Title: Opposite Attraction - Sequel
Author: Blue Ice
E-mail: Blue_Ice_Babe@hotmail.com
Rated: (PG.)



Hi everyone! I'm back with a sequel! Why you ask? Well, some of my friends
read Opposite Attraction this weekend and they thought that I should write
a sequel. I didn't exactly want to at first. But, after thinking about it,
I decided to write one. So here it is. Hope ya'll like it. Oh and don't
forget to e-mail me with your thoughts, flames, compliments, whatever you
want!




	"I'm so happy, Darien."
	"Are you?"
	"Yes, whenever you're here, I feel all light and warm."
	Darien chuckled lightly at Serena's content sigh. He set down his
book momentarily and turned to his beautiful girlfriend with a smile.
Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, Serena looked up to him with a
huge grin.
	"Why do you study so much? I can't keep focused on anything for
more than thirty minutes." By now, she had gotten up and strolled to his
kitchen to fetch some drinks. "Tea, Muffin?" Serena called out from
behind the fridge door. Darien replied with a 'um hm' and picked up his
book again. He read the title with a shake of his head.
	"Here you go." Serena handed him the cool drink and plopped
herself comfortably on the couch next to him. She turned slightly to look
at the thunderstorm outside, then sighed.
	"Something on your mind?" Darien inquired before planting a quick
kiss on her cheek.
	Serena shrugged absentmindedly, getting up in the process to
stand before the large balcony windows. She smiled to herself. Nothing
could possibly be wrong. Things were utterly perfect... Placing a hand
over the glass, she looked into the steadily beating rain. Ever since
two weeks ago, everything has been like a dream. After all, she has
Darien now. Isn't that what she wanted all along?
	"I have a feeling that you're keeping something from me? Care to
talk about it?" Darien asked from behind her as his arms encircled her
and brought her into his embrace. Serena leaned back, closing her eyes
to memorize the wonderful feeling.
	"Sometimes I don't think I deserve you. You're so good to me, and
...and I think I take you for granted." She confessed, eyes unconsciously
welling up with tears. A few chuckles escaped Darien's lips before he
turned her around in his arms and looked into her eyes.
	"If anything, Serena, I don't deserve you." He replied. Serena
couldn't help but smile and held on to him even tighter.
	"I love you." She whispered.
	"You don't have to say it. I already know." Darien returned and
kissed her affectionately on the forehead. "I love you too."
	"I know." Serena sighed. She looked up to him with starry eyes.
"I just wanted to tell you, nevertheless."


* * * *


	"What a bummer! One day that we finally get sometime to do
anything, it has to rain." Lita sighed as she took another drink of her
mocha. "I wonder why everyone else is doing right now. She turned to Ami
with a smile and plucked the thick computer book away from her friend.
"Ames! Quit studying. It's summer. Enjoy it while you can!"
	Ami only smiled sweetly and removed her reading glasses. "I
suppose you're right. But, it's so gloomy today. What can we do?" Just as
she said that, Rei and Mina walked in with two pairs of umbrellas. They
all turned to each other with smiles.
	"Konnichiwa! Isn't this a wonderful day?" Mina asked happily. She
plopped down in the booth with a very long sigh. Lita waved her hand
slowly over Mina's starry eyes before turning to look at Ami and Rei.
	"I guess she must have met someone, huh?" Lita grinned and Rei
nodded her head with a sweat-drop. Ami giggled slightly before reaching
to retrieve her book and then leaning back against the seat. After a
while, Lita propped her elbows on the table and looked across at Mina
expectedly. "Well, are you going to tell us about him or do we have to
ask Rei?"
	Mina giggled slyly and took a deep breath. "Well, we were at the
mall looking for something to wear to that pool party thinging Andrew's
having next week. Then my eyes fell on the most handsomest man ever! He
had dark brown hair, just parted perfectly, beautiful blue eyes and those
sexy lips!" All three of the girls sweat dropped and sunk into their
seats. Oh this was going to be a long story...


The following week...


	"Hey girls! Glad you made it! Come on in!" Andrew hollered from
behind the bar.
	"Hi Andrew! Wow, you went all out for this party huh?" Mina
giggled before leaning over the counter and watching Andrew scrub the
floor. "What are you doing?"
	"Well, Lizzy's stupid friends brought over their dogs. Guess you
can imagine what happened." He replied, rinsing out the sponge with
disgust. He looked up momentarily to see Mina glowing like a light bulb.
"Huh, didn't know you were this excited to come to my party. You're
practically giddy."
	Mina rolled her eyes affectionately before smiling sweetly down
to him. "Who said I'm happy because of your party. I've got other matters
in mind." She replied, hopping off the stool and ran out back to the pool.
	"Boys...probably..." Andrew muttered before returning to his
scrubbing. "Why do I feel like Cinderella all of a sudden and Lizzy and
her friends are my ugly step sisters."
	"Really, Andrew? I think they're rubbing off on you."
	Andrew sat back up with a defeated chuckle before looking up to
the arrived guests. There, standing before him, hand in hand, was his
buddy Darien and his girlfriend. "Hey guys. Glad you could make it. Oh,
and yes I'm scrubbing some dog crap left behind by Lizzy's friend's dogs,
alright. You can stop snickering now because I can hear you perfectly
fine." He rolled his eyes playfully before going back to his work.
	"Um, ok. We'll be out back with the rest of the people..." Darien
replied with a chuckle before dragging Serena past the kitchen.

-------

	"Darien!"
	"Huh? Oh good morning Dr. Saruki."
	"Come, come. I must talk with you."

