Author's Notes:
My goodness!! I can't believe that I'm on the fifth chapter already! Who knew that I could write so FAST!! *wiping sweat from brow* Now, I do have to say something that some of you may not like. This fic might be going a short hiatus, because I realized that I've been neglecting other fics (i.e. Reasonable Doubt), but I do promise one thing. I WILL FINISH this, so please don't start throwing any rotten veggies at me *looks at Kel-chan with tears in eyes*. Alright now that is over, I hope that you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it!!! Keep the emails and reviews coming! ^_^
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is not mine, and neither is this song. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi and Jill Scott respectively. If this story seems anyway familiar to yours or one that you have read, please tell me so I can give credit where credit is due. Thanx minna!
'Slowly, surely'
Slowly surely I walk away from
That ole desperate and dazed love
Caught up in the maze of love
The crazy craze of love
Thought it was good
Thought it was real
Thought it was but it wasn't love
I just don't know
Where to go
So...
Slowly surely
I walk away from
Self-serving, undeserving
Constantly hurting me love, deserting me love
You said
I said
We said but...
Slowly surely I walk away from
Confusing love, abusing love, misusing love
This can't be...
Slowly surely
I walk away from
Self-serving, undeserving
Constantly hurting me love, deserting me love
You said
I said
We said but...
Slowly surely I walk away from
That ole desperate and dazed love
Caught up in the maze of love
The crazy craze of love
Thought it was good
Thought it was real
Thought it was but it wasn't love
I just don't know
Where to go
Slowly, surely
I walk away from...
You...you...you...you.
-Jill Scott
Title: Dark Epiphany
Author:Midnight Dreamer
Rating:PG-13 (some swearing)
Email:madintellect@hotmail.com
AIM: Dreamchan2001
It was around nine o'clock in the evening, but Seiya Roberts was still in his office trying to catch up on the paperwork that had piled up on his desk the past couple of days. Being a sought after consultant had some benefits, but this was the definite downside. Yawning, he removed the gold frame glasses from his face, pressing his fingers against the bridge of his nose, hoping to relieve the pressure that had built up there. He had been looking at the next assignment that had been sent down by his boss. PCI Industries was building a new computer network and they wanted the best, so of course Mr. Jenkins thought he would be perfect for the job.
*Great...just what I need...another assignment. After this one is finished, I'm going to take a well needed vacation!* he promised himself, moving his fingers to rub his temples.
Getting up from his glass topped desk, he walked over to the black leather couch on the other side of the room, and lay down. Lately he was just not focused, because his thoughts were across the Atlantic. With Serena. Even after beating Darien up, he still felt awful, because all it did was make him think about his friend that was thousands of miles away...alone.
*Serena....when are you coming back?* he thought as he looked out the skylight above, noticing the brightness of the stars.
He had been in love with Serena for years now, so he should be jumping up and down for joy. However he felt completely the opposite. All he could do was feel the sadness for his friend who was in so much pain and the anger at the person who caused it.
Closing his eyes, he could still remember the last time he saw her...trying to be brave...trying to stand on her own.
*Sere.....if only you knew that I would always be there for you. Not as a friend, but as so much more* he thought wistfully, looking at the stars twinkling above.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena just looked at the pale pink and white bedroom that was her own personal haven while growing up.
*I never thought that I would see this place again* she thought looking around the room.
Leaving her suitcase by the door, she walked further into the room looking around at all the things that held so many fond memories. Looking around she noticed that everything was pretty much the same as she left it before she moved in Darien.
*I wonder if I can ask one of the girls to get my things from the apartment? I don't think that I can face that place right now* she mused as she ran her hands across the dolls that were still perched on a shelf.
Grabbing her favorite teddy bear off the bed, she walked over the window seat and sat down, watching the raindrops make their way down.
Leaning her head back, she relaxed and closed her eyes, hoping to find a little peace in slumber.
@@@@Begin Dream@@@@
It was a brilliant sunset, with the sky a magnificent vibrant picture of reds, oranges and purples. Serena was sitting in a field filled with wildflowers, absorbing the natural beauty surrounding her. Looking forward in the distance, she thought she saw something black bob up and down. Curious, she followed it, until it stopped suddenly. Looking closer, she began to recognize it for what it was...a small boy.
