Chapter 5

Darien came home half an hour later to Serena setting the table for their Christmas dinner. "You're finally home," she said as she went to hug and kiss him. "I was starting to get worried."

"I had to take care of some things, but I'm glad to be home now. It was a long day."

"It wasn't a good day was it?" she asked as they sat together on the couch in the den.

Darien half smiled at Serena. Sometimes he hated when she could see right through him, but at the same time it was what he loved about her. "I pulled a double shift at work to help a friend, but then I got fired because I didn't make a customer pay full price for their services. They didn't have enough money."

"Oh, Darien," Serena said leaning onto his chest.

"Don't worry," he said wrapping his arms around her. "We have enough money to get through the next month or so. I'll find another job by then. The Lord will provide. Meanwhile we can spend the extra time getting ready for the twins to come."

"If it'll make you feel better, I got you a Christmas present." She picked up the wrapped present from the table beside the couch an handed it to him.

Darien smiled and pulled out the wrapped present he had from his pocket. "I got you a present too," he said as he handed it to her. "We can open them together."

"Ok," Serena said excitedly. "1… 2… 3!" They both unwrapped their presents carefully and were shocked to silence. "Darien, this is beautiful," she said admiring the necklace with the charm on it.

Darien frowned a little when he saw the pocket watch holder, but focused his attention on Serena's present. "The heart can be your biggest charm for that bracelet you wear all the time." Serena frowned when he mentioned the charm. "What's wrong?"

Serena sighed sadly. "I traded my mom's charm bracelet so I'd have enough money to buy your case. Do you not like it? I saw you frown."

"I traded my pocket watch to get you that necklace," Darien said quietly. "Now I don't have anything to put in it."

Serena looked down sadly until an idea came to her head. "I can put my necklace inside and we can put the pocket watch holder in the center of the coffee table. That way it'll remind us of the sacrifices we made for each other."

"And show off both gifts that came from the heart," Darien said as he put an arm around Serena. "That's wonderful. I love you, Serena."

"And I love you too," Serena said as she kissed him. She got up taking Darien's hand in hers. "Are you ready to…" she screamed and squeezed his hand as a sharp pain shot through her stomach.

Darien got scared when she doubled over in pain. "Serena, what's wrong?"

"My stomach… it hurts so much… UGH!"

Darien led her to the couch and laid her down. "I'm calling 911," he said as he grabbed the phone.