
      Never Say Goodbye


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 3
      The harsh light of morning woke her up. Serena blinked a couple of times 
      wishing that she could have been left to slumber for a few hours more. She 
      felt completely drained. Throwing her arm over her face she rolled over. 
      This is where she encountered another warm body. The events of the 
      previous night stormed through her mind. She and Darien had made love. 
      Again. Horrified, she sat up with a bolt. If he had thought lowly of her 
      before, what must he think of her now? Feeling a bit sick she went to get 
      out of bed.
      A warm hand prevented her from doing what she intended. Shocked she 
      watched an arm curl around her waist and pull her back into bed, and even 
      more shocking, against him with a happy sounding sigh.
      She lay there mortified. What was he playing at now? Was he asleep and 
      dreaming? She couldnt see his face so she couldnt tell for sure. Serena 
      moved away experimentally. The strong arm didnt budge and wouldnt let 
      her move very far either. She tried again.
      "Will you stop it? Cant I just cuddle you?" the husky whisper in her ear 
      asked.
      Serena stopped dead. Cuddle her? Since when did he want to cuddle her? She 
      turned in his arms to face him. Her heart softened when she looked at his 
      drowsy face. He was so handsome. His hair had fallen into his sleepy eyes 
      and she couldnt quite stop the urge to brush it away.
      He grasped her fingers when she did and brought them to his lips to 
      tenderly kiss them.
      Serenas heart ached at such a tender gesture. Why couldnt he be like 
      this all the time? Simply sweet and gentle.
      "Serena, we have to talk."
      "About what?" she felt the knot in her stomach get tighter once again.
      "You and me." He kissed her lightly on the lips. "We need to get a few 
      things straight."
      "Like what?" she pulled back so she could look him straight in the eyes.
      "Like our feelings for one another." He took a deep breath and continued. 
      "You dont seem like the type of woman to give herself to just anyone. And 
      Im honoured to be the one you choose to be with."
      Serena was stunned by that. "I thought you thought differently about me."
      He nodded. "I know. And Im sorry. Its all my fault. I just couldnt 
      handle my feelings at the time. Can you forgive me for being such an 
      idiot?"
      Elated she threw her arms around him. "Of course!"
      Smiling, he pulled her back against him for an encore of the previous 
      nights performance.
      ----
      The next few weeks blended together into one erotic dream after another. 
      Aside from going to work, they spent all their time together, mostly in 
      the bedroom. And now was no exception.
      Serena smiled at Darien who was sitting opposite her as they had their 
      little picnic in bed.
      Darien smiled back and spooned another mouthful of ice cream into Serenas 
      mouth. "So is there anything you wanted to see?" he caught her amused look 
      and immediately knew what she was thinking. He tapped her on the knee with 
      a cold spoon. "In the city, Serena."
      She giggled. "I still havent seen the city from the top of the Eiffel 
      Tower yet."
      "Well then. The tower it is." The phone rang and he answered. "Allo?" he 
      smiled into the phone. "Hi Amy. You want to get together?" he looked over 
      at Serena and cocked a brow. She nodded in agreement. "Sure. Serena wanted 
      to see the tower. Well meet you there then. Bye." He slid his hands over 
      Serenas legs. "I guess we should get dressed huh?"
      "Mmmmm...I guess." If she had it her way, Serena wouldnt leave this bed. 
      Grudgingly she got up and sorted through her clothes. Theyd moved 
      everything into Dariens room now and they had yet to find time to sort 
      things out. She settled with the first things she found, a simple 
      combination of jeans, a sweater and a jacket. She quickly did her makeup 
      and checked herself over one last time. Satisfied that she looked good 
      enough she turned to Darien. He finished a second before she turned and 
      was dressed in his usual casuals, khakis a sweater and a leather jacket.
      He smiled almost proudly when he looked at her. "You look wonderful. Lets 
      go!"
