Hello again Mina, Here is Chapter 4. I hope you enjoy it. Please R & R and let me know what you think?

Author's Notes : 'Denotes people's thoughts'

I'd like to take the time to Thank Nanami Sakura - Thanks for sticking with it. I hope you like this! The end is coming in the next chapter or two at the most. Okay Here goes.........

Back Where We Belong

Chapter 4

Darrien stood on the porch at exactly two. He carried a single pink bloom for Serena. Hoping she would like it he reached out and knocked on the door. Serena answered it with a soft look. She seemed to be looking a bit better. She wore nothing more than jeans and a pink sweater. She had left her hair down again. The bruising had gone down although she still looked pale and had dark circles under her eyes.

"I brought you a surprise. Close your eyes" He waited hoping she would trust him. She looked unsure and then closed her eyes. He pulled the rose from behind his back. Tucking her hair behind one ear he placed the rose there. She could smell the sweet, fiery essence of the rose and knew immediately what he had done.

"A rose thank you." Tears sparkled in her eyes. "It is my favorite flower." She took his hand and called back inside."Mom, Dad I'm leaving. I'll be back later."

"Okay sweetie. Try to have some fun with your doctor friend. Call if your'e going to be late." Serena blushed and he smiled.

"Weren't they concerned with meeting me? Parent's always are....uh not that I do this much you know." It was his turn to blush as he tried to explain. "I haven't really dated too much since high school but...well guys talk." He finished lamely.

"It's alright, my mom has a sense for this stuff. After talking to you on the phone she had no problems....I think the Doctor

thing helped some." They walked down to the car and he opened the door for her. Closing it he darted around the front and climbed into the driver's seat.

"So the mall okay?" He glanced over at her smiling. His eyes met hers and he forgot to breath.

"Sure we should be able to find something there." She smiled hesitantly before looking away. They fell into a comfortable silence. Looking out the window she watched familiar places slip by. In each one stood ghosts and memories. This was going to be harder than she thought.

Darrien glanced over at her. Seeing the hauntingly sad look on her face he reached over picked up her hand and squeezed it softly. Not wanting to intrude too much he spoke softly.

"It will become easier. I promise, just give it some time." He kept his eyes on the road not wanting her to see how she affected him. Approaching the mall parking lot he slowed down looking for a parking space. Going down the closest row he found one surprisingly. He parked the car and taking a deep breath he turned towards her. The look in her eyes shook him to his core. Naked vulnerability and courage were warring for supremecy. Lifting his hand he set it gently on her cheek. There were no words for this moment all he could do was offer support and shelter as she needed it. Looking into her eyes he smiled softly. Dropping his hand, he grabbed the keys and opened his door. Climbing out he walked around and opened her door. As she climbed out he offered her his hand. She took it and melded their fingers. Forgetting to breath he just savored the moment.

"Okay where first?" Darrien smiled, "Let's concentrate on you then we can get something for me." He led her to the main doors. "I don't know much about women's clothing so you are going to have to show me. I do know though what looks good and I will enjoy watching you model clothes." He realized how that sounded as soon as the words left his mouth. Deciding she needed to be shaken a bit he chose to let her wonder.

She led him past the food court and headed for a dress shop. They walked in together and a sales clerk looked up.

"Can I help you find anything in particular?" She waited to see if she would be needed.

"Yes we are looking for a black dress. Something semi formal but not somber; suitable for a funeral." Darrien flashed the sales clerk a smile hoping he hadn't mutilated that. He stepped closer to Serena. "Did I say that right? his whispered voice filled with anxiety.

She nodded whispering back. "It was fine." The clerk was already hunting through racks of clothing.

"I have the perfect dress in mind if I can find it." The girl was digging through more and more clothes. "I know it is here somewhere. We haven't sold it yet I just know it." She was tossing things aside left and right mumbling at the discarded items."Here it is!" She stepped out in to the open and their jaws both dropped. The dress was perfect. It was black silk with a scooped neckline and short sleeves. Little silver roses were spread all over it winking in the lights.

"May I try it on?" Serena knew she had to have it.

"Of course please come this way." The sales clerk led them to the back corner. Looking at Darrien she smiled. "You may wait here. We'll be back shortly." She led Serena back to a dressing stall. "If you need any help feel free to ask." She smiled at Serena. "You've got quite a catch there." She glanced back towards where Darrien waited. "So how long have you two been dating?"

"Oh we're not. We just met." Serena blushed.

"Could have fooled me. The way he looks at you..." Serena quickly undressed. The dress had little silver buttons shaped as roses marching down the front. She lovingly unbuttoned them and slipped the dress on. Starting at the top she rebuttoned them. It fit perfectly hanging over her curves as though it had been created for her. Looking in the mirror she immediately fell in love. Slowly she opened the latch and walked out to where Darrien stood waiting.

He stood watching as she came out of the dressing room. The dress looked beautiful on her. He could see the indecision written on her face.

