Femme Fatale C16
By. Raq
4.23.02
Previously
"When the nurse brought him near the window, I read her lips. I think perhaps, she thinks you're a relative Mina cause she said you look exactly like her....moth..er" Darien stopped and looked towards Mina, his mind ticking away to a bright conclusion.
~
His eyes, traveled to her hair, the golden locks were almost a complete replica of his beloved, her height, build. Darien took a step closer and looked into her eyes, automatically taking her shoulders, his hands held them firmly.
Mina swallowed painfully, as she felt hands that felt like ice and stone grip her shoulders. Normally she would never hesitate to put the man to his place but this was different, this mission has become beyond normal, this was extremely emotional. Turning to her friends, she eyed them asking them what should she do, hit him and knock him out. "Look at me Mina" speaking firmly, Mina did as he asked. Into his eyes she looked and within them were truth so painful that she had to turn away.
Darien stared into her eyes, trying to shed light in the truth he so longed for. But her eyes weren't of like his love. She might look as she, but soul she was not. If Mina was in any relation to Sere, she would of, un-doubtingly helped him, seeing the pain and torture he was in. When Mina had turned away, it was his cue to release her. "I'm sorry" he whispered. Without another word, Darien turned and walked away.
Four pairs of eyes lingered at his retreating figure, not until did Lita speak did they tare they're eyes away. "Watch yourself.. until you realize what mistakes you three have made... Stay Away From Serena!" They were warned, threatened by a widow.
The organization was tilting, comrades were now taking sides, all because they were without the one that held them together, Serena.
~ Europe
'Chateau Whitmore', the large estate, known throughout the country for its top notch care for elderly patients. For terms of assisted living or one that needed help beyond assisting elderly, the estate was thoroughly proficient to do so. Hiring high rated Doctors and nurses to exceptionally skilled orderly, they had it all!
Upon one of the windows on the third floor, was a man in deep thought. His gaze, traveling about, watching families visit, he too was waiting for a visitor. Just as the thought pass his mind, a deep red convertible glided its way through the one in a half mile drive way. Red fiery swirls of hair waved angrily as she smoothly guided the vehicle and to a stop, a smile curved his lips, she was here.
The rhythm tapping of a woman's heels, clacked its way within the white hallways. Her head up high, arrogance was a stride as the slender woman made her way to an important meeting with the facilities director.
Directly recognizing her, the woman behind the desk stood and quickly opened the double doors. "Mr. Peters, your daughter is here." The man with as fiery set himself, smiled as his daughter came with sure confidence, he had taught her well.
"Victoria..." His arms opened wide for his daughter. (AN: For those of you who don't remember... Victoria was Darien's ex-girlfriend, first mention of her was in chapter 4 and again during Serena and Darien's camp out)
"Father.." she easily said as she entered her fathers arms "This establishment is doing rather well" leaning back from her fathers embrace "Is it finally yours?"
"Some way to greet your father" eyeing her suspiciously "and no, its not mine.." with a slight pause, he smiled "yet!"
"You mean.. ours.." Father and daughter grinned and it was no doubt that something was in their minds. After a few minutes of chatting about things in life, Victoria and her father quietly talked about their plans.
"Father.. you said you needed my assistance?" coyly she asked as she swirled the red liquid within her glass.
"I do, I need your manipulation"
"And the plan is?"
"Well..." the medium built man leaned over his desk and spoke with understanding "I need you... my daughter.. to work that un-mistakable charm on that Dr."
"Dr? Which Dr?"
"Your Dr."
"I've... had... many Doctors father.. now which one?" her father seemed delighted at the notion.
"The great Dr. Darien Chiba"
"Ah... Marry Me Dr. Chiba" her eyes gleamed "that Dr. Chiba" standing she strode her way towards her fathers oak desk.
"Exactly that Dr. Chiba"
"It would be my pleasure.... I was thinking of paying the great Doctor a visit anyways.... Now aside from the charm what do I have to do? And surely there's something in it for me?" leaning on hip against his desk, the father and daughter began to discuss their plans.
