PinkRocks
11-26-2005, 05:36 PM
Siena woke up with a loud crash as she fell off her bed, falling, gracefully to the floor. She shook her head, it was hard to believe it was two weeks after her Graduation. She groaned as the alarm clock droned on with its incessant noise.
“It’s too early!“ She muttered, half asleep. She slipped a hand out of her nice, warm, fuzzy, covers, that were tangled about her, to reach up and slam the button. With that done she lay there for a long time thinking about home. Living in New York was a lot harder than any teen would have realized.
Finally, with much effort she dragged herself out of bed. She passed her mirror on the way to her closet, and did a double-take. Her long, curly hair was sticking up and she still wore her dress from the party last night.
She grinned, this was her favorite article. She had bought it on 34th Street, at a beautiful shop. Siena stretched and went over and pulled on her closet’s door.
Riffling among her clothes for her uniform. She tossed them here and there until her hands touched the pieces she needed. Quickly, she changed into her uniform before walking back to the other side of the room.
“Such work”, she spoke of her ‘make up job’ she had started to focus on after applying gel to her hair. Opening her box she revealed all sorts of lip glosses and eye shadows. Carefuly she touched her skin, brushing the colors on to her skin.
With that whole production done, Siena then went to her large, oval, mirror. Her hand fell to her right as she pulled on her friendship ring. Then her fingers found their way towards her neck. Grasping the clasp and putting the necklace around her neck. Amused by how different some make up would do, she was caught up in the moment.
Unfortunately, Siena was shaken by the shouting down the stairs. A long with door slamming. Inwardly cringing. She kept her eyes shut as she slid down the wall till she was in a sitting position . Her arms wrapped around her legs as her body shook with fear. Sensing the emanating feelings that were filling her brain, only feet away from her. She knew she had to go down to “Planet Hollywood” to work but that could wait. First she needed to get her bearings and forget her past.
“It’s like I never left home.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter studied his work book in a coffee house in Rhode Island. He sipped his tea every once in awhile. His eyes glued to the book in front of him. Sighing he decided upon giving himself a break. After all he’d studied all day. He reached down in his pack to produce a sketch pad. Placing it on the table he leafed through the different past creativities to find a blank piece. Flipping the pencil from his ear to his right hand. He let out a breath and then concentrated upon letting his pencil flow. Loving the feel of the pencil upon the old pad.
An hour later he sat back with a smirk of satisfaction clearly written on his face. He eyed the clock and decided it was time to get back to real work. Grudgingly he brought forth his Pysch book and opened it to page 200.
Time went by as he ignored the chattering and loud noise from the other students who were also regulars. His path was in psychology and he would pay attention to every detail if it killed him. Which if he continued to be such a serious person his friends had bet it would.
He was so into Freud that he never even realized that someone had snuck up behind him. A shadow fell over his book and he glanced up, cautiously. As he was well aware the visitor hadn’t made themselves known.
“wha-?” He started to say but the being placed her finger to his lips, hushing him. To say the least he was surprised.
Peter nervously examined his glasses before replacing them back on his face. His dark eyes, narrowed in frustration.
wha-?" He started to say but the being placed her finger to his lips, hushing him. To say the least he was surprised. She let her finger fall back to her side and pulled out a chair for herself, on the opposite side of his table. All the while saying not a word. She gazed at him, as he at her. His first thought no matter how absurd, was a fairy.
So Peter nervously examined his glasses before replacing them back on his face. His dark eyes, narrowing in frustration.
The human who’d surprised Peter, laughed, lightly. Her voice seemingly as close to a natural gust of wind, light and fluttery. She tilted her head to see him as he examined her. The eyes the color of a dolphin and blonde hair that almost could be considered silver. The front pieces were swept up, twirled and held in place by a jeweled comb. Her appearance, reminded him of a fairytale, though he‘d be damned, he was not sure which one it would be considered. His eyes went to her long pale blue dress accentuated her ‘Snow White’ skin tone.
He was flustered, the dress itself was a remarkable work of art. Forest green, flowing to past her ankles as he noticed matching slip on shoes.
She seemed to him, to be from another world entirely. Superficially he took a glance at his own garments and wasn’t interested in what he saw. His eyes settling on the stranger with whom he had just been acquainted with.
"Umm excuse me," he finally managed, "but did you just come from a Medieval Fair? I don’t mean to be insulting," he rattled, "you do look nice...I mean great…umm I was just wondering," He said in a low tone, bringing his eyes from the angelic persona in front of him to his dull book
Wondering if he had a second chance to talk to her, even though he’d messed up on his first greeting.
The aforementioned persona’s face wrinkled in slight confusion. She reached out her manicured hand again this time, though, to look at what he was reading. Seemingly to soak in all the information it could about him and his interests.
"I-Yes…" she said finally understanding his former question. "Actually I only…" she searched for the right words, "work…yes…I only work there some times," she fluttered her eyelashes. A trick she’d heard worked with males.
Peter nodded, he was so conscious that he himself was flirting just as she was. Confused, he decided that he must leave… but this Angel in front of him considered otherwise.