"Well what do you think?" He waited for her opinion before giving his.

"I..well........I really like it." She smiled shyly. "I'm just not sure." He could tell she was struggling with a problem.

"You look........beautiful sweetheart." He looked for the Sales Clerk. "We'll take it." He looked back at Serena. "My treat okay?" She looked unsure for a moment.

"Okay." She turned and walked back into the dressing room.

They left the store shortly. It was time to shop for him. He held the box with her dress in it under one arm and had her hand entwined with his free hand.

"Okay what do you think I need?" He smiled down at her. "I have black slacks so do I need a dress shirt and tie or what?" She chewed her lip while thinking.

"I think a dress shirt should do it." She thought for a minute. "We will have to see what they have." They entered the Men's store and began browsing. Looking at many shirts they discarded each one for different reasons. Finally something on the next aisle caught her attention. She walked over to check it out.

"I think I just found it." She waved him over. He strolled over and she held it up. It was a silk dress shirt in a silver shade. He smiled it would perfectly compliment her dress.

"But wait I think I know." she hurried over to where the ties hung and found the one she had spotted a few minutes before. Bringing it over she held the black tie up against the silver shirt. The tie had silver shot through the black. They both smiled.

After paying for it Darrien took her hand as they left the store. Heading for his car they strolled through the mall.

"Do you have somewhere you need to be?" He waited for her response.

"Not really why?" She looked up at him trying to gauge his thoughts.

"Because I have somewhere I'd like to take you. If you would like to go?"

Reaching the car Serena paused in thought. Recalling what the sales clerk had said she finally made a decision. 'Whether bad or good I have to see where this is going. This tragedy has brought so much change. I was not searching for love but maybe it found me. No one has ever made me feel like Darrien does.'

"I think I would like that." She gave him a hesitant smile. He smiled at her and with a tender look he nodded. Putting their bags in the trunk, they climbed in the car and he backed out. They drove across town and headed on to the highway. With a comfortable silence between them Serena watched the passing scenery. When he took an odd exit she wondered where they were heading.

"We're here." He smiled over at her as he unbuckled.

"Here where?" She was glancing puzzled at the store in front of them. It sold surfing gear.

"Oh well not exactly right in this spot......ah come on. I will show you." They climbed out and he grabbed her hand leading her up the street. When they reached the end he led her to the last building.

"I hope you are hungry." He glanced at her to see her nod. Darrien held the door for her and then followed her inside. They were soon seated with an awesome view. Darrien had asked the Hostess for a ocean view. She had led them to a small quiet corner table looking out over the ocean.

"This place has really good sea food. I promise. What do you like?" He looked at the menu trying to decide.

"I like clam chowder." She sipped at her water. "Why what do you like?' He glanced up smiling at her.

"Oh I like a little bit of all of it. That is why it is so hard to decide. But you know I think you are right." He waved to the waitress signaling her they were ready. She walked over and pulled out her notepad.

"We would like two clam chowders and a side of french bread." Glancing at her he asked. "Does that sound okay?" Serena nodded. The waitress smiled at the cute couuple and went to turn the order in. They sat chatting quietly until thier dinner was brought out. The food was sumptuous and they ate leaving the words for later. When they were finished he went to pay. Walking back to the car they enjoyed the peaceful town.

"We should get going. I have one more surprise for you. If that is okay?" She nodded wondering what he might have in mind. Climbing in to the car he backed out and headed back to the main road. Glancing at the passing scenery she enjoyed glimpses of the sea. He could sense her curiosity.

"Close your eyes please?" She looked at him and then closed her eyes. Feeling the car moving but not being able to see was an odd sensation. She sat patiently losing track of where they were.

"Almost there no peeking." She could hear the gentle humor in his voice. She felt the car come to a stop. He shut it off and opened his door.

"Keep them closed. We are all most there." He came around and she heard her door being opened. He set his hand gently on her shoulder. Taking her hand he helped her out of the car. He put his arm around her waist as they walked guiding her over the uneven ground. She could smell the salt air and feel the soft breeze blowing on her. All the sensations and experiences washed over her leaving her strangely comforted. Not wanting to make too much of things she put all her questions on hold.

"Are we there?" Curiousity ate at her. She wanted to peek but at the same time she didn't want to ruin his surprise.

"Just a little bit further sweetheart." Darrien looked down at her and could only smile. "Okay we're here. Open your eyes."

They stood on a small bluff overlooking the ocean. The sun was starting to sink down in the sky painting the sea shades of gray. She should have guessed but he had her senses so distracted. Keeping his arm around her waist he smiled at her look of wonder.

"Oh it's beautiful." She couldn't put it into words. Without warning tears slipped free. She didn't make a sound just let them fall unchecked. Staring out to sea he glanced at her. Seeing her tears shocked him. Fearing he had done something wrong he swallowed.

"Sweetheart, what is the matter?" She could hear the anxiety in his voice.

