Title: Falling in Love Again
Author: Marie J.W.
Part: One
Rated: PG
Email: [email protected]
Hello! I'm back! Ack, can you believe it? Heheh... probably. I got the
internet connected in my home so I don't have to worry about sending it
stories anymore! I didn't think it would be so easy but it was! I'm moved
and everything is fine (except that fact that I don't have any furniture
in my room ::Sigh::).
Well, I hope you like this story! Read on...
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"One, two, three, four, swing, swing..." Serena counted off as Zeff swung
her around the room before pulling her to him. Serena's back bent
backwards until her head was only three feet from the floor.
"Mommy, can we go yet?" a four-year-old pink haired girl stood in front of
her mothers view.
With Zeff's help, Serena pulled herself back up strait, "Five more
minutes, Rini, I promise."
Rini wrinkled her nose, "You said that last time."
Serena continued to dance with Zeff. Zeff was a tall handsome man of 25.
He had silver hair and light green eyes.
"Whoa..." Serena fell to the floor.
"Ops, Sorry." Zeff smiled, "Did I do that?"
Serena glared up at him, "Okay, I get the hint."
Rini jumped up to her Mom, "We go now?"
Serena nodded and wiped the sweat from her forehead, "Yeah, we go now."
"Tell Mage I said 'hi'." Zeff walked to the side of the room to pick up his
gym bag. Serena snorted, "Whatever." With Rini on her heels Serena grabbed
her bag and walked towards to door.
"Bye, bye, Zeff!" Rini waved at her older friend.
Zeff winked at her before going back to his stuff.
"The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and
round. The wheels on the bus go round and round ALL through the town!"
Serena and Rini sang to a Kiddy tape in the car.
Serena turned the tape off, "You want to get something at Dairy Queen?"
Serena felt thirsty and drained. She majorly needed a sugar boost!
"Yeah! Me get strawbearE" She squealed.
Serena smiled and they turned into DQ's Driveway. They both ordered
their favorite before pulling away. Serena licked carefully ate her
fudge Sunday while driving. She thought back on her life. She had a
daughter, a job, and her own apartment. Darien would be amazed by how
far she's gotten on her own. Serena scowled at the thought of 'him'.
He was the reason she was where she was now. Serena looked down at her
daughter. She was still amazed Rini was with her! Yeah, several years
ago Rini had seemed like more of a pest then any help but now that she
'was' her daughter, now in the present, it took her breath away!
Rini licked some ice cream off her hand and wrinkled her nose, "It keep
falling off." She complained.
Serena smiled and continued to their apartment.
Ring, ring, ring..
Serena picked up the phone, "Serena Tsukino here."
"Serena! You will not believe what is one TV!" Mina's energetic voice
squealed over the phone. Serena pulled the phone away and ran over to the
TV, "What channel?"
"Four."
Serena switched it. Darien Chiba stood behind a podium talking to a group
of Reporters. He looked professional and tired at the same time. Serena bet
he stayed up all night coming up with this speech for this function."
"What's he talking about?" She asked Mina who was still on the phone.
"Something about building a place for kids in the Orphanage. It's like a
school and a 'loving' home."
Serena was happy that Darien was doing this. She knew how he felt
about Orphanages.
"Also he's throwing a big party in celebration after the building is
built!" Mina's voice grew excited, "Do you think you're going to go?"
"It's four hours away, Mina." Serena replied quietly, "I have a job."
"Well I'm going. I heard that he's planning some good entertainment and
there's going to be some contests!"
Serena rolled her eyes.
"Hey, Mommy, who's that?" Rini came in and sat in front of the TV with her
Mom. Serena panicked, "Mina?"
"I know. I heard her. You have to tell her some time."
"I can't."
Rini tugged on Serena's sleeve, "Why is he standing in front of all
those people?"
Serena swallowed, "That's Darien Chiba, honey, he's telling people about
his job."
Rini giggled, "His glasses are falling off!"
Serena looked at the TV and smiled. Darien looked so tired he didn't even
seem to notice that his glasses had slipped.
"Thanks for telling me, Mina. I have to go."
"Sure." Mina sounded a little reluctant, "You have to tell her." She
repeated.
"I know." Serena hung the phone up and looked back at the TV. She sighed;
her heart still ached for him. Serena felt tears come to her eyes but
she quickly wiped them away. She was through crying over him!
"Look." Rini held up a picture she drew.
Serena gasped.
It was a scribbled picture of a princess in a white and gold gown and a
prince in a black prince suit. It was faintly drawn since she 'was' only
four years old but she could tell exactly what it was.
"Rini, where did you see this?"
"In my dreams!" She said excitedly, "The lady told me a story. There is
a princess on the Moon." She stated simply.
Serena's mouth fell open before anger clouded her brain, "What lady,
Rini?"
Rini shrugged her shoulders.
"What did she look like?"
Rini thought for a second, "She was perdy with green hair." She wrinkled
her nose before shrugging again.
Serena steamed. Pluto! How dare she?! I was going to tell her myself! When
I get my hands on her I'm gonna- Serena sighed. What? Tell her to bug off?
It's not like I can kill the guardian of time.
"It's very pretty, Rini. Why don't you go hang it up on the fridge."
Rini beamed and ran off to the kitchen.
Looks like I'm going to have to tell Rini 'something' or else Pluto might
tell her all for me!
A thought struck Serena. Wait a minute; Rini can't reach the top of the
fridge! Serena jumped up.
Four Months Later -
"It's a good opportunity!" Zeff glared at Serena. Serena dipped her French
Fries in the ketchup, "No, I won't do it."
"Come on! It's for a good cause and there is going to be a good audience
there. What is with you lately?"
Serena glared at him again before looking down at her food, "I just don't
feel up to it."
"When you say that it means something's bothering you. Is there someone
there you don't want to meet?"
Serena looked up at him startled before looking away.
"Who is it?" he asked sternly.
"My ex."
"I thought you said he lived in New York."
"He did."
"And now..."
"He's in the state. His company is sponsoring the celebration." Serena
didn't feel like eating anymore, "I can't do it, Zeff."
"Does he know about Rini?"
Serena didn't answer.
"How could you?" Zeff's eyes narrowed, "He deserves to know what a great
kid he has!"
"He knows what a great kid he has! He just-" Serena stopped realizing
how stupid that sounded to him. Darien 'knew' that Rini would exist but
he never figured it out.
The day he asked for a divorce was the day she found out she was pregnant.
She was going to tell him but he broke his unsettling news first and she
nearly died of his rejection! First he pushes her away because of a dream,
then he leaves her in Tokyo for Collage, and then he divorces her. She knew
she should have expected something like that. They had been fighting
constantly for months before he brought it up. He was always working and
she was staying home taking care of the house and his things. She wasn't
the best homemaker, she knew, but she tried. And with Ray, Lita, Amy and
Mina's help she became at least tolerable.
Serena felt her lip quiver. She wasn't going to cry.
"I can't believe I agreed to this." Serena let her breath out nervously
as she got ready to practice her routine with Zeff. They started out in a
dance then they would end it with a song. Serena and Zeff were known world
wide for their abilities. They're names were as one as the US saw it,
Serena Tsukino & Zeff Amora.
"Just don't think about it. He probably won't be there." Zeff put a hand on
her waist before leaning over and starting the music. Serena made
herself breathe evenly, "You're right, I'm just going to get myself
stressed."
They both counted silently to themselves before starting right on time.
It was a fast song as he swung her around. She let go of him and he
started singing "The is the song for broken hearted!" Serena teased him
by motioning him with her figure to 'come here' with a devilish look on
her face.
"It's my life!" Zeff's deep voice filled the big gym room as he smiled at
the pretty girl in front of him, "It's now or never! I ain't gonna
live forever!"
Serena danced around him seductively.
The background music played on as the two danced and sung to each other,
nailing down their routine.
The Night of the Party -
The white limo pulled up to the side of the Majestic, the place where
Serena and Zeff would be performing. Zeff winked at her from across the
limo, "Show time."
Serena looked down at Rini nervously. Maybe she should have gotten Mage
to baby-sit Rini after all.
Rini picked some imaginary lint off her puffy white dress and hummed
prettily to herself.
The door opened and it was time for Serena to step out. Serena took a
deep breath and stepped out of the limo, placing her high-heeled shoe
onto the red carpet. A man took her hand to help her out of the limo.
He smiled adoringly as she gave him a grateful smile. Zeff got out of
the limo next. Camera's flashed and blinded them. Serena felt Rini step
out of the limo and bump against the back of her leg, staying well out
of sight. Serena had gone through reporters, newspapers, talk shows, etc,
just to make sure Rini stayed out of the public eye.
It took a lot of convincing to keep their mouths shut.
They walked down the red carpet to the front doors. Hundreds of people
crowded the huge room of tables. In the middle of the room there was a
dance floor and just in front of the dance floor loomed a huge stage with
ruby red curtains. Serena's breath was taken away, "It's amazing." It
looked beautifully elegant.
Rini pulled on her Mother's white dress, "Look at those sparkly things!"
She pointed at the chandelier.
Serena gasped before looking down at her daughter, "It's pretty, isn't
it?"
Zeff took Serena's arm and led her to a table for three. A man came and
pulled Serena and Rini's chairs out. Rini giggled to the courteous action
and Serena gave the man a bright smile. The man blushed and cleared his
throat, "What will you start out with, Miss Tsukino?"
Serena licked her lips as she glanced at the menu, "Uh, just water." Then
she added, "For both of us."
The man nodded and turned to Zeff. He ordered champagne.
"Didn't I tell you it would be a good turn out?" Zeff straitened his bow tie.
He was dressed in a fine black Tuxedo. He looked good in it despite his
silvery hair. Serena, her self, wore a long white dress with spaghetti
straps. Tiny flicks of diamonds graced the top of her dress as well as the
hem of her skirt. Her hair was put up in her usual buns, soft ponytails
trailed down her back and curled at the end. Diamond flicked flowers were
wound around her golden buns, making her look angelic.
Rini's hair was put up in buns shaped like cones and her short pink
hair brushed her neck in soft curls.
"I don't want water." Rini pouted all of a sudden.
"Well that's what we're having." Serena ignored her daughter's complaint
and took a closer look at the menu, "And yes, you were right." She
answered Zeff.
Zeff put on an overly proud look.
Serena rolled her eyes before they brightened, "Ooo..." She breathed under
her breath, "They have cinnamon rolls!"
"I want some too!" Rini tried to look at the folded paper her mother
held.
Serena nodded, "Sounds good to me, but we'll have to wait until after
dinner."
Rini nodded and looked down at the china plate in front of her. Her
eyes sparkled with amazement.
"Don't look now Serena, but I think your Ex just walked in." Zeff leaned
over and whispered.
Serena stiffened. He was here.
`````````
Darien walked in with a beautiful woman on his arm. Her name was Terry
Dunway. She was tall with long auburn hair and dark green eyes. She wore
a long black dress with two long slits on each side of her dress and
her neckline was cut low.
Terry smiled brightly at the turnout, "This is so wonderful, Darling!"
Darien smiled to himself. Now people would take notice to the wonderful
lonely children in the dark orphanages. He saw lots of familiar people
but a few remained a mystery. Exactly who had Terry invite anyway?
There were very few children there, he noticed. Most were old enough
where they didn't need a babysitter anymore.
However, one child caught his attention. She was short and the top of
her pink hair could barely be seen over the chair. Pink hair. He didn't
think it was 'that' regular for children to have that color hair.
As Terry led him over to their table he pushed the nagging thought away
and sat down.
As everyone began to settle down with their meals the Host of the
evening appeared on stage, "Welcome everyone!" The man smiled down at the
crowd, "My name is Leo Richard and I have the honor of being your host
for tonight! To start this evening off I would like to thank
Mr. Darien Chiba for his contributions to the LittleRidge Orphanage
Fund." The spotlight blinded Darien as everyone clapped. "We now have
a beautiful new building for orphans." He smiled and gave a short bow
to Darien.
"We would also like to thank Mr. Eric Magon for letting us use his
beautiful building for our party tonight."
