Title:The Benefactor Author:Tapestry E-Mail:Shaddow_Cat@hotmail.com Rating:G URL:http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/5879 Standard Dislaimer Apply The poem,Firelight is not mine.I'm just using it for the story.I'm very sorry to say I don't know who the writer of this lovely poem is. *denotes thought It was the first Monday of the month...a perfectly awful day for Serena Abbott.It was when the Trustee's of St.Claire Orphanage,came around to examine the Orphanage. Every floor had to be spotless,every chair dustless,and every bed without a wrinkle.Ninety-nine squirming little orphans had to be scrubbed,combed and buttoned into freshly pressed clothes. All ninety-nine were reminded of their manners and told to answer the Trustee's with a "Yes sir," or "No sir," whenever they spoke. It was a busy time for poor Serena Abbott,being the oldest orphan,she had to bear the brunt of it all.Serena Abbott was a 19-year old with long golden hair tied in a thick braid with beautiful clear,sky coloured eyes. Her special care room was room D,where ten little tots from four to seven occupied the ten little beds in the room. Serena assembled her charges into a line and straightened their clothes, wiped their noses, and started them off toward the dining room for their breakfast. Their breakfast consisted of bread,milk and apple pudding,which they indulged for a blessed half-hour. Serena sat down by the window,leaning her head on the cool glass,rubbing her throbbing temples.She had been up since 5.30 this morning,doing everybody's bidding,getting scolded and hurried along by the nervous matron. Miss Haruna,behind the scenes was not a calm and pompous woman.Rather the exact opposite when she faced an audience of Trustees and lady visitors. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later... The day had ended...quite sucessfully,as far as she knew.The Trustees and the visiting committee had made their rounds,and read their reports,drunk their tea and were now hurrying home to their own cheerful fires and family, forgetting their bothersome charges for another month. Serena watched them leave with curiosty and wistfulness.She watched as the stream of carriages and automobiles rolled out of the asylum gates. How she longed to be part of a family.She imagined herself one of them, a big house dotted along the hillside,herself in a fur coat and a velvet hat,trimmed with feathers leaning back into the seat nonchalantly murmuring "Home" to the driver. However,whenever she reached the doorstep of the house,the image always blurred and faded away. Serena had an imagination,but keen as it was,it could never carry her beyond the front porches of the elegant houses she imagined.In all her 19 years,Serena Abbott had never stepped into an ordinary house.She couldn't picture the lives led by other human beings which where undisturbed by bothersome orphans like herself... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Then a little boy came skipping up towards her... "Se-rena,You are wanted in the of-fice by Miss-Ha-ru-na.Bet-ter hurry up, I think she's mad!!"exclaimed the boy. Serena scowled at the little boy...Sammy Benton.He was always a pain...but she did love him dearly. Serena hurried towards the office,as she was reaching,she saw the back of a tall man with black hair walking away.The way his hair looked,a dark black,he was probably not more than in his twenties.... Serena entered the office,presenting a tiny smile on her face,to Miss Haruna. Surprisingly,the matron was not exactly smiling but definately not frowning.It was a pleasant expression. "Sit down,Serena,I have something to say to you." Serena sat down into the nearest chair and waited for Miss Haruna to speak her thoughts.An automobile flashed past the windows,Miss Haruna glanced after it. "Did you notice the gentleman who has just gone??"asked Miss Haruna. "I saw his back."replied Serena. "He is one of our most affuential Trustes,and has given large sums of money toward the asylum's support.I am not at liberty to mention his name. He expresslystipulated hat he was to remain unknown."said Miss Haruna. Serena looked confused. "The gentleman has taken an interest in several of our boys before, remember Nephlas Turnings and Malcom Young??They should be about a year older than you now.They were sent to college by Mr-er-this Trustee. His help has solely been directed to boys and I have never been able to interest him in the slightest degree in any of the girls.He does not,I may tell you,care for girls." Silence.... "Today at the regular meeting,the question of your future was brought up. Usually you know,children are not kept after they are 18,but an exception was made in our case,because you finished school when you were 15 and had done so well in our studies,it was determined to let you go on to the village high school.You finished that and have done splendidly at helping us here...however,we cannot keep you for very much longer." "I understand..."whispered Serena. "The young gentleman read one of your essays regarding a certain Monday Blues??You were lucky you managed to make it funny,or I doubt you would have been forgiven."began Miss Haruna.Serena flushed bright red...a feeling of guilt settling deep in her. "It seems that the gentleman has a considerable sense of humor,and was amused by your essay,therefore,he has offered to send you to college." finished Miss Haruna. "To college??"squeaked Serena astonished. Miss Haruna nodded. "He discussed the terms with me...they are rather unusual.The gentleman believes you have originality,and he plans to educate you to become a writer." Serena was surprised and struck dumb from what the matron had said.Her mind was numbed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later... Serena returned to her room,replaying the words that Miss Haruna had said. ~FLASHBACK~ "He is giving you a very liberal,for a girl who has no experience in taking care of money.But he assures me that he has planned it carefully. Your board and tuition will be paid directly to the college,and you will recieve an allowance of 30 dollars a month.This will enable you to enter the same standing as other students. The money will be sent by his secretary,once a month and in return,you are not to thank him for the money,rather you are to write a letter,telling of you progress in your studies and details of your daily life.Just such a letter as you would write to your parents if they were living. The letters are to be addressed to Mr Smith and will be sent in care to his secretary,Mr Mallory.He will never answer your letters for he detests letter-writing and does not wish you to become a burden... ~END FLASHBACK~ Serena smirked...