Ordinary?
By: GoddessMoonLady
Chapter 2
Disclaimers:
GML: Ok! Here we go for another chapter! This'll be the first new chapter since I started this fic last year.
Darien: stares You started this last year and are just NOW getting to chapter 2?!
GML: blushes Well... A lots happened since I started this... And way! I don't own 'SM' Takeuchi-Sensei does!
Serenity walked in silence. After the long walk she entered the house via the backdoor. She set her basket on the counter and proceeded to put things away. She was about halfway finished when Melissa entered the kitchen.
"There you are! Mother is going to be furious! Your late, and the Sheilds will be here in a half hour and you haven't even started the tea yet!" Melissa snapped glaring at her older sister.
Serenity looked at her for a moment before nodding, "Yes, I know. I'll start it as soon as I finish putting these things away." She looked at the floor as she spoke. She never fought back when insaulted.
Melissa glared at her once more, 'humphed', spun on her heal, and marched out of the room holding up the thick layers of her yellow silk gown so as not to trip. She quickly found her mother and started complaining about how Serenity was 'purposly trying to ruin her chances of finding a husband' and how 'she was just jelous because she was nothing but a ragamuffin with no chance of a Gentleman ever being interested in her' just loud enough to assure Serenity could hear.
Serenity glanced toward the door solemnly. She knew there wasn't a chance she'd ever be pretty enough to catch a Gentleman's eye. She was much too plain and common. She sighed and continued to put things away. Once finished with that task she set about preparing the tea and sandwiches for their guests.
Once she was certain that the tea was all set, she went into the sitting room and started fluffing up the pillows and making certain everything was presentable. Everyone ignored her as usual as she bustled about at her tasks. Her mother was saving her lecture till after their guests left, not wanting to apear flustered in front of them.
Finally at five till twelve the carriage berring the Gentleman and his parents arived. Melissa answered the door, smiling graciously, as was usual when Gentleman came to call. She lead them into the sitting room where her Mother and Father waited. Serenity was in the kitchen bringing the tea.
Ilene stood, "Welcome to our home. I'm Ilene Saunders and this is my husband, Keneth."
"It's a pleasure to meet you mam, I am Darien Sheilds, and these are my Parents, Gaia and Damion Sheilds." Darien bowed polightly though he was really board out of his mind.
"A pleasure to meet you Darien, This is our daughter, Melissa. Please, sit, join us." She motioned to the comfortable chairs and couch in the room. Melissa had seated herself on the couch and Darien joined her gingerly.
Darien really didn't enjoy these teas, but his mother insisted he attend them. He would have much prefered to be hanging around the General store with his friends, rather then sitting here with another spoiled young lady in a gaudy dress.
A young Lady in a rather plain blue dress entered carrying the tea. She moved silently and set the tray down on the table keeping her eyes downcast.
"Ah, yes, and this is our eldest daughter, Serenity." Ilene said dismisivly, as though it were an after thought of little importance. "How would you like your tea Mrs. Sheilds?"
"With creme please." Gaia answered barily glancing Serenity's way. She was here to introduce Darien to Melissa, Serenity was of little importance. Ilene smiled as she handed her her tea. She also handed a cup to Melissa and Darien. Damion and Keneth were engaged in a conversation of there own.
Serenity had taken a seat just outside of the group and sat quietly. She had been completely forgotten once again. She didn't mind and was expecting it.
Melissa had engaged Darien in a conversation that he found rather dull and boring. Most conversations he'd had with Ladies had always tended to be at least slightly interesting. They would generally be about the books they had read. Melissa, he learned, hated reading unless it was some sappy romance novel.
He found his thoughts and eyes wandering to Serenity whom sat just behind Melissa to her mother's right. He couldn't help wandering why she was dressed like that when it was obviouse that her parents could afford better. He also wandered why she wasn't taking part in the conversation. He watched as she pulled out a book that she kept in a pocket in her skirts. That intreaged him.
Serenity smiled slightly as she opened the book to the page she had marked. She hid it because she had 'barrowed' it from Melissa, not that she'd ever notice. It was a novel called 'Pride and the Predjudice'. (AN: I've never actually read it and don't know if it was even out in 1851.shrugs ) Serenity enjoyed the book as well as books on history. She was fasinated with the subject and took the opertunity to read when she could, which wasn't very often with all of her chores.
