*****
Well, I guess the whole ski resort was an interesting idea. And yes, I
cliffed the ending. She does want to be with him, but I can't keep writing
it was too long as it was. But I hope that you enjoy the second part. Now,
no one has really made any suggestions, all that everyone hopes that Serena
and Darien get together and have a happy ending. So, is that all that you
want? I'll consider your suggestions. I mean I do have most of the plot
worked out in my head, but it's always subject to change. I've changed
things before. I mean I was going to try and make a drastic ultimatum for
Serena, then I was struck with the idea to send them away to have a sort of
mini family get away, so that they can grown close. I just hope that the
results are good with all of you who are reading this.
In response to some of the reviews. Yes, this is all romance. I did try to write a fighting story, but no one read it. I took it away. Until I know where I want to go with that story, I'm going to keep it from the storyboard. Then to those concerned about Serena and her damned stubborn guilt, she'll get past it... it might come with the clincher... who knows. Then, that's it. I hope that you all like it. I didn't mean to make anyone cry, but I guess I can count it as a good thing. I hope no one else cries too bad. I would hate y'all to be so bleary eyed that you couldn't read it, and don't want to continue. Lol.
Again, I must say, I'm not the owner of the characters of S.M. it's 8 reviews, and the next chapter will come as fast as it can. Till then, enjoy!! *****
Serena felt like the kiss was never-ending, but then she pulled back. "Should we be doing this?" she asked him.
He blinked at her. "What do you mean? Do you mean should we be trying to be together not only for our daughter's sake but ours, or do you mean us kissing?"
"Both, I think."
Darien rested his head on her shoulder. "Just tell me what you want. I wont rush you, but I will say you're starting to play with fire here."
She scrunched her face up, "huh?"
"First you walk back into my life looking better than ever, and then announce that you left because of outside forces, and we that we have a daughter. I give you time, and slowly try to move back into your life so we might stand a chance for down the road, and now your doubting it. Why?"
She gave a weak smile. "I'm indecisive."
"Or just pig-headed stubborn," Darien said, slouching down into the chair he just vacated. "Serena, I don't want to play games. Five years is a long time to be apart, I'll grant you. But I've been miserable. I deliberately went seeking through the girls that all wanted me only for my money knowing that I would never ever find someone like you."
"I..."
"Damn it Serena, quit feeling guilty. Let go of the past. Like you said, what is done is done. We can't undo any of it. All we have now is the future. And that kiss seemed like you wanted to move on, so why are you stopping?"
She slumped into the seat beside him, looking straight out at the mountain. "I don't know."
"I'm not going anywhere Serena. The only person here that's trying to go anywhere is you."
She looked at him. "I'm still scared."
Darien knelt before her. "There's nothing left to be scared of. Sure, we might have an explosion with the press if they were to discover that I have a child. But I don't even care about them. I only care about you and that little girl of ours."
She looked into his deep midnight blue eyes. She felt herself sinking, and she knew deep down that she wanted to. She wanted him to hold her and never let go. But she was going to take a while. She still had to shake the haunted memories of her father from her.
"Serena," he said slowly.
But she stopped him from saying anything. Taking all her courage, she kissed him like there was no tomorrow. He stood up, her still in his arms. They remained locked in each other's arms.
"Let me love you," he murmured against her lips. "Let me show you that I still want you with every part of my being."
She nodded as she kept holding onto him and getting lost in his kiss.
Somehow, they made it to Darien's attached room of the large suite. He guided her gently onto the bed, and they spent the night reconnecting to each other, and showing each other the new possibilities.
The next morning Rini pounced on Serena while she sketched out on the balcony. "Can we go skiing yet?" she asked with a pleading face.
Serena laughed. "Sure, we'll go skiing right after you have some breakfast and Darien and I get you sized up for some skis."
Serena laughed with glee. "Yippee."
"Do you want to have breakfast buffet or do you want me to order you some pancakes to the room?" she asked her daughter who was looking for her snowsuit.
"No worries, I've already brought some of everything up. I guess there's no point in trying to keep a secret. Everyone in the resort knows that I'm here, and very quickly, they went about sucking up to me. One of the chefs personally found me this morning to bring some breakfast," he said, setting the platter down on the table.
Rini stopped her search to sit down and have breakfast. Serena was about to rise from the chair on the balcony when Darien stopped in front of her with a plate of food.
