Chapter 16: Come Back Down

I hope that you can find your way back
To the place where you belong

When you come back down
If you land on your feet
I hope you find a way to make it back to me
When you come around
I'll be there for you
Don't have to be alone with what you're going through

You're coming back down
You say you feel lost can I help you find it
When you come around
From time to time we all are blinded
You're coming back down
You don't have to tell me what you're feeling
I know what you're going through
I won't be the one that lets go of you

Serena stood beside Molly helping her slid on her 70's orange ball gown. Her mother fluffing up her curls. Serena smiled after she finished zipping it up.

"Perfect. You look like a goddess, Mols."
"Thanks."

"My beautiful babygirl!"

"Mom!"
"Sorry!" Melvin arrived in the limo with the boys. The other girls were getting ready with their mothers as well. They would be picked up one at a time, all dressed for the 70's theme prom party. Melvin knocked on the door.

"You get it," Molly said to Serena. Serena rushed to the door after snapping more photos. She opened the door.

"Hi, Melvin."

"Is she ready?"

"Coming!" Molly yelled from her room. Molly came out, holding her dress up. Melvin slightly fell back. Serena caught him.

"Mols, my beautiful Molly." Serena held back her tears.

"Don't forget, to give the girls their camera. And call me, leaving crazy messages."

"Come."

"No, you go, have fun."

"But..."

"Have fun."

"I will." They hugged. Serena wiped her eyes as she pulled away.

"Go, I don't want to cry all over you." Melvin put the flower on Molly's arm. They left after several pictures from Molly's mother.

"Well, looks like it's just us." Serena shook her head.

"Sorry, but...I need to take a walk."

"Will you be okay?" Serena nodded and hugged Molly's mother as she left.

Serena walked along the streets, tears in her eyes. She came to her parent's house. She stood outside. Sammy appeared in the window.

"Serena!" Her mother opened the door.

"Serena?" Serena went to stepped back. "Baby, come here." Serena shook her head. Sammy ran out the house and hugged her. Serena patted the top of his head. "What are you doing here, isn't tonight the prom?"

"Yeah, but...Darien and I can't…"

"Of course. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to...to give you two a hug and kiss." Serena hugged her mother. "I miss you guys."

"We miss you. Come in."

"Where's Papa?"

"These days, I couldn't tell you." Serena went inside. Her mother made tea, as Serena stood in the kitchen, holding Sammy.

"He still is going on about Darien?"

"He won't stop until he finds out something, anything to get him away from you."

"Why can't he just see that I love Darien?"

"He's your father." Serena took the cup. "Why are you here and not with Darien?"

"Just watching...watching Molly get ready with her Mom made me think about last year. You actually took me to Paris to get my dress last year. We had so much fun that night getting ready."

"We did." Serena's father came in.

"Honey!" Serena looked to the door.

"Kitchen, dear." The door opened.

"What is she doing here?"

"Your daughter just stopped by for a bit."

"I'll be in the study."

"No, I'll go."

"Serena, your tea."

"No, I should be getting back." She put Sammy down. "We'll hang out soon, little man."

"Promise?"

"Cross my fingers." Sammy did the same with her. "Bye Mommy."

"Bye, dear."

"Papa." Serena passed him.

Darien got the ring as Serena has arrived. It was pouring outside. Just as Serena felt on the inside, the storm carried on the outside. Nigel couldn't believe she was out in this type of storm. Darien looked around, making sure everything was set to perfection. Serena opened the door and found the place dark. She took off her wet shoes and jacket.

"Darien?" Serena walked down the hall. "Darien!" She pulled off her tee shirt and laid the keys down. She turned on the lights and gasped, holding the shirt to her chest. There was a "Prom banner" hanging along with glitter signs all about, with flowers, candles and balloons as if there was a prom. Serena covered her mouth. He had a romantic table set for 2 as well. Darien has cleared out his living room for this set up. He came down the steps in a tuxedo. Serena was crying.