~ A year in passing in Oregon
The room was silent, all he was able to hear was the sheeting rain. It was mid June, and as it was always, Oregon country had its high share of rainy seasons. Coffee in hand he stared out through the large floor to ceiling windows. The man's features have become distraught and grim, his world was becoming tight and it was getting harder and difficult for him to breath. It was coming to a year and several months since he's last seen her and since then, he's only held a few frightening glimpse of her. The first one had occurred on his birthday, the bundled blond hair and the photo. He had thought that nothing could ever frighten him as much as seeing her that way. Then it was another photo and another... and all were his Serena in painful and tortured positions.
All this time, all throughout the torture, he just wanted to know one question, 'HOW' and 'WHY' this monster was putting him and Serena through much hell. The notes weren't even signed, nor were they giving him anything to go by. So who does he ask the questions 'HOW?' can he get her back, what do they want? and 'WHY?' are they doing such things. What has he ever done!
"Hey Darien, theirs a phone call for you" said the feminine voice of his roommate.
"Who is it?"
"I think it's the Office" sighing, Darien stood, all he ever wanted these days was to be left alone. Taking the phone from Mina, he made his way back to the kitchen, pouring another cup of coffee.
"What's the problem?" patiently waiting, he lifted the mug towards his lips.
"Darien..." his mug stopped half way, the color in his already pale features claimed gray. Recognizing the voice, what had been firmly held, slipped from his hand, shattering into pieces as it hit the wooden floor.
~
"What do you think we should have for dinner?" asked Mina as both she and Andrew walked slowly down the stairs.
"We'll I was thinking we go...*crash*" Andrew stopped in mid sentence. His face quickly turned to Mina who started to leap her way down the stairs.
~
"Se..Serena" he whispered painfully and held the counter to steady his wavering body.
"Darien... please.. help me.." the woman pleaded. The sweet voice he remembered was strained but it was her.
"Where... where are you" frustrated Darien spoke firmly, hoping he would get answers. Mina and Andrew appeared, watched their friend pacing.
"Please.. Darien.."
"Serena.." Mina and Andrew shared a look at one another then back to their friend. "I cant help you if you don't tell me where you are.. baby please.. tell me"
"I'm.." she never finished. The dial tone was louder to his ears, the voice he had wanted to hear for so long was gone replaced by the irritating tone.
"Serena.... SERENA" He yelled to the receiver "DAM YOU!" receiving no answer, Darien hurled the phone across the room, the phone shattering the mirror that hung. Andrew and Mina watched their friend, crumble and cry.
~ Chatham, Massachusetts
"Happy Birthday to you" a round of applause came from all that had gathered for this special occasion. A little boy, with shocking streak of the softest ebony black hair, sat at the end of the table wiggling and waving his hands in glee. Dabbing his hand forward then placing it inside his mouth. The small crowd of ten cheered and laughed, his face filled with sweet blue butter cream icing. His bubbly blue eyes gleamed and danced, curiosity filling him, enjoying all attention his audience gave. Reaching out, his chubby little fingers closed upon layers of icing and cake, with one hand full, he reached out for another.
"Sweetheart... save some for the others" the child's eyes traveled to the woman and he joyously smiled. Eyes that mirrored a bit of her own, she smiled at him fondly and lovingly. Wiping his hands clean, she picked him up then raised him up to the air bringing him back down within her arms. "I love you DJ" From the corner, Irene watched her daughter, lovingly holding her son. With teary eyes, Irene was a grandmother and Serena being a mother was always something she had looked forward to but this wasn't as she pictured. Irene watched as Serena placed DJ on her lap and as Irene saw her, smiling away, braving her life 'alone' with her son, no it wasn't as she picture.
A year has passed for them all, a year to date in which Serena had almost died giving birth to her son, Darien Jacob Chiba Jr. Even at his young age, the features were un-doubtingly of his fathers. From the colored magazines that she had found tucked away in Serena's room to the newspaper she had stumbled onto with him being a headliner. DJ had no doubt inherited all of his father's features.