Another round of applause went off as the spotlight hit the man in the
face.
"Ladies and Gentleman, we will start the night off with a Tea la Tea by
the LittleRidge Senior Orcastra." He moved out of the way so the eighteen-
year-old boys and girls could play.
Everyone clapped excitedly.
````````
Serena ate her dinner in minutes and was already trying to pick at Zeff's
food. Zeff gave her hand a gentle smack, "I'm warning you." He said,
still keeping his eyes on his food.
Serena wrinkled her nose and gave up. She looked down at Rini's plate,
"Rini-"
"My food." She glared at her Mom. Serena gave a small laugh, "Alright,
alright, I get the hint."
"Will there be anything else, Madam?"
Serena whirled around, "Yes! I would like a cinnamon roll and a chocolate
chip cheese cake."
The man nodded and asked Zeff if he would like anything. Zeff shook his
head and the man took off.
"I want some too." Rini pleaded.
"Not until you finish that."
Rini looked down at her plate with distaste. She obviously liked the idea
of desert better than dinner.
The LittleRidge Orcastra ended their songs and bowed. Serena clapped her
hands until they hurt. Rini stared at her Mom, "I think you didn't like
funny songs."
Serena stopped clapping, "I do to, I just... don't listen to it that
often."
Rini wrinkled her nose and went back to her food.
"We will now hear from the Three Lights and then from Maggie Lawance."
The Host bowed and left the stage again.
Inside, Serena was ecstatic! They were here? She hadn't seen them in
years! Serena could hardly hold still her in her seat, she wanted to go
up and say hi but she knew it wouldn't be lady like at all.
"Do you know them?" Zeff asked with amusement.
Serena nodded, "They lived in Tokyo for a while."
He nodded.
Serena couldn't help but he entranced with their songs. Finally Saiya
noticed Serena in the crowd. He remembered her from Tokyo and heard rumors
that she was a great singer as well as a dancer.
He motioned for her to come up.
Serena's eyes went wide.
"I think he wants-" Zeff didn't have time to finish. Serena jumped out of
her chair and walked up to the stage as gracefully as she could without
running.
`````
Darien's mouth dropped open as Serena walked swiftly up to the stage.
Saiya smiled at her and took her hand. Where did she come from? He turned
to look at Terry. Her eyes were excited.
"Did you invite her?" he whispered.
"Yes!" She whispered back excitedly, "Serena Tsukino and Zeff Amora are
the greatest entertainment yet! Of course I would invite them!" She went
back to staring enviously at Serena who was blushing on the stage.
He heard about the couple but he never thought Serena was apart of it.
Shoot.
````
"Sing with me..." Saiya whispered before the lyrics began again. Serena
nodded and took another mike.
Saiya started the song out,
"What am I supposed to do
With all these blues
Haunting me everywhere
No matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over."
Serena joined him with her silvery voice,
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me."
Serena stopped and let Saiya take over,
"Seen a lot of broken hearts
Go sailing by
Phantom ships lost at sea
And one of them is mine
Raising my glass
I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
Serena joined once again with Saiya,
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name..." Saiya smiled at Serena despite the sad
song,
"...For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
The ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call
Following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what's left
Of my heart and soul."
Saiya took over again,
"Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over."
Serena joined the song,
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me..."
Everyone burst into applause! Serena beamed and bowed with Saiya and
his group. Zeff gave her a thumbs and Rini was clapping wildly with a
cracking smile on her face.
Serena exaggerated a curtsied for her daughter and Zeff and blew a kiss
at Rini.
Saiya leaned over and whispered into her ear, "You're going to have to
introduce your family when I'm done."
Serena blushed and nodded before kissing him lightly on the cheek and
walking off the stage.
``````
Darien couldn't believe it! Where had she gotten a voice like that? As
far as he could remember she sounded horrible! Her voice was screechy and
too high but now...
He watched Serena give Saiya a kiss before stepping off the stage.
His eyes narrowed on Saiya. What 'had' he been teaching his girlfriend while
he was gone to collage and 'how much' time did they really spend
together?
He let his intense gaze drop from Saiya to Serena. She sat down at a table
of three. A man with silvery hair took her hand and kissed it as soon as she
sat down. A little pink haired girl was smiling while holding a fork in
her hand.
Darien did a double take on the girl. She looked incredibly familiar.
"Darien..." Terry put her hand on his, causing him to look at her, "I have
to go to the ladies room, I'll be back." She kissed him on the cheek
before standing up and leaving.
Darien's attention went back to the threesome.
````
"You did great for not being prepared." Zeff smiled proudly at her.
Serena blushed, "I had some practice..." Serena giggled, "A 'long'
time ago. Gosh, I can't believe how old I am!"
"Hey, if you're old what does that make me?" Zeff glared.
"Ops?" Serena picked up her fork and started digging into her cheesecake.
Rini watched her Mother place the creamy chocolate chip cheesecake on her
tongue before closing her month with a sigh. Rini's mouth started to
water, "Moooommmmy, I want some." She whined.
Serena opened one eye to peak at her daughter's desperate face. She closed
her eyes again savoring the taste.
"Mommy." She nagged.
Serena licked her lips and went in for another bite.
"Mommy."
Serena couldn't take it anymore. She sighed, giving in,
"Alright."
````
Zeff smiled at his friend's antics. Sometimes Serena could really act
childish. He looked around the room only to be caught by Serena's Ex gaze.
He was staring opening at them. And now as Zeff looked strait at him.
Darien matched his own gaze. Zeff lifted an eyebrow in amusement. He
seemed like Serena's ex was mad about something.
"I'll be back, Serena." He informed without even looking at her.
"Sure. Just don't get lost." Serena wiped off some food that had fallen
down Rini's chin.
Zeff stood up and walked across the room. He stopped in front of Darien,
"Hi, so you must be the famous Darien Chiba, um?" He didn't sit down; he
only stood looking down at Darien with amusement.
Darien didn't like the way he looked. He seemed to think something was
funny.
Darien nodded mutely.
"Well, I'm Zeff Amora. I guess my partner and I will be dancing tonight."
He tried to spark some interest.
Darien looked up at Zeff wondering what his point was. "Sit."
Zeff smiled and sat down across from him. The guy seemed smart but just
not smart enough, "So what made you come up with the Orphanage thing?"
"Didn't your partner tell you?" He asked bitterly.
"Nope, she doesn't say much about you." He hinted.
Darien raised an eyebrow in interest, "So you know we're divorced."
Zeff shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah..." he sighed, as his sight drifted
to Serena who was now eating her cheesecake again, "She doesn't talk about
it a lot though." He looked at Darien with a laughing smile, "You really
have to wiggle any and all information out of her. She's a stubborn girl."
Darien looked over at Serena and the girl next to her, "Who's the little
girl?"
Zeff stiffened, "Why don't you ask her?"
"I'm- oh my gosh, Zeff Amora!" Terry sat down across from him and
leaned towards him, "Hi! I'm the one that sent out the invitations! I
just want to say that I love your shows!" She held out her hand. Zeff
shook it before kissing her lightly on the back of her hand.
She sighed and slipped her hand away, blushing.
Darien rolled his eyes. Terry could fall head over high of heels for
anyone with a smile.
"So... what brings you here?" She looked at Darien then back to Zeff,
"What have you two been talking about?"
Zeff raised an eyebrow at Darien then smiled graciously at Terry,
"Just introducing myself." He stood up, "I better be getting back to
my table, I just 'might' be missed, if I'm lucky." He winked at Terry
before giving Darien a solid look. He turned and walked back over to
his table.
````
An hour later Serena stood behind the stage fixing her white satin dress.
It reached her feet, as it resembled the gown she would wear as
Neo-Queen Serenity. She remembered thinking her future self was wearing
a nightgown when she saw herself incased in a crystal. Serena giggled at
her own childishness. What she was wearing certainly 'wasn't' a nightgown.
It was an evening gown.
"Ready?" Zeff came up next to her, fixing his white Tuxedo. He looked great
in white she realized, as Serena looked him up and down, "Yep Ready."
The Host came out on stage again, "Ladies and Gentleman, may I
'finally' introduce you to Serena Tsukino and Zeff Amora!" He glided
off the stage.
"How come your name is first?" he hissed under his breath as they stepped
out into the spotlight.
"Because girls always go first." She hissed back.
Serena gave a short curtsied and Zeff bowed. They turned towards each other
as some soft music began. It was called 'This is the Night'; a very sweet
melody that spoke of love, heartache and devotion.
Serena waltzed with Zeff as they spun around the room. Her feet were light
on the floor and their steps were even.
Serena looked up into Zeff's eyes, putting herself into the music
full heartedly.
````
Darien's eye traveled down Serena's figure on stage, from head to toe.
She looked absolutely incredible. Her dress hugged her curves just right
and her elegant hair swept down to her calves. Had her hair grown longer
since they were married?
Serena was staring lovingly up at Zeff.
Jealousy, which he once thought was dormant, rouses up in his chest. Did
she love him? His fists clenched before quickly going loose. Was he crazy?!
He was not jealous of that man! There were several good reasons why he
divorced her. He didn't need her.
The couple on stage swayed together almost as if they were one.
"I wish I could dance like that..." Terry sighed beside him. Her chin was
prompt up with her hands and her elbows were on the table. She was
staring dreamily at the scene before her.
Darien turned away. He didn't want to see this.
````
The song ended. Serena and Zeff bowed before leaving the stage.
Serena grabbed her bottled water and drank it down thirstily. Dancing
took a lot of energy!
"You don't have time. You need to get out of that get up." He took the
bottle away from her and put it down, "Get dressed."
Serena glared at him but ducked into the dressing room as told.
Meanwhile Mrs. Richard, the host's wife, came out and sang a short song.
Serena struggled with her outfit. She pushed her legs into her tight
black pants and zipped up the back. She freaked out when she couldn't
find her shirt! "Where did I put it?" She moved several articles out
of the way.
Zeff knocked on the door, "Come on."
"I can't find my shirt!" She yelled.
Zeff rolled his eyes, "Well find something!"
Serena glared at the door before finally looking down and finding it
under a box. She pulled it out and slipped the tight black shirt over
her head. It fit her curves perfectly. She quickly took her hair out
and brushed her figures through it before pulling it back in a low
ponytail with a black scrunchy.
"We're going to make Mrs. Richard look like a geek if we don't get
out there." He warned.
Serena flung the door open and ran over to the curtains. She slipped
out her black boots. They blended in with her pants so all you could
see was the high heels on her feet.
Mr. Richard looked relieved when he saw them standing ready at the
entrance. He quickly introduced them again and the crowd broke out
clapping.
`````
Darien was firm in his decision. He was not going to let his emotions
run away with him just because Serena looked more like a... woman now.
It was ridicules. However, at several gasps from the ladies as well as
the men Darien turned to look at what caught their undivided attention.
His heart stopped. He couldn't breathe and he felt sick all of a sudden.
WHAT WAS HIS EX WIFE DOING ON A STAGE LOOKING LIKE THAT?! He would have
marched right up there and dragged her off stage if it weren't for Terry's
hand on his arm. He glared daggers at Serena. Was this some kind of sick
joke?
````
Serena and Zeff made it to the middle of the stage as the music started
off. Serena smiled and wrapped her arms around Zeff's neck with an innocent
look on her face.
Zeff smiled down at her before frowning as Serena pushed him away.
Green and red light flashed down at him as he swiftly turned to the
audience, "This ain't a song for the broken-hearted. No silent prayer
for the faith-departed. I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd.
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud!" His deep voice echoed around the room as he
stopped all of a sudden.
Serena stood to the side, watching him stand in the spotlight with a
knowing smile on her face.
"It's my life. It's now or never. I ain't gonna live forever. I just want
to live while I'm alive..."
"It's my life..." Serena's smooth voice caressed his for a second.
He looked back at her, "My heart is like an open highway. Like Frankie
said I did it my way. I just wanna live while I'm alive. It's my life!"
Serena walked up to him with a teasing look.
