Standard disclaimers apply. I don't own Sailor Moon, but I DO own the three movies!
CHAPTER THREE
Friends Indeed
*SCREE* *SCREE* *SCREE* *SCREE*
"Uhhh," Serena moaned. Her hand couldn't find the off button on her alarm clock quick enough.
Finally successful at ceasing the horrible noise, she slowly opened one eye only to read 11:08 a.m. beaming in red letters.
"AWHH MAN! I wanted to get an early start," she screeched to no one in particular as she bolted out of her bed and grabbed a mildly wrinkled dress she had picked out the night before. She ran and turned on her iron to do a quick press job. "Stupid clock," she muttered as she turned on the shower. "I set it for 8:45!" Unknown to her was that she unconsciously hit the snooze button repeatedly. Sleeping through the earlier part of her schedule, she hailed a cab to take her somewhere for brunch.
Doing a last minute check on her appearance outside of the popular diner's doors, she decided she looked fairly presentable. She looked at her watch. 11:58. She took a deep breathe, opened the door, and stepped in.
Her first thoughts were that the place was big. And it wasn't decorated anything like the diners back home with its subtle and calming colors. No, this place was bold, but tasteful. Navy blue and silver was the major theme with splashes of magenta in tile work and on the furniture. She looked around and saw that they had a stage, where a few people seemed to be setting up. The placard describing the day's specials also said that Karaoke night would be held at noon and then again that night.
'Weird. Never heard of Karaoke in the day.'
She looked at the people, all chattering happily before the program started. Finding an empty booth near the back, she settled down, looked around more and then turned towards the stage. No one noticed her yet, she was hungry, but she was also glad that she hadn't attracted attention. She wanted to get used to her new surroundings before being approached--even by a waitress.
"Hello everyone! And welcome to Karaoke Day!" Announced a voice on the stage, "We've got a wonderful lineup for you this afternoon. Most of today's performers are our regular patrons, but I see that there are a few new faces here. If you'd like to join in on the fun, don't be shy; just look for me at the bar and you'll be all set. Oh, and in case you didn't know, I'm Diana. Remember: Just ask for Dee, that's me!"
'Okay, that was just too cheesy,' Serena thought.
"Hope you all have a great time!"
The diner's activities went on for two hours. After eating, she stayed to watch the goings-on. Some of the customers could hold their own, but most couldn't. She knew most of the songs they chose, and even joined in a few times. But there was no way she was gonna get up on that stage.
"Hey there." a voice said to her.
Looking up, she saw several people in front of her; foremost was a woman with short black hair with silvered temples, and large hazel eyes. She smiled.
"Hello," she answered politely.
"I'm Luna Davids." The kind woman in her forties offered a handshake. "We heard you singing, you have a beautiful voice. I haven't seen you here before though, are you visiting?"
"Thank you. I'm Serena Carroll, and actually I've just moved here."
"Oh wow! A new person to add to the group," she said as she looked at the people with her. "Where are you from?"
"Louisiana. I just got here about four days ago. Haven't seen too much, but I like it so far."
"Well Serena, you'll just have to come with us today and we'll show you around. If that's okay with you, that is."
"It's fine Mrs. Davids," she smiled.
"Great! And call me Luna, let me introduce you to the crew. This is the twin brother/sister act Jedi and Mina Carlson, Amy Sands, Lita Campbell, Nicholas Trujillo, his cousin Malachi Martinez," she turned slightly and pointed to the counter, "and that's my daughter Diana heading this way in the yellow dress, and my husband..." she paused looking around, "...is somewhere around here; he was the one who ended the performances, and I'm sure you'll meet the rest soon."
The young woman dubbed 'Diana' approached, and Serena took in her appearance. She looked like a younger version of Luna, only with lighter hair.
"Diana, this is Serena Carroll. She just moved here from Louisiana, four days ago you said?"
Serena nodded.
