A Rose in the Rough Author: ChibiSerenity E-mail: plstcfish@aol.com Rating: they say damn once, so maybe PG? Or G. Part: It's a one part story A Rose in the Rough "Flowers for sale!" shouted the girl in dirty, ragged clothes. Her face was caked in dirt and dust, her blond hair matted and tangled, streaked with mud. "Flowers for sale!" she repeated, waving a basket of flowers. She walked backwards. "Flowers for sa- oh!" She backed into someone, fell down, and all her flowers scattered. "Oh! Sir! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to. I'm so clumsy!" she apologized to the young man she had backed into. He was rich, wearing a black overcoat and hat. The girl crawled on her knees, attempting to salvage flowers which had fallen in the muddy street. "No miss, it's my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going." said the man, helping her pick up the flowers. As he handed her a handful of yellow flowers, their eyes met, and something clicked. Her eyes were as blue as the sky on a spring day, his a darker blue, of the ocean. They couldn't look away from each other; they were drowning in the others eyes. All of a sudden a man carrying packages bumped into them, sending Serena sprawling, knocking them out of their trance. "Sorry miss!" shouted the man, not stopping. The man picked the girl up, and continued picking up flowers, stealing looks at her occasionally. "What's your name, miss?" asked the man suddenly. The girl was suprised. Strange men did not usually ask her name. "Se-Serena, sir." said the girl, head bowed. "I'm Darien Walters." said the man. All of a sudden he spotted, among the dirty and trampled flowers, a perfect red rose. He picked it up and looked at it, carefully turning it around in his hands. He wiped off a little dirt, and it was gorgeous. "I'd like to buy this rose, Serena." said Darien, concentrating on the little pieces of grime caught in its petals, trying his best not to look at the girl next to him. "Oh! Yes sir, Mr. Walters sir! Two shillings, if you please." Darien nodded absently, pulling something out of his wallet. He looked up at her, while handing over the money, and their gazes met again. Again they could not look away, but Darien shook his head violently, handing over the money. Their hands touched for a moment, and it was pure electricity, but Darien bit his lip and resisted the urge to take her into his arms. It was silly, stupid. She was a flower seller, for goodness sakes! Serena looked at the money in her hand, trying hard not to shake at the though of standing so close to Darien. She blinked her eyes and saw that it was a five pound note. "Oh! Sir, I'm afraid I don't have enough money to give you change for this. Do you have anything less?" "Keep the change." "Oh, but I couldn't! If you don't have anything less, that's all right, you can just take it. You were so nice to help me pick up my flowers. Sir, I can't take this much money!" Serena thrust the five pound note at him, and he waved it away. He jogged into a nearby house. Serena looked at the address. 275 Sycamore Street. The words were burned into her brain. She looked at the stone house, and slowly continued on her way. "Flowers for sale!" Chapter Two: Is it love? It seemed Darien had no sooner hung up his coat and sat down when his maid, Betty, entered. "Your mother to see you, Mr. Walters." "Show her in, by all means." Betty nodded and left, returning a few moments later with his mother. "Darien, my darling son, how are you?" "Wonderful mother." he said absently, playing with the rose he had just purchased. "Darien....Darien!" His mother snapped her fingers, trying to get his attention. Darien's head jerked up, and he cleared his mind of dreams of sky blue eyes. "Yes mother?" "I've found the most wonderful girl for you!" "Mother, I asked you a million times to stop setting me up." "So you did, so you did. But she's so wonderful! Her name is Raye Aprans, from a very old family, French I think. Or not. She is absolutely the sweetest girl." Darien sighed. There was only one girl he wanted to see then, and that was Serena. *No! That's foolishness! This Raye sounds very nice. I should give her a chance.