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Limelight
By Karisma

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Chapter Six

Serena woke up the next day feeling more rested then she had in the past week. She stretched languidly in bed for a few moments before facing the day with a quick shower. She padded around in her sister’s over sized robe the large expanse of her kitchen, and put together a small meal consisting of toast, eggs and orange juice. Glancing at the clock on the high walls of Mina’s apartment, she realized with a wry smile the reasons for her restful feeling; she had slept in until noon. She rinsed the dishes after she was done and settled down to enjoy her day off, when a sharp rapping came from her door.

Serena made her way through the large penthouse, grumbling incoherent phrases about her one day off and not being able to enjoy it. When she opened the door, she gasped inaudibly at who was on the other side of it.

“May I come in?” He asked after a moment of being gawked at.

“What—sure—yes. Come in.” Serena stepped aside to let Darien enter, fully aware of his height, despite her own tall frame.

She clutched the robe at her throat, her only consolation for being this awkwardly dressed that at least she hadn’t answered the door in a towel. She followed him as he made his way cleverly around her sister’s home and into the sitting room, leading Serena to believe he had visited at least once.

She cleared her throat and watched him sit down on the couch, looking completely at ease with himself. “Um—make yourself at home, I’ll only be a minute while I dress.” She swiveled on her bare heel and quickly escaped to the safe haven of her temporary room. That only led to the next logical conflict: what to wear. She finally decided on white slacks and sandals and a gray-blue silk shirt tied in a knot at her waist. She pulled her shoulder length hair back into a short, loose braid and satisfied with her appearance, decided to go out and discover why Darien had dropped by.

She took in his appearance before making herself known to him. He wore blue jeans and a pale yellow sweater shirt that gave a look of casual comfort. She cleared her throat and sat on a stuffed chair across from him; a nice distance that protected herself from him without it seeming too obvious. But why did she feel she needed protection?

“So what brings you here?” She slowly said, trying hard not to seem rude while she questioned him.

“I told you yesterday I’d be stopping by, remember?” Serena’s mind was a blank and she shook her head to tell him so. He continued after her admission. “No matter. I thought I might apologize to you for the things I said earlier. Nigel explained his plan to both of us and we both agreed. That gave me no right to say the things I said to you in the restaurant earlier.” He gave a disarming smile after his speech, though his cerulean eyes remaining completely serious.

She swallowed, flustered at his thoughtfulness. “Well, thank you. I appreciate that.” She had no idea what to do next. She couldn’t very well kick him out, but he had already done what he came to do, what else was there. She remained at a loss for what to say, but Darien quickly remedied the situation. “I was wondering if you’d allow me to further apologize by taking you out to dinner.”

She eyed him warily and he laughed, his usually passive eyes crinkling. “I promise there will not be a repeat performance of the last time we dined.”

“Even if I were to agree, we have quite some time to kill before dinner.” Serena looked pointedly at the clock, which read 12:30.

“Well, then. I suppose I’ll just have to take you to see a movie as well.” He smiled charmingly and Serena sighed, knowing she was fighting a losing battle.

“You don’t take ‘no’ for an answer do you?” She asked, narrowing her eyes as she stood up, towering over him for once.

Darien stood up as well, turning the tables by taking a step closer to her and bending his head slightly to peer down at her. “I don’t particularly care for the word,” he agreed, amused.

She eyed him with curiosity, wondering what today would bring. There was only one way to find out.

“Let me get my purse.”


An hour later, Serena found herself walking through the park, marveling in happiness at how many people did not seem to recognize either of them. Darien walked slowly next to her as she continued to answer the question he had asked recently.

“…and when my mother died of cancer, I decided it was now or never. I couldn’t keep putting it off as if it was some dream I had. I had to make it a reality. So I came and here I am!” She smiled softly, hoping she had depicted Mina’s story well.

“What about your father?” Darien asked quietly, his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he strolled along the gray path.

Serena turned somber. “He died a year ago of a stroke.” She shook her head sadly. “None of us saw it coming.” She felt an unexpected warmth as Darien put his arm around her in a comforting gesture. She looked up at him in surprise to see his face looking straight ahead and completely casual. “So what made you choose to be an actor?”

“I didn’t,” he said shortly. “Acting chose me.” She looked up at him, her brow scrunched up adorably and he fought the urge to tap her nose with his finger. “I was working at a waiter to pay for my mother’s medical bills when a Mr. Colin Wrang found me there and the next thing I knew, my face was on the silver screen and I was raking in the money.” He said the last bit bitterly, his voice filled with regret.

“What happened to your mother?” She asked softly, sensing his pain with the subject.

He casually retracted his arm and Serena felt cool air slip through her silk shirt with the absence of his warmth. “She died anyway. The operation would have saved her if the problem had been diagnosed earlier, but by the time the operation went underway, it was too late.” He refused to meet her gaze and Serena pushed no more, sensing the conversation about him was completed for the time being.

However, she couldn’t refrain from asking one more question. “What about now? Are you going to continued doing something you can’t feel passionate about?”

He glanced at her wryly and gestured around them to a wide variety of people. “Look around, Mina. Do you think all these people are completely fascinated with their jobs?” He shook his head. “No, they do it to make a living and provide for themselves and maybe even families.”

Serena frowned up at him, halting her steps and waiting until he noticed her absence and stopped also. “You’re hardly in that position, Darien. You’re barely thirty years old and you not only have the means to go out and do whatever you wish, you also don’t have the burden of a family to care for.” She bit out the last part, showing her contempt for his view on familial life openly.

He cocked at eyebrow at her in surprise and Serena realized with a deep blush that that perhaps was not how Mina would have behaved. It was sad, as sisters, even twins, they should have known each other well enough to play the other perfectly, but time had changed them both. And while Serena could read Mina’s emotions and mannerisms like a book whenever they were together, playing Mina alone was an entirely different concept.

