Chapter 8

Serena's POV

I pressed a hand over my chest hoping to contain the pounding of my heart. I could hear every beat echo in my ears, I felt heat radiating from cheeks and I was certain I was as red as a tomato. I could not believe or justify my actions. What the hell came over? As I ran towards home I let my fingers caress my lips, his skin was so soft, his scent still lingered and I couldn't help but inhale it deeply as my eyes closed. I opened my eyes once again, why does my body betray me so? I knew I shouldn't have done it yet it was like my body had a mind of its own. He cares about me I get it, but I can't let myself think that he cares more than just a friend. But his honesty towards me disarmed me and had me momentarily blinded allowing me to take such a bold action. I didn't even know I had it in me.

I stopped running and settled for a slow walking pace for home. So many questions were running through my mind. Since the first day we met at the hospital, his presence brings something out of me and I wouldn't even know what to call it. I wondered if he ever made me feel this way before the accident. That would be rather unlikely as I was told we constantly argued. I've always wondered why he would want to be friends with me after our unusual relationship, but I was too afraid to ask my self that question coz I really did want to be friends. I wanted to be in his life the moment I laid eyes on him that very first day. I meant what I said to him, that as long as he was there with me, in my life then I had every reason to smile. I smiled at my thoughts, as I continued to walk home.

As the school bell rang for lunch I grabbed my bag and headed out for the door. I couldn't stop thinking about him. He haunted my thoughts since the moment I woke up this morning. I had even forgot to ask the girls today about the emergency that happened at Rei's temple. They had refused my assistance in the matter when I offered. I stopped walking at the realization of my thoughts. I had forgotten to wait for Lita and Ami. As I turned around I heard Lita call out my name.

"Serena! Are you ok? You've been distracted the whole day? Is everything alright?" She asked, concern etched on her face.

I down casted my eyes. "Sorry, I've just had a lot on my mind, mind if we talk while we eat I'm staaarving" I said with puppy dog eyes.

Lita and Ami smiled at my actions. "Sure thing" Ami said as Lita looped her arms over my shoulder.

"Yes let us shove some food down the bottomless pit, we call your stomach. I made cookies for you" Lita said with a grin taking out a container of cookies.

We headed out for our usual spot in the school garden under the blossom tree. As we walked, I realized that this was my chance to ask them questions about what was going through my mind. But before I could ask any Lita had beat me to it,

"Is everything ok with you Serena" She asked concerned

"I should be the one asking you's that" I said bluntly putting down my finished bento. I told myself; I have no choice, I can't hold back anymore. My head was filled with too much unanswered questions and I needed some answers. I need to remember what I had forgotten but I knew I would have to do it on my own, my friends are going through something, and I can't be selfish and ask for help. I had to do it on my own.

I watched as Lita and Ami stared at each other.

"What do you mean Serena?" Ami asked confused.

"I'm not blind, I may not remember much about the both of you. But I can see it; you're exhausted, stressed and wound up all the time. Not to mention you walk and talk around me in caution. And I can't help but think that your meetings have everything to do with this. I don't know what it is you're all hiding from me and I'm not going to ask you what it is, but all I ask in return is that you be honest with me. I don't have to know the details but please don't lie to me when you can't spend time with me or why you're bailing. I treasure you all so much and I can't bear anything bad happen to any of you. So please, just be safe with what ever it is you're doing" I begged with love and concern plastered on my face.

I stared at their shocked faces, their eyes reflecting guilt, pain and longing. I just hoped that my words didn't hurt them in anyway.

"We're so very sorry Serena for everything, and thank you for understanding us. We couldn't have asked for a better friend" Ami said teary eyed.

They both lunged at me hugging me and crying on my shoulders. As I hugged them back, I made a promise to my self; I promised to get my memories back, because for some unknown reason I knew from the bottom of my heart that they needed me now, more than ever.

As their hugs and tears died down, I decided to lighten up the mood a bit.

"Ok, so I say we have a code word" I suggested with an evil grin.

"Code word? For what?" Lita asked

"For your meetings and for when you bail, so I know what's going on and so you don't feel bad for lying to me" I explained

"First the post-its now a code word? Did hitting your head actually cause you to a gain a brain?" Lita asked with a grin

"HEY, I resent that!" I whined

"It's a great idea Serena. What would you suggest the code word be?" Ami asked

"What about Pork bun?" I said with drool hanging out of my mouth.

"What a shocker, food as a code word" Lita joked shaking her head side to side.

"Pork bun it is" Ami stated

The rest of the day went by quick. I noticed Ami and Lita were a lot happier since we had our talk at lunch. Even the green and blue lights that surrounded them seemed to be brighter. I didn't even have to ask them to tell Rei about it, somehow I knew that they would tell her.

After school we separated ways, they had invited me to the Arcade but I had to decline since I had to go back to the hospital today for a check up. Arriving in the hospital I sat down in the waiting room and to my disbelief was called up straight away. A nurse guided me to an examination room and explained the doctor will be with me soon. As I sat on the bed, I started to think about the talk I had with the girls. I felt so relieved, and I could tell they felt the same way. There were still a few unanswered questions in my mind, but I was content at this moment and I just wanted to enjoy the feeling. A knock on the door pulled me away from my thoughts. I watched the door as it opened and chubby bald man entered.

