Okay, here is the second chapter I promised you. It's a bit long too so you readers should be happy.

We are getting close to the end now. Maybe two more chapters? It all depends on how I decide to break it up I guess. Working on a few other stories that I hope to have finished soon. Let me as you guys, do you like having the story done before hand or do you like waiting and waiting for the next update? I like to have a story finished before I post it but that's due in large part to all the stuff I wrote for college. Let me know what you think and depending on your responses I may change it up.

I do not own the song in here. You may recognize it, but if you don't it is "Make You Fell My Love" by Adele. I know, I know, I'm sticking to certain artist but they are what I tend to listen to while I write. Their music really gets me in the mood.

The Customer is Always Right

CH.7

Bittersweet love...

"Ah, see. I told you she would come around."

"What are my options Doctor?" She whispered.

"Well lets get you to ultrasound and see how far along you are, then we can talk options."

Serena would just have to get an abortion. She couldn't raise a child. Could she? She barely made enough money to support herself but she did own her apartment. But what about her music career? She couldn't pursue music and raise a child on her own. There was no way Darien would want it. He might send her money though. But she would forever be connected to him and he would have control over her with his money. There was no way she could take money from him even if she wanted to. The real question was, did she want it? She stripped and put on one of those ridiculous gowns. The chair was cold but soon the Doctor had the machine up and running. She felt like she was going to puke and not because of the new hormones.

"Are you ready?"

Like she ever could be, but she nodded to the doctor. Her gown was lifted off of her lower stomach and felt the cold stab of the gel as it hit her skin. She still had no idea what to do and she was about to get a first look at the thing inside her. 'Just don't look at it Serena, just don't look'. A few seconds later, the room was filled with the sound of the thumpa-thump of the babies heart beat. Tears stung her eyes at the sound and, of course, she found herself looking. It looked like a blurry mess but there it was, a baby. There was a baby. Tears streamed down her face as she turned to see Mina crying too.

"Oh Mina. That's my baby!"

Is this what bleeding to death felt like? He had been looking for her for weeks now. She wasn't going to her apartment, at least not to sleep. Either he had just missed her or she wasn't going there at all cause she was never there when he was. She wasn't going to work, or at least they were hiding her at work cause when he was there he felt close to her. She was punishing him, for something he didn't even do. Maybe he should have told her about Michelle, but she was history in his eyes. He never thought Serena could be this cruel. It felt as if there was a big sopping hole in his heart that was bleeding out slowly in his chest. He could feel himself slipping, he almost just gave into it. He was so tired of the pain. It would be so easy to just flip the switch and cut it all off. He suddenly understood his father, why he was the way he was. It was because it hurt too much to keep on. It felt so much better to freeze his heart away. He looked down at the small velvet box. It use to hold so much promise but now it looked worthless to him. He dropped into the trash and then went to fill the top to drawers in his dresser. Richard, watching him from the shadows, collected the box with a grim look after his ward was out of sight.

Darien stopped coming by, which was bitter sweet for her. She could finally get out of the kitchen. What with her throwing up all the time it was a bit unsanitary. But it also meant that Darien was giving up. It was the right thing, to keep away from him. It tore at her heart and she felt like she might die of pain, but then she remembered the little love in her belly that she had to protect. It wasn't about her anymore. Amy still came everyday and got her order including Darien's. She would gush about her up coming nuptials and ask how Serena was. She could tell Amy was hoping for details on their breakup.

"Things just didn't work out."

"Am I that obvious?"

"It's okay Amy. How is...he doing?"

"To be honest? Not good. He is worse than before. At first he was just depressed and pitiful. Now he is just closed off, cold. Like his father."

"Oh."

"Well I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow okay? Cheer-up!"

Like his father? His worse fear and she a caused it. Maybe he did feel bad about what he did to her, but she was too weak to say anything to him. She knew she would just end up in his arms and probably his bed. God, her heart still skipped a beat at the thought of him. Will she ever get over him?

"You didn't tell her?"

Serena turned to Mina, "No. I would hate for her to keep that kind of secret. It would be unfair."

