Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or its characters. The story however is of my own device.

Chapter 2

"He proposed", Andrew said, "That's great. I'm so happy for you. I better get back to work though". He put the stool back and wrapped his arms around Serena in a big hug. Then he walked back to the counter.

"You mean to tell me Darien proposed to you", said Raye emphasizing the word you.

"Yeah, what was he thinking? You are nothing but a klutz and a crybaby", said Lita.

"I find it hard to believe that he would want someone who is barely passing school to be his wife", said Amy.

"I can't believe he did that. Did he fall on his head or something", said Mina. Serena was on the brink of tears by this point. She was doing everything in her power to hold herself together. She couldn't believe they were being so cruel. They were supposed to be her best friends.

"Whom the hell do you think you are to talk to her that way", Amara said banging her balled up fist against the table. "She is our princess. Show her the respect she deserves", said Michelle. She turned towards her lover and said, "Amara, calm down. Don't do anything hasty". She then placed a firm but loving hand on the arm of the tall short-haired blonde.

The four younger girls got up and walked out of the arcade. As they walked away you could hear Raye say, "I can't believe it. How can she be engaged? I should be the one with Darien. He was mine and she stole him from me. Plus, I should be the princess. I am so much more lady-like then that twit". They all agreed but before they could say anything more they were walking down the street.

Back in the arcade Serena broke down into tears. "I thought they would be happy for me. They are supposed to be my best friends", she sobbed, "How could they say all those things. What if they are true. I am a crybaby and I am not very smart". She was cut off by Amara before she could get another word out "Sere, DON'T EVER let me hear you berate yourself like that again", she yelled, "You are the sweetest person I know and you have the biggest heart. If it weren't for you we would not be here. You protect this world all while risking your own life to do so". The girls all joined in a big group hug around Serena. "I can't believe those damn inners", said Michelle and Hotaru in unison.

"I can", said a voice that was emotionless and all knowing. Amara turned to Trista and asked, "What do you mean", she asked. "They have always been jealous of Sere especially Raye who wants the crystal and Darien for herself. She wants to be princess and always has", Trista said stoically. Serena was still crying. Right now she just wanted Darien to hold her and tell her that everything thing would be alright. "I heard the commotion. What the hell is there problem", asked Andrew as he came out of the back room. They stayed at the arcade for several more hours playing games and talking.

Finally it was time to leave the arcade. "Sere, would you like a ride home", asked Amara. "No, but thank you", she said, "I am just going to walk home". Slowly she made her way towards her family's home. The whole way there she hoped that her family would take the news of her engagement better than her friends did. She was pretty sure she knew how her father would react. He was not happy about her and Darien dating. He never was. Serena believed it was partially because of the age difference.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home", Serena yelled as she walked through the door. "Where were you young lady? I got a call from the school saying you were not there", her mother called from the kitchen, "You had better have a god explanation".

"I do Mom. Today was the day that Darien left. I was at the airport seeing him off", Serena said. She then walked into the kitchen and made herself a snack. "Mom, what time will Dad be home? I need to talk to you both about something that is very important", she said.

Just then the front door opened. "That should be him now", Irene said. Wiping her hands upon her apron she walked to the living room to greet her husband. "Ken, Serena said she needed to talk to us. She says it is important", she said.

"Okay, give me a minute and I will be in", Ken said in reply. Irene walked back into the kitchen with Ken following in suite. "Your mom said you needed to talk to us", he said pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Well Mom, Dad, as you know Darien and I have been together for a long time" "You better not be telling us that he got you pregnant young lady. I will kill him if he did", her father cut in. "No Daddy. Darien proposed last night. I said yes. So we are engaged" she said.

"ENGAGED you are not engaged he is too old for you", yelled Ken. "Dear, stop it. Serena, I think it is wonderful. Ken, if you don't stop you will find yourself sleeping on the couch", Irene said turning towards her husband. Ken went off in a tantrum but knew his wife was serious. "Fine, I won't say anything more about it", he said.

