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I never realized how upset people can get over S/D if they're not together. Now, because I don't really like giving anything away, i did say in the summary that there were two possibilities of what was going to happen to S/D... so you'll just have to wait to see what happens!!!!!

It's been fun, and the voting well... the majority is with Serena and Darien. I haven't heard one person say that they wanted them together. Oh well! Actually I take that back, only one... interesting... i hope they know they're treading on dangerous water with all the other readers! J/J!!!

anyway, I don't own, nor will I ever own SM characters, maybe if I begged the fine people on my hands and knees.... I highly doubt it!!

hope you enjoy!

I promise good stuff happens in five more chapters!!! I absolutely promise that some are going to maybe hate me, and a few will love me!!!! It's all very... interesting

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"Mom! Dad!" Serena exclaimed, getting out of the limo. She ran into their arms, and gave them a warm hug.

"so, did you enjoy your trip?" her mother asked.

"Yes, it was so great."

They smiled at their daughter, then looked to their son. "What about you?"

he grinned. "It was more then great, and I have proof, just check out my tan."

They laughed. "Oh, come on in, and tell me all about it."

Serena went in with her mother, holding a package of photos, which she intended on showing to her parents.

It took a while until they were through with all their stories about their trip. Her mother just went to pieces over the pictures from the simple service that Molly and Max had.

Ilene held a picture of her daughter in the middle of all the guys. She saw the looks that her boyfriend and best friend gave her. "It's a lovely photo," she said.

Serena nodded, while watching her brother leave the room with her father to help take the bags up to bedrooms.

Once they were gone, Ilene looked at her daughter speculatively. "so... anything you want to tell me."

Serena told her about the fight that she had had with Darien, and that they had made up, while she removed the ring from the bracelet. She slid the ring onto her finger, and showed it to her mother.

Ilene's eyes went wide, "Oh my god! How?"

Serena told her about the fireworks, and the proposal, with a silly smile on her face.

Ilene was glad that her daughter was happy. "How are... when are you going to tell the others?" she asked.

"At the campout. Everyone will be there, so I figure that would be a good time."

Ilene had to wonder how Darien might take the news, especially upon seeing the way he was close to her, and looked at her in the photo. She had always wondered if the two might become more then friends, but as long as Serena was happy, that was all that mattered to her.

Serena yawned and stretched.

"Why don't you get a little shut eye, I can't imagine how tired you would be after that long flight, and with several time differences."

Serena rose, and kissed her mother on the cheek, and went up to her room. She fell asleep as soon as she hit the pillow.

Downstairs, Andrew sat down and talked with his parents, telling them everything he had done without the gang.

**

Across town, Beryl was sitting in a bar, at a table in the back, with a dark mysterious look to him.

"I want her removed... as well as that dick that she's currently with."

"Are you sure about this?" the man asked her.

She nodded, while sucking back a strong whiskey shot. "I've had enough of that damn slut-ass!"

The guy gave a vicious smile. "How?"

"oh, something like... brakes being cut, and that'll work for me."

"well, that only leaves the money issue."

Beryl slid an envelope across the table. "this shall be sufficient?"

the man nodded. He finished off his drink, then shook hands with Beryl and left. Beryl had a pleased smile on her face as she saw him leave. Once she's out of my hair... she grinned with her sick satisfaction.

**

Serena rang the doorbell, and waited.

Leta opened the door, "Ah, you made it Serena."

She grinned at her friend, "Hey I don't miss things like these."

Leta grinned. "Well, get your ass in here, this is the girl's night just before we leave tomorrow for that cabin."

Serena grinned, and held up the bag she had brought. "Liquor?"

Leta grinned. "Now we're talking."

Serena entered the apartment after Leta, and joined the girls. Amy was there, as well as the newly wed Molly. Serena hugged them all.

"This should be good," Molly laughed, seeing the bottle of liquor.

Amy grinned. "Yes, we'll do shots."

"Wow Ames, I didn't think you had it in you," Leta laughed.

Amy blushed.

"Actually, Ames can be quite a partier," Molly grinned. Serena nodded with agreement.

"so Serena, tell us about this intensity that you've built with Rubeus," Amy said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Serena blushed.

"Come on," Leta urged.

Serena gave them a goofy smile, "it was the first night that we were in California."

"Was that your first time?" Leta asked with curiosity.

"Do you mean ever or with Rubeus?" Serena asked her.

"Ever?" Amy asked.

Serena bit her lip, "that wasn't my first time."

"Who was?" Molly urged, "do you mean to tell me that you never told me who you're first is."

Serena sighed, "we were drunk, or maybe not enough to know we wanted to do it. It was... a mutual decision, that we decided we wanted to share it with each other."

"Who?" they all asked with wild curiosity.

"A friend, and that's all I'm going to say."

"I say we fill her with the whole bottle so she'll talk," Leta laughed.

Molly and Amy nodded, while laughing.

"No, we made the promise not to tell, well, because it would definitely cause a stir."

"It wouldn't be Darien would it?" Molly asked, very curious.

Serena shook her head. "I mean it, I'm not going to tell you."

Shots were filled for everyone. "Will you ever tell us?" Leta asked.

Serena shrugged. "We'll see, but for now, I think it's better that no one knows."

Amy changed the subject after that. they talked about her upcoming wedding, and the next day that they would be taking off to the cabin for their annual barbecue and campout.

They talked until really late, and fell asleep while watching some chick flicks.

***

Hope that was good enough for you. I'll try to get 15 out as soon as I can, and I promise, when they're up at the cabin, it's going to be some of the most interesting parts of the story, at least next to how I've decided to close it off with.

thanks for the reviews, and continue to let me know what you think, it's very, very interesting food for thought!!!

ciao!

Silver Rose

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