Author's Notes:
Enjoy, I've gone though hair pulling and lots of
cursing when it came to this story lol. Ch.8 of, Love Affair is taking so much longer then I expected but will get rolling as soon as I get a few more chapters of this story posted.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Sailor Moon *tear*.
_____________________________________
To Love Someone...
Chapter 1: New Hope
It's funny how the atmosphere can change
someone's mood. Think about it, when it' s
nice, warm and sunny you can feel like
nothing in the world can stop you, your
spirit becomes as nice as the weather. But
what happens when it' s all gone? When all
the warmth is replaced by a think gloom, a
cloudy, thunderous day? The feeling is all
gone too isn't it? The merry sensation is
soon filled by caution, fear...
...and the harsh reality of loneliness.
She laid quietly in her room...alone. She hated
the feeling. She hated feeling so alone, no
one to talk to, and no one to share her
feelings with. For so long she remained
steady and unshackled to the eyes of so many.
They thought of her as tough and strong, an
independent flame.
The thought made her stifle a laugh.
If they only knew. Only knew the truth...they'd
see what was really going on inside. They'd
only see who she truly was, lonely, terrified
and weak. Inside she was drowning,
pathetically falling into a state of self-
hatred. Everything she's done lead her
straight to her own misery. The more she
tried to swim her way to happiness, the
deeper she would drown. She sank, deeper and
deeper until it was too hard to breath, to
hard to think and too hard to start swimming
again. The moment she stopped swimming, the
moment that she gave up, her life ended. The
girl she once knew died...all because she was
too tired to face herself and her problems,
too tired of resisting, too tired to fight
and was just too tired to bother.
A tear managed to seep its way down her soft
cheek. The pain of her solitude became clear
as she gazed upon her shabby ceiling...memories
came rushing in.
*Flashback*
"Hello girls," a petite blonde cheerfully
rang.
"Serena girlfriend! What's up?" screamed Mina
as two other girls gave their greetings, yet
two violet eyes reverted away from her
displaying only a scowl.
Serena glanced at her, a frown crept to her
lips in confusion but she shook it off and
smiled.
'I'm sure it's nothing.'
It was the first day back to school and she
was starting her junior year at Genoa Heights
H.S. She strutted her way up the stairs, with
her red leather jacket thrown over her
shoulders and a fluff of curly, blonde hair
tied tightly to the left side of her head.
She promised herself that this year would be
her year and a new Serena would appear from
that point on.
"Nothing, all the same. What about you girls?
How was you summer?"
A dark blue haired girl looked up from her
physics text in response, "Computer studies
and integrated tech, but that's nothing you
don't know."
'That's Ami, got to love those brains,' she
mentally giggled to herself.
Lita looked into her pocket mirror while she
spoke, "Venezuela was cool. Hot guys, um...hot
guys and oh yeah...hot guys."
Serena nodded her head, bringing herself into
her thoughts, 'Never a moment where she
doesn't think about guys...hmmmm, I wonder if
she'll ever let me borrow those red, rose
earrings. Man, those are so totally wicked.'
"Whatever Lita, Venezuela is nothing compared
Australia. There are some totally hot Aussi's
that were so like dreamy. I went like loco on
like...yeah...and like..."
"Mina! We get it...shit...do you always need
'like' in every sentence you come up with!
You are such a dumbass!"
All heads spun to a feisty enigma...Rei. Her
hair was nicely tied up with a purple
scrunchie. Her dark violet eyes blazed with
intensity. Tension filled the air above their
heads. Serena studied her carefully wondering
what was going wrong with her.
"Rei! What the hell was that for?" Lita
yelled, closing her mirror.
Rei rolled her eyes yet felt guilty for
snapping at Mina. She loved the bubbly, ditz
yet her anger was raised for a different
blonde. She sighed, "Sorry Mina."
Mina sat there on the stairs, still shaken by
her words, "Whatever Rei. Act like a bitch
for all I care. Just don't expect me to take
it."
Mina picked up her bags and stormed off
pissed. Lita and Ami looked at each other in
worry and rushed off to support their friend.
Rei sighed, she immediately felt the guilt
grow and knew better than to yell, especially
after all they've done for her. She slew her
leather knapsack over her shoulders and
started off towards her, yet a firm grip was
held onto her tiny wrist. She spun around and
gazed into Serena's eyes, the guilt that once
stood there raged with fury.
"Let go," she hissed, venom dripping from her
words.
Serena dropped her arm, stunned in horror.
Never had she heard such resentment towards
her from Rei, "Seriously, what is wrong with
you? I come here from our summer break and I
get the cold shoulder, you're snapping at
your friends and now I get this? Is it me or
do you need a quick news flash on how to be a
friend?"
Rei was glaring so hard she was squinting.
Her face turned red and her veins were
bursting out, "If anyone needs the 411 on how
to be a friend it's you...you...whore!" Rei
screamed.
Serena stood there...speechless.
"Stop looking at me like you didn't see that
coming. You expect to waltz in here like you
own the place? Like things haven't changed
between us?"
A crowd was suddenly forming around them.
Whistles from guys were heard along with
their chauvinistic comments like, 'girl
fight!,' 'Priss fest' and such. Beads of
sweat was soon dripping down Serena's neck,
'What the hell is going on?'
"Rei, I don't know what the hell you're
talking 'bout so cut the crap..."
"Serena! Don't tell me to cut the crap. You
know exactly what I'm talking about!" Rei
shouted.
Serena blinked, 'she expects me to just
know?'
Rei read her expressionless face. Her heart
broke; her anger soon wiped clean leaving a
sad, distraught face. She realized it, she
felt it long ago but it was clearer now...she
and Serena drifted, nothing would be the same
and for that...she knew she had lost her, 'she
doesn't even know.'
"You don't even get it. You never even
tried," tears where flooding down her face as
she whispered slowly "I needed you and were
never there. You never even bothered...you
didn' t even care. You were supposed to be my
best friend and I couldn't even talk to you.
You were never around..."
Serena watched her words trail off as she saw
more tears flood away. She really wanted to
help; yet she didn't even know how. She
reached out for Rei but she stepped back.
"I'm sorry Serena...I can't talk about this,
especially to you. It's too late to be
reaching out to me now," Rei shoved past the
crowd, and bolted past Ami, Mina and Lita who
were making their back.
"Rei!" Mina called but it was too late, Rei
was gone.
*End of flash back*
Serena's head jerked up as she felt a cold
hand make their way up her leg.
'Seiya.'
"Missed me?" he whispered climbing into bed
with her.
She grimaced at the man and looked outside.
The sun was out and the birds where chirping
a sweet melody into the air. Oh, she wished
she could really enjoy the sound but too many
things were spinning in her mind leaving her
dazed.
"Serena?" he called out again.
Her mind whipped back to his attention.
'What time is it?'
Serena looked at her clock radio and shook
her head in disappointment. Seiya had just
came in.
"Where were you last night?" she loudly
stated, "It's 8 o'clock in the damn
morning...what the hell were you doing?"
"Do you always have to be like this?"
An appalled look had creped onto her face,
"ME? BE LIKE THIS? Excuse me, but have you
seen the time?"
Seiya got out of bed, not wanting to take the
hysteria he was getting from her, and made
his way to the kitchen. It was always the
same for the two and it never ended right.
The temper they both had never quite matched
each other, never held any balance in the
relationship. Serena pushed off the sheets
and pursued after him.
"Don't walk away from me! I asked you a
question...answer it!" she demanded.
He sighed, "I was out...working."
"Bull!" Serena pressed "You were out after
'working' with your dumbass friends having a
good time."
He looked away.
"Yeah, that's what I thought, you never
will-"
"That's enough! I keep up work to get us some
money...I'm entitled to have some type of a
good time!" he bellowed, forcing the fragile
figure harshly into a corner.
Serena felt his strong palm slamming her in,
her shoulders crashing the walls behind her.
She felt his hot breath raging onto her skin
and could almost sense where this was going
to lead.
"First of, I don't know how you couldn't be
able to keep up with dealing drugs to street
punks. Go to a corner and deal...that doesn' t
take a PhD. And secondly, how can you work to
support the both of us if you keep splurging
every night. I mean, where did it go last
night? The strip club? The bar? Hmmm, tell-"
Seiya's words cutted right through hers, "I
SAID THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Serena jumped, startled by the wrath he
possessed in his words. She could almost feel
his words slap her as hard as he did with his
own hand last night.
"Get out of my face" he hissed, noticing
Serena's fear.
