7 Things I Hate About You
(Chapter 4)
By: Lady of Silver
Vooley@Defiantchild.com
********************************************************************
Clear cerulean blue eyes gazed up at the canopy of the bed.
The curtains were drawn, shading her from the morning light.
She sighed miserably and ran a hand through her hair that was
spread over her pillow and bed. The corners of her mouth dipped
slightly in a frown, and she rolled back over, laying her face
in her pillow, and pulling the covers up to almost her chin. She had
no idea what time it was, and quite frankly, she didn't care. By
refusing to get up, she was denying that this was reality. That
last night had never happend, and that she had only been dreaming
it. It had to be a nightmare. A horrible nightmare and nothing else
but that. She rolled onto her other side, pulling the covers over
her head. A slight click entered her ears, and she stiffend. Her
bedroom door had been opened, the small piece of metal she had
stuck in the hinges tapped again at the frame. She remained still
as someone aproached the bed. It had to be a man. She could tell
by the sound of the person's boots. The curtain was pulled back
slowly and she sprang from the bed, knocking whoever it was
to the floor. She gasped at who it was.
"Andy!" she cried and hugged him.
"Sere, you scared me."
"And you I" Serenity replied as she giggled. Andrew chuckled
and sat up.
"Sere, I came to wake you up, and invite you to have lunch with
Mina and I today."
"What time is it?" Serenity asked as she sat down at her vanity
and began to brush her hair. Andrew checked his pocket watch.
"It's about ten now, and we are expected at 12, so you'd better
hurry."
"I'm going I'm going. Which dress should I wear?" Serenity asked,
feeling happy about doing old traditions, although her life had
drastically changed just the day before. Andrew strode over to the
closet and began to search for a dress, all the while muttering about
how much women fussed over their appearances. He knew she really didn't
care, but he wanted her to look beautiful today, for it was beautiful
outside. Mina and himself had planned to invite the new couple out to
dinner, for he had told Mina the whole thing last night after he had
returned home, and they had plotted to get the two to fall in love.
It wouldn't be easy, but they would do their best.
He quickly chose one, which Serenity agreed on. It was white with
ice blue at the collar, sleeve cuffs, and at the hem of the skirt.
Matching blue lace was sewn around the skirt itself, but the
top remained white. She smiled slightly and then went into the dressing
room to change. After she was done, she picked out the matching slippers,
which tied up around her ankles. Her hair was the next challenge. She
pulled it into several styles, before she settled on pulling it into a
top part, and tying it with a blue ribbon. She fastend the matching
blue hat onto her head, applied her minimal make up, sprayed her perfume,
grabbed her light matching cloak and they left. There were no suspiciouns
where her cousin was concerned. They were so close, almost like brother and
sister. She smiled slightly thinking of her little brother. He had been
sent to school and was becoming a lawyer. Jason, her darling little brother
was now about a half of a foot taller than her, yet still 3 years younger
than her at 16. He took after his mother, with his dark purple hair
and lively green eyes. She informed her father of her plans, and they
left, talking about current affairs which they both really didn't care about,
yet were wanting to talk about something, keeping the conversationg light
and cheery.
"So, I hear the ice queen's heart has been melted." Andrew teased lightly.
Serenity sighed miserably once again.
"No." she replied somewhat dejectedly.
"Cheer up Sere. Darien's a really nice guy. I'm sure you'll be happy with
him."
"How can anyone be happy with someone like that? Sure he's got some
brains, and he's rather pleasing to the eye, but he's just nothing.." her voice
faded away as they pulled up to Andrew and Mina's great house. She had always
loved this house, which had been her other aunt's. Cecile Vanclover. Although
Andrew was related to her through her mother's sister, Isabella and Cecile
were quite different. Sadly, Cecile died a few years back, leaving Andrew the
estate. His father, Mark Mitchelson had died two years previously. The house
was large, a little smaller than her own, but beautifully built. She had often
came here as a child and ran through the gardens, loving the smell of the flowers
and the mixtures of ivy with lavender and soft pink lillies. Cecile had a green
thumb when it came to her gardens. She had taught Serenity some, but most she
learned on her own. Andrew helped her out of the carriage, and she stepped
down into the slight fog. It was almost always foggy til noon around here, for
when the sun was directly upon them, the fog was burned up. It didn't happen
at her own home, but she didn't know why. She jumped slightly when the large doors
opened, and Kurtis came out. Kurtis,who had been one of her father's best servants,
and was a gift to Cecile and her husband when they moved in here. Kurtis smiled
when he set eyes on Serenity.