When the little boy turned around Serena was rooted to the spot. As she gazed at the young boy's face she recognized the midnight blue eyes that were as familiar as her own. Darien's
With a trembling hand, she touched the downy softness of the boy's raven hair.
With a bright smile, the boy held out his hand and said, "My name is Nicholas. What's yours?"
"S-S-Serena." she stammered, still not believing what she saw in front of her.
"That's my mama's name too! You're a pretty lady" he gushed in a childlike manner.
"Thank you" she replied, still in a daze.
"I have to go now...bye" and with a wave of his hand turned and started running in the other direction.
Alarmed, Serena reached out trying to keep the young boy with her.
"No wait.....please don't go..." she pleaded as she watched him skip away from her.
Then she was surprised when he was joined by another taller figure and was shocked when she saw that it was Darien and he was holding out his hand to the young boy. With identical smiles on their faces, they both turned around and walked towards the horizon.
Serena tried to run after them, but it seemed that no matter how fast she went, they continued to grow farther away. Giving into the exhaustion of mind and body, Serena just fell on her knees, begging them to return to her.
"Please....don't leave me." she cried, her head hanging low.
@@@@End Dream@@@@
Opening her eyes, she felt the now familiar sensation of tears on her face. Turning her face around, she was met with her own reflection, and saw for the first time what everyone else had seen since her world had crumbled to dust.
A woman who was utterly devoid of happiness and light.
In other words.....completely empty.
Suddenly she heard knocking on the door, and with a swipe of her hand, she wiped the tears from her face, and in a wavering voice said. "Come in...the door's unlocked."
She was not surprised to see her mom come in with a tray of what looked like chocolate chip cookies and milk. Serena had to smile at this, because when she was little, her mother used to give her the same thing to cheer her up.
Placing the tray on the bedside stand, Ilene went over to her daughter and just gave her a hug.
"Sweetheart, I won't pretend that I know what you are going through, but I want you to know that it will get better if you let people help you." she said as she pulled back to look her daughter in the eye.
"I know that mom....I just think I need to come to terms with it myself." Serena stated, turning her head back to look outside again.
"I understand. The only other thing I want to know is....are you going to tell Darien?" Ilene asked quietly, knowing that she was touching a delicate topic.
"NO!!!! He doesn't have a right!" Serena yelled, leaping off the window seat to pace around the room.
"Serena......" Ilene said, shocked by the vehmence she heard in her voice.
Lifting a hand, Serena calmly replied, "Mom...I meant what I said. I'm not going to tell him. I think that I'm going to take a nap now, if you don't mind."
Noticing the brush off tactic, Ilene got up from the window seat and walked over to the door. Opening it, she prepared to leave when she suddenly turned and said, "I love you."
Turning around at the sound of the door closing, Serena said, "I know Mom...I know....."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As he carried another box up another flight of stairs, Andrew tried to catch his breath.
*He would have to move into a place that DOESN'T have an elevator. Damn...this is the LAST time I ever offer my free moving services.* he thought as he continued up the steps to his destination. Finally arriving on the fifth floor, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the now familiar door wide open.
"Darien, do you ever throw anything away?!" Andrew asked testily as he brought yet another box into Darien's new apartment.
"Oh stop complaining...you would make me do the same thing for you" Darien replied, a slight smile playing about his mouth.
"You can count on that!" Andrew huffed as he dropped the box in a new leather recliner, a distinctive sound of clinking glass coming from within.
"Watch it!" Darien shouted rushing over to the box, peering inside to check the contents.
"Well next time, hire a moving company! Besides, what's so important..." Andrew trailed off looking at Darien's face contort with pain.
*I wonder what's wrong with him* Andrew thought as walked over to his friend.
Concerned he looked over his friend's shoulder and got his answer. Darien was holding a picture of him and Serena taken during their engagement party.
An engagement that no longer existed.
Putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, Andrew said, "Dare....I know it's hard, but you have to get over it. You can't dwell on the past. You can only live for the here and now and that is to get Serena to listen to you."
With a derisive laugh, Darien replied, "You want to know the funny thing about it Drew? I barely remember any of it. I destroyed my life on something so stupid and I cannot recall any details about. I just don't get it."
"Tell me....what do you mean by not remembering certain things?"
