Lovely People
Chapter 1:
Closing her eyes, warm arms wrapped around her. She wished they were her own. Slowly, she
took in a deep breath, shaky, and swallowed the pain in her throat. She was alright. She was just
fine.
A shutter crawled over her skin as his warmth penetrated her chill. Her stomach sank hearing a
low grumble, wondering if it could be considered a laugh. Gently, a piece of her silver hair slid
from hugging her shoulder to lying limply behind her ear, revealing her milky skin to the chill.
Slight blues, purples, and vibrant reds blemished her neck, shoulders, and, no doubt, places her
stained sheet covered. She clutched her sheet around her tightly.
"You know, it wouldn't have been this way if you would've just cooperated." She shrugged off
his embrace as a sign of defiance, not trusting her voice to be strong for her. He laughed his
grumble, loving her fire.
Her bed creaked, braking the momentary deafening silence, as he moved to sit at the opposite
edge, facing the door. With a satisfied smile, he slipped on his shoes, already making plans for
his next visit.
She started counting every second with anticipation waiting for him to leave. With the quiet click
of her thick, almost sound proof, oak door, her body went limp; she laid wearily on her soft
feather bed. As if on instinct, her knees curled up to her chest, her arms trapped between them.
Silent tears fell unnoticed by the sixteen year old girl. She was pathetic. Why was she so
pathetic?
"I see you've decided to join us."
An older woman, looking to be in her thirties, with glorious fire red hair that spiraled down to
frame her pail face beautifully and full painted-red lips addressed the girl just entering the room.
The girl's gaze was cast to the reflective marble floor. Her silver hair was primped and pinned
into two buns on either side of her delicate head from which two fabulously long streams of hair
flowed from. Her mother used to call her her little bunny.
She gave a slight nod.
"Well, then, come. There is someone you should meet." At the sound of a chair scooting,
Serena's head rose. "Serena, this is Molly's new doctor, Darien Shields," he bowed politely. "Dr.
Shields, this is my niece, Serena Moon."
He was gorgeous, she couldn't help but gape just a little. Unconscious of herself, she let her eyes
travel up the expanse of his exceptionally tall body which was cover in a formal black suit that,
she commented to herself with a slight blush, he filled out perfectly. He had a strong chin
covered with a perfect tan complection that looked so tempting to touch. It couldn't have been as
smooth as it looked. His hair was short, strait, and black as pitch, if she knew what that meant.
She'd have to look 'pitch' up later. And there were these few stubborn stands of his hair that fell
over his eyes and they looked like they belonged there in its own disheveled way, but her fingers
still itched to push then away just for the chance to see how soft they were. Her face was getting
very warm and that's when she woke up. She couldn't believe her own nerve. This poor gentle
man was being the subject of an incredibly rude observation and she had the gal to be so un-lady
like. She began to scorn herself not knowing what had made her act so curiously.
A bit shaken by the sight of her cousin's new doctor and her own reaction to him, Serena
wobbled slightly on her curtsy. She was never really good at those, anyway.
"Very nice to meet you, Miss Moon," the man's voice was like silk and she blushed even harder
at the sound of it.
She nodded to him, not daring another look. She was so pathetic.
"Yes, well, come and sit. You're late as it is."
She obeyed, sitting in the chair pulled out for her, across form the ebony haired man. She smiled
at the servant before bowing her head in a short silent prayer, her stiff collar ebbing the
movement of her head. As she opened her eyes, she found the man looking at her with his deep
ocean blues. Worried, she wondered if there was a bruise she had missed covering. She bowed
her head deeper using her bangs as shields.
"If you wouldn't mind, I would like to see my patient soon," the man finally broke the rhythmic
clatter of utensils on plates.
"Oh, yes, of course," the woman smiled and patted his arm lightly. It was quickly taken away.
"Oh, honey, there you are."
"Indeed and I see you've begun without me." A tall man with long silver hair that was tied in a
low, loose pony-tail with a blue ribbon stood at the french doors framed with thick, colorful
draperies.
"Well, yes," she paused. "I wasn't sure if you'd be down tonight. I hope you don't mind too
terribly much," she stood from her position at the end of the table to greet him.
He nodded, noticing a new face at the table who was standing, as well.
