Okay, totally forgot to report and now I need to put this. But all in due time. Just saying that you people need to review more! It makes me want to put them out faster! Also, I am re-drafting the ending, even though it won't be in the next chapter. I wrote really fast just to finish because I did not want this to suck my life away. I didn't proofread, I just put out. But over all, it should be free of minor errors (if Bill Gates does me a big one).
Anyway, I can not stress enough for you guys to review. You have no clue how much it helps the writer with current and future projects. But if you don't find it appealing, then don't. But if you feel motivated, take the time out of your day to make mine. Good luck and God speed!
Disclaimer: Story, not the characters. Get on with it!
For the next few weeks, Darien and Serena were constantly seen together when he was not at the hospital and she was not at college. Sometimes it was just little walks in the park or trips to the theater. Her friends commented on how devoted Darien seemed to her, often Serena doing all the talking and Darien just listening to her mindless chitter-chatter.
He told her that it wasn't mindless and he liked her more every minute of it.
At this she usually blushed.
They would sometimes only go to the diner with friends or stay at her house and have dinner with her family. Darien was a darling, always engaged in intelligent conversation with her father and constantly flattering her mother at the proper moments.
Serena was walking home one day from college, skipping along, books nestled in the crook of her arms. She had on a jacket. It was December, Christmas looming in the next few days. She was working very hard on her many small presents for Darien. They were going out tonight, on a much more sophisticated date. Darien claimed to have something to show her.
Serena entered her house and zipped up to her room. She quickly threw her books onto her desk and rummaged through her closet. She decided on a cream and pink colored outfit. It was much older, with gloves and a hat to match. She also had a small purse and earrings that would match it perfectly. She went to the washroom to clean up. Darien was due at six and it was already four.
By the time six rolled around, Serena was tapping her foot incessantly in the hallway. She always found herself in this predicament before he came. She supposed it a good thing. Her father and mother had gone out for the evening. Only her high school-aged brother was home somewhere, probably listening to the radio. There was a knock at the door and she opened it. Darien was standing in front of her with a suit on. He looked up and saw her, smiling.
"Do I tell you that you're beautiful often enough?"
"Never!"
"Well, you are." The tell-tale blush invaded her face. "My lady?" he asked, offering his elbow. She smiled and put her arm through the hole and hugged him close. They walked down the sidewalk, and Serena stopped.
There, on the other side of the street, was a car. A brand new shiny car. Her parents had a car, but not like this. It was a maroon color and inside the seats were a tan color. She let go of Darien and walked around it. "Do you like it?"
"Yes! It's so nice! I didn't know you wanted a car!"
"I have been saving up. Saving up for a lot of stuff lately," he said knowingly. Serena looked up and saw him staring intently at her. "Shall we go?"
"Where are we going?"
"To Bethesda for the night. Thought we would try the new car out." Serena beamed. They were going out! And not out in Langley, on an actual date.
"Will we be back by curfew?"
"I got an extension from your father," Darien answered. He opened the door for her and Serena stepped inside, admiring all the intricacies of the car. Darien started it and pulled out onto the road. Excited, Serena marveled at everything for the entire journey. Darien laughed at her childish antics but loved them all the same.
Once in Bethesda, he pulled up to a fancy restaurant where a man took is keys to park his car. He offered Serena his arm and they went inside. They were seated almost immediately. The place was lit with large chandeliers and there were men dressed in black and white waiter attire running around everywhere. Serena marveled at the fancy atmosphere. Older couples were on the dance floor, performing dance moves of old.
Darien looked up from the menu at Serena who had yet to pick it up. "Do you like it?"
"This is wonderful, Darien!" Serena exclaimed. "I don't know what to say! You had this all planned! It's just…it's amazing," she looked at him softly. "Thank you so much."
"You're quite welcome. It fits you perfectly." Serena finally picked up her menu and set about to ordering. The waiter came over and brought with him water and champagne for the couple. Darien toasted to Serena and her to him. They ate good meals and then Darien swept her on the dance floor before the dessert was brought out. While out on the dance floor, he was humming the song.
