TITLE: "Matchmaker Lane" (Chap. 3)
AUTHOR: Dream Catcher
DISCLAIMER: You guessed it, I don't own Sailor Moon
A.N.: Hey! I wasn't planning on posting this chapter so soon, but it's Thanksgiving. Plus I was so happy about the success of my newest story "Christmas Dreams." Check it out if you haven't already. I might put this story on hold for a little while because I want "Christmas Dreams" to be finished by Christmas. It seems to be coming along pretty quick, but who knows when writer's block will happen. I love reviewers (hint hint). So if you like this story or any of my others, don't be shy. I love feedback. Make suggestions if you want. And if I can fit them into the plot I already have planned out, I'll use them. Well, here's chapter three.
Chapter 3
A month later found Serena getting ready for her fourth date since moving to South Carolina. She promised herself she wouldn't go out on another date for a long time. But little did she know, that in only a matter of days she would be breaking her promise.
Her first date, Richard, had been introduced to her by Amy. He was a doctor where Amy worked. But what Serena thought would be a nice lunch date with a single guy, turned out to be a boring lunch date with a gay guy. Poor, innocent Amy didn't realize it, but Serena figured it out when she saw Richard staring at another man's butt instead of hers.
Then there was Michael. She hadn't realized it was a date until she arrived at Mina's house for dinner, fully expecting it would just be her, Mina and Andrew. Then five minutes after she arrived, Michael arrived decked out in slacks, a dress shirt, and a toupee.
After Michael there was Justin, Lita's idea. He had fixed Lita's car, and the fact he was a mechanic, showed. He picked her up dressed in old jeans with holes in the knees and a plaid shirt. Together, they had went to McDonald's in his pick-up truck.
Now she was going to meet Walter, a friend of Raye. So far, she knew he was veterinarian and was single. Maybe she would enjoy this date, but she doubted it with the way her love life was going.
When her doorbell rang she glanced at the mirror one last time before answering the door. There on her doorstep, stood a man just over six feet. His chocolate colored eyes accessed her as she did the same to him. Serena noted he had a kind face, and eminently felt at ease. She also took in his dark hair that was thinning around top.
Walter offered her the flowers he held, and she accepted. She went into the kitchen to fill a vase with water to place the daisies in before leaving with him. His car was nicer than Michael's and she doubted he would take her to a fast food place, but Serena was never one to judge people by her first look at them.
As Walter opened her car door for her, she thought that maybe this night wouldn't be a total waist.
Darien had just finished packing for his visit to his sister's. He needed the vacation after his latest case. The publicity had given him a headache, one far worse then Raye had ever given him. So, he was a little more than happy to be going to Raye's. The country life was just what he needed at the moment, so much so, he decided he would prolong his trip back to New York.
He just hoped that in the three weeks he would be there, he wouldn't be forced into a date with his sister's new single friend. But, with pleasure came pain, and a lot was associated with Raye. But as much as he joked about Raye's temper, it was one of her traits he wouldn't want her to give up. After all, as a teenager he never was forced to protect her from bad dates; she handled them on her own.
He placed his suitcases beside the door, and hoped he didn't forget anything. His lap top was packed on top, he had his pants, shirts, boxers (A.N. I think Darien is a boxer man : ) ), all the essentials.
It was late, he noted as he looked at his clock that read ten. He had an early flight in the morning and didn't want to miss it. So instead of staying up late to watch the Late Show like he usually did, he decided it would be best if he went to bed to dream of his peaceful stay in rural South Carolina.
But little did Darien know, that his stay would be anything but peaceful.
The sun was shinning, the birds were chirping, and Serena was sleeping. That is, she was until the doorbell rang. She already knew who it was before she left her bed; it would be the girls asking how her date went.
She trudged down the hallway, her bedroom slippers making noises against the carpet one her way to the door. Slowly Serena opened the door, but before it was fully open Mina stormed inside closely followed by Lita, Raye, and Amy.
Blurry eyed, Serena stared at her smiling guests, and wished she had some of whatever they had to be so chipper at eight in the morning.
"So, how'd it go?" Mina asked straight to the point.
"He was nice," Serena yawned.
"Just nice? That's it?" asked Lita.