Serena walked off, the helpless, weak feeling
was intensifying again as she walked into the
bedroom and closed the door lightly. It was
always went down like that...especially as the
years went by. Seiya would leave, she would
be alone, he would come home late, then they
would fight...she sighed. Serena hated the line
he was in, dealing drugs to dangerous people
was not what she'd dreamed her ideal
husband's profession would be, but could she
blame him? That's all he knew, ever since
they met it was the only line of work he was
remotely good at, and to think, she found it
sexy in the beginning.
"I'm never going to be able to stand up to
him," she whispered to herself as she got
dressed, "and I'm never going to be able to
walk out on him...am I?"
'And why is that?' her own mind asked.
"Because I need him."
She bit her lip suppressing the urge to cry,
due to the fact she was doing it too often.
She grabbed a pair of low-rise jeans and a
white tank top to compliment her white
runners. She looked outside and noticed it
was a bit chilly, even with the sun coming
out. She scrunched up her face, "I thought
it would be warmer now that it's spring."
March 21st: a new start to a season, and
fresh new start to life. It brought a smile
to her face.
'Maybe something will come up, surprise me
and make me feel happy,' she thought to
herself.
She grabbed her light denim jacket and made
her way out of the bedroom, passing Seiya.
"Serena, look, about what I said, I'm
really..."
Click. The door shut closed on him leaving
Seiya trailing with his own words.
"...sorry," he sighed.
'You can walk away for now but you'll never
leave. You're mine Serena and nothing will
take you away from me. I'll make damn sure of
that.'
Seiya lingered his eyes onto the door as he
finished his thoughts. However, unbeknownst
to both Serena and Seiya, spring would only
bring change...a new beginning to one, and
nothing but an ending to the other.
Serena made her way downstairs to the bottom
of the apartment, the sun's rays illuminating
onto her.
*grumble, grrr, brrr, grumble*
She blushed, hoping no one heard her hungry
stomach grumble, "I guess food first then I
got to get down to business."
Serena walked down a few blocks and got onto
the 35c bus going downtown, she loved it
there, well...the corporate side of downtown at
least. She felt like class walking down
there, admiring all the suited, corporate
individuals carrying leather briefcases. It
was in high school where she marvelled on
becoming a businesswoman in an elite
commerce.
"In your dreams girl, only in your dreams,"
she laughed aloud to herself.
"Excuse me dear?"
Serena turned to her right and noticed a
sweet old lady staring at her.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to talk so loud,
I was just talking to myself ma'am, I really
do apologize," she said, embarrassed.
The lady gave her a smile and said, "You
really shouldn't be apologizing. But I'm
under the impression you don't believe that
dreams can come true, or you wouldn't be
saying such things to yourself."
Serena sighed, "I use to believe in dreams, I
even had dreams...but now things are different.
I wanted to become a businesswoman, me and my
best frien-" she paused, "Um...I wanted to
become a businesswoman but it' s too late."
"What do you mean?"
She laughed, "I'm 24 and I only have a High
School diploma to back me up. I doubt that's
going to get me far. I mean, I don't have a
college or university degree nor do I have
the money to even attend."
"You shouldn't think like that, you're still
so young," she comforted.
Serena flashed her a warm smile, "Thank you
ma'am but I'm doing fine I guess, I have my
options," she lied.
"Well, I'm sure you are. I just don't like
seeing girls like you getting married at such
a young age with some man tying you down. You
loose out by doing that. You loose out on
your youth, education and so much more. But
I' m sure things are not like that for you
like it was for me."
Serena's smile faded as she looked at the old
lady. She had no idea how right she was.
"Well it was nice talking to you ma'am,"
Serena said, "my stop is right here, I hope I
get a chance to talk to you again someday."
"Destiny has a funny way of working, we'll
meet when time feels it's time," she stated
as Serena waved back at her.
'She's so wise and inspiring, I wonder how
her life turned out?' she thought to herself.
As Serena got of the bus she immediately
looked around for her dearest friend...
...Second Cup.
She loved their coffee, she loved their
cappuccinos, and she loved Second Cup (A.N:
Second Cup is a Canadian coffee shop, so it's
nothing I made up, and yes, I do know the
setting is in New York...but I too love Second
Cup ^_^, maybe even too much). She entered
the tiny café as a bell lightly rang behind
her. The sweet aroma of coffee beans filled
her head as she heard the joyous sound of
beans grinding and the mechanical work behind
the counter.
"Charlie my man, I'll have my usual and a
biscotti on the side please," Serena ordered
as she came up to the register.
As a regular customer she knew the entire
staff of Second Cup, memorizing everything
about them...right down to their schedule.
"Hahahaha, your usual huh?"
"Never could I go on without my cappuccino,
so make it snappy," she laughed.
The young college student smiled and started
on her drink as his red hair fell onto his
eyes. Serena took a seat near the window and
took out a newspaper to gaze at.
"Hmm, wow, the US dollar seems to be doing
well," she murmured taking a bite out of her
biscotti.
She remembered Rei all of a sudden. How
they'd talk about Wall Street and finances
just to sound "businessy" as they called it.
She formed a small smile recollecting old
times, but a frown soon took its place as she
continued to reminisce about that day at
school...
*Flash Back*
"Rei!" Mina called but it was too late, Rei
was gone.
The crowed all shrugged and left since their
entertainment was cut short, males
complaining how no clothes were ripped off.
"Serena, what happened?" asked Ami, debating
if she should have gone after Rei.
Serena kept looking at where Rei once stood;
lost in the entire conversation she had just
held with her.
"Serena?" Lita called, trying to get her
attention.
Serena snapped back to reality and saw the
girls standing in front of her. She burrowed
her eyebrows in confusion, "Why are you guys
back? I thought you were mad at Rei?"
"Well, I was. And I still can't believe she
said that to me but after what she's been
through I shouldn't have walked off, I was so
insensitive. She needs us and I can
understand why she' s acting so upset after
the whole ordeal," Mina said compassionately.
"Yeah, it was such a tragic day, poor Rei,"
finished Lita.
Serena looked at them still in confusion.
Ami began, "Serena, what happened between you
and Rei? There was a huge scene...what
happened?"
"I don't know. She was so upset at me, saying
things about how I wasn't there for her and
how I don't care."
"She must still be upset, you weren't there
after all, but I thought she understood,"
Mina said.
Serena couldn't help it; she just had to know
what was going on!
"What?" she asked.
The girls ignored her continuing with their
conversation.
"Nothing has help cheered her up."
"She really needs to talk about it."
"Serena, you're her best friend, did you
manage to get through her? After all none of
as has seen you?"
Serena's face reddened, no one was giving her
an answer!
"What happened? I seriously have no clue what
you're talking about! Why is she so upset,
what's this huge event that I wasn't there
for? Did she break a nail and I wasn't there
with you guys? What?" she yelled.
Three heads looked at her dumbfounded. Lita
soon started shaking her head, as Mina's eyes
just looked astounded by what she said.
Ami made her way up to Serena keeping in the
urge to slap her hard across the face.
"Serena," a cold whisper escaped her lips,
"Rei's father died this summer from a brain
haemorrhaging."
"Wha...wwhat?"
Serena could feel her heart race out of
control. She didn't know, no one told her
anything, why didn't anyone say anything?
"Serena, didn't you know? Rei told us that
you knew," Mina said as she recuperated from
what she just heard.
"We all thought you knew...we even tried
calling but you were never home... however Rei
said you already came by but left. We just
all thought-"
Lita was suddenly cut off by Serena's cry,
"No one said ANYTHING! Why...why would Rei say
that. I could have been there for her...why
didn't she tell me. Why didn't you try and
hunt me down?"
"Serena! We all did...none of us have seen you
for 3 months. Rei was the only one who's made
contact with you, well that's what she told
us...the rest of the time you were out doing
your own damn thing," Ami seethed, trying to
avoid making another scene.
"Probably with Seiya am I right?" filled
Mina.
Serena remained quiet...she was never home,
never with her friends. She spent the entire
time with Seiya, fooling around, sleeping
over at his place...she was never with anyone
else.
"Why would you say that Mina?"
Mina looked at her lost and troubled friend
and heaved a loud sigh. The relationship
Serena had with Seiya was obvious to
everyone. Ever since they met Serena made him
her world and had always chosen Seiya over
them. It was very clear how she held onto him
and how he held on so tightly to her, as if
he was possessive of her.
