
      Dreams & Deceptions


      Author: aria


      Rated: NC17



      Chapter 5
      She came to in her old bedroom at the palace. A man with greying hair and 
      warm eyes stood next to the bed.
      "Dr. Kerkhoven? Is that you?" Serena blinked a couple times to clear her 
      vision and saw that she was right. It was her old doctor.
      "At least you're lucid. Its nice to see you again, princess."
      Serena gave him a wobbly smile. "What happened?"
      "You fainted." he sat down on a gilded chair and took her pulse. "Tell me. 
      Have you been under a lot of stress lately?"
      Serena nearly burst into laughter. "You could say that." Because he looked 
      as though he was pondering the great mysteries of the earth, Serena grew 
      serious again. "Is there something wrong?"
      He shook his head. "No, I just want to run some tests to rule out certain 
      possibilities." he pulled out a syringe. "In the mean time, get some rest. 
      Ill be back in the morning." he drew some blood and smiled gently.
      "Always looking out for me. You haven't changed a bit."
      "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?" he patted her on the 
      shoulder and put the filled needle into his bag. "Good night, Serena."
      "Good night, doctor." Serena sat back in her bed when he left. She had no 
      clue how long she had been in bed, but she was already getting stir crazy. 
      Quietly, she pushed off the covers and headed across the hall to where she 
      knew Lita would be. She knocked lightly and waited.
      A tired looking Lita opened the door. "Serena!" she pulled her into her 
      room. "Are you ok? After you fainted no one would tell me how you were." 
      they sat on the fluffy bed.
      "Yeah, Im fine. Its just stress getting to me." Serena remembered the 
      odd look on the doctor's face but shook the thought away. "I'll be ok once 
      I get this whole mess cleared up."
      "I hope so. I didn't realize it was stressing you out so much." she gave 
      her a hug. "What do want to do?"
      "Well there's no changing my father's mind now. So there's nothing we can 
      do. Other than head home." Serena wasn't sure if she liked the idea or 
      not. Of course it was either go back to her empty apartment or stay here 
      with her father. Neither option appealed to her. Serena got up and walked 
      to the door. "Sorry about this, Lita."
      "Theres nothing to apologize for! Ive had one hell of a time." Lita 
      followed her to the door smiling all the way. "Really I have."
      Serena smiled. "If you say so." she gave her another hug. "See you in the 
      morning."
      ----
      The next morning, Serena felt even worse than before. The plate of food 
      the maid brought in didn't appetize her at all. As a matter of fact it had 
      the opposite effect. One whiff had Serena hanging over the toilet again. 
      Large hands helped her back onto her feet again.
      "I knocked but you didn't answer." Dr. Kerkhoven helped Serena back to the 
      bed. "I have the results of the tests."
      Serena clutched at the blankets as she waited to hear what he had to say. 
      He looked very serious. "Please tell me."
      The doctor took a deep breath. "You're pregnant."
      "I'm what?" not sure she heard him correctly Serena sat up.
      "You're close to two months pregnant, Serena." he put a hand on hers. 
      "Now, I haven't told your father yet--"
      "Oh god! Dont tell him! Please! He'd hit the roof if he found out." 
      Serena wrung her hands together. She was pregnant with Dariens baby!
      "Now Serena. You know we must tell his majesty. He has a right to know 
      that he is going to be a grandfather." Doctor Kerkhoven knew a about the 
      arrangement involving Serena and the Prince of Illaria. And how this would 
      definitely put a crimp in the proceedings. The king had to know about what 
      was happening. But one look at Serena and his heart softened. She looked 
      absolutely shell shocked. And who wouldnt be after hearing news like this 
      in these circumstances.
      "Dr. Kerkhoven. Just let me tell him. Its best this way." She gave him a 
      shaky smile. "Think of it this way. You wont have to face his anger."
      "Perhaps youre right. Would you like me to be present? It might help if 
      you have some moral support."
      Serena was still reeling from the news. She was carrying a tiny spark of 
      life within her. "That would be great. I just need some time to compose 
      myself." She looked down at her hands and saw that they were trembling 
      from the force of emotions running through her.
