Note: Hello, I've come bearing gifts. Now it's up to you to decide whether it's
a good gift or if it's the kind you wanna get exchanged. To save my fragile
ego, let's just say it's the former for now. Now, I know, I know, I should
be working on The Ties that Bind, but, uh, well you authors out there, you
know how these things go. Start one fic, get inspired to do another, abandon
the first one...no, I'm kidding. I'm trying to finish it, honest, but it's
just taking a while. Sorry you guys out there who are waiting on it. Good
news though, summer vacation starts soon. So I'll have beaucoup de time.
(Sorry, exams are next week and I thought I ought to practice my french some
more). Anyway, this is a an alternate universe type of deal. Serena and
Co. are seniors in high school and Andrew's her brother (as you'll find out
in a second or so). I realize that some parts are somewhat vague right now
-- they're supposed to be. Details will be cleared up as the story goes
along. Oh, I almost forgot about Darien. Well, it's me, so you know he'll
be in the story. I just have to figure out his role right now. So, I think
that's everything!! Enjoy!!
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own Sailormoon. Again, if I happen to mention any name
brand products/franchises -- don't own those either.
Damaged
By Emme
6/1/02
Part One
Oh damn. They were doing it again. Serena Weston drew out a long sigh and rolled
her eyes as her handsome older brother and his girlfriend started playing footsie underneath
the table. In public. Not only that -- in a crowded restaurant. They were apparently
trying to do so without her noticing, but their efforts were rather pointless as she'd
already been kicked in the shins twice. Plus, the smothered giggles that were coming from
the two sickingly sweet lovebirds kinda gave it away too.
She decided to put a stop to the display. "Can the PDA okay? It's making me sick,"
she said, shooting her trademark look of annoyance at the two of them. "Try to remember I'm
here. After all, you're the ones who invited me." She felt a little bad for being such
a downer, but it was really getting ridiculous. The two had done nothing but stare into
each other's eyes for the past...oh, half an hour. She was really starting to feel
invisible. And they hadn't even gotten to the main course yet!
Andrew only smirked when confronted by the two blue pools of ice. "Only out of
politeness, kid," he said playfully, lips spreading wide into the infamous Weston grin, "you
didn't have to come alo--oof!" Here, he was thankfully given a swift kick in the shins
courtesy of Rita.
"Oh, thanks," Serena muttered sarcastically, rolling a cheesestick around on her
plate, "I feel so incredibly loved."
Andrew opened his mouth to speak again, but Rita hurridly broke in. "Oh Sere,
don't pay attention to this clown. I really wanted you to come. I mean, I haven't seen you
in ages." Clasping her hands together in mock seriousness, she leaned in towards Serena.
"Tell me everything," she demanded. "How's your senior year coming along? How are your
friends? Is Mina still in love with my man? She so better not be. Oh, and is Amy still
ridiculously smart? How many boyfriends has Andrew had to chase around with with a shotgun?"
The earnest look on Rita's face was really too hilarious. Serena had to laugh. She
slowly loosened up. Rita had the rare ability to make someone feel better in two seconds
flat. She stole a look at Andrew's expression of complete adoration. It didn't take a
genius to figure out why he loved this girl.
The lovebirds had met during their junior year in high school when Rita had
transferred from a neighboring school. Poor Drew didn't have a chance. Mr. Popular Super
Jock had taken one look at Rita Sloane's mahogany locks and sparkling eyes and he had fallen
like a ton of bricks. Serena, a mere sixth grader at the time, had been shocked at the
brother she'd known as a ladies' man practically all of her life lose it over one girl.
It was really something to see. Serena hid a smile, remembering all the times she had stood
at her brother's door as he changed shirt after shirt just for a mere "study session" with Rita.
Post graduation, Andrew had followed Rita to college. Both spent the requisite four years
there and then had graduated with honors in different majors. They had both fully intended to
go on to grad school until...
