It had been just three days since Serena had moved into Darien's apartment. Darien had the afternoon off so the couple had decided to invite their friends over to give them the news of Serena's pregnancy. The get-together was scheduled for 2:00 that afternoon. At 1:50, Serena was pacing back and forth in the living room.

"Serena, sit down before you wear yourself out," Darien said.

"I can't help it, Darien. I'm just nervous," Serena said.

"It's like I keep telling you, there's nothing to be nervous about. The girls are not like your father. I can very well imagine them offering to help you out in any way they can," Darien said. "The guys won't be as enthusiastic, but they will be supportive."

"Oh, Darien. You know just what to say to make me feel better," Serena said and sat next to Darien on the sofa. Darien held Serena close for a few seconds before lifting her chin and planting a soft kiss on her lips. The kiss was interrupted by the sound of the buzzer. The whole crew had arrived at once. Amy, Raye, Lita, and Mina all sat beside their sweethearts. It was nice that everyone in the group was going steady. Once everyone was seated, Serena once again sat beside Darien on the sofa.

"Now, I know you're wondering why I moved in with Darien so suddenly," Serena said. "But, I can assure you that it's nothing bad."

"What is it then?" Raye asked.

"I found out just a few days ago that I'm going to have a baby," Serena said.

"Are you serious?" Lita asked. "You're pregnant?"

"I'm very serious," Serena said.

"Is it Darien's baby?" Mina asked.

"Well, duh! Of course it is," Serena said. "And the reason I moved out of my parents' house is that my dad sort of forced me to."

"Did he kick you out because of the baby?" Amy asked.

"Yes, sort of. He told me that if I stayed I would either have to have an abortion or give the baby up for adoption," Serena said. "I just couldn't kill my own flesh and blood and Darien had already told me that he wanted us to raise it together."

"Way to go, man!" the guys all said.

"You'll make an awesome father, Darien," Andrew said. "You've always had that quality."

"Thanks, guys," Darien said.

"How far along are you?" Amy asked, directing her question at Serena.

"Almost 8 weeks," Serena replied. "I'm really thankful that I've managed to bypass the dreaded morning sickness. To hear my mom talk about it sometimes, you'd have thought it would have been easier to stick pins in your eyes."

"Eww, Serena. Gross!" Mina said.

"But that's what she made it sound like," Serena said.

"Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?" Ken asked.

"I'm not really sure right now," Darien answered. "I think every man wants a son, but I wouldn't mind a daughter as long as she looks just like her mother." Darien then gave Serena a kiss on the cheek, causing her to blush.

"Also, when the time comes, I want you girls to be godmothers," Serena said.

"You know we will," Mina said. "Now, I can hardly wait until that little one is born. If you're 8 weeks pregnant, when would the baby be due?"

"Sometime between the middle and the end of February," Amy quickly calculated. Amy was the group's genius and always figured things out quicker than anyone else.

"Oh, Serena. Imagine if the baby's born on Valentine's Day," Mina said. "That would be so awesome."

"Yeah, it would be, but I'd want my baby to have a day of its own. I wouldn't want it to have to share its birthday with a worldwide holiday," Serena said.

"Serena's right. I'm not too crazy about that idea either," Darien said.

"So, Darien, now that Serena's expecting, when are you gonna pop the question?" Andrew teased. Darien turned beet red.

"I don't think either of us is ready for marriage yet," Darien replied. "Besides, how is Serena supposed to deal with the stress of planning a wedding, finishing high school, and caring for a baby?"

"You're right. I hadn't thought of that," Andrew said.

"And besides, I probably won't be returning to school this year anyway. Well, I probably will for the first semester, but after that I'll have to stay at home," Serena said. "I mean, think about it. Imagine me going into labor in the middle of the Valentine's Day dance."

"Serena, it shouldn't matter whether you're having a baby or not," Raye said. "Remember how we've been planning our graduation together. It just wouldn't be the same without you."

"Raye's right, Serena. You have to come back to school this year," Lita said.

"I know that we were all looking forward to this, but I have to think about what's best for the baby. I can't very well bring it to school with me," Serena said.

"There's always day care," Lita said.

"Yes, but what kind of a mother would I be to have a baby and then put it in day care for the first few months. That will be the most influential time of its life," Serena said.

"Serena's right," Amy said from her seat on the armchair. "Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the things we want. Serena obviously wants to keep her baby so she will have to give up a few things. One of them will be graduating on schedule."

"I know, but it's going to be so hard without you Serena," Mina said.

"Just be strong, you guys. If I can handle being a mother at 17, you can handle graduation without me," Serena said. "But, don't worry, Darien, the baby, and I will still be at the ceremony."

"It just won't be the same without you, girl," Lita said. "But, you're right. That baby is your top priority."

"And, no matter what happens, Serena, you know that you can count on us," Mina said.

"You guys are the best friends a girl could have," Serena said as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Oh, Serena, don't cry," Raye said as she moved to hug her friend. The other three girls all moved in for a group hug. As her friends hugged her close, Serena let the tears fall. She was so blessed in her life. Even though her father was being a total jerk, she still had her mother, her wonderful friends, and of course, she had Darien.

After sitting around and chatting about the upcoming school year, Serena's friends gave her a farewell hug while Darien's friends all slapped him on the back in congratulations before leaving the couple alone.

"Darien, do believe in the perfect life?" she asked.

"Sometimes, but then again, no one's life is perfect," Darien replied.

"I know, but mine seems so close to perfect right now, it's starting to scare me," Serena said.

"Well, there are many great things in life. Take mine for example. I have an awesome career ahead of me. I've had great friends throughout my life. And, now, I have a child on the way with the most kind and beautiful girl in world," Darien said. He then grabbed Serena's hand and pulled her to her feet. Once her body was pressed against his, Darien leaned in and gave Serena the deepest, most passionate kiss he could manage. With the kiss still in progress, Darien lifted Serena off the floor and carried her to the bedroom.