Author's Notes: These are gonna be LONG!!!!
Ohmigoodness.....there is sooo much to say!! First I would like to say that I am extremely
sorry for the delay in posting this...dodging tomatoes and other rotten veggies* I've been
terribly busy moving and on top of that, my PC got lost in the move, so I hope that I am
forgiven....*gives fans puppy dog eyes* and my new job is VERY HIGH STRESS LEVEL!!!!
I wouldn't blame you if you didn't even read this story anymore, but I hope that you do! :) *goes down on both knees, giving minna puppy dog eyes* However I did find an old computer in the basement and booted it up, so I hope to get these chapters out kind of regular now.
Now on to other things. Even though this chapter hasn't been edited (since I wanted to get it out for Usa DAy) I still want to say thank you my pre-reader Cyperian-chan (of
course) to everyone that emailed and reviewed this story to tell me how much they
enjoyed it. I really hope that this chapter makes up for the wait. Before I forget...Kel-chan...I sent your troops back to you, cause I want to see more of 'Full House'!! Hey it's only fair, ne? ^_~
One more thing:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIBI USA!!!!
Alright....I think that is everything...I hope so!! -_-'
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 adult situations)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
AIM: Dreamchan2001
Editor: Cyperian-chan
A white-faced Charlotte looked at Darien warily and uttered in a small voice, "You can't
be serious...."
Darien's eyes began to glow with deadly purpose as he turned in her direction. "Oh yes I
am....if you don't believe me, let me tell you in words that you will understand....I want
NOTHING to do with you!!!!!! As a matter of fact I will be filing for a restraining order
as soon as I get the chance. I pity the child that you are bringing into this world, just so
you could satisfy your own selfish needs, but of course you are just a cold hearted BITCH
that could care less! I will NEVER forgive you for what you have done...NEVER!" he
roared at her, surprising himself at pure hate he felt for the woman before him.
"Darien.....I-I.....please listen to me....I can explain....." Charlotte whimpered, not wanting
to believe that her world, her dream, was crumbling around her.
Darien savagely cut her off with a heated glare. "SAVE IT! Now please leave my sight,
before I do something that we'll both regret..."
With a tears beginning to streak down her face, Charlotte hurried from the office, her
quick footsteps resounding down the hallway.
Closing his eyes, Darien inwardly sighed. He just couldn't believe that anyone would go
that far......now an innocent life would have to pay for it's mother's greed.
Looking over towards his left, he pulled himself out of the near compassionate mood that
he was falling into only to be filled with pure unadulterated rage.
Advancing on the other man, Darien tried to suppress the immediate urge to make the
other man feel all the pain that he had endured over the past months.
"As for you...how could you call yourself a friend, and be a part of this scheme to destroy
not just me, but Serena as well?" he sneered, his fists clenching and unclenching at his
sides.
"I don't know what you're talking about....." Seiya replied nonchalantly, his control back
in place.
Hearing the dismissal in Seiya's tone, Darien let his temper have full reign.
"Cut the act Roberts.....I heard enough to know that you had a hand in all this mess. How
could you hurt Serena like that?" he asked scathingly, advancing menacingly towards the
other man.
Hitting a nerve, Seiya looked downwards, hiding his gaze from the furious man before
him. "I never wanted to hurt Sere....I just wanted her to see what type of person you really
are..." he said quietly.
"Is that so?" Darien asked snidely, feeling no compassion whatsoever for Seiya's feelings.
"Absolutely!" Seiya replied strongly, whipping his head in defiance, looking Darien in the
face.
Looking at the other man through narrowed eyes, Darien asked, "Tell me Roberts.....how
long have you been in love with Serena?"
A look of astonishment passed across Seiya's features, before he directed his gaze
downwards again. Looking back down at his chocolate leather Gucci leather loafers he
replied, "Ever since I met her....." his gaze looking at something that he could only see.
"So you were going to use this little opportunity to your advantage and slip into my place,
hmm? Well I have some news for you....that position is about to be filled." Darien stated
firmly.
"What?!?!? Do you really think that she is going to take you back so quickly?" Seiya
retorted, disgusted by the arrogance of the other man.
"Yes." Darien stated with the utmost conviction.
"And just how are you so confident about this?" Seiya asked, eyebrow raised.
"Because you are going to help me." he replied calmly, waiting for the explosion that was
sure to follow this announcement.
He didn't have to wait long.
"Why in HELL would I help you?!?! " Seiya yelled, looking at Darien as if he went
completely crazy.
"How quickly one forgets.............." Darien replied, pinning Seiya with a penetrating gaze.
"Would you like for me to tell Serena about the little role that you played in keeping us
both miserable?"
"Please Reece....what makes you think that I would commit emotional suicide for you?
Do you really think that she would believe you over me? Your confidence overwhelms
me.........." Seiya bitterly replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
That was when he felt the force of Darien's fist plowing into his face. Stumbling back, he
flung out a hand to gain some stability only to be met with air. Hitting the wall behind
him, Seiya let out a surprised "oooff" and slid the rest of the way down until he was
sitting on the floor.
Reaching out, Darien gruffly pulled the other man up by his collar and met the slightly
dazed eyes of his antagonist.
"I would do more, but I refuse to go to jail for a sniveling ass like you. You WILL tell
Serena everything......is that clear? Now....GET OUT!!!" he yelled harshly, flinging Seiya
away from him.
Gathering his wits about him, Seiya made a hasty retreat out of the room, leaving Darien
to finally comprehend what happened.
*I can't believe that wretched woman!* was all Darien could think as he made his way to
his own office. Completely oblivious to everything around him, he didn't see the furtive
glances that were thrown in his direction.
Striding past his secretary, he slammed the door shut, making the poor woman nearly jump in fear. Breathing deeply, Darien walked over to the windoiw and looked out, instantly regretting it. Down below, he saw a man about his age receiving a kiss from a young woman, probably his wife as she held a baby on her hip. When they broke apart, mother and child waved goodbye to their loved one as he made his way into the building.
The pain was immediate, the sharp edge of pain nearly doing him in. Looking at that sight before him made him realize just how envious he was of the other man. He was living the dream that Darien wanted....a loving wife and precious child. A family. He in turn had lost both. A woman that he loved more than anything, and a chance to be a father, not once but twice. One by tragedy and one by sheer selfishness. Giving in, he let a few tears fall down his face, the four walls of his office being the only witness to his vulnerability.
Walking to the large mahoghany desk, he sat down and tried his hardest to keep the rage from boiling over, knowing that it woudn't do any good to lose control now.
Hearing the beeping of his desktop intercom, he leaned over, pressed the button, and barked out
"Yes...what is it?"
"Mr. Brookes to see you sir" she nervously responded, quite put out by her boss's rude attitude.
Ruthlessly wiping the trears from his face, he gather ed himself together and said, albeit a little shakily, "Please...send him in immediately."
"Yes sir"
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door, and in stepped through Christopher Brookes, founder and CEO of Terra Engineering.
"Yes, Mr. Brookes...please have a seat." Darien offered politely, indicating the chain in front of his desk.
Soon as the other man made himself comfortable, he wasted no time getting to the nature of his unscheduled visit.
"Darien, I just want to say that you are doing an excellent job with the PCI account. I
heard about the long hours you've been putting in and just wanted to tell you how much I
appreciate it. "
"Well, thank you sir......" Darien modestly replied, not really knowing how to handle the compliments of the older gentleman.
