Title: Glass Rose - Chapter 6
Author: Azure
E-mail: shakira642@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimer Apply

Wow! This chapter is so wild! Well anyway, I'm so sorry for taking so 
incredibly long with this! It's just, ugh, I've been so busy! But I really 
really really hope you enjoy this because I poured my heart and soul into 
this chapter! And please please please please e-mail me! I'd love to hear 
your thoughts on this! And I also want to know what kind of ending you'd 
like to this story. Happy? Sad? I have two endings in mind, one of them, 
everything is kinda bittersweet, the other is an ending where almost 
everyone ends up happy. I'm stuck between the two, and I need your help! 
Lastly, I really tried to answer all e-mails but if I missed you, know that 
it sincerely wasn't on purpose! Okay, I think that's it! Enjoy and remember 
to e-mail! I love you all! God Bless!



    Extremely shocked and slightly embarrassed, Darien abruptly pulled away 
and ended their short but fiery kiss. Panting, he touched his lips--still 
tingling with desire and raw need. Unbelievable, what he had done. It amazed 
him, how little self control he possessed when Serena was in his presence. 
How could he have given up? How could he have succumbed to his selfish 
desire? And most importantly, what did Serena think of him now? He 
suspected, all respect for him had been drained from her fresh, young heart. 
She probably thinks I'm some sex-crazed pervert, he thought bitterly. How 
could I have been so stupid! And just wait until Olivia finds out. Oh dear 
God, what have I *done*?
    "Serena." His voice trembled, his hands shook. Amazing how much effort 
it took, just to force these words out of his blazing mouth. "Serena...I'm 
so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I promise, it'll never happen 
again." His tone was desperate, almost pleading. But Darien Shields never 
begged, never. His male egoism and machoism prevented that.
    Serena remained silent. She sat with her back extremely straight, facing 
steadfastly forward. Her deep blue eyes focused on the chauffeur's bald 
head, not a flicker of recognition, not a flicker of emotion in them. Her 
face was completely expressionless, her damp lips set into a straight, thin 
line. He couldn't read her, it was hopeless. He couldn't possibly know 
whether she was angry, whether she was pleased. And perhaps what bothered 
him most, was the fact that he realized this was no facade. She felt 
nothing, no emotion, no passion. Not even anger, or embarrassment. It was as 
if she was completely gone and all that was left of the beautiful Serena was 
a hollow cast.

