A.N: Hi everyone! This past month has been crazy... I had midterms coming up, and my job is getting in the way of writing cause by the time I get home, I'm too tired to do anything!

I'm so sorry. Thank you for sticking with me.

I'm pretty sure some of you are getting impatient about the rated "M" part of the story, but it'll come eventually. I have to build it up to the scene; otherwise it will seem too rushed.

Okay! That's all! Thanks for the reviews!

And Happy LATE Thanksgiving!

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Chapter 13: Infuriating Feelings

It was a beautiful morning as a black limousine pulled to a slow stop in front of an Academic high school. Inside the car sat an extremely nervous blonde headed girl who hadn't spoken a word since she stepped out of her huge home.

Serena didn't know what to expect today, or how she would handle anything. She was just going to take anything that would be thrown at her.

Darien watched her avidly as Serena chewed on her bottom lip, looking outside the window for the face that haunted her dreams. Sam sat on the same side as Serena but he was oblivious to everything, having jammed his earphones to listen to his I-pod.

Andrew glanced quickly at Darien and gave him a nod as Kyle opened the door for everyone to get out. Darien nodded back in return and climbed out of the car.

Serena was fumbling, suddenly feeling scared and anxious. Her heart started to speed up when she caught sight of their school, wishing today was over. She grabbed her bag and threw it over her shoulder as she climbed out of the car with the help of Darien. He smiled at her encouragingly and nodded. Serena faked a smile and drew in a deep breath of air before she walked towards the school.

As the four of them made their way onto school premises, Raye and Lita stopped Serena.

"Serena," Lita said in a serious tone, her face looking extremely worried and concerned. "What happened to you Saturday? You disappeared on us without telling anyone."

Raye's eyebrows arched up as she waited for an answer, her arms crossed sullenly. "You better have a good answer. Do you know how many times all of us tried calling you? And did you know what happened to Ethan? He got sent to the hospital and you weren't even there," she scolded.

Serena looked at the ground and bit her lip nervously, watching as Sam and Andrew walked by acting as if they weren't listening. Darien waited a few feet behind Serena to let her deal with her own friends. "Sorry guys... I just, wasn't... feeling very good," Serena lied.

Lita and Raye glanced at each other quickly. "And what about Ethan...?" Raye asked wonderingly. "Aren't you even going to ask about him?"

Serena shook her head," I already know what happened to him," Serena said as she began walking around her friends, wanting desperately to dodge explaining anything.

"You're not getting away that easily, Serena," Raye said in annoyance as she stomped after Serena, her face screwed in frustration.

Serena's face hardened as she walked quicker," I do not want to talk about what happened Saturday, so could you all just please drop the subject?"

Lita and Raye stopped walking after Serena and glanced at each other in confusion. They immediately knew something was wrong... or something went wrong.

"Serena," Lita said in a soothing, soft voice," Come on... tell us. We're you're best friends, you know you can trust us."

Serena spun around and looked guiltily at her friends. "I know I can trust you... but I'm not... ready to tell you yet. Can you understand?"

They paused a moment, but then nodded together. "We're here for you when you're ready to tell us," Raye pressed.

Serena smiled and nodded before walking off again, this time letting Lita and Raye be in sync with her. They changed the subject, making the air a little lighter.

Darien walked behind them with his hands shoved in his pockets. His eyes searched around for Ethan, but luckily he was nowhere to be seen.

As Darien looked around, his earphone beeped.

"Hey, it's Andrew. You see him yet?"

Darien moved his eyes again and shook his head as he answered," Nope, haven't seen him so far."

Andrew chuckled over the earphone," Dude, he's got a huge black eye, it's so hilarious."

Darien pictured Ethan with a black eye and smiled happily. "Well I'm surprised he'd show up to school. It might mar his reputation"

"How about you and I have a little talk with him at lunch?" Andrew suggested, his voice sounding coy and meticulous. "We can kidnap him while nobody's watching and talk to him one-on-one."

"Sounds like a good plan, only who's gonna watch the kids while we're threatening him?" Darien asked, still following behind the girls.

"It's not gonna take that long," Andrew tried to persuade.

Just as Darien was about to say something, Ethan finally walked into his vision. "We'll talk about it more at lunch. I see him now."