... until the accident. Anyway, that had changed things. The death of Serena and
Andrew's parents had brought him back home while Rita went on to graduate school at his
insistence. The couple continued their relationship long distance, visiting each other
as often as possible and racking up ridiculous charges on the phone bill. Despite the odds
against long distance relationships, they'd managed to pull through. The fact that they were
still together was a testament to the strength of their love.
Serena broke out of her reverie to answer Rita. "Let's see: fine, fine, maybe,
yes, and there've been two," she said, laughing.
Andrew pitched forward in mock horror. "Two?" He cried, slapping his hands down on
the table for emphasis. "You liar. I distinctly remember there being at least six."
"Six?" Serena arched her eyebrow. "Where'd you learn to count?"
"There was that one dude, and that other dude, and that really thin dude with
glasses, and that other kid who plays football, and that one guy who uses too much hair gel,
and not to mention that guy with the yellow mustang. See, six," Andrew said, crossing his
arms and leaning back in his chair triumphantly.
Both women looked at him, their mouths slightly ajar.
"Wow, Drew, that was really discriptive. I really knew who the hell you were
talking about." Serena rolled her eyes again and turned to Rita. "Don't listen to him.
He's obviously delusional."
Rita cast a wary look at her boyfriend. "Oh yeah, don't I know it."
"Anyway, there've only been two. Neither of them really worked out."
"I'm sorry." Rita's green eyes had a look of genuine concern in them.
"Don't be. I'm not." Serena shrugged. "It's not like I was in love or anything."
She looked up. "Not like you two."
Andrew and Rita looked at each other tenderly. Then he turned to Serena.
"It'll happen for you too someday kid," he said seriously, all traces of mirth gone.
"It's different for everyone."
Serena laughed. Drew was really too funny sometimes. She knew he was being serious;
but, really though, Who had time for love at her age? (Well, besides the super couple).
Right now, it was all she could do to keep her head above water in school. She had to work
extra hard to compensate for her grades sophomore year. And there was still college to
worry about. How the hell could she handle a serious relationship? "Oh would you both just
loosen up? Don't worry about me. I'm not looking for love right now." She tossed her
silver-blond locks behind her. "As if I even had the time," she said airily.
"Well, that's good news for me!" Andrew said cheerfully. "No boys equals no
shotgun chases which equals..." and here he paused, drumming his fingers against the table
for effect, "zero threat of incarceration!" He stole a fry from Rita and munched on it
happily.
Rita scoffed at her boyfriend. "Drew, she never said no boys. You don't want her
to live like a nun during her teenage years, do you?"
After taking a surreptitious glance at Serena, Andrew thought better of answering
in the affirmative. "I plead the fifth," he said and stole another fat fry.
**Just like Dad used to say**
Serena couldn't stop the thought from creeping into her mind. She shook her head
slightly in an unconscious effort to physically rid her brain of it. Now wasn't the time
to think of that. Not now. Rita was here and she hadn't been with Andrew in ages. She
couldn't just break down and spoil their time together. She just couldn't. Quickly she
changed the subject. "Whoa, now. Enough about my love life," Serena said, struggling to
keep her voice even. "Let's talk about your 'competition,' Rita. You did want to know
about Mina, right?"
Andrew chuckled. "Ah, and just how is my biggest fan? She hasn't been over in a
while."
"Shut up Drew." Rita smacked him in the ribs, causing him to double over for the
second (and probably not the last) time that night.
"Hey," Andrew protested, laughing, "I can't help it if my intense deep blue eyes and
my super-model good looks AND my rock hard abs are enough to attract every female within a
fifty-mile radius." He paused for a moment, pretending to ponder the idea.
"Hmmm...possibly even further," he finally muttered, eyes twinkling.
"One more word out of you and I'm witholding the se--." Rita caught herself before
she finished the s-e-x word and glanced quickly at Serena.