"You have an accent…are you from another country?"
She smiled an innocent, shy, grin. Her head inclining ever so slightly.
"Yes. I am."
Inwardly Peter was overjoyed. He figured she must have seen some beautiful places! That reminded him he had to go to the park for some picture taking with his camera some time soon. Coming out of himself he shook his head.
"I am terribly sorry," he mumbled drawing his hand forth, his cheeks red, " I never properly introduced myself. My name’s Peter. "
The enchanting figure gave a sly grin. Her long slender hand reaching to grasp his own. Her fingers molding to his palm.
"My name is Kaori."
As Peter met her eyes he found himself connected with her as if he’d known her all his life. The warm contact heated his palm, until he abruptly let go. He laughed once more and said interestedly,
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kaori." Gesturing to his cup, "would you like something to drink?"
Kaori fidgeted, playing with her dress a moment before nodding consent.
"Green tea would be perfect…with a little lemon."
Peter’s face broadened into a large smile, eyes wide in total surprise. As he grasped the handle to his cup he couldn’t help but retort.
"Finally someone with taste."
Kaori merely shook her head. Her eyes capturing Peter, in a blank, stare that told she wasn’t ready to let him go. She had plans for him. Together they forgot about their prior engagement to have tea and walked out of the room, into his car. It was as if Peter was on auto pilot he didn’t quite no what had hit him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Siena ushered down the carpeted stairs of "Planet Hollywood," balancing a tray full of dishes with assorted entrees on them Spotting her table on the left she hurried to their side. Setting their food in front of them. She plastered a beam on her tired face. One that would only make the celebrities today proud.
However inside she felt tired and homesick. Two problems not easily fixed. She missed her friends Heather, Catherine and Laura terribly!
However, she reminded herself, that this was brought on upon herself. She had asked for this difficult life when she left Connecticut, so there was no going back. Her friends had believed in her so much that she couldn’t let them down by turning tail, at the first sign of trouble, and running back home with her tail between her legs…So to speak.
A giggle snapped her out of her memories and she gave the little girl, clapping her hands in delight, a wink. Then brought her attention to the two older people in front of her; the parents.
"Anything else you be needing?"
"Uh no, thanks, we’re okay." One of them mumbled. Siena gave a curt nod and left the scene, fleeing to her other tables and checking on them. By the time it was ten o’clock Siena was ready to drop. She shifted her feet to the kitchen and placed the tray down. Her boss, Mr. Lee, was an older man in his seventies. He had a pleasant disposition and seemed more like a mentor than an actual boss. He was walking up to her with an envelope in his hand. He held it out for her.
"Here ya go Gal you deserve it." His head went back in forth, " I don’t know how you handle a fifteen hour work day but I am grateful for it Siena." He made direct eye contact, which Siena tried to miss.
"Thank you." Was her only response as she tried to stifle a yawn. Check covering her mouth hurriedly. Mr. Lee only gave a chuckle.
"Go on…go get some sleep." He teased her lightly, " and I don’t want to see yer in here tomorrow. You’re taking the day off no matter what."
Prodding her along with a playful shove in the direction to the door. Siena nodded her consent as a break is what she needed. Not having one of them in a very long time.
Siena grabbed a hold of her coat and put her arm in one side and then the other, buttoning it. Finally she slipped her pocketbook around her chest, stuffing the check inside and locking it in with zip.
Thirty-five minutes later after she took the subway and walked a couple blocks south she reached her apartment complex. Looking up she saw that no lights were on. She took out her key and it fit snugly into the lock as she turned it. Upon entering her apartment, she flicked a switch. Causing the whole room to be bathed in bright light. Quickly she went to the bathroom and opened the cabinet. Searching for her medicine.
"There you are my friend," she said popping one into her mouth and swallowing. Siena gently pushed the mirrored cover back towards the cabinet. Her hand flicked the switch disintegrating the light that had previously been there. With much effort she dragged her feet to her bedroom door and opened it.
Siena dropped her coat and pocketbook on the chair as she pulled down the covers of her bed. Changing into a low cut top and shorts. Sighing she climbed into bed and felt around for her teddy, Monty, whom was her only connection to a dear friend.
Her eyelids closed as her body was finally able to relax after the hard day at work. Siena barely heard the sounds of traffic of the very lively New York City for she’d fallen to sleep, instantly, on contact with her soft, pillow.
It was noon the next day by the time Siena even started to stir from her slumber. The sun was so high that when she first opened her eyes she was near blinded causing her to shut them fast.
"Ugh" she groaned, lips not even moving as she tossed over onto her stomach, pillow over her head. In complete denial that it was even morning.
It took her a second for her senses to register that there was someone else in the room. She could hear his breathing. The person she’d recognized leaned, with his knees, against the bed made of just mattresses on the floor.
Siena tried to ignore the heat radiating off of him, he was that close as he pulled the pillow with no effort from her hands. Then spoke softly in her ear.
"Morning…or should I say afternoon?"
That caught Siena’s attention.
"Huh?" She mumbled, swatting at him.
