Hello everyone!
	Well, here's part two (the end) of Eternally Yours.
	I just want to thank everyone who loved part one, and I want 
to say that you for all the support I've been getting.  I REALLY appreciate 
all your comments and all the great feedback I've been getting.
	Since I'm having fun with fanfic, I think I'll be back with another 
story, perhaps my version of how the prince and princess met. (As you can 
tell, I'm a Darien and Serena sap!)  Tell me what you think.  I have not yet 
started, but I'm getting my ideas together....
	Also, I'd like to thank Jennifer, who was my editor, and urged me 
to keep my story up!  Thanx your comments and support, Jen!
	Again, thank you for reading, everyone!

Crystal Heart <crisinti@hotmail.com>

	I don't own these characters, but I do own the story.  Please don't 
sue.

Eternally Yours - Part II
By Crystal Heart

(Now)
	Serena smiled at Nurse Nagoya as she walked into the nurses 
lounge, with Darien following her, silent, and relaxed.
	Darien certainly didn't show those feeling he had shown at the ball 
the previous evening, the evening he swept her off her feet, and into an 
oblivion of confusion.
	*DARIEN! Make up your mind!  You've played too many games 
already.*
	In a way, Serena was relieved that he didn't allude to anything of 
last night, the garden day, or anything romantic.  He was just...well, a new 
doctor, and she was his guide around a hospital.  Serena, feeling more 
comfortable with this environment was compelled to talk with him and 
teach him quirks and funny things about what the kids loved, and which 
dishes in the hospital cafeteria were edible, and what days to bring lunch.
	He had smiled and said a few witty things in return, and had kept 
the atmosphere between them calm, cool, and relaxed, and now, it was the 
end of the day, *a wonderful day* thought Serena, hanging up her nursing 
assistant outfit in her locker and grabbing her jacket.  Darien had offered 
her dinner, and since she was in no mood to cook for herself, and since she 
was feeling very nice and comfy in his presence, and since he showed no 
signs of the past romantic endeavors (which she was secretly relieved and 
slightly disappointed by), she agreed.
	Now, they had stopped by the nurses lounge, and she had picked 
up her jacket and purse, and they set out of the hospital, saying goodbye to 
Nurse Nagoya and Dr. Anderson, and headed to a bus station.
	As they stood silently waiting for the bus, Serena found that now, 
of all times, she was at a loss for words.  In the hospital, it wasn't hard for 
her to keep on talking, since she was guiding Darien around, and had to 
keep on explaining the branches in the hospital.  But now, well, it was 
different, since they were now out of the hospital, and she had no idea 
what to talk about.
	Darien had not said much so far about his life, or why he had 
decided to come back to establish his career, and why he hadn't stayed in 
the United States.  Serena's mind was tumbling somersaults trying to 
understand.
	It was a quiet, uncomfortable way to the restaurant of Darien's 
choice, his favorite, a nice Chinese food place, and though it was silent 
and disconcerting, Serena felt anything but cold.  Her palms were sweaty, 
and she was squirmy.
	They sat at a nice table, facing each other, and Serena glued her 
eyes to the menu.  He had taken her here for dinner that rose garden day.  
She remembered that they had just sat and talked the whole time about life 
and school, and frustrations.  And now, she was sitting across from him, 
jittery, and confused.  She shivered as she thought of the difference in 
atmospheres.
	She was NEVER this nervous, even for an exam.  Darien, sitting 
across from her,  had just disconnected every sensible part in her brain, 
and she was now left with only a few things in her mind.  Darien, and his 
roses.
	"So...Darien?"
	"Yeah?"
	"How was America?"  she began, carefully.  America was a safe 
enough subject, and hopefully, he'd talk so much she wouldn't have to say 
much.
	"It was wonderful.  The people were different from Japanese, I 
assure you, but still altogether very cool."
	"And is the American college as wonderful as it sounds from what 
I hear from Amy and Greg?"
	"Johns Hopskins is a very prestigious university, and I loved 
studying there, though there were many times I wished I could have just 
stopped studying and go out for a walk."
	"Mmm..."  Serena sighed.  "Yes, I can understand that."
	Darien sighed, and said quietly, "I missed Japan though, I missed it 
a lot.  I missed the mornings, the way the sun rises and sets in Tokyo park, 
and I missed my rose garden.  I missed my Chinese food restaurant.  I 
missed..." he drifted off, gazing at Serena oddly.
	Serena did not like the feeling.  She started to sweat.  She shrugged 
his gaze off, and quietly said, "Well, you must be happy to be back."
	"Of course I am!  Could I be anything less?  But I've waited from 
the very moment I left to come back, and now that I'm here, and now that 
I'm a doctor, I feel like I have almost accomplished my dream."
	"And you haven't?  I thought being a doctor WAS your dream."
	"Being a doctor was always my dream, but my dream changed 
while I was away, and now I'm dreaming of even sweeter dreams," he 
mumbled, into his water glass.
	The waitress came then with their food, and they started eating.  
Darien noted that Serena did not eat as much as she used to, and said 
something about it.  "You've changed Serena.  I noticed that the minute I 
saw you.  Something about the whole mood you convey.  When I left two 
years ago, you looked like you didn't have a care in the world.  You 
smiled and laughed all the time.  But I've read from Amy's e-mail that you 
haven't made your past years very easy, and looking into your eyes," he 
said, holding her eyes with his stare, "you look like you've got lots to 
worry about."
	"Yes, I have lots of things to worry about, and I haven't given 
myself lots of time, because I had a dream of my own, and I worked very 
hard to achieve it.  And now, I find that I have more than accomplished 
it...I am finally going to be a true nurse, with a real uniform, and a real 
job, and I'm very excited.  This is going beyond my dreams.  I'm only 
twenty years old, but my dream is in my hands."
	"So you think you've collected all life has to offer you?"
	"Pretty much.  I like my life now, Darien.  I love it, and right now, 
I don't think I could dream of anything more," she stated, determined, at 
Darien.  *How can I make him understand if I can't bring the subject up!  
Foolish Serena!*
	"You've changed Serena.  What happened to the princess I knew?  
The moonlight, the roses?"
	"She grew up.  She's a Queen now, and the roses faded a long time 
ago." she bit with a hint of ice.  "She has other things to do, and she's 
planning on ruling her kingdom, her style," she laughed lightly at the end, 
trying to keep it light, but failing miserably.  "Mmm...now this sweet and 
sour chicken is GOOD," she smiled, changing the subject quickly.  "I'll 
have to bring the girls some time!"
	And that was as far as he got with her that evening.  Serena didn't 
like it.  This feeling of being not in control wasn't good.  Things were all 
set for her before he came back.  Now that he was back...
	As Serena stepped up to her building, she smiled at Darien.  "It's 
nice to see you again; I'm...glad that you are at the hospital with me; it 
gives us a chance to catch up with old times."
	"We always DID have a special bond, didn't we, Serena?" he 
leaned forward, and kissed her lightly on the cheek.  Her cheek turned 
bright red at the spot he kissed her.  He breathed into her ear.  "I'll see you 
tomorrow, Princess Tsukino."
	She stood at the door, wanting to find her keys, go inside, rush up 
into her room, and just forget this whole evening.  But she just stood there, 
on the doorstep, looking at the figure walking away.
	When he finally disappeared around the corner, she let out her 
breath, which she had unwittingly held while he was walking away, and 
slumped against the door.  At her feet, she noticed yet another white rose, 
which she had not seen him carrying before during dinner, laying at her 
feet.
	*DARIEN!!!!!!!*  her mind screamed.