* "When do I get a chance to meet her?" "Tomorrow afternoon if you like. I know you'll just love her. She's a friend of Mina McMullens!" Mina Mcullen. The girl Darien had almost proposed to. She was beautiful, sweet, wonderful, but...just not right. His best friend, Andrew, had told him that Darien should marry Mina. Mina would make him happy, like Andrew was with his wife, Lita. Darien had bought the ring, which now lay in his bottom drawer, but couldn't go and propose. He chickened out. Mina was nice enough, but he didn't love her, and he wasn't sure that she loved him. Now, thinking about Mina, all he could think of was her strong resemblance to Serena. The same sky blue eyes, only not as heavenly as on Serena, the same golden hair, except Serena's had been mud streaked. Darien pinched himself. "So I'll meet Raye tomorrow. Great." "Oh good, I just knew you'd agree. I'll accompany you, to make it proper, but don't worry, I'll discreetly disappear so you can have some time alone with her.I just stopped by to tell you about Raye, and I must be getting to my Ladies Society meeting, so ta ta!" Later that night Serena sat in her tenant room which she shared with her best friend, Ami. Ami was off at the volunteer hospital, where she always helped out after cleaning for the book shop keeper. The bookkeeper, Mr. Anderson, was like a father to poor Ami, and constantly gave her books so that their room was piled high with Shakespeare and Jane Austin. Serena reclined on the bed, pushing a copy of Pride and Prejudice off her pillow. She closed her eyes to sleep, and an image of Him immediately popped into his head. Darien. Such a kind man, and handsome. She sat up with a start. NO. She refused to think about Darien, the kind man with hair like night and eyes like the ocean. He was way above her station. She had no chance. She had to stop thinking about it. "Hey Sere, did you sell many flowers?" came Ami's cheerful voice as she entered the room. "Hey Ames. I sold a couple. This one man paid five whole pounds for one rose!" "What? You can't take all that money!" "I know! I told him I couldn't take it, but he wouldn't listen. He was so kind and generous. You know he was down on his hands and knees with me, picking up my spilt flowers. I backed into him and fell down, you see. His name was Darien." Ami looked at Serena curiously. "You know his NAME? Who is this guy?" "Rich, I think. 275, Sycamore Street. Great guy." "Serena! Snap out of it!" said Ami, snapping her fingers in front of Serena's face. "You memorized his address. Serena, you cannot fall for this guy!" "I'm not!" "You memorized his address. You know his name. You think he is 'wonderful, kind, generous'. Serena, you're not being practical. He's rich, a much higher station than the two of us. You'll probably never even talk to him again!" "I know, I know. But when our eyes locked, it was just...right. I felt like I was drowning in his eyes, but it was all right. You know?" "Yeah, I guess so. It's like that with Greg and I. But Serena, this guy is some millionaire with girls pounding down his door. I don't mean to hurt you..." "But I don't stand half a chance." Ami nodded slowly. Serena fakely smiled. "I know. Thanks Ames, you always bring me back to Earth. What would I do without you?" Darien was eating with Andrew in his dining room. Lita was home sick, and at home. With every bite of food Darien wondered what She was eating, if she was eating at all. If she was hungry, safe, warm, what? *No! I cannot be thinking like this! It just takes self control, Darien. Self control "Mother has yet another match for me." Darien said to Andrew. "Who this time?" "Her name's Raye Aprans. Friend of Mina's." "You having second thoughts about not proposing to her, Dare?" "No way. We just weren't right together, you know?" "I guess so. But Dare.." "What?" "You haven't been yourself all evening. You've been gazing into space, daydreaming or something. I was sure it was Mina. But if not her, then who?" "What makes you think it's anyone?" "Darien, I'm your best friend. Talk to me." Darien took a deep breath. *Well, Andrew, I'm in love with the flower seller outside the house. You know, the one with the rags and stuff? Yeah, right. But he IS my best friend. Maybe he can help me forget her. If I want to. Of course I want to!!