~ Seattle two months later
Darien rubbed the back of his neck as he readied to go home. Walking towards the exit, he waved a sad and slow goodbye to those he passed. He was taking leave, he needed it and, it was ordered by the directors for him to do so. On the way to his car, Darien thought about his life now. Though he tried to move on and live his life, he couldn't.
The moment, he saw her framed by the moonlight in her lacy negligee, she became constant and everything he had ever hoped for in any woman. Serena was beautiful, smart and cunningly witty. He loved her smile, her beautiful shining eyes. Her laughter filled his life with happiness and joy. It had been a pleasure for both his heart and soul to have her so near every hour and everyday. A sigh escaped Darien's lips as he remembered, at lease once a day, pulling her into his office for a stolen kiss or an intimate caress. Now.... all that has ended, and even with two years passing, he still doesn't know where she is and if he would ever get her back.
Stopping in front of his car, his head bowed trying to focus. Throwing the contents within his hands in the back seat, he frustratingly sat down, exhaling heavily. Taking his key, he motioned to insert when something had caught his eye. Raising his head towards the windshield, there was an envelope wedged between the wiper and the glass.
Stepping out, Darien pulled the envelope and removed its contents. Opening the folded note, it read;
Dr. Chiba,
Meet me at the Brookshire Shopping Center in front of the Sweet Henry's Grocery, a week from today. I have someone you would no doubt like to see. Come alone, you wouldn't want to risk your precious Serena now would you?
Darien gritted his teeth, crumbling the note harshly within his hand. "DAM YOU" he let out a frustration, looking around he tried to find someone he could be suspicious of, but their was no one "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME??" he yelled again looking around, pleading for someone to answer him. Receiving none, he furiously banged on the roof of his car quietly sobbing, muttering "please.... God please.. let her be all right"
From a few yards, within the trees, a woman stared with a bright smile. "He's got it" speaking to the radio she held.
"Excellent... " The response came from the radio.
~ Chatham, Massachusetts
Serena stood in front of the window, her arms crossed smiling as she watched DJ being held by her trusted neighbor. DJ wiggled his way down from the teenagers arms then walked his way towards the pile of leaves. Romping around, the teenager and the adults near by laughed, thoroughly overjoyed at the little darling.
"DJ don't" the young teenager laughed as she watched him run through the pile of leaves. Kicking and swatting them all around. "You'll get yourself all dirty!"
"Bonnie, I don't think" an elderly woman spoke "he cares!" Bonnie picked up her little charge.
"Your mommy wont trust me anymore If I don't keep you out of trouble. We'll be at the swings" Bonnie told the elders as she skipped with DJ in her arms.
"That little grandson of yours is full of life"
"He is isn't he" Irene answered from her chair, needling away on her current project.
"It's a shame that Serena has to take care of him all by herself" Irene who had been concentrating on her work stopped. Her eyes lifting towards her grandson on the swings, smiling, having a ball.
"I know.. my heart goes out to her every time I see them together" The old woman looked at her curiously.
"Where is he again?" Irene scarcely heard the question as she saw a faint figure near the windows. Looking towards the direction of their home, she saw Serena, standing in front watching her son from her view. A small smile then a sadden one crept onto her face. Irene felt her heart heavily ache as she watched her daughter. It seemed like minutes going by when their eyes finally met. Serena looked on towards her mother, silently she smiled, since her return from her last mission, her smile never reach her eyes.
"I think its time for some lemonade. Will you excuse me" Irene stood and quietly went towards the house.
Serena made herself busy in the kitchen, cutting up apple wedges, for DJ to snack on. She heard the door open and she knew her mother would be at it again.
"Its getting hot outside, I think its time for some lemonade" Irene faintly smiled as she took the pitcher of fresh lemonade from the cooler. Quietly Serena turned around, and placed some glasses on the tray. Irene neared her, and as she did, Serena can feel the piercing look her mother was giving her. "Are you all right honey?" she asked
"I'm fine mother" Serena placed napkins and the freshly baked cookies on the tray.
