Author's Notes:
I've gotten such a response for this that I couldn't wait to write the next chapter. I just want to thank my usual band of supporters and to everyone else that was nice enough to send an email/review. As a fanfiction author, I TRULY appreciate it. By the way you can also find all my other stories at fanfiction.net or Lady Spring's archive (shameless self-promotion). Well, I hope this lives up to your expectations, minna!! ENJOY!!! ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.....enuff said.
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
FRENCH DICTIONARY(hope I got this right)
bonjour-hello
bonne chance-good luck
ma amie-my friend
au revoir-goodbye
Now on with the show.......
Title: Reasonable Doubt-A New Beginning
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
New York-Six Years Later
"Well, I've finally made it..." Serena said to herself as she looked out the windows of her corner office. She was settling in after being named the youngest partner at her law firm. Having gone through the accelerated track during law school, she had become the fantastic "whiz kid" in the legal circles of New York. She sat back in her new black leather chair, leaned her head back, and smiled. She couldn't believe that she had finally made her dream come true...well at least one of her dreams. * I certaintly don't want to go down that road.* Serena thought bitterly as she was interrupted by her phone buzzing. "Ms. Cooper, I'm sorry to bother you, but Mr. Jacobson would like to see you in his office right way." her secretary said over the intercom. "Thank you Angela. Please tell him I'll be there in a minute." *I wonder what William wants. Probably wants to get 'his' protege to work. I knew I wouldn't be able to get a moment of peace, but duty calls...*, she sighed as she rose from her chair and walked out her office.
Walking about the law firm, she received congratulations from her co-workers, being stopped several times. She graciously accepted their wishes of good fortune. After about ten minutes, she reached Mr. Jacobson's office and knocked on the door. When she heard a muffled "Come in", she turned the doorknob, and entered the plush office, closing the door with a small click. "It's good to see that you finally made it, Ms. Cooper. I take it that everyone you came in contact with wanted to congratulate you on your new partnership?" Mr. Jacobson asked, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "How did you know?", Serena replied, with a smile splitting her face. "Well seeing that you always make it a point to move like a busy bee, I figured that would be the only reason. You are too kind to just brush someone off." he chuckled. "You know me too well, sir. Well, I guess I learned that from my mentor, so thank you." "You're quite welcome Serena, please sit down. I have a proposition for you.", Mr. Jacobson said, as he gestured to the chair across the desk.
Serena sat down, and looked at him expectantly. He started as soon as she made herself comfortable. "I know that you probably wanted to get situated in your new position, but when this client came to me, I immediately thought of you. Let me give you a little background on the situation. Our client will be entering a merger with another company, and they wish to protect their interests. Have you ever heard of Matthews Innovation Inc.?" "Who hasn't? They are one of the fastest growing software companies in the world. They're even giving Bill Gates a run for his money", Serena replied. "Well...they are thinking of merging with Sharpe Enterprises, and as I said before, they wish to protect their interests, while also ensuring that the merger goes smoothly. If it turns into an attempt of a hostile takeover, they want to be ready for them. They have asked me to send the best, so I'm asking...do you feel up to it? It might sound like a lot of responsibility, but you have proven yourself time and time again...", he continued until Serena interrupted, rising from her chair, "Mr. Jacobson...William...you don't have to sell me on this. I have already decided to take the case. So I have just one question...when do I start?", she asked with excitement in her voice. Mr. Jacobson just leaned back in his chair and smiled. "That's what I like about you Serena...always ready to go to battle. In three days, you will be flying to Miami, where their headquarters are located. You're on leave as of now, so that you can prepare for your trip. All the arrangements have been made...the only thing that is missing is you.", he rose up from his chair and escorted Serena to the door. "Well, my girl...all I can say is good luck and check in to let us know how things are progressing.", he said as he gave her a hearty clap on the back. Almost falling over from the force of it, she braced herself on the door, and then turned around to face her employer. "You can count on it, sir. I'll call you when I get to Miami.", Serena told him, as she walked out the office. Closing the door behind him, Mr. Jacobson couldn't help to hope that this trip to Miami would loosen his 'favorite' student up...she worked far too hard.
After leaving Mr. Jacobson's office, Serena let her guard down. She was now thinking of what the hell she just gotten herself into. *I can't believe I'm going to Miami. After I transferred to NYU, she swore that she would never go back. but I guess fate had other plans...besides I'm stronger now and there is a slim chance that I could ever run into him...* she mused as she finally made it back to her office. After informing her secretary of her plans, she went into her office and tried to finish any work that needed to done. Once that was accomplished, she packed up her laptop, other important papers, and left the office, saying good-byes all the way to the lobby.
