Something Unexpected : Chapter 3 by Blue-Ice "It's almost 6:30. Where is he?" Serena sat at the edge of her bed nervously twiddling her fingers in her lap. 'Oh no, he's not coming! I'm going to be dateless.' "I'll just apply my makeup. Ya that's a good idea." Serena walked over to her dresser and sat down in front of the mirror. She looked at her face frowning in the reflection. Serena decided to go with a natural but subtle look. She dabbed some liquid foundation onto her clean face, and then with a cosmetic sponge, smoothed out the lotion evenly over her face. After that Serena added some powder over the foundation. She applied very little blush because her cheeks were already a rosy color. Using only a lip buffer, it made her lips shinier, and fuller, but leaving her natural lip color visible. After putting on the mascara, Serena stopped and looked at her image in the mirror. "What would be a good color for eye shadow?" she wondered for a moment. Then it hit her. "Of course!! Why didn't I think of that sooner? Silver would be perfect!" After finishing up some last touches on her face, Serena stood up and walked to the full length mirror. She turned around and around pretending she was dancing in her lover's arms. At last she stopped and analyzed her appearance. "What are you doing?" Serena jumped in surprise as she turned around to her doorway. There Sammy stood with his arms folded across his chest, and with a smirk on his face. "Get out Sammy!" Serena screamed as Sammy mimicked her movements seconds ago. "Oh I love you....kiss me!" Sammy mocked as he turned his back to Serena and wrapped his arms around him making more kissing noises. He laughed as Serena stomped towards him ready to kick him down the stairs. All of a sudden she heard the door bell ring. "I got it." yelled Irene as she opened the door. "Hi is Serena ready?" "Oh you must be Seiya! Serena's so excited that you're taking her to the ball! She's up in her room, I'll go get her. Make yourself comfortable." She started walking up the stairs. "Thank you." Seiya said politely. Seiya sat on the couch and looked through a magazine, when all of a sudden someone sat beside him. "Are you Serena's date?" "Yes I am, and are you Sammy?" "Ya how do you know?" Seiya smiled. "Your sister told me a lot about you." "Oh." was all Sammy said after that. Silence filled the room as neither could think of something to say. After a long time of just sitting there, Sammy realized something. "Where is Serena, she was getting impatient waiting, and now that you're finally here, she's not coming?" "Well," replied Seiya. "You see, a lady always makes her date wait to make a grand entrance." Sammy gave him a confused look. "That's right Sammy." The two turned around to see Serena walking gracefully down the stairs, her dress swaying to her movements. "Uhh." was all Seiya could say as he was stunned by her beauty. "Honey I want you to be home by midnight." "But mom I don't have school tomorrow, and we're all going to spend the night at Rei's." "Oh alright, but you better call me tomorrow morning or else." "Thanks mom. I love you so much!" "Bye have fun." "Let's go!" Serena squealed and pulled Seiya carelessly out the door. "I'm never going to date anyone, ever." Sammy said. "Why is that dear?" Irene asked. "I wouldn't want to be dragged around by someone like Meatball Head." Irene couldn't help but laugh at her son's serious tone. Seiya helped Serena into the limo and walked around to the other side. It only took 20 minutes to get there. "I'll be parked in the B lot number 42, Sir, when you need my services again." the chauffeur told Seiya. "Thank you Henry, I'll remember that." And off they go to the ball. As Serena laced her arm through Seiya's, she felt her confidence rise. Tonight, she's going to have fun with her friends, and not let Darien bother her anymore. Feeling Serena's arm, Seiya looked down to her angelic face, and thought how anyone, especially Darien can take her for granted. Suddenly Seiya realized that he no longer had romantic feelings for her, but the love of an brother toward this sweet innocent girl. He briefly wondered why things always turn out bad for him. Usually girls swooned at him because of his looks, fame and fortune. And now that he's finally found the one he's been waiting for, someone who appreciate his friendship only because of him, and not some supar star. It turns out that there's no chemistry between them. 