How To Catch A Guy
Serena Style
Author's Note : Hey everyone! You wanted another
chapter, and I just got home from helping my boyfriend's
aunt with a survey she was doing. It felt rather odd
to tell her what I thought I wanted in the man I marry,
why I was attracted to my boyfriend, and why I stayed
with him. Anywayz...he's at church right now, so I
figured I'd whip out a chapter pretty quick before he
comes to see me.
Standard Disclaimor Applies :
Sailor Moon does NOT belong to me,
but this story most certainly DOES. So keep your
hands off my story line. Ca pishe? ::winks::
ReCaP:
"Park it, Serena. It's fine, because we figured
you'd both be hungry by about this time and decided to
wait in the largest collection of foods. Voila, we found
you." Andrew replied, motioning me to take the seat beside
him, which was across from Darien and Charlotte. I bit my
lip but felt Raye push me forward.
"Do it, or you'll forever be a cowardly meatball head."
she whispered, before handing over my food. I quickly
strolled over to my intended seat, but a hand on my hip
stopped me.
"Serena, baby! Is that you, angelface?" I slowly set
down my food and turned to face whoever it was. My
eyes widened with shock and complete surprise. He
was the last person on Earth I wanted to see on my
pleasant (gotta love that) visit at home.
"Ryan?" I was very much confused.
"What have you been up to, Sere?" I vaguely noted the
seductive touch of his hand.
"Get your hands off me." I replied and pulled away.
"Sorry Babe." he replied holding up his hands.
"What do you want?" I was definitely not in the mood
for his shit. I hadn't spoken to him decently since
the day I caught him with Vanessa Niles, and I hadn't
talked to him in several years.
Chapter 7
The Return of Ryan
(dun dun dun DUN!!!)
His grin was gone, and the inner Serena cheered happily.
'You've certainly taken the wind from his sails gurl!
Keep goin! Make him cry. Make him cry!' she chanted. I
smirked slightly before raising an eye brow in amuzement.
"Ryan, what's the matter? Has Vanessa got your
tongue?" I couldn't help but ask. The maginifenct green
eyes widened in surprize.
"No, though I would have hoped you'd forgotten
that." he replied, looking down at his shoes.
"It's lovely to see you again though. How's
your mother?" I asked, hoping I hadn't come off as a
cold heartless bitch. I certainly had been acting like
one when I said those harsh things, though he deserved
them.
"She's doing alright, but still asks about you.
I think she saw you in a magazine once." he replied,
finally raising his gaze back to mine. I knew my
outfit was not such a good idea. Maybe I had been
a little bit too awed at the trend patterns in the
stores, so I had bought several items I didn't even
like. In any case, there really wasn't an excuse for
my formfitting black shirt that had a seam down the
front, and it was silky black material which bunched
up. MY short denim skirt was, however, a little too
provacative for my hometown and the black, heeled
sandals sexily displayed my worst feature, my feet.
Never shop in London if you expect to wear the garments
in the United States. With my long golden hair to mid
back, left cascading over my shoulders, I must've looked
very pretty. There was no point in arguing with people
about my looks, so I had given up on it, and only kept
my feelings to myself. Makeup hadn't been necessary
today, but I had put it on anyway, feeling that my
outfit just didn't look right without it. "How have
you been, Serena?" he asked, his eyes softening to
sounding like he actually cared how I had actually
spent my time.
"Just a little of this, and a little of that."
I replied, managing to offer a slight smile.
"Sere, your food's getting cold!" Andrew
called and I turned to look at him. "C'mon already.
Get your ass over here." I sent him a smile.
"Just a sec, Andy." the tenderness with
which I said the words did not escape Ryan's hearing
and he visibly flinched.
"Hurry!" he whined and his dark green eyes
begged me to get away from the aqua-haired looney
that had ahold of my hip.
"Ryan, I think you should go. Vanessa is
waiting." Amara replied and pointed to a booth a
few yards away. I immediately looked over and caught
the familiar red haired demoness slipping behind the
bright yellow covering.
"I'll see you around." he nodded his head
to me and then strode away.
"Not bloody likely!" I called after him,
and tossed the only thing in my hand, my cotton candy.
The gooey pink substance stuck to his hair and I smiled
with triumph before sticking my tongue out at
him when he stared open-mouthed. "Now Vanessa will
have a reason to lick your hair."
Laughter consumed the tables at which my friends
were crammed onto. I took my seat next to Andrew
with minor difficulty, because of the skirt and was
slightly surprized when he draped his arm around my
shoulders, still chuckling.
"Something funny, Andy?" I asked, slightly
amused. He only began to laugh again. The whole
table was in a state of comical expression, and I
could only shrug and smile slightly.
"Ya know, Sere, I don't think I'll let you go
back to London." Andrew suddenly said, a thoughtful
look upon his face.
