I had to revise the ending...it was terrible. I like this one a little better. By now.
Symbiosis Chapter 6
"By the time had realized man was Mark -naked!- realized he was also
screaming. But screaming much more than me. Screaming in complete,
abandoned terror. Screaming -in a half asleep sort of way- as if he had
just come across the most horrifying terrible scenario of his life."
Bridget Jones, Edge of Reason
Darien was trying hard not to scratch his back. There was a tingling
feeling there that made him suspect a lone ant had survived the barrage
of shampoo and luke-warm water. But he could not scratch. After the
day's events, Darien knew that he and Serena were somehow on equal
ground. That meant any slip up, any casual mistake, could turn the tide
and give her the upper hand in their twisted relationship. He would not
risk giving her ammunition for another attack!
Such was the mind of this man.
He drove along, starting to shift his back subtly, rubbing it ever so
slightly against the seat, trying to alleviate the feeling without
letting Serena realize what he was doing. And...it was working! She was
staring at the road or something, completely oblivious.
After a moment, Serena looked up at him, wearing an expression of
amusement. "Does your back itch or something? Or do you just really
need to use the restroom?"
He tried to play it off. "No." He scoffed, forcing the arrogance into
his words in an attempt to hide his embarassment. "Why would you say
that?"
"Uh, 'Cause you're more figety than a five year old kid, pumped up on a
bag of skittles and then forced to quietly sit while old ladies recount
their first loves?"
"You're not exactly Miss. Motionless, yourself, you know. You've hardly
been sitting still."
A wry look painted her face, something she'd picked up from him.
"Getting a little desperate for insults, are we Mr. Sheilds?"
"Whatever Meatball Head."
She stuck out her tongue and, placing her hands behind her ears, waved
her fingertips.
"Oh, that's real mature."
"fbbt" She blew him a raspberry.
"Grow up."
"Loosen up."
"You're such a child."
"I know you are but what am I?"
"An immature junior high slacky?"
"I know you are but what am I?"
"A clutzy, ditzy, stereotypical blonde?"
"I know you are but what am I?"
"Annoying me with your obnoxious repeditiveness?"
"I know you are but DARIEN STOP THE CAR RIGHT NOW!!!"
His foot slammed onto the brakes, his heart beating like an excited
freshman drummer on the first day of drumline. The door opened and
Serena slipped out, leaving Darien to his worst fears.
He had hit an animal. He had hit a person. He had hit a little kid! A
homeless little kid who was treking across the wildnerness in search of
the mother who had been forced to give him up for adoption!
And now he was sitting in the front seat of his porshe and thinking
about himself. Darien frantically fumbled with the door's handle,
practically tearing it open before leaping out onto the deserted road.
His eyes surveyed the situation before settling on Serena, bent
over...over...well, over something! He ran toward her, just as she was
turning around.
"Oh God, are they all right?" Tears sparkled in the corners of Serena's
eyes and she nodded reluctantly. "Do they need medical assistance?"
Maybe his doctor training could help him.
She shook her head and wiped away the forming river.
"No, Darien. They aren't harmed at all."
A lump grew in his throat; something was still wrong. "Then what?
What's the matter?"
She sniffled. "Oh Darien! They have no mother! They're homeless
orphaned puppies!"
"Homeless!" His fears were coming true after all, except..."Did you say
puppies?"
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Can we puleaze keep 'em Darien?" Serena stuck one little face near his
as she pleaded with him. "Look at that. Can you honestly tell me you
want him and his sisters to be shipped off to the local shelter where
they face certain" she endeavored to cup all of the puppies ears.
"certain death by injection." She whispered. "They aren't criminals,
Darien. They deserve to live."
"Someone can adopt them."
"But why can't *we*? We're supossed to be married, right? So why can't
we pretend these are our children?"
"No."
"But married couples face surprises like these all the time. How could
I have known that I'd get pregnant and end up with triplets?"
"You were on birth control."
She bit ber bottom lip and ruffled one little animal's fur. He yelped
playfully.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
"All right, Darien. I have no choice but to tell you the truth. I
stopped taking the pills. I *wanted* children and now that they're
here, you can hardly just send them away. Susie even has your eyes."
He tried to frown at her but with one eye on the road, it lost its
power. Resigned, he sighed. "After this, I'm getting a vasectomy."
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Why is it that the one time you are trying to enter your house with a
litter of puppies in your arms and a animal-crazed teenager at your
side, you cannot find the lightswitch. Darien could have sworn that it
had moved to the far side of the room. His leg ran into a chair and he
grunted. It should be just a little to the left, a few steps to the
right, next to the coat rack or somewhere.
*lick* All at once, something attacked his face, warm, slimy, and...
endearing. Finally his hand connected with the light and the room lit
up. Just millimeters away, a small puppy watched him though innocent,
trusting eyes. He glanced across the room and found Serena similarly
enchanted by the two remaining little dogs.
"Hewo" She exclaimed, petting a tiny head of fur. "Who are the most
adorablest, cutest, most lovable puppies in the whole wide world? You
are, yes you are." Serena purred, holding the animals close.
"Aw, you've finally found someone at your own intelligence level." He
smirked.
"Aw, finally found a girl willing to look past your character faults."
Darien looked back at the female in his arms, and saw her bathing him
in saliva.
"So what are we going to name them?" She asked, taking a seat on the
floor. "I think this guy should be named Benny."
"Benny? If that's my only son why can't his name be Darien like me?"
"Do you want me screaming 'No Darien, don't pee on the carpet' five
times a hour?"
*pause* "Benny. I like Benny."
"I thought you would. What about the girls?" The loose one waddled up
to her and tugged at her sleeve. She reached over and scooped her up.
"How about Betty?"
"Betty and Benny? We'd have to name this one Berry or something." Even
as the words left Darien's mouth, he realized that the trio of names
had a certian ring to them. The flowed from the mouth, like hot
chocolate down your throat on a chilly day. Betty, Benny, and Berry,
his three children (sort of).
Darien liked it. Setting recently christianed Berry down, he
straightened his back and sighed. "So parenting...sounds easy enough.
How should we start?"
As if in response, Benny pranced proudly away from a puddle near the
table, his tail wagging joyfully. Darien and Serena's eyes met and both
spoke the same words at the same time.
"He's your son."
Many fun-filled, urine-smelling, trash-cleaning, rivalry-stopping,
bottle-feeding hours later...
The milk squirted out through the rubber nipple and into Darien's face,
forcing Serena to kill the laughter in her throat. It wasn't as though
she had an aversion to making fun of Darien or anything, she just
didn't want to be stuck walking to the nearest seven-eleven...again.
Granted, she still thought she'd gotten the better end of the bargain
when Darien sent her out for diapers, leaving him alone with the
triplets but it was colder now and she was tired. Walking in that
weather did not appear on her list of things to do.
"Maybe you should handle this. I'll go cut more diapers."
He signed. "Sure." Taking the bottle from her, Darien shook his head.
"This can't what its like to really have kids. All the dogs do is eat,
sleep, and poop on precious belongings. Babies are little bundles of
purity."
Serena, who could still remember the trials during Sammy's infancy,
just poked a hole in the bottom of the Luvs and muttered "Whatever".
"Hey, speaking of pooping, what ever happened to Benny? I haven't seen
him in a while."