"You like this song?" Serena asked. It was in another language entirely. French, she suspected.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"It's just lovely. Like you." Serena snuggled in closer to his chest. "Are you excited for Christmas?"
"I really can't wait."
"Well maybe it will come early."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Serena asked, dislodging her head from his chest. Darien shrugged and only smiled. He led her away from the dance floor. Once back at their table he sat her down but stayed standing in front of her.
"Serena, I have been wanting to tell you something for a long time." He leaned down, hands in his pockets, his face hovering near her ear. "I love you." Serena's heart skipped a beat. She moved her face and planted a kiss on his mouth before replying.
"Darien, I love you too. More than I thought I could ever love someone."
"But, so many people love you Serena, and they in return. How could you love me anymore?"
"Because, you're different. You're Darien." He smirked.
"And that is why I have this for you." He removed something from his pocket and it fit nicely in his hand he opened it in front of Serena's face. In his palm was a small gold ring with a diamond sitting atop its crown. Darien knelt down in front of a hyper ventilating Serena, eyes wide open. She swore the room got quieter.
"Darien," she said, unsure of herself.
"Serena, there's only one person I want to share the rest of my life with. I have asked your father and he said he would have no better son in law. But, for the rest of our lives, I just want to make you happy. So, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
"Yes!" Serena squealed. He placed the ring on her finger and she rocketed into his arms, nearly knocking him down. "Darien!" she repeated. "I can't believe you!"
"Surprise isn't over," he told her. Forgoing dessert, he paid the bill, and led her out of the restaurant. The whole way home Serena was speechless, constantly looking at her ring, to Darien, back to her ring, out the window, and back to Darien. Darien himself was over the moon thinking about what he was about to show Serena. Once the lights of Langley reached Serena's view her heart went pitter patter. They turned down her street, but passed her house and turned down right to the cross street. Darien stopped in front of a townhouse that was two stories tall.
"Darien, why are we here?" Darien got out of the car and walked up to the gate. "Darien!" she called after him.
"What?"
"Answer me!"
"Come in and you will see."
"It better not be a surprise party."
"It's not," he answered. "Better." Serena got out of the car and headed up the walkway to meet him. He took out a key and unlocked the door. He stepped inside a sitting room where there was only one chair.
"What is this place Darien?"
"Your home."
"My home, what do you mean my home?"
"It's where we're going to live when we get married." Serena stared at him in disbelief. He sat on the arm chair. "Right now this and the bed for me upstairs are the only two pieces of furniture in the house but-."He couldn't finish because Serena jumped on his lap and locked her lips over his. Darien groaned with pleasure. She was straddling his lap and her body was pressed up against him. Darien licked her lips with his tongue and she opened her mouth.
They had kissed, quite intimately before. The one day they had gone to the lake together and couldn't keep their hands off of each other. But this was nothing new for the darling couple. Once they had even gone back to his apartment instead of out to dinner where he had cooked her dinner and then effectively held her attention for an hour.
But it had never been like this.
Darien lifted his hands to her breasts and Serena let out a small sound of pleasure, intoxicating Darien even more. It was so easy to give in to her charm. And he had given in fully. They were going to get married, live in the same house, and start a family together.
Serena was fulfilling her dream. She wanted a house in Langley with a loving husband and one or two children. Her dream was now firmly in her grasp. The band around her finer showed it. Serena put her fingers inside Darien's jacket slipping it off. Her hands roamed over his body hungrily as if searching for some hidden treasure.
Darien removed her hat and ran his hands through her lovely hair. His hands then rested on the top of her derriere, giving a little pinch. He was new to this. Before Serena, there hadn't really been anybody. He was in and out of orphanages and boys' homes, and then he was off to the Naval Academy.
