A/N: School is out yea! That means I'll have a lot more time to update my stories cause I have nothing to do this summer cause of my dad's work. I updated a Change in Time 2, which I'm very proud of myself for doing so. Also I have yet another new story called Give Me The Key To Your Heart so plz read that as well. Also since I last updated this story I've really gotten into the Twilight series, so if you haven't read it, read it! If you read Twilight stories you should check out these stories of friends of mine on is called Now and Forever by LoganLover8128 and the other is called Life In The Fast Lane by TruexLovexAlways also if you like Hermione and Draco stories you should read One Heck Of A Year also by LoganLover8128. On with the Story!! P.S this chapter is for legallyblonde101, thanks for sticking around!! Also on you have any questions feel free to ask me!!
Chapter 9Darien was avoiding her and the children.
Serena juggled the diaper bag as she arranged Maddie in her arms and urged Little A onward down the long carpeted hall of the building that housed Shields Inc.
Oh, it had not been obvious at first, as Serena had adjusted herself to the children's rigorous schedules. But as Maddie and Little A had settled into a routine, it had quickly become apparent to Serena that Darien wasn't just missing supper and spending more time than usual at the office. She had no doubt that he was doing his best to detach himself from the situation.
The children didn't notice, as they hadn't grown to Darien yet. But Serena noticed. He'd taken to coming up the balcony stairs to come up to his room in the evenings. And if he did pass though the house when she and the children were still up, and happen to run into them, he made some excuse about being tired, or making it an early night and they'd discuss anything that needed to be discussed at a more opportune time.
And to think, that first night she'd caught him unaware, she had only planned to ask him if she could take the children to the zoo.
Well, he was done avoiding her. She was about to put an end to that, she thought again determinedly. After all, Darien had made the decision to keep the children until their mother, whoever that was, could be located. He should at least spend time with them. The children had no one else. It was up to her to made Darien realize that, whether he wanted to or not. She assured herself that was her only motivation and that she wasn't upset that he'd been treating her as if she had the plague every moment since the first day, but hey, who the hell was she fooling?
"Door!"
The lunging child brought Serena abruptly out of her thoughts as she pointed to the door, glancing at the squirming Maddie in her arms and noted how intently she examined each door they passed.
"Yes, Maddie. Door. No Little A," she admonished gently as the toddler on her right reached toward the leg of a very delicate table with a very expensive china vase sitting on top of it.
"Come on. Take my hand," she urged him, grabbing hold of his chubby little hand just in time.
She swerved to avoid the cherry-wood table tat sat just outside the main doors leading to Darien's office.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded to the receptionist who was coming out of a side room, then barged into the secretary's office before the receptionist could stop her.
A young girl no more than twenty-three years old, Serena guessed, looked up from her computer.
"May I help you?" she asked, her glance taking in one child, then the other. Surprised, Serena watched the woman smile sweetly at both children with a gaze that was soft and loving. Maddie clapped and squealed.
"Go," Little A said, reaching toward the secretary.
The secretary winked before glancing back in question at Serena.
"I'm here to see Darien…Darien Shields."
Serena suddenly realized she didn't even know if Darien was in. In the past he had rarely done the traveling for the company. He had held simple 9-5 hours unless problem cropped up. Of course, back then, Drew had been around to take care of most of the problems. Now, Darien was doing the bulk of the work. Maybe he wasn't here.
Well, she thought, if he's not here I'll look like the biggest damn fool to ever walk in here, especially with two kids tagging along.
"I'm sorry, Rei," the receptionist said, coming into the office almost on Serena's heels, but the young dark hair girl interrupted her.
"It's alright Michelle."
With a small nod the young girl dismissed the older woman.
"You must be Ms. Tsukino?" she inquired politely if a little coolly.
The children were both squirming and despite her resolve, Serena suddenly felt like squirming too. She knew how much Darien demanded of his secretaries. How could a woman so young be in such a position of responsibility? Long raven hair coiled in a French twist at the back of her head gave the woman an air sophistication. Remarkable violet eyes regarded her with wisdom beyond her years. Her long slender hands were more suited to model than typing, Serena thought. She in her plain jeans and short-sleeve sweater, suddenly realized how undressed she must look compared to the woman's tailored suit and silk blouse.
"Yes, I'm Serena Tsukino. I know Darien said he had to work today, but I need to see him…"
The girl frowned over Serena's use of Darien's first name, causing Serena to wonder id maybe there wasn't more going on between the secretary and Darien than she realized. She watched at the woman buzzed the office.
"Yes Rei?"
Serena watched the way the girls face softened and grew just the tiniest bit dreamy as she responded to Darien's question.
"Ms. Tsukino is here to see you. Would you like me to schedule an appointment with her? Or have her come back…"
"Sere?" The elated/astonished voice was quickly covered.
"Go ahead and send her in."
Obviously distressed at the sound of Serena's nickname on Darien's lips, Rei nodded towards the door. Maddie squealed again and clapped her hands. Serena immediately released Little A's hand to steady Maddie.
