Here it is. The fifth chapter. I am really getting worn out. I
wouldn't be surprised if I got writer's block, I'm almost out of
ideas. But don't get me wrong, I do not want to have writer's
block. Because then I wouldn't be able to finish this story. And now, on to the story.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Hard Times
Chapter Five
The Apology
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Alan and Serena had just finished unpacking Serena's
suitcases. Alan had taken it all out and Serena had put it all
away. Now Alan was sitting down on Serena's couch while Serena was
making some tea.
"So this is your new place, huh?" Alan asked, looking around
him. When they had first started the place had had white wallpaper
with all colors of roses on it, a few chairs and the couch Alan was
sitting on covered with white sheets, as was a small table. It
didn't look all that inviting. But, along with helping to unpack,
Alan had also helped Serena freshen up the room. Now it was bright
with a couple of lamps, some accessories here and there, and all in
all it was a much more cheerful place.
"Actually, it's just temporary, until I can figure out what I'm gonna do with the house." Serena said, coming out with two cups of tea in her hands. She handed one to Alan, who took it gratefully. Then
she sat down on the couch next to him.
"What happened to the house you lived in before you, uh, went
away?" Alan asked curiously, sipping his tea.
"I still own it, but like I said, I don't know what to do with it. There are so many memories there and if I lived there I would be haunted by them. But if I sell it, then it will seem as if I was selling the only thing that tied me to them. I just don't know what to
do." Serena told Alan, also sipping her tea.
"I think you should do what your heart tells you is best. And
if you need any help at all you can always count on me." Alan said,
wrapping his free arm around Serena and pulling her close. Having
her so close to him made electricity run through Alan's veins.
"Thanks Alan. That really means a lot to me." Serena
whispered, trying hard to fight back tears.
"Serena, what's wrong?" Alan asked with concern, pulling her
away from him a little so he could see her face more clearly.
"Oh Alan!" Serena cried, throwing herself into Alan's arms and
starting to cry. When Serena was a little more composed she
explained her actions. "You see, Alan, ever since I ran away, I've
been blocking out the thoughts about my family's death. And now
that I'm back I have to think about them. And what to do with the
little I have left of them. I just can't take it anymore." said
Serena, looking up at Alan, then she burst into tears and buried
her face in Alan's shirt again.
Alan just held Serena, rocking her slightly. Finally he
suggested, "I know what would cheer you up, Serena. Why don't we
go out for ice cream? My treat. Of course, that means you have to pay for popcorn."
Serena laughed. "If I have to pay for popcorn then I get all
of the popcorn." she replied indignantly. "Although I would like
some ice cream. Okay, let's go."
While they were walking, they met up with Amy, Raye, Mina, and
Lita. "Hi guys. We're going for ice cream, want to join us?"
Serena asked her long time friends, waving them over.
"Sure. We'd love to go. But why are you going with Alan?"
Lita asked.
"Let me guess...he offered to pay." Raye guessed, a smile on
her face.
"And the red convertible goes to the young lady with long
black hair!" Serena announced in a fake game©show©host voice.
Everybody laughed at this.
"I really get a convertible? Great, I want one with a leather
interior, a CD player, a radio-" Raye started to list all the
things she wanted with the convertible when she was smacked over
the head by her blonde friend.
"What do you think I am, a millionaire?" she asked as everyone
laughed.
"No, actually I think you're a millionaire's heir." Raye said
to Serena, sticking her tongue out at her. Serena stuck her tongue
out at Raye, and the tongue war began.
"Okay guys, you can stop that now. We're at the ice cream
parlor and I don't think you want to make fools of yourselves." Amy
told them when they were at the front door of the ice cream shop.
Serena and Raye blushed and the entire gang walked in.
Inside they immedietly spotted Darien and Ann sitting at a
booth in the corner. It was kind of hard not to. Darien was
waving his hand, signaling for them to come and sit with him and
Ann. So, as not to be rude, they walked over.
"Hi Serena, gang..Alan." Darien said when they got there. He
was eyeing Alan with distaste, as if he didn't like him or
something. *But that's impossible. Why would Darien dislike Alan?
He has no reason to do so.* Serena thought as they all sat down.
Serena was between Alan and Darien. Both men seemed to be shooting
the other looks of hate and contempt when they thought that Serena
wasn't looking.
