Author's Notes:
Ohmigoodness!! I can't believe I actually got a chapter of DE out. Especially with all the death threats that I received *looks at Kel-chan warily* Anyway, I would like to say thank you for all the emails and reviews that I've gotten so far. Even the death threats cause that let's me know that you are at least reading this fic. ^_^
Second I would like to thank my pre-reader, Cyperian-chan (I hope you like the job...the next chapter should be on it's way to you shortly!) Third, I want to let all of you know that the first chapter of 'Close My Eyes Forever' is NOW POSTED!!!! You can find it at FanFiction.net (www.fanfiction.net). Finally, I would like to dedicate this chapter to another good author, Minnie! ( I promise to get that chapter to you ASAP!!!)
Enjoy minna!
WARNING: This is gonna be an EMOTIONALLY charged chapter so there may be more swearing than previous chapters. Hence the change in rating. Just to let you know. ^_~
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: R (swearing and sexual innuendo)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
AIM: Dreamchan2001
In a popular dance club near London's famous Portabello Road, two people where sitting at a small table, letting the loud pulsing music wash over them. Even though the club was dark, one could literally feel the energy that made many people get up and move their bodies to the infectious beat.
Sipping on a watered rum and coke, Raye sighed and said, "Damn this feels good. I swear there are times when I just feel like quitting my job. Too many rats in the race for my tastes."
Her companion just rolled her eyes and wearily replied, "But we both know that you won't so stop complaining already...."
"Whoa...what got your panties in a bunch." Raye asked, taken aback by her friend's attitude.
"I'm sorry Raye. It's just that I'm a little worried about Serena." Mina said dejectedly, slowly stirring her frozen lemonade.
"Why? What's happened?" Raye asked, concern entering her voice.
"Well, she called earlier today when I was at work and asked me to do her a favor...."
"Which was...." Raye prodded.
"To find out where Darien lived..." Mina said evenly, taking a sip from her drink waiting for the explosion she knew that was coming.
"Get the HELL out of here...why would she do that? I thought she said she wasn't ready to face him just yet..." Raye yelled, causing a few people in the area to stare.
Ignoring the stares, Mina continued, "Well, I guess she felt ready enough to confront him. I just hope that did the right thing."
"Of course you did!! We've all been telling her that she needed to tell Darien what happened. It WAS his responsibility too!" Raye vehemently replied.
"I know, but I have the feeling that she still has feelings for him...possibly love"
"Oh c'mon Mina. Get Real! After everything that he's done to her I don't see her forgiving Darien anytime soon. You are such a die hard romantic...."
"No Raye. I'm absolutely serious. Love and forgiveness do not necessarily go hand in hand. The love that Serena had for Darien could not have just evaporated after that one indiscretion. We both know for a fact that when Serena feels...she feels deep." Mina said with a firmness that shocked her friend.
Raye opened her mouth to argue this point, when she realized that Mina was right. If there was one thing that Serena did was love and trust...sometimes almost to a fault.
Seeing a look of consternation on her friend's face, Mina just shook her head.
"I'm glad that you are finally seeing my point of view, hothead!" she said ruefully, bringing up the childish nickname that Raye abhorred.
Raye just glared at the blonde, sparks flying from her eyes.
Laughing, Mina said, "Oh don't be like that Raye...c'mon lets get out there and show these blokes how to have a good time." and with that she pulled Raye on the dancefloor.
In no time at all, guys wanting to dance with them approached them, but they rebuffed all offers not really wanting to be bothered.
Mina was dancing with a wild abandon hoping to get her mind off her friend, when she felt a slight tap on her shoulder.
Rolling her eyes, she already had her mouth open to tell the person to buzz off, when she turned around to stare at a man that looked like he just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad.
*Looks like it's my lucky day* she thought as just continued to stare at the mystery man. Noticing that he was talking, she tried to focus on what he was saying.
"I'm sorry if this sounds lame but I've been noticing you all night and I couldn't stand by any longer. My name is Andrew. What's yours?"
"Mina...nice to meet you" she replied, a slight blush staining her cheeks.
"Same here....wanna dance?" his hazel eyes sparkling.
"Sure" she said breathlessly, moving her body to the unique beat of the music.
They danced the night away thoroughly enjoying each other's company until the lights came on, a signal to everyone that it was time to go.
For a moment they just stood there, not really wanting the night to end just yet.
Finally breaking the spell, Andrew laughed lightly. "I guess this is the awkward part of the night, huh?"
"What do you mean?" Mina asked curiously.
"Well, this is where I ask do you need a ride and then hopefully get you to give me your phone number before I drop you home."
"Oh really?" she said, her perfectly arched eyebrow raised.
