2002 Valentine's Special: Waiting for You

Part 5: An Unexpected Meeting

By: Ghostwriter

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            'Ok, are you ready?' Rei whispered to Serena. Serena nodded wordlessly as Lita flashed a grin and thumbs up sign at her. Amy and Mina also smiled at her encouragingly. 'Ok, here goes,' Serena said in a resigned manner.

***** F L A S H B A C K ******

            'Are you sure this is all necessary??' Serena complained, trying to balance the thick book a top of her head. Her hands rushed to steady it when it wobbled after she walked three steps in the high platforms.

            'Of course,' Mina said cheerfully, watching her from her place on the bed. 'It is an age old method to practice stately walking.'

            'Remind me why do I have to do this?' Serena asked grumpily as she laid the book on the table none to gently. They were all gathered in Serena's spacious bedroom, and were educating her on the ways of being a well bred and charming woman.

            'Maybe it's because you want to be like Danielle?' Lita suggested with a mocking tone when she mentioned the model's name.

            'But I don't want to be a supermodel,' Serena complained, plopping down on the bed beside Amy.

            'Yeah, but you want her position as Darien's girlfriend,' Rei dead panned. 'Now get back to work,' she snapped at the girl.

            Serena sighed resignedly as she stood up and walk over to the table. She picked up the table and resumed to what she had been doing for the past few hours.

***** E N D  O F  F L A S H B A C K *****

            'Hey Andrew,' Serena greeted him cheerfully.

            'Hey Serena, what's up?' Andrew returns her greeting as he walked towards them.

            'Err – nothing much, I guess, with summer vacation just starting,' Serena replied. Andrew grinned, 'Well, things are going to get pretty exciting soon.'

            'What's that suppose to mean?' Rei demanded.

            'Hey, people,' a familiar voice approached them. Serena's heart skipped a beat as the charming face of her love popped up behind Andrew. 'What's going to get exciting?'

            'The Crown is going to have a pool party to celebrate its first anniversary,' Andrew informed them.'

            'A pool party? COOL!' the girls squealed in excitement.

            Oh, I can just imagine how it'll go. Chad will probably ask me to dance but trip over some loose wiring before we even make it to the dance floor, Rei thought. But he looks cute he tries to ask me something but starts stuttering hopelessly..

            Maybe Ken will go with me? Ami thought hopefully.

            I'll be in Andrew's arms and he'll waltz with me and tell me how much he loves me, Mina thought romantically.

            Maybe I'll meet a cute guy there! And he will look just like my ex-boyfriend, Lita thought dreamily.

            Darien will ask me to dance…Wait a minute, I forgot. He will be dancing with his girlfriend, Serena thought, nibbling her lower lip.

            The two men look at the five girls who were seated in their usual booth. All of them seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. Rei looked as though she was laughing at a private joke. Both Lita and Mina share the same starry eyed expression. Amy looked hopeful. But Serena looked so serious, sitting there, chewing her lower lip.

            She looks cute when she does that, Darien thought absent-mindedly.

            Andrew bit back a smile. Even Darien seemed to be day dreaming. I didn't know they wanted a pool party this much, Andrew mused. 'Hello, anyone home?' he asked as he waved his hands in front of his friends.

            Instantly, everyone snapped out of their trance like state. 'Uh – of course we're listening,' Rei said. Andrew looked at her in amusement for there hasn't been exactly any talking for the past few minutes. 'When is this party held?' Mina put in.

            'Oh, I rented the site at the Holiday Villa Resort next week.'

            'Next week? Don't you think that's a bit rushed?' Lita asked. 'What about the food?'

            'I didn't have many choices. If I book a later date, the prices will soar because of the tourist season,' Andrew explained. 'The theme for the party is a Hawaiian luau.'

            'Yummy,' Serena instantly came to life at the mention of food.

            'We'll help out,' Amy volunteered.

            'Yah, I'll help you with the menus. I'll even whip up my specialty, Hawaiian Flambé for dessert!' Lita offered enthusiastically.

