OK, well, if you weren't totally turned off by lack of writing skills in chapter 
one, chapter two should be like a cold shower. ^^;; OK, well, hopefully not. 
Again, this is a few years old, but I wanted to post something a little 
different than "Rouge", so I drug this up. And a couple friends like this 
more than my other stuff, sooo.... Read it and weep! MWUHAHAHAHAH! 
Anyway, if you want the specifics on the origins of the story, read the AN's 
at the top of Chapter One. Otherwise, oooooon with the story!

slr_europa@yahoo.com

http://www.geocities.com/slr_europa

AIM :: SeeShelliRun


********************** 
 
Love Through Time ~ A Darien And Serena Saga 
Volume I, Chapter II 
 
 
 
    "The insolence of that upstart!" I heard Harlan mumble to himself, as I 
ventured back inside. I found him pacing back and forth, his head down, 
muttering about our guest. 

     "Really Harlan, he was a guest! How could you be so rude?" I asked, 
tentatively approaching him. I knew enough to be cautious when he was in 
these moods. He whirled around at this, his eyes flaring. 

     "That impudent young man enters MY home, and proceeds to insinuate that 
I am a bad father, and you feel the need to defend him, Serena?" He 
bellowed, his face turning all sorts of shades. 

     "For God's sake, he saved your daughters life! How can you be so cruel? 
If it wasn't for him, Selene could be DEAD right now!" I shot back. I was 
appalled by how unreasonable Harlan was being about this. This was totally 
uncalled for! 

     "He was a disrespectful little roach, and I am only glad that I will 
never have to see his wretched face again." He bit out, a sneer rising from 
his face. 

     "I'm sure he feels the same way, but I'll make sure I tell him that 
when I see him." I muttered, feeling the tension drop slightly. I began to 
clean up the dishes from the table, when Harlan whipped around, his body 
writhing in anger. 

     "You are to never see that man again, do you understand me? I don't 
want you or Selene near him, ever!" He barked at me, his voice getting raspy 
from his shouting. I began to feel own anger rise, as he spoke. I was 
starting to feel like a prisoner in my own home. I wasn't part of his 
family, I was his employee! Someone he could control like a chess piece! 

     "He saved Selene's life, and I WILL thank him for it, with or without 
your permission." I said, standing up straight as I spoke. I watched him 
begin to walk towards me, his fists clenched at his sides, so tightly the 
knuckles turned white. I felt my confidence slip away as he stopped, 6 
inches from my face. 

     "Most men in town would strike their wives at such talk Serena. I may 
be under control now, but mark my words, one day you'll regret ever talking 
back to me. You will be sorry." He said, his hot breath beating down on me 
as his eyes bore into my own. I could feel my back writhing in fear, and I 
couldn't move. Harlan had never struck me before, nor had he threatened to. 
I knew he was right. He wouldn't tolerate this anymore, but I was in too 
deep now. He wasn't the sort who respected women, but I wasn't looking for 
his respect. All I could think about was freedom. 
 
*************** 
 

     "Hello Mrs. William's!" 

     "Good Day, Elizabeth." I answered the petite, cheery eyed maid. 

     "Mrs. Ansel will be out in a few minutes. She's helping Anna with the 
tea." She said, as she led me into the small, cozy parlor. I sat down on the 
velvet couch, as I looked around the familiar room. This was the home of 
Patrice and William Ansel. Patrice had been my best friend since I married 
Harlan, and she knew everything that went on in our home. She was the only 
person who knew how unhappy I was with Harlan. She, on the other hand, was 
the picture of happiness in her home. She was deeply in love with William, 
and I understood why. He was handsome, kind, warm, and extremely caring. He 
was unlike most men in town, in the fact that he had the utmost admiration 
for his wife, and respected her more than anyone. His only flaw was the fact 
that he was a colleague of Harlan's, and, although he knew better, he stood 
up for him, his defense that Harlan was "smart, and well thinking.". 

     "Serena!" I heard Patrice squeal, as she threw open the door. She 
walked quickly to the couch, leading Anna into the room with a large silver 
tray, and teapots in hand. "Oh, you haven't come over in such a long time! 
What have you been doing?" She asked, sitting down next to me. I smiled, 
knowing fully well that she knew what had happened. She was simply waiting 
for me to tell her. 