***

    Olivia gently brushed the silky rose across her softly pursed lips. 
Nervously, she glanced at her hand watch for the hundredth time. It was 
nearly one o'clock! Where in the world could Darien and Serena possibly be? 
They'd gone to a fucking medical convention, exactly how long could a senile 
professor lecture about medicine and sick people? Calm down Liv, she told 
herself, sucking in her stomach for an exaggerated sigh. She brought the 
flower's stem closer to her nostrils, breathing in the slightly sweet, 
natural scent. Roses had always been her personal favourite, and ever since 
she could remember, the pleasing odor had a relaxing effect for her. It did 
seem, however, that the consequences of her life were oftentimes caused by 
roses...
    Quite clearly, she could envision the place, the time when Kenji had 
first proposed to her. The twilight zone had been setting in, the sky 
darkening from its pale azure, but not quite yet the deep midnight blue of 
an enigmatic night. She'd been dating Kenji for two years, and had 
anticipated the moment he would declare his everlasting love for her. Of 
course, back then, she wasn't as forward and conscious of her charm. Back 
then, she had been Kenji's slave, for she loved him to the extent she would 
die with him, die *for* him. She adored his nobility, his honesty, his 
chivalry. He was a gentleman in the truest form, the kind of man she'd 
believed existed no longer. A fairy tale, it was, and such a humble woman as 
she couldn't ever believe that a man of Kenji's caliber would ever notice, 
even less, love her! Of course not...
    But as fate has it, Kenji did fall in love with Olivia, rather the 
humble woman she had been. Such innocence, such naivete, such gentleness. 
And she could be believably provocative and sexy and appealing, without the 
slutty skirts and skimpy tube tops. Kenji was totally enthralled with this 
woman, extremely beautiful in an old-fashioned sense with her remarkably 
long corn-silk locks and heart-shaped face--always expressing a sweet 
disposition and gorgeous despite the lack of makeup. Yes. This woman, 
Olivia, Kenji wanted to spent the rest of his life with.
    Of course, Kenji had a plan. He needed to woo Olivia completely and 
indiscriminately. It was obvious, her adoration of him. But Kenji yearned 
for more than just devotion. He didn't want a devoted wife, without a mind 
of her own, who would do everything as he pleased. No, he didn't want a 
mindless dummy. Besides, he was only too aware of the fact that adoration 
wore off too soon. True love, however, did not. And he believed this to the 
core his heart, the soul of his soul! In a way, he was just as naive as 
Olivia. He clung desperately to old beliefs, that had been dismissed as only 
cliche. But he would have Olivia for his wife, and she would not only be 
devoted to him, but she would loVe him with all her young heart.
    Olivia smiled bitterly. Oh yes, she'd been a fool! She'd been completely 
swept away by the iDeA of falling for a Prince Charming, but she couldn't be 
so sure that she'd fallen in love *with* Prince Charming. Oh, and my had he 
been the perfect, gentlemanly Prince. He'd come to her house, wearing that 
ridiculously too-clean tuxedo, although they were only going to the fanciest 
restaurant in her part of town. That didn't say much. But, Olivia supposed, 
Kenji hadn't cared what other people might think of. No, the only person he 
wanted to impress was Olivia. And certainly he had succeeded at that!
    It was during this time, this evening-like slot that wasn't too light 
nor too dark, not too optimistic yet not too pessimistic. It was the medium, 
the perfect, comfortable place that one usually couldn't find. It was when 
devoted couples sat out on their front porches, swinging in their creaking 
benches, arms wrapped around the other, gazing at the stars. On that 
particular night, however, there was something other than the gorgeous sky 
to catch the neighbors interest. At the very own front porch of their 
friendly and very sensible neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh Davidson, stood a 
very fancilly and expensively dressed young man, knelt on his knee, an 
enormous bouquet of fresh, blood red roses held out humbly.
    It was an extremely romantic and very sweet sight, really. The 
Davidsons' pretty daughter, Olivia's smile exploded across her lovely face 
and she threw her arms around the mystery man with such sincerity and oomph. 
