Here's chapter Five. Not much of Serena in this one, so sorry to all your Sere fans - I know I am too.
My Beta got back to me! Yay, so I now am going to bounce between 2. I haven't sent her this chapter yet, so it will probably be revamped soon.
My internet is down at my house, so in a few days the revamped Chapters 2-4 will be out.
REVIEWS are always welcome.
And no I will not tell you if Serena and Darien are going to get married. Wouldn't that ruin the whole point of reading it?
Besides, we don't even know if Serena is in fact pregnant, she could just be worried over nothing.
Chapter Five
"So, my new roommate could be pregnant," Amy said nonchalantly to her brother as she played with the ice cream sitting in the cup in front of her. The two had met for their weekly ice cream excursion and sat in the red squishy booth chairs, chatting about nothing and everything.
"Pregnant?" Darien asked in confusion, "and you are still letting her move in with you?"
"Darien," Amy said, "I'm lonely. Not to mention, she doesn't even know if she is for sure. She made a mistake on a drunken night and feels horrible about it. She didn't even want to move in with me after she knew."
"So wait, you are letting someone with loose morals move in with you?" Darien replied, his skepticism written on his face.
"She's not loose Darien," Amy said in defense, "she had just ended a long-term relationship. She was on the rebound."
Darien shook his head in a disapproving manner, "I don't like the idea of some trashy woman and her baby daddy coming in and corrupting my little sister."
"Darien!" Amy tensed, smashing her spoon down into the cup, "She is not trashy! Not to mention there won't be a baby daddy. She never got a full name or number. The night is all kind of a blur to her, and she's even sworn off alcohol."
"Well, it makes sense if she is pregnant," he replied unconvinced, "wouldn't want to hurt the baby. Have you thought this whole thing through well Amy? What if this woman is really pregnant?"
"Then, she's pregnant," Amy said defiantly, "She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. You should see her at school with the kids. This woman will make a great mother if she is pregnant. For awhile, when I first met her, I thought you would like her. But that was at the beginning of the year when she was still with her ex…"Amy stopped noticing her brother's eyebrows quirked in a slight objective manner, "Really, Darien. She is a wonderful person. You don't have to worry. You should be happy for me. These last few months haven't been wonderful living by myself. There are only so many nights I can stand sitting at home, reading books."
Darien chuckled, his deep voice comforting her, even though Amy was still irritated with him. He replied, "If Mom and Dad were still around they would be rolling on the floor right now. To hear that you are tired of reading books. I never thought I would see the day."
Rolling her eyes in annoyance, Amy said, "well, it's true."
"I can see that," he replied, "but, really, Amy. I just worry about you is all."
"You know Darien, like you have any room to talk..." she said, taking a bite of her melting treat in front of her, "It's not like you didn't go out and sleep with some random woman the other week."
"Yeah, but I went on a mission to find her," he replied in justification, "and I did."
"Whatever," Amy said pointing her long, plastic bright red spoon at him, "You were just lucky she showed up again at that bar. It's not like we live in a small town. I think she would go looking for him if she thought it would help. But enough about my roommate, when do you have your second date?"
"First date," Darien corrected.
"Ah, yes," Amy said sarcastically, "the first time you guys just had fun."
"I don't know why I tell you anything," he shook his head, a mock appalled look on his face.
"Because, the only other person you have around here just divorced you," Amy said.
"Ouch," he grasped his chest in an exaggerated manner and said, "that cut deep, Ames."
"Only stating the obvious," she shrugged, "but you never answered my question."
"If you hadn't interrupted me, I would have," Darien said, sticking his head out in emphasis.
"Darry," Amy shook her head amused by her brother's antics, "sometimes you are such a girl."
He smiled smugly, "that's why you love me. I was the sister you never had, and the protective brother all in one. Not to mention, it always made the women want me."
Amy looked at him with annoyance, "and again, your arrogance is why you are divorced, right?"
"Ames, you know why I am divorced."
She smiled as she watched his mood change, "I know. I'm just teasing. You say that you didn't have feelings for her, yet your attitude always seems to get worse when anyone mentions your divorce."
