My first few weeks of high school flew by with few encounters with Stephen after that. My days were filled with homework, football games, and friends that before I knew it, it was Halloween. My parents were holding their annual costume party, and this was my first year that I was allowed to attend.

It was mostly adults, so when I was younger I had little desire to go. Seiya, Darien, and I would watch the party from the top of my stairs in the shadows rating the guest's costumes. When Darien was old enough to go, he would usually end up back up stairs with me and Seiya and it was like old times. Until he got a lot older. The night for him was full of talking with adults about his future, and I could tell he enjoyed the conversation. Even when Seiya was old enough to go, he declined. He said that he would go when I could.

It took me over two weeks to decide on a costume. It seemed like everyone else just picked one at random, but I wanted to be something different since this was my first Halloween party. Seiya told me he was going as a rock star, and Darien wouldn't tell me his. He said that I would have to find him in the crowd. I was so excited that I got ready two hours early.

I was a princess. At first it doesn't seem that original until I put my own spin on it. I am not wearing pink and sparkles, but a beautiful white gown with gold trim on the bodice. The waist is empire, and the sleeves are capped and made out of a soft, sheer fabric. My dad said I looked like a moon princess, and that is what I decided I would be. It felt right.

I stayed in my room as the guests arrived, for I constantly found something out of place with my hair. I was keeping it up in the usual style, but it seemed like tonight it didn't want to cooperate. I could hear the party start to pick up downstairs and I decided enough was enough with my hair, and left my room.

I saw Seiya instantly. He was in the foyer with his parents, looking like every bit a rock star. He had a torn black shirt on, with ragged jeans and big black boots. He had about twenty bracelets on each hand and wore a ring on every finger. He was holding drum sticks, and wore black eyeliner.

He looked up at me coming down that stairs and his mouth fell open. I blushed, not used to such a reaction from him.

"Serena?" he asked as I walked up to him.

"Yeah, it's me."

He shook his head, and said, "You look….um…uh…."

Before he could finish his sentence the door bell rang with arrival of more guests I let them in, and as I turned back to talk to Seiya he was gone. The flow of the party swept him away, so I began to make my rounds around the house.

It took me an hour to find Darien. Not only was the house filled to the rafters, but he was wearing a very clever costume. I shouldn't say that I found him, he found me.

I was standing by the fireplace in the living room when the a man started my way. He was tall, wearing an immaculate tuxedo and white half mask. As he came up to me he paused, and reached into his red vest and pulled out a rose. I was confused, but I still took the rose and upon closer examination found it to be chocolate wrapped in red foil.

"I've been waiting for an hour for you to find me, but I ran out of patience."

I smiled with realization. It was Darien. I had a strange urge to throw my arms around him in a hug, but I stopped myself.

"Um, who are you supposed to be?"

"The Phantom of the Opera. I thought it was obvious."

I wracked my brain to see if the name was familiar and I said, "You mean that guy that likes to stalk 16 year olds?"

Darien rolled his eyes and shook his head, "Not quite."

On the other side of the room I noticed Seiya with a distressed look on his face so I waved at him to join us.

Darien looked at whom I was waving to and I heard him sigh.

"Is something wrong, Darien?"

He turned to me and put on an extremely fake smile, and said, "Nothing. I've got to go say hello to your mother."

With that he walked away at the same instance as Seiya came over. The two of them exchanged a glance and parted without a word.

"Seiya, what is going on?"

He plastered on a fake smile as well and said, "Nothing."

I wanted to ask more but my father choose that time to put on music. Pretty soon the entire party was giant dance.

Seiya and I danced a lot, and there never seemed to be a slow paced song in the group. It didn't take long for me to get completely winded. I excused myself and went outside to get some fresh air. Seiya smiled and called me a light weight.

I walked out onto my back porch and sighed. It was a cool night, and it felt great to get out of the stuffy party.

"Having fun?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin as I turned to see Darien leaning against the side of the house. He still looked amazing in his tuxedo, with his arms folded across his chest. The mask covering half his face seemed to add to his looks.

"You scared me to death! I didn't even see you there!"

He smirked, "I am the Phantom, I can chose when to be seen and not be seen."

I rolled me eyes, "You are crazy."

I turned back around to continue looking at the night sky. Soon he was standing right next to me. We both had out hands on the porch railing and our faces turned to the sky.

"The party is a hit, huh." He stated more than asked.

