Title: Darien's Aim, Serena's Burden
Author: Fifi
E-mail: fidelia_ho@hotmail.com
Website: www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Springs/9276/
Rating: G

Hey guys! Can you believe that I finally got part 5 out??? I know! It took so long, but here it 
is!!!! YAY! ^_^
I'll keep the AN short so on with the story!

Standard disclaimers apply.

Part 5

Graduation

	*It's finally graduation and everyone is clapping. I'm so nervous. I can't believe 
I've come so far. This is it. After tonight, I will never have to see Darien again. But what 
will become of us?*

	Before she can think any further, she is pulled out of her trance when her name is 
called.

	*This is it.*

	With confidence in her stride, she walks out from behind the curtain and onto the 
stage. Even in her graduation robes, she is still as beautiful as ever. Walking up to the 
front of the stage, she receives her certificate and takes a bow. Everyone claps even louder 
because she received top honors, but not alone...

	"Darien Chiba."

	The audience applauds, but the female audience with extra enthusiasm. Whistles can 
be heard as he walks up to the podium to receive his certificate. Walking to the side, he 
joins Serena.

	"Congratulations, Sere."

	"Please, don't call me that," she bites out.

	"Fine then, congratulations, Meatball Head," he smiles smugly.

	Looking at him though slit eyes, she says nothing.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dinner

	*Why of all people, did we have to seat with him? Why? And why is he staring at me. 
I can't stare at the table forever! I must have something on my face. Just think, this is the 
last time you'll be seeing him for a long time. I mean, think about it. University is four 
years at least. His studying to be a neurosurgeon, I mean, that could take at least twelve 
years! And what then? We would have our own lives, and the occasional times we'd meet would 
be at a Christmas dinner, as our families always celebrate that together...*

	Across from her, Darien just sits his head comfortably onto his hand and contents 
himself with staring at his angel. Beautiful is she, as she sits there with an adorable 
puzzled expression, in her white dress. What a site, she is.

	*She is so beautiful. A pity to think that this may be the last time we see each 
other till Christmas. I hope she doesn't meet anyone at her university. That would surely 
severe any chance, if any at all, I have with her. *sigh* What wonderful years I've had 
since I met her.*

	*ARGH! I can't stand it anymore! His eyes are practically boring through me!*

	Trying not to attract the attention of the parents, she looks up and asks in a 
polite(or as much as she can with him) manner, 

	"Please, Darien, if there is something wrong with my face, or anything else, 
don't hesitate to point it out to me."

	Shocked to say the least, he thinks, "Oh no! I didn't even realize I was staring 
at her. But how can you be anything less than perfect?"

	Clearing he throat with obvious nervousness, he says, "Umm...no, there is nothing 
wrong at all." Trying to gather his composure, he smiles.

	Giving him an 'I think you're crazy' look, she just continues with her dinner.

	The rest of the dinner continues on in uncomfortable silence between them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning.

	"This is it," she thinks. "I can't believe I'm leaving home. I'm nervous, to say 
the least. I've lived here all my life and now I'm leaving...*sigh* No family around, no 
friends, no familiar faces......no Darien. HOLD IT! No Darien? Isn't that a good thing? Of 
course it is!"

	"So, Darien. I just realized that I don't know to which university you're going," 
Serena says.

	"Oh? I thought you knew. I'm attending Oxford. You?"

	"Oxford, huh?" *That's far enough away from me...mm hmm...far eno-* "WAITAMINUTE! 
Did you say Oxford? As in the..."

	"None other. Why are you so shocked? Don't tell me...You're going there too?"

	She nods her head numbly, as she is in deep shock.

	*All my plans, all my dreams of freedom, gone?*

	"You don't look happy at all."

	*Duh!* "...whatever."

	"Uh huh..."

	As if from nowhere, their parents appear.

	"Hey you two. It's time for you to board the plane. Come on."

	"You sound so anxious to get rid of us, father," says Darien.

	"You'll understand when you have children of your own, son." Stealing a glance at 
his wife, he chuckles.

	"Well, we can't keep everyone waiting. Have you your tickets? Are you sure you have 
everything? Dear?"

	"Yes, mother. I do. I'm not seven anymore."

	Smiling, she says, "If only you were again...*sigh*...I'll miss you, Sere. No go, 
before I start crying."

	"Too late, mom."

	With a hurl of good-byes and kisses, the two children leave their parents and start 
off for their new life.

~end of part 5~

	I can't believe how long it took me to get this out! Can you? Thank you for 
everyone's comments! I appreciated all of them! I'm anxiously waiting to hear from you again!