Serena rolled her eyes heavenward and sighed. Yet another attempt to baby her. She
wasn't stupid, she knew they had sex. I mean, it wasn't something she really liked to muse
over, but, well, people in love had sex. She decided to just ignore Rita's comment.
"Well, Mina's fine. The reason she hasn't been over in a while is because she has
a new boyfriend."
Mina Riley was one of Serena's best friends. They'd met on the first day of third
grade when they were seated together because their teacher thought they were twins. And
indeed, the two girls had looked remarkably alike with their golden blond curls and bright
mischievious smiles. They'd shared deserts that day (cheesecake and chocolate pudding) and
quickly became inseparable. However, once that happened, Mina's discovery of Andrew was
inevitable. The resulting crush had lasted for years, its intensity never diminishing til
high school, when Mina had discovered the world of teenage boys.
Tall and willowy (post puberty), with masses of golden blond hair, Mina really
didn't have any problems finding guys. In fact, guys were the ones that found her. Still,
despite the abundance of boyfriends, Mina was fond of dramatically declaring Andrew to be
her first great love. Serena felt a little sorry for her friend: though Mina had been over
Andrew for quite a while, her years of pining away for him had permanently made her into a
constant butt of jokes for Drew and Rita.
"A new one? What? That's like the third one this week?" Andrew exclaimed.
"Oh, quit exaggerating. She doesn't go through guys THAT quickly," Serena said in
annoyance. "She's been dating this guy for awhile now. She seems to really like him. In
fact, she's almost as sickeningly sweet with him as you two are with each other." She shook
her head in disgust.
"Still, I feel a little cheap."
He got elbowed again.
*******************************************************************************************
After dinner, Andrew quickly dropped Rita off at her parent's home where she was
going to be staying for the next week. Serena waited in the car and watched as Andrew
and Rita stood in front of her door, basked in the glow of the porch light. Her brother's
golden head moved towards Rita's auburn one, staying motionless for a few seconds. They were
really kind of sweet -- well, when they weren't doing this stuff directly in front of her.
She imagined this was how it was in their high school days. Him dropping her off and giving
her an intimate goodnight kiss after their date.
She didn't have much time to muse over this, though, as Andrew quickly returned.
"Homeward bound, eh kid?" He asked as he settled into the car.
"Uh-huh. I'm wiped," she muttered in response. Curling up in the back seat, she
shut her eyes, intending to rest them for a moment.
"Seat belt," he said, starting the engine.
"Huh?"
"Seat belt," Andrew repeated, this time staring sternly at her.
Heat flooded into Serena's cheeks. "Oh, I'm such an idiot. You'd think after...Oh,
I can't believe I forgot," she bit out bitterly, sitting up and securing the seat belt with
shaky hands.
"Sere, Sere, calm down." Serena looked up at Andrew. He was looking at her warmly,
his voice, soothing. His eyes were full of concern. "It's okay, hon, you're tired."
"It was still stupid," she said angrily, staring at her shoes.
Andrew said nothing for a moment. Then he gestured for her to move up to the front.
"Here, come get shotgun," he said.
Serena complied, getting out of the car and getting in beside Andrew. She put on
her seat belt and Andrew maneuvered the car out of Rita's driveway.
They sat in companionable silence for awhile. Then Andrew broke in hesitatingly.
"Sere...you're okay, right?" He asked.
"Yeah," she replied, smoothing the left side of her hair down rapidly, something she
always did when she was flustered. What the hell was Drew pulling, asking all these weird
questions? She turned and smiled brightly at him to prove that she WAS okay. "Yeah," she
said again for his benefit. "I'm just fine."
Another silence ensued. This time, however, the air was filled with tension.
"Hey, Sere?" Andrew began again after a few minutes.
"Yeah?"
"You weren't lying were you? You know, when you told Rita that school was fine."