"Ummm..." She glanced around around for any sign of the stray pup. Lo
and behold, there was a trail of torn paper, leading them to the
kitchen like Hansel and Gretel with bread crumbs. Past the door, Benny
sat, chewing on the wooden leg of a chair with dull teeth. Not far
away, a odious pile of something not quite a solid informed them of his
other activities.
"Darien?" Serena asked as he cleaned it up, nearly gagging. "I've been
wondering...do you have life insurance?"
"I don't think so, why?"
She shook her head and cuddled the offender. "I was just thinking...if
anything happens to you, how am I supposed to support the kids? I mean
I plan on getting a job and all...but could I give them the education
they deserve? All the successful dogs have attended expensive training
schools and funerals cost so much these days. I'd hate to have to bury
you in a chintzy, five person per plot cemetery where you're name would
be smushed together on a wooden tombstone with TomDickandHarry."
He shrugged.
"I guess I'll just have to outlive you. That, or you give up having
your hair and nails done on Saturdays."
She gasped softly. "But you know those are the only days I'm not
playing maid or chaperone for you and the children!"
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
All good things must come to an end.
Darien was never sure who found that flier and called the numer written
on the bottom. One minute he was waking up on the couch, a puppy on
each side and one cradled in Serena's lap, and the next a door bell was
poking through his little family shell.
He tried to get up without disturbing anyone and nearly succeeded. Then
he lost his balance, fell forward and onto his 'family'. Serena
screamed, prompting the dog's start barking. And all the while the
doorbell continued to pound a steady, squealy beat into his head.
"Just a moment." Untangling himself, Darien brushed off his clothes
(trying to smooth out wrinkles), ran a hand through his ebony hair, and
opened the door. "Hello, can I help you?"
The tiniest child stood before him, her head just a touch too big for
her scrawny neck. She smiled wide, showing off a few missing teeth,
then held up a piece of paper. "That's my doggies. The...the...the lady
down..downstairs said that you saw them."
From behind Darien, a slender hand reached out and grabbed the flier.
He heard a gasp and knew that their 'children' weren't as homeless as
previously thought. Then he was pushed aside and the little girl
was led in.
"Are these your dogs?" Serena asked, gently. The girl's eyes lit up
like a firecracker on a July evening.
"Barbie! Tina! George!" The names that sounded so foreign to the couple
sparked a memory in the dog's mind and they rushed forward to reclaim
their master. She giggled joyfully. "I found you! I found you!"
Blushing again, the girl looked up at Serena. "We were on vacation and
my mommy put the dogs into a box and then the tire blew up and we had
to walk and the man said no dogs so we left them there and then we came
back and the lady said that she saw the other man take them to the
place with the green stuff."
"Oh." Serena nodded her head and pretended to understand. "Well, I
guess they want to go home with you now. They must miss it a lot."
The girl beamed. "Thank you for returning them." She fumbled for
something in her pocket. "If you want to see them again, my mommy said
you could visit them." And then she was gone, out the door and with the
lady who had hung back, watching her daughter charm Serena and Darien
out of triplets.
The couple collapsed on the couch and sighed. "Already gone off on
their own."
Darien nodded in agreement. "They grow up so fast."
****************************************************
Now 'retired' and once again alone, they decided to spend their last
day at the spring carnival. Cotton candy, a few rides, and a little
sunshine seemed perfect distractions from the loss of their children.
They were sitting along the edge of a fence, Serena nibbling on her
pink treat and Darien jingled his car keys, when a tall redhead, decked
out in an outrageously loud green velvet outfit, approached them.
Immediately, she hooked her arm with Darien's, offering a free hand to
shake.
"Hey, how are you guys." The lady, easily twenty five or so, cackled
her gum in between words and batted her eyelashes. "I'm Brenda Kelly."
"Um, Darien Sheilds. This is Serena."
"Cool, cool. So, are ya all enjoying the carnival?"
"Uh,yeah."
She laughed, an irritating I'm-trying-to-giggle-but-theres-a-
frog-in-my-throat sort of laugh. "Didja know that it's being hosted by
America's MTV? They're tring to expand their horizons. It's a special,
televised and everything." And somehow, her arm was around Darien, her
head inclined towards his chest. "It's a total blast so far."
Serena frowned. Who did Ms. American Short Skirt, Big Hair think she
was? Couldn't she see the ring on their hands? "Well, *my* Darien and I
are just glad to be here *together*" There, she couldn't miss that
hint.
Amazingly, the redhead just grinned and went on, holding Darien as
though he were a teddy bear and she a timid schoolgirl. "You two should
really watch the shows. They put so much into these little gatherings."
Whenever Brenda spoke, one hand waved through the air, trying to
exaggerate the meaning of her words.
"Yeah, well, I dunno. *Dare-bear* and I get so caught up in one
another. I don't know if we can concentrate on anything else for long."
"Um Hmm. I know what you mean but like I hear one show is absolutely
like mind-blowing. Can I-" She stopped speaking then, because Serena
had finally phyisically pulled her away from a silent Darien.
"Look, Brenda. I'm sure you're really nice and everything, but Darien
is *my husband*. We're *married*"
"Of course you are sweety. I was just settin you up for the great news.
We want to you appear on our local version of The Newlyweds!"
**********************
Sometimes, life just catches you offguard. One minute you eating candy
and verbally sparring with your pseudo-spouse and the next your sitting
on a heart shaped chair before a hundred other people.
The stage was set for a cheesy interpretation of the famous gameshow.
Chairs were lined up in a circle around a single loveseat and the host
paced gracefully beside it. Then, she waved to the cameras to start.
"Hello and Welcome to Tokyo's Honeymoon Trivia! Let me give you a few
rules and a little background! Well this little show is based on an a
American gameshow, called the Newlyweds. However we have thrown in our
own little Tokyo brand of magic. There's only one couple up here today
and believe me, its going to take a lot of teamework to get through
some of these challenges. Now keep in mind only the special couple is
allowed to answer the questions. So without any further adieu, I
present Serena and Darien Sheilds! Okay guys, we're jumping right in.
Question number one." Brenda tipped the microphone away from her mouth
and shot a sly glance at the eager audience. "Where was the first place
you ever went all the way?"
Darien felt his eyes stretch an impossible length. His cheeks reddened.
How could he have gotten them into this situation? It was completely
inappropriate for Serena. She was only fourt-
"In the Hollandshire Bridal suit!" Everyone turned to the pretty blonde
who had just shouted out the answer. Darien coughed, or was it more of
a choke?
Brenda, meanwhile, clapped her hands. "Well folks, look like we've
caught ourselves a bunch of old-fashioned sweethearts. So tell me
Serena, why did you wait for after the marriage?"
Darien felt relief pouring in. Serena was creative; she had just turned
a potentially embarassing situation into something much more-
"I never said it was *our* honeymoon."
The audience oohed and aahed and laughed. Serena joined them, realizing
that she had just been given the chance to be someone else. Someone
exciting, sassy, and free of inhibitions. Now the only problem was
getting Darien to join her.
"Question number two" Brenda continued. "Which vacation would you
rather take? A week of sightseeing and fine dining in Italy or sweet
romance in Paris, France?"
