Okay, first and foremost, I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SORRY this took so long in coming! I spent all of July in Italy, which took away a month of writing, and when I came home I was forced to get a second job which had extremely extensive training that didn't calm down until now. I know I probably lost a lot of readers due to this hiatus, but to those of you that are stickin with me, thank you so much! You are the reason I keep writing. Just a note though, this chapter is a little longer, and for those of you waiting for the story's climax, I promise it won't be long now. Thank you guys so much for reading! Enjoy:)

The next few weeks passed quickly. I had work, essays, and midterms to attend to during the week, and my friends continued to see each other in the meantime. I'd love to say I got to hang out with them often, and even explore my new prospects with Darien, but usually I was waiting tables while they were out at the movies, or inside studying while they were out to dinner. I can't complain, this was the situation I made for myself, not to mention the fact that I'd most definitely miss Darien if I was constantly around couples--no matter how careful they were with public displays of affection.

Although Mal's confession in the weeks before had renewed a certain hope within me, I tried not to dwell on it. If Darien and I were ever going to happen, I knew it would be sometime in the far future. All the work I had now was a welcome distraction for the long road I knew lay ahead. Needless to say, however, when my dad entered my room while I was busy studying for my Government midterm bursting with excitement about new plans for Christmas, I was only too happy to set my notes aside.

"What's going on?" I asked, unable to see past the smirk on his handsome face.
Instead of answering, however, he turned and shouted for Mina, who arrived moments later toweling her blond hair, still dripping from the shower.

"What's up?" she asked, favoring my father with a somewhat suspicious expression.

"I have got some great news," my dad admitted with a sneaky grin. I smiled, a bit puzzled, and urged him with a wave to continue. "Well," he drawled, "you remember how I designed that new building for the hospital in Albany?"

Did I ever… After my mother had passed away, my dad had been offered a job designing a new cancer wing in the city that would house patients during their treatment. Having lost a spouse to the horrible disease, my dad had a strong passion for this particular project, and spent three years constructing one of the most beautiful buildings the city had ever seen--both inside and out. Because he had been given complete control over the project, he had encouraged the interior decorators to use neutral tones, comfortable furniture, and to redesign the patient rooms in a way that not only helped to accommodate visiting (or live-in) family members, but also made the hospital feel a bit more like home. Although his efforts took him away from us for a long time, it was the project Mina and I were the most proud of. Many had criticized his work because it had cost so much to finish, but the countless praise letters he had received in the years after from grateful family and friends of patients who had recovered or lost their battle with the disease there, was enough to shatter the sting of even the harshest critique.

These memories almost caused tears to come to my eyes, but instead I managed to tear myself from my thoughts and smiled.

"Sure we do," I encouraged, "what about it?"

"Well, apparently for the past few years the new wing has been such a success for both patients and doctors that it caught the attention of another hospital in New York City. Today I received a call from the board of directors for the medical center requesting my services to redesign their current cancer wing!" He finished excitedly.

"Oh my gosh! Daddy that's amazing!" Mina exclaimed, clapping her hands wildly. I laughed and rushed to my feet to give him a hug.

"Isn't it?" he gushed. "The board is requesting my presence at a charity gala on Christmas Eve… I was wondering if you two wanted to be my dates!"

We stared at him in open-mouthed amazement. He took our stunned expressions for rejection and his smile faded.

"I know this is all short notice girls, and I know we usually spend Christmas Eve with Lita… but I thought it would be fun spending a week in the city; Lita could come too, and it would be a wonderful opportunity for Serena to scope out NYU's campus…"

"Daddy, are you joking?" I scoffed. "A chance to get dressed up for a charity gala, and spending Christmas in New York City? Of course we want to go!"

The look of relief on his face was enough to force Mina and myself into a fit of giggles. Still laughing, we threw our arms around each other and danced around the kitchen without a thought to how stupid we looked. Only a few weeks and we would be heading to New York. I could hardly wait!

Because of recent events, I was in a much better humor for the next couple of weeks. I actually began to smile at my tables, and homework was a bit more bearable… okay, so maybe it wasn't, but I definitely had something to look forward to, which made it seem more a little more bearable. Everything seemed to be going right for the first time since I left Madison, and I guess it was because of this that my next encounter was such a blow.