The Peeping Tom's (oh, and the peeping Tammy's) quickly covered their happy 
grins with their hands. Even they had been convinced that Olivia and Kenji's 
love had been true, that they would love each other forever, and they would 
be together forever, and each would be eternally dedicated to the other.
    What Olivia could not admit to anyone, was the fact that she had been 
planning on ending it with Kenji that night, when he'd proposed. It hadn't 
exactly been that she didn't like him. Oh, there was the pure animal 
attraction, and Olivia so admired his togetherness, how distinguished and 
collected he was, and most of all his maleness, his masculinity, which was 
fine but not overwhelmingly so. So no, it wasn't true when they'd said she 
hadn't liked him. It was just simply the fact that he was such...such a 
fucking purist! He wouldn't bed her, he'd said it was against his morals, 
and he'd stated he had a strong conscience. Why, he'd been shocked, when 
Olivia had finally revealed that she wasn't a virgin, hadn't been for 
awhile. Oh my, was *he* a total old-fashioned idiot!
    Olivia hadn't been prepared, even the slightest bit, for the tuxedo, the 
kneeling, and the beautiful, wondrous flowers. She'd been completely and 
utterly shocked by this sudden show of affection, this sudden interest! Oh, 
wow. Kenji had nervously thrust the bouquet in her face, and Olivia took in 
the pleasurable, sweet scent of the roses. And the color, such a dark, vivid 
red! She'd never seen such roses, such as emblazing hue. The roses she 
planted were almost always red, as she believed the pink and white ones were 
sad excuses for roses, it was as if red was truly experiencing something, 
and pink and white was hearing someone explain the experience. But the red 
roses she were completely used to, was always a faded color, so beautiful, 
yet imperfect as all creatures of this world are imperfect. Oh, those blood 
red petals Kenji had presented, they were a gift from God!
    And Olivia had been absolutely enthralled with the beauty of her 
flowers. She agreed listlessly to Kenji's useless comments, wrapped up in 
her world. She'd wondered what would be the best method to keep the roses 
fresh and beautiful for the longest amount of time. A vase, no, a vase 
wouldn't work, although her mother had temporarily set them in a porcelain 
container for the night. Olivia sighed. As much as she loved roses, she 
rarely bought bouquets, or selected a few from her massive garden for a 
beautiful centerpiece. No, it was just simply too painful, to watch the 
roses slowly wither up and die. She remembered all too well when she was a 
child, and had first been introduced to the beauty of flowers. She'd been so 
young...and so naive. She had carried a single rose, a gift from her 
grandfather. She had cherised that flower, so beautiful, and so fresh. But, 
of course, deprived from its natural environment, the rose had died after 
only a few days. Olivia had cried, mourning over her lost friend. Oh, and 
her mother just had not understood! Before anything could be done, before 
anything could be explained or understood, her mother had thrown the wilted 
rose into the trash.
    And suddenly, in the midst of all this, in the midst of her 
recollections, of her confusion, of her pain, Kenji had suddenly reached 
into his pocket, produced a tiny velvet box, and gotten down on his knees. 
Olivia had gasped, already aware of what was about to happen. Oh, she didn't 
have any doubts, any self-assurances. She didn't think, oh it must be a 
necklace. It's only a necklace, chill. Olivia knew exactly what path her 
life could lead to, and she was ready for this. Boy was she ready.
    "Olivia," Kenji had breathed her name like a prayer. His lips showed the 
barest trace of movement, and his head was bowed humbly. "Olivia, you are 
the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. You light up my life. Oh, I 
know how corny all this sounds. I know I'm not exactly a Knight in Shining 
Armor. And I'm not a poetic person, there's nothing I can really say. It's 
just, oh, Olivia, I'd be honored to have you as my wife. Oh, not only as my 
life, but also as my companion, my lover, and my friend. Olivia, will you 
marry me?"
    Kenji might have said otherwise, but oh, it really was the most romantic 
thing anyone had ever said to her. Even Darien hadn't been able to pull off 
such gentlemanly tenderness. Olivia had sighed a little, gazing at the 
extremely beautiful one carat diamond sparkling from the thick golden band. 