“I didn’t know you had changed your views so quickly,” he drawled slowly as he continued walking and Serena jogged to catch up.

“Well, what did you think my view was?” She shot back challengingly, the question coming out haughtily when she really meant to find out something new about her sister.

“The last I heard, which may not be accurate,” he smirked at her, “was that you believed it was easier and better off to be alone rather than have the trouble of keeping in touch with “loved ones”.”

“Oh,” she said quietly, staring down at her sandals in hurt. Mina had said that? Referring to her?

“But it was obviously said in a fit of anger or something to that extent, seeing as how you’re quite passionate about such things,” Darien continued, not noticing his companion’s lagging expression.

“What—oh yes,” Serena said distractedly, not quite avidly listening. After some silence, they came to the end of the park and continued on the street. Serena had slightly gotten over the blow of Mina’s rejection and was almost smiling at the end of the block. “Oh, look!” She exclaimed at the sight of a large building. She crossed the street with Darien in tow.

They entered the building and as Darien looked around his surroundings, he shot Serena a funny look. “I had no idea you were interested in art.”

Serena shrugged, not knowing how to respond to such a statement. Instead, she waited as Darien paid for their tickets and then started down the hall into the different sections. She found one of her favorites immediately and stared at it for a moment in silent fascination until she felt Darien come behind her.

“I love this painting,” she whispered, afraid to break the spell of a truly powerful image.

Darien stared at the bright colors against a dark background. His mind immediately wandered from the painting to the woman in front of him. Her head was cocked to the side and her eyes were locked straight ahead, a dreamy smile placed on her curved lips.

“It makes you feel safe,” she murmured.

“From what?” Darien asked softly, still taking in her form.

She blinked, startled by his question and spun to face him. She flushed, “I don’t know.” She stuttered and Darien got the acute sensation she was lying, but decided not to press it.

They spent a brief forty minutes walking around the gallery in silence, appreciating the atmosphere and sharing information about certain pieces they knew about.

When they exited, they slipped into a comedy film at just the moment it started. The ticket boy had given them a funny look at their cool expressions and had finally recognized them, stuttering and bumbling like a fool when he had handed them the slips of paper. They had managed to keep straight faces until they were hidden by the darkness of the movie theater, where they burst into laughter and promptly received a series of evil glares and hushing noises. They quietly took a seat in the back and calmed down.

“Don’t you mind being seen with me? I mean, won’t they think we are still…you know?”

He looked at her big eyes and worried expression and said the truth. “I don’t care what they think.”

“What changed your mind?” She stuttered quickly to clarify. “About us, I mean.”

“It was never the public that worried me. I didn’t want to be in such a fraud anymore.”

She nodded knowingly and blushed. “Did you find someone else that…” She trailed off and Darien smiled at her question and mannerisms.

“No, it wasn’t that.”

She looked at him confusedly, her brow furrowed but didn’t question anymore as the previews ended and the movie commenced.

A half an hour later, Serena found herself all but snoring at the dragging, supposedly humorous movie. The plot was awful, the dialogue was non existent, and the characters all sounded and looked the same.

“Has anyone said anything since I fell asleep?” She joked quietly, basking in his smile and smothered laugh.

“No, but maybe you can clear up something for me. This new character, is it a guy or girl?”

Serena looked up at the screen and honestly couldn’t answer him. A few more minutes of boredom had Serena aiming a popcorn kernel at the shiny head of an innocent man who seemed enthralled with the idiotic feature. She closed one eye and finally let the kernel go. It bounced off the man’s head beautifully. “Duck,” she hissed and pulled Darien’s head down with hers. They made eye contact hiding behind the backs of chairs and she giggled at his dazed face. After a moment, when she thought it was safe, she peeked up and saw that the man had turned back to his movie. They resumed their normal positions for a while, before Darien took a piece of popcorn himself and aimed for a laughing middle-aged woman. They ducked simultaneously, barely keeping choked laughter down. They spent a good thirty minutes with this sort of adolescent humor and left the film early, laughing and extracting strange looks from people as they passed by.

“Oh my God, I haven’t done that since high school!” Serena blurted out between giggles.

“I’ve never done that!” Darien chuckled, slinging an arm around her shoulder casually.

She looked up at him easily and found delight in the way his eyes lit up with mirth instead of them being dark with volatile wit.

“You’ve never thrown popcorn at people?” She gaped up at him. “Where did you go on dates?”

He grew somber. “I didn’t date much. I was working most of the time.”

Serena was serious also, as she recalled his sick mother. She bit her lip in compassion at Darien’s missed childhood. She tried to lighten the solemn mood. “Well, no matter. You got to do it today.”

He looked down at her for a long moment, searching her face intently. He finally smiled, nodding. “I’ve gotten to do a lot of things today.”

She smiled nervously back, before looking away from his intent gaze, feeling a lightness in her, she shouldn’t have, considering their entire situation. There was no way she could be feeling attracted to him. He was an attractive man, she reasoned. Of course she should feel something when he smiled the way he did at her…

She cleared her throat and looked around the street for something to do next. She gave up and swung around back to him. “How about dinner?” She offered.

He nodded his agreement and they founded a nice Italian place after a short walk in the cooling breeze. Darien noticed her slight chills and draped his black leather jacket over her without a word. She smiled at the warmth and slid her small arms in the bigger jacket and laughed at the way the jacket hung. He noticed her amusement and shared it when he looked over at her engulfed body.

When they entered the restaurant, Serena slipped out of the jacket and put it over her chair. They sat down and ordered quickly, a silence falling into place as the waiter departed.

