Serena gasped and turned and fled the other way. Darien watched her go and started to go after her. But was stopped by Rei "I don't know what the hell that was all about." Rei said fire in her eyes "But don't bother going after her."
With that Rei, Ami, Mina and Lita went after Serena. They found her in the dressing room "Serena are you OK?" Mina asked.
Serena sat in a corner with her knees pulled to her chest. And Serena for the first time in four years was crying. "I thought we were going to get married." Serena whispered.
"Do you have any idea as to why he said that?" Lita asked.
Serena shook her head "I have no idea. I thought when we solved that problem with the whole dream thing this was over. I thought that we were going to get married. And you know rule the world."
Before anyone could say anything Darien came in. "Serena we need to talk."
"Yeah you guys do." Mina said pulling the other 3 out of the room.
"Darien what's going on?" Serena asked.
"Serena I thought that you understood that we weren't going to get married because of my dreams." Darien said.
"What?! I though that you were over that! I thought that we had decided not to worry about those stupid dreams again! I thought you were over that. They are stupid dreams Darien. Get over them!" With that Serena stormed out of the room.
Serena walked out into the main lobby. "I'm going home. Lita could you give me a ride?" Serena asked.
"Sure." Lita nodded.
"Congratulations." Serena said hugging Mina.
Minutes later Serena and Lita were driving towards Darien and Serena's apartments. "So are you going to tell me what happened or not?"
"It's those stupid dreams again Lita. He wont marry me because that is where he saw me die in his dreams. At our wedding. It's so stupid Lita. But I can't stand it anymore. And I wont."
By this time they had pulled into Serena's apartment complex. "Thanks Lita. I will see you later."
"Serena are you going to be OK?" Lita asked.
"I always am aren't I?" Serena asked as she got out of the car.
Lita watched her friend walked away and shaking her head she whispered "No Serena. You have never been OK when it came to problems with Darien."
Serena grabbed a bag an shoved a change of clothes and overnight necessities. Serena hurried to the garage and got into her car. From there Serena drove to a hotel and fell into a deep sleep.
Rei finished doing her work at the temple and finally picked up the phone and dialed Darien and Serena's number. Darien answered "Darien can I talk to Serena?" Rei asked.
"Do you know where she is?" Darien asked his voice sounded tired.
"No don't you?" Rei asked worry edging her voice.
"No I have tried her mothers, Lita, and Ami's and she isn't there. I was going to call and ask if she was there but I guess she isn't. Listen I am going to see if I can find her. I will call you if I find her." Darien replied.
"I'll look for her too." Rei replied.
Rei hung up the phone and heard someone say behind her "Look or me?"
"Serena where have you been Darien is worried about you."
"I stayed at a hotel last night. And I need your help today. I am sure Lita told you what happened last night."
"Yeah she did are you all right?"
"No but I am going to be fine. Rei I need you to help me pack up my things. I'm leaving Tokyo once and for all."
"Serena…"
"Rei don't try to stop me. I am going back to Georgia. Please help me pack. Ami and Lita have already agreed to help me. Will you?"
"If there is no way I can convince you to stay then yes I will help you."
"That didn't take that long." Rei said standing up and brushing her hands together.
"Come on there are 4 boxes left lets take them to the car." Lita said.
"Serena you came back." Darien said coming into the apartment.
"Darien I am leaving Tokyo permanently."
"Serena please wait." Darien said.
"I am leaving Darien and you can't stop me."
"Serena…I will always be here for you even if we don't get married." Darien said reaching for Serena's hand.
"I'm leaving Darien. Sarabada Darien, Sarabada. You will always be with me."
And with that Serena walked out of Darien's apartment forever.
(AN I know I have been using all English up until now but I couldn't help but slip Sarabada in there. Sarabada is like Sayoonara but more permanent. Serena is using it like good-bye forever.)
~*~6 years Later~*~
Serena paced across one end of her kitchen to the other. Serena rushed towards the phone "Hello." Minutes later Serena's face fell tears welling in her eyes "Yes I understand. Yes. Of course I do! I do?" Serena's face brightened slightly. "That short of time. Of course I can. Yes of course thank you."
Serena sat down on her barstool. "What am I going to do? I need help. I need a lawyer and good one."
~*~Flashback~*~
"Serena…I will always be here for you even if we don't get married."
~*~End Flashback~*~
With shaky fingers Serena walked towards her desk and pulled out a address book. Quickly flipping through the pages she found the number she needed and with shaky fingers dialed the number.
"Law Offices of Shields and Associates." A bright female voice said.
"Can I be connected with Mr. Darien Shields?" Serena asked taking a deep breath.
"One moment please." Moments later the women came back on "Mr. Shields is in the middle of a meeting. Can I give him a message."
Serena's hopes fell. "Yes could you tell him that Ms. Serena Tuskino called. And that she would like Mr. Shields to return her call as soon as possible."
Almost as Serena set the phone down it rang "Hello?"
"Serena what's wrong?" Darien asked.
"Darien it's awful." Serena exclaimed.
"What's awful?" Darien asked.
"Darien remember before I left Tokyo you promised that you would always be here for me even though we didn't get married?" Serena asked.
"Yes."
"I need your help now. Can you come to Georgia? I need your help as a friend and as a lawyer." Serena said.
"Serena are you in some kind of trouble?" Darien asked. "Can you tell me about the case?"
"Not over the phone please. Could you just come to Georgia? Please. I will explain everything once you get here."