            'We'll handle the decorations!' Mina said, wrapping an arm around Serena. Serena nodded in agreement.

            'I'll help you with the games, and music,' Rei said. 'I know a pretty good band.'

            'Thanks guys,' Andrew said gratefully. 'I knew it was going to be pretty though trying to get a pool party together in less than a week. Ok, buddy, what are you going to do for your best friend?' he demanded, turning to face Darien.

            'Me, what do you expect me to do?' Darien asked.

            'Your girlfriend is invited.'

            'I thought you don't like her.'

            'Well, there is always a matter of publicity,' Andrew reasoned. 'You can bring your hot shot girlfriend and drum up some news,' he declared. Andrew isn't exactly a fan of Danielle's, but if her presence meant publicity for The Crown, he'll put up with it.

            'So you're asking me to bring my girlfriend as sort of a publicity stunt for your business?' Darien asked jokingly.

            'Yes, Andrew put in flatly. 'And I can't exactly bar my best friend's girl from my party. From my observations, she would most probably have come even if I had not extended my invitation.'

            'I don't know,' Darien said. 'I'll check her schedule.'

            'You do that,' Andrew said crisply. 'Well girls,' he said in a lighter tone. 'We have a party to plan!'

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            'Are you sure you can't come?' Darien repeated, following his girlfriend into the bedroom of her suite. She was dressed in a beautiful purple silk evening gown and a string of amethysts adorn her slender throat. Earrings from the same set dangled from her ear lobes and she wore the bracelet on her right wrist. They were about to leave for the ball held at the Riverton mansion.

 He was aware that his friends aren't exactly on good terms with his girlfriend, and he hoped that they could breach their differences during the pool party. Andrew had extended an invitation out of courtesy and also to get some free publicity. His friend is a shrew business man.

            'I'm sorry love,' Danielle said, bending down to pick up her purse from the bed. 'I already promised Mariana to attend her ball that night, and I need you to go with me.'

            'But you always have balls to attend,' Darien said, frustrated.

            'Darling, we are both in the fashion world. We clearly know how our priorities stand. Put it this way, which would be more beneficial to out careers? Attending the Thornton ball and meeting all those people of consequences or going to your friend's tiny beach party which will most probably make negative news if the press sees us?' Danielle asked silkily.

            Darien ran his fingers through his dark hair. 'There are always other balls,' he tried again. 'And surely there won't be any press there.'

            'Sweetheart, you're not getting my point,' Danielle whispered huskily as she draped her arms around Darien's neck. Her finger played with the hair at the nape as she continued, 'There are rumors that Henry Briscoe will be at the Thornton ball, and we need his support to ensure us the places in the Milan Extravaganza in August.'

            'But,' Darien began but Danielle silenced him. 'Kiss me, Darien,' she whispered seductively as she looked into his eyes. She tipped her face towards him, waiting expectantly.

            Darien groaned inwardly as he placed his lips upon hers. Her lips parted slightly and her tongue rushed out to meet his. Danielle knew how to seduce him in every possible way, and to enslave his senses. But recently, he did not feel the same fire he felt for her three months ago.

            They finally broke apart. 'Come, we need to go to now, all we'll be late,' Danielle said gaily.

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            'I'll be going to the pool party next Saturday,' Darien finally said as they pulled up at the mansion's imposing entrance. Danielle's eyes narrowed. 'Darien…'

            'No, Danielle. I owe it to my best friend to be present at the first anniversary of his business,' Darien insisted adamantly. 'I've been neglecting my friends since I started modeling. But I do wish you'll come too,' he added hopefully.

            Friends, only gets in your way, Danielle thought. There are no such things as true friends in this world.

            'Very well, it is your call,' Danielle said stiffly.

            Darien sighed as he stepped out of the car. He was greeted by the flashes of light. Forcing on a smile, he waved to the reporters and cameramen as he walked round the red Ferrari and opened the passenger door. Danielle stepped out and gave Darien a peck on the cheek.

