Enjoy!


"I love you

Always

Forever

Near and far

Closer together

Everywhere I will be with you

Everything I will do for you." The blonde sang as the song came to an end. After waving to the fans, the band left the stage.

"Great show Sere." A black haired male said as he wrapped an arm around his wife's waist.

"Thanks Dare. You weren't too bad yourself." She said before pressing her lips to his.

"So what was your inspiration for that song?" He asked as the couple stepped into the dressing room.

"I wrote it one night after we…you know."

"You're so shy talking about sex. It's cute."

"Well it's not the first thing I go around bragging about."

"I know."

"But it was about two weeks ago."

"Was it the night of our date?"

"Yah."

"I love the song almost as much as I love you." He said gently pressing his lips to hers. "I was wondering what you were working on."

"Well you know how I work. I give the band the music and you hear it the same time the fans do."

"I love the mysterious side of you." He grinned. He was swooping down for another kiss when the door burst open.

"Mommy! Daddy!" A little boy cried as he embraced the couple.

"Hey sweetie." Serena hugged her son.

"Why did you guys have to be gone so long?"

"We had to do our job. But now the summer tour is over and we can do whatever you want for the next month until you go back to school." Darien said.

"Thanks for taking care of Daren Andy." Serena said as she hugged her brother.

"No problem."

"Let's go get some dinner." Darien suggested.

"Great, I'm starved!" Serena said as everyone else laughed. "What, I haven't gotten to eat since breakfast." She whined.

"Come on love, let's go eat then."

The four walked out of the room and into the crowded hallway.

The next thing Serena knew, Darien was yelling at her to get down. She was frozen. Someone had a gun pointed at her.

"SERENA! GET DOWN!" She heard Darien's voice call.

All of a sudden, she was pushed backwards, the gun went off, and Darien was in front of her, blocking any potential danger.

Serena was laying on her back when she felt a weight fall upon her stomach, then her husband's face at her neck. Still in shock, she remained still until she felt moisture on her arm. That's when reality kicked in. Darien was lifted off of her as she sat up.

"Dare. Dare. Come on honey, answer me." She pleaded as she knelt next to him. She took his hand in her own and squeezed it reassuringly. "You're going to be fine honey. You'll be fine."

"Rena, we need to get him to the hospital."

"I'm going too."

"I'll drive you and Daren in my car. There isn't enough room in the ambulance."


"Hi mom." A black haired boy said, breaking his mother out of her thoughts.

"Morning sweetie."

He walked over to the cupboard and stopped at the calendar to check off the date: August 9th, 2007. He solemnly looked to his mother. "Are we going to visit dad today?"

"Of course." She smiled at him.

He pulled the bowl out of the cupboard and sat next to his mom. He grabbed the frosted flakes and began to fill his bowl.

The blonde was admiring her son when the phone rang. She quickly got up to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hey Rena."

"Hi Andy."

"I finally have a day off, want to do something."

"Oh Andy, I wish it was any other day. You know what today is?"

There was a pause. "Oh. I didn't realize. How are you and Daren holding up?"

She sighed and looked over to her son who was still munching on his cereal. "It's tough. And all of a sudden too." She said as her eyes became misty. She quickly turned away from her son.

"I know Rena. I'm sorry."

"You couldn't have done anything. It was my fault. If I would have listened when he told me to get down-"

"Rena, listen to me. It's not your fault. You must understand that."

"I'm trying."

"But I have good news for you."

"What?"

"We have a pretty good lead on his murderer."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yah. It was called in last night, but I was ordered to go home and take my day off. I haven't had very many in the last year working on his case."

"You don't know how much I appreciate that Andy."

"Yah, so the first thing I'll do when I get into work tomorrow is check the lead. But it seems pretty solid."

"Keep me posted?"

"Of course."

"Thanks. I've got to go. Daren and I are leaving soon."

"You want me to come."

"Why don't you meet us there?"

"Okay. See you soon."

"Kay. Talk to you soon." She hung up the phone. "Uncle Andrew is going to meet us when we visit your dad."

"Okay. Can we go?"

"Sure."

The two quickly got in Serena's silver SUV and drove off.