"Well I do remember the kiss, but how everything went so far...I just don't have a clue. It almost felt like my body was acting on instinct. Next thing I know, I hear the door bang open and Serena is standing there." Darien said, closing his eyes at the painful memory.
*Hmmm....that is kind of strange. Usually Dare's mind is like a steel trap.* Andrew mused, curious about Darien's revelation.
Storing this in his brain for later use, he just gave his best friend's shoulder a squeeze and said, "C'mon man, right now is not the time to wallow in guilt and have a pity party. You have to make it up to Serena."
"What if she...." Darien questioned before he was interrupted by Andrew, who knew what he was about to ask.
"You don't know that yet. Now, let's go downstairs and get the rest of your things cause I refuse to be here all night."
Looking at his friend, Darien realized that Andrew was right. He couldn't think about himself anymore. He had to concentrate on one thing only.
Serena's forgiveness and finding a way to make things right between them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About two weeks had passed since Serena's return. To the outside world, it seemed that she was your usual energetic twenty-something enjoying life. However, that was so far from the truth as to be hilarious. Of course she had called all her friends and told them that she was back home, but in an uncharacteristic move, she refused to see anyone. Even Seiya. However, that all changed yesterday as she called them all and asked to meet for lunch.
So that is the reason, four young women and a man sat in a booth of a crowded bistro, anxiously awaiting someone.
"So Seiya...has Serena told you why she came back from Jamaica so quickly? When I talked to her, she made it seem as if she would be staying away for awhile," Raye said sipping the drink she ordered.
"No...not really. All I got was a call yesterday from her telling me to meet her here." he replied, as he stirred creamer into his coffee.
"Well, I just hope that she feels better, even though I wish I could do more for her." Lita said, nibbling on a french fry.
"Believe me Lita...I think that you've done enough. I bet Darien is still feeling the pain you inflicted on him. Seriously guys, do you think that we did the right thing?" Amy asked, a look of guilt.
"Ames...please! The only bad thing about it is that Serena wasn't there to give him a few punches or too" Mina said, taking a sip of her drink.
Just then, they heard the bells on the door jingle, signaling that someone had just entered the diner.
Turning around, they looked up to see a young woman with honey blond hair falling to the middle of her back. A wave of disappointment washed over everyone until she turned in their direction.
"Ohmigod! That can't be...." Amy broke the silence, until Mina cut her off.
"She cut her hair?!?!? It looks fabulous!" Mina squealed.
"Can't you think of nothing else..." Raye sighed, annoyance clearly displayed on her face.
Seeing Mina about to come back with another remark, Lita held up one slender hand, halting the two women. "C'mon guys..no arguing. We're here for Serena."
"Sorry." they both mumbled, looking contrite.
"Good!" Lita said as she turned around to look at her friend approach their booth.
"Hey guys" Serena said quietly right before her friends quickly surrounded her.
"It's so good to see you Sere..." Lita gushed, hugging her tightly.
"We missed you so much!" Amy said, giving her friend a hug of her own.
"It's about time!" Raye said mockingly, but with tenderness underlying her words.
Seeing the concern and sympathy in her friends' eyes, Serena's barriers came tumbling down revealing the torment and heartache she tried so desperately to keep at bay.
Being the closest to Serena, Mina led her to the booth and made her take a seat on the padded cushions.
"Serena....please tell us what's wrong. We can't help you if we don't know," she said soothingly, moving over to put a comforting arm around Serena's shoulders.
"I don't know how to tell you..." she trailed off, not wanting to speak a horrible truth into existence.
"Remember you can tell us anything" Seiya said, trying to give her comfort through words.
Taking a deep breath, she finally revealed the burden she had been carrying since leaving Jamaica.
"I had a miscarriage." she said quietly, almost choking on the words.
Five stunned faces looked back at her, expressions of sorrow and sadness on each one.
Serena seeing this closed her eyes and said, "Please...don't give me your pity."
*I knew that I should have killed the bastard!* Seiya thought clenching his fist so hard that the knuckles were turning white. Looking at his best friend, his anger slowly faded.
*This is not the time for anger. Sere needs me now* he told himself forcefully.
"Sere...all I can say that whatever you need, I'm here for you." Seiya said as he reached out for Serena's hand, placing his hand atop her smaller one.
"That goes for all of us." Raye declared with the rest of the girls reaching out for Serena's hand.
