I haven't been writing in a very long while, mainly because I had to move
over the summer and also, my new school is a pain in the butt. I have not
had any time to myself and right now is about as good as any to start
writing again. Because of the long break from writing, I have some ideas,
but not really any solid ones on how my stories will go. So, just hang
with me. I'll hopefully figure it out as I go along.
Also! When Serena left, she did not leave from Japan, but from America. I
don't find it rather convincing that people's names can be 'Serena' or
'Lita' and such (you get the idea) in Japan. However, Serena does move and
where will be revealed in this chapter. I'm sure you guys already know
where.
Enjoy!
PinkyToes
*******************
The Deception of the Heart
By PinkyToes
Chapter 3
"Serena! You haven't called in a while."
Amy's scolding tone carried over the receiver and Serena winced at her
subtle implication.
Ever since leaving all her friends behind in America to build a new life
for herself in Japan, Serena has been caught up in the new culture,
surroundings, and development of career. Japan has always been an
industrially advanced country where the education can rival that of the
United States. Her dream of becoming distinguished nurse in a hospital was
coming true. Her education provided both a step toward her dream as well
as a break from the anguish she had experienced the year before.
"I'm sorry Amy. You know how busy I am. Besides, exams are coming up and
I need to do well."
"I know Serena, it's just...you're so far away, and the calls are so
infrequent, we're just worried."
Serena smiled thousands of miles away at her friend's caring and worried
tone. Nothing has changed. Her friendship with Lita, Raye, Ami, and Mina
was as strong as before, if not stronger. They still watch over her like
she was their naïve, little sister. How she wanted to tell them she wasn't
naïve anymore! She has experienced pain, strong emotional pain, and she
has come out stronger through that experience.
"I'm *fine*, Amy. You worry too much. And here I thought Zachary was
keeping you busy."
"Serena!"
Serena grinned and laughed gaily. In America, Amy sighed at the tinkling
sound and thanked god that her friend was alright. For the first few
months away from home, Serena never once laughed as they talked over the
phone. Now, her friend is improving and that's all that mattered.
"Anyway, Serena. Did you...did you get the invitation?"
Silence drifted through for a few seconds. Amy held her breath and scolded
herself for bringing it up. Her curiosity had definitely gone out of hand
this time and she shouldn't have brought up such a sensitive subject.
Despite her improvements, Serena is still vulnerable to any topic relating
to her brother.
"Uh - yes, yes I have. Please give him my congrats. I ble - "
At that, Serena paused. Amy thought she heard a sob and became alarmed.
"Serena?"
"I'm fine, Amy. Please give him my congrats. I ble - ..Give him my
blessings."
"I will. He didn't know your address...and none of us would give it to
him. He has no idea where you are. But, he wrote the invitation anyway
and handed it to me. It was funny, actually, because he wrote it a month
before he even asked any of us what your address is. I saw it lying on his
desk and I wanted to ask him..I - "
"Amy. Thank you. I've received the invitation. I'm actually quite
shocked he would actually invite me."
"He still considers you a close friend, no matter what happened.
Will..will you come?"
Once again, silence drifted over and Amy tensed in anticipation. She
really hopes Serena would come to the wedding. Everyone wants to see
Serena again, and not to mention, Darien would be happy too.
"I...I quite honestly don't know. I really have no - "
"Uh, hold on Serena. Someone's knocking at my door."
With that, Amy put down the receiver and walked to the door of her
apartment. Looking through the peephole, Amy's eyes widened as she
recognized the profile of her brother. She quickly opened her door.
"Darien! What a surprise! I didn't expect you today."
"I know, Amy. I just came by to ask you about some advice on wedding
plans."
"Um...sure. Come in. I'm on the phone and I'll be right back."
Darien entered his sister's apartment and looked at his surroundings.
Nothing changed. He detected a hint of nervousness in his sister's voice
and wondered if maybe her boyfriend Zachary is over. He smirked and was
about to take a look in her bedroom before he heard Amy talking to someone.
On the phone.
Following his sister's voice, he found himself in the very back of the
apartment. He wondered why Amy would be talking so quietly and in such a
remote area. Deciding to give her some privacy, he backed out of the room
but stopped when he heard more of the one-sided conversation.
" - yes. I'll call you back. You take care of yourself. Yes, I promise.
I really hope you would come. Yes, goodbye. Yes, take care. Goodbye
Serena."
A beep told him that the phone was off and the conversation has ended. He
hurriedly walked to the living room to remain unsuspicious and casually
settled himself on one of her sister's couches. He hoped he didn't look
like a nervous wreck, because he is definitely hearing one right now from
hearing her name. It's been so long since the day she left, and even he
admitted to himself that he missed her terribly, and he had done her wrong.
Darien sighed, rubbed his face and closed his eyes, waiting for his
sister's return.