"Don't you think it's unfair to keep it from him?"

"Yes, but I just don't know what to do. It's not like he would want the baby anyways Mina so in reality I am doing him a big favor."

"Okay, it's your life. But Serena, it's not just your life any more."

The weather had turned cool and Serena was starting to show. She looked at her little bump in the mirror of Mina's bathroom while Mina watched her. She was still living with Mina so she could sell her apartment. She was currently trying to find a bigger one for her and the baby that she could afford. She sometimes stayed with Lita so Mina could have a night with her new boyfriend, Ken. Lita baby the heck out of her, but she also taught her a lot of things like cooking and a few things she needed to know about babies. Lita had the baby brain a year after her and Nick's wedding. Serena had thought it was a little early for her to be studying about babies, since she wasn't even pregnant yet. Now Serena was glad she had her obsession and was helping her.

"Any luck on the apartments?"

"I have a good feeling about the next one. Would you go with me? They always ask where my husband is when they see my bump."

"Yeah sure, I can be your life partner!"

"Exactly!"

"After wards we should get you some new clothes, your not going to be able to fit in yours for much longer."

"Gee thanks."

"Hey just be glad your one of those lucky bitches who only gains in her belly! I officially hate you!"

Serena loved the apartment, it would be perfect for her and the baby. It was a large two bedroom with a big living room that could double as a play area. The kitchen was a little bigger than her current one but still pretty small. It still had room for a small table and chairs and a high chair. It even had a balcony! It was an older building and sometimes the elevator didn't work but it was on the third floor so she felt she could handle it. She loved older buildings, they had so much character. The best part was it was close to work and Mina, so she decided to take it. Now she just had to wait to see if she got it, which, she feared, would be one of the longest waits of her life.

Mina pulled her into a maternity store and made her look around. The racks were full of mommy clothes and she was having a very hard time finding anything she liked. While trying to get out a dress without pulling every dress up down, she accidentally dumped into a poor women looking at bras. She had long black hair and lavender eyes. Her face reminder her of Darien a little but their eyes were very different.

"Oh I am so sorry!"

"No. no it's okay. I don't know how they EXPECT ANYONE TO MOVE IN HERE!" she shouted at no one in particular.

Serena giggled at the woman's audacity and turned to continue her search when the firecracker stopped her.

"I don't mean to be rude but are you pregnant?"

Serena put her hands on her belly to pull the fabric of her loose shirt tight around it, "Yep."

"Ah, good. I don't think a single person here knows what the hell they are talking about. My friend is pregnant and her boobs are bugging her. I thought it would make a good, funny baby gift but I don't know which one to get her. Do you think you could help?"

"Serena's boobs haven't grown a inch to her disappointment!" Mina said out of no where. Seriously, Serena had no clue where she was.

"Ah damn."

"Well I'll try to help."

"Thanks."

"I like that one. It looks comfy but it's still a little sexy."

"Good eye. Thanks."

"Anytime."

Serena turned again to rack she was working on when a small kick hit her stomach.

"Oh!"

The dark haired girl freaked out, "What, what's wrong? Are you in labor?!"

"Here."

She took the girls hand and put it to her belly to feel the kicks and watched as her face lit up with surprise.

"MINA, MINA COME HERE!"

"What?!"

"Come, come feel the baby kick!"

Mina placed her hand on her belly too and began to cry.

"Aw, your baby's first kick!"

"It's the baby's first? What are you having?"

"A girl. It's a girl."

All three girls cried together as they shared the moment. This was another thing that Serena loved about New York, that you could share a moment like this with a stranger. They made their purchases and said goodbye. Serena was able to get some pants, jeans, and some sweaters that she didn't hate and a few dresses she could pair with the preggo lady tights and cardigans for the cold months ahead. She was even lucky enough to find a really nice gray maternity pea coat. They went back to Mina's and Serena changed into her new jeans and new dark pink sweater. It hid her bump a little better for when they left to meet Amy for dinner and to discuss wedding plans. She didn't know how much longer she could keep this from Amy, it seemed like she grew a little more every day.