"It's because of this, that I want you to Paris for the annual European Engineers
conference. It will last about five days. What do you think?" Brookes asked, a bright smile on his face.
"I don't know...." he said hesitantly, knowing that this would delay what he wanted to do this weekend.
"Darien, your secretary already showed me your appointment book and it's clear. Plus I
know that you are almost a month ahead of schedule for the PCI account, so please, take a
little time off. I would hate to see one of my rising executives burn out before their
thirty." the older man chuckled, his eyes full of mirth.
Sensing that it was no way out of it, Darien just accepted that he would be taking a 'working' vacation.
"Fine. When do I leave?" Darien said, knowing that there was no way for him to get out of this.
"At the end of this week. Sound good?"
"Great...thank you Mr. Brookes" Darien said, his cheerful tone a bit forced.
"No problem, my boy! Just remember to have a little fun while you're there, okay?" Mr. Brookes said as he rose from the chair and made his way to the door.
"I will." he said, as he watched the older man walk out his office and close the door behind him.
Getting the urge to hurl breakables again, he slammed his fist down on the disk, making a few things rattle.
*Damn! This is really throwing off my plans! I wanted to handle things with Serena this weekend but it looks like that is going to have to wait.........* He thought, terribly upset that he wouldn't be able to do what he had longed for so long..........to see Serena again.
Picking up the phone, he dialed a familiar number and hoped that the person would help him out......like always.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Across town in a cafe in Soho, two people sat in a booth sipping cappuccino. Looking out
the window at the hustle and bustle that went on in the real world. Looking towards the
man sitting across from her, Mina tried to hide the smile that wanted to spread across her
lips. Even though it had been a couple of months since she had met him, she couldn't help
but feel a real connection with him. When they spent time together, she felt so new...so
alive. Mina had told herself that she would keep him on a friendship level, especially
when she found out that she was Darien's best friend, but that was becoming increasingly
harder. After they had discussed Serena and Darien's situation, they both decided that it
wouldn't interfere with the budding friendship between them.
She started to notice little things like the way he always had a smile on his face
constantly, the way his eyes changed color depending on what mood he was in.
Dangerous territory for a woman such as herself.
A woman that had been hurt by love.
"Andrew.....may I ask you something?" she said, looking into his warm hazel eyes.
"Sure....what is it?" he replied, taking a sip of coffee.
"Well, I was wondering...what exactly are we?" she asked hesitantly, glancing at him to
see his reaction.
Andrew looked at her for a moment in astonishment...trying to not to spurt coffee
everywhere.
Setting his mug carefully down on the table he said, "Well.....I...thought that we were
friends or at least heading in that direction. What exactly brought this on?" he replied,
giving her a curious look.
Mina started to fidget and tried to stop the blush that wanted to spread across her cheeks.
"I guess that I should tell you......" she trailed off, not knowing if this was the right time
for this.
Reaching out across the table, he clasped her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze of
reassurance.
"C'mon Karate Kid......you can tell me", he said playfully, hoping to get a smile from her.
He was rewarded for his efforts, when she displayed a smile that would have made any
dentist proud.
"I told you to stop calling me that......Blondie" she giggled, satisfied with the mock glare
Andrew was giving her in retaliation for the nickname she gave him.
"Whatever...now go on" he prodded gently, hopping that she would finally open up to
him.
"The reason that I asked that question is......" she started before she was interrupted by the
ringing on Andrew's cell phone.
Silently cursing the person that is calling him, he gave her an apologetic smile and.
excused himself. Rising from the booth and proceeded to a quiet corner, praying that the
call wouldn't take long.
"Hello...Andrew here"
"Drew......listen I really need to talk to someone or I'm going to go insane. Can you be at
my apartment in about an hour?" a familiar voice asked, alerting Andrew that this was
something urgent.
Glancing back at Mina, he sighed and said, a little impatiently, "Is it really that important
Dare? I'm kinda in the middle of something right now....."
"Look, I'm sorry that I'm messing up your time with Mina, but I just found that I have a real chance of getting back with Serena......." Darien began
earnestly before Andrew cut him off.
"Really? When did this happen?" he replied, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.
"This afternoon..." Darien said simply.
"May I ask how?" Drew asked, his interest piqued.
"I found out that I'm not the father...." he said quietly, hoping that Andrew would draw
the right conclusion.
"What?!?" Andrew quietly exclaimed. not believing what he just heard.
"Yes. Right now, I'm at Terra, but I'm on my way home. Can you meet me there? If you
can't I understand...." Darien trailed off, not wanting to impose on his friend anymore than
he had already.
Realizing the magnitude of the situation, Andrew quickly replied, "Bloody Hell! I'll be
right there, although I'll be a little late. I have to take the Underground, since my car is in
the shop. Alright?"
"Fine. See you later, and Drew?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't tell Mina about this just yet....." Darien said, hoping his friend would understand why he was asking for discretion.
"No problem, best friend of mine. Bye" he said happily and rung off.
Walking back over to the booth, he told Mina that regretfully he had to go and help out
another friend.
"Is everything okay? You seem pretty tense..." she said, giving him a concerned look.
"Everything's fine....just a little situation. One I hope to get to the bottom of by the end of
the day. I feel really bad about leaving so suddenly, but I still want to continue this
conversation. How about dinner tomorrow night? My treat." Andrew said cheerfully,
giving her his the most charming smile .
"Okay.....just give me a call....I hope that everything is Alright with your friend." Mina
said comfortingly, having a pretty good idea of who his 'friend' was.
"I hope so ....I really do" he said wistfully , as he rushed out the cafe, leaving a woman
that was afraid of the mistake she was about to make a few moments ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Located in the middle of London's financial district, in one of the many prestigious
brokerage firms, Raye Howard was taking advantage of working late on a weeknight.....if
you could call it working.
*I can't believe that I'm doing this...again* Raye thought , as she watched the attractive
man across the room come closer and closer.
When he finally reached the desk she was sitting on, he reached out to brush the jet bangs
away from her face before bending down to catch her lips with his.
When their mouths met, Raye lost all conscious thought as she felt the familiar surge of
passion sweep through her. She never experienced anything like this before. Sure she
had had boyfriends and even some insignificant dates, but she never in her life met
someone that made her feel as Chad did. The spark that was always there between them
could consume them both so quickly, that to Raye, it became an addiction. One that she
had yet to break.
During their initial meeting at the club, she had felt something then and acting totally out
of character, had the first one night stand of her life, but it didn't work out that way. She
had thought when they parted the morning after, she would never see or hear from him
again. She was quite surprised when a couple of days later, he had left a message on her
machine asking if she would like to go out sometime.
She told herself that she would just ignore the message, but found herself picking up the
phone to call him back. They had gone out for a coffee and listened to a jazz quartet
playing softly in the background. Afterwards, he offered her a nightcap at his place and
like the fool she was accepted. Once at his place, he put on some records and told her to
make herself comfortable, while he prepared their drinks. Waking up in his bed for the
second time, she should have backed off then, but instead stayed for breakfast. That was
when he suggested that they have an arrangement that was 'beneficial' for them
both........great sex, with no strings attached. If and when they met someone else they felt
they wanted a serious relationship with, then they would end the arrangement.