'Seiya, Seiya' he shook his head, 'when are you ever going to find her?' He was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts when he walked into the bright ballroom. It looked like a palace with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. A large one was hanging directly above the stage that was actually a large area 2/3 way down the stairs that went all the way to the second story. There was a grand stair case that reached to the dance floor. Round tables were set up all around the room with elegant silver wear and expensive china. In the middle of the tables were candles on exquisite stands made of gold and silver. Even though he did take part in decorating, it looks totally different at night with all the lights on. He took a deep breath and led Serena to their seats. "Amy, hi!" Serena rushed over to her friend sitting at a table. "Serena, I put all of us together!" Amy smiled warmly. "Oh really? That's so great! I was just wondering where everyone else were." "They are back stage rehearsing right now. I think you should go too!" Amy said carefully. "Why? They don't need help do they?" Serena asked now a little curious. "I bet they do. Rei said something about having trouble with her costume." "Well, if that's the case, then come on Seiya, let's go help!" "Ok, I need to rehearse anyway." Serena and Seiya walked away just as Darien and Melissa made their grand entrance. "Our plan is in action." whispers Amy to Greg, and he smiles knowingly. "Here they come." Everyone in the room turned to see the dashing couple walk in with pride and grace. Darien gave a lopsided grin as he held Melissa by her side, showing off his beautiful date. They were escorted to Amy and Greg's table, as the girls had planned. This is going well so far. Mean while back stage, Serena was surprised by all her friends when she walked in. In her hands, Rei held a beautiful gown that seemed similar to Serena, but couldn't really place where she's seen it. "Surprise!!!" said Rei enthusiastically. "What? It's not my birthday! But I am so happy you did this!" "Well let me explain." said Rei. "Remember how you loved the movie Anastasia? Well, we all put our heads together and came up with a little something. We are granting your wish to sing tonight. And you well be wearing this." She held up the gown. "Ohh.....Rei, it's Anastasia' s princess gown. It's...it's beautiful....Oh thank you so much!" Serena hugged each one of her friends all of a sudden wanting to cry because she was so happy. "Go try it on." "ok ." Serena stepped out of the dressing room two minutes later with her gown. She looked so stunningly beautiful that Amy didn't even recognize her as she came in to get ready. "Oh Serena, is that you?" She asked in awe. This has to be the best night of Serena's life. "Why did you do this for me?" she asked Lita. "We wanted to get back at Darien for hurting you. He's too blind to see what a great person you are. So do your best out there tonight and show him what you've got!!!" Serena was speechless. "Do you think it'll work?" she asked. "Of course Meatball Head!" Rei said happily. ''Would we have gone through all this trouble if we thought it wouldn't work?" Mina finished. "Now you march your butt out there and show everyone what you're made of." said Lita. "You guys are the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for. Thank you!" The girls group -hugged one last time before Amy's mother came in and told them everything is ready to go in five minutes. "Ahhhhhhh!!!" the girls squealed in excitement. Everyone except Serena and Rei went back to their seats. As Mina sat down, she purposely sat beside Darien, leaving the seat empty right across from Darien for Serena. 'Oh this is going to be sweet!!' she thought as the lights went dim, and only the candles were burning. A couple more seconds later, Amy's mother came out wearing a lovely black dress. There were applause. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for coming to this special event tonight. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to host this ball. We will have many performances tonight for your enjoyment, including the Three Lights. " whistling could be heard around the room. "Now if you'll just sit back, relax and enjoy the show." Everyone applauded as she took a bow and stepped off the stage. The first performance was a comedy skit. It entertained the audience very well. People were laughing their heads off. Then it was followed by a very impressive magic show. A lady was chosen from the audience as an assistant. She was first cut in three pieces and after the magician placed the boxes together again, she somehow to everyone's surprise reappeared on top of the grand stair case. Tigers, leopards, and lions were also used in the magic show. Everyone clapped enthusiastically as the magician took a bowed and released two doves into the air. The show went on until 8 o'clock, then waiters came out and passed out the menus. Everything looked delicious and was especially prepared by the best cooks in Tokyo. The china was so delicate and fine that Mina was a little afraid of breaking it. She looked beside her to see Darien looking rather bored as Melissa ravished on and on about her looks and fortune. Serena came back after rehearsing to eat dinner along with everyone else. She wasn't wearing her gown just yet, but this silk robe she had to wear because Rei was fixing her hair. Darien lifted up his lead to see Serena sitting right across from him, eating rather fast. 