"Yeah...so how about it?"
"I'd love to, really, but I came here with a friend..."
"You talking about the girl you were dancing with earlier?"
"Yeah...that's the one."
"I think she left with my friend Chad about an hour ago..." he ruefully replied, watching her face scrunch up in the most adorable fashion.
*Damn Raye and her hormones! How could she leave me like this?!?!? He better be worth it!!* Mina thought, thinking of ways to kill her friend.
Hearing someone clear their throat, she blinked and realized that Andrew was still standing in front of her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"So...do you need that ride?" Andrew asked, amused by the pissed expression on Mina's face.
Seeing the look of triumph on his face, she finally gave up, but not before letting him know what the deal was.
"Alright, but I want to let you know one thing?"
"What is that?"
"I'm a certified six degree black belt..." pinning him with glare that told him that she was not going to put up with any nonsense.
"I'll remember that....my chariot awaits milady" he said mockingly, bowing low before her.
"Thank you kind sir" she jested in kind, walking towards the exit.
Andrew stayed behind for a moment looking at her, a mile wide smile splitting this face.
*This girl just might keep my interest for more than two weeks* he thought smugly, as he went to catch up with the stunning blonde.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello Darien" a quiet voice said one that had haunted his mind during the day and his dreams at night.
Finding his voice, Darien finally replied, "Hello Serena...what can I do for you?"
Serena could do nothing but stare at the man that had destroyed her world.
*And he still looks good, damn him! Looks like Lita didn't punch him hard enough* Serena thought still giving him the once over. Coming to her senses, she realized that he was waiting for her reply. Lifting her head up, she looked directly in his eyes.
"Well for starters, can I come in?" came her flippant response, hoping to break the tension that surrounded them.
"Sure...please come in," Darien said, as he opened the door wider to allow her to enter the apartment.
As Serena walked in, she walked around the apartment, trying to quell the butterflies that had sprung to life in her stomach...the same reaction she always felt when she was near Darien.
"Nice place you have here...." Serena said, pausing in front of the balcony doors.
"I guess. Would you like anything to drink? Wine perhaps?" Darien asked, his manners kicking in.
"No thank you." Serena replied as she continued to look out at the nighttime London sky.
As Serena stood staring at the outside scenery, Darien could do nothing but stare at her back, wondering how to break through the walls Serena had put up.
*Gods Serena, I never thought I would see you again. Why did this happen to us?* he thought, the memories he did have of that horrible night coming back full force.
Calling up the little courage he had left, Darien stepped closer to her and asked, "Uh...Serena if you don't mind me asking....how did you find out where I was living?"
Serena moved her eyes from the view in front of her to focus on the other reflection within the glass doors. A reflection that used to bring her so much happiness.
*I should have known that he would ask me that. He was always a very private person...so private that he had another woman on the side apparently.* Serena thought, her anger beginning to spark within her.
"I just called in a favor...I hope you don't mind." Serena replied haughtily.
"Not in the least, it's just that I'm a little surprised that you willingly sought me out. When we parted, you said that you never wanted to see me again."
Turning around quickly, she looked him in the eye and snapped out, "Well don't get your hopes up because what I am here for tonight is closure. In order to do that, there are some things that I must tell you. All I'm asking for you is to listen to what I have to say. Deal?
Seeing the determination in her azure eyes, Darien relented without a fight.
"Fine." he answered, moving to the otherside of the room.
"Well, I guess that I should let you know what exactly happened when I threw you out of out apartment that night. After you left, I realized that I couldn't stay in that apartment by myself. There were just too many reminders of what was destroyed that night. So, I called the airlines and off I went to Jamaica..."
"So that is what Seiya meant when he said that you were 'far away'. Why Jamaica?"
"I used the tickets that I won in a contest. I didn't say anything to you in case I didn't win, but I did. When the tickets were delivered, I wanted to surprise you. So, I hopped in my car and drove down to your job, because you said that you had to work late. Again."
"What type of contest was it?"
At this question, Serena's bravado began to falter, but she refused to let Darien know.
"It was contest sponsored by a local travel agency....for a destination wedding...but I guess the surprise was on me, huh?" Serena said sarcastically, turning away from Darien, so he wouldn't see the tears that were forming in her eyes.
Meanwhile Darien was trying to control the overwhelming guilt that threatened to swallow him whole. He couldn't believe it. A surprise wedding. In Jamaica. They would have been husband and wife. Together for eternity. Closing his eyes, Darien felt a tear escape, streaking down his face. He went to wipe it away, when he felt another one follow and another. Giving up, he let his arm drop back down to his sides and let his emotion have full reign for once.
As she tried to get the control of herself, Serena became upset once again at Darien's seeming lack of response.