"My dear Lady. How much you've grown." he said as he pulled her into a slight
hug.
"You're too kind Kurtis. It's been awhile since I've seen you. You must tell me
how they are treating you." Serenity chatted politely to him, as they went into the
house. The butler took Andrews coat, but Serenity insisted on keeping hers with her,
for she wanted to go out to the fields as soon as the fog cleared. Andrew laughed,
and promised her she would have the chance shortly. She reminded him of a child,
anxious to go outside and play.
"Come along Sere. Mina's expecting us." Andrew sid after he said his good-bye to
Kurtis and led Serenity away. She gazed up at him curiously, which caused him to
become slightly nervous.
"Why are you in such a hurry to get me into the tea room?" Serenity inquired
as she continued to study his face. He led her in, and closed the door behind them.
She was startled when she heard not only Serenity's voice, but another's as well.
The voice reverberated through her bones, and sent chills down her spine. She
turned suddenly, pivoting on her heels. There, sitting across from Mina on a
love seat, was Darien Franklin. Her eyes were wide with shock, before she regained
her control and narrowed them, forming them into slits. The owner of the voice
grinned.
"Good morning Serenity. I was under the impression you were going to wallow
in self pity until the wedding." he had remarked. She tossed her long hair over
her shoulder and tilted her head, so that part of her had was covering her face
as she untied the ribbon.
"Do really think I'd let something this trivial get me down for even a day?" she
shot back. The ribbon came uptied finally, and she promptly removed the hat.
The minimal sunlight that slipped through the shades captured the golden locks,
so it seemed to be spun gold and full of luster. Darien's eyes flashed, but she
didn't pay any attention. She untied her cloak, and set it with her hat.
"Here you are taking off your hat and coat, when we had to fight with you not two
minutes ago." Andrew chuckled. Serenity attempted a half smile as she seated herself
on the chiar farthest from Darien.
"Sere, I could not believe that you didn't tell us sooner." Mina gasped. Serenity's
head shot up.
"Tell you what?" she asked slowly, sending Darien a warning look. His dark eyes
met hers, and she shivered once again.
"Why, about the wedding of course. I didn't believe my eyes when I saw you two dancing
at the ball, but now I can hardly believe my ears! The two of you, finally together.
After all these years of battle, anyone would have thought you hated each other."
Mina chattered and Serenity stood to get a glass of tea. The three watched as she passed
the tea tray, and headed straight to the liquor cabinet. Darien watched stunned for a few
seconds as she poured a glass of scotch. He was at her side immediately when she started
to lift it to her lips, swiftly removing it from her hand.
"Ladies shouldn't drink." Darien chastised. Serenity glared.
"Gentlemen don't lie." she hissed as her reply, before stealing the drink back
and downing it before he had the chance to snatch it again.
"Serenity-" Darien towered over her small form, yet she didn't bend. Andrew decided to
interrupt.
"How about we go into the dining room?" he suggested. They all nodded. Serenity stifled
a hiccup as they left the room. The scotch had somehow taken a quick effect on her. Her
foot caught in a bump on the rug.
"Serenity, scotch is not a lady's drink." Darien almost laughed as he caught her before
she fell.
"Oh shut up." she grumbled.
"Can you give us a few minutes?" Darien asked. Andrew and Mina nodded then left the room.
He swept Serenity into his arms as soon as the door closed. "Serenity, spirits won't save
either of us now." he sighed. The hiccup snuck up on her. He grinned slightly. She looked
like a child. Her hair was pulled back partly in a ribbon, and she was wearing a cute
outfit, that resembled a sailor's. He took in her appearance again. Come to think of it,
she didn't look like a child at all. Her outfit was tight in all the right places, he noticed
as if it was an instinct.
"Spirits? *hiccup* Is that what you call it? *hiccup*" she searched in her pockets
for a handkerchief, but found none. Darien handed her one. She pulled out a small container,
and turned it over and back quickly with the handkerchief convering it. After she returned the
small container to her pocket, she covered her nose and mouth with the handkerchief. A few
deep breathes later, her hiccups were gone. She barely stopped herself from smiling
gratefully at him.