"And you must be Darien Shields," they shook hands exchanging polite smiles.
Darien nodded, "Yes, and you're Mr. Moon?" He knew, of course, that he was.
Serena's uncle nodded in affirmation. "Please, call me Diamond. You must forgive my tardiness.
I was just taking care of some business before ending my day." His smile widened.
Serena's taught body felt like it was going to break through all her tension and anger. She
swallowed the lump in her throat trying to keep herself under control. She would not make a
spectacle of herself. She knew what would happen then.
"Oh, yes, of course. I was just acquiring, though, if I may see my patient," he reinstated, hoping
to be taken to Molly at that moment.
Serena's uncle smile faltered a bit before recovering. "Indeed. It seems absurd that you have to
ask. I don't see why you've not seen her already." He took a glance at his wife before placing a
hand on the young man's shoulder, ushering him away.
Serena rose her head from time to time looking at the steaming red head nibbling on a slice of
bread. Serena had lost her appetite a while ago. Without warning, the woman rose from her seat
almost slamming down her half eaten bread and stomped out of the dinning room in a huff, her
skirts swishing and swaying with her sudden movements. Her heals echoed in the hallways.
The door was opened very carefully, sure to not make a sound as she entered. The light from the
hallway filled the room, but only for a second before the it fled through the closing oak door.
Serena always hated the room. It could have been so beautiful and lively with its abundant
windows that no doubt had a breath-taking view of the gardens only two stories below.
She breathed in the rustic air along with floating dust particles. The windows were covered with
thick navy drapes. Candle light lit the room, but it seemed that they were never up to the task.
Even without a breeze, they tended to flicker.
In the middle of the room a king sized bed covered with blue floral sheets, quilts and abundant
pillows waited in disarray. Serena idly wondered how a body was supposed to fit on something
already so full. Steady breathing floated from the inhabitant which laid limply on the canopy bed.
Serena tip-toed her way to her cousin's side, just wanting to see that she was indeed still alive.
She hadn't had much sleep lately and was hoping this would sooth her.
Parting the meshed drapery, Serena's darkened crystal eyes peered down at the sleeping form
with vibrant curly red hair. She looked so fragile, just like a china doll. Serena was so envious.
Her throat clenched painfully and she tried so desperately to swallow it, but it wouldn't go away.
Why was she so pathetic. She hated that she was so ready to cry. She hated that she wasn't tough
enough to push it away. She hated feeling so helpless. She hated her cousin having to be stricken
from everything and she couldn't do anything about it. She hated the stupid bed that she laid in
day after day after day, never getting better. She hated her aunt and uncle for not caring as much
as they should. She hated feeling exhausted and most of all, she hated that she was so powerless,
pathetic and so unbelievably dirty. She couldn't help but feel that everything would have been
better if it weren't for her.
She hadn't noticed, but Serena had sometime ago slipped from the side of her cousin's bed to the
cold hard wood floor, bent over and sobbing.
Everything was such a mess.
Suddenly, arms came out of nowhere and wrapped themselves around Serena's slight form. She
screeched in fear, afraid of who it might be. She fought with everything left in her to get free, but
they wouldn't give, not in the littlest. God, why wouldn't he leave her alone? What did he want?
She felt so exhausted, she couldn't keep fighting. Feeling her struggles lessen, the arms shifted
around her, pulling Serena onto his lap, cradling her in his warm arms.
"Sh, it's okay. It's okay, she'll be fine," the concerned silky voice whispered into her ear.
Her eyes opened wide in shock. That wasn't her uncle's voice. His was more gruff, not as soft and
he'd never try to sooth her.
Serena whipped her head around to see none other than her beloved cousin's new doctor. She sat
in wonder. What was he doing there? He heard her crying? Why did he try to sooth her? What
was she still doing in his arms?
Feeling his grip on her lacked, Serena rushed to the other side of the room, furiously wiping her
tear stained cheeks. How incredibly embarrassing. He had seen her crying. Nobody but Molly
was allowed to see her cry. How could she face him now? God, she wished she had headed for
the door instead.
Serena bowed her head as she turned back to face the room, her hands clasped in front of her
slightly mussed yellow skirt.