He didn’t respond as he started his attack by tickling her. She fought him feebly but was honestly to tired to put up much of a fight. He had gotten what he wanted however because he had made her turn back over.
Siena looked up into the complicated orbs of her crush for seven years. Tracing his shoulder with her finger tip.
"You know not to wake me on my days off Kev." she muttered, still half asleep and slightly annoyed with him.
Kevin snorted, a displeased answer, brushing the hand off him as he faced the other direction.
"What I can’t talk to my girlfriend?" Playing the wounded knight rather well.
"Your so called girlfriend, for the past four weeks, has worked fifteen hour shifts." Just to prove her point she poked at the circles she knew would be under her eyes. She had mocked his own wounded play.
Pulling the covers so that they covered her upper half she slipping her hand into his pocket, pulling out his cell.
"Hey!" He argued, clearly shocked at her display of behavior. She merely looked up innocently at him as she flipped it open and started dialing a number.
"Oh come on…I haven’t talked to my friends in ages! They probably think I am dead or worse…" she went on with her melodrama, " have forgotten about me." Just considering that brought tears to her eyes. She wiped them away her sheet.
While she played with his phone Kevin took this as an opportunity to lie down next to her. One hand over her shoulder, trapping her in a sense.
The phone started to ring and Siena giggled in excitement. Phone pressed to her ear. At the sound of her pal’s voice Siena started to ramble.
"Hey!" The voice said on the other side.
"Heather!" A thousand thought ran through her mind, just the sound of a friend’s voice softened her homesickness.
"This is Heather I am not home right now leave me a message."
Siena’s face fell In sadness. At the beep she spoke:
"Hey Heather it’s me Sie…yeah look see I swear I was going to call you sooner but umm we still don’t have a phone that works around here and I am disconnected from the internet…so yeah…Dude I am sorry but I hope to talk to you soon! Call me on this callback number…yeah it’s his…anyway he just got one and I am going out to get one myself. I am dying to hear about your summer…We should still get together some time, I am sure I could get a day off. K, see now I am jus yapping…talk to ya laters!"
Siena hit the ‘end’ button on the cell. A frown displayed on her delicate features. He hand slammed down on her mattress. The cell still snug in her palm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kevin could not believe that she was that unsettled about talking to people who had never even written. He scowled, purely distracted.
Realizing that he was still leaning over her, he decided to take advantage of the situation. Kevin went to kiss her but he found himself held back by her arms.
"Don’t."
"Why not?"
"Because I said so…" He heard her whisper, making him wonder whether she meant it at all.
Siena gave a half grin as she slipped between his arms and off the bed. Still not entirely awake she walked in a ‘zigzag’ pattern across her room to the door, nearly colliding with the door frame.
"Oh hello..." She said surprised. Kevin laughed at her from where he was. Watching her do her best not to trip and fall. He checked the pink clock and rolled his eyes. The day was half gone already.
Hurry up!" He yelled as heard the water rushing from the bathroom sink. Her head appeared by the door.
"I am a goin! I am a goin!" she mumbled, attempting not to swallow her tooth paste as she tried to multi task.
"Gross." He mentioned, making a tisking sound. Siena merely just stood there because she knew it was bugging him. However, her moment of glory passed and she went back to finish her morning routine. A half hour later she came out and he was standing in the kitchen with a glass of orange juice looking entirely bored.
All…" his words died and he gave her an exasperated expression, "Siena! You…a half…Go get dressed!"
He said pointing to the direction of her bedroom. Instead Siena went over and sat on the counter top, pretending that she hadn’t heard him.
Kevin looked up and glared silently. "Out of all the girlfriends I have, you have to be the stubborn one."
Siena merely gave him a warm smile.
"You know it! Sides…I wanna stay home…watch…" Her face looked conflicted for a minute as she scrambled down. Lunging for the VCR player they had hooked up. Kevin came up to her.
"What’s your rush?!" Kevin asked her softly as he tried vainly to grab the remote from her hands. Siena however wasn’t paying much attention. She rewound her tape and said coyly.
"Nothing..." She laughed as she sat back on the floor. Pressing ‘play’ she grinned when she heard the theme song and started to hum a long to the music. Her head swayed from side to side in pure child-like amusement.
"SIENA! You have got to be kidding! I am not watching that crap!" He made a dash for the remote but she held it behind her back.
"Oh no you don’t...i haven’t drooled over Glenn enough yet!"
Kevin’s eyes were now in wide shock.
"Hey…now come on, that’s not funny! Give me the remote!" He said as she stood up and circled the couch.
"No way, anti-ranger number two, I haven’t had my fun yet." Siena looked back at the screen to see the actor, Glenn, on his bike. Kevin used that moment to catch her off guard. He snatched the item from her hand.
Siena’s gaze strayed as she said calmingly, "Kevin…don’t even think about it!"
He grinned. "Think about what?" He clicked the television off and did his best to ignore her protests as she tried to jump up and get the remote.
"Ohhh! You little! Okay fine…I won’t watch it…I’ll just go to the store and buy the doll!" She said, "ha" as if to announce herself the winner and went into her room to change.