Serena wove an arm through one of Darien's and rested her head on his
strong, albeit tense, shoulder. "Why don't you answer this one baby."
Baby? BABY?!? She was out of her bunny-loving mind! Darien gulped and
tried to regain some sense of composure. His gaze fell downward to
where Serena cuddled against his chest. Her eyes implored him to play
along and he recalled sending her that same look when Andrew was using
them as practice for his free-speech class. Turning back to Brenda, he
grinned. "I'd have to say fine-dining in Italy because we've already
spent a month together in the romance capital of the world. And as Sere
can tell you, I like to try new things."
Darien exhaled a little loudly and shook his head when he caught the
innuendo hidden in his own words. His face sought refuge beneath a blob
of black hair.
How the mighty had fallen.
Brenda lifted her mike. "Well well well. We certianly have found
ourselves a pair, eh tokyo? Number tres. If people were fruits and you
got to choose yoour spouse's type, what would you choose. Serena, why
don't you go first."
She bit her bottom lip and thought about it. "Well, I think Darien's a
tangerine, sweet, tangy, and oh so addictive."
"And Darien? What's Serena?"
"Well...she's a wildberry. You can't tame her, you can't tell if she's
poisonous, and you can't get enough of her."
"How sweet. And I don't just mean the fruits you mentioned. Anyways,
one more question. If you could be any famous couple, who would you
be?"
"Bonnie and Clyde!" Serena shouted impulsively.
Brenda raised an eyebrow. "The outlaws? Why is that?"
"Well, Darien's so good, it's got to be illegal anyway."
Darien covered his head with his hands. Would that blush never fade?
Minutes later, they were ready for the actual challenge. The test?
Darien and Serena had to make a rootbeer float -without their hands.
The other catches included the fact that half the ingredients were
shoved inside their pockets.
Serena squirmed at first, feeling the cold ice-cream freeze her side.
But the prospects of winning an free mini golf game was too tempting.
She forced herself still. Her partner wasn't much better off, with a
mini bottle of Rootbeer stuffed into his pants. It looked...
inappropriate.
"Ready...set...go!" They proceeded with several endeavors, most of
which looked questionable.
Suffice it to say that by the time they were through, Serena knew she
needn't ever apply rouge again.
##################
Bonnie and Clyde returned home at well past one. Party hats adorned
their heads and candy cigars hung loosely from their mouths. They
walked with a sort of 20's mobsters swank, easy, cool, and untouchable.
The house was waiting for them, every object was just right. So right,
in fact, that the three bears would've been proud.
Except of course that the girl sitting at their doorway was
raven-haired, her locks not goldie at all. Rei's head jerked up when
she heard their approach, her face flushed. She ran up to Serena and
began babbling in a frantic tone.
"I'msosorrybutIaccidentallytoldyourparentswhojustreturnedthatyouweresta
yingwithDarienandtheycouldbeontheirwayhereatanymoment!"
Serena gasped loudly, grabbing onto Darien for support.
"WHATDOYOUMEANYOUTOLDMEPARENTS!HOWCOULDYOUDOTHAT!!!!" Her fake hubby
winced as she turned up the notch on the decibles.
"Could someone please explain what is going on in a language that I can
understand?"
Rei sighed. "The Tsukino's called me a while ago to ask for Kelly's
number, so they could call Serena and tell her they were almost home. I
told them that I didn't know any Kelly and that Serena was with Darien.
I didn't realized until I heard the phone click that I'd made a huge
mistake. I went down to the Crown to ask for advice and Andy told me
that they'd already contacted him and that he'd given them this
address. They could arrive here at any minute."
"Aaahhh! Open this door right now!" Serena pounded fiercly on the door,
banging on it with whole fists.
"Serena, relax. Its not like they're already here." Darien placed a
hand on her shoulder and tried to calm her down. Just then, voices were
heard from somewhere down the hall.
"Excuse me, does Darien Shields live here?"
"No, he's down that hall."
"Thank you very much. We appreciate it."
"I'm going to kill them both."
Darien gulped and quickly opened the door. And the trio looked at each
other uncertainly. "So what happens now?"
"Hide, Hide, Hide!" Serena shouted, pushing him into the nearest
closet. "And just stay there for a long time."
"But-"
"No buts. Unless you want my dad using your brain tissue for kleenex,
do as I say."
"But-" This time a loud knock interrupted him. Serena looked at Rei,
the closet, then opened the door.
Mr. Tsukino stood before her, tall and angry, like a dark cloud waiting
to send a bolt of lightening down on some poor man. "Where is he?"
"Daddy!" She threw herself into his arms, "When did you guys get back?
Why a day early?"
He threw a look at her mom. "Someone ordered the wrong tickets."
"Plus we wanted to see you all on Easter" Added his wife.
"And then I heard that you are living with a *man*! Where is he so that
I may kil- er, speak with him."
Serena tried on her best innocent eyes. "But Daddy, I'm here with
Kelly, my friend!"
"Don't lie to me."
"I'm not! Darien is her older brother. He's never even here!"
"Then where is this Kelly?"
"Um..." She was saved by the bell. Doorbell, that is. When she pulled
it open, there stood a miracle.
"Kelly!"
********************************
Kelly, or Net as she'd been called, sniffled. Inviting herself in, she
plopped on the couch. "it's terrible, Serena. Horrible! I just am so
completely lost and confused and I don't know what to do anymore!..."
The Tsukino's stared hard at the newcomer. "Who is this?" Boomed Mr.
Tsukino, watching them all with suspicious eyes.
"This is Kelly, Dad. Um...can I talk to her in private?" She asked
Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be escorted into the kitchen. Serena
sat next to the girl and took a deep breath. "Whats wrong?"
"Its...its...its Bobby! I think he wants to get a divorce and move to
Ethiopia!"
"But you two were the couple of the year! What happened?"
"Well, he became really into being a doctor for those that can't afford
it themselves. Now he wants to move." *sniff, sob*
"And you don't?"
"I'm just so scared. I mean maybe its egotistical and selfish and
unconsiderate but I like my life style. I don't understand why we can't
help them from here. He's been waiting days for an answer. What do I
do?"
"I think you should follow your heart. And remember, if you really care
about him, it won't matter where you are."
"You're...you're right! I do love Bobby and I want to live with him no
matter what he does!"
"That's the spirit."
"I'm on my way!" And Kelly jumped up, ready to leave, probably forever.
"Wait!" Called Serena, pulling her back. "You can't leave *now* He's
been waiting a long time, a hour or so more ain't gonna make a
difference."
"But..."
"Listen." She lowered her voice and stared after the kitchen door. "You
have to help me." The story was explained and the brunette nodded in
understanding.
"I see. Don't worry Serena, I am ready to help."
"Good, 'cause heres the plan..."
*whisper, whisper, whisper*
Moments later, Rei walked back in the room and gave Serena an
apologetic look. "Grandpa's already gonna be so mad. I have to go. By
the way, your dad looks like he's ready to blow a fuse if you don't
call them back out."
"Kay, bye Rei. MOM AND DAD, YOU GUYS CAN COME OUT NOW."
Her parents emerged, Mr. Tsukino slinking like Godzilla climbing out of
a swamp, ready to wreak havoc on the world. Or at least his daughters
world.
"You had better start explaining youself. This may be Kelly but the
neighbors all said that a Darien Shields lives here."
