Title: Glass Rose - Chapter 5
Author: Azure
E-mail: shakira642@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimer Apply

'When You Tell Me That You Love Me' belongs to Coco Lee and Julio Iglesias. 
'So Blessed' belongs to Mariah Carey.

    Five-eleven. Darien escorted Serena to the infamous shining red 
limousine, his fist clenching her trembling arm. A bodyguard followed them 
from a distance, his expression inpenetrable and eerie, yet his attention 
completely captured by his charge. They did not exchange a word, Darien and 
Serena. Instead, the pair walked through the lit pathway, to the parking 
lot. The crowd had worn thin, as the hours had ticked by. Various women, all 
incredibly beautiful and sexy, fluttered their hands seductively as a last 
farewell to the handsome Hollywood celebrity.
    Serena gazed at the ground, her eyes focused on the pavement and the 
loose pebbles scattered across the surface. Purposely, she avoided contact 
with Darien, attempting to ignore the firm clasp his warm hands held on her 
cold elbow. The night was already filtered, the bleak blackness giving way 
to a glittering midnight blue. It was quiet, save for the whispered chatters 
of late partiers and the clicking clacking sound of women's high heels 
against the unadultered concrete.
    At sight of the twosome, Darien's chauffeur flung open the driver seat 
door to attend to his charges. Unaccustomed to such treatment, Serena 
awkwardly thanked the bowing man and slid into the automobile. She fell 
against the cushioned leather seats, and finally realized how tired she was. 
Her legs ached from pressure, her head throbbed to the extent that she 
couldn't think clearly, and fatigue was spread throughout her body. She 
rested her head against the tinted window and closed her clouded blue eyes.
    The chauffeur entered the limousine, settling against his seat. He 
lowered the window dividing the front and first passenger end before 
starting the vehicle and expertly backing out of the driveway. All was quiet 
for a few minutes, the lulling sound of the engine soothing Serena's fringed 
nerves. Perhaps because the silence was too heavy, the chauffeur turned on 
the music and pushed the knob for the heater. Warm air blasted through the 
vents, and she felt the insulating heat wrap her bare legs as a blanket. 
Contented and comfortable, Serena allowed herself to become lost in the 
softly flowing music.

I wanna feel this way longer than time
I wanna know your dreams and make them mine
I wanna change the world only for you
All the impossible I wanna do

I wanna hold you close under the rain
I wanna kiss your smile and feel your pain
I know it's beautiful looking at you
You're in a world of lies, you are the truth

And baby, every time you touch me, I become a hero
I'll make you safe no matter where you are
And bring you anything you ask for, nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me

I wanna make you see just what I want
Show you that loneliness and what it does

You walked into my life to stop my tears
Everything is easy now, I have you here

And baby, every time you touch me, I become a hero
I'll make you safe no matter where you are
And bring you anything you ask for, nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me

In a world without you
I will always hunger
All I need is true love to make me stronger

And baby, every time you touch me, I become a hero
I'll make you safe no matter where you are
And bring you anything you ask for, nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me

When you tell me that you love me

    "When you tell me that you love me..." Serena whispered as she drifted 
off into a troubled sleep.

