Before I introduce you to the story, I have a confession myself to make. Unmentioned to anyone, I had written this story long ago, before I’ve started to write "A vision of you and me". Upon finishing it, I realized that how terrible the style and writing was. Therefore, I decided not to show it to you all. But, one friend of mine read it whiling doing homework with me. She decided that it’s not as bad as I thought and I should at least let you guys know I’ve written something. So, I considered that it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Now you be the judge... Bravery and Confession Part 1 --- Smart American Girl By: Neo-Queen Serenity E-mail: Serenausako@hotmail.com webpage: http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net "What’s wrong Serena? You seemed a little depressed during your presentation last class." Mina caught up to her friend, her blue eyes full of concern. "Nothing particular, it’s just that I had spent a long time preparing for this last night...don’t worry, I am fine." Serena hugged her books closer to her chest and shrugged her shoulder, her eyes downcast. "But you did a wonderful job at it, you deserve a full artistic score." There came the friendly praise. "Thank you Mina-chan. Yours was great as well. I love the part how you blend the video with your presentation program." "Hey, Ami-chan told me that the final grades for us fourth years graduates were posted yesterday. I haven’t got time to have a glance at it. Care to join me?" "Yeah...sure." Deciding it’s not such a bad idea, Serena nodded. The two girl reached their school building where all the marks were posted. Mina eagerly scanned for her last name on the list, while Serena stood transfixed beside her. There were quite few people from their grade crowding around the school’s bulletin board. Mina tipped her toes and tried to top an inch taller than her usual 5 feet 8. "Wow! Serena Bates: 97.2%?!" Mina exclaimed with joy and surprise. Her eyes wondered from the top of the list and then to the quiet Serena. Her friend, ranked first amongst 242 students! "That’s absolutely fabulous! You beat all of them, even Ami-chan, our brain here. You’re really something Serena." Mina stuck out her tongue. Serena looked up, her eyes landed lightly on her name. "That’s not first Mina-chan, it was a tie." But she smiled, her blue eyes shining with pride. "You mean you’re not yet satisfied?! This is 97%! You know how hard it is to achieve that? Oh boy, I wish my brain was as useful." Rei stick her head over her friend’s shoulder, her eyes searching for her own name from the list. Lita join in as well. "Yeah Serena, it’s a tie that’s true, but that’s still the best score. Besides, you tied with no one else but Darien Chiba. He’s the born genius in our school you know?" Mina eyes Lita curiously. "How did you do Lita? I didn’t find your name." "Me? Hm...I am average I suppose." "Yeah me too, stuck with Calculus this term." Finally found her name, Rei added her comment. "You are just great Serena. In case you didn’t remember, you started school late this year. After all, you’re an exchange student from the States. But you managed to surpass all of us. That’s is a fact to be proud of." Ami showed up beside Rei, her backpack in her hands. "That’s true, even though you tied with him, but you skipped a whole grade before! I mean that is just wonderful. You’re a year younger than most of us here remember?" "I am happy guys, I just wish I’ve done better. You know, that sometimes I am not satisfied about myself, but I guess I have to stick with who I am." Serena smiled, truly appreciating her friend’s praise and encouragement. It was true, she was an exchange who arrived in Tokyo University 10 months ago. It wasn’t a lie that she skipped her grade 11 during her high school years in U.S. It was real that she’s been admitted as the "brain" by peoples around her. They were all true. So what? Serena Bates worked for them hard, she deserves what she has today doesn’t she? All those midnight burning oil, essay practice, algebra calculation, even long hours of thinking on her business project. Serena paid every penny of what she earned. Serena remember a day when she stepped into this familiar school yard, witnessing so many foreign people. She was a bit frightened. Alas, she had never left home before, not until now. So, she use to be real quite, and listen to what others have to say. Yearning and hope was in her shining blue eyes, she wanted acceptance and friendship. It was when her four Japanese friends, Ami, Lita, Rei and Mina found her and offered their generous arms. Serena felt she’s home once again. With these four sister-like best friends, she knows no trouble and problem. They helped her from little things such as finding her a room, to help her studying her tests, they would even invite her to their home during holidays. These 10 months were truly wonderful. Intelligence and persistence existed in this American girl’s nature, she has the courage and will to go up. Serena lifted