It happened while I was walking out of a boutique in Richmond. I was out inspecting shops for the perfect dress for the gala, without much success. There were very nice selections, but none of them seemed quite right to me. I was looking for something special, so when I walked out of the shop feeling slightly discouraged at yet another botched attempt, I failed to pay attention to where I was going. Before I knew it, I was knocked into the snow by a tall, lean figure.

"Shit!" the guy exclaimed, bending down immediately to help me. "Are you all right?"

I laughed a little, and struggled to get to my feet. "It's okay," I assured him. "I'm--" but my words died on my lips as I suddenly recognized the person in front of me.

"Serena?" he finally managed, disbelief etched on his still handsome features.

"Seiya," I stated simply.

"Wow! I haven't seen you in forever!" he exclaimed. "You look… different. When did this happen?" He asked, reaching up towards my hair.

"Couple months ago," I managed stiffly, pulling away. "Long story."

"Looks good," he assured me, and I struggled to swallow the lump that had suddenly formed at the base of my throat. Why was my heart pounding so hard?

I took a moment to glance up and study him. He looked almost exactly the same. His hair was still short and spiky, his eyes were still the same shade of deep blue, and three earrings still shimmered from each ear. With a jolt I realized that he resembled a less striking Darien… Their bone structure was similar, but Darien's lips were fuller, and Seiya's face was more boyish. Darien was definitely more muscular as well, although Seiya did have a nice lean figure. Was that why I had been attracted to Darien?

Before I could consider this, however, Seiya broke the silence between us. "How have you been? Has everything been okay?"

I leveled him with a chilly stare. "Do you mean have I recovered from all those awful rumors you spread about me? Yeah, I'm perfect. I think after you, most women learn how to bounce back with ease," I stated coldly, trying to press past him.

"Whoa, Serena… Hold on a second," he protested, taking hold of my shoulders. I shook my head and started to push forward again.

"I don't want to hear anymore of your crap Seiya," I said flatly. "I don't want to be nice, I don't want to exchange pleasantries, and I do not want to pretend nothing has happened."

"Who says we're pretending?" he exclaimed, rounding on me. "What about me? Don't I get to defend myself a little?" he pushed. "Didn't I have a right to be angry at how things ended? I mean, I thought we were crazy about each other, and then BAM! It's over. Yeah, I got carried away with some stuff… but it was because losing you hurt. I miss you, Serena," he said softly, and my expression softened for a moment. "I'm sorry for everything. I really am."

I stared at him for a long time, saying nothing. People milled around us, gently pushing us closer together, and suddenly it began to snow. I suddenly remembered that moment in the clearing with Darien with perfect clarity. I remembered how the snow had peppered his hair, how beautiful he had looked with his face upturned in the billowing whiteness, and how sweet the kiss I had shared with him had been. These memories crashed over me like a tidal wave, and I swallowed hard.

"You know Seiya…" I began slowly. "A couple of months ago, that apology may have worked. But now, I'm just different. You're different. I honestly do forgive you, but if you're looking for me to be with you again, it's not going to happen."

"Why? Why not? Are you seeing someone or something?" he asked worriedly.

"No," I admitted. "But I've figured out what I want, and I'm sorry to say that you don't fit the profile." His stunned expression at my brutal honesty stung a little, but I wasn't going to retract what I said. "You'll find someone Seiya, it just won't be me"
I left him then, and didn't look back. It was easier than I expected, but I know I couldn't have done it without the memory of Darien's lips on mine while the snow fell softly around us.

A week later, Mina finally found a dress for the gala, and not a day too soon. Because it was such a formal event, my dad claimed he didn't mind if we splurged a bit… I think he should have carefully considered this statement before giving it.

"How could you spend that much Mina? This is a ball--not your wedding!" I giggled as Mina held the phone away from her ear, rolling her eyes.

"It was a bit much," I pointed out to her, and she scoffed in reply.

"Daddy, you're completely overreacting!" Mina assured him.

