OK here's Chapter four. A lot is gonna happen in this chapter so I hope it
doesn't seem rushed. If it does I apologize and I'll try to fix that. Also
this chapter is gonna be a bit angst so just be prepared. I'd just like to
say thanks to the people who took the time to leave me a review and thanks
to those who took the time to read my story. I hope it is worth your time.
So if you get the urge to leave me a review, go with the urge! : )
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor moon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Strangers can't judge you, that's what family's for.' Those words kept echoing throughout Raye's mind. Getting louder and louder as if willing her to speak them aloud. So many thoughts bombarded Raye. The woman named Rose used the same phrase Serena's father had. Raye had never before in her life heard anyone else use that phrase. She didn't even think she's ever heard Serena use it. 'Could that woman be Serena's mother? But how can that be she said her husband ran off. Serena's father would never do that.or would he?' There were too many possibilities, too many questions, it was starting to give the raven haired woman a migraine. Raye brought her hands up to her temples and started to massage her head.
"You okay Raye? You've been looking all broody for a while now." Lita lightly commented. Lita wasn't used to seeing Raye in such a mood. Of course Raye had her 'moods' but they usually consisted of three types. Happy, angry, and really angry. The last type was usually reserved for Chad. Raye just looked at Lita as though she were seeing the brunette for the first time. Confusion was evident on her face and in her eyes. This got Lita worried. Lita got up and sat next to Raye, making the woman turn to face her.
"Raye is something the matter? Is everything okay between you and Chad?" Lita asked anxiously. 'If that bastard hurt her I'll castrate him!'
"Um no, I mean yes everything's okay. I'm just thinking." Raye trailed off, her thoughts once again stealing her attention. She didn't know how to talk about what she was thinking. Should she even talk about it? She could be completely wrong and not only would she hurt Serena, she'd hurt the poor woman named Rose. But what if it was true?! How could she keep that to herself! Serena deserves to know, she could get her mother back. She could finally be complete. Though Serena tried to hide her feelings concerning her mother, Raye knew the truth. The raven haired beauty felt the same way towards her father. Raye could tell all Serena wanted was for her mother to hold her and tell her it was all a big mistake, that she did truly love Serena. And if what Rose was saying is connected to Serena then that could possibly be the case here.
"Okay Lita what I'm about to tell you is incredibly important. I mean more important than anything we've EVER talked about. I need you to promise me, that you will never tell anyone unless we're BOTH agreed! Can you promise me that?" Raye asked seriously, her eyes never leaving Lita's. Lita shifted uncomfortably in her chair under Raye's intense stare.
"Of course Raye. You know you can trust me with anything." Lita replied, trying to calm the woman's obvious doubts. Raye opened her mouth preparing to share her vital information when she suddenly turned her head, scanning the room for something or someone. When she didn't find who she was looking for she continued.
"The nurse over at the administration desk," Raye began turning her head in the direction of where the woman named Rose was seated. Lita just nodded, looking the woman over quickly before returning her full attention towards Raye.
"I think she's.." Raye exhaled. 'Man this is harder than I thought.' "I think she's-she's Serena's mom." Raye finally spat out. She heard Lita inhale sharply. Then watched as the brunette again turned her attention towards the woman at the desk. This time looking her over more thoroughly. She looked at her dark hair which was slightly graying. She looked at her light blue eyes, that held a familiar sparkle. Then down her face to her pert nose and high cheekbones. When her eyes finally rested on the woman's mouth, she really looked as if contemplating the idea. As soon as the woman smiled Lita exhaled loudly.
"I think you're right." Was all she could say as they were interrupted by a person's laughter. Both girls turned to look at the source and found a blonde with a butterfly bandage on her knuckle, holding her sides as she laughed. When her laughter finally seemed to end she looked at both girls.
"Are you guys off your rockers of something? Because there's no way your serious!" Serena's voice was still filled with laughter. But the somber look on both Raye and Lita's face quieted her.
