Chapter 1

Three weeks after their first meeting Usagi and Mamoru got together. Minako had been a little heart broken that Mamoru hadn't chosen her, but after she met a blonde haired guy at the supermarket, Mamoru was forgotten and everything was good again.

And now two years after their first meeting Mamoru was planning to propose to Usagi. And for that he needed one of her friends, her best friend of course.

"So you are planning to propose? Isn't it a little early for that?"

"No, not really. Why should it be?" Mamoru asked the dark haired girl in front of him. "Why do you think so, Rei? Do you think she's not ready yet?"

Rei sighed. She couldn't tell him the truth, she just couldn't tell him that she herself was falling for the cute blonde. "You are both to young. You are going to finish your studies next year and Usagi has two years left. Where will you live? What if she gets pregnant?"

"I always wanted to have children." Mamoru reminded her.

"She should finish University first."

Mamoru sighed in despair. Why was this black haired beauty so difficult? "So you aren't gonna help me with picking out an engagement ring?" He gave her his best puppy-eyes look and nearly grinned when she grew weak. He kissed her cheek while she nodded slightly. "Thank you, thank you very much, Rei."

"But we will have to do it tomorrow afternoon." Rei said and already regretted her decision. "And now go, before Usagi worries where you are." Mamoru nodded, thanked Rei again and left her alone.

She laid down on her bed and buried her head in her pillow. What had she done? She should've said no. Now, she would have to pick out a wonderful ring for Usagi, but she wouldn't be to one to give it to her. She imagined Mamoru and Usagi marrying in this little chapel she had seen during her vacancy in Europe. Mamoru would look very handsome in a tux and then Usagi. A white flowing dress. Tears rolled down her cheeks while she imagined Mamoru and Usagi having a family. That thought nearly killed her.

Sobbing she reached for her phone and dialled a number. A few moments later a person picked up on the other end and said "Mizuno Ami. Hello?"

"Hey Ami! It's me. Rei."

"Hi Rei!" Of course Ami had heard that Reis voice was muffled. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah … I just … it's just …"

"Usagi? Do you want me to come?"

Rei laughed gently. "I would appreciate it."

"Okay, I'll be there in ten minutes. Bye."

"Wait! Ami, thank you." Rei wanted to cry again, it was good that she was able to depend on someone. And Ami Mizuno was definitely a person someone could count on.

With tears in her eyes she stumbled into her bathroom and looked in the small mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy and her hair a little messy. After a long glance into the mirror, she washed her face and dried it. She didn't have to put on make up for Ami. Ami would just see through it.

Five minutes later she heard the bell ringing and opened the door for Ami. "Hi." she said softly and let her blue haired friend in.

"Rei." Ami hugged her friend and watched her anxious. "What happened?" They sat down and Rei took a pillow to hug it.

"Mamoru's going to propose to Usa."

"He's going to … to propose?" Amis eyes grew wide, she hadn't seen that coming. "Wow, didn't see that coming. I knew it was serious, but that serious?"

"Oh come on, Ami! Everyone knew that they are that serious. Even I know it, but I can't help my feelings for her."

"Don't take it so hard Rei."

"I shouldn't take it so hard? Ami, do you know what you expect from me? She's going to say yes. They will marry, have children and live happily ever after. But what about me?"

"You are going to find love in someone else, I am sure about that." Ami saw the tears glistening in Reis eyes. Ami shook her head lightly. She had to do something, but she didn't really like it. "Maybe … maybe you should go away for a while. You could travel to Europe again, or to the USA, perhaps your feelings will vanish …"

"They won't vanish, just because of a little vacancy in Europe." Rei growled. "Maybe I should tell her how I feel?"

"Don't do that Rei. She's happy with Mamoru. They are meant to be together. Everyone knows that, even you."

"I thought you would be on my side." Rei clenched her fists.

"I am on nobody's side. I just want the best for you and Usagi. And for Usagi it's Mamoru." Ami was desperate to get her point through. How should she know how Rei felt? Ami didn't have a clue.

"And I thought that you are a person I can depend on."

"You can, you really can. Please Rei, go on vacation and when you get back we can see further."

"Promise me?"

"I promise!" Ami vowed. "I will tell the others that you are on vacation."

Rei nodded and stood up. It was time to pack. Maybe Ami was right. A vacation would distract her from her problems and maybe her feelings for Usagi would lessen. Then, suddenly, she remembered what she had promised to Mamoru. "Ami? Could you tell Mamoru that I won't be able to help him pick out an engagement ring?"

"Sure. I hope you feel better when you get home. I … I didn't want to sound rude or anything."

Rei smiled softly. "I know, Ami. Thank you for being there for me."

"Anytime. Just call me when you get nostalgic." Ami hugged her friend and held her close. "Everything will get better, believe me."

"I do. Ami, I do." How should they both know that nothing would get better?