Chapter Five: Girlfriends and Pretenders

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

Hey everyone! Thanks for reviewing and following this story. I think I am starting to have an idea of where I want to go with this story. But anyway, here is the next chapter.

It was a very humid and unbearably hot night in the Crescent City. Serena tossed and turned in bed. Her legs were tangled with her covers. The ceiling fan slowly spinning in the center of the room did nothing to help her discomfort.

She dreamt she was surrounded by nothing but darkness. She was wearing her silky white nightgown that easily clung to her silhouette. Serena looked around and saw that a starry night sky appeared around her with a full moon in the distance sky. She looked up at the moon and smiled as she felt a cool wind brush against her skin. She closed her eyes and smiled taking a deep breath.

When she opened her eyes, she saw that she was standing in a grassy green pasture filled with dandelions dancing in the wind. A good distance away from her she saw large river bank with a small golden bridge across it. She then saw a flash of yellow on the other side the river bank. She squint her eyes to see what the light was.

Her eyes widen when she saw it was a shadow of a teenaged girl with her same pigtailed hairstyle as her hair blew around her in the wind. She was dressed like her old school's uniform except she wore tall red boots, a short blue sailor skirt, and a sleeveless white top with a large red bow over her chest. In the center of the bow was a pretty golden broach. She could not make out her face.

Serena yelled, "Hello!" Yet, the girl did not respond.

Serena ran to the girl as quickly as she could. Serena gasped when she saw the girl covering her mouth with her hand. The girl had no face. When the girl saw that Serena was startled, she quickly leapt up into the air and flew off towards the full moon disappearing in the moonlight. She sighed then she heard the sound of a loud alarm.

Serena jumped up out of bed and saw that it was six in the morning. Unfortunately, it was another school day.

An hour later, Serena sat in the back seat of Darien's Lamborghini as Rebecca raced out of her Southern two storied plantation style home. She quickly hopped in the car and leaned over to give Darien a peck on the lips that turned in a brief make out session. Serena frowned clearing her throat.

Rebecca broke the kiss and said with false sincerity, "Sorry Meatball Head, I did not see you back there."

Serena said angrily, "It's Serena not Meatball Head, Southern Belle Barbie." Darien snorted in amusement. Rebecca frowned at him. He cleared in his throat with amusement still in his eyes.

Rebecca said uncaring as she placed on her seatbelt, "Whatever." Darien drove off of the large estate. Rebecca placed on her Gucci sunglasses and took out her compact mirror out of her bag and reapplied her lipstick.

Serena's angry blue eyes met with Darien's through the rearview mirror. He was wearing his shades but Serena could see those midnight blue eyes penetrating gaze through them. She had barely spoken to him since she recently found out a few days ago that Rebecca was his girlfriend for the last six months.

When Darien pulled up into a parking lot on the school campus, Rebecca leaned over and gave him a lingering kiss on the lips. Serena quickly gathered her school bag and got out of the car. She walked up the steps of the school with an irritated look on her face.

Darien pulled away from Rebecca's kiss. She smiled at him and said, "My parents are not going to be home tonight. You can come over tonight if you want."

Darien smiled at her and simply said, "I'll see."

Rebecca pouted her pretty lips then said childishly, "Darien…"

Darien tilted his head and said warmly, "Sorry love, but duty calls. I'll try to come over though."

Rebecca smiled then said, "Okay, I'll see you later."

Darien said, "Okay, baby."

Rebecca got out of the car and walked off. She glanced back towards Darien and blew him a kiss. He pretended to catch it causing her to laugh. When Rebecca was out of sight, Darien sunk in his seat and groaned in agony.

He closed his eyes remembering a few days ago….

A week had passed since Serena was attacked in the abandoned theater. It was bright sunny day. Sammy was outside playing with the family dog Boxer, a tall brown boxer with a white streak of fur underneath. He was tossing the Frisbee in the air towards Boxer. Boxer leapt up and caught it. Sammy laughed happily.

Sammy was adjusting extremely well to their new living situation. He liked his new school and even made a few friends. He was anxious to see his estranged aunt as much as Serena, yet something always delayed the mysterious Aunt Elena's appearance. After hearing so many vague excuses from Mason, Darien, and the rest of the staff, Serena stopped asking.

Serena sat at the patio table in one of the lounge chairs with a tall open umbrella blocking the sun's rays. She smiled as she watched Sammy play with Boxer. Darien sat down next to her handing her a tall glass of lemonade with a lemon on the rim. Serena said with a smile, "I see you do have some manners." Serena noticed a newspaper tucked underneath his arm.

