Hi! See! I haven't forgotten about this story! And the biggest reason for
that is my editor Meg! She was my inspiration! So send thanx her way cuz if
not for her I probably wouldn't have gotten this chapter out so soon. I
also want to thank her for editing this chapter. Read on and maybe if you
feel like it after review! :)
******************************************************************* ~*Recap*~ She looked up to his eyes, silently thanking him. She had only known him for two days but she felt as though he was her other half.*~ *******************************************************************
Serena stood tensely in front of the mirror in the bathroom at the auto-shop. Although he wasn't in the room, she could feel his eyes practically boring holes into the door. She could have sworn she heard Darien saying 'Come out already!' Sighing resignedly, Serena exited the bathroom, clothed in somewhat clean apparel. After their little....incident with the oil and Seiya, Darien suggested she change into more comfortable attire. She obliged, too tired to argue. As she made her way toward the bathroom, Serena couldn't help the sudden pang of guiltiness that flooded in.
Here was a man who basically protected her, a complete stranger, from her best friend's verbal attack. She should be grateful, better yet, she should be thanking him. Not grudgingly moping to the bathroom! Taking a deep breath and counting to ten Serena turned around to face her savior or was he her damnation? All thoughts left her when she made direct eye contact with him.
His hands were in his pockets as he casually leaned against the far wall, his hair falling in his eyes in an impossibly sexy way. The oil was starting to dry and cake onto his skin, but it didn't deflect the natural beauty of his body. There were oil blotches on his face, but the spots gave him a boyish look. All Serena wanted to do was devour his entire being, starting with his most delectable body.
"Um, I'm pretty sure we have some extra clothes lying around. They'd probably fit you alright. We only wear them when we need loose clothes that we don't mind getting dirty." She smiled at him, a genuine smile that made warmth spread throughout his body.
"Are they clean?" Darien quirked a teasing smile at her. He chuckled lightly when she blew a raspberry at him.
"Well duh! Our shop might be messy, but who wants to work in dirty clothes?" Her face of obvious disgust convinced him of the cleanliness of the clothes she was offering. Darien cocked one dark, elegant eyebrow, shook his head and smiled at the childish innocence she could easily portray.
"I'm just gonna take a quick shower and you can just...."
He quickly snatched the clothes from her and made a mad dash for the bathroom door. Before Serena could even retract her hand, he had already closed the door and locked it.
"Why that sneaky son of a......" The rest of her words were drowned out by the sound of a shower being turned on and soon to follow was the worst singing she had ever heard.
Serena yelled through the bathroom door, "Am I gonna have to come in there and save you? Cause it sounds like you're in an excruciating amount of pain."
"Don't be jealous just because you can't sing anywhere near good as I can!" was all he said before he continued to torture Serena. She just laughed and walked far enough away to where all she heard was a low hum.
After what seemed like hours, the bathroom door opened and a squeaky clean Darien walked out, whistling a catchy tune. His damp hair was in complete disarray and yet had never looked sexier. The shower certainly had done wonders. The many grease and oil splotches that covered him before were now washed away to reveal taunt, tanned skin attached to very well defined muscles. Serena bit her lip, 'God I want him so much! I just want to run my tongue all over his...'
Imaginary alarms were going off in every direction. A voice, similar to that of the robot in the movie Lost in Space, was yelling 'Danger! Danger Serena Johnson!' Shaking her head of all annoying thoughts and voices, Serena walked calmly toward the bathroom. She unintentionally slammed the door. Leaning against the doorframe she slid down the length of the door. She brought her knees up and put her elbows on her knees, resting her head in her hands. Exhaling loudly, she shoved herself up and began turning the knobs for the shower. Finally free of the dirt and grime that had gathered on her, thanks to Darien, Serena wrapped a towel around her svelte body. She quickly dried off and dressed, not wanting to leave Darien alone for too long.
She opened the door and found him reading all the newspaper articles about the girls and one about herself. He was facing the articles with his back to her. It didn't seem he knew she was even in the room, so Serena stood there quietly admiring the male specimen before her. He undoubtedly was one of the most extraordinary ones. She tilted her head to the side, a slight smile adorning her delicate features.
"Did you really free all the animals at the pound?" Darien inquired, his back still toward her.