"Thanks," she smiled.
He bushed a stray blond piece of hair from her face, and kissed her forehead gently. "How are you feeling?" he asked her gently.
She gave him a warm smile. "Like I just got Christmas on my birthday."
He laughed and then returned to the living room with Rini. Once they were finished breakfast, Serena helped Rini put on her snowsuit and then the three of them made their way down to the ski rentals.
While Serena and Darien were sure that it was going to take awhile to fit Rini into a good pair of skis, the gossip mill had struck every corner of the resort and they were taken care of very diligently.
"I thought you were trying to see how the staff handled the busy season?" Serena said as they made their way to the bunny hills.
Darien nodded. "Of course I am. Now I'll have to observe them in general, and watch them quietly. But so far, I must say that I'm impressed with the staff, despite all their sucking up. They treat the guests good, and have handled all the demands that have come their way."
"Is this the hill I'm going to learn on?" Rini asked nervously when they stopped at the bunny hills.
"This one is for later if you want to try it. The next hill over is where we're going to help you get the hang of those skis on your feet."
Rini breathed a sigh of relief and followed Darien and Serena over to next hill, a much smaller hill, gently sloped, perfect for learning.
Serena and Darien took turns in helping Rini down the small slope. Many pictures were taken, capturing all the moments that shouldn't be missed. Darien got pictures of Serena with Rini just enjoying the scene, Rini's first fall, Serena falling while Rini had made it down perfect. Serena even caught the moment when Darien had gone too fast and swerved to avoid hitting Rini and face planted into the snow.
Serena burst out laughing while she took the shot and just continued laughing when Darien looked up at her with a snow-covered face.
"You know your dead Serena," he said as he brushed the snow from his face.
She grinned at him. "You have to catch me first."
She scooped Rini's hand they bolted from Darien, running behind one of the snow fort walls that was in the middle of the snowball fight. "Here," Serena said, giving the two guys twenty bucks each, to split with the other two across the small pit. "This is to peg that guy that's coming," she said, pointing at Darien.
"Mommy!" Rini laughed. "I want to help too. Where's my money?"
Serena laughed. "I'll give you some later. But first we have to get Darien."
Rini beamed as she rolled a snowball. Once Darien entered the middle of the snowball war zone, Serena jumped up to look at him.
Then all at once, they all were hitting him with snowballs. "Ah, Serena!" Darien shouted as he covered his head from all the kid's snowballs. "Come on," he protested.
Serena laughed in triumph as one of her snowballs got him right in the chest. "Gotcha."
"Hey kids, I'll pay you double if you get her," Darien offered.
The kids stopped and looked at Serena with new interest. "I'll double that," Serena tried; worried she was about to be trounced by the snowball warriors.
"And I'll double that," Darien laughed.
"Ah, no," Serena shouted as the snowball warriors turned on her.
Finally once they all were breathless, the kids were paid, Darien, Serena, and Rini, all went up to their suite, nice and red-faced.
"So, what did you think of skiing?" Darien asked Rini as she slipped off her soaked snowsuit.
Rini gave him the widest grin. "It was so cool. Can we do it again tomorrow?" she asked.
Darien gave a look over at Serena who was yawning.
"We'll see. But I think so. We'll go for a few hours in the morning, and then leave to drive home. Now who's up for diner?" he asked them.
"Oh, I want a burger," Rini stated.
Serena laughed. "As long as you eat the fries and add some tomato and lettuce to it," Serena counter-offered.
Rini frowned as she thought about it. "Okay, if I have to."
Serena smiled. "Okay, so go and change."
Rini nodded and then went to her and Serena's shared room.
Darien came over to Serena who was sitting down on the armchair with her feet up. He kissed her on top of her head. "How are you feeling?" he asked her.
She smiled then. "Good, but definitely sore."
He grinned impishly. "That wouldn't be my fault now would it?"
She gave a teasing smile. "Actually, it's from the tight ski boots I haven't worn in what seems like forever."
"Serena!"
She gave him a kiss on the lips. "I'm not going to say anything, it might all go to your head, and it's too big as it is."
Darien smiled in some satisfaction. "That works for me."
"Oh, you," she said, picking up a pillow from behind her on the chair and threw it at him.
He laughed as he ducked away from the pillow. "Aren't you supposed to be changing for dinner too?" he asked her then.
