Me, My Brother, and I
God grant me Serenity
To accept the things I cannot Change
Courage to change the things I can
And Wisdom to know the difference..
Serena smiled as she nodded. Mr. Craft left her and she took a breath in. She walked out from the side because that was where the piano was. She looked at the midnight black grand piano with its matching stool; she didn't really look around to see if she knew anyone. She was just too nervous; she sat down and took another deep breath. She placed her hands on the piano and began to move her fingers over the white piano keys, as it sounded the slow melody she was about to play.
It definitely wasn't her mind. Mina squinted at the blonde pianist who was playing such a beautiful melody. Her mind was telling her that it was Serena and another was saying its all in her head. Was it really Serena and what—her brain put the story together. She was just on the phone with the girls, they told her she lost her parents and it was only her. So she was (the girl) working for her uncle, damn it was a small world after all. Mina couldn't let the best get to her, she wanted to just go and hug Serena and then ask her about what happened. But at the same time she didn't want to openly confront her about it.
And then she remembered that was what her uncle meant when he said she was a special girl. Obviously he knew and obviously he had the heart enough to take her in as his own. Life Mina thought the things that it brings.
"Matthew has wonderful taste, she does play beautifully." A woman commented at Mina's table. She watched and listened attentively to the Serena.
Darien began scanning the room. Even though he knew no one there as everyone does he looked to see his surroundings. His eyes stopped immediately on a blonde. And it wasn't Serena. His dark blue eyes lightened up as he recognized the person.
"Mina?" He whispered to himself. Sammy turned to him hearing him say something.
"Something wrong Darien?"
Darien shook his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "No, no. It's just someone I know is here." Sammy didn't bother to question him anymore he turned his attention back to his sisters piano piece.
Time slowly moved on. The dinner was wonderful so far. Mr. Craft gave family and friends the opportunity to say happy birthday to his wife and talk about their relationship with her. Waiters also passed around food for the guests to eat. Everyone was served and began eating; Darien got up from his seat and walked over to the table where Mina was sitting.
"Mina." He called as her head jerked looking at him.
Mina's eyes narrowed. "Darien?" She was totally confused her mind was again turned around.
"What are you doing here?"
"I um came here with Serena, her boss said she needed a date. And I volunteered."
"What happened to Rachelle?" She asked acidly Darien's head jerked a bit taken back.
"What about them?" She continued.
"You tell me." She replied annoyed. "Shouldn't you be all around her? I mean you did blow her off for Serena for a while. Raye had to knock you back into reality. Correct me if I'm wrong." Mina was straight forward and to the point. Darien was surprised by her sudden change.
He nodded. "You're right, but right now Rachelle is not a priority furthermore any of your concern."
Mina folded her arms. "Look Shields I hope you don't have a death wish because you really don't want another girl pissed off at your jerk ass. Playing games with peoples emotions is the lowest of low." Darien looked at Serena and then back at Mina. He didn't say anything more he headed back to his table. Was the whole world turning against him? This Rachelle girl was causing more trouble then ever and the girl isn't even here for good.
The evening drifted on and it was almost time for the guests to part. Serena was taking a break from the piano, and headed over to the table that had little snacks for people to receive if they wanted a little something more to eat. She picked up one of the apple cider drinks which was placed in the champagne glass to drink. She was very relieved to have a break from her job. People came up to her and bragged about her skill and told her she was a beautiful pianist and had great potential.
And that was something Serena knew she had to be proud of. "You are so very talented." Someone's vibrant voice spoke. Serena chuckled turning around. But her smile changed, and her lips straightened surprised.
"Mina." She said plainly. "What a surprise, what are you doing here?" It was hard to hide her shock and it wasn't hard to miss it.
Mina gave Serena a sympathetic smile. "Serena.." She paused.
"I'm here because this is my Aunty Laura's party. But that is beside the point—Serena I know." Mina closed her eyes.
"God you're so strong, I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed hugging Serena. Serena's eyes widened and she didn't know how to react. This was happening so fast.
"Thank you. But how?" She questioned.
"The girls they called me and told me, and I also heard my uncle talking about you but I didn't know who you were. And after seeing you I put the story together, Serena why didn't you tell us?" Serena shrugged.
"Because I hardly know you guys, but obviously everyone is finding out these days I don't believe it's much of a secret anymore."
