Gosh! I have just finished my science assignment. Ok, this is chapter 4! I
am sorry about the delay, but my Internet was down so I had to get a new
one... So sorry people ^^ I know some of you is going to kill me now...but
THINK ABOUT THE STORY! (phew...lucky I've got it to cover up for me).
Although only a small number of people gave me reviews. I'm still impressed, I never had high expectations in this story, it was set mainly to train my writing skills and improve my grammar, but some how I found myself being sucked into the story... So...lol
I found many people been very curious in WHO is going to get along with Serena. Seiya? Darien? Well to the people who have watched Meteor Garden. I am telling you that I am not planning to make everything exactly like the show, but (there always is a but) that does not mean that I HAVE TO change the main characters. So winks, expect surprises!!
Ok, ok I get the message I'll shut up and get on with the story? "But can you people stop throwing me tomatoes?!" (ouch? Just kidding)
Disclaimer: Once again, I am doing this...I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters in my story, in fact, some of the plots doesn't belong to me either. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, and some of my plots belong to the TV show Meteor Garden! However, I don' t obtains any profit from my work, so please don' t sue me because you won't get anything out of it!
********************* ?SHOOTING STARS? ********************* CHAPTER FOUR
Serena yawned, her eyes glued to the window, it revealed a misty wet view of the ocean. She liked the quietness of it, mixed with a bit of misery, it suits her mood perfectly. The incident from yesterday still disturbs her somehow, but it does not seem to be as bad anymore. She just hated the fact that she gave her first kiss to that pig, but after all...it wasn't his fault. The 4L group followed by E.L Michelle and Melvin interrupted her peace.
Darien saw Serena from the corner of his eyes, but nothing said between the two.
"Hi Serena!" Yaten winked. "The beautiful little princess turned back into Cinderella?" Serena just smiled. Her eyes sweep across the group and met Seiya' s. It was unreadable. 'What is he thinking? Why are those eyes always so confusing.' Somehow her naughty eyes got out of control and locked its gaze on a different pair of blue. They were lighter in colour, and so much brighter. Serena blushed when she realized she have been starring at Darien. Darien blushed cherry too.
Yaten arched an eyebrow and mocked "What's wrong with you two? You look like walking tomatoes!" it made Darien felt even more awkward.
Taiki sneered, he put an arm around Yaten and whispered but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Didn't anyone tell you? They kissed last night..." Yaten's eyes widened. His mouth parted in astonishment, Elisabeth and Lucy did the same.
'Oh no...I should have dug my hole earlier' Serena thought, standing very stiff. She felt pairs of eyes swept from herself to Darien. Some how she wanted to see Darien's expression right now, but her body was stiff and her muscles refuse to move.
Darien swore in his head and once again his responsibility fell him, and decided to blame everything on Serena "I didn't do anything...she just pushed me onto the ground and..." Darien regret it the moment those words slipped out of his mouth. He glanced at Serena, preparing for attacks any moment now.
Lucy groaned "Gosh...how can you be so dirty, a girl throwing themselves into other people's arms..." she clenched her fist, deep inside, was jealousy that boiled.
The air in the room thickened, Serena tasted blood at the back of her throat, oh how she wished it was Darien' s blood, he knew that she tripped and fall, why is he lying to them? 'obvious!' Serena thought, her eyes darkened 'He is a self centered Baka and as long as my life is miserable, he'll be the happiest man on earth!'
She turned to the group, Seiya stared at her coldly. Serena was again confused by this mysterious boy, why is there a trace of sadness in those eyes? Did he believe what they just said about her? She felt the urge to explain. "No! It's not what you think! I accidentally tripped and fell, well it just turned out to be a bad position!" Her eyes locked on the dark blue ones, but they show no mercy or forgiveness. They stayed just as cold and lifeless. "You don't need to explain to me Serena, it's non of my business." Seiya said in a flat tone.
Elisabeth tapped her feet. "Don't believe her Seiya!"
Serena grimaced, she felt tears threatening to come out, and without a word she walked towards the entrance bumping away Seiya violently on the way. 'I am so stupid by thinking that he's on my side...'
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Serena hugged her knees, crystal tears trailed down her already wet cheeks. She was in her room, all by herself. She longed for a special companion, but it was he whose toned her heart apart. "All I ever wanted was to be loved..." Serena sobbed. "But why does everything always turn out wrong on me?"
********************************** You're such a sly one With your cold, cold heart Maybe leaving came easy But it tore me apart Time heals all wounds they use to say And I should have know 'Cause it seems like forever But I'm letting you go Now I am almost over you Now I am almost should be through **********************************
She sat there like that until the stars came out, a slight knock was heard from outside. "Serena?" it was Melvin' s voice. "Are you alright?" He asked anxiously.
Serena swallowed and replied in a tiny voice "Sure, just give me a minute."
Melvin sighed, he leaned against the door, his dark brown eyes narrowed, somewhere inside him wanted to defend her. He has always liked the girl, from 7th grade. Somehow, Melvin wondered off to the stern, and in the shadows was Darien, who seems rather miserable and sad himself.
"Mason! You're going to pay for making Serena sad!" Melvin cried, standing bravely in front of the Darien who is almost one head taller than he.
Darien looked up, he rolled his eyes and walked away, but Melvin yanked his sleeves, and the hand was surprisingly strong. Darien looked into those brown eyes, they were filled with anger, he know that Melvin won't stop bugging him unless he did what he was told.
"Fine than..." Darien threw his hand off. "But you realize that we are on a boat? What can you do here?"
"I am going to challenge you!" Melvin looked around the boat, and thought for a second "Swimming pool!" Melvin said after considering.
"Pfff..."Darien rolled his eyes again.
They walked to the swimming pool, Melvin did warm up on the way and looked nervously at the calm looking Darien.
"Alright, the person who stays in the pool longer without breathing wins!" Melvin claimed, pointing his finger at the dark gray water.
"Ok, I am going to count to three..." Melvin said taking a glance at Darien "One..." "Two..." but Darien suddenly grabbed onto his collars.
"Childish! I don't do count downs!" Then with a splash, Darien and Melvin fell into the pool.
---------------------------------
Serena clenched the silk gown she borrowed from Michelle, her fingers brushed across its smooth surface. 'Michelle tried her best to make me happy...the least I can do is return this and be grateful...' Serena thought, she wiped away the tears and walked out of the room. She tiptoed through the corridor for it was almost bedtime. The door was ajar, through the gape she saw Michelle siting on the sofa with Seiya standing in front of her. Serena backed away, her risen fist dropped down carefully to the sides. She realized they are having a private conversation 'it's not very nice to eavesdrop...' Serena thought, turning away, but the mentioning of her name stopped her.
Michelle stood up, she walked to the bar gracefully and pored some whisky in two cups. "It's very obvious that you like Serena a lot..." Michelle smiled at him. "The way you defended her that day...it surprised me..."
Seiya gave a wry smile, he fell down onto the chair opposite to the sofa and shook his head slightly. Michelle missed that expression, she sat back onto the sofa and sighed, "I think I am a bit Jealous Seiya," she leaned back, nibbling her bottom lip slightly. "Because...from now on, you are not mine Seiya anymore...but Serena is a nice girl and she is worth it..."
Seiya laughed, quite loudly, he stood up and leaned towards Michelle, their face inches away. "What are you going to say? We are really suitable for each other?" Seiya mocked, his eyes flashed with agony. "You always tends to keep your princess style, your good repetition." He whispered "You act as if you don't care, so you won't hurt anybody, but you never realize that you are hurting the ones that loves you the most."
Michelle's heart shattered, his words are as tiny knifes that stabbed her heart. "I..." Michelle opened her mouth to say something, but she stopped when she felt Seiya caressing her cheeks.
Seiya grabbed onto her shoulders and slowly kneeled down in front of her, his blue eyes softened into a aqua color. "You said I like Serena...but I am telling you, the person I really likes is you." Seiya finished his sentence, and leaned down to kiss Michelle.
Serena' s entire been trembled, her legs threatened to give away. She felt unbearable pain overwhelming vas the scar in her vulnerable heart deepened. She covered her mouth, when she felt a uncontrollable sob washing up her throat, her muscles froze in place and her feet glued to the ground. 'I can't move, the last bit of energy just drained from my body.' She thought.
She dragged her self away from the scene, and ran as fast as she can, as far as she could with her eyes closed.
----------------------------
"Serena! SERENA...Sere...S...Serena...." muttered a unconscious Melvin, he was laying by the pool, wet all over and his head tossed side to side while repeating Serena' s name. Darien stood in front of him, he bent down and slapped Melvin' s face.
"Wake up! Come on!" Darien grinned when Melvin' s eyes slowly opened. "What happened?" Melvin asked.
"You can't even swim! You fell unconscious straight after 3 seconds!" Darien smirked. He grabbed Melvin by the arms and pulled him back to his feet. Melvin turned around in circle, feeling a little dizzy.
Finally he gained full consciousness and remembered the challenge "That doesn't count!" Melvin argued, his fist tightened. "Again!" He cried.
Darien rolled his eyes "Just shut up, I am hungry." He turned and walked away, Melvin following right behind, "Fine then, I am sort of hungry too."
Darien looked through some of the windows and frowned "Where is the kitchen any ways?" Melvin shrugged and they start searching. Two minutes later both entered a room filled with bars, Darien glanced around and walked into some of the bars. There are containers filled with ice blocks and numerous shelves of wine and beer, but food...was no where to be seen.
"How come there are only drinks?" Darien said, he fiddled around a bit.
"Why don't you just wake the chief and ask them to cook!" Melvin tapped his foot in annoyance.
"Can't you be a bit more creative?" Darien laughed.
"Maybe we can go fishing..." Melvin said half minded, but Darien took it seriously, "How? The boat is too high."
"We can use the small boats."
Darien' s eyes brightened, as if he has heard the most exciting thing in the world. "That's a fabulous idea!" He slapped Melvin' s head gently and quickly headed for the exit. Melvin shook his head and followed Darien.
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Serena slowed down, and found she walking through the side of the ship. She sniffled and tried to calm herself by listening to the waves slapping against the hull. She sat down on a bench and covered her mouth when she felt another sniffle coming.
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"It's all your fault!" Darien muttered at Melvin, he dropped the bucket full of lively fish carelessly onto the floor and fell onto a chair.
Melvin dried the seawater from his forehead "I didn't know there wasn't any fire to cook..."
Darien glanced at the fish they caught, there was at least six of them, their tails still switched and flapped. He bent over and touched one with his finger, it twitched and Darien' s finger accidentally slipped over it's sharp fins, that made Darien cry out. "Ouch! It stinted me!"
Melvin rolled his eyes, "Don't be a coward, even Serena doesn't scream when she get stunned by a fish! She is the bravest girl I've ever seen..."