"OVERREACTING!" my father exploded, and I laughed again. "I could fly to Ohio with what you paid for that fabric!"

"Yeah, Daddy," Mina whined. "But it's so pretty!" she insisted.

That was for sure! Mina had managed to find a gorgeous, floor-length, strapless chiffon gown in a soft blue. Small, glittering beads were pressed gently into the fabric so that every movement made the rise and fall of the skirt resemble the sun skimming the surface of the sea. Diamond earrings, a matching pendant, a white-gold tennis bracelet, and elegant silver strap-on heels completed her outfit, and I knew there wasn't a guy at the ball who wouldn't be drooling when she walked through the door.

My dress was turning into a bit of a challenge though. Mina and I had been to countless shops, but nothing seem to fit right. Didn't matter though… With the fight Mina was having with my dad, I was beginning to wonder if I wanted to go at all!

"Mina," I said quietly, "maybe we should give this up. My feet are tired, we've been to like fifty--" but she cut me off with a wave of her hand and sped ahead.

"Dad," she stated patiently, and I smiled knowing she was about to win this argument. "You said I could buy whatever I wanted. This dress is perfect! We've been shopping all week for these dresses to go to YOUR ball. Now, we had a deal. If you want to break it, I'll go right back and return it… But, if you love me, you'll let me keep it!" She finished, and I heard nothing but silence on the other end.

"You are so unfair," I heard my dad mutter, and Mina grinned triumphantly.

"Thank you, Daddy!" She said sweetly, and I heard him mumble something incoherently on the other end before she flipped her phone shut with a solid click.

"You are such a brat," I pointed out.

"Yeah," she agreed with a grin. "But one that gets what she wants!"

I wanted to laugh, but really I was pretty exhausted. "Mina, do we really have to keep looking? I'm so over all of this!"

"Well, what about over there?" she asked pointing, and I turned only to see a tiny boutique I hadn't noticed before. Set next to a quaint little tea shop, it was a wonder we had missed it!

"I don't know, I'm pretty beat…" I whined.

"Too tired to go shopping?" Mina gasped. "Doesn't exist! Let's go!" she said, grabbing my hand and dragging me toward the shop's red door.

As soon as I stepped into the store, I was enveloped with the warm scent of lavender and vanilla. I inhaled deeply. My mom had always worn lavender, and it was one of my favorite winter fragrances. It was always a comfort smell for me, and as my eyes took in the cozy room, I began to feel more at ease.

"Can I help you?" A low, but pleasant voice inquired. I turned to see a tall, beautiful Japanese woman with long dark hair approaching. Her features were sharp and regal, and her eyes were the strangest shade I had ever seen--so honey brown they almost appeared red.

"Sure," I mumbled, struggling to find my voice. For some reason, this woman greatly intimidated me, and when I stole a glance at Mina, I could see she was in the same state. "I'm looking for a dress," I finally managed.

"Wonderful," she said with a smile, and I relaxed a bit. "What's the occasion?"

"A charity gala in New York City," I answered quickly. "My dad is taking my sister and myself."

The woman nodded and suddenly moved closer, letting her eyes rove over my figure from head to toe. At this distance I could see my image reflected in her eyes, and shivered slightly. She didn't seem to notice however, and straightened herself a moment later, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"How often do you wear white?" she suddenly questioned.

"Excuse me?" I blurted.

"The color…" she explained patiently. "How often do you wear it?"

I raised a quizzical eyebrow. "I don't know…" I confessed. "Isn't white a little too, I don't know… bridal?"

For the first time since I came into the shop, I saw a shadow of a smile flicker across the woman's gorgeous features. She shook her head at my statement. "The dress I have in mind definitely won't be confused for a wedding gown."

Suddenly, she turned and disappeared behind a curtain, only to appear again holding the loveliest dress I had ever seen. My mouth dropped open, and Mina let out a soft cry from my side.

"It's incredible!" She exclaimed, clapping her hand over her mouth.