Raye was appalled that he could even suggest something like that to her, but then figured
that he wasn't wrong in assuming she would agree to something of that nature, especially
after her behavior of the past couple of days. However, the more she thought about it, the
more she figured what little harm would come of it. Having a relationship based purely
on sex was nothing new.....it would just be free of the dangerous emotions that went
along with it. So, it was with this mindset that she agreed...putting herself on a
self-destructive path that led to the pain she was feeling now. Heartache. She couldn't
exactly pinpoint when she had fallen in love with him, but fallen she had.
Fast and hard.
Raye also hated the way it was distancing her from her friends. The last time she had seen
Amy, Lita and Serena was at the memorial service. Mina had called her, but she barely
returned her phone calls. All in all, she felt as if she had been split in half. One ruled by
reason, the other by passion.
She had tried unsuccessfully to end things between them, knowing that she was slipping
deeper and deeper everytime, but when he touched her, all reason flew out the window, to
be replaced by sensuality in it's purest form.
Which was why she was sitting on her desk, making out with a man who made her
scream more times than she cared to count, but who she barely knew anything about.
Letting her senses take over , she allowed him to gently lower her on the surface of the
desk and start unbuttoning her blouse. Slowly he removed the silk from her shoulders and
let his hands roam across her heated skin. Raye nearly moaned out loud at the pleasure
his touch was giving her, but held back.
*Why does he have to be so gentle?* she thought distantly, as she felt him trail kisses down her
neck and across her collarbone, while his hand began to make it's journey to her breast, which was aching for his embrace.
She wanted to cry at the tenderness he was showering on her knowing, that there were no
true feelings behind his actions. Just those of a person who knew every intimate detail of
her body...not her soul.
"Chad....please......"she breathed unsteadily, being distracted by the sensual movements of his tongue on her ear.
He just ignored her, skimming his fingertips up and down her arms in a relaxing motion.
"Relax baby.....just let go..." he murmured, his hot breath tickling the hair on her delicate
neck.
She wanted to do just that....let go, but knew that she had to put a stop to it. Today.
Giving him a firm push on his chest, she rose up from the table, buttoning her shirt along
the way.
"What's wrong?" he asked in a bewildered tone, his face flushed and eyes glowing hot
with desire.
"This!" Raye yelled, throwing up her hands and jumping off the desk. Walking around,
she sat in her black leather swivel chair, and just looked out the window, trying to subdue
the passion that demanded release.
Seconds later, she felt him standing next to her, and kneeling down. Taking both arm
rests, he turned her to face him.
"Raye...can you tell me what's really going on? Is it something I've done?" he asked earnestly,
wondering why she had changed moods so suddenly.
"It's not that Chad.....it's just that.....I don' t think that I can continue to do this...." she said
slowly, trying not to drown in his spectacular blue eyes
"Why? Have you met someone that you're seriously interested in?" he calmly asked, wondering
why he felt jealousy at this suggestion. There was no reason for him to be....was there?
Seeing that he had given her the perfect excuse, Raye mused, *Maybe it would be better
this way......*
Closing her eyes, she uttered the first lie she ever told to anyone.
"Yes"
She looked at Chad to see his reaction and was disappointed when she saw was a blank
look on his face. Was he happy for her? Was he upset? Did he even care?
"Oh.....when did this happen?" he asked, looking at her with indifference.
"A few weeks back..." she said firmly, feverently hoping that he would believe her.
Putting some distance between them, Chad walked over to the corner window and looked
as the street below began to pulse with nightlife. After a few tense moments, he turned
around and pinned her with a gaze that made her breath hitch in her throat.
"Why are you just telling me this now?" he asked, as if he was trying to keep his
emotions under control.
"I-I wanted to see if things would develop, that's all..." she stammered, trying to control her pulse from racing any further.
"Really?" he asked, not convinced that she was serious.
"YES...why are you so concerned? We agreed that we would break things off if we found
someone we wanted to have a REAL relationship with, not just 'great' sex, as you put
it...." she explosively shot back, barely disguising the bitter turmoil churning inside her.
"Raye..." he said gently, reaching out to hold her.
Moving away from the sanctuary he was offerinng, she put the final nail in the coffin that contained their relationship.
"Chad, there is nothing left to discuss. Now, please......" she trailed off, hoping that he
would make this easy for her.
She could feel his hot gaze on her for what seemed like an eternity, as she tried to busy
herself with papers on her desk. Finally, she heard the sounds of him gathering up his
things and heading towards the door.
"I hope he make you happy...." he said to her back, as he opened the door and closed it behind him with a small click.
Looking at the closed door, Raye wondered if she just pushed the love of her life
away.....forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After opening the door to her apartment, Serena kicked off her shoes and dropped her
briefcase by the door. Today had been pure hell as far as she was concerned. First, the
storyboards that she had prepared for today's meeting suddenly disappeared between her
office and the conference room. Second, the projector didn't work, which meant that they
had to reschedule the meeting anyway. Third, Luna dropped another client on her roster,
and she didn't get to eat lunch. All in all......a very dismal day.
Noticing the blinking light on her machine, she walked over and was not surprised to see
that there were many messages waiting for her.
Probably just mom calling to see if I'm alright....as usual* she thought ruefully, pressing
the play button. Walking towards the kitchen area, she let the machine play, while she
tried to prepare a quick bite to eat.
BEEP
"Hey girlfriend, it's Mina.....give me a call when you get this. Bye."
*I was meaning to call her too.....sometimes I wonder if we are psychic.....*
Serena thought bemusedly, as she pulled some leftovers from the refrigerator, placing
them on the counter.
BEEP
"Hello Dear, it's Mom. Listen, I just wanted to let you know that your brother is coming
to town this weekend, and I wanted to know if you would be available to come to a
family dinner. Call me when you can...love you.
*It would be great seeing Sam again.....*
"Hello Sere.....it's Raye. Just wondering what you were up to since I haven't talked to you
in a while...I doubt you forgot the phone number, so I better hear from you soon, got it?"
*Good ole Raye....* Serena inwardly chuckled, placing food on a plate.
BEEP
"Serena...it's Luna. I tried calling your cell, but it seemed that you had turned it off...again.
Anyway, I just got off the phone with our client in Marseilles. It seems that they are
having problems implementing the promotion that you put together, which means that
you will have to go down there and fix things. So, clear your calendar for next few days,
alright. Talk to you tomorrow.
*I guess the 'family dinner' is out. I hope Mom understands...maybe a trip to France was
just what the doctor ordered* she mused, thinking of the perpetual clouds that covered
London.
BEEP
"Hey.......it's Seiya. Looks like we playing phone tag again. Just give a ring when you
can."
*He's right you know......you haven't been making time for him....your best friend* she
thought guiltily, pressing the buttons on the microwave to heat her dinner.
To be perfectly honest, it wasn't entirely by accident. Lately it seemed that Seiya was
trying to develop the friendship they had into something much closer, which made her a
tad uncomfortable. She had been meaning to talk to him about it, but didn't quite know
how to approach him. The last thing she wanted to do was alienate her friend......any of
them. Besides, the man who was in her heart stubbornly refused to leave.....even after all
that happened.
Hearing the muted chime of the microwave, she went and threw the food out, her appetite
pulling a swift disappearing act. Climbing into bed, she just looked up at the ceiling
and allowed the tears to flow, praying that this would be the last time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sitting in his cushy black leather recliner, Darien just replayed the events of the day, still trying to absorb the enormity of what happened. He was no longer a father to be and he could be wiht Serena again. After careful deliberation, he had decided to talk to Charlotte about what was to be done with the child. He just hoped that she would accept the arrangement he was prepared to offer her.