“You never answered my question about if you’ll continue to act.” Serena asked suddenly and was surprised by her own outburst.

Darien took it in stride and shrugged. “I do enjoy it now. It’s a challenging job in a way, not as easy as some would suspect.”

“That’s for sure,” Serena interrupted, muttering about her own tiring experiences.

Darien smiled and continued. “ I’ll be fine just as long as I don’t get assigned to any more roles as a lover boy.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m getting tired of being labeled as the king of romance movies.” He scowled in a mock menacing pose. “It’s ruining my masculine image.”

Serena burst of laughing, not at the amusing picture, but at the thought that Darien Eddington could be portrayed as anything but masculine. “Some how, I find that hard to believe, but I do know how you feel about being stuck in the same role.”

Darien looked at her with new interest. “Are you thinking a change of scenery, so to speak, would be nice for yourself also?”

Serena bit her lip. If she said what she felt, and it did not corroborate with what Mina did, then big trouble could ensue after the switch was reversed. “I think maybe I might dabble outside the world of romantic comedies.” That left an air of promise, yet nothing certain.

Darien nodded and leaned back as the waiter placed to hot plates of pasta down in front of them.

“What I can’t stand though, is the constant annoyance the media serves to be,” Serena commented after swallowing a hot bite of linguini.

He shot her a funny look. “I thought you basked in the public’s eye.”

Serena panicked and bought a minute by taking a long sip of water before replying, “Who can bask in headlines such as “Kinky Kinsley Caught with Cruise” or “Lesbian Love: Kinsley and Diaz”.” She shook her head and sighed, a light smile on her face at escaping the hot spot.

Darien chuckled, “Who was it that said any media is good media?”

She rolled her eyes and took another bite. “Obviously someone who has never been accused of moonlighting at a strip joint every Friday.”

He choked on his water and stared at her. “Are you serious?”

Serena grinned for a long moment, leaving him dangling. “No,” she admitted, still smiling, ”but it sounded good.”

Darien laughed with her as they ate the rest of their meal in light bantering and conversation. And never once did Serena give thought to her initial nervousness with Darien, nor did she heed the warning bells going off in her mind, screaming at her not to get attached to this enigma of a man in front of her. Instead, she laughed and exchanged witty repartee with Mina’s supposed boyfriend.


When they reached Mina’s home, Serena opened her door and then turned back to face him, her back pressed against the wall, a soft smile playing on her lips. How many times would they be in this exact situation? But this time, Serena was expecting and anticipating a kiss from him with excitement, although every sensible part of her shouted out that she should rush in and lock the door.

“Well…” She trailed off, not sure of what to do next.

“Well…” Darien repeated good-naturedly, a smile on his face as well. He remained in front of her stoically and it became clear that he wasn’t planning on kissing her. The only reassuring fact was that he had made to move to leave.

Serena contemplated the situation quickly. The entire times they had kissed, it had been Darien who had initiated it. And if Serena went with her desire to kiss him, it would not make her the “victim” anymore, she would be openly admitting she was attracted to him and reciprocated his feelings about their relationship.

But was it a relationship? It had been a sham up until today, when they had gone out of their own free will and had a wonderful time.

Done with analyzing, Serena decided to do the first caution-free thing she had done since she was a child. She tipped her head back and leaned in, meeting Darien’s mouth square on. It was a chaste kiss, short and sweet, yet it affected Darien more than any of the kisses they shared prior to it.

“Good night, Darien,” Serena whispered, stepping into her home and shutting the door softly behind her.

He stared at the door for a while, repeating the kiss in his mind once again before answering in a voice that was barely audible. “Night, Mina.”

Back inside the penthouse, Serena slumped into a heap against the door, sighing slightly. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the sheer irony and cruelty fate had decided to have fun with. Because slowly, but surely, it was entirely plausible that she could be falling for Darien Eddington—and there wasn’t a darn thing she could do about it.


Darien reached his own rented residential hotel room that would serve temporarily as home until they were done shooting in New York, and he could go to his own house in California. Dropping his keys on a nearby table, he massaged the tense muscles in the back of his neck and pondered the severe circumstances he was placed in. Mina Kinsley was sweet, witty, gorgeous in every possible use of the term, and immensely, refreshingly genuine.

She was attracted to him, that was for certain, but there was something else that wasn’t completely right. It made no sense to him considering she seemed to be openly honest. Darien rubbed his face tiredly, too exhausted to figure out the abstruse puzzle Mina was. He would worry about it later. All he was concerned with right now was his bed and when he would see Mina next.****

Serena was curled up in bed later that same night, rereading a letter and postcard from Mina, a small smile on her face as she pictured the adventures Mina seemed to carry with her wherever she went. The postcard was an excuse to show off the beautiful scenery in Tahiti, as she said herself on the card, and there would be a lengthy letter coming soon, telling of all the news in her life. True to her word, the letter came the exact same day, letting Serena know of Mina’s new boyfriend, who knew about the twin switch and completely understood. Apparently, Andrew was a casual businessman, one of the last of a dying breed, whom Mina admitted she “might be fall for, if not careful”. Serena smiled at her sister’s good luck and chuckled humorlessly at the lack of her own. Mina’s relationship had started with honesty and was building on something strong and promising. Serena’s fling with Darien was not only a lie, but there was no way it could ever be anything more than a brief liaison.

She read the last portion of the letter and blushed at the praise Mina had written to her, thanking her profusely for agreeing to this and besotting titles such as “Best Sister in the World” on her. Lastly, she reminded Serena not to try and call her because she would be island hopping with Andrew for the next week. Instead, the next time they would converse would be when they undid the switch.

