Author's Note:

It took a while for this chapter to get up because I kinda just ran out of fuel to be honest. But! There is lots of hope for this story yet. I have an idea for how to amp up the drama. This one already brings it up a notch I think. The Darien/Serena plot line will thicken soon... We'll see. All the plot twists I've come up with are not set in stone so yeah... I'd appreciate any suggestions for the story. Thank you everyone that has been reading and/or commenting! I look forward to hearing your feedback on this one.

You Again?

Chapter 25

"Well, this is the question. Can I wear my bunny sweater there or not?" I asked over the phone as I stared in dismay at my lacking closet.

"You always can. It might not be exactly dress code appropriate but I'd love it. I've always been a rebel anyway." Darien's deep voice full of amusement came over the line.

"Haha," it came out sarcastic but a smile he couldn't see did appear at his remark. "So formal. Black tie."

"For me. You probably wouldn't be doing yourself any favors by wearing one."

"You should've been a comedian." I laughed slightly despite myself.

"Why thank you. I would definitely have been able to gather a crowd." He replied, "Though, I think they'd be a little shady."

I could hear his laugh. I couldn't help but take the phone away from my ear and stare at it incredulously. Huh? That didn't make sense. His laughter stopped and I put the ear back to my phone. "Huh?"

"Sorry, just thinking of something Andrew said earlier."

I frowned, "Inside joke? Man, that's my biggest pet peeve."

"What is?" He questioned his voice more sober.

"The whole 'oh-my-god-this-is-so-funny-but-you-don't-get-it-cuz-you-weren't-there bit."

"Sorry, didn't catch that. Maybe a supersonic man could."

"Shut up." I muttered it, only getting slightly peeved because I still couldn't see anything in my closet worthy of a Darien Formal.

"Seriously though, if you want to go casual we can but I think this'll be much better. Trust me." Then he gave another laugh, "Ask for Ray's advice. I like her taste."

I gave a glare to the clothes that was meant to penetrate all the way to Darien across the city. "Yeah? Well, go out with her then."

"Na, I'm happy enough pissing you off."

I sighed in defeat. "Fine. I can deal with formal. I'll figure it out."

Again I heard a laugh. "You are quite the odd one. Most women would be giddy with excitement hearing that their gorgeous boyfriend wants to take them out on a fancy date."

I didn't bother to argue the gorgeous comment, I was too dismayed by this whole idea. "Well, most women can wear heels and walk straight plus most women own more clothes than I do."

"That's a good thing I'm not dating you for your grace or your clothes then. Actually, I don't think any guy dates for clothes… The lack thereof is much more appealing."

Amused, I smiled and rolled my eyes. "Okay, now I'm going to go before you say something else you probably shouldn't."

"Probably a good idea. I'll be seeing you."

"In all the old familiar places." I couldn't stop myself from thinking of the song. I started humming without being fully aware of it.

"Huh?"

This time I laughed. "Don't worry about it. I'll be looking at the moon." I hung up before he could say another word. Keep him on his feet- I hear that's important.

And then I was left with nothing to do but to stare at my closet. This really was hopeless… But this time I had more time. I picked up the phone and pressed 3.

"I'm calling in reinforcements." The words came out pitifully.

"On my way." No questions were asked and ten minutes later there she was in all her bright blonde glory.

"So what are we looking for this time?" Mina's voice was absolutely enthused. She looked like the cliché kid in a candy store.

I couldn't help but enviously eye her attire. She was the epitome of everything female. She wore a skirt just above the knee, not short enough to be scandalous but not long enough to give the illusion of modesty. It was a gray plaid pattern and she wore dark stalkings and knee length black leather boots to accentuate her already ridiculously long legs. The top was just as cute. Underneath a matching gray plaid coat and a cute creamy scarf was one of my favorite pieces of Mina's wardrobe. It's a T-shirt with the most famous love sayings in different fonts and sizes that allow some words to pop out while others to merely fade in the background, hidden to all but those who look closer. My favorite one lurked in the most inappropriate spot too which always made us laugh because my eyes would automatically draw to it.

Mina snapped her fingers at me with a laugh. "I know they're impressive and all but I have eyes too."

I gave a snort, "Psh. Sorry, honey, but I'm not interested."

"That's what they all say," She replied with upturned brows in faux-seduction, "You'll come around." She put her hand on my shoulder and wiggled her brows.

We burst out in laughter. This was our thing. Somehow we always ended up hitting on each other. And this has been happening since high school so I don't think it'll end anytime soon.

"So… Where are the rest of them? I thought I called in reinforcements."