"Good afternoon Ms. Tsukino, I'm Dr. Akita. I'll be performing your check up today, Dr. Mizuno has called in sick, how are we feeling today" He asked in that Doctor voice.

"Fine, thank you Doctor" I replied

"I have a student with me today, do you mind if they observe your check up and perform simple vital check on you?" he asked while staring down at his clipboard.

"Ahhh, I guess it should be ok. I don't have to take off my clothes do I?" I asked nervously. The doctor chuckled at my reply.

"No, not today" he said with a smile.

I watched as a female student entered, and handed the doctor a folder. I sighed in relief.

"Thank you nurse, please send in the student" I heard him say.

I stared at the chubby bald man confused. She wasn't the student? Then who was? I stiffened; I felt his eyes on me. I felt that light, that strong yet so gentle golden light of his as he entered the room. I turned and we locked eyes. I could feel my pulse increasing.

"Ms. Tsukino this is Dr. Chiba the student I mentioned earlier" the bald doctor stated. I watched as Darien bowed his head.

"Thank you for allowing me to observe Miss" he said in a Doctor voice. I was flustered by the sound of his voice. Darien was using a doctor voice and it was hot; he's normal voice was already so alluring. I gulped. I didn't know that Darien was studying to become a doctor, well I probably did. Then it hit me; he could help me with my all my problems. His medical knowledge would definitely help me with what's been going on with me. I was at a lost to who to turn to with my problems, I was going to tell the girls but I knew their plates were already full with problems they wish not to share. But would it be wise for me to share with Darien? Especially given the reason that I might have feelings for him.

"Miss Tsukino, are you ok?" I heard Dr. Akita say. That put my inner monologue to a complete stop.

"You've just been staring at Dr. Chiba for the past 2 minutes not saying a word. If you are uncomfortable with this, he does not have to proceed with the observation" He informed.

"Ahh … No sorry, it's ok. I was just .. ummmm .. sorry I've just got a lot on my mind" I said nervously down casting my eyes, and felt my cheeks redden.

"That's ok Ms. Tsukino, having lost a years worth of memories sometimes leave the patients confused and flustered when they are faced with a memory they might remember" he stated. I was at a lost at his words; I knew my brows were creased in confusion.

"I'm guessing you don't quiet understand the meaning of what I just said?" he inquired. I nodded in response.

"I'm guessing that you know Dr. Chiba, but you didn't know he was studying to be a doctor but I'm sure you would have known that information before the accident, am I right Darien?" he said while turning and smiling at the student near the door.

"That is correct, Sir" Darien replied with a small smile.

"Do you understand now Ms. Tsukino?" he asked politely. Still speechless I again nodded in response.

"I'll just fill in Dr. Chiba on your case if you don't mind?" He asked. I Nodded again, I must look like an idiot bopping my head up and down all the time.

"While we discuss your case, would you mind undoing your hair so Dr. Chiba here can examine how you're head injury is healing" he asked.

I panicked but nodded to the chubby doctor. I started undoing my braid; Darien would see that my head injury is completely healed. Which I'm most certain is not normal given I only had the accident 2 months ago. Even the once protruding scar that it was 2 weeks ago was now not protruding anymore instead looked like an injury that might have happened when I was child.

As I finished undoing my hair, I noticed Darien approaching me with medical gloves. Thank god I washed my hair last night, I thought to myself. I sectioned out my hair where the injury was to assist him. My hair thick and long as it is, it would take miracle for him to find it on his own. Just before, he touched my head, he gave me a reassuring smile and I gave a small smile in return.

I felt as his fingertips grazed where the injury was. I was scared, scared what he might think. I could feel the heat of his skin through the gloves and it sent shivers through my body. I just hoped that the look I'm about to give would convince him to act normal and tell Dr. Akita that everything was fine. I looked up at him with pleading and scared eyes and was met with confused ones.

A/N: Cliff hanger ? I KNOW ! If I get enough REVIEWS promise to post up the next chap within the next 48hours it's already half done ! Come on peeps give me the drive to finish it faster !

You all must be wondering what Serena's "PROBLEMS" are? Well next chap it will all be revealed!

Maiden Virgo, trish1573, evarosett thanks for the reviews :)) much love xx

dozu: you have no idea how glad I am to hear you like my writing, especially since this is my first fanfic! so much love for you xx

ncisduckie: your last review has me worried! :( did i disappoint?

firecracker2010: Do not fear friend, I will keep Serena's beautiful innocence (but not when it comes to Darien winkwink) I do love her loving, timid personality also and I would never dream of writing her in any way different! Though, I may give a her a little confidence boost to say what she feels or think!

shantie1984: dont worry hun, I'm sure i can squeeze in a kiss soon ;)

LoveInTheBattleField: as always, thanks for the reviews ! xx