"…and yesterday Billy got caught cheating on the math test."

"Your life is just full of adventure, isn't it?" Serena laughed as they were stopped at a crosswalk. There they saw a father walking and laughing with his son as they crossed the street. Serena looked towards her son and put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed reassuringly.

He looked to his mom as they pulled away. "How do you spell cat backwards?"
"T-A-C?"

"No."

"Then how?"

"C-a-t b-a-c-k-w-a-r-d-s."

She laughed. "Where'd you learn that one?"

"School."

"At least you're learning something."

"Oh mom, look. That guy is selling flowers. Can we get some to put on dad's gravesite?"

"Sure." She pulled off to the side. She pulled a five out of her wallet and handed it to Daren. He handed it to the man and the man handed him the flowers. "Keep the change sir."

"Thank you ma'am. Have a good day."

"You too." She pulled away. As they approached the cemetery, she looked to her son. She could swear that it was her husband – when he was 10 – sitting in the seat next to her. Daren was the splitting image of her late husband. The same ebony hair, the same deep blue eyes, and the same small freckles around his nose that only showed in the sun. They soon came to the area where Darien's gravesite was located. They slowly got out of the car and headed up to where the tombstone lay. Serena kneeled next to the stone and read it aloud. "'Beloved husband and awesome father. In loving memory. Darien Shields.'" Tears came to her eyes.

Daren walked over and laid the flowers in front of the stone. "I miss him."

She hugged her son. "I know sweetie. I do too." They sat there, hugging and remembering good times they shared with Darien until a black Taurus pulled up. "Why don't you go see Uncle Andrew?"

"What about you?"

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

Daren hugged his mom tight. "K."

As he walked towards the car, Andrew got out and began heading towards him. "Hey squirt."

"Hey Uncle Andrew."

"How are you."

"Okay."

"Good. Where's your mom?"

"With dad still. She told me to come see you."

"Go ahead and make your way back to my car. I'm going to go talk with your mom."

"Okay." He quickly made his way to the silver SUV and got in the passenger seat.

Andrew made his way to where Serena sat crying silently. He sat next to her and she turned and pushed her body into his chest, crying harder.

"Shhhhh. It's okay Rena. Let it out."

"When will it get easier Andy? When?" She sobbed.

"I don't know."

"It's so hard being strong for him. Not breaking down in front of him."

"You've been so strong for so long. He'd understand though. You don't always have to be strong for him."

"I know, but I try. He seems to be so strong."

"He didn't have the connection you did with Darien. Sure he was his dad, but you were his lover. Your connection is much deeper with him than Daren would ever have with him. Of course he is upset, but he only spent nine years with Darien, you spent how long with him?"

"I've known him my whole life."

"Exactly. That's thirty years."

"You're making me feel old."

"Well you are getting old. You're thirty for crying out loud."

She snickered.

"Don't think I didn't hear that laugh." Andrew hugged his sister tighter. "God it's been so long since I've heard you truly laugh Rena."

The two stood up. "It's been so hard to even attempt to laugh. I mean...it's all my fault Darien's dead."

Andrew turned his sister to face him. "I don't ever want to hear you blame yourself again. It's not your fault. If this lead is solid, we'll have the person in custody that is to blame. It's not your fault." He said sternly.

"But he was killed protecting me."

"He was your body guard before you two got involved. Then he became your guitarist. He was your husband. His first thoughts are always to protect the one he loves...and that's you. He didn't have to protect you. That was his choice, and I'm sure he wouldn't have had it any other way had he known the outcome."

"I guess you're right."

"I am. Now how about we go get some breakfast."

"Daren already ate, but I could use some food."

"My treat. Let's go. He's probably getting worried."

"Just give me one more minute?"

"Sure. I'll be at the car."

"Thanks."

Andrew slowly walked away as Serena turned towards the grave. "He prays for you every day. He really misses you." Her voice got quiet. "I miss you too. I love you. Don't forget about us up there in heaven." She gave a half smile before turning back to her car.

0.o

The three sat in the diner eating quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. Andrew thinking about the case, Daren thinking about his dad, and Serena replaying the day she lost her husband and the days since that she has spent with her son.

