(*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*-- *--*--*--*) Serena had asked, begged, pleaded with them to let her off for one night, because she wasn't feeling up to it. But no one else could, and Andrew wouldn't be able to last another night. So she had to agree. Serena went home, got changed, and packed her school uniform into her overnight bag for the next day. She explained briefly to her mother what was happening and rushed out of the door. Her mother called her back, gave her some food that she could warm up and asked for the phone number of where she was staying. Serena didn't have it, so she promised that she would call home as soon as she got there. Serena stopped by the arcade on her way to get the keys to the apartment, so she could let herself in. the place was heaving and poor Andrew was rushed off his feet trying to serve customer. He gave Serena a quick nod and a wave, then tossed her the keys. She asked for directions and Andrew hurriedly shouted some to her, before disappearing again. Serena slid the key into the lock and twisted it-the wrong way. She tried again and this time the door opened easily. She stepped inside. The apartment was neat. Nothing was out of place. She walked slowly through the third floor flat, looking in all the rooms. All were the same. Neat, tidy, and empty. Finally she came to the bedroom. She looked at his bed. Empty. She looked toward the balcony. Deserted. Serena turned around, and jumped violently. "Darien!" "Meatballhead." He said quietly. He was hanging onto the doorframe. He tried to laugh, but was cut short by a huge coughing fit. Serena looked daggers at him, but spoke somewhat more softly to him than she usually did. "Okay, mister high and mighty-back to bed. Where did you come from anyway?" Darien was about to explain when Serena put her hand on his back to steer him into bed. Cold fire rushed through him. He gasped once, and then the darkness enclosed him.