Serena smiled at the memory. So many animals running for the only exit and she just happened to be dumb enough to be standing in front of it. Needless to say, it was not a very pleasant experience. But she'd do it all again just to see the faces of the employees at the pound. It certainly was.....memorable. 'Hence the word memory...' Her mind taunted her.
"Yea. Me and the girls found out that all the animals that had been at the pound for more than three months," She paused, walking over to where Darien stood, eyes staring intently at a picture of a sixteen year old Serena, "they performed 'experiments' on. We felt action before common sense was needed immediately." She quirked a smile at how much trouble she had been in.
"So how come there's nothing about them in this article?" His question made her snort.
"Because you see, it was supposed to be Lita, Raye, Ami, AND myself. As soon as I was in, they were gone. Leaving me with the wrap." A wry smile appeared on her face, yet it was combined with amusement. Shock and a little bit of anger passed over his face, but it was soon replaced by his cool, casual demeanor.
"And you're still friends with them?" It seemed he was really upset about something.
"Of course. They were the first at the jail to bail me out. I mean I didn't just let them off the hook that easily, but we've been through much worse." Her answer seemed so matter-of-fact, like it was such a reasonable thing.
"So....." He felt the need to talk to her. Darien knew she was hurting, he wanted to help.
"Look, if this is the part where I'm supposed to open up and share my feelings, all the while crying on your supportive shoulder, well then sorry to disappoint you. I don't usually cry so easily like I had earlier," she paused, a bit uncomfortable at the thought of Darien seeing her so vulnerable. "I just haven't been getting a lot of sleep and with all the added stress....I just kinda broke down." She finished the conversation by turning around, not wanting to see the obvious skepticism in his eyes. For some unknown and incredibly aggravating reason, she felt bad about lying to him.
"Oh. Well. Thanks for the spare clothes. I'll get these back to you tomorrow." Darien turned on his heel and headed for the door. Guilt and fear clawed at Serena; guilt for treating such a wonderful creature in such a disgusting manner and fear that this man might walk right out of her life forever. Desperation urged her to reach out a hand and stop him before he got too far.
"Wait!" Her hand lightly grasped the material of his shirt, her plea sounding a little more anxious than she had wished. He stopped and turned to her, not quite sure what exactly was keeping him from leaving. The look of fear in her eyes triggered his next moves. He quickly tied his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly to his body. He stroked her hair soothingly, but still kept her body plastered to his own.
"You don't have to talk. We hardly know each other. I know that. But I just feel....I feel....." Darien stopped not wanting to scare her.
"Yea.....?" She silently urged him to continue.
"I feel a connection with you. I don't want you to have to feel your pain alone. I don't want to feel my pain alone." He finished quietly, still stroking her hair. Serena sighed contently.
"My mom left just a few months after I was born. My dad had some trouble accepting that and didn't treat me how he was supposed to. My friends, they think...." She stopped, her lip already beginning to quiver from the effort of containing her tears. "They think my mom's back in town and that it wasn't her who left." Silent tears began to make their way down her face. She looked up at Darien, a look of complete understanding written on his face. She laughed lightly and rested her head on his chest again, still in his warm embrace.
"Your turn." She lightly teased.
"My dad was really abusive to my mom. I came home one day to find her lying in a pool of her own blood. She died and my dad was shot by a cop in front of me, all in the same night. I tried to kill myself and was in a coma, of sorts, for three months." Serena gasped. Her head turning sharply upwards, searching his eyes, only to find that he had closed them. Serena could see small tears in the corners of his eyes. 'Never again will he cry,' a small promise was made in her heart.
*******************************************************************
Serena. It seemed that all of Darien's thoughts now revolved around her. It had felt so amazing to finally talk to someone and the fact that it was with woman he was definitely developing feelings for made it all the better. They had talked all day; the sun had already set, the moon full in the night sky. A smile on his face, his steps more free, his body more relaxed. 'Maybe I should thank Andrew instead of killing him. Well, maybe thank him and then save the bodily harm for later.' Aside from the moon's illumination, there were only street lamps to guide the way.
Not many people were out. Most were just couples enjoying each others presence. He had always hated the happy-go-lucky couples; always smiling and kissing. It was sickening or at least HAD been sickening. Pictures of he and Serena holding one another, her lips brushing against his skin, made him shiver in delight. While so engrossed in his thoughts, he had not noticed the woman that was practically chasing after him. He stopped only when there was a light, yet incessant tug on his coat. Still happily indulging in his thoughts about Serena, his smile stayed on his face. That smile quickly faded when he saw who exactly was tugging on his coat.
