Story 9 – Chapter 2
Serena woke up, sleepy, and stretched. She shook her head and remembered where she was. After the dance last night, she had gone back to her room. Although she had only had the teeniest bit of wine, she knew from experience that even that bit would make her tipsy. She had fallen asleep immediately, after convincing herself that drinking anymore would not be a good idea.
It wasn't that she liked wine. It was more that whenever she saw it, she just couldn't resist a sip, because she knew she looked very adult when doing it. All she needed to do was remind herself of her eighteenth birthday party, however, when she had the slightest bit of champagne, and totally embarrassed herself, and she would refrain from drinking more.
She made a face. Sometimes, she really regretted not having a high alcohol sustenance level.
She donned a simple blouse and black pants, convincing herself that it wasn't too casual, and it wouldn't make her mother mad. She looked for the familiar note under the door. Her mother always sent these schedules around, and though some of the activities were quite fun, she knew that she had better be careful, because she'd probably be paired with Darien each and every time.
She looked at her schedule.
December 21st Itinerary:
The only thing you have to do today, Serena, is help put up the decorations for the BIG ball with Sammy. None of the events are today.
Serena breathed a sigh of relief. That meant she was spared from social events and enduring Darien-the-jerk for a while, anyways.
Serena made a face. She should have been out Christmas shopping, but instead, she was putting up decorations. Suddenly, the ladder she was standing on teetered. Her heart froze. She had just enough time to see Sammy's shocked face before slowly, frozen in time, her ladder tilted backwards. Abruptly, it stopped. Too frightened to look down, Serena didn't move a bit. Slowly, steadily, her ladder moved back into place. As soon as she was sure it wouldn't slant over again, she scrambled off.
As she got off, she turned to see Darien. It was obvious that he had just righted the ladder. She was about to thank him, but the world suddenly swayed around her. She steadied herself against the wall, before speaking. "Thank you," she said breathlessly. She shivered, thinking of what would have happened had he not been there.
"It was nothing," he said. He watched her intently. "Are you alright?" he asked softly, obviously worried for her.
"I'm fine," she said. "I just need to calm down."
"Hey, sis!" Sammy called out. "That was some near-death experience. Y'all right? Man, that was quick thinking, Dare. Sure you're not going to faint or anything, sis?"
"I'm sure," Serena snapped irritably. "I just need some rest," she said, yawning.
"How much sleep did you get last night?" Sammy asked, whistling.
"Well," Serena paused. "I left the ball after the first dance, around midnight …" she paused. "That dance was very long, wasn't it?" she asked, suspiciously.
Sammy stared at his sister. "Actually," he said, "You and Darien didn't stop dancing until, like, the fifteenth LONG dance, when Michelle and Alex stopped classical and played tango."
Serena stared at Sammy. "You're kidding, right?"
Even Darien looked surprised.
Sammy shook his head. "You must have been spaced out. What were you thinking about?"
Serena glanced at Sammy. "What else? How to not embarrass myself in front of everyone."
Darien smiled. "Really? You seemed like a natural … which is a surprise considering your klutziness."
"I am not clumsy," Serena said hotly. She glared at him.
"I'm sure you're not," Darien said in a condescending tone.
"Don't patronize me!" Serena glared.
"Fine," Darien shrugged. "You are the clumsiest oaf I've ever seen."
Serena glared. She whirled around to glare again at her brother, who was laughing. She looked at the two most annoying men in the world, and threw up her hands. "Idiots! Can't live with them, can't get a good price for them at the garage sale."
"Are you implying that I'm an idiot?" Sammy declared.
"Of course not, brother," Serena said sweetly.
"Who's the one with the PhD in Medicinal Biology?" Sammy challenged. (Is there such a thing as Medicinal Biology?)
"I've got a Masters in Law and a Bachelors in Psychology. I also minored in Music and Literature," Serena pointed out.
"I've got a PhD in Medicine, a Masters in Law, and I minored in Biology and Archaeology, so I overrule both of you," Darien declared.
"Excuse me?" Serena asked. "A PhD AND a Masters?"
Darien shrugged. "After completing med school, I decided I didn't want to be a doctor, and since most people my age had just finished their first couple of years of college, I decided to major in Law."
Serena scowled. "That reminds me. The last case your Firm did was a low blow. I can't believe you wont the jury over with that!"
"Hey, the ends justifies the means," Darien said. "I won the case, and I did everything in my power to make sure I didn't lose."
Serena's eyes flashed. "I'll see how well your firm does against the Beryl case?"
Darien smirked. "Oh, I'm sure whoever you send will try their best, but I feel obliged to warn you that I ~am~ representing Beryl."
Serena smirked. "Well, my father is representing Demando. We'll see what happens when the swords clash."
***
Beryl casually filed her maroon fingernails. She glanced outside the window. ~I wonder when that hot Darien guy is coming. I'm glad I at least have someone *cute* representing my case~ She made a face.
If it weren't for that stupid Demando, I'd still be making tons of money.