Serena could do nothing but sit there and feel the warmth and security wrap around her like a familiar blanket.
*I have so much love here....I know that I can get through this* Serena thought, as she looked around her group of friends.
For the first time in a week, she did something that she thought she would never be able to do again.
She smiled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sitting in front of his computer, Darien was working on his upcoming meeting with another client, when his mind decided to take another to the personal hell that he carried inside of him ever since Serena left him.
It was another routine day in the office as far as Darien was concerned.
"Mr. Reece?" a hesitant voice asked over the phone speaker.
Snapping out his reverie, he gave a deep sigh and pressed the 'speak' button.
"Yes Cynthia...what is it?" he said in a clipped fashion.
"I just wanted to remind you that you have a meeting with your new client, PCI Industries in fifteen minutes." she reminded him.
"Thank you Cynthia." he replied, clicking off the intercom.
*SHIT! I almost forgot all about that meeting. I must thank Cynthia for her patience. At least I don't have to see that witch again...* Darien thought, thinking about how Charlotte switched teams shortly after their little 'discussion' a little while ago.
*I'm glad she had the sense enough to ask for the transfer before I did.* Darien thought as he gathered his laptop, charts, graphs, and left his office headed for the main conference room down the hall.
Seeing that he had ten minutes to spare, he hurriedly began to set up his presentation, he prayed that it was good enough for the business team coming from PCI.
*Good....I think that everything should be good to go. I just hope that I can keep my mind here and not go where it usually is these days...with Serena*
Hearing the door open, he plastered a smile on his face and turned around to meet and greet his visitors.
"It's so nice to meet all of you" he said, as he shook hands with the people entering the boardroom. As he was doing this, he had the eeire sensation of someone watching him.
Looking up, he glanced towards the doorway, and immediately his mouth lost the smile it held a moment before. Darien blinked and blinked again, hoping that the illusion he was seeing was not there, but was proven wrong when the illusion stepped up to shake his hand.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Reece" Seiya said a small smirk playing about his mouth.
"Likewise Mr. Roberts" Darien replied, his tone as cold as the Arctic.
Walking back towards the podium, Darien inwardly groaned. If this was fate's way of getting back at him, he didn't find it funny. Working with Seiya Roberts for six months was not going to be easy.
After a somewhat productive meeting, Darien just gathered his things, and left the boardroom. Walking back to his office, Darien just couldn't believe it. He had to work with Seiya Roberts for six months. He couldn't help the one thought that kept running through his mind ever since the meeting this morning.
Payback's a bitch.
Upon returning to his office, he noticed that Cynthia had left to go to lunch.
*Probably should follow her example* he thought as he felt his stomach grumble in agreement.
Opening the door, surprise followed closely by anger, rushed through him, because sitting on a chair in front of his desk was Charlotte.
*Just when I thought she got the message* Darien moaned, inwardly wincing at the woman's presence in his office.
"What are you doing here Charlotte? How did you get in?" he asked in a harsh tone, gaining the woman's attention.
Turning her head in his direction, she replied, "W-well, I really needed to talk to you. I would have waited outside, but your secretary offered me to let me wait here" she said, her gaze not meeting his.
*Looks like I'm going to have a 'talk' with Cynthia when she gets back*
"So what is it that you want?"
"I don't really know how to tell you this..."
"C'mon cut the games Charlotte. I don't have time" he replied tiredly, cutting her off.
*Okay girl...it's time for your acting debut.* she thought as she prepared herself for the drama about to unfold.
Acting enraged, she jumped out her seat and swung him around so that he was facing her.
"Alright Darien Reece, you don't like to play games?!?! Well how about this? I'M PREGNANT!!" she yelled dropping her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
Darien could do no more than look at her and realize one thing.
He would never have a chance with Serena...ever again.
to be continued..................