She shook her head, knowing where his thoughts were going. "You'll be cut if you keep those thoughts up. We can't have Rini knowing..."
"That her parents are happy together, and love each other."
"Well..."
Darien arched a brow. "Point taken. I'll see you soon," he said, "dressed for dinner. And for the long night afterwards."
Serena blushed then, making Darien laugh triumphantly. She rose from the chair, made her way to her room, and changed from her snowsuit into a pair of dark blue jeans and a white v-neck cashmere sweater.
Rini came over to her to get her hair redone, while Serena could hear Darien making reservations with the lobby restaurant on the other side of the hotel.
Once Serena finished her daughter's hair, they let Darien guide them down to the restaurant they hadn't been to yet. It was cozy even in its hotelier charm. They were shown to a corner window seat where they could see the other end of the skating pond.
They ate dinner in their own family bliss, and after desert returned to their room. Darien let Rini pick any movie, while Darien and Serena kept themselves occupied in a game of cribbage.
After Rini's movie was over, she came over to play a game of go-fish and kicked major adult butt.
"Alright Kitten paws, time for bed. Another long day ahead of you tomorrow," Serena said, scooping her daughter up in her arms.
Rini tried to protest but her yawns lost her the argument. Darien and Serena tucked her in, and then left her to her sweet dreams.
Serena went and laid down on Darien's bed, sighing.
"Tired?" he asked her.
She shook her head, "Nope, not me."
"Liar," he laughed. "Here, lie straight, I'll give you a massage."
"Sure," she smiled.
He gave her a nice long massage to get rid of the kinks. By the time he was done, she had all she could to keep her eyes open.
Darien crawled beside her and pulled her against him in spoon fashion, and there they slept. For the time being, all was right with the world. Very shortly, Serena would be in her new house, and Rini would be turning five and learning that Darien was her father.
But there was one thing they'd still have to deal with. Serena and Darien as a couple. Darien knew that he wanted his Serena for always, while she wondered about what they would do from there on out. She didn't know if they should just move in together, or take it slowly.
Oh, be quiet, her thoughts told her. Take this as it is. What will come will come.
Serena sighed as she snuggled in closer to Darien. It felt so right. It was hard to believe that they hadn't been close in five years. And the thoughts within were right. She would just have to wait and see. With that final thought, she gave in to sleep, held close to Darien. The echo of his heartbeat lulling her to a deep sleep, where the past was forgotten and they all were happy. Her subconscious thoughts hoped so too.
In response to some of the reviews. Yes, this is all romance. I did try to write a fighting story, but no one read it. I took it away. Until I know where I want to go with that story, I'm going to keep it from the storyboard. Then to those concerned about Serena and her damned stubborn guilt, she'll get past it... it might come with the clincher... who knows. Then, that's it. I hope that you all like it. I didn't mean to make anyone cry, but I guess I can count it as a good thing. I hope no one else cries too bad. I would hate y'all to be so bleary eyed that you couldn't read it, and don't want to continue. Lol.
Again, I must say, I'm not the owner of the characters of S.M. it's 8 reviews, and the next chapter will come as fast as it can. Till then, enjoy!! *****
Serena felt like the kiss was never-ending, but then she pulled back. "Should we be doing this?" she asked him.
He blinked at her. "What do you mean? Do you mean should we be trying to be together not only for our daughter's sake but ours, or do you mean us kissing?"
"Both, I think."
Darien rested his head on her shoulder. "Just tell me what you want. I wont rush you, but I will say you're starting to play with fire here."
She scrunched her face up, "huh?"
"First you walk back into my life looking better than ever, and then announce that you left because of outside forces, and we that we have a daughter. I give you time, and slowly try to move back into your life so we might stand a chance for down the road, and now your doubting it. Why?"
She gave a weak smile. "I'm indecisive."
"Or just pig-headed stubborn," Darien said, slouching down into the chair he just vacated. "Serena, I don't want to play games. Five years is a long time to be apart, I'll grant you. But I've been miserable. I deliberately went seeking through the girls that all wanted me only for my money knowing that I would never ever find someone like you."
"I..."
"Damn it Serena, quit feeling guilty. Let go of the past. Like you said, what is done is done. We can't undo any of it. All we have now is the future. And that kiss seemed like you wanted to move on, so why are you stopping?"