"Cool! You'll have to tell me all about that place. Did you come to L.A. by yourself?" Diana asked.
"Yeah. I wanted a change of scenery," Serena answered.
"That's cool," said Jedi, "an independent traveler. Always wanted to see more of the world like that."
"How'd you decide to come here?" asked Mina.
"We'll all get to know one another more later on. Right now we have to get back to work before the shift change, you know you guys volunteered to help out today; besides, I see more people lining up to meet her. But remember Serena, we claimed you first," she joked. "Diana, why not take her back home to change, and then bring her over to the house. Then we'll all go out," said Luna, "you all are coming over right?" she asked the 'crew'.
"Definitely."
"Of course."
"Sure."
"Great!" said Luna. "Oh my goodness, I totally forgot I was supposed to take in an order. Back to work for me, and that goes for the rest of you! It was nice meeting you Serena, I'll see you later today."
The remaining people then turned their attention back to her.
"Well," started Diana, "I'll introduce you around more before we go..."
*******
The group ended up in a restaurant in Chinatown later that night. Serena as absolutely fascinated seeing everything that place had to offer. Nothing she could ever want in her new home, but still fascinating. She never saw raw chickens hanging out on a porch before, nor a barrel of live eels. She thought New Orleans had sights.
After eating, they sat around learning each other's backgrounds. Serena found out that all but one had grew up together. Jedi and Mina Carlson, who were 22, worked for Carlson Contractors, their father's business. The company specialized in the construction of new restaurants throughout the rural L.A. district. Serena remembered how she had asked Jedi how he got a name like he did.
"My dad was a big Star Wars fan," he replied and left it at that.
"Well, how come he didn't name you Luke and why aren't you named Leia?" she turned to Mina. The whole group practically collapsed with laughter.
"Um, he did. But I don't go by that name. Thankfully mom had some sense and softened it with Mina as a middle name so that's what I use. Jed wasn't as fortunate, weren't you dear brother?"
"Shut up!"
More laughter. "What?" Serena asked. She hated not knowing. Mina and company were too busy laughing to explain further.
"Tell her Jed!"
"Yeah, well since you're new and all...my full name is Jedi Luke. But I don't mind going by my first name--I'm not that ashamed." He grinned as he shoved his sister.
Serena tried to hold in her laughter, "I'm so sorry Jedi. But at least the force is with you." Jedi had scowled at her, but then laughed.
Twenty-four year old Malachi Martinez, who also grew up in L.A worked for Carlson Contractors too.
His cousin, Nicholas Trujillo, was a twenty-three year old freelance photographer for the L.A. Times. Being able to set his own schedule, he also worked at the local planetarium as a tour guide and spending time with his fiancée, Lita Campbell.
Lita, Serena found out, was a year younger than Nicholas. The spunky twenty-two year old worked at a Spa as a makeup consultant, while taking evening culinary classes. 'No wonder she's so pretty,' thought Serena, 'her makeup job looks so natural.'
Amy Sands, 22, had moved from San Francisco to L.A. three years before. Unlike Serena, she moved because of her job as a medical assistant in a doctor's office had transferred her. She wasn't too happy about the idea either. She missed her family and friends, but as she got to know the intimate group at Lunar Dimensions Café, her quieter reserve had melted away.
Diana, who was 23, took Serena under her wing throughout the day. She worked as a chef in the classy, yet quaint café. Lunar Dimensions was actually just down the street from Digital Anime. Diana was known to try out new recipes on the group and most of them were really very good. She was the one who inspired Lita to fulfill her dream to be a chef. Diana's mother, Luna, was a part-time hostess at the cafe and a homemaker. Mr. Davids, or rather Art, was the owner of Lunar Dimensions, but took part in business workings rather than the cooking.
All in all, everyone was extremely nice.
"...and so now I have a great apartment, and a new job at Digital Anime, starting tomorrow," Serena finished her story.
