Hello Mina, Here is Chapter 5! Please pull out the kleenex for this one! Warning before hand it is kind of a tear jerker. Hope you enjoy Please R & R and let me know what you think. There is one more chapter coming..........
Author's Notes: 'Denotes People's Thoughts'
I'd like to thank Serenity Darkness - Glad you enjoyed it.......Hope this one is even better!!! Okay okay on with the show...............
Back Where We Belong
Chapter 5
Arriving in the kitchen Serena glanced at the clock. It was already 10 a.m.. Her Mom turned around from the stove to glance at her.
"Serena! That dress is beautiful. When did you get it? How much did you charge on my credit card?" Irene waited for an answer tapping her foot impatiently.
"Mom Darrien paid for it. I found it yesterday at the mall." She gave her mom a hug. Irene upon hearing that Darrien, or that Doctor Fellow as she thought of him, paid for the dress gave her hope.
"Honey when do we get to meet him?" Irene wanted to meet this guy. She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"How about now?" Serena walked down the short hallway to the front door. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
Darrien stood there just staring at her.
"You look lovely." He leaned forward and kissed her gently. "I brought you a surprise. I thought you might need these."
She finally noticed he was carrying four white roses. "One for each of the girls. I hope you like the idea."
"Thank You, that is sweet." She felt tears prickling in her eyes as he handed her the roses. "Mom, Dad, Darrien is here." She smiled at him. "Might as well get this over with now." Serena's parents strolled into the room. Stopping just into the room they both took time to study Darrien. Serena could tell that he was feeling nervous. "Mom Dad this is Darrien." She looked at him once more. "Darrien this is my mom Irene and my dad Ken." She nudged him gently.
"Hello," He stuck out his hand and stepped forward shaking both of their hands. "Well Serena I guess we should be off."
Serena looked at her parent's trying to gauge their moods.
"If you guys don't mind I am going to ride with Darrien." She looked for their nods of approval. It was immediate and she smiled at them. "I love you guys." She took Darrien's hand and they walked out to his car. He opened her door and waited as she slid in. Closing it gently he waved as her parent's headed for their car. Climbing in beside her he sighed.
"That was harder than I thought." He glanced at her. She was pale and still had circles under her eyes. "So did you sleep okay? You look tired, lovely but tired."
"I guess........I can't remember my dreams. I am just dreading this funeral." A sad look crossed her face. "The girls parent's all decided I need to be the one to speak, being their daughters' closest living friend." She swallowed nervously. "I knowwhat to say that is not the problem. I am afraid of breaking down in front of everyone."
Darrien reached over and took her hand. "Don't worry I'll be right beside you." Squeezing it gently he gave her a tender smile."I know you can do this." She looked somewhat doubtful.
"I hope so." She lapsed into silence not knowing what else to say. A few minutes later they arrived. He parked the car and jumped out coming around to her side he opened her door. Offering his hand Darrien helped her out. Standing she shook out her dress. He gently put his arm around her. She gave him a small sad smile. He leaned close to whisper in her ear.
"You can do this." He worried at the look in her eyes. "Are you ready?" Serena nodded. They walked up to the church and he held the door for her. When they reached the chapel Darrien was surprised to find it packed. Looking for her parents she finally spotted them up near the front. All five families sat in the first two rows. He put his arm around her and escorted her up there.
Serena sucked in her breath. ' There are many people here that I know some even that I don't. I don't know if I can do this. Hold it together.........hold it together.' This became her mantra until she reached the front of the church. Everyone of her friends parents took a turn, hugging her and whispering words of comfort. Each and everyone smiled at the sight of her and Darrien.
She knew what must be done. Serena eyed the caskets relieved to see they weren't the caskets from her nightmare. The sun was out and the stained glass window above was casting swirling patterns of color on the white caskets. Darrien saw where her eyes had wandered. He got his first look at all of her friends. A photo of all five of the girls was surrounded by live flowers.
"Do you want to place their flower's now or wait?" He looked at her with concerned eyes.
"Let's do it now." He guided her up to the caskets and looked down at her.
"Would you like to be alone for a minute?" He watched her closely not knowing what to expect.
"No please stay." She looked forlornly up at him pleading. He watched as she set one rose on each of the caskets. When she stopped at each one she paused long enough to say a prayer. By the time she was done tears streamed down her cheeks. He led her back over to their seat by her parents. Passing Serena a small package of tissue Irene mouthed words at Darrien. It appeared to be "thank you." He nodded and smiled. Placing his arm around Serena he gently smoothed her hair.