	"I must say that I am most disappointed with your decision to...
uh...not continuing the scholarship offered to you in the States. And in
exchange for your place, the Board, Dr. Bryan, and I  have dutifully
chosen another candidate. I am sorry to say that you will be missing out
on an once in a lifetime opportunity." Dr. Saruki sat down at his desk
with a shake of his head. "Now, tell me Darien. Why?"
	Darien took a deep breath and leaned forward slightly to look
into the eyes of his professor. "I...I think that the decision was made
a long time ago for various reasons. But, as I've told you before, that
there is a bigger reason why.  It might not be something that you'd
consider a good reason, but to me, it is quite a..."
	"No, you don't have to say more, Darien. I guess I can understand
how you feel. Very well, perhaps in the future huh? Anytime you say the
word. Now, would you like to accompany me for some coffee?" Dr. Saruki
stood up with a sigh and walked to his door. He knew that whatever was
keeping Darien from this must be something special.

- - - -


	"So, they've chosen someone else, huh? That's too bad."
	"Yeah, I guess." Darien sighed again and stirred his coffee
absentmindedly
	Andrew looked over the counter at Darien skeptically before
shaking his head in wonder. Of all the hard work and the many sleepless
nights he had spent writing his thesis, it finally paid off and not only
that, but he received the most prestigious offer ever made to anyone
attending, or anyone who's ever attended Juuban University. He knew that
Serena was the reason why he decided not to go, but was it really worth
it?
	"Look, Darien, maybe you still have a chance to go. I mean it'll
just be a year right? I'm sure Serena would understand." Andrew
suggested. He hated to see his buddy down.
	"I...I can't leave Serena. I mean what if I had to stay longer
for some reason and she gives up on me just because I wasn't ever there
for her. And then what if she finds someone else who isn't selfish enough
to leave her suddenly... No, Andrew, I just can't do it."
	"Serena's lucky to have you, Darien. Very lucky." They both
chuckled slightly before two hands came up to cover Darien's eyes.
	"Guess who Muffin?" She giggled from behind.
	"Oh, there's only one person who calls me that." Turning around,
Darien wrapped his arms around Serena affectionately before planting a
kiss on her lips. She sighed in return and after whispering something
into Darien's ear, hopped onto the stool next to him.
	"Good morning, Andrew. Just a coke for me today." She smiled
brightly.
	"One coke coming up!" Andrew replied and left them momentarily
to get her drink.
	"Oh Muffin, tell Andrew that I'll be right back. Gotta make a
quick phone call to mom." Serena suddenly remembered and left quickly.


	"Hey where did Serena go?" Andrew asked, a little confused that
Serena was nowhere around.
	"She went to make a phone call." Darien replied and looked toward
the back of the caf鮍
	"You know, I think you should really take this offer. I'm sure if
you decide to go, they wouldn't turn you down. Besides it was your thesis
that was accepted, not that other person's. And they'd be stupid if they
sent some guy over there who doesn't know what he's doing. Come on Darien,
just think about it. Don't let a little problem get in the way of your
dreams. Serena will understand, I guarantee you."
	"You sure are a big talker, Andrew. I just can't. Serena means
too much to me..."
	"What if she told you go. What if she told you that she wanted
you to go?"
	"Then I'd know she'd be lying. Look, Andrew, I've made up my
mind. She needs me here." Darien replied.
	"Look, just think about it ok? I'm telling you, you're making a
huge mistake just because of Serena." Andrew chided.
	Darien chuckled slightly and took a sip of his coffee. "Fine,
I'll think about it." They continued to talk, neither noticing the
shadow behind the wall that lingered only moments before quickly dashing
into the bathroom.

	"Oh...god, Darien..." Serena whimpered. She had just heard every
word of their conversation and couldn't bare any longer as tears streamed
down her pale cheeks. After all they've been through together, Darien was
actually thinking about going away and leaving her here all alone? It
was a selfish thought, but she wanted him to be with her always.
	"Serena? I didn't know you were here."
	Quickly wiping away her tears, she turned to see Rei walking out
of a stall. "Yeah, I...I just got here." They stood side by side and
both looked into the mirror to check their appearances. Suddenly, Rei
noticed the trail of try tears on Serena's cheek.
	"Have you been crying?" She asked, looking carefully into
Serena's downcast eyes.
	That was all it took for Serena to break down then and there. She
sunk to the floor defeated as she buried her face in her hands in sadness
and shame. Rei didn't have a clue why Serena was acting this way, but she
kneeled in front of her friend with sympathy.
	After a while, Serena raised her head from her folded arms and
sniffled silently. "What happened, Serena?" Rei asked worriedly. Not
getting a reply, she shook her friend gently. "Get yourself together,
girl. Did you jump to conclusions again?" She kidded with a chuckle. This
time, Serena looked up with a threatening glare. "Oops, sorry.  I won't
say that again." Rei smacked herself inwardly for bringing up such a
touchy subject. The last time Serena jumped to conclusions, Darien
almost died.
	"He's leaving me..." Serena choked out in a coarse whisper.
	"What??! What do you mean he's leaving you? Darien's leaving?"
Rei shouted in alarm. Just when everyone thought that things were finally
back to normal, something had to happen to ruin it. "Are you sure,
Serena? How do you know?"
	Looking down, Serena recounted everything that she heard between
Andrew and Darien and then explain why she thought it would really happen.
"I was the only reason that Darien stayed. Because of me, he lost his
dreams, everything he's worked so hard and long for. I...I know I'm
selfish for wanting him to stay with me, but I can't help it. I don't
want to lose him. What if...what if he goes to America, meets some
gorgeous American woman, falls in love with her and comes back with a
wife!!!????? Wahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!"
	Rei covered her ears and shook her head with a sweat drop.
"Serena! You're over reacting! Darien loves you and he will not fall in
love with anyone else okay?! Now you're going to march out there and tell
him how you feel! Crying will do you no good."
	Serena nodded in agreement and shakily stood up. "I...I don't
know what I'd do if you weren't here." She sniffled out and launched
into Rei's arms.
	'That's why I'm here.' Rei thought to herself with a smile.
"You're such a baby sometimes!" She couldn't help but huff out with a
sigh. Then smiling, Rei pushed Serena out of the restroom. "Go tell him.
He needs to know."