"I'm sorry," was all she could think to say after an incredibly long moment of uncomfortable
silence.
"What for?" his voice only seemed to get closer.
Instinctively, she stepped back, only to find she was against the wall. She had done that so many
other times to herself. She thought that she would have learned by then. Her hands examined the
wall at her sides for a moment before coming to the conclusion that it was indeed solid.
Her head rose to find tall-dark-and-hansom had covered the expanse of the room and stood only
three feet in front of her. Too close. Her breaths started to quicken, she hadn't noticed how tall he
really was. He couldn't be shorter then six foot which towered her patite five foot four stature.
"Are you all right?" Dr. Shields noticed her reaction, but he couldn't understand why she would
be so scared of him. Was it just him or did she not like people in general?
Serena nodded her head, a nervous smile creased her lips. "Y-yes. What would make you think I
wasn't?" She slid around him, never turning her back to him, but never meeting his eyes. So, he
hadn't done anything to harm her. That didn't mean that he wouldn't.
"Hey, watch out," he tried to warn her, but it was too late.
She had tripped over the beautifully carved chest that laid at the end of Molly's bed with the
grace of an ox. Squealing, she turned and hit the floor, arms out to embrace the impact.
"Owch," she whispered, degrading herself for being so clumsy.
Once again, two arms held her, only this time, they were trying to pull her up gently. She pushed
them away.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," she rushed to her feet unceremoniously and wiped her slightly scrapped
hands on her skirt leaving hardly visible red lines behind. She laughed, nervousness mix with a
bout of embarrassment, waving him away as to say: how silly of you to be worried.
"You're sure?" He stepped toward her cautiously, not wanting her to panic and run like a little
bunny.
Her smile faltered a bit as she countered his advances with retreats.
"O-of course. It was just a slight blunder. Nothing to get excited about. I'm always doing things
like this. Can't go a day without falling all over myself," her uneasy laugh was interrupted by the
small of her back being shoved against something hard, the door nob. "Yes, well, I better be
going. Good day," she ran out the door with as much speed as much as dignity would allow,
though, not in a very dignified manner.
Darien smiled. Like a little bunny.
Chapter 1:
Closing her eyes, warm arms wrapped around her. She wished they were her own. Slowly, she
took in a deep breath, shaky, and swallowed the pain in her throat. She was alright. She was just
fine.
A shutter crawled over her skin as his warmth penetrated her chill. Her stomach sank hearing a
low grumble, wondering if it could be considered a laugh. Gently, a piece of her silver hair slid
from hugging her shoulder to lying limply behind her ear, revealing her milky skin to the chill.
Slight blues, purples, and vibrant reds blemished her neck, shoulders, and, no doubt, places her
stained sheet covered. She clutched her sheet around her tightly.
"You know, it wouldn't have been this way if you would've just cooperated." She shrugged off
his embrace as a sign of defiance, not trusting her voice to be strong for her. He laughed his
grumble, loving her fire.
Her bed creaked, braking the momentary deafening silence, as he moved to sit at the opposite
edge, facing the door. With a satisfied smile, he slipped on his shoes, already making plans for
his next visit.
She started counting every second with anticipation waiting for him to leave. With the quiet click
of her thick, almost sound proof, oak door, her body went limp; she laid wearily on her soft
feather bed. As if on instinct, her knees curled up to her chest, her arms trapped between them.
Silent tears fell unnoticed by the sixteen year old girl. She was pathetic. Why was she so
pathetic?
"I see you've decided to join us."
An older woman, looking to be in her thirties, with glorious fire red hair that spiraled down to
frame her pail face beautifully and full painted-red lips addressed the girl just entering the room.
The girl's gaze was cast to the reflective marble floor. Her silver hair was primped and pinned
into two buns on either side of her delicate head from which two fabulously long streams of hair
flowed from. Her mother used to call her her little bunny.
She gave a slight nod.
"Well, then, come. There is someone you should meet." At the sound of a chair scooting,
Serena's head rose. "Serena, this is Molly's new doctor, Darien Shields," he bowed politely. "Dr.
Shields, this is my niece, Serena Moon."