Serena had stopped in the middle of the hallway, tensing up when she saw Ethan. The first, and most obvious thing about Ethan, was his black eye. Not only that but it looked like a vessel had busted, making part of his left eye red as well. I never hit him in the face... Serena caught herself wondering. Lita and Raye had paused with her as well, looking a little confused.

Darien moved quick and grabbed Serena's arm as he pulled her in the opposite direction of Ethan. "Come on," he muttered under his breathe.

Lita and Raye frowned as they watched Serena being pulled away from them. They shrugged and walked to their lockers, figuring they could just discuss it with Serena during lunch.

Ethan, however, saw Serena and his eyes squinted in jealousy as he watched Darien drag her away from him. When he woke up in the hospital he couldn't remember anything. All he knew was that his head was searing and thudding with immense pain and that his left eye was swollen shut. There were times when he'd remember bits and pieces... him being alone with Serena in a bathroom, and then him yelling at Serena out of rage. And from then on... nothing. He couldn't remember anything else. Ethan swiveled around on his feet and walked away. He'd talk to her eventually.

"Darien, let me go," Serena complained with an irritated voice. "I'm perfectly capable of handling him myself. He might need to be reminded that he and I are no longer together."

Darien rolled his eyes as he let go of her arm," Capable of handling him yourself," he repeated to himself.

Serena frowned," What... you don't think I can?"

"Look Serena, this isn't the time or place to be stubborn, all right? I'm just going to keep him away from you until things settle down a little," Darien explained, looking down at her with his intense blue eyes.

"Either way, I'm going to have to talk to him sooner or later. He doesn't know we're not 'together' anymore... he probably doesn't even remember what happened," Serena said loudly, throwing her arms in the air. "And... how did he get that black eye? I could have sworn I hit him over the head... not the eye," she said, more to herself then anything.

Darien immediately straightened up a little at the mention of Ethan's bruised eyeball. "Uh... I don't know. That's odd," he said.

"Yeah," Serena responded, not noticing Darien's lie," I mean, I was so frazzled, I could have hit him in the eye and not remembered..."

"Possibly," Darien mumbled as they entered her first hour.

Serena shrugged and dismissed the thought as she walked to her seat.

Soon, the bell rang, initiating the start of the day.

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During lunch, Darien and Andrew sat at their usual separate table, occasionally throwing glances at Sam and Serena. They talked and joked around, feeling as though things were finally reverting back to normal.

At least they thought that until Ethan showed up in the cafeteria. Right as he stepped through the cafeteria doors, fashionably late, there was an immediate buzz throughout the sea of teenagers. Kids started whispering and starting rumors of what happened to him at the party.

Andrew turned his head and watched Ethan's every move. "So are we going to talk to him?"

Darien looked at Ethan as well as he walked past their table, ignoring them. "Let's just see what he does first... we'll talk to him if he makes a wrong move."

"Him being alive is a wrong move," Andrew said as he shook his head disapprovingly. "You know... I blame the parents, seriously."

Darien chuckled lightly, never letting his gaze leave Ethan's form.

Across the cafeteria sat Serena and her usual group of friends. Mina had also given Serena a lecture, scolding Serena and telling her how worried she'd made her. Serena smiled and apologized, feeling her heart swell with affection for her friends. She only got the joy of feeling that for a couple of minutes before her nightmare walked through the doors of the cafeteria. Looking at him made her feel extremely uncomfortable and fidgety. Serena glanced quickly over at Darien who seemed to be staring daggers at Ethan. As if knowing she was looking at him, Darien's eyes quickly moved and caught hers, making her immobilized in one spot. He smiled at her, and then dropped his gaze as he turned towards Andrew and whispered something to him.

Serena realized, in the few seconds Darien looked at her, that she actually lived to see him smile at her. Her heart would skip a beat or two when he looked at her and her soul would melt every time he smiled.

Just as Serena was daydreaming about Darien, Serena felt a light tap on her shoulder. She snapped out of her reverie and turned to face none other then Ethan. Serena's eyes widened as she let out a small gasp.

Lita, Mina, and Raye all watched Serena intently.

Something definitely happened, Lita thought to herself.