I was too speechless to answer, and instead moved closer to inspect the gown. It was beautiful! Strapless white satin, fitted waist, a soft billowing skirt, and trimmed with a lovely silver ribbon along the edges that was held in place by tiny jeweled beads. With the right heels and jewelry, I would look like a princess…

"How much is it?" I breathed.

"Well, the material is satin shipped in from France, and the beading also makes it quite expensive…" She paused for a moment, and I raised my eyes and waited for her to continue. "Six-hundred dollars," she finished.

I felt the blood drain from my face and my heart sank. Six-hundred dollars? Mina's dress had only cost three-hundred and fifty and my dad nearly had a coronary. He would blow a fuse if I purchased this thing, no matter how beautiful it was.

"Serena," Mina said softly, and I looked up despairingly. "Do it."

"Are you kidding?" I protested. "Dad would have a heart-attack if I spent that much for one night!"

"So what?" Mina fired back. "Where are you going to find another dress like that? Just do it!"

"The last time you said that I got in a lot of trouble. NO!"

"I'll tell you what…" the woman suddenly interjected, and I closed my mouth sharply, embarrassed. "I'll give you the dress for five-hundred, and I'll throw in a free fitting."

My mouth dropped open. What was with the sudden drop in price, and the fitting offer?

"Why?" Mina asked, reading my thoughts. "Is there something wrong with it?"

The woman shrugged. "It's been on the shelf a long time, and so far she's the only girl I've thought to bring it down for… You see, I try to match my dresses to my clients. Every person that comes into this store finds their perfect dress, guaranteed."

"Guaranteed?" I repeated skeptically.

The woman nodded and smiled. "So you see, if you don't buy this dress today, I'll never sell it. It is only for you."

I wasn't sure what to say, and when I turned to Mina I received no help because she was staring at the lady like she was a total crackpot. However, a hundred dollar decrease in price was very significant. Maybe if I put three hundred on my dad's card, and two hundred on my own, I'd be able to swing it. After a moments thought, I finally decided that's what I had to do. As crazy as it sounded, the dress did seem perfect for me, and with a free fitting, how could I possibly pass it up?

"All right," I answered finally. "It's a deal."

The purchase went quickly, and the woman, who introduced herself finally as Setsuna offered to fit the dress immediately. Anxious to try it on, I heartily agreed and was truly amazed how little alteration the dress required. As soon as Mina zipped up the back and stepped away, the dress seemed to form to my body. It was almost perfect… It clung to my form, but was neither tight nor confining. Mina let out a low whistle, and I realized it must look as good as it felt.

"It fits like a second skin!" she declared, and I beamed in amazement as Mina turned me towards the mirror. Only Setsuna didn't appear surprised.

"I'll make a few adjustments to the skirt because it's a bit long, but other than that, I think it's perfect," she smiled again. "You made a great decision, Serena."

"Thank you," I murmured softly, taking in my reflection.

The dress looked amazing, but as my eyes traveled upwards, my smile faded a bit. What was I going to do with my hair? Because I had been growing it out since leaving Madison, I had managed to get back some inches. However, my blond strands still barely grazed the tops of my shoulders.

"What am I going to do with my hair?" I asked quietly, the despair pretty evident in my tone.

Mina frowned. "We'll figure something out Serena. It's not that short anymore, I'm sure we could probably manage a cute up-do…" She paused for a moment, and then grinned. "Then again, there are always hair extensions!"

I tried to smile at that, but couldn't manage it. I really couldn't wait until my hair grew back. Out of everything, it was the only part of my image that constantly remained a reminder of my experience at Madison. For some strange reason, I felt as if I couldn't truly be Serena without it, and because of this, Darien stayed away.

I shook these thoughts away, however, realizing I was being utterly ridiculous. Without another word, I gently removed the dress and handed it to Setsuna for alterations. After we explained the situation to her, she promised to have it ready by the next day. As she waved goodbye to us, we headed outside into the cold feeling refreshed and excited. I had my dress now, and in just a few days, we would be leaving for New York!

Those days went by very quickly. Lita and I managed to get our shifts covered at work, and I finished my midterms and enrolled for the spring semester at the local junior college. At six o'clock on the morning of Christmas Eve, my dad gently shook Mina, Lita, and I awake to head for the airport. We got up reluctantly and dressed quickly, and I made sure to grab my dress and shoes on the way out. My dad managed to get us to the airport in perfect time, and we boarded the plane with no difficulty.