But they were on the same page. Serena was only eighteen, and new to this world of men. But Darien was perfect. She could feel the ring on her finger as her hands rested behind his neck, bringing him closer without hurting him or her. Darien withdrew her shirt from under her skirt and stuck his hand underneath. It rested on her stomach. Serena felt a new burst of anticipation and heat as she waited for him to do anything more.
Deciding he wasn't going to move, Serena unlatched herself and loosened his tie. He laid his head back on the chair as she unbuttoned his shirt. He took it off and Serena stared at his wonderful body. He was lean with muscles in every nook. She put her head on his shoulder to feel his warm skin.
Darien didn't know how much longer he could take before she totally usurped him. He began to unbutton her shirt, feeling a little uneasy, but she didn't stir or make any noise. He didn't peal it off as she did his, letting his hands rest on the final piece of fabric before they would be skin to skin. Serena let out another sound. Darien turned to her, resting on his chest, and then to his other side where her ringed finger resided, gently knotting at his shoulder.
"Serena, I think it's time I took you home."
"But Darien, I want to be with you!"
"Serena, I want to be with you too, but we have to wait just a little longer."
"When will we be married?"
"Whenever you desire."
"Tomorrow?"
"Now, don't you want your friends to be there? Don't you want there to be a reception?" She nodded and sighed dejectedly. "Serena, there's something else I have to tell you about this house. I saved up and bought it for a reason."
"Yes?"
"It's close to your home."
"Okay."
"So when I am not here, you can go to your house whenever you like."
"I don't understand Darien, why wouldn't you be here?"
"Serena, we're deploying sometime at the end of April." Serena sat up and looked at him straight in the eye. Despite her disheveled appearance, the shock in her eyes was all that Darien saw. "If you want to wait and get married, or you don't want to marry at all, I understand. But, I needed to know you were with me when I went over there. And I needed to set you up to have everything in the world while I am gone."
"Darien!" she cried hugging him close. "I always want to be with you! I know we have only known each other a short while and it may seem reckless or careless, but I always want to be with you! Never forget that!"
"Serena," he soothed her. "We will be together always."
"But what if you go over there and-," Serena began.
"That is not going to happen," Darien said sternly, cutting her off. "And don't you ever think that. I will come home to you and our home. I said we were going to be together for an eternity, and I meant it." Serena buried her head into the crook of his neck. "But, while I am here, I want to spend all of my free time with you."
"We'll get married at the end of January then."
"Are you sure it is not too soon?"
"No! I can do it!"
"You will have to do most of the planning on your own, preparations need to be made."
"I understand," Serena said determinedly. "You do what you have to do and appear at the altar in uniform soldier!" Darien laughed at her joke and kissed her on the forehead.
"Let's go captain," he joked, grabbing her waist and lifting her off of him. She buttoned herself up and put her hat back on. She tried to fix her hair to the best of her ability and they were out the door.
"I like it," Serena turned to the house surveying it. "But how did you get the money to buy it?"
"I told you, I have been saving up for quite a while now. And I had a small inheritance from my family that I invested and had some good returns. Regardless, you don't have to worry about a mortgage while I am away. And the army should supplement you with some money. Hopefully this wedding won't drive me bankrupt and I can save up some more money for you."
"Don't be silly Darien, my father is going to pay for our wedding!"
"I told him I would front some of the cost, knowing your eating habits." Serena stuck her tongue out at him.
"And I am sure he would have none of it." She stepped into the new car and he climbed into the driver's side. "Will you teach me how to drive the car?"
"Of course."
"And how to fix things?"
"Yes."
"How to manage money?"
"I will help you with anything you need," he turned to her. Serena smiled and settled down into the street as they pulled away, headed for her house around the corner.
The next month went by in a flash. Serena was busy planning her wedding and the work at the western union army office had picked up considerably. Her friends and family helped as much as they could, but with war on the horizon, everybody was busy and uncertain.
Serena's friends had been ecstatic when she showed them the ring. They had cooed over their relationship and said their wedding was going to be the best Langley had ever seen.
