Coke, donuts and pizza…. Mmmm so much for new year's resolution #12- eat healthy. But anyway… if it helps me with this latest chapter then so be it!

Thanks To bubbles05, Moon-Daisuke, CharmedSerenity3, a-unique-rose (he will!), Goddess -Princess-Serenity, Bradybunch4529, rockfreak2003, Kay, Lady Dark Angel, Melanie-Chan (I'd love to send you some funny jokes but the stuff I write up for my stories are generally just some random thoughts or some things I think up at the last minute) and MoonPrincess568 (wow you've got a lot of name meanings there in your profile)

Title: Mystery Girl
Author: Crystal Saturn
Rated: PG 13
Chapter: 8- Unmistaken Identity

You know… I'm starting to really loathe the beach. Don't get me wrong. It does wonders for the soul and the mind and it's incredibly beautiful. But the company keeps disappearing on me and that part of it drives me totally bonkers. Ok not that I'm complaining much but you know… I thought my love life was bad before, but it's falling apart now! Not that I had one to begin with, but at least I'm not alone and desperate, renting out videos of naked women every weekend and… well… you know. But now, not only is the beach girl still disappearing, Serena's avoiding me too!

Thinks about getting down on his knees and shouting out to the skies 'OHHH WHY MUST YOU TORMENT ME?' No… that wouldn't be good.

So I make the wise decision of hurrying back home before I end up making a rather public display of my inner conflicts and the workings of my mind.

-BRRRRIINGGGGGG-

"Ok class, now don't forget your homework for tonight is to read over Chapter 4 in your text book and answer the questions on Particles and their Properties."

Physics. I think that's the one class that I actually do well in. Probably because I'm not staring at Serena or thinking about her as much. I like physics. It challenges the mind to think of something other than my woeful, tattered and rather non-existent relationships. Now, there's no better way to unwind than in gym class. Working up a sweat, working on the skills and coordination. Gym is grea-

-SMACK-

Am I really that fat? It seems to me I can't go one day without getting knocked over or run into. I bent over and helped the girl pick up her books. High school corridors and hallways are incredibly dangerous places. I think they should have traffic lights and road signs around. Or maybe I should just convert and become a bubble boy. Oh, imagine all the fun I could have with that! I could bowl myself down the hallways and knock everyone over like pins.

"I'm so sorry. My fault. I'm so clumsy." Her head was bowed as she scrambled to gather all her books together.

"It's alright Serena." I was trying to help her gather her books, I really was, but for some reason she looked different that afternoon. I mean, sure her glasses had fallen off and she looked a little stressed, but she looked up at me, and I knew there was something different about her today, although I couldn't quite pin point what it was. We stared at each other in the crowded hallway for a few seconds. I don't know what she was thinking but I was trying to figure something out. The way the light penetrated her blue eyes. I memorized every detail of them. Everything, from their depths to their colour. It was then that she realized she was staring back too. She blinked a few times and broke eye contact, she gasped slightly when she realized she had dropped her glasses.

Interesting...

If Serena needed glasses then why weren't they the first thing she picked up? And why hadn't she noticed they were missing until she saw them on the floor. She moved to pick up the glasses from by my side, but I was too fast. I held the gold rimmed lenses up to my face. Nothing, not a blur, no dizziness, no distorted vision. These were just plain lenses. Then why-

"Darien can I have my glasses back please?" She practically pounced on me, desperately trying to grab the glasses away from me.

"Why have you been avoiding me Serena?" I lifted the glasses up, higher than she could reach.

"Darien I need my glasses for my next class." Her voice sounded desperate, but hushed so that she wouldn't draw any attention.

"No you don't. These aren't prescription lenses. These are just plain fashion lenses." I raised an eyebrow, holding the glasses above her head.

"Darien." She grabbed hold of my arm and looked into my eyes with a desperate plea. "Please Darien…" That was it. I had another weak moment where my mind began to go into thinking mode, causing the rest of my body to go into standby mode. I stood there staring into space like an idiot while my mind raced with questions. Serena figured out what was happening and she was smart enough to make her move, gathering the rest of her books and taking her glasses from me before hurrying away.

"Darien… hey Darien what are you doing? We have gym man, hurry up, Hayward will chuck a fit if we're late again." Ken snapped me back to reality.

That evening I decided to seek some answers. I headed over to Serena's house and rang the doorbell.

"Hi Darien."

"Hi Mrs. Tsukino. Is Serena home?"

"Ahh… no she's gone to the beach for a bit of a surf. Do you want me to tell her you came by?"

"No that wont be necessary. I'll just talk to her at school."

"Ok Darien. Bye bye."

"Have a good afternoon Mrs. Tsukino."

Gone for a surf? Serena never mentioned having a surfboard before. Interesting…

But anyway, I had to get going soon or I'd be late for work. I hopped into my car and drove down to my work. The juice bar.

Ok so work was quite uneventful. Well, as it usually is. How busy do you expect a juice bar to get on a week day? A few shakes, some juice, a cocktail or two. Not much happening, that is, until she came in. Her long blonde hair cascading down her back, her sky blue eyes. Oh… those beautiful eyes that took my breath away. My beautiful beach angel just walked into where I worked.

"H-hi… Welcome t-to umm… Sand Bank J-Juice Bar. Can I help… I mean... can I… would you like anything?" Ok so this was quite great Darien Chiba losing his composure over a girl. But I wasn't ready for this, and she wasn't just any girl. Never, ever in my life was I expecting her to drop by at work, least of all today. And to top it off, she looked extra beautiful today.

"I'll just have a regular watermelon juice please." She gave me a small smile and looked through her purse. I smiled back and nodded. Turning around, I picked up a regular sized plastic cup. I was so nervous that I dropped it onto the bench top. Smooth move Darien. I fumbled with the cup for a second before moving towards the juice extractor. I stopped for a moment and wondered if this was a good idea. The last thing I needed was to have another 'Hurricane Darien' moment and ruin everything. I shook my head clear from all my thoughts and I began to push chopped up pieces of watermelon into the machine, watching it come out as liquid.

"That'll be $2 thanks." This time I managed to calm my nerves before I spoke. She handed me the money before taking the juice and placed a straw in it. I watched in awe as she took a sip and turned around, walking away.

No wait… wait… come back…. This is my chance… say something Darien you fool!

"Serena wait." It was now my time to sound desperate, but at least it got her attention. She stopped abruptly, turned and looked at me. "We need to talk." I added.

"I'm sorry. You must be mistaken." She turned around once more, forcing me to look at her back. "I'm not who you think I am." And with that, she left me standing there, watching as she walked away and disappeared out of my sight… again.

Now was that a revealing chapter or what? I hope it wasn't too confusing. Umm… they should only get more interesting from here. Hope you liked it! See you all again in 4 days. Don't forget to review!

Crystal Saturn