Hiya guys ^_^ It’s absolutely beautiful out here, I wanna to go outside, it’s +18 here! but since I owe you a chapter of story, I guess I will go a little later ^_^ Just a warning, that I never been to Paris myself before, so you can imagine that I don’t know a lot about that city, so excuse me for some false street names I made up ok? Email: serenausako@hotmail.com webpage: http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net A Vision of You and Me Chapter 4 --- My Friend and My Life By: Neo-Queen Serenity Editor: Twilight "Come in, the door is not locked." Serena Murphy ordered as she looked up. She was now in her office, doing nothing but reading. Flipping over the news of the day was an old hobby of hers even before she became famous. Serena did have to admit, reading the news events of the day helped her a great deal when she was dealing with her customers and media around her. At least she was prepared, in knowledge of the world’s opinion today. "Greeting Miss. Murphy." Serena’s personal assistant Jennifer replied, smiling politely. "Morning Jen." Jennifer held out a folder in her hands and laid them before her. "Here is your document for the contracts of the fashion show next year. You ordered these to be on your desk by today." "Contracts?" Serena hesitated a little. "Oh, alright. You can leave them here. By the way, what are the companies so far?" She inquired curiously. "Last week, Hillary Fashion gave the highest of 3.5 million. The Johnson’s representative called in yesterday. They were willing to put in 4 million dollars for the signing of the contract and the show with you." Jennifer thoughtfully said after a moment. "4 million huh...I think I should consider that, not just anybody would come in our door and drop 4 million dollars on my desk. Who’s the owner of the Johnson’s?" "Andrew Johnson and his partner Darien Calt." Jennifer flipped around some document. "Andrew Johnson and Darien Calt...Never really heard of them before. Well, call them by my name and inform them I shall take their offer. What’s their meeting date?" "April 20th, should I put that down on your agenda?" "Sure, inform me about the preparation 2 days ahead so I can get ready alright? Also, what’s written on my schedule today?" Jennifer got out Serena’s daily planner and turned it to the page of April 7th. "You have a charity ceremony at the Children’s Hospital at Parksdale this morning and Lita Fleming has a lunch appointment scheduled. Then you’re free for the rest of afternoon and evening." "Oh Lita, I almost forgot about the lunch with her. Alright then, I should get dressed for the charity and meet with Lita for lunch. Thanks Jen, you may leave now." Serena appeared to be thoughtful, then she waved her hand to dismiss her assistant. "Yes Ms. Murphy, have a nice day." Jennifer replied politely and retreated to the door. "Thanks, a nice day to you as well." Serena smiled after the gentle click of her door. Now she was alone. *4 million, not a really small sum...I wonder what kind of people are Andrew Johnson and Darien Calt. Darien Calt...Darien Calt...I hope they have a rather talented designer for the show, or...the product wouldn’t be worth that 4 million dollars of cash...Any way, they give me money, I model their clothes, deal...Now I have to get dressed up for that charity thing for the Children’s Hospital. Then lunch with Lita. I haven’t had a chance to talk with her for a long time now..." The whole morning quickly flashed by. Serena didn’t remember a single bit of what she had done. All she knew was that she had dressed in a rather plain white spring outfit, white pants, long sleeved jacket and a snow white scarf around her chest. She looked like an angel, very dedicate and light. It suited her purpose well. Serena could dumbly recall the hospital director introducing her to the all the people who were present. Then claps and cheers roared out filling her ears. Serena recalled herself saying encouraging phrases and wishes to the hospital’s staffs and patients. She then shook their hands one by one with the director and went to the children. Seeing their pale and sick faces, she could feel her eyes damping, remembering 5 years ago, at different part of the city, in a different hospital, on a different bed, a most dear person in her life left her... Serena had always appeared at different kinds of charity ceremonies. She gave the sick ones her money, her care, her encouragement and her best wishes. After all she had money. And tons of it. There was no way she could spend all of it in the world for the rest of her life. She didn’t need all of it. She always gave away five more than one third of her earning to charity every year. Mostly to hospitals. She didn’t want to see that scene happen in front of her eyes 5 years ago up on the stage anymore. She didn’t want that to happen to anyone else. She understand their pain and suffering; because she had once tasted it herself... Serena gave her money only to see others get cared for. To see others saved and happy, but