Serena by Danielle Nikita1041@aol.com Hi guys! Danielle here with a valetine?s day story. I worked and slaved over this story, and I hope that you all enjoy it. I would like to give thanks to S.M.W.B., Kit Kat, Athena380, and Vidalark. They always e-mail me, and tell me that they enjoy my stories. *Disclaimer* I do not own Sailor Moon. (Even though I wish I did.) enjoy! Once upon a time, on the north shore of Maine, there was a very, very large mansion, almost a castle. There lived a family by the name of Sheilds. There were servants inside the mansion, and servants outside the mansion, boatmen to tend the boats, and six teams of gardeners, two for the solarium, and the rest for the gardens, and a tree surgeon on retainer. There were experts for the outside tennis courts, and the indoor tennis courts, the outside swimming pool, and the indoor swimming pool. And over the garage there lived a chauferr by the name of williams, imported from England years ago, together with a rolls royce, and an awkward daughter, named Serena. *************** "Serena," James Williams called out. "Get out of that tree right now!" "In a minute, papa. I want to watch the party a while longer." Serena said. She was now 18, and just as shy as a child. Her tall frame was clothed in a simple dress, made for practicality, not fashion. Her golden hair hung down her back in soft waves, tied with a blue ribbon, and her blue eyes sparkling with wonderment. Turning her attention back to the party, she was once again mesmerized by the grandure. Along with other things, the Sheilds were known for the fabulous parties they gave. Few people, nowadays, give parties the way they did. Never did it rain on the night of a Sheilds' party, it wouldn't have been permitted. There was Martha Sheilds, who inherited the family fortune when her husband died in a boating accident. Then there was Darien Sheilds, the only son of Martha. He graduated from Yale at 19, and took his mother and the company on a ride down the fiber-optics highway, turning a 100 million dollar family business into some real money. Most of all, however, he was handsome, charming, funny and romantic, and in an out of relationships constantly. Darien was all she ever dreamed for. "Serena, Serena come down." James called. "Oh, papa, not yet." "You haven't even finished packing yet!" james said. "Come now, full time watching of Darien Sheilds is not a recognized profession. Come down out of that tree now." "One more minute papa please." James sighed and walked away. Serena looked back to the pary, and at Darien dancing with a gorgeous girl. His rich ebony hair and sparkling blue eyes were well complimented by the green eyed red head in his arms. He whispered in her ear, and the woman walked off. What Darien did next didn't surprise Serena in the slightest, for she had seen him do it many times. Darien went over to the bar, and asked the bartender for a bottle of champagne, he put two wine glasses in the back pockets of his tuxedo pants. He grabbed the bottle, and a towel to wrap it in, and headed for the solarium. As he headed toward the solarium, he passed under the tree Serena was perched in, which she promptly jumped out of. Startled at the sound, Darien turned around, and was releaved to find Serena standing there. "Oh, Serena! It's only you." "Hello.......Darien." "I thought I heard somebody in that tree." Darien said, walking away. "No, it was nobody." Finished Serena, quietly. ***************** Serena quietly made her way over to the solarium after Darien, and peeked through the window. There stood Darien and the red head sipping champagne. A song played in the background, and they slowly danced to it under the stars. Darien leaned down to kiss her, dropping his wine glass in the attempt. Serena turned away, saddened, and ran back to her room above the garage. As she passed her father's room, her called out to her. "Serena." "Yes, papa?" "Serena, dear, you have spent more of your life in that tree dreaming of Darien than you have spent living on the ground. Do you know how lucky you are that Mrs. Sheilds has friends who can give you a job in Tokyo? How lucky you are to be able to travel to Japan like this?" "Yes, papa, I do know. I am very greatful to Mrs. Sheids for this opportunity." "The time there will be good for you, Serena. It'll help get your mind off of things here. If your mother were alive, she would be so proud of you now." But, papa?" "Yes, Serena?" "What if he forget all about me?" "Serena, how could Darien forget someone he doesn't even know exists?" At her downcast expression, he amended. "Look, Serena, you know I didn't mean that. I just want you to see that there is more to you than this obsession." "Yes, papa, goodnight." Serena said,k leaving for her room. She sat on her window seat, staring out at the moon, when