CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER TWO "Serina! Wake up!" Serina darted out of bed and looked at her brother. He grimly looked down at her. He had to laugh at her, her hair was all messed up, and her blankets were all on the floor. "Damn you, why do you have to scare me like that?" She looked over at her rose shaped alarm clock and it was 6:45. "Shit, I'm late!" She pushed Josh out of her way and ran to the bathroom. After she put her hair up in a blue shower cap, she jumped into the large tile shower. She quickly bathed and got out three minutes later and dried herself off. She walked quickly to her room and put on her black mini skirt with two slits, one on each side, and her tight yellow v-neck shirt. She put on her black shoes that wrapped around her ankle. She looked around her semi neat room and grabbed her books and notebook from her messy desk and ran downstairs. She ran around the house, looking on the table, moving newspapers and books. Josh came into the living room and just watched Serina run around. She saw him standing in the middle of the room and called out to him. "Josh, have you seen my purse and keys?" "Right here!" He held them up to her and she grabbed them from him. She kissed him on the cheek and ran out of the house and jumped into her car. She put on her sunglasses and sped out of the driveway. She drove into the school parking lot and parked in the spot that had the sign 'Senior Class President,' and got out of the car. She looked down at her watch, which was silver and gold Fossil watch with a blue face. It said it was 7:25, and school started at 7:35. She relaxed and started to walk into the building. Many people waved to her as she passed them and got many looks from the guys. "Sere, you are here late, what happened?" The brown-headed girl asked as Serina stopped at her locker. "Hey Renee, I woke up late. I went out to the club last night and didn't get home until after one." Serina opened her locker and took out her literature, science, and math book, then closed the door. "Can you believe that this is the last day ever being in these halls? We spent four years here and now we are leaving." "I know, I am so excited, I wont ever have to deal with Mr. Blackwing anymore." Both girls laughed and headed for their dreaded literature class with Mr. Blackwing. They walked into the classroom and sat in their usual seats in the back of the room. Tracy sat beside Serina, and Renee was behind Tracy. In front of Serina was Allison then Lindsay. "Hey Serina, how's it going?" Asked Andrew Carter, who just happened to be the football star. Every girl wanted to date him except Serina. She was perfectly contempt with not dating a stuck up slob. And he would never date anyone who was not in the 'popular group.' "Nothing much Andrew, how about you?" She forced herself to smile. "I will be great if you let me take you to the new movie tonight." She tried her hardest not to laugh. "I'm sorry Andrew, but I already have a date tonight, and I highly doubt that my boyfriend will like me going out with another guy. Sorry." She shrugged her shoulders and smiled slightly. "Since when did you get a boyfriend? You never had one before!" His face got red. "Andrew, do I have to tell you when I get a boyfriend so it can fit your schedule to ask the girls you can't get out? I don't think so." She said trying to stay calm. "Now if you don't mind, I don't really like your attitude toward me right now so if you would PLEASE LEAVE." He frowned and walked off really pissed, no girl ever turned him down. "Sere, he looks really pissed off at you, you better watch out for him." Allison warned. "I'll be fine, I'm sure Darien will watch out for me." She smiled at just the thought of Darien's arms protectively around her. "Earth to Sere, come in Sere." She didn't look. "SERINA!" Renee laughed as Serina jumped out of her chair. She glared over at her best friend. "What the hell do you want?" Just then the bell rang. All the others in the class rushed to their seats. Everyone talked to their friends until Mr. B came into the room. He was a short man in his fifties. He had a large bald spot on the back of his head and had a little mustache. He always wore a bow tie and some kind of suit. "Ok class, we have a lot to do today, so lets get started." He set down a big box and got out a little black book. "When I call your name, bring up your books and put them in the box." Everyone got out their books and put them on their desks. "Brown, Bush, Carter, and Miss Conner." Allison went up along with the others he called. She never got why he called her Miss Conner. Everyone joked that he wanted her. He called several others. "Miss Sanders, Miss Stevens, and Miss Waters." Tracy, Serina, and Renee went up and put their books into the box. "Oh and