*****
Oh, all of you guys rock!!! Your reviews are all really encouraging, as you
can tell with a chapter coming at you each day. Again, this is the part
where I say that I don't own the characters of S.M. and that the next
chapter costs five reader reviews. It doesn't seem too big of a problem, as
everyone is so positive, and very demanding, lol. I hope you all liked the
meeting between Serena and Darien, I mean Serena ended up carrying it
through by being haunted by him. I know that she didn't tell him about
Rini, but it is coming up soon, very soon, I promise. So, here you go. Talk
to y'all later, and I really hope that y'all enjoy!!!
*****
Rini was bouncing around the back of the limo with her excitement. Her white dress, with the princess style skirt, tied with the red sash at her waist whirled like white and red twinkle lights as her excitement grew. "This is so cool mommy. Look, there are so many people."
"Careful Rini," Serena said, "I don't want you to fall, and we're about to go around a corner."
"Oh come on Serena, she's fine," Andrew said as she sipped some champagne.
Serena arched a brow at her handsomely dressed brother in his black, tailored tuxedo. "So are you going to be the one that will stitch her up if she falls and cuts herself on the shelf that lines the wall behind you?" she asked him.
Andrew sighed, "Alright, gee, someone's a little testy today."
"I am not," Serena protested.
"Look aunt Mina, there are a whole bunch of people with cameras," Rini said, pointing out the window to the reporters that lined the entrance to the hotel.
Mina looked out the window from beside Rini. "Wow, that certainly is a lot of reporters," she sighed. Mina smoothed out the skirt of her backless, orange gown that sparkled with the lights glowing all around them. It reached her knees where it was flamenco style, showing off her longs legs, and was met by black strappy sandals that wrapped around her ankles.
"Sure Serena," Andrew retorted. "Ow," he protested as Lita smacked him across the chest with a green-gloved hand. "That hurt," he pouted.
Lita rolled her eyes. "Well, leave her alone. This is her homecoming party, so she's allowed to be a little nervous if she wants."
Serena gave Lita a thankful smile, while she stuck her tongue out at her brother.
Andrew laughed, "yes, my sister everyone. At twenty-four, she's still a kid at heart."
"Do we have to go in front of all of them?" Rini asked as the limo stopped in front of the great horde of reporters.
Serena turned to look and sighed. "Well, we will have to pass them kitten paws, but there's nothing to be afraid of. They just want to take pictures of our pretty clothes," Serena said, trying to ease her young daughter's nervousness. The back door was opened and an arm was offered. Mina looked at Serena who was the closest to their exit.
"I'll go first, this was my idea after all," she smiled wistfully.
Serena beamed a thankful smile in return.
Mina stepped out of the limo, which started the great eruption of flashes. Andrew sighed. "I should have gone first, I am the oldest."
Serena shook her head. "She is the movie star, she can make an entrance better than anybody I've come across."
Andrew chuckled in response. "That she can. Alright," he sighed again, "I'll go next. Lita after me, then you and Rini."
Serena nodded. "Alright."
Andrew got out, and then offered his hand to Lita. Lita wearing a long green gown that reached her ankles, to reveal green heels that held a small trinket design by Serena, stepped out next.
"Alright Kitten paws, you ready to let everyone see how pretty you are?" Serena asked her daughter.
Rini beamed at her. "I think if aunt mina can do it, I can too."
Serena smiled at her. "You precious gem, alright, come on."
Serena stepped out of the limo to let the hem of her silver dress hit the ground. The strapless bodice hugged her body tight, making her appear very feminine with her cleavage being evident, while the skirt flowed out beneath to hug her lips but flow gently around her legs.
Rini got out and took a hold of Serena's hand. Together they walked up the front stairway of the hotel, close behind the others, while they ignored the comments and questions from the surrounding press, but did take a couple quick snapshots to please the audience.
Inside the hotel, Serena was amazed at the great transformation. Floral arrangements surrounded the walk that led to the ballroom. But it was the ballroom that amazed Serena the most.
"It's so purty, mommy," Rini said in an awestruck voice.
"Yes, it is," Serena said as they followed Mina.
The ballroom was glitzed out with crystal and gold décor. Candles were everywhere, on the tables, and in elegant candelabras. The dance floor was in the middle of the room, with a stage set up for later when they would make their announcements.
It wasn't long before the ballroom was filled with all the elite of Tokyo.
Serena was worried that Rini was going to be bored to tears, but Mina had thought of everything. There was an entertainer for the children, and even a side room where they could watch movies, play some games and just hang out. Serena was lucky to even see her daughter.
