Well I'm sorry to say that I was late in posting the last chapter of
Unexpected Suprises. Unfortunately, you will have to expect that a lot
know because school is starting up and I will be doing all types of work,
applying for colleges, work, regular homework, etc. As you all well know I
don't own Sailor Moon, but the ideas in the story are mine. Thank you to
all the reviewers who have reviewed my story so far and I hope you all
continue to enjoy it. Here's the next part of Unexpected Suprises, in
other words Chapter Seven. Enjoy!
Serena had a hard time falling asleep that night, although she was exhausted, her argument with Darien had really upset her. Something she said to him seemed to make him angrier than she had ever seen him before, but what? She wanted to know the answers, she wanted to be friends with Darien, after all she did like the guy.
Her friends had offered her comforting words, but that was all that they were. Words that consoled her for a few short minutes that made her heart race with the thoughts that there was still hope for her. She knew Raye would still try to get Darien so that it would be competition. Serena knew it wouldn't be fair though. She had always proclaimed to hate the older sophisticated young man and too suddenly fall for him, well it wasn't right in her heart. She had known that Raye had a thing for him, heck they had even gone on dates. To go after Darien like that, not only was it unthinkable, because he hated her, no wait correction, they didn't even know each other, but it would be like stabbing her best friend in the heart.
It was the truth, during all the lectures, remarks about her hair, her poor grades, she knew in heart Raye was only trying to motivate her to do better. Raye had proven to Serena tonight that she was her best friend, simply because she told her that she was a great friend. To go after the guy they both liked, meaning possibly only one of them would be happy in the end. If anyone deserved Darien, Raye did.
Her problems still unsolved about how to gain back Darien's trust, the sleepless blonde left her bed and walked to her window. From her window she had a clear view of the sky, especially the moon, her protector. She sat on the windowsill and began to think of ways to rebuild her friendship with Darien, if you could call it that. A letter? No, he would rip it up in her face and laugh. A confrontation? Maybe, but not yet, she had to learn the reason why he had gotten so ticked off in the first place. To do that though would mean talking to Darien, which wasn't an option. What about asking one of his friends? The more she thought of who to talk to, she could only come up with one name, Andrew. With her solution set, she went back to her bed and finally fell into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning Serena made sure she got up, as horrible as it was to do, on time. She didn't want her teacher giving her detention because that would delay the time that she could talk to Andrew before he arrived. As she walked down the street at a leisurely pace she noticed all the things she normally missed in her morning rush. For instance she saw all the shops opening up for a fresh new day. She saw the smiles on everyone's faces as they enjoyed the beautiful spring day. Serena made it to the school on time and even giggled at everyone's amazed expressions.
"What?" she asked flippantly.
"You," several people stuttered, "You're on time!" They finished their sentences incredulously as if seeing a phenomenon. Serena simply shrugged her shoulders and took her seat next to Ami.
"My Serena, what a surprise you're here on time, early in fact. I'm proud of you Serena, you're showing more decorum every day. You know," she leaned in and in a tiny whisper continued, "You're becoming a more responsible scout too, it's showing. The way you handled that monster last night was amazing. It's no wonder why you're our leader." She patted Serena on the back before picking up her book.
"Ami, leader? What are you talking about?" Serena asked confused.
"Well think about it, you were the first scout found, you have the greatest powers, and it is your sole duty to protect the princess. It just makes sense that you be the leader of the scouts."
"Alright class, let's take roll." Ms. Haruna's voice called out over the students. "Well let's see, I can already mark one person late. Hmm, Serena Tsukino, late." She had picked up her notebook and a pencil when the class started giggling. "Alright boys and girls, what's so funny?"
"Um, excuse Ms. Haruna, I'm here on time." A meek voice called out from a seat in the back of the room.
"What?" the teacher looked up startled at the barely audible words. "Serena? When, how? Are you feeling all right? Do you need to go to the nurse?"
"Nope, I'm fine Ms. Haruna. I just happen to be here on time today, that's all. It's not as if I'm Sailor Moon or something like that." She giggled at everyone's gaping jaws.
"You Sailor Moon, that's even funnier than you being on time." Molly said.
"Molly! I thought you were my friend!"
"Serena I am, but really think about it. You, Sailor Moon? You're just to, to, I don't know, it can't happen."
"Oh, so you all think I'm irresponsible, klutzy, is that it? You don't think there is a chance of me being Sailor Moon? I see, well I knew I was a ditz and all, but I didn't think that you guys felt the same way. I guess I was wrong. You know what Ms. Haruna, I would really appreciate it if I could go to the bathroom. May I?" Serena asked politely and in a tiny soft voice that was hard to hear.