she noticed Darien's bedroom light on. She ran toward the main house and up the stairs to his room. She entered his room, and he was in his walk-in closet. * Knock, knock * "Come in." Serena entered, and said, "I just came to say goodbye." Darien started to enter the main room, but she said "No! Don't come out. It will make this much harder than it already is." Darien stayed at the closet's door, listening to the girl's outpourings. "I am leaving for Tokyo in the morning, and I will be gone for a long time. I don't really expect you to think of me while I am gone, you never did while I was hear." Serena said, slowly pacing across the room. "I think I know you better than anyone else, no matter what anyone says, I know the truth. You are kind, generous, and wonderfull, and......and for what it is worth, know that I will think of you no matter where I am. So, if there is anything I could ever do......." "Could you bring me a Tokyo Tower magnet?" Darien said, stepping into the room, a smirk on his face. Serena gasped in shock and humiliation. Surpressing a sob, she muttered a sorry and ran crying from the room and the house. *************** The next day found Serena in the hub of Tokyo. She sat in the lobby of Fashion Flair magazine. She stared down at her hands, waiting to be seen. A woman walked up to her, and in hevily accented english, asked "Are you Serena Williams?" "Yes, I am." "Good, good. You speak no Japanese, correct?" "That is correct, Maam." "Oh, well. No matter. This way please." The lady took Serena around the building, and told of the tasked she would be expected to preform. She would be the photographer's assistant, and general lackey. That very afternoon, she got her first assignment. She got yelled at so many times for not doing things correctly that she wanted to run away and cry. Orders were barked at her constantly, but she didnt understand any of it because no one spoke english to her. When the day had ended, she gladly returned to her sparse apartment. The only things in it were a bed, a chair, a desk, and a cork board that had a picture of Darien tacked to it. She sat down that night and wrote a letter to her father. ************** Dear Papa, Tokyo is beautiful, but everyone here thinks I am an idiot. I can't seem to do anything that I am asked to do, because no one here will speak english. At work, I am constantly yelled at for not understanding, but I can't help it. I am sorry that I don't understand Japanese, but they could be a bit nicer to me. Oh, well. I suppose that things will get better as time goes by. Here's hoping. You have my love always. Serena ********** Serena was right, things did get better as time went on. Serena finally began to understand the orders given to her, and the people became less and less hostile. One day, while at a shoot for winter clothing, the photographer smiled at Serena and said "Come have a drink with me." She smiled at him, and nodded. After the shoot, he came up to her, and they were off. As they walked down the street, the Photographer said "by the way, Serena, my name is Seiya Kou." "I always wondered who you were!" Serena exclaimed, giggling a bit. "Is that so? Well, now you know who I am, an may you never forget." Seiya said, smiling down at Serena. "Here we are, Serena. This is one of the finest cafe's in Tokyo." They sat down and Seiya immediatly began asking her about her life in America. "Well," She began. "I lived, with my father, above the garage of the Shields' mansion since I was a little girl. I helped him manage the cars, and attended school. Then Mrs. Shields gave me the opportunity to come here, and here I am." "Well, sounds like you had a peaceful life." "It was peacefully boring, you mean." Serena said, laughing a bit. Seiya laughed along. "And Tokyo is better for you?" "The new experience is definatly great, even though I miss my father." Seiya smiled at that. "Come, let's walk around the park some." Seiya got up and offered his hand to Serena, smiling. She took his hand and stood up, smiling back. ********************** * Meanwhile back in Maine * ********************** Darien Shields walked down the front steps to the waiting car. "Mother?" "Yes, Darien, what is it?" "Will you be coming to the office today?" "Not today, Darien. I think you are fully capable of running things yourself." "Very well, Mother. Have a nice day." Darien said, stepping into the car. As the car turned down the road, Martha entered the house and got on the phone. "Hello, William...............Yes everything is set up................I know Darien will love her, she is so charming and beautiful.................Yes, bring her to the house this weekend................of course he will be here, I will make sure of it.........Yes, uh huh, yes, goodbye William." Martha hung up the phone, smiling to