     "Well, Selene had an accident, unfortunately." I heard Patrice gasp, 
"She's perfectly fine of course, but it did keep my busy." 

     "What happened?" She asked. 

     "She was playing in the oak in the front, and she fell. It had to be 
the most frightening thing I've ever witnessed." I said, shuddering as I 
remembered. Patrice's forehead wrinkled in concern as she listened. 

     "Well what did you do?" She said. 

     "Panic first of all." I said, laughing a little. "I wasn't quite sure 
where to go, but I finally ran into a young man who helped me take her to 
the doctor." I said, shaking my head, reminded of the past night's fight 
between Darien and Harlan. "I don't know what I would have done, had he not 
shown up." 

     "Who was he? Anyone you knew?" 

     "No, I'd never seen him before in my life. I suppose he moved here 
recently, but he knew exactly where to go. His name was Darien Jacobson. He 
was extremely kind, and I wish I knew how to thank him enough for it." I 
said, sighing, still thinking about Harlan's threat last night. I was more 
worried about what Harlan would do if he ever found out. 

     "Hmm. " She said, thinking. 

     "Harlan detests him, however I can't figure out why." Patrice raised a 
suspicious eyebrow at me, and I laughed. 

     "I invited him over for dinner last night, in order to thank him, but 
he and Harlan got into an awful fight. They even woke Selene up." I said, 
shaking my head at the memory. I didn't want to think what would have 
happened if she hadn't woken up. 

     "Well, I've never known Harlan to be a rational man, you know. 
Although, your right, it really doesn't make sense why he didn't appreciate 
what he did. You'd think he'd be grateful!" Patrice marveled. I nodded 
quietly, still thinking it over. 

     "Harlan warned me never to see him again, but I don't think I could 
live with myself if I didn't do something to thank him. He really does 
deserve it, despite what Harlan thinks." I mused. It was her turn to nod. 
     "You had better be careful, though. Harlan is liable to be very upset 

should he find out." She warned, raising her eyes. I smiled. I could be 
almost positive that he would never find out, however. He was at work during 
the day, and I was always alone, besides Selene and the few workers in the 
house. 
     "You needn't worry about that, Patrice. He may be respected, but he's 
also rather blind to these things." I laughed. I knew I could count on her 
to keep silent too. She wasn't too fond of Harlan herself, although she 
rarely voiced that opinion to me. Most people felt the same way. Myself 
included. 
 

*********** 
 

     Although I desperately wanted to thank Darien, I realized I knew next 
to nothing about the man! I was in a such a panic when Selene fell that I 
didn't think to ask him where he worked, or where he lived. I really had no 
idea who I would ask about such things, or where I should start. I decided 
though, that it would be best to ask around where we first met. On the 
street, just after Selene's accident, if I could find my way back there.... 

     I had a lot of time that afternoon, and decided that I would go today. 
I left our home around eleven o'clock, and ventured through the somewhat 
busy streets of Stratford. Before too long, I found myself right where I 
wanted to be. Just a few feet down the block was the doctor's where we had 
taken Selene. I smiled to myself, happy at my self-reliance. This tiny bit 
of independence was a new thing for me, and it felt good. I hardly ever went 
out of the house during the day unescorted. Harlan would probably whip me if 
he knew. 

     I suddenly realized that I wasn't scared of the consequences. After 
that evening, after standing up to Harlan, I realized that I had confidence. 
Confidence that I never realized before. It was exhilarating, knowing that I 
could be strong, rather than Harlan's doormat. I also felt I owed a little 
bit of that to Darien. Watching him stand up to Harlan was overwhelming. 
Most people knew enough not to. Knew that Harlan was a powerful man in this 
town, and he wouldn't hesitate on using that power on people. Especially 
people he didn't particularly like. 

     I laughed aloud as I realized what I had been thinking about. I hardly 
knew this man! And yet, I was practically calling him my savior! I realized 
I was coming on a small store on the corner of the street I was on, and 
decided this would be the best place to start. I don't know what I expected, 
but I had to begin somewhere. 

