Winning Love: Chapter Four
Alicia Blade

Edited on the airplane and posted from the hotel... on my first ever business trip! Sorry this chapter took so long to post. Enjoy!

Chapter Four
A Day at the Beach

"Well, I do," Serena stated, very seriously, before tying her hands behind my neck and pulling my lips to hers.

I froze. Every synapses in my brain and nerve in my body was stunned, conquered by the feel of her lips against mine and her long fingers toying with my hair. Some voice in the back of my head tried to remind the rest of me that she was drunk and probably had no clue what she was doing... but even that lone voice didn't seem to mind too much. I allowed my eyes to close and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

Through the onslaught of emotion coursing through me, I somehow detected the bitter taste of spiked punch on her breath, and it became the most delicious taste my mouth had ever encountered. My lips tingled with desire, my hands were shaking where they caressed her dress and the cool skin of her bare arms and all I wanted was to remain like that forever. To never let our lips separate. To grow old in her embrace.

But slowly, through a foggy haze of fantastic perfection, my mind began to focus, and I knew I had to end it. I regretted knowing that I was using her, taking advantage of her in such a vulnerable state. Reluctantly, I pushed her away. She looked at me, her big blue eyes confused and dark and full of a secret dream that I thought must mimic my own. I smiled lightly and pushed her back onto the pillows, tucking a blanket beneath her chin. She watched me silently as I stood from the bed, teeterig on my feet for the shortest of moments--my knees felt awkwardly weak--and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Get some sleep, my princess," I murmured and her confused expression melted away to a warm smile, immediately followed by a yawn.

I left the room and closed the door behind me, stumbling out to the living room and collapsing onto the green couch. For a while I strained to feel her in my arms again, and maybe even came close to succeeding, just as I had imagined her by my side time and time again. It was easier now to grasp, having finally had the sensation of holding her--kissing her--but nevertheless I soon let the dream go, inhaling a deep breath. Even the most wonderful of fantasies didn't come close to comparing.

I could only hope that I would someday have the chance again to hold her, without the inebriation. And that I could call her my princess without her half-sleeping state, a term that had slipped thoughtlessly from my lips, that I wondered if I should feel guilty for. After all, I already had a princess--the mysterious stranger in my dreams. Who was I to compare the two?

But the fact was that Serena was in my mind a hundred times a princess, and the girl in my dreams only an ethereal figment. Serena is the one my heart belongs to. Beautiful, loving, sweet Serena.

My princess.

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"Please, Tuxedo Mask, bring me the crystal..."

"Who are you?"

"Let me be free again. Let us be free again..."

"Please, let me see you, please..."

I woke up in a cold sweat, the hollow words still echoing, the damp feel of fog marking my skin with goose flesh.

Groaning, I got up and walked into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, realizing too late that I'd slept in my tux and immediatetely dreading a dry-cleaning bill. Checking the clock I noticed it was already after 9:00, which made me pause. I almost never slept in my 7:30, even on the weekends. The ball must have really worn me out last night.

Thinking of the ball erased the lingering effects of the dream, happy memories seeping into its place. Serena dancing in my arms, falling asleep against my chest, winding my hair around her fingers, kissing me...

My fingers absentmindedly traced my lips until the coffee pot began to burble. I languidly poured myself a cup and sipped it slowly, relishing in the warmth on my throat and the aromatic steam wafting against my nose.

When it was gone, I waltzed into my bedroom to grab a change of clothes and discovered an angel asleep on my bed. Her blonde hair, still in ponytails, was strewn carelessly about her petite body. Her pale cheeks glowed in the morning sunlight that streamed through the curtains. Her long eyelashes brushed sootily against her porcelain skin. The blankets were thrown down to her knees, and her white dress was disheveled and twisted around her body like a second skin.

I stood and stared adoringly for a long time, my heart beat skipping every time she stirred. When I could no longer determine if my sanity had been completely destroyed or completely restored, I meandered to the closet and grabbed a pair of jeans and T-shirt, then made my way out the door, stealing one more glance at the sleeping angel.

I took a quick shower and dressed. Emerging, I heard a soft whimpering coming from my bedroom. Inside, I saw Serena tossing and turning, her brow drawn into a tight frown. I walked up to the bed to try and wake her, but as I came closer, she rolled toward me and muttered words that stopped me in my tracks.

"Tu... Tuxedo Ma... Tuxedo Mask, no... don't... don't..."

My breath caught and my feet froze beneath me.

"The crystal. Have the... crys... Tuxedo Mask... don't go..."

I stood blinking at her for a few seconds, unable to think. Had... Serena just asked me for the crystal? In a few moments, I realized she had quit tossing and turning, and once again lay still. Immediately, I ran into the kitchen to grab another cup of coffee. I had nearly finished my third when I heard a yawn from the doorway. Turning, I saw Serena stretching both arms above her head, her dress clinged to her stomach and thighs and her hair falling out of the buns on either side. I stared for a few minutes, until I realized she was returning my gaze, and blushing. How is it that whenever I think she couldn't be any more beautiful, she always manages to prove me wrong?

