Sunset At Paradise Cove
Chapter 35
Author's Note: Hi everyone just want to say thank you for all the feedback that I received for the last chapter and this one will be a bit intense at times, but I hope you enjoy reading it as we are getting closer towards the end of the story and please continue to send all your feedback and thoughts as I love to hear from all my readers. Thanks for following along Mars Light
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will thank you!
Serena walked out of her bedroom closing the door behind her as she took a deep breath in feeling a little tired and weary from the non-stop thoughts that plagued her and knew she had to open up to someone about what happened on the island and there was only one person here that she could speak to.
She walked down to the hall towards Anna's room that she had spent much of her nights as a child when she had a nightmare only now, she felt like she was living in one and knew she could speak to Anna openly and freely about the child and Darien without feeling judged or told to stay quiet about the baby as she turned down the hall seeing Anna's door was left open.
She let out a deep breath knowing Anna would provide comfort that she desperately needed, and hopefully give her some advice on how to mend a broken heart that she really needed to hear right now as she stepped forward expecting with the door left open to find her inside, but instead of Anna she found Nigel standing by her bureau packing a bag as she shook her head confused questioning "what are you doing in here?"
Nigel turned around to look at the girl with whom has caused nothing but havoc since her arrival back here as he shook his head stating proudly "I am packing up Anna's belongings"
Serena looked to him surprised by his comment, that Anna wasn't here as she had a million questions going through her mind of where she would go to suddenly and looked around seeing there were a few bags already packed without there owner and shook her head questioning "packing up her things why? Where is Anna?"
Nigel continued putting a few shirts into a bag, taking no interest in the distraction from his duty as he commented back sternly "that you will need to take up with your parents"
Serena shook her head knowing Anna would never just leave without saying something to her first as she stood with her shoulders back having every intention of finding out what was going on around here as she commented back firmly "you bet I will" and quickly left the room and went in search of her parents to find out the answers for herself.
She ignored the nervous twisting she felt in her stomach from Anna's sudden disappearance and quickly went down the hall looking in the usual places her parents would spend their time in, until she found her parents together both standing in the parlor and demanded loudly "I need to speak with both of your right now, why is Nigel packing up Anna's belongings?"
Her parents turned to her surprised by her sudden arrival as her mother plastered on the fake smile that she knew all to well that she saved mostly for not-for-profit organizations which she would get nothing in return from telling her back "Serena yes come in dearest your father and I were just in discussion and wish to speak with you as well"
Serena looked to her mother surprised to hear the endearment after she had barely spoken two words to her since her arrival other then to tell her what a huge mess she had created of things and how she single handedly ruined there lives as she walked further into the parlor to see not only her mother present, but her father as well who as of lately seemed to spend most of his time away these days and was now standing in the center of the room as he looked her up and down and then leaned over as he whispered something to his wife's ear and then looked to his daughter telling her "turn around"
Serena looked to her father perplexed by the sudden request, if you would call it a request as she let out a small gulp seeing the way both of her parents were staring at her and was unsure why, but did as she was told as she slowly turned around to face the back wall, the room was silent for several moments until she heard her father's comment break the silence tell her "alright, you can turn back towards me now"
Serena took a deep breath in and turned back to face her parents knowing in some way this all had to do with them and not with her or their grandchild which was made perfectly clear that she was not allowed to speak of at all as she asked confused "what is this all about?"
James ignored her comment as though she were not standing in the middle of the room and they were not discussing her own body as he looked to his wife telling her "she is not beginning to show yet that is good, there will be less questions asked"
Muriel nodded her head in agreement as she walked up closer to Serena and placed her hand up over her stomach as she felt around asking curiously "how far along would you say that you are with child?"
Serena took a step back feeling uncomfortable with how these questions were going as she looked to her mother's probing and shook her head telling her uncomfortable "I am not sure, I have yet to have a doctor's appointment, but I would say possibly seven, maybe eight weeks"
Muriel stood up straight startled and looked to her unhappy to hear this as she loudly protested asking her "seven or eight weeks well which one is it?"