Kevin’s head shook from left to right. He pressed a button and the tape came out of the VCR. Walking up to it he sighed. Still confused about what could possibly make the show still worth watching.
Especially after all the originals left, he considered as he fingered the tape for several seconds before deciding on finding out. Quickly he turned the volume down low. Letting the tape continue from where it left of as he went back to the counter for his juice.
After several seconds of indecision he plopped down on their ‘couch’. He chuckled at the thought. Who knew seven years a go that the lil book worm on the bus would end up not only being his girlfriend but his roommate. As he continued to watch this he figured out that this must have been the first show.
"No whatyamacallits on their wrist," he murmured to himself as he watched the one in yellow talking some skateboarding dude.
Siena had silently crept back out and stealthily avoided his canine detection. Jumping over the side of the ‘couch’ she landed on his stomach.
"Oof! Nice landing."
"What ya watching? "
"I was just curi-" His voice stopped when a blonde appeared on the screen, "hey she’s kind of cute."
Siena who’d been pleasantly making herself comfortable, her ear against his heart, looked over her shoulder.
"Excuse me! Ugh…besides she’s off limits."
Kevin rolled his eyes.
"I call it how I see it. " But he couldn’t help but ask, "why?"
Not sure if he really even wanted to get into this debate.
"Because dude she’s like with Blake…" Siena said with glee. Remembering how much fun it’d been to start to watch their relationship in the show.
"Yeah? Is that the one in the yellow?"
"Ooh!" she cooed, "that’s Dustin. " Siena angled herself so she could lean against her boy and watch the show at the same time.
Kevin snorted.
"He’s in yellow."
"He’s still adorable-major."
"If you say so…" Kevin said dryly. " I don’t even know why I am arguing this with you."
Siena brought her hand up to Kevin’s cheek, their eyes met. For a brief second it seemed like the world was balanced once more, however that beauty didn’t last long. Her eyes diverted back to the screen. Kevin let out a heavy sighed, annoyed with himself.
You stop yourself every time…why?"
Siena rolled her head so that she was facing him once more.
"Let’s not talk about this now."
"Then when…tomorrow? Sunday…How about when you don’t have a day off anymore and just have to work. Will that work out for you?"
His tone was abrupt, snippy and cruel. It was hard for him to wait for someone who wouldn’t even give him anything to work with.
Siena’s face went scarlet. "Don’t start with me. You know I…it’s just…I give up." Hot tears started to form and she shoved up from her reclining position.
"Sie…" He started, realizing that he’d forgotten how delicate she truly was. He pulled her back to him by her waist, but now she fought him.
"Kevin let go of me! Leave me alone!" She kicked her heels into his shin. He found himself forced to play defense with the war he started. With an angry cry he picked her up with his arms and held her to him.
"Put me down" She screamed. Knowing all to well he was stronger than she’d care to remember. However he didn’t drop her until they were in her room, where he immediately let go of her.
She crashed to the floor landing on her bad wrist. Pain etched across her face from the phantom injury. Then she brought her left hand to circle her other wrist, acting all the while like a wounded dove.
"Calm down." Kevin finally spoke as he sat down on her other side. She shook her head frantically, biting her lip to keep from crying. "Sie," he tried again this time his finger brushed her cheek, wiping a tear away.
"This was bad from the beginning…" she whispered, making a move to get up. Kevin grabbed her wrist.
"Where you going?"
"Away for the weekend." She said after her startled grasp.
"No…bad idea." He drew up beside her , keeping her wrists to her sides.
"Kevin stop! Kevin stop it now" Siena gulped in full panic mode. However he refused to let her go.
"I am not looking so guilt won’t work on me."
It’s true he wouldn’t even face her. Urgently she remembered a trick a friend had taught her when her and Heather were writing a story. She hooked her foot around his and pulled, sending him crashing down. The second he let go, she grabbed her pocketbook and his cell phone.
Not even looking back as she heard him crash into her side table. Running down the hall and bursting through the steps. She stumbled outside and grabbed a cab and took it to the train station. A couple hours later she arrived in Connecticut, she called for a cab and ask them to take her to Enfield.
She knew she couldn’t go home, least not right now. Tears and a wracking cough still controlled her as she hugged herself.
"Hey Miss…you going to be okay?" The driver asked her sympathetically. He handed her a tissue. "Boyfriend trouble?"
"Yeah…something like that…" When they got to the beginning of Enfield she yelled, "Pull over." Paying him in cash.
"You sure?"
"Yeah…I need some air my house is right there." Pointing to a couple streets down.
The driver gave her a smile and wished her luck as he drove off. It was growing dark so Siena did her best to hurry. She went by street after street. She finally took a left and then turned around for a second lost.
Sobbing she pulled Kevin’s cell phone out of her pocket. She fumbled with the right number.
"Come on Des…Come on…" she whispered. Getting the voicemail again she struggled to leave a message, "Des…it’s me…Des…I am in... I got in- I-" she tried to take a breath but her throat felt closed, "lost…I didn’t know who else to call…"
She shut the cell and sat down on the grass, wrapping her arms around her knees. Dusk flew to pitch b lack night and Siena didn’t move. Just tucked her head under her good arm the other gingerly on the grass, wrist still throbbing with heated stabs from the earlier fight.