Kelly, offering them a small smile, placed herself between Serena and
her parents. "He does. Technically."
Mr. Tsukino raised an eyebrow, skeptically. "Technically?"
"Well, I mean he does live here, when he's here. He's my big brother
after all and he should have somewhere to go when he's on vacation from
school. But usually I'm all alone. Having Serena here is actually a
comfort. It's not so lonely."
"Oh you poor child," cried Mrs. Tsukino, coming forward to wrap the
girl in her arms. "You can stay with us anytime you want, can't she
Kenji?"
"Yes, yes, of course. But let's stay on the issue. Do you mean to tell
me that Darien Shields is away at college? And that you,
Kelly...Shields, I suppose, is his younger sister who let Serena live
with you while we were on vacation?"
"Yup." He looked at her, then his daughter. His shoulders slumped and
he sighed. "Oh. Then, I guess I you an apology, Serena. You can stay
here the rest of the night. We'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her
forehead and walked out of the door.
Serena's mother came up to her and wrapped her up in a big, warm,
affectionate hug. She opened her mouth, and Serena prepared herself for
another loving, sweet goodbye. "You lied, Serena."
Serena gasped. "Wh..what?"
Mrs. Tsukino kept right on smiling and hugging her eldest child. "I
know that you lied. Your father may have missed it, but there is the
distinctive smell of men's cologne in the air, and a significant lack
of girlish things here. I don't know who your friend is or where you
managed to hide this Darien, though my guess is the closet, but I know
that he's the one you've been staying with."
"We...we never..."
"I know. And that's why I plan on letting you off easy. But if you ever
lie to us again...well, you'll be cleaning up after Sammy for the rest
of your life. I expect you home soon. A few hours at the most." She
hugged her tighter. "See you Sweetie. We've missed you." And then it
was over.
The blonde sighed heavily and banged her hand on the closet. It opened,
and a dissheveled man stepped out. He blinked, as if his eyes weren't
used to the light and stared at Kelly.
"Have you noticed that your dad looks a lot like Net?"
"That is Net." The two girls embraced and then the brunette left,
intent on reuniting with her husband, Kelly muttering "I just can't
believe you two aren't the real thing."
"Did I miss something? When did she get here? Where is the Death,
ready to tear out my heart with a dull pencil, or spoon feed me my own
brains?"
"Its over Darien. Everyone is gone. And I have to get home soon. Can
you help me pack?"
"Sure. So what happened." She told him the story and he was as relieved
as she with Net's appearence. "But wait," he asked. "How did she know
that we even lived here?"
"I told her when we were comparing partners. You know, whose husband
was the tallest, loudest, most annoying, most likely to end up walking
the tight rope after having lost a bet to friends. She's a nice girl."
"Yeah." They packed, putting away all the bath oils, the clothing, the
little doll that was 'too cute to not buy at a rummage sale', one baby
blue towel as a souvenier from the New Darien's House, feng shui-
friendly, a bag of carrot sticks (her new favorite vegetable) for her
to chew on the way back, the MTV sticker with a picture of Carson
Dally, or Dolly something like that, one LUVS diaper with a tail hole
cut in the back, and a picture of them on the Happy-go-Lucky ride at
the carnival.
Then, they called a Greenlight Taxi cab and waited for it at the edge
of the curb. It pulled up, and in true taxi cab nature, honked loudly despite the fact that Serena was already opening the door. She duckd her head inside and then... Darien yelled something.
"Serena...wait a minute!"
****************
Ah, and that just about brings us back to the present, doesn't it.
Funny, this little experiment is ending just the way it started
-absoluetly insane. Its like four in the morning and I'm standing out
of the street waiting for my arch-nemesis -is he even that anymore?- to
explain why he shouted my name as I was about to leave.
If he stares at the ground any more, he's gonna burn a hole through it.
I want to leave. The longer I look at him, and the apartment building
that feels like a second home to me, and the more I see Chester, the
nightman, peering at us through the glass, the more I know I'm really
going to miss it all.
Sure, Darien is still arrogant and annoying and all that, but now I
know that he has another side. One that is thoroughly charming.
"Are you planning on speaking or are you just showing off you
incredible standing abilities?"
I'm different too. Much more comfortable with him. I can hold my own in
a conversation with him, with confidence and ease.
*Gasp* He's looked up at me now, and has made me the focus of that
intense gaze. Geez, you'd think I had a glob of day old mayo on my
face.
I know for a fact that I wiped it off before I stepped outside.
He speaks, "Thank you for doing this, Serena. It was really nice
getting to know you."
"Yeah, Ditto."
He wrings his hands and I can tell he has something else to say.
"Um...listen, do you think maybe we could get together some other time?
It was actually fun with you."
Is he asking me out? Darien? The guy every girl but me wanted to date?
And do I want to accept?
"I'd love to." Wait, when did happen. You were arguing like a few hours
ago. Now you want to see him again?
He breaks out in a grin and I realize that it doesn't matter if it
seems to have been sprung on us. I know its really been building for a
while.
"Good night, Serena. Keep the ring." Finally, he turns away and starts
walking back to his apartment.
Talk about surprises.
Epilogue
"Everyone, I'd like to read you a section of a paper I assigned to my
other class. Students were instructed to compare married life to single
life and base their report on first hand experience. This young man
writes:
In our present day society, marriage is all too often a stigma.
People think it a prison of sorts, where day after day you face
the same person and the same unescapable events. But I have
found that this veiw is one created by the singleton.
Ask any happily married man and he will tell you that if you
care about someone, spending forever with them is a blessing.
After this experiment, I find that I must agree. My partner for
that week is now my girlfriend and I look forward to seeing her
smile for the rest of my life.
He goes to make sereral very intriguing statements. I'll be giving you
the same assignment. Try to learn as much as this young man did."
The classroom was filled with loud sighs and groans as all of the
single, brilliant but cocky students filtered out. Only one man
remained, a smile from ear to ear.
He always knew that Darien was a softy.
"Mr. Baker, can I help you?"
"No, sir. I'm just think about the assignment. It sounds like fun."
**************************
Dear Diary,
This has certainly been a long day, hasn't it?
But the best part is yet to come. I have another date
with Darien. Now that it's official, I feel like
screaming it to the whole world: I'm the luckiest gal
ever! Tonight, he's taking me to Oro, a really nice restaurant. Maybe he'll give me another kind of ring.
I got another letter from Net today too. She and Bobby
are in South Africa now, and here was the big surprise:
she's a nurse! And every bit as dedicated to helping
people as her husband. They hope to come and visit on
Christmas (its amazing how close we all are now).
They've even got me sponsoring a kid. Her name is Emily
and she's super cute.
Oohh, more good news. Betty's finally had her puppies!
Guess that makes me a grandma, huh.
Well I gots to go. I'm having a manicure at three. Tootles!
P.S. I found the sweetest looking kitten on the street
today (some little bratty kids were messing with her).
She has this adorable moon symbol on her head...
Its over! So, whatcha think? Send all comments, flames, etc. to me at
Eileenblzr@yahoo.com
BTW, my next fic is already in the making but don't expect it out for a
few weeks, kay? Its called Score One for the Flying Pigs. Anyone who
wants to read the prologue though can email me at the aforementioned
email address. Bye now!
