A Sailormoon Romance


   
   
   
   



Jail Bait
MarshAngel
Part 5


Serena
ran up the stairs without saying hello to her parents who had long since
returned home and had been wondering where shed disappeared to without
calling. Shed run most of the way home and out of breath she now threw
herself down on her bed and cried her eyes out. Life was definitely set
against her.

She
wanted to hate him so much and yet she couldnt. It had seemed so easy
to do just a few weeks ago. Now all she felt was anger, as much towards
him as towards herself. She was nave to have believed that he was
different from any of the other men in the world, who for centuries had
used and abused women. 

Even
her own father used women for his own pleasure and then walked away as
if nothing he did held any consequences. How else did the man have three
daughters with three different women; at least those were the ones they
were aware of. She wondered if she had any other siblings out there. 

How
could she have been so stupid? She sneered at the thought of how shed
gotten all dressed up and gone over there like a little hussy. Shed let
him use her and toss her aside like she was some kind of slut. Maybe I
am she said to herself.

Sweetheart?
Ikuko called outside Serenas bedroom door.

Whats
the matter? Can I come in?

Just
leave me alone! Serena yelled. I dont want to talk to you or anyone
else! 

She
knew it was unfair to take her anger out on her mother, but she couldnt
seem to help herself. Her mother, having been a teenage girl once, understood
however, and was prepared to let her be. 

Do
you want me to bring up dinner?

No!
Im not hungry. It was a lie. She was starving. She just didnt want to
have to talk to anyone. She cried herself to sleep.

Hours
later in the middle of the night, she woke up to find her hunger had not
abated and was at the point where it was almost overwhelming. She got out
of bed, making an effort not to wake Luna, who had at some point had come
through the window and curled up at her feet.She
made her way down the stairs to the kitchen where she spent a good hour
indulging in cookies and ice cream and a good fifteen minutes later feeling
nauseous. 

She
spent the rest of the night awake, unable to go back to sleep, having cried
herself into exhaustion earlier. She sat down in front of the TV watching
the images without really seeing. Her eyes finally closed as the sun rose.
Her mother found her asleep on the couch that morning, took pity on her
and let her sleep until late morning; missing one day of school wouldnt
kill her.



Lita
and Amy were worried when Serena didnt show up for school. When they got
together at Rayes temple she still did not show up. They called her house
but got no answer. 

Secretly
Mina wondered if she had spent the entire night with Darien and had been
too tired to go to school. She was very sorry shed promised to keep their
secret. She desperately wanted to let the cat out of the bag.



Serena
was happy her mother had allowed her to stay home. She wasnt really in
the mood for schoolwork anyway, not that she ever was. When shed woken
up, her mother had insisted they go shopping an obvious but winning attempt
to cheer her up. At some point she knew her mother would have to ask the
question. She just hadnt expected the question to be: So, whos the
guy?

Serena
had just about choked on the ice cream shed been eating as they walked
through the mall. She had been expecting the question since theyd stopped
by the ice cream shop to satisfy her craving but that was not the question
she had expected. She had been anticipating the usual whats wrong? or
whats been bothering you lately. She could at least pass half of that
off to PMS and teen angst.

What
makes you think theres a guy? Serena asked uneasily. Her mother couldnt
possibly know!

Oh
come on Serena! Im your mother. I think I know when theres a guy involved.

Does
motherhood endow you with some kind of psychic power? Serena asked half
joking. 

I
cant tell you that! Serenas mother gasped, pretending to be shocked
at the suggestion. The secret motherhood society would have my head if
I ever told you such a thing! Thats something you will have to discover
when you have a child of your own.

Serena
found herself giggling at her mothers antics. She always knew how to make
her feel better. 

So
whos the lucky young man? Her mother asked.

Id
rather not talk about him Mom. I wont be seeing him again anyway. Serena
said. She wished she could get off this topic. She didnt want to talk
about Darien or think about him.

He
hurt you really badly didnt he? Serena merely nodded.

First
loves are always the worst. But dont worry sweetheart, Ikuko said pulling
her only daughter close to her, youll get over it and look back on this
one day with fondness.

