Author's Note:
This is a much longer chapter- maybe my longest? But it is just sorta fun. It's a lighter chapter and a little on the random side but I hope you guys like it. I just sorta wanna develop their friendship some more before anything happens ;) Also- This is about 2 weeks from the last chapter. And in case you guys are wondering- I think I may have accidentally made it seem like it was summer but it is actually winter (winter break) and that is why Cindy is working in the building and Sammy is there. I'm making no promises about my next update cuz I honestly have a crazy schedule and some fam. issues so yeah. Hope you guys like this latest installment. I have updates on my page every once in a while for anyone that is interested! And as always- comments are adored :)
PS
This chapter takes place on Serena's lunch break
Also- I didn't do too much editing cuz I didn't have much time and I wanted you guys to get another chapter
You Again?
Chapter 18
"Oh my god," the incredulous words came out in a whispered sob. I knew I couldn't sound at all sane but no one was here, what did it matter?
I couldn't stop gasping for air. My face felt like a wet rag but the tears seemed to be everlasting. It couldn't last much longer, could it? I mean, a person only has so much fluid in their system- so much that is expendable for such situations.
I can't do this here. I knew that. This was a place of business and I didn't want anyone- especially Brad- to see me like this. It was just plain wrong. Unprofessional. Stupid even, but I couldn't help it.
The Kleenex box next to me was running low; not to mention the fact that my desk was littered with wasted tissues.
I hadn't even noticed but I was holding the manuscript to my chest. I couldn't believe it. It was plain genius. I'd never cried like that… not since—
"Serena?" There was a brief knock on the door before it was opened and they entered without my permission.
The two people that I definitely didn't want to see me like this- it was worse than Brad, much worse.
"Oh my god." I heard the voice but the face was a blur to my currently puffy- and probably red- eyes.
The first who'd spoken was Sammy, the second Darien. Of course I could recognize the voices.
"Out." I managed but it came out rather squeaky.
"Sere."
That was Sammy. Not just because of the voice, but the word. Darien wouldn't say "Sere", he'd say "Meatballs" or something.
That thought didn't help at all… Tears burst forth like a dam had broken- as if it hadn't already! How many tears could there possibly be in one body? I'm not that big! This could kill me! The tears flowed faster at that thought.
If I die- Sammy'd be alone. I'd leave him just like mom left us.
Oh my god!
My thoughts were even squeaky.
I heard – more than saw- Sammy and Darien come over to me, each taking a side. A comforting arm came around me before I knew it and I jumped my savior.
I felt the manuscript fall to the ground as I wrapped my arms around Sammy. The arm patted my back lightly, unsure- awkwardly even. Weird.
I blinked a few times to give Sammy an incredulous look. I'm his older sister, yes, I understand he doesn't see me like this often but he doesn't have to make me feel bad about it…
But the face that came in my foggy view wasn't my Sammy, it was my Darien.
I jumped out of his arms and back into my seat, the force of which propelled me and my chair to swirl back against the wall.
Oh my god.
Again with the tears. Maybe I really am insane.
I know my behavior is completely absurd. Really I do.
I know the characters are not real. Nothing ever happened to them.
But they were real to me…
Oh my god. I really am insane.
"Sere, what happened?" Sammy again, Darien was keeping his distance- probably not wanting to upset the mental patient anymore than she already was.
"He… he…" I spluttered, trying to inhale as much oxygen as possible so I could actually breathe. As soon as the words came out, however, the whole thing came back to me and not only had the dam broken, but there was apparently a storm as well.
"Who, Sere?" I tried to gesture. "Use your words." I laughed a little.
"They died…" My voice hitched and broke on the words.
When Sammy's eyes widened a little with worry I gestured toward the manuscript now scattered on the floor.
Darien was on the closer side to the script so he grabbed it before Sammy.
Oh my god! He's flipping to the end!
"No." I squeaked. He looked at me in alarm- probably wondering if I'd gone completely mental. I don't blame him. "You can't sk—kkip to the eeend!" I hiccuped in between words, but I had to fight this! I hate it when people read the end first! Especially this book!
But he stopped flipping, probably hoping I'd stop flipping.
"A book?" He looked concerned, incredulous, and if I'm not mistaken- on the verge of laughter.
"Yes!" I replied vehemently.
Sammy and Darien exchanged a look- one that said, "You wanna call the institute or should I?"
"Serena," Sammy began but trailed off without finishing the thought. He probably thought better of it. He's lived with me his whole life, this mood comes monthly- I think he recognizes the signs.