who was here to give her happiness, to see her cared for? Serena then hugged some of the little patients, seeing their brightened and cheerful smiles, her heart lightened up to some level. Now, she had finished her task for the morning and was on her way to the restaurant where Lita was waiting. Serena parked her black Mercedes at a near by parking lot and stepped out. The day was such a beautiful one, another sunshine scene of early April. She walked slowly on Champs-Elysees, enjoying the crowd and breathtaking scenes before her eyes. She was still dressed in her white spring outfit from earlier because she was too tired to change into something else. The cool and fresh spring breeze brushed against her silk scarf, causing it to fly across her upturned face. The gold sun light cast its warmness unselfishly on the planet earth, reflecting it’s shining color against her long and smooth blond hair. Serena wore a pair of sunglasses, fearing the crowd would gather if they knew Serena Murphy was actually among them. Not very far away, La Seine welcomed all blueness of the bright sky, its gentle waves glittered with the gold rays of sun, few smooth and light clouds reflected in the watery embrace of the river so white against that light blue. By the famous river, the strong icon feature of the Eiffel Tower stood proudly, announcing its grandness over thousands of international tourists. Serena walked straight head, inhaling the fresh and cool air of spring, observing the beauty of nature and the elegance of Paris. Around herself, hundreds of tourists and wonders were present in the beautiful day. Vendors and little stores advertised their delicious foods and drinks some in little cart stands along the sidewalk. Numerous tall trees cast their green shade on the people beneath them, providing them with a shelter and play ground. The scent of food and soup was travelling in the air, escaping into the nose of the hungry crowd. Little kids jumped up and down, singing in this beautiful day, their parents would fondly award they with a delightful ice cream cone. A little store was selling some souvenirs and goodies to the people on the street because every tourist wanted something to remember their wonderful stay. Sunglasses, flag of France, little Eiffel tower, wood charms, T-shirts, necklaces and sea-shell bracelets piled up one after another. People gathered excitedly over the little shop, choosing their favorite among the many variations. A little water fountain not far away was spilling it’s content into a little pond beneath it. Clear water landed with the childish laughter of children. At the bottom of the little fountains, hundreds of coins were throw in there, glittering when the droplets of water hit it’s surface. Serena smiled, getting out a one dollar coin herself, she dropped it lightly into the water. With a smooth and gentle dropping, it reached the bottom of the pond, glittering with other coins under the sun. By the shade of a tall parasol a man no older than 30 played delightfully on his violin. The rhythm of a cheerful French ditty flew freely between his fingers and the string. Few young girls danced among themselves in a circle around the young violinist, giving him encouragement with their quick steps and cheerful swirling. Beside them, several copper statues stood silently, refreshing people’s memories of history and the past. Its metal coat already washed eroded away by the harsh fingers of time, dark green replaced that once shining yellow, causing them to look more solemn and ancient. Serena finally came to her destination. *It was a long way.* She’s sighed. *Only the beauty of nature and the distraction of the scenery alongside made it shorter* Serena stopped her slow pace when she reached a rather small and quiet Italian restaurant. Usually, Lita was sitting in there, waiting for her. Lita Fleming was a very dear childhood friend to Serena. She had known her even before she became the world famous model. Serena’s own mother was friend of Mrs. Fleming’s. The Flemings started to take care of Serena when her own mother passed away. She appreciated what they had done for her. Deep down her heart, she loved that family as much as she loved her own. Serena also knew, there was no way in the world that she could ever repay them. Not with that cold sum of green paper everyone called money. That would be such an insult to their kindness. Serena loved Lita as she would love a sister. She was always there to give her the comfort and support she needed. Like 3 years ago, when Serena was too scared to try out for a model; it was Lita who urged her to fulfill her destiny. ***flash backs (3 years ago)*** "Serena, what’s the matter? I told you for the hundredth time, try it. It’s not so hard, believe in yourself, you can do it." Lita urged, completely trusting her friend. "But...there are so many others who are at least 10 times better than me! What if I’m not good enough? I’m scared..." Serena hesitated. "Not good enough?! I think you’re 100 times more than good