Darien peeked at Melvin and mocked "As if you know her very well or something!"
"Of course I do! We were primary and high school mates!" Melvin thrust out his chin proudly and continued when he saw Darien's curious glance. "Even though she have a very girlish and weak appearance, but there are extreme strength on the inside. She would stand up for her friends and herself, and she never gives up easily." Melvin smiled. "I remember in high school, we had a very cranky principal, we were not allowed to throw away our food, no matter how bad it tastes. I hated the school milk, it gives me stomach aches. Serena always drinks it for me although she gets stomachache all the times. So...you can imagine how much she cares for me..." Melvin blushed.
"Maybe she just wants to drink it because she's poor, aha!" Darien laughed.
"No! She just cares for me!" Melvin looked at Darien seriously. Darien raised an eyebrow, "You like her?" Darien asked, "But...too bad, she's taken!" Darien smirked.
Melvin' s mouth dropped "By who!"
"Me! Of course!" Darien cried, "Didn't you see the way her soft lips caresses mine?!"
"No way!" Melvin shouted, he clenched a fist full of ice block and threw it towards Darien. "She'll never like a beast!" Melvin took some more ice blocks and ran.
"What!?" Darien took the entire bucket and chased after Melvin.
-------------------
Serena clenched her hair, tears ran down her cheeks combined with heartbroken sobs. 'What's wrong with me? Do...I really like him that much?' Serena thought, while another drop of tear touched the corner of her lips. She squeezed her eyes shut, and the picture of Seiya appeared.
"DON'T! Stop! Darien-baka!" Melvin screamed, he rushed past Serena with Darien chasing after him. Serena stared at the two with wide eyes, a wry smile crept to the corner of her mouth when she saw the comical scene of Darien throwing half dead fish on Melvin' s head. 'Thank god, I am not the only person sitting here on a night like this' Serena sighed. She stood up.
"Stop it You two!" Serena cried, laughing, drying tears away from her cheeks. She pulled the two apart. It was as if Darien saw her for the very first time. His mid night blue eyes became big and round and his tongue were caught in his mouth.
"I...uh..." Darien stammered, he brushed the ebony locks from his eyes and looked away nervously. Serena wanted to laugh at his expression, but somehow, it turned her a bit nervous as well. 'What to say...have to say something!' she scold herself mentally. Before she could say anything, Darien screamed out aloud.
"I got it! I know a way to eat the fish with out fire!" Darien said, collecting the fish from the floor and....Melvin' s head (-_-)
----------------
Seiya opened his eyes slowly and backed away, Michelle still had her eyes closed, a slight smile played on her lips. She opened her eyes and grinned at Seiya.
"You don't care do you?" Seiya muttered sadly, he searched her eyes for astonishment or nervousness they are signs of people in love, but he found non. A frown crept to his brows as he backed further away. "Why?"
Michelle smiled, she leaned closer and whispered "Of cause I care, this is very important to me. How can I forget my little Seiya is a big boy now?" Her eyelids dropped, as her lips touched Seiya' s.
Seiya turned away from her, he stood up "No! This is not what I wanted!" he cried.
-----------------
"Wake up!" Darien screamed and kicked on Yaten' s door, "Wake up everybody!" he walked down the corridor, screaming aloud. He stopped in front of Michelle's door and knocked on it, "Michelle, wake..."Darien had not finished his sentence because he saw Seiya standing in front of Michelle. Darien immediately pulled his face straight and said emotionlessly "You're here as well? Fancy a night snack.?"
Yaten walked out of the cabins, he ran a hand through his hair, and moaned "Oh my god.," So did the others. They came to the stern where a round table was placed, on top of it was a plate with some weird fishy looking big chunks in it. Taiki arched an eyebrow and poked at the pink things curiously. "Is that the night snack you were talking about?" Darien nodded.
Sweat drop
"That's why I hate 'virgins'!" Taiki cried, nudging Darien by the elbow.
Serena broke into a choking laughter while Elisabeth and Lucy stared at Darien with huge round eyes. "He...he is a..." Elisabeth screeched in disbelieve.
Darien blushed, he turned away from them and separated some of his 'fish chunks' in to plates. "Well, you shouldn't mess around with people you don't like!" he said.
Everyone gathered around the table and chit chatted while chewing on the tasteless fish, Serena chewed with enthusiasm, she suddenly feels her appetite coming back when she remembered she has missed out two meals. In the corner of her eyes she saw Seiya's lonely form wondering to the dark side of the stern, so she stood up and approached him.
Seiya stared into the peaceful night sky, he inhaled deeply to help his heart fall back into one piece, when he heard light footsteps behind him.
"Hi..." Seiya greeted.
"Hi." Serena said, holding her bowl of fish. Seiya looked extremely handsome under the silvery shine of the moon, she blushed.
"Are you eating? Can I have some?" Seiya asked.
"Sure!" Serena said "I'll go and get some for you." She turned to go.
"Don't worry, I'll share it with you?" Seiya chuckled and lifted a piece of fish from her bowl.
Serena looked down, she could hardly figure out what he is thinking right now "Where is Michelle?" She asked half minded.
"She's probably asleep." Seiya replied quickly, his expression turned into a short wince.
Serena saw it, "Oh...I am sorry you were disturbed." Serena said and she suddenly realized she revealed the fact that she heard their conversation. 'Oh no what am I saying?'
Seiya turned to Serena in curiosity, "You heard us?"
"It was an accident..." Serena explained, she feel tears rushing out of her eyes, "Gosh..." She sobbed "I've been eating too much Wasabi!"
Two figures hidden in the corner, one of them was holding a camera and it caught most of their conversation.
"I know I am a very annoying person..." Serena said, "But, I still think we are friends...especially on the veranda." She sobbed, smudging the tears away.
Seiya smiled one of his heart melting smiles "I wouldn't have helped you if I thought you were annoying."
------------------
Serena opened her locker, the holiday was over, and a brand new term is starting. She sighed when she felt peace surrounding her. No more practical jokes and no more... suddenly she realized something is missing. She concentrates hard and locks her gaze on her science textbook, than it clicked.
"My runners!" Serena cried out in annoyance! "This is the third one!" She threw her locker shut and clenched her teeth tightly.
"Those stupid brat! Stealing my shoes!" she cried, starring around her for anything suspicious. Suddenly a voice echoed through the long hall.
"IS that what you were looking for!" Serena turned around, finding Darien standing with a smirk on his face. Behind him was two very embarrassed looking Seiya and Yaten. Her eyes traveled down onto his feet and cried out in anger when she saw her expensive runners working like a slipper on Darien's oversized feet. His toes sticking out of the holes in front of the runners, it twitched playfully while Serena stared.
She shook her head and pushed past Darien, not been able to believe how stupid that guy can be. Darien however seems overwhelmed by his "perfect" practical joke. He turned towards Yaten and Taiki.
"Don't you just think I am a genius!? Did you see that expression when she pushed past me?!" Darien said excitedly, his expression remained goofy.
Taiki shook his head in disbelieve "You woke us up seven o'clock in the morning to show us THIS!?" he cried pushing past him.
"Your way of expressing love is a bit weird you know Darien!" Yaten said also.
Darien stared nervously at the two cans of coke in his hands, he thrust one out into the air as if offering it to some imaginary person. Then he shrugged. He repeated the movements a few more times while heading for the veranda. He pushed the door open and saw Serena sitting on a fence, swinging her legs cheerfully looking like an angel, but the sight beside her wasn't very pleasant to him. Seiya was holding her hand and chit chatted with her, as if they were a couple.
Darien felt jealousy overwhelming, his fist tightened around the can of coke until it cracked and coke leaked from his arms.
"Did you know that Serena and Seiya always meet each other on the school veranda?!" Darien asked Taiki and Yaten, but they only shook theirs heads innocently.
"Yes, they ALWAYS do." Said Elisabeth and Lucy. Lucy was holding a mini camera in her hand, they walked towards the group.
"That brat Serena is a two-timer, she is just tricking both of you!" Elisabeth stated. She turned on the camera and handed it to Darien. Darien took it with a shaking hand. Through the ten by ten-centimeter screen, he saw the conversation that exchanged between Serena and Seiya in several different occasions, but that was good enough to turn his jealousy into frustration. His jaw clenched and he threw the camera into a fountain nearby with out thinking.
Lucy winced when she saw her expensive camera sinking to the bottom of the fountain. She walked towards Darien slowly "She is not worth it Darien, you can find somebody so much better..." she said, sliding a hand down his arm.
Darien was out of his thoughts. All he could think of was 'Serena and Seiya' He never needs to fight for anything or try hard for anything in his life. But now this poor girl is toying with his feelings, and the most frustrating thing is that...he never realize it! He just fell into her trap like that! 'She is going to pay for this' Darien thought mentally, he pushed Lucy away violently and headed back to the veranda.
-----------------
"I have to go." Seiya said, he skipped off the fence and dodged around his pocket for something. Finally he pulled out a envelope.
"Here, Michelle wanted me to give this to you, it's a invitation to her birthday party." He smiled. "We'd be glad if you come." Seiya handed the red envelope to Serena and walked away.
Serena looked at the letter carefully and stuffed it into her pocket, she sat there silently for few more minutes and hopped off the fence too. She skipped to the door and bumped into someone.
"Sorry!" Serena apologized, bowing franticly. She looked up and saw a grave looking Darien standing in front of her. His expression was frightening, it's as if he is going to rip her into pieces. Serena backed away fearfully as she realized these.
"What...what do you want?!" She stammered, backing to the wall. 'He looks so scary, something is definitely wrong.' Serena thought. Darien approached her slowly, his breathed heavily while death glared Serena.
"How dare you play around with me? You slut?" These words came through the gapes of his clasped teeth. His left hand grabbed some of her hair and his other hand pinned her against the wall.
"What did I do now?!" Serena struggled. She was very scared.
"It's ALL YOUR FAULT!" Darien screamed into her face, "You tricked me! You think you are so smart huh? I am gonna show you the result for playing with MY FEELINGS!" He shouted. His hand tightened into a fist and aimed straight at Serena, Serena tossed her head to the side and avoided the attack.
Darien felt pain in his fist, he retrieved it from the wall, and saw it covered in blood. Serena took the chance and yanked his hand away. He was extremely strong, but she managed to escape from his grasp and ran towards the door. She didn't know what to think, she didn't have time, all she knew at that very moment is that this guy is dangerous and she needs to get the hell out of here.
"DON'T COME NEAR ME!" She screamed, throwing her bag at him. He easily bashed it away and chased after the screaming Serena down stairs. Darien is very fast, he caught up with her and pinned Serena on to the wall. Serena struggled and yelped but it was no use, she felt his lips crashing into hers for a brutal kiss.
