Serena

Title: Serena
Summary: A life of a lonely woman in New York. Inspired by my roleplay character. It is unfinished.
1928, New York

Walking through the crowded streets of New York, Serena Reyes pulled her coat more tightly around her shivering body. It was a cold dreary Saturday morning, and Serena had the day off.
As she walked Serena kept her eyes focused on her feet. Avoiding eye contact at all costs. She couldn’t bare the cold and bitter stares of those she passed. To them she was only a poor street rat with old clothes and a worn out sweater. Sometimes she caught looks of pity but those were just as bad. She yearned for a true friend to converse with. Long ago she dreamed of a handsome man sweeping her off of her feet and taking her away from her troubled life. It would be love at first sight and nothing would be able to break them apart, because they would be meant for each other. The more and more Serena saw of this world the less she believed true love existed, at least for her. She didn’t know if she was capable of trusting someone with her heart.
Finally she reached her destination. It was a small park filled with a few trees where she could sit and watch the birds. This was her sanctuary where no one else would bother her for no one else in this city took the time to just sit and watch the day go by. She found her bench and sat down to look out over the water. It wasn’t the prettiest day New York had ever seen but at least the birds were out.
The gloomy clouds overhead seemed intent on making her mood just as dark and brooding. Sometimes she couldn’t help but to wonder why things turn out the way they do and when her thoughts headed in that direction they landed smack dab in her past.

Serena's life had never been an easy one, since the day she was born she had to withstand heartache and loss. Her mother had died during childbirth and her father had no one else to blame but Serena. Her father had told her constantly that the only reason she was still around was because “John Reyes had a duty to uphold”. While he did clothe her and feed her, he never offered her words of love and companionship. Instead of warm hugs he gave her hurtful slaps. “If it wasn’t for you none of this would have happened!” He would shout at her, his brown eyes ablaze with furry. She would shrink away from his animosity but being just a small child she had nowhere to go. His voice rang in her ears to this very day.
Serena’s eyes stared unseeing out into the lake. Her mind was elsewhere, reliving the past. A past she would give anything to forget. The day her father committed suicide the state sent her to live with her Aunt Felicia and Uncle Patrick. Uncle Patrick too blamed Serena for all that had befallen upon the family. He wallowed in self-pity at having another mouth to feed. He came up with a quick solution to that however. Instead of attending school with her cousins she was forced to stay home and clean. She fetched the eggs, milked the cows, did the laundry and the dishes and even made supper. Her two cousins teased her constantly.
”Hey Cinderella go clean my room! My dress has a spot on it! Clean it! I’m hungry, fetch me a piece of bread. Cindersoot Cindersoot Cindersoot!!”
They would play tricks on her and generally make life hard for her. Her Aunt just turned the other cheek. When she turned eighteen she had run away.
A smile lifted the corners of Serena’s mouth and she shook her head at that particular memory. To this day she had no idea where she had gotten the courage to make a run for it. Where was she going to go? No family that loved her, no friends, and no money. Yet she had known she had to escape or spend the rest of her life being kicked around. At the stroke of midnight she had crept down the stairs of the old farmhouse. Careful not to make any noise, she eased open the heavy oak door. Stepping outside was like feeling freedom for the first time. She sprinted out into the open field and she hadn’t stopped running until she was on the ferry and headed to Coney Island.

Finally free, one questioned had still gone unanswered. Where was she going to go? Wondering the unkind streets of New York, a kind old man by the name of Harry Steele took her under his wing. Somehow he had seen the good in Serena and trusted her enough to allow her into his home. At first she was asked to do the household chores and run errands, but when his wife Laura had taken ill, she took on a new task. Through the day while he was out working she would care for Laura. The three had become friends almost and without it being decided they had become her surrogate parents. For four years Serena cared for the couple, and for the first time in her life she felt wanted and loved.
Serena smiled, yes these past four years had been a true blessing and she had a lot to be thankful for. Laura had taught Serena to read from the Bible and had led her to know Christ as her personal Savior.