"It's okay to cry. I think it's a good thing." He smiled tenderly as she tried to control herself. The Pastor finally stepped up to the microphone. He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. Everyone quickly quieted and found their seats.
"Dearly beloved, We are gathered here today to grieve the loss of four beautiful lives. A tragic accident occured stealing their light from this earthly existence. We know that they are all in heaven now. Our heavenly father called them home to reside with him." At this point Serena became a watering pot. Darrien hugged her gently and dabbed at her tears.
"Amy Mizuno, Raye Hino, Mina Copeland and Lita Andrews. These girls were good students good friends and most of all they lived good lives. Helping people whenever they could. Everyone I have talked with has told me anecdotal stories of their good deeds. Always a smile or hug or whatever was needed. I did not know these girls as well as someone here today. At the request of the girls' parents, Serena Johnson is going to share some thoughts with us."
Serena stood in a daze. She felt Darrien squeeze her hand gently for support. Looking down at him she saw love shining in his eyes. That most of all gave her the courage to continue. Taking a deep breath she turned and walked up to where the pastor stood. Shaking his hand, he stepped back out of the way and gave the microphone over to her.
"H..hello. I'd like to tell you a little bit about each of my four best friends." She closed her eyes for a moment and gathered
her thoughts. "I met Amy first. She was very smart and really talented. She loved swimming and......and......well she took
time out to tutor me when I struggled in classes. She was always there when I needed someone to listen without judging
me. Next I met Raye Hino. She worked in her Grampa's temple. She is...was the fiery one. Always ready for fun. Very
athletic and very disciplined." Serena paused for a minute taking deep breaths. "Next I met Lita.....She was the best
cook. She always made extra large lunches and would share with anyone including me. Lita was also very disciplined and
quite athletic and down to earth. Then we met Mina." Serena started to cry but struggled to continue. "She was the bubbly
one. Always always happy go lucky. Ready for adventure. We had so much fun shopping a...and chasing boys. She was
also very k...kind always trying to m...make people feel better about themselves." Tears were streaming down her face as
she looked out over the crowd. "I just w...wish you could have known them as I did."
She turned sideways looking towards the caskets. Seeing all of their faces on the picture that was framed with flowers she walked towards it. As she approached it guilt was eating her alive. "Guys I am so sorry.........so very sorry I should be here with you." Bowed with grief she dropped to her knees and let the pain tear through her.
Darrien was by her side in an instant. He picked her up and gently carried her out. Passing by her parents he noticed the looks of approval and the nod her father gave him. He left the church and walked out to his car. Carefully unlocking the door he sat her in the passenger seat. Shutting her door he sprinted around and climbed in beside her. Deciding he needed to get her away from the church he started the car.
Not knowing where to go he figured his place would work. He drove to his apartment and parked. Coming around to her door he opened it and led her out. She was crying silently and dazed like a small child. He put his arm around her and led her up to his apartment. When they reached his door he let go of her long enough to unlock it. Leading her inside he walked over to the couch. He pushed her down gently and sat beside her.
Seeing the pain etched on her face tore at his heart. He hugged her gently and stroked her back. She finally cried herself to sleep. He gently slid her into the crook of his arm. Thinking about everything that had happened in the last four days he was amazed. He felt as though she had been to hell and back. Glancing down at his sleeping beauty he gently smoothed the hair out her face. She sighed in her sleep. Except for the fact that they suffered through tragedy to get here he felt extremely lucky to be holding her.
Soon she began to stir. He glanced down as her eyes opened. She blinked a few times trying to figure out what was going on.
"It's alright I brought you to my place. Would you like a cup of cocoa? I keep it around for guests." She nodded not yet ready for words. He helped her sit up and stood wandering into the kitchen.
Serena took a moment to look around. His apartment was much like he was. It was neat and orderly but with a comfortable feel. The couch she sat on looked towards a balcony off to the right was the kitchen with a small table and chairs. A bookcase sat to her left by the door leading to his bathroom and bedroom.
She watched his graceful movements. Stirring the cocoa one last time he smiled and walked over to the couch and handed her the cup. She sipped at the cocoa trying to think of something to say.
"I'm sorry. I tried so hard to hold it all in." In a small voice she continued. "but just seeing all of their faces..." Serena couldn't go on. He sat beside her on the couch and took her hands.
"It's alright. Your speech was heart rending. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place by the time you finished." He looked into her eyes. "I understand what you are feeling."
"My heart is being pulled in all these different directions. It's so confusing...guilt....warring with love. Look I love you so much it hurts and I don't understand it either. But I know somehow that I was supposed to die that night. I feel as though I cheated death to be given a chance at love. My friends are being put into the ground while here I sit with the love of my life." She couldn't speak with the lump in her throat. He tenderly smiled at hearing her words.