*The man could have at least chosen a name with a bit more personality...Mr Smith...it's not even his real name.* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Autumn..... Serena left the orphanage that autumn... When she reached the college,she was left to settle in.... Serena looked around her room curiously.Her room mate was a girl by Minalle Shirley. The warden had told her there were only 5 other girls besides her who occupied the floor. Suddenly,a bouncing girl came into the room.She had long flaxen hair and bright blue eyes. Serena stared at the girl.She radiated an aura of warmth and happiness. "Hi,I'm Minalle Shirley,but please call me Mina.You must be Serena Abbott, correct?"asked Mina. Serena nodded."Nice to meet you."said Mina smiling. "You too."replied Serena. "How about I take you down to the village and introduce you to some of the girls who stay on this floor??"asked Mina. Serena nodded uncertainly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The village... Serena and Mina made their way towards a house.Serena stared in awe. Besides the college,it was probably the biggest most bewildering place. They entered the house.It belonged to the aunt of one of the girls who stayed at the dorm.Since it was saturday night and classes didn't start until Monday,the girl had decided to stay at her aunt's. "Hi Lita!!"exclaimed Mina. Serena saw 3 girls sitting by the fire and staring at her.Serena began to feel very conscious of herself. "Hi Mina.Who's your new friend??"asked a girl with long raven hair. "This is Serena Abbott.She's my room mate."said Mina. The three girls smiled at Serena."Hello,nice to meet you."said the girl with beautiful chocolate brown curls. The last girl who was petite looking had shorter midnight hair and smiled shyly. Mina introduced the three girls to Serena.The raven haired beauty was Rayenna Blight.The tall girl with dark chocolate curls was Litalia Barry and the petite girl was Amyana Stacey. But they all insisted to be called Lita,Raye and Amy. "Serena,Mina says you're an orphan,right?"asked Raye. Serena nodded. "So,who's sending you to college??"asked Lita curiously. "A trustee of the orphanage."replied Serena flatly. They didn't touch on the subject of Serena being an orphan anymore... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Monday... Raye had offered to take Serena around the college,since they were in the same classes. Serena was thankful she had a friend to go to college with....she'd have hated it if she didn't have anybody. While walking along,Serena bumped into somebody.... Looking up,she saw a young man with red hair."Oh I'm sorry..."stuttered Serena. The boy just grinned and walked away. Serena felt her cheeks flush as the boy walked away. Raye,who had noticed the incident while looking for Serena,quickly walked towards Serena. Serena was startled when Raye tapped her shoulder lightly. "So,Serena....I see you've met Alan Donnell already."said Raye smiling. "Who?"asked Serena. "Alan Donnell.He's one of the cutest guys in college!!I couldn't believe my eyes!!Alan actually smiled at you!!!"breathed Raye. Serena rolled her eyes... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Break time.... "Oh,Sere!!I can't believe it!!Alan Donnell actually smiled at you??" swooned Mina. "He looks just like my old boyfriend."said Lita dreamily. Serena groaned."I bet it's just because I'm new!!"exclaimed Serena. Raye shook her head."Doubt that!!" "Hello."said a voice. All five girls looked up to find a man with curious white blonde hair,and a girl with deep green eyes and auburn curls who was frowning. "You're the new girl right?"asked the man. Serena nodded. "I'm Dimando McAllister and this is Emerald Pikeson."he introduced. Emerald actually frowned at Serena and hugged Dimando's arm possesively, shooting Serena a glare that said..."He's mine...don't get any ideas." Serena shrugged."Nice to meet you Dimando.I'm Serena Abbott."replied Serena nonchalantly. "Pleased to have met you,"said Dimando walking away with a frowning Emerald. When they were out of sight,the three girls,swooned.Amy shook her head in exasperation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena's letters to Mr.Smith.... Dear Mr Smith, I love college!!And I love you for sending me!!I'm very happy here and I have actually made friends my own age!!I started classes today,and met some other people.However,I still have not met the famous Ann Harleson,who stays on the same floor of the dorm as I do. My room mate,Mina Shirley says she's plain mean and snobby.I've yet to meet her,so I don't know. My room is built up in a tower.I can see most of the village from up here. There are 5 other girls staying on the same floor,as you know,Ann Harleson, Minalle Shirley,my room mate, Rayenna Blight,Amyana Stacey and Litalia Barry who are my best friends. Three people who struck me funny in school,were Dimando McAllister, Emerald Pikeson and Alan Donnell.Emerald and I aren't on good terms...or so I think. My room is on the north-east corner with four windows and a wonderful view of the village.After living with 16 younger orphans for nineteen years,it's restful