Suddenly Serena looked up wide-eyed. "Andy, do you mind watching Daren for a little while?"

"Uh yah. Sure. Everything okay?"

"Yah. Just want to do something. Daren, you mind hanging with your uncle for a few hours?"

"No."

She kissed her son's head.

"Everything okay mom?"

"Yah sweetie. Everything's fine. I'll see you soon." She said before running out the doors. She quickly hopped into her car and drove off to the cemetery. Once she arrived, she grabbed her notebook and pencil and went to Darien's grave. She then sat with her back against the side of the tombstone and began writing.

0.o

NINE MONTHS LATER…

(May 9th, 2008)

"What's this mom?" Daren asked as his mom handed him a piece of paper with different musical notes on it.

"You know how to play the guitar, right?" Serena asked as she sat on the couch next to her son.

"Yah."

"Can you play this?"

"Hold on." Daren retrieved his guitar from his bedroom and grabbed the music stand. He put the paper on the stand and sat down. He began playing the notes.

"That sounds great."

"What's this for?"

"It's a surprise. I'm working on something. This isn't finished, but I want you to try and learn this. Can ya?"

"Sure. I'll work on it."

"When I finish, I'll let you know."

"Thanks." Daren continued playing the notes as Serena's cell went off.

She walked into the kitchen and answered. "Hello?"

"I know I'm not supposed to be sharing this information…"

"But…?"

"We have solid evidence and have Darien's murderer in custody."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. He's going to court tomorrow."

"I'll be there."

"What about Daren?"

Serena looked over to where her son was still playing the notes. "No. I don't think he should come. I mean, they explain everything, don't they?"

"Yah."

"He has school anyways."

"I'll come by at 10 to pick you up. The trial starts at 10:30."

"That sounds great. "

"What are you going to do about-"

"Mom, this sounds awesome!"

"You're making it sound great! Sorry, but yah, I'm going to ask mom to continue watching her until it's over. It might be for the better. I feel so bad…but…"

"It's understandable. Mom's more then willing to help."

"Thank you so much Andy."

"No problem Rena. Maybe now we can give you the happiness you need."

"Huh?"

"Uh…nothing. Gotta go." He said before the line clicked.

"I'm going to get you for that one brother." She said as she closed her phone. "Daren, time for bed honey."

"But I'm really getting the tone of this song."

"You can practice tomorrow after school."

"Okay, sure." He got up and headed down the hall.

"I'll be there in a minute."

"K."

Serena grabbed her cell phone and made her way to Daren's room. She was about to enter when she heard him talking.

" Lord, help me and Mama make it through. And tell Daddy, we'll be okay. I really miss you daddy." He said the last part just above a whisper. He got up and climbed into bed.

"Ready?"

"Yah."

"I'll have the rest of that song for you tomorrow." Serena smiled. "I just got my inspiration for the rest of it."

"Love you mom."

She kissed her son's forehead as she pulled the covers to his neck. "I love you too sweetie. See you in the morning."

He slowly drifted to sleep as his mother hurried to write more in her notebook.

0.o

"You've all heard extensive testimony over the past three months. On the anniversary of the day Darien Shields was taken away from his loving wife and son, bring them piece of mind and justice. Thank you." The district attorney said, finishing her closing statement.

"You are dismissed." The judge said. The jury stood and exited through a door leading to the back hallway.

Everyone stood after the judge left the courtroom and Serena walked up to the District Attorney. "Thank you so much Raye."

"It's no problem, really. I'd do anything to bring this to justice." The raven haired girl said hugging her friend.

"Do you think we got her?"

"She practically confessed. I think we're good. But there's another trial in here in a few minutes and we gotta leave. Let's go for some lunch. I'll get a call as soon as they reach a verdict."

"Sure. I'm hungry." Andrew agreed.

"I'm going to pick up Daren first. I feel bad for leaving him at home."

"I'll drive you."

"I can drive."

"I drove you here sis."

"Oh yah." Everyone laughed. "Thanks Andy. Meet you there Raye?"

"Sure. I'll save some seats."

