Limelight 
Chapter Five 
By: Karisma 
Rated: PG-13 
Genre: Alt, Romance 
www.geocities.com/karismafanfic 
Karisma456@hotmail.com 
Standard Disclaimers Apply 
November 2000 

    Mina! How could you not tell me the truth! Serena all but yelled 
into her sisters ear over the telephone that same night. 
    Calm down, Sere. Mina replied, not the least bit fazed. I 
didnt think it was that important. I figured you wouldnt even be 
seeing him, much less going out with him. I just didnt want to give 
you useless information. 
    The explanation sounded like something Mina would rationalize, but 
Serena wouldnt give up. Well, I think it would have been a pretty 
vital part considering the entire studio knows Mina and Dariens 
relationship really isnt with the exception of Mina herselfor me, 
who is really you! Growing slightly frustrated at her lack of ability 
to sort the two of them out, Serena stopped ranting long enough to 
catch her breath. 
     Mina was silent on the other end. 
    Mina? You there? 
    Yeah, okay, Sere. She blew out her breath. I didnt want you to 
know because I was afraid of what youd think of me, alright? 
    Serenas face and heart softened at the weak sound in her sisters 
voice. Mina, you know I would never think anything bad of you. 
    Serena, Im twenty-seven, I have absolutely no life out of the 
movies, photo shoots, and interviews.  They only thing that made me 
seem even half way normal was the fact I had a boyfriend. And even 
that is a lieand for what?a movie! She laughed bitterly. Have you 
heard anything so pathetic in your life? 
    Yes, Serena countered gently, hoping to bring a smile to her 
sisters face. Im twenty-seven going on forty. I have no life 
outside my physics lab and research. I havent been on a date in 
agesunless you count late nights with Melvin running tests over and 
over againmuch less been glanced at by anything male and human. And 
the worst part is, Im not even creative enough to make up a boyfriend 
so I can escape the weird looks people give me when they realize Im 
not involved. She rubbed her forehead, suddenly depressed by the fact 
that now that she had said it aloud, the awareness that her life 
sucked was tenfold.  Her spirits lifted when she heard Minas light 
laughter on the other end. 
    Listen, Sere. Im calling from the airport and my flights about 
to leave. Im going to be moving fairly quickly so either Ill call 
you or writebut dont write back because Ill be gone, alright? 
    Sure, Serena felt a pang of regret, recognizing that once Mina 
hung up shed be alone again, facing all the problems that had been 
unknowingly passed on to her. 
    I love you. Mina sang. 
    Love you, too, Serena murmured and softly placed the cordless 
phone back in its cradle. She looked around the large expanse of 
Minas home blankly. After roaming about for a few moments, gazing at 
photos she had framed of them when they were younger and as they had 
grown up. She smiled softly at a few of them and then settled down on 
the crme leather couch, preparing to find some old reruns. She 
reached for the remote lying on the glass coffee table in front of 
her, accidentally brushing across a black tape. Serena curiously 
picked it up, peeling off the sticky note attached to it. 
Mina, 
Thought you may want to watch what we have of the movie so far. The 
rest of the plot is in the new script. 
Nigel 
    Serena smiled, happy she had something to occupy her time for the 
next two hours or so. She was also grateful, now she knew what she was 
going into tomorrow. It gave her a great way to get to know Chloe. 
    She popped the tape in and curled up on the couch, crunching on 
her pretzels and hugging a cool cushion to her chest. The credits 
started and Serena settled in, preparing to laugh at the corniness and 
scorn the entire mushy plotand groan and how they would change it to 
make it even worse. 
    A bit over two hours later, after she had completed the movie and 
read the new script ending thoroughly, a sniffling Serena wiped one of 
the few tears the movie had managed to wring out of her. She prided 
herself on her ability to reason and not get carried away her entire 
lifeMina was the soft one, the one who lost herself in everything. 
But Only You had been one of the sweetest movies she had every allowed 
herself to watch. She had actually wanted the couple to be together in 
the end, sappiness and all.  And after reading the new ending, she was 
slightly embarrassed to admit she loved itand was happy Elaine had 
the good sense to give the lovebirds a happily ever after. 
    She had scoffed the entire thought of a happy ending, but that was 
before she had allowed herself to see the characters Chloe and 
Jaredand see the love they shared was more than puppy love. Nigel had 
done a wonderful job with the majority of the film, weaving an intense 
Jared into the simple life of Chloe, a young women who lives to please 
her parentsso much she would marry a man she doesnt truly love. 
Jared Wilkins comes into the small town as a stranger who befriends 
Chloe. They spend some time together talking and laughing and before 
Chloe knows itshes in love. Jared, however, has known for some time 
that he is in love with her, but has no clue she has been promised to 
another. This was where Elaine changed the plot. 
    And tomorrow, she, Serena Kinsley, would be Chloe Jenkins and 
change the fate of a couple in love. The thought embarrassingly 
enough, made her giddy. Except for the tiny detail that she would be 
loving a man who despised her, or her sister, but she was her sister 
Oh, it was all terribly confusing. 
    But as Serena got ready for bed, an emotion she had been to busy 
and possibly to ashamed to let catch up to her, overwhelmed her. Just 
the thought of Darien let the feelings wash over her again. 
    Happiness. 
    She was happy Darien and Mina were not in an actual relationship. 
Because that made Darien single? A free agent? Available? Of course he 
wasntnot to her anyway. Because according to Darien, he despised 
Mina, and for the time being, she was Mina. And that left no room for 
any sort of intimate relationship. Not that she wanted any in the 
first place. 
    Because she didnt. 
    Really. 