enough! Don’t let yourself be deceived by the faces of others, inner beauty is what counts most. Look into it, find it in yourself." "But what if I fail?..." "Fail? You would never fail, I strongly believe in you Serena. You’re only 20! Start your life with a fresh start. Don’t hesitate girl, go on. At least give it a try. You have nothing to lose! Besides, look at yourself, beautiful, young, and tall. I am sure people would see what is beauty from you. If they don’t then they’re blind. Come on Serena, life itself is a huge gamble, put down what you have, let yourself win! Remember what your mother said? Never to give in, never to let yourself down? Have you forgot all of those? Stand up, trust yourself, follow your heart and destiny, you can do this..." "Yeah, trust myself, I can do this..." (4 months later) "Lita, I made it! They want me now!" Serena beamed with happiness and delight. "I told you, you could do it. Trust and believe in yourself is what counts the most...give it a try and you’ll be the winner." Lita hugged her friend with tears of joy. "Thanks Lita, Thank you..." Serena hugged her back as hard as she could manage. ***End of Flash Backs*** Serena stood outside the little restaurant, somewhat dazed by another flash back of her past life. Lita was the greatest source of encouragement to her. She had always been there for her no matter what. She more than a trusting friend; almost like a big sister, giving out guidance and advice. Lita Fleming’s was now 25 years old, a whole 2 years older than Serena Murphy. She too, was born to a very plain and traditional French family life. Her mother, Mrs. Fleming was Mrs. Murphy’s best friend. The family use to take care of the lonely widow and her only daughter. After that day 5 years ago, in great pity and sadness about Serena’s mother’s death, the Flemings decided to take care of the young girl, in hope to comfort the invisible soul of Mrs. Murphy. Lita’s mother was a kind and fair woman. She considered Serena as her own daughter, even gave her more care and love than she ever gave to Lita. She would always look at the young Serena fondly, calling her "my poor soul." Lita seemed to understand her own mother’s "unfair" treatment towards herself. She understood Serena’s misery, that girl needed love more than anyone else in the world, more, way more... Now both Lita Fleming and Serena Murphy had grown up, both were young and beautiful women. Accomplished and both held a dream of their own. Lita was now a famous architect, designing various buildings internationally. She had a favor towards Paris, her hometown, where she was given life. She spent most of her time, building up hotels, restaurants and national buildings in every part of France. That little Italian restaurant was also a product under Lita’s slim fingers. They called it "Fleming Italian" in honor of the famous architect. Of course, Lita didn’t own the place. Yet she was their regular cutomer along with her friend. Italian food had been their favorite since before they could remember. Eating some plain lunch was always a hobby of Serena and Lita’s. They’d come out from their busy schedules, have a walk along La Seine, then back to Champs-Elysees, sitting by their most fond place beside the huge bay windows, examining the grand scenery of the Eiffel Tower and the beauty of their day. Plus, the restaurant owner was majorly proud of his famous customers. Lita Fleming and Serena Murphy, a pair of sister-like best friends, now stood proudly in front of the world, announcing their joy of success. They were now welcomed, recognized, respected and accepted by the world. Serena sighed again. Her mind drifted back to reality. *If I am going to stand here and have flash backs about my past, I am going to dinner with Lita instead of lunch...* She pushed through the dark glass doors and entered the interior of the place which she knew so well. The inside structure was rather brighter than it actually appeared on the outside. Smooth and soft Italian serenade played on the stereo, beats whirling around. Few customers were already sitting by their table, chatting and eating in whispers. On the smooth redwood surface, an exquisite crystal vase containing a single red rose stood. Serena knew, by nighttime, they would set a flaming white candle beside the flower, adding more of a romantic feeling in the air. She smiled and advanced towards a woman sitting by the window far east. She was sitting alone by their usual place, sipping a glass of lemonade quietly. Lita stared blindly outside, as if in a deep trace. She haven’t noticed Serena’s entrance at all, she was obviously bored. "Miss Fleming, may I have your order?" Serena grinned like a 6 years old school girl. Lita was surprised when someone tapped her lightly on the shoulder, even more surprised because she had told the waitress that she will take her order a little later, since she was waiting for a friend. But from the moment she turned around, she was greeted by Serena’s smile. "Hey Lita!" Lita smiled as well, then