"Amy," Darien replied in explanation, "I don't know how to explain this better. I love Raye. I love her like I love you. I am more upset that some man came into her life and swept her off her feet and I don't get her to myself anymore. It's like when you had boyfriends. That's not romantic love, it's brotherly love."
"And you slept with her."
Darien shut his eyes in what seemed like a tinge of regret, "I've slept with a lot of women. Raye, at least, I loved. But, she has Chad now...and I have a prospective new woman. To answer your question from earlier, we are seeing each other on Friday. I am taking her to dinner."
"Nice."
Standing up and grabbing his empty ice cream dish he replied, "I hope so. I felt something for this girl the moment I laid eyes on her, so let's hope this works out."
Mina toyed with her blonde hair as she impatiently let the phone ring in her hand. The kitchen table in front of her had remnants of makeup and utensils she used to get ready. Looking down at her freshly polished pink nails she said into the receiver, "come on, Sere, pick up."
On the other end a soft voice answered, "Hey Mina. What's up?"
Mina huffed in relief as she said, "I have a date tonight with this guy, and I am stressing about what to wear. Do I go with dress slacks or a little more skin with a mini-skirt? I am wearing a cute black deep vee tee. It's casual, but sexy, so I would wear a deep blue jean skirt, or gray slacks. Help me out, because I am struggling here Sere. He's way cute."
Serena giggled a bit and replied, "you are too funny when you are nervous."
"Serena, seriously," Mina whimpered slightly, standing from her chair she said, "I am in crisis mode. Can you not make fun of your sister and help a girl out?"
"Okay, okay," Serena mused, "Go with the skirt. Your legs are way cute."
Mina thought about it for a minute and replied, "You are right. Thanks. I appreciate it, sis."
"No problem," Serena replied, "so who is this guy?"
"It's just this guy I met in Lita's bar the other day when I went to get you some food. We apparently met before, but I was drunk. You know me. I barely remember anything from those nights."
"I know how you are and even I wish I didn't know you on nights like that," Serena replied honestly, "But I am glad you are trying it again sober. Is that all you needed from me?"
"Yeah," Mina replied, "I even know the shoes I am going to wear already. My black patent leather pointy toed heels."
"Good choice."
"I thought so," Mina began her journey to her room, "what are your plans for the night?"
"Oh, Amy and I are watching movies tonight," Serena replied excitedly, "We wanted to celebrate me moving in. I plan on getting the rest of my stuff from your place tomorrow afternoon."
"No rush," Mina said as she pulled her denim skirt up her legs.
"I know," Serena said appreciatively, "I just want you to have your space back. Don't worry though, I will make sure it's late in the afternoon. I know how you are with men."
"And this is a gorgeous one," she chuckled clasping her bracelet onto her left wrist, while straddling the phone between her ear and shoulder, "But, hey, I am going to finish getting ready. I am meeting him at his place in about a half an hour. Thanks for the help, sis, you know I really appreciate it."
"Not a big deal. Have fun," Serena replied, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Well, since you have tainted your record with sleeping around, I think I am safe."
"Oh shush you. I am hanging up now."
"Bye Serena, love ya."
"Love you, too."
Mina threw the phone on her bed and took a look in the mirror. If she was a judge, she looked hot, but it was only her opinion. The skirt Serena told her to go with showed off her creamy sculpted calves in the way that she wanted them to. Cascading down her back, in a half pony was her golden locks, barely a tint darker than Serena's. To Mina and Serena, the color difference seemed blatantly obvious, but most people mistook the two girls easily. Growing up, the two were used to being mistaken for one another. Tonight though, Mina was in her own skin and could not wait for her date. She grabbed the sheet with the address and headed out the door.
"Andrew, how do I look?" Darien walked out of his room, arms held out on each side as he asked his friend and newly acquired roommate his opinion. Darien had opted for black dress pants with a bright blue button-up shirt. Besides his black hair that fell in his eyes, he looked dressy.