      "Serena, if you dont mind me saying, you should probably tell the 
      father." His brows snapped together when her face fell and a hard glint 
      came to her eye. "Whats the matter? I hope I dont overstep my bounds 
      when I ask who the father is." He paused for a breath, waiting for her 
      answer before continuing. "Im sure your father would like to know who he 
      is."
      Serena swung her legs off the bed and got up, she had to get back to 
      Vancouver. "Doctor, Ive got to get going. Ill tell you everything when I 
      get back ok?" she took his hand, her eyes pleading with his. "Please, 
      please dont say a word to my father until I get back."
      "Serena," Dr. Kerkhovens voice was stern. "Do you think that this is 
      wise? Youre not feeling very well yet. You should rest."
      "I have to go." She had to go find Darien and tell him the news before she 
      told anyone else. She ran about the room cramming clothes into her 
      suitcases. "Ill be fine." She gave him a little smile when he cocked a 
      brow. "Ill take your number with me ok?" it seemed to make him feel a 
      little better.
      Dr. Kerkhoven left her his number and walked to the door. "Take care, 
      Serena and dont hesitate to call ok?"
      "Thank you doctor." Serena walked over and gave him a hug before shutting 
      the door behind her.
      ----
      Two hours later she and Lita were back in the air, but this time in the 
      private jet. Serena decided against taking a commercial flight. She didnt 
      think that she would be very tolerant of curious looks if she had to run 
      back and forth to the bathroom. Which she did have to do several times 
      before touching down at Vancouver International.
      Lita sat and watched her friend run six times, she counted, to the 
      bathroom and guessed what was going on. "You are, arent you?"
      "Im what?" Serena asked breezily.
      "Pregnant." Lita studied her steadily.
      Serena nodded tiredly.
      "Are we back so soon because youre going to talk to Darien?"
      "Yeah."
      Lita smiled. At least this was a start. The sooner those two talked things 
      over the better. She sat beside her ill friend and put her arm around her 
      shoulders. "Good."
      ----
      A week later they sat in the stands at the Molson Indy. The sun beat down 
      relentlessly from the clear blue sky causing the scene before them to 
      shimmer. Serena sat nervously next to Lita. She wasnt sure what she was 
      more nervous about, telling Darien the news, either about the baby and her 
      true identity, or about the race. Shed never seen one before, not in real 
      life. But the ones she had seen on television looked terrifying and she 
      worried for him.
      Lita jabbed her in the shoulder. "Isnt this exciting?"
      Serena lowered her sunglasses to look at her friend. She actually looked 
      thrilled. "If you say so." Shed rather go and find Darien then and there 
      rather than sit through the race worrying.
      "Relax. Itll be fine. He loves you, so relax." She patted Serenas knee.
      "Hes probably had a string of girls since then, Lita. Probably cant even 
      remember my name." She felt tears threatening to fall and quickly wiped 
      them away, hoping that her glasses would hide them.
      Lita didnt get the chance to answer. The race had started. She stood up 
      and screamed her encouragement when the cars zoomed past.
      ----
      Darien accelerated hard around a corner trying to move past the car in 
      front of him. The idiot was cutting to close to him and he wanted to get 
      as far from him as he could. Darien shifted gears and accelerated even 
      more on the straight stretch. Out of the corner of his eye he could see 
      the bright orange of Nephlites car next to him.
      The adrenaline thrummed through his veins as he and Nephlite sped around 
      the hairpin curve. He could hear the crowd screaming over the roar of the 
      engine, spurring him on. Above all he needed to drive the image of an 
      angelic blond from his mind.
      Tires screeching he took another curve easily moving ahead of Neph. He 
      could almost hear his friend cursing him. Laughing in his helmet, he 
      pushed his car harder taking the lead.
      On the final lap he was aware of a car next to him again. Sparing a split 
      second look he recognized the car of the reckless lunatic. Damn! Darien 
      carefully tried to keep his distance from him while at the same time move 
      ahead.
      The other driver responded by moving even closer. Too close. His front 
      tire clipped Dariens back tire and sent both cars careening out of 
      control.