"Wow Rena!" remarked Amy. Serena was now officially Rena, as the group adopted the nickname too when they heard about Josh. She had been called 'Rena' before in Louisiana, but never so thoroughly that it overtook her name. Actually, 'Serena' was a shortcut version of her birth name, which was Serenity. If only they heard her middle name. "That's really cool. I wish I had that attitude when I first came here. I'm not as far from home as you are, but I never planned on leaving any time soon."
"Well, I always knew that I wouldn't stay in Louisiana. It's not that it's a bad place to live, but I wanted to do something different. And this job offer was too good to pass up."
"Do you need help with any unpacking?" Diana asked.
"I'm not really sure. I don't have that much to unpack--just little things. And I still have to find somewhere to buy furniture. Right now, all I have is a mattress on the floor."
"What time do you get off from work tomorrow?"
"Six o'clock."
"Me too, so does Amy and Lita, Mina at 5:30."
"So," continued Mina, "we'll help you look around to style your place. It'll be fun. And if we buy anything heavy, I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind helping with a little rearranging..."
"I thought that what's movers were for. You know, cause she just moved here...," said Nicholas.
"Aww, but honey, you guys would help out a friend, wouldn't you?" Lita batted her eyelashes as she leaned into him, and rubbed his arm. "Rena just moved here, she needs all the help she can get, right?"
"Uh huh..." sighed Nicholas, dreamily.
"Sell out." snickered Jedi, as Malachi rolled his eyes and shook his head at Mina.
"Umm, I don't want to inconvenience anyone. You don't really have to."
"Nonsense," said Luna, who had been unusually quiet. "That's what we're here for. If you need anything, just give one of us a call. Alright?"
Serena nodded.
"It's settled then. We'll all come by your place at 6:30. Shops don't close until 8."
"Well, I can't buy too much. I have to wait till I get paid before I can really set up."
"That's no problem. All we'll do is look around then, and you can write down what you like and how much it costs."
"Perfect," smiled Serena.
A round of 'phews' and sighs came from the males seated at the table.
*******
Being nervous, Serena woke up two hours early Monday morning. She got ready quickly and later realized that she still had an hour to go before she had to leave. She walked over to boxes, and started to unpack those just to pass the time. She stopped from time to time to glance at the clock. 8:10. 'Why does time always move so slow when you're waiting to do something?' She continued to unpack and stopped again to answer the phone.
"Hello?"
"Whassup Rena?" said the voice.
"Diana?"
"The one and only. Look, I have to be at work at 9. The cafe is down the street from where you work. You want a ride?"
"Yeah, beats taking a cab. Sure it's no trouble?"
"Nah. We'll keep you company. Besides, I have a feeling you're gonna be nervous. You might give your old address to the cab company instead of the new one."
"Believe me, I'm past nervous."
"So when can you be ready?"
"I'm ready now."
Diana laughed. "I'm on my way over then. We can go get breakfast with the girls and we'll try to calm your nerves."
"Ok, see ya," she hung up.
*******
Forty-five minutes later and after her new friends' reassurance, Diana pulled up in front of the Digital Anime building.
"Ok, I'll pick ya back up around six, remember I'm right down the street."
She turned to look at her passenger, and saw Serena nodding slowly while looking at the tall building.
"Relax, you'll do fine." Ever since picked up her new friend from her apartment, Diana and the girls had been desperately trying to calm her down. They were slowly making progress. Diana realized Serena had led a sheltered life, and that the whole situation was something she had never come close to experiencing in her life. "You already know everyone you're working with," Diana continued, "and you said that they were impressed with your portfolio, so they won't push you beyond your limits."
"I know, but I'm still nervous."
"That's natural."
Serena sighed and rolled her eyes. "Here goes nothing."
"Come down to the cafe if you feel too overwhelmed. Mina, Lita, or Amy said that they'd check up on you later on, okay?"