"Since I couldn't take you a prom, I decided to give you, your senior prom."

"This is beautiful." She went to hug him and stopped.

"Baby, you're soaked!" Darien took her hands after rubbing her face.

"Yeah, it's raining pretty bad out there."

"Do you like it?" Serena looked around.

"Absolutely."

"I'm glad you like it. Come on, you need to change out of those wet clothes."

"Into what?"

"Something more elegant, the photographer will be here soon."

"Photographer?"

"Of course I want this to be exactly like a Prom. So, come on!"

"Darien!" He pulled her upstairs, where she showered. Darien had several boxes laid out on the bed as she came from the bathroom. "What are these?" Serena was rubbing her hair down.

"Open them in order."

"Okay. Did you wrap these?"

"Of course, expert wrapper here. Everything for my princess's big night." Serena picked up the first box and laughed. Nude/pink floral embroidered bra and matching tanga.

"And the right size, impressive."
"Took me a few hours to pick out the right pair." Darien rubbed her head down as Serena lifted the bra and tanga.

"Un huh, right. You sure you weren't scooping out other things?"
"Put them on." Serena arched her brow. She dropped her towel and seductively put them on.

"Now this one." Serena opened the next box and found Victoria's Secret, strawberries and champagne body lotion. She smelled the lotion and moaned. Darien had already brought the shower gel for her shower. Serena put it on.

"Ooo...silky smooth." She applied some to her feet. "What's next?"

"This one." Serena laughed as she found a make-up kit.

"How did you...?"

"Mina and the girls." Serena went over to the mirror and did her make-up. Darien stood behind her, pointing out and even helping at times with the eye shadow and blush, making her sparkle. Darien had to ask the girls which set to with his other surprises. Darien helped with Serena's hair, blow drying it and even helping curl it. Serena opened the next box, expecting her gown, but found pink and diamond studded strappy heel shoes.

"Now, I couldn't find glass slippers, princess, but I hope these will do."

"They are prefect." Darien kneeled down and slipped them on. He tied them perfectly around her ankles. The next box was a small bottle of 'So In Love' parfum spray. Serena sprayed some on her body, smiling at Darien. He held up the last box. Serena opened the last box, knowing it was too small for a dress, as she found pearl studs earrings, pearl necklace and bracelet. Once she was officially ready, minus the dress, Darien clapped his hands.

"Now, Cinderella, everything is set."

"Aren't you forgetting something, fairy godmo-father--whatever…"

"What?"

"My dress."

"Oh, right. A dress...damn..."

"Darien, quit playing!" He nodded to the closet. She walked over and opened the 2 doors and gasped as her dress hung inside his closet. She had to fan her eyes. Darien had brought her the perfect pink strapless ball gown with sweetheart neckline, floral ruched and beaded bodice, and many layers of pink over white and yellow-layered skirt.

"Come on, the photographer will be here soon." Serena nodded. He helped her into the dress. She stood looking at herself in the mirror with Darien behind her. He lifted her flower and put it on her wrist to match the flower on his suit. The doorbell rung. "That must be him."

"I'll be down in a second." Darien kissed her cheek and went to answer the door. Serena rushed to her phone. She lined up for a picture and sent it to Molly with 'I got my Prom too!' message. Molly opened her phone and saw Serena standing there. She gasped and covered her mouth. Melvin looked over. He smiled and hugged, as Molly wiped some tears.

"Serena! Come back down! He is waiting!" Serena came down. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was so in love with Darien.

"This is amazing!" Darien had a section for photos, where they took the pictures.

"How about a few dances?"
"Sure," Serena said. Darien changed the CD to another one he made especially for tonight. They danced, while the photographer took pictures. Darien brought over dinner that was still heated up in the kitchen. Darien brought out champagne.

"Now, this is just for tonight. Don't expect it every night."

"I have had champagne before Darien." He turned the top.

