A.N: I got a review from an anonymous person saying that my story is now too long and repetitive. I must say, I agree. I had actually set an end long ago, but fans kept telling me to keep on, so on I did! But I don't see a problem to it at all. And they also said I don't get a lot of reviews, but I don't mind. I like to write and make stories. And I really enjoy the reviews, but the reviews don't make the story.
I also got a comment from someone that said I needed an Editor. Yeah, I definitely agree. I just don't know where to get one! But if I could find an editor, I'd already have one. And about the whole "girls flocking to Andrew and Darien" thing at the beginning. That part is now insignificant, esp. when they both have someone in their lives.
Hopefully, if everything goes accordingly, this story will end soon, and my next story shall begin.
Thanks for the reviews everyone!
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Chapter 39: I don't trust her
It was now December, and California was getting chillier and chillier by the day.
Rory hadn't called Darien or Serena since the last time she called to ask for Serena's number. This was, of course, in Rory's plan. She didn't want to come off as too desperate or it'll seem suspicious. But now, she felt that the timing was right. A week had past, and now would be the perfect time.
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It was Saturday, and Serena was straightening her hair as she felt her cell phone vibrate deep in the fold of her jean pocket.
She gently put down her straightener, and took out her cell phone. An unfamiliar number flashed on the phone screen. Hmm.. who could this be? Serena thought to herself as she flipped her phone up.
"Hello?" she asked curiously as she picked up her straightener again.
"Hi Serena. This is Rory," she heard a voice from the other end.
Serena's eye went wide and she put back down her straightener and pushed some hair behind her ear. "Hey Rory…"
"Hi. Um, I was just wondering if you'd like to do something today. Like… I dunno, go shopping or something," Rory's sweet voice filled Serena's ear.
"Oh," Serena mumbled as she looked down at her watch. She was supposed to meet up with Ami and Raye later, but then she dismissed the idea. "Yeah, I'd love it."
"Great! Well…. Um.. do you want to meet me at the mall near campus?"
"Sure! Whatever works for you," Serena answered.
"Alright. Well, I'll see you there in about… say… an hour?"
"An hour sounds good," Serena nodded.
The girls said their goodbyes, and hung up. Serena looked down at her cell phone skeptically. She still couldn't decide whether or not she completely trusted Rory, but she'll soon find out.
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Andrew and Darien were working out together on the campus gym when Darien got a text from Serena. Darien put down his weights and read the text:
I'm hanging out with Rory later. Just wanted to tell you. Love you, have a good day.
Fr: Serena
December 3, 2005
Darien ran his hand through his damp hair and sighed. He suddenly felt panicked at the fact that Serena was going to hang out with Rory when he still didn't trust Rory's intentions.
Andrew walked over to Darien, a towel wrapped around his neck. He plopped down next to Darien on a weight bench. "What's up?" he said as he looked at Darien's stricken face.
Darien rested his elbows on his upper thigh, wrapping his hand around his neck. "Serena and Rory are hanging out together later."
Andrew didn't say anything, but he nodded, a bit confused. "Since when were they friends?"
"That's just it. They're not friends," Darien answered, sounding exasperated.
Andrew took the towel from around his neck, and wiped his face and ruffled the towel over his head. "It is a bit odd that Rory wants to 'hang' with Serena, isn't it?"
Darien shrugged a shoulder and looked straight head," Well… I guess not. I told her awhile back ago that if she wanted to she could get to know Serena."
"Well then why are you so worried? You're the one that suggested it to her, she's probably just taking your advice," Andrew said as he put the towel back around his neck.
"Yeah. But you know Rory…. She's conniving."
Andrew nodded his head. "Well don't worry bout it," he said as he got up," I'm sure whatever Rory's up too, if it's anything at all, Serena will know how to handle herself."
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A fast hour had past since Serena's somewhat awkward phone conversation with Rory. The two had agreed to meet at the food court at 1. Serena found an empty table and sat there.
Is it going to be awkward? Serena thought to herself as she skimmed the premises of the mall.
Serena was wearing a cute aqua long sleeved shirt, with a half denim jacket over it. She straightened her hair, so she decided to leave it down. The only makeup she had on was a little bit of mascara, and a touch of lip gloss.
Her eyes, once again, grazed over the mall and then she saw Rory. Serena stood up and started to wave to her. Rory's eyes locked with Serena's, and she gave her a smile as she trotted over towards Serena. Rory looked perfect as she always did. Her hair wasn't down as it usually was, but it was in a cute unkempt updo with small wisps of hair framing her face. She had on a pink long sleeved v-neck shirt, with a black corduroy jacket over that, and jeans.
When Rory finally arrived in front of Serena, and gave Serena a sweet, picture-perfect smile. "I'm sorry I'm late," she apologized, seemingly genuine.
Serena shook her head," No! It's fine," she said as she took her seat again, with Rory sitting across from her. "So, do you live far from here?"
"Not that far. Probably fifteen to twenty minutes away from here," she answered as she got herself situated.
There was an awkward silence that fell between them, as the two just smiled at each other, not knowing what to talk about.
"Soo…" Serena whispered, smiling uncomfortably.
"So…" Rory repeated," What do you want to do first?"
"Well, have you had lunch yet?" Serena asked.
Rory shook her head. "Food sounds great right about now," Rory said as she stood up.
"Mmhmm," Serena agreed and smiled. "This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Serena said as she laughed, the two of them heading towards Chick-Fil-A.
Rory laughed along gaily, nodding. You have no idea, Serena. No idea.
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Darien and Andrew walked back to their dorm rooms after a rough workout session Once Andrew came into the room, he collapsed down on the floor, sprawled out.