Suddenly Serena noticed how dark it had gotten. She had been sitting on this bench for the entire day! The sun was already setting in the sky, and Serena knew that the Steele’s must be worried about her. Pulling herself together, Serena stood up from the bench and headed back toward the townhouse. Walking down Main Street wasn’t Serena’s idea of fun, especially at night. She hurried along, trying to go unnoticed by the drunkards of the town. Serena sighed in relief when her home came into view. Taking the steps two at a time she entered the house.
“I’m home! Laura? Harry?” She called, pulling off her hat and gloves. She hung her coat on the rack and went into the living room.
“It’s about time you came home! We were about to send out a search party!” Came Harry’s gruff voice. His eyes were filled with worry.
“I’m sorry I worried you.” Serena said, pausing to smile at Laura. “How are you feeling this evening?”
“Oh you know, hanging in there.” The woman replied weakly, still she wore a smile.
“Well, we already had supper and yours is still in there on the counter. Its time I put Laura to bed.”
“I’m sorry I kept you up. I lost track of the hour.”
“No need to apologize. I know what happens when that mind of yours wonders off,” Harry said, laughing. He leaned down and gently scooped Laura up in his arms. At his age it surprised Serena that he was still strong enough to carry her. Little did she know that it took a lot out of him but he wasn’t about to let it show. He liked carrying her around for she never let him in their younger days. Sometimes her independent nature baffled him. “Oh, Serena could I get you to do me a favor in the morning?”
“Sure, anything.”
“Could you run to the store and pick up some things I forgot on Friday?” Henry asked, “There is a small list on the counter.”
Serena nodded and bid them goodnight.

The next morning Serena got up early to do the grocery shopping. It hadn’t taken her long to pick up the several items on the list. It wasn’t even ten o’clock and she was already heading back home. The chill morning winds whipped around her body making her shiver, using her free hand she gripped her sweater tighter. With her other hand she hoisted the bag of groceries higher on her hip. Her teeth were chattering, and her normal rosy lips were tinged with blue. Her tattered worn out sweater was no match for the chilly winter air. Finally coming to her front door, she climbed the steps into the town house, and unlocked the door.
“Laura? I’m home!” She called out to her employer. She looked up to the older woman as a sort of mother. Since the day she had come to work for the Steele’s she had been treated as if she was their daughter.
“In here dear.” Came a shaky voice from the living room.
Setting the groceries down on the kitchen counter Serena hurried into the living room. She smiled warmly at the old woman, “how are you this morning? I trust Harry has already left for the day?”
The woman returned Serena’s friendly smile, and smoothed her hands over the quilt covering her lap. “I’m doing much better than yesterday Thank you dear and yes, Harry has left for the day.”
“You did allow him to help you down here didn’t you?” Serena asked, her tone accusing.
“Of course,” Laura replied, a knowing smile on her face. It had been an ongoing battle around the Steele household. Laura had always strived to be independent and now with her illness she couldn’t stand the thought of having to lean on others.
“That’s good. I bought your favorite soup at the store. Would you care to have some now?” Serena asked, moving back to the kitchen. She paused by the door to wait for her response.
“If you have the time sweety, I can wait if you have something else you need to be doing.” Laura told her, not wanting to get in the way of the young girls duties.
“The only thing I need to be doing is taking care of you,” Serena replied. “The soup will be ready shortly.” She said, grinning.