"You're not serious! There's-there's no way!" Serena began anxiously, her gaze flicking past both girls to look at the woman at the administration desk. A memory flashed through her mind, a woman with dark hair and a warm smile was looking down at her. A voice echoed in her head.
'My sweet Serena.' The voice was like honey. Serena started to twitch. Her head started shaking from side to side involuntarily.
"NO!" She yelled as she ran out of the hospital. All that was left to suggest her presence were the still swinging doors marked, 'Emergency.'
"Come back! Serena!" Was the last thing Serena heard as she raced away from the hospital as though the devil himself were after her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien looked at his spacious room. It was rather cozy, with the mahogany doors, the oak armoire, and the French doors that led out to the balcony. He noticed the fireplace in the corner of the room, next to the bathroom. 'Too bad it's not cold enough.' Darien walked over to the French doors and opened them wide. Stepping out on to the balcony he took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. Fresh air was rare in the city, it was either circulated air from an air conditioner or fumes from a car's exhaust pipe. There was a strong breeze, he watched the trees swaying in the wind as if he were hypnotized.
Darien walked to the edge of the balcony, leaning his elbows against the rail. The scenery was gorgeous out here. Maybe this wasn't going to be such a bad trip after all. 'I guess I won't kill Andrew.yet' he chuckled to himself. Darien watched the sun setting in awe. He hardly ever saw the sun set anymore, he just never had the time. Although he had seen plenty, it was like watching for the first time. When the sun was finally below the horizon he walked back into his room. He had decided to the leave the doors open so the room wouldn't get stuffy. Also he enjoyed hearing the leaves rustling in the wind.
He laid on the bed, enjoying the softness of the pillows and comforter. He closed his eyes and started to lightly doze. Soon he was asleep and dreaming of a beautiful blonde with oil smudged on her nose.
**The beautiful blonde smiled up at him. A smile that made his heart melt and made his insides twist into knots. They were at his apartment back in the city. They were sitting in front of a roaring fire and for some odd reason were roasting marshmallows. He was confused by that and as if he had asked the question a loud the beautiful woman answered.
'I've always wanted to roast marshmallows inside. I mean where is the rule that says it can only be outside?' She started to giggle when she saw his confusion slowly dissolve. Her laugh was like soft bells in his ears. He couldn't get enough. He slowly started to kiss her neck and made his way to her jaw line and then to her cheeks. He kissed everywhere but her lips. The beautiful blonde rubbed her hands up and down his arms until they rested at his hands. When he finished his exploration of her face he looked into her eyes. Her beautiful sky blue eyes and what he saw made his heart stop.
The beautiful woman was looking at him with disgust. He looked down at her hands that were now resting on his wrists. She turned his hands so his wrists were facing up. Darien quickly pulled his hands away and turned his head, ashamed. The beautiful smile that was adorning the woman's face had now turned into a sneer.
'Oh poor Darien. He had a rough childhood. He was always having to watch his mommy constantly be beat by the man who was supposed to love her.' She spat out at him. Her words were like acid against his skin.
'Shut up! You don't know!' Darien got up and walked away from the woman on the ground, near the fire.
'What's to know! You know you're going to end up just like that bastard who took pleasure in hurting his wife, a defenseless woman. You know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!' Her laughter was now hard and cold. Darien's eyes narrowed, he roughly dragged the woman up by her forearm.
'What is Darien angry? What are you gonna do? Beat me? Oh please someone save me!' She began in mock fear. 'Does that sound familiar? Is that what your mother would constantly scream out every time your father would come home sloshed? Why did you never save her? And you clai-'
The beautiful blonde never finished as she was backhanded by the man with jet black hair. She was thrown about two feet back, but when she tried to get back up, the man just kicked her in the stomach preventing her from standing. The woman was on all fours, coughing up blood. She had a sardonic smile on her face. This only enraged the man more. He knocked her on her back and straddled her. He let his fists fly, he ignored her screams and cries for help. When his rage had finally subsided he stopped his punches. There was blood all over him. On his hands, his shirt, even on his face.