"Why won't you, Andrew?" Charlotte inquired,
and Darien removed his arm from around her. Andrew
glared at her briefly before returning his attention
to me.
"Andy, I'll have to go back sooner or later."
I replied, gently touched the side of his face. He
sighed and shook his head.
"It's was boring when you left."
"No it wasn't." Mina interrupted.
"Shove it Min. Let Andrew get something off
his chest." Lita elbowed Mina in the ribs, forcing
her to keel over in slight pain.
"Ouch!"
Andrew's eyes swung to the fighting women, who
engaged in harsh whispers and then looked down at me again.
"Maybe we should take a walk after we eat, and
I'll tell you what has been happening." he whipsered
softly and turned his attention to his food. I nodded
and began to eat as well. Slowly, the group began to
lose interest in Andrew and I's close proximity and
scarfed down their food. The whole time, I could feel
Charlotte's icey blue eyes chilling my bones. I slowly
and carefully ate my funnel cake, so as not to dump any
unwanted powdered sugar on me, and took care not to spill
the sticky lemon shake-up. I finished before Andrew, and
when he was done, we excused ourselves from the group and
ventured off. Well, I stood there for a moment like an
idiot, and Andrew grabbed my hand, pulling me along.
When we were out of eye view and earshot, he
pulled me into a hug.
"We've missed you so much. I missed you." he
sighed and tightened his hold on me and I rubbed his
back soothingly, giving him as much comfort as I could.
"Never leave me again, please Serena." his heartbroken
request brought tears to my eyes.
"Andrew, it's alright." I replied and ran my
hand through his hair as I had done since childhood.
He pulled away and stared directly into my eyes.
"I'm not going to leave again, just because she's
still here." He knew I ment Charlotte.
"Well, isn't she the reason you flew off
with Sieya?" his gaze was unnerving, but I couldn't
look away.
I bit my bottom lip and stared back, before
finally dropping my eyes to my feet.
"Yes. I suppose she was." was my mummbled
reply. He lifted my chin and wiped the tear that
had traveled down to my cheek.
"If you leave, I swear I'm chasing after you
this time." he replied and smiled slightly. I smiled
too and hugged him tightly.
"Will you ride the ferriswheel with me?" I
suddenly asked, blinking away the sadness that clouded
my vision.
"Of course. It's been a long time since we've
done that." his comforting voice made me relax again.
"Eight years atleast." I replied and then
grabbed his hand and pulled him off into the direction
of the large ferriswheel. The sky was becoming tinted
with orange and yellow and I knew by the time we got
onto the actual seats after standing in the longest line
in the world, that it would be almost sunset.
**** Twenty Minutes Later ****
"I missed this." came his confession as he
pulled me closer to him with his arm wrapped around
my shoulders.
I sighed sadly and shook my head.
"What's wrong, Sere?" he asked and I gazed
out over the festival grounds. I spotted the group
still sitting at the table we had left, seemingly
having a discussion about something.
"It seems like you all missed me so much,
except for Mina and Darien, and Charlotte." I paused
for a few seconds, before continueing. "But, Andy, I
have to tell you, that I didn't miss being here."
"I think I understand."
"I don't think you do." I replied, flashing
a look of annoyance and frustration. "Because I don't
completely understand it myself." I gazed over the
hundreds of people who crammed around game stands
and specialty booths with a soft smile. "I kept
myself so busy when I was away, so I wouldn't have
time to think about anything. When I was in the
rain forest studying the flora and fauna, I'd lay
awake at night and picture all of your faces." I
closed my eyes tightly for a few seconds, willing
the tears to stay away.
"Serena, don't think for a moment they
forget you were here. Darien used to come into
the arcade the first few months after you left,
and he'd ask if I'd heard from you after ordering
a cup of coffee. Mina only became friends with
her again, because she claimed Charlotte was
so much like you, that it was just as if you
were around." He tried to make me feel better.
Although I still felt miserable for the way I had
cast them all aside, I smiled and pretended that
everything was fine once again, for his sake and
my sanity.
Too soon our ride was over, and we drifted
through the night crowds, not really caring where
we were headed and not bothering to find where
we were at the moment. Once or twice I saw an
adorable stuffed animal I had to have, and
Andrew had won them for me. By the time I had
finished with the games, Andrew's arm was sore
from throwing darts, balls of different kinds,
and rubber ducks. Don't ask about the last one,
I'm sure you don't want to know. With happiness
wrapping itself around me as if a warm blanket on
a chilly night, we took the prizes to my car where
I retrieved my jacket. Walking back to the festival
in silence, Andrew suddenly paused in his tracks.
I turned to him in confusion.
"What is it, Andrew?" An expression of
worry and frustration marred his handsome features
and I became even more concerned. "Andrew...?"
Without warning, he pulled me to him and hugged me
so tightly, I felt I would throw up my organs, before
swinging me around, still tightly held in his arms.