Serena was standing by her Andrew when Mina came beside her chuckling. "Who are you looking for?" she asked her.
"I don't know what you mean," Serena stated as she took a sip of her wine.
Mina smirked. "Sure, you're not looking for Darien."
"I'm doing no such thing...
"Ms. Tsukino," the president of Tokyo said, coming up beside her and Mina.
Mina and Serena looked at him, giving him a polite smile.
"How are you ladies this evening?" he asked them.
Before they could say anything, he was speaking again. "I hope you know that you're family is the topic of all tonight."
"Well, we are the ones hosting the party," Mina said dryly.
"Yes, I suppose that's it," the president said. "I was wondering if it was something to do with the Williams Corporation."
Serena bit back the urge to laugh. She could tell that the man was only trying to keep his appearance up by being in plain sight of the many other elite figures that were there, gathered in groups in the ballroom, or dancing on the dance floor.
"I guess you'll just have to wait like the rest of us," a voice said from beside Serena.
They turned to look, and Serena had all she could to drop her mouth open. Darien stood beside her in a tailored fit black tuxedo with the flaps on the back of his jacket. His hair was brushed back, but a loose strand had fallen, and Serena desperately wanted to brush it aside for him.
"Mr. Shields," the president said with his political smile as he extended his hand.
Darien took it as an afterthought while he took a sip of his brandy.
"Well, I guess if you'll excuse me ladies, it seems my wife needs something," he said, bowing his head as he started back.
Mina blew out an exasperated breath.
Serena shook her head with a light chuckle, "good lord, that was dreadful."
Darien shrugged. "Well, he doesn't have much for personality, that's for sure."
"Mommy!" a little voice called out from behind her. Serena sucked in a breath as she heard her daughter call out to her as she came rushing to her side.
Darien looked at her with wide eyes then, his whole face in a stricken expression as Rini hurtled herself into her.
"Mommy, uncle Andrew told me that I should ask you if I wanted some dessert. So can I mommy, can I have some chocolate cake?"
Serena smiled down at her, kissing her on the forehead. "Sure kitten paws, I'll help you get a slice," she said, taking up her hand. She looked at Darien and her sister. "You two excuse me, I'm just going to make sure she has her cake before we do our speech."
Mina nodded. "Go ahead, we still have about ten minutes."
Serena cast Darien a smile, and then let Rini drag her off.
Darien just stared after the two blonds. The one thing that caught his attention was that there was no ring upon Serena's hand. He had to wonder at that. Serena had been very strong in her belief that she wanted her children to have both parents. He then gave pause to consider why she might not have a ring, but had a child.
"You look like a deer caught in the headlights Darien, what's up?" Rei asked, approaching both Darien and Mina.
Darien, who had been staring after the beautiful form of Serena as she walked away with her daughter, turned to look at his sister.
"Haven't seen you most of the night," he stated, taking another sip of his brandy.
Rei shrugged. "You didn't answer me."
Darien gave a half-smile. "I think I was just taken by surprise is all."
Mina raised her eyebrows as she cast a look at Rei, who bit back the urge to laugh.
"Why's that?" Mina asked him. "Startled that my dear sister decided to settle down and have a kid?"
Darien took a shaky breath. "No, I'm not bothered by it at all. It has been over five years; we were both bound to move on in that time. I guess she really did."
"Rini is absolutely precious though," Mina stated. "I don't think Serena would have done so well if she hadn't had that ray of sunshine in her life."
"You mean to tell me she was forced to avoid you and Andrew as well?" Darien asked, his eyes widening yet again.
Mina shrugged. "It was difficult times. Pops practically ordered all of us away, which helped all of to find ourselves, and start making something of our lives without depending on anyone."
Darien just stared at her.
"Darien, it really isn't good for you to look that way. What will the reporters think," Rei teased her brother.
Darien scowled at his sister while Mina took his wrist to check the time on his watch.
"Well, if you'll excuse me," Mina smiled. "But I have to gather my sister and brother so that we can give our speech."
"I'll go with you. I want to catch up with Lita," Rei smiled.
Darien watched the two of them cross the room to the table where Serena was seated beside her young daughter with two braids, a style similar to how Serena wore her hair when she had been younger.
Serena kissed her on top of her head and then let Mina drag her off to the stage where Andrew joined them. The band stopped the music, and the Tsukino family stood there, grabbing the attention of all that had come.
Mina started, thanking everyone for coming. Then Andrew spoke about how they were glad to use this as a chance to welcome Serena back to Japan. Serena then confirmed that she was returning after five years, and was hoping to make Tokyo her work capital. Then Mina smiled brightly at them all.