Darien sat down on the lounge chair next to her and said, "I told you I am a Southern gentleman." She gave him a skeptical look that told him she thought otherwise.

Darien lied back in the lounge chair and unfolded the newspaper. He smirked as he read a small article in the briefs titled Tuxedo Mask Strikes Again in small bold letters. This time it was about how a group of notorious hoodlums told the police about being attacked by some masked guy dressed in a tuxedo. He also read how one of the hoodlums was killed by a rose to the head. The police said the case was still under investigation as they have received reports on a few other occasions of a masked guy in a tuxedo saving innocent civilians from violent attacks by criminals. The media had dubbed the masked man as Tuxedo Mask. Even though he has helped the NOPD captures some of the most wanted criminals in the city, no one was above the law. And if this vigilante is found, he will be trialed and brought to justice.

Serena noticed the smug look on his face. She asked apathetically, "So what are you giddy about?"

Darien arched an eyebrow at her and said, "There are many adjectives to describe me, Meatball Head like cool, sexy, suave, handsome, and charming… but giddy is little lame."

Serena smiled innocently at him, "But you are lame, Sir Ass-O-lot."

Darien shook her head and said unintentionally, "You are so immature. I guess I'll go hang out with my girlfriend." He paused for a moment when he realized that he slipped out the word girlfriend.

Serena felt as if her heart stopped. She asked trying to act indifferently, "Who's your girlfriend?"

Darien said with a cool smile, "Rebecca."

Serena looked sad for a moment then said with a half a smile, "Oh…well, that makes sense." Darien saw the sadness in her eyes as Serena excused herself and got up from her seat and walked onto the lawn with Sammy. Darien watched as she played happily with Sammy and Boxer like she was not sad a moment ago.

Later that evening, Serena and Darien sat across from each other in the home's library. Serena had her geometry book and notebook with her. She focused intently on her homework. Darien glanced up at her. He stared at her for a minute. She had not spoken to him for hours. He was starting to become unbearably uncomfortable sitting in a room with her and watching as she pretended he did not exist. He was used to them arguing and teasing each other. He felt like his skin was starting to irritate him. When he realized that she was not going to look at him, he looked back down and tried to focus on his Honors English IV assignment.

After another moment of dreadful silence, Darien took a deep sigh and slammed his fist on the table startling Serena. She quickly looked up at an upset Darien.

He asked angrily, "What is your problem? You'll been ignoring me all day."

Serena narrowed her eyes and said seriously staring directly into his deep blue eyes, "Maybe you should have told me that you had a girlfriend instead of pretending that you actually cared about me."

Darien looked at her confused then said, "I'm sorry. I did not think I had to tell you about my love life."

Serena bit out angrily, "You're right. You lie to me about everything else. Why should I expect any differently?" Serena quickly gathered her belongings and walked towards the door to leave out.

As she was about to touch the door knob, she felt herself being roughly pulled back and spun around until she faced a fuming Darien. He was breathing heavily. She looked down and saw his hand gripping tightly on her arm.

He snapped angrily, "What is that supposed me?"

Serena asked with a stern face, "You tell me, Darien. You're the one with all the secrets. I'm just the dumb blonde kid you have to babysit."

Darien stared at Serena for a moment staring into her big blue eyes that were filled of rage and hurt as she stared up at him with her chest heaving. He released his grip on her and stepped back. They stared at each other for a moment. His eyes fell to her soft pink lips. He contemplated how her lips would taste against his. Yet, he knew he could not cross that line. He was so close to his freedom that he could not risk letting this strange girl with a weird hairstyle tempt him.

He looked at the ground and said conflicted, "Don't fall for me, Serena. I will only break your heart." She stared at him with astonishment as he lifted his head looking past her at nothing in particular. He then walked past her with an indifferent expression his face. Serena looked down at the floor clenching her fist tightly at her side as Darien left out of the room…

Darien groaned in agony as he sat up in his car. He said to himself, "Get a grip, Shields. She's just another assignment."

He grabbed his school bag and closed his car's door.

Serena listened idly as her teacher discussed the Louisiana Purchase. She twirled a strand of her hair with her finger. She smiled as she glanced out the opened window on the beautiful sunny day. There was a nice breeze and birds chirped and flew gracefully in the sky around the sun. She looked confused when she saw a pretty African girl with long wavy hair. She was dressed in Serena's school uniform. The girl looked from side to side to see if anyone was looking at her. She effortless jumped over the school's ten foot iron fence and landed gracefully in a crouch position. Serena looked amazed. The only other person she saw jump like that was Tuxedo Mask and the sailor girl in her dreams. The girl stood up and turned around. She caught Serena's gaze on her. At first she looked confused, then she simply smiled. Then she ran off.

