It's been a month since my first meeting with Darien. Everyone says we've
become so close, it's like we've knows eachother our whole life. I'd have
to agree. When I'm around him, it's like something between us just clicks.
I could tell on that first day we ran into eachother. I questioned why he
seemed so open about his past and such, but somehow I didn't mind. Usually,
I'm very shy around people, not really knowing who I can trust anymore. All
the experiences I've had with people I'm suppost to be able to trust have
mostly ended in, well, hurt. Even though I feel so comfortable around him,
I still keep closed. I'm closed to everyone. No one knows of my real life.
Listening to the soft crunching of snow under my feet, I pulled my fuzzy pink toque down further over my ears. Watching my breath roll out in small clouds of white, I knew I would never get used to this. Knowing my house was just around the corner, I quickened my pace. Not to get home because I wanted to be there. I just wanted to get warm. Any way I could.
Looking up, I saw a boy in a dark blue jacket crossing the street up ahead. Recognizing the dark hair, I called out to him.
"Darien!" Turning abruptly in the middle of the street, he looked over to me. Taking a bare hand out of his pocket, he waved to me. Hearing a car horn, he ran off the street to my side. His ears and nose were red from the cold. Wondering why he didn't have anything but his jacket to stay warm, I took off my white scarf. As he walked closer, you could see his strong form shivering.
"Hey,Serena. Where are you coming from?" Looking down at me, he smiled trying to hide his shivers. I held out the scarf, offering its warmth. He eyed it for a minute, not really sure what I was doing. Placing it around his neck, I smiled.
"Suits you!" The white of the scarf clahsing against his dark hair really did suit him quite well. He fingered the object, feeling the fuzziness. He looked at me, his smile hidden from the material. I blushed, grabbing his hand and walking down the street aimlessly. After a few moments of silence, he finally began to talk again.
"You never answered my question." Peering at him through the corner of my eye and smiling to myself, I thought of what I should tell him. I couldn't very well tell him I had just come from a three-hour walk to escape my home. I don't think he'd buy it anyways. So I came up with something different.
"I was, uh, at the library, checking out books for History. I have a big report due next month, and thought I should get a head start." Figuring it was believable since he wasn't in that class, I stared ahead into the swirl of snow around us. Walking for a while longer, I noticed we were just getting farther and farther away from my house. I had to be home by six and it was already five-thirty. Hopefully we weren't too far away. Clearing my throat to ease the silence, I played with my mitts, picking off not-really- there fuzz. Realizing we were both feeling slightly akward, I decided to start a conversation.
"So, where do you live? I don't think I've ever seen your house before." Picturing a large house somewhere in the rich part of town, I heard him mumble an answer.
"It's in Mayfeild Park." He exclaimed. Not believing what he had just said, I looked at him with curiosity in my eyes. He looked to his opposite side, avoiding my stare. Knowing how uncomfortable it was to be watched, I looked forward again. Mayfeild Park is, well, it's not the richest part of town. Infact, it's next on the list after street corners and boxes. I didn't get it. He seemed very rich, went to the rich school, had nice clothes. It really didn't add up. I knew I wouldn't get an explanation so I decided to drop the subject.
Checking my watch, I read five forty-five. Fifteen minutes left, and we were really far away. Rounding a corner, I saw a sign that read 'Café'. Deciding it would be nice to get some hot chocolate, I tugged on Dariens arm, pulling him towards the small building.
"Want to get some hot chocolate or something?" He looked inside the window, then to me, smiling through the scarf.
"Sounds great!" He replied, leading me inside. As soon as he opened the door, I felt a warm blast of air. The smell of fresh pastries and coffee welcomed me. Shedding my winter shelter, I took a seat at a small two-person table. The café had a dark atmosphere. Brick walls of a dark brown went well with the red tiled floor. Dark mahogany wood made up the tables and chairs. Behind the counter stood a man with light brown hair and green eyes. Looking about seventeen, I smiled to the waitor. Smiling back, he walked over, a notepad in hand.
"Good afternoon. What should I get you two today?" Looking to the sign behind the counter, I went over my choices. 'Mocha, coffee, milkshake, laté.oh!'