      ----
      They met up with Amy and Taiki on the grounds under the tower. The two 
      looked as gorgeous and in love as ever. Serena even saw a few tourists 
      sneak a few pictures of them. Instead of waiting in lines to go up in the 
      elevator, they decided to get a little adventurous and climb the stairs to 
      the top.
      They all ran for the stairs and as fast as they could they started up the 
      massive metal construct. Serena was at the head of the pack when they 
      started. But as they got higher the worse she started to feel. By the time 
      they reached the top she was feeling dizzy and faint. She stopped a moment 
      to regain her breath.
      "Serena? Are you ok?" Darien put a cool hand on her cheek.
      She nodded. "Yeah just a bit out of shape I think." Serena smiled at him.
      "Yeah, no kidding." He leaned on the railing.
      Amy and Taiki stood to one side gasping as well. Laughing they joined 
      Serena and Darien. "I feel so old." Amy admitted.
      Well at least she wasnt the only one.
      Darien ran a hand through her hair and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Ill 
      get us some drinks."
      "Sounds good. Ill help." Taiki followed along.
      Amy walked over to Serena. "So things are going good with you two?" she 
      already knew the answer to that question. All she had to do was look at 
      her brothers face. Darien was totally in love. And from the looks of it, 
      so was Serena.
      Blushing, Serena tilted her head to one side. "Yeah. Things are good." And 
      they certainly were. Shed never been so happy. Sighing, she took a peek 
      over the railing. Vertigo instantly slanted her view of the world. Serena 
      gripped the railing and forced herself to close her eyes against the 
      beautiful sight.
      "Serena?" Amy saw her start to wobble and pulled her away from the edge 
      and leaned her against the wall. "Are you going to be ok?"
      "Yeah. Ill be ok." Her mouth said yes but her stomach was saying 
      otherwise. She leaned over and tried to regain her bearings. Shed never 
      been effected by heights before. It was so strange.
      "Serena?"
      Serena stood up at the sound of Dariens voice. But it was too quick a 
      movement. She only caught a glimpse of his handsome face before everything 
      went black.
      ----
      The first thing Serena saw when she came to was Dariens concerned face 
      right above hers.
      "Darien? What happened?" she tried to sit up. But when she did the room 
      slanted again. Serena decided it was wiser just to stay where she was.
      "You fainted." He gently ran a finger over her cheek. "God, you scared me. 
      Just stay there. Ive called a doctor."
      "That isnt necessary. Im fine. I just overexerted myself. Thats all."
      His brow creased with concern. "Are you sure youre going to be ok?" hed 
      never been this worried about anyone with the exception of Amy. "Id still 
      rather have someone look you over."
      Serena shook her head amused that he worried over her so much. "Ill be 
      fine."
      Darien opened his mouth to argue but the shrill ring of his phone cut him 
      off. Frowning he answered. "Yes?" he listened for a moment then bit back 
      into the phone. "No I havent got the time at the moment" he looked over 
      at Serena.
      She pulled the phone from him and covered it with a hand. "Go. Ill be 
      fine." Serena shook her head again when he scowled. "Darien, just go. Ill 
      even let the doctor in if you do."
      He sighed and put the phone back to his ear. "Ill be there in a little 
      while." He hung up. "Ill be back soon, ok?"
      Serena nodded and tiled her head for a light kiss. "Ill let you know what 
      the doctor says."
      "Youd better." He kissed her again and got up. "If you need anything 
      Amys in the other room and if she cant help then Im only a phone call 
      away." He hesitated at the door.
      "Will you go already?" she threw a pillow at his retreating head.
      He caught it and tossed it back. "Ok. Ok. Call me alright?"
      "Yup."
      He came back in and kissed her again. "See you later."
      "Bye."
      Serena tried sitting up again when she heard the front door close. This 
      time the room didnt spin quite so much. She took this as a positive sign. 
      Serena got up and walked to the kitchen. Big mistake. Whatever Amy was 
      cooking didnt prove to be good to her olfactory or her stomach. Clutching 
      a hand over her mouth, Serena ran for the bathroom.
