The morning sun shone brightly through the little window in the bedroom where Serena and Emily slept. Serena laid in bed with her right arm over her eyes trying desperately to keep the early morning rays away. For some reason sleep seemed to evade her. Her encounter with Darien plagued her mind throughout the night. She knew she would have to see him again, but she didn't realize it would be so soon.
Standing there in the moonlight, all it did was bring back memories of long ago, ones she thought she had forgotten. She had thought she was over him, but seeing him again only brought those long buried feelings to the surface.
Turning her head, she saw that Emily was still a sleep. Serena sighed heavily deciding sleep was not going to come. She removed the multi-colored quilt which covered her body and got out of bed. She needed to think. Putting on her robe and making sure Emily was well covered, she left the room. Quietly she walked through the halls making sure she didn't wake up Emily or Mina. Serena opened the front door and walked out onto the porch. She leaned up against the railing and enjoyed watching the sunrise. The beautiful red and orange color covered the grass, the trees, and the rose bushes in the yard. She could hear a nearby robin singing away. It was enjoying the new morning. She remembered one morning long ago.
"Daddy! It's time to get up." Serena yelled as she bonded onto the sleeping form. She was so excited. Today was her father's day off and he was going to spend it with her and her sister, just the three of them.
"Honey, what time is it?" Her father groggily asked as he looked toward the clock on his nightstand.
"It's 7 in the morning and you said we get to spend all day with you." Serena jumped up and down on the bed her father was lying on. He closed his eyes hoping his daughter would at least let him sleep a little while longer.
"What's all the noise about?" Came the sleepy question from the girl in the doorway.
"Mina. You're up. Yeah! Now we can start to get ready." Serena clapped happily.
"Honey, it is still too early. Can't I sleep for just a little bit longer?" He looked at his daughter's sad face and sighed. "Ok. I am getting up." He rose out of bed and smiled down at Serena.
"Come here you little monsters." He held his arms out and waited for his girls. They happily ran to their father and gave him a big hug. A few minutes later the girls were laughing so hard from being tickled.
Serena wiped at the tear which slide down her cheek. Those were some of her most treasured moments with her father. She still was having a real difficult time in dealing with her father's death. She thought when she came back, her father would still be here and he would be properly introduced to his granddaughter. She didn't think the reason she would be coming back would be to put him to rest.
Why does everything have to change? She had to move on and change for her child, and it looked like everything around her did the same. Her father was now gone. Her sister had grown up and so had she, but why does everything change? Why does everyone seem to leave?
Serena walked over to the swing and sat down. As she swung slowly, she could see the wear and tear on the pale cushions. They hadn't changed it since her mother had died. It was still the pretty baby blue with a light floral design on it. She could see it was fading from all the years of being outside. Whether it was old or not, all she could remember were the good times she shared with the swing. It was a place where she could relax and just think. She always enjoyed watching the sunrise and set from that one little spot.
It seemed the swing never changed. It would always be the same, maybe a little worn out, but always the same. It was one thing she could count on. Her home was the same, just the people around seem to change. She was one of those people. Now the home she grew up in would be gone. She would no longer call this place home.
Yes, she may have moved away, but at least she knew this place was always there. Now it would all be changing. So here she was back home and everything was not the same. She was not the same person, but for some reason her feelings for Emily's father had not altered one bit. He was the same though she could tell.
She looked into his eyes and saw what she saw long ago. She saw frustration, sadness, loneliness, anger and something else before he covered it up. It was only there for a few seconds, but she knew she saw something in those eyes.
Although she was not sure what it was. How can one man bring all these feelings she had buried deep inside up once again? She needed to concentrate on the funeral and getting the house together. That was her main concern. She knew she would have to tell Darien the truth, but for now she will just have to deal with her father. Both of these subjects seemed to drain her physically and emotionally. How does one deal with their father's death and deal with a long lost love, she needed to tell about their child? She just didn't know.
Serena wiped at the tears which started to fall more steadily as she could hear her daughter was finally awake. She smiled knowing at any moment her little angel would come bounding out those doors.
"Mommy! Where are you?" Emily ran through the house. She couldn't find her mother anywhere. She then realized she hadn't looked outside so she opened the front door and stuck her head out. "There you are." Emily ran to her mother and gave her a hug.
"Good morning sweetheart." Serena laughed as she scooped her up into her arms. "I suppose you are ready for breakfast?" Serena watched as her daughter shook her head up and down in response. Serena carried Emily into the house. Today was not going to be too bad as long as she had Emily with her. She knew she would be just fine.