Symbiosis Chapter 6
"By the time had realized man was Mark -naked!- realized he was also
screaming. But screaming much more than me. Screaming in complete,
abandoned terror. Screaming -in a half asleep sort of way- as if he had
just come across the most horrifying terrible scenario of his life."
Bridget Jones, Edge of Reason
Darien was trying hard not to scratch his back. There was a tingling
feeling there that made him suspect a lone ant had survived the barrage
of shampoo and luke-warm water. But he could not scratch. After the
day's events, Darien knew that he and Serena were somehow on equal
ground. That meant any slip up, any casual mistake, could turn the tide
and give her the upper hand in their twisted relationship. He would not
risk giving her ammunition for another attack!
Such was the mind of this man.
He drove along, starting to shift his back subtly, rubbing it ever so
slightly against the seat, trying to alleviate the feeling without
letting Serena realize what he was doing. And...it was working! She was
staring at the road or something, completely oblivious.
After a moment, Serena looked up at him, wearing an expression of
amusement. "Does your back itch or something? Or do you just really
need to use the restroom?"
He tried to play it off. "No." He scoffed, forcing the arrogance into
his words in an attempt to hide his embarassment. "Why would you say
that?"
"Uh, 'Cause you're more figety than a five year old kid, pumped up on a
bag of skittles and then forced to quietly sit while old ladies recount
their first loves?"
"You're not exactly Miss. Motionless, yourself, you know. You've hardly
been sitting still."
A wry look painted her face, something she'd picked up from him.
"Getting a little desperate for insults, are we Mr. Sheilds?"
"Whatever Meatball Head."
She stuck out her tongue and, placing her hands behind her ears, waved
her fingertips.
"Oh, that's real mature."
"fbbt" She blew him a raspberry.
"Grow up."
"Loosen up."
"You're such a child."
"I know you are but what am I?"
"An immature junior high slacky?"
"I know you are but what am I?"
"A clutzy, ditzy, stereotypical blonde?"
"I know you are but what am I?"
"Annoying me with your obnoxious repeditiveness?"
"I know you are but DARIEN STOP THE CAR RIGHT NOW!!!"
His foot slammed onto the brakes, his heart beating like an excited
freshman drummer on the first day of drumline. The door opened and
Serena slipped out, leaving Darien to his worst fears.
He had hit an animal. He had hit a person. He had hit a little kid! A
homeless little kid who was treking across the wildnerness in search of
the mother who had been forced to give him up for adoption!
And now he was sitting in the front seat of his porshe and thinking
about himself. Darien frantically fumbled with the door's handle,
practically tearing it open before leaping out onto the deserted road.
His eyes surveyed the situation before settling on Serena, bent
over...over...well, over something! He ran toward her, just as she was
turning around.
"Oh God, are they all right?" Tears sparkled in the corners of Serena's
eyes and she nodded reluctantly. "Do they need medical assistance?"
Maybe his doctor training could help him.
She shook her head and wiped away the forming river.
"No, Darien. They aren't harmed at all."
A lump grew in his throat; something was still wrong. "Then what?
What's the matter?"
She sniffled. "Oh Darien! They have no mother! They're homeless
orphaned puppies!"
"Homeless!" His fears were coming true after all, except..."Did you say
puppies?"
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Can we puleaze keep 'em Darien?" Serena stuck one little face near his
as she pleaded with him. "Look at that. Can you honestly tell me you
want him and his sisters to be shipped off to the local shelter where
they face certain" she endeavored to cup all of the puppies ears.
"certain death by injection." She whispered. "They aren't criminals,
Darien. They deserve to live."
"Someone can adopt them."
"But why can't *we*? We're supossed to be married, right? So why can't
we pretend these are our children?"
"No."
"But married couples face surprises like these all the time. How could
I have known that I'd get pregnant and end up with triplets?"
"You were on birth control."
She bit ber bottom lip and ruffled one little animal's fur. He yelped
playfully.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
"All right, Darien. I have no choice but to tell you the truth. I
stopped taking the pills. I *wanted* children and now that they're
here, you can hardly just send them away. Susie even has your eyes."
He tried to frown at her but with one eye on the road, it lost its
power. Resigned, he sighed. "After this, I'm getting a vasectomy."
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Why is it that the one time you are trying to enter your house with a
litter of puppies in your arms and a animal-crazed teenager at your
side, you cannot find the lightswitch. Darien could have sworn that it
had moved to the far side of the room. His leg ran into a chair and he
grunted. It should be just a little to the left, a few steps to the
right, next to the coat rack or somewhere.
*lick* All at once, something attacked his face, warm, slimy, and...
endearing. Finally his hand connected with the light and the room lit
up. Just millimeters away, a small puppy watched him though innocent,
trusting eyes. He glanced across the room and found Serena similarly
enchanted by the two remaining little dogs.
"Hewo" She exclaimed, petting a tiny head of fur. "Who are the most
adorablest, cutest, most lovable puppies in the whole wide world? You
are, yes you are." Serena purred, holding the animals close.
"Aw, you've finally found someone at your own intelligence level." He
smirked.
"Aw, finally found a girl willing to look past your character faults."
Darien looked back at the female in his arms, and saw her bathing him
in saliva.
"So what are we going to name them?" She asked, taking a seat on the
floor. "I think this guy should be named Benny."
"Benny? If that's my only son why can't his name be Darien like me?"
"Do you want me screaming 'No Darien, don't pee on the carpet' five
times a hour?"
*pause* "Benny. I like Benny."
"I thought you would. What about the girls?" The loose one waddled up
to her and tugged at her sleeve. She reached over and scooped her up.
"How about Betty?"
"Betty and Benny? We'd have to name this one Berry or something." Even
as the words left Darien's mouth, he realized that the trio of names
had a certian ring to them. The flowed from the mouth, like hot
chocolate down your throat on a chilly day. Betty, Benny, and Berry,
his three children (sort of).
Darien liked it. Setting recently christianed Berry down, he
straightened his back and sighed. "So parenting...sounds easy enough.
How should we start?"
As if in response, Benny pranced proudly away from a puddle near the
table, his tail wagging joyfully. Darien and Serena's eyes met and both
spoke the same words at the same time.
"He's your son."
Many fun-filled, urine-smelling, trash-cleaning, rivalry-stopping,
bottle-feeding hours later...
The milk squirted out through the rubber nipple and into Darien's face,
forcing Serena to kill the laughter in her throat. It wasn't as though
she had an aversion to making fun of Darien or anything, she just
didn't want to be stuck walking to the nearest seven-eleven...again.
Granted, she still thought she'd gotten the better end of the bargain
when Darien sent her out for diapers, leaving him alone with the
triplets but it was colder now and she was tired. Walking in that
weather did not appear on her list of things to do.
"Maybe you should handle this. I'll go cut more diapers."
He signed. "Sure." Taking the bottle from her, Darien shook his head.
"This can't what its like to really have kids. All the dogs do is eat,
sleep, and poop on precious belongings. Babies are little bundles of
purity."
Serena, who could still remember the trials during Sammy's infancy,
just poked a hole in the bottom of the Luvs and muttered "Whatever".
"Hey, speaking of pooping, what ever happened to Benny? I haven't seen
him in a while."