Serena's stomach turned into butterflies at the thought of the wedding. Would she be ready by then? No, she was ready to be married to Darien. But would her dress be finished, her flowers delivered, or her food cooked? Darien was busy at the hospital and at training camp, so when she saw him, they mostly relaxed at the house. Furniture slowly started to fill the home. Darien often fell asleep on the sofa and Serena walked herself back to her parents' house. She was happy it was so close.
Her anxiety was not heeded and the day was soon upon her. She had not seen Darien for two days. He had been working at the hospital non-stop because of flu season. He had even missed some training to take care of incapacitated soldiers.
And now she was standing before closed doors, her beloved waiting at the end of the aisle on the other side. Her father was at her right, looking gentile and smart in his tuxedo. "Are you ready?" he asked her. "Your mother and I thought you would never get married so young. But who could have predicted Darien, am I correct?" Serena nodded and looked to her father. "He is going to take good care of you Serena, even when he is gone. That's why I said he was allowed to ask you so soon."
"Thank you daddy. No regrets though; Darien's the only one I want. For the rest of my life."
"Then let the rest of your life begin." The doors opened and the pipe organ began to play. Serena stared up from underneath her vale at her soon-to-be husband, who was looking smart in full regalia, Andrew standing by his side in an army uniform, her brother Sammy in a tuxedo beside them. All four of her nearest girlfriends were standing on her side. She walked slowly up the aisle, shaking. Her father said some words to the pastor, as did Darien, and she felt her father's hand remove hers and Darien's own warm hand take hers.
The wedding went by in a blur slightly. They were kneeling and doing a variety of things, and soon they were at the I do's. And then Darien was lifting her vale and descended for their first kiss as a married couple.
And it was by far the best.
The reception was phenomenal. Practically the whole town of Langley was in attendance, dancing the night away. Around nine the elderly began to depart and by ten, the whole party was down to dregs. Serena and Darien were standing hear one another, hand in hand, speaking to some acquaintances. Finally, it was only she and Darien as they stared out at the empty room.
"What did you think?" she asked, finally getting to talk to her husband in a somewhat private setting."
"The best wedding I have ever been to."
"Me too!" Serena squealed. He smirked and drew her in for a kiss.
"Shall we Mrs. Shields?" She nodded and he took her hand and they headed for his car. Once inside, she began anticipating the night before them. This was the part Serena was most worried about, because she couldn't improvise or practice to make things better. "Something on your mind?"
"No, just happy," she lied. Then immediately feeling bad, she continued. "I am just worried, you know, about tonight."
"Tonight was great! I am sure everyone will think so also!"
"No, not that!" Serena blushed. Darien's face lit with recognition. He waited until the light turned green and turned onto their road. "You know-."
"Serena, don't you dare be afraid. I would never do anything to hurt you."
"It's not that! I mean, what if I am, you know, not good at being your wife."
"Serena," his deep commanding voice sounded. Serena sat up a little straighter and turned to look at him. They were in front of the house, stopped. "You are already the best wife I could have asked for in the first," he stopped, looking at his watch, "seven hours we have been married!" Serena giggled. "Now, would you like to enter your new home?" She nodded and he got out of the car, opening the door for her.
He lifted her as soon as she was out, carrying her bridal style up the steps and through the door. She giggled. He put her down at the foot of the stairs, removing his jacket and hanging it up neatly in the closet. "Madame, after you," he said, motioning to the stairs. She giggled some more and rushed up, the folds of her dress and Darien right behind her.
She walked into the bedroom that Darien had been sleeping in and her jaw dropped. Replacing his twin bed was a large queen-sized bed for two. There were two night tables on either side of the bed. It was made of some rich dark wood. "Darien," she marveled.
"I have been busy the last couple of days, trying to get everything ready."
"I can see that." She turned to him, standing at the edge of the bed. A window was open and the moon showed on her making her look like an angel. His angel.