"No, I wasn't." Serena turned and looked at him incredulously. "Why the hell would
I lie? I mean, sure it's tough, but I'm getting along fine. My guidance counselor assured
me that I would graduate with my class in June."
"Good." He smiled at her. "I know that you've been working hard. You've been
missing out on a lot."
"Drew, it's just been a few games and a few stupid dances."
"I know, but it still must be, well, difficult. I mean, it is your senior year."
Serena shrugged. "I still hang out with the girls. They're all I need for a social
life." She made an attempt at humor. "You know them. It's practically impossible to be
bored when they're around."
Andrew ignored her attempt. "Yeah well, your teachers say that your grades have
really improved since...He trailed off and cleared his throat. "Anyway, I just want you
to know that I'm really proud of you," he finally said, reaching over and squeezing her
hand.
They pulled up in the driveway.
Serena got halfway out of the car and hesitated. She turned back and looked at
Andrew. "Thanks Drew," she said, forcing a smile onto her face. "I really appreciate
that."
"No problem." Andrew gave her his winning 500 mega-watt grin.
Her smile turned sincere. "Hey, um...I'll see you inside?"
"Yeah, later. I have to do something really quick. I'll be back soon," Andrew said,
gesturing behind him.
"Alright." Serena waved and turned to leave.
"Hey Sere!" Andrew called out again at the last minute.
"Hmm"
"You ARE alright, aren't you?"
Serena sighed. This was getting old. "Yes, Drew, as I've already said in the car,
I'm perfectly fine." She threw her hands up in frustration. "I don't know what you want me
to say. I'm telling you the truth."
Andrew held up his hands in defense. "Okay, okay, just as long as you're fine." At
Serena's stoney silence, he grinned. "Just looking out for you. Big brothers do that, you
know -- look out for their baby sisters, I mean."
Serena crossed her arms. "Drew, I AM okay," she stated emphatically. Giving one last
odd look, she turned and went inside.
Outside, in the darkening sky, Andrew stayed where he was for a few moment. Shaking
his head softly, he whispered sadly to his sister's retreating back.
"You liar."
a good gift or if it's the kind you wanna get exchanged. To save my fragile
ego, let's just say it's the former for now. Now, I know, I know, I should
be working on The Ties that Bind, but, uh, well you authors out there, you
know how these things go. Start one fic, get inspired to do another, abandon
the first one...no, I'm kidding. I'm trying to finish it, honest, but it's
just taking a while. Sorry you guys out there who are waiting on it. Good
news though, summer vacation starts soon. So I'll have beaucoup de time.
(Sorry, exams are next week and I thought I ought to practice my french some
more). Anyway, this is a an alternate universe type of deal. Serena and
Co. are seniors in high school and Andrew's her brother (as you'll find out
in a second or so). I realize that some parts are somewhat vague right now
-- they're supposed to be. Details will be cleared up as the story goes
along. Oh, I almost forgot about Darien. Well, it's me, so you know he'll
be in the story. I just have to figure out his role right now. So, I think
that's everything!! Enjoy!!
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own Sailormoon. Again, if I happen to mention any name
brand products/franchises -- don't own those either.
Damaged
By Emme
6/1/02
Part One
Oh damn. They were doing it again. Serena Weston drew out a long sigh and rolled
her eyes as her handsome older brother and his girlfriend started playing footsie underneath
the table. In public. Not only that -- in a crowded restaurant. They were apparently
trying to do so without her noticing, but their efforts were rather pointless as she'd
already been kicked in the shins twice. Plus, the smothered giggles that were coming from
the two sickingly sweet lovebirds kinda gave it away too.
She decided to put a stop to the display. "Can the PDA okay? It's making me sick,"
she said, shooting her trademark look of annoyance at the two of them. "Try to remember I'm
here. After all, you're the ones who invited me." She felt a little bad for being such
a downer, but it was really getting ridiculous. The two had done nothing but stare into
each other's eyes for the past...oh, half an hour. She was really starting to feel
invisible. And they hadn't even gotten to the main course yet!