Mina began, "Serena, you were never discreet
about your relationship with him. Everyone
knows, it's so obvious what you guys would do
behind close doors and the things you'd do
for him. You'd drop us in an instant, just to
be with him, I mean, you've done it before."
Serena winced at Mina's comment, feeling the
truth stab her in the chest.
Lita's head poked up, "So you were out all
summer with him weren't you?"
She nodded.
"Than it's not our fault for you not knowing
what was happening. I just don't know why Rei
would cover up for you?" Ami bluntly said.
"But it's not my fault...I didn't know...I
would've have been there for her," Serena
pleaded.
"No one's blaming you Serena, but I have a
hard time believing you'd be there for
her...would you really desert your oh-so-loving
boyfriend for her? Rei had suffered through
such a trauma. Her father was her last
parent; you know very well that her mother
died before she even turned one. Now that her
father' s dead we really are worried for her,
sometimes we feel we need to get a
professional to talk to her," Lita said with
Mina and Ami nodding their heads in
agreement.
Serena sighed, she never thought she could
start her day off like this, 'why would Rei
tell them I knew...why would she cover for me?
Rei.... What's happened to us?'
BRRIIINNGGGGGG, the 5-minute bell rang and
teens started rushing in, Mina walked off to
the west end with Lita as Ami waited for
Serena still peeved at her disregard to what
was going on.
"You coming?" she asked tapping her foot to
the paved cement.
"No, you go on...I have to..."
Ami nodded understanding, "I know you'll do
the right thing and I know you care, so just
go," she smiled, "I'll cover for you."
"Thanks Ami," Serena whispered running of
towards Rei's direction.
*End of Flashback*
"Excuse me...Serena? Hello...earth to Serena!"
waved Charlie, bringing the hot drink to her
nose, wafting it toward her.
"Huh? Wha...oh," she blinked shaking her head,
"uh...thanks."
"No problem," Charlie said as he walked back
to the counter.
'I got to stop dwelling in the past. What's
done is done,' Serena thought to herself.
She took a sip of her cappuccino and finished
her biscotti. Once she was done she left some
spare change for Charlie and waved off.
"Down to business Serena," she said to
herself walking down the street attempting to
get her small frame to peek over the crowd.
"No, no, nope, uh-uh, forget it...nah...ewww,
naw....bingo!" she squealed in delight.
She spotted short, bald man wearing a
pinstriped suite. An expensive attaché case
was grasped nicely in his hand. She
straightened herself up, fixed her golden
locks into a sleek ponytail and took a deep
breath as she sprinted towards the man.
She smirked to herself, 'I won't even have to
try, this is going to be such a piece of
cake.'
"OOF!" she yelped purposely banging into him.
His attaché case opened as it fell to the
ground, papers, documents and manila
envelopes filed the air.
"Miss! Are you okay??" yelled the man as he
tried to help her up but also attempted to
save his precious papers.
"Oh my goodness!" she faked "I am so sorry. I
was just running and...I...it was an accident
sir! I am sooo very sorry, I didn't mean to
do this. Are you okay, will your papers be
okay? Oh no, your papers are everywhere!"
"Don't worry about me-"
"Here, here, here," she said with a worried
expression helping the man pick up his
papers...well, more like bombarding him.
The poor man became flustered with papers
only seeing papers brought up to his face by
Serena.
"Here's one...oh, and here's another one and
here...here's more!" she stuffed.
"Oof, er...miss...uh..."
"DONE," she smiled as she handed him the last
piece of paper on the ground.
"Um, thank you...I guess" he said as he
compressed it in his case.
"I am so, so, so, so, so, so, sorry!" she
apologized as she helped the man up and
dusted him off.
He nodded and thanked her for helping him
pick up his papers and went on with his way.
Serena smiled, staring at the man, "Hehehe,
sucker."
She dashed off into an alley and took a seat
on top of an old, metal garbage can, "I
swear, it just gets easier and easier as time
goes by."
From the sleeve of her denim jacket a silver
Rolex fell nicely into her left palm as she
pulled a leather wallet from beneath the
jacket in her right. She smiled while she
opened it, placing the watch down.
'Not bad, $60 and some credit cards.'
She got back onto her feet and placed the
stolen goods back into her jacket and walked
casually off proudly, looking for another
victim.
"I'll find a loaded dude and tief (A.N: you
should all know what that means by now) him
dry."
Serena's quick hands and quick wit made her
survive the life she was living; you don't
spend over eight years with a drug dealer and
not pick anything up on the way. Sure, life
with Seiya had their downs but he taught her
life on the streets, how things worked and
most importantly...how to survive. In addition,
Serena found potential and talent in petty
pick pocketing. It only took weeks for her to
get the hang of it and by the time they were
married she became the master. She picked
wallets, purses, jewellery...you name it and
she'd get it in matter of seconds.
After walking around in boredom she couldn't
find anyone interesting to steal from until...
"Heellloooo," she gaped as she gawked at a
chrome blue, Mercedes Benz Convertible with
the top roof latched down.
Her mind was spinning, the wheels turning
and her head urging her to take it out for a
spin; however her conscience was yelling at
her to walk off, that this was not some petty
little wallet.
'Damn right it isn't some lame wallet,' she
scolded her consciences 'this is ten times
better!'
Serena had always given herself credit when
it came to stealing and knew she was more
than capable in pilfering cars thanks to
Seiya (A.N: Seiya is such a good teacher eh?
He covers everything!), but she also knew her
limits. A car was just too risky and it was
broad daylight!
'You rob so many people, you should know
stealing cars isn't your style Serena,' her
mind lectured.
A nice smirk appeared diminishing her pout.
What if she just took it out for a little
spin?
"I won't be stealing if I just take it out
for a quick joy ride then return it. If
anyone asks what I'm doing I'll just say I
lost my keys and am in such a hurry. Besides,
who'd ever assume I'm a thief and hey...you're
only a thief if you're stealing, which I am
not?" she whispered to herself putting
herself at ease.
Serena looked both ways to see if anyone was
watching and ran to the driver side pulling
the handle carefully.
'Idiot didn't even lock the door, what
ignorance!'
She slid her body into the driver seat. A
short sigh slipped through her mouth, the
interior felt so good and the leather smelt
so fresh. She took a quick glance around the
car and noticed it was a man's car from the
cologne, gel and tie lying nicely on the
passenger's seat. Papers and a cell phone
also laid there neatly giving Serena the
impression he must be a high-class
businessman. After enjoying the feel and
looking around, she quickly started hot-
wiring the car although was cut short when
she saw something dangling in the ignition.
"Oh my goodness! The idiot left his keys in
here too??? Shit, this is going to be too
damn easy!" she laughed.
She turned it until she felt the engine start
peacefully and looked outside the tinted
windows, coast was clear. Serena snickered at
how easily things were going but was stopped
suddenly when she heard a light knock on the
window.
'Uh-oh.'
She could feel sweat drop and was now panic
mode.
'Calm down, everything is okay...just remember
the plan,' she coolly thought to herself.
She pressed the silvery button, which made
the window slide down but she didn't look
out. She didn't want to face the person she
was about to speak to, afraid she'd crumble
or worse panic.
"May I help you?" she asked.
"Yeah, can I ask what you're doing in there?"
asked a smooth yet impolite voice.
Serena felt upset at the rudeness of the man
and started to speak with a ruder tone, "What
does it look like, I'm about to drive away in
MY car...see. So if you excuse me...I'm in a
hurry."
He laughed and leaned in, "Sorry, can't let
you do that."
"And why not" she spat.
"Because that is MY car you're driving," he
said emphasizing the word my.
Serena froze. Could this be the first time
she'd ever be caught? Could her life be over
at that very moment?
'Serena, just calm down, you'll think of a
plan.'
She cleared her throat, trying to come off
nicer, "I'm sorry, you must be mistaken, this
is my car."
'Great plan,' her mind sarcastically
retorted.
Serena shook her head and finally faced the
man to her right, eyes locking with one
another's.
Silence.
'Wow.'
Silence.
'WOW'
Silence.
"HELLO?" the man rang trying to get the
woman's attention but he too felt a little
startled as her beautiful, blue eyes met his.
Serena's mouth dropped open. Her mind went
blank. His deep, midnight eyes were simply
enthralling, luring her gaze at him. The
shiny, black hair of his tumbled just
slightly onto his eyes making him look
irresistible. His finely structured face made
him look like a Greek god and the window was
just big enough to see he chiselled, hard
body. She lowered her gazed and found support
to the statement as she noticed four of his
buttons were left undone allowing her to see
his chest. He was definitely a good-looking
man, too good-looking and if she weren't
sitting down she'd have given away.