Hearing someone pound on his door, he allowed a grin to appear on his face as he got up to answer it, already knowing who it was.
As soon as the door was opened, Andrew came barrelling in, shooting questions left and right.
"How it happen? What she say? What you say? What are you going to do? Does this mean I get my deposit back for my tux?" he spewed out until the need for air finally stopped him in his mini tirade.
Looking at his friend with a gleam of amusement in his eye, Darien said. "I overheard, I'll tell you in a minute, you don't really wan't to know, get Serena back, and yes."
"Huh?" was all Andrew could say, as he turned back around to see his friend smiling at the confusion clearly displayed on his face.
"I just answered all the questions you asked me." Darien said, looking at Andrew, trying his hardest not to laugh.
"So tell me more about how you found out about this whole sordid mess..." Andrew said, as he made his way to Darien's fridge. Without further prodding, Darien began his tale.
"I was going to her office in order to take her to the doctor appointment she begged me to go to. Since I finished my work a little early I decided to collect her..the sooner it was done, the sooner it was over. As I approached, I heard someone else with her...someone that sounded familiar. After a couple of moments I figured that she was talking to Seiya Roberts...."
"The same Seiya that is Serena's best friend? The one you can't stand with a heartfelt passion?" Andrew interrupted, taken aback by this new development.
"The one and the same..." Darien agreed, a coldness coming over his face.
"What was he doing at Terra?" the blond asked as steadily pulled out sandwich makings.
"We're working on a software account and he was brought in as a consultant."
"The same account that you are heading?"
"Precisely"
"You're life is never boring, is it?" Andrew smiled, secretly happy that his life was more or less drama-free.
Rolling his eyes, Darien began talking again. "As I was saying, when I recognized his voice, I wondered what htey were talking about since there was no reason for them to meet in the first place.....and that's when I heard all the dirty details.......I wish I could hurt both of them like they hurt me....."
"What are you talking about?"
"It was all a set-up Andrew...right from the beginning.....it's really classic when you think about it. The spiked drink routine. She was going to take suggestive pictures afterwards and show them to Serena, but Serena saved her the trouble when she came for a surprise visit...and caught us."
"Oh God..." was all that Andrew could manage, clearly take aback by this revelation.
"Wait it gets better....she admitted that we never had sex...." was all Darien could get out before Andrew put up his hand signalling him to stop.
"HOLD IT! That means she lied about the pregnancy?" Andrew yelled, upset that his frined had been manipulated in such a way.
"Not at all....it just means that she used some other poor bloke to do the job for her, and then she would be able to pass it off as mine." Darien said in a low voice.
After a long low whistle, Andrew said the first thing that popped in his head. "That woman needs some serious medical attention. Anyone who can come up with a diabolical plan like that is a danger to society.
"So, how does Roberts fit into all this?" Andrew inquired, still trying to make a decision on what he wanted on his sandwich.
"I guess they were allies in making sure that Serena and I never got back together..."
"Why would he want to do that?"
"Quite simple really.....he's in love with her and have been for a long time."
"Damn Dare......."
"Apparently he had asked for her help and had tried to get Charlotte to reveal the pregnancy to Serena. Fortunately, something happened, and she was never able to do so. However, she still wanted him to make good on his promise, so she asked him to hack into the hospital database to change the test results from the paternity test I requested."
Stopping in mid-bite, Andrew just stared at his friend, not believing the spectacular story he was being told.
*Goodness......this is more like a mini-series on the telly.....* Andrew thought mischieviously, thinking it politic not to say this out loud.
"That is everything...the whole sordid affair. It really disgusts me that any person would go to such lengths to get what they want...." Darien finished solemnly, not really wanting to say anything more
"I don't know what to say....." Andrew told his downcast friend, hoping that his presence was enough.
"There is nothing to be sorry about...as a matter of face there will be something to celebrate in the near future....but that will have to wait, seeing how I will be going overseas for a few days.
"When?"
"At the end of the week, but when I come back I will do everything possible to get Serena to see we still have a chance....."
"And what is she doesn't listen?" Andrew interjected swiftly, not wanting Darien's hopes to get too high.
"I don't want to think like that, cause if I do, then I have truly lost everything..." he replied evenly, trying to keep his doubts at bay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving at Heathrow Airport two hours before her departure, Serena brought herself a
mocha latte, a copy of the Times, and found herself a comfortable chair near her departure
gate. After she had read her fill of the news, she placed it on the chair bedside her and
reached for laptop carrier. Pulling it out, she booted it up and began to work on her
presentation for her French client until it was time for her to board the plane. After working on that for hour, she decided to give it a rest and let her brain take a small break.
As she tried to get comfortable in the chair that seemed to be designed as a torture device, she began to let her mind float to the conversations that she had with her friends recently. It seemed that she wasn't the only one in emotional turmoil. She felt guilty for neglecting them as she did, but they had no hard feelings, knowing in their hearts that her withdrawl from them was only in reaction to all that she been through, which made forgiveness an easy thing.
Talking to Mina had been been almost calming. She just allowed her friend' s cheerful babble wrap around her like a warm blanket. Listening to the anecdotes of Mina's clients always brought a smile to her face.
Catching up with Raye had been something else altogether. While they were talking, Serena kept getting the distinct feeling of sadness from Raye. She had tried asking her was there something wrong, hoping that Raye would tell her what was the real problem, but was shot down quickly. After a tense few moments, Raye had apologized for snapping at her, and then finished up the conversation quickly saying that she had work to do. Serena just sighed, knowing that when Raye was ready to tell her something, she would.
After the two hour conversation/lecture from her mother, she called Seiya and was surprised when she didn't get an answer at his home or cell phone, so she just sent him a long detailed email, and hope that would do it for the time being.
Before she left she had also phoned Lita and Amy, to see how they were doing, and was happy to hear that everything was going well for them, even if Amy seemed a bit more restrained than normal. So it seemed that her life was slowly but surely returning to normal.
As she strapped into her business class seat, she closed her eyes, trying to relax a little
before takeoff. As the departure time rolled around, Serena was grateful for having an entire row to herself. Stowing away her laptop and briefcase, she leaned back in her chair closed her eyes, letting the hum of the plane's engines lull her to sleep.
A few minutes later, Serena felt someone standing over her. Hoping that it was just the stewardess asking if she would like something, she prepared a polite smile on her face, and opened her eyes. Immediately the smile fell off her face and her eyes widened in horror as she
recognized the person standing before her. The same person that had haunted her every
dream and nightmare for the past half year.
"Serena...." a familiar voice said, one full of disbelief and sorrow.
She gazed at electric blue eyes that still made her insides turn to liquid. Then she noticed
the little frown lines that surrounded his mouth, the starkness of his face, the shadow of
misery that seemed to cling to him. Her heart finally started beating again, as she took a
deep breath and said the words she thought she would never utter again.
"Hello Darien..."
~*~ THE END~*~
I am SOOO HAPPY that this is OVER...even I was starting to get depressed!!! Anyway, I know that some of you are probably wondering why I chose to stop it here. Well, the song I was using as the basis for the fic doesn't really apply anymore. I have a sequel in the works for this story, and believe me that it will have a better ending than this one! So be on the look out for BETTER DAYS (which will pick up where Dark Epiphany left off)....coming to a local mailing list or fanfiction archive near you!