"Serena! Serena! Serena." Serena jumped then looked around to see her classmates laughing at her. The teacher stared at her with a stern face and said slightly annoyed, "Miss Tuskino, I would appreciate if you paid attention in class."

Serena said apologetically, "Sorry, Sister Anna."

Sister Anna asked staring at Serena, "What was the date that the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was signed and who signed it?"

Serena cringed and answered weakly, "The Indians?" Serena watched nervously as some of her classmates cringed in sympathy for her.

Sister Anna looked peeved at Serena as a vein popped out on the side of her forehead like she was ready to explode, "Serena, this is a school for some of the most gifted and brightest children in the parish and surrounding parishes. You obviously are not taking this class seriously so I think it is best if you get out of this class immediately. So off you go missy."

Serena tried to protest then said, "But Sister…"

Sister Anna yelled angrily pointing to the door, "Out Tuskino!" Her classmates snickered as Serena quickly gathered her belongings and scattered out of the class with a downcast expression.

Serena heard her elderly teacher commented, "They would let anyone in this school, nowadays."

Serena sat in a tall oak tree that she climbed up on. She was sitting on a large tree branch with her bag next to her and her legs scrunched up to her chest. Her arms were wrapped around legs and as she sobbed hysterically. She felt like a loser. She did not fit in, Darien did not want her, and her teacher thought she was an idiot.

"Why are you crying, luv?" Serena looked up and saw the pretty African girl sitting in front of her on the tree branch. Serena looked into the girl's pretty hazel eyes that looked familiar to her.

The girl spoke again in a pretty American accent, "What is wrong, luv?"

Serena sniffed with red puffy eyes, "I feel like I am worthless and stupid and ugly."

The girl said sympathetically, "I'm sure that is not true."

"Yes it is. My teacher thinks I am stupid. I just found out that this guy I really liked has a girlfriend. I have no friends and everyone is constantly making fun of me. I have always been able to make friends easily, yet I just don't fit in here. I wish I could go back home."

The girl asked, "So why don't you?"

Serena said, "My parents died in a car accident three months ago so I am here living with my only aunt who I still have not met."

The girl said sympathetically, "Yeah, the dead parents' thing is a mood killer." She then looked up perky. "Yet, as far as your boy troubles I can help with that."

Serena sniffed, "And how is that?"

The girl said, "Come with me. Let's ditch."

Serena said skeptically, "But what about Dare-wouldn't we get in trouble?"

The girl smiled and said, "You are in desperate need of fun. And that is my specialty."

Serena gasped when the girl leapt effortlessly off the tree. Serena looked stunned as she girl looked up at her and said, "Come on!" Serena grabbed her bag and climbed off the tree.

The girl grabbed Serena's hand as she looked both ways to see if they were being watched. When she saw one of the sister's strolling down the sidewalk. The girl quickly pulled Serena behind a building.

She said as she watched the sister enter the second building, "By the way, my name is Charisma Grey."

Serena said as her heart pounded nervously, "Serenity Tuskino, but everyone calls me Serena."

The girl turned her head towards Serena and said, "Serenity is such a cool name. That is what I am going to call you from now on."

Serena nodded nervously afraid of getting into more trouble. When Charisma saw the coast was clear. She grabbed Serena's hand and led her across the green pasture to the iron gates.

Charisma let go of Serena's hand and smiled as she effortlessly leapt across the fence and landed on her feet. She gave herself a bow causing Serena to laugh.

Charisma said, Now, you try…"

Serena said outrageous, "Are you nuts? I can't jump that high."

Charisma smiled at her then said, "We're like super girls. We can do anything. Now, don't think and just do it."

Serena laughed at Charisma then said, "Sure." Serena closed her eyes and envisioned herself leaping across the fence. She opened her eyes and with a determined look on her face started backing up creating a running pace. She then ran towards the fence and without thinking leapt across it surprising herself. She landed clumsily on her feet.

Serena's eyes widen. She asked stunned, "How did I do that? That is impossible."

Charisma smiled then said, "I told you we were super girls. We're invincible." Serena was still amazed as Charisma took her hand with hers and ran off saying, "Come on before someone spots us."