Seriously. At that moment, she had truly believed in her love for this man. 
No kidding. Tears threatened to run down her cheeks, but oh, how foolish was 
she being! Swiftly she accepted the velvet box and thrust it against her 
heart with undaunted joy. Eyes shining, she smiled broadly and exclaimed. 
"Are you crazy? Why take the time with all that junk? Of course I'll marry 
you!"
    Seemingly unable to control his overwhelming joy, Kenji let out an 
inhuman growl. But instantly, he redeemed himself and regained composure. 
With elegance and regality, he massaged the precious ring between his 
fingers before slowly and happily slipping it through Olivia's finger. Then, 
as if shrieking 'Oh fuck it!' he jumped up and threw his arms around his 
beloved.
    Ah. Olivia laughed softly as she recalled the dim memory. How wonderful, 
how chic, how elegant, how...how exquisite it had seemed back then! And now, 
all she could think was, how corny. Had she really fallen for this stuffy 
idiot? She had! Oh, dear. Olivia shook her head, still confused about past 
events. Why, exactly, did her life seem to be one disappointing thing after 
another? Why did she so easily succumb to illusions, to fantasies, that 
inevitably would end much too soon? Olivia ran her tongue over her lips.
    Perhaps it was the mere fact that she'd believed Kenji would be at her 
beck and call. Foolishly, she'd though his love for her would be so 
completely overwhelming, and he'd be so truly devoted to her. It had been a 
wonderful, a beautiful, and chillingly erotic time, when it had been just 
her and Kenji, newlyweds who had eyes only for each other. Even Olivia had 
remained faithful then, her love and attention for her husband wavered only 
when she was among her roses. And Kenji, always the understanding one, had 
nurtured her love of flowers. He never hesitated to assist her, to order the 
most sought-after and exotic plants from faraway countries. Sometimes, he 
would even help her pull weeds, or plant, or water. Often he would sit on 
the nearby bench, watching Olivia sing wholeheartedly to her roses. And 
once, oh, Olivia shivered, instantly recalling the time when they'd made 
love in the garden. It had been deliciously dirty, in more ways than one. 
Afterwards, they'd been covered with dirt, their clothes battered and 
ridiculously stained. But, oh, what she wouldn't do to have Darien make love 
to her in that same unreserved way.
    And soon, oh much, much too soon, Serena had been born. Kenji, of 
course, wasn't a fool. He guessed right away. Oh, it was totally obvious, 
only insanity could keep one from the truth. Olivia had known Kenji would be 
kind, Kenji couldn't be anything except gentle and honorable. But she hadn't 
ever expected Kenji's frenzied reaction. It had been absolutely inhuman, the 
method in which he'd been so...so damn excited about the baby. Only a month 
into her pregnancy, and every single conversation they had was about the 
unborn daughter. It had made Olivia almost sick with annoyance, and oh, she 
already had enough illness to begin with. The morning sickness, the nausea, 
the constant cravings. It went beyond her, why any sensible person would 
*want* to have children. Every pregnancy must be a mistake, Olivia had 
thought, like her own had been. Oh, she cursed the day when she'd forgotten 
to be careful. How could she have been so stupid?
    Kenji's obsession with the baby didn't end with the birth. Because 
Olivia didn't care at all about her daughter's environment, much less her 
daughter's name, it was completely up to Kenji to give the child an 
identity. Immediately, Kenji had known he wanted her to have a Japanese 
name. Of course, this was also the wishes of his mother, who wished to keep 
their culture alive with their descendants. Usagi had been his 
great-great-grandmother's name, a beautiful, brave woman whom all the 
Tsukinos admired greatly. Serena had been Olivia's great-aunt's name, the 
adorable and extremely friendly woman who had introduced Kenji to his wife 
in the first place.
    Usagi Serena Tsukino. No one had known the shocking secret except Kenji 
and Olivia. And three years later, Shingo Samuel Tsukino had been born. Oh 
my, did time fly by. Day by day. Ashes by ashes. Ha! Was she getting 
sentimental? How hilarious.
    Olivia tilted back her head and closed her eyes. Where in the world 
could Darien and Serena be? She hated this, despised drowning in her tragic 
thoughts. Darien, she thought. Come back to me. Please, come back to me.