Faster than any toddler should be able to, Little A toddled around Rei's desk.
Serena started to race after Little A, but watched as Rei reached down and lifted the boy into her lap. Any jealousy Serena had melted away as she watched the genuine warmth spread across Rei's face. Maddie immediately wriggled from her grasp and followed her brother.
"You like children?"
Serena smiled when Rei glanced up startled to see Serena still standing there.
"Yes, I do," Rei replied.
Staring at Serena sizing her up, (A/N: not the normal guy way for all you gutter minders), clearly deciding if she could trust her or not, she finally confided, "I used to work in a day care, was the administrator until it shut down."
Serena's disbelief must have shown because Rei smiled.
"I'd been working there since I was 15. My mother owned it. Unfortunately, when she died two years ago, most of the parents and even the thought I was too damn young to run it. We lost too much business and I had to shut the place down."
"You owned it?" Serena was amazed.
She shrugged.
"My mother owned it. I practically grew up in it. I only ended up here because a friend of mine knew that Andrew Shields needed at temporary secretary while his own was on maternity leave. He liked how levelheaded I was so much he kept me on."
Serena flushed.
"I shouldn't have judged you by your age."
"Everyone does, even Darien."
Rei's frown returned. Serena suddenly realized the girl, despite how responsible she appeared to be, was still very young otherwise. She evidently had a huge crush on her boss. Serena was almost envious of the sweet innocence that glowed briefly in Rei's eyes.
"Well," she said, uncomfortable with the knowledge that this young girl liked the same man she herself had almost married.
"Come on Maddie, Little A. Come with me," she coxed, holding out her hands. She wasn't surprised when they ignored her.
"Oh, please," the secretary said.
"They're no trouble. If you're only going to be a few minutes you can leave them with me."
Serena didn't miss the girl's hopeful expression. So, she felt threaten by Serena, did she? She would have liked to reassure her that there was no reason to worry. Darien didn't trust her anymore. And there was no chance of that happening in the near future, either. Instead she nodded.
"Five minutes at the most. But be careful, they're very active."
Serena dropped the diaper bag by the desk and strode in the door. Darien was sitting behind his desk, papers spread out everywhere. She was certain they had been placed there in the last few second to make him look busy, for she remember that Darien never let his desk become the least bit unorganized.
The desk was centered in a large, airy room, decorated with vases filled with roses. She's always liked that about Darien's office. Expensive mahogany bookcase lined one wall and on the other end of the office was what he liked was what he liked to call his negotiating corner. A large fire place-that was totally electric- was surrounded by soft leather chairs and a black sofa. It was a place to put someone as ease.
Darien use to spend a lot of time in that corner when she'd come to visit him. He'd jokingly say they where going to have to find somewhere else to sit and talk, because remembering her sitting there cause no end of distraction when he was trying to make a case for something with one of his business associates.
Reluctantly, she drew her mind away from the fond memories and braced herself for the confrontation ahead. Turning back to Darien, she saw he, too, had been staring at the sofa. Did it hold the same memories for him? He focused on her, quickly shuffling his papers to one side of the desk.
"What can I do for you, Sere? Is something a matter with the kids? By the way where are they?"
She smiled.
"They're with Rei."
"What?"
He frowned and stood.
"You know I'm trying to keep this quiet. Rei won't talk, but running though the damn offices…and besides, can she even handle those two?"
Serena laughed.
"She's not a kid," she replied, belying her own thought of a minute ago.
"Besides don't you know anything about your secretary?"
"What the hell do you mean?" Darien had come around the desk and headed towards the door. At her words he turned back to her.
"She used to own a day care, or at least, he mother did. She misses it terribly. It was obvious the way she took Maddie and Little A."
"I didn't know," he murmured, slowly strolling over to his desk. Turning, he leaned against it.
"So what are you doing here?"
Handing him a spitting cobra would have surprised him less. His mouth fell open.
"You've gotta be fucking kidding me, right?"
Serena's smile left.
"No, I damn well am not kidding. Darien, I don't think you've thought out this idea."
"I certainly have," he said.
"Serena I appreciate that you think I need a break, but I'm very behind because of Drew's honeymoon. He'll be back in the couple of days or so and I've got to get all this work caught up."
She realized the work on his desk must be real. Biting her lip in indecision, she glanced at his desk, but then firmed her resolve. The kids needed him, whether he realized it or not, and she was done with him hiding out.
"Your needing a break is not what I'm worried about. Actually, it's the kids."
"Are they sick? What the hell is it? You're not making any sense."
"Darien!"
His eyes widened at her sharp tone. She sighed.
"Let me finish."
He nodded.
"You hired me to take care of the kids. I understand that. I love taking care of Maddie and Little A. However, there is something that I think you've neglected in their care."
He frowned and when she didn't say anything more, he finally asked, "And just what the hell might I ask that I have forgotten?"