"This is for the ones who stood their ground." Zeff walked backwards away
from Serena, "For Tommy and Gina who never backed down. Tomorrow's
getting harder make no mistake. Luck ain't even lucky. Got to make
your own breaks..."
Serena pouted at Zeff's reluctance.
Zeff started the main part of the song again as Serena continued tease
him with her eyes and her looks.
"It's my life and it's now or never, 'Cause I ain't gonna live forever.
I just want to live while I'm alive
Serena whispered, "It's my life..."
"My heart is like an open highway." Zeff and Serena circled each other,
"Like Frankie said I did it my way. I just want to live while I'm
alive, 'Cause... it's my... life!" Their head dropped loose as the
lights went out.
Terry stood up breathless as she clapped, "That was wonderful!" She leaned
over and whispered to Darien who was scowling openly. Terry didn't notice
it though and continued to clap and shake her head in amazement.
Serena and Zeff were breathing hard when the lights went back on. They
bowed and smiled.
Serena and Zeff went back stage and dressed back into the clothes they came
in before coming back to their seats where Rini was... and surprisingly
Mina too.
"You were great, Serena! If I didn't know better I would think you guys
were a couple!" Mina hugged her friend before settling down.
"Thanks. When did you get here?"
"Oh, I came with Andrew, believe it or not." She giggled, "I think he
went looking for Darien or something. Rini says that you are still going
to sing one more song, Serena."
Serena nodded, "Yep."
"What?"
"Surprise..." She smiled evilly.
Mina sighed, "Fine, be that way."
````
A hand landed on Darien's shoulder, startling him out of his deep
thoughts. Andrew laughed, "A little jumpy, are we?" He sat down across
from Darien and Terry.
Terry gave him an annoyed look before ignoring him.
"So, did you see that song Serena did with Zeff, talk about hot!" Andrew
teased. Darien rolled his eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"Awe, I'm hurt. I came to check out your wonderful celebration... that
you're obviously not having a good time at." Andrew peered at him, "Am
I right?"
"I'm fine." He snapped.
"Whoa! A little on the edge... um?" Andrew's eyes brightened, "This
isn't because your ex wife just got up on stage with skin tight pants
on, is it?"
Darien gave Andrew a warning look before standing up, "I need some
air."
Andrew chuckled to himself. So Darien's a little jealous. Andrew looked
over to see Terry looking at him.
"So, what do you and Darien do for fun?"
She snorted at him before looking away again. Andrew laughed. He never
liked her much anyway.
`````
"Mommy, I need to go." Rini looked up at Serena.
"Hey, Zeff hold down the fort, okay?" Zeff gave her a mock solute,
"Yes, sir."
Serena smiled and took Rini's hand.
Serena waited by the mirror while Rini was in the stall. Serena looked
over her face. She defiantly didn't look as young as she used too. There
was one time she was sure there was more light in her eyes and her skin
was defiantly more smooth. Serena sighed and turned around. Looking at
her self only made her depressed.
Rini came out and Serena held Rini up to the sink to wash her hands,
"Mommy, can Zeff watch Looney Tunes with me tomorrow?"
Serena smiled, "I don't think so, honey." She pulled a towel out and
dried Rini's hands, "Maybe he can come over and watch Beauty and the
Beast with you sometime after lunch, if he wants."
Rini thought for a second before smiling, "Okay but I want to watch
Peter Pan, not Beautie and the Beast."
Serena nodded and they excited the restroom.
Just as they rounded the corner Serena bumped into someone. Rini looked
up when they stopped suddenly, "Hey! You're the man that was on TV!"
She squealed.
Serena went pale as she looked up at Darien. She hadn't seen him in four
years!
Darien lifted an eyebrow at the young girl, "On TV?"
"Oh, she means she saw you giving your speech for the Orphanage four
months ago." Serena hurriedly replied before her daughter said too much.
Rini nodded, "Mo-"
Serena quickly covered Rini's mouth, "Well, it was nice to see you, Darien."
She started pulling Rini away when Darien lightly grabbed her arm. He looked
at her then down at the three year old at her feet, then back at her again.
He wasn't sure if he was right or not but he had a sinking feeling that he
was right.
"Rini?" he asked.
Rini smiled, "He knows my name, Mommy!"
Serena went white, sheet white, as realization dawned on Darien's face.
"Honey, can you go back to Zeff on your own?" Serena asked without looking
at her daughter.
Rini looked at her Mother than at the strange man, "Uh hu."
"Can you please go now? I need to talk-" Before she could finish Rini
bounced off. She really didn't like the atmosphere that lay heavily between
the two.
Serena hurried to explain before Darien got upset, "I was planning to tell
you, I just didn't... couldn't find the time-"
"How old is she?" His eyes were distant.
Serena was surprised he wasn't yelling at her, "Uh, three."
Darien took a deep breath, "Why didn't you tell me?" He voice had
turned threatening.
Serena swallowed hard, "I... oh, I don't know! I was afraid!
I didn't..." Serena felt tears come to her eyes. She pushed them back
angry with herself and for him making her emotions crumble, "You don't
deserve her!" She yelled before quickly covering her mouth with her
hands, her eyes wide. I can't believe I just said that!
Darien's head snapped up, "What?"
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean that." Serena backed away, "I can't talked
to you right now." Serena turned and fled.
Darien watched her go. He felt anger, madness, hate, love, guilt, and
several other emotions he hadn't used since the day he met Serena.
What was she doing to him?
`````
Serena ran out of the building. The parking lot was silent and the
reporters had finally gone. Serena sat on the steps, "Stupid, stupid,
girl, you should have told him. Now he's going to be mad... (sniff),
horrible... (sniff) and he'll hate you forever." She let the tears come.
It felt good to let her self cry. Her shoulders shook with the intensity
of it and her mascara was running down her face.
"Serena?"
Serena's head popped up. She quickly held back the a sob and did her best
to wipe any trace of crying away, "Y...yes?"
Saiya stepped down the steps and sat down next to her,
"What happened?"
Serena felt like crying all over again but held back, "Darien-
He found out about Rini."
"Rini?"
Serena mentally smacked herself, "Rini's my daughter... and Darien's.
We got divorced four years ago. He didn't even know I was pregnant and
I didn't tell him." Serena croaked out the last part, "I didn't tell
him... I was so scared that Rini would take one look at Darien and
leave me too. I'm so selfish." Serena buried her face in her lap.
She felt Saiya's hand on her back, "Take it easy... I don't think
that's a selfish thought... but... you are right, you should have
told him."
"That's what Mina and Zeff said." She mumbled, "I'm such a horrible
and bad mother!"
Saiya broke out laughing.
Serena lifted her head, "Is it really that funny?"
He shook his head and smiled, "Serena you may have been klutzy, lazy
and a little air headed but I never had the impression that you would
ever be a bad mother when the time came. In fact, I thought the opposite."
He smiled sweetly before looking up at the stars, "Let me ask you
some questions. Do you love Rini?"
"Yes."
"Do you want to protect her and do you protect her?"
"Yes."
"Do you cherish her?"
"Yeah..." Serena finally figured out where he was going with this,
"But, Saiya, I kept her from her Father. How horrible is that?"
"She's three, she'll get over it. But you know, she's still young
enough to fix it."
Serena brightened, "Yeah and-" Her face fell, "What about Darien.
His voice was so cold..." Serena shivered, "So distant."
Her mind faded out as she went back to the past.
"I can't go with you to the shrine, Serena. I have papers to fill out
and a meeting to go to tonight." Darien ran his fingers through his
hair and sifted through his brief case, "What happened to that speech
I had?" He ignored his wife as she stood to the side of him.
"Darien, you've been working all month practically day and night.
It wouldn't hurt to go out for just one night, would it."
"Yes, it would." He snapped.
Serena reeled at his chilling voice, "Darien..." She almost whimpered.
"What?" His cold blue eyes stared at her with such... annoyance that
Serena burst out crying. She had 'never' seen his eyes look that cold,
never! Not even when he broke up with her!
Darien stood up and grabbed his brief case, "I'm going out." He slammed
the door behind him.
"Serena."
She jumped, "Wha...?"
"Are you okay? You spaced out there."
Serena took in a shivering breath, "I'm fine... thanks for talking to me."
She gave him a bitter smile before standing up.
Saiya watched Serena walk back into the Majestic.
"What did you do to her, Darien?"
``````
"Mommy, Zeffie is being mean!" Rini quickly ran up to her Mother as
Serena approached the table.
"What did you say now?" Serena sat down next to him and pulled Rini
up in her lap.
Zeff put on his angel face, "I didn't do a thing."
Serena rolled her eyes and gave him 'the look'.
Rini smiled proudly at Zeff.
Zeff gave her a playful glare before answering Serena, "I just said her
hair looked like cotton candy."
Serena held back a smile, "Well, don't do it again."
"Yeah!" Rini crossed her arms with a frown on her face.
Serena looked up at the sound of a whistle. The stage manager waved at
her, signaling her that she needed to get back stage.
"Here, take Rini." She kissed Rini on the cheek before handing her to
Zeff. Serena walked to the backstage door.
"Hey, Cotton-"
"Mommy said no!" She glared at him.
He gave her a big smile.
"You have five minutes." He informed.
Serena nodded and headed back to the dressing rooms.
````
"There you are, Darling!" Terry took his hand as he sat down. Darien
barely even looked at Terry; his mind was jumbled with thoughts of Serena...
and his child. Rini. He took a deep breath. She was here, now, in this
time. Memories of taking Rini to the store, hanging out at his apartment,
and going to the playground came to his mind.
Rini was attached to him then, but now, she didn't even know him! How
could Serena do this to him?! Why couldn't she tell him? If he knew that
she was pregnant he wouldn't have divorced her.
Darien ran his fingers through his hair. What kind of monster was he
becoming?
Serena didn't deserve how he treated her. He was struck with a ton of
guilt.
He looked at Terry's face. She was staring at Zeff, who was sitting with
his daughter, all starry eyed. Terry wasn't at all like Serena. As far
as he remembered Serena only had eyes for him. He would often catch her
staring at him when she didn't think he was looking. She didn't deserve
him at all.
The lights went out and the spotlights went on. Darien focused his
attention on the stage. A figure stood in the middle of the spotlight
wearing a pink dress. The girls head was down as her lose long blonde
hair flowed over her face.
The room was silent.
"This is a surprise!" Terry squealed under her breath,
"I love surprises!"
The girl was obviously Serena there was no mistaking. The beautiful
blonde lifted her head as the lights turned blue, making her dress
look purple,
"What am I supposed to do
With all these blues
Haunting me everywhere
No matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over..."
Serena eyes were soft, sad and haunted, as if she was remembering
something while she sang. Her voice sounded sweet by sorrowful.
Darien felt like running, running from her heartbreak!
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
Seen a lot of broken hearts
Go sailing by
Phantom ships lost at sea
And one of them is mine
Raising my glass
I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
The ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call
Following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what's left
Of my heart and soul."
Serena felt hot tears fall down her face. She didn't mean to cry! She
shouldn't be crying! She looked over at Darien and saw the raw emotion
on his face. He hated himself. No, she didn't want that! Did she? Serena's
lip quivered as she went on. She didn't know what she wanted.
"Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me..."
The room was silent, strangely silent. The applause, no whistles, no
smiles... only tears of heartfelt suddenness.
Serena hated this silence. It was as if everyone knew how she felt now.
That her heart had been broken. That her heart was still broken. And that
she still loved the one that broke it.
Serena tried to smile but her face hurt too much. She only felt like
breaking down right there on the stage but she knew she couldn't.
Finally a small clap echoed through out the room.
Serena looked down and over to see Rini at her table, clapping her hands
and looking strait at her. Rini. Soon the whole room broke out into
applause!
Serena smiled gratefully at her daughter.
'Thank you!' She mouthed. Sometimes she wondered how much her daughter
knew about her by just looking at her face. Did she know how terrible she
felt? Did she know how hard she tried? Did she know that she loves her?
Serena curtsied and walked off the stage.