"Fine. I will get my secretary to make reservations for my flight today."
"Thank you Darien you will never know how much this means to me." Serena said relief evident in her voice.
Later that night Serena was in bed when the phone rang. Serena answered it quickly with a sleepy "Hello?"
"Serena it's Darien. I am in Phoenix. Do you want me to come to your house now or tomorrow." Darien asked.
Serena looked at the clock it was only 10, she had gone to sleep early to block out her problems. "Are you fine with coming now?" Serena asked.
"Whatever you want." Darien replied.
When Serena hung up she quickly dressed in a white shirt and a pair of black jeans. As she finished brushing her hair there was a knock at the door. "Hi Darien." Serena said hugging him quickly. "Come in."
Darien followed her into the kitchen. "Can I get you something to drink?" Serena asked awkwardly.
"Water would be great." Darien said. "Darien looked at the hand drawn pictures and the #1 Teacher magnets on her refrigerator. "I wasn't surprised when I heard you had become a teacher." Darien commented.
"Really why not?"
"I don't know it just seemed to fit you."
"I never pictured you being a lawyer." Serena said.
Darien laughed "Speaking of lawyering. What's wrong Serena? What do you need my help as a lawyer for?"
Serena sat down the two glass of water and said "Follow me." Serena lead Darien down the hall. Serena opened one of the closed doors and opened it for Darien to follow her in. The night-light that shone on the room showed a little girls room decorated in pink. They walked towards the middle of the room where there was a 4 poster bed in white with a pink and white comforter.
"A bed? That's the problem?" Darien asked.
Serena shook her head and walked closer pulling back the covers slightly to reveal a young girl about 4 or 5 with dark hair sleeping peacefully. Darien was stunned but he followed Serena when she walked towards another door and through a bathroom and into another room. This room gave a completely different impression. This bedroom was decorated in soccer balls and the bed pressed against the end wall had a soccer comforter. Again though it looked to be empty until Serena walked towards it and pulled down the covers to reveal a girl who looked exactly like the other.
When Serena opened the door and walked out Darien followed her. When they were in the living room Darien exclaimed "How come no one ever told me you had kids. Are you married?"
"No I'm not married. Nor have I ever been. And those girls, Jordan and Annie aren't my daughters. At least not by blood or legally." Serena said.
"Serena what do you mean by that?" Darien asked.
"Jordan and Annie are 5 year old twins. They were in my preschool class last year. Last year I taught preschool I am teaching first grade now. They both were extremely sweet and loving. Identical but total opposites. Annie was into playing sports and Jordan into playing with dolls. Neither of them were really into playing with the other kids though. In the middle of the year I noticed that both girls seemed to have an awful lot of bruises. For awhile I just figured you know they are little and little kids are always falling down and getting hurt. Heaven knows I did. But I noticed their behavior and they seemed to be afraid of being touched. I talked to the principal both of us were worried that abuse was the problem. They both lived with their mother. No one knew where their father was. So both principal and I had their mother investigated and Child Protective Services took them out of there. They confirmed out suspicions. They were going to put the twins into a foster home. I couldn't stand to see that happen so I had them move in with me. So they have been living with me for a year and a half. And I love them so much. So I filed for adoption. I'm sure you know this already. But they had to get in contact with Jordan and Annie's father. Apparently their father who they haven't ever seen in their lives wants his daughters back. They are going to have a hearing in exactly a week for custody. Please Darien help me keep my daughters. Please."
"I'll do it." Darien said.
"Thank you so much Darien!" Serena said throwing her arms around Darien's neck.
"But you must know. We don't handle custody cases like most firms do." Darien said.
"Darien whatever you can do to get them to let me keep my girls." Serena said.
"Good then I want to meet the girls tomorrow." Darien said.
"Fine. You could stop by tomorrow. Or meet us at the park. I promised the girls I would take them to the park." Serena said.
"I can meet you at the park tomorrow. Say noon?" Darien asked.
"Sounds good to me. I'll pack a lunch." Serena replied.
"Momma are you up yet?" Serena became aware of Jordan and Annie calling to her from outside her door.
"Yes girls I'm up you can come on in." Serena called.
The girls walked in the room quickly and jumped on Serena's bed. "Good morning girls." Serena said kissing both on the head.
"Momma are we going to the park today?" Jordan asked.
"I promised you we would didn't I?" Serena asked. Both girls nodded. "But do you girls mind if a friend of mine joins us?"
Both girls looked thoughtful "Is she nice?" Jordan asked.
"It's not a woman it's a man. His name is Darien Shields. He is one of Momma's old friends from Japan."
"Does he like sports?" Annie asked.
"I don't know." Serena said with a smile "You are going to have to ask him. Come on let's get you girls some breakfast and then dressed."
"I'm wearing this Momma." Jordan said coming in carrying a jean skirt trimmed with white ribbon around the edge. She also carried a white shirt with a pink flower on it.
"I'm wearing this." Annie said coming in from the other side of the room. She was carrying a pair of jeans that were also trimmed with white ribbon and a white shirt with a blue fish on it.
Serena smiled she knew that the girls hadn't planned on wearing similar outfits. It was just something that they did and Serena thought that it was adorable.
15 minutes later Serena started to do the twins hair. Jordan wore her hair in two high pigtails and Annie wore hers in a high pony tail.
"Can we go yet?" Annie asked pulling on Serena's hand.