"Ummm..." She glanced around around for any sign of the stray pup. Lo
and behold, there was a trail of torn paper, leading them to the
kitchen like Hansel and Gretel with bread crumbs. Past the door, Benny
sat, chewing on the wooden leg of a chair with dull teeth. Not far
away, a odious pile of something not quite a solid informed them of his
other activities.
"Darien?" Serena asked as he cleaned it up, nearly gagging. "I've been
wondering...do you have life insurance?"
"I don't think so, why?"
She shook her head and cuddled the offender. "I was just thinking...if
anything happens to you, how am I supposed to support the kids? I mean
I plan on getting a job and all...but could I give them the education
they deserve? All the successful dogs have attended expensive training
schools and funerals cost so much these days. I'd hate to have to bury
you in a chintzy, five person per plot cemetery where you're name would
be smushed together on a wooden tombstone with TomDickandHarry."
He shrugged.
"I guess I'll just have to outlive you. That, or you give up having
your hair and nails done on Saturdays."
She gasped softly. "But you know those are the only days I'm not
playing maid or chaperone for you and the children!"
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
All good things must come to an end.
Darien was never sure who found that flier and called the numer written
on the bottom. One minute he was waking up on the couch, a puppy on
each side and one cradled in Serena's lap, and the next a door bell was
poking through his little family shell.
He tried to get up without disturbing anyone and nearly succeeded. Then
he lost his balance, fell forward and onto his 'family'. Serena
screamed, prompting the dog's start barking. And all the while the
doorbell continued to pound a steady, squealy beat into his head.
"Just a moment." Untangling himself, Darien brushed off his clothes
(trying to smooth out wrinkles), ran a hand through his ebony hair, and
opened the door. "Hello, can I help you?"
The tiniest child stood before him, her head just a touch too big for
her scrawny neck. She smiled wide, showing off a few missing teeth,
then held up a piece of paper. "That's my doggies. The...the...the lady
down..downstairs said that you saw them."
From behind Darien, a slender hand reached out and grabbed the flier.
He heard a gasp and knew that their 'children' weren't as homeless as
previously thought. Then he was pushed aside and the little girl
was led in.
"Are these your dogs?" Serena asked, gently. The girl's eyes lit up
like a firecracker on a July evening.
"Barbie! Tina! George!" The names that sounded so foreign to the couple
sparked a memory in the dog's mind and they rushed forward to reclaim
their master. She giggled joyfully. "I found you! I found you!"
Blushing again, the girl looked up at Serena. "We were on vacation and
my mommy put the dogs into a box and then the tire blew up and we had
to walk and the man said no dogs so we left them there and then we came
back and the lady said that she saw the other man take them to the
place with the green stuff."
"Oh." Serena nodded her head and pretended to understand. "Well, I
guess they want to go home with you now. They must miss it a lot."
The girl beamed. "Thank you for returning them." She fumbled for
something in her pocket. "If you want to see them again, my mommy said
you could visit them." And then she was gone, out the door and with the
lady who had hung back, watching her daughter charm Serena and Darien
out of triplets.
The couple collapsed on the couch and sighed. "Already gone off on
their own."
Darien nodded in agreement. "They grow up so fast."
****************************************************
Now 'retired' and once again alone, they decided to spend their last
day at the spring carnival. Cotton candy, a few rides, and a little
sunshine seemed perfect distractions from the loss of their children.
They were sitting along the edge of a fence, Serena nibbling on her
pink treat and Darien jingled his car keys, when a tall redhead, decked
out in an outrageously loud green velvet outfit, approached them.
Immediately, she hooked her arm with Darien's, offering a free hand to
shake.
"Hey, how are you guys." The lady, easily twenty five or so, cackled
her gum in between words and batted her eyelashes. "I'm Brenda Kelly."
"Um, Darien Sheilds. This is Serena."
"Cool, cool. So, are ya all enjoying the carnival?"
"Uh,yeah."
She laughed, an irritating I'm-trying-to-giggle-but-theres-a-
frog-in-my-throat sort of laugh. "Didja know that it's being hosted by
America's MTV? They're tring to expand their horizons. It's a special,
televised and everything." And somehow, her arm was around Darien, her
head inclined towards his chest. "It's a total blast so far."
Serena frowned. Who did Ms. American Short Skirt, Big Hair think she
was? Couldn't she see the ring on their hands? "Well, *my* Darien and I
are just glad to be here *together*" There, she couldn't miss that
hint.
Amazingly, the redhead just grinned and went on, holding Darien as
though he were a teddy bear and she a timid schoolgirl. "You two should
really watch the shows. They put so much into these little gatherings."
Whenever Brenda spoke, one hand waved through the air, trying to
exaggerate the meaning of her words.
"Yeah, well, I dunno. *Dare-bear* and I get so caught up in one
another. I don't know if we can concentrate on anything else for long."
"Um Hmm. I know what you mean but like I hear one show is absolutely
like mind-blowing. Can I-" She stopped speaking then, because Serena
had finally phyisically pulled her away from a silent Darien.
"Look, Brenda. I'm sure you're really nice and everything, but Darien
is *my husband*. We're *married*"
"Of course you are sweety. I was just settin you up for the great news.
We want to you appear on our local version of The Newlyweds!"
**********************
Sometimes, life just catches you offguard. One minute you eating candy
and verbally sparring with your pseudo-spouse and the next your sitting
on a heart shaped chair before a hundred other people.
The stage was set for a cheesy interpretation of the famous gameshow.
Chairs were lined up in a circle around a single loveseat and the host
paced gracefully beside it. Then, she waved to the cameras to start.
"Hello and Welcome to Tokyo's Honeymoon Trivia! Let me give you a few
rules and a little background! Well this little show is based on an a
American gameshow, called the Newlyweds. However we have thrown in our
own little Tokyo brand of magic. There's only one couple up here today
and believe me, its going to take a lot of teamework to get through
some of these challenges. Now keep in mind only the special couple is
allowed to answer the questions. So without any further adieu, I
present Serena and Darien Sheilds! Okay guys, we're jumping right in.
Question number one." Brenda tipped the microphone away from her mouth
and shot a sly glance at the eager audience. "Where was the first place
you ever went all the way?"
Darien felt his eyes stretch an impossible length. His cheeks reddened.
How could he have gotten them into this situation? It was completely
inappropriate for Serena. She was only fourt-
"In the Hollandshire Bridal suit!" Everyone turned to the pretty blonde
who had just shouted out the answer. Darien coughed, or was it more of
a choke?
Brenda, meanwhile, clapped her hands. "Well folks, look like we've
caught ourselves a bunch of old-fashioned sweethearts. So tell me
Serena, why did you wait for after the marriage?"
Darien felt relief pouring in. Serena was creative; she had just turned
a potentially embarassing situation into something much more-
"I never said it was *our* honeymoon."
The audience oohed and aahed and laughed. Serena joined them, realizing
that she had just been given the chance to be someone else. Someone
exciting, sassy, and free of inhibitions. Now the only problem was
getting Darien to join her.
"Question number two" Brenda continued. "Which vacation would you
rather take? A week of sightseeing and fine dining in Italy or sweet
romance in Paris, France?"
Serena wove an arm through one of Darien's and rested her head on his
strong, albeit tense, shoulder. "Why don't you answer this one baby."