Harry’s Drug Store was booming with business. Patrons went up and down the isles carefully selecting their items for this week’s supper. The cashier line was backed up, and Harry was having a hard time keeping up. Sweat had broken out across his brow, and his hands were shaking from the exertion. “Thank you Mrs. Lawson, have a nice day. Say hello to Mr. Lawson for me!” He was wearing his patented charming smile. “Good day Mr. Armstrong, how is your wife doing?”
“Oh she is much better thank you for asking Mr. Steele. The fever has gone down considerably. How about Laura? Is she doing okay?” The man asked. He was concerned for Harry and Laura. The Steele’s were a favorite around there and it had been devastating to learn of her illness.
“She is hanging in there. Some days are better than others.” Harry replied. His normally expressive blue eyes were clouded with pain. “Your total comes to thirteen cents.”
“All righty then, here you go,” He handed Harry the money. “How about Serena? Everything working out with her?”
“Oh yes, Serena is wonderful. She is almost like the daughter we never had. I am very grateful for her.” Mr. Steele replied, some sparkle returning to his piercing blue eyes. In his younger days Harry had been quite a catch with his wavy black hair and pale complexion. He was well built and had the most amazing blue eyes and charming smile. There were lots of young women that had tried to capture his heart, but Laura was the only one that managed to steal it. As he had aged, his looks only matured and if you asked Laura she would say, ‘he gets more handsome every day.’ Some tend to agree with her.
“Well, thank you very much Harry. See you next week,” tipping his hat, Mr. Armstrong collected his change and left the store.
Harry opened his mouth to greet the next customer when a small delicate hand touched his shoulder. Turning around he saw the smiling face of his employee, June Philips.
“Serena is here with your lunch Mr. Steele. I am here to take over.” Studying her bosses pale, drawn face she added, “Maybe you should go home and get some rest. I can handle the store and Michael is here to help me.”
Mr. Steele smiled at the kind girl but shook his head firmly, “I’ll take a break, but I can’t leave, there is inventory to do, and I don’t feel right leaving it all up to you kids.” He patted the girl on the shoulder, and went in the back where Serena was waiting.
“Hello, I was beginning to worry that you weren’t going to take your break!” Serena replied, laughing. She held a brown paper bag in her hand. She opened it up and pulled out a sandwich and a small container. “Peanut butter and jelly and some left over soup.”
“Oh Serena, you sweet girl you. What would we do without you?” He said affectionately. He sat down at the table and took a bite out of his sandwich. “Mmm…this is wonderful Serena, you make the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in town!”
“Oh, really!” Serena admonished. “Well, you make sure you eat all your lunch and take a long leisurely break. You may think I don’t notice but I can tell that your arthritis is acting up. I can see right through you.” Serena said pointing her finger at him but a smile was playing at the corner of her mouth.
“How is Laura doing?” He asked, concern for his beloved wife glistening in his eyes.
“She is doing much better. I just took her up stairs for her nap but she was able to sit up for quite a while this morning.” Serena reassured him. “Well, I must be getting back before she awakes. If you need me don’t hesitate to send June or Michael to get me”
“I will. And since when did I stop being the boss?” He said, raising an eyebrow. He wasn’t able to keep up the serious façade and he grinned.
“The moment you said you would hire me!” Serena called as she headed for the door. She gave him one of her best smiles as she skipped out the door. Never had she been so happy.

Once again back outside in the cold frigid air, she struggled to bring her thin sweater closer around her. While the Steele’s were nice people they didn’t have that much money and couldn’t afford to raise Serena’s pay. Serena wasn’t bitter toward the couple for she understood their predicament, and wouldn’t go anywhere else for all of the gold in the world. So she made due with her plain black dress with its sleeveless bodice and short skirt. She hurried around the corner, her eyes looking downwards and was surprised when she bumped into someone. Looking up into the familiar face she gasped. She tried to formulate a sentence but was at loss. Finally she became aware of the fact that he had a hold of her arm. She jerked out of his grasp, and turned her gray eyes to look menacingly up into his. Her eyes turned to steel and she straightened up to her full five feet. Her posture was defiant.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” He said, smirking down into the young girls face. “Long black hair, steel gray eyes, yep this must be the daughter of Diana Reyes. God rest her soul.” He commented sarcastically.
“If you don’t mind, I must be on my way.” Serena moved to go past him but he blocked her escape.
“You left us in quite a bind you know, when you left so abruptly. I have half a mind to call the authorities on you. It took us quite a while to find someone to fill your place.” He mocked her.
“I very much doubt it was very hard finding another ‘servant’” she spit out the word bitterly. “You didn’t want me anyway. What kind of relative lets his only niece slave away and be tossed around like some street rat in his own home!” She shouted angrily, tears forming in her eyes. “If you force me to come back I will only run away again. Besides I am eighteen now, you have no control over me.”
“You are right, why would I want the girl who caused the death of my beloved brother, in my presence.”
Tears stinging her eyes she pushed her way passed him and headed on down the street. She heard him call out to her but she ignored his bitter words and picked up her pace. The Steele’s were her family now and she had no intention of reminiscing about what was.