"Well, Darien. Which part of the wedding do you need help on? Did you
bring any magazines or pictures?"
Darien stared at her blankly and forgot that he had come to talk about
wedding plans. The last thing he wanted to talk about now was wedding
plans. He wanted to talk about the blond-haired woman that was once part
of his life.
"Uh...yes. Wedding plans. Magazines are...right here. Yeah."
"Ok. I see them, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for.
Darien, would you like to help me out?"
Amy's teasing tone brought Darien out of his stupor and with a newfound
sense of determination, he decided to settle his curiosity once and for
all.
"Where is she?"
Shocked, Amy could only stare open mouthed at her brother. He couldn't
possibly be talking about..
"I'm talking about Serena. I heard you talking on the phone with her.
Where is she?"
Sighing, Amy closed her eyes and hit herself in her mind for saying her
friend's name. She stood up, went to the kitchen, and poured herself a cup
of coffee.
"Darien. The girls refused to tell you before. Even I cannot tell you.
Why do you keep on asking? She's gone, she's starting a new life, she has
a new job, she has a new home, and she's happy. Just leave the past in the
past. She has, why can't you?"
Darien flinched at his sister's words. Has she really forgotten about him?
He should be glad that she no longer dolts on him, right? But why does
pain cross his heart each and every time he thinks that she no longer loves
him? So many questions flooded his mind, and he had nothing to answer them
with. His sister is right. It's better to leave it alone. He's with
Beryl now, and two months from now, they'll be married and everything will
be fine.
"Darien? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Amy. I'm fine. I just...I still...did you send the
invitation?"
"I did."
"What did she say?"
"She says she doesn't know."
"Oh."
Amy looked at her brother and her heart tore at his dejected form. Walking
over to the couch, she slid one arm around his shoulders and pulled him to
her. For awhile, the brother and sister hugged each other closely, both
thinking about the close friend that is no longer here with them. Amy
looked at the clock and saw that she was about to be late for her meeting
with the girls. Gently, she pushed Darien up and tilted his chin so that
his eyes looked into hers.
"Darien. Go home, okay? You look beat."
"Yeah, you're right. I'll see you later."
"Bye. I'll call you tonight."
She watched as Darien's tall form walked down the hall way, getting smaller
and smaller as distance grew. She sent him one little smile before she
closed her apartment door.
*****************
"Guys. I'm getting married."
"WHAT?"
Raye's eyes glittered brightly in the dark setting of the Italian
restaurant. Her face glowed and the three girls around her smiled at their
friend's true happiness.
"When? When did he do it?"
"Last night. Jason was so sweet. He brought me to our park and proposed
to me in the rose circle. Under the moon. It was fantastic!"
"Wow."
Mina's one word of awe expressed all other girls' feelings and everyone
just stared at one another, amazed at the news.
"So, when? When is the wedding date?"
Raye smirked and the other girls wondered what's hiding up her sleeves.
"Next month."
"NEXT MONTH?!!"
Raye sat back satisfactorily as she watched astonishment flitter though her
friends' faces. She knew they would be shocked that they would marry so
soon. But, both Jason and she had agreed that they wanted to get married
as soon as possible.
"Raye! You'll get married before Darien! He even proposed earlier than
Jason!"
"Lita's right! How are you going to get the planning done?"
"Jason's aunt is a professional wedding planner. No problem there. She
can get us any church at any time."
"Did you send out the invitations yet?"
"Nope. We'll send those out next week."
"I guess Serena's probably going to be attending two weddings this year, if
she goes to Darien's."
"Yep, first yours, then Darien's."
Raye smiled slyly at her friends and the girls watched suspiciously. What
is Raye up to now?
"You see. Other than the fact that Jason and I are very impatient people
and cannot wait - "
Coughs of agreement went around the table.
" - I've planned something that will put senses back into Darien's head and
bring Serena and Darien together."
Lita, Mina, and Amy digested the information and stared at Raye.
"You're trying to play matchmaker? At your own wedding?"
"Mina! I always knew you were smart!"
Amy frowned at this piece of information. Sure, she loved Serena dearly
and wanted her to be happy. She knows Serena still cares for Darien
deeply. But, Darien is about to be married as well. Playing with both
their hearts can result in a disaster like the last one. She frowned even
more and shook her head.
"No, Raye. It's not a good idea. The last time we played matchmaker we
hurt two of the most important people in our lives. That cannot happen
again."
"Amy. I understand how you feel. But do you see Darien? He's absolutely
miserable without her. Just look at him. He may not understand that he
needs her, but he does. Besides, he cannot marry Beryl. That woman's a
witch and redheads just don't suit Darien."
Amy sighed and admitted that she had to agree with Raye. Darien has
been...less focused without Serena. She looked around the table and saw
three smiling faces. Looks like Lita and Mina are already in. She sighed
again and strengthened her resolve.