"That's just it. He was too nice. He seemed to be kind of a wimp. Raye are you sure he's your friend?"
"Yes. My dog Rocky goes to him."
"Yeah, well, Raye I hate to tell you, but your dog has a sissy as a doctor. As I said, he's nice but I want a guy who's not afraid to live now and then. Not that I don't want a sensitive guy, but I don't one who's idea of fun is playing checkers. Plus, we didn't share the same interests."
"Such a shame. We thought you'd like 'em," Mina expressed as she flopped down on the couch.
"He's okay as a friend, but nothing more."
"Well, let's talk about something more fun like Raye's upcoming birthday," Amy smiled.
"Oh that's right. Raye's turning twenty-six," Serena said glad the focus of the conversation was on someone besides her.
"Yep, It's tomorrow. Darien's flying out this morning so he can be here for my birthday." Raye smiled. She couldn't wait to see her brother. Maybe he'd bring a guy for her to introduce to Serena.
"Darien is?"
"My big brother. You remember; I told you about him." At Serena's blank look. Raye continued,
"The assistant prosecutor that is up for a judgeship."
"Oh, yeah, I remember now," Serena said remembering the way Raye had boasted over her older brother on the night Serena had dinner at Raye's house.
"He called me the other day and told me he's staying for three weeks! Said he needed a vacation. He never takes one, and I figured if he ever did he would go to the Bahamas or something. I'm not complaining, though. He'd be the perfect babysitter for when we have a girls' day out," Raye rambled.
The women chatted away the morning until it was time for Raye to pick up her brother from the airport and, whether she knew it or not, Serena's destiny.
As Darien exited the terminal, he was more than happy to notice that Raye was already there and waiting. Her annoyed face due to the planes late of arrival, turned to one of happiness. She was there along with Chad, Phoebe, and Damian.
She greeted Darien with open arms, and he had no choice but to hug back. Once he let go of Raye, he scooped up his niece and nephew. Phoebe giggled and kissed her Uncle Darien on the cheek. Damian hugged Darien fiercely around the neck. He set both the children down before turning to Chad and giving him a hearty handshake.
"I've missed you so much." Raye hugged Darien once again.
"I've missed you too," and he hadn't known how much until then.
Together, they went to claim Darien's luggage. Once Darien had everything, they went to the parking garage and piled into Raye's van.
While Chad drove, Raye talked nonstop about all the things going on. The upcoming Forth of July fair, Margaret Johnson's bake sale, and most importantly her new single neighbor.
Darien tried to pay attention to Raye, he really did, but he found his niece and nephew much more entertaining. He hoped to have kids one day, he startlingly discovered. He'd never given it much thought before, but as he watched Phoebe wrestle he her brother over a toy, he knew he had to have a family of his own in the future.
Chad pulled into the driveway of his home on Juniper lane. As Darien got out of the van, he couldn't help but notice the figure next door struggling with a lawnmower. He realized it must be the new neighbor he'd heard so much about. She was cute, he admitted, Shouldn't be too hard for the girls to find a husband.
Darien turned and picked up Damian and sat him on his shoulders. Together they went into the house with Damian tugging Darien's hair, while Darien ignored Raye's fleeting warning of: "Don't you dare drop him, Darien!"
Stupid grass. Stupid Lawnmower. If she'd had enough money she'd have paid someone to cut the grass, but seeing how she needed the money her new job paid her for other things, someone else to cut her grass would have to wait.
She pulled the starter once again, but the lawnmower sputtered and fell silent.
"Stupid piece of crap! I should send you to the junk yard!"
Serena kicked the rusted heap of metal she had bought at a yard sale. If she had expected it to start by kicking it, she was highly wrong. All she ended up with was a sore toe and uncut grass.
She wiped the sweat she had built up while fighting with the "rusted piece of crap" from her brow and glanced over at Raye's house. Their home, she noted when she saw the van in their driveway.
Serena turned back to kicking and fussing at her cheap lawnmower until she heard a friendly voice call from behind.
"Need some help?"
Serena turned and saw Chad standing a few feet away, a grin plastered on his face.
"What do you think?" she asked sarcastically.