*Damn the man!! Does he have cotton in his ears?!? Well I'm not leaving here until he feels the same pain that I did...and still do*
Blinking her eyes rapidly to clear the tears from her eyes, she turned around and was met with a site that she thought she would never witness in her lifetime.
Darien Reece with tears rolling down his face.
In an instinctive gesture, she reached out for him to provide whatever comfort she could, when she suddenly remembered whom she was reaching out to. Snatching her hand back, she just looked at him, eyes devoid of any emotion.
Hardening her heart against the sight before her, she relentlessly continued, "Darien...there is something else that I must tell you."
*What could possibly be more devastating than what she told me?* he wondered, knowing that his heart couldn't take anymore.
"Y..y..yes?" he stuttered, trying to still his racing heart.
"A couple of days after I arrived in Jamaica, I had to be rushed to hospital...." she said quietly before Darien quickly cut in.
"Ohmigod Serena!! Are you alright?" he asked worriedly, reaching out for her.
Ignoring his outstretched had, she continued, knowing that if she stopped now, she would never have the courage to tell him again.
"When I woke up I found out that I suffered from significant blood loss due to internal hemorrhaging..."
Taking all this information slowly, Darien tried to school his face into some semblance of calm.
"Did they ever tell you what the reason was behind the hemorrhaging?" Darien asked slowly, already knowing that he would not like the answer she was about to give him.
Suddenly the tension in the room increased tenfold as Serena moved away from Darien, trying to get her emotions in check
*I REFUSE to break down in front of Darien* she repeated the mantra over and over again.
Seeing that Darien was still patiently waiting for an answer, she took a deep cleansing breath and said in a listless voice, "I had a miscarriage."
At those words, Darien felt his heart stop and shatter, leaving a cold dark space within him.
"Oh Serena...Sere...." he reached out again, a look of poor desolation on his face.
Raising her hand, she delivered a slap that echoed throughout the apartment.
"Get the FUCK away from me, and I told once before, NEVER to call me that again!" she said quietly, her eyes blazing with fury.
Darien involuntarily stepped back, holding his burning cheek. In all the time he had known Serena, he had never known her to be violent or angry. Especially with the anger that she was directing at him.
"Why Darien...why did you have to screw that BITCH?!?! What did she have that I didn't? Huh? Answer me you bloody bastard!" she yelled, not caring how much hurt she inflicted on the man that she once loved.
**And still do....** her traitorous heart whispered.
*Shut UP!* she yelled to herself, hoping to drown out that voice she had been hearing ever since she left Darien.
Darien couldn't take it anymore and against Serena's wishes, he pulled her into his vice-like embrace, holding on as if his life depended on it.
Serena struggled for all her worth, kicking and scratching, trying to break free. Darien took all this on without complaint, knowing that she was trying to inflict the same pain that she had been feeling all this time. The pain that he deserved.
Suddenly she stopped struggling. Serena couldn't keep the front up any longer.
She finally gave up and broke down crying, leaning on Darien for support. Hearing her brokenhearted sobs tore at Darien's heart, making it hard for him to hold back his own tears, but he had to be strong now...for Serena.
Leading her to the couch, he pulled her down with him, and pulled her onto his lap, rocking her back and forth like a child.
*She was pregnant...with OUR child! I can't believe this is happening to me! How did it ever get like this?!?!!?* Darien thought dazedly, still holding onto Serena as a lifeline
After calming down little, Serena realized the position she was in. Ruthlessly wiping her face, she pushed away from Darien, who offered no resistance whatsoever.
Once she was standing, her first thought was, *I have to get out of here....*
Pulling herself together, she stepped away from the couch and started backing up towards the entranceway. "Well that is all I came to tell you, so I'll be going now. Have a nice life Darien...." she said lightly, as she tried to make her escape.
She had her hand on the doorknob when she was whipped around to see eyes that were overflowing with a now familiar emotion...pure heart wrenching pain.
She steeled herself not to be taken in by this display of emotion. It was far too late for that now.
"So you think that you can just walk in here, tell me that WE lost a child and walk out of my life!?!?! You can't be serious...." Darien snapped, his hands closing over hers.
Snatching her hands away, Serena declared, "I did and I am Darien. There is nothing more to discuss. I wanted to tell you because I felt you had a right to know. My family wanted to hold a small memorial service, but I felt that it wouldn't be right if you weren't there. I at least owed you that much." she ended, choking back a sob.
"Serena....."
Holding up her hand in a defensive stance, she pleaded, "Darien, please. We have said all that needs to be said. Now, we have to just let go."
Seeing the downtrodden expression on his face, she quickly opened the door, and shut it closed behind her, knowing that she just officially broke all ties with Darien.