Darien had slowly gotten out of bed. He had a horrible night's sleep. It seemed a blond haired goddess was not going to leave his mind. He had spent half the night thinking about her and the other half tossing and turning. After he had settled himself down he tried to go to sleep, but every time he closed his eyes he saw her face. Those blue eyes bore into his soul. He had missed her so much and seeing her again only intensified those feelings.
Darien closed his eyes and could still picture them from last night. He could still see the moon light shinning down on her, her golden waterfall of hair as it clung to her body like second skin and her blue eyes as intense as they were years ago still held so much sincerity and kindness, although it seem to be missing her innocence. Shaking his head, he knew he had to get her out of his mind for now. He still had to get through the weekend with his parents and Ann.
'Damn!' He cursed. He just remembered Ann. How the hell was he suppose to deal with Serena while he still had Ann there with him? He didn't know if he could deal with seeing her again, but he had to deal with Ann first. He knew he would see her at the funeral, but could he wait that long before he talked with her? Deciding he would do something, he got ready for the day.
Forty five minutes later he was out of his bedroom door and heading toward Ann's bedroom. He stopped at the door and knocked. "Ann? Ann, are you awake? It is time for breakfast?" He waited for an answer, but when none came he went down to breakfast by himself.
Darien could hear his nieces were up and about. Darien walked into the kitchen to see Raye was feeding her son while the girls were having their breakfast. He stood quietly for a moment to watch the scene in front of him. He wished one day this would be all for him. He could come to breakfast to be greeted by his wife and children. Hopefully one day he would really have this, but for now he would be happy being with his sister and her children.
Amber seeing her uncle at the door squeaked, "Hi Uncle Ren." Darien walked and smiled at the four of them.
"I see we are all up."
"Yeah Uncle Ren. Tiffany and I are going horseback riding this morning." Amber swallowed the spoonful of cereal she put into her mouth. Tiffany just nodded her head as she had too much food in her mouth to speak at the moment.
"Horseback riding, huh? Sounds like fun girls." Darien turned to see Raye was wiping off some food that Jared had all over his face.
"Where is Ann this morning?" Raye asked as she continued feeding her son. Darien could see the mess Jared had made all over his elephant bib. Jared laughed as he picked up the cheerios on his little tray and stuffed his mouth. Raye shook her head as she waited for him to eat the food in his mouth. She held the spoon of mashed bananas patiently.
"She is still asleep. I tried knocking on her door, but she didn't answer. I guess she is a very heavy sleeper." Darien shrugged his shoulders and pulled out a bowl and spoon for himself. He sat down and began to pour himself some breakfast.
"Mommy, we are done. What time is it?" Amber and Tiffany came to stand next to their mother after putting their bowls in the sink. Both girls seemed to be bouncing up and down excitedly.
"It's a quarter till ten." Raye looked at her watch.
"Mommy, we have to go now." The girls began to whine.
"Ok. Give me just one minute and we can go." Raye began to wipe off Jared and start to get ready for their ride. However that was going to change the moment Raye and Darien's mother walked through the door.
"Raye, I need you to come into town with me. The Masons wanted to meet this morning about the donation we gave them this year. They also wanted to discuss some of the plans for the women's center they are building in town."
"Mother, I have plans with the girls this morning. Could it possibly wait?" Raye sighed as she looked at her mother knowing full well it couldn't.
"I am sorry, Raye. No, it can't wait. We need to get these final plans taken care of especially if we want to start construction in 3 weeks." Gaia walked to the table where everyone sat and gave everyone a kiss on their foreheads.
Raye knew there was nothing she could do. She was going to have to cancel the plans. Raye turned to her girls, "I am sorry, girls. It doesn't look like we will be able to go riding."
"But mommy..." whined Tiffany as the tears started to well up in her purple eyes.
"Mommy, Emily and her mommy are waiting for us." Amber sniffed.
"I am sorry, girls. There is nothing I can do." Raye sighed heavily.
"I can take them." Darien spoke up. He didn't want the girls to be sad and he had felt bad about them not going. He figured since he didn't have plans this morning he might as well take them.
"Really?" The girls asked in unison. Hope shone brightly in their little eyes.
"Yes. I will take you two." Darien laughed when he saw them jump up and down happily.
"Are you sure, Darien?" Raye looked at Darien. She didn't know if she should tell him just who he was going with. She guessed either way he would find out. At least this way they would be with the kids and nothing could happen with them there. She could hope nothing would happen, but she knew there would be fireworks when those two saw each other again. She shook her head of those thoughts. It was not her concern.