Darien sat in his chair, unmovable. He wasn't sure what happened but he
knew her song touched the whole room, by her confession. Once again he
was asking himself 'What kind of monster am I?'.
````
It was almost midnight. People were dancing on the floor between the tables
in front of the stage. Young as well as old couples looked charming as they
held on to each other with love in their eyes. Darien once danced with me
like that. She thought sadly. Her eyes blurred as her mind took her to the
past.
"You are so beautiful..." Darien whispered into her hair. His bangs fell
over his forehead, tickling her cheek. Serena giggled and moved away from
his soft bangs. She brushed them back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. His
eyes went dreamy before she purposely stepped on his foot. He came to life
and glared down at her with a smile on his face, "That's the third time
you've stepped on my foot."
That memory quickly faded as a more depressing memory came to mind.
"I don't know 'how' I fell in love with you!" Darien walked swiftly to
his drawer and pulled out his clothes.
"What's that supposed to mean!" Serena already had tears falling down her
face, "Just because I finally tell you how I feel about your work-"
"Don't even start on that, Serena." He whirled on her pointing his finger
in her face, "Don't even say the word 'work'. We had two entirely
different opinions on it and yours doesn't even count! You don't know
what it's like to work!" With that he threw his clothes in his suitcase.
Serena glared at him, "Just because I never had a job to go to everyday
doesn't mean I don't know the value of work! I have to work my buns off
battling against the Nega-Verse! You have no right to say that!"
Darien just shook his head as he continued to pack. Serena yelled at
him, screamed at him, cried for him; she was so afraid he would leave
forever. She had to find a way to keep him there. However, he left anyway.
And the next week the divorce papers came in the mail.
"...watching me! He's just staring! Mom!" Rini grabbed her Mother's arm,
trying to get her attention.
"Huh?" Serena snapped out of it, "What did you say, honey?" She looked down
at her daughter.
"I 'said' that TV man over there keeps watching me. I want to go home."
Serena followed Rini's finger to Darien who sat down next to a beautiful
women. He was staring at Rini.
Serena bit her lip as Darien's attention shifted to her.
She looked away, "Rini, I want you to pay attention to me." Serena took a
deep breath, "That man over there, his names 'Darien Chiba', he's your
father."
Rini stared up at her Mom with a crease in her forehead.
"He's your Daddy, honey, and he's just worried about you." Serena
desperately wished she was doing the right thing.
Rini finally looked at Darien with curiosity, "I have a daddy?"
Serena nodded helplessly.
"Can you go over to him and say hello?" Serena asked. She didn't 'want'
Rini to talk to her father; she wanted to take her home where things would
be safe, where Rini would always be 'her' daughter. She had a deep fear in
the back of her mind that Darien would take her away and Rini would
lovingly, willingly go and that she would never look back.
Rini looked up, hesitant at first, "Can you go with me?"
Serena swallowed. No. She couldn't do that. Serena shook her head.
Rini frowned but nodded bravely, "Okay." She walked strait and
determined towards her father.
I hope I'm doing the right thing.
`````
Darien watched Rini walk towards him with her head held high. Terry
barely glanced at the girl before standing up and taking off to talk
to Saiya.
"My name is Rini." She started as soon as she stood before him.
"I know." Darien gave her a hesitant smile, "Do you know who I am?"
Rini nodded.
Darien felt uncomfortable, like meeting an old friend from the past that
now has memory loss. Darien looked past the girl to Serena. She sat with
her back towards them staring at her empty plate.
He took a deep breath, "What do you know about me?"
Rini cocked her head to one side, "You were on TV."
Darien frowned. Great. The only thing she knew about him was that he was
once on TV. Wonderful influence you have, Darien. He chided himself.
"Whoa, kid, does your Mom know you're over here." Andrew came up behind
Darien and squatted down next to Rini.
"Mommy said to come over and talk to... daddy." She hesitated.
Andrew was defiantly shocked. He looked at Serena who was now looking at
them with worry evident in her eyes. He looked back at Rini, "So, what do
you think of him so far?" Andrew glanced up at Darien.
Rini twisted her mouth as she put on a thoughtful expression, "He's old
and he's strange. He was on TV."
Andrew nodded slowly. Okay... that went well...
"Andrew you're not helping." Darien said.
Andrew looked at his long time friend and then at Rini. He should let
them figure this out on their own. He stood up strait, "Good luck." He
gave Darien a smile before leaving the two alone.
"So..." Darien breathed out.
Rini pulled herself up on the chair where Terry once sat, "How come you
my Daddy?"
Darien blinked.
"Because... huh..." Gosh what kind of question was that? "I was married
to your Mommy once."
Rini took that in with some confusion, "How come you're not with her
now?"
Darien looked at Serena who quickly looked away. Well, she wasn't going
to be any help.
"Rini..." Darien leaned towards her, "Your Mommy and I can't be together.
But I want you to know that even though I wasn't with you since the
beginning... I love you more than anything." Darien watched for her
reaction.
Rini was silent as she stared at him, "Can I give you a hug?"
Darien's mouth broke into a smile, "Of course."
Rini scooted off her chair. Darien picked her up and gave her a hug. It
felt so good to hug his daughter! His daughter! Rini. Darien felt tears
come to his eyes. He missed four years of her life! Four blessed years!
He looked at Serena again. This time she didn't look away. She had tears
falling down her cheeks as she watched them silently. How could she take
four years away from him?
`````
"Zeff... I'm going to loose her." Serena whispered.
"No you won't. She loves you, Serena." Zeff picked up a fork and twirled
it around his fingers.
"You don't understand." Serena glared at Zeff tears still streaming down
her cheeks, "She... she will always love her father more than me and she
would do anything for her father. She's daddy's little girl."
"She just met him."
Serena gave a shuttering sigh, "That doesn't matter."
Zeff stared at her in confusion. What was she talking about?
"Excuse me." Serena stood up, leaving Zeff confused.
Darien's going to want Rini. Serena thought to herself on the way to
the restrooms. She didn't dare look back at Rini and her father. It hurt
to see them together. It shouldn't hurt she knew but it did. The question
is, am I willing to let Darien have her?
Serena was about to open the door to the Women's restroom when her foot
slipped out from under her. She let out a scream before her head hit the
damp floor with a thump.
````
"Mommy..." Rini climbed down from Darien's lap. Darien watched Rini start
run off. Darien got up and followed his daughter.
"Rini." He tried to call her back but she wouldn't listen. Where was she
going?
"Mommy!"
Darien rounded the corner to find Rini on her knees by her unconscious
Mother. Darien quickly knelt down beside her as well and checked Serena's
pulse and forehead. She was unconscious but she was breathing just fine.
Darien looked around for anyone familiar to Serena but Zeff nor Saiya
were around.
"Mommy, wake up!" Rini shook her Mother's shoulder.
Darien took Rini's hands, "She's fine. She just fell asleep." Darien let
go of Rini and stood up. He went past the restrooms and looked over
the ballroom. Someone had already started singing again and several people
were dancing.
Darien walked back to Serena. What was he going to do with her? He knew
she wouldn't be easy to wake up.
So, without a second thought he knelt down and picked her up. She was
light just as he expected. I hope no one misses her too much.
`````
Serena opened her eyes slowly. Her head was beating wildly in her ears
as she struggled to get a grip on her surroundings. Where was she? This
place certainly wasn't the Majestic.
"...thanks, I'll have her back by tomorrow." A familiar deep voice
spoke. Serena's eyes widened in disbelief. Her eyes shifted around
looking for 'something' familiar! However, the room was totally foreign
to her.
Footsteps sounded behind the couch she was laying on.
She saw Darien's black head of hair come into view. She quickly scrambled
off the couch almost hitting her back on the coffee table.
"You're awake." He pointed out the obvious.
Serena backed away from Darien. Why had he taken her here? Did he have it
in for her? Was he going to threaten her? Stupid, Darien's not like that!
Never the less, Serena pushed herself as far away from Darien as possible
as she looked around for an escape.
"You're going to hurt your self." He circled around the couch.
"Stay right there!" Serena yelled, "What am I doing here?"
Darien stopped, "I think you slipped on a wet tile. I brought you to
my apartment. I didn't know what else to do with you."
"You didn't know what else to do with me?" Serena's eyes went wide, "You
leave me alone. I was just fine! I would've woken up or something."
Serena pushed herself up on her knees and gripped the coffee table behind
her. Her head still throbbed making her a bit unsteady.
"I'm sure the press would love that story. Serena Chiba slips in front of
the women's restroom."
Serena glared at him, "Serena Tsukino, remember?"
Darien cleared his throat, "Rini is sleeping on my bed in the other room.
You can join her if you want. I'll sleep on the couch."
Serena's mouth fell open, "I will do no such thing! We are leaving tonight.
I just need to call Zeff."
"I just finished talking to him. He thinks it's a good idea for you to
stay here."
"Oh, I bet he does!" Serena hauled herself up to a standing position.
Her balance was a bit off and she wavered. Darien stepped forward.
"I told you to stay there." Serena held a hand out, warning him to stay
back.
Darien glared at her, "I'm not going to stand here and let you fall."
"Why not?" Serena snapped before looking away. She couldn't believe
herself. Why was she letting her feeling get the control?
"Serena."
"No, I don't want to hear it." Serena sighed, "If Zeff won't pick us up
then you'll have to drive-" Serena stopped. Drive them where? They were
staying in a hotel. Well then he could take them there! "...to the hotel."
Darien shook his head, "Go to sleep, Serena."
"I won't sleep in your bed!" Serena crossed her arms, still looking away
from him.
"Now you're being childish."
Serena ignored him. She was not going to sleep in his bed and go through
slow torcher. She knew what his bed smelled like and the memories it
would bring! No, she was not going to put herself through that!
In an instant Darien had her in his arms. Serena squealed and tried to
push him away, "Put me down, you baka!"
"Speaking Japanese again, are we Serena?"
"Ahhgg!" Serena pushed at him again. Darien entered his room, "Now be
quiet. Rini is sleeping."
Serena glared at him but shut her mouth and stopped protesting.
Darien lowered her onto the bed next to Rini who was tucked under the
thick blue covers.
"Shh..." He put a finger to his lips.
Serena glared at him, "I won't stay here." She whispered.
Darien moved back. Serena sat up causing Darien to push her back down
again, "You need your sleep."
"I don't want sleep! I have a headache, my bones hurt and I won't be able
to sleep in this bed anyway so just drive us home!" Serena whispered.
"Why not? There's nothing wrong with it."
Serena's face crumbled, "Just take us home... please?" Her voice was meek
and tired.
"No."
Serena glared at him, "I swear, if you don't drive us home I'll walk!"
Darien pushed Serena over. Serena protested as he pushed her over more
towards Rini. He lay down next to her on his side.
"What do you think you're doing?!" She hissed.
"Singing you to sleep."
Serena blew some stray strands of hair out of her face, "You can't sing."
She pointed out.
"Then I'll just do this." He started stroking his finger in-between her
eyes. Serena looked at him funny, "Just what is that supposed to do?"
"Calm you do and make you go to sleep."
"As if!" Serena crossed her arms over her chest but she didn't make him
stop. His finger went up and down between her eyes and up to her
forehead, softly and steadily. Against Serena's will her eyes started
to shut.
"I won't stay... here..." Serena protested wearily.
````
Darien watched Serena's eyes close against her will as he continued to
stroke her forehead. She was such an angel when she slept. He smiled
lightly at her still form. Serena's breathing became even, signaling
him that she was fast asleep. He took his hand away and put it at his side.
His eyes scanned over her face. She didn't look a day older to him. She
was still beautiful and serene. Her pink lips still look venerable as they
were set in a relaxed pout.
Beautiful, gorgeous, angel...
- To Be Continued -
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
This was originally going to be a one parter but it ended up being too long
so it will be a two parter. I hope you liked it so far! Ja ne!
Thanks for read'in!
Author: Marie J.W.