I detected a hint of nervousness in his voice and I looked up at him to see a worried look on his face.

"Darien, is something wrong?"

He took off his half mask, and looked down at me.

"When I am with you, nothing is wrong."

His deep, dark eyes looked into my own with caring. His tall frame was turned slightly toward me, and his hand laid gently on top of mine. The way he looked at me made me shudder. His hair fell in front of his eyes, and I without thinking I reached up and brushed them aside. As my fingers made contact with his forehead, I felt his grip on my hand tighten. I withdrew my hand and blushed. He smiled his amazing smile at me, and his head dipped slightly toward me.

That is when we heard someone cough behind us. We both turned to see Seiya glaring at Darien.

Darien released my hand and started to walk back into the house, without even looking at Seiya. As he went his cape swirled around him, and for others it might look silly, but for Darien it worked.

Seiya looked at me accusingly, "Get your fresh air?"

I cleared my throat, and placed a wayward hair behind my ear, "Yeah, you ready to get back in there?"

I smiled as if nothing strange had just happened, as if something amazing wasn't just interrupted.

He simply nodded, and held the sliding glass door open for me. I walked back into the house, and was asked to dance by my father. Several dances later I was winded again, and decided to sit the next few fast songs out. Seiya went to dance with his mother, and I thankfully found a folding chair.

To my surprise the next song was slow, and had no words. I knew the song instantly, it was the lullaby my mother use to sing me to sleep too. It was called Moonlight Legend, and I had not heard it in years.

At that moment I saw Darien across the crowded room. He was looking straight at me, and with a single minded determination walked through the crowd. When he was right in front of me he extended his hand, and without saying anything I took at. He lead me to the center of the dance floor, and took me into his arms. He wrapped one around my shoulders, and took my hand with his. I could feel a possessive nature in the way he held me, but above all I just felt that this was right.

All too soon the song ended, and I pulled away from Darien. He looked into my eyes, and without breaking his gaze took my hand and kissed it lightly. A new, fast song began and he quickly left the dance floor. Seiya sidled up to me and asked to dance. I remember nodding, but I still looked at the space Darien had just left.

We danced to fast songs for hours, and before I knew it I was dead tired. The party was almost over, with a few remaining guests, those of which included Darien and Seiya. I had noticed throughout the night they had avoided each other like the plague. Now I was too tired to care. I sat at the foot my the steps nearly asleep.

I heard Darien and my mother approach, but I remained still.

"Isn't she precious!" said my mother as she kneeled down a moved some hair out of my face.

"Yes." Was Darien's quiet reply.

"She is so proud of her costume! Well, I don't think she will be able to make it upstairs, Darien do you mind taking her up for me?"

"I can do it."

That was Seiya's voice entering from the living room.

I could almost hear Darien growl in annoyance. The tension in the air built until my mother broke the silence.

"Seiya, dear! I actually need you to help me carry out the extra tables to the garage."

I heard him grumble in frustration, but he acquiesced. As they left, I felt strong arms pick me up and my head fell on to Darien's shoulder. I couldn't help but snuggle up to him and let his body warm me. I haven't felt this safe since I was little girl being carried by my father.

We got to my room and he laid me down on my bed. He took off my shoes and even thought to take off the bracelet I wore. I thought he would leave after that, but instead he sat on the edge of my bed and took my hand. My heart was beating, and I waited to see what would happen.

"Serena, you looked beautiful tonight."

Then I felt a warm kiss being placed at the corner of my mouth. It was there and gone within a blink of an eye.

I heard him get up and leave the room, closing the door behind him. I opened my eyes, and stared at the ceiling.

As the minutes ticked by my heart stopped pounding. I just had one question for myself.

"What is happening?"

I woke up the next determined to get to the bottom of what was going on. I thought to start with Darien and Seiya, but after last night I don't think I could face either one of them.

I knew I was incredibly naïve and innocent. People always told me it was a great characteristic. I always thought of it as a fault. I was always the last to know something.

And in this case, I knew I was missing something.

I got up and got ready for the day, and knew who I needed to talk too. The only girl my age that knew about boys. The only one of my friends that had had a boyfriend.

I dialed her number from the phone in my room, waiting impatiently for her to answer.

"Hello?"

"Lita!"

"Serena? What are you doing up this early on a Saturday?"

"Lita, I need to talk to you about something important."