"Yeah. NO problem." Darien stood up and put his bowl in the sink.
"Ok then, it is settled. You girls have a good time with your uncle. And please behave yourselves." Raye kissed her daughters' foreheads and began to carry Jared out of the kitchen with her.
"Have a nice time girls." Gaia smiled at Darien and left the kitchen to get ready.
"Uncle Ren, what time is it?" Amber asked.
"It is ten o'clock." Darien looked at his watch.
"Ahhh. We needed to go before they leave us." Amber and Tiffany ran to Darien and grabbed his hands and pulled him out the back door. Darien smiled to himself as he was dragged by the girls. 'Yes, this will definitely keep my mind off Serena.'
"Well honey. It looks like their not here yet." Serena looked around the stables. She saw Manny, the stable hand, cleaning out one of the stalls. She would have to remember to say hi to him later.
"Are you sure we aren't late?" Emily looked up at her mother. She had been so excited about going horseback riding with her new friends. She just hoped they were a little late.
"Why don't you go wait outside for them? I will just get the horse ready we will ride." Serena smiled at her daughter's surprised face.
"You mean we will still go riding even if they aren't here?" Her eyes shined with amazment of the woman before her.
"Of course silly. I promised you, didn't I?" Serena laughed as her daughter threw herself at her, crying
"Thank you."
"Now go wait for them." Serena put Emily down and waited for her to go out the stable doors. Once she was gone, she turned to the tan and white horse she would riding. Looking toward Manny again, she waved hello. Manny stopped what he was doing and came to help Serena.
Emily walked outside and looked around. She couldn't see over the fence so she decided she would just have to change that. She climbed up onto the fence and stuck her head over the top board. She could see someone was coming. As they got closer, she could see it was her new friends. Emily got down off the fence and went to greet the girls.
"Hi! I was scared you guys weren't going to come."
Amber and Tiffany shook their heads, "Sorry. Our mommy was busy, but our uncle said he would take us. Actually here he comes now." The girls turned to the dark haired man coming closer to them.
"Uncle Ren, this is our new friend, Emily." Amber smiled widely.
Darien took a closer look at the young girl. She had dark shoulder length hair and the deepest blue eyes he had ever seen. They reminded him of a dark luminous night, but they also seemed so familiar to him. He then realized it was the same girl he had seen with Serena yesterday.
"Emily, did they arrive yet?" Out stepped the woman who had haunted his sleep last night.
"Serena?"
Serena stood rooted to the spot as she stared at Emily's father. "Darien?" Darien smiled, this wasn't going to be too bad.
"Mommy, this is Amber and Tiffany's uncle. He is going to be taking them riding with us." Emily tugged on Serena's shirt.
She looked down at her daughter smiling, "Great honey." All of Serena's insides were turning to mush and her stomach seem to be doing flip flops. 'I am going to be fine.' She kept repeating to herself and in between that she was telling herself to breath.
How could fate be so cruel? Not only did Serena have to see Darien before she was ready, but her current state of mind could not wrap itself around the idea of having Darien and Emily so close. How was she supposed to tell him that the beautiful little girl that he was playing with was, in fact, his flesh and blood? Were the gods tormenting her or trying to force her hand?
The reason Serena ran away was because she thought he didn't want her, that he couldn't tell his parents what he wanted was her. Or just maybe Serena was terrified that he really didn't want her. That was the real cause for her fear. If he didn't want her, would he still want their little girl? Would she let her daughter feel the pain she feels? One thing was for sure. She did have to tell him the truth, but there was going to be no way this man will ever hurt her daughter. Never! She would be sure of that.
"Shall we go?" Darien smiled at the four females.
Today was going to be actually pretty nice. Not only was he going to spend time with the girls, he was going to spend time with Serena and her daughter. Serena's daughter, now that is a concept he wasn't ready for yet.
When did Serena have a daughter? And if she had a daughter then where is the girl's father? What kind of man was able to steal Serena's heart? He knew how Serena felt about marriage and children, so that would be the only reason she would have a child with a man. She wanted to be married and have a family with the man she loved, so where is this man she loved enough to give him a child?
The thought seem to ignite some deep emotions within him. She wasn't supposed to have a family with just anyone. She was suppose to have that family with him. She was his, but he failed her. He just now realized it. The perfect family stood in front of him and he wasn't a part of it. Knowing that the two people who should have been a part his life made his heart break. He suddenly found himself fighting to keep the anger that rose within him at bay.