“It’s too early!“ She muttered, half asleep. She slipped a hand out of her nice, warm, fuzzy, covers, that were tangled about her, to reach up and slam the button. With that done she lay there for a long time thinking about home. Living in New York was a lot harder than any teen would have realized.
Finally, with much effort she dragged herself out of bed. She passed her mirror on the way to her closet, and did a double-take. Her long, curly hair was sticking up and she still wore her dress from the party last night.
She grinned, this was her favorite article. She had bought it on 34th Street, at a beautiful shop. Siena stretched and went over and pulled on her closet’s door.
Riffling among her clothes for her uniform. She tossed them here and there until her hands touched the pieces she needed. Quickly, she changed into her uniform before walking back to the other side of the room.
“Such work”, she spoke of her ‘make up job’ she had started to focus on after applying gel to her hair. Opening her box she revealed all sorts of lip glosses and eye shadows. Carefuly she touched her skin, brushing the colors on to her skin.
With that whole production done, Siena then went to her large, oval, mirror. Her hand fell to her right as she pulled on her friendship ring. Then her fingers found their way towards her neck. Grasping the clasp and putting the necklace around her neck. Amused by how different some make up would do, she was caught up in the moment.
Unfortunately, Siena was shaken by the shouting down the stairs. A long with door slamming. Inwardly cringing. She kept her eyes shut as she slid down the wall till she was in a sitting position . Her arms wrapped around her legs as her body shook with fear. Sensing the emanating feelings that were filling her brain, only feet away from her. She knew she had to go down to “Planet Hollywood” to work but that could wait. First she needed to get her bearings and forget her past.
“It’s like I never left home.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter studied his work book in a coffee house in Rhode Island. He sipped his tea every once in awhile. His eyes glued to the book in front of him. Sighing he decided upon giving himself a break. After all he’d studied all day. He reached down in his pack to produce a sketch pad. Placing it on the table he leafed through the different past creativities to find a blank piece. Flipping the pencil from his ear to his right hand. He let out a breath and then concentrated upon letting his pencil flow. Loving the feel of the pencil upon the old pad.
An hour later he sat back with a smirk of satisfaction clearly written on his face. He eyed the clock and decided it was time to get back to real work. Grudgingly he brought forth his Pysch book and opened it to page 200.
Time went by as he ignored the chattering and loud noise from the other students who were also regulars. His path was in psychology and he would pay attention to every detail if it killed him. Which if he continued to be such a serious person his friends had bet it would.
He was so into Freud that he never even realized that someone had snuck up behind him. A shadow fell over his book and he glanced up, cautiously. As he was well aware the visitor hadn’t made themselves known.
“wha-?” He started to say but the being placed her finger to his lips, hushing him. To say the least he was surprised.
Peter nervously examined his glasses before replacing them back on his face. His dark eyes, narrowed in frustration.
wha-?" He started to say but the being placed her finger to his lips, hushing him. To say the least he was surprised. She let her finger fall back to her side and pulled out a chair for herself, on the opposite side of his table. All the while saying not a word. She gazed at him, as he at her. His first thought no matter how absurd, was a fairy.
So Peter nervously examined his glasses before replacing them back on his face. His dark eyes, narrowing in frustration.
The human who’d surprised Peter, laughed, lightly. Her voice seemingly as close to a natural gust of wind, light and fluttery. She tilted her head to see him as he examined her. The eyes the color of a dolphin and blonde hair that almost could be considered silver. The front pieces were swept up, twirled and held in place by a jeweled comb. Her appearance, reminded him of a fairytale, though he‘d be damned, he was not sure which one it would be considered. His eyes went to her long pale blue dress accentuated her ‘Snow White’ skin tone.
He was flustered, the dress itself was a remarkable work of art. Forest green, flowing to past her ankles as he noticed matching slip on shoes.
She seemed to him, to be from another world entirely. Superficially he took a glance at his own garments and wasn’t interested in what he saw. His eyes settling on the stranger with whom he had just been acquainted with.
"Umm excuse me," he finally managed, "but did you just come from a Medieval Fair? I don’t mean to be insulting," he rattled, "you do look nice...I mean great…umm I was just wondering," He said in a low tone, bringing his eyes from the angelic persona in front of him to his dull book
Wondering if he had a second chance to talk to her, even though he’d messed up on his first greeting.
The aforementioned persona’s face wrinkled in slight confusion. She reached out her manicured hand again this time, though, to look at what he was reading. Seemingly to soak in all the information it could about him and his interests.
"I-Yes…" she said finally understanding his former question. "Actually I only…" she searched for the right words, "work…yes…I only work there some times," she fluttered her eyelashes. A trick she’d heard worked with males.
Peter nodded, he was so conscious that he himself was flirting just as she was. Confused, he decided that he must leave… but this Angel in front of him considered otherwise.
"You have an accent…are you from another country?"
She smiled an innocent, shy, grin. Her head inclining ever so slightly.
"Yes. I am."