When he finally put my feet back on the ground, I
weaved around slightly and had to steady myself by
holding onto his shoulders.
"Having you in sight is a comforting thought.
Serena, you may not realize it, but after my mother and
father separated and Lizzie ran off to California
to marry some internet billionare, you were the one to
remind me of security and happiness. I never knew it,
until you left, but you're as much a part of me, as
you are the girls and your family." He ran a hand
through his hair and I suddenly pictured him ten
years ago, when he had told me he loved me. We were
so young then. Maybe he was eighteen, and I sixteen,
but I had told him he loved someone else, and that
when he found her, he was never to let her go. "I
couldn't bare to let you leave again. It'd tear
me apart." His voice quaked and I looked up in alarm.
"Oh Andy! Please don't cry. I'm here, I'm
staying, I promise I won't leave for a long time like
that. I'm so sorry, sweety!" I hugged him to me, even
as the world still spun from the dizziness. His body
trembled slightly as I held him to me in a tight embrace.
For the first time in several years, Andrew cried in my
arms and it made me feel as if I had destroyed his
entire world.
After awhile, he wiped his face and drew away,
his eyes still a little red. I offered my best smile
and he returned only a small one.
"I'm sorry about that, Serena." he rubbed the
back of his neck in nervousness and looked past my
shoulder. I ruffled his hair playfully and that
cheered him up a little.
"Don't worry about it, Andy. I'm just sorry
I caused you so much pain. Please, would you go
apartment searching with me tomorrow? I can't stay
at my parents' house for too much longer. They're
getting on my nerves."
"Stay with me for a week or so." he suddenly
blurted.
"What? Don't you have a roommate?" I suddenly
tried to recall who he had been sharing an apartment with
before I left, but the information was just beyond my reach.
"So? We have a spare room, because the penthouse
is to huge, and Serena, it'd be like the time you were
hiding from the girls." he beamed with happiness at the
idea and I didn't have the heart to turn him down.
"Alright, but if I start to annoy you, let me
know and I'm out of there quicker than water in a desert."
I replied hesitantly.
"GREAT!" he replied and grabbed my hand pulling
me toward the festival grounds once more. I laughed and
trailed behind him.
"Where are we going now?" I managed to ask
with laughter chopping the sentence.
"This special occasion deserves a round of drinks.
Let's grab the gang and head over to the cafe."
It took us at least an hour to most of the gang,
Charlotte and Darien still missing. Raye and Mina offered
to stay to look for them and then would meet us at the
cafe later. With that decided, we separated into our
separate modes of transportation and were off.
As I was backing out of my parking spot, at the
last second I noticed a couple walking directly to my
corner. I slammed on the brakes and watched as the
woman jumped away in terror.
"Watch where you're going, please!" I had rolled
down my window and called to them, not really caring who
they were, and concentrating on not nearly running anyone
else over. They had been in my blind spot.
"What where the fuck you're driving, Serenity!"
the hateful screech of an unfamiliar voice entered my
ears and I turned to look at the couple, narrowly missing
hitting another car.
"Charlotte, she didn't mean to almost hit us. I'm
sure we were just in her blind spot or something." Darien
defended me, gazing at my pissed off expression and
Charlotte's tightly pinched face.
"I don't care. I bet she deliberately tried to
hit me." she crossed her arms and stuck her nose in the
air.
"Maybe you should put her on her leash and then
come join us at the cafe." I called and threw my car
into drive, flashing passed me.
I quickly and effeciently navigated through the streets
until I came across a little cafe. I hadn't been there
for ages; ages meaning the last exam day I had had while
I still attended college here. Seeing the cars parked
around it, I smiled slightly. Not much had changed, but
there wouldn't be many customers being 'Second half off'
in the beer tent at the festival. Parallel parking
inbetween Andrew and Greg I shut off my car and stayed
in my spot, making no attempt to move. Chad came
strolling out of the cafe doors and I watched as he
lit a cigerette and noticed my presence. Walking
over to my window I sighed and got out, grabbing my
purse and tossing my sunglasses into it, which I had
carelessly chucked into the passenger seat earlier.
"Shouldn't you be in there?" he asked and took
a long drag.
"Shouldn't you be?" I countered before plucking
the vile thing from his fingers and crushing it under the
heel of my sandal.
"Point taken, Miss Violet." He held out his
arm. "Shall we?" I slid mine into his and grinned.
"We shall." We walked into the cafe and my
eyes glowed with happiness as I took in the scene
before me. I ordered a Caramel twist with whipped
cream and chocolate sprinkles and with my beverage
inhand, made my way over to the spot reserved for
me inbetween Raye and Lita on the soft couch.
"I have to work tomorrow, but would you
like to have lunch with Lita and me?" Raye asked
and I nodded.
"What is it that you finally decided to
do?" I inquired, feeling stupid that I hadn't
asked before.
"I'm an architectural advisor, specializing
in Church construction and such."