to be alone or with people my own age.I think I'll finally know who Serena Abbott is... I have to stop here now.It's lights out.Good night. P.S.:It's 9 o'clock and I'm well...Hope you are too. Yours always, Serena Abbott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The months passed easily...Serena never once missed the asylum.Her days in college were peaceful and happy. "So Serena,who do you like better??Alan or Dimando??"asked Mina mischieviously. Serena merely shrugged.Getting up from her spot,"Neither...they're both very kind,however....I don't think I'm up for a beau."she replied. Mina got up and walked after Serena."Hey!Wait up!!" Serena stared behind her shoulder and gave a laugh...Suddenly... "HEY WATCH WHERE YOU"RE GOING!!!"exclaimed a girl sharply. Serena looked up and rubbed her head.She had collided with another girl with shoulder length red hair and piercing eyes. Mina then caught up and frowned at the girl. "Hello,Ann."said Mina. "Oh,it's you...who's the little dummy?"asked Ann scornfully,her glare pinpointing on Serena. "My room mate,Serena meet Ann Harleson."murmured Mina. Serena stared at Ann...she knew from that moment,they wouldn't get along at all.... "Hey Ann!!"said a voice. Alan came up beside Ann.."Oh,hi Serena,Mina."said Alan smiling.Ann frowned again."You know her??"asked Ann. "Why,yes I do.."replied Alan. Ann waited to hear no more and dragged Alan away. Serena and Mina stared after them."They,together??"asked Serena. Silence.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later... Dear Sandman, Pardon the pet name.I just thought Mr Smith was getting a bit dull...and why I call you Sandman??Is because you gave me the impression,when I say your back,the impression of night itself. Well,I've finally met Ann 'Harpy' Harleson,and I can tell you sandman-dearest,she and I are not so happy to meet each other.I think Ann and Emerald were born to be my enemies. I've been here at college for nearly half-a-year.Emerald has been impossible.She's even accused me of trying to steal her beau!!Not that Dimando is even her beau. Ann and Emerald come from well to do families.And they think,because they're a Pikeson and Harleson,they can rule the world. Enough about them,Lita and Amy helped me pick out some nice things to furnish the room.We bought a rug for 2 dollars.And I do assure you,I really appreciate the allowance. I suppose,you'd like to know where I am in my studies now?? I.Geometry:Finished cones,now doing prisms. II.English:Doing literature and compositions. III.French:24 pages of the 'Three Musketeers' and third conjuration. IV.Latin:Second Punic War. V.Physiology:Bile and pancreas.Finished digestive system. I'm afraid I have to stop here.My friends and I are meeting for a poetry and story club.I'll write some of my works next time.And maybe I'll send a photo. P.S.I hope you don't touch alcohol.It does dreadful things to your liver. Yours dearly, Serena Abbott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Another month passed.... Serena sighed....she breathed in the fresh air.She loved sitting under the oak tree.It grew nearby the lake on the college grounds.It always soothed her nerves to sit under the oak tree.At times,she came when she felt lonely even though she had her friends...her life was still missing something.. She had just recieved her monthly allowance from her benefactor...and now she decided to write the letter whilst sitting out on the college grounds. Dear Sandman, Hello again.I'm sitting underneath an oak tree while I write this letter. I'm feeling very lonesome...my friends don't abandon me,but I feel lonely even when I'm with them. I guess I'm just missing something in my life.It's going to be my birthday exactly two weeks from now. Then,I'll be 20.Isn't that wonderful??My studies are going on splendidly. I managed to obtain first in my class.Aren't you proud of me???I know I am. Were nearing the end of the term for summer...I'll be staying at Lita's in the village!!Ann and Emerald are still like their cold,snobby selves.I guess they'll never change. The college is having a party...all the teachers and students are attending.Some parents too.It'll be held three weeks from now.It'll be absolutely lovely,Sandman-dear. I so happy happy.I love it here and I'll always love you for sending me!! I truly hope one day we would be able to meet. Well,fiddle...I promised to send a piece of my poems and a photo of me and my friends.I'm the last one on the left.I suppose you'll know who is who from my past descriptions of my friends. Firelight. I like to sit by the fire and stare At the curious things I can see in there; It's better han pictures in a picture book To sit by the fire and look,and look. I can't see the things that Anne can see (Anne,she's seven,but I'm just three) Faces,and rivers,and forests,and all- (Anne's enormous,but I'm quite small). But the fire makes a nice sort of creaky song; It popples,as if it were running along; It talks quite soft,and it means to say, "I know a nice quite game to play." I don't want to jump,and I don't want to shout; Mummy says,"What are you thinking about?" But I'm not thinking;I just like to sit Quite still by the fire and stare at it. How do you like it Sandman-dearest??I hope you do. Yours especially, Serena Abbott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Hey Serena,what are you doing??"asked a voice. Looking up,Serena smiled as she saw Raye walk up."Oh,nothing...I'm just, writing a letter."said Serena quietly. Raye nodded."To who,if I may ask??"asked Raye. "To,..."began Serena. "Why waste time writing,orphan??You never get any letters."said a spiteful voice. Raye scowled at Ann.Serena bit her lip to stop from crying.Raye could see the tears that were forming.Ann could see them too.. Ann gave a smirk.Walking away and laughing triumphantly. A man walking with one of the college professor's frowned....he was too far away to be noticed by the three girls. "Don't care about her,Serena.She's just an old harpy hag."comforted Raye. Serena nodded and managed a smile."Thanks Raye..." "So...who ARE you writing too??"asked Raye curiously. "My benefactor.But I've never met him,not do I know his name."said Serena truthfully."See,he wants me to send a letter once a month as acknoledgement for my allowance." "Oh??I see...how strange..But he never replies."said Raye confused. Serena gave a merry laugh....Ann's scornful remarks forgotten."He detests letter-writing,and he doesn't exactly like girls.I'm the first one in the orphanage he actually sent to college."said Serena. Raye could merely laugh at the thought about it.... On the opposite side of the lake,the man who had been walking with the college professor,smiled as he heard the young girl's laugh...walking away into the shadows that were cast by overhead trees... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two weeks later.... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SERENA!!"exclaimed her friends.Serena recieved a hug from each of her friends. "Thanks all you!!"smiled Serena.A tear trickled down her face. "Serena!!You're crying!!"exclaimed Lita. "No she's not.She's weeping for joy."sniffed Amy. Serena smiled. A knock on the door sounded..... Mina opened the door.The matron was standing at the door holding a package wrapped in brown paper. "Yes,Matron??"asked Mina uncertainly. The matron thrusted the package towards Mina."It's for Serena Abbott." said the matron simply. After the matron left.... "A package for me??"asked Serena uncertainly."Who could have sent it?" Serena carefully examined the package for a clue to whom the sender was. There was none...slowly,Serena tugged at the string and off it came... Unwrapping the brown paper...all the other girls gasped...it was a beautiful elegant gown...Serena was shocked..*who would have sent her a gown like this??* "It's beautiful..."whispered Serena. "Serena!!There's a note....pointed Raye.Picking it up,Raye quickly skimmed the note... "Dear Serena, Happy birthday....Just a little something for your birthday, I hope you like it.... Signed:A Friend..." read Raye aloud."That's all it says Sere."said Raye. Lita sighed."How romantic..."she swooned. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Serena,you can wear this gown to the party...it'll be perfect!!"exclaimed Mina. Amy nodded."Mina's right!!You can put up your hair too!!" Serena had a thoughtful look on her face....*Who could have sent me the gown??There isn't many clues...it could be anybody...Even Ann knows it's my birthday.Not that I care for her to know...* "Serena...are you listening??"asked Lita waving her hand in front of her. "Earth to Serena." "Huh?Oh sorry...Nevermind,lets eat!!"she laughed. So,they continued on...the dress and the mysterious sender forgotten... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Party day.... The five girls trekked down the elegant staircase.Whispering to one another.The ballroom was filled with strangers and some people that they knew from college. Amy wore a light blue silk dress with puffed sleeves.Raye wore a red short sleeved dress,with a red flower in her hair. Lita wore an elegant dark green dress,with ribbons in her hair and on her dress.Mina wore a beautiful beige dress,similar to Amy's. And Serena wore her white gown,she had gotten on her birthday...She had her hair done up with white lilies in her hair. Ann was wearing a pink dress with a red ribbon around her waist.She frowned when she saw Serena.Indeed Serena looked beautiful...she knew Serena had entered because Alan was already staring at her... Emerald wore a dark green dress that almost looked black.She scowled at Serena.Dimando had turned his attention away from her the moment Serena Abbott entered.She was fuming... Serena was a nervous wreck.Her friends were furiously,trying to calm her down.One of the college professors smiled slightly at Serena Abbott.Serena, when she came to the college,had become a prized pupil to all her college professors.Being diligent and intelligent,Serena had earned her teacher's respect,trust and admiration. "Miss Abbott."said a voice. "Mr.Fayne,"replied the five girls.Andrew Fayne was one of the college professors who admired Serena Abbott's work tremendously. "How are you tonight??"asked Mr.Fayne. "Nervous."replied Serena. Mr.Fayne gave a chuckle."So I can see...so I can see..."he laughed softly. "Andrew,you rascal...leaving me off like that with your fianceé."said a deep voice. Serena looked in the direction the voice came from and saw a few men and women who were coming towards them. Mr.Fayne gave a snort and a smirk. "Miss Abbott,Miss Shirley,Miss Barry,Miss Blight and Miss Stacey,meet a good friend of mine,Darien Wales,my fianceé,Rita Stoker,Darien's cousin, Seiya Hallman,and some of my good friends,Michelle Coral and Holly Wales." The five gave a curtsy."Pleased to meet you."replied all five simultaneously. Then,Raye and Lita nudged Serena. "Psst..look!!Alan is coming towards YOU!!!"they exclaimed in excited whispers. Serena merely rolled her eyes."For the last time,I do not like Alan more than a friend."explained Serena. Darien eyed Serena with amusement and interest.He gave a low chuckle. At that moment,....Alan and Dimando reached Serena.Much irritation to Emerald and Ann. "Serena,would you like to dance??"asked the two men simultaneously. "I asked her first."said Dimando,glaring at Alan. Alan merely glared back."No you didn't."he said. Serena groaned.*Here we go again...