Andrew, who sat on the couch watching t.v., shot a glance up and looked at Darien's appearance. He looked back towards the t.v. as he replied, "You look nice."
Darien swiped fake lint of his shirt, "I thought so."
Andrew rolled his blue eyes and said, "Do you have any shame?"
Walking over and sitting next to him on the couch, Darien said, "Not really. But I just had to get a second person's opinion. This girl is special, and she is going to be here any minute. Oh man, I forgot to brush my teeth," Darien stood up from the couch and rushed back towards his room.
Grabbing the remote, Andrew chuckled at his friend's antics and began to flip through the channels when he heard a knock on the door, "Hey Dare! I think your date is here, but don't worry, I'll stall her while you finish up in there." He stood up from his spot and stretched his arms out, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. As he walked through the entryway and pulled open the door, he began to say, "Darien will be a couple..." he paused as he looked at the beautiful blonde girl standing on the other side of the door, "...minutes."
She smiled up at him, seemingly directed on his bright blue eyes, "I think that's fine," she put out her hand in greeting, "I'm Mina. I'm sure you can keep me company until he is finished."
"Uh...yeah," he replied, trying to gain back focus on his apartment, "Come on in. I am Andrew, Darien's roommate. You must be the girl he keeps talking about."
Putting her purse to her chest, she ducked through the much taller doorway and peeked into the apartment. Looking around, she checked out how her date and his surprisingly good-looking roommate lived. The entryway seemed normal and to the right was an open kitchen with a glass table and four chairs around it. The counters were what looked like fake granite and the walls were all white. In the living room there was a plush black couch that sat in front of the flat screen t.v. that was mounted on the wall. Another glass table sat in between the t.v. and couch, along with one sitting on the end of the couch. Lining one of the walls were pictures of people. One seemed to catch Mina's attention more than others. Two girls were smiling on each side of Darien, all with dark hair and bright eyes.
"Are these Darien's sisters?" Mina asked Andrew, pointing towards the photo.
"The one is," Andrew replied, "The girl with the longer hair is his ex-wife. They are still good friends, but she left him for another man," he pointed towards the hall off the living room, "Darien's room is back there. He shouldn't be long."
"So," Mina said as she walked closer to Andrew, "tell me about yourself. What's your story?"
Scratching the back of his neck and shrugging, Andrew replied, "I don't know if there is much to tell. Darien and I went to Grad school together and now have our own advertising firm. I like sports, racing and going to the beach with pretty girls," he smiled at her with his last comment.
Mina grinned coyly as she put her finger out towards him, "You do, huh?"
He gulped and nodded, his smile faltering a little, "Let me go and check on Darien. I think he may have fallen in back there."
Shaking her head, she took a step back and grasped her purse forcefully, "Uh, yeah...I think that would be a good idea."
Mina fought to catch her breath and she fumbled with her purse, trying to find her phone. As soon as she was able to gain control of herself, she pulled it out and began to text furiously.
Serena! Help me. I am in trouble.
After a few moments she had a reply.
Mina, are you okay? Where are you? Do you need me to come get you?
Serena's reply made her smile and she held her phone in her hands, contemplating her situation.
No. I am just being myself. You don't need to worry. Nothing I can't handle myself. Just being me. I will call you later and tell you about it.
"Mina," a familiar male voice said from behind her. She shot around and looked at her attractive date. They smiled at each other and he said, "are you ready to go?"
She finished reading her last message from her sister.
Okay, but don't get yourself into trouble. You know I love you.
Putting her phone away, she replied, "I am ready."
The drive to the restaurant was quiet. Mina kept looking out her window into the evening sky. Building after building would pass as they headed towards the restaurant.
Filling the silence, Mina finally asked, "so where is it that we are going?"
Darien replied, keeping his eyes on the road, "I thought we'd go to this quaint place. It's quite small and rather quiet. I figured we could take some time to get to know one another, instead of how things went last time."
"I like that idea," Mina smiled at him.