     It was a large book store, probably one of the bigger ones in town, I 
mused. In the back corner, was a large oak desk, and perched on a large 
cushioned chair was him, Darien. I laughed at my good luck, just before 
realizing I didn't know what I was going to say to him. I didn't expect to 
find him so easily, and now that I had, I really wasn't sure what to do! I 
did decide that standing there in the middle of the store was a bad idea, so 
I collected my courage and walked slowly to the back of the room, my heart 
pounding. I felt my palms get clammy, and my mind whirled. What was the 
matter with me? All this, just because I was going to talk to him? I must 
have been more nervous than I thought! 

     He watched me curiously as I approached, and I knew he was trying to 
figure out who I was. A look of recognition crossed his face, and a large 
grin spread. He jumped right up from behind the desk and walked to meet me. 
I began to feel myself smile as well, I imagined we must look incredibly 
silly, just smiling at each other, but I couldn't help it. 

     "I never expected to see your beautiful face in here, Serena. This is a 
pleasant surprise, I must say!" He remarked. I smiled in reply. 

     "I must admit that I was quite shocked to find you here." I laughed 
lightly at my own private joke. "I was planning on asking around town for 
you, but this made it a lot easier." He gave me a suspicious yet suggestive 
look and I felt the blood rise to my face as my cheeks grew hot. I ducked my 
head as I began to explain. "I wanted to apologize again for last night. I 
want to assure you that my husband isn't usually so....uh, rude." I said, 
struggling to find a better word but falling short. He nodded in response 
but kept a respectful silence. "I hope you won't judge my family on Harlan's 
outbursts." 

     "I'll tell you Ms. Williams, I could never judge a family on such a 
poor example." He said as he turned and headed back to his desk, practically 
making me scurry after him just to make him audible. He suddenly turned 
around, making me halt to a stop, as he added, "I'd much rather judge it on 
_you_ ." My feet grew stiff and I felt myself bolted to the floor, as his 
eyes bore deep into my own, and I found it impossible to look away. He gave 
me a slight smile after what seemed like an eternity, and turned back to his 
desk. I exhaled a large breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding in as I 
rubbed my now moist palms onto the silky fabric of my dress. 

     "Mr. Jacobson, I must ask that you don't say such things like that." I 
gave a nervous nod in the direction of the door. "Harlan is well known 
around town, and if anything got back to him...." His head popped up from 
looking at his books and he gave me a serious look. 

     "I'm sure the people of this town have better things to do than gossip 
about me." He gave me a matter -of - fact grin as he added, "I also get the 
feeling most people here feel the same way I do about Mr. Harlan Williams." 
He turned around again and I bit my lip in anticipation when I heard his 
muffled voice call "Including _you_ ." 

	My brow furrowed and I almost raised my voice when the bell rang, signaling 
another customer had entered. Without so much as a glance or even an 
acknowledging gesture, he left to attend to the new person. I huffed in 
frustration before giving in to his logic a second later. He was right, and 
I knew it. I sighed defeatedly and leaned against his desk. I had the sudden 
urge to just leave the store and never come back. That of course would be 
the responsible thing to do, but for some reason, I didn't move. I mingled 
around the back, picking a few books off the shelves and flipping through 
them. It was amidst my rummaging when an excess volume clattered to the 
wooden floor and I uttered a few remarks and bent down to replace it back in 
its' place. I was dusting the binding off as I read the cover when a 
seemingly loud voice boomed behind me. 

     "That's one of my favorites." I sucked in a breath as I whirled 
protectively around, my face going pale as a ghost. I gave a relieved sigh 
as an amused figure began to laugh at my expense. I thrust my hands on my 
hips as I gave a disparaging glare at Darien, who now stood, shaking with 
laughter a few feet above me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." I 
let out another estranged breath and looked up at him. 

     "I meant it though. That's one of the best." He said grinning as he 
pointed to the leather bound book. "Do you read much?" I nodded as I 
casually leafed through the pages. 