      Darien fought to right the car, but at the speed that they were going, the 
      momentum was more than he could handle. He could feel himself sliding 
      sideways, spinning all the while. Then he slammed into something, sending 
      him crashing into the side of the car. And everything went black.
      ----
      Nephlite saw the car moving in too close to Darien. "Damn idiot!" but he 
      wasnt prepared for what came next.
      There was nothing he could do when Darien car went spinning out of 
      control. Without thinking he swerved out toward the crippled car and got 
      out running toward it, just as it burst into flames. He ignored the 
      searing heat and reached into the crumpled metal that had been a car and 
      unstrapped Darien. By the time the medics got there Nephlite had his 
      unconscious friend on the track away from the danger.
      ----
      Serena looked at her watch again. There had to be something wrong with it. 
      She tried to convince herself. But in her heart she knew something was 
      very wrong. It had been more than ten minutes now since they had gone by. 
      Way to long. She stood up. "Lita, somethings wrong."
      Lita stood up as well. Serena was right something was up. She followed 
      Serena to the side of the track and joined her in her argument with the 
      security guard there.
      "Theres something wrong you have to let me out there!" Serena was yelling 
      at him. But he wasnt going to budge. "Look! Dont you think that there is 
      something wrong here? Were on the finish line and no one has come through 
      in the past ten minutes on the last lap of the race?"
      He only looked puzzled. Then Lita started on him as well.
      "Our fiancs are out there right now and somethings might have happened 
      to them! I suggest you find out whats going on or were going out there!"
      He finally picked up his radio and called in to another guard and asked 
      what was going on.
      The crackling voice on the other end stopped Serenas heart.
      "Car 52 collided with car 25. The medics are here to take them to the 
      hospital." The radio clicked and it went quiet.
      Car 25. That was Darien! Serena looked at Lita with wide eyes and then 
      back at the guard. Without a word she was up and over the fence and 
      running down the track with Lita close behind. What seemed like an 
      eternity later they arrived at the crash.
      Fire trucks and ambulances were already there like the voice had said, 
      their lights coldly flashing. Serena looked for anyone she recognized as 
      she ran. But a guard grabbed her as she tried to get past.
      "Hey! Where do you think youre going?" he hauled her back in front of him 
      and held her there.
      "Let go of me!" Serena tore her arms from his grip. All of her fear turned 
      into anger at this one man and she glared at him. "Let me pass!"
      "Sorry I cant do that." He drawled.
      She poked him in the chest "Do you know who I am?" she shouted, her face 
      right in his.
      Lita grabbed her and pulled her back. She approached the guard. "This is 
      the princess of Lidaria and her fianc is the driver of car 25. So I 
      suggest you let her pass or you might never work again." She watched him 
      pale and nod.
      "Yes maam. Hes right over here." He escorted them toward an ambulance.
      They were just moving the stretcher into the back when they arrived.
      Serena stifled a sob when she saw him. They had removed the helmet and cut 
      away most of his protective suit. His head was supported by a rigid neck 
      brace and he was unconscious. She was barely aware when Nephlite put a 
      hand on her shoulder.
      "Let her ride with him!" He helped her into the back of the ambulance then 
      returned to Lita. They stood to the side and watched the vehicle speed 
      away.
      ----
      Serena took Dariens hand and stared at him silently while the paramedics 
      checked him over. Please Darien, pull through! Youre going to be ok! You 
      have to be! She repeated the words over and over in her mind, willing him 
      to hear them.
      She sat in the waiting room for over an hour waiting to hear from the 
      doctor. Lita and Nephlite arrived just minutes after they did and now sat 
      silently on the couch next to her. No one knew what to say, they only sat 
      woodenly staring into space.
      Finally a figure in green scrubs came out and approached the silent group. 
      "Ms. Stanton?"
      Serena stood up immediately. "Yes? How is he?" she knew from his 
      expression it wasnt going to be good news and steeled herself for it.
      "Hes suffered quite a blow to the head. He may be out for quite sometime 
      and even then we cant be sure how hes going to be. He may suffer from 
      memory loss." Or worse. But he didnt add that. He wasnt sure she could 
      handle it. "Fortunately, he didnt sustain many other injuries apart from 
      some minor cuts and bruises."