"Wow! That's so amazing. No wonder you
were so fascinated with Shinto shrines when we were
in high school." I smiled slightly.
"Amy's a doctor up at St. Vincent's Memorial
now that her residency is over."
"Already?! Amazing Amez. You did great."
I beamed at her in admiration. That girl was superwoman
compared to me or anyone else I knew.
My cell phone rang shrilly and I winced before
digging it out of my purse.
"Serenity Violet." the phone's caller ID hadn't
shown anything, so I was curousas to who it was.
"Sere-Baby! It's Mitch."
"Oh, hi Mitch." I replied, receiving several
odd looks from the group. I held up the "give me one minute'
hand sign and walked outside to be alone in my conversation.
"Was there something you needed, Mitch?"
"I'm in town."
"I'm not in London." I replied, hoping he'd leave me
alone and I could continue my much needed vacation.
"I know that." he heaved a dramatic sigh.
"Then why'd you call?" I laughed softly; our conversations
were very amuzing at times.
"Because, I'm right here." A tap on my shoulder sent
my jumping five feet in the air.
"EEEKK!!" I spun around and glared at him, before ending
the call and punching him in the shoulder. "Don't dooo that!" I
growled.
"Okay, okay!" his rich laughter echoed slightly as he
deflected my light punches.
"You're such an idiot." Joining in the laughter we hugged.
"What brings you to my home town?" I asked after pulling away.
"I was looking for you, actually."
"Oh really? Whatever for?" I was really confused.
"My models canceled on me, and when I was rummaging through
your changing room for one of the outfits you had modeled, I found
a picture of you and this one really hot man. He has dark hair and
eyes."
"You're probably talking about Darien, one of my old friends."
I rolled my eyes. Little white lies never hurt anyone, but they were
known to come back and bite me in the ass sometimes.
"I want both of you to come with me to my makeshift studio
tomorrow for a photoshoot. It's really quick, and painless. You'll
get twice what you usually do, because you're on vacation, and he's
an amatuer." He scribbled an address on the back of one of his
business cards.
"Hey Serena." someone called from across the street,
the dark form heading over. I knew who it was, despite it was
completely dark save for the streetlights.
"Where's Charlotte, Darien?" I asked, squinting in the
darkness insearch of the lone figure. Darien stopped next to me.
"I took her home, she said she had a headache." he replied.
"Who's this?" He asked, giving Mitch the once over and draping an
arm around my shoulders protectively.
"I'm Mitch BeauMonte, photographer and close friend of Miss
Violet here." Mitch replied. "You must be Darien." he held out his
hand and Darien hesitated before shaking his hand in a firm handshake.
"Darien, Mitch wants us to show up at his studio tomorrow
for a quick photoshoot." I slid the information in right after the
introduction, hoping Darien wouldn't have time to get a bad first
impression of Mitch and refuse.
"You owe me, darling." Mitch added.
"You're right." I sighed before turning my puppydog eyes
onto Darien. "Please Darien."
"Uhh..." Darien scratched his head in confusion.
"It's always quick and simple, there's nothing to worry
about and no hassel. You show up in casual clothes and he has
outfits usually picked out for us." I added, turning on the
pouty lips.
"I don't know..." he sighed and I forced my eyes to get
teary.
"Pleeeeeeaaassee.." I tugged on his leather jacket and
faintly noticed there was no trace of the ugly green anywhere to
be soon. His midnight blues traveled from my pleading face
to Mitch's stoical expression, and then back to me.
"Well....okay." he sighed. I jumped up and down excitedly
and hugged him tightly.
"YAY! Thank you soooo much!"
"No problem, just tell me where to meet you tomorrow." he
replied and pulled me away from him gently.
"I gave Sere the address, but I have to run. Pleasure
meeting you, Darien." with that, Mitch got into his Jaguire and
sped off.
"How bout I just pick you up at noon tomorrow and we'll
go together?" I proposed as we walked into the arcade.
"I guess. I don't have work anyway, considering I'm
on vacation."
"Great."
We joined the gang and talked long into the night. We finally
parted ways when the cafe was closing and I returned home from
a busy day, exhausted and ready for sleep. Today had been a rather
good day, rather taxing, but great nonetheless. As I slipped under
the soft comforter and settled into the bed my mind drifted back
to when I had been in high school, and I fell asleep dreaming
over my Senior prom.
***************************************
THE END OF CHAPTER 7!!!
This sure was a long one...but I'm glad I added a little bit of a
sad scene to it. Andrew actually cried.....
they were manly tears of course..b/c a man shouldn't bawl like a
baby...but still..it shows he cares a great deal for her..which
will play a big part later...prolly around chapter 11 or so. :)
ohh...what's that..did i hint to a foreshadowing thing? EEK!