"Serena.. don't you think.." Irene was unable to finish her sentence.
"Mother.. Please don't start!" turning her back, Serena resumed what she was doing. "I'm fine" Irene a bit taking back from her daughters estranged voice. She certainly didn't expect it, since all she was going to suggest is for her to join them, rather than being cooped up.
"First of all Serena, I was just going to suggest for you to go out there and join us. But now that you mentioned it... No your not fine!" Irene stood beside her, searching her daughters features. Every bit of Serena betrayed her. Her motions, her unfeeling touches her every tear, every darken circle underneath her eyes shown of great heartbreak and pain.
"I'm sorry mother, that was unfair of me" Serena weakly smiled at her mother.
Pushing the stray hair away from cheek "Serena honey, I think you need to let this all out." Serena flinched "Who cares about what they will say, just do it."
"I cant mother.. I don't know what to say"
"The truth... about everything, your love for him, his son..." Serena moved away from her mother and neared the window. Watching her son playing in the sand, he was everything to her now.
"I cant mother. Darien has a life and DJ and I don't fit in it"
"You expect me to believe that. Why don't you just call him and tell him"
"Tell him what?"
"The truth! Being a widow, your son"
"I cant, the organization wont let me. It would be against protocol to contact ..."
"Against protocol! You got yourself in this situation by going against protocol." The pain flashed Serena's already sullen features. Irene noticed it, regretting what she had said. With a softened tone "all those years that you've given them totally allegiance, did they ever give you heartbreak? You of all widows should be allowed happiness"
"But"
"He is DJ's father and he has the right to know that he has a son. DJ also has to right to grow up 'with' a father!" Serena stared at her, her mouth dry. "Have you ever thought about that?" When she said nothing. "at lease do your son a favor and tell his father about him. Don't be selfish and let your heart or your pride of the widows ruin his life, they've done enough!" Irene took the tray on the counter and left without another word. Serena watched her mother leave, her eyes tearing at the selfishness she has made herself to be. Her eyes traveling towards the unit on the wall..
"Darien.."
~
By. Raq
4.23.02
Previously
"When the nurse brought him near the window, I read her lips. I think perhaps, she thinks you're a relative Mina cause she said you look exactly like her....moth..er" Darien stopped and looked towards Mina, his mind ticking away to a bright conclusion.
~
His eyes, traveled to her hair, the golden locks were almost a complete replica of his beloved, her height, build. Darien took a step closer and looked into her eyes, automatically taking her shoulders, his hands held them firmly.
Mina swallowed painfully, as she felt hands that felt like ice and stone grip her shoulders. Normally she would never hesitate to put the man to his place but this was different, this mission has become beyond normal, this was extremely emotional. Turning to her friends, she eyed them asking them what should she do, hit him and knock him out. "Look at me Mina" speaking firmly, Mina did as he asked. Into his eyes she looked and within them were truth so painful that she had to turn away.
Darien stared into her eyes, trying to shed light in the truth he so longed for. But her eyes weren't of like his love. She might look as she, but soul she was not. If Mina was in any relation to Sere, she would of, un-doubtingly helped him, seeing the pain and torture he was in. When Mina had turned away, it was his cue to release her. "I'm sorry" he whispered. Without another word, Darien turned and walked away.
Four pairs of eyes lingered at his retreating figure, not until did Lita speak did they tare they're eyes away. "Watch yourself.. until you realize what mistakes you three have made... Stay Away From Serena!" They were warned, threatened by a widow.
The organization was tilting, comrades were now taking sides, all because they were without the one that held them together, Serena.
~ Europe
'Chateau Whitmore', the large estate, known throughout the country for its top notch care for elderly patients. For terms of assisted living or one that needed help beyond assisting elderly, the estate was thoroughly proficient to do so. Hiring high rated Doctors and nurses to exceptionally skilled orderly, they had it all!
Upon one of the windows on the third floor, was a man in deep thought. His gaze, traveling about, watching families visit, he too was waiting for a visitor. Just as the thought pass his mind, a deep red convertible glided its way through the one in a half mile drive way. Red fiery swirls of hair waved angrily as she smoothly guided the vehicle and to a stop, a smile curved his lips, she was here.