"NO! PLEASE STOP!" Serena screamed while Darien tore her sleeve apart. She kept on screaming and struggling, but soon she has lost the power, her limbs fell helplessly against the sides and her head jerked around no more, even her screams turned into sobs.
Darien suddenly realized what he was doing, he felt the irritation flying out of him, and feelings of guilt replaced it. He raised his face and met those sky blue eyes, now covered in tears. 'What have I done? This isn't right...' Darien thought, he starred into her cloudy eyes for a moment and released her gently. She didn't run away as he expected, instead, she sobbed continuously and her legs gave away. Darien held her, fighting the tears that was threatening his eyes. Right at that moment, he realized, he had it bad for the girl. She has sucked every bits of energy out of him without doing anything, just starring into those blue eyes can turn him savage.
"Oh Serena..." Darien muttered, "I won't be able to defend myself, even if you meant to kill me..." he placed a light kiss on the top of her forehead.
"I am so sorry..." Darien whispered in her ears. He brushed a few strands of wet locks behind her ears and released her crying form, letting her sliding down the brick wall slowly.
"Don't crying.... I promise I won't hurt you anymore...."
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Serena stopped in front of her house, she soothed the knots out of her hair and tightened the over sized black coat around her tore shirt. She did not want her parents to worry.
"Mom I'm home!" Serena said in a pretend cheerfulness.
Ikuko greeted her "Why are you wearing that?"
Serena looked down nervously "Oh, I borrowed it from my friend, its cold outside."
----------------
Serena sat up from her bed, she could not sleep, and her thoughts kept on roaming back to the terrible incident. 'What does he want?! I've never thought boys are so scary before...it's not the usual Darien...' Serena thought, while tightly clenching the bed sheets in front of her chest.
A nurse bandaged Darien's hand. Darien looked down, he couldn't believe what he has done today, 'WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING!'
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The next day, Serena arrived at school with an arched eyebrow. From yesterday's experience she thought she would have received a handful of practical jokes by now, but instead, she was walking through the school hall safely, with no banana pills or super glues in her way. 'Don't make the statement too soon!' Serena thought to herself, growing cautious towards the odd peace. She came past the notice board and saw a crowd whispering over something, she tiptoed and saw some large kanji written in bright red on a piece of green paper.
'Who would do that!" Serena giggle, but the smile wiped straight away from her face when she read it.
It says:
FROM NOW ON ANY ONE THAT DARES TO HARM SERENA IS TO BE PUNISHED
DARIEN MASON
'What's that suppose to mean!' Serena thought, but before her mind could work any further, the crowed turned around and starred at her. Serena blinked her eyes for a few times, her cheeks turned bright red and decided to dart away before anything happens.
She met Ray near the math stuff room, who seems especially cheery. "Hi! Serena!" Ray cried, waving a familiar looking red envelope around.
"You got it too!?" Serena smile, she was relieved that another one of her 'kind' is going also.
"Yeah!" Ray grinned "I was so shocked and happy when I received this! It is the very first opportunity for me to attend a party like this! With all those people in the higher society!" Ray cheered, but her expression saddened after a while.
"What's wrong?" Serena asked.
"Well, I still have no idea what to wear! I mean...you know I attended the school with scholarship...I..." Ray looked down sadly, she folded the envelope carefully and placed it into her bag. "Maybe I shouldn't go after all..."
Serena grimaced at Ray's sad expression, 'Poor Ray...just wish that I can help...oh what am I thinking! I have problems with my own dress also!' Serena sighed.
---------------- The bell rang
"Finally over!" Serena stretched out, she walked to the parking lot and spotted her lonely motorbike in the center of the park with proud velvet BMW sitting next to it. Serena rolled her eyes when she saw the nametag on it, which says Jane Reed.
"She changed car again!" Serena moaned, but her attention was brought back to her old motorbike when she saw something extraordinary on the seat. It was a shiny purple box, fancily wrapped with pink ribbons.
"Wow, what's that?!" She whispered. Holding it up carefully in her hands, she unwrapped it and removed the lid of the box.
"Oh...my....GOSH..." Serena gasped, there was the most beautiful dress she has ever seen. It was a blood red silk gown with roses attached to the necklines. Serena unfolded it and let it blow in the soft wind, the dress was multiple layered, sunray washed through every folds of the dress making a butterfly effect on the soft silk, it was as if itself is alive. Serena shook her head unbelievably, she looked down into the box and found a red note with golden messages.
~HOPE TO SEE YOU WEARING IT DURING THE PARTY SERENA~
DARIEN
Serena clenched her teeth tightly, 'how dare he try to bribe me with a DRESS!' she thought, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DARIEN-BAKA!? YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST GIVE ME A DRESS AND I'LL SHUT UP AND NEVER MENTION YOUR SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOUR!" Serena panted, she raised the dress over her head to throw away, but thought better of it.
"Ray haven't got a dress yet!" Serena thought, "He don't need it anyway...so..." A grin crept to her face.
----------------
"REALLY! THAT MUAT HAVE BEEN SCARY!" cried Lita, her eyes widened in horror while listening to Serena. "I can't believe Darien Mason would do such thing without a REASON!
Serena nodded, she winced again at the terrible memory. She was still confused by his actions on that day, and haven't had the guts to approach him and ask for almost two weeks. However, Darien seems to be avoiding her as well.
"Anyway," Serena sighed, "I have a worse problem now!" she said, taking something out of her drawer. "It's a invitation from Michelle, it's her birthday and they are holding a family party in this five star hotel. She invited me but I still have no idea what to wear, and I am scared to go there by myself, so...can you go with me?!" Serena asked in a little voice.
"Well...sure, since I've never been to any party like this before...but I don't have anything either." Lita shrugged. At that moment, Ikuko stepped into the room holding a plate of fruit.
"Hi girls!" She greeted, placing the food onto a table. Her sudden entry caught Serena by surprise, she clumsily hid the invitation behind her back and prayed that her mom didn't see it, but she felled miserably. Ikuko's sharp gaze fell onto the corner of the red card.
"What's that?" she asked, and grabbed it herself, when she received no answer.
"Invitation!" Ikuko's eyes widened. She stared back at Serena and cried "Is this from that Darien Mason!"
"No!" Serena shouted in agony at the mentioning of Darien. "No! It's just Michelle's birthday and I was going to..."
"Michelle who!?" Ikuko demanded, but decided to find out herself, she opened the invitation and looked. "Michelle...Richardson!" She muttered. "Richardson...is it the billionaire Richardson family!" she cried out.
Lita stared at Ikuko in astonishment, "Wow!" she said, "You know so much about those people!"
"Of cause!" Ikuko said proudly, and turned to Serena "You are not turning this down are you!?" she asked.
Lita answered without thinking "Well, we wanted to go but there we still have problems with the dress!"
Ikuko's eyes brightened, "Of cause! How can I ever forget such details!" she shouted to herself. "Don't worry about it! I'll take care of it all!" She smiled. Her eyes cast a far looking glance and said dreamily "Remembering twenty years ago! I was chosen as the peanut lady for this peanut butter advertisement!" she sighed at the old memories.
"Cool!" Lita smiled.
Serena shook her head. "Can't you see! She is going to turn us into peanuts!" she cried at Lita.
"Definitely not peanuts, but cute little flowers!" Ikuko said, rushing into her bedroom.
Half an hour later.
Serena and Lita stood in the middle of the living room, dressed in something between the 1970 to 1980. Serena has a purple dress, with a single strip on her left shoulder that holds up and huge purple daisy. The bottom of the dress spread out like an umbrella with several layers. Her hair was brushed to one side, held up by A ENORMOUS purple flower. Overall she looks like something out of the sound of music.
Lita's was even worse, her one was a similar style, except it had both straps and the colour was hot pink and black. Serena and Lita twitched in their dress uncomfortably.
"Don't you think this is a bit weird?" Lita asked.
"Not at all! You look so cute!" Ikuko smiled. "That's what I wore for the peanut lady contest! I can't believe it still looks so fabulous today." Ikuko said, followed by a dramatic sniff.
The doorbell rang.
"You girls stay here! I'll get the door!" Ikuko rushed off excitedly. "Melvin!" She cried. "Here comes a handsome young man girls!"
Melvin stepped into the living room, he was dressed in something close what Elvis Presley wear and to make the matter worse his hair is spiked up. It looks like he tried unsuccessfully to copy Beckham's hair style.
Serena's mouth dropped while Melvin twisted his tousles. "Hi girls!" he said cheerfully.
"Melvin! What in the WORLD happened to you!" Serena cried.
Ikuko however, was starring him with round eyes. "You look exactly like the sir butter that made the advertisement with me!"
--------------------
"NO! No way I am STEPPING onto that CAR!" Screamed Serena, her hands holding desperately onto the post by the road.
"Come on Serena!" Lita cried. "There isn't any other cars!"
Standing beside them was a Ferrari, normally a person would be more than happy to place their butt on the comfortable seat of this famous brand, but somehow, Melvin found a way to decorate it, so it would look 'special.' He managed to connect two speakers onto either side of the car and yellow flowers popped out of the windows.
Finally, Melvin managed to pull Serena into the car seat and forced her to sit down. "This is a Ferrari you know!" He cried.
A female driver around the age of 25 stepped out of the car, she pulled her skirt uncomfortably because it was too tight.
"Good afternoon sir." She stood up straight and bowed to Melvin.
"Lets go." Melvin said simply after everyone was in the car. The driver sat back, she straightened her oversized white hat (which Serena assumes to be apart of the uniform) and started the engine. Serena sighed, she just know this day is going to turn out so bad. Somehow, Melvin saw her expression and thought she was bored.
"Do you want some music!?" Melvin asked. "Maggie!" he said to the driver, "Live music."
Serena' s eyes widened "Live music!? What's that!?" Her question was answered when Maggie the driver lifted up a brownish speaker phone. She starts to sing "if you are happy and you know it clap your hands." Her voice went through the phone and came out from the two huge speakers.
It was horrible, Serena screamed out wildly and covered her ears for the rest of the way.
------------------
Ray opened the purple box carefully, she received it from Serena a week ago and was very grateful for it.
She smoothed out the dress and let it fall onto the floor in front of her, starring into the mirror, she saw herself, wearing it, waltzing across the dance floor with everyone noticing her for once.
'Somehow, I know this dress will fit me so well...somehow, everyone will really notice me tonight." She smiled to herself and a image of a tall handsome young man came across her mind. She smiled.
-------------------
Serena Lita and Melvin stepped into the five star hotel where the party was held, they gasped when they saw hundreds of people dressed in fancy clothing walking around the place. Soft jazz music played in the background.
"Wow! Is that the FAMILY party Michelle was talking about!?" Serena whispered.