"Could you two stop giving each other dirty looks already?
It's making me feel uncomfortable." Serena said when they had done
this for the 7th time. Both boys turned a slight crimson and
turned away, not meeting Serena's or the other's eyes. Serena
smiled a triumphant smile.
Alan and Darien weren't the only ones who were shooting dirty
looks. Ann was looking at Serena as if she would kill her right
there and then, and that the only thing that was stopping her was
the fact that they were in a public place. Serena tried to ignore
her but it was hard. Finally she just couldn't stand it anymore.
"I think I'm gonna go get my ice cream, if you don't mind." she
said, desperate to get away from that stare. "Would anybody want
me to get anything for them?" she offered.
"Why don't we all just go order ours, all at once?" Mina
suggested. Everyone nodded. *Oh great. There's no way that I'm
gonna get away from that stare now. Thanks a lot Mina.* Serena thought with a grimace.
When they had all sat down again with their orders Serena dug
in.
"You still have that big appetite, Meatball Head." Darien
remarked, watching her eat.
"So what's your point?" Serena asked around a mouthful of ice
cream. Darien just laughed. "What?" she asked, swallowing. But
Darien was too busy laughing to answer. Serena just shrugged and
began to eat her ice cream again.
Everybody began to talk to each other about stuff. Mina,
Lita, and Raye were arguing over who was the coolest guy in school,
Amy and Ann were talking about one of the classes in which they
were both in, and Darien and Alan were just watching Serena eat.
This unnerved Serena so she finished her ice cream and got up to
get some more.
"Better not eat too much. Remember, the higher the cost for
your ice cream, the bigger the popcorn. And if the total gets too
big, you have to buy drinks too." Alan warned her when she returned
with another hot fudge sundae.
"What?! I never agreed to that! I am not agreeing that.
I'll get the popcorn but I am not getting drinks. You have to get
the drinks." Serena cried when she sat down.
"What do you mean, `popcorn and drinks'? Popcorn and drinks
for what?" Darien asked Alan and Serena, a sinking feeling in his
stomach.
Since Serena was too busy eating to answer, Alan answered for
her. "Serena and I are going to the movies on Friday, and we
agreed that if I paid for ice cream now, she had to pay for popcorn
then." Alan said, watching Darien's face for his reaction. But
Darien's face was a mask. Inside him though, his stomach felt
like a big boulder.
*Serena and Alan are going out together, on a date? But, but
Alan doesn't deserve someone like Serena. Wait a second, why am I
worried about this? It's like I'm worried that Serena will fall
for Alan. But that's impossible. I already have a girlfriend,
Ann, who I love dearly. So why am I acting this way?* Darien
thought. A tiny voice inside Darien said, *But you do love Serena.
Ann is just to make Serena notice you and probably make her
jealous.* it said, but Darien dismissed it as soon as it popped
into his head and completely forgot about it.
Soon everyone had finished their ice cream and was getting up
to leave. Ann pulled Darien's arm. "Come on Darien. It's time to
go." she said urgently, as if she was worried about something.
"Yeah, okay. We'll go in a second Ann. I have to talk to
Serena first." Darien replied, shaking off her hand. When he
noticed Ann's expression he quickly explained, "Just to apologize
for how I treated her before she ran away." Ann didn't look very
comforted. *Whatever. Forget about Ann. I have to talk to
Serena.* went through Darien's head. "Serena? Could I talk with
you? Alone?" Darien requested, turning to Serena.
"Sure Darien." said Serena, smiling sweetly at him. "Could
you wait for me Alan? I have to talk to Darien." she asked Alan.
Alan looked at Darien suspiciously, then went outside and talked to
his sister, who was waiting for Darien. "Thanks!" she called after him. She turned back to Darien. "So what did you want to talk
about?"
Darien had been so caught up in just watching her lovely face
that he started. "What? Oh, sorry. Yeah, um, well, I, uh."
Darien stumbled for the right words. "I just wanted to apologize
to you for the way I treated you before you left. I was unfair and
I'm sorry for it." Darien said, looking down at his feet.