Darien took a large step and was across the room in front of her, grabbing her face in his hands and bringing her lips to his. Serena clutched at him greedily. She wanted him like no other. Darien was searching for the zipper on the back of the dress, and after fiddling with it, it descended down her back slowly. The dress dropped and Serena stepped out of it. Darien stepped back to admire her beauty before continuing to make her the happiest bride alive.
Serena was on fire. She took off Darien's belt and removed his shirt and tie. Darien picked her up and put her on the bed, climbing atop her and hovering. "Did you know you're the most handsome man I have ever seen?"
"No, actually. Good to know," he smirked. He began to kiss her again and Serena gave a slight moan of pleasure. His hand that was not holding him up trailed down her arm and rested near her right breast. Serena's hands unbuckled his pants and he kicked out of them. He then slid Serena's bra straps down her arms and reached behind to unclasp it. Successful in his endeavors, he threw the restraint to the side and kissed her neck making his way to a place he had never been before. Serena arched into him, making him wild. He didn't know how much longer he could take of Serena's ministrations and noises. He was pretty sure she could feel how much he wanted her. He didn't feel the need to say it anymore.
Serena was feeling something so alien that she wasn't sure what to do. Her hands were like spiders weaving their web on Darien's body. She brushed her hands against the bulge near his lower half and Darien made a little noise for a change. Satisfied she rubbed her pelvis with his and the noise was louder. And then his head was at her breast, licking at her nipples. She let out a moan of satisfaction.
Quickly, Darien slid down farther and removed her underpants. He stared, unabashedly, at her naked beauty. Serena was looking at him with clouded sky eyes. He descended upon her once more, hands roaming to the new spot he had freed.
Serena felt it unfair to have herself exposed to Darien while he was somewhat clothed. She tugged at his underwear and he responded sliding them down. Once finished, his hands wandered back up to rest in between her leg. They moved about in tiny movements that made Serena shake. "Darien," she said in a pleasure-induced tone.
Darien finally couldn't take it. If he didn't have her, he was going to burst and ruin their first night together. He lifted her butt up slightly and narrowed his pelvis towards hers.
Serena's heart rate sped up. She felt him poking at her entrance and she opened her legs wider. He easily slipped in and she let out a little pant of pain. "Are you okay?" Darien asked immediately. She gave a little nod. He started out gentle and Serena felt less and less of the spark of pain. He then developed a rhythm. Serena could feel something building up inside her. She then began to move her hips with Darien's. He was kissing her neck and nipping at her ear lobe, and the feeling finally reached a climax that made her toes curl. Darien relaxed a few moments later and flopped to the side.
They lied like that for a few moments before Serena turned to him and snuggled into his shoulder. She wrapped an arm around his bare waist and scrunched in closer. His arm rested on her back. He turned to her with a broad smile. "Mrs. Shields?"
"Yes?"
"Are you happy?"
"Yes. And yourself?"
"Of course." He planted a kiss on her forehead. He then reached for the covers and pulled them over the two. Serena used Darien as a pillow. They fell asleep together for the first time in utter bliss.
Serena was on cloud nine the first couple of months after the wedding. She would still go to school every day, as she promised her family, and then come home and make Darien dinner before he got home for the hospital. On days when he had off they would go to lunch at the diner together with her friends. Andrew and the girls would sometimes come over to the house for little get-togethers. Marital life was heaven.
And then looming war took over. Working at the recruitment center skyrocketed. Darien was spending time at training camp all weekend long. There times together decreased and a certain ill-feeling settled upon the town. On the nights when Darien didn't come home from training (he slept with his battalion) she stayed up. This is what it would be like when he left. This is what it would feel like. She would cry often, but never in front of Darien. Then he would feel bad. She wanted his last moments spent at home to be positive ones.
