Hey Everyone! Thanks so much for the encouraging reviews! This is my first story and any feedback is much appreciated. Reviews motivate me to write more so keep 'em coming! In general my chapters will be the size of this one or a little shorter depending on time availability. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and please let me know what you think!

Oh yea…I do not own Sailor Moon or any of its characters. Everything else in this story belongs to me. On to the next chapter!

Chapter 2

"Geez Serena, do you wanna pack the kitchen sink into your car too while you're at it?"

I looked up from the box I was about to lift, turning to stare at my little brother with an amused smile on my face.

"Look Sammy, if these little boxes are too heavy for your tiny pre-adolescent muscles you don't have to lift them. I don't want you being unable to father any kids in the future now."

"Ha ha "Pencil Neck", very funny. I'm just saying. You're moving onto a campus that's at the most a 40 minute drive from your home. Is it really necessary to pack most of your room?!"

"Now, now, Sammy, a girl has many needs. What if there's an event, and I left the perfect matching pair of shoes here and didn't have 40 minutes to come get it? A girl must always be prepared."

I didn't need to look to know that he was rolling his eyes at my back.

"Whatever. Women are crazy."

Laughing at his expression, I ran and encircled him into my arms while placing a huge wet kiss on his cheeks.

He immediately tried to push me away while wiping off his cheek.

"Ewww Serena germs!"

"You know you love my kisses baby bro, you should just stop fronting," I chastised him.

"One of these days Serena, one of these days… Call me when you're ready to go. I'm gonna head inside for a drink."

"Okie dokie!"

I returned to my prior task and finally packed my last box of shoes into the back seat of my Honda Civic. It had taken one packed trip with my Daddy's truck, and now a second trip with my car, but I was finally ready to go down and start putting my dorm room together. Living on a small island had its disadvantages, but there were definite advantages, such as being about 35 minutes from my school, that I loved.

Walking back into the house, I headed to the balcony at the front of my bedroom. Leaning over and laying my head atop the post, I looked out at the picturesque ocean view that met me every time I stood in that spot. The sun was setting on the horizon, and I watched as a ferry boat sped by a cruising sailboat off in the distance. Hard to believe that summer had now officially ended. It seemed like just yesterday we all walked across that stage for graduation, but that was in reality three months ago, and most of my friends had left to start college abroad or were like me, preparing to start at our local university. Reminiscing on graduation brought a nostalgic smile to my face.

It was such an exciting time. I had graduated valedictorian of my class after an impressive senior year. Being captain of both the girls' volleyball and basketball teams and handling a part time job at a clothing store had been immensely time consuming, but if I could go back I wouldn't change a thing. As long as my grades remained top notch I was fine with my lifestyle, and my parents allowed it. Having early acceptance to medical school in Cuba through a program with our local university since my sophomore year of high school, I knew that I would be attending college at home. I didn't really mind, and it was an added bonus that all graduating high school valedictorians and salutatorians of the territory attended the local university all expenses paid, but it was sad seeing many of my friends leave to attend school abroad. College would be different. It would be much harder. I had already decided that I was done with sports. Since I wasn't going to be playing in the WNBA, I figured it made a lot more sense to fully focus on my studies to maintain the 3.7 GPA that was necessary during my freshman year for my premed program and to a lesser extent my scholarship. I would be evaluated again after my third semester for continued promotion into the med program. I could not mess up this opportunity. Out of my entire high school class, only three of us were picked. Oh well, I guess it would be enough to see them on breaks, and in four years' time I'd be off to med school in Cuba too. Sighing, I glanced out over the balcony one last time and headed inside.

"Sammy, I'm ready let's go!"

As my 13 year old brother walked into the room, I walked through the living room to my parents' room where I informed them that I was heading down to campus and taking Sammy with me to help unpack and set up my room.

Ten minutes later we were on the road, my sun roof open as we headed down to the university. Having checked in and acquired my key earlier, we set about unpacking the last of my things from the car and setting up my room. Three hours later, we both sat on the bed admiring our handiwork.

"Alright kid, let's get you home. I don't want your mommy worried."

He glared at me as he proceeded to stuff his hands with a bunch of my snacks. I've always wondered where that boy's food goes.

After dropping Sammy home and an embarrassing lecture from my mother about being responsible, remembering my virtues I had learned in church, and a promise that I would visit on the weekends, I hugged my family goodbye and headed down to my dorm room. It was a long and uncomfortable night but I expected as much. I have never slept well on the first night in any new bed and that didn't look like it was about to change.

The following day, my roommate appeared. Cheryl was also a local student that had graduated salutatorian of her class, and we exchanged information about our majors and such. She was a biology major, and I laughed as she grimaced when I told her I was chemistry. I usually got that reaction. The days flew by after that, and before I knew it, I had formed a click with four girls that graduated from my high school class. There was Amy, an outstanding tennis player and undercover nerd that had also been one of the three accepted into the med program, Raye, my opinionated hot headed friend, Lita my old basketball teammate that loved a good fight, and Mina, who we usually called the dumb blonde of the group. We usually ate lunch together in the cafeteria, and it was always amusing trying to ignore all the stares we received when we walked in. In an effort to stay in shape and keep my extracurricular resume intact, I decided to play intramural volleyball, but refused to play when approached by the official school team. I had no time, and their reputation was a poor one to say it kindly. The girls didn't ask me to play again, and I was very pleased that they quickly got the picture. One day, while walking to class, I was approached by a girl that I hadn't met before.

