Title: All that Glitters - Part 8
By: Miki
E-mail: aya_miki@hotmail.com
Rating: G
Genre: Romance
Standard Disclaimer Apply
Hello minna, first, to all of "Mina" fan I'm sorry for making
her seem so bad in this story, not that I don't like her or
anything. I have to thank Rinoa again for posting my fic and
also my sis, Melinda for giving me some great ideas for this
story.
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That night I spend an hour closeted in my room studying
geometry. (AN: Don't you just hate geometry? That thing just
kill my brain cell) After my disastrous test, I thought I'd
better get caught up so I didn't flunk out of school. I was
determined not to let Darien or Raye or Mina mess up my grade-
point average. It was bad enough that I'd failed one test; I
wasn't going to risk getting grounded and losing the Golden
Girl job by failing any more of them. That certainly wouldn't
be very glamorous.
When the phone rang, I was just finishing a complicated
proof. I'd gotten the right answer, according to the key in
the back of the book, and I felt very proud of myself.
I got up and raced to the phone in my parents' room.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Serena," the voice said. It was a guy whose voice I
didn't recognize. He sounded friendly, though. "It's Allan
Duncan."
I nearly dropped the phone. Allan Duncan! Football
quarterback Allan Duncan, the guy I'd acted like a fool with
just last week!
"Hi, Allan," I said, trying not to sound too surprised.
"How're you doing?" he asked.
"Just fine," I said, feeling much more confident than I
had the last time I'd spoken to him. "It's nice to hear your
voice."
"Yeah, well, I heard you on TV last night," he said.
"You were really good."
"Oh, thanks," I said. "I'm glad you liked it." I smiled
to myself, thinking how much easier this conversation was than
it would've been several weeks ago.
"There's a party on Friday night," he said. "It's at Ken
Lawson's house. Do you want to go?"
"Um, I'm pretty sure I'm free," I said, pretending to
check my social schedule. "Yes, I'd love to go." I pinched
myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I was glad he could see
the idiotic grin that was plastered across my face. "It sounds
like fun."
"Great," he said. "I'll pick you up at seven."
"Okay," I said, and told him where I lived.
"Well," he said, "if I don't see you at school before
then, I'll see you at seven on Friday."
"Terrific," I said, and hung up.
I paced nervously around my room. "Allan Duncan asked me
out…" I said to myself. To be asked out by Allan was almost as
big an accomplishment as getting the Golden Girl job--Allan
only dated the most popular girls at school. I was really
looking forward to the party, but I also felt sort of nervous.
The party was going to be at Ken Lawson's house, Allan
had said. Ken was part of the most exclusive "in" crowd in the
school. He was a senior, president of the student council, and
s starting forward on the basketball team. He was also very
wealthy--his father was noted criminal lawyer--and lived in
one of the ritziest homes in town. I hoped I could convince
everyone at the party that I fit in.
For the rest of the week, I tried my best to concentrate
on my school subjects, but it sure wasn't easy. I wondered
what having a date with Allan Duncan would be like. I kept
thinking about the party on Friday, and whether or not Darien
and Raye would be there. I didn't see Mina in the hall, which
didn't make me too sad, and I didn't see Darien, either. So I
really tried to focus on schoolwork. But on Thursday after
geometry, Ms. Michiru called me to her desk.
"Serena, I'm concerned about you," she said.
"Really?" I asked, dreading what my teacher would say
next.
"Yes. I'm afraid you failed your test this week." She
handed me my test paper, which was covered with red marks.
"I know," I said. "I knew right away that I'd failed
it."
"But the problem isn't your test, Serena," she said.
"Your daily work had been pretty sloppy and you haven't been
paying attention in class."
"I know," I said, sighing heavily.
"Is it the Golden Girl job?" she asked. "Are the changes
in your life overwhelming you right now?"
I've got to hand it to Ms. Michiru: She's really tuned
in to teenagers, unlike most teachers.
"Yes," I admitted. "I guess I am pretty overwhelmed." I
looked her right in the eye, determined to show her that I was
still the competent sophomore that she'd thought I was. "But I
can handle it. I just need to get back on track."
"I hope you're right," Ms. Michiru said. "I saw your
first Trent commercial and it was quite good, but you must
realize that nothing is more important than keeping up with
your schoolwork. Especially in math, where we build upon what
we've learned--"
"I know," I interrupted.
"If you get too far behind, you just might not be able
to catch up," Ms. Michiru added.
"I studied for an hour last night, Ms. Michiru," I said.
"And I'll keep it up until I'm earning A's again."
"I'm glad to hear that," she said.
Because she accepted my promised so easily, I was
determined not to disappoint her. So I studied doubly hard the
next few days.
By the time Friday night arrived, I felt better about
math, but more nervous about the party.