"Sure, go right ahead Serena." She had seen the way Serena's face fell when she learned what everyone thought of her. She turned her back to the class for a moment before composing herself.
"Ms. Haruna, may I go too?" Ami asked hesitantly.
"Uh, sure I guess, you don't need to hurry back, you are already so far ahead. Take your time Ami." She watched as Ami slid out of her seat and left the classroom after her friend.
As Ami walked towards the friends, she couldn't believe something. She heard sounds from the bathroom, sounds like crying. She opened the door and proceeded in with caution.
"Serena? You in here?" she rounded the corner and gasped at the site before her. Serena was sitting in a tight ball on the floor, her arms were wrapped around her legs which had been pulled up close to her body. Her blonde hair in its usual style lay covering her body like a protective cape. From Ami's view she couldn't see Serena's face but she could hear a muffled sound.
"Oh Serena, it's alright. Come here." Ami crouched down onto the floor and opened her arms to Serena.
Serena looked up hesitantly before crawling into Ami's open arms. Her tears ran down her face slowly following and making new trails. Ami handed her a white hanky and Serena wiped her face dry. With blue eyes she smiled at Ami before speaking softly, "Thanks Ami, I needed that." She hugged Ami once again before beginning to pick herself off the floor when a hand tugged on her sleeve to motion her back down.
"Serena, you were my first true friend, remember that. No matter what anyone thinks of you, you're great. You have the biggest and most kind heart of anyone I know. I'm honored that you're my friend. Thank you Serena for always being there for not only me, but everybody." Ami wiped away a few stray tears from her own eyes before they could fall.
Serena smiled at Ami before giving her a brief hug. "You know I bet our teach is wondering where we are right about now. Ready to go Ames?" Serena stood up abruptly and offered a hand to Ami. The two walked out of the room and into the classroom. Any traces of tears or sadness were completely wiped from their faces.
Ami and Serena were walking to the arcade at a casual pace when Raye ran up and began walking beside them. The three walked in silence, no one sure what to say or what to expect once they got to the arcade.
Raye opened the door first and allowed Ami to enter, she followed Ami and let the door close behind her. Serena ran smack into the door, and Raye and Ami giggled at their friend's antics. Raye back tracked her steps and opened the door for Serena offering an apologetic smile. Serena glanced at Raye before walking towards the door and over to the counter. Ami was already seated in a small booth and the table was covered with books of all sorts. Raye had scanned the arcade for a familiar head of black hair and sighed when she saw that he wasn't here.
Serena saw Raye scan the arcade and knew that since he wasn't here yet it was her perfect chance to talk to Andrew. She watched as Raye walked over to the same booth as Ami and took a seat. Raye picked up a book and began to leaf through it, although it was obvious she was watching the door more intently than reading.
"Well hey Serena! How's my favorite customer today? You want anything?" Andrew asked her in a cheerful voice.
"Wow! Anything?" Andrew nodded his head. "Well, then I guess I'd like hot fudge sundae please." She waited patiently for Andrew to bring in back to her. He set the mammoth sundae in front of the girl and she smiled before remembering, business first, food second. "Hey Andrew, can I possibly talk to you about something?"
Andrew who had picked up a rag to wipe the counters looked at her carefully, if he didn't know better it sounded like she was up to something. "Sure," he replied hesitantly, "What's up?"
"Well you see, I, oh, umm, I had a fight with someone and I made them really mad. I mean like extremely upset, so much that they stormed off and now they won't even talk to or acknowledge me. What should I do?"
"Well Serena, to tell you the truth, it depends on your relationship with the person, what you said, and who the person was. If you told me that, I'd probably have a better chance of helping you out." Andrew figured that he might as well know all the details, besides if it was someone he knew, or that she had a crush on, he could probably help her out in someway.
"Umm, well, you know them very well I think."
"Serena, do you happen to like this guy? I mean, why ask me, not one of your friends?"
"Well, yes I do like him, a lot. And, I kind of can't talk to my friends because they wouldn't understand." She finished in a whisper.
"Well, how about a name? You say I know him, and you fight with him. Gee, the only guy I can think of is," he paused and looked at her frightened face, "Darien. But, nah, that wouldn't make sense because you two are always at each other's throats fighting. Or is it flirting?" Andrew smiled. Serena's face was pale and she looked horrified that he had discovered her secret. "I'm right aren't I? It's Darien and that's why you can't talk to your friends."
Serena nodded her head in defeat. "Yeah, you see Raye likes Darien and I don't won't to intrude or ask her for help. They both would laugh at me."