"Um...excuse me?" he called for her attention
taking a sip of his coffee.
Her snapped back and reverted away from his
body and back to his eyes.
"Yes?" she squeaked, intimidated by his
looks.
"You were telling me this was your car."
She stuttered, "Well...it...it...it is."
He looked at her suspiciously, "Were you
trying to steal my car?"
"What????!!!!!???"
"I said, 'were you trying to steal my car?'"
Her face grew red, "I heard you the first
time!"
"Well then good, you're not deaf...just very
rude."
Serena's moth gaped open, evidently offended
by his comment.
"WHAT! Did you just call me rude?" she
yelled.
"You heard me lady," he flatly answered.
Serena stopped the car and got out of the
car, slamming it shut. She turned to face him
as well as witnessing how tall he was
compared to Seiya.
"LOOK HERE! I may be rude but I'm not the
stupid one here! I mean, who the hell leaves
their fucken car keys in the engine with the
door unlocked...IN NEW YORK CITY?" she
screamed.
"First off, all I wanted was to pick up a cup
of coffee for five minutes! I didn't expect
someone to steal my car! So please tell me
what you're trying to say 'cause I'm hoping
you just didn't call me stupid!" the man
yelled.
"I'm sorry, did I call you stupid? I meant to
call you a damn MORON!" she snapped.
"So you did try to steal my car?"
"ARGH! You're slow and stupid! Yeah I tried
to take you're car and if you weren't so
lucky I'd be on the other side of downtown by
now!"
She walked off pissed at such an infuriating
man, handsome, but very infuriating.
He grabbed her arm, "You can't just walk off,
I just caught you stealing my car!"
"That's good for you, do you want a sticker
with that?" she replied in annoyance.
"Hahaha, funny," he shot back with sarcasm,
"but I can't just let you go, do you know who
I am?!"
"Uh, no and I don't care. So save me the
details and let me go, or if you feel like
you need a one way ticket to heaven than go
right ahead, report me."
He raised a brow while releasing her lightly.
Now, he was not a man to just let people of
the hook, he believed in justice and he also
believed in the judicial system, but there
was something about her that he found
intriguing, almost amusing.
Hw had to assure himself, 'She'll eventually
get what she deserves.'
He opened his car and went in, placing his,
now cold, coffee in the round holder.
Serena stood there in shock, 'He's actually
letting me go?'
She knocked on his window.
"Yes?" he asked.
"What the hell? You're letting me off the
hook? Don't you want to do something about
me?"
He shrugged; it was not like he was ever
going to see her again anyways.
"But-"
"I'm late for an appointment, good day," he
dryly said as he drove off leaving Serena
alone.
She stood there alone; it felt like déjà vu
from her past.
"The nerve of that man!" she shouted and
stormed off "I've never met anyone so...so
ARGGHH!"
Aggravated yet thankful the man didn't do
anything, she pondered in her thoughts. She
just kept imagining him in her mind over and
over again. A shameful tingle tingled within
her for the reason she was attracted to the
repulsive man.
'If Seiya ever knew I was thinking of another
man he'd...' she wasn't able to finish her
thought, too scared to think what would
happen, '...just forget the man, forget about
him and focus on the here and now.'
As she was walking unaware of her
surroundings a certain lady was walking her
way around the many people that filled
downtown.
"Yes Chad, mmmhhmmm, yeah I know.....uh-
huh.....uh-huh, yes....okay...I
will......hmmmhmmm...sure...okay, I love you too bye-
OOF!!" her cell and folders of paper fell to
the ground as Serena and her smacked into
each other.
"I'm so sorry!" they both apologized as they
both went down to pick up the various papers
sprawled onto the floor.
The lady looked up to face Serena, who kept
apologizing while picking up her papers. Her
eyes grew wide open and her heart was beating
so fast. She never thought they would have
ever meet again.
She gasped, "...Se...s...Serena?"
Serena stopped, familiar to the voice that
just called her name. She slowly fixed her
your eyes onto hers and suddenly it was blue
meet violet.
*Flash back*
She ran after her, "Where could she have
possibly gone to?"
She ran down the street and through the local
park calling out Rei's name, yet stopped when
she saw her dark hair friend on a park bench
crying with her head buried in her arms.
"Rei..." she whispered, concerned for her
friend.
She reached out and touched her on her
shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" Rei sniffled.
Her face softened, "I just want to help."
"H...h...how can you possibly help now?"
Serena remained quiet but knew she should
continue, "Rei, I'm so sorry to hear about
you're father's death...I...I...know I should've
been there for you and his funeral...I'm soo
sorry."
Rei smiled, she knew she was trying but it
was too late.
Serena continued, "I just wished I knew.
I...mean...you told the girls I knew, but-"
"I know you didn't know. If you did, you
probably would have been there for me," she
said.
"Probably? No, I seriously would have been
their you no ands, if, or buts!"
Rei put on a grim face, "I don't know. Ever
since you started dating Seiya you never made
anytime for me or the girls. I even told you
to stay clear of him...he's bad news, but it
ended in a fight."
Serena nodded her head recalling the time
were they fought about her relationship with
Seiya, "You don't understand Rei...I love him."
"No, you don't. It's not love...urgh, forget
it. I'm never going to be able to change
you're mind about him...and that's the problem.
You're so obsessed about him you don' t care
about anything else anymore and that's going
to bite you in the ass."
She looked away not wanting to hear that from
her. Rei noticed and decided to tell her what
happened.
"A few days after our fight...my Dad suddenly
died," a tear slowly went down her face as
she sniffled " it was very sudden, no one
suspected it and it was very hard for me. As
you know we have no family members here so
his friends and I organized his funeral. I
tried calling you but you're mother said you
were out...again. I left a message telling to
come over or call me. You never did."
Serena watched as Rei sobbed and felt like
she abandoned her best friend.
Rei continued, "You didn't show up at the
funeral, you didn't call, you didn't even
come to say hi or anything. It came to the
point were I called you every night and you
were never home. Lita came back early from
her trip to Venezuela and stayed with me and
Mina left for Australia. After Ami's computer
classes she' d always come by and check on
me. I prayed that each time the doorbell rang
or each time the phone rang...that it'd be you.
I lied to the girls saying you came by
already and just couldn't come to the funeral
' cause you were having problems at home and
shit. They believed me...so yeah."
"Why would you lie for me?"
"I don't know, I guess if I told them they'd
make you come to me and I didn't want that. I
didn't want you to be forced to do anything...I
just hoped it would come to you and you'd
just wanted to see what's up," she laughed,
"I guess it's too late huh?"
Serena raised an eyebrow, "What are you
saying? What do you mean it's too late?"
"Serena, I just wanted to say good bye today.
I wasn't at school for class."
"I don't get it."
She sighed heavily, "I'm leaving for Japan in
2 hours to stay with my grandfather, Serena.
I don't have anyone here for me-"
Serena stood up abruptly, "That's not true!
I'm here for you! You can stay at my house
and once were done high school we can study
business in college like what we've always
dreamed off-"
"Serena! I have to leave; you can't just
spring a plan like that. Besides, you have
the girls and Seiya. You know, we we're
drifting anyways...this time would've come
eventually; I just didn't expect it so soon.
I'm sorry."
Serena was in tears, she was loosing her best
friend all because she didn't care enough to
make a friendship last, "Rei...please say we'll
keep in touch...promise me that. I don't want
to loose my best friend!"
Rei shook her head and got up, "We already
lost each other and I think it's best if I
just go without saying good-bye to Lita, Ami
and Mina. I will miss you guys," she said as
she hugged her.
"Rei..." Serena sniffled, hugging her tightly.
Rei let go and began to start walking leaving
Serena...standing alone, "Don't worry, maybe
someday we'll meet up again."
Serena watched her leave, as she turned left
into the trees.
"Good-bye Rei," she whispered.
And that was that, it was the last she ever
saw of Rei.
*End of Flash Back*
Serena found herself staring into her eyes,
all her memories were packing into her head,
all their dreams, all the times they shared
and she was back.
"...Rei?"
________________
Author's Notes:
I'm finally done! After weeks of fussing over
this story I've finally finished. I'd like to
thank my amazing beta-readers, Iconographer
(TJ) and Mika-San. They've been such great help
and are very important into making the story a
success.