Serena and Charisma caught the bus and spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out downtown. To avoid suspicion, they stopped in a clothing store and brought a couple of outfits changing out of their school uniform. Serena changed into a blue floral dress with matching blue heels and Charisma changed in a purple flora dress with black heels tucking their school uniforms in their shopping bags. They laughed as they went into various specialty shops. Serena was shocked at some of the things she saw. They went to the mall and window shopping. They stopped at Mac and got facials. Charisma grabbed Serena's hand and led her into Victoria's Secret. She was shocked at some of the scandalous lingerie she saw.

Charisma rolled her eyes at her and said as she sampled some of the perfume, "Sweetheart, you really have to get out of Kansas more."

Serena looked at her confused.

Charisma said, "It's a movie reference from the Wizards of Oz."

Serena shook her head and looked at the price tags of some of the items and said indifferently, "Never saw it."

Charisma said in disbelief, "Oh my gosh, you have to watch it. It is such an awesome movie. I have it." A thought popped into her head. Her eyes widen in excitement and she said happily, "Hey, why don't you ask your auntie to sleep over at my house one night and we can have a girls' night and watch it together."

Serena laughed, "I already told you I haven't even met her. Plus, they treat me like I am a prisoner anyway. They'll probably say no anyway."

Serena looked stunned at a black bra and panties with hot pink trimmings. Charisma tilted her head and asked, "Do you want it?"

Serena said, "I am broke. I spent all my money on this outfit."

Serena turned to Charisma as she watched stunned as Charisma held out her American manicured hands and watched as three hundred dollars magically appeared.

Serena whispered amazed, "How did you do that?"

Charisma smiled and said, "Magic."

"Wow!"

"Get it so we can go. It'll look hot on you."

Serena said, "I can't."

Charisma rolled her eyes then said, "If we are going to be friends, then you are going to have to loosen up and have some fun, luv. Stop worrying about everything."

Serena sighed then said, "Thanks." She grabbed her size. They went over to the perfume section and grabbed a couple of perfume bottles.

As they walked out of the shop, Serena turned around to notice that some cute guys were checking them out.

Serena quickly turned around and leaned over to Charisma and said, "Those guys are checking us out."

Charisma glanced quickly over her shoulder then turned back around and said excitedly, "Caliente…they are hot!"

Serena whispered panicking, "I never had guys check me out unless they were geeks and nerds."

Charisma whispered, "Just act calm and confident." Charisma looked at a window display in a mirror. "Let's go over here." She led Serena to the window display.

They pretended to look at the window display as the two guys approached them from behind. They could see the guys' reflection through the mirror. One was Afro Cuban and the other was Cuban. They looked like a young Laz Alonso and Enrique Iglesias. They were clean cut dressed in Abercrombie and Fitch polo shirts and jeans and fresh name brand sneakers. They looked hot like they actually could be Abercrombie and Fitch models. They looked like they were in their early twenties.

Serena and Charisma turned around as the guys smiled at them showing off their perfect white teeth. Charisma smiled seductively at the guys not sure which one she wanted.

The cute Cuban guy asked with a charming smile, "So what are you two lovely ladies doing alone by yourself?"

Serena hesitated. Charisma quickly answered, "Just taking a breather from classes."

The Afro Cuban guy asked, "Cool. So what school do you guys go to?"

Serena said, "De…"

Charisma quickly interjected, "We're freshmen at Loyola University."

The Cuban guy smiled and said, "That's cool. We go to Xavier."

Charisma said, "Awesome."

The Cuban guy asked, "Hi, my name is Miguel and this is my boy, Lorenzo but everyone calls his Laz."

Charisma smiled, "Cool. I'm Charisma but everyone calls me Kat, and this is my girl, Serena short for Serenity."

Miguel said smoothly as his dreamy brown eyes gazed into her cornflower blue ones, "Serenity, the quality of being serene, calm, and tranquil. It suits you perfectly." Serenity blushed and quietly thanked him. He smiled at her.

Laz turned to Charisma and asked, "Well, we were about to go eat at Chili's. Do you want to come join us? Our treat."

Charisma quickly injected, "Sure."

Serena and Charisma stared at each other with happily disbelief as they followed behind the two hot guys. Charisma wrapped her arms around Serena's arm and said excited, "I told you I'll help you get over your guy troubles."

Outside of the school, Darien leant against his car with his legs crossed at the ankles. He glanced at his watch for the umpteenth time in the last fifteen minutes. It was three thirty and Serena still had not come out of school. Rebecca sat bored in the passenger seat of the car waiting. She yawned as Darien waited for Serena.

Darien muttered underneath his breath, "Where the heck is that scatterbrain?"