***

    Darien ordered the chauffeur to stop at a local, 24-hour diner. Serena 
shot him a confused and slightly resentful glare, but Darien knew he had to 
straighten everything out with her. It was obvious, to both of them, that 
they were mutually attracted to each other. But that didn't matter half as 
much as what they chose to do with their forbidden feelings. Lost in his 
thoughts, Darien allowed the driver to assist Serena out of the limousine 
before he parked the vehicle on the diner's left side.
    "Darien-" Serena started.
    "Just follow me," he answered gently, offering her his hand. She lowered 
her eyelids, studying the lines on his palm, the fine bones of his knuckles. 
She hesitated a bit, unsure of what to do. But her reluctance was only 
temporary. She smiled half-heartedly and with a meaningful sigh, she allowed 
his large, warm hand to enclose, to envelope her own.
    The manager recognized Darien instantly and sweetly asked if he might 
want a highly coveted booth. The waitresses swooned over the extremely 
handsome and absolutely charming actor that had strangely chosen to dine at 
their greasy, low-class joint; usually known for being a high school 
hangout. Giggling teenage girls about Serena's age brought over napkins for 
Darien to autograph, and some asked him to sign their stomachs or their 
clothes. Apparently annoyed, Darien finally asked the manager to leave them 
in peace. Goodness, with the way things had been, he could hardly get a word 
in without some foolish busybody asking him some ridiculous questions.
    "Darien, there's really no point in this," Serena said softly. "Maybe we 
should just go home. I'm sure Olivia's worrying about us."
    "Please, just listen to me," Darien pleaded. "I have to tell you this."
    "If this is about...about that kiss...you don't have to explain 
anything. I don't judge you. And I'm just as much at fault as you are."
    "Oh, damnit, Serena!" Darien exploded. "Stop talking about it so 
rationally! There *is* not rational explanation. Serena, Serena, I think 
you're beautiful. I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid 
eyes on. Oh, but it's not just your beauty, you're so kind and so gentle and 
so sensitive. How anyone could not love you is beyond me. Serena, I'm sorry 
about what happened back there. I've been wanting to kiss you so badly, but 
I should've controlled myself. Oh, Serena, you know I'm sincerely sorry. I 
can't help, though, the fact that I enjoyed it. The fact that right now, in 
this moment, all I want to do is take you in my arms and kiss you, over and 
over and over..."
    "Shut up!" Serena reprimanded sharply. "You're acting like you're 
insane. I'm your stepdaughter. You're married to my mother. What could you 
be thinking?"
    "I'm thinking that you're different. I'm thinking that you're so unlike 
Olivia. I'm thinking...I'm thinking that I'm falling in love with you."
    There. He'd said it. He'd confessed something that he himself had been 
denying. And now, it seemed as if an enormous burden had been lifted from 
his shoulders, and he was finally free, free to do what he desired, free to 
fly! Oh, but it wasn't so. It wasn't so. There had never been a day in his 
life where he could do everything he wanted to do. Most days, he didn't want 
to wake up at five at film an idiotic movie. He wanted to lounge in bed, 
have brunch at eleven, then go and see an afternoon show at the Broadway 
theater. But he'd never been deprived like this...not in this way...never.
    "Serena," he spoke before she could utter a word, those wondrously deep 
blue eyes widened with shock, her lips twisted in thought. "Serena, I know 
this may sound arrogant. But I've had every single woman I desired. It's 
been easy, I have to admit. And now, now there's this woman who I love, who 
I love in a way I haven't loved any other, and this woman, I can't have her. 
She's forbidden. Do you know how it feels, to be spoiled all your life, and 
suddenly to be deprived?"
    Serena sighed. Oh, dear. She gazed at the sincere expression on Darien's 
face, the passionate sparkle in his midnight blue eyes, that could sometimes 
be so cold, but now twinkled with life, with fire. A slow tingle of pleasure 
traveled up her spine, and she was overwhelmed with such warmth and 
compassion. He loved her! Perhaps the most handsome, the most charming man 
in the world, and he loved *her*! Plain, seventeen-year-old Serena Tsukino! 
He'd said she was beautiful, and it was beyond her. Darien was constantly 
surrounded by gorgeous women who conceived an appeal Serena couldn't even 
hope to have. And here it is, by God, he loves me! she thought. What could 
she say? What could she do? Her heart ached, becuase, oh dear, she loved 
him! She did love him, she did, more than anyone could know. But unlike 
Darien's steadfast confession, Serena could not pour out her heart and soul, 
she simply couldn't reveal her emotions. And worst of all, she contemplated 
about Olivia. Olivia had abandoned her, left her for a new life, a new love. 
She'd stolen Serena's innocence, her adolescence. But no matter how much 
bitterness was stored in Serena's soul, she could not steal her mother's 
husband. She would not follow in her mother's footsteps, and she definitely 
would not be the selfish wench her mother had been. Never. Sacrifices. In 
life, kind people are torn away from their desires, because they must 
sacrifice for those they love. How could it all be so unfair?
    "Serena. Please say something, so I know you're still here," Darien 
said, chewing his lip precariously.
    Serena cocked her head to one side and gave him a square gaze. "I 
respect you. I like you. Now, please, can we go back?"