"As you all know, Williams Corporation was left to the fate of the family. Williams Corp was started by a woman by the name of Lana Williams, who then married Kenneth Tsukino. They had a son, James, our father—so tonight we are now announcing that as Andrew and Serena are both busy with their own work, Williams Corp is going to be headed by myself."
"So, tonight is more than just a homecoming for myself," Serena smiled beautifully at all the guests, and the reporters who were hinged along the back of the ballroom. "It's also to celebrate the new leadership of Williams Corp. I hope that all has been answered."
They let the news settle, then descended from the stage and let the band strike up the music again. After the shock wore off, people began to buzz over the family's coming out, and how the family was becoming more powerful just by their own right.
Darien decided that he could wait no longer; he crossed the room and approached the beauty in silver, looking like the very moon's radiant rays of brilliance.
"Serena," he said in a caressing tone.
She turned to look at him, her beautiful cerulean blue eyes sparkling with her surprise. She smiled then, her mouth entrancing him like it always used to.
He led her out onto the dance floor, and they began to dance to the song 'My only Love'. Darien almost felt winded at how appropriate the song was.
Serena sighed. "So, are you wanting me to finish the conversation we started?"
Darien gave her a weak smile. "I think you'll tell me all that you want to."
She smiled sadly at him. "What I want to tell you is different than what I have to tell you."
Darien couldn't stand the pain that came from the time they had been apparently forced to spend apart.
"First tell me why you came back," Darien started.
"Because with my father gone, I knew that I needed to bring my family together so I could give more to Rini."
"Ah yes, your daughter," he said faintly.
"Yes my daughter. Everything I do is for her. There isn't anything I wont do for that child. She's my life Darien, and I won't let anyone get in the way of that."
"What, is your husband causing you problems?" he asked her.
She frowned at him. "What husband?"
"You mean to tell me you never married since going out to New Zealand?"
She nodded her head. "I could never even date, yet let alone marry someone other than my one and true love."
"Yes, but you did leave the true love, didn't you."
Serena tightened her jaw to prevent any tears from nearing her eyes. "You mean to tell me you didn't see it."
"See what?" he asked her, his face frowned in confusion.
"The resemblance of my daughter and...
"Ah yes, she definitely looks like you. I always told you that your daughters would."
Serena sighed. The song was coming to an end. But she knew she had to get the words out, she had promised Rini that she would have her father.
"Darien," Serena said slowly. "Rini is the reason I was forced to leave."
Darien's eyes widened in complete and utter shock. "What?" he shocked out.
"I'm saying that my father made me leave because I was pregnant. Rini is our daughter Darien, ours."
Rini was bouncing around the back of the limo with her excitement. Her white dress, with the princess style skirt, tied with the red sash at her waist whirled like white and red twinkle lights as her excitement grew. "This is so cool mommy. Look, there are so many people."
"Careful Rini," Serena said, "I don't want you to fall, and we're about to go around a corner."
"Oh come on Serena, she's fine," Andrew said as she sipped some champagne.
Serena arched a brow at her handsomely dressed brother in his black, tailored tuxedo. "So are you going to be the one that will stitch her up if she falls and cuts herself on the shelf that lines the wall behind you?" she asked him.
Andrew sighed, "Alright, gee, someone's a little testy today."
"I am not," Serena protested.
"Look aunt Mina, there are a whole bunch of people with cameras," Rini said, pointing out the window to the reporters that lined the entrance to the hotel.
Mina looked out the window from beside Rini. "Wow, that certainly is a lot of reporters," she sighed. Mina smoothed out the skirt of her backless, orange gown that sparkled with the lights glowing all around them. It reached her knees where it was flamenco style, showing off her longs legs, and was met by black strappy sandals that wrapped around her ankles.
"Sure Serena," Andrew retorted. "Ow," he protested as Lita smacked him across the chest with a green-gloved hand. "That hurt," he pouted.
Lita rolled her eyes. "Well, leave her alone. This is her homecoming party, so she's allowed to be a little nervous if she wants."
Serena gave Lita a thankful smile, while she stuck her tongue out at her brother.
Andrew laughed, "yes, my sister everyone. At twenty-four, she's still a kid at heart."
"Do we have to go in front of all of them?" Rini asked as the limo stopped in front of the great horde of reporters.
Serena turned to look and sighed. "Well, we will have to pass them kitten paws, but there's nothing to be afraid of. They just want to take pictures of our pretty clothes," Serena said, trying to ease her young daughter's nervousness. The back door was opened and an arm was offered. Mina looked at Serena who was the closest to their exit.
"I'll go first, this was my idea after all," she smiled wistfully.