*No matter how hard it may be...* she thought despondently, as she ran to the elevator, her shoulders shaking with the sobs of the brokenhearted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Running his nimble fingers over the keyboard, Seiya tried to concentrate on the figures that were on the computer monitor, however his mind was fixated on the one person who he loved more than life.
He was worried because he hadn't talked to her in a few days. He had tried calling at her office and home, but it seemed that they were playing the infamous game of phone tag. Ever since he had 'bumped' into Raye the other day, he was especially concerned because he found about her showdown with Darien and was curious to find out what happened.
Well, he knew that whatever happened was not good, because when Seiya saw Darien the next day, he looked like a man that had nothing left to live for. Seiya thought that he would be elated at this turn of events but found out that he couldn't take pleasure in seeing the other man's misery. However, that would not stop him from making sure that him and Serena would never be a couple again.
Hearing the ringing of his cell phone, Seiya snapped out his reverie, pulled it out and hit the talk button.
"Seiya Roberts" he answered in his professional clipped tone.
"Hey Sei..." the breathless voice on the other end replied.
Feeling the familiar surge of happiness, Seiya exclaimed, "Well if it isn't my long lost best friend! How you doing Sere?"
"Okay, I guess..." came the forlorn reply.
Picking up on the sad tone, Seiya asked, "You don't sound like it. I heard that you talked with Darien a few nights ago..."
"How did you know?" Serena said, surprise coloring her voice.
Chuckling, he ruefully stated, "You know nothing is sacred in our group of friends. So, what happened?"
"Um...that's what I kinda want to talk to you about. I need a male perspective on this. Can we meet up for lunch somewhere?"
"Sure....I'll meet you in Tralfagar Square and we can grab something quick."
"Sounds good to me. See you in a few...and Seiya?"
"Yes Serena?"
"Thanks for being a great friend..."
"My pleasure Sere....bye."
"Bye." and with that Serena rung off.
Snapping his cell shut, Seiya leaned back in his chair. Things were going so much better than he had anticipated. It was now or never. With this in mind, he got up from his desk and left his office.
After much investigation and chatting up, Seiya finally achieved the one thing that he set his mind to do. Find Charlotte Winters. Today.
He was not disappointed, when fifteen minutes later, he finally found his quarry.
"Hello" Seiya said, as he approached the young woman standing near the vending machine.
"Hello...are you new here? I've never seen you around the offices before..." the young woman said, a quizzical expression on her face.
"Yes I am. I'm a consultant working on the PCI Industries project. My name is Seiya Roberts. What's yours?" he said as he held out his hand.
"Charlotte Winters, nice to finally meet to you. I hear that you are excellent at what you do..." she replied cheerfully, grasping his hand within her own, giving it a firm shake.
"Well Charlotte, since we know each other now, I do believe that we have something in common."
"And what could that possibly be?" she asked a quizzical expression gracing her features.
"The hope that Darien Reece and Serena James never get back together again." Seiya said, a determined gleam entering his eyes.
A look of surprise came over her face, until she collected her wits about her. "I..I don't know what you are talking about..."
Raking a hand thorough his professionally coifed hair, he let out a loud irritated sigh.
"Oh cut the bullshit! I know that you are the bitch she caught with him that night. So don't play the innocent with me." Seiya bit out harshly.
Hearing the tone in his voice, Charlotte's face hardened to ice. "Well how are you involved in all this?"
"Serena is my best friend. She is also the woman that I am in love with."
"Oh, is that right? Well what do you want from me?" she asked, her interest piqued.
Seeing his opportunity, Seiya told her about the plan that would hopefully secure his dreams.
"I was hoping that you could perhaps 'accidentally' bump into Serena and talk to her face to face. I won't have the wool pulled over her eyes by Reece again."
"What exactly do I have to talk to her about?" Charlotte asked, not wanting to appear too malicious.
"Will you stop trying to act so dense! Maybe about pregnancy that is the current scandal of the firm. Think about it. After this, Serena will never associate with Darien again. Leaving Reece in your capable hands, while Serena learns that I am the man for her...the only one. So what do you say?"
"When can I start?"
"Is today to early?" he asked, praying that he was doing the right thing.
"Oh no....it's perfect!" she said, a determined gleam in her eyes.
to be continued..........
Whew!!!! I am TIRED, but I knew I had to finish before the swat team invaded my house again! Anyway, I can tell you that this is getting more and more interesting. Now that Seiya and Charlotte have decided to become partners in crime, trouble is not that far behind. Plus, are there other romances that are starting to spark? You just have to stay tuned and find out.