"Serena, look at me." He raised her chin so she was looking into his eyes. She gulped and he laughed. "You have great chances with him, just, well, you know, flirt with him in the usual manner."
"But Andrew! That's the problem! He won't even speak to me. The last fight we had, well we ended up screaming at each other and know he says he doesn't want to ever talk to me again, as if I don't exist! So if I don't exist in his eyes, how am I supposed to flirt with him?" Serena was almost screaming at the end of her sentence. She looked at Andrew's face, with his jaw agape. She smiled and pushed it closed.
"Thanks. Well what exactly did you say to upset him?"
"That's the other part of my problem, I don't know why he got so ticked off. I mean we always swap insults, so why did he get offended?"
"Serena, if you want me to help, give me a general idea of what you said. Please?"
"I told him, I told him that I always saw him alone, that he never hung around anyone besides you. I might have gone into more detail like that everyone hates him and no one could ever lik," she paused and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat, "like or love him." Serena stopped and looked at Andrews's sad features.
"Serena, I'm sorry, but I can't tell you why. You see it's not my story to tell."
"What? But Andrew I don't understand?"
"Darien is a private person, I wouldn't recommend ever bringing up the subject with him Serena. It will just make him madder."
"But, I just to want to say I'm sorry to him, to know why he was so ticked. The only reason I said anything like that at all though was because he was too close."
"Too close?"
"To close to my secret, to the truth. I just couldn't have him laugh at me when he found out I liked him."
"I see. Well, Serena, I don't know what to tell you then. If and when the opportunity presents itself, the simple sincere words of I'm sorry should do."
"Thanks Andrew, thanks a lot. I really needed your help. I'm gonna go now Andrew, thanks again! Gotta check out that new art exhibit by Lonnie Lenai!"
"I heard its great! See you around Serena, and good luck!" Andrew waved to the retreating blonde's back.
The more he thought about Serena liking Darien, the more it made sense. The two would be a cute couple together, and Andrew had a feeling that Serena could spice up Darien's life, take away the loneliness. Serena was just what Darien needed. And Darien was just what Serena needed. Serena argued with Darien, but in reality she was trying to flirt with him. Was it possible that Darien was acting the same way?
"Hmm, I wonder." He picked up the phone from the counter and quickly dialed a familiar number. "Hey, there's an exhibit at the art gallery that I think you would really enjoy. By any chance you want to meet me there in about fifteen minutes?" He waited while the voice on the end was debating. "I promise you'll enjoy it okay? See you in a little while." He hung up the phone and smiled.
Serena had a hard time falling asleep that night, although she was exhausted, her argument with Darien had really upset her. Something she said to him seemed to make him angrier than she had ever seen him before, but what? She wanted to know the answers, she wanted to be friends with Darien, after all she did like the guy.
Her friends had offered her comforting words, but that was all that they were. Words that consoled her for a few short minutes that made her heart race with the thoughts that there was still hope for her. She knew Raye would still try to get Darien so that it would be competition. Serena knew it wouldn't be fair though. She had always proclaimed to hate the older sophisticated young man and too suddenly fall for him, well it wasn't right in her heart. She had known that Raye had a thing for him, heck they had even gone on dates. To go after Darien like that, not only was it unthinkable, because he hated her, no wait correction, they didn't even know each other, but it would be like stabbing her best friend in the heart.
It was the truth, during all the lectures, remarks about her hair, her poor grades, she knew in heart Raye was only trying to motivate her to do better. Raye had proven to Serena tonight that she was her best friend, simply because she told her that she was a great friend. To go after the guy they both liked, meaning possibly only one of them would be happy in the end. If anyone deserved Darien, Raye did.
Her problems still unsolved about how to gain back Darien's trust, the sleepless blonde left her bed and walked to her window. From her window she had a clear view of the sky, especially the moon, her protector. She sat on the windowsill and began to think of ways to rebuild her friendship with Darien, if you could call it that. A letter? No, he would rip it up in her face and laugh. A confrontation? Maybe, but not yet, she had to learn the reason why he had gotten so ticked off in the first place. To do that though would mean talking to Darien, which wasn't an option. What about asking one of his friends? The more she thought of who to talk to, she could only come up with one name, Andrew. With her solution set, she went back to her bed and finally fell into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning Serena made sure she got up, as horrible as it was to do, on time. She didn't want her teacher giving her detention because that would delay the time that she could talk to Andrew before he arrived. As she walked down the street at a leisurely pace she noticed all the things she normally missed in her morning rush. For instance she saw all the shops opening up for a fresh new day. She saw the smiles on everyone's faces as they enjoyed the beautiful spring day. Serena made it to the school on time and even giggled at everyone's amazed expressions.
