Coffee Shop

Chapter 7

Joyless Euphoria

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The rain kept falling violently on the small town, but the couple walking on the sidewalk couldn't care less. They were both so wrapped up in their conversation, that they mentally cursed the coffee shop when they finally reached it.

"Well, looks like we're here…" Darien said to Serena. Looking down at her, he was once again mesmerized by her beauty,

Moving her hood ever so slightly , she looked over at the door of the coffee shop, and then at the tall handsome man besides her.

"Yeah… But it looks like we're the only ones." She replied.

The sound of the heavy drops of rain falling on the umbrella above the two was all that could be heard while Darien took in that information.

"What?" was all the managed to say.

Looking over at the front doors of Andrew's coffee shop, Darien noticed the 'Sorry, We're Closed' sign that Andrew had made a while ago for the store when he was too lazy to go out and buy one.

"Well, crap." Was all that Darien managed to blurt out.

"Yeah, I guess we'll just have to go somewhe-"

Serena's sentence was cut short by the small shriek she let out just as lightning filled up the sky and a loud boom of thunder was heard. Without realizing what she was doing, she flung herself towards Darien and ended up somewhat cuddled up on him. Upon impact, Darien's umbrella fell out of his hand and landed with a small splash on the sidewalk. Looking down at the trembling girl, he wrapped his arms tightly around her. Drew, I owe you one…

"Are you okay, Serena?" he asked with concern for the second time that day.

This is so embarrassing. I can't believe I pretty much jumped on him!

Keeping her eyes clamped shut and her small frame super glued to Darien, she managed to chirp out a 'I'm fine' to him.

It wasn't until she heard him chuckle a little that she finally looked up at him.

"What's so funny?"

"I thought you said you loved the rain! The cold is your favorite, remember?"

"The rain, yes! But the torturous and evil thunder and lightning? I absolutely hate it!"

As if to mock her, the skies lit up once again and another roar of thunder was heard. Clutching on to him tighter, Serena hid her face into his jacket.

Darien couldn't help but smile. She's so adorable… But we can't stay in the rain forever! What if she gets cold? Or catches a cold?

Letting go of a shaky Serena, he bent down and retrieved his umbrella and once again covered them both with it. Not that this will do much good… We're pretty much drenched.

"Serena?" I hope she doesn't freak out…

"Y-yes, Darien?" Her voice was noticeably shaky, and he didn't know if it was because of the cold weather or the thunder. Probably both…

"How about we go back to my place? It's a lot closer to your building and that way we could dry off, maybe have some hot cocoa and once the storm clears up I can give you a ride home. Yeah?"

Looking up at him, she felt doubtful for a second. To go, or not to go… My apartment IS kinda far away… and the thunder is terrible. Besides, I'm soaked… He's proven to be a gentleman so far.

Looking up into his deep blue eyes, she felt safe and for some odd reason, trusted him.

Oh, why not.

"Sounds like a plan to me. Anything to get me away from this evil thunder!"

"You got it. Come on, we're only two blocks away."

And with that, the couple retraced their steps and headed towards Darien's apartment.

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Once they reached the building, Darien went ahead of Serena to open her door. Looking up in surprised at Darien, she couldn't help but slightly blush. Smiling, she thanked him and walked inside. How cute of him… It's not every day guys do that for you anymore. Once they were both inside, Darien held his black colored umbrella by the wooden handle, closed it, and greeted the man at the front desk. He was a tall man, with a receding hairline and a big pudgie stomach. He was dressed in a nice black suit and stood behind a tall berdeux colored desk. He wore small, gold rimmed glasses and looked down at them from his pointed nose. "Good Afternoon, Mr. Shields. Or shall I say, bad? Quite unfortunate weather we're having, isn't' it?" Brushing away the wet black locks that clung to his forhead, Darien looked over at Serena and then looked back at the tall man. "Actually… " He said, slowly. "We're both really enjoying it." Lightly placing his hand on the small of Serena's back, he guided her over to the elevator doors. "He looks kind of snooty" Serena whispered over to Darien before entering the elevator doors. "That's because he kind of is…" he whispered back.