REMEMBER....email is an author's BEST MUSE!! ^_~
ja ne
Dream-chan
Ohmigoodness!! I can't believe I actually got a chapter of DE out. Especially with all the death threats that I received *looks at Kel-chan warily* Anyway, I would like to say thank you for all the emails and reviews that I've gotten so far. Even the death threats cause that let's me know that you are at least reading this fic. ^_^
Second I would like to thank my pre-reader, Cyperian-chan (I hope you like the job...the next chapter should be on it's way to you shortly!) Third, I want to let all of you know that the first chapter of 'Close My Eyes Forever' is NOW POSTED!!!! You can find it at FanFiction.net (www.fanfiction.net). Finally, I would like to dedicate this chapter to another good author, Minnie! ( I promise to get that chapter to you ASAP!!!)
Enjoy minna!
WARNING: This is gonna be an EMOTIONALLY charged chapter so there may be more swearing than previous chapters. Hence the change in rating. Just to let you know. ^_~
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: R (swearing and sexual innuendo)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
AIM: Dreamchan2001
In a popular dance club near London's famous Portabello Road, two people where sitting at a small table, letting the loud pulsing music wash over them. Even though the club was dark, one could literally feel the energy that made many people get up and move their bodies to the infectious beat.
Sipping on a watered rum and coke, Raye sighed and said, "Damn this feels good. I swear there are times when I just feel like quitting my job. Too many rats in the race for my tastes."
Her companion just rolled her eyes and wearily replied, "But we both know that you won't so stop complaining already...."
"Whoa...what got your panties in a bunch." Raye asked, taken aback by her friend's attitude.
"I'm sorry Raye. It's just that I'm a little worried about Serena." Mina said dejectedly, slowly stirring her frozen lemonade.
"Why? What's happened?" Raye asked, concern entering her voice.
"Well, she called earlier today when I was at work and asked me to do her a favor...."
"Which was...." Raye prodded.
"To find out where Darien lived..." Mina said evenly, taking a sip from her drink waiting for the explosion she knew that was coming.
"Get the HELL out of here...why would she do that? I thought she said she wasn't ready to face him just yet..." Raye yelled, causing a few people in the area to stare.
Ignoring the stares, Mina continued, "Well, I guess she felt ready enough to confront him. I just hope that did the right thing."
"Of course you did!! We've all been telling her that she needed to tell Darien what happened. It WAS his responsibility too!" Raye vehemently replied.
"I know, but I have the feeling that she still has feelings for him...possibly love"
"Oh c'mon Mina. Get Real! After everything that he's done to her I don't see her forgiving Darien anytime soon. You are such a die hard romantic...."
"No Raye. I'm absolutely serious. Love and forgiveness do not necessarily go hand in hand. The love that Serena had for Darien could not have just evaporated after that one indiscretion. We both know for a fact that when Serena feels...she feels deep." Mina said with a firmness that shocked her friend.
Raye opened her mouth to argue this point, when she realized that Mina was right. If there was one thing that Serena did was love and trust...sometimes almost to a fault.
Seeing a look of consternation on her friend's face, Mina just shook her head.
"I'm glad that you are finally seeing my point of view, hothead!" she said ruefully, bringing up the childish nickname that Raye abhorred.
Raye just glared at the blonde, sparks flying from her eyes.
Laughing, Mina said, "Oh don't be like that Raye...c'mon lets get out there and show these blokes how to have a good time." and with that she pulled Raye on the dancefloor.
In no time at all, guys wanting to dance with them approached them, but they rebuffed all offers not really wanting to be bothered.
Mina was dancing with a wild abandon hoping to get her mind off her friend, when she felt a slight tap on her shoulder.
Rolling her eyes, she already had her mouth open to tell the person to buzz off, when she turned around to stare at a man that looked like he just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad.
*Looks like it's my lucky day* she thought as just continued to stare at the mystery man. Noticing that he was talking, she tried to focus on what he was saying.
"I'm sorry if this sounds lame but I've been noticing you all night and I couldn't stand by any longer. My name is Andrew. What's yours?"
"Mina...nice to meet you" she replied, a slight blush staining her cheeks.
"Same here....wanna dance?" his hazel eyes sparkling.
"Sure" she said breathlessly, moving her body to the unique beat of the music.
They danced the night away thoroughly enjoying each other's company until the lights came on, a signal to everyone that it was time to go.
For a moment they just stood there, not really wanting the night to end just yet.
Finally breaking the spell, Andrew laughed lightly. "I guess this is the awkward part of the night, huh?"
"What do you mean?" Mina asked curiously.
"Well, this is where I ask do you need a ride and then hopefully get you to give me your phone number before I drop you home."
"Oh really?" she said, her perfectly arched eyebrow raised.
"Yeah...so how about it?"