*Serena heard a chuckle and turned to see Mr.Wales giving her a boyish grin and chuckling a little at her predicament.Giving her a look of amusement and sympathy. Mr.Wales walked up behind Serena and gave a slight laugh."I'm sorry,but Miss Abbott promised me a dance first.."said Mr.Wales whisking Serena away from the arguing men. The two with a look of disappointment left the area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena stared up at Mr.Wales face.He was handsome...with dark midnight hair and deep blue eyes.His frame was hard and broad.He grinned down at her with a seemingly boyish attitude. "So..I see you weren't comfortable with the two of them arguing over you?" asked Mr.Wales curiously. Serena's face flushed slightly."No...I wasn't comfortable.All I want is a friendship with them,however both want something more than I can give.I guess love is just not my thing."admitted Serena. "Hmm...no love in the world for you??"asked Mr.Wales. "Perhaps....or perhaps the person,I would truly love has not a appeared." said Serena sincerely. "Thank you,for getting me out of that predicament,Mr.Wales."said Serena. "Think nothing of it.The dress looks beautiful on you."he complimented. "Thank you.I got it for my birthday."answered Serena as they danced. "Oh?How old are you??"asked Mr.Wales. "I'm 20."replied Serena."I suppose you can't be far ahead of me." "Indeed...I'm 25." At that moment,the music halted and Serena and Mr.Wales stopped dancing. With a twinge of regret,Serena broke away from Mr.Wales and smiled politely. "Well,Thank you for the dance,Mr Wales." "Pleasure was all mine.If you don't mind,may I call you Serena??"asked Mr.Wales suddenly. "Of course."replied Serena. "Good,then YOU shall call me Darien."said Mr.Wales. Serena gaped."B-But,I couldn't...it would be disrespectful!!!"stammered Serena nervously. Darien gave her a smile."We aren't very much older than each other.I don't see the problem.You shall call me Darien,and that is final."said Darien walking away without giving Serena an edgewise. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien merely smiled as the blond walked away stunned.She certainly was beautiful. "So,you like her don't you??"asked a voice. Darien turned to see his cousin,Seiya Hallman.He had black hair and brown eyes.He was as tall as Darien.They were both of the same age. "Now what makes you say that cousin??"asked Darien. "I don't know....a feeling??"asked Seiya."But to tell you the truth,Miss Abbott IS beautiful.I can see why those boys she mentioned,Alan and Dimando like her or should I say,infatuated."asked Seiya. Darien laughed."Why don't you go ask Holly to dance with you??"asked Darien. "Well...I already have,little Firefly said she wasn't feeling too well..." said Seiya. Darien gave a sigh."Little sister hasn't been feeling too well lately.She always was the weak one....but then,as an older brother,I guess it's my duty to care for the little Firefly,right??"asked Darien. Seiya nodded."Maybe we should leave if Holly,isn't feeling well." Darien sighed and nodded."Seiya,you'll have to go find Michelle."said Darien."I'll go find Holly." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Darien found Holly on the balcony with Serena Abbott.It seemed as if they were talking. Darien crept closer.He colud hear Holly laughing slightly.Serena was smiling. Darien gave a smile... Holly and Serena turned to find Darien standing behind them wearing a boyish smile on his handsome face. Serena smiled slightly.Serena had learned that Holly was Darien's sister and she was 23.She'd helped Holly out onto the balcony for fresh air,for she had found Holly,gasping a little behind the heavy velvet curtains. "I see you've met my sister,Serena."said Darien. Serena nodded."Looks like I have,Mr-er..Darien."Serena corrected. Holly had a small smile.It was amusing to watch her brother and Serena talk lightly.Holly had come to like Serena Abbott,very much. Darien turned his attention to Holly."Holly,I'm afraid I came to tell you, we have to leave.Seiya said you weren't feeling well."said Darien seriously. He had a worried expression on his face. Serena was touched.It was clear,Darien Wales cared for his sister a great deal. Holly merely nodded slightly,with an expression of sadness and a touch of wistfulness. "I'm glad to have met you Serena."said Holly walking off with her brother. Serena merely smiled and nodded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Holly,Darien and Seiya sat silently in their chauffeur driven automobile. They had just dropped Michelle back to her home and were on their way to their mansion. Holly broke the silence."I like her..."whispered Holly. Darien and Seiya turned their attention towards Holly."Like who?"asked Seiya curiously. Darien was just as puzzled as Seiya. "Serena Abbott.I like her."whispered Holly again. Darien smiled slightly whereas Seiya merely shrugged...no more was said that night... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena sat on her bed pondering about the mysterious Darien Wales.He was handsome...one thing was for sure.He had a sense of humor.He was tall and had an adorable boyish look to him whenever he smiled or grinned. Mina entered the room dancing. "Hi Serena.How was your night??Mine was good."said Mina dreamily. Serena smirked."No doubt about it."eyeing the expression on her friend's face. "I saw you dancing with the handsome Mr.Wales at the party.So...what's he like??"asked Mina curiously. "Well...I guess...boyish??" "I talked awhile with Mr.Hallman."said Mina. "His cousin."replied Serena knowingly. "Yes,I got the impression that,well...he doesn't care for girls.But he like his cousin has a sense of humor.If not,more so."said Mina. "Well...that's interesting."said Serena. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Summer.... It was summer now.Serena still recieved her monthly allowance.So,she still wrote her monthly letters to her mysterious benefactor. Dear Sandman, Well,it's finally vacation!!I had a wonderful birthday and a good time at the college party.I recieved a package for my birthday.It contained a beautiful dress.I have to wonder who could have sent it. I had an enjoyable time at the party.I met some friends of Mr.Fayne,my college professor. I met a man by th name of Darien Wales,his sister,Holly Wales.She's sweet and so very pretty.His cousin,Seiya Hallman. Mr.Wales is such an odd man.He told me to call him Darien.But it's difficult when I think it's disrespectful.He has an acute sense of humor. I think at times he looks positively adorable,when he has a boyish look on his face.He's serious at times and is actually very handsome. To think he's not much older than I am...he's only 5 years my senior.My room mate told me that she had spoken to Mr.Hallman and she thought he was- well...has a sense of humor like his cousin but doesn't care very much for girls.Exploring the village should be fun.I've never actually visited the village much.I've no plans for summer though...What about you?? I actually hope I get to see Holly again.She's so sweet and friendly.I really like her.Don't worry Sandman-dear,I truly appreciate what you have done for me.I have to stop here,my friends are going down to the village right now. P.S. Hope you have a wonderful Summer. Yours affectionately, Serena Abbott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena and her friends wandered through the village.Serena feeling hungry spotted a bakery and volunteered to buy lunch for the group.The group nodded and told Serena they would be over at the general store. Entering the bakery,a tasty smell wafted around the shop.Serena felt she was in heaven.She picked up a tray to hold her choosings. When she turned,she noticed a petite girl with dark purple black hair. *Holly!!* thought Serena.Walking towards the girl,Serena gave a smile. "Holly!!"exclaimed Serena. The girl turned.When she saw Serena,her face lit up."Serena.What a pleasant surprise!!"said Holly happily. "What a coincedence meeting you here!!"said Serena smiling. "True..."said a voice behind Serena. Serena turned to find Darien. "Mr.Wales!!"she exclaimed. "Darien."he corrected. "Why is it,you can call my sister Holly,and not call me Darien??"asked Darien exasperated. Serena laughed and uttered an apology. "So,we meet again."said Darien. "So it seems."replied Serena. "Why don't you have lunch with us??We were just going."asked Holly. Serena was surprised."But I-I...promised to buy some of this bread for my friends for lunch."explained Serena. "Oh..."said Holly.But she brightened up."How about dinner then??"asked Holly enthusiastically. "Well...I guess so..."answered Serena. "Good!!You will send the chauffeur to pick her up won't you brother??" asked Holly pleadingly. "I-I...well...okay..."said Darien in defeat. "Sorry."whispered Serena. Darien merely smiled. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That night...after dinner.. Serena was standing out on the balcony breathing in some fresh air.She'd never been in such a big house before.The furnishings were beautiful and elegant.The house was furnished in dark colours. *It matches the occupants I guess...*thought Serena.Staring from where she was at Holly and Darien. Serena stared up at the star-lit sky.The moon shone brightly,Serena's hair shone lightly in the dark like a halo.Giving the illusion that she was an angel. Darien stared at her direction.She made would have made a perfect potrait. She really did look like an angel. "What are you thinking??"asked Darien,startling Serena from her reverie. "Oh,nothing...just thinking about the midnight sky that reminds me of my benefactor's hair...I call him Sandman."laughed Serena. Darien merely smiled."Interesting nick-name."replied Darien. Serena shivered slightly...it was getting colder.But she really wanted to look at the gardens she had seen,entering the grounds. "You're shivering."stated Darien."Want to go inside?"he asked. Serena shook her head."I want to see your grounds."she said firmly. "Well then...I shall give you the tour.Here wear my jacket...or you'll catch your death of cold."said Darien handing her the jacket. Gratefully,Serena took the jacket.Tugging it around her shoulders. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Serena followed Darien around the grounds as he took her around. Serena caught sight of some rose bushes.Her face lit up and quickly broke away from the tour Darien was giving her to stop and smell the sweet smell of the roses. Darien noticed and smiled slightly. Serena smiled and bent to smell the roses.Accidently pricking her finger on a sharp thorn. "Ouch!!"exclaimed Serena. "Did you prick yourself?"asked Darien. Serena nodded slightly.She bit her lip to keep from proclaiming how much it hurt.... Darien lifted her finger slightly and examined it.Red liquid flowed from her finger. "Nothing serious.Just a small prick."said Darien. Serena was surprised when Darien brought the finger towards his lips and lightly kissed it.Serena gave a little squeak in surprise. Holding her hand as if it had been electrocuted.Serena stuttered an apology and quickly ran off back to the house. Darien watched on as Serena Abbott ran off.He sighed.*What was I doing?? She's five years younger than I am and still in college.* he scolded himself for letting his emotions get out of control. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later... Serena sat on her bed,pondering.... "Sere??"asked a voice. "Yeah Lita?"asked Serena. "What are you doing still up???"asked the girl. Serena pulled her legs and hugged them,curling herself into a ball, "Nothing....just thinking."answered Serena. "Want to talk about it??"asked Lita. "No...Go to sleep Lita...you'll wake the others.."said Serena staring at her finger. "Alright..alright..."whispered Lita. Silence once more....... *What was that feeling when Darien-Mr Wales touched my hand??He's 5 years my senior!!What am I thinking??He was just being kind!!And I took it the wrong way....sigh...* With that,Serena slipped into a dreamless sleep... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Summer passed by easily...and soon...everybody was back at college. *Sigh...Why can't I get Mr Wales out of my mind.Whatever I think of,he's there!!Aaargh!!!He's haunting my life!!