She glanced up to assure herself that her mother, father, and Melissa were ingaged and wouldn't notice her, not that they ever did. She started to turn her eyes back to her book when she found herself meeting a pair of deep, dark, mysterious, blue eyes. She gasped silently in surprise almost dropping her book, eyes wide she quickly looked away.
Darien was surprised when she looked shocked that he would be watching her. He found himself drawn into her gorgeous silver, sky-blue eyes. When she dropped her eyes he noticed just how pretty the girl was, even with all her plain clothing.
"What sort of books are you interested in, Darien?" Ilene asked drawing him back into the conversation he hadn't realised they were discussing.
"Er, History mostly. A most fastinating subject. Though I also enjoy certain novels. The Pride and the Predjudice was a particular favorite. Your daughter, Serenity, seams to agree with me." Darien answered smiling slightly.
Serenity looked up startled at being mentioned and the book slipped from her hands to land on th floor with a dulled 'thud'. She swallowed nervously as her mother turned to look at her, her eyes narrowed. She was in for it now, she had somehow draw attention to herself with out even trying.
Melissa looked at her and let here eyes move to the book lying on the carpet at her sisters feet, cover up. Her eyes narrowed as she stood and kneeled retrieving the book. She didn't recognise the book, but she knew it had to be one of hers.
Serenity swallowed in fear. This was not going to be pretty. the look on Melissa's face said enough.
"This is mine! You stole this from my room!" Melissa exclaimed dramatically. "Of all the things you had to take it had to be one of my precious books! You retch!" She held the book to her chest and put a hand to her forehead acting as though she would faint.
Serenity stared at her in horror. She had been caught, even though she knew for a fact that Melissa had never read the book before and didn't recognise it, she was in serious trouble. She glanced at her mother seeing the seathing anger in her eyes she dropped hers to the floor submissivly. Her mother was certain to give her a few slaps and whippings once their guests left along with the already earned lecture for this.
"How dare you steal on of Melissa's things! Leave this room this instant! Go!" Ilene stood and ordered, slapping Serenity across the face. She was mortified that this was happening in front of their guests. What must Darien think of their family because of that little retch's beaviour?
Darien sat in shock at their reactions. He couldn't understand for the life of him why they were so angry. All she had done was barrow a book, what was the crime in that? It didn't warrent such a reaction. Nor did it warrent being slapped! He watched as Serenity took everything, including the slap, in silence. Tears welled up in her eyes as she quickly stood and fled the room at her mother's command as quietly as she had come. It wasn't until she was gone that it accurd to him that she had known what kind of reaction was comming. As though this was normal. But what kind of Parents yelled at their daughter on a normal basis?
After Serenity left the room Melissa reclaimed her seat setting the book down on the table beside the couch and turning her back on it, forgetting it was there. Ilene took a deep breathe smoothed her dress and re-seated herself as well. Their fathers reclaimed their conversation.
"I'm terribly sorry about that. I just don't understand why that girl does these things." Ilene gave a dramatic sigh, "She has always done everything in her power to disobey our simple requests. Why, this very morning she was late getting back from the Grocer, we simply ask that she fetches a few things once a week, and then did everything in her power to try and ruin this tea. I had to step in and fix everything while she stormed up to her room to pout."
Darien stared at her. She didn't really expect them to believe such a story, did she? The image of the girl he watched flee the room in tears after being slapped and the image Ilene was painting didn't match up. He was appalled to see his mother nod along with the story.
"Yes, no-one knows why these things happen, we only do waht is best for our children, yet sometimes they simply refuse to be acceptable. Just be thankful that you have one young lady that knows how to be so well behaved." Gaia cast a warm smile toward Melissa, whom swelled at the attention and praise.
"Gaia, Dear, It is getting alte. We should be getting home." Damione interupted comming to stand beside his wife's chair.
"Oh! Of course, how time flys when your enjoying yourself." She stood, "Come along, Darien. Say good-bye. It was wonderful of you to have us over, Ilene, perhaps we can do this again soon?"