"I'd love to, really, but I came here with a friend..."
"You talking about the girl you were dancing with earlier?"
"Yeah...that's the one."
"I think she left with my friend Chad about an hour ago..." he ruefully replied, watching her face scrunch up in the most adorable fashion.
*Damn Raye and her hormones! How could she leave me like this?!?!? He better be worth it!!* Mina thought, thinking of ways to kill her friend.
Hearing someone clear their throat, she blinked and realized that Andrew was still standing in front of her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"So...do you need that ride?" Andrew asked, amused by the pissed expression on Mina's face.
Seeing the look of triumph on his face, she finally gave up, but not before letting him know what the deal was.
"Alright, but I want to let you know one thing?"
"What is that?"
"I'm a certified six degree black belt..." pinning him with glare that told him that she was not going to put up with any nonsense.
"I'll remember that....my chariot awaits milady" he said mockingly, bowing low before her.
"Thank you kind sir" she jested in kind, walking towards the exit.
Andrew stayed behind for a moment looking at her, a mile wide smile splitting this face.
*This girl just might keep my interest for more than two weeks* he thought smugly, as he went to catch up with the stunning blonde.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello Darien" a quiet voice said one that had haunted his mind during the day and his dreams at night.
Finding his voice, Darien finally replied, "Hello Serena...what can I do for you?"
Serena could do nothing but stare at the man that had destroyed her world.
*And he still looks good, damn him! Looks like Lita didn't punch him hard enough* Serena thought still giving him the once over. Coming to her senses, she realized that he was waiting for her reply. Lifting her head up, she looked directly in his eyes.
"Well for starters, can I come in?" came her flippant response, hoping to break the tension that surrounded them.
"Sure...please come in," Darien said, as he opened the door wider to allow her to enter the apartment.
As Serena walked in, she walked around the apartment, trying to quell the butterflies that had sprung to life in her stomach...the same reaction she always felt when she was near Darien.
"Nice place you have here...." Serena said, pausing in front of the balcony doors.
"I guess. Would you like anything to drink? Wine perhaps?" Darien asked, his manners kicking in.
"No thank you." Serena replied as she continued to look out at the nighttime London sky.
As Serena stood staring at the outside scenery, Darien could do nothing but stare at her back, wondering how to break through the walls Serena had put up.
*Gods Serena, I never thought I would see you again. Why did this happen to us?* he thought, the memories he did have of that horrible night coming back full force.
Calling up the little courage he had left, Darien stepped closer to her and asked, "Uh...Serena if you don't mind me asking....how did you find out where I was living?"
Serena moved her eyes from the view in front of her to focus on the other reflection within the glass doors. A reflection that used to bring her so much happiness.
*I should have known that he would ask me that. He was always a very private person...so private that he had another woman on the side apparently.* Serena thought, her anger beginning to spark within her.
"I just called in a favor...I hope you don't mind." Serena replied haughtily.
"Not in the least, it's just that I'm a little surprised that you willingly sought me out. When we parted, you said that you never wanted to see me again."
Turning around quickly, she looked him in the eye and snapped out, "Well don't get your hopes up because what I am here for tonight is closure. In order to do that, there are some things that I must tell you. All I'm asking for you is to listen to what I have to say. Deal?
Seeing the determination in her azure eyes, Darien relented without a fight.
"Fine." he answered, moving to the otherside of the room.
"Well, I guess that I should let you know what exactly happened when I threw you out of out apartment that night. After you left, I realized that I couldn't stay in that apartment by myself. There were just too many reminders of what was destroyed that night. So, I called the airlines and off I went to Jamaica..."
"So that is what Seiya meant when he said that you were 'far away'. Why Jamaica?"
"I used the tickets that I won in a contest. I didn't say anything to you in case I didn't win, but I did. When the tickets were delivered, I wanted to surprise you. So, I hopped in my car and drove down to your job, because you said that you had to work late. Again."
"What type of contest was it?"
At this question, Serena's bravado began to falter, but she refused to let Darien know.
"It was contest sponsored by a local travel agency....for a destination wedding...but I guess the surprise was on me, huh?" Serena said sarcastically, turning away from Darien, so he wouldn't see the tears that were forming in her eyes.
Meanwhile Darien was trying to control the overwhelming guilt that threatened to swallow him whole. He couldn't believe it. A surprise wedding. In Jamaica. They would have been husband and wife. Together for eternity. Closing his eyes, Darien felt a tear escape, streaking down his face. He went to wipe it away, when he felt another one follow and another. Giving up, he let his arm drop back down to his sides and let his emotion have full reign for once.
As she tried to get the control of herself, Serena became upset once again at Darien's seeming lack of response.