"Uh... you want some coffee?"

She sourly screwed her face and I laughed.

"How about some cocoa?"

Her eyes brightened. "Sure!"

I set about heating up a cup of milk and digging through my cabinet for the cocoa powder when she suddenly grabbed her arm and I turned to see her holding her head and swaying.

"What is it? What's wrong?" I asked, panicked and reached to steady her.

"I just got a major headache all the sudden..."

Sighing, I couldn't help but chuckle. "Next time maybe you'll think twice before drinking so much spiked punch." She glared at me. "So... did you sleep well?"

She looked at the floor for a moment, "Yeah, I guess so."

"It can be hard sleeping in a strange bed." She nodded. "Um... I think you were having a bad dream a little while ago..." I ventured as nonchalantly as possible. "You kept saying something about... Tuxedo Mask? And, um, crystals?"

She stared at me shocked for a second, until the microwave beeped and I was forced to turn away to finish up the cocoa. By the time I handed her the warm mug her nervous expression had disappeared.

"Oh, well, Tuxedo Mask is this way cool guy who saves the Sailor Scouts sometimes. You know, like Sailor Moon and all them. Uh, at least, that's what they say. I don't know, I've never met him in person. Who knows if he even exists? But you've probably heard about him, right?"

"Yeah... I've heard about him," I replied, swilling the last drops of coffee around the bottom of my cup. "And what about crystals?"

"Crystals? Well... um... oh, who knows what dreams are about anyway? I mean, I'm sure it's nothing. I don't know about any crystals. Do you?"

"Oh, uh, no... I just... don't want you to be having nightmares, that's all." We both laughed uncomfortably for a few seconds.

"Oh! Mom is going to kill me! I slept in this dress! She's most likely worried sick too! Great! Why am I here, anyway?"

I shrugged. "Your mom thinks you spent the night at Amy's. And you're here because you were drunk, and I don't think you're Dad would appreciate me bringing you home like that. And if you want we can run to the dry cleaner to have your dressed cleaned and pressed. I need to go there for my tux too."

"Oh, sure, that sounds like a good idea." She squinted her eyes in pain. "Now I know what a hangover is like. I think that could be my last drunken adventure."

"I think that would be very wise. Here, come sit down." I led her to the couch and took the hot cocoa away, setting it down on the end table. "Now, just relax for a bit. Don't try to think about it." I grabbed a towel from the kitchen and rinsed it in cold water, then returned to the couch. Forcing her to lie down, I brushed some hair away from her face and began to run the towel over her forehead.

She gasped. "It's cold!"

I smiled but didn't stop, nor did she ask me to. Her eyes were wide as they stared up at me, a smile dancing on the corners of her lips and I briefly considered leaning down and...

All but jumping to my feet I returned to the kitchen, throwing the towel in the sink and ignoring the burning in my cheeks. Over the counter, I saw her now sitting up, a blush covering her face as well, and I wondered if her thoughts could possibly have been on the same page as mine. Then I couldn't help but wonder if she remembered our shared kiss from the night before. I immediately knew that I didn't have the guts to ask.

"Um... do you feel any better?" I asked instead, flustered.

"Yeah, yeah thanks."

I sighed. "Um... why don't you finish up your cocoa, and you should drink a big glass of water too, to rehydrate. Then we should probably take our things to the cleaners before they get too busy."

"Yeah, I... I guess. But... what am I going to wear?"

The very rationality of the question surprised me, and that I hadn't even considered it. I tried not to let that show. "Well, I'm sure we can find something that fits. Come on." I ushered her into my room and began sifting through my closet, eventually grabbing a pair of jeans that were almost too small for me and a sweater. I left the room and closed the door, allowing her privacy. After a few minutes of waiting patiently in the hall, I heard a pitch of laughter from inside. "Uh, Serena?"

"Yeah, yeah, come in." I opened the door to see her standing in the center of the room. The sweater was dangling past her wrists and the pant legs were dragging nearly a foot on the floor. I tried to choke back a laugh, without much success, but she was giggling too. Twirling clumsily, nearly tripping on the pants, she looked up at me, still smiling.

"Fashionable, isn't it?" She began walking toward me, but her luck had worn out and she tripped on the jeans with a screech and flailing sleeves. I dashed forward and caught her beneath the arms, gently hauling her back to her feet. She peered up at me though her eyelashes and the room faded away around us. "I think... they're just a little too big."

I smiled down at her, unconsciously tightening my grip around her petite form. "Just a tad."

Swooping down, I lifted her off the floor and carried her to the bed, setting her down with her feet dangling over the edge. I knelt in front of her and begin to roll up the legs. She laughed and pointed haughtily at the floor. "Kneel, servant!"