Andrew only smirked when confronted by the two blue pools of ice. "Only out of
politeness, kid," he said playfully, lips spreading wide into the infamous Weston grin, "you
didn't have to come alo--oof!" Here, he was thankfully given a swift kick in the shins
courtesy of Rita.
"Oh, thanks," Serena muttered sarcastically, rolling a cheesestick around on her
plate, "I feel so incredibly loved."
Andrew opened his mouth to speak again, but Rita hurridly broke in. "Oh Sere,
don't pay attention to this clown. I really wanted you to come. I mean, I haven't seen you
in ages." Clasping her hands together in mock seriousness, she leaned in towards Serena.
"Tell me everything," she demanded. "How's your senior year coming along? How are your
friends? Is Mina still in love with my man? She so better not be. Oh, and is Amy still
ridiculously smart? How many boyfriends has Andrew had to chase around with with a shotgun?"
The earnest look on Rita's face was really too hilarious. Serena had to laugh. She
slowly loosened up. Rita had the rare ability to make someone feel better in two seconds
flat. She stole a look at Andrew's expression of complete adoration. It didn't take a
genius to figure out why he loved this girl.
The lovebirds had met during their junior year in high school when Rita had
transferred from a neighboring school. Poor Drew didn't have a chance. Mr. Popular Super
Jock had taken one look at Rita Sloane's mahogany locks and sparkling eyes and he had fallen
like a ton of bricks. Serena, a mere sixth grader at the time, had been shocked at the
brother she'd known as a ladies' man practically all of her life lose it over one girl.
It was really something to see. Serena hid a smile, remembering all the times she had stood
at her brother's door as he changed shirt after shirt just for a mere "study session" with Rita.
Post graduation, Andrew had followed Rita to college. Both spent the requisite four years
there and then had graduated with honors in different majors. They had both fully intended to
go on to grad school until...
... until the accident. Anyway, that had changed things. The death of Serena and
Andrew's parents had brought him back home while Rita went on to graduate school at his
insistence. The couple continued their relationship long distance, visiting each other
as often as possible and racking up ridiculous charges on the phone bill. Despite the odds
against long distance relationships, they'd managed to pull through. The fact that they were
still together was a testament to the strength of their love.
Serena broke out of her reverie to answer Rita. "Let's see: fine, fine, maybe,
yes, and there've been two," she said, laughing.
Andrew pitched forward in mock horror. "Two?" He cried, slapping his hands down on
the table for emphasis. "You liar. I distinctly remember there being at least six."
"Six?" Serena arched her eyebrow. "Where'd you learn to count?"
"There was that one dude, and that other dude, and that really thin dude with
glasses, and that other kid who plays football, and that one guy who uses too much hair gel,
and not to mention that guy with the yellow mustang. See, six," Andrew said, crossing his
arms and leaning back in his chair triumphantly.
Both women looked at him, their mouths slightly ajar.
"Wow, Drew, that was really discriptive. I really knew who the hell you were
talking about." Serena rolled her eyes again and turned to Rita. "Don't listen to him.
He's obviously delusional."
Rita cast a wary look at her boyfriend. "Oh yeah, don't I know it."
"Anyway, there've only been two. Neither of them really worked out."
"I'm sorry." Rita's green eyes had a look of genuine concern in them.
"Don't be. I'm not." Serena shrugged. "It's not like I was in love or anything."
She looked up. "Not like you two."
Andrew and Rita looked at each other tenderly. Then he turned to Serena.
"It'll happen for you too someday kid," he said seriously, all traces of mirth gone.
"It's different for everyone."
Serena laughed. Drew was really too funny sometimes. She knew he was being serious;
but, really though, Who had time for love at her age? (Well, besides the super couple).