herself. ~ Darien will finally get married, and all his days of womanizing will be over, not to mention the very profitable merger that will occur because of the marriage. ~ Martha smiled wider and left to go to town. ************** Seiya held Serena's hand as they walked around the lake in the park. "It's so beautiful here, Seiya." "I see something even more beautiful." Seiya said, looking straight at Serena. Serena looked at him, and blushed deeply. "Seiya, you are too much." "Nothing is ever too much for you, Serena." Serena blushed deeper, and smiled at Seiya. "Lets go sit over on that bench, Serena." Seiya said, leading her over to the bench. They sat down on the bench, and snuggled up like two lovers. Seiya had his arm draped around Serena's shoulders, and she was nestled in the crook of his arm, with her arms around his waist. They sat there for a long while, watching the ducks swim and the sun set. Seiya smiled down at Serena, who was peacefully watching the sun set. ~ I am so lucky to be here with her. She is so perfect, so beautiful, and so mine. ~ "Serena?" Seiya said, breaking the silence. "Hmm?" "Would you have dinner with me tomorow night?" "I would love to Seiya." "Good, good. Is around 7 good?" "That would be fine, Seiya. Hey Seiya?" "Yes?" "What time is it?" "Its 7:50 p.m. Why?" "I have to get home. I should get some sleep." "Want me to walk you?" "That would be nice, thank you Seiya." Seiya smiled at her, and got up off the bench, taking her hand in his. She led the way, and they walked along in comfortable silence. When they arrived at her apartment, she stopped and turned to face Seiya. "Thankyou, Seiya." "For what?" "For being with me, being her for me." "Serena...there is no need for thanks. I to am grateful for you, so consider us even." Serena smiled at Seiya. "Well, I guess I will see you tomorow then, goodnight,Seiya." "Goodnight, Serena." He said, kissing her hand before releasing it. She smiled and turned to enter her apartment. ~ Goodnight, my angel Serena. ~ Seiya thought, walking off toward his own apartment. Serena entered her apartment, finding a letter waiting for her in the mailbox. ~ It is from Papa! ~ She thought to herself. Opening it, she read: Dearest Serena, Darling, everybody couldn't possibly think you are and idiot, You are just overreacting. Anyway, I hope things are better now, and hope you are having a nice time. Everything here is fine, but the parties just aren't the same without you in your tree. I miss you so much, I can't wait for you to come home. Have fun, and live life for yourself, not for anyone else. love you forever Papa ~ Oh, Papa! I miss you so much. If only you knew what was going on here. ~ Serena took out a peice of paper, and began to write. ************** * Back in Maine * ************** Darien was sitting in his office, looking over some papers, when his mother came in. "Darien, darling." "Yes, mother?" Darien said, looking up. "Darien, I have someone for you to meet." "Mother, now really isn't the time, or the........" "Darien, you will see this person!" Martha said, looking sternly at Darien. Darien sighed, and nodded his head, defeated. Martha smiled at her son, and went to go bring the person in. "Darien, you know Mr. Hino, right?" "Yes, nice to see you again, Mr. Hino." "Darien, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Raye." Mr. Hino said, bringing a girl forward from her position next to him. "Nice to meet you, Raye." "Darien, you and Raye are to be engaged tomorow night. That is why I thought you should meet her today." Darien looked at his mother, his eyes blazing. "Mother.....can I see you in the hall, please?" Darien said through clenched teeth. "Excuse us, please." Martha said. They exited into the hallway, and as soon as the door closed, Darien exclaimed "Mother! How could you? What in the world of hell were you thinking?" "Darien, don't talk to me like that! I am your mother, and I say that you will marry her, and you will be happy." "No mother I will not! You forget who controls the business. I allow the life we live to be lived. You cannot control my life." "I will dissown you if you don't marry her. This marriage will bring about a billion dollar merger, and we won't ever need to worry about finaces for generations to come." "Mother!" "Darien, you will do this, for the money if not for me." Darien looked down at his shoes, defeated. "All right, mother, I will do it for you , and the money." "Good! Now, go back in there, and tell William that you will marry his daughter." "Yes mother." ***************** Dearest Serena, I am so happy to hear of your new love interest, he sounds like a great man. I am also very pleased to know that things are much better than they were, and that you are happy. But, my dearest, I have a more urgent purpose in this letter to you. I