"Look! There's super stars everywhere!" Melvin pointed at a group of beautiful people who seems to have jumped out of the television. "I'll ask them for autographs!" Melvin cried rushing over to them.
"Serena! You are here!" said Taiki, smiling charmingly. Serena turned around to see Taiki who looks gloriously handsome.
"Hi Taiki!"
Taiki looked at Serena and choked "How come you are dressed like..." he stopped when he saw her embarrassed expression.
To smooth the uncomfortable silence, Taiki looked around and spotted what he wanted "Darien! Serena is here!" Taiki cried out, waving to Darien.
Darien, who was covered in black turned to see Serena standing there with a depressed expression on her face, turned away immediately. He is not ready to face her yet, not after what he has done, he rushed away silently.
Serena stared at his back in disbelieve. 'How could he just turn away like that! It's as if I've done something wrong! I'm the one that's suppose to turn away from HIM! I'M the one who was treated that way with no reason or any explanations at all.' Just as Serena' s anger starts to rise, she realized that Lita was missing.
"Have I seen you around before?" Taiki and Lita was standing in the corner of the room, Lita seems to be extremely shy, she bowed her head, avoiding his gazes, occasionally looking up to steal a glance at his handsome face.
"I don't think so..." she whispered.
"I thought so," Taiki smiled. "How can I ever forget a girl like you." His gaze softened. "So, do you have time tonight, after the party..."
Serena felt her heartbeat increasing, she knows how purely 'evil' Taiki is and she is not going to see her friend falling straight into his trap.
"Lita!" Serena stomped across the room, dragging her friend away from Taiki. "You'll get pregnant by talking to him!" she cried mindlessly.
"It won't happen! I never made mistakes during..." Taiki said smiling.
Serena ignored his comments, simply continued "Just pretend that he is some sort of disease and keep a distance from him alright!?"
"Serena, you are overreacting!" Taiki cried helplessly.
"Taiki!" Serena death stared him.
"Fine!" Taiki said, holding his hands up in the air, "I'll keep away from her." With a sly smile, he nodded at Lita and walked to a group of models.
"Wow..." Lita whispered, she focused on the sight of his back and sighed dreamily.
"Are you ok?" Serena asked, waving a hand in front of Lita.
"I felt so nervous talking to him...he is so cute and I just felt my heart jumping around!" she sighed again.
Serena rolled her eyes.
"And that Darien Mason is absolutely GORGEOUS! Don't you reckon Serena? It's hard to imagine that he is the kind that would do those things. I mean, it's as if the girl needs to be forced or anything!" Lita babbled away.
"You just don't know..." Serena said. "All I can say is, they are dangerous nuclear bombs carefully wrapped up in Christmas wrappers."
All of a sudden, the crowd around them starts to clap, cheers filled the huge hall. Serena looked up and saw Michelle dressed in a beautiful white dress walking into the hall with her dad. Michelle looked glamorous, her greenish ocean hair flowed freely to her waist on top of it is a silvery tiara.
"That Michelle really is something!" Lita said, gasping.
Serena was stunned, she couldn't move for a while, all she could think of was Michelle's beautiful appearance and Seiya' s reaction and how bad she looked in that puffy dress. "Yeah..." Serena answered after three minutes, still feeling drowsy. Michelle's dad made an opening speech to welcome all the party guests, he then left the stage.
Serena looked around, feeling more depressed then ever, she knew she shouldn't be feeling this way. Michelle is a nice person and she treated Serena very well, but she could not help is. Her gaze fell on Darien, who was standing not far away. He looked very handsome with that black tuxedo, his eyes shined with anticipation while he chatted with a beautiful girl. She sneaked closer, trying to hear what they were saying, she felt a sudden interest to what sort of girl would a baka like Darien be interested in.
"You haven't called me for a long time..." the girl said to Darien.
Serena stared at him angrily. 'Those rich bastards, all they ever think of is playing around with girls.'
Darien shrugged and brushed a lock of hair from his eyes "I am sort of busy recently." He said lamely. Suddenly caught a familiar shadow from the corner of his eyes, Darien turned towards it. It is the shadow, he's trying to approach for the entire night.
He caught her angry glare and immediately realized his mistake. "What do you want?" he turned back to the girl in front of him, pretending as if he never met her before.
Serena turned away, "Lita, I feel like getting a drink..." she said to Lita.
"Alright, you can go and get a drink and I'll find Melvin...if I can..."
Serena walked to an isolated corner of the hall, and spotted Yaten drinking all by himself.
-------------------
Ray checked the invitation again and looked into the hall. She couldn't believe her eyes, "Wow..." she whispered to herself, all the hard owned confidence she built up flew right out of her mouth at that moment. she finally managed to gathered herself after standing in front of the glass door stiffly for three minutes, she lifted the red gown carefully and stepped into the hall.
She walked across the hall, searching for someone she knows and bumped into Melvin and Lita. "Hi Melvin!" she greeted.
"Hi Ray! Wow! You look so pretty!" He said, "I'll introduce a friend to you." Melvin smiled, elbowing Lita.
"Hi!" Lita greeted "Are you Serena's friend! You are beautiful!"
Ray has just received two complements in one go and felt her confidence boosting. "Thank you..." she replied shyly. She turned around and saw a figure in white starring at her, she looked up and saw Darien.
Darien gazed at Ray's dress and recognized it as the one he gave Serena, he felt his inside bursting in anger, how can that girl give my present to some one else! He thought.
Ray smiled at Darien shyly. "Why are you wearing that dress?" Darien demanded. "You don't deserve my present, ugly woman." Darien sneered and walked away.
Ray was in total shock, she could not believe it, and she felt her eyes whelmed in tears and a sob threatening to escape from her throat. She turned away and ran out of the hall without a word.
-----------------
Serena hiccuped, she has drank numerous cups of wines already, "I was going to say something...(hiccup)... but I forgot..." Serena laughed.
"You had too much to drink already!" Yaten said drowsily.
In the background, Michelle's voice echoed throughout the entire hall. "Thank you for coming to my birthday party..."
Serena and Yaten stood up from where they were sitting and tumbled to the center of the hall.
Michelle, who was standing in the center of the crowd, spoke through a microphone. "Today, on my twenty fourth birthday, I'll be announcing a very important news to you all, and that is, I'll be going back to France very soon, and probably won't be considering coming back. Mom, dad, please forgive my stubbornness."
Everyone was caught in shock by her announcement, especially Seiya, his smile disappeared entirely.
"What are you talking about Michelle! You just came back from France!" Michelle's mom said.
"I am sorry mom, I've already made my decision, I am going back to France, to continue my degree in law, and I'll be helping poor for the rest of my life." Michelle said.
"Michelle! You are my only daughter! You are our only inheritor for the Richardson's company!" her dad cried.
"Dad, you are wrong. The Richardson Company belongs to you, not me. I want to create my own future with my very own hands...To me, things like beautiful hair and expensive clothes are not so important any more. From now on I want to be myself!" Michelle said gravely, she took out a pair of scissors she has prepared and raised it to her shoulders, with a little click, her silky hair came off easily, leaving the rest shoulder lengthen.
Serena's eyes widened at the scene, Michelle, starred at Seiya straight in the eyes, she seems to be transmitting a message through those gazes. Seiya looked back, his face was lifeless, pale, it was impossible to describe the sadness that pair of eyes held. He turned away from her slowly, and walked out of the hall, unnoticed by the rest.
Serena saw it, she tried to follow him but was stopped by Yaten. She wondered off drowsily, worried about Sieya.
"Poor Seiya...what is he going to do?" Serena thought through her misty brain. Somehow, she tumbled into another hall, where she assumed to be a good place to rest and think. When all of a sudden, out of the corner of the hall, she could make out a conversation.
"I was just thinking if you can say something good about our company in front of your father." A man said to Darien.
Darien hesitated. "Well, I never interfere with my dad's business, it might have to wait until I get inherit the company, and that will happen in about ten years time. You can talk to me about it then, if your company is still there." Darien smirked.
The guy thanked Darien and walked away. Darien stepped out of corner of the room and saw Serena, "Hey, you've been eavesdropping!" he said, retreating.
Serena hiccuped and death glared at him "I am not sad enough to eavesdrop your boring conversation, I just happens to walk across here." 'have to say something' "Listen to your self, the way you talked to that guy, it's as if you are so great or something (hiccup)..."
"I am..." Darien said. "This is a world filled with challenges, it's like the food chain. If you stay on the very top of the food chain, you stay safe, but if you are willing to be the producer, you are born to be eaten. You won't understand anyway."
Serena glanced at him "I cannot believe that just came out of your mouth, how many times have you practiced it? You probably used it to trick that model just then!"
Darien looked away in annoyance. "What are you talking about! Those girls only approached me because of my family's fortune, because the brand Mason can fulfill their desire! Do you think I would like those kinds of girls? Stop talking non sense!"
Serena breathed in deeply, she realized what she just said was not really true. "Sorry..." she whispered. She stood up slowly, still feeling a bit angry about what happened before. "But...you should at least apologize about what happened the other day...If you apologize, I'll just pretend that I was bitten by a dog!"
"A dog!" Darien shouted angrily, "Are you saying that I'm a dog!?"
"Just apologize!" Serena cried, she was starting to loose balance. All those wines are working very well.
"Why should I apologize! It's all your fault!" he cried, but not angrily, he is starting to notice her drowsiness and assumed that the non-sense she was talking is caused by the affect of too much alcohol. "Serena? Are you ok?"
"Just apologize..." Serena whispered, suddenly feeling sick, she covered her mouth to avoid vomiting, only to loose her balance and tumbled into Darien' s arms. At last, the sickness was too much to bear, she couldn't hold it back and threw up on Darien's VERY expensive suit.
-------------------
Waking up in her bed, Serena still had a very bad headache, she shook her head and saw her mother coming into the room.
"Serena?" she whispered. "You are awake! Do you know how much you worried me last night! Being so drunk!?" she demanded. She continued when she saw Serena' s guilty expression, softer this time. "Do you know who took you home last night!?" she said in excitement.
Serena shook her head, unable to explain that strange expression on her mother's face.
"Darien Mason! You threw up all over him, but he didn't mind a bit, and he even took you home voluntarily! I think he is in lo..."
"Don't you start again MOM!" Serena cut her off with a loud scream which only caused worse headache.
Ikuko gave up on the topic, but still looked excited and satisfied. She pulled on Serena' s blanket and said "Alright, now get up! You have to go to school today, apologize to Mr. Mason sweetly and remember to dress up pretty!"
Serena groaned
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Alright you've just finished chapter 4 of shooting stars, stupid place to stop huh? Ha...so what will happen? Will Michelle go to France and produce a chance for Serena? Will this be the end of Darien' s chance on Serena? Or will something new happen that might affect Serena's decisions? All to be found out in the next chapter!