"Apology accepted." Serena said, smiling. Then, on an
impulse, she hugged him.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
"What do you think they're talking about? Darien said he was
just gonna apologize to her but I don't beli-hey! What is she
doing, hugging _my_ man!" Ann exclaimed in surprise and anger as she
watched Darien and Serena inside the ice cream parlor. Alan was
thinking the very same thing. But he had no time to ponder the
question cuz the two had just come out of the shop.
"Shall I walk you to your apartment Serena?" Alan asked
curtly. He gave Darien an icy look as he pulled Serena a little
more towards him.
"Okay Alan." said Serena, glancing back at Darien. Darien
just looked on.
"Come on Darien. I'm feeling kind of tired. Could you escort
me to my apartment too?" Ann asked seductively, batting her
eyelashes at him.
"Sure Ann." Darien said, not paying attention to the way she
was looking at him. He only had eyes for Serena, who was also looking at him.
"I guess we should be going then Serena." Alan said, a note
of urgency and panic in his voice now, tugging on her arm. And
Serena was led off in the direction of her apartment, which was in
the opposite direction of where Darien and Ann were headed.
Darien had half a mind of going after Serena and taking her in
his arms and kissing her. Full on the lips. *But,* his brain
reminded him, *you already have a girlfriend. And she's pulling on
your arm right now.* Ann was pulling on his arm. Darien sighed
and trudged after Ann, who was jabbering away.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Darien was walking home. He had dropped Ann off at her
apartment a couple minutes ago. She had asked him if he wanted to
stay a while longer but Darien had refused. He had a strong urge
to go to Serena's place.
*Why can't I get her off my mind? I've already got a
girlfriend so why do I always get this strong desire to hold her
close and kiss her? This is just all so confusing. Ever since she
came back.* he thought as he walked. Suddenly he bumped into
somebody. Darien looked up, as memories of bumping into Serena
flooded his mind. *Please God let it be her.* Darien looked up.
Instead of the wonderful baby blue eyes of his Serena he found the angry eyes of Alan.
"Watch where you're going next time Darien." Alan hissed, mad.
"And another thing. I saw the way you were looking at Serena today
at the ice cream parlor. Just a reminder for you- you're already
dating my sister, you can't start to date her too. Besides, she's
mine."
"I don't see your name on her." spat back a very angry Darien.
"Well I don't see her wanting to go out with you!" Alan
retorted, extremely angry now. When he had dropped Serena off at
her apartment she had seemed a bit spacy. As if she was thinking
about somebody, and Alan had a strong suspicion that it wasn't him.
Darien didn't answer Alan's last statement. He didn't even
notice when Alan pushed past him, heading towards the apartment he
shared with his sister. All he was thinking was *Alan's right.
She doesn't want to go out with me. Not after the way I treated
her. No...now she wants Alan.* his mind thought bitterly. Then
another voice cut in *Then why did she hug you in the ice cream
parlor? If she had hated you then she wouldn't have hugged you.*
*I bet that was just cuz she was in a good mood cuz she was with
Alan.* the first voice reasoned. *Yeah, right. Whatever.* said
the other voice, sounding like he was talking to a 2 year old.
*Wait a second! What am I doing, having an argument with myself?
I must be going crazy.* thought a confused Darien. *He might as
well go home.* said the first voice. *No way! He should go over
to Serena's apartment and tell her how he feels.* his heart said
indignantly. *Are you suggesting that he go over there and tell
her that he loves her?! Are you crazy?!" his mind spat back.
*Love? I love her?* Darien's train of thoughts was interrupted
when he heard his mind talk. *Besides, he doesn't even know where
she lives. If you know where she lives then my only defense is
that this is crazy.* Darien's mind said. *....* *I thought so.*
said the other voice triumphantly. Darien shook his head and
walked home.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
"So? Are you psyched about your date with Alan? I'd be. I
mean, he's one of the hottest guys in school. Where're you going?
Is it some place fancy? What are you gonna wear? I suggest
something in black, it would totally set off your hair and your
eyes to the best advantage. And if you see any hot guys there you
have to tell me-"
"Mina, slow, down." commanded an amazed Serena. While she was
in America she had forgotten how much Mina could talk.
"What about Darien, Sere?" spoke up Raye, eyeing Serena
curiously. "As I recall, before you ran away-"
"Which, I might add, left us totally devastated. I mean,
we're your best friends, we care about you." Lita interrupted.