"Okay, so your both going to be bridesmaids but Serena, could your band play at the reception? It would mean a lot to me. Just like six songs, I still want you to enjoy the party."

"It would be my pleasure!"

"Great, how much do you charge for that?"

"We wouldn't dream of charging you! Just call it a wedding present. Did you have any songs picked out?"

"Not really, I want you to play some of yours, but just try and keep it romantic and fun."

"Not a problem."

"So Amy, you know where the honeymoon is yet?"

"No. Zack is going to surprise me."

Mina and Serena both answered with, "Awww...how romantic!" It was so loud the surrounding tables looked at them only furthering her blush.

"Excuse me guys, I have to go to the bathroom." Serena tried not to waddle as she left.

"I still can't believe she hasn't told me. Does she think I'm blind?"

"Shh, okay lets go over the plan again while we can. So you have invited Darien?"

"Yeah but we have a problem. He R.S.V.P.'d with a plus one."

"Doesn't matter. I'm sure he only did it cause he knew Serena would be there. But I know with one look at her he will forget his date and so will Serena."

"The wedding is a month away, what if he can tell through her bridesmaid's dress? I can't make it hide everything."

"It won't matter. After not seeing her for five months, it will be the last thing he notices trust me."

"I really hope this works. He has been miserable Mina."

"So has she. She tries to hide it but I'm no fool. I hear her cry at night when she thinks I'm asleep. Plus she has these dreams. Amy, they are so bad. She screams in her sleep. It's enough to break your heart."

"Shh shh she's coming."

Serena landed with a plop in her chair, "Alright, what were we talking about?"

A tall, slender raven haired girl walked up to Amy's desk. She had long dark hair and lavender eyes.

"Hey Amy, what's up?"

"Oh, good morning Rei."

"Is he in?"

"Yeah, but Rei, he is in a foul mood today."

"He is a foul mood every day."

"I suppose that's true."

"Oh hey I'm really looking forward to your wedding, I got a great dress!"

"You are?"

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind. I know we have only know each other for a little while but I think of you as a friend now. Plus, I was so happy when Darien starting talking to me again, I didn't want to say no when he asked me to go with him. I think I'm the only one who can handle his temper these days."

"No I don't mind. It will be nice to have you there. At least he isn't bringing someone inappropriate."

"I'm not going to make any promises, especially if there is an open bar. I'm gonna go see what he is up to. Oh, when I get back, I have to tell you about the baby gift I got my friend."

The woman walked into the large dark office. She walked right up to the brooding man at the desk without flinching at his glare at her arrival.

"Alright Darling, what's wrong today?"

The day of Amy's wedding was bright and sunny but very cold. Why did Amy have to have a "Christmas" wedding? I guess it did save money on decorations, what with the church already decorated for Christmas. She gave Amy props for the smooth plan as she walked into the beautiful church. A big tree stood to the right of the alter and it was covered in white lights and silver and gold ornaments. Wreaths hung on the stained glass above the aisles and red ribbon bows were tied to the end of each pew. Serena stashed her guitar in the dressing room. Serena carried her dress into the room with all the others as they helped dress Amy. She really should have dressed at home but it was so cold and they were running late. She had no choice but to throw on her preggo jeans and her oversized white sweater and throw the rest of her stuff in a bag grabbing her new coat. Amy looked so beautiful. Her dress was white with silver flowers embroidering along it's strapless top. It hung tight to her curves and had a small train in back. Once she was dressed, the other girls began to strip.

"Come on Serena, it's almost time."

"Yeah, I just have to run to the bathroom real quick."

Amy was the one to stop her, "Serena, it's okay. We all know."

Serena looked around the room at the nods from Mina and Lita. She slipped off her pants and took off her sweater to show her engorged belly. She was in the middle of her second trimester and her belly barely passed her boobs at this point. Amy placed a hand on her swollen belly.

"Hello little girl. I'm your Auntie, Amy."

"How long did you know?"

"Serena, I may have been planning a wedding, but I still going to notice when my friend starts wearing baggier and baggier clothes and has to pee every five minutes!"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just didn't want to put that on you."