See ya soon in a VERY short while!
Although only a small number of people gave me reviews. I'm still impressed, I never had high expectations in this story, it was set mainly to train my writing skills and improve my grammar, but some how I found myself being sucked into the story... So...lol
I found many people been very curious in WHO is going to get along with Serena. Seiya? Darien? Well to the people who have watched Meteor Garden. I am telling you that I am not planning to make everything exactly like the show, but (there always is a but) that does not mean that I HAVE TO change the main characters. So winks, expect surprises!!
Ok, ok I get the message I'll shut up and get on with the story? "But can you people stop throwing me tomatoes?!" (ouch? Just kidding)
Disclaimer: Once again, I am doing this...I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters in my story, in fact, some of the plots doesn't belong to me either. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, and some of my plots belong to the TV show Meteor Garden! However, I don' t obtains any profit from my work, so please don' t sue me because you won't get anything out of it!
********************* ?SHOOTING STARS? ********************* CHAPTER FOUR
Serena yawned, her eyes glued to the window, it revealed a misty wet view of the ocean. She liked the quietness of it, mixed with a bit of misery, it suits her mood perfectly. The incident from yesterday still disturbs her somehow, but it does not seem to be as bad anymore. She just hated the fact that she gave her first kiss to that pig, but after all...it wasn't his fault. The 4L group followed by E.L Michelle and Melvin interrupted her peace.
Darien saw Serena from the corner of his eyes, but nothing said between the two.
"Hi Serena!" Yaten winked. "The beautiful little princess turned back into Cinderella?" Serena just smiled. Her eyes sweep across the group and met Seiya' s. It was unreadable. 'What is he thinking? Why are those eyes always so confusing.' Somehow her naughty eyes got out of control and locked its gaze on a different pair of blue. They were lighter in colour, and so much brighter. Serena blushed when she realized she have been starring at Darien. Darien blushed cherry too.
Yaten arched an eyebrow and mocked "What's wrong with you two? You look like walking tomatoes!" it made Darien felt even more awkward.
Taiki sneered, he put an arm around Yaten and whispered but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Didn't anyone tell you? They kissed last night..." Yaten's eyes widened. His mouth parted in astonishment, Elisabeth and Lucy did the same.
'Oh no...I should have dug my hole earlier' Serena thought, standing very stiff. She felt pairs of eyes swept from herself to Darien. Some how she wanted to see Darien's expression right now, but her body was stiff and her muscles refuse to move.
Darien swore in his head and once again his responsibility fell him, and decided to blame everything on Serena "I didn't do anything...she just pushed me onto the ground and..." Darien regret it the moment those words slipped out of his mouth. He glanced at Serena, preparing for attacks any moment now.
Lucy groaned "Gosh...how can you be so dirty, a girl throwing themselves into other people's arms..." she clenched her fist, deep inside, was jealousy that boiled.
The air in the room thickened, Serena tasted blood at the back of her throat, oh how she wished it was Darien' s blood, he knew that she tripped and fall, why is he lying to them? 'obvious!' Serena thought, her eyes darkened 'He is a self centered Baka and as long as my life is miserable, he'll be the happiest man on earth!'
She turned to the group, Seiya stared at her coldly. Serena was again confused by this mysterious boy, why is there a trace of sadness in those eyes? Did he believe what they just said about her? She felt the urge to explain. "No! It's not what you think! I accidentally tripped and fell, well it just turned out to be a bad position!" Her eyes locked on the dark blue ones, but they show no mercy or forgiveness. They stayed just as cold and lifeless. "You don't need to explain to me Serena, it's non of my business." Seiya said in a flat tone.
Elisabeth tapped her feet. "Don't believe her Seiya!"
Serena grimaced, she felt tears threatening to come out, and without a word she walked towards the entrance bumping away Seiya violently on the way. 'I am so stupid by thinking that he's on my side...'
----------------------------
Serena hugged her knees, crystal tears trailed down her already wet cheeks. She was in her room, all by herself. She longed for a special companion, but it was he whose toned her heart apart. "All I ever wanted was to be loved..." Serena sobbed. "But why does everything always turn out wrong on me?"
********************************** You're such a sly one With your cold, cold heart Maybe leaving came easy But it tore me apart Time heals all wounds they use to say And I should have know 'Cause it seems like forever But I'm letting you go Now I am almost over you Now I am almost should be through **********************************
She sat there like that until the stars came out, a slight knock was heard from outside. "Serena?" it was Melvin' s voice. "Are you alright?" He asked anxiously.
Serena swallowed and replied in a tiny voice "Sure, just give me a minute."
Melvin sighed, he leaned against the door, his dark brown eyes narrowed, somewhere inside him wanted to defend her. He has always liked the girl, from 7th grade. Somehow, Melvin wondered off to the stern, and in the shadows was Darien, who seems rather miserable and sad himself.
"Mason! You're going to pay for making Serena sad!" Melvin cried, standing bravely in front of the Darien who is almost one head taller than he.
Darien looked up, he rolled his eyes and walked away, but Melvin yanked his sleeves, and the hand was surprisingly strong. Darien looked into those brown eyes, they were filled with anger, he know that Melvin won't stop bugging him unless he did what he was told.
"Fine than..." Darien threw his hand off. "But you realize that we are on a boat? What can you do here?"
"I am going to challenge you!" Melvin looked around the boat, and thought for a second "Swimming pool!" Melvin said after considering.
"Pfff..."Darien rolled his eyes again.
They walked to the swimming pool, Melvin did warm up on the way and looked nervously at the calm looking Darien.
"Alright, the person who stays in the pool longer without breathing wins!" Melvin claimed, pointing his finger at the dark gray water.
"Ok, I am going to count to three..." Melvin said taking a glance at Darien "One..." "Two..." but Darien suddenly grabbed onto his collars.
"Childish! I don't do count downs!" Then with a splash, Darien and Melvin fell into the pool.
---------------------------------
Serena clenched the silk gown she borrowed from Michelle, her fingers brushed across its smooth surface. 'Michelle tried her best to make me happy...the least I can do is return this and be grateful...' Serena thought, she wiped away the tears and walked out of the room. She tiptoed through the corridor for it was almost bedtime. The door was ajar, through the gape she saw Michelle siting on the sofa with Seiya standing in front of her. Serena backed away, her risen fist dropped down carefully to the sides. She realized they are having a private conversation 'it's not very nice to eavesdrop...' Serena thought, turning away, but the mentioning of her name stopped her.
Michelle stood up, she walked to the bar gracefully and pored some whisky in two cups. "It's very obvious that you like Serena a lot..." Michelle smiled at him. "The way you defended her that day...it surprised me..."
Seiya gave a wry smile, he fell down onto the chair opposite to the sofa and shook his head slightly. Michelle missed that expression, she sat back onto the sofa and sighed, "I think I am a bit Jealous Seiya," she leaned back, nibbling her bottom lip slightly. "Because...from now on, you are not mine Seiya anymore...but Serena is a nice girl and she is worth it..."
Seiya laughed, quite loudly, he stood up and leaned towards Michelle, their face inches away. "What are you going to say? We are really suitable for each other?" Seiya mocked, his eyes flashed with agony. "You always tends to keep your princess style, your good repetition." He whispered "You act as if you don't care, so you won't hurt anybody, but you never realize that you are hurting the ones that loves you the most."
Michelle's heart shattered, his words are as tiny knifes that stabbed her heart. "I..." Michelle opened her mouth to say something, but she stopped when she felt Seiya caressing her cheeks.
Seiya grabbed onto her shoulders and slowly kneeled down in front of her, his blue eyes softened into a aqua color. "You said I like Serena...but I am telling you, the person I really likes is you." Seiya finished his sentence, and leaned down to kiss Michelle.
Serena' s entire been trembled, her legs threatened to give away. She felt unbearable pain overwhelming vas the scar in her vulnerable heart deepened. She covered her mouth, when she felt a uncontrollable sob washing up her throat, her muscles froze in place and her feet glued to the ground. 'I can't move, the last bit of energy just drained from my body.' She thought.
She dragged her self away from the scene, and ran as fast as she can, as far as she could with her eyes closed.
----------------------------
"Serena! SERENA...Sere...S...Serena...." muttered a unconscious Melvin, he was laying by the pool, wet all over and his head tossed side to side while repeating Serena' s name. Darien stood in front of him, he bent down and slapped Melvin' s face.
"Wake up! Come on!" Darien grinned when Melvin' s eyes slowly opened. "What happened?" Melvin asked.
"You can't even swim! You fell unconscious straight after 3 seconds!" Darien smirked. He grabbed Melvin by the arms and pulled him back to his feet. Melvin turned around in circle, feeling a little dizzy.
Finally he gained full consciousness and remembered the challenge "That doesn't count!" Melvin argued, his fist tightened. "Again!" He cried.
Darien rolled his eyes "Just shut up, I am hungry." He turned and walked away, Melvin following right behind, "Fine then, I am sort of hungry too."
Darien looked through some of the windows and frowned "Where is the kitchen any ways?" Melvin shrugged and they start searching. Two minutes later both entered a room filled with bars, Darien glanced around and walked into some of the bars. There are containers filled with ice blocks and numerous shelves of wine and beer, but food...was no where to be seen.
"How come there are only drinks?" Darien said, he fiddled around a bit.
"Why don't you just wake the chief and ask them to cook!" Melvin tapped his foot in annoyance.
"Can't you be a bit more creative?" Darien laughed.
"Maybe we can go fishing..." Melvin said half minded, but Darien took it seriously, "How? The boat is too high."
"We can use the small boats."
Darien' s eyes brightened, as if he has heard the most exciting thing in the world. "That's a fabulous idea!" He slapped Melvin' s head gently and quickly headed for the exit. Melvin shook his head and followed Darien.
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Serena slowed down, and found she walking through the side of the ship. She sniffled and tried to calm herself by listening to the waves slapping against the hull. She sat down on a bench and covered her mouth when she felt another sniffle coming.
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"It's all your fault!" Darien muttered at Melvin, he dropped the bucket full of lively fish carelessly onto the floor and fell onto a chair.
Melvin dried the seawater from his forehead "I didn't know there wasn't any fire to cook..."
Darien glanced at the fish they caught, there was at least six of them, their tails still switched and flapped. He bent over and touched one with his finger, it twitched and Darien' s finger accidentally slipped over it's sharp fins, that made Darien cry out. "Ouch! It stinted me!"
Melvin rolled his eyes, "Don't be a coward, even Serena doesn't scream when she get stunned by a fish! She is the bravest girl I've ever seen..."
Darien peeked at Melvin and mocked "As if you know her very well or something!"