"Beryl....." Pity entered his eyes. He had forgotten about their date.
"What the hell happened to you?! You were supposed to pick me up two goddamn hours ago!" So caught up in her anger, her act of innocence was gone. Darien narrowed his eyes, he didn't like being yelled at. Beryl stopped her ranting at the look in his eyes. 'Shit!' Her mind was screaming for her to fix the problem she had just created. It was only a few hours ago she had him eating out of the palm of her hand. Now he was looking less than...subservient. Batting her eyelashes and plastering on a sugary sweet smile she attempted to climb out of the hole she had dug herself into.
"I'm sorry for loosing my temper. I was just so worried. I thought something had happened to you." Just for effect Beryl made tears spring to her eyes. A little more than doubtful, Darien just sighed.
"I see. Well there was no need for you to worry. I was at your town's auto-shop. Sorry, but it seems I spent our 'date' with Serena Johnson. Do you know her?" Darien asked curiously. He watched, a bit confused, as Beryl ground her teeth and had what appeared to be a look of annoyance crossing her face.
She slowly bit out, "Why of course I know Serena. She's the biggest bitch in the entire town. She's been nothing but a nuisance to me since the first day of kindergarten. Didn't like her then and I sure as hell don't like her any better now." Beryl finished practically spitting venom. Once again putting on a mask of innocence, Beryl tried to bring Darien back into her grasp.
"Now why would you want to spend time with her when you could be with me?" She purred trying to be seductive. Darien had never been more disgusted in his life. Never had he seen a woman so obviously throw herself at him, most had at least some class. Anger slowly started to boil inside of him, he didn't like hearing anyone speak ill of Serena. As far as he was concerned she was perfect.
"Yes, well I don't think that would be a good idea. Seeing your obvious disdain for Serena, I don't think it would be wise for us to associate any longer. I plan on pursuing her. She's quite a woman." The last part of his statement came out a bit dreamily. His eyes wandered as if seeing something in the distance. Without even waiting for her response, Darien set off again in a dream-like state, his thoughts staying on one person in particular. Had he not been so absorbed in his thoughts of Serena, he might have heard the subtle threat that escaped Beryl's lips.
"Quite a woman? Just wait and see what type of woman she can be."
*******************************************************************
Serena seemed frozen in place as she stood outside the entrance to the hospital ER. The word emergency stuck out brightly in red. She laughed at the irony of the word. She had been standing outside the entry way for a good half hour now. Each time she'd take a step forward, she'd take two steps back. Finally gathering some unknown courage, she stepped quickly through the swinging doors to the hospital waiting room.
There she was.
Rose.
The woman was sitting behind the administrative desk, writing something and completely oblivious to Serena, her daughter. A part of her had hoped the woman would sense her and lift her head up, knowing full well who she was staring at. Unfortunately that did not happen. Serena slowly made her way toward the desk. Each step was twice as hard as the one before. 'Breathe, just breathe. You don't want to pass out do you? Then you'd really make a scene!'
She closed her eyes, exhaling loudly when she finally reached the desk. Her sigh caught the attention of the woman. When Serena opened her eyes she made direct eye contact with her.....mother. Tears were fighting to escape, but Serena held on just a little longer, needing to just hear the woman's voice.
"Can I help you?" The woman asked hesitantly. A small, rectangular name tag painted gold read 'ROSE.' Serena smiled nervously, still unsure of exactly what she was hoping to accomplish. She slowly bobbed her head up and down and cleared her throat.
"My....my name--" Serena stopped, almost unable to continue. Almost. "My name is Serena." 'There! I said it! Let her connect the dots!' Serena watched as the woman named Rose eyed her curiously. No emotion passed over her face and there was no light of acknowledgement flashing in her eyes. She didn't jump up from her seat screaming, 'My baby girl!' Something wasn't right. Then it hit her.
'She doesn't know who I am..'
Tears were beginning to swell up in her eyes. They felt like acid seething through her.
"What a lovely name. I always loved that name. My name's Rose. Is there something I can help you with dear?" There was genuine concern in the woman's eyes. Serena realized she must look horrendous with her eyes red and puffy, tears gathering in her eyes. 'I'm surprised she hasn't ordered me a straight jacket.' Serena felt compelled to know more.