I couldn't help but join in the laughter, shaking my head. "Your wish is my command, your majesty. All hail, Princess Meatball Head!"

"Hey! Don't call me that." She pouted, crossing her arms and almost tying the extra-long sleeves up in knots. I couldn't keep the silly grin from my face, delighted in her sheer adorability.

"I am sorry, your highness. Can you forgive me?" I lifted the heel of her foot, placing a butterfly kiss on the top, and her pout faded away to wide eyes and parted lips.

"Stop that," she whispered, taking her foot out of my grasp and putting it back down to the carpet.

"Why?" I lifted the other foot, kissing it just as lightly.

"Because... it tickles."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Then why aren't you laughing? Are you sure it tickles?" I kissed the foot again as a charming blush bloomed on the apples of her cheeks.

"Yes I'm sure. It tickles. So stop... please?"

"Please? Don't tell me the queen is saying please to her servant!" I kissed the other foot again and she suddenly yelped and jerked it away. "Darien! Stop! I'm very ticklish!"

I faked a surprised look. "You are? Really?"

"Yes, I am. So stop."

I cocked my head to the side. "I don't believe you. I think we'll have to test this claim." Lunging forward, I began tickling her stomach. Serena squealed and wrapped her arms around her, falling back on the bed amidst turbulent laughter.

"Darien!"

I climbed up beside her, never taking my fingers away from her stomach. She tried to roll away, but I put one arm on the other side t trap her. Her mouth was in a hopeless smile and her eyes were squeezed shut, tear beginning to fall down her cheeks.

"Darien, Stop! No more!"

And so I stopped. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before warily loooking up at me in a momentary truce. Taking one arm away from her stomach, she playfully smacked me in the chest.

"You are so mean!"

I simply smiled down at her as she slid beneath my arm and sat up. As if nothing had happened, I reached for the arm closest to me and rolled up the sleeve, then get to work on the other side.

"There, all done."

She hopped up off the bed and started walking to the doorway, but I just as quickly stood and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. "What? No thank you?"

"Absolutely not."

"Well, see if I ever serve your majesty again."

She huffed her shoulders and left the room, but in the mirror I caught the hint of a flushed smile. She disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes and came out with her hair redone.

"Ready to go?" I asked, grabbing her dress and my tuxedo.

"Yep."

"Do you want to take the car, or walk? Or... how about the motorcycle?"

She looked at me in surprise. "You ride a motorcycle?"

"Yeah."

"I've never rode on one..." she whispered in awe.

"The bike it is then." I fished out a pair of helmets, handing her one, and grabbed my wallet and keys, and we were on our way. In the parking garage on the lower level of my apartment building, I led her to the bike, relishing her expression.

"Do you like it?"

"It is wicked cool!"

I helped her onto the seat, letting her keep the clothes on her lap, then sat down in front of her.

"You'll have to hold on around my waist."

She hesitated briefly, and then did as I asked, her hands barely touching the cloth of my shirt. Turning the key, I felt the engine rumble beneath me, and her coy embrace quickly escalated into a vice-like grip as she clasped her arms around my waist.

"I'd like to be able to breathe," I joked and she barely loosened her hold as I backed out of the parking space, but as soon as we were cruising through the lot she grabbed on even tighter than before. Which was fine, because breathing is relatively overrated.

I took the long way to the cleaners--I'm sure you can imagine why--and once we arrived helped Serena off the bike. She was smiling brightly. Her eyes were wide from excitement and her hands trembling when I took the clothes from them.

"How was the ride?"

"F...fun!" She exclaimed, still shaking.

I draped an arm over her shoulders to calm her. She didn't back away, much to my relief.

The bell on the door rang as we entered the small room that smelled like bleach and fabric softener. Serena was still underneath my arm, though she wasn't shaking anymore. After awhile, the thought of her being there, so close, left my awareness almost entirely. It felt so normal and ordinary. Like we always were and always will be together and in each others' arms. I gave the clothing to a lady behind the counter, and was given a receipt and told to pick them up in an hour and a half.

"What now?" Serena asked once we were back in the parking lot.

"How about we go get brunch? I haven't had anything to eat except some coffee, and I don't think that counts."

"Oooohhh, can we go to that one new place... uh, Pikestreet Café I think."

"Sure. I've heard some great stuff about their desserts." She licked her lips in agreement.

And so I found myself taking the beautiful Meatball Head out to brunch, and stayed happily tucked beneath my arm until we were escorted to a table and sat down.

"How's your headache?"

"All better. I think the motorcycle helped it a little." Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glowed when she said that, an impish grin on her lips, and I couldn't tell if she was serious or not.

The waitress came and I ordered a cream-filled donut and coffee. Serena had three chocolate covered donuts and an extra large hot cocoa.

"So, do you have any idea why your parents want you home at noon?"

"Ummm, let me think... I'm sure there was something we were doing today... Oh yeah! We're going to the beach! Me and a whole bunch of friends and stuff."