Now, I'm extremely afraid of flying. This wasn't my first plain trip, we had headed out west once to visit my aunt and uncle in California, and the experience had scarred me for life. It started out relatively well, but when we hit severe turbulence flying over the Midwest, I freaked out. My mom had held my hand the entire time, but I know my crying and carrying on had awoken and possibly even frightened other passengers. My mom wasn't here this time, but Mina took hold of my hand immediately as we took off, and with its helpful pressure, I managed to get through the experience only slightly breaking a sweat.

Luckily for me, the flight was smooth sailing all the way. The food was terrible (apparently it was a chicken salad sandwich, without the chicken), but it was only a couple of hours long, and we were in New York by noon. After we landed, we scrambled off the plane to claim our bags. My dad found a taxi almost immediately after leaving the airport, and as we all climbed inside, we marveled at how smoothly this had all gone.

"Can you believe we're here Serena?" Mina exclaimed, her eyes brimming with excitement.

I smiled and turned my head to look outside. We were crossing the bridge into Manhattan, and I don't think I've ever seen anything like it in my whole life.

"No," I murmured. "I really can't believe it."

"So, Mr. J!" Lita called out, and my dad turned and grinned. "Where are we staying?"

"At the Waldorf Astoria," he answered, and our mouths dropped open. "The gala is in their ballroom, and we've received a complimentary suite."

"Daddy, are you serious?" I asked incredulously. "You didn't tell us it was at the Waldorf Astoria!"

He shrugged and smiled again. "Surprise!" he said simply.

I gaped at him. "Is there anything bad about this trip?" I teased.

He laughed and shook his head. "I sure hope not… I want this trip to be a lot of fun for you girls," he murmured. I smiled at him, and he reached over to rumple my hair. Normally this would have elicited a groan of complaint, but this time I let him.

A half hour later, the cab dropped us off in front of the Waldorf Astoria. Around us people were getting out of limos or expensive cars, shouting at assistants and bell boys to take care of their countless pieces of luggage sporting logos like Coach and Prada. Mina, Lita, and I rolled our eyes at a young woman who suspiciously resembled Paris Hilton rudely informing one of the hotel's employees just where and how he should put her luggage once in her room. Her manner was so haughty, her small Pomeranian in her bag even managed to look important… The bellboy seemed unfazed, however, and without saying a word, enlisted a few of his fellow workers to carry her things while she sauntered away.

Despite all of this, my dad managed to get us all checked in, and with the help of a young man named Jeffrey, we got all of our things into our room. After tipping the young man, we closed the door and got a chance to inspect our suite properly. It was basically a small house. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by plush sofas and chairs, rich brown mahogany furniture, and gorgeous draperies and wall paper in rich neutral tones. There were two huge bedrooms with king-sized beds inside, and in one a small roll away twin was neatly placed against the wall. All looked inviting with their creamy comforters and feather pillows, and as we pulled the sheets back, we marveled at the feel of the genuine Egyptian cotton sheets.

"Oh I'm definitely sleeping well tonight!" Lita exclaimed, and Mina and I laughed.

"I'm checking out the bathroom!" Mina said suddenly, and ran to the room adjoining ours. Lita and I were close behind, and we both stopped short in the doorway as we caught a glimpse of a truly beautiful sight.

The bathroom was huge. On the left lay a Jacuzzi-style tub with gold handles and showerhead. Neatly placed above it were plush white towels and washcloths. On the right was a huge mirror set atop three matching sinks. Adjustable bulbs bordered the mirror, and were reflected in the polished black granite tiles around us.

"Holy crap…" Lita breathed, and Mina and I sighed in response.

We just stood there for a moment taking in our dream bathroom. This was going to be the perfect place to get ready for tonight. The space was awesome, and with these mirrors, there was no way we were going to walk out with crazy make up lines.

"All right guys," Mina said finally, breaking the silence. "Let's eat!"