The rhythm tapping of a woman's heels, clacked its way within the white hallways. Her head up high, arrogance was a stride as the slender woman made her way to an important meeting with the facilities director.
Directly recognizing her, the woman behind the desk stood and quickly opened the double doors. "Mr. Peters, your daughter is here." The man with as fiery set himself, smiled as his daughter came with sure confidence, he had taught her well.
"Victoria..." His arms opened wide for his daughter. (AN: For those of you who don't remember... Victoria was Darien's ex-girlfriend, first mention of her was in chapter 4 and again during Serena and Darien's camp out)
"Father.." she easily said as she entered her fathers arms "This establishment is doing rather well" leaning back from her fathers embrace "Is it finally yours?"
"Some way to greet your father" eyeing her suspiciously "and no, its not mine.." with a slight pause, he smiled "yet!"
"You mean.. ours.." Father and daughter grinned and it was no doubt that something was in their minds. After a few minutes of chatting about things in life, Victoria and her father quietly talked about their plans.
"Father.. you said you needed my assistance?" coyly she asked as she swirled the red liquid within her glass.
"I do, I need your manipulation"
"And the plan is?"
"Well..." the medium built man leaned over his desk and spoke with understanding "I need you... my daughter.. to work that un-mistakable charm on that Dr."
"Dr? Which Dr?"
"Your Dr."
"I've... had... many Doctors father.. now which one?" her father seemed delighted at the notion.
"The great Dr. Darien Chiba"
"Ah... Marry Me Dr. Chiba" her eyes gleamed "that Dr. Chiba" standing she strode her way towards her fathers oak desk.
"Exactly that Dr. Chiba"
"It would be my pleasure.... I was thinking of paying the great Doctor a visit anyways.... Now aside from the charm what do I have to do? And surely there's something in it for me?" leaning on hip against his desk, the father and daughter began to discuss their plans.
~ A year in passing in Oregon
The room was silent, all he was able to hear was the sheeting rain. It was mid June, and as it was always, Oregon country had its high share of rainy seasons. Coffee in hand he stared out through the large floor to ceiling windows. The man's features have become distraught and grim, his world was becoming tight and it was getting harder and difficult for him to breath. It was coming to a year and several months since he's last seen her and since then, he's only held a few frightening glimpse of her. The first one had occurred on his birthday, the bundled blond hair and the photo. He had thought that nothing could ever frighten him as much as seeing her that way. Then it was another photo and another... and all were his Serena in painful and tortured positions.
All this time, all throughout the torture, he just wanted to know one question, 'HOW' and 'WHY' this monster was putting him and Serena through much hell. The notes weren't even signed, nor were they giving him anything to go by. So who does he ask the questions 'HOW?' can he get her back, what do they want? and 'WHY?' are they doing such things. What has he ever done!
"Hey Darien, theirs a phone call for you" said the feminine voice of his roommate.
"Who is it?"
"I think it's the Office" sighing, Darien stood, all he ever wanted these days was to be left alone. Taking the phone from Mina, he made his way back to the kitchen, pouring another cup of coffee.
"What's the problem?" patiently waiting, he lifted the mug towards his lips.
"Darien..." his mug stopped half way, the color in his already pale features claimed gray. Recognizing the voice, what had been firmly held, slipped from his hand, shattering into pieces as it hit the wooden floor.
~
"What do you think we should have for dinner?" asked Mina as both she and Andrew walked slowly down the stairs.
"We'll I was thinking we go...*crash*" Andrew stopped in mid sentence. His face quickly turned to Mina who started to leap her way down the stairs.
~
"Se..Serena" he whispered painfully and held the counter to steady his wavering body.
"Darien... please.. help me.." the woman pleaded. The sweet voice he remembered was strained but it was her.
"Where... where are you" frustrated Darien spoke firmly, hoping he would get answers. Mina and Andrew appeared, watched their friend pacing.