Part: One
Rated: PG
Email: [email protected]
Hello! I'm back! Ack, can you believe it? Heheh... probably. I got the
internet connected in my home so I don't have to worry about sending it
stories anymore! I didn't think it would be so easy but it was! I'm moved
and everything is fine (except that fact that I don't have any furniture
in my room ::Sigh::).
Well, I hope you like this story! Read on...
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
"One, two, three, four, swing, swing..." Serena counted off as Zeff swung
her around the room before pulling her to him. Serena's back bent
backwards until her head was only three feet from the floor.
"Mommy, can we go yet?" a four-year-old pink haired girl stood in front of
her mothers view.
With Zeff's help, Serena pulled herself back up strait, "Five more
minutes, Rini, I promise."
Rini wrinkled her nose, "You said that last time."
Serena continued to dance with Zeff. Zeff was a tall handsome man of 25.
He had silver hair and light green eyes.
"Whoa..." Serena fell to the floor.
"Ops, Sorry." Zeff smiled, "Did I do that?"
Serena glared up at him, "Okay, I get the hint."
Rini jumped up to her Mom, "We go now?"
Serena nodded and wiped the sweat from her forehead, "Yeah, we go now."
"Tell Mage I said 'hi'." Zeff walked to the side of the room to pick up his
gym bag. Serena snorted, "Whatever." With Rini on her heels Serena grabbed
her bag and walked towards to door.
"Bye, bye, Zeff!" Rini waved at her older friend.
Zeff winked at her before going back to his stuff.
"The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and
round. The wheels on the bus go round and round ALL through the town!"
Serena and Rini sang to a Kiddy tape in the car.
Serena turned the tape off, "You want to get something at Dairy Queen?"
Serena felt thirsty and drained. She majorly needed a sugar boost!
"Yeah! Me get strawbearE" She squealed.
Serena smiled and they turned into DQ's Driveway. They both ordered
their favorite before pulling away. Serena licked carefully ate her
fudge Sunday while driving. She thought back on her life. She had a
daughter, a job, and her own apartment. Darien would be amazed by how
far she's gotten on her own. Serena scowled at the thought of 'him'.
He was the reason she was where she was now. Serena looked down at her
daughter. She was still amazed Rini was with her! Yeah, several years
ago Rini had seemed like more of a pest then any help but now that she
'was' her daughter, now in the present, it took her breath away!
Rini licked some ice cream off her hand and wrinkled her nose, "It keep
falling off." She complained.
Serena smiled and continued to their apartment.
Ring, ring, ring..
Serena picked up the phone, "Serena Tsukino here."
"Serena! You will not believe what is one TV!" Mina's energetic voice
squealed over the phone. Serena pulled the phone away and ran over to the
TV, "What channel?"
"Four."
Serena switched it. Darien Chiba stood behind a podium talking to a group
of Reporters. He looked professional and tired at the same time. Serena bet
he stayed up all night coming up with this speech for this function."
"What's he talking about?" She asked Mina who was still on the phone.
"Something about building a place for kids in the Orphanage. It's like a
school and a 'loving' home."
Serena was happy that Darien was doing this. She knew how he felt
about Orphanages.
"Also he's throwing a big party in celebration after the building is
built!" Mina's voice grew excited, "Do you think you're going to go?"
"It's four hours away, Mina." Serena replied quietly, "I have a job."
"Well I'm going. I heard that he's planning some good entertainment and
there's going to be some contests!"
Serena rolled her eyes.
"Hey, Mommy, who's that?" Rini came in and sat in front of the TV with her
Mom. Serena panicked, "Mina?"
"I know. I heard her. You have to tell her some time."
"I can't."
Rini tugged on Serena's sleeve, "Why is he standing in front of all
those people?"
Serena swallowed, "That's Darien Chiba, honey, he's telling people about
his job."
Rini giggled, "His glasses are falling off!"
Serena looked at the TV and smiled. Darien looked so tired he didn't even
seem to notice that his glasses had slipped.
"Thanks for telling me, Mina. I have to go."
"Sure." Mina sounded a little reluctant, "You have to tell her." She
repeated.
"I know." Serena hung the phone up and looked back at the TV. She sighed;
her heart still ached for him. Serena felt tears come to her eyes but
she quickly wiped them away. She was through crying over him!
"Look." Rini held up a picture she drew.
Serena gasped.
It was a scribbled picture of a princess in a white and gold gown and a
prince in a black prince suit. It was faintly drawn since she 'was' only
four years old but she could tell exactly what it was.
"Rini, where did you see this?"
"In my dreams!" She said excitedly, "The lady told me a story. There is
a princess on the Moon." She stated simply.
Serena's mouth fell open before anger clouded her brain, "What lady,
Rini?"
Rini shrugged her shoulders.
"What did she look like?"
Rini thought for a second, "She was perdy with green hair." She wrinkled
her nose before shrugging again.
Serena steamed. Pluto! How dare she?! I was going to tell her myself! When
I get my hands on her I'm gonna- Serena sighed. What? Tell her to bug off?
It's not like I can kill the guardian of time.
"It's very pretty, Rini. Why don't you go hang it up on the fridge."
Rini beamed and ran off to the kitchen.
Looks like I'm going to have to tell Rini 'something' or else Pluto might
tell her all for me!
A thought struck Serena. Wait a minute; Rini can't reach the top of the
fridge! Serena jumped up.
Four Months Later -
"It's a good opportunity!" Zeff glared at Serena. Serena dipped her French
Fries in the ketchup, "No, I won't do it."
"Come on! It's for a good cause and there is going to be a good audience
there. What is with you lately?"
Serena glared at him again before looking down at her food, "I just don't
feel up to it."
"When you say that it means something's bothering you. Is there someone
there you don't want to meet?"
Serena looked up at him startled before looking away.
"Who is it?" he asked sternly.
"My ex."
"I thought you said he lived in New York."
"He did."
"And now..."
"He's in the state. His company is sponsoring the celebration." Serena
didn't feel like eating anymore, "I can't do it, Zeff."
"Does he know about Rini?"
Serena didn't answer.
"How could you?" Zeff's eyes narrowed, "He deserves to know what a great
kid he has!"
"He knows what a great kid he has! He just-" Serena stopped realizing
how stupid that sounded to him. Darien 'knew' that Rini would exist but
he never figured it out.
The day he asked for a divorce was the day she found out she was pregnant.
She was going to tell him but he broke his unsettling news first and she
nearly died of his rejection! First he pushes her away because of a dream,
then he leaves her in Tokyo for Collage, and then he divorces her. She knew
she should have expected something like that. They had been fighting
constantly for months before he brought it up. He was always working and
she was staying home taking care of the house and his things. She wasn't
the best homemaker, she knew, but she tried. And with Ray, Lita, Amy and
Mina's help she became at least tolerable.
Serena felt her lip quiver. She wasn't going to cry.
"I can't believe I agreed to this." Serena let her breath out nervously
as she got ready to practice her routine with Zeff. They started out in a
dance then they would end it with a song. Serena and Zeff were known world
wide for their abilities. They're names were as one as the US saw it,
Serena Tsukino & Zeff Amora.
"Just don't think about it. He probably won't be there." Zeff put a hand on
her waist before leaning over and starting the music. Serena made
herself breathe evenly, "You're right, I'm just going to get myself
stressed."
They both counted silently to themselves before starting right on time.
It was a fast song as he swung her around. She let go of him and he
started singing "The is the song for broken hearted!" Serena teased him
by motioning him with her figure to 'come here' with a devilish look on
her face.
"It's my life!" Zeff's deep voice filled the big gym room as he smiled at
the pretty girl in front of him, "It's now or never! I ain't gonna
live forever!"
Serena danced around him seductively.
The background music played on as the two danced and sung to each other,
nailing down their routine.
The Night of the Party -
The white limo pulled up to the side of the Majestic, the place where
Serena and Zeff would be performing. Zeff winked at her from across the
limo, "Show time."
Serena looked down at Rini nervously. Maybe she should have gotten Mage
to baby-sit Rini after all.
Rini picked some imaginary lint off her puffy white dress and hummed
prettily to herself.
The door opened and it was time for Serena to step out. Serena took a
deep breath and stepped out of the limo, placing her high-heeled shoe
onto the red carpet. A man took her hand to help her out of the limo.
He smiled adoringly as she gave him a grateful smile. Zeff got out of
the limo next. Camera's flashed and blinded them. Serena felt Rini step
out of the limo and bump against the back of her leg, staying well out
of sight. Serena had gone through reporters, newspapers, talk shows, etc,
just to make sure Rini stayed out of the public eye.
It took a lot of convincing to keep their mouths shut.
They walked down the red carpet to the front doors. Hundreds of people
crowded the huge room of tables. In the middle of the room there was a
dance floor and just in front of the dance floor loomed a huge stage with
ruby red curtains. Serena's breath was taken away, "It's amazing." It
looked beautifully elegant.
Rini pulled on her Mother's white dress, "Look at those sparkly things!"
She pointed at the chandelier.
Serena gasped before looking down at her daughter, "It's pretty, isn't
it?"
Zeff took Serena's arm and led her to a table for three. A man came and
pulled Serena and Rini's chairs out. Rini giggled to the courteous action
and Serena gave the man a bright smile. The man blushed and cleared his
throat, "What will you start out with, Miss Tsukino?"
Serena licked her lips as she glanced at the menu, "Uh, just water." Then
she added, "For both of us."
The man nodded and turned to Zeff. He ordered champagne.
"Didn't I tell you it would be a good turn out?" Zeff straitened his bow tie.
He was dressed in a fine black Tuxedo. He looked good in it despite his
silvery hair. Serena, her self, wore a long white dress with spaghetti
straps. Tiny flicks of diamonds graced the top of her dress as well as the
hem of her skirt. Her hair was put up in her usual buns, soft ponytails
trailed down her back and curled at the end. Diamond flicked flowers were
wound around her golden buns, making her look angelic.
Rini's hair was put up in buns shaped like cones and her short pink
hair brushed her neck in soft curls.
"I don't want water." Rini pouted all of a sudden.
"Well that's what we're having." Serena ignored her daughter's complaint
and took a closer look at the menu, "And yes, you were right." She
answered Zeff.
Zeff put on an overly proud look.
Serena rolled her eyes before they brightened, "Ooo..." She breathed under
her breath, "They have cinnamon rolls!"
"I want some too!" Rini tried to look at the folded paper her mother
held.
Serena nodded, "Sounds good to me, but we'll have to wait until after
dinner."
Rini nodded and looked down at the china plate in front of her. Her
eyes sparkled with amazement.
"Don't look now Serena, but I think your Ex just walked in." Zeff leaned
over and whispered.
Serena stiffened. He was here.
`````````
Darien walked in with a beautiful woman on his arm. Her name was Terry
Dunway. She was tall with long auburn hair and dark green eyes. She wore
a long black dress with two long slits on each side of her dress and
her neckline was cut low.
Terry smiled brightly at the turnout, "This is so wonderful, Darling!"
Darien smiled to himself. Now people would take notice to the wonderful
lonely children in the dark orphanages. He saw lots of familiar people
but a few remained a mystery. Exactly who had Terry invite anyway?
There were very few children there, he noticed. Most were old enough
where they didn't need a babysitter anymore.
However, one child caught his attention. She was short and the top of
her pink hair could barely be seen over the chair. Pink hair. He didn't
think it was 'that' regular for children to have that color hair.
As Terry led him over to their table he pushed the nagging thought away
and sat down.
As everyone began to settle down with their meals the Host of the
evening appeared on stage, "Welcome everyone!" The man smiled down at the
crowd, "My name is Leo Richard and I have the honor of being your host
for tonight! To start this evening off I would like to thank
Mr. Darien Chiba for his contributions to the LittleRidge Orphanage
Fund." The spotlight blinded Darien as everyone clapped. "We now have
a beautiful new building for orphans." He smiled and gave a short bow
to Darien.
"We would also like to thank Mr. Eric Magon for letting us use his
beautiful building for our party tonight."
Another round of applause went off as the spotlight hit the man in the
face.