Was
daddy your first love? Serena asked, grasping at the opportunity to steer
the conversation away from her.

Which
one? Ikuko asked playfully?

Well
that just answers my question right there. Serena replied cynically.

Actually
my first love was a guy named, Marco de la Cruz.

Spanish?

Portuguese.

He
was a year older than me and his family had just moved to California. Naturally
my father hated him. Eventually he moved away and we broke up.

Has
there ever been a guy you liked that grandpa liked?

Ikuko
pretended to think for a moment before answering. 

No.
He had two daughters and he swore he would protect them from the male scourge.
I thought he would have a heart attack when I told him I was getting married.
Hes a lot like Kenji. I bet if you ever brought a guy home hed start
shining those swords hanging on the living room wall.



Well
he doesnt have to worry now. I think Ill be staying away from guys for
a while!

Im
sure your father would be happy to hear that. 




Darien, if you dont tell me what the hells wrong with you, I swear Im
going to beat it out of you, Andrew growled. For the second day in a row
Darien was behaving very strangely. Since hed come in, he hadnt said
a word. Hed not done anything but stare at the mocha cappuccino Andrew
had placed before him.

Im
a selfish bastard and a pervert!

Pervert?

Amazing
how you just skip the selfish bastard part and just jump right to pervert!
Darien commented, smiling wryly.

Well
the first part I knew, but this pervert thing is a new one for me, Andrew
responded, grinning one of his brilliant white-toothed smiles.

I
love having friends! It certainly saves me the trouble of making enemies.

Well
as your best friend, I demand you tell me whats going on!

Darien
sighed and gave in to Andrews demands. 

Have
you ever done something that you knew was so wrong but felt so very right?

Well
I once had two beers, thee vodka martinis and a half bottle of root beer
schnapps and it felt very right until I woke up the next morning. Looking
at Dariens raised eyebrows Andrew decided to amend that. I doubt thats
the kind of indulgence youre referring to.

Actually
I was referring to something a bit more controversial, more specifically,
one very, very sexy, absolutely beautiful and much to young teenage girl.

What!
Darien what are you talking about?

Have
you ever been attracted to someone much younger than you?

Yeah.
I had a thing for Serena for a while but I decided that that wouldnt be
a good idea. Dariens eyes opened wide in shock! He wasnt even aware
that his mouth was hanging open.

Andrew
seeing Dariens shocked expression rolled his eyes and decided to explain. 

You
know Darien, just because you dont like her doesnt mean no one else does.
I mean youd have to be blind not to see that she is absolutely gorgeous!

Darien
could hardly believe his ears. 

Do
you regret not asking her out? Darien asked, curious as to whether Andrew
still had feelings for her.

Well
I still find her attractive, but it was just a crush, one that has been
over for a while. 

So
whos this teenage dreamboat of yours?

You
wont believe me. Darien stated simply.

Try
me.

Ok,
but you wont believe me.

Just
tell me damn it!

Its
Serena. Andrew stared at Darien blankly for a good long while.

I
know youre kidding. You cant possibly expect me to believe that you asked
Serena out!

I
didnt ask her out, Andrew. Darien said quietly.

Then
what do you mean? Im not sure I understand.

We
kind of skipped the whole date scenario and jumped to the honeymoon.

Andrew
was speechless. It would have been rather difficult to speak anyway with
his jaws hanging that widely. 

And
therein lies my dilemma.

Holy
shit!

Calm
down drama queen! Darien snapped. Theyre kids around.

Let
me get this straight: you and Serena in bed together; no yelling no insults,
no one screaming bloody murder? The world is ending isnt it? This is a
goddamn miracle!

Darien
rolled his eyes. 

There
may have been screaming but it wasnt bloody murder! Darien said, smiling
wryly. Well now I think I made a huge mistake and told her I couldnt
see her anymore and I didnt even get a chance to tell her why. Now, she
hates me and were both miserable. Were back to where we started except
this time she really means it. 