Darien looked down at the once beautiful blonde, her eyes open but not really seeing. He started to scream.**
Darien shot upright in bed, beads of sweat were on his forehead. His hair was matted to his face, his breathing labored. He quickly ran his fingers through his hair, trying to rid himself of the last remnants of his nightmare. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, placed his hands on his knees, and pushed himself up. Darien went over to the mini-bar and got himself out a small bottle of vodka. He took off the cap and within sixty seconds, he threw the now empty bottle onto his bed.
'I need a shower. A shower will clear my mind.' He pulled his shirt up over his head and then started to take off his belt. A line of clothes followed him to the bathroom, stopping at the door. He turned the water to hot and stepped in. Darien lost track of time, his skin was red and raw from the heat of the water. Tears never made it down his face, the constant stream of water washed them away too quickly for them to make their presence known.
Darien sunk to the floor of the shower, huddled in a corner and cried. He cried for all he had seen in his life. For everything he should have done but never had the courage to do. But mostly he cried because he knew, that there was a very good chance he would become his father. That he could become the thing he hated most in his life.
"Oh god mom! I'm so sorry! I should have protected you from that monster! But I was too scared, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Darien's cries were covered by the deafening noise of running water. He had finally collected himself. Turned the water off and exited the shower. Darien noticed his skin was prunney and red from staying under the hot water for far too long. He threw on a white silk shirt and denim jeans. Then headed out to the balcony again. He needed some cool, fresh air to calm his nerves.
Darien looked out at the ocean. The strong winds hadn't died down and were causing large, roaring waves to continually crash against the shoreline. However his gaze was drawn to the beautiful full moon. Stars twinkling brightly against the black night's sky. It was like a picture out of a story book. He continued to stare at the moon, finding an odd type of comfort from it's white aura. His eyes were then drawn to a shooting star. Darien closed his eyes and then made a wish. When he returned his eyes to the ocean, he noticed a woman on the beach. With the moon completely full, there was plenty of light to make out the feminine outline. He also noticed the long blonde hair thrown hap-hazardly into a messy bun. With a smile on his face, he quickly exited his room, and ran towards the beach.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena's eyes were red and puffy from her long hours of crying. She had ran all the way home from the hospital. She could hardly hold in her tears, as soon as she was safely outside of the hospital the flood gates broke. When she had entered her house she saw her father in the kitchen, working on their toaster for the umpteenth time. Serena had stopped, frozen in place, watching the man who had raised her, loved her, and protected her. What did she really know about her mother? Nothing. Her father showed her no pictures, never even told Serena the woman's name. All Serena knew was that the woman abandoned them when she was just a baby. She still remembers the one and only time she had tried to get some information out of her stoic father. Serena was only six years old at the time. The thought alone made her shiver. She had never seen her father look so angry.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Serena was in her room, playing with an old carburetor her father had gotten her for her birthday. Her Uncle Jack was in the kitchen making her his famous grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch. He claimed his secret ingredient was pixie dust. For the longest time Serena really did believe him. She and her Uncle ate lunch at the dinner table idly chatting about how work at the shop was doing and what Serena wanted to be when she grew up.
"I'm gonna be the very first female president/mechanic!!" She giggled when her Uncle got up from the table and bowed to her. Taking her small little hand in his large hand and kissed the top of her hand. She laughed all the harder when he began tickling her. It was around dinner time when her father had come home. She ran into his arms and he picked her up, throwing her into the air. Then ate dinner in a comfortable silence. It was when they were both sitting in front of the TV waiting for an episode of 'I love Lucy' to air that Serena had the urge to ask her father what was really on her mind.
"Daddy, tell me about mommy. Why did she leave us?" Serena looked up at her father, innocence reflecting in her bright blue eyes. She watched as her father looked down at her, lots of conflicting emotions passing over his face. She watched as he turned the TV off and turned his attention completely on her. Then he did the unexpected, he yelled at her.