He was gorgeous, she couldn't help but gape just a little. Unconscious of herself, she let her eyes
travel up the expanse of his exceptionally tall body which was cover in a formal black suit that,
she commented to herself with a slight blush, he filled out perfectly. He had a strong chin
covered with a perfect tan complection that looked so tempting to touch. It couldn't have been as
smooth as it looked. His hair was short, strait, and black as pitch, if she knew what that meant.
She'd have to look 'pitch' up later. And there were these few stubborn stands of his hair that fell
over his eyes and they looked like they belonged there in its own disheveled way, but her fingers
still itched to push then away just for the chance to see how soft they were. Her face was getting
very warm and that's when she woke up. She couldn't believe her own nerve. This poor gentle
man was being the subject of an incredibly rude observation and she had the gal to be so un-lady
like. She began to scorn herself not knowing what had made her act so curiously.
A bit shaken by the sight of her cousin's new doctor and her own reaction to him, Serena
wobbled slightly on her curtsy. She was never really good at those, anyway.
"Very nice to meet you, Miss Moon," the man's voice was like silk and she blushed even harder
at the sound of it.
She nodded to him, not daring another look. She was so pathetic.
"Yes, well, come and sit. You're late as it is."
She obeyed, sitting in the chair pulled out for her, across form the ebony haired man. She smiled
at the servant before bowing her head in a short silent prayer, her stiff collar ebbing the
movement of her head. As she opened her eyes, she found the man looking at her with his deep
ocean blues. Worried, she wondered if there was a bruise she had missed covering. She bowed
her head deeper using her bangs as shields.
"If you wouldn't mind, I would like to see my patient soon," the man finally broke the rhythmic
clatter of utensils on plates.
"Oh, yes, of course," the woman smiled and patted his arm lightly. It was quickly taken away.
"Oh, honey, there you are."
"Indeed and I see you've begun without me." A tall man with long silver hair that was tied in a
low, loose pony-tail with a blue ribbon stood at the french doors framed with thick, colorful
draperies.
"Well, yes," she paused. "I wasn't sure if you'd be down tonight. I hope you don't mind too
terribly much," she stood from her position at the end of the table to greet him.
He nodded, noticing a new face at the table who was standing, as well.
"And you must be Darien Shields," they shook hands exchanging polite smiles.
Darien nodded, "Yes, and you're Mr. Moon?" He knew, of course, that he was.
Serena's uncle nodded in affirmation. "Please, call me Diamond. You must forgive my tardiness.
I was just taking care of some business before ending my day." His smile widened.
Serena's taught body felt like it was going to break through all her tension and anger. She
swallowed the lump in her throat trying to keep herself under control. She would not make a
spectacle of herself. She knew what would happen then.
"Oh, yes, of course. I was just acquiring, though, if I may see my patient," he reinstated, hoping
to be taken to Molly at that moment.
Serena's uncle smile faltered a bit before recovering. "Indeed. It seems absurd that you have to
ask. I don't see why you've not seen her already." He took a glance at his wife before placing a
hand on the young man's shoulder, ushering him away.
Serena rose her head from time to time looking at the steaming red head nibbling on a slice of
bread. Serena had lost her appetite a while ago. Without warning, the woman rose from her seat
almost slamming down her half eaten bread and stomped out of the dinning room in a huff, her
skirts swishing and swaying with her sudden movements. Her heals echoed in the hallways.
The door was opened very carefully, sure to not make a sound as she entered. The light from the
hallway filled the room, but only for a second before the it fled through the closing oak door.
Serena always hated the room. It could have been so beautiful and lively with its abundant
windows that no doubt had a breath-taking view of the gardens only two stories below.
She breathed in the rustic air along with floating dust particles. The windows were covered with
thick navy drapes. Candle light lit the room, but it seemed that they were never up to the task.
Even without a breeze, they tended to flicker.
In the middle of the room a king sized bed covered with blue floral sheets, quilts and abundant
pillows waited in disarray. Serena idly wondered how a body was supposed to fit on something
already so full. Steady breathing floated from the inhabitant which laid limply on the canopy bed.
Serena tip-toed her way to her cousin's side, just wanting to see that she was indeed still alive.
She hadn't had much sleep lately and was hoping this would sooth her.