Serena beamed a thankful smile in return.
Mina stepped out of the limo, which started the great eruption of flashes. Andrew sighed. "I should have gone first, I am the oldest."
Serena shook her head. "She is the movie star, she can make an entrance better than anybody I've come across."
Andrew chuckled in response. "That she can. Alright," he sighed again, "I'll go next. Lita after me, then you and Rini."
Serena nodded. "Alright."
Andrew got out, and then offered his hand to Lita. Lita wearing a long green gown that reached her ankles, to reveal green heels that held a small trinket design by Serena, stepped out next.
"Alright Kitten paws, you ready to let everyone see how pretty you are?" Serena asked her daughter.
Rini beamed at her. "I think if aunt mina can do it, I can too."
Serena smiled at her. "You precious gem, alright, come on."
Serena stepped out of the limo to let the hem of her silver dress hit the ground. The strapless bodice hugged her body tight, making her appear very feminine with her cleavage being evident, while the skirt flowed out beneath to hug her lips but flow gently around her legs.
Rini got out and took a hold of Serena's hand. Together they walked up the front stairway of the hotel, close behind the others, while they ignored the comments and questions from the surrounding press, but did take a couple quick snapshots to please the audience.
Inside the hotel, Serena was amazed at the great transformation. Floral arrangements surrounded the walk that led to the ballroom. But it was the ballroom that amazed Serena the most.
"It's so purty, mommy," Rini said in an awestruck voice.
"Yes, it is," Serena said as they followed Mina.
The ballroom was glitzed out with crystal and gold décor. Candles were everywhere, on the tables, and in elegant candelabras. The dance floor was in the middle of the room, with a stage set up for later when they would make their announcements.
It wasn't long before the ballroom was filled with all the elite of Tokyo.
Serena was worried that Rini was going to be bored to tears, but Mina had thought of everything. There was an entertainer for the children, and even a side room where they could watch movies, play some games and just hang out. Serena was lucky to even see her daughter.
Serena was standing by her Andrew when Mina came beside her chuckling. "Who are you looking for?" she asked her.
"I don't know what you mean," Serena stated as she took a sip of her wine.
Mina smirked. "Sure, you're not looking for Darien."
"I'm doing no such thing...
"Ms. Tsukino," the president of Tokyo said, coming up beside her and Mina.
Mina and Serena looked at him, giving him a polite smile.
"How are you ladies this evening?" he asked them.
Before they could say anything, he was speaking again. "I hope you know that you're family is the topic of all tonight."
"Well, we are the ones hosting the party," Mina said dryly.
"Yes, I suppose that's it," the president said. "I was wondering if it was something to do with the Williams Corporation."
Serena bit back the urge to laugh. She could tell that the man was only trying to keep his appearance up by being in plain sight of the many other elite figures that were there, gathered in groups in the ballroom, or dancing on the dance floor.
"I guess you'll just have to wait like the rest of us," a voice said from beside Serena.
They turned to look, and Serena had all she could to drop her mouth open. Darien stood beside her in a tailored fit black tuxedo with the flaps on the back of his jacket. His hair was brushed back, but a loose strand had fallen, and Serena desperately wanted to brush it aside for him.
"Mr. Shields," the president said with his political smile as he extended his hand.
Darien took it as an afterthought while he took a sip of his brandy.
"Well, I guess if you'll excuse me ladies, it seems my wife needs something," he said, bowing his head as he started back.
Mina blew out an exasperated breath.
Serena shook her head with a light chuckle, "good lord, that was dreadful."
Darien shrugged. "Well, he doesn't have much for personality, that's for sure."
"Mommy!" a little voice called out from behind her. Serena sucked in a breath as she heard her daughter call out to her as she came rushing to her side.
Darien looked at her with wide eyes then, his whole face in a stricken expression as Rini hurtled herself into her.
"Mommy, uncle Andrew told me that I should ask you if I wanted some dessert. So can I mommy, can I have some chocolate cake?"
Serena smiled down at her, kissing her on the forehead. "Sure kitten paws, I'll help you get a slice," she said, taking up her hand. She looked at Darien and her sister. "You two excuse me, I'm just going to make sure she has her cake before we do our speech."
Mina nodded. "Go ahead, we still have about ten minutes."
Serena cast Darien a smile, and then let Rini drag her off.
Darien just stared after the two blonds. The one thing that caught his attention was that there was no ring upon Serena's hand. He had to wonder at that. Serena had been very strong in her belief that she wanted her children to have both parents. He then gave pause to consider why she might not have a ring, but had a child.
