Serena in a Bottle
By Sailor_Moon_21
Chapter 7a "Memories for the future"
The day before Serena's eighteenth birthday was definitely a special one. Serena and Darien tried to sleep in for once, but the phone seemed like it would never stop ringing.
"Hello," answered Serena. "Happy Birthday, Sweetie." "Thank you, mom, but tomorrow is my birthday not today." "Serena, today is June 30th." Mom, today is June 29th." "It's your birthday in Tokyo, Serena," said a half-awake Darien. And her mother heard Darien's comment to Serena. "Oops! Sorry, Mom. I'm still getting used to the time difference thing over here." "It's okay, Serena. Well father would wish you a happy birthday himself today, but he went to bed early." "It's only 10am. Why would dad go to bed this early?" "It's 10pm, Serena. Like Darien said 'it's different over here in Tokyo." "Yeah, I forgot." "So what are you guys doing for your birthday over there tomorrow?" "I don't know. Hopefully something fun and exciting." "Well, I wish you the best of luck." "Thank you, mom." "Oh, your aunt and uncle may call you sometime tomorrow." "Okay, hopefully we're here to catch it." "I'll see you guys when you get home. Bye, Serena." "Bye, Mom." And Serena went back to sleep.
Later when Serena and Darien woke up it was 12pm (noon). "So what are we going to do all day," asked Serena. "Well, we still have how many shopping days left?" "I'm sick of shopping. Please remind me when we go home to avoid all future shopping trips with my friends." "Let's see. Hummmm... Why don't we go find some lunch first, then we'll worry about how to spend the rest of the day later." "Okay. That's sounds like a plan, Darien." Serena and Darien got dressed and left to go eat.
"How about this place, Serena." "Okay, but can we sit outside?" "Sure anything for you, Serena." "Any why are you is such a good mood lately, Darien?" "I don't know. Just because!!!" "Just because what, Darien?" "I don't know. Maybe because I think you're cute." "Your so sweet, Darien. But please stop 'sugar coating' everything. Just be the 'real' you." "Can we discuss this after lunch?" "Sure," said Serena. After they finished lunch they went for a walk in Central Park.
As they were walking through the park Darien sees a stray brush of roses mixed in with some tulips. He picks a rose and breaks it off before thorns and places it behind Serena's ear. And they continue their walk around the park. They stop and hear a song coming from someone's radio and stop to dance to it.
I'm alone yeah I don't know if I can face the night
I'm in tears and the cryin' that I do is for you
I want your love let's break the wall between us
Don't make it tough I'll put away my pride
Enough's enough, I've suffered and I've seen the light
Baby
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come make it alright
Don't know what I'm gonna do about this feeling inside
Yes, it's true loneliness took me for a ride
Without your love I'm nothing but a beggar
Without your love a dog without a bone
What can I do I'm sleepin in this bed alone
Baby
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come and make it alright
Come and save me tonight
You're the reason I live
You're the reason I die
You're the reason I give when I break down and cry
Don't need no reason why
Baby, baby, baby
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come and make it alright
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come and make it alright
Come and save me tonight
Come and save me tonight
Come and save me tonight . . .
And then they rented a swan boat for a couple of hours.
While out in the lake on the swan Serena reminds Darien about what they were talking about at lunch so he can continue the conversation since no one's around. "So now can you tell me why you're in such a good mood? Nobody is around unless you're afraid of the water hearing you!!!" "Well, it's just . . ." ~ I have to do this she's on to me now. There's no turning back now. ~ Darien thought to himself. "Serena, I've always loved you. Not at first, but over time. And you being not exactly able to 'go out' with guys because of your dad just made me want to be with you more. Then one day I realized I didn't like you as a best friend, but I loved you as if I was your boyfriend and you were my girlfriend. And having you all to myself for the last two weeks without our 'melding friends' (Andrew, Mina, Rei, Lita, Ami and Rita) made me realize I've loved you for a very long time. I can't remember when I fell for you, but I know that I will always love you no matter what happens." "Oh, Darien," said Serena softly as tears of joy began to run down her face.
And Serena put her arms around Darien. Darien takes his hand and puts it under her chin and tilt's her head slightly back and gives her a passionate kiss. And the sun begins to behind them. They got back to the park so they can go eat dinner.
