2002 Valentine's Special: Waiting for You

Part 6: A Glittering Affair

By: Ghostwriter

----------{@

He felt Danielle stiffen at his side when she realized the same thing as he did. The blond angel turned and finally noticed them. His stormy blue eyes met her baby-blue once. Darien could only smile courteously as Serena gave him a little nod of acknowledgement.

'Sir, permit me to introduce you to a friend of mine, Danielle Lexington and her escort, Mr. Darien Shields,' Melanie began formally. 'Danielle, Darien, this is Mr. Henry Briscoe from the Milan Extravaganza organizing council and his date –.'

'Serena, so we meet again,' Darien said, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile.

'And believe me, I never have planned for us to meet in this manner,' Serena answered honestly.

Her insides were churning with shock, fright and joy at seeing him here. The ball had been tremendously boring and she possessed no interest to listen to the gentlemen present of their 'accomplishments'. All in all, Darien's unexpected arrival was very much welcomed.

Danielle's eyes narrowed at the blond tightly. She, on the other hand was not pleased to see that blond here. Besides having her boyfriend looking at her in an overly friendly way, she was the arm of one of the most important men in the fashion world. Damn her, Danielle cursed silently. Why is she always in my way?

'I was not aware that you all were acquainted,' Melanie's casual laugh could not conceal her mild bewilderment. Not only was Danielle and Darien acquainted with Henry Briscoe, no his date, she amended quickly because it was Danielle who had suggested this little 'introduction', Danielle's gaze was practically melting holes into Serena while Darien looked fascinated by her.          

'Of course, we are acquainted,' Danielle's voice was dangerously smooth. 'Darien and Serena are old friends, am I not right, Serena?'

'Yes – one could say that,' Serena answered haltingly, detecting the venom under her words. 'Old friends – nothing more.'

The orchestra struck an uplifting tune, contrasting greatly with the mood of the small company.

'I believe it's time to dance,' John suggested, trying to ease the unspoken tension. 'May I?' he asked, offering his arm to his wife.

'Certainly,' Melanie said primly as she put her small hand on his sleeve. Together they strolled away to the dance floor.

'Shall we?' Henry asked as he offered his arm to Serena. Serena smiled daintily as they walked into the midst of swirling colors.

'I believe that this is my cue,' Darien said dryly as he offered his girlfriend his arm. He meant it as a mere joke but Danielle took offence in his words.

'Dancing is not high on my list of favorite activities,' she replied scathingly. Nevertheless, she placed her hand on his arm as he guided her to the floor.

'Being in Henry Briscoe's good graces is,' he said as they twirled to the music.

Danielle remained quiet for the rest of the dance. For once, Darien was thankful for the absence of her constant chatter. They danced in silence and rigidity.

-----------{@

            'So that was the lucky man that captured my lady's heart,' Henry teased as he twirled her in his arms.

            Serena opened her mouth the address the man when she caught the warning look. 'Henry,' she amended. 'Mr. Shields is merely an old acquaintance and it is just those we so happen to meet at the social gathering.'

            'You're a pretty bad actress, my dear,' Henry continued to mock her. 'Everyone was aware of the look of shock and pleasure you displayed on your pretty face the minute you laid eyes on him back there.'

            'Was it that obvious?' Serena whispered, horrified.

            'It that wasn't obvious, the look that his girlfriend gave you pretty sums it up,' Henry informed her blandly. 'Murderous.'

            'God,' Serena said in a faint voice. 'I knew I shouldn't have come.'

            'Setsuna would not have heard of it,' Henry's eyes twinkled with mirth. 'She would have dragged herself out of bed and dressed you and followed you to the car despite of the tremendous headache she claims she has at the moment.'

            'Darien must hate me more because of this,' Serena said shaking her head slightly as they continued to move in sync with the music. 'Danielle will have his head for this.'

            'On the contrary, Mr. Shields seemed to have a problem closing his mouth or taking his eyes of you the minute he laid eyes on you,' Henry informed her laughingly. 'He looked like a goldfish. I had to resist the urge to kindly inform him that it is rude to be drooling all over a lady.'

----------{@

            Later that evening, Henry requested a dance from Danielle. Naturally, Danielle accepted it, secretly hoping that someone might notice that Henry Briscoe had just asked to dance with her. Henry winked at Serena discreetly before escorting the beautiful dark haired model onto the floor.

            'The food was superb, don't you agree?' Serena voiced out nervously, hoping to start a conversation.

            'Anything edible will taste good to you, Meatball Head,' Darien replied in a light teasing tone he reserved specially for her.

            Serena's heart eased considerably at the familiar banter of his voice. Things were so tensed up and Danielle's presence had not helped eased the tension. Instead, she had contributed greatly to it, glowering in Serena's general direction the whole night.

            'I suppose you will not refuse to dance with – an old acquaintance,' Darien lifted his brow mockingly at her.

            'And what makes you think I will?' Serena replied with equal grace, glad that she was holding up.

            'Simply because your escort has deprived me of my date,' Darien declared nonchalantly. 'And I happen to like this piece of music. There fore I suppose it is most in order for you to fill her shoes.'

            'I take it you treat me as her substitute?' Serena said, smiling slightly. 'I doubt your girlfriend would be pleased.'

            'She can hardly complain since she was the one who ran off with another man.'

            'Then very well, I expect I shall,' Serena agreed laughingly as she put her hand on his arm and he guided her into the sea of colors.

            'You dance well,' Darien complimented Serena as she expertly followed his steps. 'Seems to me you have finally been cured of your klutziness.'