"You look like a deer caught in the headlights Darien, what's up?" Rei asked, approaching both Darien and Mina.
Darien, who had been staring after the beautiful form of Serena as she walked away with her daughter, turned to look at his sister.
"Haven't seen you most of the night," he stated, taking another sip of his brandy.
Rei shrugged. "You didn't answer me."
Darien gave a half-smile. "I think I was just taken by surprise is all."
Mina raised her eyebrows as she cast a look at Rei, who bit back the urge to laugh.
"Why's that?" Mina asked him. "Startled that my dear sister decided to settle down and have a kid?"
Darien took a shaky breath. "No, I'm not bothered by it at all. It has been over five years; we were both bound to move on in that time. I guess she really did."
"Rini is absolutely precious though," Mina stated. "I don't think Serena would have done so well if she hadn't had that ray of sunshine in her life."
"You mean to tell me she was forced to avoid you and Andrew as well?" Darien asked, his eyes widening yet again.
Mina shrugged. "It was difficult times. Pops practically ordered all of us away, which helped all of to find ourselves, and start making something of our lives without depending on anyone."
Darien just stared at her.
"Darien, it really isn't good for you to look that way. What will the reporters think," Rei teased her brother.
Darien scowled at his sister while Mina took his wrist to check the time on his watch.
"Well, if you'll excuse me," Mina smiled. "But I have to gather my sister and brother so that we can give our speech."
"I'll go with you. I want to catch up with Lita," Rei smiled.
Darien watched the two of them cross the room to the table where Serena was seated beside her young daughter with two braids, a style similar to how Serena wore her hair when she had been younger.
Serena kissed her on top of her head and then let Mina drag her off to the stage where Andrew joined them. The band stopped the music, and the Tsukino family stood there, grabbing the attention of all that had come.
Mina started, thanking everyone for coming. Then Andrew spoke about how they were glad to use this as a chance to welcome Serena back to Japan. Serena then confirmed that she was returning after five years, and was hoping to make Tokyo her work capital. Then Mina smiled brightly at them all.
"As you all know, Williams Corporation was left to the fate of the family. Williams Corp was started by a woman by the name of Lana Williams, who then married Kenneth Tsukino. They had a son, James, our father—so tonight we are now announcing that as Andrew and Serena are both busy with their own work, Williams Corp is going to be headed by myself."
"So, tonight is more than just a homecoming for myself," Serena smiled beautifully at all the guests, and the reporters who were hinged along the back of the ballroom. "It's also to celebrate the new leadership of Williams Corp. I hope that all has been answered."
They let the news settle, then descended from the stage and let the band strike up the music again. After the shock wore off, people began to buzz over the family's coming out, and how the family was becoming more powerful just by their own right.
Darien decided that he could wait no longer; he crossed the room and approached the beauty in silver, looking like the very moon's radiant rays of brilliance.
"Serena," he said in a caressing tone.
She turned to look at him, her beautiful cerulean blue eyes sparkling with her surprise. She smiled then, her mouth entrancing him like it always used to.
He led her out onto the dance floor, and they began to dance to the song 'My only Love'. Darien almost felt winded at how appropriate the song was.
Serena sighed. "So, are you wanting me to finish the conversation we started?"
Darien gave her a weak smile. "I think you'll tell me all that you want to."
She smiled sadly at him. "What I want to tell you is different than what I have to tell you."
Darien couldn't stand the pain that came from the time they had been apparently forced to spend apart.
"First tell me why you came back," Darien started.
"Because with my father gone, I knew that I needed to bring my family together so I could give more to Rini."
"Ah yes, your daughter," he said faintly.
"Yes my daughter. Everything I do is for her. There isn't anything I wont do for that child. She's my life Darien, and I won't let anyone get in the way of that."
"What, is your husband causing you problems?" he asked her.
She frowned at him. "What husband?"
"You mean to tell me you never married since going out to New Zealand?"
She nodded her head. "I could never even date, yet let alone marry someone other than my one and true love."
"Yes, but you did leave the true love, didn't you."
Serena tightened her jaw to prevent any tears from nearing her eyes. "You mean to tell me you didn't see it."
"See what?" he asked her, his face frowned in confusion.
"The resemblance of my daughter and...
"Ah yes, she definitely looks like you. I always told you that your daughters would."
Serena sighed. The song was coming to an end. But she knew she had to get the words out, she had promised Rini that she would have her father.
"Darien," Serena said slowly. "Rini is the reason I was forced to leave."
Darien's eyes widened in complete and utter shock. "What?" he shocked out.
"I'm saying that my father made me leave because I was pregnant. Rini is our daughter Darien, ours."