Comments, questions and critics are more than welcome. Email is: sw33t_bab33@yahoo.com
Enjoy, I've gone though hair pulling and lots of
cursing when it came to this story lol. Ch.8 of, Love Affair is taking so much longer then I expected but will get rolling as soon as I get a few more chapters of this story posted.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Sailor Moon *tear*.
_____________________________________
To Love Someone...
Chapter 1: New Hope
It's funny how the atmosphere can change
someone's mood. Think about it, when it' s
nice, warm and sunny you can feel like
nothing in the world can stop you, your
spirit becomes as nice as the weather. But
what happens when it' s all gone? When all
the warmth is replaced by a think gloom, a
cloudy, thunderous day? The feeling is all
gone too isn't it? The merry sensation is
soon filled by caution, fear...
...and the harsh reality of loneliness.
She laid quietly in her room...alone. She hated
the feeling. She hated feeling so alone, no
one to talk to, and no one to share her
feelings with. For so long she remained
steady and unshackled to the eyes of so many.
They thought of her as tough and strong, an
independent flame.
The thought made her stifle a laugh.
If they only knew. Only knew the truth...they'd
see what was really going on inside. They'd
only see who she truly was, lonely, terrified
and weak. Inside she was drowning,
pathetically falling into a state of self-
hatred. Everything she's done lead her
straight to her own misery. The more she
tried to swim her way to happiness, the
deeper she would drown. She sank, deeper and
deeper until it was too hard to breath, to
hard to think and too hard to start swimming
again. The moment she stopped swimming, the
moment that she gave up, her life ended. The
girl she once knew died...all because she was
too tired to face herself and her problems,
too tired of resisting, too tired to fight
and was just too tired to bother.
A tear managed to seep its way down her soft
cheek. The pain of her solitude became clear
as she gazed upon her shabby ceiling...memories
came rushing in.
*Flashback*
"Hello girls," a petite blonde cheerfully
rang.
"Serena girlfriend! What's up?" screamed Mina
as two other girls gave their greetings, yet
two violet eyes reverted away from her
displaying only a scowl.
Serena glanced at her, a frown crept to her
lips in confusion but she shook it off and
smiled.
'I'm sure it's nothing.'
It was the first day back to school and she
was starting her junior year at Genoa Heights
H.S. She strutted her way up the stairs, with
her red leather jacket thrown over her
shoulders and a fluff of curly, blonde hair
tied tightly to the left side of her head.
She promised herself that this year would be
her year and a new Serena would appear from
that point on.
"Nothing, all the same. What about you girls?
How was you summer?"
A dark blue haired girl looked up from her
physics text in response, "Computer studies
and integrated tech, but that's nothing you
don't know."
'That's Ami, got to love those brains,' she
mentally giggled to herself.
Lita looked into her pocket mirror while she
spoke, "Venezuela was cool. Hot guys, um...hot
guys and oh yeah...hot guys."
Serena nodded her head, bringing herself into
her thoughts, 'Never a moment where she
doesn't think about guys...hmmmm, I wonder if
she'll ever let me borrow those red, rose
earrings. Man, those are so totally wicked.'
"Whatever Lita, Venezuela is nothing compared
Australia. There are some totally hot Aussi's
that were so like dreamy. I went like loco on
like...yeah...and like..."
"Mina! We get it...shit...do you always need
'like' in every sentence you come up with!
You are such a dumbass!"
All heads spun to a feisty enigma...Rei. Her
hair was nicely tied up with a purple
scrunchie. Her dark violet eyes blazed with
intensity. Tension filled the air above their
heads. Serena studied her carefully wondering
what was going wrong with her.
"Rei! What the hell was that for?" Lita
yelled, closing her mirror.
Rei rolled her eyes yet felt guilty for
snapping at Mina. She loved the bubbly, ditz
yet her anger was raised for a different
blonde. She sighed, "Sorry Mina."
Mina sat there on the stairs, still shaken by
her words, "Whatever Rei. Act like a bitch
for all I care. Just don't expect me to take
it."
Mina picked up her bags and stormed off
pissed. Lita and Ami looked at each other in
worry and rushed off to support their friend.
Rei sighed, she immediately felt the guilt
grow and knew better than to yell, especially
after all they've done for her. She slew her
leather knapsack over her shoulders and
started off towards her, yet a firm grip was
held onto her tiny wrist. She spun around and
gazed into Serena's eyes, the guilt that once
stood there raged with fury.
"Let go," she hissed, venom dripping from her
words.
Serena dropped her arm, stunned in horror.
Never had she heard such resentment towards
her from Rei, "Seriously, what is wrong with
you? I come here from our summer break and I
get the cold shoulder, you're snapping at
your friends and now I get this? Is it me or
do you need a quick news flash on how to be a
friend?"
Rei was glaring so hard she was squinting.
Her face turned red and her veins were
bursting out, "If anyone needs the 411 on how
to be a friend it's you...you...whore!" Rei
screamed.
Serena stood there...speechless.
"Stop looking at me like you didn't see that
coming. You expect to waltz in here like you
own the place? Like things haven't changed
between us?"
A crowd was suddenly forming around them.
Whistles from guys were heard along with
their chauvinistic comments like, 'girl
fight!,' 'Priss fest' and such. Beads of
sweat was soon dripping down Serena's neck,
'What the hell is going on?'
"Rei, I don't know what the hell you're
talking 'bout so cut the crap..."
"Serena! Don't tell me to cut the crap. You
know exactly what I'm talking about!" Rei
shouted.
Serena blinked, 'she expects me to just
know?'
Rei read her expressionless face. Her heart
broke; her anger soon wiped clean leaving a
sad, distraught face. She realized it, she
felt it long ago but it was clearer now...she
and Serena drifted, nothing would be the same
and for that...she knew she had lost her, 'she
doesn't even know.'
"You don't even get it. You never even
tried," tears where flooding down her face as
she whispered slowly "I needed you and were
never there. You never even bothered...you
didn' t even care. You were supposed to be my
best friend and I couldn't even talk to you.
You were never around..."
Serena watched her words trail off as she saw
more tears flood away. She really wanted to
help; yet she didn't even know how. She
reached out for Rei but she stepped back.
"I'm sorry Serena...I can't talk about this,
especially to you. It's too late to be
reaching out to me now," Rei shoved past the
crowd, and bolted past Ami, Mina and Lita who
were making their back.
"Rei!" Mina called but it was too late, Rei
was gone.
*End of flash back*
Serena's head jerked up as she felt a cold
hand make their way up her leg.
'Seiya.'
"Missed me?" he whispered climbing into bed
with her.
She grimaced at the man and looked outside.
The sun was out and the birds where chirping
a sweet melody into the air. Oh, she wished
she could really enjoy the sound but too many
things were spinning in her mind leaving her
dazed.
"Serena?" he called out again.
Her mind whipped back to his attention.
'What time is it?'
Serena looked at her clock radio and shook
her head in disappointment. Seiya had just
came in.
"Where were you last night?" she loudly
stated, "It's 8 o'clock in the damn
morning...what the hell were you doing?"
"Do you always have to be like this?"
An appalled look had creped onto her face,
"ME? BE LIKE THIS? Excuse me, but have you
seen the time?"
Seiya got out of bed, not wanting to take the
hysteria he was getting from her, and made
his way to the kitchen. It was always the
same for the two and it never ended right.
The temper they both had never quite matched
each other, never held any balance in the
relationship. Serena pushed off the sheets
and pursued after him.
"Don't walk away from me! I asked you a
question...answer it!" she demanded.
He sighed, "I was out...working."
"Bull!" Serena pressed "You were out after
'working' with your dumbass friends having a
good time."
He looked away.
"Yeah, that's what I thought, you never
will-"
"That's enough! I keep up work to get us some
money...I'm entitled to have some type of a
good time!" he bellowed, forcing the fragile
figure harshly into a corner.
Serena felt his strong palm slamming her in,
her shoulders crashing the walls behind her.
She felt his hot breath raging onto her skin
and could almost sense where this was going
to lead.
"First of, I don't know how you couldn't be
able to keep up with dealing drugs to street
punks. Go to a corner and deal...that doesn' t
take a PhD. And secondly, how can you work to
support the both of us if you keep splurging
every night. I mean, where did it go last
night? The strip club? The bar? Hmmm, tell-"
Seiya's words cutted right through hers, "I
SAID THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Serena jumped, startled by the wrath he
possessed in his words. She could almost feel
his words slap her as hard as he did with his
own hand last night.
"Get out of my face" he hissed, noticing
Serena's fear.