Inwardly Peter was overjoyed. He figured she must have seen some beautiful places! That reminded him he had to go to the park for some picture taking with his camera some time soon. Coming out of himself he shook his head.
"I am terribly sorry," he mumbled drawing his hand forth, his cheeks red, " I never properly introduced myself. My name’s Peter. "
The enchanting figure gave a sly grin. Her long slender hand reaching to grasp his own. Her fingers molding to his palm.
"My name is Kaori."
As Peter met her eyes he found himself connected with her as if he’d known her all his life. The warm contact heated his palm, until he abruptly let go. He laughed once more and said interestedly,
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kaori." Gesturing to his cup, "would you like something to drink?"
Kaori fidgeted, playing with her dress a moment before nodding consent.
"Green tea would be perfect…with a little lemon."
Peter’s face broadened into a large smile, eyes wide in total surprise. As he grasped the handle to his cup he couldn’t help but retort.
"Finally someone with taste."
Kaori merely shook her head. Her eyes capturing Peter, in a blank, stare that told she wasn’t ready to let him go. She had plans for him. Together they forgot about their prior engagement to have tea and walked out of the room, into his car. It was as if Peter was on auto pilot he didn’t quite no what had hit him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Siena ushered down the carpeted stairs of "Planet Hollywood," balancing a tray full of dishes with assorted entrees on them Spotting her table on the left she hurried to their side. Setting their food in front of them. She plastered a beam on her tired face. One that would only make the celebrities today proud.
However inside she felt tired and homesick. Two problems not easily fixed. She missed her friends Heather, Catherine and Laura terribly!
However, she reminded herself, that this was brought on upon herself. She had asked for this difficult life when she left Connecticut, so there was no going back. Her friends had believed in her so much that she couldn’t let them down by turning tail, at the first sign of trouble, and running back home with her tail between her legs…So to speak.
A giggle snapped her out of her memories and she gave the little girl, clapping her hands in delight, a wink. Then brought her attention to the two older people in front of her; the parents.
"Anything else you be needing?"
"Uh no, thanks, we’re okay." One of them mumbled. Siena gave a curt nod and left the scene, fleeing to her other tables and checking on them. By the time it was ten o’clock Siena was ready to drop. She shifted her feet to the kitchen and placed the tray down. Her boss, Mr. Lee, was an older man in his seventies. He had a pleasant disposition and seemed more like a mentor than an actual boss. He was walking up to her with an envelope in his hand. He held it out for her.
"Here ya go Gal you deserve it." His head went back in forth, " I don’t know how you handle a fifteen hour work day but I am grateful for it Siena." He made direct eye contact, which Siena tried to miss.
"Thank you." Was her only response as she tried to stifle a yawn. Check covering her mouth hurriedly. Mr. Lee only gave a chuckle.
"Go on…go get some sleep." He teased her lightly, " and I don’t want to see yer in here tomorrow. You’re taking the day off no matter what."
Prodding her along with a playful shove in the direction to the door. Siena nodded her consent as a break is what she needed. Not having one of them in a very long time.
Siena grabbed a hold of her coat and put her arm in one side and then the other, buttoning it. Finally she slipped her pocketbook around her chest, stuffing the check inside and locking it in with zip.
Thirty-five minutes later after she took the subway and walked a couple blocks south she reached her apartment complex. Looking up she saw that no lights were on. She took out her key and it fit snugly into the lock as she turned it. Upon entering her apartment, she flicked a switch. Causing the whole room to be bathed in bright light. Quickly she went to the bathroom and opened the cabinet. Searching for her medicine.
"There you are my friend," she said popping one into her mouth and swallowing. Siena gently pushed the mirrored cover back towards the cabinet. Her hand flicked the switch disintegrating the light that had previously been there. With much effort she dragged her feet to her bedroom door and opened it.
Siena dropped her coat and pocketbook on the chair as she pulled down the covers of her bed. Changing into a low cut top and shorts. Sighing she climbed into bed and felt around for her teddy, Monty, whom was her only connection to a dear friend.
Her eyelids closed as her body was finally able to relax after the hard day at work. Siena barely heard the sounds of traffic of the very lively New York City for she’d fallen to sleep, instantly, on contact with her soft, pillow.
It was noon the next day by the time Siena even started to stir from her slumber. The sun was so high that when she first opened her eyes she was near blinded causing her to shut them fast.
"Ugh" she groaned, lips not even moving as she tossed over onto her stomach, pillow over her head. In complete denial that it was even morning.
It took her a second for her senses to register that there was someone else in the room. She could hear his breathing. The person she’d recognized leaned, with his knees, against the bed made of just mattresses on the floor.
Siena tried to ignore the heat radiating off of him, he was that close as he pulled the pillow with no effort from her hands. Then spoke softly in her ear.
"Morning…or should I say afternoon?"
That caught Siena’s attention.
"Huh?" She mumbled, swatting at him.
He didn’t respond as he started his attack by tickling her. She fought him feebly but was honestly to tired to put up much of a fight. He had gotten what he wanted however because he had made her turn back over.