"I know, but still." Darien popped the cork. He poured 2 glasses. Serena took one. "To having your perfect Prom."

"No, our Prom." They cheered and took a sip. Serena giggled. "Tickles, I love when it does that." She took another sip.

"Let's eat."

"Okay." Darien helped her sit down and brought out the food. Serena moaned as ate. Darien taking pictures of them, enjoying their dinner. "This is the great, Darien."

"I'm glad you like it." They ate, until Serena gasped. 'Tonight' by Westlife came on.

"Dance with me." Serena got up and took his hand. They went to dance. Serena hugged him.

They kissed throughout the song.

"You smell so good," Darien moaned. He kissed her bare shoulder.

"Make love to me, Darien."

"No."

"Why not?" Serena smiled, as she held him tighter, locking her leg around him. Darien groaned.

"Don't think you can make me sped up tonight. I still have some things to do."

"Like what?"

"Surprises."

"Darien!" They danced into another song before heading back to eat. Darien feed her a chocolate covered strawberry. She licked his finger. Darien ate the rest of the strawberry. They went back to dancing, when Darien stopped.

"Time for surprises."

"Ooo..." Darien went over to his cupboard. He lifted 2 envelopes. "What is this?"

"Our King and Queen final ballots." Serena laughed. "You stand there."

"Okay." Darien opened the first one.

"Okay, tonight's King of 2006 Prom...well, well, what a surprise. Darien Shields!" Serena clapped after letting out a cheer. Darien opened a box.

"Way to go baby!"

"Wow, this was so unexpected." Serena laughed as Darien put on his red and gold crown with staff. Serena picked up the camera, taking photos. Darien posed for several, a few of them with silly locks. "Okay, okay. Thank you, thank you. Time for the announcement of Queen..." Darien opened the envelopes. "Oh, wow, this is a surprise. Our Queen tonight...none other than the beautiful, talented…Sissy Joe'!"

"Sissy Joe!" Darien laughed. Serena hit him. "Let me see that!" Darien pulled the letter back.

"Sorry, must need my glasses. My Queen, is none other than the beautiful and sexy, Serena Kingston West." Serena hugged him. He put on the crown and gave her the specter. Darien took photos. "Speech, speech."

"Oh, well. I am just happy to share this with the most handsome King in the world." They kissed. Darien set the camera to the stand to take more photos since the photographer left.

"And now, the King and Queen dance together. I hope this song is perfect." Darien turned to a special song. 'This I Promise You' by 'N Sync. Serena took his hand after Darien set the camera to take photos as they danced.

"Perfect." Darien wiped away her tears. She laid her head against his chest, as he held her close. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Any more surprises?"

"Just one more?"

"Where is it?"

"Upstairs." Serena smiled. They danced to several more slow songs before Darien lifted her into his arms. He carried her upstairs to their bedroom. Darien turned on the stereo.

"Where's my surprise?"

"Patience. Would like some more champagne?"

"Okay." Darien opened their second bottle on ice. He poured her a glass. They cheered. Darien drank his down in one gulp. Serena looked at him.

"Want more?" Darien poured himself another glassful.

"No, still just on the second sip. You okay?"

"Yeah. Ye-yeah." He drank the second one down straight.
"I have to go get another surprise, hold on." Darien went downstairs quickly.

"Okay." Serena noticed how quickly he slipped out, as if he was scared about something. She went over to the stereo. 'I'll Be Good For You' came on next. She smiled, turning it up. This CD was made from a lot of Serena's favorite group, 'N Sync, and their slow songs along with classic slow jams. Darien had ton a set of CDs just for tonight.

Darien returned with a silver plate, covered. He lifted the top and handed her fork. Serena moaned to the first bit of the chocolate cheesecake with raspberries. As Serena had her eyes closed as she ate and she didn't notice Darien pull out something. They ate the cake with smiles and kisses in between. "If this is the last surprise, you have done perfect. I couldn't ask for a better night or better Prom. Thank you so much." Serena went to kiss him, but Darien pulled back. "What?"