Maybe I should get less sleep...that way I'm tired and can't
think about all of it. :)
You know the drill
Read Review or e-mail!
expressoncream@hotmail.com
CP
Serena Style
Author's Note : Hey everyone! You wanted another
chapter, and I just got home from helping my boyfriend's
aunt with a survey she was doing. It felt rather odd
to tell her what I thought I wanted in the man I marry,
why I was attracted to my boyfriend, and why I stayed
with him. Anywayz...he's at church right now, so I
figured I'd whip out a chapter pretty quick before he
comes to see me.
Standard Disclaimor Applies :
Sailor Moon does NOT belong to me,
but this story most certainly DOES. So keep your
hands off my story line. Ca pishe? ::winks::
ReCaP:
"Park it, Serena. It's fine, because we figured
you'd both be hungry by about this time and decided to
wait in the largest collection of foods. Voila, we found
you." Andrew replied, motioning me to take the seat beside
him, which was across from Darien and Charlotte. I bit my
lip but felt Raye push me forward.
"Do it, or you'll forever be a cowardly meatball head."
she whispered, before handing over my food. I quickly
strolled over to my intended seat, but a hand on my hip
stopped me.
"Serena, baby! Is that you, angelface?" I slowly set
down my food and turned to face whoever it was. My
eyes widened with shock and complete surprise. He
was the last person on Earth I wanted to see on my
pleasant (gotta love that) visit at home.
"Ryan?" I was very much confused.
"What have you been up to, Sere?" I vaguely noted the
seductive touch of his hand.
"Get your hands off me." I replied and pulled away.
"Sorry Babe." he replied holding up his hands.
"What do you want?" I was definitely not in the mood
for his shit. I hadn't spoken to him decently since
the day I caught him with Vanessa Niles, and I hadn't
talked to him in several years.
Chapter 7
The Return of Ryan
(dun dun dun DUN!!!)
His grin was gone, and the inner Serena cheered happily.
'You've certainly taken the wind from his sails gurl!
Keep goin! Make him cry. Make him cry!' she chanted. I
smirked slightly before raising an eye brow in amuzement.
"Ryan, what's the matter? Has Vanessa got your
tongue?" I couldn't help but ask. The maginifenct green
eyes widened in surprize.
"No, though I would have hoped you'd forgotten
that." he replied, looking down at his shoes.
"It's lovely to see you again though. How's
your mother?" I asked, hoping I hadn't come off as a
cold heartless bitch. I certainly had been acting like
one when I said those harsh things, though he deserved
them.
"She's doing alright, but still asks about you.
I think she saw you in a magazine once." he replied,
finally raising his gaze back to mine. I knew my
outfit was not such a good idea. Maybe I had been
a little bit too awed at the trend patterns in the
stores, so I had bought several items I didn't even
like. In any case, there really wasn't an excuse for
my formfitting black shirt that had a seam down the
front, and it was silky black material which bunched
up. MY short denim skirt was, however, a little too
provacative for my hometown and the black, heeled
sandals sexily displayed my worst feature, my feet.
Never shop in London if you expect to wear the garments
in the United States. With my long golden hair to mid
back, left cascading over my shoulders, I must've looked
very pretty. There was no point in arguing with people
about my looks, so I had given up on it, and only kept
my feelings to myself. Makeup hadn't been necessary
today, but I had put it on anyway, feeling that my
outfit just didn't look right without it. "How have
you been, Serena?" he asked, his eyes softening to
sounding like he actually cared how I had actually
spent my time.
"Just a little of this, and a little of that."
I replied, managing to offer a slight smile.
"Sere, your food's getting cold!" Andrew
called and I turned to look at him. "C'mon already.
Get your ass over here." I sent him a smile.
"Just a sec, Andy." the tenderness with
which I said the words did not escape Ryan's hearing
and he visibly flinched.
"Hurry!" he whined and his dark green eyes
begged me to get away from the aqua-haired looney
that had ahold of my hip.
"Ryan, I think you should go. Vanessa is
waiting." Amara replied and pointed to a booth a
few yards away. I immediately looked over and caught
the familiar red haired demoness slipping behind the
bright yellow covering.
"I'll see you around." he nodded his head
to me and then strode away.
"Not bloody likely!" I called after him,
and tossed the only thing in my hand, my cotton candy.
The gooey pink substance stuck to his hair and I smiled
with triumph before sticking my tongue out at
him when he stared open-mouthed. "Now Vanessa will
have a reason to lick your hair."
Laughter consumed the tables at which my friends
were crammed onto. I took my seat next to Andrew
with minor difficulty, because of the skirt and was
slightly surprized when he draped his arm around my
shoulders, still chuckling.
"Something funny, Andy?" I asked, slightly
amused. He only began to laugh again. The whole
table was in a state of comical expression, and I
could only shrug and smile slightly.
"Ya know, Sere, I don't think I'll let you go
back to London." Andrew suddenly said, a thoughtful
look upon his face.
"Why won't you, Andrew?" Charlotte inquired,
and Darien removed his arm from around her. Andrew
glared at her briefly before returning his attention
to me.