I don't think that this is much of a cliffhanger *ducking tomatoes* Ok ok.. may be it is, but that's gonna have to do for now! Oh my my my.....this just keeps getting more twisted, doesn't it?!!? Now that Darien and Seiya are working together, what's going to happen next? Will fist fly in the boardroom? How will Seiya tell this to Serena? What about Charlotte's pregnancy??!?!? Stay tuned and find out minna! Before I forget....FEEDBACK is an author's BEST muse! ~.~
ja ne
Dream-chan
My goodness!! I can't believe that I'm on the fifth chapter already! Who knew that I could write so FAST!! *wiping sweat from brow* Now, I do have to say something that some of you may not like. This fic might be going a short hiatus, because I realized that I've been neglecting other fics (i.e. Reasonable Doubt), but I do promise one thing. I WILL FINISH this, so please don't start throwing any rotten veggies at me *looks at Kel-chan with tears in eyes*. Alright now that is over, I hope that you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it!!! Keep the emails and reviews coming! ^_^
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is not mine, and neither is this song. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi and Jill Scott respectively. If this story seems anyway familiar to yours or one that you have read, please tell me so I can give credit where credit is due. Thanx minna!
'Slowly, surely'
Slowly surely I walk away from
That ole desperate and dazed love
Caught up in the maze of love
The crazy craze of love
Thought it was good
Thought it was real
Thought it was but it wasn't love
I just don't know
Where to go
So...
Slowly surely
I walk away from
Self-serving, undeserving
Constantly hurting me love, deserting me love
You said
I said
We said but...
Slowly surely I walk away from
Confusing love, abusing love, misusing love
This can't be...
Slowly surely
I walk away from
Self-serving, undeserving
Constantly hurting me love, deserting me love
You said
I said
We said but...
Slowly surely I walk away from
That ole desperate and dazed love
Caught up in the maze of love
The crazy craze of love
Thought it was good
Thought it was real
Thought it was but it wasn't love
I just don't know
Where to go
Slowly, surely
I walk away from...
You...you...you...you.
-Jill Scott
Title: Dark Epiphany
Author:Midnight Dreamer
Rating:PG-13 (some swearing)
Email:madintellect@hotmail.com
AIM: Dreamchan2001
It was around nine o'clock in the evening, but Seiya Roberts was still in his office trying to catch up on the paperwork that had piled up on his desk the past couple of days. Being a sought after consultant had some benefits, but this was the definite downside. Yawning, he removed the gold frame glasses from his face, pressing his fingers against the bridge of his nose, hoping to relieve the pressure that had built up there. He had been looking at the next assignment that had been sent down by his boss. PCI Industries was building a new computer network and they wanted the best, so of course Mr. Jenkins thought he would be perfect for the job.
*Great...just what I need...another assignment. After this one is finished, I'm going to take a well needed vacation!* he promised himself, moving his fingers to rub his temples.
Getting up from his glass topped desk, he walked over to the black leather couch on the other side of the room, and lay down. Lately he was just not focused, because his thoughts were across the Atlantic. With Serena. Even after beating Darien up, he still felt awful, because all it did was make him think about his friend that was thousands of miles away...alone.
*Serena....when are you coming back?* he thought as he looked out the skylight above, noticing the brightness of the stars.
He had been in love with Serena for years now, so he should be jumping up and down for joy. However he felt completely the opposite. All he could do was feel the sadness for his friend who was in so much pain and the anger at the person who caused it.
Closing his eyes, he could still remember the last time he saw her...trying to be brave...trying to stand on her own.
*Sere.....if only you knew that I would always be there for you. Not as a friend, but as so much more* he thought wistfully, looking at the stars twinkling above.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena just looked at the pale pink and white bedroom that was her own personal haven while growing up.
*I never thought that I would see this place again* she thought looking around the room.
Leaving her suitcase by the door, she walked further into the room looking around at all the things that held so many fond memories. Looking around she noticed that everything was pretty much the same as she left it before she moved in Darien.
*I wonder if I can ask one of the girls to get my things from the apartment? I don't think that I can face that place right now* she mused as she ran her hands across the dolls that were still perched on a shelf.
Grabbing her favorite teddy bear off the bed, she walked over the window seat and sat down, watching the raindrops make their way down.
Leaning her head back, she relaxed and closed her eyes, hoping to find a little peace in slumber.
@@@@Begin Dream@@@@
It was a brilliant sunset, with the sky a magnificent vibrant picture of reds, oranges and purples. Serena was sitting in a field filled with wildflowers, absorbing the natural beauty surrounding her. Looking forward in the distance, she thought she saw something black bob up and down. Curious, she followed it, until it stopped suddenly. Looking closer, she began to recognize it for what it was...a small boy.