	Quietly, Serena made her way out of the ladies room and to stand
behind Darien. They had long changed the subject and now were just
discussing some everyday things. At her cough, they both stopped talking
and smiled at her.
	"Is everything ok? You took kinda long in there." Andrew
questioned, making Serena blush with dawning humiliation.
	"Oh! I wasn't sick to my stomach or anything. Rei happened to be
in there and we just chatted for a while...that's all." Serena quickly
replied. "Where's my coke?" Changing the subject, she hopped onto the
stool again and started to sip at her drink ravenously.
	"Eh...there's more coke Serena. Take it easy there." Andrew
grinned before continuing their conversation. "Anyway, as I was saying,
Lizzy really needs your support at this play next week. Do you think you
guys can make it?" He asked.
	Darien thought for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "I
suppose, if I don't have anything else planned. What do you say Serena?"
	"Uh, I...I think I'll be busy next week...with...with..."
	"Yes?" Andrew motioned for her to continue.
	"It's summer." Darien stated.
	"I'm just going to be busy that's all! What's with the third
degree!" She suddenly yelled, making Darien a little uneasy. Then she
turned her attention back to the ice cubes left in her glass. She sighed
loudly before looking up to Darien apologetically. "I'm sorry, Darien."
She choked out.
	'Darien?' Darien thought in surprise. She hasn't called him by
his real name the time that they've been dating. It was always Muffin,
or Pumpkin, or some kind of desert name. Something wasn't right here.
	"Um...I'm going to go check in the arcade. You know what those
rowdy kids can do?" With a smile, Andrew left them alone at the counter.
After a moment of silence, they both looked up at the same moment to
stare intently into each other's eyes.
	'Why don't you tell me how you really feel?' they both asked
silently.
	'I thought we were past keeping secrets from each other, Darien.
Why won't you trust me?' Serena thought with urgency. This foreign
exchange thing was obviously important to him and he would rather share
it with Andrew than her.
	'Why are you acting this way? Am I not making you happy?' Darien
thought at the same time. Ever since that day they spent at his apartment,
things have somehow changed, not for the good of it though. He turned
away when she broke the contact and they both just sat there wondering
what the other was thinking.
	"Well, I...I guess I'm just cranky because it's so early and
honestly I usually don't get up until about noon. Hey, it's summer
vacation, right?" Serena chirped out in the effort to make some
comfortable conversation. Though it didn't help much, Darien was glad
that at least they were talking to each other.
	"Yeah, I guess it's too early in the morning for me too." He
replied.
	'No, it's not. You're always an early riser.' Serena thought
sadly to herself. He was lying again. She then smiled. She really didn't
give him the good opportunity to admit his feelings. Oh well, maybe at
a better time. She swore that she will somehow get it out of him.
	"Oh, look at the time. Mom wants me back to make lunch. The
whole family's going over to Aunt Anita's house for a picnic. I'll call
you when I get back." With that said, Serena leaned in to kiss Darien
quickly on the lips, and walked out of the caf鮍
	Darien stared after her form oddly. That was the most awkward
moment they've ever shared in the entire time that they've know each
other.

	"She left huh? What was that all about?" Andrew asked, returning
to his shift.
	"I honest don't know, Andrew. I thought everything was working
out. I don't know what could possibly be happening between us." Darien
answered truthfully.
	"You know you guys don't have one thing in common. Yet, you're
completely in love with each other. Don't let this get in the way because
I know it's going to work out."
	"Yeah? Who named you the God of Love?"
	"Me of course. You know what they all say? Opposites attract, and
that's a fact!"
	Darien chuckled to himself. 'That's what Serena's friends said.'

- - - <- - ~<@

	"Sooooo? Are you going to tell me what happened or do I have to
start guessing?"
	"Nothing happened. I...I didn't tell him."
	"But, I thought you wanted him to know how you..."
	"That's not important Rei. What's important is that his decision
is based on his needs, not mine. I can't keep on standing in his way. If
I tell him how I really feel, he'll never leave."
	Rei sat down next to Serena and handed her a cup of tea. "I, uh,
thought that's what you wanted - for him to stay with you. Why the sudden
change of mind?"
	Serena smiled. "It's more of a change of heart, I guess. I love
him dearly and it's time that I make him happy. And you're going to help
me, Rei."
	Rei suddenly spit out her drink and turned to Serena suspiciously.
"Me? What do you mean I'm going to help you? Just what exactly is going
on in that meatball head of yours?"
	Serena returned with simply a gleam in her eyes.
	"Oh no. I don't like that look, Serena. You better explain
yourself."

5 minutes later...

	"What? That's insane! Serena, how could you even think of taking
such a risk!?" Rei shouted. She couldn't believe what she was hearing
from the love-struck girl. She shook her head in disagreement. "I...I
simply can not see you two tormented again."
	Serena groaned in impatience. "Rei! Would you please just listen
to me? This is for Darien. This is for all the hard work and persistence
he put into his studies, into his thesis. He deserves this opportunity
and I'm not going to be the one stopping him. Now, please, you need to
understand this so we can tell the rest of the girls."
	Rei rolled her eyes again and shook her head in wonder. "Alright.
If you say so."

The next day...

