serena

We need more Mello content so I spat this out guys sorry. Let me know if I should continue?

September 24th, 2005

Lorelai Grundel wrote in her diary. She sat in the Bar of her Apartment Complex trying to figure out something to write down before her therapy appointment. She didn’t like writing very much, she was always better at numbers. Doctor Lambardi told her she could use it to write down anything she wanted. 

Doctor Lambardi clicked her pen once…twice…three times before she said, “Ms. Grundel, if you aren’t going to say anything I’m going to have to ask you to communicate with me in another way.” 

     Lorelai furrowed her eyebrows, “How so?” 

“Well you could always draw how you feel?” Lorelai made a questioning face while Doctor Lambardi continued, “I didn’t think so, how about this…” 

      She stood and pulled a journal out of her desk drawer and handed it to her. “You could write. It is obvious you do not wish to speak about what happened and I’d hate to have to sit here in silence once a week. Write whatever you want in it, how you feel, poems, song lyrics; hell you could even write your grocery list in here. Just something, anything to help me help you. Can you do that Lorelai?” 

Funnily enough, she had agreed and that's why she's at a bar with a notebook in hand. 

It’s not like she didn’t say anything during her therapy appointments on purpose. She just couldn't get out what she had to get out. Every time she tried to talk about what happened, nothing came out. The journal method seemed to be working better compared to the previous meetings. From just two entries her Therapist was able to discover that, since the incident, Lorelai went out once a month and saw her family even less. 

Lorelai was about to write another to-do list when someone sat two seats down from her. A man with sunglasses and blonde hair threw himself into the seat and ordered a drink she didn’t catch. He didn't seem to notice her there because he continued to talk on his phone. 

“Just make the deal Tony, I want it done by 6.” He hung up the phone and glanced her way. “Can I help you with something?” 

“No.” She said dryly before turning back to her notebook.

He turned to face her a little and took a sip from his drink, “You a writer?” he asked.

    At first she had no idea what he was talking about. Then she glanced down at the open notebook and her disheveled hair that she had been tugging on the entire time she was sat there. “Oh. No this is something else, I’m much more of a math person.” 

He nods before turning back to his drink. She took this as an opportunity to study him. He wore a leather jacket and trousers. He had blonde hair to his shoulders and was wearing sunglasses. She guessed the sunglasses were an attempt to cover the obvious scar on his face. Or maybe to hide his identity. 

She couldn’t help herself from asking, “Do you live in this building?” 

         He smirks before picking up his now empty drink and shaking the ice around, “Who wants to know?” 

Unimpressed, she sighs and rolls her eyes. Staring at the empty journal in front of her she starts to panic. Why couldn’t she write anything down? She had so much to think about. So much to say and there isn’t one word she could use to begin to describe it. In frustration she slams the book shut and stands from her seat. 

She hears laughter, “Whoa,” the blonde laughs out, “What's the matter with you?” 

Lorelai shoves in her chair before saying, “Stuff it Blondy.” And leaving him at the bar. 

__

“I feel like we’re moving backwards with these meetings, Lorelai. Which I didn’t think was possible, but here we are.” 

Lorelai did feel bad. It’s not like she was doing this out of some vendetta against Doctor Lombardi. She just couldn’t think of anything at all to write. 

“Here’s what I think we should do.” She adjusts her glasses, “I think you need to reconnect with the world again. Go to a bar–a real one–meet a friend for some drinks, something to get you out of your apartment.” 

The Brunette scoffed, “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I don’t have that many friends.” 

      “You don’t talk to Paisley, from University?” 

      “I do, but–”

      “I know this isn’t what you want. Especially right now but I really think this will help you. It’s one night, why don’t you just try it?

—

Paisley Tomphson was a blonde, energetic girl who had majored in Finance. She and Lorelai met in their sophomore year of school at Columbia. Unbeknownst to Lorelai, Paisley had missed her dearly. She never knew why the girl stopped reaching out to her after they had graduated. 