"And Raye was the one who worried the most and cried over you the most, ya know." Lita added, edging away from the fiery princess that looked about ready to explode. Raye was red in the face with embarrassment, and looked as if she was going to strangle Lita when she least expected it.
"Ahem, as I was saying, before I was so _rudely_ interrupted,"
Raye glowered at Lita, "I recall _you_ _YELLING_ in the arcade that you
_loved_ Darien."
"Hey, yeah, I remember that. So what's up? I would think
that when _you_ say something, you mean it. And when it's something
serious like love, it usually means that you'll never change your
mind about it. So, have you gotten over Darien? Cuz if you have,
you've just wasted your entire life. You and Darien were made for
each other. So? So? Answer me girl." Mina said, seizing the
opportunity to talk.
Serena was just dumbfounded. "Were you born a chatterbox or
is this a recent devolpment?" Serena asked in shock, staring at her
friend as if she was an alien.
Mina whacked Serena on the back. "Hey, I don't talk as much
as you used to."
"Key word Mina: USED to." Serena answered back, laughing.
Mina just glared at her friend.
"You still haven't answered Mina's question- are you over
Darien or not?" spoke up Amy. She hadn't talked at all since all
of this started. Serena just looked at her feet, not answering her
friends.
"So, it is just as I thought. You still love Darien. Well then
why don't ya tell the guy? I agree with Mina..you two were meant
to be together. I mean, haven't you ever noticed that whenever
you're around him he seems brighter, happier, more complete.
Around Ann, he just seems like another guy with a disgusting girl."
said Amy calmly. Everyone looked at her as if she had just grown
another head. "What?" she asked in confusion.
"I have never heard you ever talk about romance or love or
anything like that before, and I just think that it's so weird."
said a shocked Lita, amazed that her friend could look beyond the
facts and actually see the romance in life.
"Yeah, well.... I've never had a chance to before. Besides,
this is true love here, not any of those small crushes you had on
all those _different_ looking boys who, I bet, didn't look one bit
like your old boyfriend." huffed Amy a bit angrily, turning back to
her book.
"Jeez, didn't have to do that to me Ames." said Lita, looking
hurt. Amy noticed the look of hurt on her friend's face and
quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry Lita. I guess I got a little mad over nothing."
said Amy, coming over to Lita and giving her a little hug.
"Hey, that's okay. What are friends for if you can't get mad
at 'em?" Lita said.
"Come on Serena, you've been avoiding the question; are you
still in love with Darien?" Mina asked, leaning in towards Serena.
The other three girls also leaned in. Serena looked at them as if
they had all gone crazy.
"I've gotta go. I'll tell you guys all about my date with
Alan, okay? And no, Mina, I won't leave anything out. I'll even
tell you the color of the tablecloth if you like." Serena said,
getting up and gathering her things. "Bye!" And with that she was
gone.
"Her speed sure didn't slow down while she was in America."
Raye said, watching as her best friend sped off downt the street,
faster than a car. "At least she doesn't smash into people like
she used to."
"Now look what you did Mina! You scared her off with all your
questions. And that weird look you gave her right before she left.
I bet that had a lot to do with her leaving before she told us
too." Lita told Mina, as if Serena's leaving her all her fault.
"Hey! I wasn't the only one who was asking Serena questions
and stuff. All you guys were doing it too. So don't blame me. If
anyone, you should blame Raye. She's the one that started it." Mina told Lita.
"NANI?! Did I just hear what I think I heard?" said a very
angry Raye.
"Uuuh...." Mina stuttered, looking for the right words.
"If I were you Mina, I'd start running. Now." Lita said,
trying to suppress a grin at the way her friend was squirming.
Mina just nodded her head and ran like crazy with Raye on her
heels. Finally Lita let out a huge laugh. And she just laughed
and laughed. She was laughing so hard that she didn't noticed it
when Mina and Raye came up behind her. All of a sudden Lita
stopped laughing and looked behind her to see a very angry Raye and
Mina. "Uh, hi?" Lita tried meekly. The two girls just growled.
"Okay, bye-bye!" Lita said as she got up and tried to escape the
two very mad girls that were after her. Amy just sighed and went
back to reading her book.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailormoon and never will.