Serena walked off, the helpless, weak feeling
was intensifying again as she walked into the
bedroom and closed the door lightly. It was
always went down like that...especially as the
years went by. Seiya would leave, she would
be alone, he would come home late, then they
would fight...she sighed. Serena hated the line
he was in, dealing drugs to dangerous people
was not what she'd dreamed her ideal
husband's profession would be, but could she
blame him? That's all he knew, ever since
they met it was the only line of work he was
remotely good at, and to think, she found it
sexy in the beginning.
"I'm never going to be able to stand up to
him," she whispered to herself as she got
dressed, "and I'm never going to be able to
walk out on him...am I?"
'And why is that?' her own mind asked.
"Because I need him."
She bit her lip suppressing the urge to cry,
due to the fact she was doing it too often.
She grabbed a pair of low-rise jeans and a
white tank top to compliment her white
runners. She looked outside and noticed it
was a bit chilly, even with the sun coming
out. She scrunched up her face, "I thought
it would be warmer now that it's spring."
March 21st: a new start to a season, and
fresh new start to life. It brought a smile
to her face.
'Maybe something will come up, surprise me
and make me feel happy,' she thought to
herself.
She grabbed her light denim jacket and made
her way out of the bedroom, passing Seiya.
"Serena, look, about what I said, I'm
really..."
Click. The door shut closed on him leaving
Seiya trailing with his own words.
"...sorry," he sighed.
'You can walk away for now but you'll never
leave. You're mine Serena and nothing will
take you away from me. I'll make damn sure of
that.'
Seiya lingered his eyes onto the door as he
finished his thoughts. However, unbeknownst
to both Serena and Seiya, spring would only
bring change...a new beginning to one, and
nothing but an ending to the other.
Serena made her way downstairs to the bottom
of the apartment, the sun's rays illuminating
onto her.
*grumble, grrr, brrr, grumble*
She blushed, hoping no one heard her hungry
stomach grumble, "I guess food first then I
got to get down to business."
Serena walked down a few blocks and got onto
the 35c bus going downtown, she loved it
there, well...the corporate side of downtown at
least. She felt like class walking down
there, admiring all the suited, corporate
individuals carrying leather briefcases. It
was in high school where she marvelled on
becoming a businesswoman in an elite
commerce.
"In your dreams girl, only in your dreams,"
she laughed aloud to herself.
"Excuse me dear?"
Serena turned to her right and noticed a
sweet old lady staring at her.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to talk so loud,
I was just talking to myself ma'am, I really
do apologize," she said, embarrassed.
The lady gave her a smile and said, "You
really shouldn't be apologizing. But I'm
under the impression you don't believe that
dreams can come true, or you wouldn't be
saying such things to yourself."
Serena sighed, "I use to believe in dreams, I
even had dreams...but now things are different.
I wanted to become a businesswoman, me and my
best frien-" she paused, "Um...I wanted to
become a businesswoman but it' s too late."
"What do you mean?"
She laughed, "I'm 24 and I only have a High
School diploma to back me up. I doubt that's
going to get me far. I mean, I don't have a
college or university degree nor do I have
the money to even attend."
"You shouldn't think like that, you're still
so young," she comforted.
Serena flashed her a warm smile, "Thank you
ma'am but I'm doing fine I guess, I have my
options," she lied.
"Well, I'm sure you are. I just don't like
seeing girls like you getting married at such
a young age with some man tying you down. You
loose out by doing that. You loose out on
your youth, education and so much more. But
I' m sure things are not like that for you
like it was for me."
Serena's smile faded as she looked at the old
lady. She had no idea how right she was.
"Well it was nice talking to you ma'am,"
Serena said, "my stop is right here, I hope I
get a chance to talk to you again someday."
"Destiny has a funny way of working, we'll
meet when time feels it's time," she stated
as Serena waved back at her.
'She's so wise and inspiring, I wonder how
her life turned out?' she thought to herself.
As Serena got of the bus she immediately
looked around for her dearest friend...
...Second Cup.
She loved their coffee, she loved their
cappuccinos, and she loved Second Cup (A.N:
Second Cup is a Canadian coffee shop, so it's
nothing I made up, and yes, I do know the
setting is in New York...but I too love Second
Cup ^_^, maybe even too much). She entered
the tiny café as a bell lightly rang behind
her. The sweet aroma of coffee beans filled
her head as she heard the joyous sound of
beans grinding and the mechanical work behind
the counter.
"Charlie my man, I'll have my usual and a
biscotti on the side please," Serena ordered
as she came up to the register.
As a regular customer she knew the entire
staff of Second Cup, memorizing everything
about them...right down to their schedule.
"Hahahaha, your usual huh?"
"Never could I go on without my cappuccino,
so make it snappy," she laughed.
The young college student smiled and started
on her drink as his red hair fell onto his
eyes. Serena took a seat near the window and
took out a newspaper to gaze at.
"Hmm, wow, the US dollar seems to be doing
well," she murmured taking a bite out of her
biscotti.
She remembered Rei all of a sudden. How
they'd talk about Wall Street and finances
just to sound "businessy" as they called it.
She formed a small smile recollecting old
times, but a frown soon took its place as she
continued to reminisce about that day at
school...
*Flash Back*
"Rei!" Mina called but it was too late, Rei
was gone.
The crowed all shrugged and left since their
entertainment was cut short, males
complaining how no clothes were ripped off.
"Serena, what happened?" asked Ami, debating
if she should have gone after Rei.
Serena kept looking at where Rei once stood;
lost in the entire conversation she had just
held with her.
"Serena?" Lita called, trying to get her
attention.
Serena snapped back to reality and saw the
girls standing in front of her. She burrowed
her eyebrows in confusion, "Why are you guys
back? I thought you were mad at Rei?"
"Well, I was. And I still can't believe she
said that to me but after what she's been
through I shouldn't have walked off, I was so
insensitive. She needs us and I can
understand why she' s acting so upset after
the whole ordeal," Mina said compassionately.
"Yeah, it was such a tragic day, poor Rei,"
finished Lita.
Serena looked at them still in confusion.
Ami began, "Serena, what happened between you
and Rei? There was a huge scene...what
happened?"
"I don't know. She was so upset at me, saying
things about how I wasn't there for her and
how I don't care."
"She must still be upset, you weren't there
after all, but I thought she understood,"
Mina said.
Serena couldn't help it; she just had to know
what was going on!
"What?" she asked.
The girls ignored her continuing with their
conversation.
"Nothing has help cheered her up."
"She really needs to talk about it."
"Serena, you're her best friend, did you
manage to get through her? After all none of
as has seen you?"
Serena's face reddened, no one was giving her
an answer!
"What happened? I seriously have no clue what
you're talking about! Why is she so upset,
what's this huge event that I wasn't there
for? Did she break a nail and I wasn't there
with you guys? What?" she yelled.
Three heads looked at her dumbfounded. Lita
soon started shaking her head, as Mina's eyes
just looked astounded by what she said.
Ami made her way up to Serena keeping in the
urge to slap her hard across the face.
"Serena," a cold whisper escaped her lips,
"Rei's father died this summer from a brain
haemorrhaging."
"Wha...wwhat?"
Serena could feel her heart race out of
control. She didn't know, no one told her
anything, why didn't anyone say anything?
"Serena, didn't you know? Rei told us that
you knew," Mina said as she recuperated from
what she just heard.
"We all thought you knew...we even tried
calling but you were never home... however Rei
said you already came by but left. We just
all thought-"
Lita was suddenly cut off by Serena's cry,
"No one said ANYTHING! Why...why would Rei say
that. I could have been there for her...why
didn't she tell me. Why didn't you try and
hunt me down?"
"Serena! We all did...none of us have seen you
for 3 months. Rei was the only one who's made
contact with you, well that's what she told
us...the rest of the time you were out doing
your own damn thing," Ami seethed, trying to
avoid making another scene.
"Probably with Seiya am I right?" filled
Mina.
Serena remained quiet...she was never home,
never with her friends. She spent the entire
time with Seiya, fooling around, sleeping
over at his place...she was never with anyone
else.
"Why would you say that Mina?"
Mina looked at her lost and troubled friend
and heaved a loud sigh. The relationship
Serena had with Seiya was obvious to
everyone. Ever since they met Serena made him
her world and had always chosen Seiya over
them. It was very clear how she held onto him
and how he held on so tightly to her, as if
he was possessive of her.