"Dude… I'm going to be so sore tomorrow," Andrew mumbled.
Darien chuckled and sat down on the couch, taking a swig out of his water bottle. He glanced down at his watch. It had been a little over two hours since he last got the text from Serena. I wonder what they're doing right now, he thought to himself as he rested his head down, looking up towards the ceiling.
Andrew sat up and turned to look at Darien. "How's say we take a shower and head out to McDonald's or something? I'm starved."
Darien lifted his head off of the couch and looked at his friend. "You do know that going out to eat defeats the purpose of working out, right?"
Andrew shrugged, smiling," So what? We worked hard! And I want some real food, damnit."
"McDonald's is 'real' food to you?" Darien asked, raising his eyebrows up at Andrew.
Andrew pulled himself off of the ground and headed towards the bathroom. "We're American, Darien. McDonald's is the only 'real' food there is." And then his form disappeared into the bathroom.
Darien rested his head back on the couch, and stared up again at the ceiling. Midterms and finals are coming up, he thought groggily to himself. Christmas is coming. Christmas was one of those Holidays that Darien had a hard time facing, along with Thanksgiving. This year's Thanksgiving wasn't bad though, since he got to be with Serena. But Christmas… Christmas is different. It just made him remember the pain of not having parents. He remembered how at the orphanage, on Christmas morning he'd pretend to sleep because he didn't want to have to open a present by himself. Without his real parents. Suddenly his mind reeled back to Serena. What was he going to get her? He was never good at getting presents for people. Should he also buy presents for Serena's parents?
Just as Darien's mind swirled with all of these thoughts, Andrew came bursting out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. "I've been thinking, Darien, about Raye. I think I'm going to ask her out on Christmas. What do you think?"
Darien brought his head up and looked at Andrew's half naked form. "I think you should get yourself dressed, is what I think," Darien said as he smiled at Andrew.
"Aw come on. I know you think I'm sexy, Darien. Don't deny your attraction for me," Andrew joked as he pretended to walk seductively towards Darien.
Darien watched his friend in horror as he neared him. "Drew… stop," Darien said seriously.
Andrew smiled to himself," What? I've been your best friend for years now and you still feel uncomfortable with me being half naked around you?"
Darien got up from the couch and backed away from Andrew. "I feel uncomfortable with any guy being half naked around me. ESPECIALLY my best friend," Darien said.
"I know you felt something with that kiss I gave you, Darien," Andrew teased as he walked back into the bathroom.
"Dude… stop talking about that," Darien said as he sat back down on the couch. "You mention that to anyone, and you're dead."
Just then, Andrew threw his towel out of the bathroom and yelled," I'm too pretty to die!"
Darien shook his head," You better be dressed when you come out of there, Drew!"
Andrew laughed," Alright, alright! Don't worry. You freak out so easily. Anyways, what do you think about me asking Raye out on Christmas?"
"Sounds great," Darien answered. "But now, I need your help with finding Serena a Christmas present."
Andrew came out of the bathroom, fully clothed. "Will do! Now let's go get McDonald's."
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Serena and Rory came back to Serena's dorm with bags of new clothes.
The girls came into the room, laughing and giggling at each other. Ami put her books down and watched them, looking extremely baffled.
Serena set down her bags and smiled at Ami," Oh, Hi Ami! You know Rory. Rory, Ami my roommate."
Ami got up and walked over towards Rory who set her things down beside Serena's. "Nice to meet you again, Rory," Ami greeted, smiling politely.
"Likewise," Rory replied, grinning.
"What was so funny when you two came in?" Ami asked as she returned to her seat at the desk.
"Oh, we were telling each other the most embarrassing thing that's happened to us," Serena answered as she sat on the couch.
Ami smiled and nodded.
Rory glanced at her watch and gasped," Oh! I didn't realize how late it is! I have to go. Thanks again, Serena! I'll see you later. Bye Ami," she said quickly as she grabbed her bags.
Serena got up and walked over towards Rory," Alright! Well if you ever want to hang out again, don't hesitate to call. I had fun."
"Aw thanks. I had fun too. Bye!"
Serena walked her to the door and closed the door after Rory.
Ami put on her reading glasses as she heard Serena close the door. "That's odd. I didn't know you two were talking to one another."
"Yeah… it was weird at first, but we got along great," Serena said as she sat back down on the couch. "She's actually really nice and fun."
"I can tell," Ami smiled as she studied from her book.
"Has Brett dropped by or anything?" Serena asked curiously.
Ami shook her head. "No, he's working today."
Serena watched Ami closely, squinting her eyes. "You still don't trust Rory, do you?"
Ami looked up at Serena. "What makes you think that?"
Serena shrugged," I dunno. I can just tell by the way you're acting."
Ami let out a sigh and shook her head," No. I don't trust her."
"Why not?" Serena asked.
Ami put her book down and turned towards Serena. "Do I seriously have to answer that Serena? Does it not seem odd that she's just all of a sudden wanting to 'hang out' with you? Have you not heard a word I've told you about her plan?"
"She talked to Darien though. He told her to hang out with me. Maybe she just needs a friend," Serena fought back.
"Look at you! You're sticking up for the girl who tried so hard to destroy your relationship with Darien. She came up with an elaborate plan, Serena! No way is she giving up that easily. Ever thought that she's up to something still?"
"Yes," Serena said, pouting. "But I want so badly to not look at her like she's a bad person. And you never know! Her intentions could be good."
"Could be, Serena," Ami pointed out and went back to her reading. "You do whatever you want. But I don't trust her."