Ja ne minna,
PinkPakRat
wouldn't be surprised if I got writer's block, I'm almost out of
ideas. But don't get me wrong, I do not want to have writer's
block. Because then I wouldn't be able to finish this story. And now, on to the story.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Hard Times
Chapter Five
The Apology
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Alan and Serena had just finished unpacking Serena's
suitcases. Alan had taken it all out and Serena had put it all
away. Now Alan was sitting down on Serena's couch while Serena was
making some tea.
"So this is your new place, huh?" Alan asked, looking around
him. When they had first started the place had had white wallpaper
with all colors of roses on it, a few chairs and the couch Alan was
sitting on covered with white sheets, as was a small table. It
didn't look all that inviting. But, along with helping to unpack,
Alan had also helped Serena freshen up the room. Now it was bright
with a couple of lamps, some accessories here and there, and all in
all it was a much more cheerful place.
"Actually, it's just temporary, until I can figure out what I'm gonna do with the house." Serena said, coming out with two cups of tea in her hands. She handed one to Alan, who took it gratefully. Then
she sat down on the couch next to him.
"What happened to the house you lived in before you, uh, went
away?" Alan asked curiously, sipping his tea.
"I still own it, but like I said, I don't know what to do with it. There are so many memories there and if I lived there I would be haunted by them. But if I sell it, then it will seem as if I was selling the only thing that tied me to them. I just don't know what to
do." Serena told Alan, also sipping her tea.
"I think you should do what your heart tells you is best. And
if you need any help at all you can always count on me." Alan said,
wrapping his free arm around Serena and pulling her close. Having
her so close to him made electricity run through Alan's veins.
"Thanks Alan. That really means a lot to me." Serena
whispered, trying hard to fight back tears.
"Serena, what's wrong?" Alan asked with concern, pulling her
away from him a little so he could see her face more clearly.
"Oh Alan!" Serena cried, throwing herself into Alan's arms and
starting to cry. When Serena was a little more composed she
explained her actions. "You see, Alan, ever since I ran away, I've
been blocking out the thoughts about my family's death. And now
that I'm back I have to think about them. And what to do with the
little I have left of them. I just can't take it anymore." said
Serena, looking up at Alan, then she burst into tears and buried
her face in Alan's shirt again.
Alan just held Serena, rocking her slightly. Finally he
suggested, "I know what would cheer you up, Serena. Why don't we
go out for ice cream? My treat. Of course, that means you have to pay for popcorn."
Serena laughed. "If I have to pay for popcorn then I get all
of the popcorn." she replied indignantly. "Although I would like
some ice cream. Okay, let's go."
While they were walking, they met up with Amy, Raye, Mina, and
Lita. "Hi guys. We're going for ice cream, want to join us?"
Serena asked her long time friends, waving them over.
"Sure. We'd love to go. But why are you going with Alan?"
Lita asked.
"Let me guess...he offered to pay." Raye guessed, a smile on
her face.
"And the red convertible goes to the young lady with long
black hair!" Serena announced in a fake game©show©host voice.
Everybody laughed at this.
"I really get a convertible? Great, I want one with a leather
interior, a CD player, a radio-" Raye started to list all the
things she wanted with the convertible when she was smacked over
the head by her blonde friend.
"What do you think I am, a millionaire?" she asked as everyone
laughed.
"No, actually I think you're a millionaire's heir." Raye said
to Serena, sticking her tongue out at her. Serena stuck her tongue
out at Raye, and the tongue war began.
"Okay guys, you can stop that now. We're at the ice cream
parlor and I don't think you want to make fools of yourselves." Amy
told them when they were at the front door of the ice cream shop.
Serena and Raye blushed and the entire gang walked in.
Inside they immedietly spotted Darien and Ann sitting at a
booth in the corner. It was kind of hard not to. Darien was
waving his hand, signaling for them to come and sit with him and
Ann. So, as not to be rude, they walked over.
"Hi Serena, gang..Alan." Darien said when they got there. He
was eyeing Alan with distaste, as if he didn't like him or
something. *But that's impossible. Why would Darien dislike Alan?
He has no reason to do so.* Serena thought as they all sat down.
Serena was between Alan and Darien. Both men seemed to be shooting
the other looks of hate and contempt when they thought that Serena
wasn't looking.