Serena sighed heavily with disappointment at the last bit of news. She had been looking forward to calling Mina and unloading about her problems with Darien. Mina was the one person who would understand fully and not say she had lost her mind. Rather, her twin would listen sympathetically and maybe offer some sound advice.

She placed the papers in the empty nightstand next to her, along side an extra toothbrush and comb. She leaned over to flip the light off and snuggled under the covers, wondering what would happen once Mina was Mina again, and every trace of Serena was gone from Darien’s mind.


Serena got up the next day to be pleasantly surprised by Nigel. The movie was completed and all that was left was to leave for California for the premiere. They were all told to pack with the exception of Darien, who lived there anyway. The plan was to meet at the airport in a few hours and then head over to California together. The premiere would be the next night.

Serena gathered a few things from her penthouse and then grabbed a cab to the airport, only to realize how early she was. She checked in her luggage and roamed around aimlessly, trying in vain to find something to do. She entered a bookstore and wandered in the science section, flipping through a few and finding some interesting ones on quantum mechanics and such. The browsed through some more titles, walking backwards slowly, her head tilted to read the bindings and a finger tracing them. Suddenly, her back collided with something—rather someone—hard.

“Oh,” she gasped, spinning around. “I’m sorry!”

“Mina?” The voice inquired and Serena’s head snapped up from the fallen books at the familiar tone.

“Darien?” She squeaked, her blue eyes as wide as saucers.

They laughed lightly and a pause ensued between them. Serena took the opportunity to kneel down and pick up the books she had made him drop. Unfortunately, he had had the same idea and they bumped heads, causing Serena’s books to tumble out of the safe crook of her arm. They laughed again while Serena rubbed her forehead and assured him she was all right. Then they sorted out their books.

“Quantum mechanics, huh?” Darien asked, a dark brow rose in disbelief.

She stumbled over her reply. “Yeah, broadening my horizons,” she finally said, not delving any information accidentally about her real occupation.

“Uh-huh,” was Darien’s only response. His face was casual and unreadable, but Serena got the feeling he knew she was lying and was playing along only to amuse her.

“So,” she cleared her throat nervously and gestured to his books while she stood up, “science fiction?”

He grinned. “It’s my new craze for the moment. I find one type of book and then read as much as I can on that genre obsessively until it passes, and then, it’s on the next mania.”

“Airports suddenly have a surprisingly good selection, though it’s still nothing like the bookstore back home.” Serena said idly, turning away from his burning gaze to look at the many rows of books next to her.

“Home?” Darien asked, cocking his head toward her, willing her to look at him with those big, blue eyes.

He waited in silence until she had no choice except to meet his gaze. “Campton,” she answered simply.

He kept his stare firm on her until she was forced to elaborate. Part of her was disappointed that Mina had never mentioned her family and past, but the other part of her knew since Mina and Darien were not that close at all. And that last thought made her surprisingly happy. “That’s where I grew up.”

“Campton,” Darien repeated softly, as if embedding it into his memory.

They walked to the check out together and dismissing fervent Serena’s objection, Darien paid for both their books and handed her one of the bags when he was done.

She glared at him helplessly before deciding anger toward Darien was fruitless, and walked out of the store with him to meet the rest of the group in front of the terminal.

“I feel like I’m on some stupid class field trip,” Jordan grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

Nigel glared daggers at him before icily replying. “I’m only doing this to make sure you didn’t drink yourself into a stupor and miss the flight.”

Jordan stared fiercely back at him before Elaine cut in. “All right, everybody’s here, we can leave on our separate planes.”

Serena glanced down at her ticket and headed down toward her gate number after saying a quick good-bye to everyone. Once there, she managed to stay unnoticed until it was time to board. There, she attracted the attention of a young teenager reading a magazine with her sister’s face on it.

“Ohmigod!” The young girl hissed loudly before practically running over to her. “Are you Mina Kinsley?”

She nodded weakly and the girl squealed in delight before shoving at pen in her hand and asking her to sign her white tee-shirt. Serena obliged, writing Mina’s long practiced signature on the girl’s back with ease. While the girl was facing toward the rush and bustle of the busy gates outside the one they were in, she caught a glimpse of a handsome man walking toward his own flight.

“Ohmigod!” She screeched again. ”There’s your boyfriend!”

Serena craned her neck to see Darien indeed, walking innocently to his own flight number.

“Can I get a picture of you two? Puh-leaze?” The girl begged, her green eyes begging as she snapped her gum.

Serena nodded slowly, not willing to dash her hopes. She jogged over to Darien, feeling the girl’s eyes boring into her back. Darien looked surprised to see her and looked amused as she explained with a pained look in her eyes her dilemma. Darien looked at his watch and nodded, walking over to the hyperventilating teenager with long strides.

“Hi,” he started, flashing large smile. “Mina tells me you’re a fan?”

The girl nodded mutely, obviously feeling more intimidated by a hot male, then a mere female. Serena watched the exchange with amusement and almost died with laughter as the girl turned her back so Darien could sign the shirt as well. She then snatched the camera hanging at her neck and motioned for them to stand together.

“Better or worse then the photo shoot?” Serena muttered through her smile.

“Only one picture, I’d say better.” He said out of the corner of his mouth.

“Could you hold her?” The girl, whose name was found to be Liza, requested dreamily.

Darien wrapped her in his arms obediently and smiled. The picture was taken and Liza thanked both of them profusely. Darien gathered his discarded jacket and waved good-bye to Liza and surprised both of them by giving Serena an intimate hug and kissing her quickly on the lips.

“Wow,” Liza breathed, watching him walk away. “You are so lucky.”

“Thanks,” Serena smiled outwardly, thinking if only the young girl knew the truth. Guilt overtook her. This poor girl thought she was meeting a big star, instead she was having a physicist from a small town sign her shirt.