	"What?!" Ami, Lita, and Mina shouted simultaneously.
	"This is..." Ami started.
	"unbelievably..." Mina continued.
	"crazy! Definitely crazy!" Lita finished as the girls continued
to gawk at Serena and a sweat dropping Rei.
	"That's exactly what I told her." Rei mumbled under her breath,
but was jabbed in the ribs by Serena's elbow. "Ok, ok."
	After a moment of contemplation, Lita looked up to Serena with a
nod of her head. "Alright, Serena. If it means this much to you, then
we'll help. I...I hope it works out at the end." She announced. She hated
to see them go through more tormenting, but Serena seemed determined to
make Darien happy and this was the only way.
	"Yes, I agree. You two love each other and deserve happiness. If
this is the way to get it, then I'm in." Ami added. She smiled to
indicate reassurance. Serena couldn't help but feel tears stinging her
eyes and her heart beat wildly in anticipation.
	At last, Mina walked up to Serena, her face expressionless.
"Promise me one thing, Serena." She urged. Serena nodded and Mina put her
hands on her best friend's shoulders. "Promise me that you and Darien
will get back together at the end. Promise me that there will be no more
crying over him or going into depressions because he's away."
	"I promise, Mina. Pinky swear." Serena raised her pinky with
confidence.
	Mina linked her pinky with Serena's and they came together with
a warm and comforting hug. "Then, you have my full support." The girls
gathered around Serena and put their heads together.
	"Alright, tell us what to do."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~    >^-^<

	"Alright. There's Darien. Let's just get through this fast and go
on to the next step, ok?" Mina asked. She was already getting nervous.
The girls had gotten together earlier to rehearse their little skit. The
time has finally come and there's no turning back. Rei glanced back once
more before shushing everyone and resuming their positions.
	"So you think she's in love with him?" Rei asked, loud enough for
Darien to hear across the caf頩n another booth. "I...I don't know what
to say, except that he's so hot!" She faked and mentally kicked herself
for going along with it.
	Just then Darien looked up at the loud voices coming from around
the counter. Andrew wasn't there, and it was so early that just one or
two other customers were reading their papers quietly while drinking
coffee. Since he knew the girls, he didn't bother to wonder who they
were talking about.
	Mina motioned with a wink that Darien was listening to them. They
straightened up a bit before continuing with the charade. "I guess Darien
wasn't the one. The poor thing, after all he and Serena went through, she
had her heart set on someone else all the time."
	"Aw, how is she ever going to break it to him?" Ami asked.
	Lita shook her head. "I know she loves him, but not the way that
he loves her. Isn't it a shame?"
	This time Darien raised his head from the magazine he was reading
and glanced over at the girls with confusion. 'What?' He thought in alarm.
'What the hell are they talking about?' Adjusting slightly in his seat,
Darien looked up silently and continued to eavesdrop on their
conversation.
	"Well, what do you think she's going to tell him? He needs to
know the truth." Ami said. This time, every doubt he had of their
conversation vanished. 'Ami would never lie.' He thought. But still,
something doesn't make sense. He had now stood up and started to walk
toward the girls, wanting some answers.
	Rei turned around just as he was within a few feet of the girls.
"Darien! Oh...I, I didn't know you were here." She pretended to be
alarmed and made eye contact with Lita briefly before looking out the
window. "Um..." She started.
	"I couldn't help hearing what you were talking about and..."
	"Uh, yeah, whatever. Um let's go talk somewhere else huh? It's
hot in here. Yeah, let's go next door to the arcade. Boy, I feel like
playing some video games." Rei replied quickly and started to pull Darien
away from the door.
	"Wait a minute. What...? I need to know what's going on, Rei.
Tell me the truth." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close to stare
into her eyes. The girls could tell that Rei was weakening and she would
soon give up and tell him everything. "What were you saying about
Serena?"
	"Um..." Rei stuttered before glancing back at the entrance again.
"Let's go talk somewhere else. We're disturbing the customers."
	"But you never cared when you were talking so loudly about Serena.
Why the sudden change?" He demanded. He wanted to know. He needed to know
what was going on. Maybe get some answers about Serena's behavior lately.
	"I..."
	"Darien...this is not a good time for us to discuss this..."
	"Serena?"
	Mina was suddenly interrupted when the door bell jingled and in
came Serena, hand in hand with another boy. He was probably around her
age. Tall, handsome, masculine, and just as Rei had said, hot. He looked
back and forth between Serena and Darien. "Do you know him Serena?" He
asked, claiming to be clueless.
	"Darien. I...I didn't know you were going...to...to be..."
	"What's going on Serena?" Darien asked, his tone and gaze hard as
stone as he stared down to Serena in disbelieve. Lita was the first one
to recover and stepped up to Serena comfortingly.
	"Go ahead, Serena. Tell him. He needs to know." She chided. There
it goes again. This...this insane idea that Serena was keeping something
from him. And that she was in love with another guy? Darien shook his
head in denial as he grabbed Serena's hand in his and led her to a
corner.
	"Hey, get your hands off of her!" The other guy shouted, reaching
out to take Serena back. But, he was stopped by Serena herself and she
reached up to touch his cheek tenderly before whispering something into
his ear. Still not satisfied, he glared at Darien and stepped back
reluctantly. The girls also held him back from Darien.