"Serena, now listen to me. I don't want you to ever bring that woman up again! Do you understand me?! She left us, she didn't want a child or a husband! She is not someone you need to know! Now go to your room!" Serena jumped up, tears streaming down her face. She ran all the way to her room, closing the door quietly. She crawled under her bed, with her favorite stuff bunny in her arms, and there she stayed for the remainder of the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Serena shook her head, bringing her mind back to the here and now. Her presence went unnoticed by the man who was so intently working on the toaster. Serena studied him. She never really knew when he was being honest with her. He never really told her anything. Serena still remembered back in High school. She had been in tenth grade when she overheard a group of kids gossiping about her father having an affair with a married woman. When one of the kids in the group noticed her staring at them, he cleared his throat and they all walked away laughing.
When school had finally let out Serena ran all the way home, She threw open her front door and found her father asleep in his chair. But she quickly woke him up. She asked him if the rumors were true. If he was keeping something this big from her, his daughter. He just said that his personal life was nothing she should concern herself with and then left, saying he had somewhere to be.
Serena loved her father. He was everything to her. But he wasn't always the sweet and caring man he claims to be. Some days he would be cold and cruel to her. Other days he'd act as though nothing had happened and everything was perfect. He never hit her, no he'd never hurt her physically. But emotionally, now emotionally was a different story. She never understood her father. How he could be the epitome of kindness and then be a raving lunatic. Whenever he was angry with her, he would hurl insults at her. Telling her she was worthless, a burden, or the hardest to live with, a mistake. Of course the very next day he apologized repeatedly saying he just had a hard day at work and that she was everything to him. That she made his life worth living. So she would forgive him every time. No one, not even the girls, knew about her father's dark side. She was too embarrassed to tell anyone, too afraid of what might happen to her father.
So Serena just left her house, minutes after she had arrived, leaving her father to tinker with the useless toaster. She had wandered around town for hours watching the people on the streets. How easily life seemed to work for everyone but her. But every time she would feel sad or depressed about her life, a wave of guilt would hit her. What right did she have to think she had a hard life? There are so many other children out there with it way worse. Unable to feel sad, but unable to feel happy Serena just cried. What else could she do? She wouldn't allow herself to feel pity towards herself.
Eventually she had wandered to the beach. The sounds of the wind and the ocean always soothed her mind, calmed her soul. She sat on the beach watching the waves roll up the shore and then retreat back to the safety of the ocean. She noticed the tide was coming in. Soon the waves had reached her toes and she relished the feel of the cold, salty water against her skin. She closed her eyes enjoying the solitude when she felt another person's presence. Her eyes flew open and she tilted her head back to see the person's face. She gasped not having expected to see him of all people here.
"Seiya." Serena let her sentence trail off as the one person she had loved sat down next to her on the sand.
"Hey there." With that they sat in silence. Watching the waves moving further up shore.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
All Darien could do was watch the two sit on the sand. He didn't know who the dark haired man was. He did, however, know he didn't like how close the man was sitting next to Serena. What exactly had he expected to happen anyways? He would sit next to Serena and she would fall into his embrace? Darien stayed at the edge of the beach for a while watching the two wistfully. He had hoped it would be him sitting with Serena. He wasn't sure why but he had felt a connection to the woman. It was her eyes. They seemed to call to him. His head dropped, then with one last look at the two, turned around and headed back to the cottage. 'I was just kidding myself. No woman would love a person who's done what I've done.' As he was turning he knocked into someone and they both fell to the ground. He fell on top of her, his head had fallen into her hair. 'Smells like honeydew.' When he lifted his head he was speechless. The woman had the most unique eyes he had ever seen. 'Not as unique as a certain blonde's' a distant voice in his mind whispered. Darien helped the woman up. They both dusted themselves off.
"I'm so sorry Miss.?" Darien started.
"Miss Matthews. Miss Beryl Matthews." The woman gave him a very sexy smile before hooking her arm with his.
"And you would be?" She asked in a sugary voice.
"Darien Shields." He swallowed the lump in his throat and they started to walk towards the cottage.