"There is one more thing I have to do." Serena looked at him. Darien pulled the fork from her hand, as she tried to get every last crumb. He put the plate on the dresser. He took a deep breath, as 'I Knew I Loved You' came on in the background. Serena's eyes went wide and she gasped as Darien got down on his knee before. "Serena, since the day my parents were taken from me, I have been searching for a family. I have been waiting all my life to find my perfect match, my soulmate. Then last fall I see this beautiful, pompous, hothead cheerleader that catches my eyes in the hall. She tried her tricks on me the first moment we met." Serena blushed with tears in her eyes. "And I resisted, which to this day I don't know how I did for so long. When I first saw you, I knew there was something about you. Something special. Something extraordinary in you. Not only were you exceptionally beautiful, but also you are brilliant, smartest woman I have ever met. If you really want something, you go out and get it. From the first moment we kissed, I felt complete. I am complete now that I have you. From the first moment I took you in my arms, I know there was no other woman I wanted to spend my life with. No other woman that fits me as perfectly as you do. Serena…" Serena closed her eyes to her tears. "I love you, Serena. You are the only woman I can say that with my whole heart, body and soul. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?" Serena's bottom lip was trembling. She nodded as the tears rolled down her face.

"Yes. A thousand times yes, I will marry you!" Serena's arms flew around his neck as she kissed him. Darien pulled apart just enough and took the ring out. He slid it onto her finger. He reached up and kissed her again. "I love you!"

"I love you too, princess."

As their clothes were taken off and pushing aside, the couple kissed passionately. Their lips always locked in a heated exchange. Darien kissed her neck, as he was above her. Serena moaned as he kissed down her neck and chest. He kissed her exposed nipple, before kissing the other nipple. Darien sucked lovingly on it. Serena ran her fingers through his head, loving the diamond ring on her left hand. It was beautiful. Most beautiful ring she has ever seen. Darien held her waist, as he kissed her stomach. His tongue sliding from her ribs, causing Serena to giggle a bit. Darien spread her legs. Her scent of her arousal made him harder if that was possible. Serena gasped, holding the back of his head, as Darien slowly licked her opening. His tongue caressing her, the way she needed.

"Darien!" Serena cried out. Darien smiled, drinking all honey, and loving every moment pushed him up and rolled on top of him. She kissed madly down his chest, Darien running his fingers through her blonde locks. He groaned as she kissed and licked his full length.

"Oh, Serena." She sucked him greedily, as his body shook in delight. "You are everything to me." He pulled her away, not wanting this to end so soon. Serena smiled, as he rolled her under him. He kissed her. Serena moaned, running her ringed hand along his strong back. Darien pulled away to press his lips to her nipples again. He kissed her on the lips, as he slid into her. Serena brought her legs around him, as Darien slid deeper inside her. They moved into that lovers' rhythm where two become one.

"Serena, I can't believe I have you. You make me feel so good."

"You are amazing."

"I lose myself with you. I love you."

"I love you too." Their tongue filled kisses caressed lovingly as their thrust grew stronger. Serena moaned in pure ecstasy. Every moment of their bodies a new pleasure through them. Again and again their bodies came together. Serena roamed her hands along his back, through his hair, holding on to his powerful thrust. Serena arched her back as the raw pleasure of her orgasm rippled through her body. She clung to Darien. He kissed her as she came back to Earth. She looked up at him, hungry for more. She pushed on his chest, rolling them over. She nipped at his neck, before she sat up on him. Darien laid back, watching Serena fix her hair back. His cock having slid out of her by her roll, pinned between them. She rubbed herself up and down him. Darien held the top of her hands on his chest. He took one and kissed her open palm.

"Do you like this?" Darien moaned. "Do you want me?"

"Oh Serena, I need you." His muscles tightened as she slid him inside her. His hips bounced up sharply, driving himself deeper into her.