She shook her head sadly and frowned as she counted them off on her hand, "Ray's got another case coming up she has to prepare for, Lita's got to pick up one of the kids- who can keep track of who?-, Amy said to apologize but she's spending the day with McZealand, and then there's me." She smiled widely, "I'm here for you!"

I laughed nervously, "Another slut's dress here I come."

"Uh!" She put her hand over her heart in feigned indignation, "It was not a slut's dress. It caught people's attention, didn't it?" I couldn't really argue with that… She smiled in delight, "See? It was a great choice. Darien couldn't keep his hands off."

I knew I turned beat red from that. "That… That's totally…" She raised her brows incredulously, "Okay it's totally true." I giggled in delight at the thought of the day. His smile lit brilliantly, excited to see me... His arms holding me close when we were trapped under the mistletoe… His hands caressing my thighs, keeping our bodies close enough to eliminate the need for imagination… His lips kissing me to the point of –

"Reign it in tiger." Mina's voice and laughter brought me hurtling back to reality. "Save those thoughts for Friday night!"

I'd told Mina everything. Every little detail about what had happened between me and Darien since the Christmas party and she'd even had me retell all the small "flirtatious"-according to her- details from before even that. I knew she'd be the least judgmental of the situation and I was right. I mean… I would've told everyone else but they hadn't come today so Mina is enough for now. She'd squealed enough, that's for sure. The rest will have to be told in their own time....

"Okay." I clapped my hands together partially to wake myself up from my reveries and partially just for the heck of it. "Off we go!"

Mina linked her arm with mine and began to guide me through the department store.

About three hours later I practically had to drag Mina away from the clothes to sit down so I could give my aching legs a break.

I plopped down on the uncomfortable wooden seat as Mina gracefully seated herself, making sure to properly adjust her skirt. I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously? Do you have to be constantly put together like that?" I questioned incredulously.

"What do you mean?" Mina asked innocently, widening her eyes for maximum effect.

"Nevermind." I replied with a smile. I heard a name being called out with my order, I turned.

Yup… That was my order but the girl had said "Sarah". Well, whatever. I'll be Sarah for the day. I went up to grab it and smiled at the exasperated girl standing behind the counter. "Thanks."

She acknowledged me with a smile before turning and again to make Mina's. Within a minute we had our drinks, an absurdly pink concoction in Mina's hand and a brilliantly orange one in mine.

I relaxed into my chair, completely exhausted.

"You know, women like you are a menace to society." I stated as I took a long sip from my drink, cutely named Mango A Go-Go. Mina just laughed.

"And why do you say that?"

"Well," I paused to take another long sip savoring the tangy flavors, "You make the rest of us look bad. You walk around the mall all day without any sign of fatigue and while the rest of us, being human, need to sit for a second to catch our breathes, you look breathless."

"Hmmm…" She looked at me through narrowed eyes taking another small sip, sitting straight in her seat as I slouched in mine. "You're right. I look pretty damn good compared to you." With a laugh I reached out and swatted her shoulder. "There you go. Sit up like a real person."

"Psh. People are overrated." She gave another of her airy laughs. Guys were probably seduced by her laugh alone- it was that feminine.

After a few minutes of companionable silence she spoke again, getting my attention away from my A Go Go.

"So. Where'd you say he was taking you?"

"I didn't." I replied, sitting straighter. "He didn't tell me. He's being very hush hush about all this."

She smiled, "That's great! I love surprises." Her eyes lit up at the mere prospect.

"So what's up with you and Monsieur Girard?" I did my best at a pompous French accent. I just couldn't help it. She gave a small laugh and waved it off.

"Been there. Done that."

I leaned in closer. "Really? Already? That's a record even for you Mins!"

She wiggled her brows suggestively. "What can I say? Told you, they just can't stay away from Venus." She put up her trademark V sign with a laugh.

As kids we'd given eachother planet nicknames. Mina was Venus because she epitomized everything female. Ray was Mars because she was the opposite of Mina (though not a boy). Amy was Mercury for reasons unknown to all but her- she'd explained why she wanted that planet but none of us really got it. Lita was Jupiter because she thought it sounded cool and something about Jupiter reminding her of thunderstorms- I don't understand that one either. I chose to be the Moon. When they pointed out that that wasn't a planet we all just laughed and I ended up being the odd one of the bunch.

Anyway… Back to Monsieur Girard. "Mins, seriously though, isn't that kinda quick? When did you guys meet? Like two weeks ago? How many dates?"

Mina rolled her eyes. "He's French. The rules don't apply the same way with the French, Sere."