I
cant apologize to her because every time I see herwell I cant seem to
keep my hands off her. It dont think its a particularly good idea to
try apologizing anyway, shes only sixteen and Im way too old for her
and I think I am so far guilty of two counts of statutory rape. I rejected
her in order to save my own ass.

Wow!
Andrew was all Andrew could say. He was still shocked at the idea of the
two mortal enemies in bed together not to mention the guilt trip Darien
was giving himself over his situation.

I
dont know what to say, Darien. You have gotten yourself into one hell
of a situation. Just a random question, have you ever met Serenas dad? 

Darien
glared at Andrew who was grinning at him mockingly.

Thats
not funny Drew! Darien growled.

Tsukino
has those three katana swords in his living room so you better watch out!
I bet Chandler has one or two weapons of his own. 



Serena
where were you today? Raye asked over the phone. Lita and Amy said you
didnt show up for school are you sick or something?

Something
like that. I had some ice cream last night and got sick and my mom let
me sleep late, Serena half-lied

You
got sick from ice cream! You east the stuff almost every day! 

Yeah,
and I could eat some more right now!

Pig!

Oh
lay off! I went shopping with my mother today though. We had fun.

So
what did you buy?

Nothing
really. We mostly window-shopped.

Am
I understanding that your mother let you stay out of school because you
got a little sick after eating too much ice cream and then took you shopping?

Yup!

Why
cant I be that lucky? Raye groaned.



Serena
knew she didnt want to see him but she knew shed have to get used to
it. If she had any luck maybe he would avoid her instead. It certainly
seemed that way. He hadnt been there for the past three days so she had
managed to keep up her act with her friends.

Shed
had detention today for not paying attention in class so she was on her
way to the arcade on her own. As she walked down the street she remembered
something shed told Mina only two days ago when the other girl had asked
her about her relationship with Darien. Shed still been upset and bitter
and had said the words without meaning them at all.

Mina
had come over to her house and theyd sat together in her room. Mina had
playfully asked how the two lovebirds were and Serena had answered harshly.

Were
not love birds, Mina!

Oh come
on Serena. Admit it you and Darien are very much in love! Its time you
let everyone know about your relationship!


Darien
and I dont have a relationship! We had sex. Thats all there is to it
and quite frankly thats all therell ever be to it!

Mina
had stared at her open-mouthed with shock. Looking back she realized shed
belittled the experience making herself sound like, in her mind, a slut.
She hadnt meant it. It had definitely ended any conversation concerning
Darien.

She
didnt want Mina think less of her. She was supposed to be this graceful,
sweet, honest, and perfect princess and over the last few years she had
improved in many regards. She didnt want Mina thinking that Her Royal
Highness Princess Serenity just randomly slept around as if it were the
most normal thing in the world.

Except
for her random emotional lows, Serena had to admit she was handling this
rather well. None of her friends had any inkling of what had happened to
her and thats how she intended to keep it. Shed seen Darien from a distance
yesterday getting into his car. Shed felt a slight chill of anger at him
but had managed to keep herself in check as she and her friends walked
together.

When
she walked into the arcade she was surprised and unnerved to find Darien
sitting on the edge of a seat by the booth with her friends. She built
up a wall around her emotions and walked over. 

Hi
guys! She greeted, smiling much too brilliantly. She didnt dare glance
at Darien at all. They returned her greeting as she stood there. She managed
to squeeze in next to Mina and Lita. She could feel a slightly building
tension between her and Darien of which no one but Mina seemed aware.

Darien
suddenly got up; he couldnt help glancing at her. She wasnt looking at
him. In fact, it was plainly obvious she was making it a point not to.
He wished he could tell her but knew that if he did the guilt he was feeling
would be overwhelming. It was much easier to know she was angry than if
she were obviously depressed or forgiving. He couldnt stand it if she
forgave him. Nothing would feel worse.

Serena
could feel his eyes on her. She knew he wasnt really staring but she could
feel his presence down to her very bones and it was very unnerving. She
was suddenly feeling very queasy and wished hes just go away instead of
standing there bullshitting up a reason to get away from her.