Baby? BABY?!? She was out of her bunny-loving mind! Darien gulped and
tried to regain some sense of composure. His gaze fell downward to
where Serena cuddled against his chest. Her eyes implored him to play
along and he recalled sending her that same look when Andrew was using
them as practice for his free-speech class. Turning back to Brenda, he
grinned. "I'd have to say fine-dining in Italy because we've already
spent a month together in the romance capital of the world. And as Sere
can tell you, I like to try new things."
Darien exhaled a little loudly and shook his head when he caught the
innuendo hidden in his own words. His face sought refuge beneath a blob
of black hair.
How the mighty had fallen.
Brenda lifted her mike. "Well well well. We certianly have found
ourselves a pair, eh tokyo? Number tres. If people were fruits and you
got to choose yoour spouse's type, what would you choose. Serena, why
don't you go first."
She bit her bottom lip and thought about it. "Well, I think Darien's a
tangerine, sweet, tangy, and oh so addictive."
"And Darien? What's Serena?"
"Well...she's a wildberry. You can't tame her, you can't tell if she's
poisonous, and you can't get enough of her."
"How sweet. And I don't just mean the fruits you mentioned. Anyways,
one more question. If you could be any famous couple, who would you
be?"
"Bonnie and Clyde!" Serena shouted impulsively.
Brenda raised an eyebrow. "The outlaws? Why is that?"
"Well, Darien's so good, it's got to be illegal anyway."
Darien covered his head with his hands. Would that blush never fade?
Minutes later, they were ready for the actual challenge. The test?
Darien and Serena had to make a rootbeer float -without their hands.
The other catches included the fact that half the ingredients were
shoved inside their pockets.
Serena squirmed at first, feeling the cold ice-cream freeze her side.
But the prospects of winning an free mini golf game was too tempting.
She forced herself still. Her partner wasn't much better off, with a
mini bottle of Rootbeer stuffed into his pants. It looked...
inappropriate.
"Ready...set...go!" They proceeded with several endeavors, most of
which looked questionable.
Suffice it to say that by the time they were through, Serena knew she
needn't ever apply rouge again.
##################
Bonnie and Clyde returned home at well past one. Party hats adorned
their heads and candy cigars hung loosely from their mouths. They
walked with a sort of 20's mobsters swank, easy, cool, and untouchable.
The house was waiting for them, every object was just right. So right,
in fact, that the three bears would've been proud.
Except of course that the girl sitting at their doorway was
raven-haired, her locks not goldie at all. Rei's head jerked up when
she heard their approach, her face flushed. She ran up to Serena and
began babbling in a frantic tone.
"I'msosorrybutIaccidentallytoldyourparentswhojustreturnedthatyouweresta
yingwithDarienandtheycouldbeontheirwayhereatanymoment!"
Serena gasped loudly, grabbing onto Darien for support.
"WHATDOYOUMEANYOUTOLDMEPARENTS!HOWCOULDYOUDOTHAT!!!!" Her fake hubby
winced as she turned up the notch on the decibles.
"Could someone please explain what is going on in a language that I can
understand?"
Rei sighed. "The Tsukino's called me a while ago to ask for Kelly's
number, so they could call Serena and tell her they were almost home. I
told them that I didn't know any Kelly and that Serena was with Darien.
I didn't realized until I heard the phone click that I'd made a huge
mistake. I went down to the Crown to ask for advice and Andy told me
that they'd already contacted him and that he'd given them this
address. They could arrive here at any minute."
"Aaahhh! Open this door right now!" Serena pounded fiercly on the door,
banging on it with whole fists.
"Serena, relax. Its not like they're already here." Darien placed a
hand on her shoulder and tried to calm her down. Just then, voices were
heard from somewhere down the hall.
"Excuse me, does Darien Shields live here?"
"No, he's down that hall."
"Thank you very much. We appreciate it."
"I'm going to kill them both."
Darien gulped and quickly opened the door. And the trio looked at each
other uncertainly. "So what happens now?"
"Hide, Hide, Hide!" Serena shouted, pushing him into the nearest
closet. "And just stay there for a long time."
"But-"
"No buts. Unless you want my dad using your brain tissue for kleenex,
do as I say."
"But-" This time a loud knock interrupted him. Serena looked at Rei,
the closet, then opened the door.
Mr. Tsukino stood before her, tall and angry, like a dark cloud waiting
to send a bolt of lightening down on some poor man. "Where is he?"
"Daddy!" She threw herself into his arms, "When did you guys get back?
Why a day early?"
He threw a look at her mom. "Someone ordered the wrong tickets."
"Plus we wanted to see you all on Easter" Added his wife.
"And then I heard that you are living with a *man*! Where is he so that
I may kil- er, speak with him."
Serena tried on her best innocent eyes. "But Daddy, I'm here with
Kelly, my friend!"
"Don't lie to me."
"I'm not! Darien is her older brother. He's never even here!"
"Then where is this Kelly?"
"Um..." She was saved by the bell. Doorbell, that is. When she pulled
it open, there stood a miracle.
"Kelly!"
********************************
Kelly, or Net as she'd been called, sniffled. Inviting herself in, she
plopped on the couch. "it's terrible, Serena. Horrible! I just am so
completely lost and confused and I don't know what to do anymore!..."
The Tsukino's stared hard at the newcomer. "Who is this?" Boomed Mr.
Tsukino, watching them all with suspicious eyes.
"This is Kelly, Dad. Um...can I talk to her in private?" She asked
Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be escorted into the kitchen. Serena
sat next to the girl and took a deep breath. "Whats wrong?"
"Its...its...its Bobby! I think he wants to get a divorce and move to
Ethiopia!"
"But you two were the couple of the year! What happened?"
"Well, he became really into being a doctor for those that can't afford
it themselves. Now he wants to move." *sniff, sob*
"And you don't?"
"I'm just so scared. I mean maybe its egotistical and selfish and
unconsiderate but I like my life style. I don't understand why we can't
help them from here. He's been waiting days for an answer. What do I
do?"
"I think you should follow your heart. And remember, if you really care
about him, it won't matter where you are."
"You're...you're right! I do love Bobby and I want to live with him no
matter what he does!"
"That's the spirit."
"I'm on my way!" And Kelly jumped up, ready to leave, probably forever.
"Wait!" Called Serena, pulling her back. "You can't leave *now* He's
been waiting a long time, a hour or so more ain't gonna make a
difference."
"But..."
"Listen." She lowered her voice and stared after the kitchen door. "You
have to help me." The story was explained and the brunette nodded in
understanding.
"I see. Don't worry Serena, I am ready to help."
"Good, 'cause heres the plan..."
*whisper, whisper, whisper*
Moments later, Rei walked back in the room and gave Serena an
apologetic look. "Grandpa's already gonna be so mad. I have to go. By
the way, your dad looks like he's ready to blow a fuse if you don't
call them back out."
"Kay, bye Rei. MOM AND DAD, YOU GUYS CAN COME OUT NOW."
Her parents emerged, Mr. Tsukino slinking like Godzilla climbing out of
a swamp, ready to wreak havoc on the world. Or at least his daughters
world.
"You had better start explaining youself. This may be Kelly but the
neighbors all said that a Darien Shields lives here."