     "When I can. Harlan of course buys all the books, but I'm usually the 
one who ends up reading them." I punctuated the thought with a small laugh. 
"He says there are too many conflicting thoughts in them. Usually quits 
halfway through if they don't agree with him." Darien gave a huge grin and 
nodded. 

     "I never pictured Mr. Williams as a particularly open-minded man." He 
said to no one in particular. I turned back to the book as I examined the 
text. "Would you like to buy it?" I looked up suddenly and shook my head 
immediately. 

     "Harlan would never let me buy this alone. I'd have to bring him back 
with me, before he'd spend his money on...." Before I could finish, Darien 
had grabbed the book from my hands and had taken it back to the desk, 
causing me to follow him curiously around again, frustrated at this little 
game of tag he seemed to be leading. He arrived his desk and jotted 
something down then looked up, a beautiful smile lighting up his face. 

     "Then take it. It's yours." I gave him a questioning look, as if he 
hadn't understood a word I had just said. "Call it a gift." I sighed in 
exasperation and shook my head slowly. 

	 "I can't. Harlan wouldn't like it...." I said reluctantly, gazing at the 
book he had pushed towards me. 

     "I'm not trying to please Harlan." He said shortly. I gazed at it 
longingly, wanting to accept it so badly. I gritted my teeth, trying to come 
up with reasons to just take off and leave. I glanced tentatively up at him, 
and he cocked an eyebrow, testing me. "It's a gift, nothing more." I 
breathed out and gave in to him, taking the book and placing it in my hand 
bag. 

     "I'd like to pay you for it, somehow..." I said, still reluctant to 
accept it so willingly. He shook his head. 

     "It's yours, pure and simple." He replied easily. I looked up 
questioningly and his quiet gaze assured me. I smiled brightly and he gave 
me an easy grin back. "Maybe someday you'll return next time you need a 
book." I laughed and nodded. I glanced at his clock and turned back to him. 

     "I really must go. It's almost 1, and I promised Selene I'd have  lunch 
with her." He nodded and waved goodbye. I turned and headed to the door when 
I turned around impulsively and gave him my biggest smile. "Thank you 
 again!" He gave me one last wave, and I was out the door. 
 
******** 
 
 
     "I don't believe I've ever seen you read so much in one week, let alone 
one day Mrs. Williams!" Sarah exclaimed as she walked inside the back door, 
her hair frazzled from a rambunctious afternoon with Selene. I looked up, 
marking my page as I laughed. 

     "It's very interesting. Probably one of the best I've ever read." I 
said, gesturing to the book. She nodded knowingly. A cry rang through the 
air, fading clearly into a high pitched giggle, and Sarah heaved a great 
sigh. With a few meager steps she was headed out the door once again, 
chasing wearily after the tiny little terror. I turned my attention back to 
my reading, now almost half way through the book. 

	It wasn't much longer until all 254 pages were done, and I shut the back 
cover with flourish. 

     "Whew!" I said, leaning back into the cushions of the chair in the 
parlor. I rubbed my tired eyes as I checked the clock above the mantel. Only 
another hour before Harlan returned. I grimaced. I knew there was no way he 
could possibly know that I had run into Darien, but my heart pounded 
fiercely in my chest at the very idea. I sighed in fear as I picked up the 
book and placed it in its' now permanent home, nestled in between Harlan's 
many volumes. I knew he would never notice one new book, especially since he 
never even bothered to give the case a second look. I dusted my hands and 
stepped back. I turned and left the room, hoping to fix my now crumpled 
clothes before my darling husband returned home. 
 
******** 
 

     "Well, sweetheart, how was your day?" The youngster squealed in delight 
as her father pulled her easily off the floor and tossed her into the air. 
She giggled profusely and even I had to smile as her face lit up with bliss. 
She really was beautiful, I had to say. Not that it was a hard thing to 
admit. 

     "Sarah and I played tag outside, and Mommy and I ate lunch together." 
She giggled as he bounced her. "The we played tag again!" he laughed 
heartily as he pulled her to his side and walked into the dining room, just 
as Sarah was setting the table for supper. 

