The Heart Wants..

London, 2009

Serena

Theo, Sarah and I arrived at the party half an hour late and was greeted by a huge room decorated with dark hues and purple. The walls were mounted with a dozen TVs which displayed pictures of Chloe, Chloe and her friends, Chloe and her family and all things Chloe. Sofas and plush chairs lined the walls and a bar was on one side with stools along the edge and double doors opposite the bar led out to the rooftop. There they found Chloe, presented gifts and exchanged pleasantries before heading off to the bar to drown reality.

"Well at least this isn't as bad as uncle Evan's annual dinners" commented Sarah. She was the optimistic one.

"Nothing can be as terrible as uncle Evan's annual dinners. Besides, this place doesn't have a droning harpist!" Replied Theo.

As if on cue, the DJ stopped playing dance music and began playing something slow. Chloe was introduced to a makeshift stage in the middle of the room.

"I would like to thank all of you for joining me in celebrating my coming of age. Now I can legally do the things I've been doing since I was 15." Chloe joked. The audience laughed and applauded, I inwardly screamed "SLUT". "I would also like to thank my mummy and daddy for organising this beautiful party and giving me every privilege in life. Thank you, I love you" and with a giggle she was off the stage, giving hugs to her less-than-impressed parents, who were proud nonetheless.

After that monstrosity of a speech, I had to have another drink. Sarah left to talk to Hannah and John so Theo and I headed to the bar.

"How are you finding tonight?" Asked Theo.

"I've been to worse, it's nice of her to actually invite us."

"Yeah, she's an angel." The sarcasm was palpable.

"You don't like her?"

"It's not that, it's just.. This is awkward"

"What's awkward? The party?"

"No, not the party. It's just, Chloe and I.. Kind of.. At one of Patrick's dinners.. And since then its just been awkward"

"You two? You and Chloe? Kissed? Did it?" whispers "had sex?" I was shocked and appalled. True she wasn't a threat but that was because they had already done it, not because she didn't hang around with us. Wait, is that why she didn't hang around with us?

"It was a long time ago, when we first met, it was only a kiss." Theo tried to redeem himself.

"Oh Theo, you just can't help yourself, can you?" I said, attempting to brush past the hurt and shock, trying to lighten the mood.

At that he laughed. I succeeded in lightening the mood. A rush of satisfaction and achievement flowed through me. I liked making Theo laugh. He has such a beautiful laugh. It makes his whole face light up, the corners of his eyes wrinkle and his teeth, my my, his teeth and lips and mouth and tongue and..

"..and it was wet and too tonguey and I think it was her first" Theo's voice snapped me out of my daydream. I had no idea what he was talking about until it hit me like a pile of bricks that he was thinking about his kiss with Chloe. Well that's disappointing.

"Was she your first too?" I asked, hoping she wasn't, hoping that in some alternate universe I kissed him first.

"No, I-"

"THEO, I've been looking everywhere for you" came a stranger's voice. I couldn't see where it was coming from but regarding Theo's expression, it was clear that he recognised it.

From the middle of the dance floor emerged a man, a very well dressed man, he looked like Theo, except he was probably older and blonder and very handsome. I was in awe. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The way he held himself, the way he walked, even his voice was hypnotically arousing. He couldn't be related to Theo, I have never seen him before and I've met his whole family. Where did he come from? Olympus?

"We're being so rude Theo, introduce me to your friend" the stranger began. My goodness, his voice could melt butter.

Reluctantly Theo concurred. "Erm Chris, this is Serena. Serena, this is my brother, Chris" Chris. Yes, Chris. What a beautiful name. One letter away from being heavenly.

Placing his hand on my shoulder he leaned in for the formal cheek kiss. In a slight daze, I reciprocated.

At first contact, something erupted, something started in the pit of my stomach. I was taken aback. Theo? Theo who? This stranger, turned acquaintance, was making my head spin. Which may be because of his perfume. Versace Eros? I approve!

"Well it was a pleasure meeting you Serena. See you tomorrow Theo" and with that, Chris was gone! I internally sobbed.

Any attempt for Theo to continue his conversation with me failed. I was too distracted, thinking about the perfect stranger, about Chris.

Finally it was time to go home but when I went to say my goodbyes, Chris was no longer around, anywhere. With a sigh I left the party, disappointed.