Rebecca sighed and said frustrated, "Who cares, Darien. She probably is hanging out with some friends or something. She's a big girl, Darien. I'm sure she can find her way home. You said it yourself. You programmed the house address and your cell phone in her phone. She will be fine, baby."

Darien sighed as he looked down at Rebecca and said, "She's new to town and I promised her Aunt Elena that I would look after her."

Rebecca said, "Darien, come on. Let's go. She is fine." Darien sighed as he realized that no other students were coming out of the building.

He took out his smartphone and texted Serena.

Serena, where are u?

-Darien

He got in his car and placed on his seatbelt. Rebecca smiled appreciatively at him as the wind blew through her long dark locks. She placed her hand on his upper thigh dangerously close to his crotch. Darien instantly became aroused and moaned as he started the car unconsciously visualizing it was someone else's hand.

Rebecca stared at him seductively and said in a sexy voice, "Take me home, baby. I definitely need another dose of Darien Shields." He laughed at her as he pulled off.

Serena and Charisma giggled as they conversed with Laz and Miguel at a table in Chili's. So far she learnt that Miguel was originally from Cuba and studying to become a doctor. Laz was New Orleans native and he was a studying to become a lawyer. They were both twenty-one year old college juniors and close friends since freshmen year. They already ordered their food and drinks. They were waiting on the waitress to come back with their orders. Serena felt her phone beeping in her purse.

She glanced at her phone underneath the table and saw a text from Darien asking about her whereabouts. Serena rolled her eyes at his text.

She texted back.

Currently unavailable to you.

-Serena

When Serena looked up, she saw Miguel looking at her with amused eyes.

A big smile crept on her face as she blushed at him and asked, "What?"

Miguel smiled and said, "No, you're just so beautiful."

Serena said, "You're good with the compliments." Miguel laughed as Serena joined in.

Rebecca pushed Darien's backwards on his bed. He propped himself up on his elbows as he looked at her perfect figure admiringly. He smiled as she started to unbutton her blouse in front of him.

He glanced quickly at his phone on her nightstand wondering if Serena had text back. He smiled as Rebecca stood in front of him in her black bra and panties. He groaned as she placed kisses all over his body. He was really worried about Serena's whereabouts as Rebecca skillfully unbuttoned his shirt and left a wet trail of kisses down his chest.

She started to unbuckled his black belt skillfully pulling it out of his pants' loop with her teeth. Rebecca started to unbutton his pants. She looked down at his pants and noticed that he did not have an erection. Rebecca looked up at her boyfriend who looked like his mind was somewhere else.

Rebecca asked softly as she looked up at him as she sat on the floor on her knees, "Darien?"

Darien broke out of his trance and looked down. He asked, "What's up, baby?"

Rebecca asked, "Am I not turning you on? You're not even semi-erect?"

Darien sighed then said, "I'm sorry. I gotta to go." He quickly got up and put his clothes back on. He grabbed his phone, raced out of the house and hopped in his car.

He called Serena's number as he drove away. Her phone was in her purse on silent as she enjoyed her meal with the guys and Charisma. Darien cursed, "Damn it, Serena!"

After they finished eating, they walked through the mall again. Charisma and Laz was walking ahead of Serena and Miguel. Charisma playfully bummed against Laz causing him to laugh as they talked about something funny. Serena and Miguel looked ahead at their friends and laughed.

Miguel said smiling down at Serena, "Serena…"

Serena looked up at him becoming mesmerized in bedroom brown eyes again, "Yes."

Miguel glanced up at Laz then back at Serena, "Today is Laz twenty-first birthday. So a big group of our friends are getting together and taking him out to celebrate at One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse for ten tonight. Kat and you are welcome to join us. Will you come?"

Serena said, "I'll see."

"I hope you can make it." Miguel smiled then said suavely giving her a once over and said, "But the attire is very sexy."

Serena said with a smile, "I only have cute and adorable in my wardrobe."

Miguel then said with a determined look on his face, "Then, we have to find you something sexy to wear then." Serena laughed out loud and Miguel dragged her with him as he searched for a dress shop. Laz and Charisma looked confused and followed him.

Serena entered the Body Shop and modeled for Miguel, Laz, and Charisma different types of party dresses. When Serena emerged of out the dressing room where a tight red halter dress that stopped mid thighs, they all gave her nods of approvals. Both Laz and Miguel gave her thumbs up. Charisma picked out a pair of matching red open toe shoes and a diamond earrings and necklace to go with it. Serena brought the outfits for the counter where Miguel took out his credit card and let the cashier swiped it.

As they left out of the store, Serena said holding Miguel's hand, "Thanks."