"Of course I do! We were primary and high school mates!" Melvin thrust out his chin proudly and continued when he saw Darien's curious glance. "Even though she have a very girlish and weak appearance, but there are extreme strength on the inside. She would stand up for her friends and herself, and she never gives up easily." Melvin smiled. "I remember in high school, we had a very cranky principal, we were not allowed to throw away our food, no matter how bad it tastes. I hated the school milk, it gives me stomach aches. Serena always drinks it for me although she gets stomachache all the times. So...you can imagine how much she cares for me..." Melvin blushed.
"Maybe she just wants to drink it because she's poor, aha!" Darien laughed.
"No! She just cares for me!" Melvin looked at Darien seriously. Darien raised an eyebrow, "You like her?" Darien asked, "But...too bad, she's taken!" Darien smirked.
Melvin' s mouth dropped "By who!"
"Me! Of course!" Darien cried, "Didn't you see the way her soft lips caresses mine?!"
"No way!" Melvin shouted, he clenched a fist full of ice block and threw it towards Darien. "She'll never like a beast!" Melvin took some more ice blocks and ran.
"What!?" Darien took the entire bucket and chased after Melvin.
-------------------
Serena clenched her hair, tears ran down her cheeks combined with heartbroken sobs. 'What's wrong with me? Do...I really like him that much?' Serena thought, while another drop of tear touched the corner of her lips. She squeezed her eyes shut, and the picture of Seiya appeared.
"DON'T! Stop! Darien-baka!" Melvin screamed, he rushed past Serena with Darien chasing after him. Serena stared at the two with wide eyes, a wry smile crept to the corner of her mouth when she saw the comical scene of Darien throwing half dead fish on Melvin' s head. 'Thank god, I am not the only person sitting here on a night like this' Serena sighed. She stood up.
"Stop it You two!" Serena cried, laughing, drying tears away from her cheeks. She pulled the two apart. It was as if Darien saw her for the very first time. His mid night blue eyes became big and round and his tongue were caught in his mouth.
"I...uh..." Darien stammered, he brushed the ebony locks from his eyes and looked away nervously. Serena wanted to laugh at his expression, but somehow, it turned her a bit nervous as well. 'What to say...have to say something!' she scold herself mentally. Before she could say anything, Darien screamed out aloud.
"I got it! I know a way to eat the fish with out fire!" Darien said, collecting the fish from the floor and....Melvin' s head (-_-)
----------------
Seiya opened his eyes slowly and backed away, Michelle still had her eyes closed, a slight smile played on her lips. She opened her eyes and grinned at Seiya.
"You don't care do you?" Seiya muttered sadly, he searched her eyes for astonishment or nervousness they are signs of people in love, but he found non. A frown crept to his brows as he backed further away. "Why?"
Michelle smiled, she leaned closer and whispered "Of cause I care, this is very important to me. How can I forget my little Seiya is a big boy now?" Her eyelids dropped, as her lips touched Seiya' s.
Seiya turned away from her, he stood up "No! This is not what I wanted!" he cried.
-----------------
"Wake up!" Darien screamed and kicked on Yaten' s door, "Wake up everybody!" he walked down the corridor, screaming aloud. He stopped in front of Michelle's door and knocked on it, "Michelle, wake..."Darien had not finished his sentence because he saw Seiya standing in front of Michelle. Darien immediately pulled his face straight and said emotionlessly "You're here as well? Fancy a night snack.?"
Yaten walked out of the cabins, he ran a hand through his hair, and moaned "Oh my god.," So did the others. They came to the stern where a round table was placed, on top of it was a plate with some weird fishy looking big chunks in it. Taiki arched an eyebrow and poked at the pink things curiously. "Is that the night snack you were talking about?" Darien nodded.
Sweat drop
"That's why I hate 'virgins'!" Taiki cried, nudging Darien by the elbow.
Serena broke into a choking laughter while Elisabeth and Lucy stared at Darien with huge round eyes. "He...he is a..." Elisabeth screeched in disbelieve.
Darien blushed, he turned away from them and separated some of his 'fish chunks' in to plates. "Well, you shouldn't mess around with people you don't like!" he said.
Everyone gathered around the table and chit chatted while chewing on the tasteless fish, Serena chewed with enthusiasm, she suddenly feels her appetite coming back when she remembered she has missed out two meals. In the corner of her eyes she saw Seiya's lonely form wondering to the dark side of the stern, so she stood up and approached him.
Seiya stared into the peaceful night sky, he inhaled deeply to help his heart fall back into one piece, when he heard light footsteps behind him.
"Hi..." Seiya greeted.
"Hi." Serena said, holding her bowl of fish. Seiya looked extremely handsome under the silvery shine of the moon, she blushed.
"Are you eating? Can I have some?" Seiya asked.
"Sure!" Serena said "I'll go and get some for you." She turned to go.
"Don't worry, I'll share it with you?" Seiya chuckled and lifted a piece of fish from her bowl.
Serena looked down, she could hardly figure out what he is thinking right now "Where is Michelle?" She asked half minded.
"She's probably asleep." Seiya replied quickly, his expression turned into a short wince.
Serena saw it, "Oh...I am sorry you were disturbed." Serena said and she suddenly realized she revealed the fact that she heard their conversation. 'Oh no what am I saying?'
Seiya turned to Serena in curiosity, "You heard us?"
"It was an accident..." Serena explained, she feel tears rushing out of her eyes, "Gosh..." She sobbed "I've been eating too much Wasabi!"
Two figures hidden in the corner, one of them was holding a camera and it caught most of their conversation.
"I know I am a very annoying person..." Serena said, "But, I still think we are friends...especially on the veranda." She sobbed, smudging the tears away.
Seiya smiled one of his heart melting smiles "I wouldn't have helped you if I thought you were annoying."
------------------
Serena opened her locker, the holiday was over, and a brand new term is starting. She sighed when she felt peace surrounding her. No more practical jokes and no more... suddenly she realized something is missing. She concentrates hard and locks her gaze on her science textbook, than it clicked.
"My runners!" Serena cried out in annoyance! "This is the third one!" She threw her locker shut and clenched her teeth tightly.
"Those stupid brat! Stealing my shoes!" she cried, starring around her for anything suspicious. Suddenly a voice echoed through the long hall.
"IS that what you were looking for!" Serena turned around, finding Darien standing with a smirk on his face. Behind him was two very embarrassed looking Seiya and Yaten. Her eyes traveled down onto his feet and cried out in anger when she saw her expensive runners working like a slipper on Darien's oversized feet. His toes sticking out of the holes in front of the runners, it twitched playfully while Serena stared.
She shook her head and pushed past Darien, not been able to believe how stupid that guy can be. Darien however seems overwhelmed by his "perfect" practical joke. He turned towards Yaten and Taiki.
"Don't you just think I am a genius!? Did you see that expression when she pushed past me?!" Darien said excitedly, his expression remained goofy.
Taiki shook his head in disbelieve "You woke us up seven o'clock in the morning to show us THIS!?" he cried pushing past him.
"Your way of expressing love is a bit weird you know Darien!" Yaten said also.
Darien stared nervously at the two cans of coke in his hands, he thrust one out into the air as if offering it to some imaginary person. Then he shrugged. He repeated the movements a few more times while heading for the veranda. He pushed the door open and saw Serena sitting on a fence, swinging her legs cheerfully looking like an angel, but the sight beside her wasn't very pleasant to him. Seiya was holding her hand and chit chatted with her, as if they were a couple.
Darien felt jealousy overwhelming, his fist tightened around the can of coke until it cracked and coke leaked from his arms.
"Did you know that Serena and Seiya always meet each other on the school veranda?!" Darien asked Taiki and Yaten, but they only shook theirs heads innocently.
"Yes, they ALWAYS do." Said Elisabeth and Lucy. Lucy was holding a mini camera in her hand, they walked towards the group.
"That brat Serena is a two-timer, she is just tricking both of you!" Elisabeth stated. She turned on the camera and handed it to Darien. Darien took it with a shaking hand. Through the ten by ten-centimeter screen, he saw the conversation that exchanged between Serena and Seiya in several different occasions, but that was good enough to turn his jealousy into frustration. His jaw clenched and he threw the camera into a fountain nearby with out thinking.
Lucy winced when she saw her expensive camera sinking to the bottom of the fountain. She walked towards Darien slowly "She is not worth it Darien, you can find somebody so much better..." she said, sliding a hand down his arm.
Darien was out of his thoughts. All he could think of was 'Serena and Seiya' He never needs to fight for anything or try hard for anything in his life. But now this poor girl is toying with his feelings, and the most frustrating thing is that...he never realize it! He just fell into her trap like that! 'She is going to pay for this' Darien thought mentally, he pushed Lucy away violently and headed back to the veranda.
-----------------
"I have to go." Seiya said, he skipped off the fence and dodged around his pocket for something. Finally he pulled out a envelope.
"Here, Michelle wanted me to give this to you, it's a invitation to her birthday party." He smiled. "We'd be glad if you come." Seiya handed the red envelope to Serena and walked away.
Serena looked at the letter carefully and stuffed it into her pocket, she sat there silently for few more minutes and hopped off the fence too. She skipped to the door and bumped into someone.
"Sorry!" Serena apologized, bowing franticly. She looked up and saw a grave looking Darien standing in front of her. His expression was frightening, it's as if he is going to rip her into pieces. Serena backed away fearfully as she realized these.
"What...what do you want?!" She stammered, backing to the wall. 'He looks so scary, something is definitely wrong.' Serena thought. Darien approached her slowly, his breathed heavily while death glared Serena.
"How dare you play around with me? You slut?" These words came through the gapes of his clasped teeth. His left hand grabbed some of her hair and his other hand pinned her against the wall.
"What did I do now?!" Serena struggled. She was very scared.
"It's ALL YOUR FAULT!" Darien screamed into her face, "You tricked me! You think you are so smart huh? I am gonna show you the result for playing with MY FEELINGS!" He shouted. His hand tightened into a fist and aimed straight at Serena, Serena tossed her head to the side and avoided the attack.
Darien felt pain in his fist, he retrieved it from the wall, and saw it covered in blood. Serena took the chance and yanked his hand away. He was extremely strong, but she managed to escape from his grasp and ran towards the door. She didn't know what to think, she didn't have time, all she knew at that very moment is that this guy is dangerous and she needs to get the hell out of here.
"DON'T COME NEAR ME!" She screamed, throwing her bag at him. He easily bashed it away and chased after the screaming Serena down stairs. Darien is very fast, he caught up with her and pinned Serena on to the wall. Serena struggled and yelped but it was no use, she felt his lips crashing into hers for a brutal kiss.
"NO! PLEASE STOP!" Serena screamed while Darien tore her sleeve apart. She kept on screaming and struggling, but soon she has lost the power, her limbs fell helplessly against the sides and her head jerked around no more, even her screams turned into sobs.
