Emotions
Chapter Nine: Leaving
Serena started her senior year as 'Most Popular'. All the girls wanted to be her friends, and the guys wanted a piece of her. Lita, Mina, Amy, and Raye had to practically beat off Serena's admirers.
Darien was surprised. He had joked about her klutziness and had earned cherry lemonade, courtesy of Serena, and chocolate milkshake, courtesy of Andrew, on his head. He earned it, Andrew teased later as Darien tried to mop off the mess. Andrew got pummeled mercilessly.
Amy applied for the medical college an hour out of town and got accepted. The girls rejoiced. Lita was accepted in the culinary arts academy, and Mina, Raye, and Serena into the University. Raye got full responsibility of the Hikawa Temple, and continued to be the Fire Priestess. Chad helped.
Chase planned to go with Amy when she moved. She was moving out of town after school was over, and this was Chase's last year at the University. Andrew was the top of his class, and Michael was planning on going with Lita when she went to cooking school.
Serena and Darien spent as much time as they could together. They went on dates, to parties, to movies, or simply hung out together. It was one night that found them stargazing in the park.
Darien's head was cradled in Serena's lap. Her back was against the old sakura tree crowning the hill overlooking the lake. The full moon shone down on them, bathing them in its silver light as the stars twinkled. Her eyes scanned the sky.
Darien sensed something different, something not right. With a sigh he sat up and moved closer to Serena, ignoring her look of confusion. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.
She shook her head. "It's just…" she trailed off. He prodded gently, moving so that he leaned his back against the tree and she leaned against his chest, her hands over his arms around her waist. "I've been thinking about you leaving," she admitted. "I can't imagine five years without you here. I mean, we've just figured out this relationship thing, and when you leave," she paused, "we might find something else."
Darien softly touched his lips to her neck, smiling when she reacted with a shiver. "We'll be okay," he reassured her. "I'll come back single and loveless, I promise. I'll beg of your undying and eternal love as soon as I touch the threshold, and I'll embrace you with open arms."
Serena giggled at his dramatics. "And I will fight suitors, no matter if they are stronger or handsomer than you, so I may keep your love in my grasp." Darien chuckled and gently nipped her earlobe. Turning her head, she captured his lips in a soft kiss. They knew they would keep their promises.
Late September arrived. Serena had to rush from school to change from her uniform to something suitable to see Darien leave. Changing into hip huggers and a slim white silk shirt, she grabbed her jean jacket and her motorbike keys.
She gunned the motor and sped off. Her blonde hair whipped behind her as her eyes peered determinedly from behind the black visor. Serena maneuvered between cars, ignoring yelling college boys. It took her thirty minutes to reach the airport.
She asked directions to Gate 14H, Darien's gate. She half ran, half sprinted down the hallways, swerving to avoid knocking into people. The sign for the gate loomed into view. Serena saw her friends and their boyfriends standing next to Darien, who carried a computer bag on one shoulder.
Chase, Michael, Chad, and Andrew ceremoniously hugged Darien together, who complained of being squished. This only made them tighten their hug, then rain headlocks and head rubs on the poor soul. Serena, Raye, Mina, Lita, and Amy laughed uncontrollably as Darien extracted revenge by dropping his bag and head-locking them in return.
Each girl then hugged Darien good-naturedly, tears glistening in the corners of their eyes. Raye was first, almost breaking him in two. Lita gave him a slap on the back. Mina squeezed him almost to death, and Amy gave him a genuine hug. They made room for Serena to come to him.
She locked her arms around his neck, clinging to him with every last bit of her strength. He did the same, laying his chin on the top of her head. Serena could feel his heart beating rapidly. Pulling away, he pulled from his pocket a small velvet box.
"Promise me you'll be here waiting for me to return?" he asked, eyes bright. Serena nodded, locking gazes. He gave her the box, and she opened it, gasping at its contents.
Inside was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Clusters of tiny rubies formed petals of a medium-sized half-open rose, some precious petals already open. Sheets of emerald formed leaves surrounding the rose. A gold band supported the delicate rose.
Darien extracted the ring and placed it on her right ring finger. The almost hidden sun caught it and it sparkled. Serena looked up at Darien.
"It's a promise ring. I had it specially made," he said, a smile on his face. Reaching up, she brought his head down to hers to kiss him. The kiss was long and slow, a lover's kiss. When they broke apart, a voice over the announcement system called, "Final call for Flight 176 to Hawaii. Final call for Flight 176 to Hawaii."
"That's mine," Darien said reluctantly. He picked up his computer bag. The boys shared one more bear hug, and the girls voiced their good luck.
"Andrew." Andrew looked solemnly at his best friend. "Watch Serena for me, please," Darien asked, gently clasping Andrew's arm. Andrew nodded, and Darien smiled before turning to Serena.
She clung to him again, tears coursing down her face. He didn't want to leave, and she didn't want him to. The announcer called again, and Darien drew away, planting their last kiss on her lips. Serena drew away into the shelter of Andrew's protective arms as Darien walked to the gate and gave the flight attendant his ticket. Taking one last, searing glace, Darien boarded.
The gang watched out the window as the promised rain fell, splattering against the window. Serena started sobbing as the plane detached from the walkway and down the runway. Between the blurry tears she thought she saw Darien looking at her through one of the windows.
Andrew hugged her closer as the plane took off. She turned completely and buried her face in his chest, sobs rocking her body. They all felt sorry for her and sad to see her like this.
Darien was gone.
I know it's such a short chapter, but I couldn't write anymore on fear of crying. I know what you're thinking, 'Why should she be crying if she's the one writing the story?' But it's really sad. Please read & review!