Clearly Darien isn't nearly so intelligent.
He might even have a death wish.
"It's a story, Serena."
I glared at him.
"It isn't just any story." The words came out clear this time- my tear ducts are getting under control.
"It's okay honey," Sammy interrupted in a diplomatic voice before either one of could speak. He'd now knelt down in front of me, "Do you need anything?"
"No," again with the broken voice, but it was getting better. I wiped my eyes with the backs of my hands so I could actually see their faces. The hiccups, however, didn't go away.
"Who's story is this?" Sammy again.
"Jenny's," I replied.
Sammy nodded as if he knew what I was talking about and understood, but of course he didn't… That's nice of him…
When I looked up to my other unwanted guest, he was looking at the last pages.
"Stop doing that!" But he wasn't paying attention- apparently riveted by Jenny's brilliance. I tried to snatch it out of his hand but he merely stepped back and I was helpless to stop him- Sammy's in my way and now the desk.
"Oh my god," His words stolen straight from my mouth.
Then he turned back to the beginning.
"Hey!" I yelled.
"I read the first two of this series, I didn't know she was one of yours." He replied with a look of wonder in his eyes and then he fell back on one of the chairs and
started from the beginning.
What the crap?
Firstly, this is not his home and he sure as hell looks too comfortable in my favorite office chair— it was my "congratulations, Sere!" present from the girls when I got the editor position (as well as this office).
Secondly, I did not know that Darien read. Well, I guess he reads… everyone does right? And he's smart so he reads… but, I mean, shouldn't he read something really professional, important, and, well, frankly boring? Or something really nerdy- sci fi or something. I love science fiction by the way but it just seems more Darien than fantasy, mystery, and most shockingly- romance. Jennifer Shepard is one of our most famous, most talented writers but the integral part of all her stories is the love conflict. Lots of guys read them- yes that is true- but not too many will admit to it. Mostly the male fans will come to the book signing claiming their wife or girlfriend is a big fan and that the book is a gift, but it becomes obvious if they're lying (which they usually are) once they start talking to Jenny about how they hated Peter for abandoning Elizabeth but were sad nonetheless when Peter died. So, yes it is surprising. Darien's a Shep fan?
Thirdly, he cannot be reading this! That manuscript is strictly off limits to all civilians outside this office building! (The girls sometimes get an exception but not officially) Darien is outright breaking company rule number one! (Well, not really number one… more like number ten or something. We rank sexual harassment, plagiarism, and some other stuff as more of a priority… but this one is pretty important too)
When all of this finally registered in my admittedly befuddled mind I jumped out of my seat- pushing Sammy in the process- and ran over to Darien where I immediately took my prized work- well, Jenny's prized work.
"Hey!" Darien protested, getting up to make for a grab at the manuscript.
I put it high above my head but realized my folly quickly- Darien's much taller than me… He got it but I'm stealthier so while I stared him down I took it back and ran behind my desk.
He gave me a look but something in him seemed to change and before I knew it I was running around my office being chased by Darien Shields… well, this is certainly a surprise change in events.
To my even greater shock I was laughing—yes, laughing like I'd just heard the funniest joke ever and couldn't help but react that way.
"Go away!"
"You stop running then!"
"It's mine!"
"No it isn't."
"Close enough!"
"Not even close!"
A cough stopped us both in our tracks, however. It was Sammy… Oh yeah.
Sammy was smirking… I don't like that.
"If I could just…" He pointed toward the door which Darien was blocking. As Darien stepped aside Sammy moved to make his exit. "I'll just leave you two kids to play."
Without giving us a chance to reply he was gone.
We were left standing on opposite sides of the room, me hugging the manuscript to my chest, him ready to chase.
"Back away slowly."
"Why would I do that?" He argued.
"Because you have no rights to this, you don't get to read it." I replied and glared.
"I already read the ending." It sounded like a taunt.
"That's not even the best part." I smirked just to annoy him. He wasn't going to get to read the story before it was good and ready- next year.
That comment seemed to annoy him. Good.
"Oh come on." Well, that wasn't convincing. And to be honest, I was a little disappointed. Darien can come up with a better argument than that. I'm sure of it. He was in debate!
"Like you even care," I rolled my eyes, "Do you even read these books?"
He looked surprised by the question, "Yes, why else would I be chasing it?"
Funny, I thought he was chasing me.
"To annoy me?"
"That's just a bonus."
He was loving this. That annoyed me… among other things but still…
"Come on, your honestly telling me you're a Shep fan? You actually wanna know what happens?"