Halfway through April, Serena faltered. Darien had received his assignment. He was to be parachuting in with the first divisions behind enemy lines on a date to be decided later. He came home, in full regalia, and told her. She dropped the pot of boiling water and noodles she was holding into the sink. The hot water splashed onto her uncovered arms. Alarmed Darien ran to her.
Serena only felt numb. Tears ran down her face. Right into the enemies territory? Darien was PARACHUTING out of a plane? "Serena!" his stern voice said, bringing her out of her state. "Are you all right?"
"Darien!" she screamed, launching herself into his arms. "Darien, don't go, please don't go! I need you here with me!"
"Serena, I have to. There's no option. This is my job. Just like you will go teach little children one day, I have to take care of men on the battlefield. Don't worry, we will get those Nazi bastards and I will be home before you know it!"
"You don't even know when you're leaving!"
"Actually, I deploy May first. When I go to Europe, that's truly undecided."
"May first!?" Serena barely said. She began to breath heavily.
"Serena!" he shook her. Her breathing went back down to normal, but the look in her eyes scared him. "Serena, please don't look at me like that! Do you know how hard it is already to leave you? Do you know how, utterly and completely perfect these last couple of months have been? And they're not going to stop. I told you, I am going to take care of you for the rest of our lives. And I meant it."
Serena was speechless. She buried her head into his jacket. Tears stained the nice cloth. Darien, not knowing what to say, held her there for a couple minutes before lifting her and taking her to bed. She slipped into a nightgown and climbed into bed. Darien changed out of his uniform and followed her. The sun had just finished setting outside the window. He pulled her close. Serena felt dead, numb to the world.
But then Darien talked to her. Every night from then on, he spoke to her, and she didn't feel so dull. There was a hole in her chest due to their impending separation, but Darien tried his best to repair it. The end of April was trying. Luckily Darien was home more often. But they got into one of their first fights. It was on Serena becoming pregnant before he left. Darien put on absolute stop to it. But Serena wanted nothing more than to have a little Darien while he was gone. Serena had never heard Darien yell, but that night, she did.
"Serena!" he shouted. "We can't have a child right now! How will you take care of a child all by yourself? Sure your friends and mother will help, but with the war everyone will be busy!"
"Darien, I need something of you here with me! The baby will keep me occupied while you're gone!"
"And what about your studies?"
"I would continue them."
"Serena, a baby! Do you understand the connotations of a baby?"
"Do I understand, Darien, stop treating me like a child!"
"Then stop acting like one! What about me Serena? Don't you think I want to be around when you have a baby?"
"But Darien-."
"Serena, what if I don't come back?" That comment silenced the room. Serena stood up a little straighter and tears sprang to her eyes and her passion turned into utter sadness. "Serena, I hate to bring it up, but I will not leave you with something like that."
Serena instantly sprang to anger-filled passion. "Just leave me right now then Darien! Just get out! If you're not coming back, then we might as well separate right now!" She walked up to him and pushed at him, a steely look coming over his face. "Just go!" she shouted. She sat down on the couch and put her hands to her face, hysterically crying. Darien walked over and sat down next to her. He looked over at her, tears streaming down from her hands.
"I am not going to leave." His comment was responded with silence. "I understand if you don't want to be with me, but I always want to be with you." Serena's heavy sobs died down. "And I fully plan on coming back. And then, Serena, we will have as many babies as you would like." Serena lowered her hands and looked at Darien. He turned to her and brought his hands up to her face and removed her tears. She didn't move. "But, while I am here, can we please fight as little as possible?" Serena nodded and launched herself into his arms.
"I'm sorry."
"No, I am. Serena, I didn't mean to bring it up. That was very stupid of me."
"No it wasn't. It was practical, I understand." Darien coaxed her upstairs and they went to bed, sleeping as close together as possible.
May first was upon Serena before she could blink. She would lie awake and just look at Darien, and he, her when either wasn't looking. On the night before Darien was destined to leave for a deployment camp, they made love one last time. Neither got a wink of sleep as they talked all night about what they would be doing while away. Darien didn't really know, so Serena was happily chatting away. They talked about what they would do when they were together again and what they wanted out of the future.