The elevator doors opened for them and they stepped in. As soon as the doors closed, both of them erupted with laughter. Making a monocle out of her fingers, Serena stood in front of Darien and in her most snobbish voice, began to mimic the man at the front desk. "Quiiiite unfortunate weather, isn't it?"

Covering her mouth with a delicate hand, Serena burst into a fit of giggled. Darien looked at her and smiled, for what seemed to be the billionth time that afternoon.

Cute and funny… what more could I want? He looked up at her, and for the longest second either of them had experienced, the locked eyes. Serena could feel her cheeks turning a light shade of pink, but before she could turn into a ripe tomato, the elevator came to a stop and filled the small room with a soft 'ding' sound.

"We're here." Darien stated, never breaking eye contact.

Once the big heavy doors opened, Darien waited for Serena to step out first. Once they were both out of the elevator, they began walking down the long hallway.

"I'm just at the end of the hall" Darien said to Serena, who kept observing her surroundings.

"This is a pretty nice building Darien, have you been here long?"

"Ever since I moved here after high school, actually. So about… Two years? Almost three? It's been nice."

"Seems like it."

Walking a few more steps, they finally reached Darien's apartment. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved his keys and opened his door. "After you, miss" he said with a charming smile that came naturally to him whenever Serena was around.

"Why, thank you, kind sir" Serena replied, walking in front of him into hisdark living room. Darien followed closely behind her, and flipped on the light switch that illuminated his living room. Once the lights went on, Serena couldn't help but admire his apartment.

His entire living room was spotless and exuded an air of sophistication. The walls were painted a charcoal gray, and his furniture was all black. His living room was incredibly spacious, and right in front of his seating area were the two big glass doors that led to the balcony. The balcony itself had an awesome view that looked over the entire city, which was currently covered with dark clouds. The soft pitter patter of the raindrops splashing on the glass was all that could be heard in the once empty apartment.

Wow… His apartment is really nice. Makes me want to tidy up my place a little bit…

Before Serena could think about anything else, a small sneeze escaped her.

Bringing both hands to her face, Serena looked over at Darien. "Bleh, excuse me!"

"Let's get that coat off of you, Serena. It's soaking wet! I'd hate it if you got sick." Placing his hands on her shoulders, Serena did as he said and began to unbutton her coat. Once it was unbuttoned, Darien slipped it off of her and hung it on the metal coat rack that stood near his doorway. Turning back towards her, he couldn't help but notice how gorgeous she looked in the dark blue sweater dress she was wearing. It was somewhat short, but the black leggings and boots she was wearing added extra warmth. The dress itself was somewhat low cut, but she wore a lacy white top underneath it to stop it from being too scandalous. Besides that, the dress seemed to hug her in all the right places.

Hearing her sneeze again, brought Darien back to his senses.

"Let me get you a blanket, Serena. I don't want you to catch a cold." he said, while he placed his belongings on his coffee table. "Make yourself at home while I go and find you one, okay?"

"Okie dokie, Darien. Thank you." Serena replied.

Sitting down, she noticed how incredibly comfortable and plushy his couch was. This thing is better than my bed! I can't believe I'm actually in his apartment… Usually I'd say no to such an offer, but he's proven to be such a sweet guy. I just hope he's not another disappointment…

Crossing her legs, she placed her hands on her lap and waited patiently for Darien to return.

Meanwhile, Darien was rummaging around his closet in attempts of finding a blanket for the cold girl in his living room. I need to clean out this closet, there's so much junk in here. I can't even remember the last time I used that backpack. And that tennis racket? Who plays tennis?! It must be Andrews… Does he play tennis? I guess I'll ask him. He'll probably think I'm really weird if he doesn't play… Oh, here are the extra blankets. Under my beach towels… I never even go to the beach!

Grumbling, he pulled out the blanket from underneath the endless unwanted items in his closet. Before they could all fall out, he slammed his door closed, locking his forgotten belongings in there forever. That wasn't loud… Returning to his living room, he saw Serena sitting incredibly lady like on his couch.

"Here you go, I hope it keeps you warm." He said, placing the blanket over her lap.

Looking up at him, Serena thanked him for the blanket and began to wrap it around her shoulders.

Darien walked away from the blonde girl long enough to run into the kitchen and make the worlds fastest hot cocoa… Ever.