Chapter Three: Workday!
Mina helped Serena enough for her to get a B- of the oral test of the certain Shakespeare scene. Another help that Serena wanted from Mina was a proper dress for an interview. Her wardrobe was made up of jeans, T-shirts, and some more jeans. She knew that no decent human being goes for a work interview in England dressed in jeans. Mina had many decent suits, and she lent Serena a navy one. Serena had to admit that she looked pretty in the suit; she was wearing a navy skirt that reached her knees accompanied by a blazer of the same color. She had a light blue blouse and wore black, low-heeled leather boots. Mina also took some time to pull Serena's huge hair into a braided bun. There, now she was ready to look professional and get her job!
As she left her apartment for university she wished Mina good luck on the interview at the Mizuno Medical Clinic. It was a promising day for Serena; she could feel it in her bones! She took the chill April's breeze and a good luck sign! The classes went well, and surprisingly she managed an A- on the oral test! She met up with Amy and Mina for lunch, where she happily heard that her best friend had gotten the job. She was also happy to hear that Amy sympathized with Mina quickly. However, as she was eating her meal she felt a bit dizzy; she decided that it was probably from her nervousness about her interview.
After having lunched with her friends, Serena headed straight towards a huge building. She looked up and the sign that read "The Chiba International Banks". She stepped inside and asked the receptionist for Mr. Martin Chiba for a job interview. Soon she was inside an elevator, then walking along long corridors. Finally she arrived to a door, which read "Martin Chiba"; she knocked three times.
"Come in," called a female voice. Serena entered the room, where a young woman impolitely asked whom she wanted to talk to.
"Mr. Martin Chiba, ma'am," Serena answered trying to sound as friendly as she could, "...For the job interview..."
"Ah," she exclaimed lifting the phone receiver, "Mr. Chiba, someone wants to see you, sir," a few seconds later the woman motioned Serena to the door on Serena's right. She entered.
"So, I see you're here for the job," said the man in an amused voice.
Serena stretched her hand towards him, "I'm Serena Tsukino, pleased to meet you, sir."
"Oh, so you are American!" he exclaimed, "Please to meet you too, take a seat. What brings an American young lady to London?"
"I'm studying at King's College, sir," she smiled at him. Serena rather liked the man in front of her.
"Tell me about yourself."
"Well," she started, handing him my job portfolio, "I come from Seattle, Washington, and am 23 years old. I had a scholarship to study law and philosophy, and took the opportunity to study Literature and three other languages. This is my last year of post graduate studies. I'm planning to become an author and am working on the manuscript of my first book. I've had jobs since I was sixteen years old, I worked on grocery stores, and as a mechanic assistant, and as a delivery person for the post office in Seattle, and as a medical assistant at the Mizuno Medical Clinic. Right now, I have a part time job as a choreographer for a TV show. "
"Well then, what languages have you been studying?"
"French, Portuguese, and Japanese, sir."
"Interesting," he said handing my job portfolio back to me, "You have noticed that according to the advert you are a personal organizer. What do you think your job is about?"
"No offence, sir, but being called and organizer makes me feel as if I am an agenda!" she answered jokingly, but she quickly changed her tune into a more serious one. "I think that that's exactly what I'll be doing, writing short messages, organizing schedules, or other documents that you might have which will have to be put in a certain order, and probably counting some money."
"Well, Ms. Tsukino, I'm impressed!" he laughed, "That's exactly what you will be starting tomorrow! Let's talk about your paycheck now, what suggest?"
"Sir, I have no suggestions," Serena responded surprised, "I sincerely thought that you, Mr. Chiba, already had an estimate!"
"Since I've never hired an organizer before, I've been thinking about 20 pounds an hour."
"My, are you sure of that, Mr. Chiba?" Serena she asked surprised by how high Mr. Chiba had suggested her paycheck to be "I hope, you realize that it's a rather high figure!"
"I think you should have 20 pounds ah hour!" Mr. Chiba decided.
"As you want it, sir," Serena agreed, "Where should I present myself tomorrow?"
"You will be working by that desk, Ms. Tsukino," he answered pointing at a wooden desk in the diagonally opposite corner from Mr. Chiba's desk. Only then had Serena noticed how big and roomy the office was. A few moments later Serena stood up and stretched her arm to Mr. Chiba, saying good byes to her new boss. The door to the office opened as she turned towards it. The sight of the person who had just arrived stunned her. Why were her eyes playing such evil tricks on her?
"Grandpa, I received those documents that you-" Darien to a look at the girl in front of him... 'Oh my gosh, what is she doing here?' he though. "Serena..."
"Do you know each other?" Mr. Chiba asked not understanding anything.
"She the one that gave me that blue mark on Sunday," Darien explained.
"Why was that?" Mr. Chiba questioned, addressing it to Serena.
"That is a question that both I and he can answer to," Serena said coldly, "I'd rather have this Pi-er, Mr. What's-His-Name-Here answer."