"Like who?"

"Well, let's see," she began counting off on her fingers. "There's me of course, and Mom and Dad, Sammy, Amy, Lita, possibly that guy Lita's always talking about... uh, Kirk or Ben or something, Raye, and I think Chad is tagging along with her, and I think that's it."

"Sounds like a good turn out."

"Yeah... hey, you should come!"

"What? Me? Meatball Head, are you actually inviting me to do something with you?"

"Just say yes and let it go," she grumbled with evident embarrassment.

I chuckled. "Well, if you insist, I'd love to go."

"Great. You can get a ride down with my family if you'd like. My dad won't go ballistic as long as he knows you're just a friend, and Mom sure seemed to take a liking to you last night. It'll be so much fun!"

"Alright. After I drop you off, I'll wait a bit, then come over. I don't want them thinking you were at my house and not Amy's last night."

We agreed on the plan just as the food arrived and Serena's attention was properly diverted after that.

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After we'd picked up our stuff from the cleaners we headed back to my apartment. Serena changed into her dress and seeing her emerge from my bathroom once again left me speechless. I drove her home (in the car) and dropped her off a block away so her parents wouldn't see her coming home with me, almost feeling guilty about asking to lie about where she'd been, but not enough to risk my neck for it. Besides, she didn't seem to have any problem with it.

"Are you sure you want to be walking around like that? I bet at least five guys try to pick you up before you even get home," I asked, more serious than kidding.

"I'll be fine, Darien. Thanks... for everything."

"No problem. I'll see you in about half an hour, then."

"See you then!"

"Bye." I watched her until she reached her doorway, then ran home and packed my swim trunks, a T-shirt, and some sunblock, and then headed back to her house, feeling the whole time as if I was walking on a sunbeam.

Serena's mom answered the door again when I arrived.

"Oh hi, Darien! Serena told us that you would be coming along. I am so glad she invited you. Do you like the beach?"

Not particularly, but I really like your daughter.

"Oh yeah! I love the beach."

"Wonderful!" She ushered me inside, urging me to take a seat on the couch. "We'll be there probably until sundown tonight so I hope you don't have anything to do tomorrow morning, since we won't be back until around ten."

"Is it really that far a drive?"

"Oh yes. We're going all the way down to White Sands. Have you ever been there?"

"No, I haven't."

"BANG! You're dead." I turned my head to see the end of a plastic handgun pointed right between my eyes. After my initial surprise, I got the hint and grabbed my chest, falling off the couch and writhing.

"Aaahh! You got me!"

"Ha-ha. Hey you're not so bad at this game. Serena just yells at me and tells me to leave her alone."

I laughed and got back up on the couch, with a young boy of about eleven or twelve and sandy brown hair claiming the cushion next to me. Mrs. Tsukino left into the next room, saying something about packed lunches and juice boxes.

"Yeah. I can't see Meatball Head going for a cops and robbers type game."

He began laughing hysterically. "Meatball Head! Hadn't thought of that one!"

"Oh no! Not you too! Darien, see what you've done! I'll never get away from that stupid name if you keep telling every one I ever come in contact with! Now Sammy's going to be relentless!"

"Sorry Meatba..." My thoughts were cut short as I turned to the direction of her voice, my jaw still hanging open.

She stood at the foot of the staircase, wearing a pair of leather sandals with straps that crossed back and forth to the top of her ankles and a white spaghetti strapped dress which came to about mid-thigh. Through the sheer material one could barely make out a dark blue bikini. Each of her hair buns were wrapped with a string of flowers.

"What were you going to say, Darien?" she asked, taking note of what must have been a very foolish expression on my face as I gazed at her.

"Huh? Oh, I, uh..."

"That's what I thought." She giggled and walked past the couch and into the room her mom had disappeared into earlier, a distinct sashay in her steps that I'd never noticed her use before but that left my throat dry.

"Mom! Dad! Let's go!"

"Coming, dear." Her mom once again entered the room, carrying a picnic basket. A tall man with brown hair followed. When he saw me, I noticed him analyzing my appearance with a critical look.

"I call gunshot!" screamed Sammy.

"No, we'll let Darien have the front. He's our guest."

"Oh, uh, no that's fine. I'll sit in back. Doesn't bother me."

"Yay! See? So I can have front!"

"No," said the man, "your mother will sit up front with me and you'll sit in back with your sister and, uh... Mr. Chiba."

Mr. Chiba? I glanced at Serena but she was busy trying to take Sammy's plastic gun away and didn't catch my lopsided smile. I was surprised to realized she paid attention to me at all... I didn't remember telling her my last name.

"Please, sir, just call me Darien."

"Alright. You, of course, will call me Mr. Tsukino."

I gulped at the disapproving sound in his voice. "Uh... of course, sir." I helped carry a couple of bags filled with towels and snacks out to the car. Mr. Tsukino began shooting questions at me.