"Ok. I'm in."
over the summer and also, my new school is a pain in the butt. I have not
had any time to myself and right now is about as good as any to start
writing again. Because of the long break from writing, I have some ideas,
but not really any solid ones on how my stories will go. So, just hang
with me. I'll hopefully figure it out as I go along.
Also! When Serena left, she did not leave from Japan, but from America. I
don't find it rather convincing that people's names can be 'Serena' or
'Lita' and such (you get the idea) in Japan. However, Serena does move and
where will be revealed in this chapter. I'm sure you guys already know
where.
Enjoy!
PinkyToes
*******************
The Deception of the Heart
By PinkyToes
Chapter 3
"Serena! You haven't called in a while."
Amy's scolding tone carried over the receiver and Serena winced at her
subtle implication.
Ever since leaving all her friends behind in America to build a new life
for herself in Japan, Serena has been caught up in the new culture,
surroundings, and development of career. Japan has always been an
industrially advanced country where the education can rival that of the
United States. Her dream of becoming distinguished nurse in a hospital was
coming true. Her education provided both a step toward her dream as well
as a break from the anguish she had experienced the year before.
"I'm sorry Amy. You know how busy I am. Besides, exams are coming up and
I need to do well."
"I know Serena, it's just...you're so far away, and the calls are so
infrequent, we're just worried."
Serena smiled thousands of miles away at her friend's caring and worried
tone. Nothing has changed. Her friendship with Lita, Raye, Ami, and Mina
was as strong as before, if not stronger. They still watch over her like
she was their naïve, little sister. How she wanted to tell them she wasn't
naïve anymore! She has experienced pain, strong emotional pain, and she
has come out stronger through that experience.
"I'm *fine*, Amy. You worry too much. And here I thought Zachary was
keeping you busy."
"Serena!"
Serena grinned and laughed gaily. In America, Amy sighed at the tinkling
sound and thanked god that her friend was alright. For the first few
months away from home, Serena never once laughed as they talked over the
phone. Now, her friend is improving and that's all that mattered.
"Anyway, Serena. Did you...did you get the invitation?"
Silence drifted through for a few seconds. Amy held her breath and scolded
herself for bringing it up. Her curiosity had definitely gone out of hand
this time and she shouldn't have brought up such a sensitive subject.
Despite her improvements, Serena is still vulnerable to any topic relating
to her brother.
"Uh - yes, yes I have. Please give him my congrats. I ble - "
At that, Serena paused. Amy thought she heard a sob and became alarmed.
"Serena?"
"I'm fine, Amy. Please give him my congrats. I ble - ..Give him my
blessings."
"I will. He didn't know your address...and none of us would give it to
him. He has no idea where you are. But, he wrote the invitation anyway
and handed it to me. It was funny, actually, because he wrote it a month
before he even asked any of us what your address is. I saw it lying on his
desk and I wanted to ask him..I - "
"Amy. Thank you. I've received the invitation. I'm actually quite
shocked he would actually invite me."
"He still considers you a close friend, no matter what happened.
Will..will you come?"
Once again, silence drifted over and Amy tensed in anticipation. She
really hopes Serena would come to the wedding. Everyone wants to see
Serena again, and not to mention, Darien would be happy too.
"I...I quite honestly don't know. I really have no - "
"Uh, hold on Serena. Someone's knocking at my door."
With that, Amy put down the receiver and walked to the door of her
apartment. Looking through the peephole, Amy's eyes widened as she
recognized the profile of her brother. She quickly opened her door.
"Darien! What a surprise! I didn't expect you today."
"I know, Amy. I just came by to ask you about some advice on wedding
plans."
"Um...sure. Come in. I'm on the phone and I'll be right back."
Darien entered his sister's apartment and looked at his surroundings.
Nothing changed. He detected a hint of nervousness in his sister's voice
and wondered if maybe her boyfriend Zachary is over. He smirked and was
about to take a look in her bedroom before he heard Amy talking to someone.
On the phone.
Following his sister's voice, he found himself in the very back of the
apartment. He wondered why Amy would be talking so quietly and in such a
remote area. Deciding to give her some privacy, he backed out of the room
but stopped when he heard more of the one-sided conversation.
" - yes. I'll call you back. You take care of yourself. Yes, I promise.
I really hope you would come. Yes, goodbye. Yes, take care. Goodbye
Serena."
A beep told him that the phone was off and the conversation has ended. He
hurriedly walked to the living room to remain unsuspicious and casually
settled himself on one of her sister's couches. He hoped he didn't look
like a nervous wreck, because he is definitely hearing one right now from
hearing her name. It's been so long since the day she left, and even he
admitted to himself that he missed her terribly, and he had done her wrong.
Darien sighed, rubbed his face and closed his eyes, waiting for his
sister's return.