They pulled up to the restaurant, and exited his car. Mina's shoes clanked against the sidewalk as they walked towards the small building. It was just a tiny building, seemingly hidden by the brush around it. The neon letter's on the building scrawled out to say 'Teddy's.' They walked into the small black and white doors and waited to be seated. The barista walked up to them in her white button up shirt covered with a tiny black vest and black pants.
"Two?" she asked.
Darien nodded and followed the woman to the back corner as she pointed and walked. The table was small and round with two metal chairs on each side. A candle sat in the middle of the table allowing a soft glow to enhance the romantic setting. Darien ran around to Mina's side and pulled out her chair for her.
Mina smiled in appreciation and said, "Thanks," as he went to the other side and sat in his own chair she whispered over the table to him, "I have never been in a place like this."
Picking up the menu, he replied, "I love this place. It's so personable."
"Do you take all your dates here?" Mina teased, looking over her menu as well.
"Well, no," Darien replied, "Then again, I don't go on many dates nowadays."
As the barista came back to take their order, Mina said to him, "I feel very special now."
"You should."
They ordered their food and waited in quiet conversation for it to arrive. In the middle of dinner they were still talking quietly to one another, just trying to learn about the other. Mina picked up her wine glass and sipped as she agree with what Darien had just said.
"I love Florida," Mina replied, "This has been my only home as long as I can remember. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else."
"Well, I have only been here a few years," he replied, "But I could see myself here for a long time, especially now that my sister moved down here."
"Oh you have a sister?" Mina asked excitedly, "My sister lives here too. She is the much more responsible one. I am the fun on, but growing up we were the terrible two. I suppose you can say she grew up while I stayed forever young."
"That's not always a bad thing," Darien replied, "My sister could use some fun. Although, I think she will have enough fun with this roommate she has moving in."
"Roommate?"
"Oh yeah, some girl she works with," he said, putting a hand up to shrug it off, "She doesn't sound like the kind of girl I would want around my sister, but she swears this girl is good news. I'm not convinced, but how about we talk about something else. We didn't come to dinner to discuss my family issues."
Mina nodded and continued to ask him questions and answering his. Later into the conversation she put her fork down, signaling she was finished with her meal. Grabbing her napkin and wiping any dirt off her hands, she said to him, "This was so much fun. We should do this again soon."
"I agree," Darien stood up from his seat, "Let me take care of the bill and take you home."
The ride to Mina's apartment was quiet and comfortable. Mina smiled at him when he would glance over at her and he would give her one back. He parked in front of her building and walked her up to her door. As she put the lock into the door, she turned around and looked at his leaning figure. Underneath his gaze she felt a small bit of heat and she let him lean down to kiss her. Their lips melded together and Mina felt...nothing. The two awkwardly pulled away and Mina looked up him him.
She slightly smiled and pursed her lips together, "I'll call you soon."
Darien backed away from her and replied, "Yeah. I think that would be great. Next week sometime maybe?"
"Next week may be busy for me," she continued as she opened her door.
Walking backwards towards the stairs, he said, "I think so for me too."
Mina entered her apartment and shut the door, her mind pondering if Darien's roommate kissed better.
Amy was fast asleep next to Serena on the couch. The movie's picture lit her face as she finished watching whatever it was that Amy had put it. Whatever it was, both of them had agreed halfway through that it was not their taste of movie. Amy fell asleep, but Serena had to finish the movie, it would drive her crazy if she did not. When the credits began to roll, she shut off the t.v. and a quiet knock came from the front door. Looking up at the clock told her it was half-past eleven.
She looked down at Amy as she slightly stirred and said aloud to herself, "I wonder who it is at this time of the night." Assuming it could be her sister, she went to the door and pulled it open. The man on the other side stared at her and she gaped at him.
When she gained composure, all she could muster out was, "how did you find me?"
Duh Duh Duh...okay I always just wanted to say that. But seriously, who is at the door? You will just have to see...
It's kinda like the end of Season 1 of Veronica Mars...I hated that, but I won't spoil V. Mars for those who haven't seen it, but I should say Go watch it now. It's amazing. :)