      "C...can I see him?"
      "Momentarily. Were moving him to a private room. A nurse will let you 
      know when you can go in."
      "Thank you, doctor." Serena walked back to her seat and sat down then 
      turned to the couple still sitting there. "They said we can go see him 
      soon."
      Nephlite looked at her and smiled gently. She truly cared for Darien. Even 
      a blind man could see that. "Hell be ok. Nothing keeps him down for 
      long." he tried to reassure her. The truth be told, he hadn't seen Darien 
      in this condition before. His focus never wavered so he had never made a 
      mistake such as this. Nephlite felt a flood of guilt at letting his friend 
      race in the condition he was in. He knew that Darien wasn't concentrating 
      on what was going on around him. He was preoccupied with thoughts of a 
      beautiful blonde. Nephlite ran a frustrated hand through his hair and 
      tried not to break down. If Darien made it through this, Nephlite swore he 
      would be a better friend.
      ----
      Serena sat wringing her hands until the nurse came over and told them that 
      they could see him. Nephlite and Lita chose to hang back until Serena had 
      the chance to see him. It only seemed right to leave the two alone for the 
      time being.
      Walking on unsteady legs, Serena silently followed the solemn nurse to 
      Darien' room. The sight took her breath away. Darien lay pale and bruised 
      on the pile of white pillows. She couldn't stand to see him in such a 
      helpless state. "Darien." She walked to the side of the bed and took his 
      hand in hers.
      "Ill leave you for a few minutes." The nurse made a discreet exit leaving 
      only Serena, Darien and the quietly bleeping machines as the only sound.
      "Darien. Its me Serena." She perched on the side of the bed, mindful of 
      the numerous tubes and wires running over the pristine white sheets. "I 
      read somewhere that people can hear even when their unconscious. It might 
      even help." She took a trembling breath and whispered. "I know itll help 
      me. Ive missed you so much Darien. And I want you to know that article 
      that you found, I had no intention of submitting it. To tell you the truth 
      I completely forgot about it. I would have never betrayed you like that. 
      Even if I did know who you were." Serena looked up at his face trying to 
      see if he was hearing any of this. She sighed. Of course he couldnt. "I 
      wish I could have found you before all this." Serena took a deep breath. 
      "I know who you are."
      There was a quiet knock on the door before a blond head appeared. "Sorry 
      Serena, the doctors want us out. Visiting time is over."
      Serena nodded. "Send the doctor in. I want to talk to him."
      "Ok. See you tomorrow?"
      "Yeah."
      Nephlite quickly ducked back out only to be replaced by Lita.
      "Sere? You want to stay at mine tonight? Or I can stayed at your place if 
      you like."
      "Thanks Lita, but I think Ill stay here tonight."
      "Are you sure? You being...you know."
      Serena laughed a little. Lita was so sweet. "I cant be anywhere better."
      Lita smiled softly. "Right. Call me if you need anything."
      "Thanks. Night Lita."
      "Good night Serena."
      The doctor came in moments later. "I thought I told everyone to leave." He 
      frowned at Serena, who refused to move.
      "Doctor Id like to stay here with him. Please."
      "Are you family?"
      "I am his fiance."
      The doctor looked at her limp hair and the dark circles under her eyes 
      sceptically. "You are the Princes fiance? I doubt that."
      Serena could feel her temper reach boiling point but fought to keep it in 
      control. "Do you know who I am?"
      He shook his head.
      "How about now?" Serena wound her hair up into a bun and held it to the 
      top of her head then looked at him with an air of nonchalance and 
      superiority. "Do I remind you of anyone now?"
      "P...princess Serena? Of Lidaria?" he started bowing. "I am so sorry your 
      highness! If I had known it was you-"
      "Dont worry. I want this kept quiet. No one is to know who we really are. 
      Is that understood?"
      "Yes your highness."
      "Call me Serena. Please do whatever you can for him, doctor." I need him. 
      She added silently.
      "Of course."
      "Thank you."
      The doctor did the checks while Serena looked on, then left quietly.
      Moments later, an orderly came in with a cot and some blankets. "If you 
      need anything else just go to the nurses station or use the call button." 