"Yes," he replied sincerely.
A thought came in my head.
"Not just to tell a girlfriend either?"
Okay, I must admit I'm genuinely curious about this last question. For more than one reason…
"No."
Crap… that isn't a very helpful response. It could mean so many things… Did that mean "No, my girlfriend doesn't read these books" or "No, I don't have a girlfriend."
Why do I even care?
I sooo don't.
I really, really don't.
And, yes, if you were wondering- I do love to lie to myself.
"No?"
Oh my god, I am such a masochist! I can't leave well enough alone.
"No." This time it was accompanied by a secretive smile. What does that mean?! Does he know that I want to know more? Does he just like to be ambiguous? Is he just plain annoying?
I am insane.
"Shep fan, huh?" My eyebrows raised a little. It seems my real question will remain unanswered.
"Yea, and I'm not even in the closet about it." His smile widened. And wow were his teeth white.
"But you are in there for other reasons." I couldn't help but reply. He seemed confused by that.
Dang, my witty comeback was lost on him…
"In the closet for other reasons," I clarified. His eyebrows lifted. "Nevermind." A roll of the eyes accompanied that one.
He shrugged it off, "Now will you give it to me?" He seems exasperated.
"Uh, let me think about it." I pretended for a second, "No."
"I'm a proud Shep fan, hand it over."
"No."
"I'm warning you Sere."
"No-wait-- did you just call me—" But that was cut short when I saw him spring from the door toward me. "Ah!" Oh my god, that was the girliest scream ever… I'm ashamed of myself, but I didn't get much time to think about that. I was running and panting before I could think another thought. That's why I should exercise! I might be skinny but I don't have much muscle in this body, dang it!
It wasn't looking good, he's gonna catch me at this rate-- unless…
I saw my chance and took it. Running out the door and slamming it shut behind me I ran out of my office, past a shocked Brad, and straight toward the elevator. Quickly pressing the button I gave a silent prayer that the doors would shut soon because Darien is only a few steps away… Oh, god… please shut, please… I pressed the button again, again, again, and…
Oh my god.
Thank you.
The doors were shut. I was safe. More importantly- I looked down at the manuscript. It was safe.
The elevator wasn't too fast so I had time to lean against the wall and catch my breath—and also time to think.
Darien…
He is so weird. I must admit that much.
He's a bundle of contrasts.
He's extremely smart, but somehow became a talented (according to Sammy) producer.
He reads authors like Jenny when he seems like the type to go for more serious, how-to-be-successful novels.
Really, all my assumptions about Darien have gone to hell in the past three weeks. Maybe I've made too many of them. Like they say- don't assume because it makes – well, you know.
Tossing out all my past beliefs would probably be best. He's not anything like I'd ever thought.
I would never have thought the Darien Shields from high school would chase me around the office…
But I'd never really known him, had I? I'd only known the immature, annoying kid that teased me…
Ding
Think of the devil.
"No," I put out one of my hands—as if that would help. He moved forward and for some reason I had to close my eyes. No, I couldn't actually witness this. I just couldn't.
Nothing happened.
I felt nothing, well, except for someone's breath.
Spicy mint…
Uh oh.
I sneaked a peak and there it was. The source of the breathing.
He stood just inches in front of me. Maybe two or three inches max.
"I won't." He replied in a whisper.
Why does this seem familiar?
Oh yes, this seems so like the precarious situation we'd been in a couple weeks ago…
This is so not good. Or maybe it is… How should I know? All I actually do know is that feeling is back- the almost-throw-up-but-can't-cuz-I'm-so-happy feeling. Doesn't is sound wonderful?
But nothing actually happened… We just stood there for a while- me not even breathing I was so terrified, him just standing there being wonderful.
Then he said the most shocking thing.
"Am I that bad?"
"Uh?" The 'huh' didn't even come out right I was so shocked.
"Just look at your expression. Am I really so terrible?"
He looked so vulnerable… all I could manage in my state, however, was a measly, "No."
"Well that's convincing."
Somehow my mouth was able to create the words my mind was too befuddled to even think, "No really. You're surprisingly… not bad."
I couldn't help but grin. Now there's the understatement of the year.
"Knew it." Now he was grinning and I couldn't help but wonder, what have I done now?
"What?"
"You don't think I'm so bad. You like me." He pointed at himself with so much pride that I just couldn't help my response- even if it's an outright lie.
"Nope, not at all. I just don't think of you as the devil incarnate anymore." With a smirk of my own I patted him on the shoulder and added, "Congrats."
