A.N: Ciao, everyone!

Thank you so much for the reviews! I actually received more than I expected! Yay!

I'm sorry for the slow updates… I'm sort of failing this one class, and I'm trying desperately to raise it up so I'm not having that much time to update. But don't ever worry about me leaving you hanging with any of my stories cause I always finish them. It may take awhile, but I'll finish it because I hate it when authors on Fanfiction never finish theirs. I don't want to be a hypocrite. Haha, so I hope everyone enjoys this chapter as well!

I know this is a short chapter, but it's to the point. Longer chapter next time… maybe. Hopefully.

----------------------

Chapter 11: Diary Confession

The only light that illuminated the room was the soft glow of the moonlight. It streamed in through Serena's window and hit her perfectly, making her look pale in the most angelic way. Her blonde hair looked almost silver as it splayed across her bed, long and silky, tempting Darien to reach out his free-hand and run his fingers through her ethereal locks.

Darien sat, entranced, at the edge of his seat, his hand still holding hers securely. Since she had fallen asleep, he hadn't been able to take his gaze off of her. His eyes traced her every curve, memorizing every detail of her face. Like the soft sprinkles of freckles that scattered on her nose, almost like an artist purposefully placed each one on her face to enhance her beauty. He listened to her deep, rhythmic breathing as her chest rose and fell. He watched, fascinated, at the facial expressions she made while asleep.

When she was dreaming something pleasant, her lips would curve up slightly. When her dreams were bordering a nightmare, she would frown and her eyebrows would furrow together in fright. He caught himself wondering what she was dreaming of.

Eventually, Darien began to feel sleep dust his eyelids, making them heavy and weary. He'd close his eyes and begin to doze off, but would suddenly jerk awake again, his eyes darting to Serena to make sure she was all right. When he saw that everything was fine, he'd let himself doze off again.

Sometime into the night, Darien woke up again, hearing Serena murmur something in her sleep.

"Stop," she mumbled, her eyebrows knitting together," Please, stop," she said a little louder as her breathing began to quicken.

Darien stood up, and leaned towards her," Shhh," he whispered, grazing a finger over her cheek," It's okay, I'm here." With the hand that was holding hers, he rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand tenderly. "You're safe," he whispered again," Nothing's going to happen… I'm here."

Serena's breathing calmed down a little and her eyebrows relaxed, indicating that her nightmare had passed.

Darien sat back down and rubbed his eyes sleepily, giving a tired sigh.

"Darien," Serena mumbled in her sleep.

He froze when he heard his name. Did… she just say my name? Is she… dreaming of me? He thought as he dropped his hand and looked at her. "What?" he whispered, trying to get her to say something back.

"Mmmm," was the response he got back from Serena.

"Mmm?" he mimicked," What does that mean?"

This time, he didn't get a response from her. She was completely silent and still, lost in her dream.

Darien gave a flustered groan, and shook his head with a small smile.

At least now he knew who she was dreaming of.

---------------------------

The moonlight was soon replaced by sunlight as it made it's way across the earth's surface. Serena's eyes fluttered open as she was greeted with the warmth of the sun as it touched her skin. She frowned when she felt something hold her hand. When she turned her head, she saw Darien, fast asleep. He was slumped over, his head resting on the edge of her bed, and his hands still holding hers tightly.

He stayed the whole night… she thought as she watched the top of his head. Serena somehow maneuvered herself from under her covers and moved herself so she could look at him, without disturbing him since her hands were still in his.

His hair fell as he slept, touching his eyelids. As Serena observed him, she couldn't find a single flaw. His jaw line was strong and sharp, his lips looked completely delicious, and his eyelashes were something she adored. She wanted to kiss him so badly, but she remembered what happened last time, and she was not going to do that again.

Why do you have to be so PERFECT? She thought as she laid her head down next to his, but making sure to leave enough distance just in case he'd wake up.

His hand was warm and callused, but she never wanted him to let go.

Darien suddenly frowned and inhaled deeply as he moved his free hand to run it over his face, finally waking up. When he opened his eyes, it looked directly into Serena's, making her heart suddenly skip a beat.