            'I've matured,' Serena said simply. 'I can't go around tripping and banging into you forever.

            I wouldn't have mind if you did, Darien thought quietly. Hey where did that come from?

            'So how's school?' he asked, trying to carry on the conversation.

            'I'm happy to say I'm no longer failing every subject,' Serena informed him. 'So how are things going on for you?'

            'Me?' Darien laughed. 'I have a rocketing career, a gorgeous girlfriend, beautiful car, flourishing investments, everything a guy could want.'

            'Are you happy?' Serena asked quietly.

            'Oh course I am. What makes you think I'm not?'

            Am I really happy? Darien pondered as they lapse into silence once more. There seem to be something missing from my life.

            'So, how did you manage to seduce Mr. Briscoe into taking you to this ball?' Darien asked, breaking the silence.

            'Seduce him?' Serena lifted an eyebrow. 'He asked, and I accepted.'

            'Ahh – what made him ask?' Darien countered.

            'That is for us to know and the rest to wonder,' Serena replied mischievously.

            The green eyed monster was rearing his ugly head within Darien. He was feeling something known as…jealousy.

            Wait a minute! This is Meatball Head! Darien yelled at himself mentally. How can you feel jealous over her?

            'I presume you two are very close?' Darien asked cautiously, not knowing how to handle his new found feelings.

            'We're almost a family.'

----------{@

Danielle surveyed the dancing couple as she danced. She had been trying to impress Henry throughout the dance and was not at all successful.

A pang of jealousy struck her heart as she saw Darien laugh easily. They looked so at ease with each other, so natural, as if they belong together.

And Danielle does not like to see Darien holding any other female besides her or his mother. Since she knows that Darien's parents are already deceased, and he has no living relations, the only woman in her arms would be her.

            Who does that blonde bimbo thinks she is, laying her filthy hands on my Darien? Danielle fumed inwardly.

            'Miss Lexington, are you alright?' Henry asked. He followed her gaze towards the other couple's direction. He bit back a smile when he saw how happy Serena was.

            'Huh? Oh, I'm perfectly fine,' Danielle assured him.

            'It's a small world isn't it?' Henry remarked. 'Serena told me this ball was going to be a bore, just like the rest of them.'

            'Is that true?' Danielle asked smilingly. 'Do you think these functions are a bore, Mr. Briscoe?'

            'I share Serena's opinion in this topic,' Henry grinned. 'Unfortunately, my work requires me to constantly appear in these social gatherings. What do you think, Miss Lexington?'

            'I agree with you,' Danielle said, the smile never leaving her face. In truth, she loves these gatherings of the rich and successful. To feel the appreciating looks from the men and to feel the heat of the women's envious gazes when she appears brings a certain feeling of appreciation.

            'Mr. Briscoe, how are you related to Serena?' Danielle finally asked, he curiosity getting the best of her. 'She has never mentioned having a boyfriend before.'

            'Ahh – Is that so?' Henry smiled. He did not particularly like this woman that he was dancing with. After all those years in the fashion industry, Henry has become accustomed to people trying to gain his favor. Especially young and ambitious models like Danielle.

            It struck Henry that Danielle was an envious and vicious female. She will stop at nothing that chooses to put itself in her path towards her goal. And he could very well see that Danielle does not like Serena at all. During all their conversations, Danielle had been constantly making remarks about Serena. All her words carry a double meaning under her well-meant suggestions.

            'You can say we are almost a family,' Henry put in smoothly. It was how he and Serena had planned to Danielle and Darien if they so happen to question them. Both were reluctant to reveal the truth, so they settled for a half truth.

            'I see,' Danielle said. She smiled charmingly at Henry. 'Congratulations, Mr. Briscoe.'

            'Why, thank you,' Henry replied, slightly bewildered. 'May I ask you whatever for?'

            'Serena is a nice girl, you choice are very wise,' Danielle continued.

            'I know she is.'

            The music chose to end that moment. Danielle smiled triumphantly as a very confused Henry Briscoe led her off the dance floor.

----------{@

Disclaimer: I'm a ghost and ghosts can't really own anything beside their thoughts. Besides, you can't file a legal lawsuit because there is no way you can sue a dead person.

Hey People!

            I think you all should be happy with me because I managed to post this up chapter without making you all wait that long! I still refuse to reveal who is Henry Briscoe, though I've left a trail of clues in this chapter. He is 'almost family', so he can't be her father, cousin or any close relative.

            So…is your curiosity pique enough to want the next chapter? Do review/mail me. If you by any chance want to archive this fic in your site, mail me. If you want to use Bitchy Danielle and Mysterious Henry, also mail me. I might consider letting you use them. But I have a feeling no one will mail me Sighs

            Oh – I have a new fic coming out, if not already out. Please read it and then review me on it. I'll give you all a summary.

MY IDIOTIC PROTECTOR:

            Serena, the free-spirited daughter of a very exasperated Duke of Moonhaven has found her match – the mysterious mercenary, Darien Shields who has been assigned to be her personal guard. It was a futile arrangement, a battle of wills between two people hopelessly in love but refuse to admit it. When things finally seemed to be getting better, Serena finds out that she has been betrothed to another man. Will she be lost to Darien forever?

            Please read it…I'm pretty pleased with the plot. The story was inspired by what Usagi/Serena always call Darien/Mamoru. As we all know, S/U always call D/M Mamoru-baka. Translated, it means 'Idiotic Protector'. And he is her idiotic protector.

Haunts of Love,

GHOSTWRITER…