Serena wrapped her arms around her stomach having a dreary sense that her parents were up to something again and it was up to her alone now to protect this child as she replied back unsure "I don't know seven I guess"
James looked to his wife with a slight nod as he held his head up high commenting coldly "these is still time we can still have this taken care of permanently" Serena looked to her father not liking what she was hearing as she shook her head asking on edge "what are you talking about?" when her mother commented back to him concerned "no we cannot take the chance with having others finding out about this, Cheryl's husband is a doctor and if it ever got out at my club I would be ruined, absolutely not it is out of the question, we will have to go with the other plan"
Serena took a step back further hearing her parents speaking of making plans for her again, which she was obviously not being let in on as she shook her head questioning nervously "what plans?" but as expected neither of her parents looked her way as her father commented as though it was already settled "we will have to move quickly, get them on the phone, it will be done tonight here with as few witnesses as possible"
Serena felt a twinge in her stomach by their words and knew her child felt the same nervousness that she did, as she looked to both of her parents and questioned knowing she didn't really want to know the answer to whatever they were planning for her asking "what will be done? what are you both talking about?"
Her mother looked to her seeing the girl who had messed up all of their perfect plans as she stated as a fact telling her "we are going to be cleaning up the mess you have made, that is what?"
Serena wiped a tear from her eyes knowing she would have received no support from her parents on returning, but currently had nowhere else to go as she looked to them both seeing that they had no remorse or tender thoughts or feelings towards her as she shook her head telling them "I'm sorry this wasn't planned, but I am pregnant and scared and for once I could really use you to be a little understanding"
Muriel shook her head hearing her talk of the mistake she alone had made as she replied back telling her abruptly "understanding, you speak only of yourself Serena. Because of you I have been unable to go to my club in weeks, I have been so concerned one of the ladies might find out about you and your condition"
Serena looked to her mother hearing her once again turn this around to be all about her as she shook her head telling her "I am pregnant mother, not sick and yes I made a mistake trusting the wrong man, but I am having this child whether you like it or not and I will raise this child with or without your help"
Muriel looked around panicked to be sure no one was listening in on there conversation as she looked to her daughter telling her forcefully "quiet Serena do not speak of that word to loudly; you don't want others to hear you"
Serena looked to her mother with a shake of her head knowing if they had their way, she would spend her entire life kept locked away in this penthouse, but she wouldn't have it telling her back "they will find out soon enough mother, you will not be able to hide me up here forever, if you don't want others questioning why?"
Muriel nodded her head as she walked over to look out into the hall to be sure no one would be within hearing distance of their plans as she commented telling her "yes that is true, but they will know when we are ready to tell them and not a moment sooner"
Serena looked to her mother not liking what she was hearing so far and shook her head asking nervously "what is that supposed to mean?"
Muriel looked to her with her head held up high stating back "that we are cleaning up this mess of yours once again" as her father spoke up for her saying sternly "you will be married quickly and will tell everyone that the child is your husbands"
Serena shook her head seeing that her parents still had not given up on this crazy plan of theirs to see her married to expand their business which to her was not a good enough reason as she shook her head stating firmly "I will not marry Bradley Jensen; he is a conceited jerk and I won't no part in this plan of yours"
James stood up firm hearing her speak of the deal which she had successfully destroyed on him stating back harshly "no due to your selfishness, you have destroyed the deal I had in place and we have no other recourse then to have you marry Wesley's boy"
Serena looked to him shaking her head knowing Wesley had mostly only girls accept as she opened her eyes up wide in understanding and looked to him questioning that her parents would stoop this low asking "Wesley's boy do you mean David, no I won't do this, never"
Muriel chimed in to her protests ordering "be quiet Serena you will do as you are told, that boy is so head over heels for you, and he will go along with whatever he is told, now they will be here shortly. I have called up a reverend to marry you and then after the ceremony is over you will take him inside your bedroom and let him bed you"