"Of course, it would be our pleasure, wouldn't it Melissa?" Ilene smiled pleased.
"Of course." Melissa smiled flertatiously at Darien, offering him her hand to kiss. Darien forced down a grimace and he bent to do so.
Ilene, Keneth, and Melissa escorted the Sheilds' to the door. After they left the room Serenity entered quickly to remove the tea tray and dishes taking them back into the kitchen to be washed. She fought down the tears as she thought of the story her mother had told about her. She chided herself for ever thinking that perhaps, there was someone whom wouldn't see her as the 'disapointment'. She sighed silently. She winced slightly at the footsteps she heard aproaching the kitchen. She knew it was her mother, come to deal out her punnishment.
Ilene stormed into the kitchen. the door had barily shut when she raised her hand and slapped Serenity once again across the face, much harder this time. She repeated this acouple of times, shouting at her about what she had 'done' and about how she had 'ruined' the tea.
After this, she was ordered to finish her chores and prepare dinner, which she would be getting none of, then off to bed. Ilene then turned and went to 'comfort' her 'distraught' child. Serenity knew it meant she would go and sooth Melissa's fake tears with promisses of new dresses and other expensive trinkets that she wasn't allowed. She sighed and whent on finishing her chores.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
GML: Well? How do you like this chap? I'm adding a bit to my original plan, and changing a few things (they were originally suppose to be having tea at the Sheilds' house).
Darien: I'm in here. Why is that Melissa such a bitch?
GML: stares at him in shock Darien! Such language? From you? Well, to answer your question, she's that way 'cause I want her that way. She's one of my own characters.
Darien: Oh. She kinda acts like Beryl. Yet, looks like Mina. Slightly.
GML: grins Actually, that was the essencial idea. When I first came up with her she was suppose to be Serena's rival at school in another of my fics (Another never finished one). She's the 'complete, stuck up, bitchy, preppy, cheerleader' type. I just had to change a few things for this fic.
Darien: Hm.
GML: So, What does everyone else think? I'm actually very proud of this chapter. It's pretty good considdering it's 3:30 am. grin So, REVIEW!!!
By: GoddessMoonLady
Chapter 2
Disclaimers:
GML: Ok! Here we go for another chapter! This'll be the first new chapter since I started this fic last year.
Darien: stares You started this last year and are just NOW getting to chapter 2?!
GML: blushes Well... A lots happened since I started this... And way! I don't own 'SM' Takeuchi-Sensei does!
Serenity walked in silence. After the long walk she entered the house via the backdoor. She set her basket on the counter and proceeded to put things away. She was about halfway finished when Melissa entered the kitchen.
"There you are! Mother is going to be furious! Your late, and the Sheilds will be here in a half hour and you haven't even started the tea yet!" Melissa snapped glaring at her older sister.
Serenity looked at her for a moment before nodding, "Yes, I know. I'll start it as soon as I finish putting these things away." She looked at the floor as she spoke. She never fought back when insaulted.
Melissa glared at her once more, 'humphed', spun on her heal, and marched out of the room holding up the thick layers of her yellow silk gown so as not to trip. She quickly found her mother and started complaining about how Serenity was 'purposly trying to ruin her chances of finding a husband' and how 'she was just jelous because she was nothing but a ragamuffin with no chance of a Gentleman ever being interested in her' just loud enough to assure Serenity could hear.
Serenity glanced toward the door solemnly. She knew there wasn't a chance she'd ever be pretty enough to catch a Gentleman's eye. She was much too plain and common. She sighed and continued to put things away. Once finished with that task she set about preparing the tea and sandwiches for their guests.
Once she was certain that the tea was all set, she went into the sitting room and started fluffing up the pillows and making certain everything was presentable. Everyone ignored her as usual as she bustled about at her tasks. Her mother was saving her lecture till after their guests left, not wanting to apear flustered in front of them.
Finally at five till twelve the carriage berring the Gentleman and his parents arived. Melissa answered the door, smiling graciously, as was usual when Gentleman came to call. She lead them into the sitting room where her Mother and Father waited. Serenity was in the kitchen bringing the tea.
Ilene stood, "Welcome to our home. I'm Ilene Saunders and this is my husband, Keneth."
