himself back to the kitchen.
Puzzled by the swift change in emotions, I stood up and slowly followed
him. Halfway there, he ventured back and stopped in front of me. His face
got a little hurt, but considering the injury, I didn't stop to think about
it. He brushed past me quickly though, hardly giving me a second look and
sat back on his chair once again. I felt hurt and my heart pounded
questioningly as the silence began to suffocate me, unlike the comforting one
from a few moments ago. I wanted to escape it, but I could found it
impervious to analysis, and impossible to grasp. I sighed, blinking back
tears, knowing this wasn't the time to become sensitive.
Giving it one more try, I walked softly over to him, and slipped my
hand over his shoulder. "Darien....." I mumbled softly, massaging the
covered skin gently. I cringed as he pulled away at my touch. Dejected and
utterly hurt, I immediately backed away, hardly mumbling a good-bye as I
padded sadly to the stairs. I chanced another look at him and watched his
shoulders sag lightly, his form growing despondent. Sighing in confusion and
pain I pulled on the door and listened to the slight creak as I entered the
stairwell.
"Wait...."
I stopped. Rotating around, I hesitated before venturing back. His body
heaved as he drew in a breath and turned to face me.
"Serena, I'm sorry." I stared, not knowing whether to reply or not. "I
just found something out.....And I'm not sure how to react to it." I nodded,
taking one step towards him. He sighed and stood up. "Serena, a friend of mine
in France is incredibly sick, and he needs someone to take care of him." I
nodded still, my mind not quite grasping the concept.
"And....?" I asked. He sighed.
"The illness is long and painful, and I could be there for....a while."
He sighed and put himself back onto his chair. "More than likely, it will be
at least a year." My throat tightened invountarily, the rest of my body not
sure what to make of the news. I walked quickly to him, grabbing his hands
and squeezing.
"I hope you aren't thinking of staying here....Just for me." I said
weakly. He looked up at me and put his massive hands to my cheek and gave me
a sympathetic smile.
"I'd like to...But I know I can't. He needs me, and I would never be
able to forgive myself if I didn't help him." I nodded solemnly. "But
Serena...." He hesitated, looking down at his legs. I stared at him
expectantly and he sighed, frightened.
"What is it?" I asked quietly, reassuringly. He smiled sadly, and I
could tell he was searching for the right words. He tugged at my hands and
kissed the backs somewhat distractedly. I gave a small laugh, my anxiety
climbing. He sighed, defeated.
"Serena.... I want you to come with me."
*******************************
I do so love my cliffhangers! This was the shortest chapter yet, but I think the
content MORE than makes up for it! :) Hope you enjoyed! Feedback, pleaaaaase?
ropachan@cox.net
cielenvoye@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/sailorananke/