"Could you two stop giving each other dirty looks already?
It's making me feel uncomfortable." Serena said when they had done
this for the 7th time. Both boys turned a slight crimson and
turned away, not meeting Serena's or the other's eyes. Serena
smiled a triumphant smile.
Alan and Darien weren't the only ones who were shooting dirty
looks. Ann was looking at Serena as if she would kill her right
there and then, and that the only thing that was stopping her was
the fact that they were in a public place. Serena tried to ignore
her but it was hard. Finally she just couldn't stand it anymore.
"I think I'm gonna go get my ice cream, if you don't mind." she
said, desperate to get away from that stare. "Would anybody want
me to get anything for them?" she offered.
"Why don't we all just go order ours, all at once?" Mina
suggested. Everyone nodded. *Oh great. There's no way that I'm
gonna get away from that stare now. Thanks a lot Mina.* Serena thought with a grimace.
When they had all sat down again with their orders Serena dug
in.
"You still have that big appetite, Meatball Head." Darien
remarked, watching her eat.
"So what's your point?" Serena asked around a mouthful of ice
cream. Darien just laughed. "What?" she asked, swallowing. But
Darien was too busy laughing to answer. Serena just shrugged and
began to eat her ice cream again.
Everybody began to talk to each other about stuff. Mina,
Lita, and Raye were arguing over who was the coolest guy in school,
Amy and Ann were talking about one of the classes in which they
were both in, and Darien and Alan were just watching Serena eat.
This unnerved Serena so she finished her ice cream and got up to
get some more.
"Better not eat too much. Remember, the higher the cost for
your ice cream, the bigger the popcorn. And if the total gets too
big, you have to buy drinks too." Alan warned her when she returned
with another hot fudge sundae.
"What?! I never agreed to that! I am not agreeing that.
I'll get the popcorn but I am not getting drinks. You have to get
the drinks." Serena cried when she sat down.
"What do you mean, `popcorn and drinks'? Popcorn and drinks
for what?" Darien asked Alan and Serena, a sinking feeling in his
stomach.
Since Serena was too busy eating to answer, Alan answered for
her. "Serena and I are going to the movies on Friday, and we
agreed that if I paid for ice cream now, she had to pay for popcorn
then." Alan said, watching Darien's face for his reaction. But
Darien's face was a mask. Inside him though, his stomach felt
like a big boulder.
*Serena and Alan are going out together, on a date? But, but
Alan doesn't deserve someone like Serena. Wait a second, why am I
worried about this? It's like I'm worried that Serena will fall
for Alan. But that's impossible. I already have a girlfriend,
Ann, who I love dearly. So why am I acting this way?* Darien
thought. A tiny voice inside Darien said, *But you do love Serena.
Ann is just to make Serena notice you and probably make her
jealous.* it said, but Darien dismissed it as soon as it popped
into his head and completely forgot about it.
Soon everyone had finished their ice cream and was getting up
to leave. Ann pulled Darien's arm. "Come on Darien. It's time to
go." she said urgently, as if she was worried about something.
"Yeah, okay. We'll go in a second Ann. I have to talk to
Serena first." Darien replied, shaking off her hand. When he
noticed Ann's expression he quickly explained, "Just to apologize
for how I treated her before she ran away." Ann didn't look very
comforted. *Whatever. Forget about Ann. I have to talk to
Serena.* went through Darien's head. "Serena? Could I talk with
you? Alone?" Darien requested, turning to Serena.
"Sure Darien." said Serena, smiling sweetly at him. "Could
you wait for me Alan? I have to talk to Darien." she asked Alan.
Alan looked at Darien suspiciously, then went outside and talked to
his sister, who was waiting for Darien. "Thanks!" she called after him. She turned back to Darien. "So what did you want to talk
about?"
Darien had been so caught up in just watching her lovely face
that he started. "What? Oh, sorry. Yeah, um, well, I, uh."
Darien stumbled for the right words. "I just wanted to apologize
to you for the way I treated you before you left. I was unfair and
I'm sorry for it." Darien said, looking down at his feet.