*thought Serena angrily. "Hi Serena."said Mina. "Oh,hi Mina."replied Serena. "Ready for the new term??"she asked. Serena sighed and gave a nod. Just as Mina was about to say more,the school bell rang.Quickly,they ran to their class.Their conversation forgotten.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Sandman, I'm finally back at college!!Now perhaps my mind will stop wandering. I'm fine here,so how are you??English and literature are fine,however geometry is definately difficult.Did you have that type of problem when you were in college???My professor says,with a little luck and a lot of hard work,I should be able to finish my college studies in 2 years instead of 3. Which means,if I take the special cram course for students I'll be finished by the end of next summer!!What do you think??I've decided to go for it...the quicker I can repay you for your kindness. Alan and Dimando still bother me,I don't care because thoughts of Mr Wales keep invading my thoughts.So this is our secret...Ann and Emerald are being nasty as ever...not surprising. Amy,Raye,Ann,Emerald,Alan,Dimando and Saffire Thomas a boy in my class, are going to take the special course too. But unfortunately Lita and Mina will not.I hate to leave my friends behind in college. Do you know who Leonardo Da Vinci was?? He was a famous painter.He invented things too.He painted the Mona Lisa.We're studying a few famous artists and sculpters like Monet,Michaelangelo and so on.... I think I'll stop her....don't worry Sandman-dearest,I'm not in any trouble with people at school... Yours always, Serena Abbott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The term quickly passed.... The day of the final exams. "Serena!!Good luck!!"exclaimed Raye. "You too Raye!!I wish you and Amy good luck!!"said Serena. "Hope you do well,Serena,Raye."said Amy smiling slightly. The three friends smiled at each other and entered the examination building. Serena was stopped by Alan and Dimando."Hey Serena...all the best."they said.Both frowned at each other. Serena gulped.."Thanks...same to you."said Serena walking away quickly. Ann and Emerald snorted and turned their noses up at Serena.Raye was fuming at their prissy snobby attitude. "If they turn their noses up like that any longer,you'd think their heads would fall off or get stuck in that position."whispered Raye,but purposely audible enough for both girls to hear. Serena stifled a giggle. Ann and Emerald glared at Raye hatefully,a glare which Raye returned without fear. Serena pulled Raye and Amy away from both girls."Come on...it's not worth fighting with them!!"exclaimed Serena. Serena herself wondered if she could pass the exam..especially with her mind stuck on Darien Wales... ~FLASHBACK~ "Serena..what a surprise."said a voice behind her. Serena turned to find Darien Wales behind her..."Mr.Wa-Darien!!"corrected Serena. A small grin appeared on his face.His eyes twinkled with amusement. *Goodness...he's so handsome!!*thought Serena.*What in the world are you thinking Serena Abbott!!*scolded her brain. *You're crazy!! Am not!! Oh yeah??Why are you arguing with yourself then?* Serena flushed. Darien stifled a chuckle. "A lot on your mind??"he drawled lazily. Serena stuttered.."Er..Y-Yes...fi-final examination coming up." "I see....All the best then..."said Darien walking away. "Err..Give my regards to Holly!!" *Gods,he's so handsome!!Snap out of it!* "I will."he replied in his incredibly sexy voice. ~END FLASHBACK~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vacation had officially started and results would come out sometime in the summer. Serena sighed and dipped a foot into the lake water.She had come to sit underneath her favourite oak tree. Serena lazily drew some ripples in the water with a finger."Sigh...what a blissful day."said Serena aloud. "Hello Miss Abbott."said a voice. Looking up,Serena saw Seiya Hallman.... "Aaaaah!!"she screamed in surprise,falling into the lake at the same time. Seiya was surprised."Oh dear..."he said. Seiya helped Serena out of the pond.Her golden braided hair came loose and her wet bangs stuck to her forehead. Serena was wet to the bone.Seiya looked at her.He couldn't help laughing at the sight she made. Serena wringed her hair dry."What are you laughing at??"she snapped pushing her matted wet bangs out of her eyes. "Sorry...you just make a funny picture."said Seiya chuckling. "A gentleman doesn't laugh at a lady."stated Serena. "True....true...I apologize Miss Abbott." "Apology accepted Mr.Hallman.But please...never ever sneak up on me like that again."said Serena. "Okay,I promise."laughed Seiya. They sat awhile and talked.Laughing at some jokes once in awhile. "Well...I'm very sorry once more,I have to go meet Darien and Holly.We're going to go to a theather play."said Seiya. Serena's heart thumped slightly at the mention of Darien's name. "Oh."said Serena. "Well...it was nice meeting you again Miss Abbott."said Seiya walking away leaving Serena standing by the lake. Serena smiled and walked back to the dorms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A month later... "Results are out!!"shouted Raye. "What did I get??"asked Serena. "You and Amy tied for first place!!"exclaimed Raye happily. "Everybody passed!!Well...Ann and Emerald passed by a slice of 3 points." said Raye. "Congratulations Serena."said Alan. "Thanks!!"said Serena happily. Dear Mr.Mallory, This is one time when I need a reply from Mr.Smith,I have officially graduated and have tied for first place in the class. What do I do from here onwards??I truly have no idea.I would appreciate if Mr.Smith would suggest somethng. True,I hould only graduate next year,but I joined a course for students who wanted to finish their course in 1 year instead of 2.So instead of spending 3 years in college,I am only spending two. I thank Mr.Smith for sending me to college.I'm just sad I could never meet him