When the little boy turned around Serena was rooted to the spot. As she gazed at the young boy's face she recognized the midnight blue eyes that were as familiar as her own. Darien's
With a trembling hand, she touched the downy softness of the boy's raven hair.
With a bright smile, the boy held out his hand and said, "My name is Nicholas. What's yours?"
"S-S-Serena." she stammered, still not believing what she saw in front of her.
"That's my mama's name too! You're a pretty lady" he gushed in a childlike manner.
"Thank you" she replied, still in a daze.
"I have to go now...bye" and with a wave of his hand turned and started running in the other direction.
Alarmed, Serena reached out trying to keep the young boy with her.
"No wait.....please don't go..." she pleaded as she watched him skip away from her.
Then she was surprised when he was joined by another taller figure and was shocked when she saw that it was Darien and he was holding out his hand to the young boy. With identical smiles on their faces, they both turned around and walked towards the horizon.
Serena tried to run after them, but it seemed that no matter how fast she went, they continued to grow farther away. Giving into the exhaustion of mind and body, Serena just fell on her knees, begging them to return to her.
"Please....don't leave me." she cried, her head hanging low.
@@@@End Dream@@@@
Opening her eyes, she felt the now familiar sensation of tears on her face. Turning her face around, she was met with her own reflection, and saw for the first time what everyone else had seen since her world had crumbled to dust.
A woman who was utterly devoid of happiness and light.
In other words.....completely empty.
Suddenly she heard knocking on the door, and with a swipe of her hand, she wiped the tears from her face, and in a wavering voice said. "Come in...the door's unlocked."
She was not surprised to see her mom come in with a tray of what looked like chocolate chip cookies and milk. Serena had to smile at this, because when she was little, her mother used to give her the same thing to cheer her up.
Placing the tray on the bedside stand, Ilene went over to her daughter and just gave her a hug.
"Sweetheart, I won't pretend that I know what you are going through, but I want you to know that it will get better if you let people help you." she said as she pulled back to look her daughter in the eye.
"I know that mom....I just think I need to come to terms with it myself." Serena stated, turning her head back to look outside again.
"I understand. The only other thing I want to know is....are you going to tell Darien?" Ilene asked quietly, knowing that she was touching a delicate topic.
"NO!!!! He doesn't have a right!" Serena yelled, leaping off the window seat to pace around the room.
"Serena......" Ilene said, shocked by the vehmence she heard in her voice.
Lifting a hand, Serena calmly replied, "Mom...I meant what I said. I'm not going to tell him. I think that I'm going to take a nap now, if you don't mind."
Noticing the brush off tactic, Ilene got up from the window seat and walked over to the door. Opening it, she prepared to leave when she suddenly turned and said, "I love you."
Turning around at the sound of the door closing, Serena said, "I know Mom...I know....."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As he carried another box up another flight of stairs, Andrew tried to catch his breath.
*He would have to move into a place that DOESN'T have an elevator. Damn...this is the LAST time I ever offer my free moving services.* he thought as he continued up the steps to his destination. Finally arriving on the fifth floor, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the now familiar door wide open.
"Darien, do you ever throw anything away?!" Andrew asked testily as he brought yet another box into Darien's new apartment.
"Oh stop complaining...you would make me do the same thing for you" Darien replied, a slight smile playing about his mouth.
"You can count on that!" Andrew huffed as he dropped the box in a new leather recliner, a distinctive sound of clinking glass coming from within.
"Watch it!" Darien shouted rushing over to the box, peering inside to check the contents.
"Well next time, hire a moving company! Besides, what's so important..." Andrew trailed off looking at Darien's face contort with pain.
*I wonder what's wrong with him* Andrew thought as walked over to his friend.
Concerned he looked over his friend's shoulder and got his answer. Darien was holding a picture of him and Serena taken during their engagement party.
An engagement that no longer existed.
Putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, Andrew said, "Dare....I know it's hard, but you have to get over it. You can't dwell on the past. You can only live for the here and now and that is to get Serena to listen to you."
With a derisive laugh, Darien replied, "You want to know the funny thing about it Drew? I barely remember any of it. I destroyed my life on something so stupid and I cannot recall any details about. I just don't get it."
"Tell me....what do you mean by not remembering certain things?"