***

    Darien, ultimately tired with his breath coming out in contracted rasps, 
was immediately bombarded by his wife as he entered their bedroom. "How was 
it?" she asked abruptly, even before he'd had the chance to close the door 
and hang his jacket in the closet.
    "Same old," Darien answered shortly. He knew he wasn't telling her the 
exact truth, things had certainly been different with Serena there. But he 
definitely was not in the mood to discuss his stepdaughter at the moment. He 
glanced towards the enormous four-poster California king size bed and the 
soft down pillows with the thick cool blankets looked like heaven to him.
    "Did Serena turn in?" Olivia asked, her face upturned to him in an 
inquiring expression.
    Darien gazed at her, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Yeah...she fell 
asleep in the car actually. Hon, are you okay?"
    Olivia lowered her eyes, her lashes trembling. "Why? You mean since 
Serena came?"
    "Sweetie, you haven't been eating or sleeping. Something is wrong isn't 
it."
    Olivia sighed. She tucked a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear and 
bit her lip thoughtfully. "I don't know. Usagi-chan was always a sweet, 
gentle girl. A heart of gold, really. But sometimes she could just clam up, 
closer herself off from others. I feel, now, that she's doing that to me."
    Darien gave her an ironic smile, and he studied her, his wife. She wore 
satin pajamas, the expensive Gucci ensemble she'd received from her cousin 
Priscilla last Christmas. The short pants fit perfectly against her shapely 
thighs and curved waist, while the shirt was baggy and oversized, hanging 
off her slim figure and stopping at her knees. Her hair had been done at the 
last minute, absently fixed into a messy single braid. She had been reading, 
and was wearing her chic Christian Dior glasses. In spite of her designer 
labels, Olivia now truly looked pretty. He had to admit, he liked her this 
way. She was fresh, yet beautiful. Not the sharp-tongued she-devil of a 
classic bitch she loved to pretend to be. It was at times like these he 
understood why he had married his wife.
    "She hates me," Olivia stated simply. "I can't really blame her can I?"
    "She doesn't hate you," Darien protested. "Hon, she's just as hurt as 
you are. I think your leaving caused her a lot of insecurity and 
ill-confidence."
    Olivia snorted. And her image was suddenly distorted. No longer was she 
the innocent-faced beauty but became a sly, conniving con artist. "What the 
fuck is that supposed to mean."
    Darien was taken aback, shocked by her strong response. Immediately, she 
grinned assuredly, giving a shaky laugh. "Sorry. I'm just stressed. Serena's 
really giving me grief."
    "Oh."
    Olivia tugged at the rubber band keeping her hair together. The waves 
flowed across her neck and cascaded down her shoulders, settling softly. She 
winked and stiked a seductive pose. "But, hon, let's not waste time talking 
about that *child*."
    Darien frowned. What had become of the woman who was so concerned about 
the well-being and love of her daughter? It was if she'd just...vanished! 
Olivia climbed into the bed and patted the spot beside her.
    Reluctantly, Darien shed his tuxedo until he was down to only his 
boxers. He hesitated, but only for a second. Smiling, he snuggled in close 
to his wife, savoring the sense of security and comfort she gave him. He 
meant to wash all thoughts of Serena from his mind. But neither was to be. 
As he made love to his Olivia, the image of Serena Usagi Tsukino remained 
emblazoned in his mind.

***

    Serena awoke abruptly, suddenly aware that she was not safe in her bed 
at her father's house. The quilt's scent against her nostrils was the fresh 
odor of new clothes or new shoes--so unlike the sweet lilac lived-in smell 
of her Friendship quilt at home. She cautiously sat up, avoiding the dark 
shadows cast against the walls. As much as she hated to admit it, she had 
never overcome her fear of the dark. Quickly, she located the lamp on the 
bedside table and flicked on the switch. Light washed over the guest room, 
and she had the chance to examine her surroundings. Although not incredibly 
large for a Beverly Hills' mansion bedroom, it was very posh and decorated 
with the finest. The carpet was thick, and a soft rose hue. The curtains 
were silky white, so the moonlight was penetrable through the windows. The 
walls were flawless, no dark spots blotching the perfectly cream-colored 
shade. The bed she'd slept in was a full-size four-poster with beautifully 
painted-designed and gold-embroidered draperies pulled back for a chill. The 
furniture was of the most expensive oak wood, each piece newly polished and 
shining.
    Serena blinked drowsily and yawned. Her body was no longer fatigued, but 
she was still really tired. Her mind was totally wired, the last few days of 
excitement and change of environment was taking its toll on her. In her 
absentmindedness, she wondered how she had gotten her, if Darien had brought 
her up. And, warily she puzzled over the fact that whoever had taken her 
upstairs, had not put her in the room Olivia had assigned her yesterday. 
Serena didn't mind, though. The other bedroom had been too large, too 
unfriendly. This cozy, little nook with its fancy decorations was perfect 
for her taste.
    Serena sighed and settled her head comfortably against the down pillows. 
She gulped down a lump in her throat, as she scratched her left eyebrow. 
Glanced at the clock. Almost six. She closed her lids, preparing to fall 
asleep with the lights on. But a stir from the next room bothered her. She 
lay perfectly still, her ears straining to hear. Moans. Grunts. Deep 
breathing. And she could slightly make out a female voice, her mother's 
voice. 'Darien!'
    Hot indignation rose in Serena's chest. How dare he! Especially when she 
was right in the next room. Then, she caught herself. What was she blaming 
Darien for? He had every right to have sex with his own wife without 
worrying about a pesky stepdaughter! He didn't deserve her anger. He was a 
man, with needs and desires. An unusually attractive man, yes, but a man 
nevertheless. She was just his...his friend? Yes, his friend. As a friend, 
how could she react with rage when she overheard him making love to Olivia? 
It was because...because Olivia was her mother. And as childish as it is, no 
one truly wants to think of their parents as real people who need love, 
attention, ambition. But Serena was ready to admit she was selfish, and she 
didn't want her mother to exist for anyone except her.
    Then again, that would be a lie. Serena didn't give a damn about her 
mother's sexual desires. She couldn't care less if Olivia was 
fucking..well...Andrew!
    No, it was *Darien* that she cared about. She wasn't quite ready, 
however, to admit it yet. She couldn't, she just couldn't! She couldn't 
admit that she was selfish, and that she didn't want Darien to exist for 
anyone except her. Because she loved him.