have written to tell you of Darien Shields' impending engagement. I realize that this must come as a shock to you, but I hope that this news will not affect your new found happiness. If it makes you feel better, I hear that this wasn't his choice, he was forced into it. I hope, dearest, that this doesn't make you miserable, but I felt that you needed to know. Maybe you can finally move on now. Love you forever Papa ****************** Serena finished reading the letter, tears running down her face. ~ Oh, papa! How could he? I love him. ~ She layed down on her bed, and cryed herself to sleep. ****************** Serena came to work the next day, semi normal. Seiya came up to her after the shoot, and took her out to dinner. "Serena?" Seiya said, looking up from his sukiyaki. "Hmm?" She replied not looking up from her taryaki beef. "Serena, where are you? I am here, in Tokyo, but you are not." "What?" "I would like to help you with your troubles, but I don't think I truly can. Don't run from the problems, face them." "Seiya, I.......I.......I am going home tomorow. I have stayed here for a year, and I must return home." "I understand. Remember, Serena, I will always be here for you. If you ever want to, come back and I will be here for you." "Thankyou, Seiya. I will go home tomorow, and I will face my problems there." "Serena, are you ready to go. I would like to walk you home, because this will be our last night together." "Yes, lets go." ******************** "Mother! I am going into town for a while." "Have a nice time, Darien. And don't be too long." Darien got into his cherry red sports car, and drove into town. He went into several shoppes to find a birthday present for his mother's birthday that was in a few days. He found the perfect vase for her, and went to have it wrapped. A bus pulled out into traffic accross the street, and in its place, stood a tall atractive woman. She wore a tailored navy blue pant suit, and a matching hat. Her golden hair shone brightly in the afternoon sun, and her blue eyes sparkled beneath her hat. She had three bags in her hands, and was preparing to call a taxi, when Darien walked out. "Hello." She said to him as he neared his car. "Hello." "How are you?" "I'm fine, but you know me, don't you?" "Are you going home?" "Yes?" "Could you give me a lift?" "Sure." They drove off down the road. "So, where do you live?" "Drywater lane." "Thats where I live." "What a small world." "What a big lane." Serena laughted at this. "You really don't remember who I am, do you?" "No, but you are going to tell me aren't you" "No way! This is way to much fun, Darien." "Wait! You know who I am?" "Of course. You didn't honestly think that I would ask a complete stranger for a ride, did you? Here is your driveway." "Yea, here it is. How did you know?" "I know all about you." Serena stepped out of the car, and asked "So what is the occasion for a party?" "My mother's birthday. Look, the party is at 9, say you will come." "Do you really want me to?" " Yes, so does that mean you will come?" "Yes, I will come." "Serena! Welcome back!" Martha Shields called out. "Thankyou Mrs. Shields." "Thankyou for the ride, Darien. I will get my bags later, I must go." "Serena? Serena?..........Serena! Wait!" Darien called after her retreating form. "Darien, NO!" "What mother?" "Don't even think of trying for her! You are engaged to be married, or have you forgotten?" "You wouldn't let me forget mother. But she is coming to this party tonight." Darien said, as he walked off. ******************** "Papa!" Serena exclaimed as she neared the garage. Serena ran up to him, hugging him feircely. "Serena, my darling Serena. It is so good to have you home at last." James said, hugging his daughter. "Come, papa. I brought you many things from Tokyo." Serena said, leading him up to the living room above the garage. "Now, papa, here is your first gift, for going out." Serena said, handing him a silk tie. "For staying in." A bottle of Saki. "And for laughs." A man's silk kimono. "Serena, darling, these are wonderful! I absolutly love them." James said, hugging his daughter again. "And I have a present for myself, Papa. I am going to Mrs. Shields birthday party tonight." "You are?" "Yes, Darien invited me. Of course, that was before he found out who I was." "And now that he knows?" "I am still invited, I suppose. Papa please, I have dreamed of going to one of these parties since I could first remember seeing one." "Well, I suppose you had better get ready." "Oh, Papa! Thank you so much." Serena said, hugging her father again. "I know just the dress." ****************** 9 o'clock rolled around, and Serena left her room for the party. She gracefully walked down the stairs, and to her surprize, Darien was waiting for her at the bottom. She was, in that moment, glad that she had taken