He wasn't put down by this at all.
"You like me." He nodded firmly to confirm his belief, "Can't help but."
"Sure I can." Now I was speaking without even understanding my argument. What did I just say? I'm not even sure…
"Nope. You just admitted it yourself. I'm breaking those defenses." Again with the firm nod. What was with him? One minute he's vulnerable- albeit fake vulnerable but still- and the next Mr. Confident.
"I don't have defenses." I argued.
He glared at me—clearly not agreeing.
"Honey, you've built more walls than Stalin."
What the crap?
"You're comparing me to Stalin?"
He shrugged.
"Stalin? Really? That's how you hope to get in my good graces?"
"I'm already there." He replied confidently.
I snorted, "Uh, no. And if you were, you've just been kicked out."
"Can't do that. I'm a tough one to nudge. Once I'm in, I stay put."
"So full of yourself."
Someone coughed.
Oh, what now?! Sammy again?
…
Nope. Not Sammy.
Some incredibly tall, skinny, and pale man was looking uncomfortably at us from in front of the elevator doors… along with five other random people whom we were blocking…
I blushed and walked out, looking down the whole time.
I felt Darien's hand on my shoulder- probably guiding my path since I can't see anything but the marble floors of the building.
Once we were out I glared at him and said, "You suck."
"Ouch, baby, ouch."
The laugh couldn't be helped. The sarcasm was almost palpable, what other reaction could there be?
And that is how Cindy saw us.
I could clearly tell from her expression what she thought of the situation. That little half-hidden smile told all.
Cindy's eyes saw the following: Me standing next to an admittedly attractive guy whose hand is still placed on my shoulder which may appear to the untrained eye as though his arm is actually around me and both of us smiling.
Okay, I guess I can understand her assumption.
"Hey Cin," I greeted her. What else could I do? I can't really shake Darien's arm off without it seeming obvious and semi-awkward. I must admit- at least to myself- it isn't too much of a burden to leave it there.
"Sere," She replied with a new twinkle alight in her eyes.
That teenaged girl mind is once again driving me nuts. She looked back and forth from me to Darien- a question clearly in her eyes. Well, I'm not gonna answer her.
"Cocoa please."
"What happened?"
The answer was automatic. She looked once more from me to Darien but this time with a different expression.
And now I remember what I must look like. Crap. My eyes probably still haven't recovered from my crying session earlier although right now I can't even remember why I'd been so depressed. Oh yeah. The manuscript still in my arms…
"Nothing. Nothing." I quickly answered but realized that probably doesn't sound convincing, "A book I was reading that's all."
"Oh." She nodded, convinced. She probably can't imagine the God next to me ever making me cry. "The usual Darien?"
What?
"What?"
They both looked at me questioningly.
"You two know each other?"
Cindy laughed, "This guy comes in every time he's in the building. Like you-- an addict."
"And she's my enabler." Darien added with a smile and a shrug. (Note: His arm is still around me. What does that mean?)
"Well, you tip pretty generously. I think by the end of winter break you'll have paid for my term's tuition."
"Wow, I better start working on that. I have, what? A week to fork over ten grand?"
"A week and a half actually and no, you have about twenty grand to fork over still." She laughed her sweet Cindy laugh and Darien laughed right along with her.
Darien has even managed to woo my barista. Life is a wonderful thing…
"How do you do that?" I couldn't help but marvel out loud.
"What?" Darien seemed confused.
"That." I pointed toward my happy barista making our drinks. "She was a little squeaky mouse when I first met her."
"Hey!" Cindy protested with a frown.
"Not in a bad way Cin. I'm just saying. It took you half a summer to even speak a full sentence to me."
She shrugged. She knows I'm right.
"This one?" Darien asked incredulously, "I can't get her to shut up."
"Hey!"
I laughed a little. It doesn't seem to be Cindy's day either.
"Not in a bad way. I like my women chatty." He gave her a killer smile and I repressed the urge to scream my own "Hey!"
I couldn't, however, stop myself from muttering, "She's already got a boyfriend."
"I can have two." She smiled sweetly, innocently as she gave us our finished drinks.
Darien's only response to that was a laugh that I could actually feel- since he's still right next to my side.
"How long is it until your breaks over again?"
They both just kept on laughing. Annoying people…
"Seriously, I think you should consider going back early."
"Don't I feel loved," she replied sarcastically but she was still smiling.
"Well, you have him at least." I said with my own smile, "Good luck."
I grabbed my hot cocoa and left them.