"We have a little while yet. Do you want to help me make lunch to take?"
Both girls nodded and they headed towards Serena's kitchen. Serena's house was beautiful. It was small cottage looking house. The house on the inside had 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a nice sized kitchen, a living room and a large backyard. Serena had moved into it about 6 months after the twins came to live with her.
As Jordan and Annie argued quietly over who would do what. Serena looked at them she hadn't been kidding when she had told Darien they were complete opposites. Annie was into soccer, basketball, and softball. Jordan though despite her love for dolls also loved tennis and ballet. Serena encouraged both girls in playing whatever sports they wanted. Which usually meant very busy weekends. Rushing Jordan to her ballet lessons at 7, then taking Annie to her Soccer game at 7:30 staying for that, then rushing to pick Jordan up from ballet and taking her to tennis and then back to the park for Annie's basketball game, rushing back to tennis to pick Jordan up and back to the park in enough time for Annie's softball game. Or something like that. Luckily though the sports had slowed down to just Jordan's ballet and tennis which were year round.
"Momma…" Annie said waving a spoon in front of Serena's face probably for the second or third time.
"What?" Serena asked.
"Can Sarah come over for me and Jordan's birthday? And spend the night?"
"Yeah Robin too?" Jordan asked.
The twins birthday was the week after the hearing. Serena couldn't make any promises so instead she said "We will see OK? We will have to see what Sarah and Robin and us are doing OK?"
Both girls nodded and Jordan applied more peanut butter to all four sandwiches. "Jordan honey what are you doing?" Serena asked walking over to the counter.
"Making peanut butter sandwiches." Annie replied. "I saw them on a TV show yesterday. So I made them for today."
Serena looked at her watch 11:46. "OK girls what all did you put in here?" Serena asked.
"4 bags of chips." Annie stated.
"4 sandwiches." Jordan added.
"4 bananas."
"4 capri suns."
"OK looks like we have everything. Here I will take the baskets you two get in the car. Grab your jackets on the way out the door." Serena called as the girls headed towards the door. On Serena's way out she grabbed the bag of things they took to the park, a soccer, basket, base and tennis balls.
When Serena had put everything in Jordan said "Momma did you remember the blankets this time?"
"Oops be right back." Serena said running back inside. Grabbing their picnic blanket and rushing back outside and putting the blanket in the trunk. Made sure that the girls had their seat-belts on and drove to the park arriving 30 minutes late.
Darien was waiting in the parking lot and when Serena got out of the car Darien said with a laugh "You know if you were any other client I would have already left. But I know your Serena and you couldn't have changed all that much."
"Very funny. Just for that you get to carry this." Serena said placing the basket of food in Darien's hands.
"Hey I am only your lawyer. Not your maid." Darien smiled.
"That's your food and if you want to eat it then you can carry it." Serena said pulling out the blanket and the toys. She heard the doors slam shut and Jordan and Annie come to stand behind her peering at Darien from behind Serena's legs.
10 minutes later Serena and Darien were sitting on a park bench beginning to start to talk about Serena's case when Jordan and Annie ran up "Momma will you push us on the swings?" Jordan asked.
"Sure go over to the swings and I will be right there." Serena said.
"They call you Momma?" Darien asked as they walked towards the swings.
Serena nodded. "They started calling me that after they had lived with me for several months." Darien nodded.
While Serena and Darien both pushed Jordan and Annie Serena asked "Darien truthfully what is the chances of me getting custody of the girls over their father?"
"Serena in truth the chances are against it. He is their birth father and you are only a foster mother." Darien said sadly.
"They don't even know who their father is. Hell you are a better father than he ever has been." Serena exclaimed.
"Serena how do you know all of this. Did you ever talk to their mother?" Darien asked.
Serena shook her head "No. But the girls don't remember their father ever being mentioned."
"Serena that isn't a sturdy enough case. The girls are 6 almost 7. They probably wouldn't remember if they had ever met him. You need solid detail. Even then it might not be enough. He is their father."
Serena felt her eyes fill with tears "I can't lose them. I wont. They mean the world to me and I can't lose them."
"Serena I will do everything in my power for you to adopt them. But I wont promise you anything. I have promised you to much to break another promise to you."
"Why does he want to come back into their lives right now? He never wanted anything to do with them before? Why is it that now he wants his daughters back?"
"I don't know Serena. I have only been here one day I haven't talked to him at all."
~*~1 Week Later~*~
"Do I look all right?" Serena asked stepping out of her bedroom into the brightly lit living room. It was time for the hearing and Serena wanted to look perfect. She wore a white 3 quarter length sleeve blouse that tied around the waist, Serena loved the blouse because it looked similar to a kimono and she always wore it when she needed luck. Serena wore a deep red skirt to complete the outfit. Serena's hair was pulled into a loose bun tendrils of curls framing her face.
"You look fine." Darien responded. "Are the girls almost ready? Because we really should get going."
"I will go check." Serena responded walking back down the hallway towards the girls' rooms.
As Serena was walking back towards the room both girls stepped out of Jordan's room. The girls were wearing dresses of the same style. The dresses both fell to their ankles Jordan's dress was red and white striped and Annie's was blue. Over both of the dresses was a jacket in the same color as the stripes of their dresses. Both girls had their elbow length black hair pulled back into French braided pigtails that Serena had done before she had gotten dressed.
As they walked towards the living room Jordan said "Momma is our Dad going to take us away from you?"
