CHAPTER FOUR
Over the next few weeks, Serena settled down to her New York life with her new friends, Amy, Lita, Raye, Mina, Andrew and as much as she disliked it, even Darien. They showed her what it was like to live in New York. It really was a concrete jungle. It was unlike anything she had ever seen, this city. The only word to describe it would be alive. Everything was alive. Serena felt alive.
Through her new friends, Serena was able to see all the things she wanted. The Statue of Liberty was even more beautiful up close and personal. New York City was truly amazing and exhilarating.
But, by far, her favorite place was the café that her friends frequented. It was owned by Andrew's parents. Serena learned that ever since the girls had befriended Andrew and Darien, the Safe Haven café became their meeting place and sanctuary. It was a central point for all of them. Even where Serena lived in an apartment near Central Park, it was only a ten-minute walk away. And it was close to their school.
Safe Haven café was a beautiful and very whimsical place. It reminded Serena of her home as it had a European kind of feel to it. When you walked into Safe Haven, you forget that it was actually surrounded by the hustle and bustle of New York. And it had a very loyal clientele.
It was here in Safe Haven that now housed a most entertaining sight for all the patrons. Because it seemed that ever since that fateful day that Darien had called Serena 'Meatball Head' the two of them just forged a very love-hate kind of relationship that actually shifted more towards hate. On a regular basis the two of them held yelling matches that provided the regular customers unending humor and entertainment. And today was no exception.
"You're in my seat, jerk face!" yelled an indignant Serena.
Darien turned his head this way and that seemingly like he was looking for something. "Funny. I don't see your name written anywhere here."
Serena gritted her teeth. She was never usually like this. She had been brought up to be courteous and polite at all times. But there was just something about Darien that set her nerves on edge.
"That's my spot with my food," she pointed out as calmly as she could.
Darien looked down at the plate of burger and fries in front of him. He picked up a fry and popped it in his mouth while smiling at Serena. He knew that this would irritate her to no end.
The girls watched it happening, sighed and prepared themselves for the outburst that was about to happen. If there was one thing they all learned very quickly about Serena was that she hated anyone messing with her food especially without her permission.
With a yell, Serena launched herself at Darien and started pummeling him with her fists. The girls and Andrew, who was on duty today and watching the whole thing from the counter, also launched themselves towards Serena and Darien. They were trying valiantly to separate the two of them and only minimally succeeding.
"Your Highness!"