"There is just so much inside of me. All of my emotions are jumbled up." He turned to face her and pulled her into his arms.

Darrien could find no words for her. Looking into her eyes he saw what mirrored his own. Setting a gentle kiss on her lips he finally spoke.

"It scares me too." He left it at that not wanting to push too much. "Want to walk?"

"Sounds good." He took her hand again and they strolled down to the surf. Keeping just shy of the waves they walked each lost in thought. When a wave almost caught them unaware they laughed. He watched as a shadow of sadness passed over her face.

"I hate to ask but are you ready for tomorrow?" He watched the play of emotions on her face.

"I hope so. I don't think anyone is ever ready for a funeral." She looked out to sea letting the breeze soothe her. He took her hand and they continued walking along the surf. After a bit he picked a spot and pulled her gently down on to the sand. Sitting in the dark, listening to the ocean, they looked at the stars. Not wanting to break the mood he spoke softly.

"It's crazy you know." He trailed off leaving more unsaid.

"What's crazy?" She glanced at him and her eyes were pools of amethysts in the moonlight. He paused a moment gathering his thoughts. Deciding how much of himself to reveal.

"Us meeting, suffering tragedy, feeling like.........well like we were there for a reason. Does that make sense?" He waited not knowing what she was thinking.

"Sort of. Kind of like we were meant to meet that night. But what about the cost we paid?" Tears shimmered in her eyes but she refused to le them fall. "F....four people died so we could meet? It's...it doesn't seem fair." The tears fell anyway.

"Never that! Don't think that way. It was a freak accident. We don't have to pay for our happiness. I think even under different circumstances we would have met that night." He sounded gruff to his own ears. Putting his arm around Serena he gently laid her head on his shoulder.

"Can I ask you a question?" she gazed up at him. "Where are we going?" He understood perfectly what she meant but he had no more idea than she did.

"I honestly don't know?" He kissed her gently. "What I do know is this. I know we have been drawn together. I have never been where I am now. Let me try and explain. Since high school I have been so busy with college and med school that I didn't have time for any of this. I worked...I studied...and I had a small social life. There had been no need for it either. All of a sudden you were literally thrown into my path and nothing has been the same. From the moment you dropped into my arms I have felt drawn to you. To protect you, to need you." Glancing at him she could see the naked vulnerability on his face." It's driving me crazy. At first I tried to hope that coming back would change it. Now I know better." He glanced at her to see if she understood what he was saying..

"I know exactly what you mean. I feel it too. B...but I am scared of being happy again. I feel like the minute I am happy it will all be ripped out from under me." He did not know how to answer that. Instead he kissed her.

They quietly headed back to his rental car. Darrien opened her door for her. After she slid in he closed it and walked around back to the driver side. The ride back was silent. There weren't really any words to express the emotions they were both feeling. He drove one hand on the wheel the other holding her hand. His thumb brushed gently over the back of her hand.

When they arrived he turned towards her. Kissing her softly he decided to risk it all.

"I want to tell you something. I'll completely understand if you aren't ready." He took a deep breath. She could see that he was nervous.

"I love you! If you are not ready that is okay. I understand with everything the way it has been...." She put her hand up to his cheek and kissed him.

"I don't understand it either but I love you too." She smiled gently and then she was out of the door. Opening the trunk she retrieved her box and closed it. He quickly rolled his window down.

"Remember to call for any reason if you need to talk. I'll see you in the morning." He said and then he headed for home.

Serena stood back in the road. Her car was burning in front of her. She could hear Darrien speaking behind her but was unable to turn around. Suddenly she heard a voice.

"You were supposed to die that night." A figure appeared in front of her. All she could see was a black robe. The face was hidden in the shadows of the hood.

"You have to go back. Fate doesn't make mistakes."

"Not now.....please....I can't hurt someone else. Please, I know, my friends died and I should have been in the car." With ghastly hands the figure reached up and pulled the hood back. Death itself looked at her. Just a skeletal face lit with a ghoulish light.

Serena dropped to her knee's in supplication. "Please...love has bloomed from tragedy.........I paid the cost for it." She screamed in despair. "Don't you understand! You took my best friends and left me here to suffer! Now love has grown from that and someone else will be affected! Please...?" She was sobbing thinking of her heart shattering again and Darriens pain.

"I will think on these things but you must go back to that night. I will give you until tomorrow evening then you must go back!"

With that there was a blinding flash and Serena knew no more.

Serena awoke with a headache and no memory of the previous night's dream. With the impending funeral ahead of her she dreaded this day. Heading for the shower she tried to relax and enjoy it. Climbing out she padded back to her bedroom to get dressed. Quickly she dressed and sat at her vanity combing out her hair. Not knowing what to do with it she decided to leave it down. Slipping on black dress shoes she headed downstairs.

Well that is an end to Chapter Four. I hope you have enjoyed it. Please R & R and email me with what you think.