I could hear the concern in her voice before she even spoke, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I think. I don't know. It's about Darien and Seiya. They don't talk to each other anymore. They only talk to me. I know I am slow with things like this, Lita, help me."

There was a long pause, so long that I thought she had hung up.

"Lita?"

"I'm here."

"Well?"

Again a pause, but she eventually responded with, "I am so mad at them."

I shook my head in confusion, "What?"

"They are trying to protect you, thinking you can't handle this. Ugh, I thought one of them would grow a pair and at least talk to you!"

I blushed at Lita's colorful terminology, but continued, "What are you talking about, Lita?"

"I know you aren't going to like me for this, Serena, but I can't tell you."

"What?"

"They need to talk to you. They need to realize you've grown up and can handle this."

I blushed again, but from her praise this time.

"You mean that, Lita? No one else seems to think I've grown up."

Lita sighed on the other line, "Serena, you are one of the most mature people I know. You are just innocent in some area's which to others makes you look immature, and that is not the truth."

"I always thought you four were more mature than me." I said quietly.

"I know. Ami has book smarts, Rei a sharp tongue, and me, a right hook. We all have our areas of maturity. You are the most kind and caring, and loyal friend I have."

A tear slid down my face and I said, "Really?"

"Yeah, really. Me and the girls all think so."

"So, what of my problem with Darien and Seiya?"

An exasperated sigh sounded from her end, "Those two are on their own. I can't tell you what they aren't smart enough to have told you already. It's not my place."

I nodded, even though I knew she couldn't see it.

"I understand, I think."

"Thanks."

"Lita?"

"Yes?"

"Is it totally obvious to everyone?"

She hesitated before she answered, "Yes."

My shoulder slumped as I felt stupid for even asking.

"But I can understand why it wouldn't be to you."

My head perked up, "What do you mean?"

"You don't think very highly of yourself, Serena."

Just then a loud knock sounded on my door.

"MEATBALL HEAD! GET UP!" screamed Sammy, "Mom says you have to help clean up from last night's party!"

Lita chuckled and asked, "Want me to come over and help?"

"No thanks, Lita. You've been a great help already."

The weeks went by and soon it was Thanksgiving Eve. Darien and Seiya still avoided each other at all costs, but things never got as uncomfortable as Halloween. School was going good. Ever since Lita had given Stephen that black eye he has avoided me at all costs, especially when Lita was nearby.

Only one thing of note had happened. A few days ago Seiya said he had something important to tell, and not long after that Darien said the same thing. I wondered at this odd change, until Lita told me she had talked to them both. She hated seeing me in such an anxious state and she said that she might not be able to tell me what was going on so she would convince them too.

On the night before Thanksgiving I was helping my mother in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. We both let Sammy get it, for we were far too busy prepping for tomorrow.

"MEATBALL HEAD! ITS SEIYA!"

I looked at my mom and she nodded that she could take it from here.

I walked to the door and smiled, "Hi, Seiya! What's up?"

I stopped smiling when I saw his strained face. He was wearing a heavy winter coat and gloves, and made no move to take them off.

"Could you come out side with more for a moment?"

I nodded, and grabbed my coat and scarf.

"I'll be right back mom!" I shouted to the kitchen, and headed out the door with Seiya.

I closed the door behind us and shoved my hands into my pockets.

"What's up?"

"I don't know how to say this other than just going right out and saying it. I love you, Serena."

I felt as if a ton of bricks had just fallen on my head. This explained why he was so strange, but it still left Darien's actions as a mystery.

"What?" was all I could manage to say.

"I've come to love you over the past year, and I want you to be my girlfriend."

Again, all I could mutter was, "What?"

"You don't have to give me an answer now, in fact I don't want one. Think about it?"

"We've been friends for my whole life!"

I am not sure why I said that but it was all I could think to say other than, "What?"

"Exactly! I know you so well! It's perfect!"

"Seiya, this is just shocking."

He didn't say anything he just stepped closer to me, and slowly started to lean his head down to mine. I knew what he was doing, and I didn't want it. This was not how my first kiss was going to be. Everything about it was wrong. The timing, the place, the man. I knew it in my heart that this would be wrong. At the last possible moment I turned my head ever so slightly and his lips landed on my cheek.

He pulled away, blushing embarrassedly.

"I am sorry."

"It's ok." I said.

What else could I say?

"He scratched the back of his head and said, "Just think about it, ok?"

I nodded, promising I would. Like I would be able to think of anything else.