	Lita was sitting at a cozy outdoor restaurant waiting for William.  
It had been a month or so now, and she was feeling slightly, well she 
didn't know.  What she felt towards William, was...odd...and at some 
moments, Lita wondered about exactly what it was that she felt.  But what 
was she to say.  Even though he couldn't always spend time with her, and 
even though the time he  DID spend with her was not altogether pleasant, 
with him always in a bad mood, she still LOVED him, right?  *He was my 
childhood crush!  Or course I love him!*  She looked up, searching for 
William's face, but saw Ken.  She brightened and called out.  "Hey Ken!"
	He showed no sign of a smile, but came up to her.
	"I haven't really seen you lately, with my schedule and all," Lita 
continued.
	"Yeah, with William taking you away all the time," Ken said, 
gritting his teeth.
	Lita looked at him puzzled.  Immediately, Ken regretted what he 
had said, and put his hands in his jacket pockets and said quietly, "I've 
been told to give you this," he pulled an envelope out of his pocket.
	He then left, quickly, with a sure, slightly frustrated stride.
	She opened up the envelope, but without even reading, she had 
already felt what was in the letter.  It had to be from William, and he had 
something so bad to say, he couldn't tell it in person.
Dear Lita,
	I am sorry to say this, but I don't think we were ever meant 
to be.  Renee just got divorced, and I realized that I DO love her, 
after all is said and done.
	I am sorry to be saying this all in a letter, but this was the 
only way I could.  I'm sorry for having hurt you, and I promise 
never to hurt you again by making you go through this ever again.
	I've asked Ken to give this to you, and see you through 
because I know he's always been there for you, and I know he'll be 
there for you now.  I'm truly sorry Lita, and god bless.
						William
	Lita couldn't think clearly.  She read the note in silence, and once 
she had finished, she just sat there, and thought.  No, he hadn't hurt her.  
She was immune to that now.  *I guess I had it coming!  I really DIDN'T 
understand myself now, did I?  Lita, how could you be so blind?  You 
DIDN'T love him.  If you had, you wouldn't be sitting here, calm and 
collected.*
	Her eyes drifted down the letter again, and settled on the sentence 
about Ken.  "I've asked Ken to give this to you, and see you through 
because I know he's always been there for you, and I know he'll be there 
for you now."
	*He always was...* but as she looked up, she noticed that Ken 
WASN'T there anymore, and that was when she realized.  *He's not here 
for me now.*  She sat a while, sipping her coffee, thinking it over.  She 
felt an emptiness in her heart.
	It wasn't about William.  She'd already decided that.  William left 
her there, alone, which she didn't like to be, and though she felt anger to 
him for doing it in such a manner, she didn't feel emptiness because of 
THAT.
	*See, the feeling of loneliness was never from William...* her 
heart told her gently.  *You never were lonely, Lita, only heart-broken.  
You had people around you, and you had your friends.*
	She sighed, and answered that voice angrily.  "But I still DO have 
my friends and though it feels nice, it's not doing ANYTHING for that 
emptiness."  Some of the people at the neighboring tables looked at her.  
She blushed slightly, and got up from her table, and headed to the park.
	For a while, she just sat at her gazebo, and she felt the wind blow 
against her.  The sky was getting cloudy now, and she felt rain start to 
come.
	She watched, as the rain pattered down, at first slowly, but then in 
a flood.  *My whole history could have been chronicled here, at this 
gazebo.*  And she started to cry, thinking of her pitiful waste of all those 
years on a boy she had never loved.  She cried thinking about all those 
times she had prayed, wished, and dreamed for a relationship that would 
ended up in disaster.  She never loved William, and he was a total waste of 
all those years.
	That only made her feel even more empty, and Lita looked the 
sidewalk, looking for an answer, something.  *I don't know what I want.  I 
want SOMETHING...I want to see something that would help me think 
clearly,* she got up and stepped out of the gazebo as the storm started to 
become heavier.  There were teenagers running away from the park, 
seeking shelter, but Lita stayed, standing in the rain, looking for an 
answer.
	It comforted her to stand there, for some unknown reason.  It was 
like bathing in reality, in her thoughts.  The rain cleansed her soul of 
William and disappointment.  She couldn't care about it anymore.
	The thunder started crashing down, and she looked up into the sky, 
and felt a somewhat light sensation.  She spun around in the rain, and felt 
the rain dazzle her.  She danced a strange dance, with no rational reason in 
mind; it was just the thing to do, and she gloried in the rain.  It was her 
storm.
	And, as the ground spun around her, and as she felt dizzy with the 
pleasure of her storm, rosy and warm from her exercise, she stood, looking 
to the edge of the park, where a fifteen year old girl stood, under the 
umbrella of her friend who stood by her.  She was crying against his 
shoulder, and Lita walked to the image, but found that the girl, and the boy 
had vanished.  What remained was an umbrella.  She picked it up 
carefully, and looked around her, and thought she saw a young man 
walking away, in the rain.
	"I'll always be here for you, and you'll always know that you're 
never alone, and that you've got a best friend, or brother, ready to take you 
into his arms, and let you cry in them."
	The words echoed in her mind, as she stood in the rain, with the 
umbrella in her hands.  She looked to the sky, and looked to her umbrella.  
Dazed, she opened the umbrella, and felt comforted...warmly, suddenly.
	The emptiness was gone.  All of it.  She felt strangely complete, 
and she felt very...at peace.  She felt memories, and heard Ken's words, 
when she finally realized it.  *I don't feel empty anymore because I am 
not.  I AM complete, for the first time my life.  My storm has come, and it 
is gone from me now, and left me all the wiser, with the wise words, and 
shelter of a friend...a brother...a...person whom I love with all my heart.*