"Rose what?" Her voice came out soft, barely audible.
"Rose Johnson." She replied a bit unnerved by the unwavering stare the woman with sunshine hair was giving her. Serena laughed quietly. 'She really has no idea.'
"Serena Johnson. Pleasure to meet you Rose Johnson." Serena extended her right hand toward the woman behind the desk. Rose took the proffered hand, gingerly shaking it.
"How odd. We have the same last name," the woman stated, surprise evident in her voice. Serena smiled sadly, 'Maybe she's not my mother..'
"Yeah. What are the odds?" Turning around she made her way out of the same doors she had had so much difficulty entering, now finding herself having even more trouble leaving. Taking one last look at Rose, she sighed. 'Will I ever find her?'
*******************************************************************
Serena sat uncertainly on the couch in her living room. It had been five days since her encounter with Darien and Seiya and four days since she had first laid eyes upon Rose. She put Rose to the farthest corners of her mind. Serena just wasn't quite ready for her yet. She didn't want to open that can of worms until she finally finished another drama. There were other, more important matters at the moment.
Seiya had tried many times to talk to her, he claimed even to just look at her. She refused him each time, unwilling to listen to his empty apologies. She would send back every flower, every gift that was received with his name attached. She needed time to think, she needed to be able to make a decision that would not only ensure her happiness, but would also be the best thing for everyone.
She looked out the window. It had started raining a few hours ago. It had started out slow and lazy, but soon it changed to a hard berating of watery pellets. Flashes of lightning illuminated the sky, as crashes of thunder made her vases rattle. Serena loved storms for some reason. The crashing sounds of thunder and the gorgeous white light produced by the lightning soothed her. She sighed as she rolled over on her couch. Now she was lying on her back, in a less than comfortable position.
"Uhhhh!" She released a growl of frustration as she slid to the floor, with her back against the couch, supporting the rest of her weight. Serena stretched her legs out, with some difficulty, around a circular coffee table in the middle of her living room that was proving to be an obstacle in her search for maximum comfort. She sat with her legs going under the coffee table and her back against the couch. She let her thoughts wander as she began a most impossible task: deciding who she wanted more. *******************************************************************
Ok well I hope this chapter was worth the wait! I PROMISE it will never take me another month to update! Until next time!
~Snowflake~
******************************************************************* ~*Recap*~ She looked up to his eyes, silently thanking him. She had only known him for two days but she felt as though he was her other half.*~ *******************************************************************
Serena stood tensely in front of the mirror in the bathroom at the auto-shop. Although he wasn't in the room, she could feel his eyes practically boring holes into the door. She could have sworn she heard Darien saying 'Come out already!' Sighing resignedly, Serena exited the bathroom, clothed in somewhat clean apparel. After their little....incident with the oil and Seiya, Darien suggested she change into more comfortable attire. She obliged, too tired to argue. As she made her way toward the bathroom, Serena couldn't help the sudden pang of guiltiness that flooded in.
Here was a man who basically protected her, a complete stranger, from her best friend's verbal attack. She should be grateful, better yet, she should be thanking him. Not grudgingly moping to the bathroom! Taking a deep breath and counting to ten Serena turned around to face her savior or was he her damnation? All thoughts left her when she made direct eye contact with him.
His hands were in his pockets as he casually leaned against the far wall, his hair falling in his eyes in an impossibly sexy way. The oil was starting to dry and cake onto his skin, but it didn't deflect the natural beauty of his body. There were oil blotches on his face, but the spots gave him a boyish look. All Serena wanted to do was devour his entire being, starting with his most delectable body.
"Um, I'm pretty sure we have some extra clothes lying around. They'd probably fit you alright. We only wear them when we need loose clothes that we don't mind getting dirty." She smiled at him, a genuine smile that made warmth spread throughout his body.
"Are they clean?" Darien quirked a teasing smile at her. He chuckled lightly when she blew a raspberry at him.
"Well duh! Our shop might be messy, but who wants to work in dirty clothes?" Her face of obvious disgust convinced him of the cleanliness of the clothes she was offering. Darien cocked one dark, elegant eyebrow, shook his head and smiled at the childish innocence she could easily portray.
"I'm just gonna take a quick shower and you can just...."
He quickly snatched the clothes from her and made a mad dash for the bathroom door. Before Serena could even retract her hand, he had already closed the door and locked it.