"Well Mr. Darien, tonight is your lucky night." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WELL?! Do you like it?!! You gotta tell me!! I hope I gave it enough detail. If not tell me! I promise I'll fix it!! Well till my next post! ~Snowflake~
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor moon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Strangers can't judge you, that's what family's for.' Those words kept echoing throughout Raye's mind. Getting louder and louder as if willing her to speak them aloud. So many thoughts bombarded Raye. The woman named Rose used the same phrase Serena's father had. Raye had never before in her life heard anyone else use that phrase. She didn't even think she's ever heard Serena use it. 'Could that woman be Serena's mother? But how can that be she said her husband ran off. Serena's father would never do that.or would he?' There were too many possibilities, too many questions, it was starting to give the raven haired woman a migraine. Raye brought her hands up to her temples and started to massage her head.
"You okay Raye? You've been looking all broody for a while now." Lita lightly commented. Lita wasn't used to seeing Raye in such a mood. Of course Raye had her 'moods' but they usually consisted of three types. Happy, angry, and really angry. The last type was usually reserved for Chad. Raye just looked at Lita as though she were seeing the brunette for the first time. Confusion was evident on her face and in her eyes. This got Lita worried. Lita got up and sat next to Raye, making the woman turn to face her.
"Raye is something the matter? Is everything okay between you and Chad?" Lita asked anxiously. 'If that bastard hurt her I'll castrate him!'
"Um no, I mean yes everything's okay. I'm just thinking." Raye trailed off, her thoughts once again stealing her attention. She didn't know how to talk about what she was thinking. Should she even talk about it? She could be completely wrong and not only would she hurt Serena, she'd hurt the poor woman named Rose. But what if it was true?! How could she keep that to herself! Serena deserves to know, she could get her mother back. She could finally be complete. Though Serena tried to hide her feelings concerning her mother, Raye knew the truth. The raven haired beauty felt the same way towards her father. Raye could tell all Serena wanted was for her mother to hold her and tell her it was all a big mistake, that she did truly love Serena. And if what Rose was saying is connected to Serena then that could possibly be the case here.
"Okay Lita what I'm about to tell you is incredibly important. I mean more important than anything we've EVER talked about. I need you to promise me, that you will never tell anyone unless we're BOTH agreed! Can you promise me that?" Raye asked seriously, her eyes never leaving Lita's. Lita shifted uncomfortably in her chair under Raye's intense stare.
"Of course Raye. You know you can trust me with anything." Lita replied, trying to calm the woman's obvious doubts. Raye opened her mouth preparing to share her vital information when she suddenly turned her head, scanning the room for something or someone. When she didn't find who she was looking for she continued.
"The nurse over at the administration desk," Raye began turning her head in the direction of where the woman named Rose was seated. Lita just nodded, looking the woman over quickly before returning her full attention towards Raye.
"I think she's.." Raye exhaled. 'Man this is harder than I thought.' "I think she's-she's Serena's mom." Raye finally spat out. She heard Lita inhale sharply. Then watched as the brunette again turned her attention towards the woman at the desk. This time looking her over more thoroughly. She looked at her dark hair which was slightly graying. She looked at her light blue eyes, that held a familiar sparkle. Then down her face to her pert nose and high cheekbones. When her eyes finally rested on the woman's mouth, she really looked as if contemplating the idea. As soon as the woman smiled Lita exhaled loudly.
"I think you're right." Was all she could say as they were interrupted by a person's laughter. Both girls turned to look at the source and found a blonde with a butterfly bandage on her knuckle, holding her sides as she laughed. When her laughter finally seemed to end she looked at both girls.
"Are you guys off your rockers of something? Because there's no way your serious!" Serena's voice was still filled with laughter. But the somber look on both Raye and Lita's face quieted her.
"You're not serious! There's-there's no way!" Serena began anxiously, her gaze flicking past both girls to look at the woman at the administration desk. A memory flashed through her mind, a woman with dark hair and a warm smile was looking down at her. A voice echoed in her head.