"Hey you!"

I stopped walking and turned to face her.

"Are you talking to me?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry but I wasn't sure if you were the person I was looking for. Your name's Serena right?"

"Yeah, and you are?"

She smiled and extended her hand to me.

"Oh, how rude of me. My name's Andrea, and I'm a member of the girls basketball team here. I've been hoping to see you around because I heard you were pretty good, and I wondered if you'd like to play with us?"

I wasn't surprised that Andrea knew who I was. After all, the island was only 45 square miles and word got around.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm done with basketball. I've got a course load that's out of this world and I just don't have the time anymore. I need to focus on my future."

"Aw, come on, you can do both. How about coming to some of the practices? We'll work with your schedule."

"No, I really can't, I'm sorry. I've got too much on my plate. Look I've got to get to class but it was nice meeting you."

"Okay, okay. Just promise me you'll think about it."

I stood back and regarded Andrea in her wife beater, jeans, and her ponytail. A determined look was plastered on her face. She seemed like the type of person that didn't take no for an answer. I smirk made its way to my face. Unfortunately she didn't know who she was dealing with, but I would just agree so I didn't hurt her feelings.

"Okay, I'll think about it. Nice meeting you, and see you around."

I walked away quickly before she had the chance to say anything else.

Over the next two weeks, Andrea became an ever present thorn in my side. It seemed like she just popped up everywhere I was, and she persistently kept asking me to join the team, or to 'at least attend practice one night to check it out'. When I couldn't take it anymore, I decided that showing up to one practice wouldn't hurt. I'd just tell her I didn't like it in the end.

Walking into the gym that night, I was wearing my favorite pair of basketball shorts with a tank top and my hair was in its trademark two ponytails hairstyle. My sneakers were brand new, and I looked every inch the baller that I was as I stepped onto the court. There were approximately seven girls shooting around, and all eyes turned to me as I walked in. Andrea ran to me and grabbed my hand, leading me to the group.

"I'm so happy you decided to show! Let me introduce you to the girls!"

After a brief introduction to the team, I was approached by a man that I hadn't noticed when I initially walked in. He was perhaps 6'3, with black hair and peculiar navy blue eyes. Clad in a tight fitted shirt, basketball shorts, and sneakers, he approached the group with a basketball in his hand. He was actually kinda cute, I couldn't help but notice. Andrea turned and spoke to him.

"Coach, this is Serena Charles. She's the girl I was telling you about."

He turned to me, giving me the once over with his eyes, and in a moment I would never forget remarked, "Oh, this is the girl you've been raving about? She doesn't look like much of a baller. She's practically a toothpick. "

I stared at him for a few seconds and finally remembered to blink. Had I just heard correctly? Did this ignorant moron just insult me to my face? And more importantly, did I think cute earlier?!

Looking around everyone else seemed unbothered, so I guessed this was his everyday personality. Someone really should've taught him some manners. I glared up at him as he started to talk to me.

"Hi Rook, I'm Coach Shields."

He then proceeded to extend his hand to me. I looked down at it for a split second before deciding to shake it. After all, I shouldn't stoop to the pig's level.

"Hey. My name is Serena. Since we aren't quite familiar with each other, I'd prefer it if you address me by that name."

He looked around at his team and turned back to me with laughter in his eyes.

"You're a funny one I see. Rookies earn the right to be called by their names. And right now, you're just a Rook. Which, you will be, until you've earned the right to be addressed differently. So, how about you start that process with some jump shots around the perimeter and show me what you got." He then handed me the basketball and walked away.

I stared at Andrea.

"Is he insane? I'm out. I didn't come here for this, and I don't have to take this bullshit."

I turned to leave but she grabbed my arm.

"Wait! Please don't mind him. He's like that with all newcomers. Just give tonight a shot. Once he sees how talented you are he'll swallow his pride. At least for me, please?"

I sighed as I weighed my options. It had been a while since I had played some good ball and it would be nice to show coach Dickhead the extent of my skill level before announcing that I wouldn't be back anyway. I smiled to myself as I pondered the thought. Looking out at the talent on the court, it was obvious his team could definitely use my help. Oh yes, he'd eat his words.

I stepped onto the court and started shooting jump shots while one of the other players rebounded and passed me the ball. I shot 6 shots around the three point line and missed only one. Afterwards I did several layups, deliberately showing off on each one. I did a few layups passing the ball between my legs, some behind my back, and I even did a reverse. God, it felt soooo good to be back on the court. I had missed this game. As I panted with my hand on my knee after that workout (I really needed to get back in shape) I saw Coach Shields looking at me in deep thought. I felt the bile building in the back of my throat as he started to approach me.

"That was perhaps the ugliest shot I've ever seen in my life, but your accuracy is on point. We practice five days a week from 7-9pm. I expect to see you there."

Taking one full breath as I lifted my head, I stood up to my full five feet nine inches and faced Mr. Shields. A hooded smile appeared on my face as I contemplated what my next words were going to be. Payback's a bitch, and this rookie was about to jump over the moon and out the building.