He was quiet for a moment as he looked intensely into her alluring blue eyes before he spoke. "Good morning," he said quietly, his voice low and rough since he'd just waken up. He still hadn't lifted his head off of her bed.

"Good morning," Serena replied with a small smile, feeling a bit silly for being caught staring at him.

He smiled back, making her heart skip another beat. "Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied, feeling like she was beginning to be lost in his eyes. She paused for a moment before adding," Thank you. For staying with me all night."

"You're welcome," he said as both of them fell silent again. Darien knew he was still holding her hand, but he didn't feel like letting go of her yet. "You had a bad dream in the middle of the night," he brought up.

Serena glanced away quickly, feeling like she was starting to drown in his too-blue eyes. "Really? I don't remember anything."

Darien just smiled and finally lifted himself off the edge of the bed. He immediately made a face as he moved his shoulders and neck around. "Ah… I'm sore," he mumbled, letting go of Serena's hand in order to stretch.

Right as he let go, Serena felt a rush of sadness overcome her. She watched him as he stood up and moved around a bit, stretching his sore muscles.

He surprised her when he sat back down and grabbed for her hand again, holding it tightly just like before. "So," he huffed, looking normal, as if holding hands with Serena was something they've done for years. "What are your plans for today?"

"U-um… probably do something with my family," she said as she looked at their intertwined hands in shock.

Darien looked at her amusedly. "Do you want me to let go of your hand?" he asked when he saw her wide-eyed facial expression. "I mean… I've only been holding it for… I don't know… the past eight hours or so," he said sarcastically.

Serena blushed," No…. I mean, if you want too," she said, still lying down on the bed and looking away from him.

"Are you blushing?" he asked with a mischievous grin, straining to look at her face.

This comment only made Serena blush harder. "What? No… I am not blushing," she argued, trying to hide her red face.

Darien's smile broadened. "Yeah you are! Your face is red… I'm pretty sure that counts as blushing."

"You're so full of yourself," she said as she rolled her eyes, smiling.

He laughed heartily at her statement. "Ouch," he joked," Nice comeback."

Serena giggled a little, sitting up now. He's SO cute, she thought as she looked at him. His hair was sticking up from how he slept, giving him a cowlick.

Suddenly, someone knocked on her door, and before Serena could ask who it was, Sam opened the door and walked in.

Darien quickly let go of her hand and took a step away from her bed.

Sam looked at them with raised eyebrows and a knowing smile, "Hey, Serena," he greeted his sister.

"Morning," she replied, glancing quickly at Darien and back at Sam.

Darien cleared his throat," Um… I think I'm gonna go back to my room," he nodded towards the door.

Serena looked up at him and gave him a nod. "Okay," she said.

He gave her an apologetic smile and walked out the room quickly, leaving Sam and Serena alone.

"What was that?" Sam asked with a grin, hopping on Serena's bed.

Serena made a face. "What was what?" she played stupid.

Sam rolled his eyes," Come on… I saw you two holding hands when I came in. What's going on with you two?"

"Nothing's going on," she said as she climbed off of her bed. "It's not like that… well, at least for him, it's not like that."

"So," Sam began, looking confusedly at his sister," you like him… but he doesn't like you?"

Serena shrugged, crossing her arms. "Something like that," she said with a sad smile.

Sam shook his head as he got off of her bed. "Girls are so blind," he said bluntly, and began walking out of her room. "Anyways, just wanted to tell you that breakfast is ready."

-------------------------

The Diary of Serena Bryant

April 16, 2006

Ethan and I are OVER. Thinking about him makes me cringe. I'm just scared when I'm around him now. I can never look at him the same way, not after what he did.

I don't want to mention him anymore…

What I wanted to write about is my conflicted feelings towards this one guy. He drives me insane, but when I'm around him, I get all stupid and giddy. I've never felt this way about anyone before. He makes my heart jump, my stomach flip, and my nerves all jumbled up, by just one simple look. Or smile… he has a really nice smile.

Ah, what am I thinking?!!!! He's twenty-three, AND he's my body guard! And… he's perfect. I mean, he's sweet, and smart, and hot. I mean, he's REALLY hot. He has these gorgeous blue eyes, and dark, black hair. Not to mention, his body is quite well defined. Mmmm.