      After shed gotten rid of everything shed eaten that morning she emerged 
      to find Amy smiling worriedly at her.
      "Howre you feeling Serena?" she handed her a glass of water.
      Serena took the glass. Taking a couple of shallow breaths, she took a sip. 
      "Not too good actually." Then it dawned on her. "Hold on a second." She 
      went to the office and pulled out her organiser. She flipped straight to 
      the calendar and scoured the pages. No little red x this month, or the 
      month before. She shut it and closed her eyes. She and Darien hadnt 
      discussed children. Serena quickly pushed away the sinking feeling. It 
      wasnt for sure yet.
      ----
      The doctor had been and gone and now Serena paced by the phone waiting for 
      the results of the tests he had run. Shed sent Amy home telling her she 
      wanted to get some sleep. Serena stared at the phone. "Ring dammit."
      It rang but it wasnt who she hoped it would be.
      "Serena?"
      "Hello, Mina. Whats the matter?" Serena massaged her eyes with her thumb 
      and forefinger.
      "Im sorry to call you at home, but Luna wants to have a surprise show and 
      needs you to organise it. Can you do it? I have her notes on what she 
      wants here. I can fax then to you if you want."
      "Yes. Fax them over and Ill get to them as soon as I can."
      "Ok. Ill let Luna know that youre on it."
      "Ok bye." She hung up, then lunged at it again when it rang and instant 
      later.
      "Hello? Ms. Thompson?"
      "Yes." Her throat constricted.
      "The tests came out positive. Youre pregnant."
      She released the breath she didnt realise shed been holding. "Thank 
you."
      They quickly arranged an appointment time and then Serena hung up.
      How in the world was she going to tell Darien? The thought of having his 
      baby wasnt quite as frightening as the thought of having to tell him. 
      Serena was actually happy with the news. She ran her hand over her 
      stomach. Now to tell Darien.
      ----
      Darien found a huge meal waiting for him when he came home that night. 
      Hed spent much more time in the office than he anticipated. He dropped 
      his coat and briefcase on the couch and walked into the kitchen with a 
      bouquet he bought to say he was sorry for being away for so long.
      Serena was busy preparing a salad when he walked into the kitchen. He 
      snuck up behind her and nuzzled her neck. "Hi."
      Serena turned to him smiling luminously. "Hi Darien." He presented her 
      with the flowers. "Oh! Theyre gorgeous." She placed them in a vase. "I 
      hope youre hungry." She finished up the salad and brought it out to the 
      table. Shed taken her time setting the table and it showed. Everything 
      was where it was suppose to be including candles.
      Darien looked at her with a strange look on his face. "Whats all this?"
      "Nothing." She sat down across from him. "Ive got something to tell you."
      "Same here." Darien sat down and took her hands.
      "You first then." She squeezed his hand and sat back to enjoy the meal.
      "Alright." He took a sip of wine and took a bite of food. "You would not 
      believe the day that I have had." He proceeded to tell her about the 
      hectic day hed been dragged to. "And to top it all off, my best friend is 
      being forced to marry this gold digging woman who got pregnant just to 
      trap him." He took another bite of food.
      Serena grabbed her sparkling grape juice and gulped at it.
      "So how was your day?"
      "Great." She hesitated. "Lunas given me another project to work on. I 
      have to set up a surprise showing for the next week."
      "Sounds intriguing. Trust Luna to come up with something like that."
      Serena shovelled another mouthful. "Well I really should get started. Its 
      quite a job."
      "Let me know if I can help at all. Ok?" he kissed her on the cheek. "The 
      meal was great. Ill clean up."
      "Ok. Ill be in the office." Trying not to throw up. She just about ran 
      out of the room. At least now she was sure how he felt about the whole 
      thing. Hed just assume that she was after his money. Heart sinking again 
      she grabbed the fax and read it over. She read over the insane wishes of 
      Luna and tossed the paper aside. She had enough problems with out having 
      to arrange a lavish fashion show.