If you have to flame me, please try not to burn me too badly...I'm not flame retardent!!! Domo arigatou!! ~.~
ja ne minna
Dream-chan
Ohmigoodness.....there is sooo much to say!! First I would like to say that I am extremely
sorry for the delay in posting this...dodging tomatoes and other rotten veggies* I've been
terribly busy moving and on top of that, my PC got lost in the move, so I hope that I am
forgiven....*gives fans puppy dog eyes* and my new job is VERY HIGH STRESS LEVEL!!!!
I wouldn't blame you if you didn't even read this story anymore, but I hope that you do! :) *goes down on both knees, giving minna puppy dog eyes* However I did find an old computer in the basement and booted it up, so I hope to get these chapters out kind of regular now.
Now on to other things. Even though this chapter hasn't been edited (since I wanted to get it out for Usa DAy) I still want to say thank you my pre-reader Cyperian-chan (of
course) to everyone that emailed and reviewed this story to tell me how much they
enjoyed it. I really hope that this chapter makes up for the wait. Before I forget...Kel-chan...I sent your troops back to you, cause I want to see more of 'Full House'!! Hey it's only fair, ne? ^_~
One more thing:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIBI USA!!!!
Alright....I think that is everything...I hope so!! -_-'
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 adult situations)
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com
AIM: Dreamchan2001
Editor: Cyperian-chan
A white-faced Charlotte looked at Darien warily and uttered in a small voice, "You can't
be serious...."
Darien's eyes began to glow with deadly purpose as he turned in her direction. "Oh yes I
am....if you don't believe me, let me tell you in words that you will understand....I want
NOTHING to do with you!!!!!! As a matter of fact I will be filing for a restraining order
as soon as I get the chance. I pity the child that you are bringing into this world, just so
you could satisfy your own selfish needs, but of course you are just a cold hearted BITCH
that could care less! I will NEVER forgive you for what you have done...NEVER!" he
roared at her, surprising himself at pure hate he felt for the woman before him.
"Darien.....I-I.....please listen to me....I can explain....." Charlotte whimpered, not wanting
to believe that her world, her dream, was crumbling around her.
Darien savagely cut her off with a heated glare. "SAVE IT! Now please leave my sight,
before I do something that we'll both regret..."
With a tears beginning to streak down her face, Charlotte hurried from the office, her
quick footsteps resounding down the hallway.
Closing his eyes, Darien inwardly sighed. He just couldn't believe that anyone would go
that far......now an innocent life would have to pay for it's mother's greed.
Looking over towards his left, he pulled himself out of the near compassionate mood that
he was falling into only to be filled with pure unadulterated rage.
Advancing on the other man, Darien tried to suppress the immediate urge to make the
other man feel all the pain that he had endured over the past months.
"As for you...how could you call yourself a friend, and be a part of this scheme to destroy
not just me, but Serena as well?" he sneered, his fists clenching and unclenching at his
sides.
"I don't know what you're talking about....." Seiya replied nonchalantly, his control back
in place.
Hearing the dismissal in Seiya's tone, Darien let his temper have full reign.
"Cut the act Roberts.....I heard enough to know that you had a hand in all this mess. How
could you hurt Serena like that?" he asked scathingly, advancing menacingly towards the
other man.
Hitting a nerve, Seiya looked downwards, hiding his gaze from the furious man before
him. "I never wanted to hurt Sere....I just wanted her to see what type of person you really
are..." he said quietly.
"Is that so?" Darien asked snidely, feeling no compassion whatsoever for Seiya's feelings.
"Absolutely!" Seiya replied strongly, whipping his head in defiance, looking Darien in the
face.
Looking at the other man through narrowed eyes, Darien asked, "Tell me Roberts.....how
long have you been in love with Serena?"
A look of astonishment passed across Seiya's features, before he directed his gaze
downwards again. Looking back down at his chocolate leather Gucci leather loafers he
replied, "Ever since I met her....." his gaze looking at something that he could only see.
"So you were going to use this little opportunity to your advantage and slip into my place,
hmm? Well I have some news for you....that position is about to be filled." Darien stated
firmly.
"What?!?!? Do you really think that she is going to take you back so quickly?" Seiya
retorted, disgusted by the arrogance of the other man.
"Yes." Darien stated with the utmost conviction.
"And just how are you so confident about this?" Seiya asked, eyebrow raised.
"Because you are going to help me." he replied calmly, waiting for the explosion that was
sure to follow this announcement.
He didn't have to wait long.
"Why in HELL would I help you?!?! " Seiya yelled, looking at Darien as if he went
completely crazy.
"How quickly one forgets.............." Darien replied, pinning Seiya with a penetrating gaze.
"Would you like for me to tell Serena about the little role that you played in keeping us
both miserable?"
"Please Reece....what makes you think that I would commit emotional suicide for you?
Do you really think that she would believe you over me? Your confidence overwhelms
me.........." Seiya bitterly replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
That was when he felt the force of Darien's fist plowing into his face. Stumbling back, he
flung out a hand to gain some stability only to be met with air. Hitting the wall behind
him, Seiya let out a surprised "oooff" and slid the rest of the way down until he was
sitting on the floor.
Reaching out, Darien gruffly pulled the other man up by his collar and met the slightly
dazed eyes of his antagonist.
"I would do more, but I refuse to go to jail for a sniveling ass like you. You WILL tell
Serena everything......is that clear? Now....GET OUT!!!" he yelled harshly, flinging Seiya
away from him.
Gathering his wits about him, Seiya made a hasty retreat out of the room, leaving Darien
to finally comprehend what happened.
*I can't believe that wretched woman!* was all Darien could think as he made his way to
his own office. Completely oblivious to everything around him, he didn't see the furtive
glances that were thrown in his direction.
Striding past his secretary, he slammed the door shut, making the poor woman nearly jump in fear. Breathing deeply, Darien walked over to the windoiw and looked out, instantly regretting it. Down below, he saw a man about his age receiving a kiss from a young woman, probably his wife as she held a baby on her hip. When they broke apart, mother and child waved goodbye to their loved one as he made his way into the building.
The pain was immediate, the sharp edge of pain nearly doing him in. Looking at that sight before him made him realize just how envious he was of the other man. He was living the dream that Darien wanted....a loving wife and precious child. A family. He in turn had lost both. A woman that he loved more than anything, and a chance to be a father, not once but twice. One by tragedy and one by sheer selfishness. Giving in, he let a few tears fall down his face, the four walls of his office being the only witness to his vulnerability.
Walking to the large mahoghany desk, he sat down and tried his hardest to keep the rage from boiling over, knowing that it woudn't do any good to lose control now.
Hearing the beeping of his desktop intercom, he leaned over, pressed the button, and barked out
"Yes...what is it?"
"Mr. Brookes to see you sir" she nervously responded, quite put out by her boss's rude attitude.
Ruthlessly wiping the trears from his face, he gather ed himself together and said, albeit a little shakily, "Please...send him in immediately."
"Yes sir"
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door, and in stepped through Christopher Brookes, founder and CEO of Terra Engineering.
"Yes, Mr. Brookes...please have a seat." Darien offered politely, indicating the chain in front of his desk.
Soon as the other man made himself comfortable, he wasted no time getting to the nature of his unscheduled visit.
"Darien, I just want to say that you are doing an excellent job with the PCI account. I
heard about the long hours you've been putting in and just wanted to tell you how much I
appreciate it. "
"Well, thank you sir......" Darien modestly replied, not really knowing how to handle the compliments of the older gentleman.