That brought up another issue. With Darien’s public display of affection, was it implied that he wanted them to be considered a couple? So many questions…she’d have to settle that one with him alone later.

She boarded the plane and settled down to read the first book she had purchased, only to be asked by a middle-aged woman if she was Mina Kinsley. And once again, Serena signed an autograph, only this time on a cocktail napkin. She rolled the sleeves of her white, button down blouse to her elbows and became engrossed in the book once again. Not long after, a twenty something man asked her the same question and not only got an autograph, but a picture of a supposed movie star kissing his cheek.

The rest of the flight was uneventful, and she had put a dent in the large book by the time the plane landed. She checked Mina’s schedule and found, with a distressing groan, that she not only had an interview to conduct that afternoon, but it was live as well! Mina had been so wonderful to mention that small piece of information!

Serena sighed and reasoned with herself as she left the plane. How bad could it be? So she answered a few questions and smiled a lot? So she seemed witty and charming and laughed into a camera that was displaying her face to thousands of homes? So it was live and there were no second chances? No big deal.

Yeah, right.


Darien had settled back into his large home and was flipping though the channels of his television idly when the came across a very familiar, and beautiful face. Mina’s smiling face was displayed on his large screen TV, laughing at something a reporter had just asked.

Before answering the unknown question, Mina took a sip of water and smiling nervously, playing with her hands that were rested in the lap of her black skirt.

“Well, they can’t really love me, because most of them don’t know me. However, people I’ve worked with can truly say whether they like me as a person or not, but fans, as much I appreciate them, along with all actors, cannot truthfully say “Oh, I love her” or even, “God, I hate her”, because they don’t know you, they know the character you played in a movie.” She used to her hands to demonstrate, and Darien smiled as he dropped his remote, intent on watching the interview. “And then there are the different types of movie goers. There are those who love you regardless, whether your film is a hit or flop, they’re there, and that means so much. And there are those who are the exact opposite—hating you no matter what. And that’s fine, at least they’re honest and opinionated! And then, you have the fickle ones,” she gave a laugh, obviously feeling more comfortable with the camera. “They love you when this movie is big and you’re role is nice—“Wow, she was so good in this one”. But then, when your film fails or when you play a bad guy, all of a sudden it’s: “Oh my God, she is such a slut!” But, hey, that’s the way it works.” She shrugged, a pleasant expression naturally forming on her face. “You can’t please ‘em all.”

The reporter looked please to have had such a response as she asked the next question. “When did you know you were actually a movie star?”

Mina’s eyes sparkled humor as she looked at the brunette next to her. “Right now, when you just said I was.”

The reporter laughed and continued, “How does it feel to be one of the newest sex symbols?”

She furrowed her eyebrows at the inquiry, “Uh—nice?” She guessed, unsure of what her answer should be. “I don’t know! How do you answer something like that without sounded completely conceited?”

Darien smiled at her plight, but she was, and she should know it by now. Her face—as well as her body—was plastered on many teenage boys who had finally realized how attractive women were with the unwitting help of Mina Kinsley.

Mina tucked a loose strand of her behind her ear and Darien found the action endearing, separate from how completely adult she looked in her black skirt and white blouse that was unbuttoned slightly at the top, forming a “V” at her throat, where a silver locket lay nestled over the creamy, exposed skin.

“So what does Mina Kinsley do for fun?” The reporter, who seemed to have been born with a sparkling smile plastered to her face, asked.

“Well, after working for over half the day, you’d be surprised how much fun sleep sounds!” She laughed for a moment and continued. “I love to read, I run ever now and then. Getting together with friends is always a joy. And I guess there’s not that much.”

Darien frowned for a moment, he could have sworn that Mina had profusely claimed she hated any sort of physical exertion. Shrugging off the disconcerting feeling, he reminded himself to ask her about it later and focused his attention on the screen.

“So, to give all the young men out there hope, what is it that you look for in your ideal man?”

Mina shifted uncomfortably before answering. “Well, they have to have a sense of humor, as well as intelligence. They must be able to carry an engaging conversation. Looks aren’t that important, but…” She trailed off, a twinkle in her as she smiled. “…a nice butt is always a plus.” They laughed together and Darien smiled as she reassured the camera she was joking. “Seriously, I just have to have a good time with them and feel comfortable and know that they are attracted to my inner beauty as well as my outer appearance.” She grew serious. “Because, as you said earlier with the sex symbol status, the fans out there who appreciate me solely for my outward appearance is flattering, but somewhat unwanted.”

The reporter looked ecstatic to get such a serious, candid interview topic. “Go on.” She said earnestly, leaning forward slightly.

“As weird as this may sound, when I came into the film industry, I never thought about how my looks would fit into the picture. It was always whether or not my skill as an actress would make the cut. So when I started noticing how people responded to my face and body, it was an incredible shock. I mean, I got stood up on prom night! You don’t go from being jilted to being plastered on young men’s walls. It’s just an shocking transaction.”

But the reporter had filled all the time she wanted with heavy stuff; she aimed in for the juicy, memorable tidbits. “You were stood up?”

Darien chuckled as Mina’s eyes widened, she obviously hadn’t meant for that to slip out. “Oh, well. Yes, I did. My date, who shall remain nameless, decided that he didn’t want to settle for the second most popular girl—he decided to go for the first—who shall also remain nameless. Well, he didn’t show up on my door, so I went alone and there he was.” She smiled calmly, as if recalling the incident with no hurt feelings. “But she was fast and everyone knew it.” She added almost as an afterthought. When the reporter’s eyes grew twice their intended size, Mina clapped a manicured hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, was that too mean?”

The woman was laughing aloud by now as she assured her it wasn’t at all. She regained her composure and smiled brightly. “We actually have a picture from those old high school days.”