When the door to the small town house opened later that night, a very tired Harry came walking through. He slung his coat and hat on the rack and threw his gloves on the table. “I’m home,” he called out wearily. He shuffled into the living room and sank down into his favorite chair. Propping his feet up, he closed his eyes.
Serena walked into the living room wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Good evening,“ her sentence was lost when she caught sight of him, “Harry! I thought I told you to take it easy! And here you are bone tired and its way past quitting time!” She scolded.
“I know Serena but I couldn’t leave, we were so busy today.” He sighed and opened his eyes to look at the girl. “My you get prettier every day.” He said, smiling.
“Don’t think your charms are going to get you off the hook so easily!” She said, narrowing her eyes at him.
“Yes they will.” He said, winking at her.
She smiled and nodded her head. “Supper is about ready. Go wash up.”
“Has Laura already eaten?”
“No, she insisted on waiting for you. But don’t worry, I’ll help her down.” Serena turned and went back to the kitchen to get supper on the table. When she had first come to this house Laura had been cooking the meals. While Laura did all right in the kitchen, she was no match for Serena’s homemade country recipes. They had been surprised one night when she had gotten up enough nerve to gently shove Laura out of the kitchen. She had teased her a bit then saying she couldn’t stomach another meal tasting of cardboard. From then on Serena had been the cook in the house. Harry was a bit on the chunky side now of days but at least Laura had some meat on her bones.

The next morning Serena was happily humming in the kitchen as she prepared breakfast. The night had been a restless one, filled with dreams from the past. While she was exhausted she refused to let her so-called family take presence in her life through the day.
Harry came into the kitchen and placed a friendly kiss on her forehead, “How is my favorite girl this morning?” He asked, giving her a charming smile before having a seat at the table.
“I’m fine thanks. How are you feeling?” She asked, setting a plate in front of him.
“Oh, you know me. I’ll live.” He told her, looking down at his plate. His mouth watered and he couldn’t wait to shovel it into his mouth. However, first things first, “how about you? I could tell something was bothering you yesterday. Ready to talk about it?” He prodded gently. He knew better than to push her. Serena guarded here emotions fiercely. As a child she was never shown love or friendship. Serena was still learning how to trust people with her feelings.
“Its nothing really, I promise.” She replied, forcing a bright smile. Still the smile didn’t reach her eyes, giving her away.
“Ok, I will be here when you need to talk.” Harry told her, nodding. He picked up his fork and took a generous bite. He smiled approvingly at Serena.
“Talk about what?” Laura asked, hobbling into the room. She was clutching tightly to the counter for support.
“Laura! For goodness sakes!” Harry yelped, jumping to his feet and taking a hold of his wife’s arm. He stared into her chocolate brown eyes and pleaded with her, “would you please call me when you are ready to get up? What if you were to fall?”
“Oh calm down Harry. I was feeling up to it. Now sit me down at the table. I want my breakfast.” Laura said, pushing away Harry’s concern. “Hello dear, did you sleep well?”
“Yes mum I did,” Serena lied, setting a plate in front of Laura.
Laura smiled up at her surrogate daughter, “Your lying, I can see it. Its written all over your pretty little face.”
“Gee, I can’t get by with anything around here!” Serena laughed. She fixed a plate for herself and sat down at the table. Once again she gave thanks to God for such nice people for she doubted that anyone else would allow “their servant” the privilege of eating with them. By most of Harry and Laura’s friends she was seen as a servant but she knew better than to think that way where they were concerned.
“So spill it girl, whats up. You were quiet all through dinner and now this sad expression on your face this morning.” At Serena’s astonished look she continued, “You may try to put up a happy front but I can always tell because your smile never reaches your eyes.”
Sighing, she gave in. “I ran into Patrick Reyes yesterday.” She admitted quietly.
“Your uncle?” Harry questioned, surprised.
“Yes,” Serena said, looking down at her hands. It was funny how they shook slightly.
“That awful awful man.” Laura replied, “What did he want?”
“Nothing really, but to scare me.” Her eyes started to well up with tears.
Harry stood up and went over to place his arms around the girl. “Don’t let them upset you. I don’t care what Patrick, or your father said, you were not responsible for the death of your mother. Your father was hurting and he wasn’t much of a man anyway.” He tried to comfort her.
“Sometimes I wonder if my mother blamed me.” Serena sniffed.
“I’m sure she doesn’t sweety,” Laura reassured her. “Right after Steven, I became pregnant again. I lost it giving birth. After that I couldn’t have any more children. I never blamed it on the baby or on Harry, and I am sure your mother didn’t blame you. I bet you anything she was happy she could give up her life to bring you into this world.”
“What did I do to deserve the two of you?” Serena cried as she wrapped her arms around Harry and Laura.
“We are the ones that should be asking that question!” Harry laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
“And don’t you worry none, we wont let that man take you from us.” Laura said and there was no stopping her when she got that determined look in her eyes.
“Okay, lets not give this another thought for the rest of the day,” Serena said with conviction. She got up and cleared the table. “Are up for tea with Mrs. Epson?” Serena asked Laura.
“Oh I don’t know. Its awful cold outside.” Laura said, glancing out the window. With her weakness she very rarely felt like being in company with others.
“Its only two doors down! Now really, I think it might do you some good and I am sure Nora would love to see you.” Serena said gently.
“Oh I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” Laura replied.
“Good, I hate to think of you cooped up in here all day long.” Harry said, kissing his wife. “Its time for me to head on over to the store. See you at lunch time Serena.” The women watched him leave.
“Lets get you into the library so you can read some while I finish up some things. And after lunch we will stop in on Mrs. Epson.” Serena said, helping the woman up from the chair.
“Very well dear.”