Because both Lita and I were starving, we refused to protest and headed into my dad's room to find him unpacking his suitcase.

"Dad, we're starving!" Mina whined, flopping onto his bed.

He grinned and moved a pile of clothing out of the way so I could sit down. "I'm actually going to finish packing girls," he said, reaching to his left and laying out his tuxedo bag flat on the bed. "If you're hungry though, the restaurant is probably serving lunch downstairs. Just go down and eat, and charge it to our room."

"Are you sure you're not hungry?" I asked, fiddling with a pair of his socks.

"I'm fine. Just be back soon though, okay? I know it'll take you girls a while to shower and get read for tonight, and I'd prefer not to be late."

"All right," I answered, pushing myself to my feet. "Are you sure you don't want us to bring you something?"

"Positive. If I need anything there's always room service."

I nodded and turned to Lita and Mina who both looked ready to go. "All right then, we'll catch you a little later then."

My dad waved in response and we made our way into the den and out the door into the hallway outside. Not quite sure which way to go, we picked a direction and hoped for an elevator. Luckily, we were fortunate enough to find one, and managed to locate the restaurant within fifteen minutes. It was pretty empty inside, and a few employees were still setting up, but to our surprise a rather stuffy-looking maitre'd waved us in. After taking a moment to glance at his nametag, I quickly discovered his name to be James.

"How many this afternoon ladies?" he politely inquired, his beady black eyes peering down at us.

"Just three," Mina answered, reaching up to tighten her long blonde ponytail.

He nodded and motioned for us to follow. "Are you guests at the Waldorf?" he asked over his shoulder as we walked.

"Yes," I confirmed. "It's okay if we charge the bill to our room right?"

"Of course," he assured us. We reached the table, and he went around quickly, pulling out and pushing in the chairs for each of us. "Would you ladies like to hear the lunch specials?" He wondered, handing each of us an elegant menu complete with a gold tassel marker.

Mina reached forward and took hold of it, shaking her head. "No thank you, James," she replied. "I think we'll just peruse the menu on our own."

"Very good, miss. I will be back in just a moment," he assured us, and stepped lightly away.

"Do you think they have to walk like that?" Lita wondered aloud.

I giggled, but shrugged my shoulders, and reached for my menu. Although I couldn't read half of it, I did recognize something I knew I'd like, and by the time James returned with our waters, we all were ready to order. Lita chose the chicken marsala with porcini mushroom, while I chose the filet mignon in a black truffle sauce. James seemed impressed by our order, but not to be outdone, Mina decided to choose the escargot.

"Are you sure, miss? I wouldn't suggest escargot for someone who is not accustomed to French cuisine. There is a chance you may not like it," James warned. Mina looked slightly ruffled.

"How do you know I'm not accustomed to French cuisine?" She replied haughtily, and James sighed.

"I apologize miss, escargot it is," he replied contritely, and headed off to put in our order.

"You know Mina," I pointed out, "you didn't have to give this huge impressive order. It's just us."

"What do you mean?" she asked innocently. "I've always wanted to try it!"

An hour later she was eating her words… actually, it was more like vomiting them out over and over again between groans of pain.

"I told you not to eat those snails Mina!" I said, rubbing her back as she gripped the edges of the toilet for support.

"I know, I know you did," she replied weakly.

My dad appeared in the doorway, the frustration evident in his face.

"I talked to the head chef and he assured me the snails were perfectly fresh. He claims her body must not be agreeing with them, but that's food poisoning if I've ever seen it. Either way, unfortunately, there's nothing we can do until it's run it's course…"

In response, a gurgle erupted from Mina's throat and I quickly reached for her hair as she once again buried her head in the bowl.

"Oh Mina…" I murmured sympathetically, rubbing her back gently. "What are we going to do, Dad?" I wondered, glancing back up at him. He shrugged his shoulders and ran a hand through his thick blond hair.

"Well, as much as I don't like it, I have to go tonight. It would look awful to be a no-show to this event, and to be honest, this client will be a valuable asset to our firm," he explained, and I nodded.

"It's okay, Daddy," I assured him. "I'll stay here with Mina tonight, and Lita can be your date."