He turned and walked away, and for some reason my eyes strayed to Darien's house. I could have sworn I saw the curtains move in the window of Darien's room but I dismissed it. I walked back into the house, and told my mother I wasn't feeling well and went to bed. It wasn't a lie. My head hurt and my stomach was roiling.

As I feel into bed I went to sleep almost instantly, my emotions taking a toll on me. As I drifted into sleep I only hoped tomorrow would shed some light on my situation.

I woke up the next morning and for a few blissful seconds I forgot about everything that had happened last night. Then like a tidal wave it came crashing down on me. I sat up to quickly in bed, and nearly threw up.

Seiya loves me, and I had a gut feeling I didn't love him. I still wasn't sure though. I have known him for so long it was hard to tell. We have seen each other for nearly every single day of my life, it was hard not to have feelings for him. But whenever I thought I could love him Darien's face came into my mind. Darien. Could he love me too? Was that why he was acting so strangely?

"No, that can't be."

I dismissed that as soon as it entered my head. I know he doesn't love me. He couldn't. Why would a sophisticated man like Darien love me? A silly little girl that didn't even see what was under her very nose.

He was just being my protector. He was angry with Seiya for changing our friendship so drastically.

"Yeah, that's it."

I nodded to myself, and with that problem solved I went onto the bigger one.

But I couldn't continue for at that moment my mother knocked on my door. She came in and asked how I was feeling noticing that I looked a little pale. I told her I was fine, and she told me that I could stay in bed a while longer if I needed too.

I declined the offer and headed for the shower. This was a day to be with my family, and I wasn't going to mope around and ignore them.

I tried my very best to be happy and hide my inner turmoil and it worked well. My family just thought I was recovering from being sick and didn't question my slightly strange behavior. Thanksgiving lunch was fabulous, and afterward my dad and Sammy went outside to throw a football around. I offered to help my mom clean up, but she insisted I go get some rest.

I accepted quickly and ran to my room. Once again I fell on my bed and sleep over took me.

*tap* *tap*

I swiped at the air thinking that would stop the annoying taping sound.

*tap*

*tap*

I jolted awake, and looked around my dark room. It was well past six in the evening and the sun was almost gone.

*tap*

I turned my head to look at the window and saw a small rock hit the window.

*tap*

I walked over to it and looked out and my heart did a cartwheel.

Darien stood outside throwing rocks at my window.

I opened the window quickly and stuck my head out. He put a finger to his lips, indicating me to be quiet.

I cocked my head to the side and raised my eyebrow in question.

He gestured for me to come down. I could do it easily, for I have climbed out my window on many occasions. I held up my finger telling him to wait a moment and went back into my room. I grabbed my coat and scarf from the previous night and put them on. I then climbed slowly out my window onto the ground.

I walked up to Darien and he smiled brightly at me.

"What's with all the subterfuge?"

"I knocked on your door and your mom answered. She said you were sleeping in your room, and that I shouldn't bother you, because you might be getting sick."

I blushed, ashamed.

"I am not really sick."

"Seiya?"

I looked up at him in surprise, "How did you know?"

He merely nodded and said, "Later."

He extended my hand and I took it without question. He started to lead me away from home toward the neighborhood park that was just a few blocks away. He never let go of my hand. We got to the park and he lead me to a bench underneath a street lamp. He sat down and pulled me down next to him. We sat in silence for a time, and he looked deeply into my eyes. He didn't let of my hand.

"Serena, I have a lot to tell you."

I merely nodded, hoping he was going to give me advice on Seiya, but secretly I just wanted to stay on this bench, enjoying nothing but him.

"I know what Seiya confessed to you yesterday. I am ashamed to admit it, but I was watching you both."

I blushed a deep red, wondering if he saw the almost kiss.

He seemed to be able to read my mind for he said, "Yes, I saw that he tried to kiss you."

"He didn't though, I didn't…"

He held up his hand to stop me, "You don't have to explain, Serena."

He was using my name again. This was all too confusing I just had to ask him.

"Since when have you used my name? For months it's been 'Meatball Head this' and 'Meatball Head that'. Now you use my name all the time! I don't get it! I am so confused!"

I let go of his hand and held my forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

"I am sorry, that is my fault."

I looked at him and snorted, "Yours and Seiya's! You to have been making my head hurt. I now understand why Seiya was doing it, I just don't get why you were."