"Andy, I'll have to go back sooner or later."
I replied, gently touched the side of his face. He
sighed and shook his head.
"It's was boring when you left."
"No it wasn't." Mina interrupted.
"Shove it Min. Let Andrew get something off
his chest." Lita elbowed Mina in the ribs, forcing
her to keel over in slight pain.
"Ouch!"
Andrew's eyes swung to the fighting women, who
engaged in harsh whispers and then looked down at me again.
"Maybe we should take a walk after we eat, and
I'll tell you what has been happening." he whipsered
softly and turned his attention to his food. I nodded
and began to eat as well. Slowly, the group began to
lose interest in Andrew and I's close proximity and
scarfed down their food. The whole time, I could feel
Charlotte's icey blue eyes chilling my bones. I slowly
and carefully ate my funnel cake, so as not to dump any
unwanted powdered sugar on me, and took care not to spill
the sticky lemon shake-up. I finished before Andrew, and
when he was done, we excused ourselves from the group and
ventured off. Well, I stood there for a moment like an
idiot, and Andrew grabbed my hand, pulling me along.
When we were out of eye view and earshot, he
pulled me into a hug.
"We've missed you so much. I missed you." he
sighed and tightened his hold on me and I rubbed his
back soothingly, giving him as much comfort as I could.
"Never leave me again, please Serena." his heartbroken
request brought tears to my eyes.
"Andrew, it's alright." I replied and ran my
hand through his hair as I had done since childhood.
He pulled away and stared directly into my eyes.
"I'm not going to leave again, just because she's
still here." He knew I ment Charlotte.
"Well, isn't she the reason you flew off
with Sieya?" his gaze was unnerving, but I couldn't
look away.
I bit my bottom lip and stared back, before
finally dropping my eyes to my feet.
"Yes. I suppose she was." was my mummbled
reply. He lifted my chin and wiped the tear that
had traveled down to my cheek.
"If you leave, I swear I'm chasing after you
this time." he replied and smiled slightly. I smiled
too and hugged him tightly.
"Will you ride the ferriswheel with me?" I
suddenly asked, blinking away the sadness that clouded
my vision.
"Of course. It's been a long time since we've
done that." his comforting voice made me relax again.
"Eight years atleast." I replied and then
grabbed his hand and pulled him off into the direction
of the large ferriswheel. The sky was becoming tinted
with orange and yellow and I knew by the time we got
onto the actual seats after standing in the longest line
in the world, that it would be almost sunset.
**** Twenty Minutes Later ****
"I missed this." came his confession as he
pulled me closer to him with his arm wrapped around
my shoulders.
I sighed sadly and shook my head.
"What's wrong, Sere?" he asked and I gazed
out over the festival grounds. I spotted the group
still sitting at the table we had left, seemingly
having a discussion about something.
"It seems like you all missed me so much,
except for Mina and Darien, and Charlotte." I paused
for a few seconds, before continueing. "But, Andy, I
have to tell you, that I didn't miss being here."
"I think I understand."
"I don't think you do." I replied, flashing
a look of annoyance and frustration. "Because I don't
completely understand it myself." I gazed over the
hundreds of people who crammed around game stands
and specialty booths with a soft smile. "I kept
myself so busy when I was away, so I wouldn't have
time to think about anything. When I was in the
rain forest studying the flora and fauna, I'd lay
awake at night and picture all of your faces." I
closed my eyes tightly for a few seconds, willing
the tears to stay away.
"Serena, don't think for a moment they
forget you were here. Darien used to come into
the arcade the first few months after you left,
and he'd ask if I'd heard from you after ordering
a cup of coffee. Mina only became friends with
her again, because she claimed Charlotte was
so much like you, that it was just as if you
were around." He tried to make me feel better.
Although I still felt miserable for the way I had
cast them all aside, I smiled and pretended that
everything was fine once again, for his sake and
my sanity.
Too soon our ride was over, and we drifted
through the night crowds, not really caring where
we were headed and not bothering to find where
we were at the moment. Once or twice I saw an
adorable stuffed animal I had to have, and
Andrew had won them for me. By the time I had
finished with the games, Andrew's arm was sore
from throwing darts, balls of different kinds,
and rubber ducks. Don't ask about the last one,
I'm sure you don't want to know. With happiness
wrapping itself around me as if a warm blanket on
a chilly night, we took the prizes to my car where
I retrieved my jacket. Walking back to the festival
in silence, Andrew suddenly paused in his tracks.
I turned to him in confusion.
"What is it, Andrew?" An expression of
worry and frustration marred his handsome features
and I became even more concerned. "Andrew...?"
Without warning, he pulled me to him and hugged me
so tightly, I felt I would throw up my organs, before
swinging me around, still tightly held in his arms.
When he finally put my feet back on the ground, I
weaved around slightly and had to steady myself by
holding onto his shoulders.