Darien suddenly realized what he was doing, he felt the irritation flying out of him, and feelings of guilt replaced it. He raised his face and met those sky blue eyes, now covered in tears. 'What have I done? This isn't right...' Darien thought, he starred into her cloudy eyes for a moment and released her gently. She didn't run away as he expected, instead, she sobbed continuously and her legs gave away. Darien held her, fighting the tears that was threatening his eyes. Right at that moment, he realized, he had it bad for the girl. She has sucked every bits of energy out of him without doing anything, just starring into those blue eyes can turn him savage.
"Oh Serena..." Darien muttered, "I won't be able to defend myself, even if you meant to kill me..." he placed a light kiss on the top of her forehead.
"I am so sorry..." Darien whispered in her ears. He brushed a few strands of wet locks behind her ears and released her crying form, letting her sliding down the brick wall slowly.
"Don't crying.... I promise I won't hurt you anymore...."
---------------
Serena stopped in front of her house, she soothed the knots out of her hair and tightened the over sized black coat around her tore shirt. She did not want her parents to worry.
"Mom I'm home!" Serena said in a pretend cheerfulness.
Ikuko greeted her "Why are you wearing that?"
Serena looked down nervously "Oh, I borrowed it from my friend, its cold outside."
----------------
Serena sat up from her bed, she could not sleep, and her thoughts kept on roaming back to the terrible incident. 'What does he want?! I've never thought boys are so scary before...it's not the usual Darien...' Serena thought, while tightly clenching the bed sheets in front of her chest.
A nurse bandaged Darien's hand. Darien looked down, he couldn't believe what he has done today, 'WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING!'
-----------------
The next day, Serena arrived at school with an arched eyebrow. From yesterday's experience she thought she would have received a handful of practical jokes by now, but instead, she was walking through the school hall safely, with no banana pills or super glues in her way. 'Don't make the statement too soon!' Serena thought to herself, growing cautious towards the odd peace. She came past the notice board and saw a crowd whispering over something, she tiptoed and saw some large kanji written in bright red on a piece of green paper.
'Who would do that!" Serena giggle, but the smile wiped straight away from her face when she read it.
It says:
FROM NOW ON ANY ONE THAT DARES TO HARM SERENA IS TO BE PUNISHED
DARIEN MASON
'What's that suppose to mean!' Serena thought, but before her mind could work any further, the crowed turned around and starred at her. Serena blinked her eyes for a few times, her cheeks turned bright red and decided to dart away before anything happens.
She met Ray near the math stuff room, who seems especially cheery. "Hi! Serena!" Ray cried, waving a familiar looking red envelope around.
"You got it too!?" Serena smile, she was relieved that another one of her 'kind' is going also.
"Yeah!" Ray grinned "I was so shocked and happy when I received this! It is the very first opportunity for me to attend a party like this! With all those people in the higher society!" Ray cheered, but her expression saddened after a while.
"What's wrong?" Serena asked.
"Well, I still have no idea what to wear! I mean...you know I attended the school with scholarship...I..." Ray looked down sadly, she folded the envelope carefully and placed it into her bag. "Maybe I shouldn't go after all..."
Serena grimaced at Ray's sad expression, 'Poor Ray...just wish that I can help...oh what am I thinking! I have problems with my own dress also!' Serena sighed.
---------------- The bell rang
"Finally over!" Serena stretched out, she walked to the parking lot and spotted her lonely motorbike in the center of the park with proud velvet BMW sitting next to it. Serena rolled her eyes when she saw the nametag on it, which says Jane Reed.
"She changed car again!" Serena moaned, but her attention was brought back to her old motorbike when she saw something extraordinary on the seat. It was a shiny purple box, fancily wrapped with pink ribbons.
"Wow, what's that?!" She whispered. Holding it up carefully in her hands, she unwrapped it and removed the lid of the box.
"Oh...my....GOSH..." Serena gasped, there was the most beautiful dress she has ever seen. It was a blood red silk gown with roses attached to the necklines. Serena unfolded it and let it blow in the soft wind, the dress was multiple layered, sunray washed through every folds of the dress making a butterfly effect on the soft silk, it was as if itself is alive. Serena shook her head unbelievably, she looked down into the box and found a red note with golden messages.
~HOPE TO SEE YOU WEARING IT DURING THE PARTY SERENA~
DARIEN
Serena clenched her teeth tightly, 'how dare he try to bribe me with a DRESS!' she thought, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DARIEN-BAKA!? YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST GIVE ME A DRESS AND I'LL SHUT UP AND NEVER MENTION YOUR SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOUR!" Serena panted, she raised the dress over her head to throw away, but thought better of it.
"Ray haven't got a dress yet!" Serena thought, "He don't need it anyway...so..." A grin crept to her face.
----------------
"REALLY! THAT MUAT HAVE BEEN SCARY!" cried Lita, her eyes widened in horror while listening to Serena. "I can't believe Darien Mason would do such thing without a REASON!
Serena nodded, she winced again at the terrible memory. She was still confused by his actions on that day, and haven't had the guts to approach him and ask for almost two weeks. However, Darien seems to be avoiding her as well.
"Anyway," Serena sighed, "I have a worse problem now!" she said, taking something out of her drawer. "It's a invitation from Michelle, it's her birthday and they are holding a family party in this five star hotel. She invited me but I still have no idea what to wear, and I am scared to go there by myself, so...can you go with me?!" Serena asked in a little voice.
"Well...sure, since I've never been to any party like this before...but I don't have anything either." Lita shrugged. At that moment, Ikuko stepped into the room holding a plate of fruit.
"Hi girls!" She greeted, placing the food onto a table. Her sudden entry caught Serena by surprise, she clumsily hid the invitation behind her back and prayed that her mom didn't see it, but she felled miserably. Ikuko's sharp gaze fell onto the corner of the red card.
"What's that?" she asked, and grabbed it herself, when she received no answer.
"Invitation!" Ikuko's eyes widened. She stared back at Serena and cried "Is this from that Darien Mason!"
"No!" Serena shouted in agony at the mentioning of Darien. "No! It's just Michelle's birthday and I was going to..."
"Michelle who!?" Ikuko demanded, but decided to find out herself, she opened the invitation and looked. "Michelle...Richardson!" She muttered. "Richardson...is it the billionaire Richardson family!" she cried out.
Lita stared at Ikuko in astonishment, "Wow!" she said, "You know so much about those people!"
"Of cause!" Ikuko said proudly, and turned to Serena "You are not turning this down are you!?" she asked.
Lita answered without thinking "Well, we wanted to go but there we still have problems with the dress!"
Ikuko's eyes brightened, "Of cause! How can I ever forget such details!" she shouted to herself. "Don't worry about it! I'll take care of it all!" She smiled. Her eyes cast a far looking glance and said dreamily "Remembering twenty years ago! I was chosen as the peanut lady for this peanut butter advertisement!" she sighed at the old memories.
"Cool!" Lita smiled.
Serena shook her head. "Can't you see! She is going to turn us into peanuts!" she cried at Lita.
"Definitely not peanuts, but cute little flowers!" Ikuko said, rushing into her bedroom.
Half an hour later.
Serena and Lita stood in the middle of the living room, dressed in something between the 1970 to 1980. Serena has a purple dress, with a single strip on her left shoulder that holds up and huge purple daisy. The bottom of the dress spread out like an umbrella with several layers. Her hair was brushed to one side, held up by A ENORMOUS purple flower. Overall she looks like something out of the sound of music.
Lita's was even worse, her one was a similar style, except it had both straps and the colour was hot pink and black. Serena and Lita twitched in their dress uncomfortably.
"Don't you think this is a bit weird?" Lita asked.
"Not at all! You look so cute!" Ikuko smiled. "That's what I wore for the peanut lady contest! I can't believe it still looks so fabulous today." Ikuko said, followed by a dramatic sniff.
The doorbell rang.
"You girls stay here! I'll get the door!" Ikuko rushed off excitedly. "Melvin!" She cried. "Here comes a handsome young man girls!"
Melvin stepped into the living room, he was dressed in something close what Elvis Presley wear and to make the matter worse his hair is spiked up. It looks like he tried unsuccessfully to copy Beckham's hair style.
Serena's mouth dropped while Melvin twisted his tousles. "Hi girls!" he said cheerfully.
"Melvin! What in the WORLD happened to you!" Serena cried.
Ikuko however, was starring him with round eyes. "You look exactly like the sir butter that made the advertisement with me!"
--------------------
"NO! No way I am STEPPING onto that CAR!" Screamed Serena, her hands holding desperately onto the post by the road.
"Come on Serena!" Lita cried. "There isn't any other cars!"
Standing beside them was a Ferrari, normally a person would be more than happy to place their butt on the comfortable seat of this famous brand, but somehow, Melvin found a way to decorate it, so it would look 'special.' He managed to connect two speakers onto either side of the car and yellow flowers popped out of the windows.
Finally, Melvin managed to pull Serena into the car seat and forced her to sit down. "This is a Ferrari you know!" He cried.
A female driver around the age of 25 stepped out of the car, she pulled her skirt uncomfortably because it was too tight.
"Good afternoon sir." She stood up straight and bowed to Melvin.
"Lets go." Melvin said simply after everyone was in the car. The driver sat back, she straightened her oversized white hat (which Serena assumes to be apart of the uniform) and started the engine. Serena sighed, she just know this day is going to turn out so bad. Somehow, Melvin saw her expression and thought she was bored.
"Do you want some music!?" Melvin asked. "Maggie!" he said to the driver, "Live music."
Serena' s eyes widened "Live music!? What's that!?" Her question was answered when Maggie the driver lifted up a brownish speaker phone. She starts to sing "if you are happy and you know it clap your hands." Her voice went through the phone and came out from the two huge speakers.
It was horrible, Serena screamed out wildly and covered her ears for the rest of the way.
------------------
Ray opened the purple box carefully, she received it from Serena a week ago and was very grateful for it.
She smoothed out the dress and let it fall onto the floor in front of her, starring into the mirror, she saw herself, wearing it, waltzing across the dance floor with everyone noticing her for once.
'Somehow, I know this dress will fit me so well...somehow, everyone will really notice me tonight." She smiled to herself and a image of a tall handsome young man came across her mind. She smiled.
-------------------
Serena Lita and Melvin stepped into the five star hotel where the party was held, they gasped when they saw hundreds of people dressed in fancy clothing walking around the place. Soft jazz music played in the background.
"Wow! Is that the FAMILY party Michelle was talking about!?" Serena whispered.
"Look! There's super stars everywhere!" Melvin pointed at a group of beautiful people who seems to have jumped out of the television. "I'll ask them for autographs!" Melvin cried rushing over to them.