"Serenity, will you listen to me." he had the sudden urge to shake her until her head
rattled, but as soon as she turned her blue eyes on him, the urge was gone. A soft sigh escaped
her lips.
"Yes, I suppose I should listen to you. You might actually prove my thoughts incorrect."
she replied.
"And what thoughts are those?"
"That you have a brain and don't listen to what most men listen to." she replied, ice
in her voice. He winced. 'That was a little harsh' she reproved herself. A look of guilt crossed
her face as she bowed her head, and he chuckled. Tilting up her chin, he winked.
"I'm wiser now." with that, she allowed herself to smile slightly. "Ok, now that
I've gotten your full attention, I'd like to talk with you about something."
"Let me guess. We'll have a contract, no kids, no love, no happiness. I'm allowed to
do as I please, and you can go on living your's the same." she sighed and went over to the
bay windows. Darien shook his head and followed her.
"No. I was meaning to talk to you about why you didn't tell my mother or both families
for that matter, the truth." he came up behind her. She turned slowly and cocked her head
to the side.
"She's a pleasant woman Darien. Just because she had a bastard like you, doesn't mean
she should be hated as well." she replied, in a soft voice, concealing her insult. He caught
it though. Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her to him.
"And here I was going to say thank you." he shrugged. She glanced from the affending
arm and back to his eyes several times, her expression blank. Her eyes narrowed as her lips
twisted into a frown.
"Keep your hands off me. I might be your future wife, but I'm not your property."
she tried to pull away, which caused him to use the other arm. She struggled, but only got her
back against a wall. "De ja vu?" she whispered, her eyes amused as she raised an eyebrow
at his obvious struggle to control his anger. His eyes flashed, and he bent his head to
hers. She inhaled sharply, and found she was unable to move. Her body was against her, and
she watched in slow motion as his lips inched closer to hers. To her utter shock, she realized
her eyes were closing and her head tilting up. Their lips met, and she forced herself not to
see fireworks. Suddenly, the door opened. She pulled away and looked over Darien's shoulder.
She let out a cry of surprise, when she recognized who it was standing in the door. Beryl.
Marissa Beryl. She knew it wasn't because of Beryl's hair that she saw red.
******************************************************************************************
Sorry so short. Let me know if you like it.
(Chapter 4)
By: Lady of Silver
Vooley@Defiantchild.com
********************************************************************
Clear cerulean blue eyes gazed up at the canopy of the bed.
The curtains were drawn, shading her from the morning light.
She sighed miserably and ran a hand through her hair that was
spread over her pillow and bed. The corners of her mouth dipped
slightly in a frown, and she rolled back over, laying her face
in her pillow, and pulling the covers up to almost her chin. She had
no idea what time it was, and quite frankly, she didn't care. By
refusing to get up, she was denying that this was reality. That
last night had never happend, and that she had only been dreaming
it. It had to be a nightmare. A horrible nightmare and nothing else
but that. She rolled onto her other side, pulling the covers over
her head. A slight click entered her ears, and she stiffend. Her
bedroom door had been opened, the small piece of metal she had
stuck in the hinges tapped again at the frame. She remained still
as someone aproached the bed. It had to be a man. She could tell
by the sound of the person's boots. The curtain was pulled back
slowly and she sprang from the bed, knocking whoever it was
to the floor. She gasped at who it was.
"Andy!" she cried and hugged him.
"Sere, you scared me."
"And you I" Serenity replied as she giggled. Andrew chuckled
and sat up.
"Sere, I came to wake you up, and invite you to have lunch with
Mina and I today."
"What time is it?" Serenity asked as she sat down at her vanity
and began to brush her hair. Andrew checked his pocket watch.
"It's about ten now, and we are expected at 12, so you'd better
hurry."
"I'm going I'm going. Which dress should I wear?" Serenity asked,
feeling happy about doing old traditions, although her life had
drastically changed just the day before. Andrew strode over to the
closet and began to search for a dress, all the while muttering about
how much women fussed over their appearances. He knew she really didn't
care, but he wanted her to look beautiful today, for it was beautiful
outside. Mina and himself had planned to invite the new couple out to
dinner, for he had told Mina the whole thing last night after he had
returned home, and they had plotted to get the two to fall in love.
It wouldn't be easy, but they would do their best.
He quickly chose one, which Serenity agreed on. It was white with
ice blue at the collar, sleeve cuffs, and at the hem of the skirt.