"Well, I am going to go upstairs to read a book", Serena yelled as she was running up the stairs. She opened the door to her room and flung herself across her bed. Luna, Serena's cat and advisor was sleeping on the edge of the bed. "Luna, wake up. I have to talk to you", she said. "What is it Serena? I was in the middle of a good dream", said the black cat with the golden crescent moon on her forehead. As she said this she arched her back and stretched. "Darien and I are engaged. He proposed last night and now he is on his way to Boston. I told the girls but none of the Inners took it well. They started yelling and me and even told me I shouldn't be the princess", she told Luna.

Luna looked at her with a very shocked expression. "I can't believe them. I am so sorry they did that. I am so happy for you", she said, "Do you know when Darien's plane will be landing?" Serena looked at her watch, "His plane will be landing in about 3 hours".

Serena curled up on her bed with her newest manga. As she read her book Luna curled up on the bed next to her and went back to sleep. "Oh Darien why can't the girls be happy for us they are supposed to be my best friends", she said to herself. Then, she began to cry. She cried for nearly an hour when her phone rang. She wiped her eyes and reached for the ringing phone that was on the night stand next to the bed.

"Hey Dare. How was your flight", she asked.

"It was long. Baby are you alright", he said.

"Yes I am. Why do you ask". Serena replied.

"Serena, sweetheart, you can't lie to me. You have been crying. I can hear it in your voice. Come on Baby, I am your fiancée. Please tell me what is bothering you. You were so happy this morning even though I was leaving", he said.

There was a long pause followed by a loud and long sign. "Okay, you're right. I have been crying. After I left the airport Amara and Michelle picked me up. We went to the arcade. Lita called me while we were on our there. I asked for the girls to meet me there. Well once they were there I told them our news. Andy and the Outers were and are very happy for us. But the Inners started bashing me. Amy actually said, "I can't believe he would want to marry someone who is barely passing school". I mean come on they are supposed to be my best friends. Amara went off on them and then they left. On their way out Raye went off that I stole you from her and that she should be the princess not me", she replied.

There was a long pause. Darien wracked his hand through his hair. "And they are supposed to be your guardians. Baby, they had no right to do that. From now on I want you to stick to the outer senshi. I have a feeling something is up and I don't want you to get hurt. So please do this for me", he said.

"Of course Dare. I love you so much", she said.

"I love you too baby", Darien said.

"I hope your studies go well. I know you will be busy but I will write to you", Serena said.

"Baby, no matter how busy I am I will never be too busy for you. I will call you at least 3 times a week if not more", he said.

"Well, don't call if you have to study. I want you to succeed. It is important", she said. They talked for another hour before hanging up.

Serena woke up early the next morning and left for school. She left so that she would make it well before the first bell. As she walked into the class room she heard the whispers of 3 girls. The voices were those of Amy, Lita and Mina. They did not notice Serena come in so they continued their discussion. "I still can't believe that twit is engaged. I mean come on. Whenever we had an enemy to fight she would freak and Tuxedo Mask had to come rescue her", she heard Lita say. Yeah and now what? Darien isn't here. Last time she had the Starlights. They went home though. We can't watch her all the time", said Mina.

Serena was not surprised by this. However, she was hurt. Serena then remembered what Trista and Darien said to her. Darien wanted her to stay away from the girls. She decided to take a seat on the other side of the room. The warning bell rang and all her classmates filed into the class and took their seats.

"I wonder how late she will be today", said Amy. Then the teacher walked in and the final bell sounded telling everyone that class had begun. "Well class shall we find out who all is here. Melvin", said the teacher.

"Here", said a brown haired boy with glasses.

"Molly"

"Here"

"Lita"

"Here"

"Amy"

"Here"

"Mina"

"Here"

"Serena, oh wait tardy", said the teacher.