Miss Roberts." Lindsay gave him her book and forced a smile when he smiled at her. "Class, I know that each year there are awards given to the most honorable students, but unfortunately, we don't have an assembly for the awards. I was given the privilege to announce Miss Johnson High." He smiled a little. "I'm sure you all know that Miss Johnson High is voted by the teachers and not the students. This young lady has shown great leadership, and kept good grades for the entire year." He turned around and grabbed the envelope from the desk, and pulled it open. "Now, our Miss Johnson High is…" He pulled out the paper and read it out loud. "Serina Stevens." She smiled and stood up. "Way to go girl!" Cheers were all around the room as she walked up to the front of the class. Mr. Blackwing handed her a beautiful bouquet of yellow and red flowers. "Now close your eyes Serina, we have a little surprise guest to crown you." She did, and in walked Darien, carrying a red pillow with a crown on top of it. He walked over to her and put the crown on top of her head. She smiled widely. Darien bent down to her ear, his breathing quickened as he got closer. "Congratulations Sere." He whispered, she opened her eyes and threw her arms around him. He laughed, and the class continued to cheer. She looked up into his beautiful blue eyes. "Thank you Darien." She whispered in his ear right before she kissed him. Their lips locked, and just as they did Mr. Blackwing turned his head, so he didn't have to send them to the office. Serina tightened her grip on him unaware of her surroundings anymore. "Aww, how cute." One girl said. "Isn't he like her brother?" One girl asked another. "No, that is Darien Johnson, he was the most popular guy, and gorgeous guy, two years ago. And he still is now." "I can't believe she gets him, she is so undeserving of him, he should be with me." Said Trish Sprinkle. She was one of the princesses at prom. She had always been jealous of Serina and hated it. Serina backed up a little realizing where she was. The kiss had already gotten out of hand. She shyly smiled at him and grabbed his hand and held it in hers. "I present to you Miss Johnson High for 2000!" Mr. Blackwing yelled from his corner. After Serina received her crown the announcement was made to the entire school over the intercom. Darien was allowed to stay with her for the rest of the day. They walked through the halls holding hands and were greeted by most of the school. "Yo Darien! What's up my man?" Asked the red headed guy who walked up to them. Darien extended his fist as they did the little athlete handshake thing. "Not much Troy. I hear you are now the captain of the football team. Trying to take my place are we?" He shook his head. "Naw man, I just want the women." He said while smiling. Darien wrapped his arm protectively around Serina's waist and pulled her closer. "Don't worry, I would never try anything on her." That got Serina's interest. "Why is that?" Both Troy and Darien looked at her. "Well, everyone knew that you were totally for Darien here and…well he basically told the football team before he left to watch over you. We all knew that it meant if anyone of us touched you we would be beaten down." He looked over at Darien. "I don't think Andrew understood that though." Serina glared at Troy, she new that Darien would either freak out or be calm and kill him later. "You don't have to worry about him." She saw Darien nod at Troy and him nod back. "Darien, I don't want a dead body, call off the squads." She looked up at him intently. What did she get Andrew into? She didn't like him, but didn't want the crap beat out of him. "Don't worry Sere, we will just scare the crap out of him, no harm will come." Darien kissed her head softly. "I'll be right back, ok?" She nodded and watched him leave with Troy. "Serina, girl you are so lucky to be dating him!" Serina quickly turned around and saw Jessica. She was one of Serina's friends in elementary school. "Um…hey Jessica, I think you might keep an eye on your brother." Jessica lifted an eyebrow. "Why, what is gonna happen to Andrew?" Serina just shrugged her shoulders. "That's what I am worried about. I have to go, see you around." Serina walked off, leaving Jessica by herself gazing after the new Miss Johnson High. Andrew was in the weight room putting the weights away that he used. He didn't have on a shirt and wore silky shorts. His hair stuck to his sweaty head. He was all alone in the room and turned around when the door slammed shut. "Hello?" The sound echoed throughout the room. "Hello Andy." Andrew's eyes went wide as Darien came into view. "I hear you have been giving Sere a hard time." "Look Darien, I didn't realize that she was with you. I just-" "Andrew, it doesn't madder if she is with me or not, if she tells