"The name it Darien, how many times have I told you?" Darien remarked irritated.
"I don't care what your name is!" Serena reattributed in a voice equally annoyed.
"Will you kindly explain what is going on?" Mr. Chiba asked, rather kindly.
"She is the first girl, I've met so far, who refuses to go on a dinner date or have a kiss from me," Darien explained.
"And I'm sure I'm not the only one!" Serena blurt out.
"You have an interesting relationship!" Mr. Chiba laughed, "How long have you known each other?"
"I don't know him," Serena declared, "If you'd excuse me Mr. Chiba, I have to rush."
"Not until one of you tells me how you met," Mr. Chiba said commanded with an amusing tune.
'He is probably enjoying seeing us in this situation, like father... or rather like grandfather like grandson' Serena thought. As she didn't like sticky situations she volunteered: "We met on Saturday almost two weeks ago, Mr. Impolite here-"
"Darien is the name-"
"I don't give about your name!" Serena said annoyed by the interruption, "Well, as I was saying, he came into the American Café, sat down on a table, and was impolite to the waiter as if he owned to world... he probably does... He would have suffered a heavy moral lecture if my friend unfortunately had not stopped me. However, Mr. Pig here-"
"Dar-"
"Hush!" Serena commanded, "...As I was saying, young Mr. Chiba here, decides to invade my apartment last Sunday, and just steps inside not even asking if he was allowed to enter..." Serena went on telling the whole story, and was interrupted whenever she mentioned Darien. Mr. Chiba's reaction the story was a great laugh!
"Well, that's a nice way of meeting your greatest love!" he said between laughs, Serena on the other hand did not think it was funny but she knew better than to answer. "You are dismissed, Ms. Tsukino. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good bye, sir," Serena ended.
Serena walked down the street happy with her new job. 'It's perfect, the job, the paycheck, and even Dar- hey where did that come from?' Serena stopped abruptly in the middle of the street. Was she going crazy, or just too much happiness? Who would think that a pig is perfect? She definitely needed to cool down a little. As she walked back to her apartment, she didn't notice him following her.
When she entered her apartment, she saw a wonderful surprise. Her older sister Trista, who had married a rich guy, owner of a publishing company, many years before. Trista had taken the career of clothing designer, and made quite a lot of money by her 'T. Tomoe' clothes. Trista wasn't alone, her daughter, Hutaru, was with her too. After having hugged them and exchanged caring words, Serena learned that Hutaru was to study at a boarding school in London, which was why her sister was in England. In the next day, she would fly to Milan for an exposition of her clothes. Hutaru would begin school; she was in London because the Tomoes thought that it was safer than in New York.
"Hutaru, if you need anything just give me a buzz, ok?" Serena assured to her niece.
"Sure thing!" Hutaru smiled, she was usually very timid, but not when it came to Serena.
"My, Serena!" Trista blurt out dismayed, "What happened to you?"
"What's wrong?" Serena questioned clueless.
"You're so skinny now!" Trista exclaimed, "What happened, Baby?"
"I don't know," Serena answered honestly, "I guess it's the pressure from school! It's the last semester I have to do everything perfectly, you know..."
"Don't you think you should calm down a little?"
"No, how can I calm down? I have to work to survive..."
"Why don't you ask me to borrow some money?"
"No way, Tris, I know you want to help, but you know that I don't like to owe people things."
"Well, if you say so, but how about I take you to the doctor tomorrow before I leave?"
"No way!"
Saved by the bell! The doorbell ringed just as Trista was going to continue the argument. At this moment anyone would be welcome, even the love-Ahem, hateful pig! Prayers answered! Darien was behind that door with a single pure white rose on his hand. He held the rose out to her without saying a word. Serena gave a sarcastic laugh. What a sight! Mr. Pig Enemy wanted to make peace between them! 'If he really wants peace why doesn't he just disappear off my sight?'
"Take it," he insisted, "I just don't want to fight with you anymore."
"Man, you make me laugh," she refused, "Why don't you just buzz off instead?"
"Serena," Darien started as he entered the apartment. Not noticing the others he went on: "You don't know what you mean to me! God, Serena, I've never felt like this towards girl...I love you, Serena."
"That's what you are going to say to the next one when you get sick of me." she hypothesized.
"No," he disagreed, "That's not true at all! You might not believe this, but I've never said what I just said to a girl. Never in my life..."
"Yeah right, I don't believe it," she insisted, "You might as well talk to the wall, it'll probably give you a better answer."
"Yeah, I might as well talk to the wall..." Darien echoed giving up.
"So, go ahead and march out that door with your flower-FAST!" Serena threatened.
At the pronunciation of the last word, Darien hurried out the door. He sure didn't want to experience any cell damaging situations. Whoever quoted that love doesn't cost a thing is wrong...totally! For Serena was going to cost a huge amount of stamina and hard work. No matter what, he was determined to make that angel his. He loved her and there was no way he would twist out of it. He could do anything for her; he would change his whole life style to suit her moods! In fact he had already started to do so, last time he had a date was a week and three days before...he who had a different girl every day.