"Ms. Haruna, I am here", said Serena. The teacher looked up in shock. She nearly fell out of her chair as she said, "Serena, you were on time today. I can't believe it". Serena was blushing a deep shade of red as she looked around the room at her fellow classmates. They were all gawking at her in amazement. Amy and Lita had looks of utter bewilderment written across their faces and Mina was completely dumbfounded. "I can't believe it", said Amy, "She is actually early". "I know. What is going on", said Mina. Lita was too shocked to say anything. When it came time for them to turn in their homework everyone was even more shocked. Serena actually had her homework and it was complete. The teacher was very pleased. "Class what I never mentioned was this assignment was going to count as a take home quiz", said Ms. Haruna. "I highly doubt she did well", said Amy, "She stopped coming to study group". The other girls nodded in agreement and glared at Serena.

The day carried on. "Class, it is now lunch time. I am going to grade the papers and hand them back after lunch", said their teacher. Every student walked out of the classroom. Today Serena was going to eat lunch with Molly and Melvin. "Hey guys", she said. "Serena, you were on time and had your homework. I am so proud of you", said Melvin. "Thanks for telling me the assignment Molly", said Serena. "So Sere, you seem a little down", said Molly, "I am your best friend so I can tell".

"Well Moll, Darien proposed and now he is in Boston studying to become a doctor", she said. She looked at her friend who did not seem convinced. "Sere, there's more. What happened", Molly asked. "Well, I told the girls and they started bashing me", she said. The bell rang signaling the end of lunch. After everyone was in their seats Ms. Haruna handed back the papers all except for Serena's. "Serena, I would like to talk to you after class", she said to the young girl.

The whole class was surprised at how fast the rest of the day went by. The big hand on the wall clock struck 3 just as the final bell of the day sounded out in the hall. The students all gathered their books and ran out the door all except for Serena. "You wanted to talk to me Ms. Haruna. You never gave back my paper. Did I do that bad", she asked. "No child you passed", said the teacher as she handed back the paper. "I got a 100", Serena squealed with excitement. "I am very proud of you. Keep uThep the good work. You may go home now", said the teacher.

Serena walked to the arcade. "I can't wait to show everyone my paper", she said to herself. She began to skip down the streets of Tokyo until she was standing in front of the arcade. "Andrew", she said happily as she entered the arcade, "I passed a quiz". Andrew walked over to her and she held out the paper for him to take. He examined the paper and proceeded to wrap his arms around Serena in a bear hug. "Sere, I am so proud of you. Whatever you want it's on the house as a reward for doing so well. Darien will be so proud of you once you tell", he exclaimed. Serena went over to the counter and sat down on the stool that Darien used to sit on. Then, she ordered her usual double chocolate milkshake.

Her shake was almost ready when Trista and Hotaru walked in. "Hey there Sere", said Trista. "Hey, where are Amara and Michelle", she asked. "They are parking the car", Trista stated. "Okay, when they get in here I need to talk to the four of you", Serena responded. They walked to a back booth that had privacy for what they had to talk about.

Finally, Amara and Michelle came in. "Guys, I have to talk to you all. I talked to Darien after he landed in Boston. I told him what happened with the Inners. He was pretty upset to say the least. He no longer wants me to hang around them because he is worried that they will try something. He also no longer wants them to be my primary guardians", she said. "I would be honored to take the position Princess", said Trista. "Yeah those little" "Amara don't. Princess it would be an honor and a privilege", said Michelle cutting Amara off. "I agree", came the voice of Hotaru.

They talked for awhile before the other girls came into the arcade. "So Sere, what did you get on the quiz", asked Lita. "I bet she only got a 10", said Raye. "I don't think she even got that", said Amy. Serena glared at the 4 girls standing in front of them. "Well girls I got a 100", she said. "Yeah right what did you do copy Melvin's paper", asked Mina. Amara was no longer able to contain her anger. "Why you little bitches. Stay away from Serena", she bellowed. "We are her primary guardians not you. So you can't tell me to stay away from her", said Raye. "Lita, Amy, Mina and Raye", said Trista, "You are no longer the guardians of Serenity". "That is right", Serena began, "I want you to stay away from me". "Fine", said Raye. "You will be crawling back to us in a week", said Lita. The 4 girls then got up and left.