you no, that means no. Do you understand?" Darien asked as he glared down at him. Andrew gulped. "Completely." He forced himself to say. "Good, now, we are having our birthday slash graduation party on Saturday at five. I advise you to come and apologize to Serina." He nodded. "Good, see you then." Darien kept his stern look until he turned around. He smiled, knowing that Andrew was scared to the bones. That night Serina sat up in her room finishing up her make-up and clothes. She checked herself out in the full-length mirror that hung on her closet. She was pleased with the way she looked, her hair was crimped and half was in a clip, the rest hung below her butt. She wore her short flared dress with small straps and a small tie in the back to show her figure. "Serina! Darien is here!" Serina jumped for joy when she heard her mother call for her. "On my way!" She called back and slowly walked down the three flights of stairs. When she got down she saw Darien nervously standing by the door with a single flower in his hands and was talking to Josh. He looked up and saw Serina walk up to them. Josh watched his best friend look at his sister with pure love and happiness and smiled. He was happy for the both of them. He thought back to the times where he held his sister in his arms as she cried about Darien not wanting her. And the times when Darien just asked him about Serina, how she was, and if she had a boyfriend yet because he didn't want to ask himself. "You look…Great." He breathed out under his breath. Josh patted him on the back to sign that Darien's mouth was open. Darien quickly held out the flower to her. "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself." She checked out his black slacks and his white dress shirt with the top button left open. She took the flower from his hands and twirled it in her fingers. "Are you ready to go?" She asked pulling him out of his trance. "Um…Yeah, sorry." He held out his arm for her and she took it. "Bye mom, dad!" She called out while leaving the house. "Bye honey!" Her parents called back. Darien opened the car door for her and helped her into the car. She kissed him softly to thank him. He closed the door and got in the driver side. He put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway. They drove out to the theater and parked the car. Darien walked up to the window and bought two tickets to the movie and led Serina inside. "You want anything to eat or something?" She shook her head and grabbed his hand and took their seats. The movie was supposed to be about a vampire that had lived for thousands of years. The theater was large and it was packed. Serina spotted a lot of her friends from school, and everyone she saw she had invited them to the annual party for her birthday. Last year the cops had come and quiet the kids down because everyone came. This year, it was suppose to be bigger. Serina's parents rented the civic center to have the party. After the movie Serina and Darien walked along the sandy beach and watched the water go out and come back in. Serina wore Darien's old Letterman jacket. It was all black, with yellow lining and the letter was also yellow. He had letters from football, soccer, basketball, tennis, track, and cross-country for each year in school. Serina took off her shoes and held them in her right hand and held his hand with her left. She leaned into him to keep the comfort between them. "Darien, I need to get out what I want to say." She sat on the sand and pulled Darien next to her. "What is it?" He held her hand and waited to hear what she wanted to say. "It is just that, I really want this to work out, and I don't want to just jump into things. Do you get what I am saying?" He shook his head. "OK, at the rate we are going, I will be sleeping with you in a matter of weeks, and I don't want that to happen. I want to slow things down." "Serina, that is completely understandable, I don't want to push you into anything. If you are ever uneasy about anything, me, friends, anything, I want you to tell me. I wont hold anything from you Serina, I promise." He smiled sweetly at her. "Thank you Darien." She squeezed his hand and got up. Darien got up and started to walk next to her. She saw him try to grab her, but she dodged him and started to laugh and run. She dropped her shoes in the sand by the car while she passed it. "Come back here!" He chased after her, and finally got her. He picked her up and swung her around. They both laughed as they fell down because they were too dizzy. "I better get you home, you have a big day tomorrow." "Darien, thank you for watching out for me all these years, you have gotten me out of so much trouble and saved my life many times." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you." She got in the car and Darien drove her home. Renee woke up to the sound of her phone ringing. She slowly sat up and answered the small black phone. The blankets fell from her body, showing her yellow silk pajamas. "Hello?" "Renee, I figured you would be up by now." Renee slowly got out of bed and walked over to her dresser and got her brush and started to brush her hair. "No Sere, I thought I could get an extra few hours of sleep." She set the brush down and walked out of her room. "Oh yeah, happy birthday." "Thanks, finally I turn 18, it is about time too, I mean you and Tracy and Lindsay turned 18 a few months ago." "Yeah, well someone has to be the baby in the group, and that would be you." Renee laughed as Serina made a grrr noise. "You are such a nut Sere." "Yeah I know, but you still love and adore me." Both girls started to laugh. "Hey, you still coming over to do my hair before graduation?" "Yeah, you still have my hair bag?" She asked while slipping her hair into a loose ponytail. "Yep, got it right here, see you soon." "Ok bye hon." "Bu bye." Renee hung up her phone and walked into the bathroom. She grabbed a towel from the closet and hung it on the towel rack and turned on the hot water. Just as she was about to get in the shower the phone rang again. "God! I can't even take a shower without a phone call." She wrapped the towel around her body and answered the phone after turning off the water. "Hello?" "Hey honey, did I catch you at a bad time?" Renee's started to smile when she heard Josh's voice. "Not really, I was just about to get in the shower." "Oh really, if you hang on a few moments I could join you." Renee's cheeks turned a bright red. "Whatever Josh, if my parents were out of town then I would consider it." She bit her bottom lip and lifted her eyebrow just thinking about it. "Anyway what is so important that you had to interrupt my shower." "Well…I was just looking at this ad in the paper, and you know that house on the beach about three hours away that I took you to last summer?" "Yeah, how could I forget that?" That summer was the first time Renee and Josh had ever been alone together, and they made the most of it. "Well, I was thinking, maybe all of us should spend the summer up there, it would be so much fun all ten of us, on the beach alone." He taunted her with his voice. "That…would be great, but I wouldn't want to push Serina though, she is the only one out of the whole group who is still… you know." "Yeah, and I want my sister to stay a virgin, but going there does not completely open up the opportunity to have sex, besides, I know Sere will not let herself go that far." "If you say so, well honey, let me take my shower so I can be nice and fresh for you." She smiled and turned back on the water. "Bye bye." "Bye Renee." She hung up the phone, hopefully for the last time, and got in the shower. She smiled at the thought of summer being here and getting out of school for good. Not to mention her staying with Josh for the summer. Glenda opened the front door and let Tracy into the house. She was the last out of the four girls to arrive. She had on a pair of jeans and a green belly shirt. "Hey Tracy, the other girls are upstairs in Serina's room." She took Tracy's leather jacket from her hands and hung it up. "Thank you." Tracy walked up the stairs to the third floor and into Serina's room. "Hey everyone." She sat down on one of the beanbags that she pulled out of Serina's closet. It was bright green and had yellow flowers all over. The other girls were all sitting on the other ones. "Hey Trace, it is about time you got here." Serina said while Renee rolled her hair in curlers. "Yeah whatever Sere, I got tied up with Kyle. And when I tried to get out of the driveway, Josh's car was blocking mine. I don't understand why he was over there anyway." "Yeah sure, like we are going to believe that story. You know Trace, you really outta work out your stories with your boyfriend, cause he has been here all morning along with Josh, John, James, and Darien. So HA! We got you there." Lindsay jumped up and pointed at Tracy, laughing at the face she made. "You two are just a bunch of monkeys, never settling down. Why can't you be more like me, Renee and Allison." There was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Serina called out as Renee finished her hair. Darien walked into the room and over to Serina and knelt down. "Hey honey, happy birthday." She smiled as he got closer. "Happy birthday Sere. I didn't want to wait until tonight to deliver my present." He handed her a small wrapped box. She took it into her small hands and gently untied the bow on top. She slowly opened it and let out a tiny gasp. "Darien, it is beautiful!" She exclaimed as she pulled out a small emerald ring. She put it on her finger, just her size. She threw her arms around him and kissed his face many times. "Thank you so much Darien." "You're welcome Sere." She let go of him and stood up. She went to her dresser and pulled open the top drawer and pulled out a large box with many ribbons and bows all over it. She gave it to Darien and he opened it. Inside was a medium sized art book and on the cover were Serina and Darien sketched. "Wow, Sere, did you do this?" She shyly nodded. He opened the book and looked at many of her sketches. Roses, them, Josh, her friends, and his favorite was a drawing on the very last page. A picture of the two of them holding a rose in their hands and dressed like royalty. "I love it Serina. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever given me. Thank you." He said trying to hold back a small tear that threatened to fall. "You're very welcome. It was fun making it." She smiled sweetly at him and kissed him lightly. "Now, I have to get ready, so beat it." She teased as she shoed him out of the room. "So where were we?" Serina looked at her friends who were trying not to laugh. "Oh yeah, I was just saying how you guys are like monkeys, and how to be more like me." She smiled smugly at them. "Well for starters Sere, nobody wants to be like you, so girly and perfect. Mr. and Mrs. Moneybucks daughter, well that I wouldn't mind, cause then I would get that convertible that you got." Serina threw a pillow at Lindsay and laughed. "Well if I wasn't so perfect then you wouldn't ever have passed your Chemistry class last year, and who would have stuck up for you when you drank too much and passed out in the club last month?" Lindsay just laughed. "You passed out from drinking? OMG! That is so funny!" Tracy just sat there and laughed the rest of the girls followed. "Well shall we get into your stupid stuff Tracy?" All the girls nodded their heads except Tracy. "Remember last summer when we all went to Samantha's party, well what nobody told y'all is that when I went upstairs to 'find James' I found Tracy and Kyle instead. Oh and get this, they were both passed out naked with a bottle of vodka on the side." "Oh and remember when Allison flashed the old guy at the liquor store to get some drinks?" "Hey well at least I didn't moon the principal when I was drunk like Serina." "Hey, that wasn't me, that was Renee, thank you very much, but I have never gotten my self drunk out of my mind. Someone has to get all of your ass' home." They all laughed. The girls stopped laughing when they heard several voices outside the door. Serina quietly got out of her seat and walked over to the door. "Shh." She turned the doorknob slowly and quickly pulled it open. Five guys fell into the room and landed on the floor. The girls just started laughing. "Oh it is not that funny." Darien cried out, he was on the bottom of the pile of guys. Serina bent down and cupped his chin in her hands. "Of coarse it is Darien." She pinched his cheek and stood back up, leaving him on the floor. "Now go on you bad little boys, us girls need to finish getting ready." She pushed the guys out of her room and laughed as Josh stumbled out of the door. The violin and piano played as the class of 2000 walked along the edge of the stage and to their assigned seats. The seating arrangement formed a diamond with the parents on the sides. The stage had the school logo on a banner behind the seven chairs that lined the back. In the front was the podium where princial Kane stood, along with Kyle who happened to have the highest GPA in the class. They both spoke for a few minutes each then the principal started to call names. One by one, students were called to get their diplomas and shook his hand. Serina smiled when she saw that Kane was getting irritated with all the marbles that each student gave him during their handshake, which was the graduation prank. Serina just thought it was too funny, each time Kane had to put it in his pocket, and already they were full and were only half way through. Finally Serina was called, she walked up and received her diploma and smiled. She shook the principals hand and gave him the marble that was hallow, and a tiny message inside that read: 'Thought it would be funny to see you stuff your pockets with something other then your hands.' When she flipped her tassel to the other side the crowd cheered, even though she was not the last person. She smiled and walked down the other side of the stage and back to her seat. "Congratulations, you are no longer student, you are graduates!" At that each person stood and threw their hats in the air and cheered. Serina ran into Darien's arms and hugged him strongly. She was so excited that it made Darien laugh, she ran to her parents and hugged them and her friends, and everyone who wanted one. Darien's eyes glared at the young graduate who had his girl in his arms, even