I
have to go now, he said hurriedly inventing a good reason. I have to
go talk to my father about something. That Brandi is really beginning to
get on my nerves you know.

Oh
yes, the evil step mother huh? Raye commented.

Not
exactly. The gold digging tramp is closer to the truth. Well Ill see
you guys later. With that he walked out the door.

Is
it just me, or have you guys actually been getting along lately? Amy asked
Serena.

Yeah,
I know Lita added. I wouldnt call it getting along but you guys arent
arguing with each other! I miss the arguments! Those were so much more
amusing than this silent treatment. What happened?

Nothing
happened, Serena lied. She seemed to be doing that a lot of that lately.
I just decided he wasnt worth arguing with and I guess he agreed, she
said nonchalantly.

So
you guys just agreed to ignore each others presence? Raye asked incredulously.
She hadnt believed it was possible for the two to agree on anything.

Well
at least theyre agreeing on something. Amy pointed out.

All
through their little conversation Mina said nothing, amazed at the display
Serena was putting on for her friends. She could hardly believe this was
the same girl shed known for so long. Serena was lying and doing a good
job of it. She wondered how long shed been carrying this on.

She
was both worried about and annoyed with Serena. Her outburst two nights
ago had shocked her to the core. Everything she thought shed known about
Serena had come into question. 

Shed
always assumed that Serena shared her romantic notions about love and sex.
Shed even assumed that Serena would wait until shed married or at least
been in a serious, loving relationship. Shed been shocked when shed caught
Serena and Darien together in bed but shed naturally assumed that they
had some secret romance. 

The
last thing in the world shed expected to hear from Serenas lips was the
declaration that whatever had occurred between her and Darien had been
nothing but sex. That was something you heard on a soap opera not from
the lips of your best friend. Serena had obviously changed and Mina wasnt
sure she liked this new Serena.

Serena
noticed that Mina hadnt said anything. She had an idea what she was thinking.
For what seemed like the hundredth time, she had been lying again and Mina
knew it. 

Serena
felt very ashamed of herself. She desperately needed to explain to Mina
the mess shed made of her life. She just needed to get her alone. 



Serena
knocked on the front door of Minas condo. The large building had only
four luxury apartments, very similar to Dariens, but a bit larger. Minas
gorgeous, older brother Mark answered door and let her in. 

Hello,
Serena greeted. I didnt realize you were home! 

Just
visiting for a little while, he replied. Minas upstairs, why dont you
head up. 

Thanks.
Serena said. Mark was almost ten years older than Mina and lived and worked
in Osaka as an architect. He had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as
his sister and the build of a professional athlete. He occasionally came
to visit the place he still called home. He must have missed having his
mother asking him when he and his girlfriend Allie were going to tie the
knot. 

Serena
headed up to minas room. She had gone home before heading over here to
avoid any questions the other girls might have had.

She
loved Minas place, although it was definitely not the greatest place for
teenagers to hang out. Minas mother, an interior decorator, had decorated
it with impeccable style and subtle wealth. Serena and Minas fathers worked
together at TIC together but chose completely different modes of living.
Kenji enjoyed a low profiled family life whereas Jonathon Aino preferred
a high profile fast paced lifestyle. Both he and his wife were almost always
busy which left Mina to do almost anything she wanted.

Serena
rapped gently on Minas door. 

Come
in.

She
pushed open the door and went in. At Minas behest her mother had painted
her room a warm golden yellow. Everything in the room including the pile
of clothing in the middle of the floor that matched up with the one Serena
had in her own, seemed to be touched by sunlight.

Surprisingly
Mina was doing her homework on her bed with her TV on. 

Hi,
Mina.

Hi,
What are you doing here? She had been expecting her brother not Serena. 

I
just think you deserve an explanation after what happened on Tuesday.Mina
said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

What
happened between Darien and me is That wasnt a good start; she paused.What
Im trying to say is, I lied. It wasnt just sex.

Well
you seem to be doing a lot of that lately, Mina said, instantly regretting
it.

Thats
not fair, Mina. Serena said quietly. Why dont I start from the beginning?