	"Darien...I...I need to tell you something." Serena begin,
tearing brimming her eyes. They weren't fake tears. She was sobbing not
because she was going along with the charade, but in fear of really
hurting him, her true love. "We...we..." Finally choked up, she turned
away from him to wipe away some tears.
	"What are you trying to say?" He asked, his voice slicing through
her like a thousand knifes. It all seemed like some kind of a nightmare
to him. One day they were happy together, and now, Serena's crying
because she can't tell him that...
	"I don't love you, Darien. I...I was confused and, and..."
	"What?"
	"I love Josh. He's always been the one for me. I'm sorry Darien.
I'm so sorry." She was bawling now, not being able to hold back the pain.
Darien turned away in disbelieve as he listened to the heart breaking
words of his beloved. Why is she doing this to him?
	"We love each other, Serena! After all this time? I don't
understand."
	"Darien! You're not listening! I!" She pointed to herself
dramatically. "I felt guilty that you were in an accident because of me,
ok? I didn't mean to lead you on in anyway. You did that on your own!"
She was practically yelling now, trying to get across to her point.
	"I never saw that coming..." He replied, his eyes also welling up
with tears. His heart was completely broken as a black void filled his
slowly dying soul. "If this is the way you feel, then...then I have
nothing to say." He turned to leave, but Serena had grabbed his arm and
held it against her chest. Was this really over?
	"Wait...please...please..."
	"What else do you want from me?" He asked sharply, his voice
nevertheless wavering in pain
	"Go...go to the United States. I knew I was the one keeping you
from your dreams. Now, I won't be in your way. Please, go." She begged,
trying to convince him.
	"Is this what you want? You want me to be out of your life
forever? You've been in love with someone else all this time? The other
day, you were so reluctant to speak to me. I should have known that
something was happening between us. I just never thought you were this
kind of a person, Serena. Anyone, but you..." Darien gave Serena one last
look before turning around and walking out of the caf鮍
	The girls took in a deep breath and patted Josh on the back.
"Nice job, Josh. Thanks." Mina smiled wanly. At least the worst part was
over. Now it aws up to Darien. They all turned their gazes to Serena as
she stared after him longingly. "I love you, Darien. I will never hurt
you again." She vowed. "Things will be back to normal, soon."

Three weeks later...

	"Thank you for dinner, Darien. It was delicious. I had no idea
you were such a good cook."
	Darien smiled and brought out two champagne glasses and some
wine. "Care for some Merlot, Claire?" He asked. She nodded gracefully
and joined him on the balcony. He poured out the wine, and after making
a short toast, drank down the half glassful in one large gulp.
	"I didn't know you were a drinker?" She asked with a giggle.
	Darien grinned lopsidedly and set the glass down with a cling. "I
didn't either."
	They became silent and both just stared off into the orange sky
with the setting sun. Darien suddenly remembered bitterly that one night
while Serena was over here, she had fallen asleep in his arms watching
the same exact sunset. He smiled slightly at the memory. But the smile
faded suddenly as he glanced at Claire beside him.
	He didn't know why he had called her up and asked her to dinner.
He was mad and it drove him insane thinking of Serena's betrayal. Not
really thinking, he had dragged Claire into this big mess. Closing his
eyes, Darien leaned against the railing and felt the light breeze brush
across his face.
	"Darien, where are you?" Claire asked.
	"In a world that's disappearing, I'm afraid." Darien answered. He
turned slightly and smiled softly at her. She looked so beautiful tonight.
Maybe it was the wine or just because he was distracted, but somehow his
heart yearned for her company. He looked back down at the streets with a
sigh.
	"Perhaps, I can bring you back to my world..." She stopped
talking when he was no longer paying attention to her, but instead
looking intently at something...or rather someone walking below. He
seemed frozen in his position as he squinted his eyes to see better.
	The person down below had also looked up at the same time and
made eye contact with him, and then Claire too. Her pale blue eyes
widened in surprise, and even though they were six floors up, she knew
who Claire was. Her pink lips suddenly let out a gasp and her steps
quickened immediately.
	"Who is she, Darien?" Claire asked after a moment of silence and
confusion.
	"I've gotta go. I'll be right back." Darien mumbled before
running inside and out the door, leaving a confused Claire behind on the
balcony.

-<>- -<>- -<>- -<>-

	"Wait!" He shouted and continued to run after her. She was fast,
but he was faster. Before long, Darien had caught up with her, and he
reached out to grab her wrist. "Wait! I have to know something!" He
demanded. "You're the only who can tell me the truth now, Ami."
	"What do you mean, Darien?" Ami's timidly voice choked out. She
really didn't want to be in this situation. She looked into his eyes
nervously.
	"I know that you don't lie, Ami. I've known you long enough to
know that you'd never betray your friends. But you would never hurt them
when you know that something could be done. Tell me, is it true?" He
asked.
	Ami freed her wrist from his grasp and lowered her head in shame.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth no matter how much it was eating
her away inside. Like Serena said, he would never leave if he found out
what they were really up to. And if he didn't leave, he wouldn't be happy,
even if he had Serena.
	"I...I don't know what you're talking about." Ami replied hastily
before turning to leave.
	But Darien still followed. "I just want to know one thing. Did
Serena mean it?"
	"Why are you asking me? You heard what Serena said to you at
the..."
	"I don't care what she said to me!" Darien shouted. He took hold
of her shoulders and shook her really hard. "I know you know the truth
and I want to know the truth. Just tell me, is it over between Serena
and I?"
	Ami looked up frightened, not a single word escaping her lips.
"I...I..." She stuttered.
	"Please, Ami. That's all I'm asking you to tell me. Is it...over?"
Darien asked again. He searched her eyes desperately for the answer the
wanted to hear. Alas it wasn't there.
	"I'm sorry Darien. She told you the truth." That was all he
needed to hear. Ami silently cried as he turned away momentarily. She
could tell that his heart was breaking. "Was that Claire you were with on
your balcony?" She asked after a minute of silence.
	"So what if I was. It doesn't matter anymore." Darien ran a hand
through his hair before walking across the street toward his apartment
complex. "Thanks for telling me the truth, Ami. Maybe I'll see you
around." He waved before entering the building.
	Ami's sympathetic gaze followed Darien's retreating form until it
was just a mere shadow. She then looked up to the sixth floor and her
eyes met those of Claires. They reflected confusion. Ami only turned
away and continued her walk. When she looked back once more, Darien was
already there with her, and they walked inside to his apartment.
	"Please Darien, don't do anything you'll regret."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