"Alright. Thanks, Dee."
"No probs Rena, see ya after work or whenever."
"Sure."
She got out of the car and walked into the lobby with a smile on her face. She was determined not to show how nervous she was.
"Rena!!" yelled a voice.
Turning to where she heard her new name. "Hey Josh, how you doing?"
"I'm good. First day, huh?"
"Yeah. You know, I'm surprised you remembered me."
"Couldn't forget such a pretty lady," he smiled and winked--again.
Remembering what Ali had told her, maybe Josh was 'crunching' her. 'Whatever! I don't have time for this.' "Thanks Josh," she smiled. "Well I'd better report before Ali comes looking for me."
"Too late," said Josh as he pointed toward the elevators. Sure enough, Ali was making her way over.
"Hey Rena, I was just coming to get you. Hello again Josh."
"Ali," he acknowledged.
"Well come on," urged Ali, "everyone's waiting for you."
"Alright, alright. Bye Josh."
"Later Rena."
As they walked into the elevator, Ali turned to Rena. "Well? I saw you talking to Josh. Did he ask you out yet?"
"What?! No way! He's not gonna ask me out, besides I wouldn't go anyway."
"Suit yourself. But if I were you, I'd say yeah in a heartbeat. I mean, look at him. He's cute, funny, smart...need I go on?"
"If he's so great, why don't you ask him out?"
"It's more romantic coming from the guy," she nonchalantly replied.
"Whatever. So what are my first day orders?"
"Just report to Madeline, you met her last week. She'll tell you what needs to be done."
"Great."
They walked to the graphics department expecting everyone to be working on their assignment. Instead, Madeline met them at the door while everyone else was crowded around her station.
"Oh good, Rena, you're here. We've been waiting for you."
"Well," started Ali, "I've gotta go report. I'll see you later, Rena."
"Bye Ali," called Serena. She then turned her attention back to her supervisor, Madeline. "What's going on?"
"Well, we've got a new assignment over the weekend. A big one. Now your portfolio shows how skilled you are, so I fully trust you to be on the team taking on this assignment. You'll be working along with Billy and Cheryl."
"What's the new project?"
"Oh silly me, I didn't even tell you. Come with me." She led her over to her station and directed her attention to the storyboards laid out. "This is a new strip by Himeko Ito, a popular artist in Tokyo. It's called "Shooting Stars." Now this particular comic has been out for three years in Japan. She's just come to us for an English copy to be distributed in the U.S. She's working on a new series called "Forever Love" and its REALLY popular. I mean bigger than "Shooting Stars!" Himeko Ito is the hottest thing in Japan right now, and if we do a really great job with this particular strip, and if the American public likes it, which I'm sure they will, then we'll be the first ones she thinks of to publish "Forever Love."
"Wow."
"Yeah, now I want you, Billy, and Cheryl to get together and sort these strips out. It's already been translated. I want you three to format the copy to fit with the storyboard. If you have to move pictures around, fine. Just find a way to make it understandable, and appealing. Make it stand out as something that will draw the attention of millions of America's youth." She turned again. "Billy! Cheryl!" she called, "you two and Rena get to work on what I discussed with you earlier."
"Aye-Aye, boss." Billy led the two girls over to a secluded station. "Ok," he started again as he pulled out a piece of paper, "these are the main characters of "Shooting Stars" and as you can see, they have Japanese names. Now representatives for Ms. Ito have given us a separate page of English names for each character. Mangazine, the last company that published Ms Ito's strips, mainly took over and royally screwed everything. They assumed that they had artistic license and without her knowledge, changed everything that was Ito, apart from her name. Fortunately, her lawyers found a loophole in the contract she had with them, she got out and is now with us. Now Ms. Ito's wary of anyone working with her strips. She takes pride in her hard work. We want to take this assignment very seriously and very carefully. We gotta watch what we're doing. If we mess up, then we screw the company and we screw ourselves. Now, I've got some tapes of her anime version of "Shooting Stars" and some of her other works. I want us to watch them and see what the storyline is..."