"Apology accepted." Serena said, smiling. Then, on an
impulse, she hugged him.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
"What do you think they're talking about? Darien said he was
just gonna apologize to her but I don't beli-hey! What is she
doing, hugging _my_ man!" Ann exclaimed in surprise and anger as she
watched Darien and Serena inside the ice cream parlor. Alan was
thinking the very same thing. But he had no time to ponder the
question cuz the two had just come out of the shop.
"Shall I walk you to your apartment Serena?" Alan asked
curtly. He gave Darien an icy look as he pulled Serena a little
more towards him.
"Okay Alan." said Serena, glancing back at Darien. Darien
just looked on.
"Come on Darien. I'm feeling kind of tired. Could you escort
me to my apartment too?" Ann asked seductively, batting her
eyelashes at him.
"Sure Ann." Darien said, not paying attention to the way she
was looking at him. He only had eyes for Serena, who was also looking at him.
"I guess we should be going then Serena." Alan said, a note
of urgency and panic in his voice now, tugging on her arm. And
Serena was led off in the direction of her apartment, which was in
the opposite direction of where Darien and Ann were headed.
Darien had half a mind of going after Serena and taking her in
his arms and kissing her. Full on the lips. *But,* his brain
reminded him, *you already have a girlfriend. And she's pulling on
your arm right now.* Ann was pulling on his arm. Darien sighed
and trudged after Ann, who was jabbering away.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Darien was walking home. He had dropped Ann off at her
apartment a couple minutes ago. She had asked him if he wanted to
stay a while longer but Darien had refused. He had a strong urge
to go to Serena's place.
*Why can't I get her off my mind? I've already got a
girlfriend so why do I always get this strong desire to hold her
close and kiss her? This is just all so confusing. Ever since she
came back.* he thought as he walked. Suddenly he bumped into
somebody. Darien looked up, as memories of bumping into Serena
flooded his mind. *Please God let it be her.* Darien looked up.
Instead of the wonderful baby blue eyes of his Serena he found the angry eyes of Alan.
"Watch where you're going next time Darien." Alan hissed, mad.
"And another thing. I saw the way you were looking at Serena today
at the ice cream parlor. Just a reminder for you- you're already
dating my sister, you can't start to date her too. Besides, she's
mine."
"I don't see your name on her." spat back a very angry Darien.
"Well I don't see her wanting to go out with you!" Alan
retorted, extremely angry now. When he had dropped Serena off at
her apartment she had seemed a bit spacy. As if she was thinking
about somebody, and Alan had a strong suspicion that it wasn't him.
Darien didn't answer Alan's last statement. He didn't even
notice when Alan pushed past him, heading towards the apartment he
shared with his sister. All he was thinking was *Alan's right.
She doesn't want to go out with me. Not after the way I treated
her. No...now she wants Alan.* his mind thought bitterly. Then
another voice cut in *Then why did she hug you in the ice cream
parlor? If she had hated you then she wouldn't have hugged you.*
*I bet that was just cuz she was in a good mood cuz she was with
Alan.* the first voice reasoned. *Yeah, right. Whatever.* said
the other voice, sounding like he was talking to a 2 year old.
*Wait a second! What am I doing, having an argument with myself?
I must be going crazy.* thought a confused Darien. *He might as
well go home.* said the first voice. *No way! He should go over
to Serena's apartment and tell her how he feels.* his heart said
indignantly. *Are you suggesting that he go over there and tell
her that he loves her?! Are you crazy?!" his mind spat back.
*Love? I love her?* Darien's train of thoughts was interrupted
when he heard his mind talk. *Besides, he doesn't even know where
she lives. If you know where she lives then my only defense is
that this is crazy.* Darien's mind said. *....* *I thought so.*
said the other voice triumphantly. Darien shook his head and
walked home.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
"So? Are you psyched about your date with Alan? I'd be. I
mean, he's one of the hottest guys in school. Where're you going?
Is it some place fancy? What are you gonna wear? I suggest
something in black, it would totally set off your hair and your
eyes to the best advantage. And if you see any hot guys there you
have to tell me-"
"Mina, slow, down." commanded an amazed Serena. While she was
in America she had forgotten how much Mina could talk.
"What about Darien, Sere?" spoke up Raye, eyeing Serena
curiously. "As I recall, before you ran away-"
"Which, I might add, left us totally devastated. I mean,
we're your best friends, we care about you." Lita interrupted.