He shook his head and followed the girls into the stables to get ready for their ride. He would try to enjoy the day with them even though his heart broke and his angry raged at knowing Serena had been with another.
What did he expect? She had been gone for quite a long time. It was only expected she would move on. He just didn't think she would move on so quickly. He looked at Emily and guessed that she was probably five. It would mean that either she had gotten pregnant before she left or right after. Either way it was a hard pill to swallow. Forgetting about where his thoughts were going, he helped Manny get the horses ready.
A couple of hours later, Serena realized it was time to head back. She turned to Darien. "Darien?"
"Yes?" Darien glanced at Serena as Emily leaned into her mother as they rode together.
"I think it is time to go back. Emily and I have to meet Mina." Serena looked down at her watch, "In about a 40 minutes, we are going into town for lunch and then to make arrangements at the funeral home."
You could hear the girls begin to whine. "Ahhhhh."
"I am sorry, but we do have plans." Serena smiled sadly at Amber and Tiffany.
"We can go riding again sometime."
"Can we, mommy?" Emily turned her head toward her mother.
"Yes, sweetie." Serena kissed the back of her daughter's head. Darien watched the display of affection between the two. It began to make him angry again. That was supposed to be his. He was supposed to be a part of their family, not some strange man. They began to head back to the stables with Darien being very quiet. Serena had decided it would be best if she didn't speak either.
"Manny!" Darien called as they enter the fence surrounding the stables. Darien hopped off, as Manny came out of the stables. Darien went to help the girls as Serena slid Emily off the horse.
"Do you want to come up to the house for a few minutes?" Amber and Tiffany ran up to Emily.
"Mommy, can I ?" Emily glanced at her mother. Serena wasn't sure if it was a good idea being left alone with Darien, but looking into her daughter's eyes.
"Sure, but only for a few minutes."
"Yeahhhhhhh!" The girls screamed. "You're it!" Yelled Amber as she tagged Emily and ran away laughing with her sister following closely behind her.
Serena watched the girls run off laughing. It was good to see Emily having fun. Serena slid down off the horse and took the reins leading the horse into the stables where Darien had went with Manny only a few seconds earlier.
After she was done Serena started to leave the stables, but before she could she was grabbed be the arm. She turned to the man holding her. "Yes Darien."
"Serena, we need to talk." Darien stared at the blond beauty in front of him. He so badly wanted to kiss the living daylights out of her. It took all his strength not to do what his heart wanted.
"I am sorry, Darien. I really have to get going. Mina is going to start worrying and I still have to find Emily." Serena sucked in a breath.
"You really have a beautiful daughter." Darien commented as he let go of her arm.
Serena swallowed the lump which had formed in her throat at his comment. "Thank you. She can be a handful, but she is my treasured gift." She felt so bad for not telling him the truth. He had a right to know that her beautiful daughter was his too. She was such a coward for keeping this secret.
"Where is her father?" Darien suddenly asked as anger start to grow. He didn't understand what made him ask, but he did want to know. Who was this man who could steal Serena's heart? Did she still love this man? Did she really ever love him?
It took him a long time to finally realize that he loved her, but it was already too late. However, for some reason she was brought back into his life and he would fight for her this time.
"What?" Serena began to panic. 'Why was he so curious about Emily's father? What am I supposed to tell him?'
"Where is her father? Shouldn't he be here with you dealing with your father's death? I mean where is the man who has stolen your heart?" With every word he spoke the more anger and confusion inside him grew.
All Serena could do was stare at the man before her. 'Why the hell did he care all of sudden?'
"What is it to you?" Serena raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. "Why do you care all of a sudden? You didn't care much when I was around. You couldn't even be straight with your parents about us so why does what I do concern you?"
All the anger which had built up and every other emotion Darien felt came pouring out. But all Serena saw and heard was anger. "I am just concerned. You don't have to be a bitch about it. Besides why not tell me about this man of yours? He must be perfect for you to start a family with him. I assume you must have met him right after you left." Darien breathed in. "He must be great for you to have just moved on so quickly. I thought you loved me, but I guess it was lie. I guess it was good you left since now you have the family you always wanted." Darien added sarcastically.
Serena couldn't believe the jackass. He was angry with her. How dare he! He had no right to be angry. He was the one who couldn't tell his parents about them. He was the reason she left so long ago. He was the reason she left her family behind so she didn't have to face him everyday. How dare he! Finally so pissed off, she let him hear what was on her mind.