***

    When Serena came down the next morning, Darien and Olivia were already 
well into brunch.
    "Hi sleepyhead!" Darien greeted her enthusiastically, last night's 
tension and anger forgotten for the moment.
    Serena yawned. "What time is it?"
    "Twelvish."
    "That's nothing," Serena teased. "My record is four-thirty. What can I 
say? I have a talent for sleeping!"
    "I remember that perfectly," Olivia answered, smiling. She reached 
across the table for the juice carton and poured herself a cup of OJ. "Sammy 
took advantage of it, though, and ate all your donuts. When you finally woke 
up, you chased him around the house with your math book!"
    "That's probably the only thing I actually used my math book for," 
Serena laughed. She cocked her head to one side, surprised.
    "So what's our plan for today?" Darien asked.
    "I was thinking she could spend the afternoon with me and the evening 
with you, because I have to meet with Lita and Ken for dinner. You made 
quite an impression with her, Ser," said Olivia, her cheeks glowing with 
pride.
    Darien rolled his eyes. "Liv, you'd better play hard with them. It's 
ridiculous, this crazy idea of their's. You aren't going to allow it, 
right?" he asked anxiously.
    "Darry, you're starting to sound like Kenji!" Olivia giggled.
    "And that's not an advantage for me," Serena groaned. "Did you know he 
made me wear a T-shirt below my bikini for years? No one wonders why I never 
went to beach with guys."
    "Seriously? What made him change his mind?" Olivia asked, truly having 
the facade that she was interested.
    "I told him I'd go elope with Andrew. Andrew! Oh Gosh, I completely 
forgot! I'm going to surprise him and go to the medical convention with 
him."
    "Oh and you'd be a sight for sore eyes, since he's had to put up with 
that Rita person," Darien agreed. "What time?"
    "Seven. Oh, Darien, I know you might think it dull and boring but would 
you like to go? I'm sure Andrew wants to meet you," Serena told him.
    A pang of jealousy sprang in Darien's heart. Andrew Furuhata. Serena's 
boyfriend. Could he control his impulse to smash that bastard's face when 
they met. No, he shouldn't go. But, really, could he not go? Curiosity and 
rage, they burned his soul. "Sure," he answered, pursing his lips.
    Serena smiled, and her joy lit up the nook. She was truly irresistable, 
the playful grin upon her fresh, innocent face and her cheeks glowing. 
Olivia and Darien couldn't help it, their spirits lifted. And Darien was 
amazed at the effect his stepdaughter had on him.