"Your bad mouth, jackass presence."
She had definitely caught him by surprise. The hand that was rubbing his chin paused. He stared at her intently, and then said, "That's stupid. Hell, they don't even now me."
"Damn straight." Serena said.
"I a nanny, not their mother."
"Damn it, we're not going though his again are we Sere? I already told you that I'm not their father."
"But you're the closest thing they have to a relative right now. Don't you see that?" she pleaded, her hands going out in supplication.
"I'm a temporary. I'll leave here soon. But you'll be left behind. Think how hard that will be on the children. They need to bond with you, have someone to hold on to until their real mother is found. And that someone should be you, not me. You do remember that I have a job to go back to in a couple of weeks, don't you?"
"But what do I know about kids? I'm a bachelor," Darien complained helplessly.
"That's why I hired you."
"I know that, Darien. But what would you have done when we had children?" she asked softly, trying to make a point.
His eyes darkened.
"That would have been different. I could have learned day by day."
She smiled.
"Tell my why you refused to let them get turned over to child services?"
Darien pushed away from his desk and paced toward the fireplace.
"I didn't want them separated."
"But why?"
Casting her a harassed look he replied, "They need each other…I don't know. You had to see them that morning when I found them. They are part of each other, depending on each other. I can't explain how it is to be a twin. I just know how it is and it would've been cruel to separate them."
"I agree."
"Then why did you ask me?" he replied.
"To remind you it was you who want them living at you house, you who when out of your way to make sure you could keep them."
Darien sighed, but Serena wasn't done, "And to remind you that whether you want to admit it or not, you feel something for them."
"I not afraid to admit that," he grumbled.
Serena thought that was the heart of his problem. He didn't want to care. He wanted to hide in his own world where he could be nice, have fun, but have no close attachments.
Why, she'd never understood, but later, after their breakup, she wondered if their wasn't more driving Darien than just the thought of those pictures. He'd never tried to work it out, never tried to find out why.
She didn't say anything about his reasons for avoiding the children. Instead, she said, "I didn't think you were. But just imagine how much easier it'll be for the children if your here when I leave. They need someone steady so they won't be hurt."
Walking over to where he was standing she looked into his midnight blue eyes and said, "I'm not asking much, Darien. I know you're a very busy person. But is Drew is going to be home in a couple of days, what will it hurt to play hooky? He won't know. And I doubt he'd care if you did. You've held up the business admirably the past couple of years. You've taken on many responsibilities, just like you have with those kids out in the reception area. What will it hurt to cut loose for a few hours, escort us to the zoo and have some fun?"
She smiled when his lips switched. That was a sigh that he was weakening. She knew him too well.
"It's not like I'm asking you to adopt them," she drawled.
"Just get to know them, spend a couple of hours a day with them."
"If I agree, will it keep you out of the office and away from the possible exposure to the media that's always lurking here?" he asked seriously.
A slow smile spread across her face and Darien look just a little stunned. Had it been that long since he'd seen her smile? she wondered.
"I can guarantee it, Darien Alexander Shields," she replied.
"And you've just given me a weapon. If you start neglecting us, I promise to come down here and bug you until our pictures are plastered in every magazine west of the Mississippi!"
His lips curved into a reluctant smile.
"And you would, too, wouldn't you Serenity Isabelle Tsukino."
Grinning sweetly, she didn't answer. He knew she'd never go to the press, with her hating them as much as he did.
"Okay, che'rie, you win, despite obvious lies. Let me straighten that up-" he motioned toward the desk "- and we'll go. Luckily, today was a light load. No appointments, just paper work that needed catching up on and I decided to do it here…" he winced as id suddenly realizing what he was revealing.
"To avoid me," she supplied, refusing to let him see how much his reason for frequenting the office hurt.
"But we've put an end to that," she said lightly, letting him read into her words that she'd thought it was only the kids he was avoiding and not her. "So I'll aspect to see you home around the children more often."
She turned toward the door.
"Well, I'd better go check on the demolition team-"
"Sere."
His hand on her arm stopped her. Biting her lip to hold the hurt, she did her best to put on a smile.
"It's okay, really, Darien."
"Look, I'm sorry. I know this is difficult."
Letting go of her arm, he ran a hand wearily though his hair.
"This is one reason why I wanted someone else. It would have been easier-"
"Not to see each other again?" she asked, the smile still intact, though her face felt as set as concrete.
"Yes. We had broken it off, gotten on with our lives. It would have been a lot easier not to be thrown together again."
"If we really had gotten on with our lives, Darien, if we had actually gotten over the past and were living again, would our being together really hurt this much?"
Darien opened his mouth to reply but he never got the chance. A loud crash on the other side of the door held his words within.
Both Darien and Serena stared at each other in shock then in unison groaned.
"The kids!" Darien said.
"The kids," Serena confirmed.
A/N: Well I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Once again I apologize for not putting this out sooner. If you have any questions feel free to ask.