	Raye rushed to Serena's apartment building and knocked 
frantically at her door.
	Serena opened the door and smiled.
	Raye, puzzled, held a white rose in her hands.
	"For me, Raye?  You shouldn't have!"
	Raye frowned.  "No, Meatball head.  It was on your doorstep."
	* What is he pulling?  Is this supposed to remind me of him?*  Her 
heart answered her, *He's already on your mind enough!*  Serena 
frowned.  He left a rose for her every morning, and it didn't look like he 
was going to let up soon.  He was always on her mind.  Darien had even 
taken over her dreams that night, and she had woken up reluctantly, but 
frightened, in the middle of the night.
	"Earth to Serena!  Who is this from?"
	"My aunt Rose...her gardens are doing well this year"  she 
mindlessly said, taking the rose and putting it among some companions in 
the small glass vase on the kitchen table.  "Now what is up Raye?  You 
look like you're going to fly into the air!  What is going on with you?"
	"I'm in love!" Raye smiled, dancing dreamily into the room.
	"So...I take it Chad said something."
	"Yes...and he loves me, and he's going to stay at the temple, and 
we're going to get married, and live happily ever after!"  she giggled.
	It was that moment when Serena saw a ruby gracing Raye's left 
hand ring finger.  "Oh my gosh you DIDN'T!!!!"
	"Yes!  I am engaged, and we're going to get married in the fall, to 
give us some time to plan out everything."
	"I think you already have!"  Serena beamed at Raye.  "Raye Hino, 
the first one of us to get married!  I can't believe this!  I'm so happy for 
you!" She went forward and hugged Raye.
	"I can't believe it, either.  Serena...I feel so happy, and so...I don't 
know, but there's no way to describe it.  It's like a fire...it's always 
burning inside me, and it's my love for Chad.  In a way, it's frightening, 
because I'm afraid that something will happen to put it out, but I'm willing 
to take that risk, because I KNOW he wouldn't do anything to hurt me, 
and that only makes me feel that fire burn even more brightly."
	Serena smiled.  "As long as I don't get burned, you can keep up 
your reverie while you come shopping with me."  She looked to Darien's 
roses, all stuffed in that glass vase, which was threatening to crack with all 
the stems stuffed inside, "I need to buy a crystal vase for my roses."


(1 weeks later)
	Amy wandered into the hospital, into the nurses' lounge, looking 
for Serena.  Serena was still making some rounds, but she came in an hour 
later.
	"Amy!  How long have you been waiting?"
	"Oh, not long, I suppose.  Serena...Greg just broke the engagement 
with Cassie off," Amy said, dazed.
	"No...you're kidding!" Serena said sarcastically.  "There's hope, 
Amy."
	"Yeah, right.  I heard from Cassie, who called me to talk for a 
while.  We went to lunch together.  Really, she's actually a very sweet 
person."
	*Yeah, she's gotta be nice now, since she's not marrying Greg* 
Serena smiled.  "So why did the engagement break off?"
	"Cassie said that Greg didn't love her enough, and she loved him 
too much as a friend to put him through it.  He's inlove with someone else.  
She was disappointed, of course, but she thinks it's better this way, and 
that she plans to go back to England for a while."
	"Did she...love Greg as more than a friend?" Serena breathed 
quietly.
	"No...she didn't.  She doesn't think so now, but I think she's in 
love with love."
	"Oh..." Serena sighed with relief.  Even though she had never met 
Cassie, she couldn't help but feel sorry for girls who fell in love and 
wouldn't be loved back.  It was all a tragic case, and that was why Serena 
never thought about falling in love...truly in love, herself.
	"So what are you going to do, Amy?"
	"Stay away from him."
	"WHAT?"
	"He's on the rebound, Serena, and there's still that other girl.  I 
don't want to be the rebound girl.  I have to stay away, so that he can clear 
up his feelings.  I hate to do it, of course, since I AM his friend, but I 
really have no choice."
	"And what if he comes to you?" Serena bit her lip, as Greg came 
walking into the lounge.  Immediately, Amy shut up.
	"So that's it Serena.  I guess I'll see you later," Amy finished 
quickly and turned right into Greg's arms.  "Oh!  Hi Greg!  I've got to 
really get going.  See ya around!" she backed away, blushing, and ran out.
	Greg blushed as well, and then looked at Serena and said to her, 
"Hello Serena, I'm looking for Darien."
	"Darien?  I think he's still making a few rounds, but he'll stop by 
pretty soon."  *He always stops down right now to say hello and confuse 
me.*
	And as if on cue, Darien came in.
	"Hey Darien!" Greg said.
	Darien smiled at Greg, but his mind was too concentrated on 
Serena to say more.
	"I was wondering about some of that research you did at Tokyo U 
a few years back.  Do you still have some of those old notes?  I told you 
earlier that I was interested in neurophysiology, so could you perhaps lend 
me a hand and let me check it out?"
	"Yeah, sure!" Darien said.  Darien looked to Serena to see if she 
was going to say anything.  She was so quiet now.  Something had 
changed.  She became so...reserved.  Darien KNEW she was a romantic at 
heart, so he was just plain confused.
	"Let's go now," Darien said.
	As Darien left, Serena sighed and put her head down on her table.