*Damn the man!! Does he have cotton in his ears?!? Well I'm not leaving here until he feels the same pain that I did...and still do*
Blinking her eyes rapidly to clear the tears from her eyes, she turned around and was met with a site that she thought she would never witness in her lifetime.
Darien Reece with tears rolling down his face.
In an instinctive gesture, she reached out for him to provide whatever comfort she could, when she suddenly remembered whom she was reaching out to. Snatching her hand back, she just looked at him, eyes devoid of any emotion.
Hardening her heart against the sight before her, she relentlessly continued, "Darien...there is something else that I must tell you."
*What could possibly be more devastating than what she told me?* he wondered, knowing that his heart couldn't take anymore.
"Y..y..yes?" he stuttered, trying to still his racing heart.
"A couple of days after I arrived in Jamaica, I had to be rushed to hospital...." she said quietly before Darien quickly cut in.
"Ohmigod Serena!! Are you alright?" he asked worriedly, reaching out for her.
Ignoring his outstretched had, she continued, knowing that if she stopped now, she would never have the courage to tell him again.
"When I woke up I found out that I suffered from significant blood loss due to internal hemorrhaging..."
Taking all this information slowly, Darien tried to school his face into some semblance of calm.
"Did they ever tell you what the reason was behind the hemorrhaging?" Darien asked slowly, already knowing that he would not like the answer she was about to give him.
Suddenly the tension in the room increased tenfold as Serena moved away from Darien, trying to get her emotions in check
*I REFUSE to break down in front of Darien* she repeated the mantra over and over again.
Seeing that Darien was still patiently waiting for an answer, she took a deep cleansing breath and said in a listless voice, "I had a miscarriage."
At those words, Darien felt his heart stop and shatter, leaving a cold dark space within him.
"Oh Serena...Sere...." he reached out again, a look of poor desolation on his face.
Raising her hand, she delivered a slap that echoed throughout the apartment.
"Get the FUCK away from me, and I told once before, NEVER to call me that again!" she said quietly, her eyes blazing with fury.
Darien involuntarily stepped back, holding his burning cheek. In all the time he had known Serena, he had never known her to be violent or angry. Especially with the anger that she was directing at him.
"Why Darien...why did you have to screw that BITCH?!?! What did she have that I didn't? Huh? Answer me you bloody bastard!" she yelled, not caring how much hurt she inflicted on the man that she once loved.
**And still do....** her traitorous heart whispered.
*Shut UP!* she yelled to herself, hoping to drown out that voice she had been hearing ever since she left Darien.
Darien couldn't take it anymore and against Serena's wishes, he pulled her into his vice-like embrace, holding on as if his life depended on it.
Serena struggled for all her worth, kicking and scratching, trying to break free. Darien took all this on without complaint, knowing that she was trying to inflict the same pain that she had been feeling all this time. The pain that he deserved.
Suddenly she stopped struggling. Serena couldn't keep the front up any longer.
She finally gave up and broke down crying, leaning on Darien for support. Hearing her brokenhearted sobs tore at Darien's heart, making it hard for him to hold back his own tears, but he had to be strong now...for Serena.
Leading her to the couch, he pulled her down with him, and pulled her onto his lap, rocking her back and forth like a child.
*She was pregnant...with OUR child! I can't believe this is happening to me! How did it ever get like this?!?!!?* Darien thought dazedly, still holding onto Serena as a lifeline
After calming down little, Serena realized the position she was in. Ruthlessly wiping her face, she pushed away from Darien, who offered no resistance whatsoever.
Once she was standing, her first thought was, *I have to get out of here....*
Pulling herself together, she stepped away from the couch and started backing up towards the entranceway. "Well that is all I came to tell you, so I'll be going now. Have a nice life Darien...." she said lightly, as she tried to make her escape.
She had her hand on the doorknob when she was whipped around to see eyes that were overflowing with a now familiar emotion...pure heart wrenching pain.
She steeled herself not to be taken in by this display of emotion. It was far too late for that now.
"So you think that you can just walk in here, tell me that WE lost a child and walk out of my life!?!?! You can't be serious...." Darien snapped, his hands closing over hers.
Snatching her hands away, Serena declared, "I did and I am Darien. There is nothing more to discuss. I wanted to tell you because I felt you had a right to know. My family wanted to hold a small memorial service, but I felt that it wouldn't be right if you weren't there. I at least owed you that much." she ended, choking back a sob.
"Serena....."
Holding up her hand in a defensive stance, she pleaded, "Darien, please. We have said all that needs to be said. Now, we have to just let go."
Seeing the downtrodden expression on his face, she quickly opened the door, and shut it closed behind her, knowing that she just officially broke all ties with Darien.