She slumped into the seat beside him, looking straight out at the mountain. "I don't know."
"I'm not going anywhere Serena. The only person here that's trying to go anywhere is you."
She looked at him. "I'm still scared."
Darien knelt before her. "There's nothing left to be scared of. Sure, we might have an explosion with the press if they were to discover that I have a child. But I don't even care about them. I only care about you and that little girl of ours."
She looked into his deep midnight blue eyes. She felt herself sinking, and she knew deep down that she wanted to. She wanted him to hold her and never let go. But she was going to take a while. She still had to shake the haunted memories of her father from her.
"Serena," he said slowly.
But she stopped him from saying anything. Taking all her courage, she kissed him like there was no tomorrow. He stood up, her still in his arms. They remained locked in each other's arms.
"Let me love you," he murmured against her lips. "Let me show you that I still want you with every part of my being."
She nodded as she kept holding onto him and getting lost in his kiss.
Somehow, they made it to Darien's attached room of the large suite. He guided her gently onto the bed, and they spent the night reconnecting to each other, and showing each other the new possibilities.
The next morning Rini pounced on Serena while she sketched out on the balcony. "Can we go skiing yet?" she asked with a pleading face.
Serena laughed. "Sure, we'll go skiing right after you have some breakfast and Darien and I get you sized up for some skis."
Serena laughed with glee. "Yippee."
"Do you want to have breakfast buffet or do you want me to order you some pancakes to the room?" she asked her daughter who was looking for her snowsuit.
"No worries, I've already brought some of everything up. I guess there's no point in trying to keep a secret. Everyone in the resort knows that I'm here, and very quickly, they went about sucking up to me. One of the chefs personally found me this morning to bring some breakfast," he said, setting the platter down on the table.
Rini stopped her search to sit down and have breakfast. Serena was about to rise from the chair on the balcony when Darien stopped in front of her with a plate of food.
"Thanks," she smiled.
He bushed a stray blond piece of hair from her face, and kissed her forehead gently. "How are you feeling?" he asked her gently.
She gave him a warm smile. "Like I just got Christmas on my birthday."
He laughed and then returned to the living room with Rini. Once they were finished breakfast, Serena helped Rini put on her snowsuit and then the three of them made their way down to the ski rentals.
While Serena and Darien were sure that it was going to take awhile to fit Rini into a good pair of skis, the gossip mill had struck every corner of the resort and they were taken care of very diligently.
"I thought you were trying to see how the staff handled the busy season?" Serena said as they made their way to the bunny hills.
Darien nodded. "Of course I am. Now I'll have to observe them in general, and watch them quietly. But so far, I must say that I'm impressed with the staff, despite all their sucking up. They treat the guests good, and have handled all the demands that have come their way."
"Is this the hill I'm going to learn on?" Rini asked nervously when they stopped at the bunny hills.
"This one is for later if you want to try it. The next hill over is where we're going to help you get the hang of those skis on your feet."
Rini breathed a sigh of relief and followed Darien and Serena over to next hill, a much smaller hill, gently sloped, perfect for learning.
Serena and Darien took turns in helping Rini down the small slope. Many pictures were taken, capturing all the moments that shouldn't be missed. Darien got pictures of Serena with Rini just enjoying the scene, Rini's first fall, Serena falling while Rini had made it down perfect. Serena even caught the moment when Darien had gone too fast and swerved to avoid hitting Rini and face planted into the snow.
Serena burst out laughing while she took the shot and just continued laughing when Darien looked up at her with a snow-covered face.
"You know your dead Serena," he said as he brushed the snow from his face.
She grinned at him. "You have to catch me first."
She scooped Rini's hand they bolted from Darien, running behind one of the snow fort walls that was in the middle of the snowball fight. "Here," Serena said, giving the two guys twenty bucks each, to split with the other two across the small pit. "This is to peg that guy that's coming," she said, pointing at Darien.
"Mommy!" Rini laughed. "I want to help too. Where's my money?"
Serena laughed. "I'll give you some later. But first we have to get Darien."
Rini beamed as she rolled a snowball. Once Darien entered the middle of the snowball war zone, Serena jumped up to look at him.
Then all at once, they all were hitting him with snowballs. "Ah, Serena!" Darien shouted as he covered his head from all the kid's snowballs. "Come on," he protested.