* "Well, there is someone I met..." "I knew it! Who? Do I know her?" "I don't know. Her name's Serena." "Not familiar. Where's she from?" "I-I don't really know. She's...the flower seller down the street." "What!" shouted Andrew, jumping up,"A flower seller? Street trash?" "Don't call her that!" shouted back Darien, standing up. *Why am I so defensive of her? I don't CARE!!* "Sorry Dare. That was close-minded of me. But your mom's not going to stand for this." "I know. But she seemed so kind. I offered her five pounds for a power, but she wouldn't take it. Some would have snatched it up and ran off, but not her, she tried to give it back. And when our eyes met...it was just right. Her eyes are blue, like the sky." "Like Mina's." "No, not like Mina's. When Mina and my eye's met there was nothing like this. It was like the earth shattering and being put together again. I saw forever in her eyes. I've never felt anything like this." "I can't believe it." "Can't believe what?" "You're in love. With the flower seller." "In love?" "Yeah." "I can't be. Talk me out of it." "What do you want me to say?" "I don't know, she's way below my class, street scum, something!" "No can do. Your in love. But it's different for you. You can't very well marry her. Your family won't stand for it." "I know." "Look, Dare, if you are SURE this girl will make you utterly happy, then go for it, to hell with society. But if you DO marry her, it will turn society on its head, so be careful. Make sure it's true love first. Give Raye a chance, maybe you'll fall in love with her. Test the water before you jump in head first." Chapter Three: Attempts at Avoidance Serena had started out the day vowing to stay away from Sycamore Street. But she couldn't help herself, and almost unconsciously she moved a street closer to Sycamore, and then another, until she was right outside his house. *Serena! Cut it out! Remember what Ami said, this isn't practical. I don't have a chance!* Just then the door opened. Darien and an older woman- his mother probably - stepped down to the curb, calling for a cab. Serena drank him in with her eyes. She might not have a chance, but she could certainly LOOK at him, couldn't she? Darien was ready. He was going to see Raye, and maybe fall in love with her. Basically, forget about Serena. But he couldn't help scanning the people on the street. There she was. Gold hair with mud streaks, sky blue eyes. He had to stop thinking about her, cold turkey. *I'm addicted - to Serena. That's pathetic. One last good look, and I'll forget about her.* He was looking at her! Serena was scared for a moment, and then smiled a little at him. Did he like her? *Of course not. I don't know why he's looking at me, but he probably doesn't even remember me!* She was smiling at him! His heart beat fast. He smiled back, broadly. *Stop it, Darien. Don't lead her on. You might be in love with her, but you are going to fall out of love soon enough! You promised yourself Just then she smiled completely. The smile lit up her face, shining through her eyes. Darien's heart forgot to beat while he was looking at her. Then the cab came, separating them. *Gotta get outta here* thought Serena *If I see him again, I'll fall in love (as if I'm not already) and then I won't be able to leave. I can't do that.* She ran. Darien looked out the window of the cab, searching for a sign of Serena. Nowhere to be found. *Good. Now I can forget about her. But somehow, that's not going to be easy at all.* "Ms. Raye Aprans, I am most pleased to present my son, Mr. Darien Walters." said Mrs. Walters. Raye stood up graciously. "It is always a pleasure to see you, Mrs. Walters, and I am very pleased to make the acquaintance of your son, Mr. Walters." "Call me Darien, please." Raye nodded, smiling. "Darien then. It's nice to meet you, Darien." "Likewise, Ms. Aprans." "Raye." "It's nice to meet you, Raye" Mrs. Walters smiled to herself. The two were getting along so well! "You'll have to excuse me. I need to go powder my nose." "Of course, Mrs. Walters. Third door on the left." "Thank you." After Mrs. Walters left Raye and Darien sat staring at each other. "So, Raye...what is your favorite flower?" *Stop thinking about flowers, you idiot! Flowers = Serena. I'm not thinking about her today. But I bet her favorite flower is the rose. Not that I care, of course.