"Ladies and Gentleman, we will start the night off with a Tea la Tea by
the LittleRidge Senior Orcastra." He moved out of the way so the eighteen-
year-old boys and girls could play.
Everyone clapped excitedly.
````````
Serena ate her dinner in minutes and was already trying to pick at Zeff's
food. Zeff gave her hand a gentle smack, "I'm warning you." He said,
still keeping his eyes on his food.
Serena wrinkled her nose and gave up. She looked down at Rini's plate,
"Rini-"
"My food." She glared at her Mom. Serena gave a small laugh, "Alright,
alright, I get the hint."
"Will there be anything else, Madam?"
Serena whirled around, "Yes! I would like a cinnamon roll and a chocolate
chip cheese cake."
The man nodded and asked Zeff if he would like anything. Zeff shook his
head and the man took off.
"I want some too." Rini pleaded.
"Not until you finish that."
Rini looked down at her plate with distaste. She obviously liked the idea
of desert better than dinner.
The LittleRidge Orcastra ended their songs and bowed. Serena clapped her
hands until they hurt. Rini stared at her Mom, "I think you didn't like
funny songs."
Serena stopped clapping, "I do to, I just... don't listen to it that
often."
Rini wrinkled her nose and went back to her food.
"We will now hear from the Three Lights and then from Maggie Lawance."
The Host bowed and left the stage again.
Inside, Serena was ecstatic! They were here? She hadn't seen them in
years! Serena could hardly hold still her in her seat, she wanted to go
up and say hi but she knew it wouldn't be lady like at all.
"Do you know them?" Zeff asked with amusement.
Serena nodded, "They lived in Tokyo for a while."
He nodded.
Serena couldn't help but he entranced with their songs. Finally Saiya
noticed Serena in the crowd. He remembered her from Tokyo and heard rumors
that she was a great singer as well as a dancer.
He motioned for her to come up.
Serena's eyes went wide.
"I think he wants-" Zeff didn't have time to finish. Serena jumped out of
her chair and walked up to the stage as gracefully as she could without
running.
`````
Darien's mouth dropped open as Serena walked swiftly up to the stage.
Saiya smiled at her and took her hand. Where did she come from? He turned
to look at Terry. Her eyes were excited.
"Did you invite her?" he whispered.
"Yes!" She whispered back excitedly, "Serena Tsukino and Zeff Amora are
the greatest entertainment yet! Of course I would invite them!" She went
back to staring enviously at Serena who was blushing on the stage.
He heard about the couple but he never thought Serena was apart of it.
Shoot.
````
"Sing with me..." Saiya whispered before the lyrics began again. Serena
nodded and took another mike.
Saiya started the song out,
"What am I supposed to do
With all these blues
Haunting me everywhere
No matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over."
Serena joined him with her silvery voice,
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me."
Serena stopped and let Saiya take over,
"Seen a lot of broken hearts
Go sailing by
Phantom ships lost at sea
And one of them is mine
Raising my glass
I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
Serena joined once again with Saiya,
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name..." Saiya smiled at Serena despite the sad
song,
"...For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
The ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call
Following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what's left
Of my heart and soul."
Saiya took over again,
"Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over."
Serena joined the song,
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me..."
Everyone burst into applause! Serena beamed and bowed with Saiya and
his group. Zeff gave her a thumbs and Rini was clapping wildly with a
cracking smile on her face.
Serena exaggerated a curtsied for her daughter and Zeff and blew a kiss
at Rini.
Saiya leaned over and whispered into her ear, "You're going to have to
introduce your family when I'm done."
Serena blushed and nodded before kissing him lightly on the cheek and
walking off the stage.
``````
Darien couldn't believe it! Where had she gotten a voice like that? As
far as he could remember she sounded horrible! Her voice was screechy and
too high but now...
He watched Serena give Saiya a kiss before stepping off the stage.
His eyes narrowed on Saiya. What 'had' he been teaching his girlfriend while
he was gone to collage and 'how much' time did they really spend
together?
He let his intense gaze drop from Saiya to Serena. She sat down at a table
of three. A man with silvery hair took her hand and kissed it as soon as she
sat down. A little pink haired girl was smiling while holding a fork in
her hand.
Darien did a double take on the girl. She looked incredibly familiar.
"Darien..." Terry put her hand on his, causing him to look at her, "I have
to go to the ladies room, I'll be back." She kissed him on the cheek
before standing up and leaving.
Darien's attention went back to the threesome.
````
"You did great for not being prepared." Zeff smiled proudly at her.
Serena blushed, "I had some practice..." Serena giggled, "A 'long'
time ago. Gosh, I can't believe how old I am!"
"Hey, if you're old what does that make me?" Zeff glared.
"Ops?" Serena picked up her fork and started digging into her cheesecake.
Rini watched her Mother place the creamy chocolate chip cheesecake on her
tongue before closing her month with a sigh. Rini's mouth started to
water, "Moooommmmy, I want some." She whined.
Serena opened one eye to peak at her daughter's desperate face. She closed
her eyes again savoring the taste.
"Mommy." She nagged.
Serena licked her lips and went in for another bite.
"Mommy."
Serena couldn't take it anymore. She sighed, giving in,
"Alright."
````
Zeff smiled at his friend's antics. Sometimes Serena could really act
childish. He looked around the room only to be caught by Serena's Ex gaze.
He was staring opening at them. And now as Zeff looked strait at him.
Darien matched his own gaze. Zeff lifted an eyebrow in amusement. He
seemed like Serena's ex was mad about something.
"I'll be back, Serena." He informed without even looking at her.
"Sure. Just don't get lost." Serena wiped off some food that had fallen
down Rini's chin.
Zeff stood up and walked across the room. He stopped in front of Darien,
"Hi, so you must be the famous Darien Chiba, um?" He didn't sit down; he
only stood looking down at Darien with amusement.
Darien didn't like the way he looked. He seemed to think something was
funny.
Darien nodded mutely.
"Well, I'm Zeff Amora. I guess my partner and I will be dancing tonight."
He tried to spark some interest.
Darien looked up at Zeff wondering what his point was. "Sit."
Zeff smiled and sat down across from him. The guy seemed smart but just
not smart enough, "So what made you come up with the Orphanage thing?"
"Didn't your partner tell you?" He asked bitterly.
"Nope, she doesn't say much about you." He hinted.
Darien raised an eyebrow in interest, "So you know we're divorced."
Zeff shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah..." he sighed, as his sight drifted
to Serena who was now eating her cheesecake again, "She doesn't talk about
it a lot though." He looked at Darien with a laughing smile, "You really
have to wiggle any and all information out of her. She's a stubborn girl."
Darien looked over at Serena and the girl next to her, "Who's the little
girl?"
Zeff stiffened, "Why don't you ask her?"
"I'm- oh my gosh, Zeff Amora!" Terry sat down across from him and
leaned towards him, "Hi! I'm the one that sent out the invitations! I
just want to say that I love your shows!" She held out her hand. Zeff
shook it before kissing her lightly on the back of her hand.
She sighed and slipped her hand away, blushing.
Darien rolled his eyes. Terry could fall head over high of heels for
anyone with a smile.
"So... what brings you here?" She looked at Darien then back to Zeff,
"What have you two been talking about?"
Zeff raised an eyebrow at Darien then smiled graciously at Terry,
"Just introducing myself." He stood up, "I better be getting back to
my table, I just 'might' be missed, if I'm lucky." He winked at Terry
before giving Darien a solid look. He turned and walked back over to
his table.
````
An hour later Serena stood behind the stage fixing her white satin dress.
It reached her feet, as it resembled the gown she would wear as
Neo-Queen Serenity. She remembered thinking her future self was wearing
a nightgown when she saw herself incased in a crystal. Serena giggled at
her own childishness. What she was wearing certainly 'wasn't' a nightgown.
It was an evening gown.
"Ready?" Zeff came up next to her, fixing his white Tuxedo. He looked great
in white she realized, as Serena looked him up and down, "Yep Ready."
The Host came out on stage again, "Ladies and Gentleman, may I
'finally' introduce you to Serena Tsukino and Zeff Amora!" He glided
off the stage.
"How come your name is first?" he hissed under his breath as they stepped
out into the spotlight.
"Because girls always go first." She hissed back.
Serena gave a short curtsied and Zeff bowed. They turned towards each other
as some soft music began. It was called 'This is the Night'; a very sweet
melody that spoke of love, heartache and devotion.
Serena waltzed with Zeff as they spun around the room. Her feet were light
on the floor and their steps were even.
Serena looked up into Zeff's eyes, putting herself into the music
full heartedly.
````
Darien's eye traveled down Serena's figure on stage, from head to toe.
She looked absolutely incredible. Her dress hugged her curves just right
and her elegant hair swept down to her calves. Had her hair grown longer
since they were married?
Serena was staring lovingly up at Zeff.
Jealousy, which he once thought was dormant, rouses up in his chest. Did
she love him? His fists clenched before quickly going loose. Was he crazy?!
He was not jealous of that man! There were several good reasons why he
divorced her. He didn't need her.
The couple on stage swayed together almost as if they were one.
"I wish I could dance like that..." Terry sighed beside him. Her chin was
prompt up with her hands and her elbows were on the table. She was
staring dreamily at the scene before her.
Darien turned away. He didn't want to see this.
````
The song ended. Serena and Zeff bowed before leaving the stage.
Serena grabbed her bottled water and drank it down thirstily. Dancing
took a lot of energy!
"You don't have time. You need to get out of that get up." He took the
bottle away from her and put it down, "Get dressed."
Serena glared at him but ducked into the dressing room as told.
Meanwhile Mrs. Richard, the host's wife, came out and sang a short song.
Serena struggled with her outfit. She pushed her legs into her tight
black pants and zipped up the back. She freaked out when she couldn't
find her shirt! "Where did I put it?" She moved several articles out
of the way.
Zeff knocked on the door, "Come on."
"I can't find my shirt!" She yelled.
Zeff rolled his eyes, "Well find something!"
Serena glared at the door before finally looking down and finding it
under a box. She pulled it out and slipped the tight black shirt over
her head. It fit her curves perfectly. She quickly took her hair out
and brushed her figures through it before pulling it back in a low
ponytail with a black scrunchy.
"We're going to make Mrs. Richard look like a geek if we don't get
out there." He warned.
Serena flung the door open and ran over to the curtains. She slipped
out her black boots. They blended in with her pants so all you could
see was the high heels on her feet.
Mr. Richard looked relieved when he saw them standing ready at the
entrance. He quickly introduced them again and the crowd broke out
clapping.
`````
Darien was firm in his decision. He was not going to let his emotions
run away with him just because Serena looked more like a... woman now.
It was ridicules. However, at several gasps from the ladies as well as
the men Darien turned to look at what caught their undivided attention.
His heart stopped. He couldn't breathe and he felt sick all of a sudden.
WHAT WAS HIS EX WIFE DOING ON A STAGE LOOKING LIKE THAT?! He would have
marched right up there and dragged her off stage if it weren't for Terry's
hand on his arm. He glared daggers at Serena. Was this some kind of sick
joke?
````
Serena and Zeff made it to the middle of the stage as the music started
off. Serena smiled and wrapped her arms around Zeff's neck with an innocent
look on her face.
Zeff smiled down at her before frowning as Serena pushed him away.
Green and red light flashed down at him as he swiftly turned to the
audience, "This ain't a song for the broken-hearted. No silent prayer
for the faith-departed. I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd.
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud!" His deep voice echoed around the room as he
stopped all of a sudden.
Serena stood to the side, watching him stand in the spotlight with a
knowing smile on her face.
"It's my life. It's now or never. I ain't gonna live forever. I just want
to live while I'm alive..."
"It's my life..." Serena's smooth voice caressed his for a second.
He looked back at her, "My heart is like an open highway. Like Frankie
said I did it my way. I just wanna live while I'm alive. It's my life!"
Serena walked up to him with a teasing look.
"This is for the ones who stood their ground." Zeff walked backwards away
from Serena, "For Tommy and Gina who never backed down. Tomorrow's
getting harder make no mistake. Luck ain't even lucky. Got to make
your own breaks..."