By seven o'clock I was dressed in my best pair of black
jeans, my favorite burgundy sweater, and a pair of loafers.
I'd spent at least an hour on my hair and makeup, and I
have to say that I looked pretty good. As I stopped in front
of the mirror fluffing my hair one last time, I though about
how much my self-confidence had improved in the last couple of
weeks. If I'd been invited by Allan Duncan to a party three
weeks ago, I'd have been a basket case by the time he came to
pick me up.
Mom and Dad casually strolled into the room at five
minutes to seven. I was sure they were waiting to see Allan
when he arrived.
"Uh, hi, Mon and Dad," I said.
"Hi, honey," Mom said. They planted themselves on the
couch.
"Um, Allan's going to be here soon," I said.
"Oh, really?" Mom asked innocently. "That'll be nice."
"No, what I mean is…are you two going to be here?"
"Well, I guess so," Mom said. "I'm going to start this
new book I borrowed from the library." She held up a thick
novel.
"Why don't you both go upstairs and read?" I suggested.
"Why?" Mom asked.
"Because I'm afraid you're going to ask Allan a lot of
questions," I said. "I just want to be alone when he gets
here."
"Honey, we wouldn't ask your boyfriend too many
questions--"
"He's not my boyfriend!" I cried. "We're just going to a
party! Come on, you two, go upstairs, will you please?"
"Oh, pooh!" my mom said, sticking out her lower lip like
a little kid. "We thought it would be fun to meet--"
Just then the doorbell rang.
"Allan's here!" I whispered. "Please go upstairs!
Quick!"
"Come on, Kenji," Mom said to Dad, taking his hand.
"Let's give Serena some space."
"Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad," I said, totally relieved.
Dad and Mom trudged across the living room and up the stairs.
I forced myself to stroll to the front door and opened
it slowly. Allan stood there, grinning at me.
"Hi," he said. He wore a down vest over a heavy wool
sweater, blue jeans, and sneakers. "Ready to go?" he added
impatiently.
"In a minute," I said as casually as I could. "Let me
get my coat."
Allan stepped in and I opened the coat closet at the
bottom of the stairs. A movement at the top of the stairs
caught my eye. Mom and Dad were peeking around the corner of
the bannister at the top of the stairs. Mom grinned and waved.
I rolled my eyes and motioned for them to stay up there.
"Okay, Allan, let's go," I said, tugging on my coat,
hoping to get out of there before my parents changed their
minds and came down.
As I closed the door behind us, I looked up to see Mom
and Dad sitting on the stairs halfway down, peeking through
the railing. I rolled my eyes again, grinned, and stuck my
tongue out at them.
Allan and I piled into the car and headed for the party.
I'm really up for this party," Allan said.
"Yeah, me too," I said. I was still a little nervous,
but so far everything was going just fine.
"I feel like kicking back on weekends," he continued. "I
work so hard during football season that when it's over, I
just want to relax and go to a party or watch TV or
something."
"Yeah, I see what you mean," I said.
"Football season is great, though," Allan said. "Were
you there last year when I threw the winning pass in the last
five seconds to win the game against North?"
"No, I didn't start going to the games until--"
"The team carried me off the field on their shoulders,"
Allan continued. "Man, that was a great night!"
"I bet it was!" I said. "That sounds so exciting."
"There've been some other really great games where I
threw incredible passes--the coach couldn't believe them--but
that one last year has to take the prize. The coach said I
looked like a college player. But I like lots of sports."
"Oh, so do I!" I said. "I think my favorite is cross-
country. I used to--"
"I hate cross-country!" Allan said. "It's boring--all
you do is run forever. I like football, like I said, and
swimming, and a little basketball. I'm good at those sports."
I didn't need to worry about my side of the
conversation--Allan did all the talking for both of us! I
didn't need to say a word. In fact, I wondered whether he'd
continued talking if I suddenly jumped from the car. I thought
maybe Allan was nervous, too, and he'd loosen up once we got
to the party.
We pulled up in front of the Lawson house. There were
already nearly a dozen cars lined up in front. But from the
size of the house, it looked like there would be plenty of
room for everyone.
We headed up the long front walk and rang the doorbell.
There was a loud music playing inside the house, and for a
moment, I wondered if anyone would be able to hear the bell.
But then the door was yanked open and I was staring into
the face of Darien Riley. I was stunned--so stunned that I was
absolutely speechless.
Darien's jaw dropped, too; he looked even more surprised
than I was.
After a moment of Darien and me just standing there
gawking at each other, Allan said sarcastically, "Hey, Riley.
Are you going to let us in or should we hold the party on the
front porch?"
"Come on in," Darien said, laughing. "Hi, Serena. I
didn't know you'd be here."