Mina’s jaw dropped, “Oh, boy.”

The screen flipped to two pictures of Mina. One was her senior year one, a off the shoulder black dress exposing her slim shoulders. The teenager smiled brightly into the camera, her head slightly tipped. The other half of the screen showed Mina with her cheerleading squad, pom-poms placed smartly on each hip.

Darien grinned broadly at the young woman and her bright smile. But something was off, he could not put his finger on it, but the girl in the photographs and the woman that he had just recently begun to know and care for deeply were too much unlike each other. After some thought as the commercials wore on, he placed the seemingly different identities simply on the fact that people changed as time went on.

“Welcome back,” the unnaturally cheerful voice of the reporter shook him out of his thoughts. “For those of you just joining us, we’re here with Mina Kinsley, as she’s visiting California for the premiere for her new movie.” She turned to the blond woman sitting at an angle adjacent to her. “So, Mina. What was it like making Only You?”

“It was hard work, but the people I worked with, especially Nigel and Elaine Peters, were absolutely fabulous and it was ultimately a joy to be working on this project.” She never lost her poise or smile, Darien had to give her that. “They all actually did most of the work—all I did was wear what they told me to, say what they told me to, and stand where they told me to!” She laughed lightly before continuing. “They’re the main reason movies get made, I couldn’t imagine working under the stress and pressure they have—it’s hard work.”

“There have obviously been some problems with the making of this movie, including the belated release of it.”

Mina nodded, “Yes, but all the kinks have been worked out and the premiere is tomorrow and the releasing of it will be this weekend.”

“So, what now? You’ve conquered another romantic comedy that is sure to be a hit. Where do you go from here?”

“Actually, Only You is really more of a serious romance than the light comedies my audience had been used to. Of course, it has its humorous moments, but it mainly focuses on very somber issues involving both the main characters. It also delves into familial life and the struggles and disagreements families have within themselves.”

“So, you’re thinking of stepping outside the role you usually play.”

“Yes,” Mina smiled brilliantly. “That’s exactly it. So the next time you see me on the silver screen, I very well may be running from a guy in a ski mask, or I may be a scientist trying to figure out some alien life form.” She gave a light laugh and waited for the next question.

“We have a special excerpt from the film you just started shooting for a few weeks ago. It’s only a brief clip that doesn’t go into the plot at all, but we hope you’ll enjoy.” The reporter gave a wink to the camera and Darien only got a glimpse of Mina’s confused face before the screen shifted to a glowing computer screen in a dimly lit room. The camera angle switched to show Mina’s face staring avidly at the screen. She typed in a few keys rapidly and her eyes grew at the new page that showed up.

“Subject shows acute signs of hysteria as well as panic…” She murmured to herself. The camera then got close ups of such words as “violent tendencies” and “hypertensive”. After a few seconds of silence, the young woman took of her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Suddenly she froze and swung around, obviously frightened. After realizing no one was there, she breathed a sigh of relief and calmly turned around and promptly screamed. The camera went black, showing nothing that had terrified her. A shape of a hooded man carrying a limp girl in his arms was the next thing to appear. Her long hair swung from her hanging head as the man drew closer and words “STALKER” appeared in jagged white letters.

“Well, that was disconcerting!” The reporter said cheerfully.

Mina nodded and she went on, “So what kind of movie is your next project? I think it is a safe bet that it is not a romance!”

Mina licked her lips nervously and forced a smile. “Well, it’s hard to describe just yet. But look out for it the coming future.

If Darien didn’t know any better, he would have said Mina knew nothing about her next movie. But that was beyond absurd.

“Then let’s talk about the movie you’re releasing later on this week. How was it working with your boyfriend?”

Darien froze, they hadn’t discussed what they would say to the press. He cursed softly at the position he and the nosy reporter had put them in.

Mina laughed. “Well, in any job, there is a line of distinction between professional and personal. You have to maintain that line as well as borders. We did our jobs and didn’t let anything personal get in that way of that.”

Darien smiled at her smooth answer. It vanished at the next question. “So how is your relationship carrying on these days? Any wedding bells ringing?”

Mina’s eyes widened in panic for such a brief moment, if Darien had not been able to know exactly why her reaction had been so nervous, one would think they imagined the entire episode. She cleared her throat and smiled pleasantly. “If you’re there at the premiere, feel free to ask me that question. But not right now, I’m sorry.” Mina threw an apologetic look at the woman and smiled weakly. Darien sighed; it would be the second thing on his priority list to sort out a story between them about their relationship—right after he kissed Mina for dodging the bullet.

The reporter’s eyes grew devilish. “So how was it kissing Darien Eddington?” Darien raised his head; this would be interesting.

“I don’t know,” Mina said coolly. “Mind telling me how it is kissing your husband?”

Darien let out a sharp bark of laughter, amused by her wit. He didn’t feel the least bit sorry for the reporter, who had the decency to blush before regaining her calm.

Mina softened the blow a bit. “But, I have to say it is nice—or more than nice.” And now, Mina was blushing madly.

The reporter smiled herself as they continued. “So, on a last note, I understand there were many mishaps on the set.”

Mina’s brow furrowed and suddenly cleared as she realized what the woman was referring to. “Oh, you mean bloopers!” She laughed. “Yes! There was one where we were in this dancing scene and someone twirls me out of their arms into Darien’s, but—oh, no. You’re going to show it, aren’t you?”

Her suspicion was confirmed with an image of a spinning Mina making her way to Darien. But at the last moment, she tripped on her long hem and promptly fell down, out of the camera’s sight. Darien was laughing heartily, both in the blooper and while watching it in his home, when the camera shifted to catch Mina tangled in her dress on the floor, trying to get up while watching out for her sore bum.