"Hey... can we talk?" Ethan asked, looking into Serena's frightened eyes.

Serena glanced at her friends quickly and nodded hesitantly. "Um... sure," she answered as she stood up slowly.

Before Serena could even move around her friends, Darien was already right beside her, looking a little angry.

Ethan looked annoyed," Listen... bodyguard, I'd like to speak with her alone if you don't mind."

"Well, it so happens, I do mind," Darien snapped, crossing his arms.

Ethan seemed a little taken-aback but glared and lead the way outside.

Serena made sure to fall a few steps back of Ethan so she could talk to Darien quickly. "Hey," Serena whispered, making sure Ethan didn't hear," I got this, don't worry. He's not going to do anything in public... and sober."

Darien looked down at Serena with stern eyes," That's not the point Serena... he's fucking scum and you're willing to talk to him?"

"I told you we'd have to speak eventually," Serena whispered angrily back. "Anyways, just give us a little space-"

"Remember what happened last time I gave you a little space?" Darien cut her off, his pulse boiling underneath his skin.

Serena finally looked up at Darien and stopped, Ethan still walking a little ahead of them fuming. "Darien... I know you mean well, and Saturday was not your fault so let it go! Secondly, I brought my microphone with me so you can hear everything... okay?" she finished and walked again, quickly pinning on her snowflake microphone.

Darien frowned as he followed her again, still disliking the thought of them having 'space' between them so she could talk to some molester. When Ethan rounded a corner, Darien stopped at the other side and leaned against the wall tensely.

He heard the microphone beep, telling him that Serena had turned on hers.

"So," Darien heard Ethan's gruff voice," you never returned any of my calls."

" I had my cell phone off all weekend," Serena responded quickly.

There was a pause before Ethan spoke again," I don't remember anything that happened Saturday night."

"Of course you wouldn't," Serena drawled, sounding sarcastic and detached.

Ethan was quiet again before asking," I was in the hospital and you couldn't even come visit me?" he was starting to sound a little aggravated now.

"You wouldn't have been in the hospital if you hadn't drunk, or touched me," Serena retaliated, her voice dropping low with anger.

Right as those words left her lips, Ethan's jaw line tightened, a muscle in his cheek jumping. "Well, I was drunk," he defended himself," You know I'd never hurt you-"

"Wrong," Serena cut him off," You did hurt me. Look, I'm just going to make this simple for you, okay? You are never to come close to me again and you are never going to speak to me again. And maybe, someday, I just might forgive you, but that's not going to be anytime soon."

"You're breaking up with me?" Ethan asked, sounding shocked and mad.

Serena's determined voice answered," Yes... I am breaking up with you, Ethan."

"No one," Ethan's voice said menacingly into the microphone," breaks up with me," he sneered.

"Let me go," Serena said through gritted teeth.

That was all Darien needed to quickly turn the corner and grab hold of Ethan, shoving him forcibly away from Serena. "Do not touch her," Darien said dangerously.

Ethan had stumbled a little back but regained his balance, standing up straight as he watched Darien glare at him and turn away, grabbing for Serena's hand. Oh... you're going to regret that... just wait.

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Serena sat patiently as someone messed with her hair, pulling and twisting it into it's desirable place and pinning it. She was at another photo shoot and she'd be on the cover of Elle this time. She didn't mind pictures so much, she thought it could be fun sometimes, but today she was not in the mood.

The rest of the school day, Ethan was nowhere to be seen. Probably got angry and left, Serena figured.

Sitting in the chair, Serena could see Darien by the reflection of the mirror. He was leaning against the wall a couple of feet away from her. His left foot was propped up against the wall leisurely as he crossed his arms and looked around.

The hairdresser leaned over to Serena and whispered," All right sweetheart! You're done. Go get changed into your dress and the photographer will be right with you," the brunette lady said cheerfully.

Serena smiled and nodded as she got up. Her hair was in some kind of updo. The cover she was going to do was prom related, which wasn't going to come out until a couple more months. Half of her hair was pulled up and the rest was let down in soft curls. She had a small poof, and the rest was twisted in some fancy design. Her makeup was dark and sexy, but not overdoing it.