"Please.. Darien.."
"Serena.." Mina and Andrew shared a look at one another then back to their friend. "I cant help you if you don't tell me where you are.. baby please.. tell me"
"I'm.." she never finished. The dial tone was louder to his ears, the voice he had wanted to hear for so long was gone replaced by the irritating tone.
"Serena.... SERENA" He yelled to the receiver "DAM YOU!" receiving no answer, Darien hurled the phone across the room, the phone shattering the mirror that hung. Andrew and Mina watched their friend, crumble and cry.
~ Chatham, Massachusetts
"Happy Birthday to you" a round of applause came from all that had gathered for this special occasion. A little boy, with shocking streak of the softest ebony black hair, sat at the end of the table wiggling and waving his hands in glee. Dabbing his hand forward then placing it inside his mouth. The small crowd of ten cheered and laughed, his face filled with sweet blue butter cream icing. His bubbly blue eyes gleamed and danced, curiosity filling him, enjoying all attention his audience gave. Reaching out, his chubby little fingers closed upon layers of icing and cake, with one hand full, he reached out for another.
"Sweetheart... save some for the others" the child's eyes traveled to the woman and he joyously smiled. Eyes that mirrored a bit of her own, she smiled at him fondly and lovingly. Wiping his hands clean, she picked him up then raised him up to the air bringing him back down within her arms. "I love you DJ" From the corner, Irene watched her daughter, lovingly holding her son. With teary eyes, Irene was a grandmother and Serena being a mother was always something she had looked forward to but this wasn't as she pictured. Irene watched as Serena placed DJ on her lap and as Irene saw her, smiling away, braving her life 'alone' with her son, no it wasn't as she picture.
A year has passed for them all, a year to date in which Serena had almost died giving birth to her son, Darien Jacob Chiba Jr. Even at his young age, the features were un-doubtingly of his fathers. From the colored magazines that she had found tucked away in Serena's room to the newspaper she had stumbled onto with him being a headliner. DJ had no doubt inherited all of his father's features.
~ Seattle two months later
Darien rubbed the back of his neck as he readied to go home. Walking towards the exit, he waved a sad and slow goodbye to those he passed. He was taking leave, he needed it and, it was ordered by the directors for him to do so. On the way to his car, Darien thought about his life now. Though he tried to move on and live his life, he couldn't.
The moment, he saw her framed by the moonlight in her lacy negligee, she became constant and everything he had ever hoped for in any woman. Serena was beautiful, smart and cunningly witty. He loved her smile, her beautiful shining eyes. Her laughter filled his life with happiness and joy. It had been a pleasure for both his heart and soul to have her so near every hour and everyday. A sigh escaped Darien's lips as he remembered, at lease once a day, pulling her into his office for a stolen kiss or an intimate caress. Now.... all that has ended, and even with two years passing, he still doesn't know where she is and if he would ever get her back.
Stopping in front of his car, his head bowed trying to focus. Throwing the contents within his hands in the back seat, he frustratingly sat down, exhaling heavily. Taking his key, he motioned to insert when something had caught his eye. Raising his head towards the windshield, there was an envelope wedged between the wiper and the glass.
Stepping out, Darien pulled the envelope and removed its contents. Opening the folded note, it read;
Dr. Chiba,
Meet me at the Brookshire Shopping Center in front of the Sweet Henry's Grocery, a week from today. I have someone you would no doubt like to see. Come alone, you wouldn't want to risk your precious Serena now would you?
Darien gritted his teeth, crumbling the note harshly within his hand. "DAM YOU" he let out a frustration, looking around he tried to find someone he could be suspicious of, but their was no one "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME??" he yelled again looking around, pleading for someone to answer him. Receiving none, he furiously banged on the roof of his car quietly sobbing, muttering "please.... God please.. let her be all right"
From a few yards, within the trees, a woman stared with a bright smile. "He's got it" speaking to the radio she held.
"Excellent... " The response came from the radio.