"Having you in sight is a comforting thought.
Serena, you may not realize it, but after my mother and
father separated and Lizzie ran off to California
to marry some internet billionare, you were the one to
remind me of security and happiness. I never knew it,
until you left, but you're as much a part of me, as
you are the girls and your family." He ran a hand
through his hair and I suddenly pictured him ten
years ago, when he had told me he loved me. We were
so young then. Maybe he was eighteen, and I sixteen,
but I had told him he loved someone else, and that
when he found her, he was never to let her go. "I
couldn't bare to let you leave again. It'd tear
me apart." His voice quaked and I looked up in alarm.
"Oh Andy! Please don't cry. I'm here, I'm
staying, I promise I won't leave for a long time like
that. I'm so sorry, sweety!" I hugged him to me, even
as the world still spun from the dizziness. His body
trembled slightly as I held him to me in a tight embrace.
For the first time in several years, Andrew cried in my
arms and it made me feel as if I had destroyed his
entire world.
After awhile, he wiped his face and drew away,
his eyes still a little red. I offered my best smile
and he returned only a small one.
"I'm sorry about that, Serena." he rubbed the
back of his neck in nervousness and looked past my
shoulder. I ruffled his hair playfully and that
cheered him up a little.
"Don't worry about it, Andy. I'm just sorry
I caused you so much pain. Please, would you go
apartment searching with me tomorrow? I can't stay
at my parents' house for too much longer. They're
getting on my nerves."
"Stay with me for a week or so." he suddenly
blurted.
"What? Don't you have a roommate?" I suddenly
tried to recall who he had been sharing an apartment with
before I left, but the information was just beyond my reach.
"So? We have a spare room, because the penthouse
is to huge, and Serena, it'd be like the time you were
hiding from the girls." he beamed with happiness at the
idea and I didn't have the heart to turn him down.
"Alright, but if I start to annoy you, let me
know and I'm out of there quicker than water in a desert."
I replied hesitantly.
"GREAT!" he replied and grabbed my hand pulling
me toward the festival grounds once more. I laughed and
trailed behind him.
"Where are we going now?" I managed to ask
with laughter chopping the sentence.
"This special occasion deserves a round of drinks.
Let's grab the gang and head over to the cafe."
It took us at least an hour to most of the gang,
Charlotte and Darien still missing. Raye and Mina offered
to stay to look for them and then would meet us at the
cafe later. With that decided, we separated into our
separate modes of transportation and were off.
As I was backing out of my parking spot, at the
last second I noticed a couple walking directly to my
corner. I slammed on the brakes and watched as the
woman jumped away in terror.
"Watch where you're going, please!" I had rolled
down my window and called to them, not really caring who
they were, and concentrating on not nearly running anyone
else over. They had been in my blind spot.
"What where the fuck you're driving, Serenity!"
the hateful screech of an unfamiliar voice entered my
ears and I turned to look at the couple, narrowly missing
hitting another car.
"Charlotte, she didn't mean to almost hit us. I'm
sure we were just in her blind spot or something." Darien
defended me, gazing at my pissed off expression and
Charlotte's tightly pinched face.
"I don't care. I bet she deliberately tried to
hit me." she crossed her arms and stuck her nose in the
air.
"Maybe you should put her on her leash and then
come join us at the cafe." I called and threw my car
into drive, flashing passed me.
I quickly and effeciently navigated through the streets
until I came across a little cafe. I hadn't been there
for ages; ages meaning the last exam day I had had while
I still attended college here. Seeing the cars parked
around it, I smiled slightly. Not much had changed, but
there wouldn't be many customers being 'Second half off'
in the beer tent at the festival. Parallel parking
inbetween Andrew and Greg I shut off my car and stayed
in my spot, making no attempt to move. Chad came
strolling out of the cafe doors and I watched as he
lit a cigerette and noticed my presence. Walking
over to my window I sighed and got out, grabbing my
purse and tossing my sunglasses into it, which I had
carelessly chucked into the passenger seat earlier.
"Shouldn't you be in there?" he asked and took
a long drag.
"Shouldn't you be?" I countered before plucking
the vile thing from his fingers and crushing it under the
heel of my sandal.
"Point taken, Miss Violet." He held out his
arm. "Shall we?" I slid mine into his and grinned.
"We shall." We walked into the cafe and my
eyes glowed with happiness as I took in the scene
before me. I ordered a Caramel twist with whipped
cream and chocolate sprinkles and with my beverage
inhand, made my way over to the spot reserved for
me inbetween Raye and Lita on the soft couch.
"I have to work tomorrow, but would you
like to have lunch with Lita and me?" Raye asked
and I nodded.
"What is it that you finally decided to
do?" I inquired, feeling stupid that I hadn't
asked before.
"I'm an architectural advisor, specializing
in Church construction and such."