Back at Serena's apartment, two people stared at its owner curiously. She on the other hand frowned, wondering when Darien was going to give up on her.
"Wow, who is that awesome man?" Trista chanted filled with curiosity.
"Just an idiot whom I met a week ago," Serena responded as a matter of fact1ly, "He, unfortunately, also happens to be my new boss' grandson..."
"Who is your new boss?"
"Mr. Chiba, owner of the CIB."
"Oh, my you're telling me that was DARIEN Chiba?"
"I guess that's his real name, otherwise I just call him Pig."
"Reality check, dear sistah! You know he is THE hottest man around here?"
"Don't see anything hot about him-"
"Girl, what are you thinking?"
"Finishing my education..."
"Must you be so obsessed with school?" Trista practically yelled, "Here is a man who will do anything for you and you just sweep him away with your broom! I don't understand you, Little Sissy!"
"Gee, Mom, I think that Serena has the right to choose who she wants to go out with..."
"It's amazing, really like aunt, like niece...isn't it supposed to be more like 'Like mother, like daughter'?"
Later in the evening, Mina came in to tell about her first day of work. She was so excited by the fact that she was working with something productive and caring. Everyone knew that medicine was not what Mina wanted to do for life, but now she could afford go continue her studies at theater school. Serena had heard Mina's sweet voice and it would be easy for her to get a record deal soon enough. She was extremely proud of Mina for having taken the decision to go on with her life after all the tough times she had been through. Serena was determined to help her friend whenever Mina was down. She vowed to never stop pushing Mina to the top until she reached it.
Mina had met a man in his late twenties at the clinic. She was telling her best friend about him. His name was Mario Aino, owner of an IT company. He was there to have his yearly health check up. Mina thought that he probably fell in love with her; she could see it in his eyes. He had invited her for dinner on the next day, and taken her phone number too. She wanted to know what Serena thought before she answered the invitation.
"I don't know, Mina, if you really want to date him..." Serena said seriously, "It's all up to you, just don't let him too close."
"I won't let that happen!" Mina assured, "How was your work interview?"
"Great," Serena exclaimed, "You know what? We should celebrate! We'll eat a Silver Millennium tonight!"
"Are you sure? It's the most expensive restaurant around..."
"Don't worry, it will be on me! Go and grab your jacket and let's go!"
They took a taxi to the flashiest part of town. After what it seemed like a long expensive ride the stepped out of the cab and entered Silver Millennium. Serena chatted a little with the waiters and went into the kitchen to greet Lita. Lita and Serena talked about the past two days and the reasons for this festivity. And as generous and kind as Serena's cook-loving friend was, they got to dine for free. Mina waited on a table for her friend when Mr. Aino himself walked up to greet her.
"Oh, Mr. Aino," Mina said surprised, "Pleased to see you here..."
"So, you're here on a date?" he asked suspiciously.
"No, sir," Mina smiled, "I'm here with a friend to celebrate-"
"Gotta love that Lita!" Serena cut in without noticed Mina's company, "I told you we wouldn't need cash to dine tonight!"
"Serena," Mina introduced, "This is Mr. Aino. Mr. Aino this is Serena Tsukino."
"Pleased to meet you," said the man.
"Same here, you can join us if you want."
Later Lita joined them as she was having a break. Serena found Mr. Aino very nice, and had nothing against Mina dating the guy. He seemed very honest and loving, and he was certainly in love with Mina. You could not only see that in his eyes but in every movement he did. Lita found Mina and Mr. Aino very comfortable, and began to make herself homely around them. A wonderful evening! Out of the blue, Serena found herself thinking about how perfect the evening would have been if only Dar- 'No way, Serena, are you going insane?' she thought, and tried to push that thought off her mind. 'If you want him, accept him for heavens sake!' her inner voice insisted. 'I don't want him!' she denied. 'You do too!' it replied teasingly. 'Do not!' 'Do too, why else would you be thinking of him right now?' 'Oh shut up, and let me enjoy my evening!'
"Serena!" Lita yelled waving her hands in front on Serena's eyes, "Are you all right?"
"What!" Serena crashed back to reality, "Oh, oh yeah I'm fine..."
"You looked very distant," Lita affirmed.
"Oh, I was just having a fight with my stupid inner voice..."
"About what?" Mr. Aino questioned giving a laugh.
"About Dar-er, goinghometonotwakeuplatetomorrow!" she exclaimed out of breath hoping that they would believe her.
Mina looked at her watch; it was almost 10:45 p.m... She had to save Serena's life, AND to know what exactly she had bee thinking about before it was too late. Mina announced her and her friends leaving, and said the good byes. They took a taxi back home, during the ride; Serena had not said anything, because she knew what Mina was thinking. Mina also knew that Serena was not in the mood for explanations so she let it be. When they arrived, they said their good nights and went into their respective apartments.