Serena stood there with her mouth hanging open to hear this plan of theirs involving David. She had not seem him in a few years, but knew he was a kind sweet boy which she had no problem with, but that he also was mentally slower than most others his age, which was why his parents usually did not discuss him much in front of others, but now her own parents wished to use both of them in their scheme which she was certain they would find a way to get something out of this as she shook her head telling them "no never, do you even hear yourselves, what you are planning is terrible and I won't do this"
Her father walked up closer to hear her once again protesting against there plans as he ordered her "silence you will do as your mother tells you"
Serena shook her head amazed at how far her parents were willing to go and it did not matter who they hurt along the way, taking her along with David, and the child that was not spoken about as she held back her own tears telling them both forcefully "no"
Muriel ignored her protest as she continued on proudly telling her "you will do as you are told Serena, now David may need a little guidance in the bedroom, but seeing as how you already know what you are doing, I am certain that will not be a problem, and for the time being wear some baggy clothes to hide your weight gain and in a couple of weeks you will announce your pregnancy and everyone will expect that it is your husband's child"
Serena stood there listening to this ludicrous plan of theirs as she shook her head telling them "I can't do that, I won't"
Her mother looked to her upset that she showed no concern that she would drag their good name in the mud telling her back "you left us in an ugly predicament Serena. You have soiled both your father and my good name and this is the way to fix it, David may not be a prize, but he does come with a good name behind him and after you are wed the two of you will leave the city for the time being and your father and I"
Serena looked to them both shaking her head hearing this plan for her future as she interrupted asking "do you hear yourselves" as she shook her head telling them forcefully "I won't be a part of these lies, I won't marry him, David does not serve this and neither do I. I won't be a part of this scheme not ever"
Her father crossed his arms having no interest in hearing her thoughts as he looked down at her stating coldly "you have done enough to this family, now Wesley and his boy will be here soon and you will do as you are told, now go and make yourself look presentable"
Serena stood where she was as she stomped her foot in frustration and screamed out loudly telling them "no, I won't ever marry him, if you would just listen to me for once"
Her father looked to her as a child throwing a temper tantrum demanding "you have run out of options I had suggested having this whole baby nonsense be aborted, but your mother does not wish for that to happen and so you will do as we tell you to do Serena"
She wrapped her arms around her stomach hearing her father speak of wanting to force her into having an abortion which she would not have agreed to as she started to shed tears and cried out "please you don't understand just listen to me for once. I am your daughter and" she looked to her parents wanting to tell them that they are supposed to love her or put her needs ahead of there own like most parents would as she shook her head speaking the truth stating "you only care of yourselves"
Her mother looked to her, but did not deny her comment as she shook her head telling her forcefully "you will be married in a few short hours and that is the end of this discussion Serena"
Serena looked to them the people who are supposed to love her no matter what who were now forcing her to do this despicable act while shaking her head telling them "no, please this is a mistake and not right you cannot make me agree to this, there are other things in this world more important than money and your image"
Her father looked to her the girl who has caused nothing but trouble lately as he told her calmly "after today you will no longer be our problem, Wesley will get you both a house in the country side where you will stay hidden away, once or twice a year you will show your face at one of your mothers benefit charities and smile, but otherwise you will stay hidden is that clear"
Serena stood there shaking her head as she cried seeing her parents standing before her as they discussed her future or lack thereof as she heard her mother's cold comment "you only will be needed, I do not wish to present that bastard of a child you are carrying as my grandchild, such a pity that you went ahead and ruined all the plans that we had worked so hard and made for you"
Serena stood there shaking her head unsure if she was actually hearing what she was right now or if she was stuck in some sort of alternate dimension where nothing being said made any sense, when they heard Nigel come walking up to the room knocking on the door telling them "there is a gentleman that has arrived here sir"
Serena felt her stomach drop hearing that they had arrived so soon and this plans of there was actually being set into motion as her father looked to Nigel telling him pleased "I see, that was very quick Wesley's boy must be excited for this wedding to take place"