Serena kneeled down so that she was face to face with Jordan and Annie. "I am going to do anything to keep you. I promise you I will do everything in my power to kept us together." Serena hugged her daughters. They may not have been her daughters by blood and they may have not been her daughters in the eyes of other people. But in the love that the three shared they were her daughters and she their mother.
The door bell ringing interrupted the small family. "Shall we go see who is at the door?" Serena asked puzzled. Serena had made friends when she moved to Georgia but her friends never came to her house and she had no idea who could be at the door now.
Serena opened the door to be faced with 4 of the people closest to her. "Ami, Mina, Lita, Rei, what are you doing here?" Serena asked stunned to see her best friends. She hadn't seen the girls for 6 years since she had left Tokyo for the last time. She talked to them occasionally but they all had their own lives now and were busy doing their own things. Ami was finish up medical school in Japan, Lita was busy running her own restaurant in Tokyo, Mina was living not far from Serena's childhood home with Andrew and their daughter Hayley and was a publicist for a very famous band in Japan and Rei had taken over the temple when her grandfather had retired. Even Darien had is law office in Japan. Serena had been the only one to leave Tokyo.
"Darien called as and said that you might need some support." Ami said.
"Hey girl were here for you." Mina added with a smile.
"Besides it's just like the Sailor Senshi again." Rei said "We have an enemy to beat."
"Just higher stakes." Lita put in.
Serena could feel the tears spring to her eyes "I can't believe you guys are here it has been so long."
After a round of hugs Lita said "So where are these beautiful daughters of yours?"
When Serena had opened the door she had felt the girls come behind her and they had hidden behind her.
"Girls," Serena said turning around "these are my friends."
Both girls peeked identical heads out from around Serena's legs. "They are adorable." Rei exclaimed.
"Everyone," Serena said "these are my daughters Jordan," Serena gently lay a hand on Jordan's and then Annie's "and this is Annie. Jordan, Annie these are my friends Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei.
"Hello." Both girls said softly.
"We better get going or we aren't going to be on time for the hearing." Darien said.
"Right." Serena said. "We can all go in the mini-van. The back seat has room for our people.
"Sounds good to me." Lita said.
"Yeah but we better get going it will not look good if we are late." Ami said.
Minutes later Serena and Darien were in the front two seats talking about the case. Annie and Jordan sat in the two middle seats hold each other's hand tightly. And Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei were in the back, rather squashed.
"They look like a married couple don't they?" Mina asked.
Everyone nodded "They act like it too. Darien reminding Serena that they shouldn't be right and then how he helped the girls get settled in their seats." Lita added.
"You think they are falling for each other again?" Rei asked.
"It looks like it doesn't it?" Ami asked.
"I just hope it doesn't end in heartbreak for Serena again." Rei said thoughtfully.
"Maybe this time they will get it right." Mina said hope apparent in her voice.
~*~The front of the car~*~
"Thank you Darien." Serena said her voice was a mixture of gratitude to Darien for calling the girls, nervousness over the trial, and happiness at having her friends with her again.
"Serena I told you I would always be here for you. But I though maybe the girls could get your spirits up better than I could." Darien said.
Serena took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the road.
Serena took her seat next to Darien at the table in the courtroom. She could feel her friends behind her and the twins were off to the side of the room sitting together in the seats that the judge had directed that they sit. Directly to the side of them was Jordan and Annie' s biological father, Edward Scott and his lawyer.
Serena took a deep breath and held it trying to stop her shaking. It had been a long day and the trial still was just about to end. In Serena's eyes it could go either way, they had recessed until the judge could make a decision. Ami, Mina, Lita, Rei and Darien all surrounded Serena. Jordan and Annie still sitting in the seat they had been told to sit in still clutching each other's hand. Serena didn't like Edward Scott. He made her nervous, Jordan and Annie looked nothing like him. He had blonde almost white hair and cold blue eyes.
"There is just something about him." Serena said. "He reminds me to much of Diamond." Darien lay a protective hand on Serena's shoulder.
When the judge came back into the room everyone stood up and the girls returned to their seats behind Serena.
And the judge began speaking "After much thought I have come to a conclusion. Miss Tuskino you were Annie and Jordan's foster mother for a year and a half after they were taken away from their mother for child abuse. Mr. Scott is their biological father of the twins. I am giving complete custody to the biological father starting tomorrow morning. Miss Tuskino there will be a social worker to pick the twins up tomorrow at 11 o'clock. Court adjourned."
Serena sank slowly back into her seat and buried her head in her hands.
"Your honor." Everyone turned towards Edward Scott who had just spoken.
"Yes Mr. Scott."
"I would like to pick my daughters up tomorrow. If that is all right."
"Mr. Scott if there is a social worker present I suppose I don't see a problem with it." With that said the judge walked out of the courtroom.
"Momma!" Both girls cried and sobbing threw themselves into Serena's arms. They seemed to understand what was going on.
Serena hugged the girls tightly to her. Edward Scott made his way over towards Serena and Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei took a defensive stance in front of Serena. Edward didn't try to get past the 4 girls instead he just said "Tomorrow when I come to pick my daughters up please have several days of clothing prepared for them until you can get the rest of their things packed and ready for them to take with take to my house." At these words Serena's tears began to fall and Jordan and Annie began to cry harder.
Darien watched Edward walk back towards his lawyer and he could have strangled him. He wasn't the only one he looked towards Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei Lita looked ready to electrocute him and Rei looked ready to barbecue. Ami and Mina didn't look much less angry then Lita and Rei.
