A
Vision Of You and Me
Chapter
4 --- My friend and My Life
By: Neo-Queen
Serenity
E-mail:
serenausako@hotmail.com
Webpage:
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Shrine/6436
"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 ddidn't want to see that scenehappen 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...
Neo-Queen Serenity's Crystal Tokyo was originally established on August 18th, 1998.
It is owned and operated by Neo-Queen Serenity