"And Raye was the one who worried the most and cried over you the most, ya know." Lita added, edging away from the fiery princess that looked about ready to explode. Raye was red in the face with embarrassment, and looked as if she was going to strangle Lita when she least expected it.
"Ahem, as I was saying, before I was so _rudely_ interrupted,"
Raye glowered at Lita, "I recall _you_ _YELLING_ in the arcade that you
_loved_ Darien."
"Hey, yeah, I remember that. So what's up? I would think
that when _you_ say something, you mean it. And when it's something
serious like love, it usually means that you'll never change your
mind about it. So, have you gotten over Darien? Cuz if you have,
you've just wasted your entire life. You and Darien were made for
each other. So? So? Answer me girl." Mina said, seizing the
opportunity to talk.
Serena was just dumbfounded. "Were you born a chatterbox or
is this a recent devolpment?" Serena asked in shock, staring at her
friend as if she was an alien.
Mina whacked Serena on the back. "Hey, I don't talk as much
as you used to."
"Key word Mina: USED to." Serena answered back, laughing.
Mina just glared at her friend.
"You still haven't answered Mina's question- are you over
Darien or not?" spoke up Amy. She hadn't talked at all since all
of this started. Serena just looked at her feet, not answering her
friends.
"So, it is just as I thought. You still love Darien. Well then
why don't ya tell the guy? I agree with Mina..you two were meant
to be together. I mean, haven't you ever noticed that whenever
you're around him he seems brighter, happier, more complete.
Around Ann, he just seems like another guy with a disgusting girl."
said Amy calmly. Everyone looked at her as if she had just grown
another head. "What?" she asked in confusion.
"I have never heard you ever talk about romance or love or
anything like that before, and I just think that it's so weird."
said a shocked Lita, amazed that her friend could look beyond the
facts and actually see the romance in life.
"Yeah, well.... I've never had a chance to before. Besides,
this is true love here, not any of those small crushes you had on
all those _different_ looking boys who, I bet, didn't look one bit
like your old boyfriend." huffed Amy a bit angrily, turning back to
her book.
"Jeez, didn't have to do that to me Ames." said Lita, looking
hurt. Amy noticed the look of hurt on her friend's face and
quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry Lita. I guess I got a little mad over nothing."
said Amy, coming over to Lita and giving her a little hug.
"Hey, that's okay. What are friends for if you can't get mad
at 'em?" Lita said.
"Come on Serena, you've been avoiding the question; are you
still in love with Darien?" Mina asked, leaning in towards Serena.
The other three girls also leaned in. Serena looked at them as if
they had all gone crazy.
"I've gotta go. I'll tell you guys all about my date with
Alan, okay? And no, Mina, I won't leave anything out. I'll even
tell you the color of the tablecloth if you like." Serena said,
getting up and gathering her things. "Bye!" And with that she was
gone.
"Her speed sure didn't slow down while she was in America."
Raye said, watching as her best friend sped off downt the street,
faster than a car. "At least she doesn't smash into people like
she used to."
"Now look what you did Mina! You scared her off with all your
questions. And that weird look you gave her right before she left.
I bet that had a lot to do with her leaving before she told us
too." Lita told Mina, as if Serena's leaving her all her fault.
"Hey! I wasn't the only one who was asking Serena questions
and stuff. All you guys were doing it too. So don't blame me. If
anyone, you should blame Raye. She's the one that started it." Mina told Lita.
"NANI?! Did I just hear what I think I heard?" said a very
angry Raye.
"Uuuh...." Mina stuttered, looking for the right words.
"If I were you Mina, I'd start running. Now." Lita said,
trying to suppress a grin at the way her friend was squirming.
Mina just nodded her head and ran like crazy with Raye on her
heels. Finally Lita let out a huge laugh. And she just laughed
and laughed. She was laughing so hard that she didn't noticed it
when Mina and Raye came up behind her. All of a sudden Lita
stopped laughing and looked behind her to see a very angry Raye and
Mina. "Uh, hi?" Lita tried meekly. The two girls just growled.
"Okay, bye-bye!" Lita said as she got up and tried to escape the
two very mad girls that were after her. Amy just sighed and went
back to reading her book.
---^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^------^_^---
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailormoon and never will.
Ja ne minna,
PinkPakRat