As soon as she got home she decided to call her friends Mina and Lita. They had stayed close friends throughout college, even when Serena transferred to NYU. She called Lita first, and after about five rings, someone finally answered.
"Hello, Kendall Residence, Lita speaking"
"Hey Lita, it's me Serena"
"Hey Serena!! It's been so long since I've heard from you. How are things?", Lita cheerfully asked.
"Well, you will never guess where I'll be for a couple of weeks...", Serena said as she kicked off her shows and plopped down on her bed.
"Spill girlfriend...where you headed this time?"
"Miami...", Serena trailed off. "Lita, did you hear me?", Serena asked worriedly after not getting a response for almost three minutes.
"Yeah, I heard you, but I think that I heard wrong. Did you say that you were going to Miami?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes," Serena started before a loud yell was heard over the phone.
"WHAT?!?!? You swore that you would go back there again.", Lita exclaimed.
" I know...but it's for the firm. I can't deny my services to a client just because of where they operate. Plus since I'm the new partner, I have to prove to them...." Serena said, trying to convince her friend.
"But you have proven yourself, countless times, or else you wouldn't have been made partner.", Lita argued
"Well, maybe this is something that I have to do for myself. To make sure that I am really over him, ya know?"
"Yeah, I know. I just want you to be happy Sere."
"I know. By the way I have a favor to ask..can you drive me to JFK in three days?", Serena asked.
"Sure, no problem. Just let me know the exact time. Well, I have to run. I'm on the night shift at Celestial tonight, so I have to book. I'll call you later. Bye girl", Lita said.
"Bye.", Serena said as she hung up the phone.
*Whew...I didn't know that she would respond like that. Maybe I should hold off calling Mina until tomorrow...besides, she would kill me if I called her now...*, Serena thought as she made her way to the bathroom to prepare a hot bubble bath.
Next Morning
In the early hours of the morning, a loud ringing waked Serena up. Instinctively, she slapped the snooze button on her alarm clock, and was surprised that the noise wouldn't stop. That's when she remembered that she didn't have to go into the office. *So what is making that damn racket*, she thought groggily, until her eyes rested on the guilty offender. "Who in the world is calling me this early?", Serena muttered as she glanced at the clock that displayed the time of 5:15am. *This had better be good*, she thought as she picked up the phone.
"Hello", she said, her voice a little roughened by sleep.
"Oh Sere...I totally forgot about the time difference. It's just that when I talked to Lita earlier, she told me the news. I couldn't wait to get more details...by the way, why didn't you call me? I thought we were best friends, and I don't even get...", the cheerful voice continued, until Serena finally got a word in.
"It's good to hear from you too, Mina. How is the fashion world treating you?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever,and I didn't call to talk about me....now what is this about you going to Miami and why didn't you call me?"
"Alright. First, I have to go there to represent a new client in a business merger, and second, I actually thought of the time difference between Paris and New York.", Serena replied.
"I already said I was sorry for that, but now to what I really want to know. Are you ready to go back? I know how much it hurt when Darien..."
"Don't even say it Mina.....I have moved on, and like I told Lita I am stronger now. I will not let what happened in the past dictate the future no more.", Serena said in a voice that brooked no argument.
A defeated sigh was heard over the transatlantic line. "Well, if you're sure about this, I guess all I can say is good luck."
"Thank you. I know that you're concerned, but I'll be alright truly. Besides, what are the chances that he is even still in Miami?", Serena asked logically.
"I guess you have a point. Well, I think that I've stayed on the phone to long and you still have some sleep to catch up on. Just give me a ring when you get to Miami, alright?", Mina conceded, knowing that she has lost this battle.
"No problem...I miss you, and tell all your admirers over there I said bonjour ", Serena said.
"I'll be sure to do that for you...send me a postcard and bonne chance ma amie. Much love...au revoir," Mina said ringing off.
*She's only been there for three months and already starting to sound like a Parisian native*, Serena thought as she hung up the phone and went back to sleep.
Three Days Later-JFK Airport
*Laptop...check. Case file...check. Cell...check. Zip disks...check. PalmPilot...check. I think that is everything. Now I can just sit back and relax*, Serena thought as she leaned back in the spacious first class seat. *Now all I have to do is be calm, cool and professional, and not let these 'other' things get in the way. I just hope that I'm not setting myself up for a fall*, were Serena's last thoughts as the plane took off, heading towards her toughest challenge yet.
to be continued.........