***

    Mina Aino sat decisively on the cold chair in her breakfast nook, a 
steaming mug of coffee resting in her hand. She hadn't dressed yet, and was 
still decked out in her oversized flannel pajamas. Chad, obviously, was 
still sleeping, in his own bed, in his own room, which was directly across 
the master bedroom, in which Mina slept. He'd virtually 'moved out' seven 
months ago, but he hadn't touched his wife for two years, save for that one 
night when he'd discovered Mina's affair with Darien, and he had practically 
raped her. She'd been in a frenzy for months, because she hadn't been on the 
Pill for years, and Chad had so nobly forgotten to use a condom. It had been 
a personal nightmare, buying several different kinds of at-home pregnancy 
tests. She could not visit a gynecologist unless it was absolutely necessary 
because when others caught the hint, they'd begin to talk and it'd be all 
over the media. Ugh.
    Sighing, Mina downed the rest of her coffee and glanced at the antique 
cuckoo clock Patty Haruna had given to her on a birthday. Ten-thirty. Darien 
would probably he eating an early brunch right now. She'd heard about the 
delays on 'All Through the Ages' and the cast had a week-long break from 
filming. She knew as a fact, that Michelle and Amara had booked a exotic, 
six-day cruise to Tahiti. Wow. And Darien? Mina pursed her lips in thought. 
Olivia was busy today, for sure. Renata Alessandro was in town, and she had 
called a meeting, which agents with Olivia's caliber would be welcome to. 
Her brat daughter was taking a tour of the city, she'd snatched that 
information from her maid, Deb, who's brother-in-law worked as Darien's 
chauffeur.
    Darien would be alone, all alone, and would stay alone for much of the 
remaining day. Mina twirled a strand of golden hair around her finger, 
scheming wildly. She knew Darien wanted her, she knew Darien loved her. It 
was just a matter of...of being subtle. No way would he risk his career, his 
clean image, his marriage with the powerful Olivia, for a fling. Mina must 
simply make him understand, this was more than a fling. This was passion! 
This was love! There was nothing wrong with the way they were conducting 
things. Plus, the media wouldn't dare interfere with true love! Of course 
not!
    Grinning madly like an idiot, Mina skipped upstairs into her bathroom. 
She filled the marble bathtup, and let down her hair. Mentally, she went 
through her sexiest outfits, wondering which to wear. Oh, Mina Aino, she 
thought. This might be the most exciting day of your whole miserable life!