(1 month later)
	Mina walked into the arcade, looking for Andrew, of course.
	And there he was, talking with another boy about a game.
	She walked silently up to both of them, and stood, looking at both 
of them smilingly.
	It had been pure, absolute, heart-wrenching torture.  Knowing that 
in about two months, he'd be gone...Mina shuddered every time she 
thought about it.
	And being in love with him, and not being able to do anything 
about it, was even worse.  She loved him, she was sure of that now.  But 
she couldn't TELL him; he looked at her as a sister, and besides, she 
sighed, he'd leave anyway.
	She smiled at Andrew turned to her and flashed that beautiful 5 
million megawatt smile that never failed to stun her.  She blushed slightly, 
and smiled back at him, carefully, trying not to look too excited.
	"Hey Andrew!"  I wanted to stop by to say hello and stuff.  I just 
had some free time."
	"Great!  I haven't seen you so often.  I've missed you."
	Mina smiled softly.  She hadn't come by for about four days now, 
because she had a few things to take care of and didn't really have time to 
visit Andrew.  Four days was a huge chunk of time, considering that 
Andrew was leaving in about three weeks, but she couldn't get out of her 
business.  Raye needed to be taken shopping, and her mother needed some 
more care, and Mina had to bring her to some nice hot springs for physical 
therapy.  "I've missed you too!"
	"It was only four days; I don't know how I'll get on when I 
leave..." Andrew turned and started to get that distant sad faraway look 
he'd reflect every once in a while.  Mina swallowed a frag in her throat 
and said quietly, "Well, I came by to see if you were busy, and I guess you 
are, so I'll leave right now."
	"Woah, Mina.  I didn't say that I was busy.  Come on.  I'm off in 
five minutes, and after, we can go out and eat dinner together."
	"Um...all right," Mina said slowly.
	In five minutes, they were outside on Main Street heading towards 
a deli.
	They sat and talked, passing the time away, at the table, and Mina 
almost cried when she thought that all this would be over in three weeks, 
as she looked at Andrew, he looked questioningly at her, "What's wrong?  
I haven't seen you get that distant look for a long while.  Why so 
pensive?"
	"I was thinking a little, about when you would leave..."
	Andrew's brow creased into a frown and looked at Mina.  "I don't 
know about it.  I'm a little afraid of America.  I wanted to go to Tokyo 
University, but the University of Michigan is offering two years on their 
scholarship, and the money that I have earned at the arcade should give me 
enough to last the other years.  Tokyo hasn't even offered, and the classes 
are for sure expensive, my money will get me only about two or three 
years in med school, and that certainly isn't enough to build a med degree 
on.  Really, I guess there is no alternative.  I wish I could stay though," 
Andrew started to have a thinking air about him as well now.  "There are 
so many things here that I'll miss."  He looked up, into Mina's eyes.
	Mina stood up, and gave a quivering smile, "I think I'll go pay for 
our meal, and we can go out to Tokyo Park and see the sunset."


	Mina sighed as she leaned back on the hill behind her.
	It was wonderful.  She smiled as the colors in the sky slowly 
change...fading to a thin rainbow at the horizon.  Layers of amber, orange, 
peach, pink, gold, and yellow seemed to envelope the world, and violet 
bordered, and stretched over her head.  The sky was clear, and the stars 
were going to come out soon.
	There was already one, shining brightly at one side, and she smiled 
as she pointed to it.
	"Look at that beautiful star, Andrew!"
	"It's not a star, Mina...it's Venus."
	"Really?  For a planet, it's so bright, and beautiful."
	"It's definitely Venus."  Whenever I look at the night sky, I always 
look for Venus and it's always there, smiling at me."
	"Maybe because she's in love with you?" Mina teased.
	"No, because Venus reminds me of someone I know," Andrew 
looked at the star wistfully and turned away.
	Mina felt awkward.  This evening was not as wonderful as she 
thought it would be.  As the night went on, Andrew got odder and odder.  
Mina looked at Andrew as a tear started to go down his cheek.
	"Andrew?"
	"Yeah?"
	"You're crying, why?"
	"It's just that I'm going to lose her."
	Mina looked at the ground, awkwardly.  He was in love with 
someone, and he was going to lose her.  A part of her was angry.  He loved 
someone else.  Not her.  But pity won out, as she realized that he was in a 
lot of pain right now, just as much as her.
	She reached over slowly, and put her hand on his.  When he 
clasped it, she felt the tears coming too.  She leaned against his shoulder, 
and cried into his arms, and he held her comfortingly.


	Mina walked to Andrew's the next day.  She ran up the stairs, and 
she knocked loudly at the door of his apartment.  She was determined.  
*I'm going to do it.  Today.*
	Andrew opened the door, and smiled at Mina.  "I was going to go 
looking for you.  I wanted to say thanks for a great time last night, even 
though we were crying for half of it," he blushed.
	Mina drew in her breath and said, "I have something to tell you, 
Andrew."
	"Well, I have something to tell you.  You see, after I got home and 
checked..."
	"I'm sorry to interrupt Andrew, but I want to go first this time.  
Last time, you went first and I forgot what I was going to say.  I will go 
first, because I need to.  This time, I'm not going to chicken out."
	"All right," Andrew said.
	"I think you'll have to sit down for this, Andrew."
	He stepped back into his apartment, and Mina followed him in.  
They sat down in his living room.
	"Okay, Andrew, over this past summer, I've realized something, 
and I've wanted to tell you, but I couldn't.  Meanwhile, this not telling you 
has made me feel worse and worse, and now, I have to tell you this.  
Andrew, I am in love with you.  I know you're leaving, and I know you 
only think of me as a little sister, but I thought that you had to know," 
Mina stared at the floor.  She then got up slowly.  "I think I'll go home 
now and cry a little."
	As she turned to the door, she felt herself grabbed by the arm and 
spun around, only to find herself crushed against Andrew's chest.  He was 
holding her tightly, and she felt tears fall into her hair, and she hugged him 
back.  She then leaned back in his arms and looked at him.  She then 
turned away.
	"Mina, you should know something.  I love you too. I have loved 
you since we met, though I didn't realize it.  I have been dreading my 
departure since I received notice of it, and last night, under Venus and the 
sunset, I decided that I was going to stay.  I didn't care about going to 
America.  I thought that I could still get into Tokyo U and just work for 
more money, maybe get a better job with better waged so I could get more 
money in a lesser amount of time.  But when I got home, and checked my 
mail, I found a reply from Tokyo U Med school.  I was going to tell you 
this before.  Tokyo University is paying full ride.  I'm staying in Tokyo."
	Mina smiled, all the tears welling up in her eyes with relief, joy 
and pride.  "I'm so proud of you Andrew," she hugged him.
	"I couldn't leave you, Mina, I never could leave you alone.  And 
when you told me that you...well, I was relieved, overjoyed.  I love you, 
Mina, I love you with every breath, I love you more than anything else in 
the world."