"How old are you?"

"I'm 19."

"What college do you go to? You do go to school, don't you?"

"Yes, I go to St. Joseph's Medical School."

"Oh, you are studying to be a doctor?"

"Neurosurgeon."

"Well, that's a good living, I guess..."

We all climbed into the car, me crammed into the middle of the backseat.

"So now," Kenny continued, "what exactly is your relationship to my daughter?"

"DAD!" screamed Serena, a blush noticeable on her cheeks.

I held back a laugh. "We're good friends." Smiling at Serena, I saw her look up at me, a ton of different emotions flashing by her face. First relief, then shame, joy, realization, and... disappointment?

Unable to respond, I turned away and began chatting with Sammy about his favorite scenes in Star Wars. After awhile, we began playing word games, travel BINGO, and Truth or Dare--without the Dare.

"Okay, Sammy," I asked, "who's your favorite super hero?"

"Hmmm... Wolverine from X-Men! Definitely!" He began to mimic Wolverine's fighting moves, making slashing and ripping sounds as he 'sliced' the chairs in front of us.

"No way!" countered Serena. "Tuxedo Mask is way cooler!"

I quirked an eyebrow. "Okay, Serena, what is it that makes Tuxedo Mask 'way cooler'?"

She blushed for a second, then her eyes lit up. "Well, first, he has those roses, which are so romantic! And the top hat and mask make him totally mysterious! And then there's the cape... oh! And his poetic speeches! And he's so heroic and dashing and handsome and..." she sighed as she retreated into her own fantasyland.

So! Serena has a crush on my alterego! Strangely enough, I felt the slightest tinge of jealousy. Could I be competing... with myself? What if she found out who I was? She would most likely jump at the chance to date me, sure. But... only because of Tux. Not because of who I am. So as tempting as the thought is, I know I can't tell her the truth. Not until I know her heart is for me, Darien Chiba. And then, of course, I'll tell her everything. She deserves to know, after all.

"Darien? Darien!" I look up to see Sammy waving a hand in front of my face.

"Yeah, kiddo?"

"It's about time!" said Serena. "I thought we were playing a game here and all the sudden you skip off to dreamland!"

"You're one to talk!" snapped Sammy. "Ms. Tuxedo Mask's fan club president!"

I held out both hands to separate the arguing siblings. "Alright! Break it up! C'mon, let's get back to the game. It's my turn to answer a question."

"Okay!" said Serena. She tilted her head and scrunched her brow in thought. "Let's see... ooh! Got it! Answer this Mr. Surgeon-in-Training-at-St.-Joseph's-Medical-School! Describe your dream girl!"

"That's not a question Meatball Head." I stated matter-of-factly. Okay, so I just really don't want to answer the question. I mean, I can't say she's a princess who always asks me to bring her crystals, and a 14-year-old with blue eyes and blonde meatballs doesn't work out too well, either.

"You know what I mean, Darien! Do you have to be so critical?"

I laughed. "Why do you want to know?"

"That doesn't matter. Just answer the question. OR STATEMENT! Whatever!"

"Alright, but I'm convinced you have ulterior motives." Her eyes widened but she tried to hide it with a glare. Nevertheless, she strangely didn't deny the accusation. "Let's see... the girl of my dreams would be funny and kind and loving and everyone who meets her loves her... but, she loves me." I clamped my mouth shut, feeling awkward at the confession.

"Darien... that's so... pretty."

I smiled into a comfortable silence, then Mr. Tsukino announced we were at the beach.

Serena and Sammy both cheered as the car came to a stop, before jumping out and running down the sand. I sighed and helped carry the bags again. After setting up my own towel, I went searching for Serena. She was surrounded by a large group of people. When I came close, I recognized Raye, wearing a red string bikini. The bottom half was covered by a black wrap-around skirt with large red roses printed on it. She looked beautiful, but I still couldn't keep my eyes off of Serena in that gauzy dress.

"Darien!" Raye screamed as she noticed me. Before I knew it, she had her arms wrapped tightly around my neck.

I managed to choke out, "Uh... hi, Raye. Think you could lay off the death grip a little?"

She giggled and backed away, blushing. "Sorry."

"No problem."

"Have you met everyone?"

I looked around and noticed a few unfamiliar faces. "No, not everyone."

She began to go down the list, pointing to each one in turn. "You know Serena, Amy, and Lita, and this is Chad and Ken."

"KEN!" screamed Serena, startling everyone. "I knew I was close!"

I smiled along with her while everyone else just stared, confused--especially poor Ken.

"Hey, why don't we go swimming?" offered Raye.

"Actually," spoke Amy in her usual soft tone, "I was planning on doing some reading in the sun. It is so relaxing on the beach, I'm sure I'll be able to get in some great studying."

We all groaned. "Lita and I were going to go surfing later on, you guys want to come?" asked Ken.