**** 

    Morning came and with it a sense of impeding doom. What had she 
been thinking? She had been so busy sighing and moaning about the 
movie, it hadnt dawned on her what she would be doing today. With 
whom. She would have to actin front of a camera. She would have to 
cryin front of a camera. Oh, Lord in heaven, shed have to kiss 
Darien. That thought alone was enough to make her want to faintnot to 
mention she would be doing it in front of a camera! 
    Serena quickly drove to the park where it was agreed the cast and 
crew would meet. After she had parked, she whispered a silent prayer 
and got out of the vehicle. Jogging over to where Elaine and Nigel 
stood, she smiled and greeted them. After a moment, they directed her 
to a large trailer where she would get dressed. 
    She entered the comfortable atmosphere and immediately found the 
dress she was to wear for the scene. It was a light summer dress with 
short sleeves and a full-length skirt. The pattern was simple, a pale 
yellow with pastel blue flowers. Unfortunately, the material was so 
sheer, it required a white slip. Serena quickly undressed, feeling 
slightly awkward being in her underwear in such a foreign place. She 
slid into the light material of the slip and caught a glance of 
herself in the mirror. The slip was pretty and modest enough to be a 
dress of its own, Serena shrugged and reached for the sundress when 
she heard the door of the trailer open. Serena spun around to see 
Darien there, staring intently at her without a trace of embarrassment 
or an apology in his eyes. 
    Serena gasped and instinctively held the dress in one fist over 
her chest. 
    Dont stop on my account, he said dryly before entering the 
suddenly confining space. 
    W-What are you doing here? Serena mumbled, hating herself for 
stuttering. 
    Im glad to see you too, Mina, he shot back with mock warmness.  
Nigel requests that we run through our lines together. But Ill 
permit you to finish dressing firstif thats what you want to do. I 
dont mind in the least if youd rather not. He grinned at her and 
chills were running up and down Serenas body so fast, she would have 
thought lightening had struck. 
    After collecting herself and remembering to scowl at his 
impertinence, she quickly slid the cool material over her head and 
smoothed it out. Satisfied, she lifted her head to find Dariens eyes 
so intensely focused on her, she had to look away.  Clearing her 
throat, she sat down on the small couch attached to the side of the 
trailer and waited for him to do the same. Surprised when he opted to 
sit next to her rather than opposite, Serena blinked and coughed 
nervously. 
    Do you have your script? Darien asked mildly and Serena jumped 
up to snatch it off the small table across the room.  When she 
arrived back to him, she casually sat directly opposite him so she was 
looking at him rather than touching him. 
    Darien gave her an amused glance as if he knew what she was 
thinking and her immediate reaction was blushing and looking down at 
the thick binder in front of her. The next thing she was aware of was 
a slow movement and then the smell of masculine cologne. Looking up, 
she blinked to find him seated next to her. 
    Is page 46 alright with you? His tone was brisk and business 
like. 
    Serena took the hint and nodded, reprimanding herself for thinking 
his actions had meant something more. This wasnt high school anymore, 
they were adults and sitting next to members of the opposite sex meant 
nothing. Just like the shivers she got whenever their legs brushed 
meant absolutely nothing.  Clearing her head, she focused on her lines.
    Sometimes what you want isnt always whats good for you, she 
said, her voice thick as she imagined trying to explain her case to 
Jared. 
    And sometimes what youre forced to do isnt whats good for 
you. He countered, his voice clear and strong. 
    Who says Im being forced? Chloe told him haughtily. 
    Jared scoffed, Youre telling me you want to marry him? A man you 
dont even love? 
   Chloe stuck out her chin proudly, Who says I dont love him? 
   You cant. He said simply. 
   And just why not? 
    Jareds hands cupped Chloes face and forced her eyes to meet his. 
Because you love me. He said softly before dipping his head and 
kissing her gently. 
    Chloes head swam with thoughts as the kiss lasted. And lasted. 
Suddenly, it wasnt Jared and Chloe kissing. It was Darien kissing 
Serenaand Serena kissing him back. The short but sweet kiss that was 
written in the script had been erased and with it came a new scene. 
One that had nothing to do with a movie. This one was only the two of 
them in their own world. 
    When they pulled apart slowly, Dariens hands still braced around 
Serenas face, a slow grin formed on Dariens face at the shock 
written on his partners. 
    I think I hear them calling us. Shall we go? Darien stated 
calmly, getting up and preparing to leave the trailer. He stopped only 
to look at Serena and smile wryly. I wouldfreshen up if I were you. 
And with that he was gone. 
    Serena furrowed her brow at his last comment and walked over to a 
mirror. What she saw angered and embarrassed her all at once. Her hair 
was tousled about her face and her lips were bruised red from his 
kisses. Anger took over her as she smoothed her hair and licked her 
lips. The nerve of him! Doing this to her and then advising she fix 
it! But, she admitted wryly, she hadnt exactly put a stop to his 
behavior. But what had caused him to kiss her? Hadnt he stressed 
enough last night he wanted nothing to do with her? 
    Frowning at her reflection, she sighed and walked out the door, 
unsure of what the day would hold. 