Siena looked up into the complicated orbs of her crush for seven years. Tracing his shoulder with her finger tip.
"You know not to wake me on my days off Kev." she muttered, still half asleep and slightly annoyed with him.
Kevin snorted, a displeased answer, brushing the hand off him as he faced the other direction.
"What I can’t talk to my girlfriend?" Playing the wounded knight rather well.
"Your so called girlfriend, for the past four weeks, has worked fifteen hour shifts." Just to prove her point she poked at the circles she knew would be under her eyes. She had mocked his own wounded play.
Pulling the covers so that they covered her upper half she slipping her hand into his pocket, pulling out his cell.
"Hey!" He argued, clearly shocked at her display of behavior. She merely looked up innocently at him as she flipped it open and started dialing a number.
"Oh come on…I haven’t talked to my friends in ages! They probably think I am dead or worse…" she went on with her melodrama, " have forgotten about me." Just considering that brought tears to her eyes. She wiped them away her sheet.
While she played with his phone Kevin took this as an opportunity to lie down next to her. One hand over her shoulder, trapping her in a sense.
The phone started to ring and Siena giggled in excitement. Phone pressed to her ear. At the sound of her pal’s voice Siena started to ramble.
"Hey!" The voice said on the other side.
"Heather!" A thousand thought ran through her mind, just the sound of a friend’s voice softened her homesickness.
"This is Heather I am not home right now leave me a message."
Siena’s face fell In sadness. At the beep she spoke:
"Hey Heather it’s me Sie…yeah look see I swear I was going to call you sooner but umm we still don’t have a phone that works around here and I am disconnected from the internet…so yeah…Dude I am sorry but I hope to talk to you soon! Call me on this callback number…yeah it’s his…anyway he just got one and I am going out to get one myself. I am dying to hear about your summer…We should still get together some time, I am sure I could get a day off. K, see now I am jus yapping…talk to ya laters!"
Siena hit the ‘end’ button on the cell. A frown displayed on her delicate features. He hand slammed down on her mattress. The cell still snug in her palm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kevin could not believe that she was that unsettled about talking to people who had never even written. He scowled, purely distracted.
Realizing that he was still leaning over her, he decided to take advantage of the situation. Kevin went to kiss her but he found himself held back by her arms.
"Don’t."
"Why not?"
"Because I said so…" He heard her whisper, making him wonder whether she meant it at all.
Siena gave a half grin as she slipped between his arms and off the bed. Still not entirely awake she walked in a ‘zigzag’ pattern across her room to the door, nearly colliding with the door frame.
"Oh hello..." She said surprised. Kevin laughed at her from where he was. Watching her do her best not to trip and fall. He checked the pink clock and rolled his eyes. The day was half gone already.
Hurry up!" He yelled as heard the water rushing from the bathroom sink. Her head appeared by the door.
"I am a goin! I am a goin!" she mumbled, attempting not to swallow her tooth paste as she tried to multi task.
"Gross." He mentioned, making a tisking sound. Siena merely just stood there because she knew it was bugging him. However, her moment of glory passed and she went back to finish her morning routine. A half hour later she came out and he was standing in the kitchen with a glass of orange juice looking entirely bored.
All…" his words died and he gave her an exasperated expression, "Siena! You…a half…Go get dressed!"
He said pointing to the direction of her bedroom. Instead Siena went over and sat on the counter top, pretending that she hadn’t heard him.
Kevin looked up and glared silently. "Out of all the girlfriends I have, you have to be the stubborn one."
Siena merely gave him a warm smile.
"You know it! Sides…I wanna stay home…watch…" Her face looked conflicted for a minute as she scrambled down. Lunging for the VCR player they had hooked up. Kevin came up to her.
"What’s your rush?!" Kevin asked her softly as he tried vainly to grab the remote from her hands. Siena however wasn’t paying much attention. She rewound her tape and said coyly.
"Nothing..." She laughed as she sat back on the floor. Pressing ‘play’ she grinned when she heard the theme song and started to hum a long to the music. Her head swayed from side to side in pure child-like amusement.
"SIENA! You have got to be kidding! I am not watching that crap!" He made a dash for the remote but she held it behind her back.
"Oh no you don’t...i haven’t drooled over Glenn enough yet!"
Kevin’s eyes were now in wide shock.
"Hey…now come on, that’s not funny! Give me the remote!" He said as she stood up and circled the couch.
"No way, anti-ranger number two, I haven’t had my fun yet." Siena looked back at the screen to see the actor, Glenn, on his bike. Kevin used that moment to catch her off guard. He snatched the item from her hand.
Siena’s gaze strayed as she said calmingly, "Kevin…don’t even think about it!"
He grinned. "Think about what?" He clicked the television off and did his best to ignore her protests as she tried to jump up and get the remote.
"Ohhh! You little! Okay fine…I won’t watch it…I’ll just go to the store and buy the doll!" She said, "ha" as if to announce herself the winner and went into her room to change.
Kevin’s head shook from left to right. He pressed a button and the tape came out of the VCR. Walking up to it he sighed. Still confused about what could possibly make the show still worth watching.