"Don't know how," Serena and I spoke in unison.

"Oh, it's a cinch. I'll teach you, okay Darien?" asked Raye, threading her arm through mine.

"Actually, I think I'll just watch."

"Oh, that's no fun!" said Serena. "How about we all go swimming for now, and then you guys can go boarding later, okay?"

"Sounds good to me!" exclaimed Lita cheerfully. "Amy, are you sure you don't want to come?"

"Of course she wants to come!" answered Serena, and Amy didn't disagree.

I looked over to the one person who hadn't yet said a word. Chad was staring mournfully at Raye's arm, still clutching mine. I hadn't bothered to move, knowing that it would just find its way there again, but the look in his eyes prompted me to jerk away.

"Let's get going then!" I tossed off my T-shirt and threw it in a heap along with my sandals in the sand. When I turned around, I saw four gorgeous ladies not far away. Raye had removed the wrap to reveal a pair of long legs beneath the bright red bikini.Lita had discarded a Hawaiian-print skirt and pale green tank top she had on earlier to show a dark green, strapless one-piece with gold trimming along the top. Amy wore a high cut one-piece with a light blue bodice and navy bottom half. But the most astonishing was Serena. The light dress was gone, displaying the blue bikini. I could clearly see now that it was strapless and had a pattern of very small yellow roses. Her long legs and small stomach and waist would have left any boy drooling in spite of himself--including me.

"Ready to go?" asked Ken. I briefly noticed Raye's eyes look me over, and then... did Serena's too?

"Yeah!" screamed Serena excitedly. "Let's go! Let's go!" She ran off to the waves breaking on the beach, the rest of us trailing behind her. I watched as she fearlessly plunged a toe into the waves, and then jumped back shrieking, "COLD!" The others ran in without nearly so much whining.

"What's wrong, Meatball Head?"

She looked at me, ignoring the name. "It's freezing!" I laughed.

"Oh, come on! It's not that cold! Here, I'll prove it to you!" In the blink of an eye, I scooped her into my arms and ran out into the water with her shreking in my ear the whole time. I pranced through the water, letting it splash up on my victim. Her hands were wrapped around my neck, fingernails digging into my back, but it didn't hurt. I don't think I could even feel pain with her so close to me.

"See Serena. It's not cold." I lowered her foot to the water. The instant it touched, she scrambled around in my arms until her legs were wrapped around my waist and her head resting against my chest.

"Don't you dare put me down! Don't you dare!"

"Honestly, Meatball Head, I don't think I could put you down if I wanted to!"

Suddenly, she realized the position we were in and looked up at me and blushed, but her hold only tightened. Grinning, I happened to look past her and saw Raye standing not too far away with a sad look on her face. I turned away. After waiting a few seconds just to feel Serena's warmth in my arms, I walked back to the shore. She happily clambered off of me. Once she was on her own two feet, she stood right in front of me and pointed her finger in my face.

"If you ever, EVER do that to me again I swear I'll..."

"You'll what?" I asked, trying as hard as I could to hold back a smile. Her face was so set in determination and she was so absolutely adorable! Finally, a quirky grin fell on the corners of my mouth.

"I'll... I'll... do something really bad!"

Losing self control, I broke into a fit of laughter. Soon, Serena did so herself, her finger still aimed at my face. Before she had stopped laughing, I took a hold of her hand and placed my free arm around her shoulders.

"I'm glad we have an agreement," I stated, smiles still lingering on both our faces.

"Darien?" We turned to see Raye not far from us, her eyes noticeably filling with tears.

"Raye, are you alright?" Serena asked with concern, her smile having faded as she almost immediately moved out of my grasp.

"Yeah, Meatball Head, I'm fine. Just need to talk to Darien, that's all." Serena glanced back at me.

"Uh... sure. I guess I'll go see what Amy's up to." She left, leaving Raye and I alone together. I gulped.

"You wanted to talk about something Raye?" She silently walked past me and I followed. She didn't say a word until we were pretty far up the beach, to where dried shells and driftwood had gathered.

"Darien, I..." She turned to face me. "I don't think we should see each other anymore."I blinked. I blinked again. Nope, she was still there, that sad expression still on her face. "I... uh... think you're... right..." Well, what was I supposed to say? 'Oh darn! I'm losing the girlfriend I never knew I had? I am so heartbroken. Boo-hoo.'

She sighed. "Yeah... I am right. So, we're friends then?"

"Uh... of course. Friends."

"Great." She forced a smile. "Oh, and I uh... don't care if you go for a friend or anything. I think you and Serena... would make a cute couple. So... good luck." I gawked at her as she walked off toward the others, before collapsing onto the sand.

Was Raye psychic or something? Come to think of it, I had heard such a rumor once. So did she really believe that Serena and I would make a cute couple? Did she know how much I like the girl? Or... has Serena said something about liking me? Now don't jump to conclusions, Darien. She probably just noted you flirting with each other and assumed...