After dinner they went back to their hotel room and watched movies on TV. When they looked at the clock later it said it was 12am. So Serena decides that she's going to sleep. Darien goes into the bedroom and Serena gets settled on the couch. "Goodnight, Darien." "Goodnight, Serena." And as they almost fall asleep the 'nightly thunder storm' rolls in. This time Serena decides she's going to 'stick it out' on couch.
The thunderstorm seemed to be most violent of the ones over the last two weeks. A louder roar of thunder and a brighter flash of lightening lit up the night sky. And Serena is still trying to 'stick it out' is now clutching the couch for dear life. And Darien walks into the living room. "Serena, why don't you come and sleep in the bedroom with me again tonight." "No, I'm fine, Darien. I need to learn to deal with my fear." Just then really bad stroke of lightening was seen and a very loud sound of thunder was heard. And with the flash lightening all the lights in half of New York went out. Serena jumped up in fright and grabbed a hold of Darien's bare chest. "It's okay, Serena." And Serena's eyes are filled with tears and are wetting Darien's shoulder.
Darien picks Serena up off the couch and carries her into the bedroom and lays her beside him on the bed. And he holds her close to him. Then Serena gets the sudden urge to kiss Darien. And he kisses her back, but with a deep passionate kiss. Then Serena starts to message his bare chest with her hands. And Darien begins to unbutton her pink flannel nightshirt.
Swept up in the moment Serena starts to return to her senses and pulls out of the kiss. "Darien, what are you doing?" "I'm sorry, Serena." "Why are you sorry, Darien? I love you and I have for a long time. I just needed to know if you loved me back as much as I love you." Then she rolls on top of Darien and begins to caress hi chest and kiss his lips and neck very softly. Serena and Darien look into each other's passion filled eyes. It's as if they knew that they wanted each other. So Darien grabs a hold of Serena's pink flannel nightshirt and slips it off of her shoulders.
(For the rest what happens from here use your imagination. If I tell you what happens then this version wouldn't be PG-13. Unless you're hentai then EM me at usachiba22@netzero.net)
Then Darien pulls the covers up over both of them. And he puts his arms around her and pulls her close to him as they both fall asleep in each other's arms.
You want commitment
Take a look into these eyes
They burn with fire
Until the end of time
I would do anything
I'd beg, I'd steal, I'd die
To have you in these arms tonight
Baby I want you like the roses
Want the rain
You know I need you
Like a poet needs the pain
I would give anything
My blood my love my life
If you were in these arms tonight
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight
We stared at the sun
And we made promise
A promise this world would never blind us
These were our words
Our words were our songs
Our songs are our prayers
These prayers keep me strong
And I still believe
If you were in these arms
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight
Your clothes are still scattered
All over our room
This old place still smells like
Your cheap perfume
Everything here reminds me of you
And there's nothing that I
Wouldn't do
And these were our words
They keep me strong
Baby
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight
If you were in these arms tonight
If you were in these arms tonight
If you were in these arms baby
Like the roses need the rain?
Like the seasons need to change
Like the poet need the pain?
I'd give anything to have you
In these arms tonight
The violent thunderstorm had stopped a long time ago, but Serena and Darien never noticed. They awoke at 12pm the next day due to 'lack of sleep'. The phone ringing woke up Serena as she rushed to answer it and grabbing the blanket to 'cover' her. "Hello," said Serena. "So how are you feeling today, Serena." "Good, mom." "I was just calling to make sure you guys are okay." "Yea, we survived." "They said on the news that it had hurricane strength winds and most of the city lost power and the phones. I would have called earlier, but the phone lines where you guys are were down." "I didn't notice about the phone, but I do know about lights." "So, did anything exciting happen last night, Serena?" "Nope, I think we both value are lives a little more than you think we do." "Serena, your on the other side of the world. And besides your father won't know unless you tell him, Serena." "MOM! That's not the point. I don't feel that way about Darien. And he doesn't feel that way about me. If and only if he did he would tell me. He's my best friend, mom. And that's all."
Serena and her mother arguing over the phone wake Darien who is half-asleep up. He pretends that he's still asleep. And hears everything Serena is saying to her mother. Darien also knows that everything Serena is saying is a lie to get her mother off her case. They had so much practice with their friends.