(1 month later)
	Serena smiled as she looked out at the sunset.  She smiled, as tears 
started to trickle down her cheek.  A white handkerchief was held to her, 
and she took it, smiling.
	"Hey, Darien."
	Darien took a seat next to her on the bench.
	"If you sit here further in that dress, you're going to ruin it, and 
you can't wear it for Mina's wedding!"
	"Darien, don't tease me now, please.  After Raye's wedding.  I 
don't know.  I wanted to come here, to my roses to just sit a while and 
think.  And please, don't remind me I have go through with this all over 
again in November!" as tears started to come even faster.
	Darien reached out to touch her cheek.
	As he did, Serena turned away.
	Darien was always nice, to everyone, and that was the exact reason 
why Serena couldn't possibly love him.
	*But I do!*  Serena cried harder.  *I do with all my heart.*  
Somewhere in the last months, Darien stopped all his romantic notions, 
and started  to become her friend, listening to her, and he became her best 
friend.  She was relieved at first, but then started to wonder why.  But she 
realized, as time went on, that Darien was so important to her.  She smiled 
every morning when she'd get up, and find a white rose sitting at her front 
door.  She'd take the rose carefully, as if it would crumble in her grasp, 
and would put in one of her numerous vases.
	She had so many roses now...dried, still alive, at all different 
stages.  She would not throw out any.  She loved them all, because they 
were the only things that were keeping her going on this foolish fairy tale 
of her heart.  They were the symbol that Darien still felt something for her.
	He was always there for her now, as a best friend should be, but as 
she watched Raye and Chad tie the knot today, there was part of her that 
wistfully thought that she wanted to be married too...to Darien.
	*It's a ridiculous notion!  I've told myself time and time again that 
I didn't need anyone, that I was fine on my own, and that Darien and I 
could possibly.  I've been fighting this tooth and nail, and today, I just 
HAD to realize it?  This will spoil everything that we have.  He won't 
want to be friends anymore!*
	Serena looked to the sunset, and slowly got up.  Looking back at 
Darien, she smiled a fake smile, and said, "I'll be okay.  It's just the thing 
with letting go of a friend who've you known since childhood.  I can't 
believe Raye's not RAYE anymore.  She's Mrs. Chad.  She's married.  I 
just lost a friend!"
	"Don't be ridiculous, Serena!  Raye is still your friend.  Sure her 
name's changed, but as Shakespeare said, 'What's in a name?  That which 
we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.' Raye is still your 
friend, and she'll always be your friend.  And now, she's even happier, 
because she is loved by someone who is willing to give her the world, and 
she loves him back.  It's wonderful feeling Serena, and Raye will be very 
happy, and I KNOW you love to see people happy."
	*Yes, but it also reminds me of everything I want in MY life 
too...like you, Darien.*  "Yes, I DO admit Raye looks a lot happier."
	"So why don't we go have dinner together right now, and celebrate 
our friends' success?"
	"In OUR clothing?" Serena laughed, looking as his tuxedo, and her 
pink chiffon and satin dress.  She thought of her fancy hairdo...having had 
all the golden curls weaved into a crown of braids, entwined with a string 
of pearls and pink roses.
	"We'll go to a fancy restaurant."
	Serena laughed.  *It feels good to laugh!  He ALWAYS knows 
how to make me laugh!*
	"Come on, my motorcycle awaits, but your dress may be ruined in 
the process."
	Serena laughed again, and grabbed his arm.
	"Come on.  I can ruin this dress.  Mina wants bridesmaids to wear 
marigold at her wedding, and I don't need this dress for much else."


(1 week later)
	Lita sighed heavily as she settled back in her seat at her desk.  
Another school year, another bunch of college classes.  She sighed and 
thought of better things, of Ken.
	He had not so much as called her in the past summer.  It seemed 
that after she had gotten her letter from William, Ken had mysteriously 
vanished.  Lita found out later from his sister that he had gone to Europe.  
He wasn't going to come back until the fall.
	Lita felt miserable.  She didn't know how Ken was feeling, and she 
had all these worries and bad feelings that all would not end well.
	She heard from his mother that he had came home today.  he had 
arrived with a girl named Denise.  And he had not yet bothered to call 
Lita.
	Lita again reached for her tissue box.  She rarely cried, but now, it 
seemed, it was the right time.  Even the sky was telling her it was okay...it 
was looking morose itself.
	She had to get out.  Even though it looked like it was going to rain, 
she wanted to be out there.  In fact, it was even better that it was going to 
rain.
	She went outside, with the umbrella she had found earlier that 
summer by the gazebo.  She always brought it with her, whether it was 
rainy or sunny.  It was just a thing that she wanted to keep close to her.
	She started off with no goal in mind, but in the end decided to go 
to the park.
	She wandered towards her gazebo, as the rain started to fall.  But 
as she neared it, she saw two figures standing at the gazebo.  One was a 
man, one was a woman.  The man was whispering something into the 
woman's ear, and she was looking at the man admiringly.  She suddenly 
threw her arms around him, and they stood, hugging.
	Lita stood on the path, looking at them, and recognized the man as 
Ken.  The woman had to be Denise.  It didn't matter WHO the woman 
was.  What mattered was that that woman had her arms around Ken.
	As Ken looked up, he looked blankly to Lita, and gave her a small 
nod, grave and slow.  The rain was pouring heavier now, and Lita gripped 
her umbrella, but would not open it.  She clutched at it, as tears started to 
come, and she ran away from the gazebo, into the crowd of people rushing 
to seek shelter, as the storm got heavier and worse.
	When she got home, she threw herself on the bed, and sobbed for 
the better part of the day.