      He smiled and pointed at the blue button on the wall. "Goodnight."
      "Thank you. Goodnight." Serena flipped out the blanket and put it on the 
      thin mattress. She took off her coat and put it on the chair. "Goodnight 
      Darien." She leaned over him and kissed his cool lips then climbed into 
      the cot and fell asleep.
      ----
      The next few weeks were a blur of cards and flowers. The room started to 
      look like an over run flower shop. It wouldnt have bothered Serena in the 
      least except for the fact that a majority of them were signed Love and 
      whatever the girls name was. The one that irked Serena the most was a 
      gigantic array of orchids from someone named Beryl, and with all her love 
      nonetheless.
      Serena put them in the corner of the room. Putting aside the wave of envy 
      as just her hormones. Serena patted her gently swelling stomach 
      affectionately. It was barely a bump but it was there. She smiled and sat 
      down. It was quite amazing really. One day it just sort of appeared. 
      Leaning over carefully, she ran her fingers through Darien hair. "Well 
      Darien, youre going to be a daddy." She could imagine what hed say if he 
      was awake. She took his limp hand and put it on her stomach wishing he 
      could feel the new life there. Knowing it was futile, Serena brought it up 
      to her lips and kissed it. "Come back to me, Darien. Please."
      Serena stared hard at his face for a moment. Did she just see his eyes 
      flutter? Not sure if shed really seen anything, Serena sat and stared a 
      moment longer. Her eyes instantly homed in on the slight movement of his 
      eyelids. He was waking up! She flew onto her feet and ran past someone at 
      the door.
      In her hurry to find a doctor Serena didnt see the gorgeous redhead 
      standing in the door. She nearly ploughed her over in her haste to find 
      anyone wearing a white coat. She also missed the haughty look she gave her 
      as she passed.
      She gave Serena a curious look then focussed her attention on the man in 
      the bed. "Darien." With a smile that was almost predatory, she stalked up 
      the bed and put her hand on his.
      ----
      Darien was in pain. He could feel a heavy haze of pain whenever he broke 
      out of the darkness. But he was glad for it. Because of it he knew he was 
      still alive.
      He was frustrated with not being able to move. No matter how hard he tried 
      he couldnt move a muscle. Darien would get to the point where he wanted 
      to give up but then he heard the voice.
      A beautiful, lyrical voice. And in hearing that he knew someone was there. 
      Someone who cared for him. He could feel her gentle caresses and her sweet 
      breath whenever she moved close. Darien knew that he cared for this 
      person. Loved her with all his heart. But whenever he tried to conjure an 
      image of her there was nothing. Just a blur of light.
      This morning was no different. He felt her presence, constant and calming. 
      Then he heard what she was saying.
      "Well Darien, youre going to be a daddy." And he felt her move his hand 
      to a warm mound. His heart skipped a beat. A father! Oh my god! He fought 
      harder to open his eyes, forcing the weighted lids to open.
      Sitting on the side of his bed was a beautiful woman with flaming red 
      hair. Her green eyes widened when she saw him wake up. He grabbed her hand 
      when she was about to get up, holding her back.
      Darien stared at her. "Youre going to have my baby?"
      A stunned look crossed her face for a breath before it was replaced by a 
      lovely smile. She looked at the door and smiled even wider. "Yes I am."
      Serena returned with a doctor seconds later.
      "Please, Serena, wait outside."
      Wringing her hands, she nodded. She needed to see him and make sure he was 
      all right.
      "Morning."
      Serena turned to find Lita and Nephlite arms linked behind her.
      "Whats going on?"
      "Hes waking up." Serena turned her attention back to the door in time to 
      see the redhead walk out, smiling smugly to herself.
      Nephlite glared daggers at her. "Beryl? What are you doing here?"
      Beryl? Eyes wide, Serena looked at her. So this was Beryl. Tired, 
      nauseated and pregnant, Serena hardly felt that she could compete with the 
      tall, slender, ravishing beauty. Although still relatively slim, Serena 
      felt like she had a basketball tucked under her shirt when she looked at 
      Beryl and her belly-baring top.
      "I heard Darien was in an accident. I just thought Id stop by and visit. 