“That thing better not be recording,” she glared into that camera. “Ohmigod! It is! Turn that thing off!”

And the screen went back to the interview, where Mina was smiling politely, acknowledging that millions of fans were laughing their heads off at that moment.

“Well, that’s all the time we have today. But thank you, Mina Kinsley, for coming down to talk with us.”

Mina smiled pleasantly as she shook hands with the reporter. The credits rolled on the screen and Darien flicked the television off. He leaned back on his sofa, locking his hands behind his head in a casual manner, and thought about the changed he had seen in his “girlfriend”. Her eloquent manner of speaking and sharp wit was slightly different, along with her smile. When had her laugh changed? When had it gone from being simply nice, to earth-shatteringly sweet?

He sighed and changed his thought process—though the topic in his mind had not altered significantly. He wondered when he would see her next.


Serena exhaled slowly, savoring the feeling of the burden being lifted off her shoulders while adding to the list of ‘Things to Kill Mina For’. Not being informed about her new movie had shoved the relationship out of its number one spot. How on earth could Mina be so reckless and irresponsible at the age of twenty-four?

She sighed again, releasing all worried thoughts about her sister’s carelessness. Now all she had to worry about was the premiere of the movie the following evening. Which led to the biggest question—what on earth was she going to wear? In her unnecessary haste to arrive at the airport, she had neglected an outfit for the only purpose of the trip in the first place!

Sighing, she realized that this called for something she was not very fond of—shopping.

Three hours later, she finally discovered a modest, yet flattering dress. The simple cut had a neckline right at her collarbone that lifted up into the thin straps of a sleeveless dress with a low cut back. At first glance, the color of the dress was assumed to be a deep black. However, once she moved, tiny glitters of silver glistened everywhere. From the hem of her floor length dress, black, open-toed shoes peeked out.

Satisfied with the selection she had made, Serena decided to call it day as she put away her gown and flopped down on the hotel’s bed. After a quick shower, she changed into a pair of simple, white pajamas. She was just smoothing out the collar of the top when a sharp knocking came from the door.

She sighed heavily and quickly pleated her thick hair into a loose braid. She was still tying the end of the braid when she opened the door to find Darien before her in dark jeans and a ribbed, V-neck sweater shirt.

She didn’t bother to hide her surprise. “Hi.” She stepped back to allow him entrance before carefully shutting the door. She turned around slowly, stalling for time as the warmth in her stomach subsided a bit.

“We never really discussed what we would say to the public about our relationship, and when I saw you in your interview this afternoon, I figured we had better straighten our stories.”

Serena blushed brightly, sitting in a stuffed chair of the luxurious sitting room the magnanimous hotel provided. “You—you saw that?” She squeaked and then cleared her throat.

He nodded, his sculpted features showing blatant amusement her endearing embarrassment. “Yes, I did.” His voice softened so considerably, Serena’s head jerked up at his tender, gentle tone. “And you were lovely. You are lovely.”

Serena swallowed hard at the flirtatious meaning and fidgeted with her hands, trying to force her mind to think up a single coherent thought amidst the chaos her senses were ensuing. “So, about what we should tell the press…”

Out of the frying pan into the fire, Serena thought weakly as she noticed helplessly how his magnetic gaze grew smoldering. “I think we should tell them the truth.” He said evenly, leaning back against the sofa, his arm draped around the back of the seat, power and charisma exuded from him effortlessly.

She all but bounced out of the comfortable chair. “What?” Serena stared down at him disbelievingly. The harsh media that would follow on them would not only rip Mina and him apart, it would cause the movie to crash at the box office—and Nigel would never forgive either of them.

Darien calmly stretched his long arms out to catch her smaller hands in his warm, larger ones. She stared at their intertwined hands as if in a trance, trying unsuccessfully to ignore the warmth that swept from her fingertips down to her toes and focus on the larger issue at hand. She kept her gaze on his hands while he gently guided her to sit next to him on the loveseat. His fingers were long and artistic, leading up to fingernails that were immaculately kept.

When it came to a point that she had to look up at his far to close face or take the risk of being slightly mad for being so perversely fascinated by hands, she raised her head slowly and waited for him to continue.

“What I mean is,” he let go of one of her hands, and Serena felt an odd absence of warmth which was quickly dismissed as that same hand that had left her came up to stroke her cheek lovingly. His other hand idly stroked hers as he continued. “We will tell them exactly where we are right now. Which is in a relationship whose destination is uncertain at the present moment.”

Serena felt an overwhelming desire to question that verisimilitude and find out then and there what his exact thoughts and intentions were. She gently extracted her hand from his and used it to cover his own hand stroking the side of her face. After a moment, she gently, but firmly lifted his soft hand from her and let their hands drop in a seemingly casual move.

Without even looking directly at him, Serena could sense his confusion and frustration at her kind dismissal. She felt the tension in his body mount as she remained silent, quickly trying to order her thoughts in such a manner that she could present them to him.

She wanted, oh how she wanted, a relationship with him. But there were things that were in their way that she could never tell him. Not the least of which being that Mina would take her place back soon and there was no way she would think of such a relationship with Darien—not that Serena would want her to—especially with this new man, Andrew, in her life. And what would Darien be thinking when they switched back and inevitably noticed the different manner each of the twins had toward him—all the while believing they were the same person!

No, it was inconceivable. The effects that would take place if Serena were to agree to be Darien’s girlfriend as Mina were far too risky for a few, brief days of happiness she might feel. She cleared her throat nervously, knowing what she was about to say would be the hardest thing she had ever done.

