Serena found herself walking through the massive group of people. The loud music was blaring in the background as some of the guests were dancing. She knew Andrew was popular, but she underestimated the number of friends he had. She felt as if she was at the mall the day after Thanksgiving minus her friends. Being Serena, she fell asleep while watching television only to be woken up by a phone call. Ami being the responsible one, called to let Serena know that they were on their way to pick Serena up. Feeling guilty for not being ready, she told them to go on without her and meet up at the party. She would have asked her roommate for a ride, however he already left. Now she regretted her decision of not taking up her friends' offer of waiting for her. She felt out of place, lonely, and slightly claustrophobic as she made her way towards Andrew who was talking and laughing animatedly with some friends.

Holding out the imperfectly wrapped gift, she loudly greeted the birthday man. "Happy birthday Andrew!"

The blonde smiled broadly as he took the present and embraced the person before him. "You look lovely Serena," he complimented her.

Smiling meekly, she answered, "I don't think it's a good idea to tell another girl she looks nice in front of your girlfriend."

"Nonsense." He winked as he glanced mischievously at Reika. "A little jealousy is healthy for a relationship." Their friends looked on, amused at the couple.

Pausing to consider what Andrew said, Reika answered with enthusiasm, "I agree. Let me see if I can find an attractive man I can flirt shamelessly with while you're entertaining your friend." She turned around and started to saunter away when Andrew placed his arm affectionately around her waist.

"I don't think that's a good idea sweetie," he told her, his voice husky.

"Why not?" She quirked an eyebrow in wonderment. The spark in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by the crowd.

"Because I would be insanely jealous and I don't know what I would do to the poor fellow," he teased, pulling her towards him. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Serena felt a twinge of jealousy. She wanted to have the loving relationship Andrew and Reika had. Feeling as if she was intruding on the couple even though there were others who were also watching the spectacle, she decided to locate her friends. Waving at the couple who were preoccupied, she searched for her friends.

Eventually she found them in the backyard. Chinese lanterns scattered above illuminated the vicinity. Relieved, Serena quickened her pace. "Hey girls!" she supplied them with a warm smile and hugs.

"Where's Darien?" Mina asked, looking behind Serena assuming he was the one who gave her a ride there.

"I wouldn't know. He left before me." She saw the girls exchange stunned stares.

"Serena!" her friends scolded her in unison.

"How did you get here?" Ami asked incredulously.

"Um…" she gulped, trying to think of a valid reason for her selected mode of transportation. "It's no big deal. Millions of people ride the bus everyday." She didn't mention the fact that there were creepy old men and crazy people who happen to be on the same bus, but they seemed harmless enough.

Mina's concerned eyes widened in disbelief. "Alone," Mina stated rather than questioned, making Serena feel like a five year old being lectured by her mother. "You know how dangerous that is. I mean, honestly, maniacs and kooks ride the bus. You should know better." The other three nodded their heads in agreement.

Serena turned bright red knowing that Mina was right. Although they lived in a relatively safe area, she shouldn't have taken the bus and then walked the rest of the way to Andrew's house alone, especially in the evening.

"Serena, we're glad you made it here alright," Lita tightly hugged her friend. She knew how easily Serena gets lost. She had the worst sense of direction than anyone she knew.

"Why would you be concerned if Serena was fine?" Darien asked, emerging out of nowhere. Serena instantly recognized the parental mask he wore.

Lita answered, "Serena rode the bus here."

"What were you thinking?" Darien turned to Serena, scolding her. "You should have called me."

Serena rolled her eyes at his protective nature. When will he finally see that I can take care of myself? Serena thought in exasperation. "I didn't want to bother you. Besides, I'm fine. Look, no cuts, bruises, or sprained ankles." Serena twirled slowly once to prove her point.

"Where's Seiya?" Darien questioned. "I thought he was suppose to be your ride."

"Something came up, so he said he couldn't make it to the party. He asked the girls to pick me up, but I was running late so I told them to go on without me." Now that you're all caught up, you can go find your girlfriend while I spend time with my friends.

Darien wanted to ask Serena if Seiya told her why he had to cancel on her last minute, but the firm set of her jaw and the arms crossed over her chest told him the topic was closed. He made a mental note to have a little talk with Seiya in the near future.

"Darien, leave the poor girl alone. She's obviously safe and sound," Beryl said as she snuggled up against Darien. A new song played causing her to say, "Now come dance with me. I love this song."

Reluctantly, Darien walked away from Serena after giving a look that said the discussion was not over.

Serena's friends gave one another a look when the Darien and Serena weren't looking.

"Serena, we need to talk," Seiya spoke into the phone. "Can you meet me at the park in half an hour?"

Those four words never ended well in Serena's opinion. "Just tell me over the phone what you have to say." Serena's heartbeat picked up. She bit her lip in nervous anticipation.

"I think it's best to tell you in person," Seiya explained. He sounded apprehensive.

"Please, just tell me. I don't think I can wait." Serena stood up from her desk, her homework forgotten.

The vulnerability in Serena's voice broke down Seiya's resistance. He decided to not delay the inevitable and tell her directly what had been plaguing his mind for over a week now.

"Serena, I really care about you as a friend. I think you may care for me more than a friend."

Serena tightened her grip on the phone. As a friend her mind repeated. Upon hearing silence on the other line, he pushed forward. "I think it's best if we take a break from one another. I'll see you at school. I'm sorry Serena."

"Why?" Serena asked. Why are you doing this? her mind finished but she couldn't find the strength to voice.

"It's me, not you." Seiya regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. The cliche response was not one anyone would want to hear.

Seiya let out a sigh. "Are you sure you want to know?"

"Yes." Serena hated that she was reduced to one word replies. Although she dreaded the answer, she had to know the truth.

"My ex-girlfriend called me over a week ago to meet with her. I went to see her on Saturday. She told me she misses me and wants to get back together. I want to give the relationship another try. I'm sorry Serena. I really am."

Saturday, the day of Andrew's party. She should have suspected something was wrong. Thinking back to that conversation, her intuition told her something was wrong but she dismissed it. "I wish you both the best," Serena whispered and quickly hung up the phone.

When the phone rang again, she looked at the caller id and turned off the phone. Although she didn't love Seiya, she cared about him and thought he cared for her too. She hoped that in time, she would grow to love him as her love for Darien would have hopefully diminish, but now that was no longer a possibility. She crawled into bed and tried not to think about what just happened and the future. However her heart refused to listen to her mind as tears trailed down her face.

A soft dinging sounded, alerting Serena to a new email. Wiping her tears furiously, she went to open her email. The senders sent a smile to her face.

Dear Serena,

How are you doing Sweetheart? We miss you terribly. Life here in our new home isn't the same without your cheer and warmth. I know that we agreed that you can stay in California to finish your senior year of high school, but we want you to know that if you change your mind, there is a room waiting for you here.

We love you and look forward to hearing from you soon.

P.S. Please tell Darien we said hi and hope he is doing well.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Serena read the email three more times before shutting down her computer. Only one thought repeated in her mind, but she decided the best thing to do now was to sleep so she can think with a clear head.

Turning off the light, she quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the telephone conversation and thoughts running through her mind.