"I'll have a milkshake please! With vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce." I smiled to the man, my mouth wattering just thinking about it. Darien eyed me suspiciously. I shifted under his stare. Why do people always do that to me?
"You're going to have a milkshake? With cold ice cream? After we just got out from the cold?" Shocked by his comment, I put a hand over my heart dramatically.
"But, of course! Ice cream is a delicacy to me, good sir. I'll take it whenever I can." He laughed and put down his order for a medium cocoa.
We sat for about three hours, the thought of my cerfew drifting from my mind. Chatting about school and what our plans were for the summer. We got on to the topic of what we want to do with our life. I told him I'd love to be a homemaker, like my mother. I learned that he wished to become a photographer and travel the world, meeting new people and seeing new places. It sounded wonderful. He made me want to go. Hearing his dreams made me think about my own. I knew I didn't have much potential, my life being held back by things unheard of. I wished me dreams could fly like his.
Looking out the café window, I almost fainted when I saw how dark it was outside. The snow created a blue grey hue. The moon was shining through the clouds. Feeling the tears coming, knowing I was more than late, I grabbed my coat. I looked to Donovan while putting on my toque and stuffing my mittens in my pockets.
"I'm so sorry, I have to go. I'm very late. I was suppost to be home by six tonight." Thinking out loud, I didn't hear what I was saying. Heading towards the door, I talked to myself under my breath. "Oh he's going to be so mad. I can't believe I was so stupid!" Cursing myself, I turned and waved to Darien. Running down the streets, falling a couple times on ice covered by new powder, I let the tears fall down my face. This time it was my fault. I keep pushing these things on myself. No wonder he hits me like this. I'm such an idiot! As the tears froze onto my cheeks, I held my jacket closer now. Running up my front steps, I stopped infront of the door. It had to be atleast nine now. I didn't want to look at my watch. It would be just another face mocking me. Hoping there was a chance he might be asleep, I quietly pushed open the door. Once I was inside, I slipped out of my shoes and jacket, hanging it on the available hook. Not daring to turn on any lights, I crawled up the stairs. The wood was cold to my touch. As I stood at the top, I looked to the living room. Shadows hid any possible places he could be. I decided to make a break for it, and turned to run down the long hall to the stairs. Only getting a few steps ahead, I heard movement behind me. A hand smashed firmly against my mouth, hushing any possible screams. Another arm wrapped around my own and my upper body. Throwing me into the dark room, I landed on the hard wood floor. Hitting my wrist on the table edge as I fell, I contained my pain, letting only tears fall. I hoped it was broken so I could go to the hospital and be treated. Just get away from this for one day.
He walked over, and I heard a growl in his breath as he undid the belt around his waist. His dark brown eyes flashing satisfaction, he threw me a pillow. Wrapping the belt around his fist leaving about a foot, he raised his hand, slashing it down. I winced. I began to think; maybe it was better outside than in here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sitting on the sofa in the living room, I looked at the Christmas tree infront of me. Bright blue lights shone out, creating eerie shadows from the tree branches. Clear ornaments of angels and bells hung from various places. Atop the tree sat a silk gold and cream angel. Her halo shining a dull gold from the darkness, her wings fanned out behind her. Underneath, three presents sat. One for my mother, one for myself, and the other for him. Mom said I should get one for him, out of courtesy. I had no idea what to get him, so I asked her what she thought I should get. A few suggestions seemed reasonable, but one semed perfect.
Sitting, looking at the tree, I didn't really hear when he came in the door. Mother wasn't home yet, still out shopping. I stared into the lights, my eyes not blinking from the trance they had set on me. Knowing he was near, I continued to stare, trying to get lost in thought. Thinking of flying away as the angel on the tree. Thinking of snow and how pure it was. How this day stood for love and new beginnings. For everyone except me, maybe it did. For me, it was just another holiday waiting to be ruinned.
"Serena!" Shook from my thoughts, I looked to where he was standing. A sly smile on his face, he glared at me. I knew what he had planned. Wrapping the blanket I had around me tighter, I sunk. Sitting on the sofa like a child, I stared at him. His fists tensed, and he walked close to me. I closed my eyes, only to feel a small brush on my cheek. Wrinkles ran across it, tickling me. I opened my eyes, and felt sick. His hands were on me. Thinking he may have found a new perverted hobby, I wimpered. He smiled at my sounds.