“I think,” her voice cracked and she stood up and away from him, in hopes that the distance would calm her a bit. Her theory had just begun to pan out when Darien also stood up and followed her, closing the distance between them with quick, long strides, a worried look etched on his handsome face. She stumbled a step backward and thankfully he made no move to follow. “I think that we should just say that we got together briefly, but we mutually decided it was better to be friends.” The last part was a bit lame, she recognized and winced.

“Why?” The voice was clipped and demanding.

Serena’s eyes bounced off everything in the room, near and far. The curtains, the kitchen across from her, the furniture and the matching carpet. Anything and everything except his unyielding, beautiful eyes. Darien realized her ploy and blew out his breath before taking her face in his hands and forcing her to meet his pressing gaze. “Why?” He repeated again and it wasn’t a question—more of a command for an explanation.

And Serena didn’t have an answer. The truth could slide so easily off her tongue right now. She should—she really should. That would not only help relieve the tremendous guilt she that was pressing down on her, but maybe even give her and Darien a real chance. If he could still stomach the sight of her after she told him the sordid tale.

Serena’s mind raced at that whole new possibility. She had never considered what Darien’s reaction might be if he ever found out. She had been planning on leaving and trading places with Mina once again without any hint that anything had ever been awry. But of course, Mina’s sudden cold behavior after her warm reaction to him just wouldn’t fly. He would be suspicious in the least and she knew Mina would eventually break down after a series of severe questioning on Darien’s part.

No, the best thing to do now was to tell him the truth and let him hear from her own mouth. The blow would be considerably lessened that way, though it would still damage his pride. And if there was one thing she had learned about Darien Eddington in the short period of time she had spent with him, it was that he was a proud man—one that would not respond to being deceived lightly. Serena parted her mouth to speak, when he interrupted her, impatient with the long pause she had not filled.

“Are you attracted to me?” He asked bluntly and Serena’s candid speech flew from her mind at his outspokenness.

“Don’t beat around the bush or anything,” she joked shakily, half trying to lighten the mood and half stalling for time as she searched for a response that made some sort of sense without conveying her as an idiot.

“I don’t like games, Mina. And I don’t think you like to play them.” He paused, staring at her with his riveting blue eyes and Serena was close enough to see mercurial silver flecked into their icy depths. “So let’s just be honest. I’m attracted to you. Very attracted.”

Serena nodded and dropped her gaze a bit because it was all she could do while trying to keep her head straight from flattery to sheer insanity. She lifted her head slightly and prepared to tell him she felt nothing for him of the sort—a blatant lie—and she had an acute sensation that they both knew it.

“I’m flattered, Darien. I really am. But I really don’t—“

He cut her off with a swift kiss on the lips. It was brief and chaste, but by the time it was over, Serena knew better than before that her previously planned answer would hold no ground.

“I think you do.” He whispered and Serena sighed inwardly.

“Fine, I’ll allow that I’m attracted to you,” Darien smiled and looked as if he was about to say something, but Serena continued, wanting very much to finish this once and for all. “But that doesn’t mean I wish for us to pursue any…intimate relations.”

Darien narrowed his eyes at her lowered gaze and believed what she had just told him about as much as he believed pigs could fly. When a flicker of something—regret—passed in her eyes so quickly Darien thought he might of imagined it, it confirmed his earlier suspicions.

“I don’t believe you,” he said matter-of-factly, as if there were no question about it.

Serena stared at him, shocked by his imperious manner, her azure eyes growing bigger. “W-What?”

He repeated it and met her incredulous gaze with an even one of his own.

She sputtered for a few moments before letting her increased indignation show. “Well, I really don’t think it matters whether you believe me or not, Mr. Eddington. We’re not a couple and if there was any doubt about that up until a few minutes ago, there better not be now because you can consider yourself dumped!” With a glowering look in her glittering eyes that Darien found more amusingly cute than anything else, she stared at him and then pointedly at the door.

Cue exit.

Darien walked toward the door, trying to hide his smile. He opened the door and stepped into the dim hallway, his hand still behind him on the doorknob. At the last moment, he leaned in and looked at her, not bothering to hide his mirth. “I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow night.” And then he quickly shut the door.

Serena stared at the closed door in disbelief. The childish urge to throw something at him or better yet, fling open the door and shout obscenities at his retreating back, overcame her. She let it pass, satisfying herself by muttering choice phrases about what an ‘egotistical jerk’ he was, or how ‘arrogantly misled’ he must be to think for one second she would accompany him anywhere.

After a few moments, she sighed, dismissing the thought from her mind. If he happened to show up tomorrow night like he had promised, she would just point blank tell him to get lost; that she was not setting foot outside the door with him. And that was that.

Serena, pleased with her plan, pulled the covers of the soft bed back and slipped in between the cool sheets, succumbing to powers of soft pillows and warm comforters.


Darien had always prided himself on knowing practically everything that women he was attracted to wanted, then acquiring it for them so he could acquire the woman. But Mina had muddled his entire system, leaving him frustrated beyond belief and with no idea where to go next. It should have been a major turn off, leaving him disgusted at her coyness and gall. Instead, it had him even more intrigued then before, wondering what in the world was going on in that pretty little head of hers.

One thing was for certain, Mina desired him as much as he did her. That was undeniable, she could kick and scream and try as hard as possible to refute it, but in the end they both knew the truth.

His square jaw clenched as he thought about Mina’s blatant refusal at a relationship with him. Well, the fact of the matter was, two people that attracted to each other should not stand idly around. They should go out and have a good time together. And after he dated her, they would each grow bored and move on.

Mina was special and different from the other beautiful women he knew, but she was still a woman. And the rapid heartbeat that plagued him whenever she smiled…the rush of blood that pounded through his veins whenever he watched her laugh…the crazy urge he had to see her constantly—all that was purely the thrill of the novelty of Mina…it would wear off with time.

But for now, he would enjoy it while it lasted.