Parting the meshed drapery, Serena's darkened crystal eyes peered down at the sleeping form
with vibrant curly red hair. She looked so fragile, just like a china doll. Serena was so envious.
Her throat clenched painfully and she tried so desperately to swallow it, but it wouldn't go away.
Why was she so pathetic. She hated that she was so ready to cry. She hated that she wasn't tough
enough to push it away. She hated feeling so helpless. She hated her cousin having to be stricken
from everything and she couldn't do anything about it. She hated the stupid bed that she laid in
day after day after day, never getting better. She hated her aunt and uncle for not caring as much
as they should. She hated feeling exhausted and most of all, she hated that she was so powerless,
pathetic and so unbelievably dirty. She couldn't help but feel that everything would have been
better if it weren't for her.
She hadn't noticed, but Serena had sometime ago slipped from the side of her cousin's bed to the
cold hard wood floor, bent over and sobbing.
Everything was such a mess.
Suddenly, arms came out of nowhere and wrapped themselves around Serena's slight form. She
screeched in fear, afraid of who it might be. She fought with everything left in her to get free, but
they wouldn't give, not in the littlest. God, why wouldn't he leave her alone? What did he want?
She felt so exhausted, she couldn't keep fighting. Feeling her struggles lessen, the arms shifted
around her, pulling Serena onto his lap, cradling her in his warm arms.
"Sh, it's okay. It's okay, she'll be fine," the concerned silky voice whispered into her ear.
Her eyes opened wide in shock. That wasn't her uncle's voice. His was more gruff, not as soft and
he'd never try to sooth her.
Serena whipped her head around to see none other than her beloved cousin's new doctor. She sat
in wonder. What was he doing there? He heard her crying? Why did he try to sooth her? What
was she still doing in his arms?
Feeling his grip on her lacked, Serena rushed to the other side of the room, furiously wiping her
tear stained cheeks. How incredibly embarrassing. He had seen her crying. Nobody but Molly
was allowed to see her cry. How could she face him now? God, she wished she had headed for
the door instead.
Serena bowed her head as she turned back to face the room, her hands clasped in front of her
slightly mussed yellow skirt.
"I'm sorry," was all she could think to say after an incredibly long moment of uncomfortable
silence.
"What for?" his voice only seemed to get closer.
Instinctively, she stepped back, only to find she was against the wall. She had done that so many
other times to herself. She thought that she would have learned by then. Her hands examined the
wall at her sides for a moment before coming to the conclusion that it was indeed solid.
Her head rose to find tall-dark-and-hansom had covered the expanse of the room and stood only
three feet in front of her. Too close. Her breaths started to quicken, she hadn't noticed how tall he
really was. He couldn't be shorter then six foot which towered her patite five foot four stature.
"Are you all right?" Dr. Shields noticed her reaction, but he couldn't understand why she would
be so scared of him. Was it just him or did she not like people in general?
Serena nodded her head, a nervous smile creased her lips. "Y-yes. What would make you think I
wasn't?" She slid around him, never turning her back to him, but never meeting his eyes. So, he
hadn't done anything to harm her. That didn't mean that he wouldn't.
"Hey, watch out," he tried to warn her, but it was too late.
She had tripped over the beautifully carved chest that laid at the end of Molly's bed with the
grace of an ox. Squealing, she turned and hit the floor, arms out to embrace the impact.
"Owch," she whispered, degrading herself for being so clumsy.
Once again, two arms held her, only this time, they were trying to pull her up gently. She pushed
them away.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," she rushed to her feet unceremoniously and wiped her slightly scrapped
hands on her skirt leaving hardly visible red lines behind. She laughed, nervousness mix with a
bout of embarrassment, waving him away as to say: how silly of you to be worried.
"You're sure?" He stepped toward her cautiously, not wanting her to panic and run like a little
bunny.
Her smile faltered a bit as she countered his advances with retreats.
"O-of course. It was just a slight blunder. Nothing to get excited about. I'm always doing things
like this. Can't go a day without falling all over myself," her uneasy laugh was interrupted by the
small of her back being shoved against something hard, the door nob. "Yes, well, I better be
going. Good day," she ran out the door with as much speed as much as dignity would allow,
though, not in a very dignified manner.
Darien smiled. Like a little bunny.