"I always understood why. And don't worry, it's your place to tell him not me."

Serena began to cry as everyone came in to give her a group hug.

Of course Amy knew, her bridesmaid dress should have been her first clue. It was a black, high waist tank dress that spilled with ruffly layers under her boobs and stopped at her knees. The high waist had a black silk ribbon that tied at her back. She put on a pair of opaque tights that had flecks of silver in them and black ballet flats. She piled her curly hair loosely on top of her hair and she was ready. All the bridesmaids looked beautiful. Lita wore a black halter dress with a silver ribbon around the waist. She put hair in a curly pony tail and slipped on black high heels. Mina wore a strapless dress that ended above the knee and fit tight to her body. She braided her hair and secured it around the crown of her head and finished with a pair of silver high heels. Finally they were ready to head down the aisle.

Mina was maid of honor so she came in right before Amy. Serena was right before Mina and followed Lita. Lita's husband was her escort. They looked so lovely together, a perfect fit. She got the honor of being escorted in by Zack's uncle. He was a very nice man in his 60's and was very fatherly towards her. As soon as she enter the church and grabbed his arm she felt uneasy. She forced a smile out but she couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her. She could swear she felt dark blue eyes, piercing her soul. Mina was behind her being escorted by Ken who happened to be Zack's best friend and man. Serena had missed the two meeting while she was busy with Darien every night, but the two had been set up by Amy and Zack. They were so cute and Mina really looked happy. She was so glad her friend had met someone. Serena scanned the crowd for a few seconds before Amy entered. She distracted by Andrew and his wife Rita who were trying to get her attention for a photo. The music changed and everybody stood to face Amy as she made her entrance. Amy was blushing madly as all eyes were on her and flashes of light bathed her entrance. She had never looked so beautiful and so happy. Serena watched Zack. She wanted to see the look on his face when he saw Amy for the first time. He smiled and small tears formed in his eyes, which made Serena's heart melt a little. She grabbed the tissue that she had tucked away for this exact reason. Weddings always made her cry before, but with her pregnancy hormones she was afraid she would be a waterfall! For the entire ceremony, from Amy's entrance to the walk out, all eyes were on the happy couple. Except for the ones she could still feel on her.

They posed for what seemed like the thousandth picture and finally got to head to the reception. Serena met Andrew and Nick at the stage as they were finishing up the set up. Soft jazz played from the D.J. while the guest filtered in. They were the "opening" act for Amy's reception. They even had the honor of playing for Amy and Zack's first dance and Serena had picked the perfect song for them. Serena quickly made her way to the coat check to hand over her coat. She was straightening her dress when Darien walked in. He looked just as beautiful as she remembered. He wore a black suit with a white shirt and no tie. As soon as she spotted him, the baby began to kick. It was as if she knew her father, or it was a reaction to her quickening pulse. But her pulse stopped as a beautiful dark hair woman took his arm. Either his engagement was over or he was doing the same thing to this new girl he did to her, but Serena felt sad for the beautiful girl on his arm. They made their way to the coat check and Serena ran, well waddled, for it. She didn't know if they saw her, she didn't care. She just had to get out of here. Andrew helped her on the stage and looked at what she was running from.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You want me to beat him up? Money be damned, I'll do it. Just say the word!"

"Don't you have your own baby to worry about?"

She was right. Rita just got the news a few weeks ago. Serena had been the first call, in her current condition and all. Rita was so excited that they could raise their children together. It mad Serena feel a little less alone.

When the guest found their seats, it was time to start. Serena could see Darien from the stage as his date whispered in his ear. He would smile from time to time at the things she whispered but his face mostly stayed blank even in this joyous occasion. Serena checked to see if her band mates were ready. She saw the Amy and Zack were waiting on her to make their grand entrance. Here we go.

"Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Zack Jefferson!"

The crowd roared as they entered and took their place on the dance floor. Amy gave Serena a nod that they were ready.

"Alright Amy, this one's for you."

The crowd grew silent as Serena moved her fingers across the keys. Serena wrote this one especially for Amy. She really hoped she liked it. Too late to go back now.