Right now, it was all she could do to keep her head above water in school. She had to work
extra hard to compensate for her grades sophomore year. And there was still college to
worry about. How the hell could she handle a serious relationship? "Oh would you both just
loosen up? Don't worry about me. I'm not looking for love right now." She tossed her
silver-blond locks behind her. "As if I even had the time," she said airily.
"Well, that's good news for me!" Andrew said cheerfully. "No boys equals no
shotgun chases which equals..." and here he paused, drumming his fingers against the table
for effect, "zero threat of incarceration!" He stole a fry from Rita and munched on it
happily.
Rita scoffed at her boyfriend. "Drew, she never said no boys. You don't want her
to live like a nun during her teenage years, do you?"
After taking a surreptitious glance at Serena, Andrew thought better of answering
in the affirmative. "I plead the fifth," he said and stole another fat fry.
**Just like Dad used to say**
Serena couldn't stop the thought from creeping into her mind. She shook her head
slightly in an unconscious effort to physically rid her brain of it. Now wasn't the time
to think of that. Not now. Rita was here and she hadn't been with Andrew in ages. She
couldn't just break down and spoil their time together. She just couldn't. Quickly she
changed the subject. "Whoa, now. Enough about my love life," Serena said, struggling to
keep her voice even. "Let's talk about your 'competition,' Rita. You did want to know
about Mina, right?"
Andrew chuckled. "Ah, and just how is my biggest fan? She hasn't been over in a
while."
"Shut up Drew." Rita smacked him in the ribs, causing him to double over for the
second (and probably not the last) time that night.
"Hey," Andrew protested, laughing, "I can't help it if my intense deep blue eyes and
my super-model good looks AND my rock hard abs are enough to attract every female within a
fifty-mile radius." He paused for a moment, pretending to ponder the idea.
"Hmmm...possibly even further," he finally muttered, eyes twinkling.
"One more word out of you and I'm witholding the se--." Rita caught herself before
she finished the s-e-x word and glanced quickly at Serena.
Serena rolled her eyes heavenward and sighed. Yet another attempt to baby her. She
wasn't stupid, she knew they had sex. I mean, it wasn't something she really liked to muse
over, but, well, people in love had sex. She decided to just ignore Rita's comment.
"Well, Mina's fine. The reason she hasn't been over in a while is because she has
a new boyfriend."
Mina Riley was one of Serena's best friends. They'd met on the first day of third
grade when they were seated together because their teacher thought they were twins. And
indeed, the two girls had looked remarkably alike with their golden blond curls and bright
mischievious smiles. They'd shared deserts that day (cheesecake and chocolate pudding) and
quickly became inseparable. However, once that happened, Mina's discovery of Andrew was
inevitable. The resulting crush had lasted for years, its intensity never diminishing til
high school, when Mina had discovered the world of teenage boys.
Tall and willowy (post puberty), with masses of golden blond hair, Mina really
didn't have any problems finding guys. In fact, guys were the ones that found her. Still,
despite the abundance of boyfriends, Mina was fond of dramatically declaring Andrew to be
her first great love. Serena felt a little sorry for her friend: though Mina had been over
Andrew for quite a while, her years of pining away for him had permanently made her into a
constant butt of jokes for Drew and Rita.
"A new one? What? That's like the third one this week?" Andrew exclaimed.
"Oh, quit exaggerating. She doesn't go through guys THAT quickly," Serena said in
annoyance. "She's been dating this guy for awhile now. She seems to really like him. In
fact, she's almost as sickeningly sweet with him as you two are with each other." She shook
her head in disgust.
"Still, I feel a little cheap."
He got elbowed again.
*******************************************************************************************
After dinner, Andrew quickly dropped Rita off at her parent's home where she was
going to be staying for the next week. Serena waited in the car and watched as Andrew
and Rita stood in front of her door, basked in the glow of the porch light. Her brother's
golden head moved towards Rita's auburn one, staying motionless for a few seconds. They were
really kind of sweet -- well, when they weren't doing this stuff directly in front of her.