	"Ami! For once you're the one late!" Mina hollered as Ami entered
the temple and sat down at the table with the rest of the girls. Ami only
smiled slightly before picking her tea cup and drinking its content in
one gulp.
	"I heard from Andrew that Darien is leaving for the states
tomorrow morning. What are you planning to do now, Serena?" Rei asked.
They had come together to hear what Serena had in mind for the next step.
	Serena took a deep breath before a smile spread across her face.
"Well, first I'm going to let him go." At the girls' confused stares, she
continued. "Now, when he gets there, I will call him and tell him
everything. It will then be too late to come back because he'd already
be in class and can't possibly leave. Then everything will be okay and
I'll simply have to try to survive until he comes back."
	The girls nodded in unison. "Wow, Serena. You thought all out on
this didn't you?" Mina asked with a giggle. "I'm just glad that things
will turn out just fine for you two at the end."
	"Yeah, the worst part is over." Lita added.
	"I don't know about that." Ami suddenly interjected. She looked
across the table at Serena with a sad expression. "Serena...I...oh it's
horrible!" She finally cried.
	"What is Ami?" they all asked simultaneously.
	Ami wiped away a tear that was falling from her eye and told
them what had happened on her way to the temple. Afterwards, everyone
became silent, Serena especially. She thought deeply to herself before
looking up with a smile. "That's alright. I'll...I'll just have to trust
that he didn't do anything. I believe in him. He can't just give up that
easily. He loves me."
	They girls came together with a hug. "Don't worry Serena. Just
have faith." Lita whispered as a tear fell from her eye.

The next day...

	"Hey Andrew! Where were you?" Mina asked wonderingly. "I've been
waiting here forever. Did you oversleep this morning?" She joked. Andrew
shook his head with a chuckle and motioned her to follow him inside the
caf鮍
	"Actually I just dropped Darien and Claire off at the airport."
He replied. "It's such a shame what happened between him and Serena.
Claire was actually his replacement, and after he told his professor that
he wanted to rejoin the program, he let both of them go."
	"What? What time does their plane leave?" Mina asked as she
grabbed his shirt collard urgently.
	"Uh...11:45. Why?"
	"Never mind that! Tell Rei that I went to the airport, but do
not tell Serena, you hear me or I will come back and kill you!!!" She
yelled and let go of him.
	"Ok ok, geez. Don't have a cow!" By now, Mina had ran out of the
caf鬠and after getting a cab, got in and zoomed out of view.
	"Ohmygod, ohmygod!!!" Mina mumble as she looked for the
departing gate. "Ah ha! Gate 637, leaving at 11:45. I have two minutes
to get there!" With that, she jumped over some luggage, knocked over a
poor steward, tripped an old lady, and finally was on her way to stop
Darien from getting on that plane.

Meanwhile at the caf鮮.

	"You took Darien AND Claire to the airport??!!! YOU...YOU IDIOT!!!
I didn't think anyone could be more idiotic than Chad! But I was wrong!"
Rei screamed angrily at a confused Andrew.
	"Dude, that's quite a compliment." Chad said happily.
	"YOU SHUT UP TOO! Now take me to the airport NOW! I'll deal with
you later!" She pointed to Andrew before pushing Chad out of the caf鮍
	"This is the last call for Flight 234, exiting Gate 637 from
Tokyo to New York. All passengers must board the plane. This is the
final call for Flight 234." The announcer's voice rang throughout the
terminal.
	Mina rushed to the gate before being stopped by the flight
attendant. "I'm sorry, Miss. May I see you ticket please?" She asked
politely. Mina on the other hand didn't have the time to be polite or
respectful.
	"LOOK LADY! There are two people I care deeply about who's lives
are going to be ruined if you don't let me pass! I must find Darien and
tell him something this moment!"
	"I'm sorry. I cannot let you pass without a ticket."
Mina glared at the confused woman before pushing herself all the way
inside the terminal and yelling on the top of her lungs, "DARIEN! IF
YOU CAN HEAR ME, SERENA LOVES YOOOOOUUUUUU! PLEASE, DON'T DO ANYTHING
REGRETFUL!!!!! DARIEN!!!!!!!!"
	"Miss! Please, stop this at once or I will have to call security.
The plane is scheduled to leave exactly now and it will leave whether
you like or not. Please step back!" She shook her head in disapproval
as he shut the terminal door after her.
	There, she had tried her best and failed. What was to happen
now? Mina sighed dejected while sitting down amongst other passengers.
"I'm sorry Serena. I tried my best." Just then, Rei and Chad ran around
the corner breathlessly to find the plane already preparing to leave
the runway.
	They looked at one another silently. "We're too late, aren't
we?" Rei asked, plopping down next to Mina with a sigh.
	Mina nodded, her gaze focused on the plane that had already
taken off. "What are we going to tell Serena. She'll be devastated."
	"Dude...I knew it was a bad idea." Chad added, before ducking
behind the row of chairs. But to his surprise, Rei didn't smack him.
Instead, she nodded with a sad expression. "Darien went to America and
Serena's left with a backfired plan. I was afraid of this, Mina. I was
afraid of this."