"Well, Darien. Which part of the wedding do you need help on? Did you
bring any magazines or pictures?"
Darien stared at her blankly and forgot that he had come to talk about
wedding plans. The last thing he wanted to talk about now was wedding
plans. He wanted to talk about the blond-haired woman that was once part
of his life.
"Uh...yes. Wedding plans. Magazines are...right here. Yeah."
"Ok. I see them, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for.
Darien, would you like to help me out?"
Amy's teasing tone brought Darien out of his stupor and with a newfound
sense of determination, he decided to settle his curiosity once and for
all.
"Where is she?"
Shocked, Amy could only stare open mouthed at her brother. He couldn't
possibly be talking about..
"I'm talking about Serena. I heard you talking on the phone with her.
Where is she?"
Sighing, Amy closed her eyes and hit herself in her mind for saying her
friend's name. She stood up, went to the kitchen, and poured herself a cup
of coffee.
"Darien. The girls refused to tell you before. Even I cannot tell you.
Why do you keep on asking? She's gone, she's starting a new life, she has
a new job, she has a new home, and she's happy. Just leave the past in the
past. She has, why can't you?"
Darien flinched at his sister's words. Has she really forgotten about him?
He should be glad that she no longer dolts on him, right? But why does
pain cross his heart each and every time he thinks that she no longer loves
him? So many questions flooded his mind, and he had nothing to answer them
with. His sister is right. It's better to leave it alone. He's with
Beryl now, and two months from now, they'll be married and everything will
be fine.
"Darien? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Amy. I'm fine. I just...I still...did you send the
invitation?"
"I did."
"What did she say?"
"She says she doesn't know."
"Oh."
Amy looked at her brother and her heart tore at his dejected form. Walking
over to the couch, she slid one arm around his shoulders and pulled him to
her. For awhile, the brother and sister hugged each other closely, both
thinking about the close friend that is no longer here with them. Amy
looked at the clock and saw that she was about to be late for her meeting
with the girls. Gently, she pushed Darien up and tilted his chin so that
his eyes looked into hers.
"Darien. Go home, okay? You look beat."
"Yeah, you're right. I'll see you later."
"Bye. I'll call you tonight."
She watched as Darien's tall form walked down the hall way, getting smaller
and smaller as distance grew. She sent him one little smile before she
closed her apartment door.
*****************
"Guys. I'm getting married."
"WHAT?"
Raye's eyes glittered brightly in the dark setting of the Italian
restaurant. Her face glowed and the three girls around her smiled at their
friend's true happiness.
"When? When did he do it?"
"Last night. Jason was so sweet. He brought me to our park and proposed
to me in the rose circle. Under the moon. It was fantastic!"
"Wow."
Mina's one word of awe expressed all other girls' feelings and everyone
just stared at one another, amazed at the news.
"So, when? When is the wedding date?"
Raye smirked and the other girls wondered what's hiding up her sleeves.
"Next month."
"NEXT MONTH?!!"
Raye sat back satisfactorily as she watched astonishment flitter though her
friends' faces. She knew they would be shocked that they would marry so
soon. But, both Jason and she had agreed that they wanted to get married
as soon as possible.
"Raye! You'll get married before Darien! He even proposed earlier than
Jason!"
"Lita's right! How are you going to get the planning done?"
"Jason's aunt is a professional wedding planner. No problem there. She
can get us any church at any time."
"Did you send out the invitations yet?"
"Nope. We'll send those out next week."
"I guess Serena's probably going to be attending two weddings this year, if
she goes to Darien's."
"Yep, first yours, then Darien's."
Raye smiled slyly at her friends and the girls watched suspiciously. What
is Raye up to now?
"You see. Other than the fact that Jason and I are very impatient people
and cannot wait - "
Coughs of agreement went around the table.
" - I've planned something that will put senses back into Darien's head and
bring Serena and Darien together."
Lita, Mina, and Amy digested the information and stared at Raye.
"You're trying to play matchmaker? At your own wedding?"
"Mina! I always knew you were smart!"
Amy frowned at this piece of information. Sure, she loved Serena dearly
and wanted her to be happy. She knows Serena still cares for Darien
deeply. But, Darien is about to be married as well. Playing with both
their hearts can result in a disaster like the last one. She frowned even
more and shook her head.
"No, Raye. It's not a good idea. The last time we played matchmaker we
hurt two of the most important people in our lives. That cannot happen
again."
"Amy. I understand how you feel. But do you see Darien? He's absolutely
miserable without her. Just look at him. He may not understand that he
needs her, but he does. Besides, he cannot marry Beryl. That woman's a
witch and redheads just don't suit Darien."
Amy sighed and admitted that she had to agree with Raye. Darien has
been...less focused without Serena. She looked around the table and saw
three smiling faces. Looks like Lita and Mina are already in. She sighed
again and strengthened her resolve.
"Ok. I'm in."