***

    Olivia sighed with displeasure. She'd been a fool, agreeing to spend the 
whole afternoon with her daughter. She should've faked an illness, like 
she'd done yesterday. But Darien was so taken with Serena, and Olivia didn't 
want to look heartless in front of her husband. She shifted her position, 
leaning her back against the softly cushioned seat. What was worse, she'd 
let Serena choose their activites. Now Olivia had to sit through an 
incredibly cheesy movie, and afterwards take Serena to the Coulique concert. 
Why had she offered tickets to any recreational event? She admitted, it'd 
been her fault, getting herself into this mess. But Darien had been there! 
She couldn't act like a bad mother while he was watching.
    It was ridiculous, really, how she had everyone wrapped around her 
little finger. No one suspected, not Darien, not even Kenji, that she didn't 
truly care for her daughter. Sure, she was a female and had those maternal 
instincts when Serena and Sammy were younger. But it was pure animal 
adaptation. Once her children were older, Olivia grew to annoyance. Why 
couldn't they just go and leave her alone? She'd spent hours in labor for 
them, she'd breast-fed them, she'd sacrificed plenty hours of precious sleep 
for them as babies. Her work as a mother was done. And yet, there was 
Serena, whining, I want this I want that. Olivia wasn't stupid. She knew her 
daughter was asking for attention and pure love. Sammy wasn't any better, 
the typical sheltered boy who clung to his mother in fright of the real 
world for years. Then he hit ten years, and suddenly he ignored his mother 
unless he wanted something from her. Resentful, Olivia watched as Kenji 
presented their children with lavish gifts for Christmas. What did she get 
from her *loving* then-husband? One lousy necklace!
    Olivia wanted more from life. She was plain tired of catering to Serena 
and Sammy's needs. Not totally inhuman, she did want them to be happy and 
fed. Before her plan took place, she arranged for her former best friend, 
Ann-Marie, who desperately wanted children but had married a man who simply 
didn't have time for a real family, to take care of Serena and Sammy. It 
worked out for about six months. Kenji and the kids believed she was just 
taking an extended vacation. Sammy adored Ann-Marie, and Serena received the 
attention she'd always craved for. Olivia often spoke to them on the 
telephone, telling about the sights she saw in Los Angeles.
    Then, unexpectedly, Ann-Marie got pregnant from a one-night stand. Her 
husband immediately divorced her. The mixed joy from her baby and pain from 
her failed marriage no longer gave her time for her surrogate children. 
Kenji called, pleading for Olivia to come home. It was then, that Olivia 
broke it to him. She was never coming back. She was leaving him. She wanted 
a divorce.
    Their separation was kept quiet. Olivia filed, and sent the papers back 
to Kenji. He signed them without intervention, just too tired to argue and 
protest with her any longer. Afterwards, they barely spoke to each other. 
Olivia wrote letters to Serena and Sammy for a few years, but as her career 
started launching and making her successful, she almost forgot about her 
past life. It was only after she married Darien Shields when she contacted 
her children to visit.
    Sammy came willingly, immediately forgetting any grudges he held for his 
mother, and caught up in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Serena was 
reluctant, however, and when she complained of stomachaches, it wasn't a 
hard thing to decide not to go. Olivia asked Serena to visit a few times 
later, but she refused all invitations. Olivia could admit, it had hurt her. 
Obviously, she was fond of her daughter. For nine painful, uncomfortable, 
frustrating, yet joyful months, Serena had lived inside her, in her womb, 
and that was an intimacy she couldn't share with even Darien.
    Finally, Olivia decided she had to find out what her daughter had grown 
up to be. She remembered a foolish airhead, a failure in school. A klutz, 
careless, clumsy, and often stupid. She *had* aged quite gracefully, 
actually. Olivia could proudly say her daughter was a looker, so beautiful 
that she demanded attention from men as she strutted down the street. Yet 
despite that, Serena still had her old innocence, her old insecurities, her 
old foolishness. She was so...gullible. So willing to please.
    Then, of course, there was Darien himself. Did Olivia love him? Did she, 
the way a wife should love a husband? She used to know. She used to be so 
sure of her love for him. But now...she wondered, was it just an 
infatuation? She was fond of him, yes. And extremely proud to be his wife. 
Hell, who wouldn't, he was just about the handsomest man this side of the 
universe. But Olivia couldn't confirm that she truly loved him, with the 
kind of love films and books always emphasize and romanticize. Olivia had 
not experienced that feeling, and now she felt she never would. It was okay. 
She wouldn't leave Darien, as she had left Kenji. Ah, sweet, reliable Kenji. 
She was quite fond of him, too. He was almost as good in bed as Darien.

***

    Serena couldn't concentrate on the movie. It was spectacular, really, 
that she was in the theatre, with her mother sitting next to her. She wasn't 
sure what to think. Admittedly, she loved being with her mother. She loved 
the feeling it gave her, the feeling of being wanted in this world. A mother 
is the first person a child loves. A mother nutures a child, like a plant, 
giving it the essentials--water (food), sunlight (knowledge)--and love, and 
ambitions, and dreams. Serena had had a mother for fourteen wonderful years. 
But when she needed a mother the most, during her adolescent years, Olivia 
had not been there. Serena had had to overcome clumsiness, naivety, and 
confusion without help from her mother. And suddenly, she felt famished. 
Deprived.