the time to look extra special. She wore a long, flowing, midnight blue dress that, when the light hit it just so, sparkled like a star filled night. Her hair, which had been brushed until it shone like liquid gold, cascaded gracefully down her back in soft waves. Her eyes sparkled a vibrant blue, tinged with excitement. The only jewlery she wore was a simple pendant in the shape of a moon. She stepped off the last stair, and Darien was a shock to her senses. He wore a black tuxedo, with navy blue accesories. His wavy black hair was combed neatly and shone like the night sky. His eyes, with their rich blue depths, shone like stars, and twinkled with mischeif. "My lady." Darien said, slightly bowing, and offering Serena his hand. Serena took it and giggled a little. "Thank you, sir." They walked toward the large garden, where the party was to be held. They walked around, Darien mingling, Serena being admired. "So how are you doing?" "This all seems so strange to me." "Here drink this," Darien said, handing her a glass of champange. "Drink it fast, and it won't seem so strange anymore." She drank a big gulp of it. "Feel better?" "Not yet." Darien laughed. "Come, dance with me." "All right." Darien led her out onto the dancefloor. He put his hands on her waist, and she put hers on his shoulders. They started to slowly dance to the song that the band was playing. I don't know what he did to make you cry, but I'll be there to make you smile. I don't have a fancy car, to get to you I'd walk a thousand miles. I don't care if he buys you nice things does his gifts come from the heart--I don't know but if you were my girl..... I'd make it so we'd never be apart. But my love is all I have to give Without you I don't think I can live I wish I could give the world to you...but love is all I have to give. When you talk--does it seem like he's not even listning to a word you say? That's okay babe, just tell me your problems I'll try my best to kiss them all away.... Does he leave when you need him the most? Does his friends get all your time? Baby please...I'm on my knees praying for the day that you will be mine. Darien spun Serena out, bringing her back into his arms. But my love is all I have to give Without you I don't think I can live I wish I could give the world to you...but love is all I have to give. Darien smiled down at Serena. She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling like bright stars. To you...hey girl, I don't want you to cry no more...inside All the money in the world could never add up to all the love I have inside.....I love you. Serena and Darien stared into each others eyes, neither noticing the party around them. And I will give it to you All I can give, All I can give Everything I have is for you But love is all I have to give "Meet me in the solarium, Serena." "All right." Darien walked off , and Serena walked slowly toward the solarium. Darien went to the bar, and just like normal, put two glasses in his tuxedo pockets, and took a bottle of champange, and headed for the solarium. On his way, his mother stopped him. "Darien, what are you doing? You are engaged to be married, and you are galavanting around with the chaufers daughter." "Mother, I may be engaged, but I can call it off if I wish. Besides I am not married yet, so I can do as I wish." "But think of what you are doing to Serena. What happens to her when Raye comes back and you must fulfill your duty as a fiancee? Serena cares for you, you know. You shouldn't trifle with her emotions." "Oh, mother. I will do as I wish, and Serena is what I wish right now." Darien said, walking away toward the solarium. Serena stood by the reflection pool, staring at the roses. "Serena....." "Darien, there you are. So where are the glasses?" "How did you know?" "Darien, I have watched you at parties, doing the same thing that you do now with me, with dozens of other women." "Really? Why have you watched me?" "I was in love with you." "And now?" "And now, you are engaged. My feelings don't matter anymore." "Don't say that, Serena. All feelings matter." "I..........I shouldn't be here. It isn't right." "Serena! Don't go." "Darien, please. I don't know why I ever came here tonight, but I can't say that I wish that I hadn't. Thankyou for this night, but I should go." "Serena! no, not yet. Not before this." Darien pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. His hands moved from her shoulders to around her waist, supporting her. After a moment, he broke the kiss. "Do you still want to go?" "No, but I must. You aren't an availible man, and I can't stay with you knowing that I will be hurt in the end." "Serena......" "Goodnight Darien. Thank you for inviting me to the party." Serena said, running off toward her room. ********************* Serena was walking in the gardens, when her