When the rain is blowing in your face,
And the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
And there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love.

I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
But I would never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
No doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry; I'd go black and blue,
I'd go crawling down the avenue.
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love.

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret.
The winds of change are blowing wild and free,
You ain't seen nothing like me yet.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.
Nothing that I wouldn't do.
Go to the ends of the Earth for you,
To make you feel my love
To make you feel my love

She looked up at the silent crowd. Why was it always like this when she played? She felt a tear streak down her face. Damn these crazy hormones. She wiped her tears and looked to Amy, who returned her teary glance. The two still held on to each other but at some point had stopped dancing and watched her play. Amy mouthed a silent "I love you" to her. More tears fell as Serena smiled and mouthed it back. They laughed at each other and tried to pick up the tempo.

Darien didn't think it was possible, but Serena had gotten more beautiful since the last time he saw her. She seemed to glow somehow. Her voice didn't disappoint either. He couldn't take her eyes off her since she had entered the church. He watched her sway to her music and entrance the crowd once again. There was something different about her but he couldn't figure it out. She cried at the end of her song, that was new. It took every fiber in his being not to run up there and kiss away her tears. Rei leaned in at the end of Serena's song.

"She is amazing! Wow, I'm so glad you brought me to this. They will have to give me a raise for bringing in a talent like hers!"

"I'm glad you liked it."

"Liked it? Darien half the crowd was in tears by the time she finished!"

"Well go give her your card then!"

"I will, sour puss! What is your deal Darien? You seemed happy when we got here. Like when you first called me and now you are acting all bitchy again."

"It's nothing. Let's get a drink."

"Okay, then we have to dance. You promised!"

He groaned as he was pulled away by his tenacious and annoying date.

Serena and the band played some more songs. They played Never Let Me Go by Florence and the Machine, Cha Ching and Emma by Imagine Dragons, C'est la Mort by the Civil Wars and then three more of her original songs. Andrew even took lead vocal on Emma. He has a lovely voice. The crowd loved them; the dance floor was almost empty as many just watched them play. When their set was over, the D.J. took over. Serena felt a little tired but she ignored it. She knew it was just the extra weight she was carrying. She was yet to run into Darien and his date, which she felt was inevitable. She still wasn't sure how she was going to deal with it. She managed to get a glass of water before Zack's little cousin, the ring barer asked her with a tiny voice to dance with him. She didn't feel much like dancing but his cute little face looked so hopeful.

"I can't say no to a handsome man like you!"

Not many people were dancing yet, too busy eating dinner, which smelled amazing! But her and little Tony pretty much had the whole floor to themselves. He was far to short to dance with her so their dance was her swinging him in circles around the dance floor. Spinning and laughing till the two of them were delirious, Serena tired her best to ignore the dark blue eyes on her.

Serena sat down with a flop next to Mina.

"OMG! I'm starving!"

"Here, you can have the rest of mine too. Since you are eating for two!"

"Thanks!"

She ate faster than she ever had before and didn't care about any of the stares. The wedding party just laughed. Soon the members of her table paired off to the dance floor and Serena was left alone to watch. Her eyes unconsciously landed on Darien, with his date in his arms.

Rei looked at him. Even a dance wouldn't get her off his back. He stupidly glanced at Serena and let his emotions creep on his face.

"(Gasp) That's it! It's her isn't it? You are pining after her!"

"Rei I'm not pining."

"Yes you are! You are in love with her! I don't blame you. She is talented to boot but also gorgeous and also...familiar..."

"Will you let it go please?"

"Is she why you called me? You needed to reach out to someone?"

"Yeah well it's all over now okay so just drop it."

"Oh I have a feeling it's far from over. I think I'll go introduce myself."

"Rei, no."

"Hey, I'm just doing what you suggested, I'm going to give her my card."

Serena cringed at the sight of them. Her heart felt like to dropped into her shoes. She looked away to keep from throwing up. 'Maybe I should leave soon, I have a feeling all this is not good for the baby.' Before she could stand up and pair of lavender eyes blocked her escape.