His eyebrow rose, "Really?"

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, I know I am so dumb and slow. I just don't get what's going on!"

"You are not dumb or slow. You just don't see what I see."

I laughed out of annoyance, "Yeah and what is that?"

He took my hand in his and kissed it lightly, making me blush.

"I see a beautiful, kind, caring, loyal, young woman."

I blinked in surprise. He nodded smiling at me.

"Yes, you Serena. I've called you Meatball Head for the last year because I was trying to deny what was happening. I tried to deny the fact the my little Serena was not growing up, but had already grown. You've become so beautiful, and so amazing. You know the first day we met, I kissed your cheek?"

I smiled at the thought of the toddler Darien, kissing my baby self.

"Serena, I've loved you my whole life."

My smile waivered, "What?"

"From the first time I meant you, I just knew. I loved you. I told my mother when I was six years old that I would marry you."

My heart started to pound, and my stomach started roiling again. I shook my head in unbelief.

"Why don't you believe me, Serena?"

I searched my mind for a suitable answer and I said, "Because I'm young and naïve! You are older, so much more sophisticated, so smart, so…"

"Enough."

He stopped me short with one word, and I clamped my mouth shut. Snow had started to fall around us and nothing could be heard but the stillness of the night.

"You don't believe how Seiya feels about you either, right?"

I nodded in the affirmative.

"Why? He isn't like me, so why?"

I shook my head, "He is a football star at school, he is popular, has tons of friends, and I know plenty of prettier girls that would kill to be with him."

"I see."

"What?"

"Lita was right. You don't think highly of yourself. She told me that this might happen."

A light went on in my head. The conversation I had with Lita weeks ago had become incredibly clear. She, and probably everyone else, knew how Darien and Seiya felt. They also knew that I would need to hear it from the men themselves, that I would never believe it if Lita or any of the other girls had told me.

Darien broke into my thoughts, "Serena, I am going away for my Christmas break."

"Huh?"

A small smile played at the edges of his mouth, "In about a week I will be leaving to study abroad for Christmas break. I will be back in January."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"I wanted you to have plenty of time to think about what I have said tonight."

"Don't worry I've got plenty to think about."

"Not yet, think on this too."

With that he leaned into me and his lips touched mine. I had plenty of time to turn my head, as I did with Seiya last night, but my heart didn't let me, didn't want me too.

His mouth was warm, even though we had been sitting outside for some time. The snow swirled around us, and I let my eyes slowly close. This was right, I knew from the start. The time, the place, the man. It was all right.

He was gentle, and I could tell he had wanted this for a while now. His lips slowly took mine, and I nearly melted into a puddle. I felt his tongue slide over my bottom lip, then it was gone. His hands held mine, and he slowly rubbed them, giving them warmth. I sighed contentedly, and leaned into him. As he continued I grew a little bolder and began kissing him back, even though I didn't know what I was doing really. I could feel him smile against my lips and he pressed his lips onto mine with more passion. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him. I felt the muscles in his arms and I shivered with excitement.

Soon he pulled away and smiled down at me. I was blushing like crazy, and I wouldn't met his gaze.

"I am sorry to spring all this on you so suddenly, I wish I had done this sooner."

"Me too."

He pulled away and took my hands again.

"Come, I will take you home. I don't need an answer now. I fact I don't want one until I come back in January. I want you to think about me, and about Seiya."

I nodded vigorously, and we both stood up. We walked home in silence, and he never let go of my hand.

Now, here we are back in the present. It is a day after Darien confessed his feelings to me, and I am standing in front of the door to Ami's home. I had called my friends as soon as I could this morning and I requested their help on a difficult subject. Lita knew, of course. I had her to thank that Seiya and Darien even confessed anything to me. I am sure the other girls had their suspicions, but I knew they would want to hear everything.

I raised my hand to the doorbell and knocked two times.

The door swung open almost instantly and I was greeted with Mina, who flew into me instantaneously with a supportive hug.

"I know I should have let Ami answer but I couldn't wait." Was her muffled greeting into my shoulder.

I smiled, and returned the hug thankfully. Soon we were joined by the other three girls and each one in turn gave me a hug.

"So," I said, "Do you all know why I asked to meet you here?"

They all looked at Lita then turned to me.

I was answered by a few shrugs, but then Rei said, "To be perfectly honest, sort of."

I busted out laughing, "Sort of?"