'My sweet Serena.' The voice was like honey. Serena started to twitch. Her head started shaking from side to side involuntarily.
"NO!" She yelled as she ran out of the hospital. All that was left to suggest her presence were the still swinging doors marked, 'Emergency.'
"Come back! Serena!" Was the last thing Serena heard as she raced away from the hospital as though the devil himself were after her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien looked at his spacious room. It was rather cozy, with the mahogany doors, the oak armoire, and the French doors that led out to the balcony. He noticed the fireplace in the corner of the room, next to the bathroom. 'Too bad it's not cold enough.' Darien walked over to the French doors and opened them wide. Stepping out on to the balcony he took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. Fresh air was rare in the city, it was either circulated air from an air conditioner or fumes from a car's exhaust pipe. There was a strong breeze, he watched the trees swaying in the wind as if he were hypnotized.
Darien walked to the edge of the balcony, leaning his elbows against the rail. The scenery was gorgeous out here. Maybe this wasn't going to be such a bad trip after all. 'I guess I won't kill Andrew.yet' he chuckled to himself. Darien watched the sun setting in awe. He hardly ever saw the sun set anymore, he just never had the time. Although he had seen plenty, it was like watching for the first time. When the sun was finally below the horizon he walked back into his room. He had decided to the leave the doors open so the room wouldn't get stuffy. Also he enjoyed hearing the leaves rustling in the wind.
He laid on the bed, enjoying the softness of the pillows and comforter. He closed his eyes and started to lightly doze. Soon he was asleep and dreaming of a beautiful blonde with oil smudged on her nose.
**The beautiful blonde smiled up at him. A smile that made his heart melt and made his insides twist into knots. They were at his apartment back in the city. They were sitting in front of a roaring fire and for some odd reason were roasting marshmallows. He was confused by that and as if he had asked the question a loud the beautiful woman answered.
'I've always wanted to roast marshmallows inside. I mean where is the rule that says it can only be outside?' She started to giggle when she saw his confusion slowly dissolve. Her laugh was like soft bells in his ears. He couldn't get enough. He slowly started to kiss her neck and made his way to her jaw line and then to her cheeks. He kissed everywhere but her lips. The beautiful blonde rubbed her hands up and down his arms until they rested at his hands. When he finished his exploration of her face he looked into her eyes. Her beautiful sky blue eyes and what he saw made his heart stop.
The beautiful woman was looking at him with disgust. He looked down at her hands that were now resting on his wrists. She turned his hands so his wrists were facing up. Darien quickly pulled his hands away and turned his head, ashamed. The beautiful smile that was adorning the woman's face had now turned into a sneer.
'Oh poor Darien. He had a rough childhood. He was always having to watch his mommy constantly be beat by the man who was supposed to love her.' She spat out at him. Her words were like acid against his skin.
'Shut up! You don't know!' Darien got up and walked away from the woman on the ground, near the fire.
'What's to know! You know you're going to end up just like that bastard who took pleasure in hurting his wife, a defenseless woman. You know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!' Her laughter was now hard and cold. Darien's eyes narrowed, he roughly dragged the woman up by her forearm.
'What is Darien angry? What are you gonna do? Beat me? Oh please someone save me!' She began in mock fear. 'Does that sound familiar? Is that what your mother would constantly scream out every time your father would come home sloshed? Why did you never save her? And you clai-'
The beautiful blonde never finished as she was backhanded by the man with jet black hair. She was thrown about two feet back, but when she tried to get back up, the man just kicked her in the stomach preventing her from standing. The woman was on all fours, coughing up blood. She had a sardonic smile on her face. This only enraged the man more. He knocked her on her back and straddled her. He let his fists fly, he ignored her screams and cries for help. When his rage had finally subsided he stopped his punches. There was blood all over him. On his hands, his shirt, even on his face.