Miguel took Serena's hand bringing to his mouth and softly kissed the back of it causing Serena to blush. Miguel smiled at her and said, "No problem, but you can repay me with a dance tonight."

Serena said mockingly, "I think that is in my price range." Miguel laughed showing off his perfect white teeth.

He smiled then said, "Until tonight, Serenity." He winked at her before backing up and going in the opposite direction with Laz. Once they were out of sight, Serena and Charisma held hands and jumped up and down excitedly. Serena and Charisma decided to meet up later and go together.

When Serena walked inside the house, she saw a ticked off Darien sitting on top of the staircase looking down at her. Serena rolled her eyes. Darien said with a hint of malice in voice, "Where were you?"

Serena said with her hands up in defeat, "As you can see, I made it home on my own without your help. I don't need a babysitter."

Darien stood up walking down the stairs towards her and said, "You are so immature and stupid. It is too dangerous out there for a little girl to out alone by herself."

Serena frowned then said, "I can take care of myself."

Darien said still ticked out, "I guess nearly getting gang rape last week means nothing to you." Serena slapped him hard across the cheek. Darien's head turned. He then looked back at her with fiery eyes. Serena thought for a second he was going to hit her.

Serena narrowed her eyes and said, "Don't you dare bring that up. I am not stupid, Darien. What I did was stupid, and I can take care of myself without your help. So stop treating me like a child." Serena walked passed him. He turned around to her still upset. Serena sighed deeply as she turned around then said, "I don't even see why Aunt Elena wants you to babysit me anyway. It's not like I am in danger. I think you all are just being paranoid." She then turned on her heel and raced up the stairs.

Far away in space, a large black hole slowly approached the Earth. A large looking egg shell shot out of the black hole at rocket speed heading towards the Earth. It circled the globe until it came to North America. It skyrocketed past barges and large ships along the Gulf Coast bewildering the marine workers and fisherman. It landed in the murky waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The egg sunk to the deep depth of the waters passing white sharks, school of fish, and other creatures of the sea. It landed on the bottom of the ocean. For a moment, it sat on the bottom of the ocean. It slowly started to crack opened as large pink vines grew out of it. The vines started to grow upwards until the encircled it other until it formed a solid shell. It started to glow with a white aura.

Charisma slowly walked home swinging her purse in her hand as she skipped home with a happy glee. She could not wait until she saw Lorenzo that night again. Charisma lived in a rundown part of the city in the 9th Ward. The ninth ward was closed to the levees in New Orleans. During the devastating storm of Hurricane Katrina, the levees broke flooding the area and killing many of the poor citizens who drowned and could not evacuate in time for the storm.

Charisma walked the streets where she walked past inhabitable housing, overgrown lawns, alcohols and drug addicted begging for money to buy more alcohol and drugs to numb the pain of living. She saw some girls dress scandalous in hooker attire searching to make that quick dollar. She saw young men standing on the corners getting high or leaning into strange card windows and exchanging drugs for money.

Charisma walked into her rundown apartment that with hallways the reek with the stench of uncollected trash and urine. She saw as tiny roaches and knatts crawled along the outside of the walls. She quickly ran up the steps of her apartment greeting her neighbors as she walked up the stairs.

She sighed happily as she unlocked the door to her two bedroom apartment that she shared with her mom.

Charisma locked the door behind herself as she placed her bags by the front door. Charisma's home had a welcoming atmosphere and an island look and exotic smell to it since her ancestors were of Haitian descent. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a slice of cold pizza. She noticed on the refrigerator that her mom left a note that she was going to be home late and there was left over pasta and pizza in the fridge for her.

Charisma was used to being on her own since her mom worked double shift sometimes to make ends meet.

Charisma walked into her room that was painted with purple walls and a black full sized bed in the center with matching furniture. Charisma slipped out of her dress and went into the bathroom to take a nice hot shower.

The egg like creature with vines that it used as legs quickly crawled up the building's walls that led to Charisma's bedroom window.

When Charisma came out of the bathroom with her large towel wrapped tightly around her body and her long curly hair clinging its wet strands to her back. She picked up her phone and scrolled through it looking a phone. She texted someone as the egg like creature hid on side of the window pane out of her sight.

She picked up the phone and placed it on her Chester drawer. She walked over to her stereo and turned on the radio. The radio was playing one of her favorite rock songs, the Foo Fighter's The Pretender. She turned up the volume until it blasted through the apartment. She untied her towel and let it drop on the floor. She walked to her closet and slipped on a button up collared shirt and boxer shorts. She buttoned up her shirt with her back to the window. She did see as her window started to unlock on its own and slowly started to lift up. The egg like creature slipped through the window. Charisma felt something strange. She quickly turned around and looked at her window. It was closed. She slowly walked into the center of her room feeling something strange.