"Serena, are you sure, because for some reason I just don't believe you." "Why wouldn't you believe me? If you think I'm lying than ask Darien yourself!" "Serena, I was once a girl myself. And your father was not my first boyfriend either. There was one guy before him and this other guy is your 'real father' Serena." "What? That's it, mom. When I come back home I'm moving out and nobody can stop me. I'm moving in with Lita." "Serena, don't you think you're over-acting a little?" "Me over-act, mom. I've never over-acted in my life, except for that night I just couldn't take it anymore. So I went for a 'little swim' in the lake. The only thing that kept me from staying in the lake was 'my best friend' I just couldn't hurt him like that."
Darien opened his eyes wide in shock over what he was hearing Serena say to her mother. And Serena's mother is now in tears and hangs up the phone. Serena also hung up the phone on her end and then sees Darien starring at her. "I'm sorry, Darien. I didn't mean any of it. She just gets me so mad sometimes; I just go off the deep end. And I had to make her think that I only thought of you as 'just a friend'. I love you more than words can say Darien. I'm sorry if I hurt you." Then Serena began to cry. Darien grabs the sheets and 'covers' himself and goes to hug Serena.
"It's okay, Serena. I know how hard your father has been on you, but when you talk about things you've tried to do to yourself to get even with your parents it hurts. I know you're not trying to hurt me, but the thought of losing you does. I love you too much too lose you, Serena." And Darien kisses her. "Why don't we go shopping, that always seems to make you happy, Serena." "Okay, Darien."
Serena and Darien got up, got dressed and went shopping. "So what are we looking for again, Darien?" "Something nice! I'm sure you don't have anything 'formal' with you." ~ What is he planning? ~ Thought Serena. "Actually I don't own anything 'formal', Darien. So I guess I'll have to find something that meets your approval." And Serena began to giggle. Darien noticed another jewelry store, but this one was across from a dress shop. Serena went into the store. "So Darien, what dresses in here do you think look nice?" "All of them are pretty, but only you can make the perfect dress look beautiful." And Serena blushed. "Why don't you look for the dress, Serena. And I'll go look for accessories." "Okay, Darien."
And Serena who was too much in a daze from last night didn't really think about what Darien had said.
"I'm sorry, I'm just looking for the right one," said Darien. "She must be very special for you to be this 'picky'." "You're right about her being special. I'm looking for something that is . . . her." "Ah, I think we have what your looking for, Sir." The salesclerk locked the display case and opened a drawer below it. Then took out a black velvet box and opened it in front of Darien. Darien saw the 'perfect ring'. He pointed to the one he wanted. "I'll take that one," said Darien to the salesclerk. "Okay," she replied. To Darien the price didn't matter, only the happy, surprised and shocked look on Serena's face did when he gives it to her. With that thought in mind Darien returned to the dress shop Serena was in to see how she was doing.
Serena still couldn't decide which dress to buy. Both of the dresses were very pretty. One was navy with silver stars and gold crescent moons all over it. It was strapless and was slit on the right side that started mid-thigh and went down to her feet. It had matching 6-inch heels and gloves that went to her elbows. The other dress was pale pink with red roses scattered all over it. It had spaghetti straps and a slit going down both sides starting at mid-thigh and going down to her feet.
Darien saw Serena. "So have you found a dress yet?" "Which one do you like better?" And Serena holds up both dresses. I like them both. So why don't you get both of them?" "Okay, what ever you say, Darien." Serena bought both dresses and by the time were done shopping it was 4pm. Serena took her shower first since she takes the longest to get ready. That gave Darien time to hide the ring box in his tux pants pocket.
When Serena finished with her shower she exited the bathroom. Darien's thoughts began to turn as he saw Serena exist the bathroom with nothing but a white towel wrapped around her. "I thought I'd get dressed out here so you can use the bathroom." "Thank you, Serena." And then Darien picked up his clothes and walked into the bathroom. When Darien walked out of the bathroom 20 minutes Serena was dressed and looked beautiful in the navy dress. ~ I want to kiss her, but if do I feel that I won't be able to stop. I must get that image of Serena in the towel out of my head. And I must focus on dinner. ~ Thought Darien to himself.
Darien decided they needed to leave immediately. "Come on, Serena. We need to leave now or we're going to be late!" "Late for what???" "We need to leave and there's no time to answer questions." "Okay! Whatever you say, Darien." ~ That was a close call! ~ Thought Darien.