'Must be pigging out again.' he thought with amusement. Serena looked up to see Darien staring at her and blushed madly. 'Why am I feeling this way?' she asked herself. Darien couldn't help but realize just then that Serena looked pretty. Her hair was up in a bun in the back, and some pieces hung loosely in little curls framing her face. He notice her cheek turned crimson and briefly wondered why there was an uncomfortable feeling between them all of a sudden. New feelings begin to stir inside of him as he fought back hard trying to push them back. Before he could think more, Serena finished her meal and quickly walked back stage. He didn't even get to insult her clothes. It just didn't feel right not talking to her. By now desserts were being served. There was a choice of a fresh pineapple with whipped cream on homemade vanilla ice-cream, or a strawberry cheese cake in the shape of a heart. Mina smiled at Andrew as he sat there transfix by her beauty. Getting over Rita was hard, but somehow it was worth it spending time with Mina. The lights dimmed again as Mina, Rei, Amy, and Lita gave a thumbs up to each other. Amy's mother came out again as everyone clapped. "We have a special program tonight for you. I am sure that you'll love her singing as much as I do. Ladies and gentlemen... .....Serena Tsukino."The lights went completely out as Serena walked out gracefully. There she stood in the spot light, her heart pounding like drums. There were "ahhhs" and "ohhhs" as everyone drank in the sight of her. "I.." she started to speak but all of a sudden lost her nerve. She looked into the audience as she spotted her friends silently encouraging her. Mina came up with an idea to help Serena relax. Taking a plate, and standing up slightly, she made a movement with her hands, like she was smashing the plate on Darien' s head. Serena couldn't help but giggle. Then she realized why she was standing on stage, wearing the most beautiful gown, Anastasia' s gown. She had to prove Darien wrong. Taking a deep breath, Serena smiled and curtsied to the audience. "I'd like to sing a song tonight. It touched me when I first heard it. I hope you'll like it as much as I do." A soft melody began to play. It sounded like bells. Then more instruments joined in and created a perfect harmony. Serena began singing. Dancing bears Painted wings Things I almost remember And a song, someone sings Once upon a December Someone holds me safe and warm Horses prance through a silver storm Figures dancing gracefully Across my memory. As Serena sang to her heart's desire, Darien was totally frozen in his chair. Her voice stiring something unexplainable in his heart. His fork stopped inches before his mouth as if time itself stopped and all that matter was her voice echoing in his head. She had been absolutely beautiful in the most elegant gown. It was made of fine silk. It was a golden yellow color that went all the way to her feet, the back dragging just inches on the floor. A blue transparent sash was wrapped around her thin waist. A pair of diamond earrings and a sparking silver diamond crown matched the gown. Unnoticed to Darien, he dropped the piece of cake from the fork and ended up on his black tuxedo. Amy giggled at the sight of Darien, and tapped Lita on the arm. Lita smiled and turned to look at Rei and Mina. 'Bulls eye.' they all whispered softly to each other. And the sweet melody of Serena's voice continued as the audience was also sitting at the edge of their seats hypnotized by her beautiful voice. "aaahhhhhh....." Other voices joined in as couples danced around the ballroom. The ladies in elegant gowns, and the men in blue tuxedos. It was a spectacular sight to see. Different colors whirled around the ballroom as they danced to the music. No one as ever seen anything so magnificent. Serena threw her arms out as she sang the last part of the first verse, and ran down the stairs to join the dancers. She spins around like a fairy and her crown shimmered in the light. She stopped and bowed to a couple to the right of her, then to the left. A man came out and took her hand as they waltzed to the music, then he guided her up the stairs again. By now, Serena was putting every emotion into the song. Her wish came true. Just one night, she wanted to be a princess, and her friends had made it possible. She looked out to the ballroom and saw that everyone was in awe. Closing her eyes briefly to store in the sensation, she began to sing again. This time with more confidence and feeling. Someone holds me safe and warm Horses prance through a silver storm Figures dancing gracefully Across my memory Far away, long ago Glowing dim as an ember Things my heart Used to know Things it yearns to remember And a song someone sings Once upon a December Serena kneels and bows her head low as all the lights went out. The end for now. What did you think? Did you like the ending?? Any comments or suggestions. I will be ever so grateful to hear from you.