"No!" Mina suddenly choked. "You have to go Serena!"

"Mina, look at you!" I cried imploringly. "You're sick as a dog! There is no way I'm leaving you here."

"Lita can stay," Mina insisted. "I don't want you to stay here, not after I saw you in that dress."

My eyebrow raised quizzically in response, but Lita chose that moment to step in.

"She's right, Serena. Besides, I would be a lousy date for your dad!" She said with a grin. "No offense Mr. J, but I can't dance to save my life!"

I smiled a little, knowing Lita wasn't exaggerating. She may have been totally awesome on a karate mat, but when it came to shaking her groove thing, she was definitely rhythmically challenged.

"Go, Serena!" Mina commanded. "If you don't I'll be totally pissed at you!"

I laughed, but I could see Mina was totally serious. "C'mon Mina," I insisted. "Be serious! You know I'm not going to have a good time if I know you're stuck in this hotel room barfing your guts out. I want to stay."

"Well I don't want you to!" she whined. "How do you think I would feel sitting here knowing that you're missing a good time because I made a dumb decision. Just go! You were so excited about this…" At this moment she suddenly turned a sick shade of green, and we all winced as her head disappeared again.

"Wow," Lita said flatly. "I didn't know it could be that color."

"Just go, okay Serena?" Mina groaned. "For me?"

I sighed, and finally nodded reluctantly. "All right, Mina. I'll go."

"Well," my dad put in, "if you're going, you better start getting ready now! We have to head down in an hour! Use my bathroom."

I smiled and rose to my feet, giving Mina one last gentle pat on the back as I did so.

"Feel better okay?"

"I will," she assured me. "Now get out of here and get dressed."

I laughed and did as she commanded, immediately grabbing my things and heading for the shower.

Forty-five minutes later Lita was finishes the last touches of my makeup and hair, which was made difficult by my attempts to slip into my dress at the same time. Mina had finally made it from the bathroom floor to the bed, and was now weakly holding a heating pad to her stomach while she watched me get ready. Despite her condition, she still managed to flash me a feeble smile.

"You look really beautiful," she assured me.

"She'd look even better if she'd hold still!" Lita muttered in annoyance.

I straightened up and began twisting the dress into the correct position, while Lita moved around me and began to zip up the back. I lifted up the skirt to survey the cute, jewel-strapped heels I was wearing. Deciding they looked alright, I reached up to check the diamond earrings glinting from my ears, and once satisfied, I gently grazed the chain of my moon pendant with my fingertips. As Lita finished with the zipper, she stepped around me to take in her handiwork. I saw her eyes widen slightly, and I winced.

"What? What is it?" I asked worriedly.

"You look… incredible," she breathed. She smiled and raised her hand to her mouth. "There isn't a man there who's going to be able to stop looking at you!"

I rolled my eyes and strode swiftly to the bathroom, positive she was exaggerating, but the sight that greeted me in the mirror stopped me in my tracks. I really did look pretty. The dress was gorgeous, but Lita had managed to sweep my short hair into a soft pretty up-do that framed my face perfectly. The jewelry glinted beautifully against my skin, and my makeup accentuated my features, but also gave me the soft glow brides yearn for on their wedding day.

Tears threatened to spill from my eyelids, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"You look gorgeous," Lita assured me, and I nodded in thanks.

"Serena!" I suddenly heard my dad's voice, and I turned as he rounded the corner of the bathroom fiddling with his cufflings. "We really have to…" but his voice trailed off and he paused as he caught sight of me.

"Serena…" he whispered, and tears filled his eyes. I frowned, and took two steps forward.

"Daddy, are you okay?" I asked.

He nodded and shook his head. "It's just, for a second there I thought I was looking at your mother." He smiled at me and proceeded to close the gap between us. In seconds I was in his arms, and I smiled as he kissed my cheek. "You look beautiful honey."

I laughed, and stepped back to take in his tuxedo. "You look pretty handsome yourself," I commented.

He chuckled. "Well thank you, but right now we're late. Mina, Lita, are you sure you girls are going to be okay?"