He chuckled, "Raye saw that you needed some help when we pulled up. She forced me over here- not that I wouldn't come by my own means- of course."
Serena smiled and stepped out of the way to let him at the lawnmower, which he immediately began to fiddle around with.
After a few minutes he spoke, "I found your problem." He stood up and turned to face her.
"Well?"
He smiled, "It needs gas."
She stared at him in shock. "You're kidding." When Chad shook his head, she began to rant. "You mean to tell me tell me, I put up a fight with that, that junk heap and all it needed was gas."
"S'pose so."
He was smiling at her, mirth dancing in his eyes.
"You find this funny, don't you," she said, eyes narrowed.
"Yep."
We'll she didn't. She didn't find one damn thing funny about it.
"Well, I'm gonna mosey on over home. Raye's gonna want me to entertain our guest while she cooks dinner. I'm sure he'll find this entertaining." He didn't wait for her to comment, instead he turned and headed towards his home.
She stared at his back and then turned towards the lawnmower. It was still a rusted piece of crap to her, even if it only needed gas. Forget this, she thought, I'll cut it tomorrow.
"It needed gas! That's it? Oh, man, how funny," Darien chuckled. If only he had seen the woman's face.
"She looked as if she'd kill me when I told her that it needed gas. I never did get a thank you for my service." Chad paused, listening to the sounds coming from outside. "I don't hear a lawnmower."
"She probably didn't feel like cutting grass after that embarrassment."
"Give Serena a break. She's very nice. I could have made the same mistake," Raye said as she came into the room. "Dinner's done."
"'Bout time, Raye. We've been waiting forever," Darien said in a stern tone, but then he smiled to show he was kidding.
Raye turned in a huff, but she too had a smile on her face when she entered the kitchen.
"Dare, we better go before she uses her broom on us." Chad slapped Darien on the back before he picked Damian up off the living room floor and proceeded to fallow his wife.
Darien Picked up Phoebe, but before he too left the room, he snuck one quick glance out the window towards Serena's house next door. He shook his head and headed towards the dinning room.
TO BE CONTINUED
A.N.: Hope you liked it. If you did, feel free to tell me. ^_^
AUTHOR: Dream Catcher
DISCLAIMER: You guessed it, I don't own Sailor Moon
A.N.: Hey! I wasn't planning on posting this chapter so soon, but it's Thanksgiving. Plus I was so happy about the success of my newest story "Christmas Dreams." Check it out if you haven't already. I might put this story on hold for a little while because I want "Christmas Dreams" to be finished by Christmas. It seems to be coming along pretty quick, but who knows when writer's block will happen. I love reviewers (hint hint). So if you like this story or any of my others, don't be shy. I love feedback. Make suggestions if you want. And if I can fit them into the plot I already have planned out, I'll use them. Well, here's chapter three.
Chapter 3
A month later found Serena getting ready for her fourth date since moving to South Carolina. She promised herself she wouldn't go out on another date for a long time. But little did she know, that in only a matter of days she would be breaking her promise.
Her first date, Richard, had been introduced to her by Amy. He was a doctor where Amy worked. But what Serena thought would be a nice lunch date with a single guy, turned out to be a boring lunch date with a gay guy. Poor, innocent Amy didn't realize it, but Serena figured it out when she saw Richard staring at another man's butt instead of hers.
Then there was Michael. She hadn't realized it was a date until she arrived at Mina's house for dinner, fully expecting it would just be her, Mina and Andrew. Then five minutes after she arrived, Michael arrived decked out in slacks, a dress shirt, and a toupee.
After Michael there was Justin, Lita's idea. He had fixed Lita's car, and the fact he was a mechanic, showed. He picked her up dressed in old jeans with holes in the knees and a plaid shirt. Together, they had went to McDonald's in his pick-up truck.
Now she was going to meet Walter, a friend of Raye. So far, she knew he was veterinarian and was single. Maybe she would enjoy this date, but she doubted it with the way her love life was going.
When her doorbell rang she glanced at the mirror one last time before answering the door. There on her doorstep, stood a man just over six feet. His chocolate colored eyes accessed her as she did the same to him. Serena noted he had a kind face, and eminently felt at ease. She also took in his dark hair that was thinning around top.