Mina began, "Serena, you were never discreet
about your relationship with him. Everyone
knows, it's so obvious what you guys would do
behind close doors and the things you'd do
for him. You'd drop us in an instant, just to
be with him, I mean, you've done it before."
Serena winced at Mina's comment, feeling the
truth stab her in the chest.
Lita's head poked up, "So you were out all
summer with him weren't you?"
She nodded.
"Than it's not our fault for you not knowing
what was happening. I just don't know why Rei
would cover up for you?" Ami bluntly said.
"But it's not my fault...I didn't know...I
would've have been there for her," Serena
pleaded.
"No one's blaming you Serena, but I have a
hard time believing you'd be there for
her...would you really desert your oh-so-loving
boyfriend for her? Rei had suffered through
such a trauma. Her father was her last
parent; you know very well that her mother
died before she even turned one. Now that her
father' s dead we really are worried for her,
sometimes we feel we need to get a
professional to talk to her," Lita said with
Mina and Ami nodding their heads in
agreement.
Serena sighed, she never thought she could
start her day off like this, 'why would Rei
tell them I knew...why would she cover for me?
Rei.... What's happened to us?'
BRRIIINNGGGGGG, the 5-minute bell rang and
teens started rushing in, Mina walked off to
the west end with Lita as Ami waited for
Serena still peeved at her disregard to what
was going on.
"You coming?" she asked tapping her foot to
the paved cement.
"No, you go on...I have to..."
Ami nodded understanding, "I know you'll do
the right thing and I know you care, so just
go," she smiled, "I'll cover for you."
"Thanks Ami," Serena whispered running of
towards Rei's direction.
*End of Flashback*
"Excuse me...Serena? Hello...earth to Serena!"
waved Charlie, bringing the hot drink to her
nose, wafting it toward her.
"Huh? Wha...oh," she blinked shaking her head,
"uh...thanks."
"No problem," Charlie said as he walked back
to the counter.
'I got to stop dwelling in the past. What's
done is done,' Serena thought to herself.
She took a sip of her cappuccino and finished
her biscotti. Once she was done she left some
spare change for Charlie and waved off.
"Down to business Serena," she said to
herself walking down the street attempting to
get her small frame to peek over the crowd.
"No, no, nope, uh-uh, forget it...nah...ewww,
naw....bingo!" she squealed in delight.
She spotted short, bald man wearing a
pinstriped suite. An expensive attaché case
was grasped nicely in his hand. She
straightened herself up, fixed her golden
locks into a sleek ponytail and took a deep
breath as she sprinted towards the man.
She smirked to herself, 'I won't even have to
try, this is going to be such a piece of
cake.'
"OOF!" she yelped purposely banging into him.
His attaché case opened as it fell to the
ground, papers, documents and manila
envelopes filed the air.
"Miss! Are you okay??" yelled the man as he
tried to help her up but also attempted to
save his precious papers.
"Oh my goodness!" she faked "I am so sorry. I
was just running and...I...it was an accident
sir! I am sooo very sorry, I didn't mean to
do this. Are you okay, will your papers be
okay? Oh no, your papers are everywhere!"
"Don't worry about me-"
"Here, here, here," she said with a worried
expression helping the man pick up his
papers...well, more like bombarding him.
The poor man became flustered with papers
only seeing papers brought up to his face by
Serena.
"Here's one...oh, and here's another one and
here...here's more!" she stuffed.
"Oof, er...miss...uh..."
"DONE," she smiled as she handed him the last
piece of paper on the ground.
"Um, thank you...I guess" he said as he
compressed it in his case.
"I am so, so, so, so, so, so, sorry!" she
apologized as she helped the man up and
dusted him off.
He nodded and thanked her for helping him
pick up his papers and went on with his way.
Serena smiled, staring at the man, "Hehehe,
sucker."
She dashed off into an alley and took a seat
on top of an old, metal garbage can, "I
swear, it just gets easier and easier as time
goes by."
From the sleeve of her denim jacket a silver
Rolex fell nicely into her left palm as she
pulled a leather wallet from beneath the
jacket in her right. She smiled while she
opened it, placing the watch down.
'Not bad, $60 and some credit cards.'
She got back onto her feet and placed the
stolen goods back into her jacket and walked
casually off proudly, looking for another
victim.
"I'll find a loaded dude and tief (A.N: you
should all know what that means by now) him
dry."
Serena's quick hands and quick wit made her
survive the life she was living; you don't
spend over eight years with a drug dealer and
not pick anything up on the way. Sure, life
with Seiya had their downs but he taught her
life on the streets, how things worked and
most importantly...how to survive. In addition,
Serena found potential and talent in petty
pick pocketing. It only took weeks for her to
get the hang of it and by the time they were
married she became the master. She picked
wallets, purses, jewellery...you name it and
she'd get it in matter of seconds.
After walking around in boredom she couldn't
find anyone interesting to steal from until...
"Heellloooo," she gaped as she gawked at a
chrome blue, Mercedes Benz Convertible with
the top roof latched down.
Her mind was spinning, the wheels turning
and her head urging her to take it out for a
spin; however her conscience was yelling at
her to walk off, that this was not some petty
little wallet.
'Damn right it isn't some lame wallet,' she
scolded her consciences 'this is ten times
better!'
Serena had always given herself credit when
it came to stealing and knew she was more
than capable in pilfering cars thanks to
Seiya (A.N: Seiya is such a good teacher eh?
He covers everything!), but she also knew her
limits. A car was just too risky and it was
broad daylight!
'You rob so many people, you should know
stealing cars isn't your style Serena,' her
mind lectured.
A nice smirk appeared diminishing her pout.
What if she just took it out for a little
spin?
"I won't be stealing if I just take it out
for a quick joy ride then return it. If
anyone asks what I'm doing I'll just say I
lost my keys and am in such a hurry. Besides,
who'd ever assume I'm a thief and hey...you're
only a thief if you're stealing, which I am
not?" she whispered to herself putting
herself at ease.
Serena looked both ways to see if anyone was
watching and ran to the driver side pulling
the handle carefully.
'Idiot didn't even lock the door, what
ignorance!'
She slid her body into the driver seat. A
short sigh slipped through her mouth, the
interior felt so good and the leather smelt
so fresh. She took a quick glance around the
car and noticed it was a man's car from the
cologne, gel and tie lying nicely on the
passenger's seat. Papers and a cell phone
also laid there neatly giving Serena the
impression he must be a high-class
businessman. After enjoying the feel and
looking around, she quickly started hot-
wiring the car although was cut short when
she saw something dangling in the ignition.
"Oh my goodness! The idiot left his keys in
here too??? Shit, this is going to be too
damn easy!" she laughed.
She turned it until she felt the engine start
peacefully and looked outside the tinted
windows, coast was clear. Serena snickered at
how easily things were going but was stopped
suddenly when she heard a light knock on the
window.
'Uh-oh.'
She could feel sweat drop and was now panic
mode.
'Calm down, everything is okay...just remember
the plan,' she coolly thought to herself.
She pressed the silvery button, which made
the window slide down but she didn't look
out. She didn't want to face the person she
was about to speak to, afraid she'd crumble
or worse panic.
"May I help you?" she asked.
"Yeah, can I ask what you're doing in there?"
asked a smooth yet impolite voice.
Serena felt upset at the rudeness of the man
and started to speak with a ruder tone, "What
does it look like, I'm about to drive away in
MY car...see. So if you excuse me...I'm in a
hurry."
He laughed and leaned in, "Sorry, can't let
you do that."
"And why not" she spat.
"Because that is MY car you're driving," he
said emphasizing the word my.
Serena froze. Could this be the first time
she'd ever be caught? Could her life be over
at that very moment?
'Serena, just calm down, you'll think of a
plan.'
She cleared her throat, trying to come off
nicer, "I'm sorry, you must be mistaken, this
is my car."
'Great plan,' her mind sarcastically
retorted.
Serena shook her head and finally faced the
man to her right, eyes locking with one
another's.
Silence.
'Wow.'
Silence.
'WOW'
Silence.
"HELLO?" the man rang trying to get the
woman's attention but he too felt a little
startled as her beautiful, blue eyes met his.
Serena's mouth dropped open. Her mind went
blank. His deep, midnight eyes were simply
enthralling, luring her gaze at him. The
shiny, black hair of his tumbled just
slightly onto his eyes making him look
irresistible. His finely structured face made
him look like a Greek god and the window was
just big enough to see he chiselled, hard
body. She lowered her gazed and found support
to the statement as she noticed four of his
buttons were left undone allowing her to see
his chest. He was definitely a good-looking
man, too good-looking and if she weren't
sitting down she'd have given away.