"We'll be fine Mr. J. Anyway, I have your cell number if anything goes wrong," Lita stated firmly.

"All right," he assented, and gently offered me his arm. "Ready to go?"

I grinned and took it. "Ready as I'll ever be."

The ballroom doors loomed in front of my dad and I fifteen minutes later, and I couldn't help but gasp as I caught sight of the procession inside. A tiny man stood at the door, and as my father handed him our invitation, he carefully waved us in.

The ballroom was huge, and gaudily decorated in red and gold. A small jazz band was set up on stage, softly playing a Sinatra tune I knew I would remember forever. All around me milled the elite of New York's society, and I could practically smell the Botox and designer brands amongst the caviar and champagne. However, as we made our way in, I was extremely self conscious of the sudden shift in attention as I walked by. Women would turn their heads and study my as if I were some scientific specimen, while the men simply allowed their hungry eyes to survey my small form in an almost predatory manner. I glanced up at my father and saw his eyes harden a bit, and the men, as if suddenly remembering themselves, hastily shifted their gazes away. Needless to say, I did jump as a loud booming voice sounded over the room.

"Johnson! Johnson, over here!"

I turned to see a tall man with very light hair waving at my father. My dad grinned and gently guided me towards the large party. As we reached them, my father reached out and clasped the man's outstretched hand.

"It's good to see you David," My dad said with a smile.

"It's wonderful you could make it!" the man grinned back. He smiled down at me, and I returned the gesture tentatively. "Who is this pretty young lady?" He asked.

"This is my daughter, Serena. Serena, I want you to meet David White. He owns the hospital, and will be my new boss over the next few months," my dad said with a grin, and Mr. White laughed as he shook my hand.

"Don't be silly! Your father is doing my brother-in-law and I a great favor by designing this new wing!" he took a sip of the brandy he held in his hand, and swallowed. "He's a genius!"

"He certainly is!" I agreed proudly.

"Oh Ken, you haven't had a chance to meet my wife!" He stepped back to reveal two tall and pretty dark-haired women that smiled curiously at us. Both looked alike with their jet-black hair, full lips, and startling blue eyes. "This is my wife Julie, and my sister-in-law Rebecca Shields."

My brow furrowed at the name, but my father and I quickly smiled at both, and shook their hands.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Johnson," Julie stated genuinely. She then turned and smiled at me. "You certainly do have a lovely daughter!"

My dad gazed at me with pride, and I lowered my lids as a blush filled my cheeks. "Thank you, but I already know that!" He replied gently, and the women laughed.

"Our sons are around here somewhere," Rebecca spoke suddenly. "Maybe we could get one of them to dance with you this evening!" she said with a grin.

I blushed again, and Julie clucked her tongue reproachfully. "Rebecca!" she chided, and shook her head dismissively. She leaned in and gently took my arm. "She has a terrible addiction to match-making, and although her son is quite a catch, I won't let you fall victim to her skills!" I laughed in response and Rebecca winked at me.

"So where is your husband now, Mrs. Shields?" My father suddenly asked. "I was hoping to meet him tonight."

"He actually headed for the bar a couple of minutes ago, and he should be back with my good-for-nothing son and nephew any second…" She scanned the crowd quickly, and suddenly her eyes widened. "Oh! There they are now!" She cried, pointing toward three tall men heading our way.

My eyes followed her finger, and as they focused on the figures, my mouth fell open. An older, handsome gentleman led the trio. His eyes were dark and lined with thick black lashes that matched the coal-black locks atop his head. He was tall, well-built, and in his face I recognized the handsome features I had learned to love in another. Behind him strode a young man equally handsome, but with opposite coloring. Bringing up the rear was someone I had never expected to see again. Suddenly, everything snapped into place, and I realized why Mina had been so determined for me to attend. I was going to kill her!

I immediately scanned the crowd around me for an escape route, but people were leaving the dance floor and blocking any chance of my getting away unscathed. Rebecca Shields was waving enthusiastically towards her husband, son, and nephew, but all I could do was hope they went the other way. It wasn't until Darien's eyes suddenly met mine that all the blood drained from my face.

Oh my God.

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