"Don't worry sweetie. I just wanted to say, I'm sorry." My eyes widened and looked into his. They seemed happy, not full of anger as usual. For a moment, I doubted it. It could be a cruel joke. But those eyes. Truth somehow sang to me. I felt this might be true. Maybe, I was finally receiving a new beginning. Maybe, my Christmas wish had come true. Not knowing what to believe, my eyes clouded over. The image infront of me swam in the pools. Tears fell, confusion and saddness floating in every one. He used his thumb, and wiped them away. He helped me to a sitting position, and looked into my eyes.
"Serena.can you ever forgive me?" A tear fell from his own eyes, and I knew it. He meant it. Someone was listening to my cries all along. Finally, they had let me be redeemed with life. I smiled. Embracing him in a warm hug, he tensed for a minute. Then slowly, he wrapped his arms round my neck. I closed my eyes, feeling the hug grow tighter. He laughed, and I laughed with him. Tightenning the hug more, he pushed me back to the sofa. I let the embrace go, and looked at him.
He smiled.
Suddenly, his hands were around my throat. Surprised at first, I gasped for air, feeling my lungs begin to close. Fear welled up inside and I tried to scream. No sound came though. Just a small, choking. Kicking, I looked at him.
"You stupid little brat! You actually think I would be as nice as to love you! You of all people!" He growled at me through gritted teeth. Black mist was coming from the sides of my eyes. He pushed down harder, sending the air away from me.
"You deserve this you know! You just had to be late yesterday. Your mother cooked a wonderful meal, and your helping got cold. I guess that means you don't want to eat, doesn't it?" I attempted to shake my head, dizziness my only reward.
"You'll get what you deserve you little whore! I saw you walking with that boy yesterday! What is he? Huh,Serena? Are you his little bitch? Because you're sure acting like it!" My eyes swelled shut as he pushed harder, and I sunk to the ground. His hands gripping my neck tighter, blackness came again. A slap went across my face, leaving a burning sensation behind. I rolled my head to the side. It bobbed up and down as he pushed over and over. I looked over his shoulder. An angel sat watching me. It's halo dull from the shadows. I looked at its folded hands, wishing its prayer were for me.
Listening to the soft crunching of snow under my feet, I pulled my fuzzy pink toque down further over my ears. Watching my breath roll out in small clouds of white, I knew I would never get used to this. Knowing my house was just around the corner, I quickened my pace. Not to get home because I wanted to be there. I just wanted to get warm. Any way I could.
Looking up, I saw a boy in a dark blue jacket crossing the street up ahead. Recognizing the dark hair, I called out to him.
"Darien!" Turning abruptly in the middle of the street, he looked over to me. Taking a bare hand out of his pocket, he waved to me. Hearing a car horn, he ran off the street to my side. His ears and nose were red from the cold. Wondering why he didn't have anything but his jacket to stay warm, I took off my white scarf. As he walked closer, you could see his strong form shivering.
"Hey,Serena. Where are you coming from?" Looking down at me, he smiled trying to hide his shivers. I held out the scarf, offering its warmth. He eyed it for a minute, not really sure what I was doing. Placing it around his neck, I smiled.
"Suits you!" The white of the scarf clahsing against his dark hair really did suit him quite well. He fingered the object, feeling the fuzziness. He looked at me, his smile hidden from the material. I blushed, grabbing his hand and walking down the street aimlessly. After a few moments of silence, he finally began to talk again.
"You never answered my question." Peering at him through the corner of my eye and smiling to myself, I thought of what I should tell him. I couldn't very well tell him I had just come from a three-hour walk to escape my home. I don't think he'd buy it anyways. So I came up with something different.
"I was, uh, at the library, checking out books for History. I have a big report due next month, and thought I should get a head start." Figuring it was believable since he wasn't in that class, I stared ahead into the swirl of snow around us. Walking for a while longer, I noticed we were just getting farther and farther away from my house. I had to be home by six and it was already five-thirty. Hopefully we weren't too far away. Clearing my throat to ease the silence, I played with my mitts, picking off not-really- there fuzz. Realizing we were both feeling slightly akward, I decided to start a conversation.