When she turned around, she gasped when she faceless pink creature with the figure of a six foot tall human female. Charisma's eyes widen. The creature held its hand out and shot out the palm of its hand a white energy ball. Charisma screamed when she felt a powerful blast of energy pushing her backwards and out her window shattering the glasses. Charisma screamed as she fell at an accelerated pace to the ground. She saw the faceless creature looking down at her. Charisma's eyes narrowed as she stopped midway and quickly flipped into a cannon ball landed on feet. She looked at the creature as she stood in a fighting pose. The creature disappeared causing Charisma's eyes to widen. A high spinning kicked approached her face. Charisma quickly disappeared stunning the creature.

The creature looked upwards and saw Charisma floating above it in the sky. The creature quickly jumped upwards. Charisma saw the civilians around and decided to lead the creature faraway. She flew at an accelerated pace as the creature was hot on her trail. She landed on roof of a building. The creature landed a few feet away from her.

Charisma launched towards the creature as they engaged in hand to hand combat. The creature easily blocked all of Charisma's attacks. The creature swiped a swing at Charisma. Charisma flipped backwards and landed in a crouch position before running towards the creature and attacking it again. The creature was extremely fast and agile. Charisma grunted as the creature kicked her in the stomach causing her to plummet backwards in a brick wall. Charisma groaned weakly as she felt the wind being knocked out of her from the impact. She started to become disoriented. She gasped when she saw a white energy ball heading her way. Charisma quickly disappeared as the energy ball blasted a large hole through the brick way.

Charisma reappeared in the air floating above the creature. She held her hands together forming a triangle connecting her index fingers and thumbs. She yelled as the crescent moon appeared on her forehead, "Luna canon blast attack." A large amount of yellow energy exerted from her hands and charged at lightning speed towards the creature. The creature disappeared before the attack hit the ground blowing a hole the size of a moon crater in the ground. Charisma gasped when the creature appeared behind her. Its arm formed the shape of a sword and struck her straight through her stomach. Charisma quickly fell to the ground. Her eyes were wide awake as her lifeless body landed on the roof of the building. A puddle of her own blood formed around her dead body.

The creature tilted its head towards the dead girl's body. It disappeared and reappeared on the roof walking towards the dead body. It slowly started to transform into the features of dead body until it stood in front of Charisma Grey's dead body as a perfect replicate of her. Its eyes glowed dark as it held out its hand towards the dead body. It blasted the body as a black smothering fire formed around the body as it watched the body until it turned to dust.

A few hours later, Serena sat at her vanity makeup applying the hot pink lipstick she brought from the mall today on her lips. She did her makeup exactly like the makeup artist at the mall told her how. She was proud of herself as she looked at her flawless makeup that still looked natural on her but also made her look more mature. She decided to wear her hair down and spent the last couple of hours curly her long lovely golden locks. She placed on the matching diamond earrings and necklace that Charisma helped her pick out of the mall. She smiled as she sprayed some of the Victoria Secret's Love Spell perfume onto her body. She smacked her lips together. She knew she looked hot.

Downstairs Darien leaned against the island in the middle of the kitchen in deep thought. He looked startled when Mrs. Williams walked in.

She asked, "Darien, what's wrong darling?"

Darien sighed then said, "That girl is driving me nuts!" Mrs. Williams gave him an amused smile as she walked into the pantry.

Darien vented, "I mean she is so freaking annoying like an irritating pest that I can't get out of my mind. She just gets under my skin."

Mrs. Williams said rearranged items in the pantry, "It sounds like you fancy her."

Darien said outrageous, "Yeah right. She's not my type. I only date beautiful woman not plain Jane Eyre."

Mrs. Williams closed the pantry door and said, "Well out of those so-called beautiful women you date, it seems like Jane Eyre has aroused your interest. "

Darien said, "I am not interested in her."

Mrs. Williams said, "Then you are in denial son, because I see the way you look at her when you think no one is looking. You make sure that you arrive here early enough so that you can eat breakfast with her. You tease her because you enjoy making her angry. When she is out of your sight for a moment, you are a nervous wreck. Whether you want to or not, you are slowly falling for this girl, and it is scaring the heck out of you."

Darien laughed, "You are speaking nonsense."

Mrs. Williams said, "Darien, the heart wants what its wants, and your heart wants that beautiful girl upstairs."