      Serena slumped onto the leather chair and swivelled around for a while 
      trying to think of what she could do. There was nothing she could do about 
      how Darien felt. So she had nothing to do but to work. She snatched the 
      paper off the floor and read it over again then picked up the phone and 
      dialled. "Mina. Looks like were going to have to pull a few all 
nighters."
      ----
      The good thing about working all night was that she had an excuse to stay 
      in bed in the morning when Darien got up for work. At least that way he 
      didnt see her on her daily dash to the bathroom. In the afternoon she 
      would meet with Mina at the office and work until well after midnight. By 
      the time she finished up with the other work and got home. Darien was fast 
      asleep. Once in a while he would be up in the study reading or doing 
      research, but a majority of the time he was slumbering happily in bed.
      ----
      Serena snuck into the bedroom on one of the many late nights. She quickly 
      showered, changed and got into bed as quietly as she could. As usual she 
      held her breath until she was sure he was still asleep. She looked over 
      and let out a breath when she saw that he was still fast asleep. 
      Completely fatigued, she lay her head down and tried to drift off.
      "Why dont you want to wake me?" the familiar sound of Dariens husky 
      whisper warmed her ear. He wrapped a warm arm around her and pulled her 
      over to him.
      Startled she quickly tried to think of something. "You have to work in the 
      morning." At least that was mostly true.
      He ran a hand down her side and nestled his chin between her neck and 
      shoulder. "Ive missed you. We havent seen each other in weeks." He 
      lazily stretched against her.
      Serena was aware of the heat that flared somewhere in her stomach at his 
      touch. "Its only been a few days."
      "It feels like so much longer." Dariens roaming hands made it very clear 
      where he was going with this.
      Serena snuggled closer. It had felt like an eternity. She practically 
      purred with contentment when his hands went to her breasts. "I guess we 
      have both been working pretty hard."
      "Care for a little R&R?" he rolled her over to face him.
      "Sounds good to me."
      ----
      Serena woke up the next morning and watched Darien as he got dressed for 
      work. Could she tell him? Serena knew she should. After all he was the 
      father. He had every right to know that in a few months their lives would 
      never be the same again. She watched him put on his coat and turn to her 
      with a smile on his face.
      Darien walked over to the bed. She looked so radiant in the morning light. 
      Leaning down on the bed he kissed her gently. "Good morning."
      The dipping of the bed sent her stomach rolling again. "Morning." She 
      clenched her teeth and forced herself to stay in bed and her stomach from 
      rebelling.
      Darien noticed how pale she turned. "Are you ok?" he sat down not 
      realizing how the simple movement effected Serena.
      "Im fine. I just didnt have anything to eat last night and I think its 
      caught up with me."
      He nodded knowingly. "Ive done that too many times to count. Ill get you 
      something to eat." Darien quickly walked out to the kitchen.
      Serena waiting until he left the room before grabbing for the crackers 
      shed hidden under the bed. She quickly stuffed a couple in her mouth and 
      manically chewed, swallowed and brushed crumbs off the bed at the same 
      time.
      Darien returned moments later with orange juice and toast. "Here you are. 
      I would have made something more interesting, but Ive got to get going. 
      Colette will fix you something else when she gets in." he leaned in for 
      his customary goodbye kiss.
      Serena pecked him on the lips. "See you later then."
      Darien stepped back and looked at her again. There was something different 
      about her but he couldnt put his finger on it. "Ill call you later."
      "Ok" she took an easy breath once she heard the front door close. It was 
      getting harder to do this now. She ran the back of her hand over her moist 
      brow and lay back. She was sure Darien knew something was up. There was 
      something in his eyes when he looked at her.
      But she didnt have time to worry about that now. The showing was tomorrow 
      and she didnt have time to worry about morning sickness or Darien. Shed 
      tell him soon enough. Taking a deep breath she got out of bed and headed 
      over to the office. She grabbed her plans for the next day and walked back 
      to bed. Ignoring her stomach, got back in and went over the arrangements.