"Why that sneaky son of a......" The rest of her words were drowned out by the sound of a shower being turned on and soon to follow was the worst singing she had ever heard.
Serena yelled through the bathroom door, "Am I gonna have to come in there and save you? Cause it sounds like you're in an excruciating amount of pain."
"Don't be jealous just because you can't sing anywhere near good as I can!" was all he said before he continued to torture Serena. She just laughed and walked far enough away to where all she heard was a low hum.
After what seemed like hours, the bathroom door opened and a squeaky clean Darien walked out, whistling a catchy tune. His damp hair was in complete disarray and yet had never looked sexier. The shower certainly had done wonders. The many grease and oil splotches that covered him before were now washed away to reveal taunt, tanned skin attached to very well defined muscles. Serena bit her lip, 'God I want him so much! I just want to run my tongue all over his...'
Imaginary alarms were going off in every direction. A voice, similar to that of the robot in the movie Lost in Space, was yelling 'Danger! Danger Serena Johnson!' Shaking her head of all annoying thoughts and voices, Serena walked calmly toward the bathroom. She unintentionally slammed the door. Leaning against the doorframe she slid down the length of the door. She brought her knees up and put her elbows on her knees, resting her head in her hands. Exhaling loudly, she shoved herself up and began turning the knobs for the shower. Finally free of the dirt and grime that had gathered on her, thanks to Darien, Serena wrapped a towel around her svelte body. She quickly dried off and dressed, not wanting to leave Darien alone for too long.
She opened the door and found him reading all the newspaper articles about the girls and one about herself. He was facing the articles with his back to her. It didn't seem he knew she was even in the room, so Serena stood there quietly admiring the male specimen before her. He undoubtedly was one of the most extraordinary ones. She tilted her head to the side, a slight smile adorning her delicate features.
"Did you really free all the animals at the pound?" Darien inquired, his back still toward her.
Serena smiled at the memory. So many animals running for the only exit and she just happened to be dumb enough to be standing in front of it. Needless to say, it was not a very pleasant experience. But she'd do it all again just to see the faces of the employees at the pound. It certainly was.....memorable. 'Hence the word memory...' Her mind taunted her.
"Yea. Me and the girls found out that all the animals that had been at the pound for more than three months," She paused, walking over to where Darien stood, eyes staring intently at a picture of a sixteen year old Serena, "they performed 'experiments' on. We felt action before common sense was needed immediately." She quirked a smile at how much trouble she had been in.
"So how come there's nothing about them in this article?" His question made her snort.
"Because you see, it was supposed to be Lita, Raye, Ami, AND myself. As soon as I was in, they were gone. Leaving me with the wrap." A wry smile appeared on her face, yet it was combined with amusement. Shock and a little bit of anger passed over his face, but it was soon replaced by his cool, casual demeanor.
"And you're still friends with them?" It seemed he was really upset about something.
"Of course. They were the first at the jail to bail me out. I mean I didn't just let them off the hook that easily, but we've been through much worse." Her answer seemed so matter-of-fact, like it was such a reasonable thing.
"So....." He felt the need to talk to her. Darien knew she was hurting, he wanted to help.
"Look, if this is the part where I'm supposed to open up and share my feelings, all the while crying on your supportive shoulder, well then sorry to disappoint you. I don't usually cry so easily like I had earlier," she paused, a bit uncomfortable at the thought of Darien seeing her so vulnerable. "I just haven't been getting a lot of sleep and with all the added stress....I just kinda broke down." She finished the conversation by turning around, not wanting to see the obvious skepticism in his eyes. For some unknown and incredibly aggravating reason, she felt bad about lying to him.
"Oh. Well. Thanks for the spare clothes. I'll get these back to you tomorrow." Darien turned on his heel and headed for the door. Guilt and fear clawed at Serena; guilt for treating such a wonderful creature in such a disgusting manner and fear that this man might walk right out of her life forever. Desperation urged her to reach out a hand and stop him before he got too far.
"Wait!" Her hand lightly grasped the material of his shirt, her plea sounding a little more anxious than she had wished. He stopped and turned to her, not quite sure what exactly was keeping him from leaving. The look of fear in her eyes triggered his next moves. He quickly tied his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly to his body. He stroked her hair soothingly, but still kept her body plastered to his own.