"It's because of this, that I want you to Paris for the annual European Engineers
conference. It will last about five days. What do you think?" Brookes asked, a bright smile on his face.
"I don't know...." he said hesitantly, knowing that this would delay what he wanted to do this weekend.
"Darien, your secretary already showed me your appointment book and it's clear. Plus I
know that you are almost a month ahead of schedule for the PCI account, so please, take a
little time off. I would hate to see one of my rising executives burn out before their
thirty." the older man chuckled, his eyes full of mirth.
Sensing that it was no way out of it, Darien just accepted that he would be taking a 'working' vacation.
"Fine. When do I leave?" Darien said, knowing that there was no way for him to get out of this.
"At the end of this week. Sound good?"
"Great...thank you Mr. Brookes" Darien said, his cheerful tone a bit forced.
"No problem, my boy! Just remember to have a little fun while you're there, okay?" Mr. Brookes said as he rose from the chair and made his way to the door.
"I will." he said, as he watched the older man walk out his office and close the door behind him.
Getting the urge to hurl breakables again, he slammed his fist down on the disk, making a few things rattle.
*Damn! This is really throwing off my plans! I wanted to handle things with Serena this weekend but it looks like that is going to have to wait.........* He thought, terribly upset that he wouldn't be able to do what he had longed for so long..........to see Serena again.
Picking up the phone, he dialed a familiar number and hoped that the person would help him out......like always.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Across town in a cafe in Soho, two people sat in a booth sipping cappuccino. Looking out
the window at the hustle and bustle that went on in the real world. Looking towards the
man sitting across from her, Mina tried to hide the smile that wanted to spread across her
lips. Even though it had been a couple of months since she had met him, she couldn't help
but feel a real connection with him. When they spent time together, she felt so new...so
alive. Mina had told herself that she would keep him on a friendship level, especially
when she found out that she was Darien's best friend, but that was becoming increasingly
harder. After they had discussed Serena and Darien's situation, they both decided that it
wouldn't interfere with the budding friendship between them.
She started to notice little things like the way he always had a smile on his face
constantly, the way his eyes changed color depending on what mood he was in.
Dangerous territory for a woman such as herself.
A woman that had been hurt by love.
"Andrew.....may I ask you something?" she said, looking into his warm hazel eyes.
"Sure....what is it?" he replied, taking a sip of coffee.
"Well, I was wondering...what exactly are we?" she asked hesitantly, glancing at him to
see his reaction.
Andrew looked at her for a moment in astonishment...trying to not to spurt coffee
everywhere.
Setting his mug carefully down on the table he said, "Well.....I...thought that we were
friends or at least heading in that direction. What exactly brought this on?" he replied,
giving her a curious look.
Mina started to fidget and tried to stop the blush that wanted to spread across her cheeks.
"I guess that I should tell you......" she trailed off, not knowing if this was the right time
for this.
Reaching out across the table, he clasped her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze of
reassurance.
"C'mon Karate Kid......you can tell me", he said playfully, hoping to get a smile from her.
He was rewarded for his efforts, when she displayed a smile that would have made any
dentist proud.
"I told you to stop calling me that......Blondie" she giggled, satisfied with the mock glare
Andrew was giving her in retaliation for the nickname she gave him.
"Whatever...now go on" he prodded gently, hopping that she would finally open up to
him.
"The reason that I asked that question is......" she started before she was interrupted by the
ringing on Andrew's cell phone.
Silently cursing the person that is calling him, he gave her an apologetic smile and.
excused himself. Rising from the booth and proceeded to a quiet corner, praying that the
call wouldn't take long.
"Hello...Andrew here"
"Drew......listen I really need to talk to someone or I'm going to go insane. Can you be at
my apartment in about an hour?" a familiar voice asked, alerting Andrew that this was
something urgent.
Glancing back at Mina, he sighed and said, a little impatiently, "Is it really that important
Dare? I'm kinda in the middle of something right now....."
"Look, I'm sorry that I'm messing up your time with Mina, but I just found that I have a real chance of getting back with Serena......." Darien began
earnestly before Andrew cut him off.
"Really? When did this happen?" he replied, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.
"This afternoon..." Darien said simply.
"May I ask how?" Drew asked, his interest piqued.
"I found out that I'm not the father...." he said quietly, hoping that Andrew would draw
the right conclusion.
"What?!?" Andrew quietly exclaimed. not believing what he just heard.
"Yes. Right now, I'm at Terra, but I'm on my way home. Can you meet me there? If you
can't I understand...." Darien trailed off, not wanting to impose on his friend anymore than
he had already.
Realizing the magnitude of the situation, Andrew quickly replied, "Bloody Hell! I'll be
right there, although I'll be a little late. I have to take the Underground, since my car is in
the shop. Alright?"
"Fine. See you later, and Drew?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't tell Mina about this just yet....." Darien said, hoping his friend would understand why he was asking for discretion.
"No problem, best friend of mine. Bye" he said happily and rung off.
Walking back over to the booth, he told Mina that regretfully he had to go and help out
another friend.
"Is everything okay? You seem pretty tense..." she said, giving him a concerned look.
"Everything's fine....just a little situation. One I hope to get to the bottom of by the end of
the day. I feel really bad about leaving so suddenly, but I still want to continue this
conversation. How about dinner tomorrow night? My treat." Andrew said cheerfully,
giving her his the most charming smile .
"Okay.....just give me a call....I hope that everything is Alright with your friend." Mina
said comfortingly, having a pretty good idea of who his 'friend' was.
"I hope so ....I really do" he said wistfully , as he rushed out the cafe, leaving a woman
that was afraid of the mistake she was about to make a few moments ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Located in the middle of London's financial district, in one of the many prestigious
brokerage firms, Raye Howard was taking advantage of working late on a weeknight.....if
you could call it working.
*I can't believe that I'm doing this...again* Raye thought , as she watched the attractive
man across the room come closer and closer.
When he finally reached the desk she was sitting on, he reached out to brush the jet bangs
away from her face before bending down to catch her lips with his.
When their mouths met, Raye lost all conscious thought as she felt the familiar surge of
passion sweep through her. She never experienced anything like this before. Sure she
had had boyfriends and even some insignificant dates, but she never in her life met
someone that made her feel as Chad did. The spark that was always there between them
could consume them both so quickly, that to Raye, it became an addiction. One that she
had yet to break.
During their initial meeting at the club, she had felt something then and acting totally out
of character, had the first one night stand of her life, but it didn't work out that way. She
had thought when they parted the morning after, she would never see or hear from him
again. She was quite surprised when a couple of days later, he had left a message on her
machine asking if she would like to go out sometime.
She told herself that she would just ignore the message, but found herself picking up the
phone to call him back. They had gone out for a coffee and listened to a jazz quartet
playing softly in the background. Afterwards, he offered her a nightcap at his place and
like the fool she was accepted. Once at his place, he put on some records and told her to
make herself comfortable, while he prepared their drinks. Waking up in his bed for the
second time, she should have backed off then, but instead stayed for breakfast. That was
when he suggested that they have an arrangement that was 'beneficial' for them
both........great sex, with no strings attached. If and when they met someone else they felt
they wanted a serious relationship with, then they would end the arrangement.