Matching blue lace was sewn around the skirt itself, but the
top remained white. She smiled slightly and then went into the dressing
room to change. After she was done, she picked out the matching slippers,
which tied up around her ankles. Her hair was the next challenge. She
pulled it into several styles, before she settled on pulling it into a
top part, and tying it with a blue ribbon. She fastend the matching
blue hat onto her head, applied her minimal make up, sprayed her perfume,
grabbed her light matching cloak and they left. There were no suspiciouns
where her cousin was concerned. They were so close, almost like brother and
sister. She smiled slightly thinking of her little brother. He had been
sent to school and was becoming a lawyer. Jason, her darling little brother
was now about a half of a foot taller than her, yet still 3 years younger
than her at 16. He took after his mother, with his dark purple hair
and lively green eyes. She informed her father of her plans, and they
left, talking about current affairs which they both really didn't care about,
yet were wanting to talk about something, keeping the conversationg light
and cheery.
"So, I hear the ice queen's heart has been melted." Andrew teased lightly.
Serenity sighed miserably once again.
"No." she replied somewhat dejectedly.
"Cheer up Sere. Darien's a really nice guy. I'm sure you'll be happy with
him."
"How can anyone be happy with someone like that? Sure he's got some
brains, and he's rather pleasing to the eye, but he's just nothing.." her voice
faded away as they pulled up to Andrew and Mina's great house. She had always
loved this house, which had been her other aunt's. Cecile Vanclover. Although
Andrew was related to her through her mother's sister, Isabella and Cecile
were quite different. Sadly, Cecile died a few years back, leaving Andrew the
estate. His father, Mark Mitchelson had died two years previously. The house
was large, a little smaller than her own, but beautifully built. She had often
came here as a child and ran through the gardens, loving the smell of the flowers
and the mixtures of ivy with lavender and soft pink lillies. Cecile had a green
thumb when it came to her gardens. She had taught Serenity some, but most she
learned on her own. Andrew helped her out of the carriage, and she stepped
down into the slight fog. It was almost always foggy til noon around here, for
when the sun was directly upon them, the fog was burned up. It didn't happen
at her own home, but she didn't know why. She jumped slightly when the large doors
opened, and Kurtis came out. Kurtis,who had been one of her father's best servants,
and was a gift to Cecile and her husband when they moved in here. Kurtis smiled
when he set eyes on Serenity.
"My dear Lady. How much you've grown." he said as he pulled her into a slight
hug.
"You're too kind Kurtis. It's been awhile since I've seen you. You must tell me
how they are treating you." Serenity chatted politely to him, as they went into the
house. The butler took Andrews coat, but Serenity insisted on keeping hers with her,
for she wanted to go out to the fields as soon as the fog cleared. Andrew laughed,
and promised her she would have the chance shortly. She reminded him of a child,
anxious to go outside and play.
"Come along Sere. Mina's expecting us." Andrew sid after he said his good-bye to
Kurtis and led Serenity away. She gazed up at him curiously, which caused him to
become slightly nervous.
"Why are you in such a hurry to get me into the tea room?" Serenity inquired
as she continued to study his face. He led her in, and closed the door behind them.
She was startled when she heard not only Serenity's voice, but another's as well.
The voice reverberated through her bones, and sent chills down her spine. She
turned suddenly, pivoting on her heels. There, sitting across from Mina on a
love seat, was Darien Franklin. Her eyes were wide with shock, before she regained
her control and narrowed them, forming them into slits. The owner of the voice
grinned.
"Good morning Serenity. I was under the impression you were going to wallow
in self pity until the wedding." he had remarked. She tossed her long hair over
her shoulder and tilted her head, so that part of her had was covering her face
as she untied the ribbon.
"Do really think I'd let something this trivial get me down for even a day?" she
shot back. The ribbon came uptied finally, and she promptly removed the hat.
The minimal sunlight that slipped through the shades captured the golden locks,
so it seemed to be spun gold and full of luster. Darien's eyes flashed, but she
didn't pay any attention. She untied her cloak, and set it with her hat.
"Here you are taking off your hat and coat, when we had to fight with you not two
minutes ago." Andrew chuckled. Serenity attempted a half smile as she seated herself
on the chiar farthest from Darien.
"Sere, I could not believe that you didn't tell us sooner." Mina gasped. Serenity's
head shot up.