She sat down next to Serena and the bile began to rise in her throat.

"Wow that dress does wonders. You can't even see your baby bump."

Serena's face drained of blood. How the hell did she know? Were Lita and Mina drunkenly spreading the news?

"How far along are you anyways?"

She searched her face, looking for any sign of a trick or of anger. Did she know the baby's daddy was her date?

"I'm about 20 weeks."

"Sorry, what is that in non mommy talk?"

"Sorry, sometimes I forget. It's about five months."

"I knew it!"

Knew what? Was she intimate with Darien? Did he tell her about her and how they slept together when he was engaged? That he kept her hopes up for five months and then broke her? That the man she was still in love with had moved on and brought her to a wedding that she was sure to be at?

"You don't remember me do you?"

"Sorry no."

"Was there to feel your first kick."

"Oh my gosh, hello!"

"Wow fate is such a funny little bitch isn't she?"

"Yeah I guess so."

"Well look, I came over here because I would love to sign to my label. My names Rei, by the way."

"Are...are you serious?"

"Yeah! You were amazing. Tell you what, here's my card, give me a call sometime."

Serena took her card and Rei stood to walk away. Along with her number it read, Rei Shields: Producer.

"Excuse me, Rei?"

"Yes?"

"Your name is Rei Shields?"

"Yep."

"As in..."

"As in that scary looking guy's sister. Now if you'll excuse me, there is a very good looking grooms man that I really need to meet." before disappearing she leaned down to Serena's ear an whispered, "Take care of my niece now." and gave Serena's shocked face a smile.

Serena didn't even watch her leave, her eyes searched for Darien. He brought his sister? To such a romantic event? Her eyes met dark blue, watching her from across the room. He rose and slowly made his way to her. He held out his hand and without a word she took it. It wasn't logic, it was her heart that made her take his hand. It screamed to be close to him, to be in his arms again and once they were on the dance floor her brain took back over and panic ensued. Her brain was thankful of his distance but her heart screamed for his embrace as he gracefully moved her around the room. She stared at his chest unable to look any where else as her inner battle continued.

They were silent for what seemed like forever.

"I mailed you your key. Did you get it?" It was something, anything to get her wits about her.

"Yes."

"I thought it would be easier than you having to change the locks."

"I wouldn't have Serena."

"..."

"I still have yours if you want it."

"Keep it. I'm moving out tomorrow anyways. I sold my apartment. I'm moving to one that's closer to work and it's a little bigger so there will be more space for me u...for me."

Silence fell on them again. It was palpable.

"I see you came alone."

"I didn't have anyone I wanted to bring."

"I see you met my sister."

"I was surprised to learn you had one."

"She is a bit of a black sheep in the family. I hadn't spoken to her in years...till I met you."

"This was a mistake. I should go."

She lowered her arms but he only pulled her in tighter.

"Serena that woman you met was not my fiance. She was never my fiance. She was a woman I dated on and off for years but I ended it with her as soon as I met you."

"But she was there, she had suit cases. Why would she lie to me, she didn't even know who I was."

"Because she is a bitch Serena and you...well you intimidated her. She guessed who you were and used her talent for sized people up. She said exactly what you need to hear to bolt."

"What was I suppose to think? A beautiful woman, who is the kind of woman you should be with, walks into your apartment and makes me a home wrecking whore. In a matter of seconds, my heart was broken and whatever future I had imagined for us flew out the window. Maybe if you had told me about her before it wouldn't have happened."

"It happened because you didn't believe in us. You didn't trust me and in the end it broke us."

He let his hold on her loosen and fall. A sudden chill ran up her spine. He lifted her chin with a gentle hand and laid a kiss on her lips that was filled with pent up passion and sorrow. It took all he had not to unleash it and ravish her on the dance floor. Every fiber in his body missed her and craved her touch. He ended the kiss sooner than he honestly wanted. But he knew that she didn't love him. If she loved him she wouldn't have left him. She would have trusted him but instead she broke his heart.

"Goodbye Serena."

He left her there on the dance floor.