She just shrugged at me and gave me a playful punch in the arm.

"Come," said Ami, "Let us discuss in the comfort of my room."

She lead us all to hear spacious upstairs room, where she served us all tea and cookies. She gave me an extra cookie, and I smiled at her. We all sat in a circle on the carpet, as we took tentative sips of our tea, none of sure on who to talk first.

"Ok," said Mina, "Spill."

I chuckled, thankful for Mina who always wanted to get straight to the point.

So I did just what she asked, I spilled everything to them. I started with Seiya's confession and the awkward almost kiss. I ended with Darien's confession, and I blushed as I told them of his practically perfect kiss.

Mina had hearts in her eyes by the end as she wistfully said, "I wish I had two guys after me!"

Rei slapped her upside the head and said, "No you don't! Can't you see Serena has a serious problem?"

Mina's starlight eyes dimmed somewhat and a confused look appeared on her face.

Rei rolled her eyes and turned to me, "Could you explain to her please?"

I nodded, "Well, this may seem like a fairy tell, but it is far from it. I've known these two men my whole entire life. No matter who I chose, I will ended up hurting the other deeply. If I chose neither I will hurt both of them. And then I will lose one, or the both of the oldest friends I have ever had."

I rested my elbows on my knees and held me head in my hands. Tears started to form behind my eyes, and I felt Lita put a comforting arm around my shoulders.

"I am sorry," I whispered, "I know this seems like a wonderful dilemma, but it isn't. I know it's not much compared to other's people's problems, but I can barely contain my tears. Why do things have to change? Why can't I just stay friends with them?"

I sobbed, and leaned into Lita's welcoming shoulder. I felt her other arm come up and stroke my hair soothingly, like a mother would to a child.

There was silence for a time, and I knew they were looking at each other trying to find the right words to say.

Rei spoke up first.

"Serena, you know, as well as everyone else, that my childhood wasn't, let say, ideal. But don't think just because my father walked out on me, that I think your problem is nothing compared to that. It's just different, and yes not as bad, but I am not judging you at all. I am not thinking, 'Well this is nothing!'. I know it's tough. Problems are different, to different people. Don't think that we aren't taking this seriously."

I sniffed, got up and threw my arms around Rei in a hug. I wouldn't be lying if I hadn't compared my problem to hers, and I thought mine was nothing. To hear her say she was taking my issue seriously, meant a lot to me.

She gently pushed me away, sat me back down next to Lita and said, "Lets figure this out, ok?"

I nodded and sucked in the last of my tears. It was time to get down to the facts. Ami already had her computer out with a word document open, ready to type done everything I say.

"So," said Mina, "We have to figure out which one you love too, right?"

"That's just it, I love them both as friends. I've known them so long, how can I know if I love them as something more?"

"That's what we are here for," said Lita, "To help you figure it out."

I smiled and laughed as I heard Ami typing furiously on her laptop.

"It helps," she said, "If we look at this problem like any other; scientifically."

Rei groaned, and rolled her eyes, "This is love, Ami! Not E=MC squared!"

Ami merely shook her head, and kept typing.

"Let's compare the guys!" Offered Mina.

I quickly shook my head, "No, that wouldn't be fair. They are both so different, it wouldn't help anything, either."

Mina nodded, and grabbed her chin in thought.

Ami looked at her and said, "Mina, if you took your studies as seriously as boy issues you would be smarter than me."

Mina responded with sticking her tongue out at Ami.

Lita turned to me and said, "I have an idea. Just go with it and don't worry, ok?"

I nodded and turned to her.

"I am going to ask a series of questions and you answer with the first thing that pops into your head, ok? No thinking."

I nodded, slightly confused. How was this going to help, but I trusted Lita and would do as she asked.

"Which do you like better vanilla or chocolate?"

"Chocolate."

"Which do you like better Fall or Spring?"

"Spring."

"Which do you like better, butterscotch or caramel?"

"Caramel."

"Movies or books?"

"Movies."

"Cake or Ice cream?"

"Ice cream."

"Darien or Seiya?"

"Darien."

My mouth dropped open in realization and Lita smiled triumphantly. Mina and Ami sat speechless.

"Well, that was easier than I thought it was going to be." Said Rei.

Lita placed a hand on my shoulder and shook me slightly, "Serena, do you know why you chose him?"

I nodded.

Mina was no longer speechless, "Why? Why him? His looks? He is pretty smoking, but so is Seiya. His car? His brain? What?"