Walter offered her the flowers he held, and she accepted. She went into the kitchen to fill a vase with water to place the daisies in before leaving with him. His car was nicer than Michael's and she doubted he would take her to a fast food place, but Serena was never one to judge people by her first look at them.
As Walter opened her car door for her, she thought that maybe this night wouldn't be a total waist.
Darien had just finished packing for his visit to his sister's. He needed the vacation after his latest case. The publicity had given him a headache, one far worse then Raye had ever given him. So, he was a little more than happy to be going to Raye's. The country life was just what he needed at the moment, so much so, he decided he would prolong his trip back to New York.
He just hoped that in the three weeks he would be there, he wouldn't be forced into a date with his sister's new single friend. But, with pleasure came pain, and a lot was associated with Raye. But as much as he joked about Raye's temper, it was one of her traits he wouldn't want her to give up. After all, as a teenager he never was forced to protect her from bad dates; she handled them on her own.
He placed his suitcases beside the door, and hoped he didn't forget anything. His lap top was packed on top, he had his pants, shirts, boxers (A.N. I think Darien is a boxer man : ) ), all the essentials.
It was late, he noted as he looked at his clock that read ten. He had an early flight in the morning and didn't want to miss it. So instead of staying up late to watch the Late Show like he usually did, he decided it would be best if he went to bed to dream of his peaceful stay in rural South Carolina.
But little did Darien know, that his stay would be anything but peaceful.
The sun was shinning, the birds were chirping, and Serena was sleeping. That is, she was until the doorbell rang. She already knew who it was before she left her bed; it would be the girls asking how her date went.
She trudged down the hallway, her bedroom slippers making noises against the carpet one her way to the door. Slowly Serena opened the door, but before it was fully open Mina stormed inside closely followed by Lita, Raye, and Amy.
Blurry eyed, Serena stared at her smiling guests, and wished she had some of whatever they had to be so chipper at eight in the morning.
"So, how'd it go?" Mina asked straight to the point.
"He was nice," Serena yawned.
"Just nice? That's it?" asked Lita.
"That's just it. He was too nice. He seemed to be kind of a wimp. Raye are you sure he's your friend?"
"Yes. My dog Rocky goes to him."
"Yeah, well, Raye I hate to tell you, but your dog has a sissy as a doctor. As I said, he's nice but I want a guy who's not afraid to live now and then. Not that I don't want a sensitive guy, but I don't one who's idea of fun is playing checkers. Plus, we didn't share the same interests."
"Such a shame. We thought you'd like 'em," Mina expressed as she flopped down on the couch.
"He's okay as a friend, but nothing more."
"Well, let's talk about something more fun like Raye's upcoming birthday," Amy smiled.
"Oh that's right. Raye's turning twenty-six," Serena said glad the focus of the conversation was on someone besides her.
"Yep, It's tomorrow. Darien's flying out this morning so he can be here for my birthday." Raye smiled. She couldn't wait to see her brother. Maybe he'd bring a guy for her to introduce to Serena.
"Darien is?"
"My big brother. You remember; I told you about him." At Serena's blank look. Raye continued,
"The assistant prosecutor that is up for a judgeship."
"Oh, yeah, I remember now," Serena said remembering the way Raye had boasted over her older brother on the night Serena had dinner at Raye's house.
"He called me the other day and told me he's staying for three weeks! Said he needed a vacation. He never takes one, and I figured if he ever did he would go to the Bahamas or something. I'm not complaining, though. He'd be the perfect babysitter for when we have a girls' day out," Raye rambled.
The women chatted away the morning until it was time for Raye to pick up her brother from the airport and, whether she knew it or not, Serena's destiny.
As Darien exited the terminal, he was more than happy to notice that Raye was already there and waiting. Her annoyed face due to the planes late of arrival, turned to one of happiness. She was there along with Chad, Phoebe, and Damian.
She greeted Darien with open arms, and he had no choice but to hug back. Once he let go of Raye, he scooped up his niece and nephew. Phoebe giggled and kissed her Uncle Darien on the cheek. Damian hugged Darien fiercely around the neck. He set both the children down before turning to Chad and giving him a hearty handshake.