* "I think, the tiger lily. Yours?" "Red roses." "They are beautiful flowers indeed." "Beautiful." *Flowers. Not Serena. I'm not thinking about Serena.* "Tell me, Darien. Do you play the piano?" "No, however I do enjoy listening. Do you play?" "A bit. I'm not very good, however." "You're surely too modest. Please, play for me." "If you wish." Raye rose and began playing some Mozart on the piano. Darien closed his eyes. He saw Serena, selling flowers, to Mozart. *Now that's just ridiculous This was going to be a long visit. Serena met Ami at the corner by the book store. Ami was talking with her fianc鬠Greg. "Hey Ames, Greg." "Serena, hi! Did you sell many flowers?" "Not as many as I'd like. I think I ought to take another job, as a maid or something. If I can find one. To make a bit more money, you know?" *And keep my mind off of Darien.* "My sister just got married and left her job with the McMullens. They are looking for a new maid, maybe you can apply." suggested Greg. "Maybe." *Definantly. If that doesn't take my mind off of Darien, I don't know what will. Another job. The perfect solution ********* Serena had cleaned up as best she could and rang the bell at the servants quarters at the McMullan household. A plump cook with auburn hair answered the door. "Yes?" "I heard you were looking for a maid. I was wondering if I might be of service?" "Well, come in. You'd deal mostly with the Young Lady McMullen, so I'll take you up to her to interview if the Head Servant approves." "Yes, miss." The cook led Serena to an old woman with gray hair, writing something. She looked up. "Yes, Dottie?" she asked, addressing the cook. "A candidate for the maid's position, Mrs. Smith." Mrs. Smith nodded, and gestured for Serena to sit down. "Why do you wish to be a maid here, Miss..." "Serena. Serena Jones." Serena didn't know her last name, but she couldn't very well say that she didn't have one. Serena had used Jones at her other jobs, and it worked well. "Miss Jones, do you have any previous experience as a maid?" "Yes Mrs. Smith. I have recommendations here from my previous mistress, Mrs. Browning." Mrs. Smith looked over the recommendation. "She says very good things about you. Pity she moved, as it says here." "Yes. She was a very sweet woman." Mrs. Smith stared at Serena, unnerving her. Finally the old woman smiled. "I think you'll do. Come, I will introduce you to Miss McMullen." Serena smiled. The job was almost hers. If THIS didn't stop her from thinking of Darien, nothing would. ************ An hour later Serena had completed the interview and been hired as a maid for the McMullens. Mina McMullen, her new mistress, was very nice. She would come tomorrow at nine to help her dress and then run errands while she received visitors. *I am so excited about this job that I cannot possibly think about Darien or his kind, generous personality, or his great looks, or his ocean eyes....damn.* It looked like it would take more than this new job to rid her mind of Darien. "Well, what did you think of Raye?" asked Darien's mother. "She was nice, but.... it just didn't click." "What! But she is the sweetest girl! You MUST like her. Give her another chance. I'm SURE she'll grow on you, Darien." "If you say so." "Why don't you come see he again this afternoon?" asked Darien's mother, hopefully. *I can't do that. She's okay, but nothing next to Serena. I'm not thinking about Serena today! * Darien remembered that Andrew had invited him to come visit Mina with him and Lita that afternoon. Darien had said he'd think about it, and that would allow him to avoid Raye and maybe Serena. "I'm visiting Mina McMullen with Lita and Andrew today. Can't visit Raye, sorry." "Oh." His mother seemed a little crestfallen, "Well, maybe another time. I'm SURE she'll grow on you." "Maybe." *I doubt it. She's nice, but too unlike Serena.* "Miss McMullen.." "Serena, I told you to call Mina, please." said Mina, smiling. "Mina...what beverages do you want out when you receive your guests?" "Oh, some lemonade would be fine." "Yes miss. I'll get some from the cook." As Serena left Andrew, Lita, and Darien entered by a different door. "Mina, it's so good to see you!" said Lita. "Lita. How are you?" "Oh, just fine. I was a little under the weather awhile ago, but I'm fine now." "That's good. Andrew, so nice to see you. Darien! My, this is a suprise." Darien nodded. "I'm afraid I'm just tagging along with Andrew and Lita today. But it is a pleasure to see you again, nevertheless." "Please, sit down." Mina motioned them towards a sofa. "My maid went to get some lemonade. She should be back shortly." *She looks so much like Serena.