"When I came here, I never intended on even making friends. Or even having a boyfriend, my goal was keep Sammy in school and keep myself in school and graduate. But all of you came into my life—and only God knows why. I thought I would have been all alone." She explained, it was about time she told some part of the truth to someone other then Darien.
"Well you're not. You have us and by us I mean the girls and myself." Serena blushed a bit; she was a bit embarrassed discussing her situation.
"I think I have realized that. Darien made the same promise to me." Mina's eyes narrowed and she glanced him a few tables away.
"Are you sure about that? He's been a jerk lately—you sure he's really sincere?" Serena smiled.
"Mina he came to my house and confronted me about the situation, he even comforted me telling me that everything would be okay. He made the same exact promise as you did."
Mina's demeanor changed. "I don't know.."
"Look just be careful. I mean right now isn't a good time to put more burdens on you. You know what I mean?" Serena nodded.
"If he slips once your four new best friends will be all over him." Mina said giving Serena a slight wink.
"Mina!" Mr. Craft called heading directly to them.
"I see you've met the pianist Serena." He said cheerfully.
She nodded. "Yea, you know uncle she goes to my school. Can you believe that I already know her?" Matthew's facial expression did a whole three sixty. He looked at Serena and back to Mina.
"Really?" His eye brown rose.
"Hmm hum. I was just talking to her because I recognized her."
"What a small world it is. Well it's good to know you two already know each other, but please Serena must get back to work." He stretched his arm pointing to the piano.
"Okay, I'll talk to you later Mina." Serena said forcing a smile and heading back to the piano.
Finally the dinner came to its end. And Serena was so relieved. She grabbed her books and headed over the table where Sammy and Darien waited patiently.
"Took you long enough." Sammy retorted playfully.
"Oh shut up! Come I'm ready to go though it has been a long night." Before she could move she looked around to see if she saw Mina. And strangely she didn't.
"You ready?" Darien asked the both of them.
"I know I am." Sammy replied in a lazily tone.
"I had a great time Darien. Thank you so much for taking me. And tolerating my brother." Serena said looking at Darien they both stood in the Foyer of the house.
"I enjoyed myself too. Thank you for letting me go." Their conversation at this point was so awkward Serena didn't know what to do from here and neither did Darien.
"Darien.." She called innocently.
"Hmm?" 'Um I like you a lot and maybe we can make our relationship official.' She said in herself mind. 'No, no! I think I'm falling for you and don't know what to do with myself?'—'No! I have to get this out, so here goes nothing..'
Serena began to open her mouth but quickly shut it. She didn't have the guts too, and instead of revealing her feelings Serena stood on her toes and pressed her lips on Darien's. Darien jumped a bit taken by her action it was a little unexpected. For all he knew he'd be the one landing a surprise kiss on her lips.
Darien's placed his left hand on her cheek tenderly. He couldn't help that this girl kissed really good and he every moment of it. Serena pulled away blushing. She began look around nervously.
"Um.." She murmured Darien smiled.
"I think you were going to tell me something." He said grinning even wider. Serena rolled her eyes.
"No, no never mind. I don't know if now would be the best time." She paused looking into his eyes.
"Um well Darien I again had really great time but it's getting late and I think you should go." She really didn't want to say that. But Serena didn't want to jump in and tell her feelings. She let Mina's words haunt her in her mind "….just be careful. I mean right now isn't a good time to put more burdens on you. You know what I mean?"
Darien had a feeling that what she was going to say was more important then 'I'm tired I really think you should go' but he didn't want to push it. It was late and seemingly he was tired too. "I definitely understand. I guess I'll be on my way." He turned and opened the front door and Serena was right behind him.
"Bye." He said with a wave and he was off into the night. Serena shut the front door locking the door.
"Ugh. Serena girl you had it! You had the chance!" She whispered.
"Darien was waiting for it! But I just couldn't have said it, at least not yet." She sighed to herself.
AN: Well first and for most I'M FINALLY UPDATING!! Aren't you guys happy? Yes I know it's been MONTHS along with a new year. But I do have A excuse you see my computer once again CRASHED so the story chapter I was typing is now lost and my computer isn't even restored yet so I'm stuck with using my laptop. So I had to start from scratch all over again. HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED!!