Of course Paisley hadn’t known what happened to her. So Lorelai sat on her couch in her place staring at her phone. For some reason she just couldn’t pick it up. Fifteen minutes had passed before she finally thought what the hell.

“Hey Stranger!” The sweet sound of Paisley's voice rang in her ears.

“Hey How’ve you been?” It came out a lot drier than how she had wanted it to but it was better than her first thought which was to hang up. 

“I’ve been good, I missed you though. I haven’t spoken to you in three months.” 

“I know, I’m sorry time got away from me.” 

“Yeah it did. It’s ok I’ve been busy too, I moved back home for two months.” 

      Another thing that Lorelai had liked about Paisley was that she was very low maintenance. They each had their own lives and things to deal with and they both respected that. “You still in New York?”

“Yeah. I was actually thinking about meeting up for drinks? Maybe tomorrow?” 

“There’s nothing I’d want more. I’ll meet you at your place at 8 tomorrow.” 

Lorelai sighed, “I’ll be here.”

Every Summer since Lorelei had been able to walk had been spent with Alicent and her family at a province amidst the sea. Lorelei had longed for the day she leaves her rainy hometown all year. It was the perfect escape from her normally hectic life. But naturally people change; the real question is can Lorelei change with them?

“If only you were this nice to me when you sober and had half a brain.”

A/N: I really wanted to start writing this but I have like no time atm. I’m currently in tech week for my schools musical and then I have softball. I might come back and edit this later because there are mistakes. 

___________________________________________________

Chapter 1

The sun was beginning to set as Lorelei looked out the window of the car. The sky was pretty but she was sure it would be prettier when she was fully awake. She smiled at the thought of swimming during sunsets as she had done so every summer for the past 16  years. The thought alone was enough to force her to sit up and check her phone. Only thirty more minutes until she reached the wonderful oasis she called her home for the summer. She cringed as she checked her appearance as the twelve hours in the car had not done her hair justice. Her long strawberry blonde hair was beginning to fall out of the low braid she had thrown it into when she left her home in Arizona.  

“Good Morning sunshine.” Her mother laughed as Lorelei groaned, “If you're hungry I’m sure you can find something in the back, though I’m sure Alicent has a full course meal waiting for us.”

“Oh for sure. Hey I think I’ll call her and give her a warning we’re getting close. I don’t want our arrival to give her a heart attack.”

Her mother laughed, “Why would we do that when it’s so much funnier to scare her in her very own kitchen.”

“You’re evil and I’m going to get some more sleep.” But she couldn’t sleep, she couldn’t think about anything other than seeing her life long friend who was only two years her elder. Heleana and Lorelei only got to see each other once a year for two months so they made it their mission to spend almost every second of it attached at the hip. They rode bikes, swam, surfed, shopped and hiked together almost everyday. Lorelei had been there the day Heleana passed her drivers test, she had also been there when she totaled the car on the way home but it was still a very fond memory they shared. Their friendship always warmed Alicents heart. Lorelei had always reminded her as a younger version of herself, while Heleana was more like Lorelei’s mother. Alicent and Heleana loved the two girls seeing as they were heavily outnumbered by the boys in their life.

Naturally she was excited to see Aemond who was the same age as her, she always enjoyed the boy's presence even if he was quiet and a little moody. Heleana had always teased him when he was a child and the boy used to throw the most hilarious fits. Now he was older so he was less fun to anger but he was still fun to mess with. Dareon was the easiest to troll. He was only 14 so he of course was more fun to bother.

Then there was Aegon. He being the eldest of them all at 18  with his dashing smile and intense gaze. Lorelei had always had a subtle crush on him, it wasn’t something she was proud of. She came to this realization when he took her for ice cream when he was 16 and her 14. Heleana had gone on a date leaving Lorelei with no plans for the night, so Aegon—who also had no plans—insisted on getting ice cream. While he was not a good driver, he was a good listener. He listened to her talk about anything and everything she talked about. It made her feel great, being heard. She felt like the most important girl in the world. She assumed Aegon had made every girl feel that way. She wasn’t oblivious to his player persona. She was aware that she was probably the 13th girl he’d taken for ice cream in the past week. So she wasn’t too surprised when he began to blow her off after that outing.  