      Looks like I came just in time." She smiled icily at Lita and Serena. "And 
      who might you be?"
      Nephlite stepped in between them. "I think you should leave." Lita told 
      him in confidence about Serenas condition and he didnt want her to 
      stress herself out. Especially not over a two timing, money-grubbing bitch 
      like Beryl.
      Beryl looked like she a mouthful to say but was stopped by the appearance 
      of the doctor.
      They immediately crowded around him.
      Serena broke the silence. "How is he?"
      The doctor nodded. "He seems to be fine. Although he seems to be missing 
      bits of his memory."
      "What?"
      "Some of his memory is missing. Dont be too surprised if he doesnt 
      recognize you at first. Just dont force memories onto him. He has to 
      regain them himself. To do so might do more harm than good."
      Serena quickly processed the information. "Can we go in and see him?"
      "Yes, but not for too long. He needs his rest."
      "Thank you." The all filed into the room with Serena in the lead.
      Darien was propped up against the back of the bed. He looked over and 
      smiled at them.
      Serena was smiling up until the moment he took Beryls hand instead of 
      hers. "Darien?"
      He blinked at her and smiled. "Do I know you?"
      Stunned silence filled the room. Nephlite stepped over to him. "Do you 
      remember me?"
      "Yeah of course I remember you, Neph."
      Nephlite motioned to Lita. "And her?"
      "No. I dont recall you either." He smiled apologetically to Serena. "Im 
      sorry. Were we close?"
      Serena thought her knees were going to buckle right there. Were we 
      close? the question startled her. He didnt remember her. She looked for 
      any sign of recognition in his eyes. Nothing. "You...You could say that." 
      Suddenly, she had to concentrate on breathing. Breathe, Serena. Breathe.
      She watched Beryl as she wound an arm possessively around him.
      Nephlite glared at her. "But you remember Beryl."
      "Yeah. Shes been here with me the whole time." He smiled up at her. Shes 
      been absolutely fantastic, taking care of me and everything. Shes so 
      perfect. Shes even carrying my child." Grinning at everyone in the room, 
      he put his hand on her flat stomach. "Ive asked her to marry me."
      Breathing was the least of Serenas worries now. Marry her? Marry her! Her 
      stomach started to churn and the room started to spin as if she was on a 
      merry go round. Oh god no! "I think I need to get some air." She turned 
      unsteadily and started toward the door.
      Lita was at her side immediately. She put an arm around her waist and took 
      one of Serenas and wound it around her shoulders. "Ill go with you." She 
      wasnt sure if Serena should be alone after hearing something like that. 
      She knew her heart had to be splintering into a million pieces.
      As they slowly made their way down the hall, they could hear Nephlites 
      angry voice echoing down the hall.
      "Are you insane? Wait until you have your memories before you go making 
      any decisions! Believe me you dont love her and she sure as hell doesnt 
      love you!" He gave Beryl a disgusted look before storming out. He quickly 
      caught up with the two women and helped support Serena.
      Darien stared at his friend in bewilderment.
      Beryl saw his distress and put a restraining hand on his shoulder when he 
      looked like he was going to shout for him. "Don't worry darling. He'll 
      come around. It's just a big shock for everyone." She helped him back onto 
      his pillows. Beryl took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Want to 
      feel your baby again?"
      ----
      Serena looked around for somewhere to sit. Lita helped her down on one of 
      the antiquated sofas that lined the halls.
      "Can I get you something? Some water? Juice?" Serena was looking 
      dangerously pale.
      She shook her head slowly. Serena was still trying to get over the fact 
      that Darien didn't remember her. He couldnt remember what they'd been 
      through together. Stifling a sob, she put her head in her hands. There was 
      a tap on her shoulder.
      "Here." Nephlite offered a drink of what looked like orange juice.
      "Thanks." she took a tiny sip, hoping that her stomach wouldn't rebel on 
      her yet again today. She looked up at Nephlite. "Why can't he remember 
me?"
      He sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "He will. Just 
      give him time." his frown betrayed his comforting words. What if Darien 
      didn't remember Serena? What if he did marry Beryl? The thought was too 
      much to bear. "He will."