"I always said I do better watching the movie and then reading the book," interrupted Serena.
"Me too," smiled Cheryl.
"Good. After we watch a few of the main episodes, we'll each take on a character and work to reconstruct an English copy. Sound good?"
"Yup," agreed both girls, and they followed him into another room of the studio.
"I've told Todd to set everything up in the viewing room. In case you haven't met him Serena, Todd is the gopher for the graphics department."
"Yeah?" she asked, "then how come Ali is doing everything for me? I thought she was in the writing department."
"She is. But she's around here so often and Todd was out of town for the weekend."
Billy picked up the remote and turned everything on. He then unceremoniously flopped down on the sofa and picked up a bucket of popcorn that was sitting on the coffee table. Following his lead, the girls both sat down and got comfortable as well.
"There's nothing like watching hours of T.V. and getting paid for it," he sighed. "I love this job."
*******
The day had finally ended, and Serena strolled into the lobby towards the door. She glanced over at Josh's desk and saw him on the phone. He smiled, and she waved goodbye. Exiting the doors she immediately saw Diana parked outside waiting for her. She opened the door and slid in.
"What's up?" Serena asked cheerily.
"The sky." Diana pulled into the traffic and drove down the street towards her house. "How was the first day? I was a little worried when you didn't come to the cafe for lunch."
"It was great! I wish everyday could be like today. All I had to do was watch TV. We were so into the show that lunch had to be delivered."
"That order came from you? This little guy came into the cafe and said that he needed three large orders for people who were getting paid just for being entertained by cartoons. What were you watching anyway?"
"An anime cartoon by Himeko Ito called "Shooting Stars". It was really cool. As soon as I walked in the department, they told me I had a new assignment...
...so now I have to take care of the supporting character Anya, the best friend of the lead, and a few minor characters. The leading character's name is Starra, hence the name "Shooting Stars". I hope I do alright. I'd hate to mess up this deal for everyone. Ms. Ito's a pretty important client, and I'm just an intern. Why aren't people understanding this?"
"Obviously they see something that you don't. You'll do great." Diana pulled into her parent's driveway, they were having dinner there, as it seemed it was a daily routine. They walked into the house, "Mom!" Diana called.
"Hello, girls. Serena! How was your day? Tell me all about it." And so she explained once more what happened that day.
*******
Time passed by, and Serena was perfectly content with her L.A. life. Two weeks after being employed at Digital Anime as a graphics intern, she was promoted to a graphic artist with a steady salary. Josh had also asked her out, but she politely declined. She had solid friends in the neighborhood, and a family that she was adopted into. She spent so much time at the Davids' house, she felt like she should be paying rent. Actually, being part of the crew meant that she was at everyone else's place or that they were at hers. She wasn't in L.A. long before she was helping Diana pick out an apartment. Her 'older sister' now lived closer to her and they carpooled to work together.
She was working at her station when Ali and Todd came rushing in the graphics department.
"She's here! SHE'S HERE!" they gushed.
"Who's here?" asked Serena.
"Oh my God! How could you have forgotten, especially since you're working on her stuff?! HIMEKO ITO is here!" explained Ali.
"I forgot she was coming this week! Why didn't you call me?!"
"I started to, but then something came up." She walked over and whispered in Serena's ear, "I had a date with that cute guy in the financial department. I'll tell you about it later."
"Cool, in the meantime, I have to clean up all these papers on my station. Look at this mess," she glanced at all the work spread out on the desk, "its a total sty. I don't wanna have Ms. Ito see all her nice creations scattered everywhere!"
Too late.
Just then, Ms. McKinley walked in with the firm's most important client, Ms. Ito and her assistant. Worst yet, Ms. Ito's eyes went directly to Serena's chaotic station and then they instantly met hers.