Serena pouted at Zeff's reluctance.
Zeff started the main part of the song again as Serena continued tease
him with her eyes and her looks.
"It's my life and it's now or never, 'Cause I ain't gonna live forever.
I just want to live while I'm alive
Serena whispered, "It's my life..."
"My heart is like an open highway." Zeff and Serena circled each other,
"Like Frankie said I did it my way. I just want to live while I'm
alive, 'Cause... it's my... life!" Their head dropped loose as the
lights went out.
Terry stood up breathless as she clapped, "That was wonderful!" She leaned
over and whispered to Darien who was scowling openly. Terry didn't notice
it though and continued to clap and shake her head in amazement.
Serena and Zeff were breathing hard when the lights went back on. They
bowed and smiled.
Serena and Zeff went back stage and dressed back into the clothes they came
in before coming back to their seats where Rini was... and surprisingly
Mina too.
"You were great, Serena! If I didn't know better I would think you guys
were a couple!" Mina hugged her friend before settling down.
"Thanks. When did you get here?"
"Oh, I came with Andrew, believe it or not." She giggled, "I think he
went looking for Darien or something. Rini says that you are still going
to sing one more song, Serena."
Serena nodded, "Yep."
"What?"
"Surprise..." She smiled evilly.
Mina sighed, "Fine, be that way."
````
A hand landed on Darien's shoulder, startling him out of his deep
thoughts. Andrew laughed, "A little jumpy, are we?" He sat down across
from Darien and Terry.
Terry gave him an annoyed look before ignoring him.
"So, did you see that song Serena did with Zeff, talk about hot!" Andrew
teased. Darien rolled his eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"Awe, I'm hurt. I came to check out your wonderful celebration... that
you're obviously not having a good time at." Andrew peered at him, "Am
I right?"
"I'm fine." He snapped.
"Whoa! A little on the edge... um?" Andrew's eyes brightened, "This
isn't because your ex wife just got up on stage with skin tight pants
on, is it?"
Darien gave Andrew a warning look before standing up, "I need some
air."
Andrew chuckled to himself. So Darien's a little jealous. Andrew looked
over to see Terry looking at him.
"So, what do you and Darien do for fun?"
She snorted at him before looking away again. Andrew laughed. He never
liked her much anyway.
`````
"Mommy, I need to go." Rini looked up at Serena.
"Hey, Zeff hold down the fort, okay?" Zeff gave her a mock solute,
"Yes, sir."
Serena smiled and took Rini's hand.
Serena waited by the mirror while Rini was in the stall. Serena looked
over her face. She defiantly didn't look as young as she used too. There
was one time she was sure there was more light in her eyes and her skin
was defiantly more smooth. Serena sighed and turned around. Looking at
her self only made her depressed.
Rini came out and Serena held Rini up to the sink to wash her hands,
"Mommy, can Zeff watch Looney Tunes with me tomorrow?"
Serena smiled, "I don't think so, honey." She pulled a towel out and
dried Rini's hands, "Maybe he can come over and watch Beauty and the
Beast with you sometime after lunch, if he wants."
Rini thought for a second before smiling, "Okay but I want to watch
Peter Pan, not Beautie and the Beast."
Serena nodded and they excited the restroom.
Just as they rounded the corner Serena bumped into someone. Rini looked
up when they stopped suddenly, "Hey! You're the man that was on TV!"
She squealed.
Serena went pale as she looked up at Darien. She hadn't seen him in four
years!
Darien lifted an eyebrow at the young girl, "On TV?"
"Oh, she means she saw you giving your speech for the Orphanage four
months ago." Serena hurriedly replied before her daughter said too much.
Rini nodded, "Mo-"
Serena quickly covered Rini's mouth, "Well, it was nice to see you, Darien."
She started pulling Rini away when Darien lightly grabbed her arm. He looked
at her then down at the three year old at her feet, then back at her again.
He wasn't sure if he was right or not but he had a sinking feeling that he
was right.
"Rini?" he asked.
Rini smiled, "He knows my name, Mommy!"
Serena went white, sheet white, as realization dawned on Darien's face.
"Honey, can you go back to Zeff on your own?" Serena asked without looking
at her daughter.
Rini looked at her Mother than at the strange man, "Uh hu."
"Can you please go now? I need to talk-" Before she could finish Rini
bounced off. She really didn't like the atmosphere that lay heavily between
the two.
Serena hurried to explain before Darien got upset, "I was planning to tell
you, I just didn't... couldn't find the time-"
"How old is she?" His eyes were distant.
Serena was surprised he wasn't yelling at her, "Uh, three."
Darien took a deep breath, "Why didn't you tell me?" He voice had
turned threatening.
Serena swallowed hard, "I... oh, I don't know! I was afraid!
I didn't..." Serena felt tears come to her eyes. She pushed them back
angry with herself and for him making her emotions crumble, "You don't
deserve her!" She yelled before quickly covering her mouth with her
hands, her eyes wide. I can't believe I just said that!
Darien's head snapped up, "What?"
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean that." Serena backed away, "I can't talked
to you right now." Serena turned and fled.
Darien watched her go. He felt anger, madness, hate, love, guilt, and
several other emotions he hadn't used since the day he met Serena.
What was she doing to him?
`````
Serena ran out of the building. The parking lot was silent and the
reporters had finally gone. Serena sat on the steps, "Stupid, stupid,
girl, you should have told him. Now he's going to be mad... (sniff),
horrible... (sniff) and he'll hate you forever." She let the tears come.
It felt good to let her self cry. Her shoulders shook with the intensity
of it and her mascara was running down her face.
"Serena?"
Serena's head popped up. She quickly held back the a sob and did her best
to wipe any trace of crying away, "Y...yes?"
Saiya stepped down the steps and sat down next to her,
"What happened?"
Serena felt like crying all over again but held back, "Darien-
He found out about Rini."
"Rini?"
Serena mentally smacked herself, "Rini's my daughter... and Darien's.
We got divorced four years ago. He didn't even know I was pregnant and
I didn't tell him." Serena croaked out the last part, "I didn't tell
him... I was so scared that Rini would take one look at Darien and
leave me too. I'm so selfish." Serena buried her face in her lap.
She felt Saiya's hand on her back, "Take it easy... I don't think
that's a selfish thought... but... you are right, you should have
told him."
"That's what Mina and Zeff said." She mumbled, "I'm such a horrible
and bad mother!"
Saiya broke out laughing.
Serena lifted her head, "Is it really that funny?"
He shook his head and smiled, "Serena you may have been klutzy, lazy
and a little air headed but I never had the impression that you would
ever be a bad mother when the time came. In fact, I thought the opposite."
He smiled sweetly before looking up at the stars, "Let me ask you
some questions. Do you love Rini?"
"Yes."
"Do you want to protect her and do you protect her?"
"Yes."
"Do you cherish her?"
"Yeah..." Serena finally figured out where he was going with this,
"But, Saiya, I kept her from her Father. How horrible is that?"
"She's three, she'll get over it. But you know, she's still young
enough to fix it."
Serena brightened, "Yeah and-" Her face fell, "What about Darien.
His voice was so cold..." Serena shivered, "So distant."
Her mind faded out as she went back to the past.
"I can't go with you to the shrine, Serena. I have papers to fill out
and a meeting to go to tonight." Darien ran his fingers through his
hair and sifted through his brief case, "What happened to that speech
I had?" He ignored his wife as she stood to the side of him.
"Darien, you've been working all month practically day and night.
It wouldn't hurt to go out for just one night, would it."
"Yes, it would." He snapped.
Serena reeled at his chilling voice, "Darien..." She almost whimpered.
"What?" His cold blue eyes stared at her with such... annoyance that
Serena burst out crying. She had 'never' seen his eyes look that cold,
never! Not even when he broke up with her!
Darien stood up and grabbed his brief case, "I'm going out." He slammed
the door behind him.
"Serena."
She jumped, "Wha...?"
"Are you okay? You spaced out there."
Serena took in a shivering breath, "I'm fine... thanks for talking to me."
She gave him a bitter smile before standing up.
Saiya watched Serena walk back into the Majestic.
"What did you do to her, Darien?"
``````
"Mommy, Zeffie is being mean!" Rini quickly ran up to her Mother as
Serena approached the table.
"What did you say now?" Serena sat down next to him and pulled Rini
up in her lap.
Zeff put on his angel face, "I didn't do a thing."
Serena rolled her eyes and gave him 'the look'.
Rini smiled proudly at Zeff.
Zeff gave her a playful glare before answering Serena, "I just said her
hair looked like cotton candy."
Serena held back a smile, "Well, don't do it again."
"Yeah!" Rini crossed her arms with a frown on her face.
Serena looked up at the sound of a whistle. The stage manager waved at
her, signaling her that she needed to get back stage.
"Here, take Rini." She kissed Rini on the cheek before handing her to
Zeff. Serena walked to the backstage door.
"Hey, Cotton-"
"Mommy said no!" She glared at him.
He gave her a big smile.
"You have five minutes." He informed.
Serena nodded and headed back to the dressing rooms.
````
"There you are, Darling!" Terry took his hand as he sat down. Darien
barely even looked at Terry; his mind was jumbled with thoughts of Serena...
and his child. Rini. He took a deep breath. She was here, now, in this
time. Memories of taking Rini to the store, hanging out at his apartment,
and going to the playground came to his mind.
Rini was attached to him then, but now, she didn't even know him! How
could Serena do this to him?! Why couldn't she tell him? If he knew that
she was pregnant he wouldn't have divorced her.
Darien ran his fingers through his hair. What kind of monster was he
becoming?
Serena didn't deserve how he treated her. He was struck with a ton of
guilt.
He looked at Terry's face. She was staring at Zeff, who was sitting with
his daughter, all starry eyed. Terry wasn't at all like Serena. As far
as he remembered Serena only had eyes for him. He would often catch her
staring at him when she didn't think he was looking. She didn't deserve
him at all.
The lights went out and the spotlights went on. Darien focused his
attention on the stage. A figure stood in the middle of the spotlight
wearing a pink dress. The girls head was down as her lose long blonde
hair flowed over her face.
The room was silent.
"This is a surprise!" Terry squealed under her breath,
"I love surprises!"
The girl was obviously Serena there was no mistaking. The beautiful
blonde lifted her head as the lights turned blue, making her dress
look purple,
"What am I supposed to do
With all these blues
Haunting me everywhere
No matter what I do
Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over..."
Serena eyes were soft, sad and haunted, as if she was remembering
something while she sang. Her voice sounded sweet by sorrowful.
Darien felt like running, running from her heartbreak!
"I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
Seen a lot of broken hearts
Go sailing by
Phantom ships lost at sea
And one of them is mine
Raising my glass
I sing a toast to the midnight sky
I wonder why
The stars don't seem to guide me
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me
The ghost of you and me
When will it set me free
I hear the voices call
Following footsteps down the hall
Trying to save what's left
Of my heart and soul."
Serena felt hot tears fall down her face. She didn't mean to cry! She
shouldn't be crying! She looked over at Darien and saw the raw emotion
on his face. He hated himself. No, she didn't want that! Did she? Serena's
lip quivered as she went on. She didn't know what she wanted.
"Watching the candle flicker out
In the evening glow
I can't let go
When will the night be over
I didn't mean to fall in love with you
And baby there's a name
For what you put me through
It isn't love, it's robbery
I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me..."
The room was silent, strangely silent. The applause, no whistles, no
smiles... only tears of heartfelt suddenness.
Serena hated this silence. It was as if everyone knew how she felt now.
That her heart had been broken. That her heart was still broken. And that
she still loved the one that broke it.
Serena tried to smile but her face hurt too much. She only felt like
breaking down right there on the stage but she knew she couldn't.
Finally a small clap echoed through out the room.
Serena looked down and over to see Rini at her table, clapping her hands
and looking strait at her. Rini. Soon the whole room broke out into
applause!
Serena smiled gratefully at her daughter.