Darien left early the next morning. Serena went down to the bus station with him. Soldiers were there, most with their families, some had girlfriends. The girls were there, giving Andrew kisses on the cheek, tears in their eyes. Serena held onto Darien until the very last second.
"I will write to you every day that I can," Darien told her.
"And I every day to you." Darien drew her in for a long kiss before the bell sounded. He let go of her and grabbed his bag. He climbed onto the bus, dressed in his civilian uniform. He set next to Andrew, looking at Serena, mouthing, "I love you," over and over again. Serena tried to keep a strong face but tears were running down her face in a steady trickle. She kept waiving as the bus pulled away.
The girls immediately ran over as she broke down and slunk to the ground. They talked to her in soft tones, but it didn't help. They eventually picked her up and practically carried her back home. They all stayed the night and squashed into the bed that she and Darien shared.
It still was empty.
The days moved slowly. Serena wrote her first letter to Darien when she could finally get out of bed. After she sent it, the next day she received one from Darien.
My darling Serena,
I almost ran off the bus when we were leaving. Only the guys around me stopped my feet from moving. I hope these first couple of days haven't been that hard for you. If it is any condolence, I am not in Europe! But I am not allowed to tell you where I am until I am in Europe. They are afraid of some soldiers running away if their loved ones came to see them. They should be. I want to run to you right now. The food here isn't as great as your cooking, surprisingly, and the women nurses I work with are not even close to how beautiful you are. It just makes me happier that I married you when I did.
I hope that your studies are going well. When I come home I expect you to be working at the local school. I hope the house isn't lonely. If it is, go stay with one of the girls or at your home. Don't be afraid to leave. I want you to be as happy as possible. I look at the picture of you in my wallet every day. I can't imagine how much I will look at it once I leave the states.
All the men here are very hopeful. They say we'll be out in less than a year. I have trouble believing that. The German blitzkrieg is supposed to be an unstoppable wall from what I here. But the Russians did it, why can't we?
Looking forward to your letters.
Love, Darien
Serena was at tears by the end of the letter. She immediately went to the desk and started writing him a response. She located an envelope and a stamp and sent it out later that evening. That night she went to her parents' for dinner. They treated her with kid gloves but she didn't say anything. She wasn't surprised.
That night the crying lessened. He hadn't gone away, they were still connected. She reached out in the bed and imagined Darien there, holding her and trying to go to sleep with her babbling about her day.
The next day she went to college again. She then went to her job. Typewriting was in full swing. She would go every day after work and on Saturday morning. The spring semester was ending soon, and then she would be working all the time.
For the first two weeks of May there were steady letters. It didn't feel so bad. The girls would occupy her time. School kept her busy. And then the letter came from Darien that made her heart drop.
Serena,
Sorry for the briefness of this letter but we are leaving. By the time you get this letter I will probably be out to sea headed for England. They sprung it upon us. They want to keep the operation as hush-hush as possible to avoid detection by the Germans. I have been practicing parachuting, and what a lift it is!
I don't know how often I will be able to write now. But keep writing to me every day. Your letters keep me going. I love to hear about home and the girls and your family. You haven't told me about driving yet though. Have you been successful in parking the car?
I am going to be fine in Europe. Pray for me.
Love always, Darien
Serena dropped the letter and sank to the ground. She put her hands into her hair and grasped at it. He wasn't here! He wasn't even close by! He, he was sailing away. She was having trouble breathing. She crawled over to the newly installed telephone and picked it up, dialing the only other person she knew that had a telephone. "Amy?" she spoke quietly.
"Serena, what's wrong?"
"Darien."
"I'm coming," she replied, and put down the receiver. Serena let the receiver dangle, not bothering to put it on the cradle. She feel against the ground and lie there in the fetal position for twenty minutes before Amy banged open the door, Lita at her side.