her gaze. Darien Chiba, 97.2%. He’s the boy who tied with her. They were both first. Serena recalled a time when she first heard of Darien Chiba’s numerous talents, she vowed to keep up her own work, and someday beat him, to stand out. She did it, didn’t she? Almost may be, she tied with him anyway, but it was that close. How mom and dad will react to this? Me? Being first in this foreign university, in a foreign country? They will be really proud. Of course they will, I am their one and only daughter. Yeah, that’s what I need to do, making a long distance call back to Seattle, giving them this good news...How will they smile? Mom...Dad... Darien Chiba. Serena’s thoughts once again focused on her rival. He’s so popular in their school, nearly everyone know who he is, especially girls. He’s got the personality, look, and charm. It’s just amazing how god created such a perfect man. To her belief, you can never find both appearance and charm within the same person. Huh, but he was an exception. Three years of college life made him a mature and experienced 22 years old boy, he was the school’s prince-charming. He would receive starry eyes no matter where he goes. Darien Chiba was the most common chatting topic among school girls. Darien Chiba, excelled not only in academic areas, but also in art and politics. He was also the school’s student president and councilor. Serena had to admit that Darien was a born leader. He possess this certain power which made his a figure of authority. As to his looks, that’s a bonus. Dark midnight hair so handsomely styled; wide forehead full of determination; dark blue gaze that were as deep, intriguing as the ocean itself; and plus, he was well built and tall. So, who could stand in front of such a great guy and not drooling all over? You can’t just look at him and be critical about him, he’s the perfect man. Surprisingly even to Serena herself, she has MORE than many classes with this legendary yet mysterious figure. She can see him everyday, like it or not. But she was that lucky. Of course, Serena’s time were too much devoted to her studies rather than to take notice of her classmates, but she was well aware of Darien’s excellent knowledge and behavior in classrooms. Like Lita said, he’s a genius. Serena couldn’t help but starts her laughter, when her friend Lita told her with great complains that the female population of the school were so envious of her chance to be with Darien. "She has the quickest access". That was the exact quote. Serena’d shrug her shoulder, not caring about others may want to say. What does that have to do with her? She didn’t choose to have classes with him. but, in a way, Serena was impressed by Darien’s friendliness. "Serena?!" Lita waved her hand in front of her friend’s dazed face several times. Serena blinked and life drifted back to focus again. "Yes?" "Rei suggested that we all go for a small celebration for your great achievement. My treat." Mina offered generously. "That’d be a wonderful idea." ********** "Hello, Bates’ resident. May I help you?" Serena could feel her heart tighten at the sweet, melody like voice of her mother. It was so constant and soft. That’s her home. Across the wide Pacific and located at the other side of the great ocean. "Mother..." her voice low and wavering. "Serena? Oh darling, how are you?" Mother called eagerly for her far away daughter. "Good. How are you and daddy? Everything fine at home?" Serena was quiet, still savoring that cozy feeling in her heart. "We are fine. Luna’s doing very well. How’s you day going?" "Had lunch with my friends not too long ago. Huh mommy? I got my year’s mark today, I am the first you know?" "First? My Serena’s going to the top very fast. That’s an excellent improvement. I am very proud of you, daughter." Mrs. Bates smiled with delight at the accomplishment of her daughter. "So you’re not so long to finish university in Tokyo. I thought it’s time for you to come back again. Your father missed you very much. Have you got any plans in mind?" "Yeah, 3 more months I know. But...I don’t know mother. I love this place, even it’s not my country and home. It’s just strange, I feel I belonge here. Again, I feel I should go back... I really don’t know..." her voice full of worry and confusion. "It’s alright Serena. You know that no matter where you go, our heart will always be with you. Your friends will be counting on you as well. But we’d miss you very much if you’re not around us. Mother trust your own judgement and decision. If you don’t feel you have a better future in Seattle, Japan is not a bad choice. We will never force you to make a decision, the right to decide will always be on your own hands." The mother was understanding, her voice calm and comforting. "I will miss you too mama... But American is my home, it’s where I started and there live you, daddy and all my childhood friends. It’s where I truly belong. I need time, that’s all..." "I will tell your father of your great goal and future plan, he will be majorly proud of