Can you believe it? Serena is ACTUALLY going back to Miami! Is she really over Darien? Matter of fact, WHERE is HE?!?! You have to read to find out!! ^_^
ja ne
~o~midnight dreamer~o~
I've gotten such a response for this that I couldn't wait to write the next chapter. I just want to thank my usual band of supporters and to everyone else that was nice enough to send an email/review. As a fanfiction author, I TRULY appreciate it. By the way you can also find all my other stories at fanfiction.net or Lady Spring's archive (shameless self-promotion). Well, I hope this lives up to your expectations, minna!! ENJOY!!! ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.....enuff said.
" "=dialogue
* *=thought
FRENCH DICTIONARY(hope I got this right)
bonjour-hello
bonne chance-good luck
ma amie-my friend
au revoir-goodbye
Now on with the show.......
Title: Reasonable Doubt-A New Beginning
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: PG
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
New York-Six Years Later
"Well, I've finally made it..." Serena said to herself as she looked out the windows of her corner office. She was settling in after being named the youngest partner at her law firm. Having gone through the accelerated track during law school, she had become the fantastic "whiz kid" in the legal circles of New York. She sat back in her new black leather chair, leaned her head back, and smiled. She couldn't believe that she had finally made her dream come true...well at least one of her dreams. * I certaintly don't want to go down that road.* Serena thought bitterly as she was interrupted by her phone buzzing. "Ms. Cooper, I'm sorry to bother you, but Mr. Jacobson would like to see you in his office right way." her secretary said over the intercom. "Thank you Angela. Please tell him I'll be there in a minute." *I wonder what William wants. Probably wants to get 'his' protege to work. I knew I wouldn't be able to get a moment of peace, but duty calls...*, she sighed as she rose from her chair and walked out her office.
Walking about the law firm, she received congratulations from her co-workers, being stopped several times. She graciously accepted their wishes of good fortune. After about ten minutes, she reached Mr. Jacobson's office and knocked on the door. When she heard a muffled "Come in", she turned the doorknob, and entered the plush office, closing the door with a small click. "It's good to see that you finally made it, Ms. Cooper. I take it that everyone you came in contact with wanted to congratulate you on your new partnership?" Mr. Jacobson asked, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "How did you know?", Serena replied, with a smile splitting her face. "Well seeing that you always make it a point to move like a busy bee, I figured that would be the only reason. You are too kind to just brush someone off." he chuckled. "You know me too well, sir. Well, I guess I learned that from my mentor, so thank you." "You're quite welcome Serena, please sit down. I have a proposition for you.", Mr. Jacobson said, as he gestured to the chair across the desk.
Serena sat down, and looked at him expectantly. He started as soon as she made herself comfortable. "I know that you probably wanted to get situated in your new position, but when this client came to me, I immediately thought of you. Let me give you a little background on the situation. Our client will be entering a merger with another company, and they wish to protect their interests. Have you ever heard of Matthews Innovation Inc.?" "Who hasn't? They are one of the fastest growing software companies in the world. They're even giving Bill Gates a run for his money", Serena replied. "Well...they are thinking of merging with Sharpe Enterprises, and as I said before, they wish to protect their interests, while also ensuring that the merger goes smoothly. If it turns into an attempt of a hostile takeover, they want to be ready for them. They have asked me to send the best, so I'm asking...do you feel up to it? It might sound like a lot of responsibility, but you have proven yourself time and time again...", he continued until Serena interrupted, rising from her chair, "Mr. Jacobson...William...you don't have to sell me on this. I have already decided to take the case. So I have just one question...when do I start?", she asked with excitement in her voice. Mr. Jacobson just leaned back in his chair and smiled. "That's what I like about you Serena...always ready to go to battle. In three days, you will be flying to Miami, where their headquarters are located. You're on leave as of now, so that you can prepare for your trip. All the arrangements have been made...the only thing that is missing is you.", he rose up from his chair and escorted Serena to the door. "Well, my girl...all I can say is good luck and check in to let us know how things are progressing.", he said as he gave her a hearty clap on the back. Almost falling over from the force of it, she braced herself on the door, and then turned around to face her employer. "You can count on it, sir. I'll call you when I get to Miami.", Serena told him, as she walked out the office. Closing the door behind him, Mr. Jacobson couldn't help to hope that this trip to Miami would loosen his 'favorite' student up...she worked far too hard.
After leaving Mr. Jacobson's office, Serena let her guard down. She was now thinking of what the hell she just gotten herself into. *I can't believe I'm going to Miami. After I transferred to NYU, she swore that she would never go back. but I guess fate had other plans...besides I'm stronger now and there is a slim chance that I could ever run into him...* she mused as she finally made it back to her office. After informing her secretary of her plans, she went into her office and tried to finish any work that needed to done. Once that was accomplished, she packed up her laptop, other important papers, and left the office, saying good-byes all the way to the lobby.