With that Rei, Ami, Mina and Lita went after Serena. They found her in the dressing room "Serena are you OK?" Mina asked.
Serena sat in a corner with her knees pulled to her chest. And Serena for the first time in four years was crying. "I thought we were going to get married." Serena whispered.
"Do you have any idea as to why he said that?" Lita asked.
Serena shook her head "I have no idea. I thought when we solved that problem with the whole dream thing this was over. I thought that we were going to get married. And you know rule the world."
Before anyone could say anything Darien came in. "Serena we need to talk."
"Yeah you guys do." Mina said pulling the other 3 out of the room.
"Darien what's going on?" Serena asked.
"Serena I thought that you understood that we weren't going to get married because of my dreams." Darien said.
"What?! I though that you were over that! I thought that we had decided not to worry about those stupid dreams again! I thought you were over that. They are stupid dreams Darien. Get over them!" With that Serena stormed out of the room.
Serena walked out into the main lobby. "I'm going home. Lita could you give me a ride?" Serena asked.
"Sure." Lita nodded.
"Congratulations." Serena said hugging Mina.
Minutes later Serena and Lita were driving towards Darien and Serena's apartments. "So are you going to tell me what happened or not?"
"It's those stupid dreams again Lita. He wont marry me because that is where he saw me die in his dreams. At our wedding. It's so stupid Lita. But I can't stand it anymore. And I wont."
By this time they had pulled into Serena's apartment complex. "Thanks Lita. I will see you later."
"Serena are you going to be OK?" Lita asked.
"I always am aren't I?" Serena asked as she got out of the car.
Lita watched her friend walked away and shaking her head she whispered "No Serena. You have never been OK when it came to problems with Darien."
Serena grabbed a bag an shoved a change of clothes and overnight necessities. Serena hurried to the garage and got into her car. From there Serena drove to a hotel and fell into a deep sleep.
Rei finished doing her work at the temple and finally picked up the phone and dialed Darien and Serena's number. Darien answered "Darien can I talk to Serena?" Rei asked.
"Do you know where she is?" Darien asked his voice sounded tired.
"No don't you?" Rei asked worry edging her voice.
"No I have tried her mothers, Lita, and Ami's and she isn't there. I was going to call and ask if she was there but I guess she isn't. Listen I am going to see if I can find her. I will call you if I find her." Darien replied.
"I'll look for her too." Rei replied.
Rei hung up the phone and heard someone say behind her "Look or me?"
"Serena where have you been Darien is worried about you."
"I stayed at a hotel last night. And I need your help today. I am sure Lita told you what happened last night."
"Yeah she did are you all right?"
"No but I am going to be fine. Rei I need you to help me pack up my things. I'm leaving Tokyo once and for all."
"Serena…"
"Rei don't try to stop me. I am going back to Georgia. Please help me pack. Ami and Lita have already agreed to help me. Will you?"
"If there is no way I can convince you to stay then yes I will help you."
"That didn't take that long." Rei said standing up and brushing her hands together.
"Come on there are 4 boxes left lets take them to the car." Lita said.
"Serena you came back." Darien said coming into the apartment.
"Darien I am leaving Tokyo permanently."
"Serena please wait." Darien said.
"I am leaving Darien and you can't stop me."
"Serena…I will always be here for you even if we don't get married." Darien said reaching for Serena's hand.
"I'm leaving Darien. Sarabada Darien, Sarabada. You will always be with me."
And with that Serena walked out of Darien's apartment forever.
(AN I know I have been using all English up until now but I couldn't help but slip Sarabada in there. Sarabada is like Sayoonara but more permanent. Serena is using it like good-bye forever.)
~*~6 years Later~*~
Serena paced across one end of her kitchen to the other. Serena rushed towards the phone "Hello." Minutes later Serena's face fell tears welling in her eyes "Yes I understand. Yes. Of course I do! I do?" Serena's face brightened slightly. "That short of time. Of course I can. Yes of course thank you."
Serena sat down on her barstool. "What am I going to do? I need help. I need a lawyer and good one."
~*~Flashback~*~
"Serena…I will always be here for you even if we don't get married."
~*~End Flashback~*~
With shaky fingers Serena walked towards her desk and pulled out a address book. Quickly flipping through the pages she found the number she needed and with shaky fingers dialed the number.
"Law Offices of Shields and Associates." A bright female voice said.
"Can I be connected with Mr. Darien Shields?" Serena asked taking a deep breath.
"One moment please." Moments later the women came back on "Mr. Shields is in the middle of a meeting. Can I give him a message."
Serena's hopes fell. "Yes could you tell him that Ms. Serena Tuskino called. And that she would like Mr. Shields to return her call as soon as possible."
Almost as Serena set the phone down it rang "Hello?"
"Serena what's wrong?" Darien asked.
"Darien it's awful." Serena exclaimed.
"What's awful?" Darien asked.
"Darien remember before I left Tokyo you promised that you would always be here for me even though we didn't get married?" Serena asked.
"Yes."
"I need your help now. Can you come to Georgia? I need your help as a friend and as a lawyer." Serena said.
"Serena are you in some kind of trouble?" Darien asked. "Can you tell me about the case?"
"Not over the phone please. Could you just come to Georgia? Please. I will explain everything once you get here."
"Fine. I will get my secretary to make reservations for my flight today."