As promised, after lunch Serena and Laura went over to Mrs. Nora Epson’s for tea. Laura protested all the way over there. “I feel to much like a invalid. Nora gets around fine on her own. Why do I have to be stuck with this illness?”
“You do fine for someone in your condition. You don’t know how proud Harry is of you. Now just settle down. Everything will be just fine.” Serena promised, helping the woman up the stairs to Nora’s home.
Knocking on the door they were greeted by a smiling woman with white hair and green eyes. Her five foot six frame was smartly dressed in a pretty green dress that matched the color of her eyes. “Why hello there Laura! Serena! What a pleasant surprise! Do come in!” the woman exclaimed, excited that they had come to visit her. “I don’t get many visitors anymore but it is such a treat when someone stops by!”
“Thank you Nora,” Laura said. “How have you been?”
“Oh I have been just fine. Had a terrible cold last week but I am feeling much better. How about you? Your heart giving you much trouble?” Nora asked, pouring some tea for her guests.
“Oh I am doing ok. This old heart is still pumping so it must be doing good!” Laura joked, patting her chest.
Serena sat down next to Laura and took a sip of the tea Nora had given her. She was content to sit back and listen to the women talk. And talk they did.

Two weeks later the Steele household was hit with tragedy. Laura had grown weaker, unable to get out of bed or eat. “I don’t understand it Serena. She was doing so well,” Harry sobbed, his voice catching in his throat.
“I know but you knew this would happen. We just hoped it would have been later instead of so soon.” Serena said, rubbing Harry’s back, trying to comfort him. “Maybe I should try taking some more soup up to her.”
“The doctor should be here soon. I don’t think I can do this Serena, I’m not ready to say goodbye!”
“Me neither. I feel as if I have just found a family.” A single tear rolled down her porcelain cheek.
“We’ll still have each other though, right?” Harry asked, a pleading look in his eye.
“Of course! I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere!” Serena cried, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You are the only father I have ever known really.”
“Your father was a stupid man not to realize what a wonderful daughter he had.” Harry said, returning the hug. At that moment the doorbell rang.
“Let me get that, ok?” Serena asked, untangling herself from his grasp. She smoothed down her black dress and went to answer the door. “Hello Dr. Mulder, please come in.”
The doctor nodded at Serena and entered the home. He walked to where Harry was sitting in the living room and held out his hand. “Hello Harry,” he greeted. “I’m so sorry the time has come so soon.” Sympathy clouded the good doctors eyes.
“Oh David, why so soon?” Harry asked.
“I don’t know Harry, but we will try to make her as comfortable as we can.” David assured the older man.
Harry got up from his seat and showed the man to Laura’s room. Serena watched them go, and when they were out of sight she sank down heavily into the seat Harry had vacated. Her tears flowed freely now. She knew this day would come when she would have to say goodbye. She was foolish to think it would be easy, that she could prepare herself for it. She knew better now. These people had become her family and now it was being torn apart. Soon Dr. Mulder and Harry were descending the stares again. Serena watched in a daze as Harry led him to the door. To her ears their words were muffled, as if they were standing on the other side of the room and not just a few feet away. With the harsh sound of the lock clicking in place, Serena came crashing back to earth with a small thud.
“He says she doesn’t have much time left.” Harry said quietly, nodding at Serena. He slowly made his way back up the stairs and back up to the woman he had loved for the past fifty years.