(2 weeks later)
	Amy walked slowly off campus, as she relaxed slowly having 
finally found a teacher to assist her in her PhD studies.  She smiled with 
relaxation, and walked a little lightly than usual.
	She bumped into someone around the corner on the way to the bus 
stop and she said shyly, "I'm sorry."
	As she looked to the person she bumped into, she looked into 
Greg's eyes.
	"Hi Amy!  I was hoping I'd see you!"
	Amy smiled nervously.  "Hello, Greg!  How are you?  Have you 
found a prof?"
	"Found mine last week.  Professor Ikato."
	"I just got Professor Kitcho today!"
	"I'm so happy for you!"  Greg smiled.
	"I'm relieved.  Now I don't have to worry about getting a prof and 
I can start researching."
	"Yeah."
	"Well..."
	"I was wondering, Amy.  Do you want to go for coffee right now?"
	Amy smiled, a cautious twinkle coming into her eye.  "All right."
	They walked down the street into a cafe.
	As silence seemed to pervade their time together, Amy started to 
seriously contemplate everything that had happened after Greg and Cassie 
had broken up.  Their friendship became much stronger, and it seemed as 
if Greg as clinging to her, and wanted to spend a lot of time with her.  
Amy didn't mind, and since he didn't mention the other girl whom they 
had never talked about, Amy felt better."
	Greg looked pensive today.
	"What's up, Greg?  You look distracted."
	"I'm just thinking about something.  I need to tell you something, 
Amy."
	"All right," Amy smiled.
	"Well, umm...uh...okay, I really don't know where to start, but I 
guess the beginning's the best.  When Cassie and I broke up, she had told 
me that I loved someone else.  It was true.  It's just that I didn't know it 
was really love until I started to look at her and notice everything about 
her.  She's special, Amy."
	Amy felt her insides burn, as tears threatened to come to her eyes.
	"Well, I let the situation go on this summer, and now, I think I 
want to tell her how I feel.  But I'm scared, because I don't know what 
she'd say.  She's always thought of me as a friend, and at one time, even 
lesser than that.  I don't think she cares for me that way.  But I love her so 
much.  Over this past summer, I've realized she's my best friend, and I 
love her so much, I want to marry her.  So, what should I do?"
	Amy stood up, slightly mad.  "Greg, make up your own mind, 
because I'm sick of hearing all this."
	Greg reached out for her hand and tugged her back into her chair, 
and said quietly, "Hear me out..."
	"No, hear me out.  Greg.  I don't know if you're blind, deaf, 
immune, insane, or just plain stupid.  Greg, can't you see that every time 
you talk about some other girl you're killing me inside?  I love you!  I 
want to be with you!  I want to marry you and live happily ever after and I 
don't care who you love because she doesn't deserve you!  And right now, 
I'm ready to say that you don't deserve her, because of all the things 
you've done to me!  You're so insensitive!"  Amy started to cry.  
Realizing what she said, and that the whole restaurant was watching her, 
she turned red.  "Now look at what you've made me do!  I'm crying and 
I've totally embarrassed myself.  I think I'll leave right now."  She made a 
grab for her purse but Greg got to it first and pulled it out of her reach.
	"Give it back to me!"  Amy shouted, crying.  "I don't want to deal 
with you ever again."
	"Well, then, I want to ask you one question, and that I'll leave you 
alone forever and ever."
	Amy contemplated the situation.  He was her best friend, and now 
she had just ruined their friendship.  She had embarrassed herself in a cafe 
and she pretty much all she had left was in that purse he was carrying.  All 
her credit cards, her ATM card, and every single photo of Greg that he had 
given her of them.  It couldn't get worse, and he'd be out of her life, so she 
looked to Greg and replied, "Go ahead, ask away.  It can't get any worse."
	"Right...it can't get worse, it can only get better.  I was going to 
ask you if I ought to go for the girl I love, but I think you've pretty much 
answered my question.  Amy Anderson, I love you," Greg took a velvet 
box out of his pocket.  He calmly opened it to reveal a gold ring with a 
sapphire surrounded by diamonds "Will you marry me?"


(1 month later)
	Serena stood by and watched Mina and Andrew take their vows.  
Her heart was again pulling as she looked across the aisle to find Darien in 
a tuxedo, standing as best man.  He looked so handsome.
	She felt thrilled to walk down the aisle with him, and felt chills 
when she heard people whispering of their wonderful coupling.  She had 
to admit, she looked pretty today.  Marigold satin was a flattering 
combination on her, and her hair was put into two braids with gold ribbon 
weaved in.  They were then looped around the sides of her head, slightly 
behind her ear.  Gold lilies were then stuffed in the holes in the center of 
the loops.
	Serena felt like she was going to cry.  As she looked at Darien, he 
caught her eye, and sent her a signal though their eyes.  "Look in the 
pocket of your gown."
	She reached towards the pocket, and clutched a handkerchief 
inside.  She smiled, almost laughing at the wonderful time they went to 
dinner after Raye's wedding.  Darien's eyes conveyed to her that they 
were going to do so tonight as well.  Serena sighed with relief.
	She didn't want to spend tonight alone, and she knew Lita and 
Amy were not going to stick around with her; Amy was going to be with 
Greg, dreaming and planning their wedding over a rich candlelight dinner, 
no doubt, and Lita was going to take one of those mysterious walks of 
hers.  Lita was so odd now.  She didn't want to be cheerful, and she had a 
haunted look in her eye.  Serena knew it had something to do with Ken, 
but she knew that it was Lita's business, so she left it at that, even though 
she wanted to do more about it.
	Darien was the perfect companion.  He knew just what to say to 
make her feel better, and he knew her so well.  He could pick out what was 
bothering her by looking into her eyes, and he could always come up with 
a solution to her problems.
	Also, she loved Darien.  Darien didn't love her that way, which 
made her feel sad, but she still was happy that he cared very much about 
her.  There were times she'd cry at night, wishing for his love, for his arms 
to hold her, and for his kiss to calm her, but she'd get over it, and she was 
starting fill that little void in her heart with other things, like her ambition 
for being head nurse at the hospital and other items like that.
	Right now, Andrew leaned forward to pull the veil back and kiss 
Mina.  Serena sighed happily, wistfully.  She looked into the crowd to see 
Raye and Chad.  After all, after a woman got married, she wasn't to play 
bridesmaid anymore.  Amy and Lita were still up there with her though, so 
Serena still felt somewhat comforted.  *One day, I'm going to find that the 
only woman up here at bridesmaid is going to be me...Amy and Greg are 
getting married in February, and I'm almost positive that even though this 
Denise girl and Ken are engaged, they are going to break apart soon!  If 
only Ken could see how much he was making Lita suffer!*
	After the wedding, Darien came to her and offered her his arm.  
"Care to go, princess?"  He had taken to calling her princess, mockingly of 
course, for he had once found her and one of the patients talking, and 
found out that all the patients didn't just call her Serena, but Princess 
Serena, for she could bring the sun out, and she ruled over and healed the 
sick.
	"Sure," she threaded her arm in his and they walked off together, 
leaving Amy, Raye, Lita and Mina to wonder about them.
	"Do you think those two could...?"  Amy asked.
	"It looks like they could," Mina said.
	"We DID notice something last summer..." Raye said.
	"But she hasn't told us anything about loving Darien, or loving 
anyone.  She looks pretty happy with her life now.  And Darien seems to 
look at her only as a friend.  H hasn't tried anything romantic.  He's only 
taken her places occasionally, and Serena says that they are friends and 
nothing more," Lita said.
	"But there is something mysterious about this whole thing, even 
though all the cards are dealt.  I still think there's something bothering 
her...and him," Raye said.