"Thank you Darien you will never know how much this means to me." Serena said relief evident in her voice.
Later that night Serena was in bed when the phone rang. Serena answered it quickly with a sleepy "Hello?"
"Serena it's Darien. I am in Phoenix. Do you want me to come to your house now or tomorrow." Darien asked.
Serena looked at the clock it was only 10, she had gone to sleep early to block out her problems. "Are you fine with coming now?" Serena asked.
"Whatever you want." Darien replied.
When Serena hung up she quickly dressed in a white shirt and a pair of black jeans. As she finished brushing her hair there was a knock at the door. "Hi Darien." Serena said hugging him quickly. "Come in."
Darien followed her into the kitchen. "Can I get you something to drink?" Serena asked awkwardly.
"Water would be great." Darien said. "Darien looked at the hand drawn pictures and the #1 Teacher magnets on her refrigerator. "I wasn't surprised when I heard you had become a teacher." Darien commented.
"Really why not?"
"I don't know it just seemed to fit you."
"I never pictured you being a lawyer." Serena said.
Darien laughed "Speaking of lawyering. What's wrong Serena? What do you need my help as a lawyer for?"
Serena sat down the two glass of water and said "Follow me." Serena lead Darien down the hall. Serena opened one of the closed doors and opened it for Darien to follow her in. The night-light that shone on the room showed a little girls room decorated in pink. They walked towards the middle of the room where there was a 4 poster bed in white with a pink and white comforter.
"A bed? That's the problem?" Darien asked.
Serena shook her head and walked closer pulling back the covers slightly to reveal a young girl about 4 or 5 with dark hair sleeping peacefully. Darien was stunned but he followed Serena when she walked towards another door and through a bathroom and into another room. This room gave a completely different impression. This bedroom was decorated in soccer balls and the bed pressed against the end wall had a soccer comforter. Again though it looked to be empty until Serena walked towards it and pulled down the covers to reveal a girl who looked exactly like the other.
When Serena opened the door and walked out Darien followed her. When they were in the living room Darien exclaimed "How come no one ever told me you had kids. Are you married?"
"No I'm not married. Nor have I ever been. And those girls, Jordan and Annie aren't my daughters. At least not by blood or legally." Serena said.
"Serena what do you mean by that?" Darien asked.
"Jordan and Annie are 5 year old twins. They were in my preschool class last year. Last year I taught preschool I am teaching first grade now. They both were extremely sweet and loving. Identical but total opposites. Annie was into playing sports and Jordan into playing with dolls. Neither of them were really into playing with the other kids though. In the middle of the year I noticed that both girls seemed to have an awful lot of bruises. For awhile I just figured you know they are little and little kids are always falling down and getting hurt. Heaven knows I did. But I noticed their behavior and they seemed to be afraid of being touched. I talked to the principal both of us were worried that abuse was the problem. They both lived with their mother. No one knew where their father was. So both principal and I had their mother investigated and Child Protective Services took them out of there. They confirmed out suspicions. They were going to put the twins into a foster home. I couldn't stand to see that happen so I had them move in with me. So they have been living with me for a year and a half. And I love them so much. So I filed for adoption. I'm sure you know this already. But they had to get in contact with Jordan and Annie's father. Apparently their father who they haven't ever seen in their lives wants his daughters back. They are going to have a hearing in exactly a week for custody. Please Darien help me keep my daughters. Please."
"I'll do it." Darien said.
"Thank you so much Darien!" Serena said throwing her arms around Darien's neck.
"But you must know. We don't handle custody cases like most firms do." Darien said.
"Darien whatever you can do to get them to let me keep my girls." Serena said.
"Good then I want to meet the girls tomorrow." Darien said.
"Fine. You could stop by tomorrow. Or meet us at the park. I promised the girls I would take them to the park." Serena said.
"I can meet you at the park tomorrow. Say noon?" Darien asked.
"Sounds good to me. I'll pack a lunch." Serena replied.
"Momma are you up yet?" Serena became aware of Jordan and Annie calling to her from outside her door.
"Yes girls I'm up you can come on in." Serena called.
The girls walked in the room quickly and jumped on Serena's bed. "Good morning girls." Serena said kissing both on the head.
"Momma are we going to the park today?" Jordan asked.
"I promised you we would didn't I?" Serena asked. Both girls nodded. "But do you girls mind if a friend of mine joins us?"
Both girls looked thoughtful "Is she nice?" Jordan asked.
"It's not a woman it's a man. His name is Darien Shields. He is one of Momma's old friends from Japan."
"Does he like sports?" Annie asked.
"I don't know." Serena said with a smile "You are going to have to ask him. Come on let's get you girls some breakfast and then dressed."
"I'm wearing this Momma." Jordan said coming in carrying a jean skirt trimmed with white ribbon around the edge. She also carried a white shirt with a pink flower on it.
"I'm wearing this." Annie said coming in from the other side of the room. She was carrying a pair of jeans that were also trimmed with white ribbon and a white shirt with a blue fish on it.
Serena smiled she knew that the girls hadn't planned on wearing similar outfits. It was just something that they did and Serena thought that it was adorable.
15 minutes later Serena started to do the twins hair. Jordan wore her hair in two high pigtails and Annie wore hers in a high pony tail.
"Can we go yet?" Annie asked pulling on Serena's hand.
"We have a little while yet. Do you want to help me make lunch to take?"