"Um...excuse me?" he called for her attention
taking a sip of his coffee.
Her snapped back and reverted away from his
body and back to his eyes.
"Yes?" she squeaked, intimidated by his
looks.
"You were telling me this was your car."
She stuttered, "Well...it...it...it is."
He looked at her suspiciously, "Were you
trying to steal my car?"
"What????!!!!!???"
"I said, 'were you trying to steal my car?'"
Her face grew red, "I heard you the first
time!"
"Well then good, you're not deaf...just very
rude."
Serena's moth gaped open, evidently offended
by his comment.
"WHAT! Did you just call me rude?" she
yelled.
"You heard me lady," he flatly answered.
Serena stopped the car and got out of the
car, slamming it shut. She turned to face him
as well as witnessing how tall he was
compared to Seiya.
"LOOK HERE! I may be rude but I'm not the
stupid one here! I mean, who the hell leaves
their fucken car keys in the engine with the
door unlocked...IN NEW YORK CITY?" she
screamed.
"First off, all I wanted was to pick up a cup
of coffee for five minutes! I didn't expect
someone to steal my car! So please tell me
what you're trying to say 'cause I'm hoping
you just didn't call me stupid!" the man
yelled.
"I'm sorry, did I call you stupid? I meant to
call you a damn MORON!" she snapped.
"So you did try to steal my car?"
"ARGH! You're slow and stupid! Yeah I tried
to take you're car and if you weren't so
lucky I'd be on the other side of downtown by
now!"
She walked off pissed at such an infuriating
man, handsome, but very infuriating.
He grabbed her arm, "You can't just walk off,
I just caught you stealing my car!"
"That's good for you, do you want a sticker
with that?" she replied in annoyance.
"Hahaha, funny," he shot back with sarcasm,
"but I can't just let you go, do you know who
I am?!"
"Uh, no and I don't care. So save me the
details and let me go, or if you feel like
you need a one way ticket to heaven than go
right ahead, report me."
He raised a brow while releasing her lightly.
Now, he was not a man to just let people of
the hook, he believed in justice and he also
believed in the judicial system, but there
was something about her that he found
intriguing, almost amusing.
Hw had to assure himself, 'She'll eventually
get what she deserves.'
He opened his car and went in, placing his,
now cold, coffee in the round holder.
Serena stood there in shock, 'He's actually
letting me go?'
She knocked on his window.
"Yes?" he asked.
"What the hell? You're letting me off the
hook? Don't you want to do something about
me?"
He shrugged; it was not like he was ever
going to see her again anyways.
"But-"
"I'm late for an appointment, good day," he
dryly said as he drove off leaving Serena
alone.
She stood there alone; it felt like déjà vu
from her past.
"The nerve of that man!" she shouted and
stormed off "I've never met anyone so...so
ARGGHH!"
Aggravated yet thankful the man didn't do
anything, she pondered in her thoughts. She
just kept imagining him in her mind over and
over again. A shameful tingle tingled within
her for the reason she was attracted to the
repulsive man.
'If Seiya ever knew I was thinking of another
man he'd...' she wasn't able to finish her
thought, too scared to think what would
happen, '...just forget the man, forget about
him and focus on the here and now.'
As she was walking unaware of her
surroundings a certain lady was walking her
way around the many people that filled
downtown.
"Yes Chad, mmmhhmmm, yeah I know.....uh-
huh.....uh-huh, yes....okay...I
will......hmmmhmmm...sure...okay, I love you too bye-
OOF!!" her cell and folders of paper fell to
the ground as Serena and her smacked into
each other.
"I'm so sorry!" they both apologized as they
both went down to pick up the various papers
sprawled onto the floor.
The lady looked up to face Serena, who kept
apologizing while picking up her papers. Her
eyes grew wide open and her heart was beating
so fast. She never thought they would have
ever meet again.
She gasped, "...Se...s...Serena?"
Serena stopped, familiar to the voice that
just called her name. She slowly fixed her
your eyes onto hers and suddenly it was blue
meet violet.
*Flash back*
She ran after her, "Where could she have
possibly gone to?"
She ran down the street and through the local
park calling out Rei's name, yet stopped when
she saw her dark hair friend on a park bench
crying with her head buried in her arms.
"Rei..." she whispered, concerned for her
friend.
She reached out and touched her on her
shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" Rei sniffled.
Her face softened, "I just want to help."
"H...h...how can you possibly help now?"
Serena remained quiet but knew she should
continue, "Rei, I'm so sorry to hear about
you're father's death...I...I...know I should've
been there for you and his funeral...I'm soo
sorry."
Rei smiled, she knew she was trying but it
was too late.
Serena continued, "I just wished I knew.
I...mean...you told the girls I knew, but-"
"I know you didn't know. If you did, you
probably would have been there for me," she
said.
"Probably? No, I seriously would have been
their you no ands, if, or buts!"
Rei put on a grim face, "I don't know. Ever
since you started dating Seiya you never made
anytime for me or the girls. I even told you
to stay clear of him...he's bad news, but it
ended in a fight."
Serena nodded her head recalling the time
were they fought about her relationship with
Seiya, "You don't understand Rei...I love him."
"No, you don't. It's not love...urgh, forget
it. I'm never going to be able to change
you're mind about him...and that's the problem.
You're so obsessed about him you don' t care
about anything else anymore and that's going
to bite you in the ass."
She looked away not wanting to hear that from
her. Rei noticed and decided to tell her what
happened.
"A few days after our fight...my Dad suddenly
died," a tear slowly went down her face as
she sniffled " it was very sudden, no one
suspected it and it was very hard for me. As
you know we have no family members here so
his friends and I organized his funeral. I
tried calling you but you're mother said you
were out...again. I left a message telling to
come over or call me. You never did."
Serena watched as Rei sobbed and felt like
she abandoned her best friend.
Rei continued, "You didn't show up at the
funeral, you didn't call, you didn't even
come to say hi or anything. It came to the
point were I called you every night and you
were never home. Lita came back early from
her trip to Venezuela and stayed with me and
Mina left for Australia. After Ami's computer
classes she' d always come by and check on
me. I prayed that each time the doorbell rang
or each time the phone rang...that it'd be you.
I lied to the girls saying you came by
already and just couldn't come to the funeral
' cause you were having problems at home and
shit. They believed me...so yeah."
"Why would you lie for me?"
"I don't know, I guess if I told them they'd
make you come to me and I didn't want that. I
didn't want you to be forced to do anything...I
just hoped it would come to you and you'd
just wanted to see what's up," she laughed,
"I guess it's too late huh?"
Serena raised an eyebrow, "What are you
saying? What do you mean it's too late?"
"Serena, I just wanted to say good bye today.
I wasn't at school for class."
"I don't get it."
She sighed heavily, "I'm leaving for Japan in
2 hours to stay with my grandfather, Serena.
I don't have anyone here for me-"
Serena stood up abruptly, "That's not true!
I'm here for you! You can stay at my house
and once were done high school we can study
business in college like what we've always
dreamed off-"
"Serena! I have to leave; you can't just
spring a plan like that. Besides, you have
the girls and Seiya. You know, we we're
drifting anyways...this time would've come
eventually; I just didn't expect it so soon.
I'm sorry."
Serena was in tears, she was loosing her best
friend all because she didn't care enough to
make a friendship last, "Rei...please say we'll
keep in touch...promise me that. I don't want
to loose my best friend!"
Rei shook her head and got up, "We already
lost each other and I think it's best if I
just go without saying good-bye to Lita, Ami
and Mina. I will miss you guys," she said as
she hugged her.
"Rei..." Serena sniffled, hugging her tightly.
Rei let go and began to start walking leaving
Serena...standing alone, "Don't worry, maybe
someday we'll meet up again."
Serena watched her leave, as she turned left
into the trees.
"Good-bye Rei," she whispered.
And that was that, it was the last she ever
saw of Rei.
*End of Flash Back*
Serena found herself staring into her eyes,
all her memories were packing into her head,
all their dreams, all the times they shared
and she was back.
"...Rei?"
________________
Author's Notes:
I'm finally done! After weeks of fussing over
this story I've finally finished. I'd like to
thank my amazing beta-readers, Iconographer
(TJ) and Mika-San. They've been such great help
and are very important into making the story a
success.
Comments, questions and critics are more than welcome. Email is: sw33t_bab33@yahoo.com