Darien sighed then said, "I cannot listen to this nonsense. " He grabbed his jacket off the stool and placed it on ready to head to his apartment. He walked over to Mrs. Williams and gave her a kiss on the cheek saying good night. As Darien walked down the hallways towards the front entrance of the house, he froze in his steps as his lips parted in shock.

He was amazed as Serena gracefully emerged down the stairs. She had her long hair flowing down her back and was wearing a skimpy red halter dress that Darien felt was way to mature and revealing for her. Yet, he had to admit to himself that his Meatball Head looking smoking hot, sexy, and beautiful. She glanced to her side and saw Darien standing in the corner of the doorway looking at her as if she was the beautiful woman he ever laid eyes own. They locked eyes as Darien finally saw her as more than a little girl and she felt light as she felt butterflies in her stomach.

He softly said, "Serena…"

She stepped off the last step and slowly approached him walking effortless in her high heels. She slowly approached him. He inhaled the scent of her perfume. She smiled as she looked into his dreamy blue eyes and said, "Hey, I'm sorry about earlier. I should not have hit you."

He remained silent as he simply stared at her as if he was admiringly a masterpiece. She started blushing at the intense stare in his eyes. She never had a man look at her with as much desire and affection as Darien was giving her that moment. She quickly diverted her eyes to the ground feeling overwhelmed. She heard a horn blowing outside.

Darien asked fondly as he slowly tucked a fallen curl behind her ear causing Serena to tingle all over from his simple touch, "Where are you going?"

Serena felt in a trance as she slowly looked back up at him and said not wanting to argue, "Darien…"

Darien said sincerely tucking his hands in his jeans' pocket, "Serena, I only ask because I care and I want you to be safe. I never want anything bad to ever happen to you."

She gave him the address of where she was going. She told him that she was meeting up with her a friend, but did not mention she was going to a club to meet up with a couple of college guys in their twenties. She knew he would freak.

Serena asked confused, "So is this point where you tell me I am not going or try to follow me?"

Darien shook his head and gave her an amused stare. He said, "No, I think you were right earlier. You are a big girl. Just be careful, and call me if you need me." He looked amused when he saw the slight disappointed in her eyes that she quickly hid with a bright smile.

Serena smiled then said, "Thanks, Dare." She slowly grabbed her coat and walked off of the door. Darien smiled warmly as she slowly shut the door behind him. She got into the cab and drove off the estate.

Darien glanced at his phone and noticed a couple of text messages. He opened the messages and a disturbed look appeared on his face as he read one of them. He quickly left out of the mansion and hopped on his motorcycle placing his helmet on. He quickly sped off the estate.

Serena soon arrived at the club. She stood in a long line waiting to enter the club with the other club hoppers. She waited impatiently for Charisma to appear as she tapped her heel against the ground.

"Hey girlfriend!" She smiled when she turned around and saw Charisma happily walked towards her wearing a skin tight tiny black dress that left nothing to the imagination. She looked sexy as she strutted down the sidewalk in her stilettos flaunting her sexy body.

She quickly embraced Serena. Serena said excited, "I thought you bailed on me."

Charisma laughed then said pulling Serena out of the line, "Of course not love. You are my new favorite person in the world. Let's go inside."

Serena panicked as she was pulled away from her spot and said, "But there's a line."

Charisma said happily, "VIP baby."

Charisma walked towards the bouncer, who looked like he could be a bodybuilder or wrestler for the WWE. Charisma said sexy, "We're here for the Lorenzo Rodriguez party."

The bouncer looked at the list on the clipboard in his hand then said with a deep voice, "Alright ladies, you have to be 21 or older to enter this club. Let me see your IDs."

Serena looked like a deer in headlights with fear. She did not even think about an ID. Charisma simply smiled as two IDs magically appeared in her hand. She happily handed them to the bouncer. The bouncer thoroughly looked at the IDs then nodded with a mean mug on his face for them to go inside. Serena was stunned as Charisma handed her one of the IDs and dragged her inside. It was a picture of her looking slightly older with an early birth year. The IDs looked so real. Serena smiled at Charisma as she pulled her through the thick crowd thinking she was the coolest girl in the world.

Serena yelled to her in the packed club with loud music blasting, "I owe you."

Charisma smiled warmly at her then said, "You're cool, luv. Now, let's have some fun." She turned her head back around. With Charisma walking in front of her not looking back, Serena did not see the dark glow in Charisma's eyes as a sinful smile appeared on her face and her free hand formed the shape of a deadly daggers with her fingernails.