"Well, I didn't know you'd be here, either. Surprise,
surprise."
I was aware that Darien was watching me as I walked into
the foyer. I waved to a friend of my brother's who was sitting
in the living room.
"Can I take your coat?" Darien asked. "Ken is in the
kitchen fixing up some food trays, so I'm the substitute
host."
"Sure, thanks," I said. I slipped off my coat and handed
it to Darien.
I turned to say something to Allan, but he was gone. I
finally saw him in the living room. Having thrown his coat on
a chair, he was talking to his buddies.
"Oh, Darien, there you are!" Raye approached Darien from
behind and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She saw me
and gave me a dirty look.
Ken came in from the kitchen at that point. "There's
music and dancing in the family room. Anybody want to come
down? We've got food and soda down there, too."
Allan came over and tugged at my arm. "Let's go
downstairs," he said. "I want to dance."
"Okay," I said, but I was a little annoyed that he told
me he wanted to dance rather than asked me if I'd liked to go.
But I was still kind of dazed to be at a senior party, and a
little depressed to find that Darien Riley was there with
Raye. Still, I was determined to have fun.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Darien watching
us as Allan and I walked hand in hand across the living room.
That made me feel great. If Darien could have a girlfriend,
then I could have a--well, a date, too.
Allan led me to the back stairs and down into the
darkened family room. Most of the lights were out and there
were a lot of couples dancing to one of Madonna's faster
songs. Heads were bobbing up and down all over the large room.
At the bottom of the stairs was a wet bar and stools.
Several couples sat there sipping soda and hollering to be
heard above the music.
"Come on," Allan said as he pulled me across the dance
floor. We danced for the rest of that record and then three
more songs.
Every Allan introduced me as "The Golden Girl," I added,
"My name is Serena Montgomery," but he just didn't seem to get
the hint. The kids seemed impressed that I was the new Golden
Girl, tough, and a couple of the guys raised their eyebrows
and thumped Allan on the back when he told them who I was, and
that kind of made me feel good.
Then came a slow song, and Allan pulled me close to him
and wrapped his arms around me.
I'd slow-danced with boys before, but never this close.
You couldn't have wedged a pencil between us if you'd tried.
Then he nuzzled my neck with his lips, which made me feel a
little uncomfortable. I liked Allan and was flattered that
he'd invited me to the party, but I didn't want him to be
quite so possessive and physical. I wasn't ready for that yet.
I pulled back just a little.
"What's the matter?" he asked frowning.
"Nothing," I said. "Do you want to sit down for a while
and talk? I'm kind of thirsty."
"After the dance," he said, and pulled me against him
again.
Just then Darien came up behind Allan and tapped him on
the shoulder. Allan looked up, an irritated expression on his
face.
"Mind if I cut in?" Darien asked.
"Oh, Darien!" I blurted out with a sense of relief. I
was glad that it was so dark down there, because I could feel
my face turning red. Before Allan could say anything, I said,
"Sure, Darien. I'd love to dance."
Allan scowled, but left me with Darien. I wondered for a
moment where Raye was; I didn't see her, but the room was
pretty dark. She could've been anywhere. I wondered if she was
watching us.
Darien pulled me to him gently and we danced close, but
not plastered against each other the way Allan and I had been
dancing.
"Is this your first high school party?" he asked.
"Oh, no!" I said quickly. "Are you kidding?"
"Which others have you been to?" Darien asked curiously.
"Well, there was…uh…" I stammered. Then I decided to be
honest. "Well, actually, this is my second party," I said.
"Where was the first?" Darien pressed.
I winced. "Well, it was sort of at my house, I guess," I
said.
"You had a party?"
"Well," I began "Sammy had a party last year--"
"And you were a guest?"
"Well, no, I was allowed to peek in a couple of times."
Darien grinned. "And wipe that smile of your face," I said,
feeling a little defensive. "It's just that most of the kids
in my class aren't party types."
"I see," he said, still grinning.
Actually, there's been plenty of parties, but I hadn't
been invited to them. But until now, I hadn't been the Golden
Girl, either.
"Are you having fun with Allan?" Darien asked, watching
my face closely.
"Oh, yes!" I said, forcing myself to sound enthusiastic.
"I didn't know you and Allan--"
"And here's my date now. Hi, Allan." I'd seen Allan
approaching to cut in again. I smiled broadly, hoping that
Darien would think I was delighted to get back to Allan.
Darien looked a little disappointed and moved off.
"What did he want?" Allan asked, a note of bitterness in
his voice.
"Just to say hello," I said.
"He's got his own date," Allan muttered, and wrapped
himself around me again.
Fortunately, the song was over now, and I walked
directly to the wet bar in the corner. Allan followed along
behind.
"Get your soda and meet me in the next room," Allan
said. "I want to shoot some pool. You play?"