Beryl and Demando were the hugest rivals there ever was. Demando was the current head of the Mafia, and he hated business competitors. Then, Beryl had moved into town. She had started a ring of women who sold themselves on the streets. Then, she had purposely extracted 90% of all their money and spent it on luxuries for herself.
In reality, they weren't much better off with her than they were on the streets, but now they had insurance. If a customer did not pay, or if that customer was amiss in his affections and broke a rule, the customer was found at the bottom of a river, all of his money mysteriously disappeared.
Demando's brother Saffir had not paid his woman, Cooan. Cooan had, of course, reported this to Beryl sullenly, because she really wanted her money. A simple twist of the strings, and Saffir was no longer alive. Furious, Demando had sent his top henchman … er, henchwoman, Esmeraude on the case.
Esmeraude, the low-lying, two-timing b**** had pretended to want to join Beryl's personal crime ring. She had found out that Beryl's ring had extended, and now covered most of New England. It was composed of many thieves, assassins, and lots of spies in the Mafia. Esmeraude, the double agent, barely managed to report to Demando about this before she was found out and killed by Beryl.
Furious, Demando had sent his worse after her. It hadn't worked. So instead, he was working up a legal fury. Of course, the lawyers knew about all of the tiny details, but no one really cared. Demando was convicting Beryl of Murder of the First Degree for having murdered Saffir and Esmeraude.
Beryl puffed a ring of smoke on her cigarette. It was too bad she was going to have to kill this Darien guy after he was finished defending her. It would be too bad to have someone who knew so many of her secrets. She felt no guilt, whatsoever. She only felt curiosity at how Demando planned to kill his lawyer, an old dude with tons of money, a large family, and very skilled relatives who would hunt through h*** and high water to find the murderer. She, herself, had been smarter.
Her lawyer, Darien, was an orphan. His parents had died when he was 6, and after inheriting money from them, he spent his life with his grandfather, who had died a couple of years ago. He had no relatives … only co-owners of his company who wouldn't question his death and bit and would, in fact, eagerly grab on to the remains of his company.
She smirked. It didn't matter whether she won or not … Demando and she would make it up soon. They would join their crime rings, and soon become RULERS OF THE WORLD!
A/N: Hehehe. Anyone else sensing some of the insanity that sent the real Demando and Beryl over the edge? And as for why I used Demando … I felt like it, and I think it sounds cooler to have a Mafia guy called Demando instead of Diamond. So, I've added intrigue, mystery, drama … it's no longer ~just~ a sappy romance.
Serena woke up, sleepy, and stretched. She shook her head and remembered where she was. After the dance last night, she had gone back to her room. Although she had only had the teeniest bit of wine, she knew from experience that even that bit would make her tipsy. She had fallen asleep immediately, after convincing herself that drinking anymore would not be a good idea.
It wasn't that she liked wine. It was more that whenever she saw it, she just couldn't resist a sip, because she knew she looked very adult when doing it. All she needed to do was remind herself of her eighteenth birthday party, however, when she had the slightest bit of champagne, and totally embarrassed herself, and she would refrain from drinking more.
She made a face. Sometimes, she really regretted not having a high alcohol sustenance level.
She donned a simple blouse and black pants, convincing herself that it wasn't too casual, and it wouldn't make her mother mad. She looked for the familiar note under the door. Her mother always sent these schedules around, and though some of the activities were quite fun, she knew that she had better be careful, because she'd probably be paired with Darien each and every time.
She looked at her schedule.
December 21st Itinerary:
The only thing you have to do today, Serena, is help put up the decorations for the BIG ball with Sammy. None of the events are today.
Serena breathed a sigh of relief. That meant she was spared from social events and enduring Darien-the-jerk for a while, anyways.
Serena made a face. She should have been out Christmas shopping, but instead, she was putting up decorations. Suddenly, the ladder she was standing on teetered. Her heart froze. She had just enough time to see Sammy's shocked face before slowly, frozen in time, her ladder tilted backwards. Abruptly, it stopped. Too frightened to look down, Serena didn't move a bit. Slowly, steadily, her ladder moved back into place. As soon as she was sure it wouldn't slant over again, she scrambled off.
As she got off, she turned to see Darien. It was obvious that he had just righted the ladder. She was about to thank him, but the world suddenly swayed around her. She steadied herself against the wall, before speaking. "Thank you," she said breathlessly. She shivered, thinking of what would have happened had he not been there.
"It was nothing," he said. He watched her intently. "Are you alright?" he asked softly, obviously worried for her.
"I'm fine," she said. "I just need to calm down."
"Hey, sis!" Sammy called out. "That was some near-death experience. Y'all right? Man, that was quick thinking, Dare. Sure you're not going to faint or anything, sis?"
"I'm sure," Serena snapped irritably. "I just need some rest," she said, yawning.
"How much sleep did you get last night?" Sammy asked, whistling.
"Well," Serena paused. "I left the ball after the first dance, around midnight …" she paused. "That dance was very long, wasn't it?" she asked, suspiciously.