I mean, I had been flirting with Serena. Or trying to, at least.

And... she'd been flirting with me too, right?

I sighed and stood up. Looking over the waves, I realized how perfect everything was actually turning out. Sure, there have been a few surprises along the way, but when it came right down to it, I couldn't imagine a more perfect day spent with a more perfect girl... and her friends and family.

As for Raye, she's a pretty girl, not to mention smart and interesting, and I know she'll find someone else. I'm not sure what hints I had given her that there was more between us than just friendship, but girls always have funny ways of looking at things and it's all in the past now. And I even somehow managed to garner Raye's consent to ask Serena out... not that I really needed her consent, but it was an added bonus.

With a smile, I rejoined the others. Amy was camped out on a large towel reading a book. Serena's family was farther down the shore, her parents talking while Sammy built a sand castle. Chad and Ken looked to be discussing surfboards and Raye was talking to Serena and Lita, who looked as though they were comforting her. As I come closer, Serena looked up at me, an unreadable look on her face. Her lips were pursed together and her brows knitted, but then her eyes seemed to brighten and there was a question in them... though I don't know what it was.

"Dudes!" said Chad, the first thing I had heard him say since we arrived. "Let's hit the waves!"

"Yeah!" chimed in Lita and Ken.

"Come on, Raye!" exclaimed Lita.

"Alright! Alright! I'm coming!"

"Darien and I'll watch," said Serena.

Within a few minutes, Chad, Raye, Lita, and Ken were running out toward the breakers. Serena came and stood next to me and we sat down together on the sand.

"Amy! Are you going to watch?" she called back to her friend who was about forty feet behind us. Amy glanced up, but then shook her head and returned to her book.

"How can that girl read so much?" I asked, attempting to lighten the mood, assuming thatRaye had told her what had happened and completely clueless as to her reaction to it all. Had she thought that Raye and I were dating too?

"Dunno." Was the only answer I got, followed by a silence, more uncomfortable than those we'd been sharing lately. The people in the water now had waves up to their waist and were getting on their boards on their stomachs. "So... uh... Raye... broke up with you?" Serena asked uncertainly.

"I guess so."

The silence stretched out again, but we could hear laughter from the ocean and the soothing candence of the waves that would have been so romantic and peaceful if my stomach hadn't been churning.

"Are... are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Is she?"

"I think she will be. Must have had a good reason to break up with you though. I mean... I think she really liked you."

I frowned. "I think... maybe she just realized that we aren't meant for each other."

"Maybe..." She dug her toes into the wet sand. "Did you really like her?"

"I... always thought of her as more a friend."

The surfers were just reaching some larger waves. Lita and Ken were in front and in unison climbed onto their feet, gliding above the water toward the shore. They reached knee deep and I could hear Lita laughing uncontrollably.

Back on the sea, Raye and Chad were just standing on their boards. They had caught a wave and Chad was beginning to career back to shore ... when Raye's board tipped and she was thrown into the dark water.

"RAYE!" Serena screamed jumping to her feet.

Chad, having seen her fall from the corner of his eye, jumped off his board, disappearing from sight as the lone board made its way down the wave. For a few moments neither one of them could be seen. We all ran to the edge of the beach, foam curling around our bare toes, searching for any sign of the two surfers. Finally there was an almost indistinguishablemovement and out of the water emerged a mop of brown hair, quickly followed by Raye's. Serena collapsed to her knees beside me, unable to hold back her relieved sob. Chad supported the inert body beneath her shoulders until the water was shallow enough to pick her up and carry her.

Raye's body hung limp in Chad's arms. Her raven black hair dangling loose and dripping. I could see tears streaming down Chad's cheeks. When he came to where the sand was dry, he laid her down, the rest of us forming a circle around them. My breath caught when Raye didn't immediately open her eyes. Chad fell to his knees beside her, quickly followed by Amy and I. Amy, being the first to recover from her shock, reached forward to check a pulse, but Chad was a step ahead. Tilting Raye's head back, Chad placed his mouth tightly over hers. Releasing her, he pressed his palms down on her chest.

"Be careful with her..." Amy whispered, but her warning was unncessary as he began to repeat the process.

We watched in scared silence. My medical training was just starting to kick in when I realized Chad was doing everything I would be doing. All we could do was hope. Lita and Serena were both crying fiercely, leaning on each other and holding one of Raye's cold hands.

"Come on, Raye," Chad called through his tears as he applied pressure to her sternum once more.

Then Raye's head flew to the side and Chad almost fell over with surprise as she choked up the salt water which had been harbored in her lungs. We all watchd with bated breath as she coughed and spit and gasped, before her breathing slowly adapted a regular rhythm. Chad grabbed her shoulders and stared at her hard for a second, and her violet eyes desperately tried to hold the gaze, before he wrapped his arms around her and cried into her wet hair. All onlookers breathed deep sighs of relief and soon Raye was being passed from one hug to the next until everyone had had their fill. Even I briefly wrapped my arms around the girl and was surprised to feel dampness in my eyes. It had been so long since I'd cried. Raye patted my arm and smiled at me assuringly, then pushed me away and fell back into Chad's open arms again.