"You bastard! How dare you speak to me like that. You have no right. I left because of you. I left my father and sister because I couldn't stand to be around you since you couldn't tell your parents the truth about us. How do you think it has made me feel all this time? The one person I loved and truly gave myself to couldn't tell his parents what he wanted. It made me think maybe you never wanted me or loved me." Tears wanted to fall from her eyes, but she kept them in check.
"You stated I lied when I told you I loved you. Well I can tell you, you are wrong. Dead wrong! I loved you with my whole heart and soul. You were the one who broke my heart not the other way around." Serena clinched her hands in tight fists at her sides.
"If that is so then what about Emily?" Darien looked Serena in the eyes challenging her.
"Are you that stupid?" Serena glared at him. "Have you really looked at her? I mean truly looked at her?"
"What do you mean?" Darien now had a confused expression on his face.
"She's your daughter, you jackass!" With that said Serena ran from the stables leaving a very stunned Darien rooted to the spot where he stood. He couldn't move. All that kept going through his mind was what Serena had just stated.
She's your daughter. She's your daughter. She's your daughter.
Darien began to think about what Emily looked like. How much she reminded him of something. That something being his own deep blue eyes. Why had he felt as if those two were his? Because they were. The two of them were his family. The girl he watched with Serena was his daughter, his and Serena's. It could mean she still loved him. She had to because she was raising their daughter alone. He still had a chance at winning Serena's heart again. There was no way he was going to let her leave him now especially not with his daughter.
As if finally being able to get his legs working, he ran in the direction Serena went. He needed to find Serena and Emily. It was all that matter to him at the moment.
Serena reached the main house and began to look for her daughter. Serena got closer to the pool when she heard a whiny voice approach her.
"Oh Darien darling. Where have you been? I have been so lonely. You should have waited for..." The woman stopped as she noticed it wasn't Darien she was speaking to.
"I am sorry. I thought you were Darien." Ann eyed the woman carefully. She was a pretty blond if you go for that kind of thing. She wore a pair of dark blue jeans and pale blue shirt. She noticed the blue shirt seem to bring out her eyes.
"No. It is my fault. I am sorry." Serena sighed heavily. "I am just looking for my daughter." Serena turned and looked around for Emily. She spotted her on the grass with the other girls.
"It was nice chatting with you, but I must go." Serena turned toward Emily and called for her. "Emily!" Serena walked up to Emily. She began to tell her it was time when she heard footsteps coming from the direction she had come from.
"Darien darling, your back." Ann grabbed a hold of Darien. Darien stood there with Ann hanging all over him. He could see Serena and Emily walking away. He noticed as Emily turned in his direction. He could see her deep blue eyes look at him in wonder.
"I missed you so much this morning. You should have waited for me." Ann pulled Darien's face to hers and kissed him on the mouth. At that exact moment Emily had stopped and Serena looked at what her daughter was staring at.
"Mommy is that Amber and Tiffany's auntie?" Emily asked innocently. Serena tried hard to hold back the tears .
"I don't know, honey. We should hurry though, Auntie Mina must be worried." They turned back around and continue toward their house.
'Never will I let him hurt, you baby. Never! He may have broken my heart, but I won't let him break yours.' Serena vowed silently. Darien pulled away from Ann and turned to see Serena and Emily walking away.
"Darien, was that Serena?" Darien turned to see his mother and Raye walk out of the house. He notice the concern look on his sister's face. He would have to remember to talk to her about it.
"Yeah mom. It was Serena." Darien spoke as he took some needed space away from Ann.
"Wow. She looks great. I wonder what she has been up to?" Gaia finally realizing something asked, "Was that her daughter?"
Raye turned to her mother, "Yes, it was. They were the ones we were suppose to go riding with." Darien looked at his sister knowing now, she did know Serena was in town and did not tell him.
"It is really sad. She had to come back to put her father to rest." Gaia stated as went back inside to see how long before lunch.
Raye walked over to her daughters to see how their morning went. Darien turned in the direction Serena and Emily left and noticed they had disappeared. Darien took a deep breath and finally realized Ann was talking to him. She was rambling on about sun bathing.
'Yes, really sad. But there is no way I am going to let her leave again.' With that in mind, Darien started to think of ways to talk to Serena and spend time with Emily.
Ok that was it for this chapter. How do you like the way Serena told him about his little girl? She does have a right to be angry and so does Darien, but right now all he knows is he loves Serena and feels really connected with Emily. Lets see how he will handle the situation now.
What about Ann and his parents? How will he handle them? Let me know what you think? Thanks.