Darien looked down at the once beautiful blonde, her eyes open but not really seeing. He started to scream.**
Darien shot upright in bed, beads of sweat were on his forehead. His hair was matted to his face, his breathing labored. He quickly ran his fingers through his hair, trying to rid himself of the last remnants of his nightmare. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, placed his hands on his knees, and pushed himself up. Darien went over to the mini-bar and got himself out a small bottle of vodka. He took off the cap and within sixty seconds, he threw the now empty bottle onto his bed.
'I need a shower. A shower will clear my mind.' He pulled his shirt up over his head and then started to take off his belt. A line of clothes followed him to the bathroom, stopping at the door. He turned the water to hot and stepped in. Darien lost track of time, his skin was red and raw from the heat of the water. Tears never made it down his face, the constant stream of water washed them away too quickly for them to make their presence known.
Darien sunk to the floor of the shower, huddled in a corner and cried. He cried for all he had seen in his life. For everything he should have done but never had the courage to do. But mostly he cried because he knew, that there was a very good chance he would become his father. That he could become the thing he hated most in his life.
"Oh god mom! I'm so sorry! I should have protected you from that monster! But I was too scared, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Darien's cries were covered by the deafening noise of running water. He had finally collected himself. Turned the water off and exited the shower. Darien noticed his skin was prunney and red from staying under the hot water for far too long. He threw on a white silk shirt and denim jeans. Then headed out to the balcony again. He needed some cool, fresh air to calm his nerves.
Darien looked out at the ocean. The strong winds hadn't died down and were causing large, roaring waves to continually crash against the shoreline. However his gaze was drawn to the beautiful full moon. Stars twinkling brightly against the black night's sky. It was like a picture out of a story book. He continued to stare at the moon, finding an odd type of comfort from it's white aura. His eyes were then drawn to a shooting star. Darien closed his eyes and then made a wish. When he returned his eyes to the ocean, he noticed a woman on the beach. With the moon completely full, there was plenty of light to make out the feminine outline. He also noticed the long blonde hair thrown hap-hazardly into a messy bun. With a smile on his face, he quickly exited his room, and ran towards the beach.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena's eyes were red and puffy from her long hours of crying. She had ran all the way home from the hospital. She could hardly hold in her tears, as soon as she was safely outside of the hospital the flood gates broke. When she had entered her house she saw her father in the kitchen, working on their toaster for the umpteenth time. Serena had stopped, frozen in place, watching the man who had raised her, loved her, and protected her. What did she really know about her mother? Nothing. Her father showed her no pictures, never even told Serena the woman's name. All Serena knew was that the woman abandoned them when she was just a baby. She still remembers the one and only time she had tried to get some information out of her stoic father. Serena was only six years old at the time. The thought alone made her shiver. She had never seen her father look so angry.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Serena was in her room, playing with an old carburetor her father had gotten her for her birthday. Her Uncle Jack was in the kitchen making her his famous grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch. He claimed his secret ingredient was pixie dust. For the longest time Serena really did believe him. She and her Uncle ate lunch at the dinner table idly chatting about how work at the shop was doing and what Serena wanted to be when she grew up.
"I'm gonna be the very first female president/mechanic!!" She giggled when her Uncle got up from the table and bowed to her. Taking her small little hand in his large hand and kissed the top of her hand. She laughed all the harder when he began tickling her. It was around dinner time when her father had come home. She ran into his arms and he picked her up, throwing her into the air. Then ate dinner in a comfortable silence. It was when they were both sitting in front of the TV waiting for an episode of 'I love Lucy' to air that Serena had the urge to ask her father what was really on her mind.
"Daddy, tell me about mommy. Why did she leave us?" Serena looked up at her father, innocence reflecting in her bright blue eyes. She watched as her father looked down at her, lots of conflicting emotions passing over his face. She watched as he turned the TV off and turned his attention completely on her. Then he did the unexpected, he yelled at her.
