Disclaimer: Le sigh, I must admit I do not own Serena. Or any of the Scouts and co. But the Court, and AE High are mine. Though I doubt anyone wants to borrow them

Note: Marifer: LOL. I try. And thanks… Tasie: *evil grin* You'll never guess… Well, part of it you'd guess. But not all… Opal: yeah, my bloody muse won't go away. She seems to be Sailor Moon crazed. Just my luck a lunatic muse… as long as she doesn't hit me w/ a SM harry potter x-over.

Anyway, to all my reviewers a HUGE thank you! And yes, I know, it's kinda predictable at the moment, but the damn plot's taking its sweet time. *glares at her muse who is currently downing No-Doz and bouncing off the walls holding a Popple* Excuse me, I need to go lock her back in her box… Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 4

'…It might have all turned out differently, I suppose, dear diary, but it didn't. But why would I have wanted it to? I have everything I always wanted, diary. Everything. Except him. But then, I don't want him anymore, so I suppose that worked out too. I've missed my friends in Tokyo, but now that I'm going back in only a few weeks… I don't want to leave. I don't want to go back. I'm home: happy, healthy, and home. I've barely even thought back to Tokyo. But I wonder what the girls will say? Will they recognize me? I've been a terrible correspondent, diary. I've hardly told them anything. In one year so much has changed. Maybe too much? But there was so much to tell Diary! The Court, the parties, making the cheerleading squad, all our dance competitions, and Theirry… Speaking of which- he finally asked me! I'm going to the winter dance with him! And on top of that I was nominated for Winter Princess. Along with Diana and Susan. I can't wait. It's going to be the most magical night of my life. '

She walked through the hallway to the cafeteria, pretending not to notice the envious and admiring stares of other students. Her silvery blond hair fell to her waist, her ocean blue eyes nearly glowed, framed by her smoky eye shadow, and her skin had the translucence of magnolia blossoms. And blossomed she had- gone was the gawky fourteen-year-old who constantly tripped, who burst into tears at the drop of a hat, replaced by a slim young woman with the unconscious grace of a dancer and a thoughtful expression on her flawless face. Serena the Princess slipped into her accustomed seat among the Royal Court, between Thierry the Wallet and Susan the Rich Girl.

Serena laughed as Puck made his face into a perfect imitation of the Psychology teacher, Mr. Prindle, and announced that there would be no more laughing, sneezing, or smiling allowed in his class. It was so easy to laugh with her friends. She knew part of it was the heady atmosphere, the knowledge that they were special. It made it easy to laugh at everything.

But school was almost over. Finals were a week away. Then another week of school… a week home… and back to Tokyo for the summer. The rest of the court was making plans for road trips to Florida or anywhere, or a few weeks in the Hamptons, a cruise… She hadn't broken the news to them yet. She picked at the pizza slice on her plate.

"Okay, everybody, there's a crisis! Serena's not eating," Ash announced suddenly, staring at her, his always-changing eyes examining her.

"Are you feeling okay?" Diana asked.

"You aren't hung over? You didn't drink much at all last night," supplied Susan.

"Sea, what's up?" Thierry asked, pushing his blond hair out of his eyes.

"I…" well, now was as good a time as any. "I'm spending the summer in Tokyo. With my mom." There it was announced.

"The whole summer?" Puck asked, staring. His ice blue eyes were wide in shock. Serena nodded sadly.

"But you'll- you'll miss so much! Can't you just, like cancel?" Illianna suggested hopefully, her green eyes hopeful.

"Nope. Divorce decree." There was a groan from the entire group. The only one who had both parents was Thea, the rest knew the power of the dreaded decrees, and knew what a royal pain the damn things were.

"But… we can't be the Court of Twelve with eleven people!" Gabriel protested. The rest grinned at the Tarot Club's name for them.

"Serena look on the bright side- it's going home! You'll get to see all your friends." Diana's voice was reassuring, but Serena grimaced.

"Guys, this is home. New York. And hey, I hate to say this, but you sad lot are the greatest friends I've got…"

"Aww! Group huggy-hug!" Dee called. With what sounded ominously like a war whoop she, along with Puck, Illianna, and Ash, tackled Serena. There was a roar of laughter, then a crash as they all hit the floor. More laughter as they sorted themselves out, and Puck and Ash high-fived.

Ash cleared his throat. "Well, then since we can't be without our 12th member, and you can't stay… I say: Road Trip to Tokyo!!"

Gabriel frowned. "Erm… Ash… there's an ocean- a couple of em- between us and Japan. How the hell's that gonna be a road trip?" The others laughed.

Theirry looked thoughtful, though. "Hey, let's all get together, buy some tickets, and take a vacation!"

"I don't think I'll have the finances," Zach said regretfully. "My last show didn't sell as well as it should have. That stupid gallery- I knew it was crooked but…' before he could launch on another in-depth tirade about the treacherous world of art, Susan cut him off.

"Tell you what Zach, Daddy has a new company branch opening in Tokyo anyway, so what if you and I just bum a ride and come a couple weeks late?"

"Hey, I forgot! My mom has a penthouse in Tokyo!" Illianna piped up. "She still has it since her company sends her there all the time."

"Soo… Lia has the penthouse, then I'll rent a suite at the Ritz… or whatever decent hotel they have close…" Thierry said. Serena had to smile, knowing that 'decent' meant 4+ stars.

"Leave the tickets to me," Thea said, her violet eyes sparkling with excitement. "Perks of having a Dad who owns an international airline!"

That afternoon Serena was driven back to the apartment by Lars, and greeted by the ever-cheerful housekeeper, Mrs. Moyle. Her father was to be home at five-thirty. There was a note telling her to expect a dinner guest. Another girlfriend already. Serena had to laugh. Her father's girlfriends were always beautiful, rich, and lasted about two weeks. Serena got online, emailed her mom and Sammy, and was about to pick out her outfit for the party at Theirry's when her computer bleeped. She'd just received an IM. From Mina. Quickly Serena signed off of MSN and went back to her closet.