"Wow! That's so amazing. No wonder you
were so fascinated with Shinto shrines when we were
in high school." I smiled slightly.
"Amy's a doctor up at St. Vincent's Memorial
now that her residency is over."
"Already?! Amazing Amez. You did great."
I beamed at her in admiration. That girl was superwoman
compared to me or anyone else I knew.
My cell phone rang shrilly and I winced before
digging it out of my purse.
"Serenity Violet." the phone's caller ID hadn't
shown anything, so I was curousas to who it was.
"Sere-Baby! It's Mitch."
"Oh, hi Mitch." I replied, receiving several
odd looks from the group. I held up the "give me one minute'
hand sign and walked outside to be alone in my conversation.
"Was there something you needed, Mitch?"
"I'm in town."
"I'm not in London." I replied, hoping he'd leave me
alone and I could continue my much needed vacation.
"I know that." he heaved a dramatic sigh.
"Then why'd you call?" I laughed softly; our conversations
were very amuzing at times.
"Because, I'm right here." A tap on my shoulder sent
my jumping five feet in the air.
"EEEKK!!" I spun around and glared at him, before ending
the call and punching him in the shoulder. "Don't dooo that!" I
growled.
"Okay, okay!" his rich laughter echoed slightly as he
deflected my light punches.
"You're such an idiot." Joining in the laughter we hugged.
"What brings you to my home town?" I asked after pulling away.
"I was looking for you, actually."
"Oh really? Whatever for?" I was really confused.
"My models canceled on me, and when I was rummaging through
your changing room for one of the outfits you had modeled, I found
a picture of you and this one really hot man. He has dark hair and
eyes."
"You're probably talking about Darien, one of my old friends."
I rolled my eyes. Little white lies never hurt anyone, but they were
known to come back and bite me in the ass sometimes.
"I want both of you to come with me to my makeshift studio
tomorrow for a photoshoot. It's really quick, and painless. You'll
get twice what you usually do, because you're on vacation, and he's
an amatuer." He scribbled an address on the back of one of his
business cards.
"Hey Serena." someone called from across the street,
the dark form heading over. I knew who it was, despite it was
completely dark save for the streetlights.
"Where's Charlotte, Darien?" I asked, squinting in the
darkness insearch of the lone figure. Darien stopped next to me.
"I took her home, she said she had a headache." he replied.
"Who's this?" He asked, giving Mitch the once over and draping an
arm around my shoulders protectively.
"I'm Mitch BeauMonte, photographer and close friend of Miss
Violet here." Mitch replied. "You must be Darien." he held out his
hand and Darien hesitated before shaking his hand in a firm handshake.
"Darien, Mitch wants us to show up at his studio tomorrow
for a quick photoshoot." I slid the information in right after the
introduction, hoping Darien wouldn't have time to get a bad first
impression of Mitch and refuse.
"You owe me, darling." Mitch added.
"You're right." I sighed before turning my puppydog eyes
onto Darien. "Please Darien."
"Uhh..." Darien scratched his head in confusion.
"It's always quick and simple, there's nothing to worry
about and no hassel. You show up in casual clothes and he has
outfits usually picked out for us." I added, turning on the
pouty lips.
"I don't know..." he sighed and I forced my eyes to get
teary.
"Pleeeeeeaaassee.." I tugged on his leather jacket and
faintly noticed there was no trace of the ugly green anywhere to
be soon. His midnight blues traveled from my pleading face
to Mitch's stoical expression, and then back to me.
"Well....okay." he sighed. I jumped up and down excitedly
and hugged him tightly.
"YAY! Thank you soooo much!"
"No problem, just tell me where to meet you tomorrow." he
replied and pulled me away from him gently.
"I gave Sere the address, but I have to run. Pleasure
meeting you, Darien." with that, Mitch got into his Jaguire and
sped off.
"How bout I just pick you up at noon tomorrow and we'll
go together?" I proposed as we walked into the arcade.
"I guess. I don't have work anyway, considering I'm
on vacation."
"Great."
We joined the gang and talked long into the night. We finally
parted ways when the cafe was closing and I returned home from
a busy day, exhausted and ready for sleep. Today had been a rather
good day, rather taxing, but great nonetheless. As I slipped under
the soft comforter and settled into the bed my mind drifted back
to when I had been in high school, and I fell asleep dreaming
over my Senior prom.
***************************************
THE END OF CHAPTER 7!!!
This sure was a long one...but I'm glad I added a little bit of a
sad scene to it. Andrew actually cried.....
they were manly tears of course..b/c a man shouldn't bawl like a
baby...but still..it shows he cares a great deal for her..which
will play a big part later...prolly around chapter 11 or so. :)
ohh...what's that..did i hint to a foreshadowing thing? EEK!
Maybe I should get less sleep...that way I'm tired and can't
think about all of it. :)
You know the drill
Read Review or e-mail!
expressoncream@hotmail.com
CP