"So, where do you live? I don't think I've ever seen your house before." Picturing a large house somewhere in the rich part of town, I heard him mumble an answer.
"It's in Mayfeild Park." He exclaimed. Not believing what he had just said, I looked at him with curiosity in my eyes. He looked to his opposite side, avoiding my stare. Knowing how uncomfortable it was to be watched, I looked forward again. Mayfeild Park is, well, it's not the richest part of town. Infact, it's next on the list after street corners and boxes. I didn't get it. He seemed very rich, went to the rich school, had nice clothes. It really didn't add up. I knew I wouldn't get an explanation so I decided to drop the subject.
Checking my watch, I read five forty-five. Fifteen minutes left, and we were really far away. Rounding a corner, I saw a sign that read 'Café'. Deciding it would be nice to get some hot chocolate, I tugged on Dariens arm, pulling him towards the small building.
"Want to get some hot chocolate or something?" He looked inside the window, then to me, smiling through the scarf.
"Sounds great!" He replied, leading me inside. As soon as he opened the door, I felt a warm blast of air. The smell of fresh pastries and coffee welcomed me. Shedding my winter shelter, I took a seat at a small two-person table. The café had a dark atmosphere. Brick walls of a dark brown went well with the red tiled floor. Dark mahogany wood made up the tables and chairs. Behind the counter stood a man with light brown hair and green eyes. Looking about seventeen, I smiled to the waitor. Smiling back, he walked over, a notepad in hand.
"Good afternoon. What should I get you two today?" Looking to the sign behind the counter, I went over my choices. 'Mocha, coffee, milkshake, laté.oh!'
"I'll have a milkshake please! With vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce." I smiled to the man, my mouth wattering just thinking about it. Darien eyed me suspiciously. I shifted under his stare. Why do people always do that to me?
"You're going to have a milkshake? With cold ice cream? After we just got out from the cold?" Shocked by his comment, I put a hand over my heart dramatically.
"But, of course! Ice cream is a delicacy to me, good sir. I'll take it whenever I can." He laughed and put down his order for a medium cocoa.
We sat for about three hours, the thought of my cerfew drifting from my mind. Chatting about school and what our plans were for the summer. We got on to the topic of what we want to do with our life. I told him I'd love to be a homemaker, like my mother. I learned that he wished to become a photographer and travel the world, meeting new people and seeing new places. It sounded wonderful. He made me want to go. Hearing his dreams made me think about my own. I knew I didn't have much potential, my life being held back by things unheard of. I wished me dreams could fly like his.
Looking out the café window, I almost fainted when I saw how dark it was outside. The snow created a blue grey hue. The moon was shining through the clouds. Feeling the tears coming, knowing I was more than late, I grabbed my coat. I looked to Donovan while putting on my toque and stuffing my mittens in my pockets.
"I'm so sorry, I have to go. I'm very late. I was suppost to be home by six tonight." Thinking out loud, I didn't hear what I was saying. Heading towards the door, I talked to myself under my breath. "Oh he's going to be so mad. I can't believe I was so stupid!" Cursing myself, I turned and waved to Darien. Running down the streets, falling a couple times on ice covered by new powder, I let the tears fall down my face. This time it was my fault. I keep pushing these things on myself. No wonder he hits me like this. I'm such an idiot! As the tears froze onto my cheeks, I held my jacket closer now. Running up my front steps, I stopped infront of the door. It had to be atleast nine now. I didn't want to look at my watch. It would be just another face mocking me. Hoping there was a chance he might be asleep, I quietly pushed open the door. Once I was inside, I slipped out of my shoes and jacket, hanging it on the available hook. Not daring to turn on any lights, I crawled up the stairs. The wood was cold to my touch. As I stood at the top, I looked to the living room. Shadows hid any possible places he could be. I decided to make a break for it, and turned to run down the long hall to the stairs. Only getting a few steps ahead, I heard movement behind me. A hand smashed firmly against my mouth, hushing any possible screams. Another arm wrapped around my own and my upper body. Throwing me into the dark room, I landed on the hard wood floor. Hitting my wrist on the table edge as I fell, I contained my pain, letting only tears fall. I hoped it was broken so I could go to the hospital and be treated. Just get away from this for one day.