When Serena and Darien arrived at the restaurant they were 45 minutes early. "Ah, Darien, I thought you said we were running late???" "I guess I read the clock wrong." "Darien, you're lying! Now tell me the truth!" "That is the truth, Serena. I would never lie to you." "Let's see . . . . . . . today is my birthday. And every year for my birthday you surprise me in some way. My charm bracelet has run out of spaces for a new charm so you have something big planned." "Okay, you caught me, but you will love your surprise very much." "So why don't you give it to me now, Darien!!!" "Oh, but it's so fun to keep you in suspense, my sweet!"
After dinner was over Serena and Darien where driven by horse drawn carriage around New York to see the sites. Then the carriage stopped at Central Park. Serena Darien got out and went walking for awhile. Suddenly Darien stopped walking and Serena noticed. "Darien, can I please have my birthday present now. The suspense is killing me!" "Fine, Serena." And Darien kissed Serena.
Then Darien gains all the strength he could summon and began to speak. "Serena, we've been best friends for so long that sometimes I wished that we could be more. I know you being scared of what your dad would to me kept us apart. And since that night you disappeared he's accepted you being friends with me. While I was your best friend I fell in love you. I also will never forget the time I surprised you for your sixteenth birthday in Paris. You are and always will be my Odango." And Darien kneeled down one knee and took Serena's hand. "Serena, I need to know will you be my Odango forever?" And Darien pulled a black box out of his pocket and opened it.
Serena was shocked. She knew Darien loved her, but she never expected him to love her this much. Serena starred at the ring it was beautiful. It was a 2-karat diamond shaped like a star on a 10-karat gold band. Tears began to roll down Serena's face. Then she answered Darien. "YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!" Then Darien put the ring on her finger and got up. Serena immediately jumped into his arms. Darien who was not fully prepared to catch Serena fell over backwards with Serena in his arms. She hugged him for what seemed like forever.
When Serena was finished squeezing the life out of Darien, they both figured they should be heading back. The carriage was waiting on them. "Darien, does feel cold out tonight or is it me?" Darien took off his tux jacket and put it around Serena's shoulders along with his arms. "Do you feel warmer now?" And Serena looked at Darien and smiled.
By Sailor_Moon_21
Chapter 7a "Memories for the future"
The day before Serena's eighteenth birthday was definitely a special one. Serena and Darien tried to sleep in for once, but the phone seemed like it would never stop ringing.
"Hello," answered Serena. "Happy Birthday, Sweetie." "Thank you, mom, but tomorrow is my birthday not today." "Serena, today is June 30th." Mom, today is June 29th." "It's your birthday in Tokyo, Serena," said a half-awake Darien. And her mother heard Darien's comment to Serena. "Oops! Sorry, Mom. I'm still getting used to the time difference thing over here." "It's okay, Serena. Well father would wish you a happy birthday himself today, but he went to bed early." "It's only 10am. Why would dad go to bed this early?" "It's 10pm, Serena. Like Darien said 'it's different over here in Tokyo." "Yeah, I forgot." "So what are you guys doing for your birthday over there tomorrow?" "I don't know. Hopefully something fun and exciting." "Well, I wish you the best of luck." "Thank you, mom." "Oh, your aunt and uncle may call you sometime tomorrow." "Okay, hopefully we're here to catch it." "I'll see you guys when you get home. Bye, Serena." "Bye, Mom." And Serena went back to sleep.
Later when Serena and Darien woke up it was 12pm (noon). "So what are we going to do all day," asked Serena. "Well, we still have how many shopping days left?" "I'm sick of shopping. Please remind me when we go home to avoid all future shopping trips with my friends." "Let's see. Hummmm... Why don't we go find some lunch first, then we'll worry about how to spend the rest of the day later." "Okay. That's sounds like a plan, Darien." Serena and Darien got dressed and left to go eat.
"How about this place, Serena." "Okay, but can we sit outside?" "Sure anything for you, Serena." "Any why are you is such a good mood lately, Darien?" "I don't know. Just because!!!" "Just because what, Darien?" "I don't know. Maybe because I think you're cute." "Your so sweet, Darien. But please stop 'sugar coating' everything. Just be the 'real' you." "Can we discuss this after lunch?" "Sure," said Serena. After they finished lunch they went for a walk in Central Park.
As they were walking through the park Darien sees a stray brush of roses mixed in with some tulips. He picks a rose and breaks it off before thorns and places it behind Serena's ear. And they continue their walk around the park. They stop and hear a song coming from someone's radio and stop to dance to it.