She imagined this was how it was in their high school days. Him dropping her off and giving
her an intimate goodnight kiss after their date.
She didn't have much time to muse over this, though, as Andrew quickly returned.
"Homeward bound, eh kid?" He asked as he settled into the car.
"Uh-huh. I'm wiped," she muttered in response. Curling up in the back seat, she
shut her eyes, intending to rest them for a moment.
"Seat belt," he said, starting the engine.
"Huh?"
"Seat belt," Andrew repeated, this time staring sternly at her.
Heat flooded into Serena's cheeks. "Oh, I'm such an idiot. You'd think after...Oh,
I can't believe I forgot," she bit out bitterly, sitting up and securing the seat belt with
shaky hands.
"Sere, Sere, calm down." Serena looked up at Andrew. He was looking at her warmly,
his voice, soothing. His eyes were full of concern. "It's okay, hon, you're tired."
"It was still stupid," she said angrily, staring at her shoes.
Andrew said nothing for a moment. Then he gestured for her to move up to the front.
"Here, come get shotgun," he said.
Serena complied, getting out of the car and getting in beside Andrew. She put on
her seat belt and Andrew maneuvered the car out of Rita's driveway.
They sat in companionable silence for awhile. Then Andrew broke in hesitatingly.
"Sere...you're okay, right?" He asked.
"Yeah," she replied, smoothing the left side of her hair down rapidly, something she
always did when she was flustered. What the hell was Drew pulling, asking all these weird
questions? She turned and smiled brightly at him to prove that she WAS okay. "Yeah," she
said again for his benefit. "I'm just fine."
Another silence ensued. This time, however, the air was filled with tension.
"Hey, Sere?" Andrew began again after a few minutes.
"Yeah?"
"You weren't lying were you? You know, when you told Rita that school was fine."
"No, I wasn't." Serena turned and looked at him incredulously. "Why the hell would
I lie? I mean, sure it's tough, but I'm getting along fine. My guidance counselor assured
me that I would graduate with my class in June."
"Good." He smiled at her. "I know that you've been working hard. You've been
missing out on a lot."
"Drew, it's just been a few games and a few stupid dances."
"I know, but it still must be, well, difficult. I mean, it is your senior year."
Serena shrugged. "I still hang out with the girls. They're all I need for a social
life." She made an attempt at humor. "You know them. It's practically impossible to be
bored when they're around."
Andrew ignored her attempt. "Yeah well, your teachers say that your grades have
really improved since...He trailed off and cleared his throat. "Anyway, I just want you
to know that I'm really proud of you," he finally said, reaching over and squeezing her
hand.
They pulled up in the driveway.
Serena got halfway out of the car and hesitated. She turned back and looked at
Andrew. "Thanks Drew," she said, forcing a smile onto her face. "I really appreciate
that."
"No problem." Andrew gave her his winning 500 mega-watt grin.
Her smile turned sincere. "Hey, um...I'll see you inside?"
"Yeah, later. I have to do something really quick. I'll be back soon," Andrew said,
gesturing behind him.
"Alright." Serena waved and turned to leave.
"Hey Sere!" Andrew called out again at the last minute.
"Hmm"
"You ARE alright, aren't you?"
Serena sighed. This was getting old. "Yes, Drew, as I've already said in the car,
I'm perfectly fine." She threw her hands up in frustration. "I don't know what you want me
to say. I'm telling you the truth."
Andrew held up his hands in defense. "Okay, okay, just as long as you're fine." At
Serena's stoney silence, he grinned. "Just looking out for you. Big brothers do that, you
know -- look out for their baby sisters, I mean."
Serena crossed her arms. "Drew, I AM okay," she stated emphatically. Giving one last
odd look, she turned and went inside.
Outside, in the darkening sky, Andrew stayed where he was for a few moment. Shaking
his head softly, he whispered sadly to his sister's retreating back.
"You liar."