"Well I do remember the kiss, but how everything went so far...I just don't have a clue. It almost felt like my body was acting on instinct. Next thing I know, I hear the door bang open and Serena is standing there." Darien said, closing his eyes at the painful memory.
*Hmmm....that is kind of strange. Usually Dare's mind is like a steel trap.* Andrew mused, curious about Darien's revelation.
Storing this in his brain for later use, he just gave his best friend's shoulder a squeeze and said, "C'mon man, right now is not the time to wallow in guilt and have a pity party. You have to make it up to Serena."
"What if she...." Darien questioned before he was interrupted by Andrew, who knew what he was about to ask.
"You don't know that yet. Now, let's go downstairs and get the rest of your things cause I refuse to be here all night."
Looking at his friend, Darien realized that Andrew was right. He couldn't think about himself anymore. He had to concentrate on one thing only.
Serena's forgiveness and finding a way to make things right between them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About two weeks had passed since Serena's return. To the outside world, it seemed that she was your usual energetic twenty-something enjoying life. However, that was so far from the truth as to be hilarious. Of course she had called all her friends and told them that she was back home, but in an uncharacteristic move, she refused to see anyone. Even Seiya. However, that all changed yesterday as she called them all and asked to meet for lunch.
So that is the reason, four young women and a man sat in a booth of a crowded bistro, anxiously awaiting someone.
"So Seiya...has Serena told you why she came back from Jamaica so quickly? When I talked to her, she made it seem as if she would be staying away for awhile," Raye said sipping the drink she ordered.
"No...not really. All I got was a call yesterday from her telling me to meet her here." he replied, as he stirred creamer into his coffee.
"Well, I just hope that she feels better, even though I wish I could do more for her." Lita said, nibbling on a french fry.
"Believe me Lita...I think that you've done enough. I bet Darien is still feeling the pain you inflicted on him. Seriously guys, do you think that we did the right thing?" Amy asked, a look of guilt.
"Ames...please! The only bad thing about it is that Serena wasn't there to give him a few punches or too" Mina said, taking a sip of her drink.
Just then, they heard the bells on the door jingle, signaling that someone had just entered the diner.
Turning around, they looked up to see a young woman with honey blond hair falling to the middle of her back. A wave of disappointment washed over everyone until she turned in their direction.
"Ohmigod! That can't be...." Amy broke the silence, until Mina cut her off.
"She cut her hair?!?!? It looks fabulous!" Mina squealed.
"Can't you think of nothing else..." Raye sighed, annoyance clearly displayed on her face.
Seeing Mina about to come back with another remark, Lita held up one slender hand, halting the two women. "C'mon guys..no arguing. We're here for Serena."
"Sorry." they both mumbled, looking contrite.
"Good!" Lita said as she turned around to look at her friend approach their booth.
"Hey guys" Serena said quietly right before her friends quickly surrounded her.
"It's so good to see you Sere..." Lita gushed, hugging her tightly.
"We missed you so much!" Amy said, giving her friend a hug of her own.
"It's about time!" Raye said mockingly, but with tenderness underlying her words.
Seeing the concern and sympathy in her friends' eyes, Serena's barriers came tumbling down revealing the torment and heartache she tried so desperately to keep at bay.
Being the closest to Serena, Mina led her to the booth and made her take a seat on the padded cushions.
"Serena....please tell us what's wrong. We can't help you if we don't know," she said soothingly, moving over to put a comforting arm around Serena's shoulders.
"I don't know how to tell you..." she trailed off, not wanting to speak a horrible truth into existence.
"Remember you can tell us anything" Seiya said, trying to give her comfort through words.
Taking a deep breath, she finally revealed the burden she had been carrying since leaving Jamaica.
"I had a miscarriage." she said quietly, almost choking on the words.
Five stunned faces looked back at her, expressions of sorrow and sadness on each one.
Serena seeing this closed her eyes and said, "Please...don't give me your pity."
*I knew that I should have killed the bastard!* Seiya thought clenching his fist so hard that the knuckles were turning white. Looking at his best friend, his anger slowly faded.
*This is not the time for anger. Sere needs me now* he told himself forcefully.
"Sere...all I can say that whatever you need, I'm here for you." Seiya said as he reached out for Serena's hand, placing his hand atop her smaller one.
"That goes for all of us." Raye declared with the rest of the girls reaching out for Serena's hand.