in person or know his real name. Please pass this message on to him. Thank you. Sincerely, Serena Abbott ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following week... Dear Serena Abbott, I congratulate you on your graduation and standing in your class.Be sure that I am very proud,and you ar actually all I expected of you. I too would like to meet you in person.However as your benefactor,I shall be moving from here and I would like you to follow me to Boston. I shall make this short,for as you know,I truly detest letter-writing. I shall meet you at your college lake,at 5.00pm this Saturday. That's all. Mr.'Sandman'Smith, Serena couldn't believe her eyes...Sandman was willing to meet with her?? Saturday was tomorrow.She reread the letter again,eyeing the Boston. Serena felt a twinge of regret.Leaving here would mean leaving her friends and Darien Wales behind....she had become fond of him lately,even if he was exasperating and constantly invading her thoughts. *Did she...LOVE..Darien Wales??? But that's preposterous right??RIGHT???* Whatever happened,she had to meet her mysterious benefactor.She was curious to what he was like.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next day....4.55pm Serena sat under her oak tree....what was her mysterious benefactor like? I.He has black hair. II.He is tall. III.He is wealthy. IV.He has a broad back. V.He reminds me of the night. VI.He doesn't care for girls. VII.He has a sense of humor. ~FLASHBACK~ "Hi Serena.How was your night??Mine was good."said Mina dreamily. Serena smirked."No doubt about it."eyeing the expression on her friend's face. "I saw you dancing with the handsome Mr.Wales at the party.So...what's he like??"asked Mina curiously. "Well...I guess...boyish??" "I talked awhile with Mr.Hallman."said Mina. "His cousin."replied Serena knowingly. "Yes,I got the impression that,well...he doesn't care for girls.But he like his cousin has a sense of humor.If not,more so."said Mina. ~END FLASHBACK~ Serena shook her head.."Seiya Hallman??No...I'm just imagining things." said Serena to herself.. *The letter said the college lake...but how does Sandman know anything about a college lake??Seiya saw me here last time and I said it was my favourite spot.But then,Darien knows this is my favourite spot too.But I never got the impression he doesn't care for girls..*thought Serena. *Arrrgh!!If I keep on thinking like this,I'll go crazy!!I has to be Seiya Hallman!!*thought Serena. 5 minutes later... "You're punctual."said a voice. Serena turned.Her jaw nearly dropped."YOU???"asked Serena. Darien Wales gave a boyish grin."Hello Serena."he replied. "YOU'RE my benefactor??" "No need to shout Serena...and yes I am your benefactor."said Darien. Serena sighed."I thought it would be your cousin."said Serena. *Yes!!Yes!!Darien's my benefactor!!Shut up!!*scolded her mind. "Seiya??Why?"asked Darien. "Well...he's all the things I know about my benefac-I mean you.My friend said she got the impression he didn't care for girls.Whereas I never got that impression from YOU."explained Serena. "I see..." Suddenly,a thought struck Serena's mind...the letters!!! "Hey!!You READ all the letters I wrote!!!"exclaimed Serena flushing a deep red. "Of course...Miss Haruna told you I detested letter-writing and I wouldn't reply any of your letters.But she never said I'd not take any notice of them."said Darien chuckling. Serena groaned. Darien stepped closer to her."I read all of them...all 24..."he whispered in her ear. Serena wished the ground would just open up and swallow her now. *How embarrassing...I wrote stuff about HIM!!* Darien chuckled at her.She was flushed a deep red hue.She looked so cute and adorable now. "So...is it true I invade your thoughts a lot??"he joked. Serena groaned..."Yes.."she whispered. *Sigh...this is embarrassing...the worst thing is when your crush finds out and laughs at you.*she thought to herself.Serena wanted to cry. Darien stepped even closer. Serena held her breath...her head tilted down,so she didn't have to look at Darien Wales. Darien cupped her chin."Serena...??So...will you follow me to Boston?" asked Darien. "It was mean of you to pretend you didn't know me and everytime I saw you,you acted as if you didn't know what I wa thinking."said Serena. "I'm sorry."he whispered. Suddenly,Serena felt Darien plant a light butterfly kiss on her lips. Serena's lips tingled slightly at the touch. "You drive me insane....Serena Abbott."whispered Darien. Serena blushed again."Darien??"she asked questioningly. "What you say id true,Serena..I don't care for girls but when I read your composition,I really thought you had talent...and when I first saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful creature in the world...guess it was love at first sight."said Darien. "Darien....I.." Darien looked down at her.*His eyes are so captivating.*thought Serena. "I panicked when I read you wanted me to follow you to Boston..."said Serena. "Why?"he asked confused. "Well...it meant leaving my friends and well...you behind."said Serena. "I...love..you.."she whispered in his ear. Darien smiled lovingly and kissed her again. "Who would have thought,the trustee falling for the orphan girl he sent to college."laughed Darien. "Well,who would have thought the college girl falling for her benefactor?" asked Serena laughing. "So...will you follow me and Holly to Boston?"asked Darien. "Of course silly...Now that I know YOU are Sandman...I'd follow Sandman wherever he went..."laughed Serena. "Serena..." The two stood under the oak and by the lake,the oak tree,casting it's shadow at the couple...as the sun sank low to the ground... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ The End. Dedicated to the Year 2000. Celebrating,the Year 2000. So what did everybody think??I think I finished this in a hurry.Especially since it's the 31st December,1999...Well...nevermind. E-Mail me and tell me what you think.