"It's a pleasure to meet you mam, I am Darien Sheilds, and these are my Parents, Gaia and Damion Sheilds." Darien bowed polightly though he was really board out of his mind.
"A pleasure to meet you Darien, This is our daughter, Melissa. Please, sit, join us." She motioned to the comfortable chairs and couch in the room. Melissa had seated herself on the couch and Darien joined her gingerly.
Darien really didn't enjoy these teas, but his mother insisted he attend them. He would have much prefered to be hanging around the General store with his friends, rather then sitting here with another spoiled young lady in a gaudy dress.
A young Lady in a rather plain blue dress entered carrying the tea. She moved silently and set the tray down on the table keeping her eyes downcast.
"Ah, yes, and this is our eldest daughter, Serenity." Ilene said dismisivly, as though it were an after thought of little importance. "How would you like your tea Mrs. Sheilds?"
"With creme please." Gaia answered barily glancing Serenity's way. She was here to introduce Darien to Melissa, Serenity was of little importance. Ilene smiled as she handed her her tea. She also handed a cup to Melissa and Darien. Damion and Keneth were engaged in a conversation of there own.
Serenity had taken a seat just outside of the group and sat quietly. She had been completely forgotten once again. She didn't mind and was expecting it.
Melissa had engaged Darien in a conversation that he found rather dull and boring. Most conversations he'd had with Ladies had always tended to be at least slightly interesting. They would generally be about the books they had read. Melissa, he learned, hated reading unless it was some sappy romance novel.
He found his thoughts and eyes wandering to Serenity whom sat just behind Melissa to her mother's right. He couldn't help wandering why she was dressed like that when it was obviouse that her parents could afford better. He also wandered why she wasn't taking part in the conversation. He watched as she pulled out a book that she kept in a pocket in her skirts. That intreaged him.
Serenity smiled slightly as she opened the book to the page she had marked. She hid it because she had 'barrowed' it from Melissa, not that she'd ever notice. It was a novel called 'Pride and the Predjudice'. (AN: I've never actually read it and don't know if it was even out in 1851.shrugs ) Serenity enjoyed the book as well as books on history. She was fasinated with the subject and took the opertunity to read when she could, which wasn't very often with all of her chores.
She glanced up to assure herself that her mother, father, and Melissa were ingaged and wouldn't notice her, not that they ever did. She started to turn her eyes back to her book when she found herself meeting a pair of deep, dark, mysterious, blue eyes. She gasped silently in surprise almost dropping her book, eyes wide she quickly looked away.
Darien was surprised when she looked shocked that he would be watching her. He found himself drawn into her gorgeous silver, sky-blue eyes. When she dropped her eyes he noticed just how pretty the girl was, even with all her plain clothing.
"What sort of books are you interested in, Darien?" Ilene asked drawing him back into the conversation he hadn't realised they were discussing.
"Er, History mostly. A most fastinating subject. Though I also enjoy certain novels. The Pride and the Predjudice was a particular favorite. Your daughter, Serenity, seams to agree with me." Darien answered smiling slightly.
Serenity looked up startled at being mentioned and the book slipped from her hands to land on th floor with a dulled 'thud'. She swallowed nervously as her mother turned to look at her, her eyes narrowed. She was in for it now, she had somehow draw attention to herself with out even trying.
Melissa looked at her and let here eyes move to the book lying on the carpet at her sisters feet, cover up. Her eyes narrowed as she stood and kneeled retrieving the book. She didn't recognise the book, but she knew it had to be one of hers.
Serenity swallowed in fear. This was not going to be pretty. the look on Melissa's face said enough.
"This is mine! You stole this from my room!" Melissa exclaimed dramatically. "Of all the things you had to take it had to be one of my precious books! You retch!" She held the book to her chest and put a hand to her forehead acting as though she would faint.
Serenity stared at her in horror. She had been caught, even though she knew for a fact that Melissa had never read the book before and didn't recognise it, she was in serious trouble. She glanced at her mother seeing the seathing anger in her eyes she dropped hers to the floor submissivly. Her mother was certain to give her a few slaps and whippings once their guests left along with the already earned lecture for this.