Serena sat beside Laura’s bedside, gently holding the older woman’s hand. She smiled sweetly down at her kind loving face and brushed a wisp of gray hair out of her eyes.
Laura smiled weakly up at Serena and squeezed her hand. “Bless you child, for all that you have done for us.” She said, a tear rolling down her cheek. “You will never know how much of a help you were. A friend.”
“Oh, I am going to miss you so much,” Serena said, leaning over and placing a small kiss on her forehead. “You’ve been like a mother to me. You taught me to read.” Her voice broke and her face crumpled, and still she tried to hold back the tears. She patted her hand and stood up to leave. “I’ll go get Harry now.”
“Wait, say it. Please, I want to hear it.” Laura pleaded, her brown eyes gazing into Serena’s.
She didn’t have to say it, Serena knew what she wanted to hear, “Goodbye mom, I’ll see you later.” She gently kissed the woman on the cheek. When she pulled back Laura was beaming with pride, and her eyes were sparkling with gratitude. Serena nodded and went to get Harry.

Serena looked down at the small headstone and read what it said for the hundredth time.

Laura Elizabeth Steele
October 1, 1853 - February 13, 1928
Loving Wife and Mother.

Once again her eyes filled with tears as she placed a small bouquet of yellow roses on her grave. Next to her Harry put his arm around her shoulders. “You know, she thought of you as a daughter. We both did. We love our son very dearly but Laura had always wanted a daughter. You gave that to her.” Harry said, squeezing her tight.
Serena nodded and buried her face in his neck and cried.

Later that night as Serena crept down the stairs she heard voices coming from the living room. Pausing at the bottom of the staircase, she leaned against the wall and listened.
“There is nothing left to hold you here pop. Its time to come back home with me. Your arthritis is acting up, the store is getting to much for you to handle on your own and now you will be living in this house all alone.” Harry’s son, Steven, said. Serena had meant his son on several occasions. She found him stuck up and insensitive. He only cared about his reputation and what others would think. He had been against the idea of hiring a street rat to care for his mother. Harry had seen through her poor tattered clothes and thin frail body to the kind person that she was.
“I wont be alone, I have Serena.” Harry insisted. “She needs me as much as I need her.”
“She needs your money dad, that’s all.” Steve commented bitterly.
From the stairwell Serena’s eyes glistened with tears. How dare he speak like that about her! Why he hardly even knew anything about her! Serena had known from the start that Steven Steele was not a man to be trusted.
“Your wrong Son. Serena’s had a hard past. She needs someone to love her. Her mother died during labor and her father blamed Serena for it. He was harsh and cruel to her before he sent her away to live with her Uncle. Life there wasn’t easy either,” Harry pleaded with his son to understand.
“Father, I just wont have it. Soon this arthritis will make it impossible for you to work. Then what are you going to do? Live off Serena? She has no education. We are moving to Georgia in a couple of weeks and we won’t be able to come back for you. Its final dad, you have to come with us.”
Harry sighed, knowing in a way that his son was right. He didn’t agree with his way of thinking but what else was Harry to do. He hated to leave the girl behind. Sometimes he wondered how he could have raised such a heartless son. “Fine, and since you wont take Serena with us, this place gets left to her. I wont be responsible for her getting thrown out on the streets again. And that’s final.” Harry said sternly, he got up from his chair signaling that the discussion was over. .
“Fine dad, you win. The place can be left to Serena.” Steven sighed in relief; finally the old coot had given in. “I will be back first thing in the morning to help you get packed and ready.” Steven got up and followed Harry towards the stair well. Serena’s heart went up to her throat when she realized they were heading in her direction. Wiping the tears from her eyes she got up and silently ascended the stairs. Her heart was pounding, afraid Steven would spot her. Not until she closed her door did she breathe a sigh of relief. Sinking to the floor she let the tears fall. Her life was about to change once again.