"Mina," warned Rei, "Just give her a minute, I am sure she doesn't even know yet."

Why did I chose Darien? I knew the moment I said it, that it was the truth. I love Darien. In the same way he loves me. Maybe I always have, just as he has always loved me.

I needed to talk aloud, to let my friends her my reasoning, so it wouldn't seem wrong.

"I have always felt a connection to him," I began, "There was always something there. When I was a child it was small things. Like choosing to sit next to each other during a movie. Recently though it has been different. He would look at me a certain way, and I would blush. I would prefer his company over Seiya's only because I wanted to be near him. I can't believe I was so blind to see what was right in front me. I love him. He has always been my protector, he has always been there for me. He is sweet, caring, loyal to a fault, funny, and breathtakingly handsome."

I let myself fall on the carpet with a dull thud, and sighed, "I love him, and he loves me."

Mina was practically squealing with delight as Rei tried to calm her down.

The room fell quiet and I said, "And because of that, I am going to lose my friend."

Now I stood in front of Seiya's home just staring at the door. I left Ami's house almost instantly knowing that this needed to be confronted at once. They all wished me well, and told me I was doing the right thing. Mina added that I must follow my heart always. She was always cheesy and romantic at that same time.

I somehow brought myself to knock upon his door, and soon he was standing before me with a hopeful expression on his face.

"Can you come out here for a moment?" I asked.

He nodded, stepped out onto the stoop, and closed the door behind him.

He looked at me imploringly and asked, "So, um, did you make a decision?"

It was now or never, I couldn't let him get another word in or I would burst out crying.

"Yes, Seiya, I did make a decision. I choose Darien."

What followed was the most uncomfortable silence of my life. Minutes went by with no sound whatsoever, not even a distant car driving by.

Tears started to fail unbidden from my eyes and I pressed onward, "You have been such a great friend, Seiya. I just don't feel the same way about you as you do about me."

A barely perceptual nod was the only response I received. He stood stoically, with his hands in his pockets.

"I know this is an awful thing to ask, but I was hoping we could still be friends."

His whole body seemed to jerk to life at this statement, and he frowned deeply, "I am sorry Serena. I am not sure if I can do that. I love you, I know I do. To be only friends would kill me."

Even with his dramatic words, I knew he would get over me easily. It was Seiya's way. He could bounce back from anything, he never let things get to him. I just had to have faith that he would get over me and that we would be friends again someday. Still, I cried. I hated hurting him like this.

"Seiya, I…"

"No," he stopped me, "Just don't. I get it. He is older and has a car. I get it."

I shook my head furiously, "No, that's not it all! Seiya how could you say something like that? Don't you know me at all?"

He hung his head in shame and said, "Yes, I do know you. I only said that to make you feel bad, and I know it's not true. Sorry, but I've got to go. See you around."

With that he went back into his house and slammed the door.

The month of December is supposed to be filled with joy, but mine was rather dark. Seiya had stopped talking to me, and Darien had left. He had left the day after I had talked to Seiya, and I didn't even know. I was in my room, crying my eyes out to my mother. I told her all that had happened, and like a good mother she listened without interruption. I asked her if I had made the right choice, and she said that whatever I felt in my heart was the right choice.

Christmas season came and went with all the usual festivities. Caroling, parties, and gifts. I made several dozen cookies, with Lita's help, and gave some to Seiya's family. His mother was polite, and said she would tell him I came by. I would see him at school, but only at a distance. All the classes we had he made sure to sit as far away from me as possible, and leave the instant the bell rang.

The last day of school before Christmas, I got a package from Darien. It said 'Do not Open Until Christmas….I know you won't listen to that though.'

I smiled at Darien's neat handwriting, and instantly opened the package. Inside was a small locket, in the shape of a star. I opened it, and nearly cried. It was playing Moonlight Legend, my favorite song. A small note fell to the ground and I picked it up.

"This is our song now."

That was all it said. With this simple note, and this wonderful present, I knew without a doubt that I loved Darien and that I had made the right choice.

I hated what I had to do to Seiya, and it still hurts to think of it. But I know he will be ok, he will love again. I was not his true love.

It seemed like a lot to call Darien my true love, but it felt right. There is a connection between us that is deeper than friendship, and it only took me 14 years to find it. It took him one day.

So I waited with great impatience for Darien's return, and to tell him that I love him.