"I've missed you so much." Raye hugged Darien once again.
"I've missed you too," and he hadn't known how much until then.
Together, they went to claim Darien's luggage. Once Darien had everything, they went to the parking garage and piled into Raye's van.
While Chad drove, Raye talked nonstop about all the things going on. The upcoming Forth of July fair, Margaret Johnson's bake sale, and most importantly her new single neighbor.
Darien tried to pay attention to Raye, he really did, but he found his niece and nephew much more entertaining. He hoped to have kids one day, he startlingly discovered. He'd never given it much thought before, but as he watched Phoebe wrestle he her brother over a toy, he knew he had to have a family of his own in the future.
Chad pulled into the driveway of his home on Juniper lane. As Darien got out of the van, he couldn't help but notice the figure next door struggling with a lawnmower. He realized it must be the new neighbor he'd heard so much about. She was cute, he admitted, Shouldn't be too hard for the girls to find a husband.
Darien turned and picked up Damian and sat him on his shoulders. Together they went into the house with Damian tugging Darien's hair, while Darien ignored Raye's fleeting warning of: "Don't you dare drop him, Darien!"
Stupid grass. Stupid Lawnmower. If she'd had enough money she'd have paid someone to cut the grass, but seeing how she needed the money her new job paid her for other things, someone else to cut her grass would have to wait.
She pulled the starter once again, but the lawnmower sputtered and fell silent.
"Stupid piece of crap! I should send you to the junk yard!"
Serena kicked the rusted heap of metal she had bought at a yard sale. If she had expected it to start by kicking it, she was highly wrong. All she ended up with was a sore toe and uncut grass.
She wiped the sweat she had built up while fighting with the "rusted piece of crap" from her brow and glanced over at Raye's house. Their home, she noted when she saw the van in their driveway.
Serena turned back to kicking and fussing at her cheap lawnmower until she heard a friendly voice call from behind.
"Need some help?"
Serena turned and saw Chad standing a few feet away, a grin plastered on his face.
"What do you think?" she asked sarcastically.
He chuckled, "Raye saw that you needed some help when we pulled up. She forced me over here- not that I wouldn't come by my own means- of course."
Serena smiled and stepped out of the way to let him at the lawnmower, which he immediately began to fiddle around with.
After a few minutes he spoke, "I found your problem." He stood up and turned to face her.
"Well?"
He smiled, "It needs gas."
She stared at him in shock. "You're kidding." When Chad shook his head, she began to rant. "You mean to tell me tell me, I put up a fight with that, that junk heap and all it needed was gas."
"S'pose so."
He was smiling at her, mirth dancing in his eyes.
"You find this funny, don't you," she said, eyes narrowed.
"Yep."
We'll she didn't. She didn't find one damn thing funny about it.
"Well, I'm gonna mosey on over home. Raye's gonna want me to entertain our guest while she cooks dinner. I'm sure he'll find this entertaining." He didn't wait for her to comment, instead he turned and headed towards his home.
She stared at his back and then turned towards the lawnmower. It was still a rusted piece of crap to her, even if it only needed gas. Forget this, she thought, I'll cut it tomorrow.
"It needed gas! That's it? Oh, man, how funny," Darien chuckled. If only he had seen the woman's face.
"She looked as if she'd kill me when I told her that it needed gas. I never did get a thank you for my service." Chad paused, listening to the sounds coming from outside. "I don't hear a lawnmower."
"She probably didn't feel like cutting grass after that embarrassment."
"Give Serena a break. She's very nice. I could have made the same mistake," Raye said as she came into the room. "Dinner's done."
"'Bout time, Raye. We've been waiting forever," Darien said in a stern tone, but then he smiled to show he was kidding.
Raye turned in a huff, but she too had a smile on her face when she entered the kitchen.
"Dare, we better go before she uses her broom on us." Chad slapped Darien on the back before he picked Damian up off the living room floor and proceeded to fallow his wife.
Darien Picked up Phoebe, but before he too left the room, he snuck one quick glance out the window towards Serena's house next door. He shook his head and headed towards the dinning room.
TO BE CONTINUED
A.N.: Hope you liked it. If you did, feel free to tell me. ^_^