Both girls nodded and they headed towards Serena's kitchen. Serena's house was beautiful. It was small cottage looking house. The house on the inside had 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a nice sized kitchen, a living room and a large backyard. Serena had moved into it about 6 months after the twins came to live with her.
As Jordan and Annie argued quietly over who would do what. Serena looked at them she hadn't been kidding when she had told Darien they were complete opposites. Annie was into soccer, basketball, and softball. Jordan though despite her love for dolls also loved tennis and ballet. Serena encouraged both girls in playing whatever sports they wanted. Which usually meant very busy weekends. Rushing Jordan to her ballet lessons at 7, then taking Annie to her Soccer game at 7:30 staying for that, then rushing to pick Jordan up from ballet and taking her to tennis and then back to the park for Annie's basketball game, rushing back to tennis to pick Jordan up and back to the park in enough time for Annie's softball game. Or something like that. Luckily though the sports had slowed down to just Jordan's ballet and tennis which were year round.
"Momma…" Annie said waving a spoon in front of Serena's face probably for the second or third time.
"What?" Serena asked.
"Can Sarah come over for me and Jordan's birthday? And spend the night?"
"Yeah Robin too?" Jordan asked.
The twins birthday was the week after the hearing. Serena couldn't make any promises so instead she said "We will see OK? We will have to see what Sarah and Robin and us are doing OK?"
Both girls nodded and Jordan applied more peanut butter to all four sandwiches. "Jordan honey what are you doing?" Serena asked walking over to the counter.
"Making peanut butter sandwiches." Annie replied. "I saw them on a TV show yesterday. So I made them for today."
Serena looked at her watch 11:46. "OK girls what all did you put in here?" Serena asked.
"4 bags of chips." Annie stated.
"4 sandwiches." Jordan added.
"4 bananas."
"4 capri suns."
"OK looks like we have everything. Here I will take the baskets you two get in the car. Grab your jackets on the way out the door." Serena called as the girls headed towards the door. On Serena's way out she grabbed the bag of things they took to the park, a soccer, basket, base and tennis balls.
When Serena had put everything in Jordan said "Momma did you remember the blankets this time?"
"Oops be right back." Serena said running back inside. Grabbing their picnic blanket and rushing back outside and putting the blanket in the trunk. Made sure that the girls had their seat-belts on and drove to the park arriving 30 minutes late.
Darien was waiting in the parking lot and when Serena got out of the car Darien said with a laugh "You know if you were any other client I would have already left. But I know your Serena and you couldn't have changed all that much."
"Very funny. Just for that you get to carry this." Serena said placing the basket of food in Darien's hands.
"Hey I am only your lawyer. Not your maid." Darien smiled.
"That's your food and if you want to eat it then you can carry it." Serena said pulling out the blanket and the toys. She heard the doors slam shut and Jordan and Annie come to stand behind her peering at Darien from behind Serena's legs.
10 minutes later Serena and Darien were sitting on a park bench beginning to start to talk about Serena's case when Jordan and Annie ran up "Momma will you push us on the swings?" Jordan asked.
"Sure go over to the swings and I will be right there." Serena said.
"They call you Momma?" Darien asked as they walked towards the swings.
Serena nodded. "They started calling me that after they had lived with me for several months." Darien nodded.
While Serena and Darien both pushed Jordan and Annie Serena asked "Darien truthfully what is the chances of me getting custody of the girls over their father?"
"Serena in truth the chances are against it. He is their birth father and you are only a foster mother." Darien said sadly.
"They don't even know who their father is. Hell you are a better father than he ever has been." Serena exclaimed.
"Serena how do you know all of this. Did you ever talk to their mother?" Darien asked.
Serena shook her head "No. But the girls don't remember their father ever being mentioned."
"Serena that isn't a sturdy enough case. The girls are 6 almost 7. They probably wouldn't remember if they had ever met him. You need solid detail. Even then it might not be enough. He is their father."
Serena felt her eyes fill with tears "I can't lose them. I wont. They mean the world to me and I can't lose them."
"Serena I will do everything in my power for you to adopt them. But I wont promise you anything. I have promised you to much to break another promise to you."
"Why does he want to come back into their lives right now? He never wanted anything to do with them before? Why is it that now he wants his daughters back?"
"I don't know Serena. I have only been here one day I haven't talked to him at all."
~*~1 Week Later~*~
"Do I look all right?" Serena asked stepping out of her bedroom into the brightly lit living room. It was time for the hearing and Serena wanted to look perfect. She wore a white 3 quarter length sleeve blouse that tied around the waist, Serena loved the blouse because it looked similar to a kimono and she always wore it when she needed luck. Serena wore a deep red skirt to complete the outfit. Serena's hair was pulled into a loose bun tendrils of curls framing her face.
"You look fine." Darien responded. "Are the girls almost ready? Because we really should get going."
"I will go check." Serena responded walking back down the hallway towards the girls' rooms.
As Serena was walking back towards the room both girls stepped out of Jordan's room. The girls were wearing dresses of the same style. The dresses both fell to their ankles Jordan's dress was red and white striped and Annie's was blue. Over both of the dresses was a jacket in the same color as the stripes of their dresses. Both girls had their elbow length black hair pulled back into French braided pigtails that Serena had done before she had gotten dressed.
As they walked towards the living room Jordan said "Momma is our Dad going to take us away from you?"