"What?" she asked flippantly.
"You," several people stuttered, "You're on time!" They finished their sentences incredulously as if seeing a phenomenon. Serena simply shrugged her shoulders and took her seat next to Ami.
"My Serena, what a surprise you're here on time, early in fact. I'm proud of you Serena, you're showing more decorum every day. You know," she leaned in and in a tiny whisper continued, "You're becoming a more responsible scout too, it's showing. The way you handled that monster last night was amazing. It's no wonder why you're our leader." She patted Serena on the back before picking up her book.
"Ami, leader? What are you talking about?" Serena asked confused.
"Well think about it, you were the first scout found, you have the greatest powers, and it is your sole duty to protect the princess. It just makes sense that you be the leader of the scouts."
"Alright class, let's take roll." Ms. Haruna's voice called out over the students. "Well let's see, I can already mark one person late. Hmm, Serena Tsukino, late." She had picked up her notebook and a pencil when the class started giggling. "Alright boys and girls, what's so funny?"
"Um, excuse Ms. Haruna, I'm here on time." A meek voice called out from a seat in the back of the room.
"What?" the teacher looked up startled at the barely audible words. "Serena? When, how? Are you feeling all right? Do you need to go to the nurse?"
"Nope, I'm fine Ms. Haruna. I just happen to be here on time today, that's all. It's not as if I'm Sailor Moon or something like that." She giggled at everyone's gaping jaws.
"You Sailor Moon, that's even funnier than you being on time." Molly said.
"Molly! I thought you were my friend!"
"Serena I am, but really think about it. You, Sailor Moon? You're just to, to, I don't know, it can't happen."
"Oh, so you all think I'm irresponsible, klutzy, is that it? You don't think there is a chance of me being Sailor Moon? I see, well I knew I was a ditz and all, but I didn't think that you guys felt the same way. I guess I was wrong. You know what Ms. Haruna, I would really appreciate it if I could go to the bathroom. May I?" Serena asked politely and in a tiny soft voice that was hard to hear.
"Sure, go right ahead Serena." She had seen the way Serena's face fell when she learned what everyone thought of her. She turned her back to the class for a moment before composing herself.
"Ms. Haruna, may I go too?" Ami asked hesitantly.
"Uh, sure I guess, you don't need to hurry back, you are already so far ahead. Take your time Ami." She watched as Ami slid out of her seat and left the classroom after her friend.
As Ami walked towards the friends, she couldn't believe something. She heard sounds from the bathroom, sounds like crying. She opened the door and proceeded in with caution.
"Serena? You in here?" she rounded the corner and gasped at the site before her. Serena was sitting in a tight ball on the floor, her arms were wrapped around her legs which had been pulled up close to her body. Her blonde hair in its usual style lay covering her body like a protective cape. From Ami's view she couldn't see Serena's face but she could hear a muffled sound.
"Oh Serena, it's alright. Come here." Ami crouched down onto the floor and opened her arms to Serena.
Serena looked up hesitantly before crawling into Ami's open arms. Her tears ran down her face slowly following and making new trails. Ami handed her a white hanky and Serena wiped her face dry. With blue eyes she smiled at Ami before speaking softly, "Thanks Ami, I needed that." She hugged Ami once again before beginning to pick herself off the floor when a hand tugged on her sleeve to motion her back down.
"Serena, you were my first true friend, remember that. No matter what anyone thinks of you, you're great. You have the biggest and most kind heart of anyone I know. I'm honored that you're my friend. Thank you Serena for always being there for not only me, but everybody." Ami wiped away a few stray tears from her own eyes before they could fall.
Serena smiled at Ami before giving her a brief hug. "You know I bet our teach is wondering where we are right about now. Ready to go Ames?" Serena stood up abruptly and offered a hand to Ami. The two walked out of the room and into the classroom. Any traces of tears or sadness were completely wiped from their faces.
Ami and Serena were walking to the arcade at a casual pace when Raye ran up and began walking beside them. The three walked in silence, no one sure what to say or what to expect once they got to the arcade.
Raye opened the door first and allowed Ami to enter, she followed Ami and let the door close behind her. Serena ran smack into the door, and Raye and Ami giggled at their friend's antics. Raye back tracked her steps and opened the door for Serena offering an apologetic smile. Serena glanced at Raye before walking towards the door and over to the counter. Ami was already seated in a small booth and the table was covered with books of all sorts. Raye had scanned the arcade for a familiar head of black hair and sighed when she saw that he wasn't here.