      Serena wasn't so sure. What if he did marry Beryl? Leaving her an 
      unmarried, pregnant princess. This wasn't good at all. She absentmindedly 
      stroked her belly. Her father was going to have a fit. She could keep it 
      hidden for now. But for how long? She obviously couldnt keep her 
      pregnancy a secret from him for too much longer. "What am I going to do?"
      "Darien will remember you. He must have gotten it mixed up hearing your 
      voice and then having her being the first person he saw. Shes not 
      pregnant and if she, is its not his baby. They havent seen each other in 
      almost a year. Believe me he loves you." Nephlite knew that for a fact. 
      "Even when you were apart he could think of nothing else. You are the only 
      woman for him."
      Serena tried to find comfort in his words, but at the moment she needed 
      Darien, not empty words. There were several options open to her. She could 
      barge in there and tell Darien about them, about their baby.
      She shook her head. The doctor said that it might do more harm then good 
      to force memories on him.
      She could go home and tell her father and hope that Darien would remember. 
      That wasnt very appetizing.
      She could wait, but what if he never remembered her? Shed be left with a 
      child and disowned by her father and her country.
      The last option wasnt even worth thinking about. There was no way she was 
      terminating the pregnancy.
      "Im so screwed." Frustrated, she got up and ran her hands through her 
      hair. She needed to get out of here and think.
      Lita jumped up. "Where are you going?"
      "Im getting my things and Im going away for a while. I need to think."
      "Where will you go?"
      "Im not sure yet. But Ill think of something. Ill give you a call." She 
      walked back to the room that shed been sharing with Darien. Taking a deep 
      breath she swept open the door, fully prepared to face Beryl. To her 
      relief she was nowhere in sight. Darien lay quietly in the bed with his 
      eyes closed.
      Serena smiled gently and silently walked over to the bedside. He looked so 
      peaceful. Lovingly, she brushed his hair out of his face. When it was more 
      than she could bear, Serena turned and packed up her things as quickly as 
      she could. As she reached the door a rough voice stopped her dead in her 
      tracks.
      "Hi again." He pushed himself up so he was sitting against the headboard.
      "You shouldnt do that." Serena rushed over and tried to get him to lay 
      back.
      The delicate scent of roses tantalized his senses when she bent over him, 
      reminding him of something elusive. He looked at her puzzled. "We shared a 
      room?"
      Serena stepped back and did her best to avoid his cobalt gaze. "Yeah."
      He studied her sceptically. "Doesnt look like theres anything wrong with 
      you."
      Only the fact that the man I love has no clue who I am. But other than 
      that Im just peachy! Serena bit her tongue stemming the outburst. Think 
      of something fast! "I had a slight scare." She brushed her hand over her 
      abdomen.
      His eyes widened at the sight of her slightly rounded stomach. "So 
      everythings ok?"
      She nodded.
      "Im glad." He reached his hand over. "Do you mind?"
      Serena closed her eyes and shook her head. Darien placed a large warm hand 
      over the tiny life that was growing inside her. This moment was what she 
      had been waiting for. She should have been overjoyed, but the polite yet 
      only slightly interested smile Darien gave her threatened to have her 
      heart breaking again. She quickly put his hand back, laying it at his 
      side. "I have to go now."
      "Take care. Maybe well see each other again."
      She nodded and gave him a big, if teary smile. "Bye." Hurriedly she 
      scurried out the door. On the other side she released the breath she 
      hadnt realized shed been holding and started to cry. Dragging her bag 
      behind her, Serena walked outside and hailed a cab. "The airport please."
      Darien watched the stunning blonde bustle out of the room. There was 
      something about her. Something familiar. Something that tugged at his 
      heartstrings. But how could that be when he loved Beryl? She told him that 
      hed been devoted to her for years now. And she wouldnt lie, not his 
      sweet Beryl.
      Still, he couldnt shake the memory of the heartbreaking look she had when 
      he touched her or the tremor of feeling that coursed through him. It felt 
      so right. But how could it when he was with another? Confused, he slammed 
      his fist into the suddenly unbearably lumpy pillow. He fell asleep 
      thinking of a beautiful blonde. And why she looked so sad.