"I haven't really learned," I said, "but I'd like to--"
"Well, you can watch me then," he said with a smile.
"I'm real good."
"Is that so?" I asked sarcastically. "What fun."
Allan didn't seem to notice the tone of my voice.
"I was the pool champ at the recreation commission
tournaments two years ago," he bragged.
"That's nice," I said.
"I guess I especially like doing things I'm really good
at."
"Most people do," I said.
"Like swimming," he said. "Did I ever tell you I was the
fastest freestyle swimmer in ninth grade?"
Now here was a topic in could discuss. "Really? I was on
the Harding Junior High swimming team--"
"Yeah," Allan interrupted. "I blew everyone else of the
water."
I glared at him and spoke in a flat voice. "Terrific," I
said.
"I'll meet you in the next room," Allan said as he took
off. "Hurry up, Ken is ready to start a new pool game."
By the time I got my cola and hurried into the room, the
game was already under way. Allan was intent on his playing
and didn't notice me come in. In fact, he didn't notice me at
all for three or four minutes, until he pulled ahead of Ken.
Then he turned around and said, "What's I tell you?
Nobody can beat me."
Allan finished off the game quickly and turned to the
other kids. "Okay, who's willing to take me on?"
"Hey, Allan," I said, "let's go back upstairs and see
what's going on."
"Naw, I want to play. Don't you want to watch?"
"Not particularly," I said softly.
He looked shocked. "What? Why not?"
"Well, I'm not interested in watching you play, but
maybe if you'd teach me--"
"But you'd never be able to come close to beating me,"
he said. "There'd be no challenge in it for me."
"Okay," I said. "Forget it. In fact, you can forget this
whole date." And I turned around and walked out of the room.
He ran after me. Fortunately, the hall was empty.
"What was that all about?" he asked angrily. "Why'd you
say those things in front of everybody?"
I turned toward him abruptly. "I though you were a nice
guy, Allan. All the girls want to go out with you, and I was
really happy that you'd invited me to this party. But ever
since you picked me up tonight, you've done nothing but talk
constantly about yourself. Constantly! You brag about your
athletic talents, you insist on doing what you want to do, and
you show absolutely no interest in anybody else! The only
reason you asked me out was because I'm the Golden Girl--"
"That's not true," he protested.
"The explain to me why you've introduced me to everyone
tonight as 'The Golden Girl' and not as Serena Montgomery."
He glared at me. "This Golden Girl job has really gone
to your head, hasn't it?" he said. "You think you're pretty
important all of a sudden. Well, maybe you're right. I
probably wouldn't have asked you out if you weren't the Golden
Girl. I wanted to see what kind of a person you are underneath
that new hairdo, and I've found out--"
"How could you have found out anything about me?" I
cried. "You haven't asked me one question about myself for the
past hour and a half!"
"You're a spoiled, self-centered girl who needs to be
the center of attention--"
"I am?" I gasped, unable to believe my ears.
"You're nothing before you got the Golden Girl job," he
said, "Nobody knew you were alive."
I stared at him, clenching my fists so that I wouldn't
say anything more, my face hot with anger.
"Will you at least take me home?" I asked him finally.
Allen stalked upstairs, grabbed our coats, shoved mine
at me, and headed out to the car.
We didn't speak all the way home. "Don't bother seeing
me to the door," I said when we pulled up in front of my
house.
"I wouldn't think of it," he snarled.
I slammed the car door and he roared off into the light.
I watched the car's taillights grow smaller and fainter, until
they disappeared completely.
I trudged up the porch steps and into the house. My
parents, who were reading in the living room, looked up,
surprised, when I walked in.
"My goodness, that was a short party," my mom said,
glancing at her watch. "Was it fun?"
"A riot," I said, and plopped down on the nearest chair.
"Feel like talking about it?" Mom asked.
"I think I'll join a convent when I grow up," I said.
"Oh, honey, you don't want to do that," Mom said with a
small smile.
"Boys!" I said. "Who needs them? I hate them. I'll never
go out on a date again. I'll grow up and become a famous
doctor and discover a cure for cancer and never think about
boys again."
"That would be nice, honey," Mom said. "I mean, the part
about finding a cure for cancer. Or maybe for now you could
volunteer as a candy striper at the hospital--"
"Maybe not, Mom," I said. "I just want to get boys out
of my life. I've sworn off them forever."
"If that's what you want…" Mom said.
"That's what I want," I said. "They're all so immature.
Everyone of them…except you, Dad."
"Well, that's a relief," he said calmly, puffing on his
pipe.
I walked upstairs and fell into bed.
That's it, I told myself. I'll do the best job I can
being Trent's Golden Girl. I'll concentrate on a brilliant
career in medicine--and no more boys!
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