***

    Darien couldn't stop thinking about her. He'd dreamt that he was kissing 
her, slowly running his lips through hers, sliding his tongue into her 
mouth. And when he awoke, he realized he could detect a wonderfully sweet 
and feminine scent. It wasn't Olivia, who often overdid it with her rose 
perfume, no, it was a more subtle, a more natural, but a magnificently 
delicious odor nonetheless. It was Serena, it was the delightful smell of 
Serena. Serena. Oh, damnit! Why can't I stop thinking about her? During 
brunch, he thought about the cute way she ate, the way she stuffed herself, 
indulged herself, but still managed to maintain a gorgeous figure. Dear God.
    He glanced at his watch, although he didn't much care about the time. If 
it wasn't five o'clock, the time Serena's tour was set to come back, then 
Darien was unhappy. One. Four hours! How could he wait a long and 
treacherous four hours to his angel once again? He couldn't! Darien, get a 
hold of yourself, he told himself. Okay. Distraction, you need a hobby, you 
need something to keep your mind off of her! Something to keep your mind off 
the way she would look in a bikini...Ah! Be quiet! Hey, let's, let's watch 
TV! I'm sure that'll help! Right?...?
    Darien grabbed the remote control and pushed the power button. His 
big-screen television sparked to life, and oh God Almighty, the Mary Tyler 
Moor Show. Just like Serena, she had a wonderful smile, a sweet disposition. 
Just like Serena, Mary Tyler Moore was endlessly generous and helpful and 
kind and giving. Ah! Quickly, he switched channels. A rerun of the Miss 
America beauty pageant. Girls who pretended to be beautiful and poised and 
elegant. Ha! These phonies were nothing compared to the feminine beauty of 
Serena. Oh, God. This isn't working. He turned off the television, and 
again, sat in silence. He thought about calling a friend and having a 
sensible conversation, but he doubted he would be able to focus, much less 
talk.
    With a heavy sigh, he fixed the pillows on the plush sofa and decided to 
take a nap. But right when he'd settled into a comfortable position, Edward 
the Butler came in to say that there was visitor.
    Darien rolled his eyes, annoyed. "Who is it."
    "Miss Mina Aino," Edward announced in his precise British accent. "It 
seems important, sir."
    Groaning, Darien heaved himself up into a sitting position and yawned. 
"Aw, this better be good. Okay, let her in, Ed. Thanks."
    Oh, what the hell does that bitch want? he asked himself. He really 
didn't feel like talking to anyone, much less Mina! It wasn't one of his 
favorite things do, haha. Suppressing another yawn, he rested his head in 
the palm of hand, and awaited Mina, listening to the clickety-clackety sound 
of her high heels against the tile floor.
    And there she sauntered in, wearing that figure-fitting, strapless, red 
sequined dress, shorter even than mid-thigh. Her long, golden blonde hair 
was carefully styled and parted to one side, and her pretty face was 
perfectly made up, complete with a wine-colored lipstick and bright 
cauliflower blue eyeshadow. She reeked of perfume, the expensive chaneL 
type. Despite the image of his Serena, that would forever be imprinted in 
his mind, he couldn't help but rake his eyes through Mina, study her from 
her head to her toe. His breath quickened and sharpened, and his hand 
trembled a bit.
    "Mina," he said angrily. "What is the meaning of this? You just 
interrupted my nap."
    Mina smiled, and raised a perfectly lined eyebrow into a curved arch. 
"Darien. You are much too divine, to be sitting her, taking a *nap*!" she 
purred. Provocatively, she nudged Darien, to make room for her on the sofa. 
As she sat, the hem of her minidress slowly slid upwards.
    Darien bit his lip. "Mina. What do you want."
    "What do I want?" she asked. "Hmm..." she tapped her manicured finger on 
her chin. "What do I want? Oh Darien, I want nothing but for you to be 
happy. Now relax those tense shoulders of yours." She crept her spider-like 
fingers across his back, then started massaging.
    "Mina," he warned, but strangely, he didn't slip away from her grasp.
    "Why?" she teased, puckering her dark red lips. "Don't you want me. Oh, 
don't deny it. I know you want me. Sometimes, you're such a terrible actor."
    Oh, and it was true. It really was. He wanted her, he wanted her so 
badly. But it wasn't because he loved her, or even was attracted to her. The 
simple fact, was that Mina had Serena's thick, long blonde hair and bright 
blue eyes. Mina was the closest thing to Serena he could get, but he knew it 
was nothing but an illusion. An illusion. Ah. Darien leaned closer, catching 
a strong whiff of her perfume. He recoiled, but Mina was smart. She wrapped 
her arms around his neck and smiled encouragingly. And suddenly, he saw 
Serena! Was he hallucinating? Of course! Mina's face couldn't just turn into 
Serena's! But it didn't trigger properly in his mind. Unsure about 
everything, he leaned in and kissed her.
    He wasn't sure what was happening. All he knew was the overwhelming 
scent of roses, the hurried sense of undoing the buttons of his shirt, 
zipping down his pants, helping-was it Serena? Was it Mina? He couldn't be 
sure-slip out of the thin dress, and all this while, he kissed her, 
passionately, assuredly. And he kissed her...he kissed her temple, her 
cheek, her nose, her lips, and then suddenly, there was a BANG!
    Darien and Mina sprang apart, startled and Mina quickly grabbed her 
discarded dress to cover herself. But it was impossible. They were naked to 
the world, it didn't matter if they used a thick blanket to cover them. And 
there she was, standing at the foyer, staring blankly at the sight in front 
of her. Then, her expression exploded in anger, she screamed something 
incomprehensible, spun on her heel, and stalked out. No! Darien had the 
vague feeling of falling. Oh Lord! It hit him! Serena! Serena! It had been 
Serena! Serena had been there, she'd witnessed it. Serena had seen him, 
about to make love to Mina. Reality. Oh God. Reality sucks.

***

Finished!!!!! I'm so hyper! It's just, I'm so excited to have finished this 
crucial part of the story. I hope you like this, I really really do! I 
worked so hard on it! Please please e-mail me, even with constructive 
criticism. It'll really make me feel better, and who knows? A little boosted 
confidence might make the ending more spectacular! And once again, please 
tell me your preference about the ending like I described at the top okay? 
Thanks! And have an awesome summer!! =)


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