Her mothers voice pulled her out of her thoughts, “Okay sleeping beauty we’re here.” 

The sight of the beach house never got old to the girl. The house was beautiful. She could only imagine how much it cost. Before the car is even in park Lorelei is opening the door and running to Heleana. Since Lorelei could remember the girl never enjoyed being touched so she always made a note of that when they had their annual reuinion. She gifted the girl a book about insects that she knew Heleana would want to read. Since she never saw the girl for her birthday, or christmas she made an effort to bring her a gift every summer. The blonde's hair had been cut but still reached past her shoulders. Her skin was already tanner since she had been at the house two weeks prior.

 “Lauren? My God, your hair is so much longer in person!” Heleana exclaimed with a beaming smile and Lorelei’s heart singed at the nickname Alicent’s family used for her. 

“You really didn’t have to buy me a gift. You do this every year and I get you nothing.” 

 “Heleana I stay at your family's beach house every year. This is the absolute least I can do.” Alicent embraced Lorelei’s mother first and after grabbed the girl and told her how much she had grown. She told her this year but she could tell Alicent truly meant it this year. Lorelei had matured a lot this year. Her hair was longer and healthier, she finally grew into her nose and was an even more beautiful version of herself than the years before. 

“I can’t believe you've just finished your junior year of high school, I beg you to stop growing up.” Alicent laughed.

“No please continue to do so, now that you have your license you are actually worth my time.” Daeron said as he came out of the house to hug her. 

 “I know you really regret calling me a bad driver now.”

Daeron laughed, “You can’t possibly be worse than Aegon.”   

 Just then Lorelei’s gaze shifted to Aegon who was leaning against the door frame. There was already a faint smirk on his face, his features were sadder, beautiful still but worn down. “I thought I heard a spoiled brat here somewhere.” He opened his arms and before she even knew it she fell into them. The girl couldn’t help but notice how much more muscle his arms held. He was almost a head taller than her, and as he held her he failed to notice how much time had passed. 

 He leaned his head down into her hair, it smelled like lavenders which he remembered to be her favorite flowers. He remembers his mother buying a bunch for her 16th birthday party last year. He specifically remembers the way her orange hair contrasted with the purple flowers. Similar to now, he was mesmerized by her. He took the close proximity as an excuse to whisper in her ear, “Missed me?”

She pulled away when she saw Aemond behind him, “No, I did miss your car though…and your brother.” Aemond laughed as he pulled her in for a hug. The remainder of the meet and greet Aegon's gaze remained on Lorelei. 

Alicent knew of her son’s fatuation with the girl. It was hard not to notice the lovesick look in Aegon's eyes, or the way he looked her up and down when she walked away.  Alicent adored Lorelei too much to approve of Aegon’s little crush. She knew of his alcoholic tendencies and the way he blew through women like they meant nothing to him. She didn’t want that for the sweet girl she had known for 16 years. Alicent still loved her son, he was her son she’d always love and be proud of him. However she had always hoped he would settle down and change his ways. 

That's what Alicent was thinking as she watched Aegon carry the girls’ bags inside. She knew her son had it in him to be better and truly hoped she would see it more often. She smiled as she heard the two laugh up the stairs.

 “You bring all these clothes and I know for a fact you and Heleana are going shopping after you're unpacked.” Alicent heard him counter. 

 “How do you know we're going shopping? You're totally obsessed with me.” She said 

 “Yeah you wish. I asked what you two had planned before dinner because I wanted to make sure you two didn’t take my car for a joyride again.” 

Lorelei had remembered last summer when Aegon had upset Heleana and she begged Lorelei to go for a night out with his car. Lorelei, who is always down for a night out, said yes.  The car came back in perfect shape but the girls forgot to fill the gas tank. Needless to say Aegon was not thrilled. 