"Serena, now listen to me. I don't want you to ever bring that woman up again! Do you understand me?! She left us, she didn't want a child or a husband! She is not someone you need to know! Now go to your room!" Serena jumped up, tears streaming down her face. She ran all the way to her room, closing the door quietly. She crawled under her bed, with her favorite stuff bunny in her arms, and there she stayed for the remainder of the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Serena shook her head, bringing her mind back to the here and now. Her presence went unnoticed by the man who was so intently working on the toaster. Serena studied him. She never really knew when he was being honest with her. He never really told her anything. Serena still remembered back in High school. She had been in tenth grade when she overheard a group of kids gossiping about her father having an affair with a married woman. When one of the kids in the group noticed her staring at them, he cleared his throat and they all walked away laughing.
When school had finally let out Serena ran all the way home, She threw open her front door and found her father asleep in his chair. But she quickly woke him up. She asked him if the rumors were true. If he was keeping something this big from her, his daughter. He just said that his personal life was nothing she should concern herself with and then left, saying he had somewhere to be.
Serena loved her father. He was everything to her. But he wasn't always the sweet and caring man he claims to be. Some days he would be cold and cruel to her. Other days he'd act as though nothing had happened and everything was perfect. He never hit her, no he'd never hurt her physically. But emotionally, now emotionally was a different story. She never understood her father. How he could be the epitome of kindness and then be a raving lunatic. Whenever he was angry with her, he would hurl insults at her. Telling her she was worthless, a burden, or the hardest to live with, a mistake. Of course the very next day he apologized repeatedly saying he just had a hard day at work and that she was everything to him. That she made his life worth living. So she would forgive him every time. No one, not even the girls, knew about her father's dark side. She was too embarrassed to tell anyone, too afraid of what might happen to her father.
So Serena just left her house, minutes after she had arrived, leaving her father to tinker with the useless toaster. She had wandered around town for hours watching the people on the streets. How easily life seemed to work for everyone but her. But every time she would feel sad or depressed about her life, a wave of guilt would hit her. What right did she have to think she had a hard life? There are so many other children out there with it way worse. Unable to feel sad, but unable to feel happy Serena just cried. What else could she do? She wouldn't allow herself to feel pity towards herself.
Eventually she had wandered to the beach. The sounds of the wind and the ocean always soothed her mind, calmed her soul. She sat on the beach watching the waves roll up the shore and then retreat back to the safety of the ocean. She noticed the tide was coming in. Soon the waves had reached her toes and she relished the feel of the cold, salty water against her skin. She closed her eyes enjoying the solitude when she felt another person's presence. Her eyes flew open and she tilted her head back to see the person's face. She gasped not having expected to see him of all people here.
"Seiya." Serena let her sentence trail off as the one person she had loved sat down next to her on the sand.
"Hey there." With that they sat in silence. Watching the waves moving further up shore.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
All Darien could do was watch the two sit on the sand. He didn't know who the dark haired man was. He did, however, know he didn't like how close the man was sitting next to Serena. What exactly had he expected to happen anyways? He would sit next to Serena and she would fall into his embrace? Darien stayed at the edge of the beach for a while watching the two wistfully. He had hoped it would be him sitting with Serena. He wasn't sure why but he had felt a connection to the woman. It was her eyes. They seemed to call to him. His head dropped, then with one last look at the two, turned around and headed back to the cottage. 'I was just kidding myself. No woman would love a person who's done what I've done.' As he was turning he knocked into someone and they both fell to the ground. He fell on top of her, his head had fallen into her hair. 'Smells like honeydew.' When he lifted his head he was speechless. The woman had the most unique eyes he had ever seen. 'Not as unique as a certain blonde's' a distant voice in his mind whispered. Darien helped the woman up. They both dusted themselves off.
"I'm so sorry Miss.?" Darien started.
"Miss Matthews. Miss Beryl Matthews." The woman gave him a very sexy smile before hooking her arm with his.
"And you would be?" She asked in a sugary voice.
"Darien Shields." He swallowed the lump in his throat and they started to walk towards the cottage.
"Well Mr. Darien, tonight is your lucky night." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WELL?! Do you like it?!! You gotta tell me!! I hope I gave it enough detail. If not tell me! I promise I'll fix it!! Well till my next post! ~Snowflake~