He walked over, and I heard a growl in his breath as he undid the belt around his waist. His dark brown eyes flashing satisfaction, he threw me a pillow. Wrapping the belt around his fist leaving about a foot, he raised his hand, slashing it down. I winced. I began to think; maybe it was better outside than in here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sitting on the sofa in the living room, I looked at the Christmas tree infront of me. Bright blue lights shone out, creating eerie shadows from the tree branches. Clear ornaments of angels and bells hung from various places. Atop the tree sat a silk gold and cream angel. Her halo shining a dull gold from the darkness, her wings fanned out behind her. Underneath, three presents sat. One for my mother, one for myself, and the other for him. Mom said I should get one for him, out of courtesy. I had no idea what to get him, so I asked her what she thought I should get. A few suggestions seemed reasonable, but one semed perfect.
Sitting, looking at the tree, I didn't really hear when he came in the door. Mother wasn't home yet, still out shopping. I stared into the lights, my eyes not blinking from the trance they had set on me. Knowing he was near, I continued to stare, trying to get lost in thought. Thinking of flying away as the angel on the tree. Thinking of snow and how pure it was. How this day stood for love and new beginnings. For everyone except me, maybe it did. For me, it was just another holiday waiting to be ruinned.
"Serena!" Shook from my thoughts, I looked to where he was standing. A sly smile on his face, he glared at me. I knew what he had planned. Wrapping the blanket I had around me tighter, I sunk. Sitting on the sofa like a child, I stared at him. His fists tensed, and he walked close to me. I closed my eyes, only to feel a small brush on my cheek. Wrinkles ran across it, tickling me. I opened my eyes, and felt sick. His hands were on me. Thinking he may have found a new perverted hobby, I wimpered. He smiled at my sounds.
"Don't worry sweetie. I just wanted to say, I'm sorry." My eyes widened and looked into his. They seemed happy, not full of anger as usual. For a moment, I doubted it. It could be a cruel joke. But those eyes. Truth somehow sang to me. I felt this might be true. Maybe, I was finally receiving a new beginning. Maybe, my Christmas wish had come true. Not knowing what to believe, my eyes clouded over. The image infront of me swam in the pools. Tears fell, confusion and saddness floating in every one. He used his thumb, and wiped them away. He helped me to a sitting position, and looked into my eyes.
"Serena.can you ever forgive me?" A tear fell from his own eyes, and I knew it. He meant it. Someone was listening to my cries all along. Finally, they had let me be redeemed with life. I smiled. Embracing him in a warm hug, he tensed for a minute. Then slowly, he wrapped his arms round my neck. I closed my eyes, feeling the hug grow tighter. He laughed, and I laughed with him. Tightenning the hug more, he pushed me back to the sofa. I let the embrace go, and looked at him.
He smiled.
Suddenly, his hands were around my throat. Surprised at first, I gasped for air, feeling my lungs begin to close. Fear welled up inside and I tried to scream. No sound came though. Just a small, choking. Kicking, I looked at him.
"You stupid little brat! You actually think I would be as nice as to love you! You of all people!" He growled at me through gritted teeth. Black mist was coming from the sides of my eyes. He pushed down harder, sending the air away from me.
"You deserve this you know! You just had to be late yesterday. Your mother cooked a wonderful meal, and your helping got cold. I guess that means you don't want to eat, doesn't it?" I attempted to shake my head, dizziness my only reward.
"You'll get what you deserve you little whore! I saw you walking with that boy yesterday! What is he? Huh,Serena? Are you his little bitch? Because you're sure acting like it!" My eyes swelled shut as he pushed harder, and I sunk to the ground. His hands gripping my neck tighter, blackness came again. A slap went across my face, leaving a burning sensation behind. I rolled my head to the side. It bobbed up and down as he pushed over and over. I looked over his shoulder. An angel sat watching me. It's halo dull from the shadows. I looked at its folded hands, wishing its prayer were for me.