his little pumpkin." Mrs. Bates smiled, feeling comforted by her daughter’s decision. God knows how much she will miss her if she’s staying in a foreign country so far away. But she’s coming back, she will come back... "Thank you mother. Bye-bye, mama. Take care." Serena bid her good-bye. "Take care Serena, mama will always be counting on you." She claimed disconnection and her calm, motherly voice was again replaced by the boring dial tone. Serena listened carefully to the phone for a minute and hang up with a sigh... Where is her future? What should she do? *********** It was much later when Serena got back to her shared room with Rei, in school. For a long time, Serena just stood by her window, counting the endless lights of the Tokyo skyline. It’s breathtakingly beautiful how the city looked at night. Million shining lights from everyone’s window blended naturally with the dark sky. It was a piece of fine art. Really. Rei gently placed her arm around Serena’s shoulder. The night’s gentle breeze picked up a lock of her dark hair, caressing it lightly, as if brushing them with care and love. The wind was gentle, it feels refreshing and cool. "A penny of your thoughts?" Rei gazed at the petite blond who seemed to stare into space. "Why are we living on this planet anyway, Rei? Is there something that’s really worth a living?" Serena started, her voice deep and distant. "What made you think of that? Life is wonderful...there are a lot of things that were worth a living. Friends, a bright future, your special love...and hope. Those are fabulous." Rei was a bit surprise by the depth of Serena’s question, but she managed a reply. "But does love actually exist?" "Why do you think that way? Of course it does. Love exists everywhere." "True love?" her eyes wondered towards the bright Northern star, her chin tilted in a certain degree of angle; her bright blue orbs shining with depth and wisdom. Rei looked away, her eyes focused on another star, studying it’s meaning and ancient existence. "What should I say...yes I do believe in it. It’s a hope you can always place in your future. Though it doesn’t happen everyday, it only occurs at the right time, right place, and with the right person." "That’s true, true love doesn’t just happen everyday. I believe that it only exist once a millennium or so. A thousand years is that long, so will the long lasting spirit of love." She seemed not like the 21 years old Serena, but an aged Greek philosopher. "That is your definition of love. To me, love is the best feeling in the world. It’s understanding, helping, sharing, and unselfish giving, no complain, no reasoning. I agree with you that true love happens every millennium, but look around you Serena. Love is everywhere. Time, misunderstanding and eternal waiting never erode its perfect color. It’s been there ever since the beginning of human race, because it’s in our nature to love and longing for love. It’s just out there Serena, and it will happen someday, when you’re least expecting, but it will happen, I promise." "May be someday I will see myself." Serena smiled. "Yet, fate is a cruel creature. You are a helpless romantic, who use to cry at sad movie endings, who pitied parted lovers; who craved for a sweet ending in a novel. Serena, you’re a dreamer." The blond smiled again, that’s true, she’s a helpless romantic. Inhaling slowly of the night’s scent, she rolled a loose tendril to the back of her ears. "Fate is a cruel creature... I use to pity Romeo and Juliet, I am the crybaby inside the movie theatre. Sometimes I really believe that I am emotional, I really wish that someday love will be mine..." "It will, it will Serena...you just wait and see. Just a friendly reminder, if you ever feel the need to step close to the alter, I am here to advertise myself as your bride maid." "Ha, you can’t be so serious Rei. I am afraid that the groom part is missing in the picture." "You’re pretty dense Serena, but no offense here. He’s not really far away from you. Only if you can open your big blue eyes and look. Don’t get locked up in your little world of fantasy. Destiny might already set him in your life. You just can’t see." Rei hinted with a wink. She swiftly turned aside to dodge a punch from Serena and rushed back inside to prepare for her bed. Serena was left behind by the wide opened window, a smile hanging on her lips. The silver moonlight cast down on her, looking ever so serene and peaceful. Her face was beautiful and angelic under the light, as if it’s been glowing on her ever since her existence on the planet. The rounded silver dish must be the brightest object in the dark navy sky. Serena never knew why she’s always fascinated looking up at it from wherever she is. Mystery waved over that high up planet. She exhaled loudly, releasing herself from a day’s tension and stress. It’s nearly midnight now, every object and its surroundings was so quiet and still. Serena yawned a little, stretching her sour arms above her blond head. May be it’s bed time... To be continued...