Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon, or any of it's characters. I am simply borrowing them for a bit and will return them unharmed as soon as I am done with them.
Thanks to all my wonderful reviews! I'm glad people like the story so far. J
As this is my story, I will be slightly changing how everyone meets and maybe the order too. Sailor Moon and her scouts will be included, just give them some time.
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Chapter 4 ~
Serena was once again sitting on her window seat. Dawn was just breaking, bringing forth a wonderful day. Or at least Serena hoped it would be wonderful. It was her 14th birthday. Hopefully Mom and Dad remembered this year. Every year since Sammy was born something happened to overshadow her birthday, the only day that was really supposed to be just for her. Last year was the worst. She turned thirteen, an official teenager. She was so excited, so sure Mom and Dad were going to do something big to celebrate as they tended to forget. Sammy always got extravagant birthday parties. But it wasn't to be. Instead, Dad was given a tour around a local television station as part of his job and decided to bring Sammy along. The discussion all through dinner was what they saw and who they talked to. No one remembered anything about Serena's birthday. That night, and every night that week, she cried herself to sleep. But she didn't tell Mom and Dad. They wouldn't care anyway.
Slowly Serena got dressed in her favorite skirt and shirt. If nothing else, she was going to look cute for her birthday. She put her hair up with extra care to make sure that it looked perfect. She added a dab of makeup and headed downstairs.
Irene turned around to hand Sammy his breakfast when she noticed Serena. The shock of seeing her perpetually late daughter downstairs at a normal time shocked her so much she almost spilled Sammy's breakfast all over his lap. "Serena, what are you doing up so early? It's before 8 o'clock!"
"Yeah Meatball Head, you almost caused Mom to spill all over me. Then you'd really be asking for it." sneered Sammy. He knew he could say anything to his sister and she would be the one to get in trouble, the blessings of being a younger brother.
Serena just glared at her jerk of a younger brother. What her parents saw in him she will never understand. Yeah, he did get good grades and didn't trip and fall, but he didn't have to and he still got attention. "Mom, you wouldn't remember what day it is, do you?" questioned Serena in a small voice. She didn't want to get her hopes up that Mom would remember, but she knew she would be devastated with another birthday blown to smithereens by the demon from hell.
"Why do you ask Serena? I think it's the 29th, but I'm not sure. Oh wait, there is some big sale somewhere today isn't there. Sammy and I will have to check it out. He needs a new pair of pants and I think he scratched his game yesterday." mumbled Irene as she was cleaning the kitchen. It wouldn't do to have one dish in the sink at any given time.
"Yeah, I believe there is a sale somewhere downtown. I think I'm going to go for a walk, okay mom?" uttered Serena as she looked at the floor. It was much easier to again count the tiles in the floor than look at her mom right now, since Serena knew she would burst into tears if she did.
"I suppose that's fine. Come back sometime before dark, or whenever you get hungry."
And with that, Serena tore out of the house. She couldn't believe that some families all got along. She could understand if there was only one kid, but there obviously wasn't enough room in her parents' hearts for more than one child. They only had a financial responsibility for her, which they brought up every time she ruined an article of clothing because of her clumsiness.
Serena wandered around the park for awhile, enjoying the nice day. She loved to people watch. People were so funny. There were kids playing, couples walking hand-in-hand, people walking their pets, and many others. Some ran through the park as if the devil were at their heals. Others, similar to Serena now, walked through as though it didn't matter if they ever got through. The difference in kinds of people using the park is what made it a great.
WHAM! Suddenly Serena was on her butt. She must have run into something pretty sturdy, but she didn't remember any poles being in front of her. Paying more attention to where she was going was taking on more importance.
"Well, excuse me. I guess I didn't see you there."
Serena's head snapped up. There stood a tall, dark, and handsome man. She was sure that he had stepped out of a story book just for her birthday. "No, it was my fault. I didn't see you there, and before you had said something I thought I walked into a light pole," replied a blushing Serena.
Darien grinned at the girl. "I guess we are both at fault then. Here, let me help you up. My name is Darien, and what would yours be?"
"Serena"
"That's a beautiful name. Don't go running into anymore people or light poles, okay?" And with that statement he was off. Serena couldn't believe that someone that handsome and actually talked to her. Maybe this won't be such a bad birthday after all.
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(Back at Serena's home)
"I'm home!"
"Hi honey, how's your day been so far? Lunch is ready in the kitchen."
Ken was already walking that way, as lunch was always ready when he got home. "Is Serena up yet? I have something I want to give her."
"Yes, she was actually up quite early today. I think it was before 8 even. But she went for a walk like normal. Who knows when she'll be home. Sometimes I think we need to get her a cell just so we can get in touch with her when we need her," replied Irene.
That thought made Ken laugh. "Just what we need a teenager with a cell phone. Do you realize how expensive those can be if you go over your plan of minutes? She's responsible, if a bit klutzy. No, I wanted to give her the gift I bought for her birthday. Today is the thirtieth."
"OH NO! I totally mixed up the days. I was sure today was the 29th. She probably thinks that I forgot another birthday. I'm sure she hates me. All I seem to do is forget her important events and dates and scold her. She's not like Sammy who has to remind us 6 times a day of his birthday or whatever event is coming up. I feel horrible," sobbed Irene. She didn't want to be a bad mother, but she didn't know how to deal with Serena.
"Don't worry. She'll be back sometime soon and you can make it up to her then," soothed Ken.
"It won't be the same. She will know someone reminded me. How would you like it if your mother forgot your birthday for the third year in a row and had to be reminded? It's a wonder she talks to me at all."
"She loves you Irene. Just remember that."
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Dusk was falling when Serena returned from her day. She had met up with Molly, who did remember it was her birthday, and they spent the day doing whatever Serena wanted. They went to a movie, hung out at the arcade, and went window shopping as neither of them had much money. Overall it was a great day. Now if only her parents would remember.
"SURPRISE!!! Happy birthday Serena!" yelled her parents. They had decked out the house with birthday ribbons and balloons. It was a small party, just being family, but Serena was touched. They had remembered after all. Maybe it was just an act that her mom had put on this morning so that she wouldn't suspect.
"Thanks everyone! I can't believe you remembered."
"I'm sorry you ever had to doubt us Serena. Lets cut the cake and get on with presents," replied a smiling Irene.
'Maybe they do love me,' thought Serena. 'Maybe this is the beginning of something different."
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