Me not own characters, music, and, it seems, plot too! Life suxs.
Hurt Before*Somebody New*
*But at night she's alone
She's dreaming of somebody new*
Serena glanced at her watch; 7:45 it read. She got up and left the breakfast room to go to her bed chamber. There she organized her things in an elegant black leather bag with two straps that hung on her shoulders. She glanced at herself in the mirror. Did she look presentable?
She wore a peach summer dress with a Chinese collar that went midway between her knees and feet. Her shoes were black, and its heels weren't that high, and she wore no make up or jewellery, except the cross pendant that she got at her confirmation. She had the usual hairstyle, two buns on her head and braids that reached her behind. She looked so romantic—and not at all business-like— but then again, her style reflected her personality; she was a hopeless romantic.
At eight o'clock sharp her phone rang. It was Darien telling her frigidly that he was waiting for her outside. She felt her annoyance factor rise sharply, but still had the sense to hurry down and not keep him waiting. She figured that he was probably her boss or something, or else why was he forced into escorting her everywhere? She exited the hotel building greeted by a misty breeze, and a grey sky and right in front she saw Darien Shields (looking handsome in his expensive dark blue suit).
She received a frigid good morning from him as the doorman opened the car door for her, and he stopped leaning on the roof of his shiny moody green Daimler Chrysler. Her answer was a half careless "how-do-you-do". Then she proceeded, entering the car, and then watching the man himself with decided yet smooth actions sit and start up the luxury machine.
"I assume you're my supervisor?" she half stated blankly, starring at the road.
"You assumed wrong," was his response, as he too focused on the road ahead.
"It's good that we got that cleared up," she spoke with some relief, glancing over to his side. "Now I won't have to be civil towards you."
"I can still get you fired," was his stern, nonchalant, answer that caused Serena to turn to her window and keep quiet for the rest of the ride.
She felt her stomach turn, as she thought of the day ahead of her. Her fear was that everyone would turn out to be a Darien Shields, and in her mind she was urging herself to be strong and not let anyone get to her. She was there to stay, not to be scared away by what others thought of her. She wouldn't let herself be put down; it was already hard to find work in the U.S. so she had to hold on to this one real hard.
She was so lost in her thoughts, that before she knew it they were parked in a garage of some sort, and she heard Darien Shields' stern voice yell at her, causing her to start.
"Quit daydreaming, Girl, and hurry out! I'm not used to coming in late," was what he said.
Awkwardly, Serena opened her door and was ready to get out, but her seatbelt held her back. Trembling with nervousness, she tried to find the button to un-belt herself, she lowering her head, blinking hard to stop her tears, not daring to speak to preserve her pride and hide her ready to cry voice from him.
When she was not watching, she missed a smile that made its way to Darien's lips. But on the other hand perhaps it was good that she did not see it, this to spare her from being more confused than she already was, for his smile showed no emotion whatsoever. He calmly watched her as her trembling hands failed to find the buckle. He was observing her. And when he finished with his autopsy he spoke:
"What? You aren't capable of un-belting yourself?" he commented, as he confidently pressed the button, freeing her.
"Thank you," she muttered under her breath, and clumsily stepped out of the car. She was in a hurry to get rid her companion.
Darien, on the other hand, took his time shutting the door and locking it lazily with the keys. He knew that she wanted to be away from him— that the petite nymph was scared of him at the moment. His feelings, however, towards that knowledge were of satisfaction; he wanted her to stay was from him as much a possible.
Darien was by Serena's side again as the elevator opened its doors. They stepped in quietly, Darien acting like the gentleman, letting the shaken lady enter first. As they were lifted up, Serena had time to compose herself. She stopped shaking, and put on her business face.
When the doors opened again she was greeted by a party scenery, and three women jumping at her excitedly. Surprised, she had to take a few steps back, bumping into Darien, who skilfully looked away pretending to cough, hiding his smile. Seconds later when Serena could focus she saw the raven headed woman, the brunette, and the blonde that came at her.
"See, Rei, I told you that it would scare her," the blonde said pouting.
"That was the point, Bimbo," the raven head answered with a friendly evil expression.
"Welcome, Serena! I'm Lita Kino," the third one said, taking her arm and dragging her into the elegant office.
"Pleased to meet you," Serena said glancing around the spacious office, noticing her more mature co-workers.
At hand she was introduced to the main staff at the headquarters, by Lita, who was a secretary. The pretty, bouncy blonde was Mina Diamond, the accessory designer. Rei Hino-Shields was a long term model for the company, as well as Darien Shields' secretary. There was the shy looking Amy Shields-Mizuno: the IT coordinator, part owner of the company, and sister to the evil man Serena was stuck with. There was the cool, yet civil Amara Tenou, the general staff manager— her boss. Then there was the sweet, calm Michelle Diamond, the firm's head lawyer, she too owned part of the company. Then the reserved Trista Shields, the clothing designer, share holder, sister to Darien. Then the big bosses: Andrew and Damon Diamond. Vice-president and President of Diamond and Shields. They were both very relaxed friendly persons, though Andrew was more cheery and his brother more like a girl magnet. Finally, Lita let her know that Darien was the sale's manager.
"You have noticed that we have only three secretaries for seven or eight people. This is because most of the work is now computerised, but it doesn't mean that the secretaries have less to do. You will be the presidents' secretary. Rei is your counter part for Darien and Amy, and Lita takes care of the designers. I am my own secretary," Amara explained with her friendly yet commandant voice.
After all the introductions, and instructions she was finally seated at her desk in the spacious floor lobby, which lead to several other offices. She shared that area with Rei and Lita, the former was a fiery, yet friendly person who enjoyed mocking people, while the latter was calmer and cheery. Serena regained confidence over her job, and was sure that she was bound to have many new friends in her work mates.
I know this chapter is boring, but I just had to put it in so that it somewhat fits the song. I'm going to be honest here: when I fist wrote this one, it was a one chapter story that was kinda long, so my dear, good friend Beta Reader told me I should develop the story more, and break it into chapters. So my chapters will not be huge, but as we get further into the song they get longer (hehe, I've written up to chapter 7 or 8 by hand… always write my hand, me not trust computers). So that might provide an answer to LovingMeForever. And I gotta give my thanks to Serena79 and DiNji. And say sorrie that I did post anything yesterday, but there no time: party party party, the house was jammed with people celebrating and getting drunk!
I just couldn't resist I had to put in a Chrysler in this story! I was just so charmed by the advertisement that I saw in The Economist… (I was trying to chose between Mercedes and BMW, then there was da Chrysler…). Next Chapter will be posted really soon.