The week passed and the girls did not talk to Serena. Ms. Haruna was very pleased with the turnaround she had made. Not only was she early every day but she had her homework done as well. Serena was passing all of her tests and quizzes. Darien was so pleased when she told him about how well she was doing. Serena often heard the Inners talking about her when they thought she was not around. She was being the bigger person and never engaged them.

By the end of the week Serena was starting to feel sick. One morning she woke up and as the smell of the eggs that her mother was cooking crept up the stairs she ran to the bath room and threw up. This was the third morning that she had thrown up. Serena got ready for school and went down stairs. "Thanks for breakfast Mom", she said as she sat down to eat. "You are welcome Serena", Irene said to her daughter.

After breakfast Serena left for school. She was half way there when Amara pulled up a long side her. "Hey there Kitten", she said. "Hey Amara", Serena replied. "Do you need a ride", Amara asked the girl. "Sure thanks", she said as she got into the car. They were almost to the school when Amara noticed that Serena was pale.

A worried look crossed her face as she asked,"Sere, are you feeling ok? You look rather pale". "Yeah, I am fine now. I threw up this morning though. I have been throwing up every morning for the last 3 days", she said in response. "Sere, I am going to ask you a very personal question and I want an honest answer", Amara said, "Have you and Darien been intimate?" Serena looked down at her hands folded in her lap. "Yes, we have had sex. It was the night before he left. It was our first time", said Serena. "Did you use protection", asked the older woman. "Yes we did. Why do you ask Amara", Serena said in reply.

"Serena, you just said you have thrown up the last 3 mornings in a row. I think you might be pregnant", said Amara. "Oh god I hope not. My parents would kill me and my dad would kill Darien", said Serena. "After school we will take you to find out", Amara told her. "Thanks Amara", she said as they pulled up in front of the school. Serena got out of the car and turned to walk towards the school. "I will pick you up right here after school lets out", Amara yelled to her. "I will be here waiting", Serena said over her shoulder. Serena then walked up the steps to the school and walked in.

She heard Amy talking to Lita. "We will be calling a meeting at Raye's today" she said, "We decided that is it time to call Serena out". "We will never be able to get her to give up the crystal", said Lita. Just then Mina walked up "It is about time we kicked her out. I still can't believe she is the princess. After today we will find a new princess", she said. They all nodded in agreement.

Serena looked at them in horror. Then she turned around and ran out of the school. Once outside she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Hello", came the voice on the other end. "Amara, can you come and get me now? I need to talk to you, Michelle and Trista right now. It is urgent", she said. "I will be right there Kitten", said Amara. "Thank you. I will be outside waiting by the gate".

Not even 10 minutes later Amara pulled up in her yellow convertible. Serena opened the door and climbed into the front seat. They made their way through the Tokyo streets towards the mansion that Amara shared with the rest of the outer senshi. They arrived and went into the spacious living room. "We knew you were coming", said Trista. This astounded Serena. However, she should be used to this by now. After all Trista is the senshi of time and knows everything. "Would you like some tea Serena", asked Michelle. No thank you Michelle", she replied, "I would much rather get down to business".

"Okay why don't we get down to business as you put it", said Amara, "What happened that caused you to leave school and call me to pick you up". "Well, the Inner senshi are planning on trying to take the Silver Crystal. They are planning on calling a meeting today at the temple to tell me that they are going to find a new princess because they don't believe that I am really the princess. I overheard them talking about it. They didn't know that I heard them. I ran out of the school as soon as they said it was about time. They have been planning this for awhile", Serena explained. "Serena is there more that you have yet to tell us", Michelle asked. She could sense that there was something more.

"I might be pregnant", she said, "I need to go to the drug store and get a home pregnancy test". "Let's go now", said Trista. "I don't want you to go to the scout meeting. We will represent you", said Amara, "Now let's go". An hour later everyone was sitting around the dining room table. The kitchen timer dinged signaling the test was ready to be read. Serena took a deep breath in and let it out slowly; she stood up and walked into the bathroom. She came out looking as if she had seen a ghost. She held a small test strip in her left hand and she used her right hand to hold herself steady in the doorway. "I…..I'm……pre…..preg….pregnant….I'm going to have a baby", she said.