Serena sat at the bottom of the stairs watching the men pack up a few odds and ends. Steven brushed past her with several suitcases full of Harry’s clothes. Last week Serena had packed up all of Laura’s and took it down to the shelter to be given away to the needy. Laura would have wanted it that way instead of them left hanging in the closet until they rotted. Still it had been hard. Serena even cried over the dress she had first seen Laura in. She had thought herself foolish to be crying over a simple piece of fabric but she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Like right now, they were flowing freely down her face while she watched all of Harry and Laura’s things being moved out. Well, not everything. The furniture would stay behind as well as some of the wall hangings. There was a picture hanging above the fireplace that Serena wish would have stayed. When Laura and Harry were in their first years of their marriage they had a portrait of themselves painted. Serena had liked the painting and wished it had stayed behind so she could always remember what their faces looked like. She ran her hand over the wooden step she was sitting on and couldn’t believe that Harry would leave this place to her. In her wildest dreams she had never thought she would have a place all to herself. I, Serena Reyes, own a home. Serena Reyes, homeowner. It sounded foreign to her ears.
“Are those tears I see marring that pretty face of yours?” Came a teasing voice from behind her. While he wore a smile on his face, Harry’s expressive blue eyes told of the pain he was hiding in his heart.
“Oh Harry!” Serena cried, getting up she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely. “I am going to miss you so much!”
“And I am going to miss you,” Harry said, returning the hug. “You promise you’ll write me?”
“Yes, everyday!” She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Thank you for all that you have done for me. I don’t know how I will ever be able to repay you, for the house…’ She would have continued to ramble if Harry hadn’t cut in.
“Nonsense. You have already repaid me,” He smiled at her and kissed her forehead.
Serena smiled and nodded her head. She wiped some of the tears from her eyes and laughed at her foolishness, “Look at me, I’m a mess!”
Harry smiled and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
“Well, its time to go.” Steven called from the doorway. He purposefully ignored Serena’s presence. He didn’t trust the girl, after all she just got everything she could ever want from his father.
Harry nodded and escorted Serena outside where he hugged her one last time. “You take care of yourself now. Don’t forget to go to church and don’t go picking up any strange men. I’ve left the store to Michael but you do have a job there if you wish to accept it.” He told her once more.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll survive. I’ll go down to the store first thing tomorrow and tell him I will take the position.” She assured him.
“Well okay then. I guess this is goodbye.” Harry said, tears filling his eyes. He looked back at his son once more to see if perhaps he would change his mind. Steven looked away and climbed inside the car that would take them all the way to Georgia. “Goodbye my sweet Serena.” He grabbed her in a hug once more.
“Goodbye Harry,” Serena whispered as she returned his hug again.
She waved to Harry as the little black car disappeared from view. He was gone. Now she was alone again. Why is it that she is always left behind? Dabbing at her tears once more she turned and entered the lonely house.

            The next morning Serena stood staring into her mirror. Well, it had been Laura’s mirror. No, she wasn’t going to go there again. She took a deep breath and willed the tears to stay back. Her eyes were puffy as it is from all the crying she had been doing this past month. Serena was determined to make it stop. She was a strong and capable woman who didn’t need anyone and these tears were going to stop here and now. Squaring her shoulders she glared into the mirror at her reflection. “You will not cry. Got it?” She nodded and stood up from the table. She left the room and headed downstairs. The house was quiet except for the creek of the floorboards groaning underneath Serena’s weight. Putting on her hat and coat she exited the house. Quickly she walked down the street to Harry’s store.
            She pushed open the door to the shop and made her way to the back room where she found Michael.
            “Hello Serena,” he greeted. “Here for the job position?” He asked.
            “Yes I am.” Serena nodded, standing hesitantly by the door. Despite her earlier convictions she was quite nervous. She hadn’t had the worry of conversing with lots of people when she worked for the Steele’s. Now that security blanket had been stripped away from her leaving bare and vulnerable.
            “Lucky for you all I need is someone to handle the stocking of the shelves and help with the bills,” when he saw her start to protest he held up his hand. “I know you haven’t had any education but I do know that Laura taught you how to read and if you are willing I will have my sister teach you some basic math skills. From what Harry has said you are a pretty smart girl. He had the utmost confidence in you.”
            Serena smiled and blushed a little at Harry’s obvious praise of her. She hadn’t known that he had spoken of her with others. “I would like that very much.”
            “Good. Now lets get started.”
            Michael briefed Serena on what she was to do. The light boxes she could move on her own, the heavy ones she would get Michael to move.

