Author’s Notes: It’s been a long time since I last had author’s notes. But I just want to say that I’ve got a new mailing list running to notify you of the new story updates. If you wish to be a part of it, please go to my site’s index page and join there. Thanks. A Vision of You and Me Chapter 7 --- The Show of My Life By: Neo-Queen Serenity E-Mail: serenausako@hotmail.com webpage: http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net (Two months later) Darien exited through the side doors from the backstage sitting room, where Serena was attended by a group of assistance helping her with the make-up and hair style. His eyes darted around the brightly lit room and saw Andrew waiting for him at the front rows of the audience seats. That area was specially reserved for them to have a better view of the T-shaped stage. The two men watched each other, from the bottom of their eyes, both saw understanding, admiration and certain trace of nervousness. Suddenly Darien was so grateful of his friend, for giving him such a great opportunity and the end of a rope to climb the high-above social ladders of his career. From what he saw of Serena, he knew she was fully prepared and not a bit nervous. After all, she’s far more worldly and experienced with such occasions. The reportors were already filing in with their equipment and positioned at best angle toward the stage, setting up to make the news headline of tomorrow morning. Their cameras and lights directed to the blue crystal entrance to capture the first glimpse of Serena Murphy. Darien took a seat beside Andrew, and stretched his legs out while reaching behind to rub a sore muscle at the base of his neck. His eyes wandered around the auditorium with unconcealed fascination. It was a large room, with the capacity of thousands of audience and the light effects were best around the T-shaped stage. The stage itself rotates 360 degree periodically for eye capturing effect and the four difference backgrounds would reveal at once. The one facing them right now was decorated like some palace, with pillars of sapphire crystals and velvet blue curtains. The setting was under water, but vivid and daring. But one could see the moon, slanted at the perfect angle across water and a soft beam delicately landed at the center. A ray of moon beam, nearly invisible, delicate, untouchable, and it would vanish. Thousands of lights were adjusted at the right place to contrast against the powdery night-like ceiling, representing stars. And Darien felt it illustrated more of a deep sea fairy land than an elegant fashion show. He had just finished watching Serena with her last moment make-up procedure and clothing arrangement while Andrew waited him outside. The crowd were already filing in like waves of tide, and the lights dimmed little by little, gradually, very sleek. There were the decent groups of Paris society who were attending this show, after all, the ticket with dinner before this and a ball afterwards cost five thousand francs in total. And how could he forgot, they were the useless group with nothing to do, but come together to chat about their golf practices while their wife and daughters gossiped about their newly purchased jewels and commenting drolly on the latest fashion. But how could he forgot about the incident with Serena beside the river, which was more a volcanic, uncontrolled emotion which disturbed his quiet, organized life? Darien remembered, how Serena had deliberately avoid any chance to be alone with him, not to mention he attempted the same. She became quiet, very obedient and attentive at listening to whatever he had to say and he was having a hard time to make up the connection between the arrogant, cold-hearted model the press had described her. She was the calculating, money-thirst woman who had no life; she was the angel with a stunning smile, but she was no saint; she was a book, open up right in the middle, with the first pages covered and the last pages unknown; she was beauty, pride and... Yet what she displayed was a mystery, and from what little he had glimpse of her life, Darien was caught up in a midst of confusion. That pained and miserable, at the same time, hidden emotion which ran across her expressive eyes just before their lips came in contact hadn’t gone unnoticed by Darien. That sparkle lit up the path to a door, and he knew, it was her past, and her life. But he saw a lock, a gigantic lock with rust, long ago closed with the key threw away. Then Darien understood why... While Darien was having a hard time figuring out his emotion, Serena was desperate to sort out her own. Before, her life was simple, miserable, dull, but easy to live nevertheless. And now, everything became more magnified and complicated, a thousand times. Whenever she closed her eyes, she saw a pair of piercing, yet gentle blue eyes regarding her with tenderness. Then they became larger, larger, tugging her into the magnificent depth, then she woke up. What made Serena most uneasy was the fact that this handsome young man made her feel special, though he had never displayed a fondness toward her or anything those sophisticated men she’d known from the past. But he’s distinct in his own way, very silent, very hidden and with a great deal of hidden potential. Then she was angry with herself, because whenever she saw him, her treacherous heart leap with joy. It was unexplainable, unacceptable, undeniable. Serena Murphy has an intelligent mind, she knew fully well the threat he posed. Darien Calt is dangerous to her peace of mind, but at the same time, he’s more than fear, he’s...joy. Realization dawned on her, terrifying. Perhaps, she had grown so much closer to the man than she had thought possible. This feeling that he caused which reminded Serena of her naive, long abandoned dream brought a poignant tenderness to her heart. But if she let him become something other than the mutual cooperating relationship between them, she’s jeopardizing her own life, and his. Not to mention public scandal. Serena knew she was running away, for the first time in life, from something she feared in life, whiling knowing fully well at the same time that the other side of this danger is happiness, a life time of love and joy. It was tempting, alluring. And It provoked her to wonder the definition of the word "denial." The lights were completely dimmed, creating a mystic atmosphere in the auditorium. It was intriguing, and enticing to one’s senses. Everyone quiet down, when the moon beam slid across the crystal floor and crossed with the dimmer reflection of itself at the entrance. A princess entered, dressed in a sapphire blue gown of elegance. It suited her to perfection. And she was Serena. She was draped in blue, white rose petals entwined with the thick gold rumple of her hair, the moon beam caught in them, and they seemed to dissolve into liquid gold. She stepped forward, floating like a blue whirl of delicate wave, the dress followed her, trailing in a sleek line. It was like magic, and everyone were captivated, including Darien. Serena came closer, the cameras flashed in the background, capturing her stunning smile. Her face was more oval now, and the ivory tint softened her high cheekbones but brought out the blueness of her eyes. They sparkled, glittering like the sapphire and diamond necklace at her throat. But her eyes were alive, full of energy and beauty. She stopped and posed for her audience, a smile never wavering. But it was professional, softened. Then Serena disappeared as the stage rotated. Serena keep on appearing until all of Darien’s designs were on display. The crowd were excited and awed. It was intimidating to be in close association with Serena Murphy. She’s fit to be a princess, and everything lit up with elegance by just by having her being there. A gown of snow-white silk, with puffy sleeves and the skirt bordered with pearl and lace. A outfit of coal black, the skirt twisted in a sleek line above her feet. A dress of forest green, the lace brown ribbons entwined against her gold curls... Serena turned again, but this time, her eyes sought after Darien’s. He was watching her as well, approvingly. They gaze locked again, and Serena smiled. A real smile bursting like sunshine. And a strange tenderness unfolded itself in Darien’s chest. It expanded, slowly, steadily. To be continued...