Serena could do nothing but sit there and feel the warmth and security wrap around her like a familiar blanket.
*I have so much love here....I know that I can get through this* Serena thought, as she looked around her group of friends.
For the first time in a week, she did something that she thought she would never be able to do again.
She smiled.
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Sitting in front of his computer, Darien was working on his upcoming meeting with another client, when his mind decided to take another to the personal hell that he carried inside of him ever since Serena left him.
It was another routine day in the office as far as Darien was concerned.
"Mr. Reece?" a hesitant voice asked over the phone speaker.
Snapping out his reverie, he gave a deep sigh and pressed the 'speak' button.
"Yes Cynthia...what is it?" he said in a clipped fashion.
"I just wanted to remind you that you have a meeting with your new client, PCI Industries in fifteen minutes." she reminded him.
"Thank you Cynthia." he replied, clicking off the intercom.
*SHIT! I almost forgot all about that meeting. I must thank Cynthia for her patience. At least I don't have to see that witch again...* Darien thought, thinking about how Charlotte switched teams shortly after their little 'discussion' a little while ago.
*I'm glad she had the sense enough to ask for the transfer before I did.* Darien thought as he gathered his laptop, charts, graphs, and left his office headed for the main conference room down the hall.
Seeing that he had ten minutes to spare, he hurriedly began to set up his presentation, he prayed that it was good enough for the business team coming from PCI.
*Good....I think that everything should be good to go. I just hope that I can keep my mind here and not go where it usually is these days...with Serena*
Hearing the door open, he plastered a smile on his face and turned around to meet and greet his visitors.
"It's so nice to meet all of you" he said, as he shook hands with the people entering the boardroom. As he was doing this, he had the eeire sensation of someone watching him.
Looking up, he glanced towards the doorway, and immediately his mouth lost the smile it held a moment before. Darien blinked and blinked again, hoping that the illusion he was seeing was not there, but was proven wrong when the illusion stepped up to shake his hand.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Reece" Seiya said a small smirk playing about his mouth.
"Likewise Mr. Roberts" Darien replied, his tone as cold as the Arctic.
Walking back towards the podium, Darien inwardly groaned. If this was fate's way of getting back at him, he didn't find it funny. Working with Seiya Roberts for six months was not going to be easy.
After a somewhat productive meeting, Darien just gathered his things, and left the boardroom. Walking back to his office, Darien just couldn't believe it. He had to work with Seiya Roberts for six months. He couldn't help the one thought that kept running through his mind ever since the meeting this morning.
Payback's a bitch.
Upon returning to his office, he noticed that Cynthia had left to go to lunch.
*Probably should follow her example* he thought as he felt his stomach grumble in agreement.
Opening the door, surprise followed closely by anger, rushed through him, because sitting on a chair in front of his desk was Charlotte.
*Just when I thought she got the message* Darien moaned, inwardly wincing at the woman's presence in his office.
"What are you doing here Charlotte? How did you get in?" he asked in a harsh tone, gaining the woman's attention.
Turning her head in his direction, she replied, "W-well, I really needed to talk to you. I would have waited outside, but your secretary offered me to let me wait here" she said, her gaze not meeting his.
*Looks like I'm going to have a 'talk' with Cynthia when she gets back*
"So what is it that you want?"
"I don't really know how to tell you this..."
"C'mon cut the games Charlotte. I don't have time" he replied tiredly, cutting her off.
*Okay girl...it's time for your acting debut.* she thought as she prepared herself for the drama about to unfold.
Acting enraged, she jumped out her seat and swung him around so that he was facing her.
"Alright Darien Reece, you don't like to play games?!?! Well how about this? I'M PREGNANT!!" she yelled dropping her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
Darien could do no more than look at her and realize one thing.
He would never have a chance with Serena...ever again.
to be continued..................
I don't think that this is much of a cliffhanger *ducking tomatoes* Ok ok.. may be it is, but that's gonna have to do for now! Oh my my my.....this just keeps getting more twisted, doesn't it?!!? Now that Darien and Seiya are working together, what's going to happen next? Will fist fly in the boardroom? How will Seiya tell this to Serena? What about Charlotte's pregnancy??!?!? Stay tuned and find out minna! Before I forget....FEEDBACK is an author's BEST muse! ~.~
ja ne
Dream-chan