**** 

   Hours later, Serena was finishing the take in the park where she 
broke of her romance with Jared due to her duty to marry someone else. 
   After breaking away from his kiss, tears forming in her eyes, Chloe 
pursed her lips and took a shaky breath. Im so sorry, she 
whispered, her voice trembling. I never meant to hurt you. 
   Jared reached out for her, his face pained and anxious, but Chloe 
shook her head and back up. 
   Im sorry, she repeated hoarsely before taking a few steps 
backward. Then, with a choked sob, she spun around and fled. 
   Cut! A loud voice announced, and Serena stopped to walk back to 
the group, hope on her face. Wonderful take, thats it for that 
scene! 
   Yes! Serena pumped her fist in the air with happiness, they must 
have gone over it a million times before Nigel was finally happy with 
the work they had produced. 
   Now the last scene. While there is still light. Then well see if 
we can call it a day. 
   Serena sighed tiredly and walked over back to the trailer where her 
next costume awaited her. 
   You act like youve never done this before, a cool voice said 
behind her. She spun around to meet Dariens discerning gaze. 
   Im just tired. Didnt get much sleep last night. 
   Lying takes it out of people, he said pointedly and Serena 
winced. 
   Look, Im sorry. Alright? Serena sighed and walked closer to him, 
feeling the entire crew need not hear this. I dont know what else to 
tell you. I understand where youre coming from and its over. Ill 
tell the press we mutually decided to call it off. Would that make you 
happy? She finished, suddenly feeling incredibly tired. 
    Dariens expression was one of suspicious disbelief. No games? 
    Serena sighed again, rubbing the bridge of her nose, None. And 
she entered her trailer; unaware of the piercing eyes boring into her 
back. 