father ran up to her. "Serena, Mrs. Shields would like to talk with you, in the drawing room." "I'll be there in a moment, Papa." James turned and walked off. Serena turned and headed for the main house. She walked inside and turned into the drawing room, where Mrs. Shields was waiting. "Hello, Serena. Please, have a seat." "Thank you kindly." Serena said, sitting down on a sette. "Serena," Martha started. " Serena, you know I think very highly of you." "Thank you, but........" Serena said. Martha sighed, "But, I want you to stay away from my son." "Mrs. Shields, I have stayed away from your son. It is true that I love him, but I know full well that he is taken. I wish not to stand in the way of his marriage." "Serena, all this I know to be true, but my son seems to think that he is in love with you. That is what concerns me. Therefore, I have asked you here today to offer you a proposition." "What?" "I am prepared to send you anywhere you want in the world. I will provide your housing, your living expenses will be paid by me, and you will have spending cash with which you may live quite comfortably." "Mrs. Shields, I don't know what kind of woman you think I am, but I wouldn't stoop so low as to accept a pay off. But, I will take one thing from you. All that I ask is that you send me back to Tokyo." "Is that all you want?" "That is all." "Well, that is easily arranged. You will leave tomorow." "Very well, Mrs. Shields." Serena said, leaving the room, and the house. She calmly walked back to her room, and picked up the phone. She dialed a familiar number, one that was in Tokyo. "Hello? Seiya?...................Yea, It's me.................Listen, Seiya, I am coming back.............Yea, I missed you too............thankyou Seiya...........see you then............goodbye." Serena hung up the phone, and sighed to herself. ~One last thing to do, and then I will leave this place forever. ~ She dug through a drawer in her desk for a small pakage. ~One last thing. ~ Serena walked up to the main house for the last time, and walked up the stairs. * Knock, knock. * "Come in." "Darien?" "Serena?!" "Yea, its me. Just came to say goodbye and to give you something you asked me for when I left the first time." Serena walked over to him, and handed him a small pakage, wrapped in black paper. "Good bye Darien." "Wait!" "Yes?" Serena said, turning around. "Where are you going? When will you be back?" "I won't be back, Darien. As for where I am going, I am going home." "What? Your home is here." "No, it isn't here anymore. I have to go, Darien." Serena said, slowly turning around, and walking out of the room. "No!" Darien exclaimed, grabbing Serena by the arm, making her turn and face him. "Let me go! Please!" Serena said, struggling to get out of his grip. "Not until you give me a straight answer." "Please, open the gift, and you will have your answer. Please, Darien, I have to catch my plane." Serena pleaded, finally winning when Darien released her arm. He was fixated with the pakage, and finally managed out "Have a nice trip." But she was gone. ********************* Serena stared out of the plane window. ~ I am going back to Tokyo, I will make myself happy there. Seiya will make me happy. Oh! I should have never gone home! ~ Serena decided to take a nap until the plane landed in the Tokyo airport. ********************** "Miss! Miss! Get up please, the plane has landed." A flight attendant said, shaking Serena slightly. * Yawn * "Oh, we are here?" "Yes, miss. Now please exit the plane, and collect your bags." The attendant said, walking away. ~ Geez, guess I overslept. ~ Serena thought to herself. Serena got up, and with her carry on luggage, exited the plane. As she entered the lobby, she saw Seiya waiting for her. "Seiya!" Serena exclaimed. "Serena! I am so glad that you are back." "It feels good to be back. Come on, lets go get my bags." After her things were collected, they got in Seiya's car, and headed toward his apartment. "Thankyou so much for letting me stay with you, Seiya." "You know that it isn't a problem, Serena. I like the company." Seiya said, smiling at her. "So what prompted the return to Tokyo, Serena?" "Its a long story." "I like long stories. Feel like telling?" "Can it wait till morning? I am so tired that I couldn't tell a story if my life depended on it." "We're here, Serena. Come, I will show you to your room. Get some sleep, and we'll talk in the morning." "Thank you, Seiya. Goodnight." ******************** Morning came, pouring sunlight onto Serena's tired form. She struggled with the light coming in through the window, but no matter how she tried, the sun would not go away. ~ Oh, well. So much for sleeping. Better get up now, I suppose. ~ Serena slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from her tired eyes. She entered the