a slight frown crept up her delicate brow. "What? Don’t tell me that you didn’t recognize me because I was wearing my sun glasses." She took off her glasses and posed. "Didn’t recognize you? I could pick you out among millions Serena Murphy, even you’re own mask. I know you too well. Besides, what’s happening with you anyway. Look at your watch! You’re 20 minutes late. If I have a good memory, I made an appointment with you on 12:30. It has been so hard to get a hold of you these days. And don’t start with me, I don’t want to hear it. And, don’t tell me you have so many things to do that you can’t fit me into it. Jennifer told me you’re free for the rest of today." Lita rolled her eyes and quickly poured out her complaints, before Serena even had a chance to sit down. "Time? Oh, 12:50?! Sorry Lita, I didn’t know I was that late. I parked my care beside the square at the other side, so I have to walk all the way here. Again, apology for keeping Miss Fleming waiting." Serena checked her watch and realized that she had indeed kept Lita waiting for almost 20 minutes. "Alright then. Apology accepted. Let’s take our orders, I’m starving." Lita commanded waving for a waiter. "May I take your orders miss?" Holding out the menus he bowed slightly. "A beef steak with potato salad." Lita stated putting aside the menu she knew by heart. "Two slices of Pizza for me." Serena said smiling handing the menu back to the young waiter. "What kind miss?" "Pineapple and ham will do. By the way, don’t add pepper, I hate green pepper." "Anything else?" "A glass of lemonade for me, and-" Lita eyed Serena. "a glass of water for me." The model smiled with a wink. As the waiter walked away with their order, Lita shook her head. "You haven’t changed much Serena." "Change? Me? Why would I change? The last time I saw you around was...was I think a month ago, you haven’t changed." She looked at Lita. She was dressed in a pale green business suit that matched very nicely with a simple green skirt and wore a white blouse inside, showing off her long, graceful neckline. An elegant clip made of white pearl graced her collar and she always wore her diamond earrings everywhere. A present by her mother, Mrs. Fleming on her 20th birthday. Her hair were in it’s usual ponytail fashion, tied with a dark green scarf, to math up her unique outfit. Long, loose tendrils gracefully framed her pale face. Lita was tall, a whole inch taller than Serena, despising the fact Serena was a model, she had to be tall. But Lita was standing at 6 foot 1. She loved flat heels. Everytime Serena appear in front of her with her one inch high heels, Lita would be amazed at how Serena could walk in them with such grace and ease. For her, Lita felt more comfortable in flat ones, in her words, "Get more acquainted with Mother earth." Serena had to admit, Lita didn’t at changed. Her large brown eyes still sparkled with love and friendship. They had always been there, now and back then...Picking up the rose from the crystal vase in front of her, she inhaled it’s great fragrance, her face brightening. Lita grinned. Rose had always been Serena Murphy’s favorite type of flower. According to the model her own philosophy, "Red, red rose is a symbol of love and romance." "Still favoring roses?" "Of course. Like always. I’d always dream myself in a garden, crowded and surrounded by different colors of roses. They’d bow to me, calling me their ‘Rose Princess’. Yeah, but that was a dream..." Serena smiled, tucking the flower back to it’s usual place. "Ha, Rose Princess. It suits you well." "Plus, I’d curtsey. Red must be the majority. So red, perfect and delicate. Red mixed with bright yellow, pure white, light pink and dark purple.. Can you imagine that Lita?" Serena sighed dreamily, drowned in her own little world of delight. "Still so naïve...who would know that the proud and cold model Serena Murphy is actually an innocent rose princess at heart?" "How’s your relationship with Ken now? I’m still waiting to attend your wedding now you know?" Serena lifted her brow. Lita met Ken Jillens (who was also one of her customers) during a architect gathering ball. They got acquainted and of course fell in love. Serena could tell that Lita loved Ken dearly. She could see it in her eyes. Those beautiful shining orb full of love. It made her wonder what if it felt like to be in love her self. But like that ever happened. He also had to be very in love with her. She heard from Lita the last time, their relationship had came along quite nicely. Serena was extremely happy for her friend and very envious of her too. True love was never easy to find. If she couldn’t find love, then she wished her friend to be loved and cared for. That’s what friendship was really it. She wished to see Lita married someday, to a man she truly loved and who loved her equally as much. "Ken and I get along quite nicely these days. I dined with his family last week and Ken purposed after the dance. We’re engaged." Lita smiled, a slight blush crept up to stain her cheek with