     "It sounds like you had a pretty full day." Selene nodded in reply as 
he set her down at the table, and she ungracefully sniffed the permeated 
air, trying to identify the dinner the maids had been preparing. I followed 
the two and eventually found my own seat just as the service began. 

     Dinner was silent, and I ate cautiously, waiting upon the inevitable 
question as to what I had done today. I had carefully orchestrated a long 
story that I had also instructed the maids to go along with. My mouth chewed 
slow, silent bites, my eyes never leaving my plate. Selene kept Harlan busy 
with aimless questions, and I began to wonder if maybe I was going to be 
able to avoid his interrogation. My pulse slowed to it's normal rate as the 
maids began to clean the plates and get out the tea, which Harlan normally 
took in his study. I closed my eyes gratefully as the steaming pot was 
placed on the table and poured into the saucers, all the while, Harlan's 
attention diverted to the curious toddler that sat to his right. I sighed in 
relief as he gathered up his papers from the table in the den. 

     "Serena." My head snapped up and I was aware of the slight flush that 
had risen to my face. I only hoped he was too far to notice. 

     "Yes?" 

     "What did you do with yourself all day?" I gulped nervously and sat up 
straight as I cleared my throat, trying desperately to stall him. 

     "I um, well, for a while...." 

     "Well, don't just stutter darling, tell me how you busied yourself." He 
began to raise his voice and I pursed my lips, half frustrated and half 
afraid. 

     "I read." Popped out of my mouth so quickly I hadn't had time to check 
it. My eyes widened and I snapped my jaw shut as soon as the words were out. 
I studied his reaction, praying to the heavens he would accept it. 

     He glanced at his paper absently and nodded. "Very good." He muttered, 
not even looking up as he ventured down the hall to his study. I sat in the 
same spot for many seconds afterwards, unable to believe it had been that 
easy. My excited breath came out long and fast and I laughed uneasily as I 
fell back into the dining room chair. I gave a final sigh and closed my 
eyes. It had been that easy. 
 
 
****** 
 

     "Make sure you keep Selene busy while I'm gone." I instructed Sarah as 
I pulled my hat strings over my jaw. Sarah nodded knowingly. I gave her a 
small smile and she returned it whole heartedly. After working for us for a 
number of years, I knew I could trust her not to tell Harlan about my second 
little excursion into town. It had been 4 days, and I was still in awe of 
how I had gotten away with leaving on my own. If just being out alone gave 
me a sense of independence, getting away with it gave me confidence. I was 
feeling much more like I had when I was younger, before Harlan had taken my 
freedom away from me and practically bound me in my bed. 

     I closed the door behind me as I walked down the front steps of our 
house, and onto the open street that stretched out now in front of me. I 
started down the now familiar road, knowing exactly where I was headed, 
however much a mystery my motivation was. 

     Although I was filled with my new found confidence and independence I 
wasn't sure I dared journey anywhere but the book store, at least, not just 
yet. I knew for a fact that Harlan wouldn't go into such a unknown nook as 
Darien had. No, he much preferred the plush, well respected, and 
considerably more expensive shops to purchase from. 

     A few minutes later, I found myself walking into the ringing of   the 
bell above his door, looking from corner to corner, hoping to catch a 
glimpse of his familiar face. After failing to find him, I began to walk 
amongst the many shelves of books, eventually finding my way into the 
fiction part, and amused myself by flipping through the many interesting 
titles that spring out at me. I became engrossed by one in particular when a 
large book plummeted from it's place on the top shelf and landed with a thud 
on the floor, startling me from my reverie. A dark head poked out from the 
top of the shelf and peered down at me and I gasped in surprise. I heard a 
deep, throaty chuckle come from the other side and I clutched my chest in 
shock. 

     The brooding, strong form of Darien sauntered around the wooden 
obstacle and gave me a warm smile as he stopped a few feet short of me. I 
gave a shy smile, not exactly sure why I was so nervous all of a sudden. My 
heart thudded greatly once against my chest walls, so loud I was sure he 
could feel my anxiety. What was happening to me? 

     "Look who decided to come back for a visit." His smooth voice rolled 
out over his lips, now in full grin. My smile spread and I replaced the book 
I had been admiring. "How are you Ms. Williams?" 