            That night when she got home from work she was bone tired. Her body ached in places she didn’t even know about. Muscles she didn’t know she had were screaming in protest. She sunk down into the big oversized armchair and closed her eyes. So this is what Harry went through every night. Soon her thoughts drifted away and she was asleep.

            Serena awoke to the sunlight streaming in through the open window. She slowly opened her eyes only to shut them against the harsh glow of the sun’s rays. She moaned and tried to move her stiff neck. She must have been more tired than she thought for she had spent the whole night asleep in the chair. She slowly moved her aching body to a standing position. Becoming alarmed she looked over at the clock. She was going to be late! Willing her body into motion she took the stairs two at a time. She ran into the bathroom and splashed water on her face. Not bothering to change her clothes she left the house and headed into work.

“Sorry I’m Late.” Serena said, giving Michael an apologetic look. “I was so tired from yesterday I overslept. It wont happen again.” She rambled, butterflies were flying furiously in her stomach and her heart was beating a mile a minute. She had run all the way here. Truth be told she was only five minutes late. However, Serena had heard stories about boss’ not liking their employees to be late.
“It’s all right Serena. Calm down. Its bound to happen from time to time. Just don’t let become a habit.” He said, patting her arm.
“Thank you, I wont.” She heaved a sigh of relief.
“There is a few boxes over there that need to be put on the shelves. After that you can go visit my sister. She ready to start on those lessons.” Michael informed her.
“How much will I need to pay her?” Serena asked.
“Oh nothing, she is doing it out of the kindness of her hear. And don’t bother trying to talk her into payment, she will only refuse you.” Michael told her, smiling.
Serena nodded and got to work. She carefully sat the jars of jelly on the shelf. She picked up another one but it slipped through her fingers and shattered on the hard cement floor. “Oh!” She cried out as she jumped back surprised. She quickly glanced around to make sure on one was watching.
“Serena? Are you all right?” Michael asked, coming around the corner.
Her eyes filled up with tears but they didn’t spill, “I’m so sorry Micheal it was an accident I went…”
“Shhh, its okay, its only one little jar of jelly. You wouldn’t believe the amount of stuff I have damaged. You stay here and I will get some stuff to clean this up with.” He assured her as he ran off to get the supplies.
            A couple turned the corner and started to come down the isle. Serena smiled shyly at them and nodded her head. They acknowledged her and went about their business. Finally Michael came back. He bent down and started to clean up the jelly
            “Oh Michael let me do that, it was my fault.” Serena said, kneeling down beside him.
            “No, its ok Serena. Let me, wouldn’t want your hands to get cut on the glass.” He smiled at her sweetly. He had a soft spot for Serena. While he wasn’t in love with her he did have a feeling of over protectiveness toward her. He quickly cleaned up, “There we go. I am heading off to break. June has taken over at the register. And when I come back then you can go on break.”
            “All right.” Serena said, nodding. She nervously played with her fingers.
            She had just finished stocking the jelly when a young man caught her attention. He was thin and a little ragged looking but he had the most amazing eyes. His hair was black and cut nicely. Her heart sunk when she saw the girl he was with. She was stunning. Her long red hair was pulled back in a clip and she had a nice figure. They were laughing. Intrigued, she followed the couple. To her surprise an older man followed them. He looked like an older version of the younger male. From the backside of the store she peeked around the side of the isle to see what they were doing. The younger one had his back to her and he picked up two cans and rolled them down the isle. They landed at the read head’s feet, startling her. She was standing at the other end of the aisle next to a display of cans. When she jumped her elbow knocked into, sending the cans in every direction. One slid underneath her foot causing her to crash to the ground. Not a very graceful creature, Serena thought to herself.
            “ALEX!” The redhead shouted. Her eyes were ablaze with fire. She was indeed mad.
            As she watched them more she decided that the two were definitely not a couple. They fought too much like brother and sister. After the older man helped the girl off the floor hey headed up to the check out. Serena then made her move to clean up the mess.