	Later that night, the girls gathered at Rei's temple and broke
the news to Serena. She didn't cry or whine, but just sat there
listening quietly to their comforting words. "I'm so sorry, Serena.
There was nothing we could do. His plane had already left and I couldn't
stop him..." Mina apologized.
	"Then I guess I have to go to him myself and explain everything,
don't I?" Serena asked. The whole group became silence all of a sudden
and turned to Serena flabbergasted.
	"What?" They asked in unison.
	"What are you saying, Serena?" Ami asked, afraid to hear the
answer.
	"I'm going to America myself." She declared. "It's a nonstop
flight to New York and I'm sure that I'll be able to find him."
	"New York is a huge city, Serena. Larger than Tokyo. You'll get
lost and...and you don't even speak much English!" Lita pleaded. "Are
you sure you really want to do this?"
	"Everyone, you've been so great to me these past three weeks and
you've done all that you can to help me. Now it's my turn to help myself.
I can't just sit on my butt and wait for him to come back to me. I must
find him. I have the address where he will be staying and the school he
is attending. What else do I need?"
	"Eh...money, perhaps!" Rei shouted. "Look, if you're going to be
insane and do this, at least let me help you. Here's my ATM card. Take
out however much you need." The rest of the girls agreed and gave Serena
their ATM cards.
	"Oh no, guys I...I can't do this. This is too much!" Serena
pushed back gratefully.
	"Serena, how else are you supposed to get to America? Hm? Now,
just take it and you better pay us back!" Mina kidded before pulling
Serena into a hug.
	"I'm going to do this, guys. I love him too much to let him go.
And I'll make it till the end."


	"Can I help you, miss?"
	"Eh...yes. Um...I...I am loo...looking for Darien Chiba."
	"Okay, let me check my references. Are you Japanese?"
	"Yes."
	"OH! That is so awesome! I've met a lot of Asian people, but
never a Japanese. It's nice to meet you!"
	"Nice to meet you too."
	"So?" The girl at the reference desk looked up from her computer
and smiled at Serena. "Who's this Darien guy you've come so far to
see?" She giggled at Serena's blush. Not that she was blushing from the
straight forward question, but because she didn't understand a word the
girl just said.
	"I'm sorry. I eh...no speak much English." Serena shrugged,
eager to see Darien.
	"Oh, that's alright. Hey did you just get here from Japan? You
have so many baggage." Then realizing that Serena didn't understand her,
she went back to looking for the files. "Ah ha! I found it. Won't you
be happy! He is currently attending a class in room 367. But, you can't
go in." She shook her head and finger at the same time. Serena
scrunched her brows.
	"Um...class...no go in." The girl motioned with her hands.
This time Serena nodded and she smiled to reassure her that she wouldn't.
The girl nodded her head with a grin. "Alright, then, I wrote it down
for you. Just go on the elevator to the third floor and to you left."
She pointed with her hands.
	"Oh thank you. Thank you very much!" Serena bowed gratefully.
	"You're welcome sweetie. Hee hee, she's so cute."

	Serena stopped shakily before room 367 and set down her luggage,
containing two fairly large duffel bags and a travel backpack. "Please,
don't let me be too late." She pleaded before sitting down on a chair
opposite the room and waited impatiently. Finally the door opened, and
students filed out of the room one by one. But, Darien was no where to
be found.
	Just then someone tapped her in the shoulder, and she whipped
around in surprise. "I'm sorry if I scared you dear, but you seemed to
need help."
	Serena didn't really understand what the old gentlemen had said,
but after hearing the word 'help' she decided to try to reply. "I...I am
looking for Darien Chiba..." She said while taking a picture out of her
purse and showing it to the old man. He looked at it carefully before
nodding his head in recognition.
	"Of course! Darien! Oh you won't find him here. He's at a board
meeting with the dean. Tell you what, dear, since you're so pretty, I'd
like to take you to a party we are throwing for his and Ms. Claire's
arrival. Would you like to come? You can meet him there." He asked.
	Looking up with a frown, she told him that she wasn't
understanding what he was telling her. He chuckled in response and
whipped out his English/Japanese dictionary. After a few attempts,
Serena finally understood and agreed almost excitedly to join him.
	During their day together, Serena not only learned that this
old man was not only rich, but part of the board of directors at the
regional hospital. Somehow, she was able to figure out what he was
trying to tell her. The poor man, she thought, had at last given up on
having a conversation. Thank goodness their last stop was a jewelry
shop where he let her pick out something of her choice.
	On their way to the party, he turned to her in the limo and
smiled. "You don't really know me dear, but I already know you. You see,
Darien has told me about you when he first arrived. He was very fund of
you indeed. I just don't understand why you left him? But, I'm just
surprise how you made it here without any trouble..." he continued on
and on. Serena only smiled and nodded occasionally. She owed him that
much for helping her.
	If he only knew how much trouble she had really gone through
to get here. First, trying to find the exit at the NY airport was hard
enough. After asking around and meeting another Japanese person
coincidentally, she got some directions. Then, it was with vain efforts
oftrying to tell the cab driver where to take her. Finally getting
impatient, she dugged through her backpack and finally found the
address she had gotten.
	Unknown to Darien, Serena had gone to Dr. Saruki before the
whole charade thing and begged for him to accept Darien again. He
agreed without a single question and had given her the number and
address which Darien would be staying in New York. He was very glad
that she was doing this for his top student. Then the old man finally
understood why Darien was so reluctant to leave Japan.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

	"Ah, good evening Mrs. Robinson. How are you?"
	"Good evening, Dr. Reid. We're all very excited to hear your
speech tonight."
	"Why, thank you. I feel much more confident. Enjoy the party."
The old man turned his attention back to Serena and smiled softly. "Why
so nervous. My, you look wonderful." He commented. "Now, let's go
prepare for our entrance, shall we?" He bowed and offered his arm to her.
Serena giggled slightly at the old man's silliness and laced her gloved
arm through his.