"Thank you" That was all he could spit out. Her words shocking and pleasing him. He gathered her close and just looked into her eyes.
They were both lost in a sea of need. Her need for understanding and his need for love. They unknowingly bared their souls to each other. Each keeping no barriers between them. He caught her lips in a gentle kiss. She was amazed by the sensations washing over her. She relaxed into his embrace and her arms wandered up to circle his neck. Darrien tipped her head back just a bit and trailed kisses to her jaw. He wandered back to her face placing small kisses on her eyelids and the tip of her nose. Pulling back he didn't want to rush this beautiful moment.
"Hungry? It must be near lunch time. We can go where ever you like?" He smiled waiting to see what she thought.
"Can we go back to that restaurant from last night?" She softly smiled hoping he would agree.
"Of course let's go." He stood up and grabbed his car keys. Glancing at her he held out his hand. He liked touching her. She stood and walked over to where he waited. Taking his hand they made their way out of his apartment.
Chatting over lunch they talked of nothing more than the mundane. Covering eighteen years of their lives; taking time to learn about each other. They spoke of friends and past loves. It was a special time and therefore it passed quickly. After dessert they went up to pay the bill. Leaving the restaurant they liesurely strolled up the street towards his car.
Reaching his car he held the door for her. She slid in and he closed it. He walked around to the other side and climbed behind the wheel.
"What now?" He glanced at her before continuing, "We could go to the beach or back to my place or anywhere for that matter?"
"The beach please......it seems so peaceful there." She gave him a wan smile as he backed the car out into traffic.
"Coming right up." He tossed a playful grin in her direction before reaching out and taking her hand. They traveled the short distance and in no time were climbing out of the car. He walked around and took her hand pulling her gently. They wandered down to the surf. With the weak winter sun out the waves were painted a beautiful shade of blue.
Watching the waves come crashing in he felt the need to put his arm around her. Pulling her close Darrien watched the ocean breeze play with her hair. Serena glanced over at him seeing the entranced look on his face she chose not to intrude.
She drank in the sight of him almost trying to memorize each little detail. Why she did she did not know only that it seemed necesssary. She turned suddenly into his arms and just had to stare into his eyes. Getting lost in them once more she sunk into the depths of mystery. The pain and lonelinss were less intense but other fires burned even hotter. Swirling in the emotions she lost track of everything else. Need hunger and desire blazed brightly and she could easily drown herself in it.
"Can we go back to your place?" she did not want to break the magical spell woven around them. He glanced out to sea and let his blood cool before speaking.
"If you are sure?" Glancing at her he was not surprised by her nod. They turned back towards the car as he reached over and took her hand. When they reached the car he drove back to his apartment. They rode in silence each thinking of what they had seen. He parked in his usual spot and they hurried up to his apartment.
Opening the door he ushered her in before closing it behind him. She walked over to his couch and sat. He followed slowly and sank down beside her. Without words he reached up and lifted her chin bringing her lips closer to his questing ones. Catching them in a gentle kiss he slowly ignited their fires. His fingers feathered over her cheek and ran into her hair.
Using it softly he pulled, tilting her head back so that he could deepen the kiss. His tongue darted at her lips seeking entrance. Her gasp of surprise allowed him to taste her mouth for just a moment. Pulling back out he trailed kisses down to her jaw and watched as goosebumps followed in his wake. His hands wandered of their own accord exploring. As his hand wandered down her shoulder he stopped at the collar of her dress. Letting his fingers rest there they stroked softly over her flesh.
Her arms wandered up to circle his neck and her fingers toyed with his hair. They stayed that way for some time just learning and enjoying. There would be plenty of time for more. He finally pulled back sitting up. Glancing at the clock he noticed it was nearing five.
"What do you want to do about........" He stopped midsentence staring at her. The look on his face frightened her.
"What..what is wrong?" Serena felt a funny tingle. "What is happening?" Looking down she noticed she was losing solidity."Where am I going?" She reached over and grabbed him "What is happening?" That is when she first noticed. He was fading too.
"I think we are going back where we belong." He looked lovingly at her. Gathering her in his arms he tried to offer comfort.
"Don't worry sweetheart we will go together." She looked up at him tears pooling in her eyes.
"Please don't forget me.....I can't live without you!" He held her even tighter though the feeling was fading. He took one look at her sad face and spoke.
"Don't worry my love......I will find you no matter what." As he said that they both twinkled and disappeared.
Here is an end to Chapter 5!! I hope you enjoyed it. Please R & R and let me know what you think. The final chapter coming soon.................