            'Danielle, will you please tell us is it true that you and Darien here will be modeling in the Milan Extravaganza next August?' a reporter called out as they walked past.

            'Oh, it is too early to say, but I'll tell you as soon as my manager lets me know,' Danielle answered smoothly. Darien continued to smile as he handed the keys to the valet.

            'Darien, how does it feel to have such a beautiful lady as your girlfriend?' another reporter quickly called out.

            'Extremely honored, I assure you,' Darien answered with the same smoothness as his girlfriend. They quickly made their way through the doors.

            Any normal person would have been awed at what Darien saw as he walked down the magnificent staircase with Danielle's hand on his arm. Crystal chandeliers sparkled and sounds of conversations filled the entire room. Ladies were clad in gowns of various designs and colors whilst their partners relate to each other about their latest ventures. Hosts and hostesses walked back and forth carrying trays of drinks and refreshments.

            'Oh, Danielle, how nice it is to see you,' Melanie Riverton said as she and Danielle exchanged hugs. The beautiful blond had on a long tight fitting black gown, which showed off every curve. Melanie's husband, John, a successful entrepreneur stood beside his wife. He was in his early fifties, balding and was rather rounded. Melanie was a model before she married John Riverton, and is 'best of friends' with Danielle.

            'Please to meet you,' she said as she extended a gloved hand towards Darien. Diamonds winked at him from her ears, bosom and wrist.

            Instead of shaking it, Darien bent forward and kissed her gloved hand lightly. 'The pleasure is all mine,' he said gallantly. He then shook John Riverton's hand as Melanie looked at him admiringly and remarked, 'That's quite a catch you have there, Danielle.'

            Danielle laughed easily. 'I'm glad you're married or else I wouldn't have dared introduced him to you!'

            After a few more minutes of polite conversation, the couple moved away and mingled with the crowd. 'It was a smart move to impress Melanie,' Danielle said as she nodded to an acquaintance across the room. The young man raised his glass in acknowledgement. 'John Riverton is an influential man and Melanie has her wrapped around her little finger.'

            'I'm glad I've pleased you,' Darien said, smiling at a rather huge lady as they passed. 'Sweetie, you always please me,' Danielle replied. 'Oh Darien,' she whispered excitedly, 'I think I see Henry Briscoe. How can that be? The press said he will only be here next week. We must make his acquaintance at once.'

            With that, Danielle guided Darien towards Melanie and John Riverton, who was laughing away with a tall man and his date.               

            Henry Briscoe, Darien noted, as they approached him looked just like how the magazines photographed him. From his point of view, Darien could only see his profile. He was a tall man, and a full beard hid his face. Wearing a formal three piece suit, he was laughing easily with his host and hostess.

            Melanie saw her friend approaching them and smiled and waved them over. She knew what Danielle wanted her to do.

            All the while, Henry Briscoe's date was obscured from view by his large build. At that moment, Briscoe shifted his position slightly and turned to look at the person his hostess was waving at. Only then did his Darien manage to get a good glimpse at his date.

            Two small golden buns sat on either side of her head with long tresses falling down from it. Small golden crescent moon earrings glittered on her ears and a diamond choker lay at the hollow of her throat. She wore a simple long white dress held up only by two thin straps and had a slit right up o her thigh.  A pair of white stiletto heels completed the outfit.

            It was Serena.

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Disclaimer: I'm a ghost and ghosts can't really own anything beside their thoughts. So don't sue because there is no way you can sue a dead person. Thank you.

Hey People!

            Sorry for making you all wait so long. So here is a new chapter! Sigh, I really hope you guys like it because I had no idea now how to continue the story. Hmm…who is Henry Briscoe and what is Serena doing there as his date? gigglez You all can start guessing.

            Ok, I would like to thank everyone that mailed/reviewed me. Without your continuous support, I would have totally dropped this fic. Please continue to mail me and everything. Finally, things are going my way. claps gleefully And I can start writing those chapters that I've been dying to write!

Haunts of Love,

GHOSTWRITER…

P/S: Do you think my chapters are long enough?