Muriel walked over to her husband as she took him by the arm stating with a small gleam to her eyes "that's good" Serena stood there listening to her parents speak as if this was a good thing as she shook her head protesting while telling them both loudly "no it is not" as James looked to Nigel telling him firmly "let them know we are having a family discussion and we will be with them shortly"
Nigel nodded his head showing no concern to what was being said within the room as he replied back "very good sir" and then walked away from the room
Serena watched him walk away from the room and knew that the man / boy that her parents had chosen for her to wed waited for her in the other room as she looked to both of her parents begging "please if there was ever a time you cared for me even in the slightest degree do not make me do this, I don't love him and he does not deserve to be lied to or tricked either"
Her mother shook her head paying no attention to her cries telling her back sternly "you will have to answer for the consequences of your actions from running off to that island and getting yourself with" as she looked to her daughter with distaste stating coldly "that"
Serena looked to them both standing there, knowing she may share their blood, but that was as far as it went for any kind of connection telling them "don't you care at all that I don't love him, and you can't make me marry someone that I don't love, and all for what money, power. I am your only daughter and you will turn me away, over what others might say or think of you. Please all I am asking is that you show a listen understanding and compassion"
Her father looked to her as he rolled back his eyes hearing her speak of such things which she did not understand and shook his head telling her "this conversation is over now, go to your room and fix yourself up put on a pretty dress, the wedding will be starting as soon as the revered arrives which should be in a few minutes"
Serena felt dizzy as the room starting to spin around hearing what they expected of her as she fell down to her knees and cried out pleading "no please" as she heard a voice that she did not expect to hear from behind her say "I think I have something to say about that"
Her father turned to look at the unknown stranger who entered the room as he looked to him stating firmly "this is a private conversation who are you to come barging in here?"
Darien looked down to where Serena was down on her knees in tears in front of these people which he had already made his mind up clearly on what type of people they were, but after overhearing what he did, knew it was much worse than he ever expected and felt a new anger rising up within him seeing for himself the way they treated her as he went and stood in front of Serena staring her father down as he told him with mock sincerity "didn't Serena tell you dad, that I'm already her husband"
Muriel's face dropped as she looked to this man standing before them wearing khaki shorts and a polo shirt with sandals on as she questioned his presence in the room disgusted at the thought of having him anywhere near asking loudly "her what?"
Darien stood there nodding his head having no intentions of backing down to these self-righteous assholes even though he knew things were a little more complicated right now between himself and Serena telling her back "you heard me right, I am Serena's husband and the father of the child she carries or 'that' as I heard you speak of it"
Muriel looked to the man who was obviously beneath them and not worth her time as she looked to her daughter shaking her head telling her "tell me this is not true; tell me you did not go and marry this man?"
Serena blinked her eyes as she carefully stood up back up to her feet slowly ignoring her mother's comment feeling both shocked and confused to see Darien standing here in her parlor now and couldn't understand why he would be here of all places as she looked to him asking "what are you doing here?"
Darien turned around to look at her ignoring that her parents were still there in the room with them and could tell that in the week since he had last seen her, that city living did not do much for her complexion as she looked very pale and tired as he told her back "I came to speak with you Serena about us and the baby, I think there were still things left unsaid"
Her mother looked between them seeing that they obvious did know each other which meant that what he spoke of was true asking her daughter coldly "Serena what have you done now?"
Darien watched seeing Serena's shoulders drop down defeated by her mother's comment and knew this was not the only time she had heard these comments from her parents as he quickly turned around telling her mother forcefully "try shutting it for once"
Muriel was taken back hearing the way this stranger spoke to her as James stepped forward telling him "you cannot address my wife in such a manner in our home, I demand you leave this instant"
Darien looked to them both with a shake of his head amazed that Serena was not more messed up after being raised in this household by these people asking back "and why not, I just had to witness you doing so to your daughter, only what I overheard was much worse. Do you really think you could treat others as pawns in your game?"