though it was for a second, it still made him jealous. Darien walked over to them and un-notice put his arm around Serina's waist and kissed her forehead. As she leaned into him they both smiled and walked out of the field. The parking lot filled quickly as each person entered the parking lot of the civic center. When they entered the civic center they placed their present on either Serina's table or Darien's. They were as big as picnic tables, but a little skinner. Once they did they walked through the large glass doors to where the music was. Serina and Darien stood by the door and greeted people as they entered. The party started at 5:30 and it was now an hour past. There were decorations everywhere and the DJ was playing song after song. Darien wrapped his arm around Serina's waist and pulled her closer to him, just for the comfort. Many of the guests watched unknowing that they were a couple now. Serina wore her new bright yellow short dress and Darien wore his black slacks and a purple silk shirt with a tie. "Would you care to dance?" He stood before her and bowed as he took her hand. The band played a soft melody, and they danced just like they did when they were little. Serina could not help but smile when she saw his beautiful blue eyes watch her every move. "Happy Birthday Darien." He smiled. "You too sweetheart." He leaned down and lifted her chin and met her lips with his. Both of them laughed as they heard the astonished guests whisper and gossip. "I guess they didn't know." Serina sweetly wrapped her arms fully around his neck and kissed him fully. When their lips separated Darien picked her up and swung her around. On the other end of the room Allison and John danced along with Tracy and Kyle. They all sighed as they saw Serina and Darien in the center of the room. "You know, I think those two are going to be together for a very long time." Allison said while holding John closely. "Me too, me too." He kissed her lightly on the head as they danced. Once the song ended an old song came on, it was the dirty boogie. The newly graduates cheered, as well as Serina. She winked at Darien and held his hands. They moved all over the floor, many people went to the sides, giving them room to dance. Darien swung her around and around, lifted her up. They danced and danced until they dropped. It was past midnight before everyone left. "Serina! Come on! Time to open your presents!" Renee called from the entrance of the large room. "Coming Renee!" She grabbed Darien's hand and pulled him into the room where the presents were moved. On one wall was a stack of presents with Serina's name on it, and on the other side was all of Darien's. "You two sit." Ordered Renee. They sat next to each other in the two chairs in the middle of the room. She gave them both a present, which they both opened. Serina opened a large box and inside was a large stuffed bunny with a nametag that had her name on it. She knew it had to be from Lindsay. She looked over at her old friend who was smiling. Serina just shook her head and laughed. After about a half-hour Serina's mother, Judy, come out with two packages. Judy gave a present to Serina and Darien. It was a bit heavy, but not too bad. They opened them up at the same time, and pulled out their new lap top computers. Serina's was red, and Darien's was black. Each came with a carrying case and an attachable mouse. "Thank you mom, this is great!" Serina smiled, she had always wanted a portable computer, but her parents never let her get one, she never understood why. "Yes, thank you Mrs. Stevens, this will really help me with my work at school." "Well that is what I figured, I have something else for your birthday presents." They both looked at her. "What? You didn't really think I would get something to help you with school for your birthday did you?" She pulled out an envelope from her back pocket and gave it to Serina. "Now, this is for everyone to share, sort of a joint present for everyone." Serina opened it and pulled out a slip of paper, it was a receipt for five cabins in Hawaii. They were rented for the entire summer. "Oh My God! Mother, this is great! A Hawaiian vacation!" She jumped out of her chair and hugged her mother. "Yes, and I also have 10 air tickets on hold, so if anyone of you do not want to go, then I will just use them another time." She smiled as they all shook their heads. "Great, oh, and just think of it as a graduation present, and a late one for those that had already graduated." "Thank you so much Mrs. Stevens, this is so cool." Said Renee as she walked over to Serina. The rest of the guys agreed. "No problem kids, just don't give me a reason to cancel the trip." "No problem, we wont." Serina stared dreamingly into Darien's eyes once they got out to the door. Each of them drove home.