     "I'm lovely, thank you." I replied, my smile never ceasing. "I was 
unoccupied this afternoon, and I thought I would stop by and thank you, this 
time for the book." 

     "Think nothing of it." He whipped his musty hands on his apron and then 
rubbed the beads of perspiration off his forehead. It suddenly occurred to 
me that I had interrupted him from working. I felt my smile fade as the 
humiliation rose. 

     "Oh, I'm sorry! I'm keeping you from work!" I exclaimed, a small, 
nervous laugh escaping with the words. His deep laugh rolled out once more 
and he waved a dismissive hand at me. 

     "That's the beauty of employing yourself. I decided when I would like 
to take a break." He paused, his smile getting a little bit more curious. 
"Have you had a chance to start on the title yet?" It was my turn to laugh. 
I covered my flushing face as I giggled heartily. 

     "I was remarkably able to finish it in one sitting last afternoon." I 
replied. His face became shocked for a second, but he recovered immediately, 
shaking his head as he chuckled. 

     "My, you must be quite a reader!" He replied, a few laughs still 
punctuating his exclamation. He beamed at me, and I smiled broadly at the 
prospect of impressing him. "That's not an easy task you know." He began his 
nasty habit of walking off and I picked up my skirt and followed without any 
trouble this time as he blazed a trail to his high, cherry desk. He made a 
few marks, and then looked up, his smile still evident, when the doorbell 
chimed and we both looked up. 

     My smile dropped. In the door walked Patrice, although, thankfully, she 
was alone. I shouldn't have been there, and I was suddenly painfully aware 
of that. She looked up towards the desk where we stood, directly in the back 
of the shop. She gave a warm, inviting smile to Darien, and then turned her 
attention to me. She did a double take upon seeing me, her eyes widening in 
frightening measures. Within a second though, she snapped out of it, and 
gave me a wide, yet still confused grin. 

     "Serena! My, this is a surprise! I wasn't expecting to see you here!" 
She linked her arm through mine and squeezed my shoulder affectionately. I 
gave her the same consideration by shwoing my bravest smile, although inside 
I felt like dying. She turned eventually to Darien, asking about a book her 
husband had ordered a few days earlier. I did not wait to stay and chat with 
her. I suddenly wished nothing more than to be as far away from Darien as I 
could be. I walked briskly to the far left corner, and stared aimlessly at 
the stacks of books that I couldn't have identified if my life depended on 
it. I gazed through the holes between the bindings, and into the wall that 
propped it up. I bit my lip and closed my eyes, mind racing as it struggled 
to find a reason for my sudden paranoia. Patrice was my dearest friend, and 
I was certain I could trust her. She wouldn't tell William she had seen me, 
would she? My teeth charged into my bottom lip until the slight, bitter 
taste of blood lingered in my mouth. I whipped away what little I had found 
and took a deep breath, venturing back towards the desk. 

     Their chatter became louder as I made my way, and Darien's questioning 
eyes met mine for a second, before I darted my gaze away in fear. Patrice 
turned to me, ever oblivious to my timid demeanor and gave me her usual 
enlightened grin. 

     "Serena dear, you haven't been over in days. I insist that you come 
home with me and keep me company for a while." She thrust her arm threw my 
own and I felt my heart immediately begin to slow to its' normal pace. I 
smiled back genuinely this time and followed her out the door. I slowed my 
steps for a few seconds and turned around and smiled once more in Dariens 
direction. 

     "Thank you again Mr. Jacobson." I said brightly, glad to escape this 
torture. He gave me his biggest grin. 

     "The pleasure was all mine Ms. Williams." I paused for a second and 
then turned to the waiting Patrice. We both exited the store, and I was glad 
for the openness of the Stratford sky. I felt less bound and let a large 
breath escape my lungs. I knew Patrice was bursting with questions, but I 
also knew she had the common sense to wait until we were in the safety of 
her home. I silently thanked my tactful friend. 
 

******* 
 

     "You've been going out undetected? Harlan hasn't a clue?" Patrice asked 
excitedly, her eyes glowing with intrigue. I laughed and stirred my tea cup, 
concentrating hard on the leaves floating to the bottom. 

