"Hi Serena dear," Ikuko-Mama greeted. She sounded cheery, which made Serena feel a bit better.
"I called Raye's but she said you went to Darien's, which is fine, just call me in advance next time. Anyways dear, we're going out for dinner tonight and want you home at 4'o clock so you can watch your brother (Sammy is whining at his mother in the background). Alright?"
"Yes Mom," Serena said, a bit worried about leaving Rini home with Darien all alone.
"Bye sweetie!"
"Bye Mom." Serena hung up and groaned.
"What's wrong?" Darien asked.
"Mom wants me home at four to watch stupid Sammy," Serena moaned. "They're going out to dinner." Darien couldn't think of what else to say. Serena looked up at him.
"Are you OK with watching Rini all tonight?" she asked delicately. Darien shrugged.
"As good I can be, considering my experience," he responded. Serena sighed. What a mess this was all causing! Rini came crawling out into the kitchen, wanting to be held by Serena. Serena picked up the little girl and smoothed down her pink curls.
"What are we gonna do with you?" Serena mumbled to herself. Rini began to cry as hunger struck again. Gods, that baby could eat. Rini screamed louder, acting in every way a Princess, who wanted something NOW.
A few minutes later, Rini was silent in Serena's arms, sucking on her bottle, a content look on her face as if she had not a care in the world. Serena wondered what Rini must be thinking, and admired how she could only feel love: in a baby's world, there is no anger or suffering. As usual, Rini fell asleep after eating, and Serena took that advantage to change her diaper. She lay Rini down, and her and Darien snuggled up on the couch, watching "Titanic." However, just at the best part, Rini began squalling.
"Oh damn," muttered Serena, watching as the Titanic sunk into the sea, carrying Rose and her lover with it. She reluctantly got up and went to get the screaming baby, who was letting out irritated cries. They sounded almost exaggerated, like saying: "I'm bored." Serena carried the baby into the living room, and they watched the rest of the movie together, although Rini cried throughout the whole thing. However, a half hour went by and Rini still cried, even after being offered food, a diaper change, toys, snuggling, and everything else Serena tried desperately.
"Darien, I can't get her too stop!" wailed Serena, on the verge of crying herself, exhausted. Rini continued to scream in Serena's ear, so Darien had to yell his response.
"I READ THAT SOMETIMES BABIES JUST NEED A GOOD CRY ONCE IN A WHILE!" So, Serena just put Rini back in her makeshift bed, letting Rini cry herself out. Soon, crying turned into snoring and Serena was happy once more.
"God, I thought that would never end," moaned Serena watching her child sleep peacefully. Darien put his arm around his future wife, and they watched their daughter with love shining in their eyes and hearts. It was hard to believe that little angel had just acted like a little demon a while ago!
4'o clock came, and Serena reluctantly kissed Darien and Rini goodbye. Rini waved cutely at her as she left.
"Remember, call if you need anything!" Serena called anxiously. Darien nodded and waved too, showing he understood.
Serena babysat Sammy, but her heart was not into it- it was on Rini. All night her cute face shown in her head, and every time the phone rang she raced to get it, nearly killing Sammy once. However, no call was from Darien.
That night, Serena could bear it no longer. She snuck downstairs and took the phone up to her room and called Darien, awaking him from a deep sleep.
"Hello?" he mumbled.
"Darien! It's me, Serena. How's Rini?"
"Asleep. Do you know what time it is?"
"Uhh.. (pause) 1:30am."
"Good. Can I go back to sleep now?"
"Oh…fine. Tell Rini I said hi." A muffled response came from the other end, then dial tone. Serena sighed, hanging up. She needed sleep, but it didn't come easily.
The next day, Serena woke bright and early, to the BIG surprise of her parents.
"Did Serena die and someone else take her place?" Sammy asked, open mouthed.
"Serena, honey, do you feel OK?" Ikuko-Mama questioned, feeling Serena's forehead. Serena pushed her hand away.
"I'm fine, Mom," Serena said in an annoyed voice. She ate her breakfast quickly and said she was going out with friends before zooming out the door.
Serena ran full speed to Darien's, and without knocking rushed in. Darien was in the kitchen feeding Rini. He looked up as Serena ran in.
"Oh, hi Serena," he greeted.
"Hey muffin," Serena replied, plopping down next to Darien. She tickled Rini's tummy.
"Did you miss me, cutie?" Serena cooed, and Rini gave a wide smile and giggled. Darien took the bottle away and burped Rini. He set Rini down just as the phone rang. Darien picked it up. He talked for a minute, then hung up.
"Boss wants me to work for an hour. Can you watch Rini here? When I'm finished I'll come right back," Darien pleaded. Serena nodded and Darien gave her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.
"Love you!"
"Ditto!" Serena turned to Rini, who was chewing on the stool. She looked up a Serena with a big, almost-toothless smile (Though some more teeth were growing in).
"Well, I guess it's just you and me, squirt," Serena said, returning the smile. She and Rini played for a while, until Serena decided to take Rini for a walk outside. She shifted Rini to one side and began walking towards the park.
A/N: Danger lies ahead...
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