Sammy stared at his sister. "Actually," he said, "You and Darien didn't stop dancing until, like, the fifteenth LONG dance, when Michelle and Alex stopped classical and played tango."
Serena stared at Sammy. "You're kidding, right?"
Even Darien looked surprised.
Sammy shook his head. "You must have been spaced out. What were you thinking about?"
Serena glanced at Sammy. "What else? How to not embarrass myself in front of everyone."
Darien smiled. "Really? You seemed like a natural … which is a surprise considering your klutziness."
"I am not clumsy," Serena said hotly. She glared at him.
"I'm sure you're not," Darien said in a condescending tone.
"Don't patronize me!" Serena glared.
"Fine," Darien shrugged. "You are the clumsiest oaf I've ever seen."
Serena glared. She whirled around to glare again at her brother, who was laughing. She looked at the two most annoying men in the world, and threw up her hands. "Idiots! Can't live with them, can't get a good price for them at the garage sale."
"Are you implying that I'm an idiot?" Sammy declared.
"Of course not, brother," Serena said sweetly.
"Who's the one with the PhD in Medicinal Biology?" Sammy challenged. (Is there such a thing as Medicinal Biology?)
"I've got a Masters in Law and a Bachelors in Psychology. I also minored in Music and Literature," Serena pointed out.
"I've got a PhD in Medicine, a Masters in Law, and I minored in Biology and Archaeology, so I overrule both of you," Darien declared.
"Excuse me?" Serena asked. "A PhD AND a Masters?"
Darien shrugged. "After completing med school, I decided I didn't want to be a doctor, and since most people my age had just finished their first couple of years of college, I decided to major in Law."
Serena scowled. "That reminds me. The last case your Firm did was a low blow. I can't believe you wont the jury over with that!"
"Hey, the ends justifies the means," Darien said. "I won the case, and I did everything in my power to make sure I didn't lose."
Serena's eyes flashed. "I'll see how well your firm does against the Beryl case?"
Darien smirked. "Oh, I'm sure whoever you send will try their best, but I feel obliged to warn you that I ~am~ representing Beryl."
Serena smirked. "Well, my father is representing Demando. We'll see what happens when the swords clash."
***
Beryl casually filed her maroon fingernails. She glanced outside the window. ~I wonder when that hot Darien guy is coming. I'm glad I at least have someone *cute* representing my case~ She made a face.
If it weren't for that stupid Demando, I'd still be making tons of money.
Beryl and Demando were the hugest rivals there ever was. Demando was the current head of the Mafia, and he hated business competitors. Then, Beryl had moved into town. She had started a ring of women who sold themselves on the streets. Then, she had purposely extracted 90% of all their money and spent it on luxuries for herself.
In reality, they weren't much better off with her than they were on the streets, but now they had insurance. If a customer did not pay, or if that customer was amiss in his affections and broke a rule, the customer was found at the bottom of a river, all of his money mysteriously disappeared.
Demando's brother Saffir had not paid his woman, Cooan. Cooan had, of course, reported this to Beryl sullenly, because she really wanted her money. A simple twist of the strings, and Saffir was no longer alive. Furious, Demando had sent his top henchman … er, henchwoman, Esmeraude on the case.
Esmeraude, the low-lying, two-timing b**** had pretended to want to join Beryl's personal crime ring. She had found out that Beryl's ring had extended, and now covered most of New England. It was composed of many thieves, assassins, and lots of spies in the Mafia. Esmeraude, the double agent, barely managed to report to Demando about this before she was found out and killed by Beryl.
Furious, Demando had sent his worse after her. It hadn't worked. So instead, he was working up a legal fury. Of course, the lawyers knew about all of the tiny details, but no one really cared. Demando was convicting Beryl of Murder of the First Degree for having murdered Saffir and Esmeraude.
Beryl puffed a ring of smoke on her cigarette. It was too bad she was going to have to kill this Darien guy after he was finished defending her. It would be too bad to have someone who knew so many of her secrets. She felt no guilt, whatsoever. She only felt curiosity at how Demando planned to kill his lawyer, an old dude with tons of money, a large family, and very skilled relatives who would hunt through h*** and high water to find the murderer. She, herself, had been smarter.
Her lawyer, Darien, was an orphan. His parents had died when he was 6, and after inheriting money from them, he spent his life with his grandfather, who had died a couple of years ago. He had no relatives … only co-owners of his company who wouldn't question his death and bit and would, in fact, eagerly grab on to the remains of his company.
She smirked. It didn't matter whether she won or not … Demando and she would make it up soon. They would join their crime rings, and soon become RULERS OF THE WORLD!
A/N: Hehehe. Anyone else sensing some of the insanity that sent the real Demando and Beryl over the edge? And as for why I used Demando … I felt like it, and I think it sounds cooler to have a Mafia guy called Demando instead of Diamond. So, I've added intrigue, mystery, drama … it's no longer ~just~ a sappy romance.