*No matter how hard it may be...* she thought despondently, as she ran to the elevator, her shoulders shaking with the sobs of the brokenhearted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Running his nimble fingers over the keyboard, Seiya tried to concentrate on the figures that were on the computer monitor, however his mind was fixated on the one person who he loved more than life.
He was worried because he hadn't talked to her in a few days. He had tried calling at her office and home, but it seemed that they were playing the infamous game of phone tag. Ever since he had 'bumped' into Raye the other day, he was especially concerned because he found about her showdown with Darien and was curious to find out what happened.
Well, he knew that whatever happened was not good, because when Seiya saw Darien the next day, he looked like a man that had nothing left to live for. Seiya thought that he would be elated at this turn of events but found out that he couldn't take pleasure in seeing the other man's misery. However, that would not stop him from making sure that him and Serena would never be a couple again.
Hearing the ringing of his cell phone, Seiya snapped out his reverie, pulled it out and hit the talk button.
"Seiya Roberts" he answered in his professional clipped tone.
"Hey Sei..." the breathless voice on the other end replied.
Feeling the familiar surge of happiness, Seiya exclaimed, "Well if it isn't my long lost best friend! How you doing Sere?"
"Okay, I guess..." came the forlorn reply.
Picking up on the sad tone, Seiya asked, "You don't sound like it. I heard that you talked with Darien a few nights ago..."
"How did you know?" Serena said, surprise coloring her voice.
Chuckling, he ruefully stated, "You know nothing is sacred in our group of friends. So, what happened?"
"Um...that's what I kinda want to talk to you about. I need a male perspective on this. Can we meet up for lunch somewhere?"
"Sure....I'll meet you in Tralfagar Square and we can grab something quick."
"Sounds good to me. See you in a few...and Seiya?"
"Yes Serena?"
"Thanks for being a great friend..."
"My pleasure Sere....bye."
"Bye." and with that Serena rung off.
Snapping his cell shut, Seiya leaned back in his chair. Things were going so much better than he had anticipated. It was now or never. With this in mind, he got up from his desk and left his office.
After much investigation and chatting up, Seiya finally achieved the one thing that he set his mind to do. Find Charlotte Winters. Today.
He was not disappointed, when fifteen minutes later, he finally found his quarry.
"Hello" Seiya said, as he approached the young woman standing near the vending machine.
"Hello...are you new here? I've never seen you around the offices before..." the young woman said, a quizzical expression on her face.
"Yes I am. I'm a consultant working on the PCI Industries project. My name is Seiya Roberts. What's yours?" he said as he held out his hand.
"Charlotte Winters, nice to finally meet to you. I hear that you are excellent at what you do..." she replied cheerfully, grasping his hand within her own, giving it a firm shake.
"Well Charlotte, since we know each other now, I do believe that we have something in common."
"And what could that possibly be?" she asked a quizzical expression gracing her features.
"The hope that Darien Reece and Serena James never get back together again." Seiya said, a determined gleam entering his eyes.
A look of surprise came over her face, until she collected her wits about her. "I..I don't know what you are talking about..."
Raking a hand thorough his professionally coifed hair, he let out a loud irritated sigh.
"Oh cut the bullshit! I know that you are the bitch she caught with him that night. So don't play the innocent with me." Seiya bit out harshly.
Hearing the tone in his voice, Charlotte's face hardened to ice. "Well how are you involved in all this?"
"Serena is my best friend. She is also the woman that I am in love with."
"Oh, is that right? Well what do you want from me?" she asked, her interest piqued.
Seeing his opportunity, Seiya told her about the plan that would hopefully secure his dreams.
"I was hoping that you could perhaps 'accidentally' bump into Serena and talk to her face to face. I won't have the wool pulled over her eyes by Reece again."
"What exactly do I have to talk to her about?" Charlotte asked, not wanting to appear too malicious.
"Will you stop trying to act so dense! Maybe about pregnancy that is the current scandal of the firm. Think about it. After this, Serena will never associate with Darien again. Leaving Reece in your capable hands, while Serena learns that I am the man for her...the only one. So what do you say?"
"When can I start?"
"Is today to early?" he asked, praying that he was doing the right thing.
"Oh no....it's perfect!" she said, a determined gleam in her eyes.
to be continued..........
Whew!!!! I am TIRED, but I knew I had to finish before the swat team invaded my house again! Anyway, I can tell you that this is getting more and more interesting. Now that Seiya and Charlotte have decided to become partners in crime, trouble is not that far behind. Plus, are there other romances that are starting to spark? You just have to stay tuned and find out.
REMEMBER....email is an author's BEST MUSE!! ^_~
ja ne
Dream-chan