**** 

   Chloe stood in front of her mirror, full bridal attire in place, 
sobbing her heart out. She sniffed loudly and took the tissue to swipe 
her face dry, careful of her immaculate make up. She had a wedding to 
attend in less than thirty seconds and instead of anxiously waiting to 
meet her husband, she was gladly willing to trade this appointment for 
a root canal. 
   Taking a deep breath, she exited the small room and barely 
remembered walking down the aisle with her happy father. She met her 
future husband where the priest was waiting and was numb at the 
prospect of spending her life with this man.  As the priest waited for 
her consent to start the ceremony, she looked around the room and her 
eyes were immediately drawn to a lone figure in the back, staring at 
her with intense passion. This was ither last chance. If she turned 
it was over. 
   She dropped her eyes to the floor and brought her gaze back to the 
priest and gave a slight nod. Her answer was given. It was done. 
   After a few moments, while her husband was regurgitating his vows, 
Chloe snuck a glance at where she had seen Jared last. 
   The space was empty. Her heart sank the finality of it all.  
Turning her attention to the cold band on her finger and equally icy 
emptiness in her heart, she looked at the priest just as he finished 
his question. 
    ..so long as you both shall live? 
    No, she said softly, shocked by her own answer. She blinked and 
a small curve of a smile grew on her lips, giving her answer more 
strength. No, she said firmly. 
    What? The man in front of her asked, stupefied. 
    I cant, she said simply. And with a grin, she hiked up the 
thick skirts of her white dress and ran out, hoping it wasnt too 
late. On the way to her destination, she tossed the veil aside and her 
blonde hair was soon out of the constricting bun and flowing behind 
her as she sprinted. 
   Coming to a stop in the parking lot, she searched frantically for 
his car and fought down the panic rising when she didnt find the 
vehicle. After scanning a few times, she sank down on the curb, 
looking quite ridiculous, unable to believe what she had been waiting 
for her entire life had slipped through her fingers because of her own 
stupidity. 
    What took you so long? A clear voice asked from behind her and 
Chloes head shot up. Daring to hope, she slowly turned her head to 
see a man with dark hair and bright eyes smirking at her a few yards 
away. She jumped up and ran toward him, stopping when she was a foot 
away from, afraid to touch him. 
    She stared at him for what seemed like forever and he stared back.  They remained like that for some time until she couldnt take it anymore. 
    Im sorry, she apologized again, this time for an entirely 
different reason. She bit her lip in fear. What if they couldnt go 
back? What if he couldnt forgive her? 
    After a second, he embraced her roughly, crushing her against him 
before kissing her. They parted for a moment, only long enough for him 
to whisper 
    You say that too much. 
    And he kissed her once again. 
   Cut! The same loud voice interrupted, and Serena broke away from 
Dariens warm embrace, her head slightly dizzy and foggy. Thats a 
wrap, folks. Tomorrow you have off! Now get out of here! Nigels 
warmness touched all of them as they packed up. 
   Serena finished changing, and helped the crew. By the time the work 
was done, it was clear into the evening. She rubbed her eyes in 
exhaustion and dragged her feet over to her car. 
   Ill see you tomorrow. I can meet you at your place. Dariens 
voice once again came out of nowhere and startled her. 
   Pardon? She asked, confusion obvious in her blue eyes. 
   Ill come over to your place and well sort out the story for the 
press. 
   Oh, okay, she consented, rubbing her eyes, too tired to argue.  
She covered her mouth as a yawn escaped her. She blinked hard and 
searched for her keys. 
   Dariens surprisingly soft touch on her arm guided her over to his 
car. 
   What are you doing? she protested mutely. 
   You cant drive like this. Ill take you home. It was an order 
and Serena slipped into the warm car without much objection. 
    Darien watched the strange woman that had entered his life drift 
off to sleep. Her head lulled one side and he had the irrepressible 
urge to kiss her forehead. He focused on the road instead and gripped 
the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. 
    When he pulled into her parking space and turned to wake her, her 
faltered for a moment. Sighing, he got out of the car and opened her 
side of the door. Picking her up with ease, he smiled against his will 
when she shifted slightly but never woke up. 
    Arriving at her door, he looked at her in his arms, then at the 
locked door. As if sensing his dilemma, Serena stirred and open her 
tired, clear eyes. It took her a moment to place where she was and who 
was holding. Once realization struck, she drowsily tried to get him to 
put her down. He leaned over to place her feet on the carpeted floor. 
She fumbled with the key before opening the door and turning to face 
him sleepily. 
    Thank you, she murmured, staring at a spot on his blue shirt 
rather than his eyes. 
    Dont mention it, he said equally soft. 
    She sensed the mood and recalled a scene similar to this one 
sometime ago. Are you going to kiss me again? she asked. 
    Darien blinked at her boldness and realized her tone wasnt coy or 
seductive. He looked down at her to see a sleepy woman smiling 
slightly up at him. Her question had been one of curiosity and 
innocence. 
    His lips curved up and he leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her 
forehead. Yes. 
    Bye, she whispered and slipped inside, clicking the door locked. 
    Darien sighed heavily, leaning against the door of her penthouse. 
What was he doing? One minute he was yelling at her for playing games 
and the next it was him doing the game playing. And the way she 
carried herself, Darien would bet good money she didnt even realize 
how sexy the changes had made her. Mina had something so different 
about her. Something that was undeniably attractive andsweet. It 
wasnt her looks, he had known Mina was a gorgeous woman from the 
first time he had laid eyes on her. But now, on top of carrying a 
different kind of beauty, she also possessed personality traits he had 
never seen before. And it was making it harder to resist her. Whats 
more, he wasnt sure if he even wanted to try anymore. 