"Serena!" Lita yelled, seeing her on the ground. She ran over and propped her up, checking her pulse. Amy was there, looking into her eyes and listening to her heart.
"What happened?" Amy questioned.
"Darien, he's gone." She pointed to the letter that was lying lifelessly on the floor. Lita picked it up, a look of shock coming over her face. "He, he went to England." Amy gripped her close in a vice, trying to protect her.
"He's going to be fine Serena! He's is just traveling over the Atlantic!"
"The U-boats!" she hissed.
"Don't worry, the Nazis do not have control of the seas," Lita told her. "They've been sending ships for months and most have come out unscathed. Darien will be fine, he promised. Don't you remember?" Serena nodded and her breath came back to her. "Write him one back Serena." She nodded, going to the desk. Lita put it in the drawer that Serena kept all his letters in.
Dearest Darien,
When I read your letter, I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to. I have been lying in my bed every night, thinking of you lying with me. Sometimes, I see your outline there with me. I think of us lying together after making love.
I still make dinner for two. I place yours at the table and eat by myself. It makes me feel better. I don't know when you will get this letter, but I hope it is before you go into combat. There's so much I want to tell you and a piece of paper isn't long enough.
If we have a daughter, I want her name to be Serenity. I know it sounds rather vane since it is so similar to my name, but I read a poem in class the other day, and it really inspired me. If we have a son, I think I will leave it up to you. And no, as far as I know I am not pregnant. But, I want you to know these things. Maybe, just maybe it will comfort you in your dark times, though I hope you have none.
Lita and Amy are over helping me out. Everyone helps me out. I am so glad, because if they weren't here, I would be miserable. It is so nice to have friends who love you. They miss you too and can't wait until you are home once again.
Maybe I will get a dog. How does that sound? A dog would occupy my time. And when you got home, it would be a nice change, right? This idea just came into my head and I am writing it to you! There's probably so many more important things to talk about.
Then again, maybe there isn't.
Regardless, I miss you every day. Some days it gets pretty bad. But then I try very hard to think of you there sleeping with me. And you appear, in my dreams.
From your one and only, Serena
Darien was sitting on the boat, his battalion surrounding him. He had a picture of Serena in his hands. Her face bright, smile unyielding. "Hey, medic! Whatchya doing?" a young private, Joseph, asked.
"Thinking about my wife," he answered.
"Wow, meds got a wife?" the corporal, Nathaniel, asked.
"Serena," Andrew answered.
"Let's see a picture!" Zane, another private asked. Darien gave him the picture of Serena. "Woah, what a babe! Where did you find her?" Darien scowled. He reached for the picture, but it was already in Joseph's hands.
"How old is she?" Joseph asked.
"She'll be nineteen in June."
"A bit hasty aren't we?" Joseph continued.
"Hey, lay off. Darien and Serena are great together."
"I have no doubt of that," Malcolm, their lieutenant answered. "Must be nice to have someone waiting for you."
"I suppose," Darien answered. The picture got passed back to him and he put it back in his wallet. "It kills me not to be there with her."
"How long have you guys been married?"
"Almost four months." Joseph whistled. "Yeah, it was a bitch to leave, you know?"
"Do you guys try and stay in touch?"
"As much as we can. I write to her whenever I have a flat surface and some paper."
"No wonder you never stared at all those pretty nurses you worked around! I thought you were a lucky bastard, the only one getting on with the ladies!"
"I am glad you think so high of me Joseph."
"Oh, come on! In their cute little white outfits!"
"You don't know my Serena," Darien whispered and continued to look out across the water. The chatter changed from him to the nurses back at the base. He distanced himself from the situation. The moon was up. He thought of Serena in her white wedding dress, standing in the moonlight. Despite not having a picture, he could see it as clear as day. Her soft features, her lips looking perfectly kissable.
He didn't know the future. He didn't know where he was going or what he would be doing, but he knew where he would end up. Back in Serena's arms.