Raye was appalled that he could even suggest something like that to her, but then figured
that he wasn't wrong in assuming she would agree to something of that nature, especially
after her behavior of the past couple of days. However, the more she thought about it, the
more she figured what little harm would come of it. Having a relationship based purely
on sex was nothing new.....it would just be free of the dangerous emotions that went
along with it. So, it was with this mindset that she agreed...putting herself on a
self-destructive path that led to the pain she was feeling now. Heartache. She couldn't
exactly pinpoint when she had fallen in love with him, but fallen she had.
Fast and hard.
Raye also hated the way it was distancing her from her friends. The last time she had seen
Amy, Lita and Serena was at the memorial service. Mina had called her, but she barely
returned her phone calls. All in all, she felt as if she had been split in half. One ruled by
reason, the other by passion.
She had tried unsuccessfully to end things between them, knowing that she was slipping
deeper and deeper everytime, but when he touched her, all reason flew out the window, to
be replaced by sensuality in it's purest form.
Which was why she was sitting on her desk, making out with a man who made her
scream more times than she cared to count, but who she barely knew anything about.
Letting her senses take over , she allowed him to gently lower her on the surface of the
desk and start unbuttoning her blouse. Slowly he removed the silk from her shoulders and
let his hands roam across her heated skin. Raye nearly moaned out loud at the pleasure
his touch was giving her, but held back.
*Why does he have to be so gentle?* she thought distantly, as she felt him trail kisses down her
neck and across her collarbone, while his hand began to make it's journey to her breast, which was aching for his embrace.
She wanted to cry at the tenderness he was showering on her knowing, that there were no
true feelings behind his actions. Just those of a person who knew every intimate detail of
her body...not her soul.
"Chad....please......"she breathed unsteadily, being distracted by the sensual movements of his tongue on her ear.
He just ignored her, skimming his fingertips up and down her arms in a relaxing motion.
"Relax baby.....just let go..." he murmured, his hot breath tickling the hair on her delicate
neck.
She wanted to do just that....let go, but knew that she had to put a stop to it. Today.
Giving him a firm push on his chest, she rose up from the table, buttoning her shirt along
the way.
"What's wrong?" he asked in a bewildered tone, his face flushed and eyes glowing hot
with desire.
"This!" Raye yelled, throwing up her hands and jumping off the desk. Walking around,
she sat in her black leather swivel chair, and just looked out the window, trying to subdue
the passion that demanded release.
Seconds later, she felt him standing next to her, and kneeling down. Taking both arm
rests, he turned her to face him.
"Raye...can you tell me what's really going on? Is it something I've done?" he asked earnestly,
wondering why she had changed moods so suddenly.
"It's not that Chad.....it's just that.....I don' t think that I can continue to do this...." she said
slowly, trying not to drown in his spectacular blue eyes
"Why? Have you met someone that you're seriously interested in?" he calmly asked, wondering
why he felt jealousy at this suggestion. There was no reason for him to be....was there?
Seeing that he had given her the perfect excuse, Raye mused, *Maybe it would be better
this way......*
Closing her eyes, she uttered the first lie she ever told to anyone.
"Yes"
She looked at Chad to see his reaction and was disappointed when she saw was a blank
look on his face. Was he happy for her? Was he upset? Did he even care?
"Oh.....when did this happen?" he asked, looking at her with indifference.
"A few weeks back..." she said firmly, feverently hoping that he would believe her.
Putting some distance between them, Chad walked over to the corner window and looked
as the street below began to pulse with nightlife. After a few tense moments, he turned
around and pinned her with a gaze that made her breath hitch in her throat.
"Why are you just telling me this now?" he asked, as if he was trying to keep his
emotions under control.
"I-I wanted to see if things would develop, that's all..." she stammered, trying to control her pulse from racing any further.
"Really?" he asked, not convinced that she was serious.
"YES...why are you so concerned? We agreed that we would break things off if we found
someone we wanted to have a REAL relationship with, not just 'great' sex, as you put
it...." she explosively shot back, barely disguising the bitter turmoil churning inside her.
"Raye..." he said gently, reaching out to hold her.
Moving away from the sanctuary he was offerinng, she put the final nail in the coffin that contained their relationship.
"Chad, there is nothing left to discuss. Now, please......" she trailed off, hoping that he
would make this easy for her.
She could feel his hot gaze on her for what seemed like an eternity, as she tried to busy
herself with papers on her desk. Finally, she heard the sounds of him gathering up his
things and heading towards the door.
"I hope he make you happy...." he said to her back, as he opened the door and closed it behind him with a small click.
Looking at the closed door, Raye wondered if she just pushed the love of her life
away.....forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After opening the door to her apartment, Serena kicked off her shoes and dropped her
briefcase by the door. Today had been pure hell as far as she was concerned. First, the
storyboards that she had prepared for today's meeting suddenly disappeared between her
office and the conference room. Second, the projector didn't work, which meant that they
had to reschedule the meeting anyway. Third, Luna dropped another client on her roster,
and she didn't get to eat lunch. All in all......a very dismal day.
Noticing the blinking light on her machine, she walked over and was not surprised to see
that there were many messages waiting for her.
Probably just mom calling to see if I'm alright....as usual* she thought ruefully, pressing
the play button. Walking towards the kitchen area, she let the machine play, while she
tried to prepare a quick bite to eat.
BEEP
"Hey girlfriend, it's Mina.....give me a call when you get this. Bye."
*I was meaning to call her too.....sometimes I wonder if we are psychic.....*
Serena thought bemusedly, as she pulled some leftovers from the refrigerator, placing
them on the counter.
BEEP
"Hello Dear, it's Mom. Listen, I just wanted to let you know that your brother is coming
to town this weekend, and I wanted to know if you would be available to come to a
family dinner. Call me when you can...love you.
*It would be great seeing Sam again.....*
"Hello Sere.....it's Raye. Just wondering what you were up to since I haven't talked to you
in a while...I doubt you forgot the phone number, so I better hear from you soon, got it?"
*Good ole Raye....* Serena inwardly chuckled, placing food on a plate.
BEEP
"Serena...it's Luna. I tried calling your cell, but it seemed that you had turned it off...again.
Anyway, I just got off the phone with our client in Marseilles. It seems that they are
having problems implementing the promotion that you put together, which means that
you will have to go down there and fix things. So, clear your calendar for next few days,
alright. Talk to you tomorrow.
*I guess the 'family dinner' is out. I hope Mom understands...maybe a trip to France was
just what the doctor ordered* she mused, thinking of the perpetual clouds that covered
London.
BEEP
"Hey.......it's Seiya. Looks like we playing phone tag again. Just give a ring when you
can."
*He's right you know......you haven't been making time for him....your best friend* she
thought guiltily, pressing the buttons on the microwave to heat her dinner.
To be perfectly honest, it wasn't entirely by accident. Lately it seemed that Seiya was
trying to develop the friendship they had into something much closer, which made her a
tad uncomfortable. She had been meaning to talk to him about it, but didn't quite know
how to approach him. The last thing she wanted to do was alienate her friend......any of
them. Besides, the man who was in her heart stubbornly refused to leave.....even after all
that happened.
Hearing the muted chime of the microwave, she went and threw the food out, her appetite
pulling a swift disappearing act. Climbing into bed, she just looked up at the ceiling
and allowed the tears to flow, praying that this would be the last time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sitting in his cushy black leather recliner, Darien just replayed the events of the day, still trying to absorb the enormity of what happened. He was no longer a father to be and he could be wiht Serena again. After careful deliberation, he had decided to talk to Charlotte about what was to be done with the child. He just hoped that she would accept the arrangement he was prepared to offer her.