***

    Darien ran his sharp-toothed comb through his recently gelled hair, 
taking extra care to pat down any stray, displaced strands. He sighed 
deeply, the hand that held the comb trembled nervously. Maybe he was making 
a fool of himself. But, obviously, he couldn't help it. The image of Serena 
last night, her in that sexy strapless dress, would remain imprinted in his 
mind forever. And he knew, oh boy did he know, that he was the essence of 
male stupidity, male egotism. Even now, thinking of what he had done to his 
stepdaughter at the party, abandoning her to an empty table and pretending 
to have the time of his life with women who couldn't compare with her 
beauty. What had been racing through his mind? Serena. The name, repeated 
over and over. And he'd been suffocating, being with her, standing so close 
to her, and with just one small simple movement he could touch her silky 
skin. He was drowning in her, drowing in his...his love for her. His love. 
Oh dear God.
    The comb slipped from his capable hands, and he stared at himself in the 
mirror. His reflection gazed back, the expression agitated. Oh of course he 
loved Serena. She was, after all, his stepdaughter. And who could not love 
her. With just one smile, with just one whisper, she could lift your 
spirits. Make a crappy day and a blissful one. Who could not be grinning and 
laughing in her presence? Who could not thrilled to be with her, to stand 
with her, to be graced with her attention?
    Darien closed his eyes. Could he do this like a mature, a mature adult? 
You don't have to be kind to him. Just polite, he reminded himself. Shake 
his hand, smile. Engage in an intelligent conversation with him? Andrew, of 
course, was a neurologist. A doctor. Probably went through years of medical 
school. Darien, he'd never been a terrible student. In fact, he'd maintained 
a GPA of over 3.66 since the fourth grade. With him being on his high 
school's champion basketball team, and him being one of its most valued 
players, he could've easily gotten a scholarship to a decent university. 
Berkeley would've been a shoo-in. Damn his parents. They hadn't given a 
thought to his education. Immediately after he graduated high school, they 
whisked him away to Hollywood, where his days were spent at auditions, 
photo, and commercial shoots. They'd been overjoyed by his success, but he'd 
yearned for more. And now?
    Now, he was ashamed. Andrew was a highly educated man, an important 
figure in the medical field, obviously. Not many doctors received 
invitations to Los Angeles's prestigious doctrate conventions. How could he 
ever compare to such a person? Serena...Serena would never succumb to him, 
the way he wanted her to. She was too proper. No one would need to remind 
him, how inappropriate this was. He was his stepfather for Heaven's sake! 
But there was something his old friend Chad would say...you can't help who 
you love.