I'm alone yeah I don't know if I can face the night
I'm in tears and the cryin' that I do is for you
I want your love let's break the wall between us
Don't make it tough I'll put away my pride
Enough's enough, I've suffered and I've seen the light
Baby
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come make it alright
Don't know what I'm gonna do about this feeling inside
Yes, it's true loneliness took me for a ride
Without your love I'm nothing but a beggar
Without your love a dog without a bone
What can I do I'm sleepin in this bed alone
Baby
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come and make it alright
Come and save me tonight
You're the reason I live
You're the reason I die
You're the reason I give when I break down and cry
Don't need no reason why
Baby, baby, baby
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come and make it alright
You're my angel come and save me tonight
You're my angel come and make it alright
Come and save me tonight
Come and save me tonight
Come and save me tonight . . .
And then they rented a swan boat for a couple of hours.
While out in the lake on the swan Serena reminds Darien about what they were talking about at lunch so he can continue the conversation since no one's around. "So now can you tell me why you're in such a good mood? Nobody is around unless you're afraid of the water hearing you!!!" "Well, it's just . . ." ~ I have to do this she's on to me now. There's no turning back now. ~ Darien thought to himself. "Serena, I've always loved you. Not at first, but over time. And you being not exactly able to 'go out' with guys because of your dad just made me want to be with you more. Then one day I realized I didn't like you as a best friend, but I loved you as if I was your boyfriend and you were my girlfriend. And having you all to myself for the last two weeks without our 'melding friends' (Andrew, Mina, Rei, Lita, Ami and Rita) made me realize I've loved you for a very long time. I can't remember when I fell for you, but I know that I will always love you no matter what happens." "Oh, Darien," said Serena softly as tears of joy began to run down her face.
And Serena put her arms around Darien. Darien takes his hand and puts it under her chin and tilt's her head slightly back and gives her a passionate kiss. And the sun begins to behind them. They got back to the park so they can go eat dinner.
After dinner they went back to their hotel room and watched movies on TV. When they looked at the clock later it said it was 12am. So Serena decides that she's going to sleep. Darien goes into the bedroom and Serena gets settled on the couch. "Goodnight, Darien." "Goodnight, Serena." And as they almost fall asleep the 'nightly thunder storm' rolls in. This time Serena decides she's going to 'stick it out' on couch.
The thunderstorm seemed to be most violent of the ones over the last two weeks. A louder roar of thunder and a brighter flash of lightening lit up the night sky. And Serena is still trying to 'stick it out' is now clutching the couch for dear life. And Darien walks into the living room. "Serena, why don't you come and sleep in the bedroom with me again tonight." "No, I'm fine, Darien. I need to learn to deal with my fear." Just then really bad stroke of lightening was seen and a very loud sound of thunder was heard. And with the flash lightening all the lights in half of New York went out. Serena jumped up in fright and grabbed a hold of Darien's bare chest. "It's okay, Serena." And Serena's eyes are filled with tears and are wetting Darien's shoulder.
Darien picks Serena up off the couch and carries her into the bedroom and lays her beside him on the bed. And he holds her close to him. Then Serena gets the sudden urge to kiss Darien. And he kisses her back, but with a deep passionate kiss. Then Serena starts to message his bare chest with her hands. And Darien begins to unbutton her pink flannel nightshirt.
Swept up in the moment Serena starts to return to her senses and pulls out of the kiss. "Darien, what are you doing?" "I'm sorry, Serena." "Why are you sorry, Darien? I love you and I have for a long time. I just needed to know if you loved me back as much as I love you." Then she rolls on top of Darien and begins to caress hi chest and kiss his lips and neck very softly. Serena and Darien look into each other's passion filled eyes. It's as if they knew that they wanted each other. So Darien grabs a hold of Serena's pink flannel nightshirt and slips it off of her shoulders.
(For the rest what happens from here use your imagination. If I tell you what happens then this version wouldn't be PG-13. Unless you're hentai then EM me at usachiba22@netzero.net)
Then Darien pulls the covers up over both of them. And he puts his arms around her and pulls her close to him as they both fall asleep in each other's arms.