lovely rosy hue. "Engaged?! But you haden’t told me when we talked on the phone last week. Oh, but that’s just wonderful. I’m so happy for you, Lita. Congratulations!" Serena beamed with delight, as if she was the one who was going to walking down the aisle. "Well, I meant it to be a surprise for you. I wanted to tell you the good news face to face." Lita blushed. "That’s wonderful. I hoped you’d tell me sooner. Lita Fleming, fiancée of Ken Jillens, and the future Mrs. Jillens. Lita Fleming to Ken Jillens, what a wonderful change! So when?" "Thanks Serena. We planned to get married next April. Beautiful sunshine day." She got up and hugged Serena from across her seat, sharing her own happiness with her. "Miss. You’re lunch is here." The waiter came with a large wooded tray and set it down with their plates, cups and silver ware. "Thank you." Serena first took a sip of her water, she was truly happen for Lita. How she wished to see her friend to become the wife of another. Ken Jillens was an engineer in Paris. Serena had seen him more than once in the past, either on TV or when those days when Lita was dating him. She could tell that he loved her very much and was willing to do whatever to vive her happiness. She also knew they were both of logical mind, an architect and an engineer, the perfect combination. Most of all, that was a marriage of true love. Lita would be the most beautiful and happy bride in the history! She’d have a grand wedding, a loving husband and of course a happy family. Maybe not too long from now, she’d have a beautiful girl or wonderful boy. How many secrets does life posses? What a happy and bright future... "Lita? Have you officially announced your engagement?" Serena inquired with a low whisper, while Lita chewed happily on her beef steak. "No, not yet. Only our parents were aware of it. Well, if I announced it earlier to the press, do you think I could still sit here, peacefully with you, eating a quiet lunch?" Serena smiled. Of course, if the media was aware of this fact, Lita and her would now be crowding in the center by annoying cameras and journalists. An escape was already hard to plan, not to mention a quiet lunch! "So Serena. You haven’t told me anything about your life yet. Anything exciting?" Lita said carefully, knowing how sensitive Serena was around this topic. She was suddenly very quiet, smiles vanishing from her brightened face. *Again, why does everything have to connect to life? Reality is something I don’t want to talk about...* Serena sighed. Life, hers was never a fortunate one. Fate, she took everything she ever had away from her. Leaving her helplessly alone, with her model dream and in company of the empty word ‘success’. What an empty and unreal word. That’ all she, Serena Murphy had now. Why was happiness never with her? Why would she, of all people have to go through the loneliness and misery? She shook her head. "As plain as this glass of water...so clear, no taste, no color, no laughter..." She sent it down her throat with one gulf, tears whirling in her eyes. Lita watched her friend pitifully, knowing now much pain Serena had gone through and how much she needed to be loved. "Don’t worry Serena, the person in your life just haven’t shown up yet. Just wait, he’ll come along and catch you when you’re least expecting...God will reward you of your patience. You never know." The two of them now sat in silence, eating their favorite lunch. Both of them thinking differently, their mind far apart. To Serena, she couldn’t even taste the flavor of her pizza, just like she had never tasted happiness and joy in her life... To be continued... So what ya think? ^_^ pretty bad? I know this is boring, but I am in the process of getting out the background and setting things up. Sorry there isn't much action. By the way, I am looking for 3 prereaders right now. They’re to read my story before I am actually sending it out or posting it on my webpage. BUT, before I decided to have you guys just email me and be one,but now before I even send out this chapter, I already got hm...18 or 19 people offer to be my pre-reader from my site...so I guess the only way we can work this out is that you can read this story until next weekend, which is 8th of May. And email me with your opinion and suggestions for the story and this chapter. I will make my decision about whether or not you should be one of my pre-readers. Seems fair? To be one, you have to fulfill all of the requirements listed: 1. I will tell you when the prereader’s page is updated and you must read it within a week or so. 2. tell me TRULY of how you think of the story, suggestions. Not straight good or bad, I need to know why you think it’s good or bad. I am glad to listen to criticism too 3. You must not tell other people of the prereader page’s login name and password. If you think you’ve fulfill the above 3 requirements, AND you’re interested in helping me out, please email me at my email address. The first 3 will get picked. Thank you for your time, I am most grateful.