***

    Darien could hardly take his burning eyes off Serena. She looked 
incredible and sweet, in her mid-length flower-print skirt and pale eggshell 
blouse. Her hair, usually fixed in the particular style where the two 
ponytails extended from her two buns, was now simply woven into a long, 
golden French braid. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hands clenched her 
bare thighs. Darien's heart sunk, at the sight of such happiness. He knew 
that Serena would never react with all this vigor and bliss, at the sight, 
at the anticipation of seeing him. And this man who had so captured her 
spirit, Darien felt only jealousy and envy, thinking of this Andrew 
Furuhata.
    The limousine pulled into the parking lot of Fairfield Hospital. The 
convention was taking place in a meeting room at the clinic, then there 
would be short tour around the hospital's quarters. Despite the situation, 
Darien was actually quite curious about what he might learn. He'd juggled 
with the idea of becoming a pediatrician when he was younger, before his 
parents had pushed him into those talent shows and whatsoever. At a glance, 
he'd grown up with everything. Involved parents, a nice house in a good 
district, good grades, excellent place on the basketball team.
    "Wait so does Andrew know you're coming?" Darien asked, as the vehicle's 
engine slowly sputtered into a stop and he gathered his coat.
    "Nope!" Serena replied, grinning. "He thinks Rita is. I was going to 
call him, but then I thought about how great it would be to surprise him."
    Darien smirked. "Oh, yeah. I'm sure. You *do* know where we go right?"
    "Yep. My great talents of persuasion at work. I convinced Rita to tell 
me," said Serena.
    "Right..." Darien raised his eyebrows.
    They climbed out of the limousine in front of the A building. While 
Darien leaned into the front door window to tell the chauffeur when to pick 
them up, Serena stood on the curb, tapping her suede shoes on the pavement. 
She hummed softly to herself, drawing a figure on her palm with her finger.
    "Serena!? My God, Serena is that you?"
    Serena turned on her heel. And there he was! A tall, broad-shouldered 
blonde man in a doctor's white lab coat, his hands stuffed into the large 
pockets. His expression was of surprise, of pleasure, of amusement. Serena 
gave him her brightest smile and ran up to her boyfriend.
    "Andrew!" she scolded, when he leaned in for her neck. "Not right now."
    Andrew grinned. "Okay, I'll be cute." He gave her a peck on her cheek 
and whispered something into her soft ear. She giggled and playfully stabbed 
him in the ribs. Darien was slowly making his way up the steps, 
expressionless, his beautiful blue eyes blank.
    His eyebrows raised with recognition and wonder, Andrew thrust out his 
hand for a shake. "Err...sir. Mr. Shields? Andrew Furuhata."
    Darien nodded curtly. "Yes, pleased to meet you. So I understand that 
you are here for a medical convention?"
    "Yep," Andrew replied. "Some boring lecture about advances in neurology. 
Nothing you'd be interested in. Of course, if you like, you can join us."
    There was an awkward pause. Then Serena said, with forced cheerfulness, 
"Oh, Andrew, Darien and I are having dinner together so of course he's going 
to stay for the lecture!"
    The threesome strolled towards the hospital's left wing entrance, the 
doors sliding open at their appearance and welcoming them to a freshly 
air-conditioned room. Three candy-stripers and a nurse stood behind a front 
desk, whispering quietly. Their conversation was stopped abruptly at the 
presence of the doctor, the actor, and the actor's stepdaughter.
    "Hi, can I help you?" the nurse asked pleasantly, a young, plump thing 
with soft blonde hair and warm brown eyes. Her expression flickered at 
Darien, recognition and amazement dawning. But she was a polite, smart woman 
who wouldn't stoop to a crazed fan's antics.
    "I'm Dr. Furuhata. Uhh...we're here for Dr. Lithgow's lecture," Andrew 
told her, straightening his white coat.
    "Oh, just down the corner. Room N19. Dr. Lithgow's running late, he'll 
be here in another fifteen minutes so make yourself comfortable. There's a 
vending machine in the second hallway," the nurse explained, speaking to 
Andrew, but her attention obviously directed at Darien.
    Scowling at the nurse's lack of hospitality towards him, Andrew rolled 
his eyes, snatched Serena's hand, and marched her down the hallway so Darien 
had to jog to catch up.
    "Do you usually get those type of reactions?" Andrew asked gruffly, 
pulling Serena closer to him.
    Darien smiled. "Once in awhile, yes."
    "No offense, but I think it's really overrated. It's not like doctors or 
lawyers get that type of recognition, even though they deserve it more," 
Andrew answered, his eyes wide and innocent, but his tone hard and 
meaningful.
    Serena tilted her head and gazed at the ceiling with a sigh. This is 
going to be l-o-o-o-o-o-n-g night, she thought. And she truly wasn't sure if 
she appreciated, or was looking forward, to the rest of the night.

