A Vision of You and Me Chapter 8 --- After Math By: Neo-Queen Serenity E-Mail: serenausako@hotmail.com webpage: http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net "That’s right...sure, sure...yeah, the contract?....I know, I know..." Darien nodded as he spoke on the phone. "...I am full of contracts for the next four years!....Thanks, I am glad you can make it. Okay,bye-bye." He hang up the phone and stood up. Darien turned to look out from his office windows toward the maze of skyscrapers, his eyes smiling. Isn’t this marvelous? In merely three months, oh god, only three months, he’d climbed to the top of the world. Contracts landed on his desk, and his bank accounts had probably lost count of the wealth he accumulated. And all these, thanks to Serena Murphy. He was so grateful for her help, and yet, a slight yearning haunted his mind. Even Andrew Johnson noticed that his Darien Calt always stood alone close to a window. But only Darien himself knew what he was replaying in his mind: a slim figure, blonde hair, dazzling smile, and a pair of deep blue eyes, pain-filled blue eyes. Darien shook his head as if to clean away that image. It’s unusual for him to keep thinking about someone for days, let alone someone who is merely associated with him on business matters. This is definitely ridiculous and bizarre.******** Serena carefully rearranged the lovely satin folds of Lita’s dress and adjusted the bride’s white lacy veil. Lita Fleming looked wonderful. She’s becoming Mrs. Jillens, as a married woman. Serena herself was dressed in something simply, unflattering. She did not, however, wish to take away her friend’s big attention today. "Shall we?" Lita lifted a trembling finger to brush away a lock of brown curl. She was nervous to a dangerous extremity. Serena took her hand in hers, her blue gaze focused on Lita’s kindly hazel ones. "Thank you, Sere. Thank you for everything." Lita whispered. Serena smiled.******** She walked down the aisle, her blond hair glistening as was her bright blue eyes. In front of her walked Lita, who was walking at a steady pace toward her future husband. Ken Jillens stood at the alter, waiting. Serena looked around, her eyes encountered the Flemings, the kind mother and father who had always treated her as one of their own children. She saw the Jillens watching their favorite son and future daughter-in-law. Serena sighed inwardly. An era of her life was about to come to an end, and her life would have to begin once again. Again. Serena winced. She was to go on with life without Lita because now she had someone much more to love than her. Lita has Ken and her parents, and she had...nothing. The walk ended at the alter, and Ken eagerly took Lita’s hand and led her to stand beside him, a place where she would occupy for her entire life. Serena smiled at the dark haired young man who was Ken’s best man, and winked. But inside, she felt like crying. The couple exchanged their vows and Ken kissed his bride. And the couples left the church with relatives and close friends waiting to bid them a wonderful honeymoon. Lita was leaving her, Serena realized. It made her wonder how she had ever gone on without her friend before. But she also remembered that she had survived before, it was a long time ago during a rainy night...******* Serena emerged from the church, alone. The sunlight caught in her hair and turned them into an elegant golden halo. The harsh rays also pierced her eyes, and Serena felt dizzy. The newly weds stood beside their white limo. Mrs. Fleming was crying and hugging her daughter, and it suddenly reminded Serena that her own mother will never ever see her walking down the aisle toward her own beloved, even if she plans to get settled and find a husband. "Sere..." Lita smiled. "Congratulations, Lita, and you too, Ken. Please take care of mybig sister." Lita hugged her back, her arms tightened around Serena’s in a comforting and affectionate embrace. "I’ll be alright." Serena promised with a confidence she didn’t really feel. She wouldn’t cry, not right now. She will find a secluded place and weep again, like she always did. Self-pity suddenly sprang to Serena’s eyes, but she pushed the tears back. Lita waved back when she settled comfortably beside Ken. Serena raised her hand as well, waving, wishing.********* She cursed as she threw away a magazine into the recycle box. "Liars!" Serena tightened her fists with disgust. She was once again the prey of the press. They would never let her ago, she realized, as long as she still occupies a land of victory in the world of fashion. Serena flipped through her personal agenda, and saw a red star Jennifer placed beside today. Another social function. Shaking her head in dismay, Serena pressed the button on her desk and rang for Jennifer. ********** 7p.m. Serena sighed impatiently as she manipulated the wheel and darted around the street. A soft, slow tone trailed smoothly in the interior of her sleek BMW. She should’ve came with the limo and her driver, but driving on her own is fun. The car stopped in front of a red light. The evening in Paris was dazzling and alluring. Satin night sky, colorful lights, and a flood of cars racing on the highways. This is exciting. Inside, Serena smoothed away a wrinkle on her forest green gown. She’s going to the Burman Hotel, where a ball will take place given by a bunch of wealthy, influential tycoons in Europe. It would only take a good forty minutes driving to get there in good traffic. And even if she runs into traffic jam, she could still make it at 8 o’clock. No sweat at all. ********** Serena smiled triumphantly as she pulled onto the parking lot outside the elegant hotel. 