(3 weeks later)
	*It's December!  Snow!*  Lita commanded the sky.
	So far, December brought no snow...only more and more rain.  
And not just light drizzly rain...heavy, bone-chilling rain.  Not that Lita 
minded.  She like all rain.  She only wished it to snow, seemed snow was 
more appropriate at this time of the year.
	She was walking in the park, carrying her umbrella as usual.  She 
liked walking in the rain.  She had caught a few colds this fall because of 
it, and she felt one coming on now, but that never stopped her from taking 
her walks, with her umbrella, which she never opened, but just carried, 
even when it rained.
	It comforted her to walk in the rain.  She could always dream in the 
rain.  *He's MY rainy day man.  He may be engaged to Denise, but he's 
still My rainy day man.*
	He had not even bothered calling her when he came back, and he 
still had not called her.  Lita thought he was happy, so she let him be.  
*After all, he waited so long for me, and I never gave him anything.  It's 
only right that now, when I realize that I love him, he loves someone 
else.*
	As she came to the gazebo, she saw two figures.  She suddenly 
remembered the last time she had seen two figures at the gazebo...that day 
when she saw them hugging.
	She stood still, standing in the rain, as she looked at the two 
figures.  The woman was looking away, and saying something.  The man's 
figure seemed to slump over slightly, and that was when the woman 
started to run away.  The man started to chase after her, calling her name.  
"Denise!"
	And then he stopped, as he saw another woman standing in the 
distance.  She walked slowly to him, wet, with a sad expression on her 
face.  She looked pale, sick and thin, but she was there.  She came 
forward, and handed him an umbrella.  She then turned away, and walked 
back home.


(1 day later)
	Lita felt numb to the weather.  The rain was falling hard, and 
thunder was crashing.  She sat at her gazebo, looking into the weather, 
thinking.
	*So he's free now.  What happens?*
	Mysteriously, at the horizon, a figure appeared, and Lita rushed off 
the balcony to it.  She stood in the rain, ten feet away, facing the man she 
had been in love with since childhood.
	He held the umbrella, not opened, just at his side.  He looked to 
her, and he saw the tears that were brimming up in her eyes.
	"Lita, I've come home."
	Lita didn't say a word, but rushed into his arms, and for the first 
time in weeks, felt warmth.


(2 months later)
	Serena smiled as Amy went down the aisle to Greg.  Lita followed 
behind her.
	Darien was sitting in the audience.
	Well, this wedding did have its strong points, despite the fact that 
Amy was no longer going to be Amy Anderson.  This time, Serena wore 
sky blue silk, and didn't have to walk down the aisle on the arm of the best 
man.  This time, she didn't even know the best man, so it wouldn't have 
mattered if she had to.
	Not that Serena prepared any less.  She still strived to look 
stunning enough to make Darien look admiringly at her, but she only got 
friendly admiration.  The sky blue silk smooth fell to her feet, and her hair 
was swept up, with tendrils falling out here and there, in a stylishly 
reckless yet elegant look.  She had gotten some morning glories this time, 
and had them blooming in her hair gently.
	The past months were confusing.  Serena had resigned herself to 
the fact that Darien was never going to look at her that way, and she 
accepted it.  She still loved him, but she'd love him in her heart now, and 
not in her life.
	Darien was her best friend.  There was no question.  Hands down, 
he knew her better than anyone.  However, he didn't know the most 
important thing.  He didn't know that she loved him.
	But he probably had his clues.
	After rose 99, he stopped sending the roses.  Serena lost hope of 
everything.  Now, she had 99 dried roses sitting in her bedroom in a 
vase...and that seemed to describe Serena's dream of Darien ever falling 
in love with her...beautiful, fragile, and dried up.
	Now all she had was the friendship.
	But that was just nothing.  It was everything.  Darien was her 
friend, and listened to her at all times, and helped her when she needed.  
He even went grocery shopping with her when she was too exhausted to 
go by herself.  He would do anything and everything with her.
	And tonight, he was going to take her out to dinner, as he always 
did after a wedding.
	She smiled at him, as she told her through their communication of 
the eyes to reach into the pocket of her skirt.  Serena wasn't even aware 
she had a pocket, but when she searched for it, she found it, and her hand 
clasped over yet another handkerchief.  It was enough to make her smile 
even more and get through the service without crying too much.
	And at the end, Darien whipped her off to another dinner, laughing 
all the way.