"You don't have to talk. We hardly know each other. I know that. But I just feel....I feel....." Darien stopped not wanting to scare her.
"Yea.....?" She silently urged him to continue.
"I feel a connection with you. I don't want you to have to feel your pain alone. I don't want to feel my pain alone." He finished quietly, still stroking her hair. Serena sighed contently.
"My mom left just a few months after I was born. My dad had some trouble accepting that and didn't treat me how he was supposed to. My friends, they think...." She stopped, her lip already beginning to quiver from the effort of containing her tears. "They think my mom's back in town and that it wasn't her who left." Silent tears began to make their way down her face. She looked up at Darien, a look of complete understanding written on his face. She laughed lightly and rested her head on his chest again, still in his warm embrace.
"Your turn." She lightly teased.
"My dad was really abusive to my mom. I came home one day to find her lying in a pool of her own blood. She died and my dad was shot by a cop in front of me, all in the same night. I tried to kill myself and was in a coma, of sorts, for three months." Serena gasped. Her head turning sharply upwards, searching his eyes, only to find that he had closed them. Serena could see small tears in the corners of his eyes. 'Never again will he cry,' a small promise was made in her heart.
*******************************************************************
Serena. It seemed that all of Darien's thoughts now revolved around her. It had felt so amazing to finally talk to someone and the fact that it was with woman he was definitely developing feelings for made it all the better. They had talked all day; the sun had already set, the moon full in the night sky. A smile on his face, his steps more free, his body more relaxed. 'Maybe I should thank Andrew instead of killing him. Well, maybe thank him and then save the bodily harm for later.' Aside from the moon's illumination, there were only street lamps to guide the way.
Not many people were out. Most were just couples enjoying each others presence. He had always hated the happy-go-lucky couples; always smiling and kissing. It was sickening or at least HAD been sickening. Pictures of he and Serena holding one another, her lips brushing against his skin, made him shiver in delight. While so engrossed in his thoughts, he had not noticed the woman that was practically chasing after him. He stopped only when there was a light, yet incessant tug on his coat. Still happily indulging in his thoughts about Serena, his smile stayed on his face. That smile quickly faded when he saw who exactly was tugging on his coat.
"Beryl....." Pity entered his eyes. He had forgotten about their date.
"What the hell happened to you?! You were supposed to pick me up two goddamn hours ago!" So caught up in her anger, her act of innocence was gone. Darien narrowed his eyes, he didn't like being yelled at. Beryl stopped her ranting at the look in his eyes. 'Shit!' Her mind was screaming for her to fix the problem she had just created. It was only a few hours ago she had him eating out of the palm of her hand. Now he was looking less than...subservient. Batting her eyelashes and plastering on a sugary sweet smile she attempted to climb out of the hole she had dug herself into.
"I'm sorry for loosing my temper. I was just so worried. I thought something had happened to you." Just for effect Beryl made tears spring to her eyes. A little more than doubtful, Darien just sighed.
"I see. Well there was no need for you to worry. I was at your town's auto-shop. Sorry, but it seems I spent our 'date' with Serena Johnson. Do you know her?" Darien asked curiously. He watched, a bit confused, as Beryl ground her teeth and had what appeared to be a look of annoyance crossing her face.
She slowly bit out, "Why of course I know Serena. She's the biggest bitch in the entire town. She's been nothing but a nuisance to me since the first day of kindergarten. Didn't like her then and I sure as hell don't like her any better now." Beryl finished practically spitting venom. Once again putting on a mask of innocence, Beryl tried to bring Darien back into her grasp.
"Now why would you want to spend time with her when you could be with me?" She purred trying to be seductive. Darien had never been more disgusted in his life. Never had he seen a woman so obviously throw herself at him, most had at least some class. Anger slowly started to boil inside of him, he didn't like hearing anyone speak ill of Serena. As far as he was concerned she was perfect.
"Yes, well I don't think that would be a good idea. Seeing your obvious disdain for Serena, I don't think it would be wise for us to associate any longer. I plan on pursuing her. She's quite a woman." The last part of his statement came out a bit dreamily. His eyes wandered as if seeing something in the distance. Without even waiting for her response, Darien set off again in a dream-like state, his thoughts staying on one person in particular. Had he not been so absorbed in his thoughts of Serena, he might have heard the subtle threat that escaped Beryl's lips.