Serena saw Raye scan the arcade and knew that since he wasn't here yet it was her perfect chance to talk to Andrew. She watched as Raye walked over to the same booth as Ami and took a seat. Raye picked up a book and began to leaf through it, although it was obvious she was watching the door more intently than reading.
"Well hey Serena! How's my favorite customer today? You want anything?" Andrew asked her in a cheerful voice.
"Wow! Anything?" Andrew nodded his head. "Well, then I guess I'd like hot fudge sundae please." She waited patiently for Andrew to bring in back to her. He set the mammoth sundae in front of the girl and she smiled before remembering, business first, food second. "Hey Andrew, can I possibly talk to you about something?"
Andrew who had picked up a rag to wipe the counters looked at her carefully, if he didn't know better it sounded like she was up to something. "Sure," he replied hesitantly, "What's up?"
"Well you see, I, oh, umm, I had a fight with someone and I made them really mad. I mean like extremely upset, so much that they stormed off and now they won't even talk to or acknowledge me. What should I do?"
"Well Serena, to tell you the truth, it depends on your relationship with the person, what you said, and who the person was. If you told me that, I'd probably have a better chance of helping you out." Andrew figured that he might as well know all the details, besides if it was someone he knew, or that she had a crush on, he could probably help her out in someway.
"Umm, well, you know them very well I think."
"Serena, do you happen to like this guy? I mean, why ask me, not one of your friends?"
"Well, yes I do like him, a lot. And, I kind of can't talk to my friends because they wouldn't understand." She finished in a whisper.
"Well, how about a name? You say I know him, and you fight with him. Gee, the only guy I can think of is," he paused and looked at her frightened face, "Darien. But, nah, that wouldn't make sense because you two are always at each other's throats fighting. Or is it flirting?" Andrew smiled. Serena's face was pale and she looked horrified that he had discovered her secret. "I'm right aren't I? It's Darien and that's why you can't talk to your friends."
Serena nodded her head in defeat. "Yeah, you see Raye likes Darien and I don't won't to intrude or ask her for help. They both would laugh at me."
"Serena, look at me." He raised her chin so she was looking into his eyes. She gulped and he laughed. "You have great chances with him, just, well, you know, flirt with him in the usual manner."
"But Andrew! That's the problem! He won't even speak to me. The last fight we had, well we ended up screaming at each other and know he says he doesn't want to ever talk to me again, as if I don't exist! So if I don't exist in his eyes, how am I supposed to flirt with him?" Serena was almost screaming at the end of her sentence. She looked at Andrew's face, with his jaw agape. She smiled and pushed it closed.
"Thanks. Well what exactly did you say to upset him?"
"That's the other part of my problem, I don't know why he got so ticked off. I mean we always swap insults, so why did he get offended?"
"Serena, if you want me to help, give me a general idea of what you said. Please?"
"I told him, I told him that I always saw him alone, that he never hung around anyone besides you. I might have gone into more detail like that everyone hates him and no one could ever lik," she paused and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat, "like or love him." Serena stopped and looked at Andrews's sad features.
"Serena, I'm sorry, but I can't tell you why. You see it's not my story to tell."
"What? But Andrew I don't understand?"
"Darien is a private person, I wouldn't recommend ever bringing up the subject with him Serena. It will just make him madder."
"But, I just to want to say I'm sorry to him, to know why he was so ticked. The only reason I said anything like that at all though was because he was too close."
"Too close?"
"To close to my secret, to the truth. I just couldn't have him laugh at me when he found out I liked him."
"I see. Well, Serena, I don't know what to tell you then. If and when the opportunity presents itself, the simple sincere words of I'm sorry should do."
"Thanks Andrew, thanks a lot. I really needed your help. I'm gonna go now Andrew, thanks again! Gotta check out that new art exhibit by Lonnie Lenai!"
"I heard its great! See you around Serena, and good luck!" Andrew waved to the retreating blonde's back.
The more he thought about Serena liking Darien, the more it made sense. The two would be a cute couple together, and Andrew had a feeling that Serena could spice up Darien's life, take away the loneliness. Serena was just what Darien needed. And Darien was just what Serena needed. Serena argued with Darien, but in reality she was trying to flirt with him. Was it possible that Darien was acting the same way?
"Hmm, I wonder." He picked up the phone from the counter and quickly dialed a familiar number. "Hey, there's an exhibit at the art gallery that I think you would really enjoy. By any chance you want to meet me there in about fifteen minutes?" He waited while the voice on the end was debating. "I promise you'll enjoy it okay? See you in a little while." He hung up the phone and smiled.