"Still…" Mina's male excursions didn't comfort me in the least. Don't get me wrong, she didn't just go around sleeping with men. Well… Not usually anyway. More often than not she was in a serious relationship before crossing that boundary but lately she'd been getting less discriminative in her partners…. "Mina."

"Serena don't give me that mother look." I tried to smooth out my facial expression but apparently it didn't work. She gave me a sincere smile and placed her hand on the one I'd left on the table. "Seriously, I'm always safe. Don't worry about it."

"That's not exactly what I'm worried about though now that you mention it…" I would've continued but she raised her hands.

"Don't start. I don't have anything and Fred doesn't either."

I couldn't control my snort. "That's his name? Monsieur Girard's name is actually Fred Girard?" The laughter came out despite my best intentions.

"Stop it!" Mina protested but I could tell she didn't mean it. She started laughing before long too but kept trying to gain control. "Fred… is very nice." But she kept laughing.

"Fred… Oh my god." I couldn't control it, my head bowed to rest on the table for support. Eventually we reigned it in and I tried to sober myself up by getting back on topic. "The point isn't Fred though." Another snort escaped at the mention of his name. "The point is you haven't been serious about any of your men lately."

She gave a shrug. "Honestly? I don't know if it's worth it right now. At this age all guys want is you-know-what and they're not looking for commitment. Unless I start shopping in a more elderly department this is the best I can hope for."

That stopped me short. "Mina! That is not true. You're just going after the wrong men. I mean, there are many eligible bachelors our age looking to shed themselves of that label."

"Like?" She raised her brows skeptically.

"Like…" I tried to think of eligible bachelors I knew. Okay… This isn't good. I need to come up with names here. Long lists. "Like… Like Brad!"

Even I realized how ridiculous that was. Mina just raised her brows further.

"Okay, okay. That doesn't count. Alright… Well… There's." Okay, think think. Sadly the only guy that comes to mind is Darien- well, I don't know that he wants to shed his bachelor label but I mean, there is hope there. I think anyway. No, no. Stay on track. Eligible bachelors… Darien—Oh! "Andrew!"

"Who?" Mina rolled her eyes. "Okay, I know you were looking for names but could you make up a more generic one? Come on."

I glared at her. "I didn't make him up! Andrew. Andrew Masen. The guy that used to go to Juban with us. He's Darien's friend."

She still looked skeptical. "Out of the entire population in the city you can name one guy. That's not really impressive, Sere."

"Sure it is! He's a great guy." The more I thought about it, the more I liked this idea.

"He's one guy!"

"That's all you need when it's the right one!"

Mina laughed and I couldn't help but smile too.

"Since when have you been the matchmaker? That's my job." She replied.

"Well, you need to focus here. I just don't want you… you know." I waved my hand completely out of words.

"Being a slut?" She said it with a smile but I could tell that it hurt her.

"No!" I reached my hand out to her. "No. No. You've never been a slut. You know I'd never even think that. I just don't want to see you getting hurt by this."

"I'm fine." She replied resolutely.

"Of course you are." Even I could detect the hint of falsehood in my voice.

"I really am." She repeated, sitting straighter in her seat again. "It's not like I form any strong emotional attachments to the ones that run off. In fact, they don't even run off. I usually leave. I'm more than fine."

"If you say so." I replied.

"I do say so." She seemed agitated now- almost angry. "Just because you are all with someone, practically all married, doesn't mean I've all the sudden become pathetic." Definitely angry... "Lita's been married forever, that's not news. Ray just got married and Amy's on the way and you just started dating Darien. In fact, you haven't gone on a single date and you're already acting like you're going to marry him. You know what? That's just not how it works. You can't already turn on me as your pathetic project. I've always been this way, you're just now noticing apparently. Just because you've never even—"

She was yelling now. Dread weighed me down. My eyes were huge. I knew they showed it all- my pain and vulnerability at her words. She wouldn't… She wouldn't say it…

But she did.

"--had sex doesn't mean that the rest of us have to follow your example of chastity until God knows when!"

Silence.

Not a single sound could be heard within the smoothie shop. I could feel the eyes of every patron and employee boring holes into us—more precisely into me. Staring at the proclaimed twenty-eight year old virgin. Tears pricked my eyes. I couldn't control them. My biggest secret had just been blurted out for the world to hear.

Mina's face had fallen, ashen. Ashamed. "Sere-"

On now shaky legs I stood, grabbed my bags with as much poise as I could and turned around to walk out of the shop.

My foot snagged on something but I caught myself on my chair before I made an even bigger fool of myself. Not that it could get much worse.

Wiping my eyes frantically I stepped out of the store, forgetting my half-empty smoothie and ignoring the "Serena" pleas that disappeared as soon as the door shut behind me.