* Darien though, staring at Mina. *But not the same warmth. She is very nice, but I don't get the same thrill just looking at her as I do when I look at Serena.* Serena knocked on the door, carrying the glass piture of lemonade and several glasses on a tray. "Come in!" Mina turned towards her guests "That must be my maid with the lemonade now." Serena pushed the door open and entered, concentrating on keeping the lemonade and glasses balanced. She didn't look up, and didn't see Darien, but Darien saw her. *That girl REALLY looks Serena. Wait a minute... those eyes. It IS Serena!* His heart sped up. What was she doing HERE of all places? "Here is the lemonade you asked for, Ms. McMullen." "Mina, please." "I'm sorry. I keep forgetting. Is there anything else you would like Min-" Serena had just caught sight of Darien. *WHAT is he doing here? I got this job to stop thinking about him, not to see him. But oh, he is so handsome... stop it Serena. Get a grip on yourself.* Darien was staring at Serena, and she right back. *This must be the flower seller that Darien is in love with* thought Andrew *this is some coincindence, her working here just when Darien comes visiting.* "Darien? Serena? Are you all right?" asked Mina, concerned. "Ye-yes. Fine." answered Serena, shakily attempting to return her heart to its normal pace. "I'm great." said Darien. *Yeah, great. I'm trying my best to remember to breathe, and to keep my heart from stopping altogether for TOO long, but I'm great. Serena is so pretty. * Darien was right. Serena had washed up to look presentable for her first day on the job. Her face was clean, ivory white. Her sky blue eyes were alert and filled with suprise. Her golden hair was clean, but hidden underneath a white cap. A few gold tendrils stayed forward, framing her face. Even Andrew noticed how similiar Serena and Mina looked. *Almost like sisters.* Andrew though. That was weird. "Oh! I think I forgot to tie up the horses when we came in. I'd best go do that now. Darien, will you help me?"said Andrew. "Yeah, sure..."said a confused Darien. He stared at Serena until the door closed. "What's going on, Andrew? You tied up the horses securly before we came in. I helped, remember?" "Yeah, but we need to talk." "Sure, what about?" "You noticed how much Serena looks like Mina? - that maid Serena is the flower sellar Serena, right?" "Yeah. And I told you they looked alike." "Yeah, but if you look at them next to eachother, they're identical..like sisters." "What's your point, Andrew?" "I'm not sure. But didn't Mina have some sort of long-lost sister?" "That? A tale made up by her mother probably. You don't think Serena is that sister, do you? It's....it can't be." "I guess not.Just a thought." Darien couldn't help thinking that if Serena was Mina's sister, it would be just wonderful. Darien and Andrew entered the room again. Serena was standing in the corner, and Mina and Lita were engaging in some girl talk. "So, what is this mystery guys name?" asked Lita, excitedly. "Kunzite. Strange name, I know, it's been passed on through the family. His great-great-grandfather was a knight, and had that name. He's handsome." "I'm sure he is. Oh, Mina, I'm so happy for you! It's about time you found someone to love!" "I know.."just then Mina noticed Darien and Andrew had just entered again, "Oh! Are the horses tied up?" "Yes, they are." said Andrew, "And while I was tying them up I was thinking. Could you tell us the story of your long-lost sister again?" "Oh! That silly story. Of course if you want. My mother, before she died, always said I had a twin sister named...oh! Serena, actually. Isn't that funny? What with my maid Serena and I looking so much alike?" Serena was entranced. Could she be Mina's twin. Serena laughed. She could almsot hear Ami's voice in her head. *now is this practical Serena?