bathroom, and proceeded to take a shower, waking up fully. She got out of the shower, and dried off her hair, leaving it just slightly damp. She walked back into her room, and got out a light blue sun dress from her closet, and slipped it on over her head. She ran a brush through her damp hair, and exited her room, heading for the kitchen. "Morning, Serena." "Good morning, Seiya" "Are you hungry, Serena? I made some pancakes." "I am starving, Seiya. Pancakes sound great right now." Serena said, sitting down at the kitchen table. Seiya gave her some pancakes, and for a while, they both ate in silence. Serena finished her breakfast, and Seiya took away her plate. Then he gave her a cup of coffee, and led her to the livingroom. "Now, Serena, you have eaten. I want you to tell me why you came back." "Seiya, isn't it enough that I am here?" "Serena, come on. I know you came back because of something bad happening. When you left, you were so excited about going home, and now that you are back, you don't want to talk about it. I don't understand, Serena. Please tell me." "Seiya, I left because of Darien. He is forbidden to me, and his mother thought it best if I weren't there. She enabled me to return to Tokyo, my new home." "But, will you ever go back?" "Maybe, a long time from now, when Darien is married to his fiancee, and there is no threat from me. Right now, though, I can't stand by and watch him marry another." "All right, Serena. I understand now. Welcome back to Tokyo." "Thank you Seiya. Thank you for being here for me." ******************* "Mother!" Darien called throughout the house. "Mother, where are you?" "Darien, darling, I am right here." "Why mother? Why did you send her away?" "Who, Darien?" "You know perfectly well, mother. Serena has gone away, and you sent her. I want to know why, because I know the where." "I sent her where she wanted to go. I didn't force her, she chose to go." "That is a lie, Mother. You said something to her, and that is why she went away." "All right, Darien. Yes, I sent her away. I sent her away for your own benefit. I wanted to make sure that there were no obsticles between you and Raye getting married." "What right did you have to do that, Mother? I don't even like Raye. You had no right to decide my life, because it is just that, my life." "You will marry Raye, Darien. Make no mistakes about that." "Did you know, mother, that Mr. Hino's company is going bankrupt?" "What?! His company is most certainly not!" "Why do you think that he was pushing for the marriage so much. He needs our money to stay afloat. He will drag our family's money down." "You are lying!" "Look it up for yourself mother. The proof is right there." Darien said, exiting the room. "Where are you going, Darien?" "I am going to find Serena." ******************** "Seiya, I am going out for a while. I want to take a walk." "All right, Serena. I will see you when you get back." Seiya said, to Serena's retreating form. She closed the apartment door behind her, and proceeded down the stairs. ~ I think I will just walk around the park for a while. ~ Serena thought to herself. She walked along the lakeside trail, finally stopping when she reached the bridge that ran across it. She leaned on the railing, and peered over at her reflection. She stood up, and leaned her back against the railing, closing her eyes as she thought through all the events leading to now. "What are you thinking about?" A masculine voice said to her left. She flinched slightly, and evenly replied, "Who ever you are, I don't see how I am of your concern." "Oh, but Serena, I want you to be my concern." "What?" Serena said, whirling around, visibly surprized. "I said, I want you to be my concern." Darien said, smiling down at her. "What? How? But I thought..." Serena stammered out. "Shh, Serena. Don't question it." Darien said. Serena threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly around the waist. He held onto her waist, drawing her closer to him. "Serena, I want you to come home with me." "But what about your mother?" "Don't worry about her. Her bubble has been broken, and she won't say anything now." "Then, I suppose I am going home.? Serena said, looking him straight in the eyes. Darien smiled, and lowered his head down to hers, kissing her deeply. Serena broke the kiss, and turned around to look at her reflection in the lake. What she saw was a girl in love, and the man who loved her. ***************** Once upon a time, on the north shore of Maine, there was a very large mansion. And on this very large estate, there lived a small girl, and life was pleasant and very simple. Then one day, the girl grew up, and went beyond the walls of the grounds, and found true love. ***************** Anyway, send all comments, questions, flames, praises, etc to Nikita1041@aol.com. Danielle