7:50, excellent timing on her part. Serena gathered her purse, and shut the engine after turning off her car stereo. The Burman Hotel stood firmly in its night-time glory: dancing lights, soft music, and whirling shapes. Elegant and breathtaking. Serena enter the lobby and handed her invitation to the guards. They bowed politely, and Serena smirked. She approached the heavy, but intricately carved French doors, opened it, and slipped in quietly. The majestic mediaeval setting took her breath away, and Serena Murphy is not the kind of person who admires her surroundings easily. Tuxedoed waiters, stylish ball gowns, polite conversations and low whispers. Across from the grand staircase and the fairy land style mezzanine, the main lights were lit with elegant crystal chandeliers. The crystals shone with radiant beauty and cast off a soft glow which glittered on the smooth surfaces of the golden satin ribbons that draped the walls. On the walls were silver wallpapers trimmed with gold borders, and portraits of mediaeval knights and their ladies and queens and kings graced the entire ballroom. Nearly transparent silk were draped across doors to the balcony, creating an unrealistic, but delicate effect. Serena turned her head, immediately recognizing the host with his wife greeting some important political friends. Amongst the crowd, she also saw some very influential tycoons present with beautiful blondes sticking to their side. She chuckled as her eyes landed on a band with violin, enjoying the smooth, soothing melody they produced. The dance floor is black marble, polished highly so one could easily see his or her reflection on it. And long lines of dinning tables with snowy white table cloth were served with delicious food and drinks. Serena, however, was not too eager to become a member of them, so she slipped quietly away without capturing any attention. She found a seat, somewhere close to the band, and sat, amusement spread slowly across her lovely face. But behind her, a pair of warm, blue eyes regarded her with silent admiration. Yes, he did recognize her: the moment she walked through the doors. Ami Anderson and her husband were dancing under the lights, and slightly to their right, Serena also recognized Rei Scully and her fiancée Chad Lucason; and she immediately remembered they were on the front page with their announcement of a wedding next June. And that was... The soft scent of a flower slipped into her nose, and her startled eyes were greeted by Darien’s smiling blue eyes. He’s as handsome as always, but Serena felt her heart being strangely tugged suddenly. She ignored the feeling, afraid to discover the source of her distraction. "May I have this dance, Ms. Murphy?" He held out his hand, his eyes inviting her. Serena stood up, placed her hand in his, the answer was in her eyes. Placid sea, silver moon Life is a serenity He’s out there, he is never far away How do I make him understand? I am not the legendary angel under the light Lifting a trembling finger I dragged my heavy pace For once I start to count on happiness Oh let me love you Take of that shield of cold With all I can give Fly me to her I will never block you out I rather clung to you for dear life Oh coming down Give me a ray of hope I will hold out my hands but will you give me yours? A promise of paradise on a silver platter I am offering you when you are willing to share a life under the same roof We shall sit together under the dazzling rainbow counting the glittering raindrops and guard our blue sky Come with me Let’s laugh away wealth and glory ‘cause we are richer than the richest Let’s cry of joy ‘cause our souls are mirroring each other No, Please don’t vanish Do not trick my eyes ‘cause you can’t vanish like a moonbeam Do you have any idea, that I’d do anything just for you? I will hold on to you forever I will hold on to you forever forever holding on to you... *Note: uh...this lyric is actually written by me, because I can’t find any appropriate ones that suits here, so I wrote one...please do not laugh ^.^* They danced in silence. Darien looked down at the blond in his arms, she had her head bowed and apparently deep in thought. The soft scent of Serena’s perfume tickled his nose, reminding him of May’s blooming flowers. He sighed inwardly, hoping she’d look up and talk to him. As he guided her through the song, a very odd emotion lifted his heart. She felt so right in his arms, as if...she belonged there...a long time ago. They danced, suddenly running out of words to say. Then, the song came to an end, very slowly, fading away into the background. They parted, but Darien’s hand hesitated on her waist. She pulled back, and he let her go. They walked away, Serena in one direction, Darien in the opposite. But neither of them knew that during this silently shared moment, a special bond has already formed between them; and this bond will act like the red cord of destiny, drawing them closer and closer together. Finally,together.... ******** Serena Murphy stood alone on the balcony. The cool night's breeze lifted a lock of her hair, and she reached out to smooth it away. Her heart still raced like mad, and his hand felt as if it was still on her waist. Then, she looked up. In the middle of the sky, a crescent dish shone with her favorite silvery color, such a familiar shape. I will never block you out I rather clung to you for dear life Oh coming down Give me a ray of hope I will hold out my hands but will you give me yours? A promise of paradise on a silver platter I am offering you when you are willing to share a life under the same roof We shall sit together under the dazzling rainbow counting the glittering raindrops and guard our blue sky .... I will hold on to you forever I will hold on to you forever forever holding on to you... The lyric replayed in her mind again and again, reminding and hinting, of something... To be continued...