"Tell you what?" she asked slowly, sending Darien a warning look. His dark eyes
met hers, and she shivered once again.
"Why, about the wedding of course. I didn't believe my eyes when I saw you two dancing
at the ball, but now I can hardly believe my ears! The two of you, finally together.
After all these years of battle, anyone would have thought you hated each other."
Mina chattered and Serenity stood to get a glass of tea. The three watched as she passed
the tea tray, and headed straight to the liquor cabinet. Darien watched stunned for a few
seconds as she poured a glass of scotch. He was at her side immediately when she started
to lift it to her lips, swiftly removing it from her hand.
"Ladies shouldn't drink." Darien chastised. Serenity glared.
"Gentlemen don't lie." she hissed as her reply, before stealing the drink back
and downing it before he had the chance to snatch it again.
"Serenity-" Darien towered over her small form, yet she didn't bend. Andrew decided to
interrupt.
"How about we go into the dining room?" he suggested. They all nodded. Serenity stifled
a hiccup as they left the room. The scotch had somehow taken a quick effect on her. Her
foot caught in a bump on the rug.
"Serenity, scotch is not a lady's drink." Darien almost laughed as he caught her before
she fell.
"Oh shut up." she grumbled.
"Can you give us a few minutes?" Darien asked. Andrew and Mina nodded then left the room.
He swept Serenity into his arms as soon as the door closed. "Serenity, spirits won't save
either of us now." he sighed. The hiccup snuck up on her. He grinned slightly. She looked
like a child. Her hair was pulled back partly in a ribbon, and she was wearing a cute
outfit, that resembled a sailor's. He took in her appearance again. Come to think of it,
she didn't look like a child at all. Her outfit was tight in all the right places, he noticed
as if it was an instinct.
"Spirits? *hiccup* Is that what you call it? *hiccup*" she searched in her pockets
for a handkerchief, but found none. Darien handed her one. She pulled out a small container,
and turned it over and back quickly with the handkerchief convering it. After she returned the
small container to her pocket, she covered her nose and mouth with the handkerchief. A few
deep breathes later, her hiccups were gone. She barely stopped herself from smiling
gratefully at him.
"Serenity, will you listen to me." he had the sudden urge to shake her until her head
rattled, but as soon as she turned her blue eyes on him, the urge was gone. A soft sigh escaped
her lips.
"Yes, I suppose I should listen to you. You might actually prove my thoughts incorrect."
she replied.
"And what thoughts are those?"
"That you have a brain and don't listen to what most men listen to." she replied, ice
in her voice. He winced. 'That was a little harsh' she reproved herself. A look of guilt crossed
her face as she bowed her head, and he chuckled. Tilting up her chin, he winked.
"I'm wiser now." with that, she allowed herself to smile slightly. "Ok, now that
I've gotten your full attention, I'd like to talk with you about something."
"Let me guess. We'll have a contract, no kids, no love, no happiness. I'm allowed to
do as I please, and you can go on living your's the same." she sighed and went over to the
bay windows. Darien shook his head and followed her.
"No. I was meaning to talk to you about why you didn't tell my mother or both families
for that matter, the truth." he came up behind her. She turned slowly and cocked her head
to the side.
"She's a pleasant woman Darien. Just because she had a bastard like you, doesn't mean
she should be hated as well." she replied, in a soft voice, concealing her insult. He caught
it though. Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her to him.
"And here I was going to say thank you." he shrugged. She glanced from the affending
arm and back to his eyes several times, her expression blank. Her eyes narrowed as her lips
twisted into a frown.
"Keep your hands off me. I might be your future wife, but I'm not your property."
she tried to pull away, which caused him to use the other arm. She struggled, but only got her
back against a wall. "De ja vu?" she whispered, her eyes amused as she raised an eyebrow
at his obvious struggle to control his anger. His eyes flashed, and he bent his head to
hers. She inhaled sharply, and found she was unable to move. Her body was against her, and
she watched in slow motion as his lips inched closer to hers. To her utter shock, she realized
her eyes were closing and her head tilting up. Their lips met, and she forced herself not to
see fireworks. Suddenly, the door opened. She pulled away and looked over Darien's shoulder.
She let out a cry of surprise, when she recognized who it was standing in the door. Beryl.
Marissa Beryl. She knew it wasn't because of Beryl's hair that she saw red.
******************************************************************************************
Sorry so short. Let me know if you like it.