“You hardly noticed,” she scoffed, “now please bring that last bag up so I can get dressed.” He did as she said and paused after leaning on the doorway. 

She couldn’t help but notice the way his veins stood out on his arms as he put his hand on top of the doorway. He looked good, so good that she couldn’t tear her eyes away. He smirked at this and when she noticed looked away. “I have to change.” she said.

“Go ahead.” he marveled.

 “Aegon!” 

Aemond walked by and rolled his eyes, “Aegon you're a pervert, please she’s been here what? All of five minutes?” 

“Thank you Aemond, if only he was more self-aware.” 

“Please if only you were worth being a pervert over.” he joked and closed her door. Leaving her to change.

 _____________________________________

“So when you told me you saw him often…you meant everyday.” 

The two girls were currently standing outside the frozen yogurt store on the boardwalk near the beach. It was a 15 minute walk from the house and the weather was glorious. Lorelei took a nap and quickly threw on a pair of jean shorts and her favorite free people top and best pair of sneakers. The girls didn’t have any intentions on buying anything other than a slushie. Helena had told Lorelei about the boy she really liked on the phone and wanted her to see him in something other than discreet poor quality photos she captured when he wasn’t looking. 

In all honesty she just didn’t want her overprotective brothers to camp outside the shop (which they would have done had she told him.

“Well I walk by everyday but I don’t go in. His name is Cregan. His favorite color is blue and he spends his breaks at the surf shop across from the lemonade stand.” She paused, “I only know the last part because I asked him, I didn’t follow him.”

 “He’s cute. Are we going to go in? You could invite him to dinner tonight”

 “Are you shitting me? Have you met my family? He would never speak to me again.” 

“Well why not go in and ask when he’s free this week? Just ask if he wants to hang when he gets off work.”

“You think he’d say no?” Heleana gulped.

“To a girl like you? Never.”

Ever the good friend, Lorelei stood outside in support as she watched her strut in and ask the boy. She was happy for the girl. It’s not often Heleana takes an interest in relationships, sure she found people attractive and had fun but she was never one to be interested in labels or relationships. From what Lorelei understood over the FaceTime calls, she spoke with him frequently and she gathered that Cregan had liked her too. So she wasn’t surprised when Heleana basically skipped out of the store 10 minutes later.

“We’re going on a hike tomorrow!” Heleana beamed.

“Did I not tell you? God, I love when I’m right!”

She heard him before she saw him, “Right about what?” Aemond asked. She turned around and saw him holding a bouquet of flowers, probably for a date with Alys.

“Lorelei has a date! She was right about the guy liking her back.” Heleana blurted out.

“A Date? With who? You’ve only been here for three hours.”

“You wouldn't know them.” Lorelei said but she forgot that they’ve gone there every summer since they were mere newborns. They all knew everybody.

“Try me.” He inquired.

She closed her eyes thinking of the first person who wasn’t in Aemond’s circle. “Eddison Lannister.”

“Eddison Lannister? I didn’t think you had a thing for Football guys.”

“She does! She really can’t get enough of them!” Heleana pleaded, she felt guilty but she wasn’t quite ready to give her and Cregan up yet.

“Huh…isn’t he a little old for you.”

“You and I are the same age.”

“Well he’d be old for me if I were interested.” He chuckled.

“Ugh!” she groaned. “It’s none of your business really.”

“Sure…I’m going to pick up Alys for dinner. Mom told me to tell you not to be late.” He looked at Heleana, “Why are you so red?”

“Bye Aemond.” Heleana grabbed Lorelei's hand and dragged her back towards the house before she could be questioned further. When they made their escape Heleana turned to her, “Hey I’m really sorry. I just wasn’t ready to tell them yet. I haven’t gone on a date since I was 13 and I really don’t want them to ruin anything.”

“I don’t mind. It’s not like I have to actually go on a date with Eddison Lannister.” Lorelei took her silence as a confirmation that she in fact had to go on a date with Eddison Lannister. “That's fine too. I don’t mind, what if he says no?” She said with mock enthusiasm.