You want commitment
Take a look into these eyes
They burn with fire
Until the end of time
I would do anything
I'd beg, I'd steal, I'd die
To have you in these arms tonight
Baby I want you like the roses
Want the rain
You know I need you
Like a poet needs the pain
I would give anything
My blood my love my life
If you were in these arms tonight
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight
We stared at the sun
And we made promise
A promise this world would never blind us
These were our words
Our words were our songs
Our songs are our prayers
These prayers keep me strong
And I still believe
If you were in these arms
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight
Your clothes are still scattered
All over our room
This old place still smells like
Your cheap perfume
Everything here reminds me of you
And there's nothing that I
Wouldn't do
And these were our words
They keep me strong
Baby
I'd hold you
I'd need you
I'd get down on my knees for you
And make everything alright
If you were in these arms
I'd love you
I'd please you
I'd tell you that I'd never leave you
And love you till the end of time
If you were in these arms tonight
If you were in these arms tonight
If you were in these arms tonight
If you were in these arms baby
Like the roses need the rain?
Like the seasons need to change
Like the poet need the pain?
I'd give anything to have you
In these arms tonight
The violent thunderstorm had stopped a long time ago, but Serena and Darien never noticed. They awoke at 12pm the next day due to 'lack of sleep'. The phone ringing woke up Serena as she rushed to answer it and grabbing the blanket to 'cover' her. "Hello," said Serena. "So how are you feeling today, Serena." "Good, mom." "I was just calling to make sure you guys are okay." "Yea, we survived." "They said on the news that it had hurricane strength winds and most of the city lost power and the phones. I would have called earlier, but the phone lines where you guys are were down." "I didn't notice about the phone, but I do know about lights." "So, did anything exciting happen last night, Serena?" "Nope, I think we both value are lives a little more than you think we do." "Serena, your on the other side of the world. And besides your father won't know unless you tell him, Serena." "MOM! That's not the point. I don't feel that way about Darien. And he doesn't feel that way about me. If and only if he did he would tell me. He's my best friend, mom. And that's all."
Serena and her mother arguing over the phone wake Darien who is half-asleep up. He pretends that he's still asleep. And hears everything Serena is saying to her mother. Darien also knows that everything Serena is saying is a lie to get her mother off her case. They had so much practice with their friends.
"Serena, are you sure, because for some reason I just don't believe you." "Why wouldn't you believe me? If you think I'm lying than ask Darien yourself!" "Serena, I was once a girl myself. And your father was not my first boyfriend either. There was one guy before him and this other guy is your 'real father' Serena." "What? That's it, mom. When I come back home I'm moving out and nobody can stop me. I'm moving in with Lita." "Serena, don't you think you're over-acting a little?" "Me over-act, mom. I've never over-acted in my life, except for that night I just couldn't take it anymore. So I went for a 'little swim' in the lake. The only thing that kept me from staying in the lake was 'my best friend' I just couldn't hurt him like that."
Darien opened his eyes wide in shock over what he was hearing Serena say to her mother. And Serena's mother is now in tears and hangs up the phone. Serena also hung up the phone on her end and then sees Darien starring at her. "I'm sorry, Darien. I didn't mean any of it. She just gets me so mad sometimes; I just go off the deep end. And I had to make her think that I only thought of you as 'just a friend'. I love you more than words can say Darien. I'm sorry if I hurt you." Then Serena began to cry. Darien grabs the sheets and 'covers' himself and goes to hug Serena.
"It's okay, Serena. I know how hard your father has been on you, but when you talk about things you've tried to do to yourself to get even with your parents it hurts. I know you're not trying to hurt me, but the thought of losing you does. I love you too much too lose you, Serena." And Darien kisses her. "Why don't we go shopping, that always seems to make you happy, Serena." "Okay, Darien."
Serena and Darien got up, got dressed and went shopping. "So what are we looking for again, Darien?" "Something nice! I'm sure you don't have anything 'formal' with you." ~ What is he planning? ~ Thought Serena. "Actually I don't own anything 'formal', Darien. So I guess I'll have to find something that meets your approval." And Serena began to giggle. Darien noticed another jewelry store, but this one was across from a dress shop. Serena went into the store. "So Darien, what dresses in here do you think look nice?" "All of them are pretty, but only you can make the perfect dress look beautiful." And Serena blushed. "Why don't you look for the dress, Serena. And I'll go look for accessories." "Okay, Darien."
And Serena who was too much in a daze from last night didn't really think about what Darien had said.