Serena stood there watching hearing the argument that was taken place between her parents and Darien who had made it abundantly clear that he wanted nothing to do with her or his child as she shook her head knowing what needed to be said telling him "Darien you shouldn't be here, you made it perfectly clear to me when you said good bye, that you want nothing more to do with me or this child, so why don't you go find Eva I am sure she will be happy to keep you company"
Darien turned around to look to her seeing even now when her parents were trying to force her on some other unsuspecting guy that she wanted nothing to do with him and knew when he arrived this would not be easy, but was not going to leave without speaking to her first as he shook his head telling her "Serena there is nothing between Eva and myself, there never was, please I came all this way can we just go somewhere we can talk, just us and figure this all-out"
Serena stood there knowing that was how she had gotten herself into this mess in the first place by letting his kind words fool her which she would not get caught in the same trap again as she shook her head telling him "no I can't, please you should not have come here just go"
James walked over to where his daughter stood with tears in her eyes telling Darien back proudly "there now you see, whatever was going on between yourself and my daughter is over and I will handle the rest, now I think you can go find your way to the door and back to whatever hole you came crawling out from"
Darien looked to him knowing many others just like him who thought everyone else was beneath him and shook his head telling him back with the same edge to his voice "this is between Serena and I" as he turned all his attention to her begging "please Serena I am just asking for a few minutes I know I screwed up, but"
She looked to him not wanting to listen or be here any longer and shook her head telling him sadly "no, you did much more then just screw up, you not only fooled me once, but you did so twice and I will not allow you to hurt me three times. I can't do this any longer"
Darien looked to her seeing she was crumbling to pieces inside and knew what Andy said was right that he couldn't just walk away from this any longer as he told her "Serena I'm sorry I can't tell you enough that I never wanted it to come to this, I never wanted to hurt you like this, please just let me"
Serena covered her ears not wanting to hear any more of his lies as she stepped away from her father's hold and shook her head telling him back "no, you say you didn't want to hurt me, but you didn't answer any of my calls when I found out I was scared and pregnant, then you pushed me away when I told you I was with child, finally once you came around you made all of these promises that you would be there and then broke every one of them hours later when you pushed me away for the last time. I have finished crying my heart out for you, stay away from me Darien"
She could feel her heart breaking with each word that she said severing whatever ties were left between them as she began to turn around to walk back to her room needing her own space to deal with all of this as she heard her father yelling out "we are not done speaking with you yet about this Serena, this does not change anything"
Darien looked to her parents getting frustrated that this was getting them nowhere, while feeling aggravated with their interference in a matter that they obviously have no interest in their own daughter's welfare and did not want them further involved saying back loudly "enough from the both of you"
He reached out to take Serena's arm knowing now that every word he had said to her before about her only caring about money was completely wrong and she was nothing like these people and hoped to convince her to leave this place far behind, but she quickly pulled her arm away from him at just the slightest touch while saying coldly "no, don't, I don't want you to ever touch me again" as she looked down to the bottle ring she still had around her finger that symbolized all the false promises he made to her and slid it off her finger and handed it back saying "and you can't take this back too"
Darien stood in place surprised to see she still had been wearing the ring, but now she wanted to give it back cutting all ties between them with them as he shook his head realizing he didn't want that at all telling her "I don't want it back Serena"
She nodded her head quietly knowing it was just a silly bottle ring anyway and obviously had not meant anything to him as it did to her as she tried to shrug her shoulder making it not look like her heart was breaking in half telling him "fine it obviously never meant anything anyway, it really was just trash" and started to walk away.
She tried to hold in the pain she felt breaking her apart inside, but then stopped as she heard his desperate plea calling out after her "Serena wait!"
She took a deep breath in knowing she couldn't do this not right now, not with him, not with her parents controlling her life and started to walk away again, when she heard her father yell out aggravated "wait one moment their young lady, we are not through with this" as she heard Darien's abrupt comment to them from behind "will you stay out of this"
She took a deep breath in and closed her eyes trying to block out all of their voices as she heard them continue to yell across the room at each other and reached down putting a hand across her stomach feeling the twinge she felt earlier turn into a sharp intense pain as she lurched over and cried out loudly in agony.
Darien quickly turned around startled at the sound of her screams to see Serena lurched over as he rushed over to her side putting his arms around her which she made no attempt to stop him this time as he asked worried "Serena what is it?"
She looked up at him with sweat dripping off her brow and a matching worried expression of her own as the pain intensified towards her lower abdomen, she looked to him feeling frightened at the possibility of what was happening as she spoke "the baby?"