As soon as she got home she decided to call her friends Mina and Lita. They had stayed close friends throughout college, even when Serena transferred to NYU. She called Lita first, and after about five rings, someone finally answered.
"Hello, Kendall Residence, Lita speaking"
"Hey Lita, it's me Serena"
"Hey Serena!! It's been so long since I've heard from you. How are things?", Lita cheerfully asked.
"Well, you will never guess where I'll be for a couple of weeks...", Serena said as she kicked off her shows and plopped down on her bed.
"Spill girlfriend...where you headed this time?"
"Miami...", Serena trailed off. "Lita, did you hear me?", Serena asked worriedly after not getting a response for almost three minutes.
"Yeah, I heard you, but I think that I heard wrong. Did you say that you were going to Miami?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes," Serena started before a loud yell was heard over the phone.
"WHAT?!?!? You swore that you would go back there again.", Lita exclaimed.
" I know...but it's for the firm. I can't deny my services to a client just because of where they operate. Plus since I'm the new partner, I have to prove to them...." Serena said, trying to convince her friend.
"But you have proven yourself, countless times, or else you wouldn't have been made partner.", Lita argued
"Well, maybe this is something that I have to do for myself. To make sure that I am really over him, ya know?"
"Yeah, I know. I just want you to be happy Sere."
"I know. By the way I have a favor to ask..can you drive me to JFK in three days?", Serena asked.
"Sure, no problem. Just let me know the exact time. Well, I have to run. I'm on the night shift at Celestial tonight, so I have to book. I'll call you later. Bye girl", Lita said.
"Bye.", Serena said as she hung up the phone.
*Whew...I didn't know that she would respond like that. Maybe I should hold off calling Mina until tomorrow...besides, she would kill me if I called her now...*, Serena thought as she made her way to the bathroom to prepare a hot bubble bath.
Next Morning
In the early hours of the morning, a loud ringing waked Serena up. Instinctively, she slapped the snooze button on her alarm clock, and was surprised that the noise wouldn't stop. That's when she remembered that she didn't have to go into the office. *So what is making that damn racket*, she thought groggily, until her eyes rested on the guilty offender. "Who in the world is calling me this early?", Serena muttered as she glanced at the clock that displayed the time of 5:15am. *This had better be good*, she thought as she picked up the phone.
"Hello", she said, her voice a little roughened by sleep.
"Oh Sere...I totally forgot about the time difference. It's just that when I talked to Lita earlier, she told me the news. I couldn't wait to get more details...by the way, why didn't you call me? I thought we were best friends, and I don't even get...", the cheerful voice continued, until Serena finally got a word in.
"It's good to hear from you too, Mina. How is the fashion world treating you?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever,and I didn't call to talk about me....now what is this about you going to Miami and why didn't you call me?"
"Alright. First, I have to go there to represent a new client in a business merger, and second, I actually thought of the time difference between Paris and New York.", Serena replied.
"I already said I was sorry for that, but now to what I really want to know. Are you ready to go back? I know how much it hurt when Darien..."
"Don't even say it Mina.....I have moved on, and like I told Lita I am stronger now. I will not let what happened in the past dictate the future no more.", Serena said in a voice that brooked no argument.
A defeated sigh was heard over the transatlantic line. "Well, if you're sure about this, I guess all I can say is good luck."
"Thank you. I know that you're concerned, but I'll be alright truly. Besides, what are the chances that he is even still in Miami?", Serena asked logically.
"I guess you have a point. Well, I think that I've stayed on the phone to long and you still have some sleep to catch up on. Just give me a ring when you get to Miami, alright?", Mina conceded, knowing that she has lost this battle.
"No problem...I miss you, and tell all your admirers over there I said bonjour ", Serena said.
"I'll be sure to do that for you...send me a postcard and bonne chance ma amie. Much love...au revoir," Mina said ringing off.
*She's only been there for three months and already starting to sound like a Parisian native*, Serena thought as she hung up the phone and went back to sleep.
Three Days Later-JFK Airport
*Laptop...check. Case file...check. Cell...check. Zip disks...check. PalmPilot...check. I think that is everything. Now I can just sit back and relax*, Serena thought as she leaned back in the spacious first class seat. *Now all I have to do is be calm, cool and professional, and not let these 'other' things get in the way. I just hope that I'm not setting myself up for a fall*, were Serena's last thoughts as the plane took off, heading towards her toughest challenge yet.
to be continued.........
Can you believe it? Serena is ACTUALLY going back to Miami! Is she really over Darien? Matter of fact, WHERE is HE?!?! You have to read to find out!! ^_^
ja ne
~o~midnight dreamer~o~