'Thank you!' She mouthed. Sometimes she wondered how much her daughter
knew about her by just looking at her face. Did she know how terrible she
felt? Did she know how hard she tried? Did she know that she loves her?
Serena curtsied and walked off the stage.
Darien sat in his chair, unmovable. He wasn't sure what happened but he
knew her song touched the whole room, by her confession. Once again he
was asking himself 'What kind of monster am I?'.
````
It was almost midnight. People were dancing on the floor between the tables
in front of the stage. Young as well as old couples looked charming as they
held on to each other with love in their eyes. Darien once danced with me
like that. She thought sadly. Her eyes blurred as her mind took her to the
past.
"You are so beautiful..." Darien whispered into her hair. His bangs fell
over his forehead, tickling her cheek. Serena giggled and moved away from
his soft bangs. She brushed them back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. His
eyes went dreamy before she purposely stepped on his foot. He came to life
and glared down at her with a smile on his face, "That's the third time
you've stepped on my foot."
That memory quickly faded as a more depressing memory came to mind.
"I don't know 'how' I fell in love with you!" Darien walked swiftly to
his drawer and pulled out his clothes.
"What's that supposed to mean!" Serena already had tears falling down her
face, "Just because I finally tell you how I feel about your work-"
"Don't even start on that, Serena." He whirled on her pointing his finger
in her face, "Don't even say the word 'work'. We had two entirely
different opinions on it and yours doesn't even count! You don't know
what it's like to work!" With that he threw his clothes in his suitcase.
Serena glared at him, "Just because I never had a job to go to everyday
doesn't mean I don't know the value of work! I have to work my buns off
battling against the Nega-Verse! You have no right to say that!"
Darien just shook his head as he continued to pack. Serena yelled at
him, screamed at him, cried for him; she was so afraid he would leave
forever. She had to find a way to keep him there. However, he left anyway.
And the next week the divorce papers came in the mail.
"...watching me! He's just staring! Mom!" Rini grabbed her Mother's arm,
trying to get her attention.
"Huh?" Serena snapped out of it, "What did you say, honey?" She looked down
at her daughter.
"I 'said' that TV man over there keeps watching me. I want to go home."
Serena followed Rini's finger to Darien who sat down next to a beautiful
women. He was staring at Rini.
Serena bit her lip as Darien's attention shifted to her.
She looked away, "Rini, I want you to pay attention to me." Serena took a
deep breath, "That man over there, his names 'Darien Chiba', he's your
father."
Rini stared up at her Mom with a crease in her forehead.
"He's your Daddy, honey, and he's just worried about you." Serena
desperately wished she was doing the right thing.
Rini finally looked at Darien with curiosity, "I have a daddy?"
Serena nodded helplessly.
"Can you go over to him and say hello?" Serena asked. She didn't 'want'
Rini to talk to her father; she wanted to take her home where things would
be safe, where Rini would always be 'her' daughter. She had a deep fear in
the back of her mind that Darien would take her away and Rini would
lovingly, willingly go and that she would never look back.
Rini looked up, hesitant at first, "Can you go with me?"
Serena swallowed. No. She couldn't do that. Serena shook her head.
Rini frowned but nodded bravely, "Okay." She walked strait and
determined towards her father.
I hope I'm doing the right thing.
`````
Darien watched Rini walk towards him with her head held high. Terry
barely glanced at the girl before standing up and taking off to talk
to Saiya.
"My name is Rini." She started as soon as she stood before him.
"I know." Darien gave her a hesitant smile, "Do you know who I am?"
Rini nodded.
Darien felt uncomfortable, like meeting an old friend from the past that
now has memory loss. Darien looked past the girl to Serena. She sat with
her back towards them staring at her empty plate.
He took a deep breath, "What do you know about me?"
Rini cocked her head to one side, "You were on TV."
Darien frowned. Great. The only thing she knew about him was that he was
once on TV. Wonderful influence you have, Darien. He chided himself.
"Whoa, kid, does your Mom know you're over here." Andrew came up behind
Darien and squatted down next to Rini.
"Mommy said to come over and talk to... daddy." She hesitated.
Andrew was defiantly shocked. He looked at Serena who was now looking at
them with worry evident in her eyes. He looked back at Rini, "So, what do
you think of him so far?" Andrew glanced up at Darien.
Rini twisted her mouth as she put on a thoughtful expression, "He's old
and he's strange. He was on TV."
Andrew nodded slowly. Okay... that went well...
"Andrew you're not helping." Darien said.
Andrew looked at his long time friend and then at Rini. He should let
them figure this out on their own. He stood up strait, "Good luck." He
gave Darien a smile before leaving the two alone.
"So..." Darien breathed out.
Rini pulled herself up on the chair where Terry once sat, "How come you
my Daddy?"
Darien blinked.
"Because... huh..." Gosh what kind of question was that? "I was married
to your Mommy once."
Rini took that in with some confusion, "How come you're not with her
now?"
Darien looked at Serena who quickly looked away. Well, she wasn't going
to be any help.
"Rini..." Darien leaned towards her, "Your Mommy and I can't be together.
But I want you to know that even though I wasn't with you since the
beginning... I love you more than anything." Darien watched for her
reaction.
Rini was silent as she stared at him, "Can I give you a hug?"
Darien's mouth broke into a smile, "Of course."
Rini scooted off her chair. Darien picked her up and gave her a hug. It
felt so good to hug his daughter! His daughter! Rini. Darien felt tears
come to his eyes. He missed four years of her life! Four blessed years!
He looked at Serena again. This time she didn't look away. She had tears
falling down her cheeks as she watched them silently. How could she take
four years away from him?
`````
"Zeff... I'm going to loose her." Serena whispered.
"No you won't. She loves you, Serena." Zeff picked up a fork and twirled
it around his fingers.
"You don't understand." Serena glared at Zeff tears still streaming down
her cheeks, "She... she will always love her father more than me and she
would do anything for her father. She's daddy's little girl."
"She just met him."
Serena gave a shuttering sigh, "That doesn't matter."
Zeff stared at her in confusion. What was she talking about?
"Excuse me." Serena stood up, leaving Zeff confused.
Darien's going to want Rini. Serena thought to herself on the way to
the restrooms. She didn't dare look back at Rini and her father. It hurt
to see them together. It shouldn't hurt she knew but it did. The question
is, am I willing to let Darien have her?
Serena was about to open the door to the Women's restroom when her foot
slipped out from under her. She let out a scream before her head hit the
damp floor with a thump.
````
"Mommy..." Rini climbed down from Darien's lap. Darien watched Rini start
run off. Darien got up and followed his daughter.
"Rini." He tried to call her back but she wouldn't listen. Where was she
going?
"Mommy!"
Darien rounded the corner to find Rini on her knees by her unconscious
Mother. Darien quickly knelt down beside her as well and checked Serena's
pulse and forehead. She was unconscious but she was breathing just fine.
Darien looked around for anyone familiar to Serena but Zeff nor Saiya
were around.
"Mommy, wake up!" Rini shook her Mother's shoulder.
Darien took Rini's hands, "She's fine. She just fell asleep." Darien let
go of Rini and stood up. He went past the restrooms and looked over
the ballroom. Someone had already started singing again and several people
were dancing.
Darien walked back to Serena. What was he going to do with her? He knew
she wouldn't be easy to wake up.
So, without a second thought he knelt down and picked her up. She was
light just as he expected. I hope no one misses her too much.
`````
Serena opened her eyes slowly. Her head was beating wildly in her ears
as she struggled to get a grip on her surroundings. Where was she? This
place certainly wasn't the Majestic.
"...thanks, I'll have her back by tomorrow." A familiar deep voice
spoke. Serena's eyes widened in disbelief. Her eyes shifted around
looking for 'something' familiar! However, the room was totally foreign
to her.
Footsteps sounded behind the couch she was laying on.
She saw Darien's black head of hair come into view. She quickly scrambled
off the couch almost hitting her back on the coffee table.
"You're awake." He pointed out the obvious.
Serena backed away from Darien. Why had he taken her here? Did he have it
in for her? Was he going to threaten her? Stupid, Darien's not like that!
Never the less, Serena pushed herself as far away from Darien as possible
as she looked around for an escape.
"You're going to hurt your self." He circled around the couch.
"Stay right there!" Serena yelled, "What am I doing here?"
Darien stopped, "I think you slipped on a wet tile. I brought you to
my apartment. I didn't know what else to do with you."
"You didn't know what else to do with me?" Serena's eyes went wide, "You
leave me alone. I was just fine! I would've woken up or something."
Serena pushed herself up on her knees and gripped the coffee table behind
her. Her head still throbbed making her a bit unsteady.
"I'm sure the press would love that story. Serena Chiba slips in front of
the women's restroom."
Serena glared at him, "Serena Tsukino, remember?"
Darien cleared his throat, "Rini is sleeping on my bed in the other room.
You can join her if you want. I'll sleep on the couch."
Serena's mouth fell open, "I will do no such thing! We are leaving tonight.
I just need to call Zeff."
"I just finished talking to him. He thinks it's a good idea for you to
stay here."
"Oh, I bet he does!" Serena hauled herself up to a standing position.
Her balance was a bit off and she wavered. Darien stepped forward.
"I told you to stay there." Serena held a hand out, warning him to stay
back.
Darien glared at her, "I'm not going to stand here and let you fall."
"Why not?" Serena snapped before looking away. She couldn't believe
herself. Why was she letting her feeling get the control?
"Serena."
"No, I don't want to hear it." Serena sighed, "If Zeff won't pick us up
then you'll have to drive-" Serena stopped. Drive them where? They were
staying in a hotel. Well then he could take them there! "...to the hotel."
Darien shook his head, "Go to sleep, Serena."
"I won't sleep in your bed!" Serena crossed her arms, still looking away
from him.
"Now you're being childish."
Serena ignored him. She was not going to sleep in his bed and go through
slow torcher. She knew what his bed smelled like and the memories it
would bring! No, she was not going to put herself through that!
In an instant Darien had her in his arms. Serena squealed and tried to
push him away, "Put me down, you baka!"
"Speaking Japanese again, are we Serena?"
"Ahhgg!" Serena pushed at him again. Darien entered his room, "Now be
quiet. Rini is sleeping."
Serena glared at him but shut her mouth and stopped protesting.
Darien lowered her onto the bed next to Rini who was tucked under the
thick blue covers.
"Shh..." He put a finger to his lips.
Serena glared at him, "I won't stay here." She whispered.
Darien moved back. Serena sat up causing Darien to push her back down
again, "You need your sleep."
"I don't want sleep! I have a headache, my bones hurt and I won't be able
to sleep in this bed anyway so just drive us home!" Serena whispered.
"Why not? There's nothing wrong with it."
Serena's face crumbled, "Just take us home... please?" Her voice was meek
and tired.
"No."
Serena glared at him, "I swear, if you don't drive us home I'll walk!"
Darien pushed Serena over. Serena protested as he pushed her over more
towards Rini. He lay down next to her on his side.
"What do you think you're doing?!" She hissed.
"Singing you to sleep."
Serena blew some stray strands of hair out of her face, "You can't sing."
She pointed out.
"Then I'll just do this." He started stroking his finger in-between her
eyes. Serena looked at him funny, "Just what is that supposed to do?"
"Calm you do and make you go to sleep."
"As if!" Serena crossed her arms over her chest but she didn't make him
stop. His finger went up and down between her eyes and up to her
forehead, softly and steadily. Against Serena's will her eyes started
to shut.
"I won't stay... here..." Serena protested wearily.
````
Darien watched Serena's eyes close against her will as he continued to
stroke her forehead. She was such an angel when she slept. He smiled
lightly at her still form. Serena's breathing became even, signaling
him that she was fast asleep. He took his hand away and put it at his side.
His eyes scanned over her face. She didn't look a day older to him. She
was still beautiful and serene. Her pink lips still look venerable as they
were set in a relaxed pout.
Beautiful, gorgeous, angel...
- To Be Continued -
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
This was originally going to be a one parter but it ended up being too long
so it will be a two parter. I hope you liked it so far! Ja ne!
Thanks for read'in!