* "Well, anyway, my mother said that when we were born, the midwife told her that Serena was dead. However, my mother never believed this, and always though she had smuggled Serena away to keep for her own daughter. That's just sillyness, of course." "Yes, but it is funny how much Serena looks like you. The maid I mean. Wouldn't it be wonderful if she were your sister?" "Well, my mother said that my twin sister had the same birthmark behind her ear that I did. What do you say, Serena, shall we check for the sake of fun?" "Why not?" said Serena, attempting to keep from letting out her nervousness. Mina looked carefully behind Serena's left ear. "It's a bit dirty back here. Lita, will you hand me a wet rag from the bathroom?" "Of course." Lita handed over a white linen cloth. Mina cleaned behind Serena's ear. "Oh my!" exclaimed Mina. "What?" asked Lita. "Behind her ear..." Lita looked quickly. A birthmark shaped like a crescent moon was behind Serena's ear, previously covered by layers of dirt and grime. The same birthmark was behind Mina's ear. "It's there! The birthmark!" anounced Lita. "You're kidding?" exclaimed and astonished Andrew. He and Darien went to look, and were amazed. Mina stood up and called another maid. "Mary! Could you get the Midwife Manoak please?" "Yes, madam." said the maid, nodding her head. Darien sat down heavily.*Serena, Mina's sister. That would mean Serena wasn't below his station! It would mean they could get married! Woah, Darien, slow down. You haven't even courted her.* Serena looked at Darien. *Me, a rich woman's sister. That would mean I would have a chance with Darien!* A while later, Mary entered with Midwife Manoak. "Ms. McMullen? Is there a problem?" asked the midwife, worried. She then caught sight of Serena. "Midwife Manoak, do you recognize this girl?" asked Mina, pointing to Serena. "I....I...yes." "Who is she?" asked Lita, excited. "I...it happened a long time ago. I was assisting in the birth of Mina and her twin sister, and I though the twin was dead. I took her home to bury her, as Mina's mother didn't look like she could handle burying the child. She was always very sickly, you see. However, when I tried to bury the girl, she started crying! I was afraid that if I returned the child, the mother would accuse me of trying to steal the babe. I didn't want that. I entrusted her to the orphanage where they let her into the world at twelve, and she worked as a maid for awhile, and then a flowe sellar. I-I'm sorry Ms. McMullen...both Ms. McMullens. I have the birth papers still." "I-I'm Mina's twin sister?" squeeked Serena. "Yes, child. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but... I had no real reason. I am sorry." the midwife started sobbing. "It...It's all right, Midwife Manoak. You did what you thought was right, I suppose. But...a sister!" Mina turned towards Serena with a smile on her face. "A sister! A twin sister! I've always dreamt of one, and now I have you! Please, you must move in with us today! And of course we'll need to find a maid for you, and go shopping for new dresses. Oh, it will be so much fun!" Throughout this whole time Darien had been silent. "Serena..." he croaked. The whole group turned to look at him. Not thinking, he grabbed her hands. "Serena, I love you." "But..." "What?" exclaimed Lita. "But you've never even met!" "Yes, we have." said Darien. "She sold flowers, and she backed into me and fell down. I was helping her pick the flowers up when we locked eyes...and fell in love. I saw her once more getting into the cab on the way to visit Raye. I love her. Serena, I love you more than anything, marry me. Please." "This is sillyness. You've met once or twice. It is not proper to ask a girl to marry you without calling on her for at least two months first..." Serena looked into Darien's eyes. She was drownding again. "Yes." "You'll marry me?" "Yes, I will. I love you, Darien. I love you, and I'll marry you. Yes." "How can they love eachother after meeting twice?" asked Lita, astonished. "Look at them, Lita. Just look at the them. See their eyes? They love each other. It's beautiful." said Mina. Lita looked. She then smiled. "I see. It's amazing." Darien pulled Serena close and kissed her softly. Then passionantely. When they stopped Serena smiled, and closed her eyes. "I love you, Darien." "I love you too."