(2 months later)
	Serena smiled as she, the sole bridesmaid of Lita Lynmir, walked 
up the aisle in a sea green satin gown.  She wore a wreath of ivy in her 
hair, and left it all streaming down, so she looked like a woodland sprite.  
She was well aware of it, and smiled at Darien with a wicked teasing 
smile.
	They had taken to flirtation in the past two months.  He no longer 
called her just "princess" but "My princess" and one could just hear the 
capitalization of "M" in the "My."  She loved the flirtation, for even 
though it was pretended, Darien showed affection.
	He spoke to her though his eyes that she looked charmingly pretty, 
and that she ought to look in her pocket if she felt she was going to cry.
	Serena always wondered how he managed to stuff a handkerchief 
into her pocket without her ever knowing about it.  She now concluded 
that he had a sixth sense for pockets.
	Lita and Ken said their vows never taking their eyes off each other, 
and Serena thought that they were so dazed with each other both were 
afraid they were going to wake up and find themselves dreaming.
	*Let the dream continue.* she wished for them after the wedding, 
standing at the altar in candlelight, looking at the cross.  *They love each 
other so much!*
	After the ceremony, she found herself the only single woman left 
in their group, winning the bouquet by default.  She felt the tears coming 
on.  *What was that saying?  'Three times bridesmaid, never a bride?'  
This makes it four, so I guess I'll be like this forever, lovesick for Darien, 
and missing him forever, even though he's right here.  Why does 
everything not make any sense anymore?*
	She thought back to the dream of so long ago...the prince, the 
princess, the kiss.  It wasn't a dream.  He had kissed her, right?
	She was still contemplating that when she suddenly felt an arm 
come possessively around her waist.  She turned suddenly in the grasp and 
found herself staring into Darien's eyes.  "Umm...hi, Darien!"
	"Ready to go?" he smiled.  "The bride and groom's gone, and most 
of the guests are leaving.  Come on, My princess, your chariot awaits."
	She laughed lightheartedly and leaned into his shoulder as they 
walked out of the empty church.


(Another 2 months later)
	Serena walked into the ballroom with her white mask.
	It was the company ball she had met Darien at the year before.  
Who knew?  There was something magical about this evening.  The 
crystal chandeliers, and wine, the elegant music...everything spoke of 
romance.
	She had dressed carefully this evening.  She wore a spaghetti-strap 
white dress with satin lining, and creamy layers of transparent white silk 
that ended at various waves and layers at her feet.  Her feet were laced in 
white high-heeled sandals with satin ribbon.  Her hair was flowed freely 
down to her feet, and was pulled back by two pearl barrettes and crowned 
with white roses.  She wore a pearl on a white choker ribbon, as well as 
elbow-length dancing gloves.
	She looked through her mask at the people already in the room.  
She smiled as she saw Raye with Chad, Mina with Andrew, Amy with 
Greg, and Lita with Ken.  *The rightful couples...a huge improvement 
from last year!*
	She wandered about the ballroom for about an hour, but grew tired 
of standing around.  She walked out the balcony.  *I shouldn't have come 
without a date.  These things are only fun when one breings someone with 
them!*
	And that got her thinking about Darien...dear, sweet, unreachable 
Darien.  He still fondly flirted with her, but she could tell he didn't care 
more for her.  In fact, when she mentioned the ball to him, he didn't even 
seem to hear her, and just started talking about a patient.
	He had grown more distant, and more reserved.  He still flirted, but 
Serena could tell that he was different.  She didn't know what was 
different, but she thought that it was a girl.  He found someone.  Perhaps it 
was the new doctor, Dr. Lauryl Minea.  She was tall, brunette, blue-eyed, 
elegant, and she was gone on Darien.
	Serena started to cry as she thought about it.  She looked the sky 
and wished to the moon.  *I'd be almost perfectly happy if he weren't 
going to be with anyone at all, if he isn't going to be with me.  Please, if 
he isn't with me, don't let him be with anyone else.  Let everything go on, 
just as it is, with him laughingly flirting with me, and me stealing looks at 
him when he isn't looking.*
	She opened her eyes as her vision blurred with tears.  She saw red.  
She blinked hard, and blinked again, and all she saw was red.  It was 
tickling her nose.  She turned her head, took her mask off, and wiped her 
eyes.
	When her vision cleared, she still saw red.  It was a red rose, and 
she looked up to see Darien's eyes looking at her fondly through the mask.  
"Did you think I'd just leave you alone here tonight, My princess?"
	He placed weaved the red rose among her white rose crown, and 
kissed her forehead.  Serena shivered, and smiled shakily.  "Darien.  I 
didn't know if you were coming."
	"Like I said.  Did you think I'd let you stay here, when there was 
an anniversary to celebrate?  When there was a 100th red rose to finally 
give?  The rose of true love?"
	Serena was startled by his words and pulled him down to the bench 
where she sat.  She removed his mask carefully with her glove-encased 
hands, and looked into his eyes.  They were shining with something that 
she had been searching for this past year.  The love.
	She leaned forward and kissed him.  He kissed her back and pulled 
her into his arms.  When they stopped kissing, she leaned in his arms, and 
he held her carefully, afraid she'd vanish.
	"Darien?  Are you crying?"
	"Yes, I am Serena."
	"Why?"
	"Because I love you, and I've finally gotten the chance, and I'm 
not sure if I can go on without having your love anymore."
	"You always had my love!"
	"Yes, I did, but it feels better when I don't have to guess it's there.  
I love you so much Serena.  When I went to America, I didn't like it one 
bit because no matter how many people I met, there were none like you, 
and you were the person I needed the most.  When I came back, well, I 
saw you, and you were beautiful, and I fell in love with you all over again 
just by looking into your eyes and realizing that you hadn't even changed.  
I love you Serena, and when you didn't return affections earlier, I thought 
you had given up on me and found someone else."
	Serena held him tighter.  "I love YOU Darien Chiba and no one 
else.  I was scared at first, but you were patient, and you swept me off my 
feet so fast I didn't realize I was in love with you until I was in so deep I 
was willing to go through life without your love as long as no one else got 
it."
	"But you don't have to now, dear, because I love you," Darien said, 
drawing out a small box out of his tuxedo jacket, and presenting it to her.
	She opened it, and smiled as she saw a gold ring, with a rose with 
gold sculpted petals, and a diamond in the heart of the flower.
	"Marry me.  I want you to be mine, now and forever."
	"Of course I will be yours.  I've been waiting for you for so long.  I 
love you, My prince.  I love you now and forever, and I have always been 
and will be yours, eternally..."
	"As I am eternally yours, My princess."