Kelly, offering them a small smile, placed herself between Serena and
her parents. "He does. Technically."
Mr. Tsukino raised an eyebrow, skeptically. "Technically?"
"Well, I mean he does live here, when he's here. He's my big brother
after all and he should have somewhere to go when he's on vacation from
school. But usually I'm all alone. Having Serena here is actually a
comfort. It's not so lonely."
"Oh you poor child," cried Mrs. Tsukino, coming forward to wrap the
girl in her arms. "You can stay with us anytime you want, can't she
Kenji?"
"Yes, yes, of course. But let's stay on the issue. Do you mean to tell
me that Darien Shields is away at college? And that you,
Kelly...Shields, I suppose, is his younger sister who let Serena live
with you while we were on vacation?"
"Yup." He looked at her, then his daughter. His shoulders slumped and
he sighed. "Oh. Then, I guess I you an apology, Serena. You can stay
here the rest of the night. We'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her
forehead and walked out of the door.
Serena's mother came up to her and wrapped her up in a big, warm,
affectionate hug. She opened her mouth, and Serena prepared herself for
another loving, sweet goodbye. "You lied, Serena."
Serena gasped. "Wh..what?"
Mrs. Tsukino kept right on smiling and hugging her eldest child. "I
know that you lied. Your father may have missed it, but there is the
distinctive smell of men's cologne in the air, and a significant lack
of girlish things here. I don't know who your friend is or where you
managed to hide this Darien, though my guess is the closet, but I know
that he's the one you've been staying with."
"We...we never..."
"I know. And that's why I plan on letting you off easy. But if you ever
lie to us again...well, you'll be cleaning up after Sammy for the rest
of your life. I expect you home soon. A few hours at the most." She
hugged her tighter. "See you Sweetie. We've missed you." And then it
was over.
The blonde sighed heavily and banged her hand on the closet. It opened,
and a dissheveled man stepped out. He blinked, as if his eyes weren't
used to the light and stared at Kelly.
"Have you noticed that your dad looks a lot like Net?"
"That is Net." The two girls embraced and then the brunette left,
intent on reuniting with her husband, Kelly muttering "I just can't
believe you two aren't the real thing."
"Did I miss something? When did she get here? Where is the Death,
ready to tear out my heart with a dull pencil, or spoon feed me my own
brains?"
"Its over Darien. Everyone is gone. And I have to get home soon. Can
you help me pack?"
"Sure. So what happened." She told him the story and he was as relieved
as she with Net's appearence. "But wait," he asked. "How did she know
that we even lived here?"
"I told her when we were comparing partners. You know, whose husband
was the tallest, loudest, most annoying, most likely to end up walking
the tight rope after having lost a bet to friends. She's a nice girl."
"Yeah." They packed, putting away all the bath oils, the clothing, the
little doll that was 'too cute to not buy at a rummage sale', one baby
blue towel as a souvenier from the New Darien's House, feng shui-
friendly, a bag of carrot sticks (her new favorite vegetable) for her
to chew on the way back, the MTV sticker with a picture of Carson
Dally, or Dolly something like that, one LUVS diaper with a tail hole
cut in the back, and a picture of them on the Happy-go-Lucky ride at
the carnival.
Then, they called a Greenlight Taxi cab and waited for it at the edge
of the curb. It pulled up, and in true taxi cab nature, honked loudly despite the fact that Serena was already opening the door. She duckd her head inside and then... Darien yelled something.
"Serena...wait a minute!"
****************
Ah, and that just about brings us back to the present, doesn't it.
Funny, this little experiment is ending just the way it started
-absoluetly insane. Its like four in the morning and I'm standing out
of the street waiting for my arch-nemesis -is he even that anymore?- to
explain why he shouted my name as I was about to leave.
If he stares at the ground any more, he's gonna burn a hole through it.
I want to leave. The longer I look at him, and the apartment building
that feels like a second home to me, and the more I see Chester, the
nightman, peering at us through the glass, the more I know I'm really
going to miss it all.
Sure, Darien is still arrogant and annoying and all that, but now I
know that he has another side. One that is thoroughly charming.
"Are you planning on speaking or are you just showing off you
incredible standing abilities?"
I'm different too. Much more comfortable with him. I can hold my own in
a conversation with him, with confidence and ease.
*Gasp* He's looked up at me now, and has made me the focus of that
intense gaze. Geez, you'd think I had a glob of day old mayo on my
face.
I know for a fact that I wiped it off before I stepped outside.
He speaks, "Thank you for doing this, Serena. It was really nice
getting to know you."
"Yeah, Ditto."
He wrings his hands and I can tell he has something else to say.
"Um...listen, do you think maybe we could get together some other time?
It was actually fun with you."
Is he asking me out? Darien? The guy every girl but me wanted to date?
And do I want to accept?
"I'd love to." Wait, when did happen. You were arguing like a few hours
ago. Now you want to see him again?
He breaks out in a grin and I realize that it doesn't matter if it
seems to have been sprung on us. I know its really been building for a
while.
"Good night, Serena. Keep the ring." Finally, he turns away and starts
walking back to his apartment.
Talk about surprises.
Epilogue
"Everyone, I'd like to read you a section of a paper I assigned to my
other class. Students were instructed to compare married life to single
life and base their report on first hand experience. This young man
writes:
In our present day society, marriage is all too often a stigma.
People think it a prison of sorts, where day after day you face
the same person and the same unescapable events. But I have
found that this veiw is one created by the singleton.
Ask any happily married man and he will tell you that if you
care about someone, spending forever with them is a blessing.
After this experiment, I find that I must agree. My partner for
that week is now my girlfriend and I look forward to seeing her
smile for the rest of my life.
He goes to make sereral very intriguing statements. I'll be giving you
the same assignment. Try to learn as much as this young man did."
The classroom was filled with loud sighs and groans as all of the
single, brilliant but cocky students filtered out. Only one man
remained, a smile from ear to ear.
He always knew that Darien was a softy.
"Mr. Baker, can I help you?"
"No, sir. I'm just think about the assignment. It sounds like fun."
**************************
Dear Diary,
This has certainly been a long day, hasn't it?
But the best part is yet to come. I have another date
with Darien. Now that it's official, I feel like
screaming it to the whole world: I'm the luckiest gal
ever! Tonight, he's taking me to Oro, a really nice restaurant. Maybe he'll give me another kind of ring.
I got another letter from Net today too. She and Bobby
are in South Africa now, and here was the big surprise:
she's a nurse! And every bit as dedicated to helping
people as her husband. They hope to come and visit on
Christmas (its amazing how close we all are now).
They've even got me sponsoring a kid. Her name is Emily
and she's super cute.
Oohh, more good news. Betty's finally had her puppies!
Guess that makes me a grandma, huh.
Well I gots to go. I'm having a manicure at three. Tootles!
P.S. I found the sweetest looking kitten on the street
today (some little bratty kids were messing with her).
She has this adorable moon symbol on her head...
Its over! So, whatcha think? Send all comments, flames, etc. to me at
Eileenblzr@yahoo.com
BTW, my next fic is already in the making but don't expect it out for a
few weeks, kay? Its called Score One for the Flying Pigs. Anyone who
wants to read the prologue though can email me at the aforementioned
email address. Bye now!