      ----
      The next morning she and Mina met up at about 5am to get things ready. By 
      the time they got to the site the crews were already there and waiting.
      Serena got right to work. "Ok everyone. The sets already up so I want 
      everyone checking their work over and then get back to me once theyve 
      done that. The makeup and hair artists I want to get the models ready as 
      soon as possible. Luna wants to look each model over personally once 
      youre done. And dont forget, " She smiled at everyone then. "Have a 
      great show!"
      Everyone scrambled off to do their thing. Serena sat down on the nearest 
      chair and gulped from the bottle of water she carried with her.
      "Serena? You look exhausted!" Mina sat down near her and handed her a jam 
      tart from the table laden with gourmet catering.
      Exhausted was an understatement. She just wanted to curl up in bed and 
      sleep for a month. "Thanks. I think weve had a few too many late nights." 
      She took a nibble of the tart before she was up again. "Ive got to go 
      look over the set. Go and keep an eye on the makeup artists. You know how 
      Luna hates it when they get too creative."
      "Right." Mina walked off.
      Serena headed over to the runway and looked over the decorations. Luna 
      wanted a decadent neo classical Roman feel to the showing and Serena tried 
      her best to give her what she wanted. She looked over the graceful columns 
      and the flowers that were pasted to them. They looked great. In the 
      background sheets of silk swept from the ceiling to the ground along the 
      runway ran the lights and more flowers. Serena swept a few away from the 
      centre of the path. She could just imagine a model slipping on it.
      "Serena!" Luna Swept out onto the runway and walked down to her. "This 
      looks fabulous! Its exactly as I wanted!" beaming she knelt down so she 
      could get closer to Serena. "You did a wonderful job." She frowned. 
      "Cherie. You look so tired. Come well get you some food and you can 
rest."
      Serena let Luna lead her back to the table of food.
      "Now sit down and eat something." She grabbed a plate and piled it high 
      with delicious looking food. "Now eat."
      Serena took the plate but before she could even contemplate eating she 
      heard a crash. She jumped up and ran out to see what was happening. A row 
      of lights had apparently fallen onto the runway.
      "Get it cleared up now!" Serena looked at her watch. One hour until the 
      show started. She stood and watched as a clean up crew ran in and 
      scrambled to clear up the broken glass and metal.
      Luna shook her head. "Serena. Go and sit down. For at least twenty 
      minutes. You look dead on your feet."
      Serena sat down on one of the spectator seats and took another drink of 
      water. She was going to get through this no matter what.
      ----
      Darien got there in time to catch the last 20 minutes of the show. He 
      hated missing any of the show that Serena had been working so hard on but 
      he was detained at work again. At least he hadnt missed it all. He snuck 
      into the back of the crowd and watched the models strut down the runway. 
      The decorations looked very good. Darien smiled to himself. Serena did an 
      excellent job. Feeling smug that it was his girlfriend that put this all 
      together, he leaned against the wall and enjoyed the rest of the show.
      ----
      Serena stood to the side and watched as the show went by without a hitch. 
      By the end of the show she was feeling really good about it. Luna grabbed 
      her arm at the finale and dragged Serena with her onto the stage.
      The harsh lights hit her and the world tipped onto its side. She had to 
      lean on Luna to keep herself upright but she managed to smile and wave 
      letting the applause wash over her.
      ----
      Darien clapped the loudest out of anyone in the crowd. Fantastic. The show 
      was spectacular. He had already started to go backstage when he saw Serena 
      come out on stage. She looked so pale especially under the bright lights. 
      He stopped to take a look at her. Serena didnt look at all like herself. 
      Darien frowned. She really had been working herself too hard. Hed have to 
      do something about that. Darien turned and pushed his way through the 
      crowd.