"Oh yes!" She happily bouncing wild on him. She moved one hand from his chest, to running across his lips. Darien took a finger and sucked on it, loving this woman more and more. Serena moaned, loving how her perfectly fitted her. With every thrust, he stroked her perfectly. Darien's hands moved to her ribs, to her hips. They moved in exquisitely in unison. Darien becoming more powerful, until they both came. They both cried out in passion each other's names. Serena collapsed to his chest, Darien's arm wound around her back. They both smiled at each other, their heartbeats slowing down. After several minutes of just both of them breathing, slowing down their heart rates, Serena went back over to the stereo to start it over.

"Dance with me."

"Oh, want me to show you those moves again?" She nodded. She held her hand out for Darien. Took her in his arms, as they danced naked around the bedroom. Darien sat her to the edge of the bed, he went over to the stereo, "Most Beautiful Girl' by Prince came on again. He did a spun for her and turned to dancing for her. Serena covered her mouth as she laughed. Darien did his steps he made up for her from watching a few tapes and help of course from the guys and girls that he had saved up for earlier but chickened out. Even though, he had no idea what he was going, Darien tried his best. Serena gasped at his moves, covering her mouth from dying of laughing. She laughed finally as he looked like a fool with the movements of his steps from side to side. She stood up to kiss him quickly to stop him.

They fell to the bed kissing and didn't take but moments to be making love again. Darien laid above Serena, singing the song to her. "And if the stars ever fell one by one from the sky. I know Mars could not be uh, too far behind. Cuz baby, this kind of beauty has got no reason to ever be shy. Cuz honey, this kind of beauty is the kind that comes from inside. Could U be (Could U be?) The most beautiful boy in the world?" Darien said in a deep voice. Serena giggled. "So beautiful, beautiful…. Plain to see. You're the reason that God made a girl. Oh, ah...ahhhhhh, yeah!" Serena laughed at his high pitch scream. "You...you must be the...ahhhhhhh!" She cupped his face and kissed. "You're the reason that God made a girl. Oh, yeah... if the stars, ever fell….oh, oh yeah...could not be to far...oooh…ahhh…ahhhhhh...oh. Woohoo." Darien looked at her smiling.

"Oh, I love you!" Serena kissed him again.

Serena sat up against Darien's chest, as they watching tv after making love for what seem like hours. Serena examined her ring. She loved how it was so beautiful, so perfect on her hand. Darien watched her examining her hand with the ring. He couldn't but help but smile.

"Did you like your Prom?"

"I will never forget this night for the rest of my life, Darien. Everything…everything was perfect."

"I'm glad."

"It is exactly like I always dreamed of my Prom, making love to the man I love. Getting proposed to with a beautiful ring, though I did expect it in front of all my friends, so I can gloat. But this was better. I can gloat anytime. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"How much did the ring cost you?" Serena asked.

"Why?"

"Just wondering." Darien took her hand, fixing the ring on her finger to the center.

"Does it matter?" Darien asked.

"No, but tell me. I am about to your wife, and husbands and wives don't keep secret."

"Fine, about 20,000 dollars."

"Are you serious!" Darien laughed. Probably spent that on tonight, with everything, but he wasn't going to tell.

"No!"

"Ahh... loser!" She hit his chest.

"Don't worry, I still have plenty for the wedding."

"Mmm...our wedding. I can't wait." Serena turned and hugged him. They kissed passionately and went on to bed in each other's arms. Serena smiling contently with Darien. Both so very much in love, where it was meant to be.

AN: We are closing to the end, just a few chapters left, more like 4 or 5, but you get the point. Someone gets shot next... oooo...and Serena rethinks her whole life...will she give up all her hard work to please a stubborn old man...or will she follow her dreams, and the love of her life? All that and more next to come! Thanks to all the reviewers for taking the time to leave notes, I intend to keep up the good work :P