"How dare you steal on of Melissa's things! Leave this room this instant! Go!" Ilene stood and ordered, slapping Serenity across the face. She was mortified that this was happening in front of their guests. What must Darien think of their family because of that little retch's beaviour?
Darien sat in shock at their reactions. He couldn't understand for the life of him why they were so angry. All she had done was barrow a book, what was the crime in that? It didn't warrent such a reaction. Nor did it warrent being slapped! He watched as Serenity took everything, including the slap, in silence. Tears welled up in her eyes as she quickly stood and fled the room at her mother's command as quietly as she had come. It wasn't until she was gone that it accurd to him that she had known what kind of reaction was comming. As though this was normal. But what kind of Parents yelled at their daughter on a normal basis?
After Serenity left the room Melissa reclaimed her seat setting the book down on the table beside the couch and turning her back on it, forgetting it was there. Ilene took a deep breathe smoothed her dress and re-seated herself as well. Their fathers reclaimed their conversation.
"I'm terribly sorry about that. I just don't understand why that girl does these things." Ilene gave a dramatic sigh, "She has always done everything in her power to disobey our simple requests. Why, this very morning she was late getting back from the Grocer, we simply ask that she fetches a few things once a week, and then did everything in her power to try and ruin this tea. I had to step in and fix everything while she stormed up to her room to pout."
Darien stared at her. She didn't really expect them to believe such a story, did she? The image of the girl he watched flee the room in tears after being slapped and the image Ilene was painting didn't match up. He was appalled to see his mother nod along with the story.
"Yes, no-one knows why these things happen, we only do waht is best for our children, yet sometimes they simply refuse to be acceptable. Just be thankful that you have one young lady that knows how to be so well behaved." Gaia cast a warm smile toward Melissa, whom swelled at the attention and praise.
"Gaia, Dear, It is getting alte. We should be getting home." Damione interupted comming to stand beside his wife's chair.
"Oh! Of course, how time flys when your enjoying yourself." She stood, "Come along, Darien. Say good-bye. It was wonderful of you to have us over, Ilene, perhaps we can do this again soon?"
"Of course, it would be our pleasure, wouldn't it Melissa?" Ilene smiled pleased.
"Of course." Melissa smiled flertatiously at Darien, offering him her hand to kiss. Darien forced down a grimace and he bent to do so.
Ilene, Keneth, and Melissa escorted the Sheilds' to the door. After they left the room Serenity entered quickly to remove the tea tray and dishes taking them back into the kitchen to be washed. She fought down the tears as she thought of the story her mother had told about her. She chided herself for ever thinking that perhaps, there was someone whom wouldn't see her as the 'disapointment'. She sighed silently. She winced slightly at the footsteps she heard aproaching the kitchen. She knew it was her mother, come to deal out her punnishment.
Ilene stormed into the kitchen. the door had barily shut when she raised her hand and slapped Serenity once again across the face, much harder this time. She repeated this acouple of times, shouting at her about what she had 'done' and about how she had 'ruined' the tea.
After this, she was ordered to finish her chores and prepare dinner, which she would be getting none of, then off to bed. Ilene then turned and went to 'comfort' her 'distraught' child. Serenity knew it meant she would go and sooth Melissa's fake tears with promisses of new dresses and other expensive trinkets that she wasn't allowed. She sighed and whent on finishing her chores.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
GML: Well? How do you like this chap? I'm adding a bit to my original plan, and changing a few things (they were originally suppose to be having tea at the Sheilds' house).
Darien: I'm in here. Why is that Melissa such a bitch?
GML: stares at him in shock Darien! Such language? From you? Well, to answer your question, she's that way 'cause I want her that way. She's one of my own characters.
Darien: Oh. She kinda acts like Beryl. Yet, looks like Mina. Slightly.
GML: grins Actually, that was the essencial idea. When I first came up with her she was suppose to be Serena's rival at school in another of my fics (Another never finished one). She's the 'complete, stuck up, bitchy, preppy, cheerleader' type. I just had to change a few things for this fic.
Darien: Hm.
GML: So, What does everyone else think? I'm actually very proud of this chapter. It's pretty good considdering it's 3:30 am. grin So, REVIEW!!!