The dress that Serena put on was a classic champagne colored gown. It was long and bell shaped at the bottom, barely dusting the floor as she walked. It was strapless and hugged around her tiny waist perfectly, with lacy black bow that also went around her waist. Her jewelry was black to match with the black sash.

When Serena emerged from the dressing room, Darien was entranced. He was frozen in one spot, his eyes completely glued to her. A couple of people were buzzing around her to make sure everything was in place, so Serena wasn't paying any attention to Darien.

After a few minutes, Serena finally looked up and smiled at Darien. He found it hard to do anything at the moment, but he managed to smile back at her as he swallowed.

She walked towards him, her hands clasped together. When she got in front of him, she grinned and twirled around quickly for him to see. "What do you think?" she asked as she looked down at the dress.

"Um... I think," Darien said, finally snapping out of it," I think..."

Serena's eyebrows arched as she waited for him to answer. He seemed... nervous.

"I think," he said once more as he smiled and leaned towards her a little to whisper," you look beautiful."

Serena blushed and smiled, shyly taking her gaze away from him.

Before the two could say anything else to one another, the photographer ushered Serena away. She gave him an apologetic smile and waved as Darien bowed his head in response.

Damn, he thought as he watched her talk to the photographer. She just HAS to be gorgeous and completely off-limits.

At first Serena posed and took pictures in a decorated "prom-like" room, and then a couple of minutes later, a male model came out to take pictures with her.

He was handsome in his tuxedo and perfectly gelled, dark brown hair. He had blue-green eyes and a nicely built body. His jaw-line was strong and his cheekbones were high... he definitely was a model.

Darien felt a twinge of jealousy as the guy walked up to Serena and introduced himself. Serena smiled sweetly and shook his hands and then laughed at something he said.

The photographer quickly spoke to the both of them, and soon, Serena had her arms around the guy's neck as he wrapped his around her waist. They looked at the camera and laughed at something the photographer said. Someone turned on the music and Serena and the guy began to sway as they talked to one another and the photographer circled around them to snap pictures.

Darien found himself frowning and clenching his fists as he watched the two whisper in close proximities. He didn't like it. Not one bit. What made it even more frustrating was he wasn't sure why.

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The ride home was quiet. Serena was back in her normal clothes, her makeup and hair was still all done up.

Darien was sitting on the opposite side of her and had been quiet since after the photo shoot. He was staring out the window, his right hand hovering over his mouth as if he was in deep thought.

Surprisingly, Serena had a good time today at the photo shoot. Nick, the male model, was very sweet and quite funny. At the end of the shoot, he came up to her and gave her his phone number. He was gorgeous, but to Serena, he still didn't compare to Darien.

Serena eyed Darien, wanting to know what he was thinking. "You're awfully quiet," she said aloud, tilting her head slightly.

Darien dropped his hand and shrugged," Just been a long day," he answered, letting his eyes get a hold of hers.

Serena nodded and didn't say anything else.

Their eyes were still set on each other's as silence began to settle again. Darien was the first to move his head and stare out the window again, ending the strange moment.

Serena looked down at her hand, feeling somewhat sad. It was like he was mad at her... but that didn't make any sense.

The limo eventually pulled into the White House premises.

Darien climbed out first and helped her out like he usually did. His face was unreadable and expressionless as they made their way inside the White house.

Once they were in her room, Darien paused just at the entry and said," I'll be in my room if you need anything... but I think it best if you stay in your own room tonight, and I in mine."

Serena felt as if someone had crushed her heart. She didn't understand why he was acting like this... she nodded slowly as she swallowed back the lump she felt forming in her throat.

"Goodnight," Darien said and left her.

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It was around 9:15 when they got back to the White House.

On the ride home, Darien was trying to figure out his infuriating feelings. He had never let himself get too attached to any woman, and he was beginning to feel attached to Serena. He was beginning to have more than just 'strong' feelings for her, and he needed to stop it while he still could. His family and his future always came first, and Serena was beginning to get in the way of that.

He knew he couldn't let her sleep in his room, or he in hers. The temptation for him to simply kiss her while she was asleep was too strong, and the urge to touch her was too much. He had to end that charade tonight, so he did.

Or... at least he tried too.