"Quite a woman? Just wait and see what type of woman she can be."
*******************************************************************
Serena seemed frozen in place as she stood outside the entrance to the hospital ER. The word emergency stuck out brightly in red. She laughed at the irony of the word. She had been standing outside the entry way for a good half hour now. Each time she'd take a step forward, she'd take two steps back. Finally gathering some unknown courage, she stepped quickly through the swinging doors to the hospital waiting room.
There she was.
Rose.
The woman was sitting behind the administrative desk, writing something and completely oblivious to Serena, her daughter. A part of her had hoped the woman would sense her and lift her head up, knowing full well who she was staring at. Unfortunately that did not happen. Serena slowly made her way toward the desk. Each step was twice as hard as the one before. 'Breathe, just breathe. You don't want to pass out do you? Then you'd really make a scene!'
She closed her eyes, exhaling loudly when she finally reached the desk. Her sigh caught the attention of the woman. When Serena opened her eyes she made direct eye contact with her.....mother. Tears were fighting to escape, but Serena held on just a little longer, needing to just hear the woman's voice.
"Can I help you?" The woman asked hesitantly. A small, rectangular name tag painted gold read 'ROSE.' Serena smiled nervously, still unsure of exactly what she was hoping to accomplish. She slowly bobbed her head up and down and cleared her throat.
"My....my name--" Serena stopped, almost unable to continue. Almost. "My name is Serena." 'There! I said it! Let her connect the dots!' Serena watched as the woman named Rose eyed her curiously. No emotion passed over her face and there was no light of acknowledgement flashing in her eyes. She didn't jump up from her seat screaming, 'My baby girl!' Something wasn't right. Then it hit her.
'She doesn't know who I am..'
Tears were beginning to swell up in her eyes. They felt like acid seething through her.
"What a lovely name. I always loved that name. My name's Rose. Is there something I can help you with dear?" There was genuine concern in the woman's eyes. Serena realized she must look horrendous with her eyes red and puffy, tears gathering in her eyes. 'I'm surprised she hasn't ordered me a straight jacket.' Serena felt compelled to know more.
"Rose what?" Her voice came out soft, barely audible.
"Rose Johnson." She replied a bit unnerved by the unwavering stare the woman with sunshine hair was giving her. Serena laughed quietly. 'She really has no idea.'
"Serena Johnson. Pleasure to meet you Rose Johnson." Serena extended her right hand toward the woman behind the desk. Rose took the proffered hand, gingerly shaking it.
"How odd. We have the same last name," the woman stated, surprise evident in her voice. Serena smiled sadly, 'Maybe she's not my mother..'
"Yeah. What are the odds?" Turning around she made her way out of the same doors she had had so much difficulty entering, now finding herself having even more trouble leaving. Taking one last look at Rose, she sighed. 'Will I ever find her?'
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Serena sat uncertainly on the couch in her living room. It had been five days since her encounter with Darien and Seiya and four days since she had first laid eyes upon Rose. She put Rose to the farthest corners of her mind. Serena just wasn't quite ready for her yet. She didn't want to open that can of worms until she finally finished another drama. There were other, more important matters at the moment.
Seiya had tried many times to talk to her, he claimed even to just look at her. She refused him each time, unwilling to listen to his empty apologies. She would send back every flower, every gift that was received with his name attached. She needed time to think, she needed to be able to make a decision that would not only ensure her happiness, but would also be the best thing for everyone.
She looked out the window. It had started raining a few hours ago. It had started out slow and lazy, but soon it changed to a hard berating of watery pellets. Flashes of lightning illuminated the sky, as crashes of thunder made her vases rattle. Serena loved storms for some reason. The crashing sounds of thunder and the gorgeous white light produced by the lightning soothed her. She sighed as she rolled over on her couch. Now she was lying on her back, in a less than comfortable position.
"Uhhhh!" She released a growl of frustration as she slid to the floor, with her back against the couch, supporting the rest of her weight. Serena stretched her legs out, with some difficulty, around a circular coffee table in the middle of her living room that was proving to be an obstacle in her search for maximum comfort. She sat with her legs going under the coffee table and her back against the couch. She let her thoughts wander as she began a most impossible task: deciding who she wanted more. *******************************************************************
Ok well I hope this chapter was worth the wait! I PROMISE it will never take me another month to update! Until next time!
~Snowflake~