     "It's nothing scandalous, I can promise you that!" I said giggling. She 
laughed, flapping her hand at me. 

     "But why? You've always obeyed Harlan before, why are your deciding not 
to now?" She asked, a smile still displayed. I shrugged my shoulders 
slightly. 

     "Well, I hadn't planned on it. I originally had just thought of finding 
that gentleman who saved Selene. However, I entered that book shop a few 
days ago, and discovered he owned it!" I laughed, shaking my head at the 
memory. "I thanked him, and he returned the favor by giving me a book as a 
gift." Patrice raised a suspicious yet curious eyebrow and I giggled 
furiously at her. "He said he recommended the book himself, and when I told 
him Harlan wouldn't let me buy it myself, he told me to just take it." 

     "My Serena! If only it were a few years earlier...." She said 
suggestively and we both laughed. She suddenly got serious and gave me a 
puzzled look as she set her saucer and cup on the table. 

    "This is the man who Harlan almost got into fisticuffs with?" I gave her 
a strange, questioning look as I nodded. She thought for a second. "So he is 
aware you're married?" I gasped in shock. 

     "Of course he is Patrice!" I exclaimed. "How could he not realize?" She 
gave me a interesting look, her forehead wrinkled in thought as she gazed at 
me. 

     "Then why doesn't he call you _Mrs._ Williams?" My face froze upon the 
words of my friend. I had no idea. 
 

****** 
 

     I returned home not much later, my mind whirling in all different 
directions. My eyes watched the rode intently, not able to take in the many 
things along the streets as I was too deep in thought to notice. The 
afternoon had proven strange, and I had gone through too many emotions to 
think clearly at this point. It was almost three when I realized that Harlan 
wouldn't be home tonight. I silently praised his business transaction that 
would be taking place early tomorrow in London. He would be there for at 
least three days, and had arranged for two extra maids to stay in the house 
with me and Selene while he was away. I breathed a sigh of relief, one less 
thing to worry myself with tonight. 

     I walked up the steps and through the door a moment later, greeted by a 
flying little blonde head, followed by an exasperated Sarah. Finally 
reaching the tiny storm, Sarah plucked her up off the floor and gave me an 
apology for the ruckus, to which I dismissed warmly. She thanked me and 
began to set the table along side the other two servants. 

     Selene and I had a quiet dinner, Selene being unusually tired for this 
time of the day. Sarah said she had quite an exhausting day, much more than 
usual, so I put the thought out of my head. We finished quickly, and Selene 
went to bed without a fuss. 

     Unable to stop my still racing mind, I sat down, and fumbled with my 
fingers absently, in the parlor. I began to, although I'm not sure why, 
refer to the book I had just finished just days ago. It had been a romantic 
novel, filled with symbolism and deeper meanings. It was exactly what 
excited me the most, and I had been enthralled with it from the moment I 
picked it up. I stood up suddenly and walked the short distance to the book 
shelves and searched the many dusty volumes for the particular title. I 
finally reached it's particular binding, with the title printed solely down 
the side. I picked at it with my index finger and found that I had wedged it 
in a very taught shelf, bursting with already thick books. I grunted 
ungracefully and yanked as hard as I could, when it suddenly came toppling 
on top of me. I let out a surprised yelp as it clunked to the ground, it's 
front cover flipping up to reveal the title page. I leaned in closer and for 
the first time that day, my mind stopped racing and my heart seemed to cease 
beating. There, in black and white read: 
 

'Lonely Hunter' 

Written and edited by  -  Darien Jacobson 
 
 
******************************

Yick. I hope I've improved my writing in the past 3 years. This is a stinker. I think 
once the romance really kicks in, I'll be more inclined to like it again.... I once 
loved it like it was my own child. Blech. I hope my children have better grammar 
than this thing does. Anyway, same goes for this thing as the last chapter - it's 
old, forgive it for being a stinky piece of pooh. Aaaaanyway, feedback is much 
appreciated - flames as well. 

slr_europa@yahoo.com

http://www.geocities.com/slr_europa

AIM :: SeeShelliRun




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