"Serena! You are here!" said Taiki, smiling charmingly. Serena turned around to see Taiki who looks gloriously handsome.
"Hi Taiki!"
Taiki looked at Serena and choked "How come you are dressed like..." he stopped when he saw her embarrassed expression.
To smooth the uncomfortable silence, Taiki looked around and spotted what he wanted "Darien! Serena is here!" Taiki cried out, waving to Darien.
Darien, who was covered in black turned to see Serena standing there with a depressed expression on her face, turned away immediately. He is not ready to face her yet, not after what he has done, he rushed away silently.
Serena stared at his back in disbelieve. 'How could he just turn away like that! It's as if I've done something wrong! I'm the one that's suppose to turn away from HIM! I'M the one who was treated that way with no reason or any explanations at all.' Just as Serena' s anger starts to rise, she realized that Lita was missing.
"Have I seen you around before?" Taiki and Lita was standing in the corner of the room, Lita seems to be extremely shy, she bowed her head, avoiding his gazes, occasionally looking up to steal a glance at his handsome face.
"I don't think so..." she whispered.
"I thought so," Taiki smiled. "How can I ever forget a girl like you." His gaze softened. "So, do you have time tonight, after the party..."
Serena felt her heartbeat increasing, she knows how purely 'evil' Taiki is and she is not going to see her friend falling straight into his trap.
"Lita!" Serena stomped across the room, dragging her friend away from Taiki. "You'll get pregnant by talking to him!" she cried mindlessly.
"It won't happen! I never made mistakes during..." Taiki said smiling.
Serena ignored his comments, simply continued "Just pretend that he is some sort of disease and keep a distance from him alright!?"
"Serena, you are overreacting!" Taiki cried helplessly.
"Taiki!" Serena death stared him.
"Fine!" Taiki said, holding his hands up in the air, "I'll keep away from her." With a sly smile, he nodded at Lita and walked to a group of models.
"Wow..." Lita whispered, she focused on the sight of his back and sighed dreamily.
"Are you ok?" Serena asked, waving a hand in front of Lita.
"I felt so nervous talking to him...he is so cute and I just felt my heart jumping around!" she sighed again.
Serena rolled her eyes.
"And that Darien Mason is absolutely GORGEOUS! Don't you reckon Serena? It's hard to imagine that he is the kind that would do those things. I mean, it's as if the girl needs to be forced or anything!" Lita babbled away.
"You just don't know..." Serena said. "All I can say is, they are dangerous nuclear bombs carefully wrapped up in Christmas wrappers."
All of a sudden, the crowd around them starts to clap, cheers filled the huge hall. Serena looked up and saw Michelle dressed in a beautiful white dress walking into the hall with her dad. Michelle looked glamorous, her greenish ocean hair flowed freely to her waist on top of it is a silvery tiara.
"That Michelle really is something!" Lita said, gasping.
Serena was stunned, she couldn't move for a while, all she could think of was Michelle's beautiful appearance and Seiya' s reaction and how bad she looked in that puffy dress. "Yeah..." Serena answered after three minutes, still feeling drowsy. Michelle's dad made an opening speech to welcome all the party guests, he then left the stage.
Serena looked around, feeling more depressed then ever, she knew she shouldn't be feeling this way. Michelle is a nice person and she treated Serena very well, but she could not help is. Her gaze fell on Darien, who was standing not far away. He looked very handsome with that black tuxedo, his eyes shined with anticipation while he chatted with a beautiful girl. She sneaked closer, trying to hear what they were saying, she felt a sudden interest to what sort of girl would a baka like Darien be interested in.
"You haven't called me for a long time..." the girl said to Darien.
Serena stared at him angrily. 'Those rich bastards, all they ever think of is playing around with girls.'
Darien shrugged and brushed a lock of hair from his eyes "I am sort of busy recently." He said lamely. Suddenly caught a familiar shadow from the corner of his eyes, Darien turned towards it. It is the shadow, he's trying to approach for the entire night.
He caught her angry glare and immediately realized his mistake. "What do you want?" he turned back to the girl in front of him, pretending as if he never met her before.
Serena turned away, "Lita, I feel like getting a drink..." she said to Lita.
"Alright, you can go and get a drink and I'll find Melvin...if I can..."
Serena walked to an isolated corner of the hall, and spotted Yaten drinking all by himself.
-------------------
Ray checked the invitation again and looked into the hall. She couldn't believe her eyes, "Wow..." she whispered to herself, all the hard owned confidence she built up flew right out of her mouth at that moment. she finally managed to gathered herself after standing in front of the glass door stiffly for three minutes, she lifted the red gown carefully and stepped into the hall.
She walked across the hall, searching for someone she knows and bumped into Melvin and Lita. "Hi Melvin!" she greeted.
"Hi Ray! Wow! You look so pretty!" He said, "I'll introduce a friend to you." Melvin smiled, elbowing Lita.
"Hi!" Lita greeted "Are you Serena's friend! You are beautiful!"
Ray has just received two complements in one go and felt her confidence boosting. "Thank you..." she replied shyly. She turned around and saw a figure in white starring at her, she looked up and saw Darien.
Darien gazed at Ray's dress and recognized it as the one he gave Serena, he felt his inside bursting in anger, how can that girl give my present to some one else! He thought.
Ray smiled at Darien shyly. "Why are you wearing that dress?" Darien demanded. "You don't deserve my present, ugly woman." Darien sneered and walked away.
Ray was in total shock, she could not believe it, and she felt her eyes whelmed in tears and a sob threatening to escape from her throat. She turned away and ran out of the hall without a word.
-----------------
Serena hiccuped, she has drank numerous cups of wines already, "I was going to say something...(hiccup)... but I forgot..." Serena laughed.
"You had too much to drink already!" Yaten said drowsily.
In the background, Michelle's voice echoed throughout the entire hall. "Thank you for coming to my birthday party..."
Serena and Yaten stood up from where they were sitting and tumbled to the center of the hall.
Michelle, who was standing in the center of the crowd, spoke through a microphone. "Today, on my twenty fourth birthday, I'll be announcing a very important news to you all, and that is, I'll be going back to France very soon, and probably won't be considering coming back. Mom, dad, please forgive my stubbornness."
Everyone was caught in shock by her announcement, especially Seiya, his smile disappeared entirely.
"What are you talking about Michelle! You just came back from France!" Michelle's mom said.
"I am sorry mom, I've already made my decision, I am going back to France, to continue my degree in law, and I'll be helping poor for the rest of my life." Michelle said.
"Michelle! You are my only daughter! You are our only inheritor for the Richardson's company!" her dad cried.
"Dad, you are wrong. The Richardson Company belongs to you, not me. I want to create my own future with my very own hands...To me, things like beautiful hair and expensive clothes are not so important any more. From now on I want to be myself!" Michelle said gravely, she took out a pair of scissors she has prepared and raised it to her shoulders, with a little click, her silky hair came off easily, leaving the rest shoulder lengthen.
Serena's eyes widened at the scene, Michelle, starred at Seiya straight in the eyes, she seems to be transmitting a message through those gazes. Seiya looked back, his face was lifeless, pale, it was impossible to describe the sadness that pair of eyes held. He turned away from her slowly, and walked out of the hall, unnoticed by the rest.
Serena saw it, she tried to follow him but was stopped by Yaten. She wondered off drowsily, worried about Sieya.
"Poor Seiya...what is he going to do?" Serena thought through her misty brain. Somehow, she tumbled into another hall, where she assumed to be a good place to rest and think. When all of a sudden, out of the corner of the hall, she could make out a conversation.
"I was just thinking if you can say something good about our company in front of your father." A man said to Darien.
Darien hesitated. "Well, I never interfere with my dad's business, it might have to wait until I get inherit the company, and that will happen in about ten years time. You can talk to me about it then, if your company is still there." Darien smirked.
The guy thanked Darien and walked away. Darien stepped out of corner of the room and saw Serena, "Hey, you've been eavesdropping!" he said, retreating.
Serena hiccuped and death glared at him "I am not sad enough to eavesdrop your boring conversation, I just happens to walk across here." 'have to say something' "Listen to your self, the way you talked to that guy, it's as if you are so great or something (hiccup)..."
"I am..." Darien said. "This is a world filled with challenges, it's like the food chain. If you stay on the very top of the food chain, you stay safe, but if you are willing to be the producer, you are born to be eaten. You won't understand anyway."
Serena glanced at him "I cannot believe that just came out of your mouth, how many times have you practiced it? You probably used it to trick that model just then!"
Darien looked away in annoyance. "What are you talking about! Those girls only approached me because of my family's fortune, because the brand Mason can fulfill their desire! Do you think I would like those kinds of girls? Stop talking non sense!"
Serena breathed in deeply, she realized what she just said was not really true. "Sorry..." she whispered. She stood up slowly, still feeling a bit angry about what happened before. "But...you should at least apologize about what happened the other day...If you apologize, I'll just pretend that I was bitten by a dog!"
"A dog!" Darien shouted angrily, "Are you saying that I'm a dog!?"
"Just apologize!" Serena cried, she was starting to loose balance. All those wines are working very well.
"Why should I apologize! It's all your fault!" he cried, but not angrily, he is starting to notice her drowsiness and assumed that the non-sense she was talking is caused by the affect of too much alcohol. "Serena? Are you ok?"
"Just apologize..." Serena whispered, suddenly feeling sick, she covered her mouth to avoid vomiting, only to loose her balance and tumbled into Darien' s arms. At last, the sickness was too much to bear, she couldn't hold it back and threw up on Darien's VERY expensive suit.
-------------------
Waking up in her bed, Serena still had a very bad headache, she shook her head and saw her mother coming into the room.
"Serena?" she whispered. "You are awake! Do you know how much you worried me last night! Being so drunk!?" she demanded. She continued when she saw Serena' s guilty expression, softer this time. "Do you know who took you home last night!?" she said in excitement.
Serena shook her head, unable to explain that strange expression on her mother's face.
"Darien Mason! You threw up all over him, but he didn't mind a bit, and he even took you home voluntarily! I think he is in lo..."
"Don't you start again MOM!" Serena cut her off with a loud scream which only caused worse headache.
Ikuko gave up on the topic, but still looked excited and satisfied. She pulled on Serena' s blanket and said "Alright, now get up! You have to go to school today, apologize to Mr. Mason sweetly and remember to dress up pretty!"
Serena groaned
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Alright you've just finished chapter 4 of shooting stars, stupid place to stop huh? Ha...so what will happen? Will Michelle go to France and produce a chance for Serena? Will this be the end of Darien' s chance on Serena? Or will something new happen that might affect Serena's decisions? All to be found out in the next chapter!
See ya soon in a VERY short while!