***

    The medical convention had not been as dull and boring as the previous 
lectures had been. Of course, Darien was there for her constant amusement. 
Dr. Lithgow had some kind of nose-stuffy illness that caused him to snort 
rather loudly. Darien had immediately caught her eye, then pinched his nose 
to mock the prestigious doctor's snort. The entire assembly had heard, the 
younger ones muffling laughs and the elders glaring at him with disapproval. 
Andrew, of course, who fell into the former category, chose to ignore the 
incident, which Serena caught on as a bad sign. She bit her lip and squeezed 
her boyfriend's hand reassuredly. He smiled at her gratefully, then tuned 
into Dr. Lithgow's subjects on cancerous cerebral tumors.
    Serena sat back in the cold, hard-backed chair. These scientific and 
medical notions were way over her head, and she couldn't help but zone out. 
It amazed her, the way Andrew could be perfectly still, could listen to the 
lecture in almost inhuman attentiveness. Serena's mind wandered, however, a 
fact that had plagued her since early childhood. She could quite remember 
being scolded constantly for daydreaming in class, especially during math 
and English. She wasn't being disrespectful, truly. She just didn't know 
exactly how to pay attention to one subject for an hour at a time.
    Serena sighed, and rested her chin in her palm. Her thoughts wandered to 
Darien, her stepfather. Never had she met someone with such magnetism, such 
charisma. Never had she been drawn to someone so completely, so magically. 
Never had she felt this raw hunger, his wanton desire for a mere human 
being. Never had her hands shook, her, her body burned, her brain screamed 
for someone. Darien's smile, his wink, they were electrifying. With regret, 
Serena realized she was in the danger of falling in love with this man. She 
couldn't help but hope, that his friendliness was not a facade, a 
requirement, but a sign of his...? Oh, God, Serena thought. What have I 
gotten myself into? Darien doesn't feel about me, the way I do for him. Last 
night, when he ignored me, it was because he had forgotten about me. How can 
I blame him? With those beautiful women in those gorgeous clothes winking at 
him. I can't hope to compare. Serena wrapped her arms around her shivering 
body. Suddenly, it had become cold. A chill ran up her spine, and she knew, 
oh, she knew that the air was humid, that the night was warm. When Serena 
left, to go back home, Darien wouldn't remember her. He wouldn't phone, he 
wouldn't write. Just like Olivia. She wouldn't exist in his mind, unless she 
made the first move, and contacted him. Then, he would be phony, pretending 
to be happy to hear from her. And when she asked for him again, he would be 
too busy, too swamped with work to talk with his stepdaughter. Out of sight, 
out of mind. And Serena didn't know how she would think of him, how she 
would remember him in years to come. Because she knew, oh yes she knew, 
Darien's influence would remain imprinted into her mind forever. But would 
she think him, conjure memories of him, as her stepfather...or as her 
tragically unrequited love?

***

    Andrew couldn't focus. Usually, and unnaturally, he found these medical 
lectures fascinating. These veterans, these professors who spoke, had seen 
cases he could never dream of. And when he saw these doctors, in the flesh 
and blood, he saw an image of himself, of what he would be. A great doctor, 
someday, well-known, intelligent. With a beautiful, pleasant wife by his 
side. A fairy tale life. He'd have a great job with excellent pay, a grand 
house, a dog, maybe a few children if his wife became lonely. He'd always 
pictured his life in this way. And he could think of no other woman, who 
completed him, made him whole, the way Serena did. Oh, he'd known long ago 
that she would be a challenge. When he'd first met her, first laid eyes on 
her, he'd seen a gorgeous, ripe thing with a curvaceous body and supple 
breasts. He imagined how great she would be in bed. Andrew asked a mutual 
friend to introduce them, and he immediately became attached to her. It was 
on their second date, that he attempted to sleep with her. But horrified, 
Serena rejected him, stating she wished to remain a virgin until she was 
married. What nonsense! Andrew had thought. Oh, but he'd play her game. For 
months, Andrew became Serena's willing servant--all manly ego aside. And 
while he would scoff at such a man as himself, who'd stooped so low that all 
pride and respect was shed, Andrew was happy. He knew what his reward would 
be, and he could wait. He was a patient man.
    The time had been coming. Andrew had purchased a ring, a beauteous gold 
studded with rubies and a two carat diamond perched on top like an angel. He 
had schemed, planning the perfect setting. A small table for two in his 
bedroom, a gourmet meal. Soulful jazz music playing in the background, the 
lights dimmed. After dinner, he would pop the question, slowly uncovering 
the precious ring. He saw Serena's expression, the fake shock, and the 
genuine pleasure, the sincere half-relief. She would exclaim, pretending she 
had not, in her wildest dreams, expected this. But she had. All women did, 
didn't they? And maybe, just maybe, with a lot of strong champagne, and 
loads of luck, he might receive his treasure before the wedding. This hope, 
this childish faith, was the reason for the bedroom setting. He would toss 
back the sheets, tousle the pillows. A live-in work. It would've been 
perfect, and it would've worked like a charm. Right?
    He'd planned the day, the time. Andrew would invite her to his apartment 
the evening after he got back from the medical convention, this medical 
convention. What he hadn't expected, of course, was Serena to be in Los 
Angeles. And what he couldn't dream of, was the admiration set in Serena's 
gorgeous blues when she gazed at that Darien Shields. Darien Shields, the 
*actor* who got paid beaucoup bucks just for looking pretty in front of a 
camera. Suddenly, his mind, his soul, his heart, they blared in alarm. It 
grew, the shaking bells, the senseless noise, until he was numb. They were 
warning him, warning him of danger. There was a fault in his plan, and if he 
did not fix the mistake soon, everything would fail. But then...realization 
dawned to him. Andrew Furuhata finally knew the truth. The bells had been 
ringing, the alarm had been blaring ever since his idiotic scheme to snatch 
Serena and make her his forever. But the sound had been drowned out by his 
childish needs, his childish ignorance. Serena was not his. She had never 
been his. And she never would be his.