Serena laughed in triumph as one of her snowballs got him right in the chest. "Gotcha."
"Hey kids, I'll pay you double if you get her," Darien offered.
The kids stopped and looked at Serena with new interest. "I'll double that," Serena tried; worried she was about to be trounced by the snowball warriors.
"And I'll double that," Darien laughed.
"Ah, no," Serena shouted as the snowball warriors turned on her.
Finally once they all were breathless, the kids were paid, Darien, Serena, and Rini, all went up to their suite, nice and red-faced.
"So, what did you think of skiing?" Darien asked Rini as she slipped off her soaked snowsuit.
Rini gave him the widest grin. "It was so cool. Can we do it again tomorrow?" she asked.
Darien gave a look over at Serena who was yawning.
"We'll see. But I think so. We'll go for a few hours in the morning, and then leave to drive home. Now who's up for diner?" he asked them.
"Oh, I want a burger," Rini stated.
Serena laughed. "As long as you eat the fries and add some tomato and lettuce to it," Serena counter-offered.
Rini frowned as she thought about it. "Okay, if I have to."
Serena smiled. "Okay, so go and change."
Rini nodded and then went to her and Serena's shared room.
Darien came over to Serena who was sitting down on the armchair with her feet up. He kissed her on top of her head. "How are you feeling?" he asked her.
She smiled then. "Good, but definitely sore."
He grinned impishly. "That wouldn't be my fault now would it?"
She gave a teasing smile. "Actually, it's from the tight ski boots I haven't worn in what seems like forever."
"Serena!"
She gave him a kiss on the lips. "I'm not going to say anything, it might all go to your head, and it's too big as it is."
Darien smiled in some satisfaction. "That works for me."
"Oh, you," she said, picking up a pillow from behind her on the chair and threw it at him.
He laughed as he ducked away from the pillow. "Aren't you supposed to be changing for dinner too?" he asked her then.
She shook her head, knowing where his thoughts were going. "You'll be cut if you keep those thoughts up. We can't have Rini knowing..."
"That her parents are happy together, and love each other."
"Well..."
Darien arched a brow. "Point taken. I'll see you soon," he said, "dressed for dinner. And for the long night afterwards."
Serena blushed then, making Darien laugh triumphantly. She rose from the chair, made her way to her room, and changed from her snowsuit into a pair of dark blue jeans and a white v-neck cashmere sweater.
Rini came over to her to get her hair redone, while Serena could hear Darien making reservations with the lobby restaurant on the other side of the hotel.
Once Serena finished her daughter's hair, they let Darien guide them down to the restaurant they hadn't been to yet. It was cozy even in its hotelier charm. They were shown to a corner window seat where they could see the other end of the skating pond.
They ate dinner in their own family bliss, and after desert returned to their room. Darien let Rini pick any movie, while Darien and Serena kept themselves occupied in a game of cribbage.
After Rini's movie was over, she came over to play a game of go-fish and kicked major adult butt.
"Alright Kitten paws, time for bed. Another long day ahead of you tomorrow," Serena said, scooping her daughter up in her arms.
Rini tried to protest but her yawns lost her the argument. Darien and Serena tucked her in, and then left her to her sweet dreams.
Serena went and laid down on Darien's bed, sighing.
"Tired?" he asked her.
She shook her head, "Nope, not me."
"Liar," he laughed. "Here, lie straight, I'll give you a massage."
"Sure," she smiled.
He gave her a nice long massage to get rid of the kinks. By the time he was done, she had all she could to keep her eyes open.
Darien crawled beside her and pulled her against him in spoon fashion, and there they slept. For the time being, all was right with the world. Very shortly, Serena would be in her new house, and Rini would be turning five and learning that Darien was her father.
But there was one thing they'd still have to deal with. Serena and Darien as a couple. Darien knew that he wanted his Serena for always, while she wondered about what they would do from there on out. She didn't know if they should just move in together, or take it slowly.
Oh, be quiet, her thoughts told her. Take this as it is. What will come will come.
Serena sighed as she snuggled in closer to Darien. It felt so right. It was hard to believe that they hadn't been close in five years. And the thoughts within were right. She would just have to wait and see. With that final thought, she gave in to sleep, held close to Darien. The echo of his heartbeat lulling her to a deep sleep, where the past was forgotten and they all were happy. Her subconscious thoughts hoped so too.