Serena kneeled down so that she was face to face with Jordan and Annie. "I am going to do anything to keep you. I promise you I will do everything in my power to kept us together." Serena hugged her daughters. They may not have been her daughters by blood and they may have not been her daughters in the eyes of other people. But in the love that the three shared they were her daughters and she their mother.
The door bell ringing interrupted the small family. "Shall we go see who is at the door?" Serena asked puzzled. Serena had made friends when she moved to Georgia but her friends never came to her house and she had no idea who could be at the door now.
Serena opened the door to be faced with 4 of the people closest to her. "Ami, Mina, Lita, Rei, what are you doing here?" Serena asked stunned to see her best friends. She hadn't seen the girls for 6 years since she had left Tokyo for the last time. She talked to them occasionally but they all had their own lives now and were busy doing their own things. Ami was finish up medical school in Japan, Lita was busy running her own restaurant in Tokyo, Mina was living not far from Serena's childhood home with Andrew and their daughter Hayley and was a publicist for a very famous band in Japan and Rei had taken over the temple when her grandfather had retired. Even Darien had is law office in Japan. Serena had been the only one to leave Tokyo.
"Darien called as and said that you might need some support." Ami said.
"Hey girl were here for you." Mina added with a smile.
"Besides it's just like the Sailor Senshi again." Rei said "We have an enemy to beat."
"Just higher stakes." Lita put in.
Serena could feel the tears spring to her eyes "I can't believe you guys are here it has been so long."
After a round of hugs Lita said "So where are these beautiful daughters of yours?"
When Serena had opened the door she had felt the girls come behind her and they had hidden behind her.
"Girls," Serena said turning around "these are my friends."
Both girls peeked identical heads out from around Serena's legs. "They are adorable." Rei exclaimed.
"Everyone," Serena said "these are my daughters Jordan," Serena gently lay a hand on Jordan's and then Annie's "and this is Annie. Jordan, Annie these are my friends Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei.
"Hello." Both girls said softly.
"We better get going or we aren't going to be on time for the hearing." Darien said.
"Right." Serena said. "We can all go in the mini-van. The back seat has room for our people.
"Sounds good to me." Lita said.
"Yeah but we better get going it will not look good if we are late." Ami said.
Minutes later Serena and Darien were in the front two seats talking about the case. Annie and Jordan sat in the two middle seats hold each other's hand tightly. And Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei were in the back, rather squashed.
"They look like a married couple don't they?" Mina asked.
Everyone nodded "They act like it too. Darien reminding Serena that they shouldn't be right and then how he helped the girls get settled in their seats." Lita added.
"You think they are falling for each other again?" Rei asked.
"It looks like it doesn't it?" Ami asked.
"I just hope it doesn't end in heartbreak for Serena again." Rei said thoughtfully.
"Maybe this time they will get it right." Mina said hope apparent in her voice.
~*~The front of the car~*~
"Thank you Darien." Serena said her voice was a mixture of gratitude to Darien for calling the girls, nervousness over the trial, and happiness at having her friends with her again.
"Serena I told you I would always be here for you. But I though maybe the girls could get your spirits up better than I could." Darien said.
Serena took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the road.
Serena took her seat next to Darien at the table in the courtroom. She could feel her friends behind her and the twins were off to the side of the room sitting together in the seats that the judge had directed that they sit. Directly to the side of them was Jordan and Annie' s biological father, Edward Scott and his lawyer.
Serena took a deep breath and held it trying to stop her shaking. It had been a long day and the trial still was just about to end. In Serena's eyes it could go either way, they had recessed until the judge could make a decision. Ami, Mina, Lita, Rei and Darien all surrounded Serena. Jordan and Annie still sitting in the seat they had been told to sit in still clutching each other's hand. Serena didn't like Edward Scott. He made her nervous, Jordan and Annie looked nothing like him. He had blonde almost white hair and cold blue eyes.
"There is just something about him." Serena said. "He reminds me to much of Diamond." Darien lay a protective hand on Serena's shoulder.
When the judge came back into the room everyone stood up and the girls returned to their seats behind Serena.
And the judge began speaking "After much thought I have come to a conclusion. Miss Tuskino you were Annie and Jordan's foster mother for a year and a half after they were taken away from their mother for child abuse. Mr. Scott is their biological father of the twins. I am giving complete custody to the biological father starting tomorrow morning. Miss Tuskino there will be a social worker to pick the twins up tomorrow at 11 o'clock. Court adjourned."
Serena sank slowly back into her seat and buried her head in her hands.
"Your honor." Everyone turned towards Edward Scott who had just spoken.
"Yes Mr. Scott."
"I would like to pick my daughters up tomorrow. If that is all right."
"Mr. Scott if there is a social worker present I suppose I don't see a problem with it." With that said the judge walked out of the courtroom.
"Momma!" Both girls cried and sobbing threw themselves into Serena's arms. They seemed to understand what was going on.
Serena hugged the girls tightly to her. Edward Scott made his way over towards Serena and Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei took a defensive stance in front of Serena. Edward didn't try to get past the 4 girls instead he just said "Tomorrow when I come to pick my daughters up please have several days of clothing prepared for them until you can get the rest of their things packed and ready for them to take with take to my house." At these words Serena's tears began to fall and Jordan and Annie began to cry harder.
Darien watched Edward walk back towards his lawyer and he could have strangled him. He wasn't the only one he looked towards Ami, Mina, Lita and Rei Lita looked ready to electrocute him and Rei looked ready to barbecue. Ami and Mina didn't look much less angry then Lita and Rei.