"K. See ya."

Each got in their separate cars and drove to the destinations.

"How'd it go mom?" Daren asked as his mother walked into the house.

"Raye thinks we've got it in the bag." She said hugging her son.

"I'm glad."

"Now let's get going. Thanks for watching him Molly."

"No problem Serena. See you later." The redhead waved before leaving out the door.

"Come on. We're gonna go get some lunch with Raye."

"Okay."

"Hey Raye. Why are you out here?"

"I just got a call. The jury has already decided. I need to get back."

The four got in cars and the two vehicles headed for the court house.

"All parties are present. Has the jury reached a verdict?"

"We have your honor."

"Please proceed."

"We find the defendant, Beryl Simons, guilty."

Serena sighed contently and hugged her son close.

"The court is dismissed."

The group got up and Serena hugged Raye tightly. "Thank you so much." She turned to Andrew. "You too."

"It's no problem." Both said.

"Now let's go celebrate."

"No. I have a surprise for you guys." Serena said pulling them out of the court room.

"Come on. We'll run by my house really quick. Then I'll drive all of you to my surprise."

"But Rena."

"No Andy. We're going. I made a commitment, and I'm going to go…I kinda have to go. You're all coming with."

"Fine."

Daren, Serena, and Andrew got into Serena's SUV, and she drove off to her house.

"Where are we going anyways?" Andrew asked as they turned down her street.

"Can't tell you."

"But-"

"You'll find out in five minutes. It's not far. I just need change of clothes. Daren, can you grab your guitar?" She asked pulling into her driveway.

"Sure mom."

"I'll be right back."

The three got out of the car, Serena heading to her room, Daren to his, and Andrew waited in the living room for them both. Come on Rena, I've got to call-

"Okay, I'm ready." She said coming out of her room.

"Now will you tell me where we're going?"

"No, you're going to be blindfolded until I'm ready for you to see."

"But I was going to have someone meet us for dinner."

"Well I can't tell you. It'll ruin the surprise."

"What if I give you my phone and you can text them the address. Then delete the text so I won't read it."

"Who would I be texting?"

"That would be my surprise for you."

"Fine."

Daren came walking out with his guitar in hand. "I'm ready."

"Alright, take these," she held out her hand which held two pairs of ear plugs and two blindfolds, "and put them on."

"What?"

"Come on. Just do it. It's part of my surprise."

"Okay, but let me get my phone so you can text my friend."

"Just tell me who it is."

"He's under 'D' on my contacts."

"D?"

"Yah, he really hates his name. He always goes by D." He said quickly.

"Okay." She took the phone from him as the two males took the supplies from her. She opened the phone and set up the text.

Hey, I'm Andy's sister, Serena. He said you were supposed to meet him at the place where he was gonna take us for a celebration. I'm assuming you know the story if you were coming to celebrate with us…oh geese, I hope he wasn't trying to set me up with you…no offence or anything, but I'm still in love with my late husband. Why am I going on about this? Sorry. Today is the anniversary of the day he saved my life and lost his. Anyways, you can meet us at the place I'm taking him and my son, Daren. It's at 25839 Luv Drive. You can come on backstage. This is a surprise, so I'm holding onto his phone so he can't read this text. Once he sees the address, he'll know where we're going. If you have a question, text him/me back.

-Rena

"Are you done yet?" Andrew asked impatiently.

"Just finished it. Let's go." She led the two out to the car.

They all got in and Serena quickly drove away.

"When are you going to go to mom's?" Andrew asked to pass the time.

"Well now that everything's done, probably Saturday or Sunday."

"Can I go? I want to visit grandma and grandpa."

"Of course you can dear."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

D arrived at the house Andrew told him to go to originally. He used a spare key to enter. "Damn, I missed them." He muttered to himself. He stopped next to the mantel where there was a giant picture framed. It was a picture of Serena holding Daren who was about two and Darien standing beside her with his arm wrapped around her waist.

He snapped himself back to reality remembering his goal. He turned to leave the house, but a few music sheets caught his eye. He picked them up and began to hum the tune in his head. After he finished going over it, he rushed out of the house and back to his black SUV.