	"Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Dr. Frederick Reid."
Applause...
	"Thank you, Dr. Thompson. You know, the best thing happened to
me today. I met a very wonderful person. She is beautiful, sweet,
radiant, and hardly speaks a word of English." At that, everyone laughed
and raised their champagne glasses, including Darien.
	Dr. Reid became silent as he looked down to all the people
standing before him. "Ha! Who cares about stupid contracts. People sign
them everyday and this is my retirement for crying out loud! Ah, I
almost forgot." He chuckled before motioning to someone behind the
curtains. "I have never felt so carefree my entire life until I met her,
and I dedicate this party to her also. Come on out dear."
	Everyone turned their attention to the podium, waiting for that
mysterious someone. Suddenly the whole crowd became silent as Serena
emerged into the spot light. She was probably...no definitely the most
beautiful girl there, and every single pair of eyes were glued on her.
	"Serena!" Darien breathed out in utter surprise. Was he having
a dream?
	"Oh there you are, Darien! She's been looking all over for you
today! Why don't you take her somewhere to talk hm?" He suggested with
a wink and the whole audience broke into laughter at the two young
people's blushes. Darien had no choice but to comply. He walked swiftly
to Dr. Reid and Serena.
	"She was a delightful companian, Darien. Would you please tell
her that she may keep everything she has on tonight. My personal gift
to her as a sentiment of my affections." He then turned to Serena with
a broad smile, full of wrinkles. "I sure will miss you when you leave."
	Somehow Darien didn't need to translate. Serena already
understood. She took his hand into her smaller ones and leaned up to
kiss his cheek tenderly before whispering a soft 'thank you,' into his
ear. The old man's smile became broader and he kissed her hand with the
same amount of tenderness and adoration.


	"Why are you here?" Darien asked when they were finally alone
on the balcony.
	"To tell you the truth. I...I wasn't honest with you, Darien."
Serena replied with tears streaming down her cheeks.
	"Then tell me the truth."
	"I...I only faked the whole deal between me and Josh so that
you'd get mad and leave Japan. I didn't want to keep you from reaching
your dreams. You worked so hard for this and I was so selfish for
wanting you to stay with me. You must hate me!" She sobbed, turning
around to hide her tears.
	Darien chuckled deeply before taking her into his embrace. "Why
didn't you just tell me?" He asked, brushing his lips against her neck.
He had missed her so much and every minute without her was torture.
	Serena closed her eyes as she leaned against him. It felt so
wonderful to feel his arms around her, holding her like before.
"Because I heard you and Andrew talking about it. And you said you
could never leave me. I...I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry I hurt you, Darien.
I don't deserve you!" By now sniffles and sobs wracked her whole body.
	Darien turned her around and touched her face tenderly. "You
came all the way here just to tell me that? You could have just called."
He smiled, brushing away a tear. "But I'm glad you did."
	Serena sighed deeply. "I...I thought you were with..."
	"Claire?" He finished. "I...I asked her over to have dinner to
discuss the program. And partly because I was stupid and too blind for
doubting you. But, nothing more. I suppose I did wanted some company that
night. The night that Ami saw us. But nothing happened, Serena. I promise
you."
	"Then,let's not have any more secrets, Darien. I can't bare to go
through that again. And I want you to stay and go all the way through
with this program. Even though I will miss you so much, I will be happy
knowing that you're happy here."
	Darien chuckled before lifting Serena in his arms and turning
them around. "I love you meatball head. Will you wait for me?" He asked,
pulling her closer to him.
	Serena nodded with the brightest smile. "I will be waiting. And I
will think about you everyday. I love you so much."
	They came together with a passionate kiss under the bright summer
stars. When they pulled apart, Darien chuckled suddenly and leaned his
forehead against Serena's. "What's so funny, Muffin?"
	"Do you parents know about any of this?" He asked with an arch
of his brow.
	Serena pulled away slightly and looked up to him with a steady
shake of her head. "They think I'm out camping somewhere in the woods
with the girls. I don't think we should ever tell them...you know just to
be on the safe side." She giggled.
	Darien laughed along and kissed her again, this time slower and
meaningful. "You look so beautiful Serena. When you first walked onto
that stage, I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping." He told her while
placing soft kisses on her neck. He reached out to grasp her hands in his
and laced their fingers together. Serena sighed happily as Darien leaned
his forehead against hers with a lopsided grin.
	"I would give anything to stay this way forever. Just you and I,
under the stars, holding each other." Serena murmured. "But," she stopped
to kiss him again. "I must leave tomorrow."
	Darien groaned out in frustration and wrapped his arms around her
again. "Why don't you stay here with me?" He asked, knowing what the
answer would be.
	"Darien, you know I can't. And besides, who's going to throw you
a welcome back party if I'm not there."
	"Well, I tried." After a moment of silence, he chuckled down to
her serene face. "I thought you hate airplanes."
	Serena's face suddenly contorted into that of fear, and her eyes
widen in remembrance. "Ugh, don't remind me!"



THE END!
Finally, it's done! So, what do you think? Was it good at all? Anywayz,
I'd like to dedicate this to all of you out there who asked me for it.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to leave off where it had been in Chapter 7.
Please write me and tell me your thoughts because I'm totally bored out
of my mind now that it's summer. And I have absolutely nothing to do
this whole week!!!!! Everybody's on vacation except me. It's pathetic
I know. I have no life! So you see how much I need mail to keep me
alive! Well, Happy summer!
Love and Kisses
Blue Ice