~ Chatham, Massachusetts
Serena stood in front of the window, her arms crossed smiling as she watched DJ being held by her trusted neighbor. DJ wiggled his way down from the teenagers arms then walked his way towards the pile of leaves. Romping around, the teenager and the adults near by laughed, thoroughly overjoyed at the little darling.
"DJ don't" the young teenager laughed as she watched him run through the pile of leaves. Kicking and swatting them all around. "You'll get yourself all dirty!"
"Bonnie, I don't think" an elderly woman spoke "he cares!" Bonnie picked up her little charge.
"Your mommy wont trust me anymore If I don't keep you out of trouble. We'll be at the swings" Bonnie told the elders as she skipped with DJ in her arms.
"That little grandson of yours is full of life"
"He is isn't he" Irene answered from her chair, needling away on her current project.
"It's a shame that Serena has to take care of him all by herself" Irene who had been concentrating on her work stopped. Her eyes lifting towards her grandson on the swings, smiling, having a ball.
"I know.. my heart goes out to her every time I see them together" The old woman looked at her curiously.
"Where is he again?" Irene scarcely heard the question as she saw a faint figure near the windows. Looking towards the direction of their home, she saw Serena, standing in front watching her son from her view. A small smile then a sadden one crept onto her face. Irene felt her heart heavily ache as she watched her daughter. It seemed like minutes going by when their eyes finally met. Serena looked on towards her mother, silently she smiled, since her return from her last mission, her smile never reach her eyes.
"I think its time for some lemonade. Will you excuse me" Irene stood and quietly went towards the house.
Serena made herself busy in the kitchen, cutting up apple wedges, for DJ to snack on. She heard the door open and she knew her mother would be at it again.
"Its getting hot outside, I think its time for some lemonade" Irene faintly smiled as she took the pitcher of fresh lemonade from the cooler. Quietly Serena turned around, and placed some glasses on the tray. Irene neared her, and as she did, Serena can feel the piercing look her mother was giving her. "Are you all right honey?" she asked
"I'm fine mother" Serena placed napkins and the freshly baked cookies on the tray.
"Serena.. don't you think.." Irene was unable to finish her sentence.
"Mother.. Please don't start!" turning her back, Serena resumed what she was doing. "I'm fine" Irene a bit taking back from her daughters estranged voice. She certainly didn't expect it, since all she was going to suggest is for her to join them, rather than being cooped up.
"First of all Serena, I was just going to suggest for you to go out there and join us. But now that you mentioned it... No your not fine!" Irene stood beside her, searching her daughters features. Every bit of Serena betrayed her. Her motions, her unfeeling touches her every tear, every darken circle underneath her eyes shown of great heartbreak and pain.
"I'm sorry mother, that was unfair of me" Serena weakly smiled at her mother.
Pushing the stray hair away from cheek "Serena honey, I think you need to let this all out." Serena flinched "Who cares about what they will say, just do it."
"I cant mother.. I don't know what to say"
"The truth... about everything, your love for him, his son..." Serena moved away from her mother and neared the window. Watching her son playing in the sand, he was everything to her now.
"I cant mother. Darien has a life and DJ and I don't fit in it"
"You expect me to believe that. Why don't you just call him and tell him"
"Tell him what?"
"The truth! Being a widow, your son"
"I cant, the organization wont let me. It would be against protocol to contact ..."
"Against protocol! You got yourself in this situation by going against protocol." The pain flashed Serena's already sullen features. Irene noticed it, regretting what she had said. With a softened tone "all those years that you've given them totally allegiance, did they ever give you heartbreak? You of all widows should be allowed happiness"
"But"
"He is DJ's father and he has the right to know that he has a son. DJ also has to right to grow up 'with' a father!" Serena stared at her, her mouth dry. "Have you ever thought about that?" When she said nothing. "at lease do your son a favor and tell his father about him. Don't be selfish and let your heart or your pride of the widows ruin his life, they've done enough!" Irene took the tray on the counter and left without another word. Serena watched her mother leave, her eyes tearing at the selfishness she has made herself to be. Her eyes traveling towards the unit on the wall..
"Darien.."
~