"I'm sorry, I'm just looking for the right one," said Darien. "She must be very special for you to be this 'picky'." "You're right about her being special. I'm looking for something that is . . . her." "Ah, I think we have what your looking for, Sir." The salesclerk locked the display case and opened a drawer below it. Then took out a black velvet box and opened it in front of Darien. Darien saw the 'perfect ring'. He pointed to the one he wanted. "I'll take that one," said Darien to the salesclerk. "Okay," she replied. To Darien the price didn't matter, only the happy, surprised and shocked look on Serena's face did when he gives it to her. With that thought in mind Darien returned to the dress shop Serena was in to see how she was doing.
Serena still couldn't decide which dress to buy. Both of the dresses were very pretty. One was navy with silver stars and gold crescent moons all over it. It was strapless and was slit on the right side that started mid-thigh and went down to her feet. It had matching 6-inch heels and gloves that went to her elbows. The other dress was pale pink with red roses scattered all over it. It had spaghetti straps and a slit going down both sides starting at mid-thigh and going down to her feet.
Darien saw Serena. "So have you found a dress yet?" "Which one do you like better?" And Serena holds up both dresses. I like them both. So why don't you get both of them?" "Okay, what ever you say, Darien." Serena bought both dresses and by the time were done shopping it was 4pm. Serena took her shower first since she takes the longest to get ready. That gave Darien time to hide the ring box in his tux pants pocket.
When Serena finished with her shower she exited the bathroom. Darien's thoughts began to turn as he saw Serena exist the bathroom with nothing but a white towel wrapped around her. "I thought I'd get dressed out here so you can use the bathroom." "Thank you, Serena." And then Darien picked up his clothes and walked into the bathroom. When Darien walked out of the bathroom 20 minutes Serena was dressed and looked beautiful in the navy dress. ~ I want to kiss her, but if do I feel that I won't be able to stop. I must get that image of Serena in the towel out of my head. And I must focus on dinner. ~ Thought Darien to himself.
Darien decided they needed to leave immediately. "Come on, Serena. We need to leave now or we're going to be late!" "Late for what???" "We need to leave and there's no time to answer questions." "Okay! Whatever you say, Darien." ~ That was a close call! ~ Thought Darien.
When Serena and Darien arrived at the restaurant they were 45 minutes early. "Ah, Darien, I thought you said we were running late???" "I guess I read the clock wrong." "Darien, you're lying! Now tell me the truth!" "That is the truth, Serena. I would never lie to you." "Let's see . . . . . . . today is my birthday. And every year for my birthday you surprise me in some way. My charm bracelet has run out of spaces for a new charm so you have something big planned." "Okay, you caught me, but you will love your surprise very much." "So why don't you give it to me now, Darien!!!" "Oh, but it's so fun to keep you in suspense, my sweet!"
After dinner was over Serena and Darien where driven by horse drawn carriage around New York to see the sites. Then the carriage stopped at Central Park. Serena Darien got out and went walking for awhile. Suddenly Darien stopped walking and Serena noticed. "Darien, can I please have my birthday present now. The suspense is killing me!" "Fine, Serena." And Darien kissed Serena.
Then Darien gains all the strength he could summon and began to speak. "Serena, we've been best friends for so long that sometimes I wished that we could be more. I know you being scared of what your dad would to me kept us apart. And since that night you disappeared he's accepted you being friends with me. While I was your best friend I fell in love you. I also will never forget the time I surprised you for your sixteenth birthday in Paris. You are and always will be my Odango." And Darien kneeled down one knee and took Serena's hand. "Serena, I need to know will you be my Odango forever?" And Darien pulled a black box out of his pocket and opened it.
Serena was shocked. She knew Darien loved her, but she never expected him to love her this much. Serena starred at the ring it was beautiful. It was a 2-karat diamond shaped like a star on a 10-karat gold band. Tears began to roll down Serena's face. Then she answered Darien. "YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!" Then Darien put the ring on her finger and got up. Serena immediately jumped into his arms. Darien who was not fully prepared to catch Serena fell over backwards with Serena in his arms. She hugged him for what seemed like forever.
When Serena was finished squeezing the life out of Darien, they both figured they should be heading back. The carriage was waiting on them. "Darien, does feel cold out tonight or is it me?" Darien took off his tux jacket and put it around Serena's shoulders along with his arms. "Do you feel warmer now?" And Serena looked at Darien and smiled.