      Serena stood smiling in the back watching the models wander about 
      gossiping. She waved her hand in front of her dispelling the haze of smoke 
      from the many cigarettes. She coughed just as an arm wrapped warmly around 
      her waist.
      "Fabulous show darling." She was spun around until she faced a very 
      familiar and handsome face.
      "Thanks Darien." She looked for a place to sit down.
      Darien pulled out a chair and sat her down on his lap. "And now it is time 
      for you to relax. In a few days we shall be in paradise relaxing on the 
      beach and soaking up the sun."
      Serena shook her head emphatically. "How can I do that? I have so much 
      work to do, and so do you."
      He smiled devilishly. "Ive cleared my schedule and yours. We have an 
      entire week free."
      Serena leaned against him not wanting to argue. It sounded heavenly. "I 
      cant wait."
      "Me neither." He kissed her lightly on the lips. "Come on you look so 
      tired. Well get some dinner and head home." He helped her up and walked 
      with her through the crowd of models and clothes.
      ----
      The next few days went by swiftly. A couple of days before departure, 
      Serena went shopping for some new clothes. She was glad for the break. She 
      couldnt believe how tired she was. Shed done some reading and found out 
      that this was how a woman felt in the first few weeks of a pregnancy. She 
      put her bags down and sat down on a bench. She watched as happy shoppers 
      walked past. She was really looking forward to the trip. It would be so 
      nice just to lay back and relax. And perhaps shed be able to tell Darien 
      soon.
      The baby shop across the way from her caught her eye, and smiling she got 
      up to go and browse. A large figure stopped her.
      "Hello Serena."
      "Hi Alan. What are you doing here?"
      "I was about to ask you the same thing." He sat down after she did. "Ive 
      got the day off."
      "Same." She leaned back on the bench and smiled at her friend.
      "So how are you and whats his name?" he asked.
      Serena rolled her eyes. "Darien. His name is Darien. And were doing quite 
      well thank you."
      "Thats surprising, considering what kind of guy he is."
      Serena didnt like where this was going. She didnt want to end up 
      disliking Alan. But she would if he kept going where she thought he was 
      going. "I dont think you know what kind of man Darien is."
      "I think I do. Havent you heard the stories about that guy? A new girl 
      every week. Hes dated every model thats come through Paris!" he grabbed 
      her arms and turned her to him. "Hes not worthy of you."
      Serena shook him off, absolutely disgusted. "If he was like that, hes not 
      anymore. I should know, I live with him." She got up. "Now leave me alone, 
      Alan."
      She thought about what Alan had said on the metro ride back to the 
      apartment. It was true. Shed heard the stories from Mina. Darien wasnt 
      the type to settle down. How had she forgotten?
      She knew exactly how shed forgotten. He was so wonderful and seemed so 
      committed to her. At the moment anyways. How much longer before he tired 
      of her? Before he left her for the next girl who caught his eye?
      Feeling completely desolate and desperate to look for evidence that proved 
      Darien wasnt going to be tired of her any time soon, she wandered into 
      the apartment. She dropped the bags in the living room and walked into the 
      kitchen looking for something cold to drink.
      She turned. Was it her imagination or was there a thud? Serena took a 
      glance at the clock on the wall. Darien wouldnt be home yet? He wasnt 
      due for another hour.
      She grabbed the nearest weapon, a rolling pin, and tiptoed into the 
      hallway. She stopped when she heard the noise again. It was coming from 
      the bedroom she also heard another noise coming from the bathroom. The 
      shower?
      "Darien?" Serena was headed to the bathroom when movement in the bedroom 
      caught her eye.
      A tall curvaceous blonde was getting dressed. Serena looked at the 
      bathroom door. She could only assume that Darien was in there.
      Seething, Serena just dropped the rolling pin and walked out of the 
      apartment. So much for being sure Darien wouldnt cheat on her.
      Torn between crying and throwing a raging fit, she hailed a cab. Taking a 
      hitching breath, she took one last look at the building before getting 
      into the cab. "The airport please."