Especially after all the originals left, he considered as he fingered the tape for several seconds before deciding on finding out. Quickly he turned the volume down low. Letting the tape continue from where it left of as he went back to the counter for his juice.
After several seconds of indecision he plopped down on their ‘couch’. He chuckled at the thought. Who knew seven years a go that the lil book worm on the bus would end up not only being his girlfriend but his roommate. As he continued to watch this he figured out that this must have been the first show.
"No whatyamacallits on their wrist," he murmured to himself as he watched the one in yellow talking some skateboarding dude.
Siena had silently crept back out and stealthily avoided his canine detection. Jumping over the side of the ‘couch’ she landed on his stomach.
"Oof! Nice landing."
"What ya watching? "
"I was just curi-" His voice stopped when a blonde appeared on the screen, "hey she’s kind of cute."
Siena who’d been pleasantly making herself comfortable, her ear against his heart, looked over her shoulder.
"Excuse me! Ugh…besides she’s off limits."
Kevin rolled his eyes.
"I call it how I see it. " But he couldn’t help but ask, "why?"
Not sure if he really even wanted to get into this debate.
"Because dude she’s like with Blake…" Siena said with glee. Remembering how much fun it’d been to start to watch their relationship in the show.
"Yeah? Is that the one in the yellow?"
"Ooh!" she cooed, "that’s Dustin. " Siena angled herself so she could lean against her boy and watch the show at the same time.
Kevin snorted.
"He’s in yellow."
"He’s still adorable-major."
"If you say so…" Kevin said dryly. " I don’t even know why I am arguing this with you."
Siena brought her hand up to Kevin’s cheek, their eyes met. For a brief second it seemed like the world was balanced once more, however that beauty didn’t last long. Her eyes diverted back to the screen. Kevin let out a heavy sighed, annoyed with himself.
You stop yourself every time…why?"
Siena rolled her head so that she was facing him once more.
"Let’s not talk about this now."
"Then when…tomorrow? Sunday…How about when you don’t have a day off anymore and just have to work. Will that work out for you?"
His tone was abrupt, snippy and cruel. It was hard for him to wait for someone who wouldn’t even give him anything to work with.
Siena’s face went scarlet. "Don’t start with me. You know I…it’s just…I give up." Hot tears started to form and she shoved up from her reclining position.
"Sie…" He started, realizing that he’d forgotten how delicate she truly was. He pulled her back to him by her waist, but now she fought him.
"Kevin let go of me! Leave me alone!" She kicked her heels into his shin. He found himself forced to play defense with the war he started. With an angry cry he picked her up with his arms and held her to him.
"Put me down" She screamed. Knowing all to well he was stronger than she’d care to remember. However he didn’t drop her until they were in her room, where he immediately let go of her.
She crashed to the floor landing on her bad wrist. Pain etched across her face from the phantom injury. Then she brought her left hand to circle her other wrist, acting all the while like a wounded dove.
"Calm down." Kevin finally spoke as he sat down on her other side. She shook her head frantically, biting her lip to keep from crying. "Sie," he tried again this time his finger brushed her cheek, wiping a tear away.
"This was bad from the beginning…" she whispered, making a move to get up. Kevin grabbed her wrist.
"Where you going?"
"Away for the weekend." She said after her startled grasp.
"No…bad idea." He drew up beside her , keeping her wrists to her sides.
"Kevin stop! Kevin stop it now" Siena gulped in full panic mode. However he refused to let her go.
"I am not looking so guilt won’t work on me."
It’s true he wouldn’t even face her. Urgently she remembered a trick a friend had taught her when her and Heather were writing a story. She hooked her foot around his and pulled, sending him crashing down. The second he let go, she grabbed her pocketbook and his cell phone.
Not even looking back as she heard him crash into her side table. Running down the hall and bursting through the steps. She stumbled outside and grabbed a cab and took it to the train station. A couple hours later she arrived in Connecticut, she called for a cab and ask them to take her to Enfield.
She knew she couldn’t go home, least not right now. Tears and a wracking cough still controlled her as she hugged herself.
"Hey Miss…you going to be okay?" The driver asked her sympathetically. He handed her a tissue. "Boyfriend trouble?"
"Yeah…something like that…" When they got to the beginning of Enfield she yelled, "Pull over." Paying him in cash.
"You sure?"
"Yeah…I need some air my house is right there." Pointing to a couple streets down.
The driver gave her a smile and wished her luck as he drove off. It was growing dark so Siena did her best to hurry. She went by street after street. She finally took a left and then turned around for a second lost.
Sobbing she pulled Kevin’s cell phone out of her pocket. She fumbled with the right number.
"Come on Des…Come on…" she whispered. Getting the voicemail again she struggled to leave a message, "Des…it’s me…Des…I am in... I got in- I-" she tried to take a breath but her throat felt closed, "lost…I didn’t know who else to call…"
She shut the cell and sat down on the grass, wrapping her arms around her knees. Dusk flew to pitch b lack night and Siena didn’t move. Just tucked her head under her good arm the other gingerly on the grass, wrist still throbbing with heated stabs from the earlier fight.