Oh, we kissed once! Of course, it was my fault, I couldn't seem to control my idiotic actions. He was asleep, and I practically jumped on him. But the thing is, is that he kissed me back! He's a really good kisser too…

That's not the point! The point is, is that I'm confused. He kissed me back, but then he pushes me away. Then last night, he held my hand the entire time I was asleep! Well, I know I sort of asked him to in a way, but he still did it!

But then, today, when Sam came in my room, he dropped my hand and took a step away from me. He did it so fast, it was like he didn't want anyone to see…

Well of course he didn't want anyone to see! He could probably get fired for it.

Anyways, when he left, Sam said something weird. When I told Sam that I didn't think Darien liked me, he said," Girls are so blind." Does that mean he thinks Darien likes me?

But he's TWENTY-THREE! And I'm EIGHTEEN! Not to mention, again, that he's my BODY GUARD!

What is going on with me? Why is it that all I can think about is him? Why do I feel the way I do when he's around me, OR when he's away from me?

Oh, I had a dream about him last night. Darien mentioned something to me about me having a bad dream, but all I could remember was dreaming about HIM. I, obviously, didn't mention this part. I don't quite remember what the dream was… but all I know was he was in it, and that's all that matters.

But… all this can only mean one thing… and it can't be! I mean… there's no way. This is NOT supposed to happen…

Oh my God.

I think I'm in love with him

----------------------

Serena got dressed and scurried down to breakfast.

Everyone was already waiting at the table when she arrived.

Ken looked up at Serena, his eyes still looking exhausted. "Good morning," he greeted her with a tired smile.

Serena smiled and kissed her father on the cheek. "Good morning, dad."

"Did you have fun at the party, Serena?" her mother asked, looking sweet as always.

"Oh," Serena said as she took a seat," Yeah, it was okay… "

Ken peered at her through his glasses, clasping his hands together. "Nothing went wrong?" he asked.

Serena looked up at him, feeling her heart start to race," No… er, why?" Do they know?

"I was just wondering," Ken said as he shrugged, reaching for a glass of orange juice.

Serena let out a silent sigh. "No, nothing went wrong. Just… a party."

Soon, Ken and Irene changed the subject, oblivious to the fact that something had, indeed, gone wrong. This time, it escaped their radar.

Irene looked at Serena with twinkling eyes. "Oh honey! I forgot to tell you! The Presidential Ball is coming up!" And off they went on the subject matters of fashion, and an escort to the dance.

---------------

"Sweetheart," Paula answered the door with excessive enthusiasm, showering her son with hugs.

Darien laughed as he stepped inside. "Hi, mom," he bent down to hug her back.

When Paula was finished greeting him, she looked out the door and frowned as she closed it. "Where are your friends?"

"It's Sunday mom, they have their own families to visit," Darien informed with a smile.

"Well, next time we'll just have to bribe them with more chocolate chip cookies now, don't we?" she teased with a loving grin.

Darien laughed again as they walked into the living room. He took a seat on the couch as she bustled into the kitchen to prepare a quick drink. It didn't take her very long to come bustling back out.

"Now," she said as she handed him a cup of sweet tea," tell me what's been going on."

Darien shrugged as he took the cup and quickly thanked her. "Just work."

Paula just nodded, before saying," How's Serena? She's such a lovely girl… are you sure you can't date her?"

"Mom," Darien said with a smile, rolling his eyes," Yes, I'm sure."

"Hmph," Paula huffed, pouting," I don't see why not."

Darien shook his head, his smile broadening. "You're unbelievable," he teased her. "You know why. I can't date her because I'm working for her father."

"So? What he doesn't know won't hurt him, will it?" Paula said with a smug look.

"Mom… you're not normal. Do you know that?"

Paula laughed and patted Darien lovingly on his cheek. "Oh, darling. You can't always be cautious or else you'll miss out on the best things in life. Or lose the best things in life."

Darien nodded," I know. I'm not missing anything, though."

Paula looked into his eyes as she gave him a sad smile," Oh, but you are, honey. You just don't know it yet… but when you do, it might be too late."