"Chad, did you save me?" she asked bewilderedly, though with the slightest hint of teasing disbelief in her voice.

"Of course I saved you. I can't imagine this world without you, Raye. I need someone to boss me around at the temple." They both laughed in relief. In fact, we all did.

"Thank you, Chad. Thank you."

"C'mon, girl," said Lita, "you need to relax a bit. Let's get you up to the towels, okay?"

Chad helped her up, supporting her all the way up the shore. Lita watched her go, before flopping onto the sand ad burying her head in her knees and crying. Ken sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

Amy returned to her towel and opened her book, but I doubted that she was reading at all. Soon, she closed the book and laid down, allowing silent tears to roll unchecked down her cheeks.

I looked at Serena. She was staring hatefully at the ocean. Her teeth were clenched and her fists shook, but no tears had escaped. "Are you okay?"

"I'm not sure."

I didn't know what to say. All I wanted to do was comfort her. Let her know I was there for her. "Let's go for a walk, okay? I think we both need to get our minds off of this." She nodded.

I slid my arm around her waist and we began walking down the shore. It was approaching evening and we didn't talk for a long while, until I could no longer bare the silence.

"She's okay. Chad rescued her. You know that, right? She's going to be fine."

Serena stared at the sand. "I know... but... I somehow feel like it was my fault..."

"Serena, how could it possibly be your fault?"

She looked hesitant. "Darien... Raye liked you... a lot. And... I think she broke up with you because... she thought that you and I were..."

"Serena," I cut her off, "Raye loves you! She is a great girl and inside she knows there was nothing between us. She dumped me because things weren't working out. Raye and I weren't meant for each other, and she knows that." Serena still looked doubtful.

"It was an accident Serena. The board slipped or something. When Raye has her mind set on something, nothing can distract her... including us. Besides... I know Raye would have had no problem if something was suddenly to spring up between... us... or... something." I trailed off and looked away, but couldn't avoid Serena's suspicious gaze.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, she sort of told me that... uh... we'd make a cute couple."

Could I possibly be blushing again? But Serena soon started giggling and it was music to my ears.

"Great! I try to set her up with Chad, and this is what I get! Since when does she think she can play Cupid with me?"

"Wait... why were you trying to set her up with Chad?"

"Huh? Oh... I... uh... because..."

"Serena?"

"Well, I just didn't think... you two were made for each other..." I smiled down at her, daring to hope that maybe she had been just a tad jealous. It wasn't too farfetched... was it?

"Well... I can't say I disagree. Besides, Chad and Raye look like they'll be really good for each other, and he certainly likes her."

Just then, I looked across the waves to see the sunset beginning to grace the sky with reds and oranges and purples. "Look!" Serena turned to where I pointed.

"Oh! It's gorgeous!" I turned to see a small cliff behind us with a series of rocks that looked like a promising ladder.

"Come on!" I grabbed her hand and pulled her up to the ledge. We sat down, our legs dangling over the edge, and watched the yellow sun kissing the waves and sinking into slumber. Serena leaned against me and I wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

We sat in silence until long after the sun had disappeared and the rosy dusk had turned to a deep violet and a crisp wind made Serena shiver against me. I looked down to see her staring up at me, a look of pure amazement, but then she blushed and looked back over the waves. Then I noticed two familiar figures toward Us.

"Hey you two!" called Lita.

"We thought you might have gotten lost," added Raye.

"Raye!" exclaimed Serena, clambering down the small cliff. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, Meatball Head, I'm fine."

"Actually, she's great! Tell them, Raye!"

Raye blushed--the first time I had ever seen her do that. I leaped from the ledge to join the group and we started walking back toward the cars. "Well..." started Raye, "Chad, sort of, kind of..."

"He asked her out!" finished Lita.

"I can tell them myself, thank you!" yelled Raye, but her eyes were cheery all the same.

"Oh! That is so great! I always knew you would make a cute couple!" said Serena, overjoyed at her friend's news.

"Hey! Blood circulation would be nice!"

"Oh, sorry," Serena said and let her go, not looking sorry in the least.

"Speaking of cute couples," said Lita, "what were you two doing out here all this time?"

"Yeah," joined Raye, "where does your relationship stand?"

Serena and I both looked at the sand.

"I... uh... what... relationship?" she stuttered.

"We... we're just... friends..." I added.

Lita and Raye exchanged knowing glances and let it drop. Serena, on the other hand, wasn't about to let them have the last word. "And what about Ken, Lita? You two sure seem pretty close."

"Hey, we're just friends. We've been friends since second grade. So lay off!"

Serena giggled. "Sure Lita. Whatever you say."