Hearing someone pound on his door, he allowed a grin to appear on his face as he got up to answer it, already knowing who it was.
As soon as the door was opened, Andrew came barrelling in, shooting questions left and right.
"How it happen? What she say? What you say? What are you going to do? Does this mean I get my deposit back for my tux?" he spewed out until the need for air finally stopped him in his mini tirade.
Looking at his friend with a gleam of amusement in his eye, Darien said. "I overheard, I'll tell you in a minute, you don't really wan't to know, get Serena back, and yes."
"Huh?" was all Andrew could say, as he turned back around to see his friend smiling at the confusion clearly displayed on his face.
"I just answered all the questions you asked me." Darien said, looking at Andrew, trying his hardest not to laugh.
"So tell me more about how you found out about this whole sordid mess..." Andrew said, as he made his way to Darien's fridge. Without further prodding, Darien began his tale.
"I was going to her office in order to take her to the doctor appointment she begged me to go to. Since I finished my work a little early I decided to collect her..the sooner it was done, the sooner it was over. As I approached, I heard someone else with her...someone that sounded familiar. After a couple of moments I figured that she was talking to Seiya Roberts...."
"The same Seiya that is Serena's best friend? The one you can't stand with a heartfelt passion?" Andrew interrupted, taken aback by this new development.
"The one and the same..." Darien agreed, a coldness coming over his face.
"What was he doing at Terra?" the blond asked as steadily pulled out sandwich makings.
"We're working on a software account and he was brought in as a consultant."
"The same account that you are heading?"
"Precisely"
"You're life is never boring, is it?" Andrew smiled, secretly happy that his life was more or less drama-free.
Rolling his eyes, Darien began talking again. "As I was saying, when I recognized his voice, I wondered what htey were talking about since there was no reason for them to meet in the first place.....and that's when I heard all the dirty details.......I wish I could hurt both of them like they hurt me....."
"What are you talking about?"
"It was all a set-up Andrew...right from the beginning.....it's really classic when you think about it. The spiked drink routine. She was going to take suggestive pictures afterwards and show them to Serena, but Serena saved her the trouble when she came for a surprise visit...and caught us."
"Oh God..." was all that Andrew could manage, clearly take aback by this revelation.
"Wait it gets better....she admitted that we never had sex...." was all Darien could get out before Andrew put up his hand signalling him to stop.
"HOLD IT! That means she lied about the pregnancy?" Andrew yelled, upset that his frined had been manipulated in such a way.
"Not at all....it just means that she used some other poor bloke to do the job for her, and then she would be able to pass it off as mine." Darien said in a low voice.
After a long low whistle, Andrew said the first thing that popped in his head. "That woman needs some serious medical attention. Anyone who can come up with a diabolical plan like that is a danger to society.
"So, how does Roberts fit into all this?" Andrew inquired, still trying to make a decision on what he wanted on his sandwich.
"I guess they were allies in making sure that Serena and I never got back together..."
"Why would he want to do that?"
"Quite simple really.....he's in love with her and have been for a long time."
"Damn Dare......."
"Apparently he had asked for her help and had tried to get Charlotte to reveal the pregnancy to Serena. Fortunately, something happened, and she was never able to do so. However, she still wanted him to make good on his promise, so she asked him to hack into the hospital database to change the test results from the paternity test I requested."
Stopping in mid-bite, Andrew just stared at his friend, not believing the spectacular story he was being told.
*Goodness......this is more like a mini-series on the telly.....* Andrew thought mischieviously, thinking it politic not to say this out loud.
"That is everything...the whole sordid affair. It really disgusts me that any person would go to such lengths to get what they want...." Darien finished solemnly, not really wanting to say anything more
"I don't know what to say....." Andrew told his downcast friend, hoping that his presence was enough.
"There is nothing to be sorry about...as a matter of face there will be something to celebrate in the near future....but that will have to wait, seeing how I will be going overseas for a few days.
"When?"
"At the end of the week, but when I come back I will do everything possible to get Serena to see we still have a chance....."
"And what is she doesn't listen?" Andrew interjected swiftly, not wanting Darien's hopes to get too high.
"I don't want to think like that, cause if I do, then I have truly lost everything..." he replied evenly, trying to keep his doubts at bay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving at Heathrow Airport two hours before her departure, Serena brought herself a
mocha latte, a copy of the Times, and found herself a comfortable chair near her departure
gate. After she had read her fill of the news, she placed it on the chair bedside her and
reached for laptop carrier. Pulling it out, she booted it up and began to work on her
presentation for her French client until it was time for her to board the plane. After working on that for hour, she decided to give it a rest and let her brain take a small break.
As she tried to get comfortable in the chair that seemed to be designed as a torture device, she began to let her mind float to the conversations that she had with her friends recently. It seemed that she wasn't the only one in emotional turmoil. She felt guilty for neglecting them as she did, but they had no hard feelings, knowing in their hearts that her withdrawl from them was only in reaction to all that she been through, which made forgiveness an easy thing.
Talking to Mina had been been almost calming. She just allowed her friend' s cheerful babble wrap around her like a warm blanket. Listening to the anecdotes of Mina's clients always brought a smile to her face.
Catching up with Raye had been something else altogether. While they were talking, Serena kept getting the distinct feeling of sadness from Raye. She had tried asking her was there something wrong, hoping that Raye would tell her what was the real problem, but was shot down quickly. After a tense few moments, Raye had apologized for snapping at her, and then finished up the conversation quickly saying that she had work to do. Serena just sighed, knowing that when Raye was ready to tell her something, she would.
After the two hour conversation/lecture from her mother, she called Seiya and was surprised when she didn't get an answer at his home or cell phone, so she just sent him a long detailed email, and hope that would do it for the time being.
Before she left she had also phoned Lita and Amy, to see how they were doing, and was happy to hear that everything was going well for them, even if Amy seemed a bit more restrained than normal. So it seemed that her life was slowly but surely returning to normal.
As she strapped into her business class seat, she closed her eyes, trying to relax a little
before takeoff. As the departure time rolled around, Serena was grateful for having an entire row to herself. Stowing away her laptop and briefcase, she leaned back in her chair closed her eyes, letting the hum of the plane's engines lull her to sleep.
A few minutes later, Serena felt someone standing over her. Hoping that it was just the stewardess asking if she would like something, she prepared a polite smile on her face, and opened her eyes. Immediately the smile fell off her face and her eyes widened in horror as she
recognized the person standing before her. The same person that had haunted her every
dream and nightmare for the past half year.
"Serena...." a familiar voice said, one full of disbelief and sorrow.
She gazed at electric blue eyes that still made her insides turn to liquid. Then she noticed
the little frown lines that surrounded his mouth, the starkness of his face, the shadow of
misery that seemed to cling to him. Her heart finally started beating again, as she took a
deep breath and said the words she thought she would never utter again.
"Hello Darien..."
~*~ THE END~*~
I am SOOO HAPPY that this is OVER...even I was starting to get depressed!!! Anyway, I know that some of you are probably wondering why I chose to stop it here. Well, the song I was using as the basis for the fic doesn't really apply anymore. I have a sequel in the works for this story, and believe me that it will have a better ending than this one! So be on the look out for BETTER DAYS (which will pick up where Dark Epiphany left off)....coming to a local mailing list or fanfiction archive near you!
If you have to flame me, please try not to burn me too badly...I'm not flame retardent!!! Domo arigatou!! ~.~
ja ne minna
Dream-chan