***

    Quietly, the threesome waved their good-byes to the nurses and candy 
stripers before making their way out the sliding doors and into the parking 
lot. The darkness was growing, it was almost nine o’clock. Darien's infamous 
red limousine was out front, the engine still lulling, and the chauffeur 
leaned back in his seat with a newspaper. Serena turned to Andrew and gave 
him a friendly, one-armed hug. Each held onto their newfound revelations. 
Each knew what had been was no longer true. Each now they must go on with 
their lives, and leave their past, their past virtues, their past triumphs, 
their past mistakes, behind.
    "Are you going back your mom's house?" Andrew inquired softly, after 
returning his girlfriend's embrace.
    "Maybe. I think Darien and I might go for coffee or something," Serena 
answered, equally polite.
    "Do you want to join us?" Darien offered, the reluctance apparent in his 
gruff tone.
    Andrew shook his head. "No, that's alright. Thanks, though. Well, talk 
to you later, Ser," he finished lightly. "Maybe I'll see you back home? Nice 
to meet you, Mr. Shields."
    Andrew, the tall, broad-shouldered, blonde man, walked away from his 
dream. His steps were light, his head was held high, yet his eyes were 
glazed with disbelief and wondering. He had left Earth, it seemed, his mind 
had wandered elsewhere. Maybe he was in his Heaven, where Serena's love was 
true, was pure. Maybe he dreamt of peace, of fulfillment. Whatever it was, 
Andrew's manifestation was clear. He was walking away from the life he knew, 
and onto a dark, unknown path in the jungle. Andrew Furuhata climbed into 
his car. He slipped out his keys and turned the ignition. The lights 
flickered on, the engine hummed. And he drove away.

***

    Darien and Serena entered the limousine in silence. The chauffeur folded 
down his newspaper and backed out of the parking lot. Without a backwards 
glance, they left the hospital.
    "Do you still want to go for coffee?" Darien asked gently, running a 
hand through his hair.
    Serena shook her head. "No, I'm really tired. Can we go...home?"
    Darien smiled softly. "Yeah, sure." He pushed on the intercom. "Edward, 
just take us *home*."
    "Darien?"
    "Yeah."
    With a deep breath, Serena turned to face him directly. "Did you have an 
affair with Mina Aino?"
    Darien did not hesitate. "Yes."
    "Why?"
    "Because I thought I loved her."
    "Are you still...I mean, do you still--"
    "No."
    "Did she break it off?"
    "No, I did."
    "Why."
    "I realized I couldn't hurt Olivia in that way. And Mina is...a 
different person than I thought she was."
    Serena lowered her eyes. "What kind of person did you think she was?"
    "I thought...I thought she was like...like...you."
    Serena quickly glanced up. Darien's breath was heavy. And his gaze on 
her, his gaze on her was filled with, with pain. Desire. Love. Regret. With 
one swift movement, their lips met for a long-awaited, love-drenched kiss.

Lying beside you
This joy is so deep
I reach out and touch you
Tenderly
Looking inside you
My world is complete
I struggled to find you
Now I'm free

Precious love
Burning so deeply
Shining completely
For you

So blessed
Amazingly
Touching you now
Awakens me
You are my heart
My everything
Feeling you now
Is all I need

Adrift in a moment
So sacred and pure
Alive for you only
I am yours
As you touch me so sweetly
And you whisper my name
I feel how you love me
We are the same

Precious one
Don't ever leave me
Forever need me
This way

So blessed
Amazingly
Touching you now
Awakens me
You are my heart
My everything
Feeling you now
Is all I need


Stay with me
Beyond the end
I treasure you
You made me whole again

So blessed
Amazingly
Touching you now
Awakens me
You are my heart
My everything
Feeling you now
Is all I need

***

Oh Gosh was this a hard chapter. But I think this story is going along 
nicely...about two or three chapters left. Maybe. There's always the 
possibility that I might think of another plot twist! Yup! Anyways, please 
please please e-mail me with your questions, comments, flames, whatever. 
Suggestions would nice too...ne? REMEMBER more email=faster chapters 
(probably)!!

Love and stuff,
Azure