Im
sorry Serena, I didnt mean that.

We
both seem to be saying things we dont mean, Serena said giving a tiny
smile.

Serena
began her long story and by the time she finished, she was in tears. She
hadnt meant to cry, she just couldnt help herself. 

Im
sorry Serena, Mina said, hugging her friend. I guess I was a bit judgmental.
I didnt mean to be, I was worried. I guess I thought... 

I
had turned into a slut overnight? Serena finished her sentence for her.
I worried about the same thing too. Serena said, smiling wryly through
her tears.

So
now what are you going to do?

What
do you mean?

You
love him dont you?

Yeah,
but what difference does it make its not like he wants me. Its over Mina.
I made a mistake and now I have to move on.

I
just dont think Darien is that type of guy Serena. I cant see him using
you like that purposefully. It just doesnt make any sense. He had to have
felt something for you in the first place!

Um
Mina, you need to cut down on your romance novel intake! Sex and love just
arent the same thing. Darien didnt make love to me because he was in
love, Mina. He made love to me because sailor suits are transparent when
wet!

Mina
turned red. Serena was being very blunt. Oh!

Sorry,
Serena said, realizing shed embarrassed Mina. She had to admit, it was
a relief to finally be able to tell someone what had happened.

Are
they really that transparent? Mina whispered curiously.

Mina!
Serena rebuked, before the two fell to giggling.



Serena
spent the weekend hanging out with her friends as usual. She felt so much
more relaxed now that she had let out her painful secret to someone. The
hurt didnt stop however. Inside she was as miserable as the moment hed
hurt her.

Over
the next two or so weeks, she saw him occasionally. They even battled youma
together. It was strange how theyd gone from loud, disruptive arguing
to this wall of silence. It was as though in the eyes of each other they
didnt exist.

Darien
however, was painfully aware of her presence. Hed have preferred arguing
to this thick silence. It was hard to be around her and not want to touch
her. It seemed every day they were apart she grew more beautiful. She had
a glow on her face that he saw in no one elses. Every thought he had about
her, sounded like sentimental drivel. 

He
was beginning to regret having let her go. How could have he been so selfish?
He had hurt her to save his own pathetic ass from a paranoid fear of what
everyone else would think and how much trouble it could cause them.

He
had spent much time arguing with himself over the matter and boring Andrew
to death with his questions of whether or not he had been right to let
her go. He sometimes managed to convince himself that it was the right
thing to do; he was much too old for her. It would have been a strange
relationship of which no one would approve. Besides, she seemed to be quite
happy without him.

Sometimes,
especially at night he felt so alone. He thought he could hear someone
crying. He even felt tears on his face but there were never any. 

He
felt like an ass and he certainly deserved a kick in it.



Is
there anyway we can hurt him? Beryl asked.

Unfortunately
no; not for now anyway. If we ever get enough energy together we can repossess
Artemis and Lunas body and give him a few scratches. 

I
cant believe you thought this loser was a perfect match for Serena!

Oh
shut up Bea! I didnt hear you complaining before. Not to mention, this
entire thing is your fault!

My
fault! Beryl screeched indignantly. This was your idea!

It
was not my idea to put them up in a hotel so Prince Darien could
make a valiant attempt to rescue my daughter! Serenity yelled shrilly.

Well
I didnt see you coming up with a better idea!  Beryl screamed
back. I help you out, and this is the thanks I get! You wanted them together
and I got them together! Its not my fault that they couldnt keep their
pants on and it sure as hell isnt my fault the prince you
chose
for your daughter doesnt know a good thing when he sees it!

Serenity
turned and glared at Beryl. Then she did something she had ever done in
life. She growled, a low, menacing sound that made Beryl take a step back.
She then raised her hand, snapped her fingers and disappeared to a place
where annoying siblings just didnt exist a small island in the south
pacific.



Serenas
eyes were drooping again. Her head was about to hit the desk at any moment.
When her Biology teacher saw the two blonde balls atop her head sinking
below the head of the person before her he said her name rather loudly,
snapping her out of her dream world. She didnt even know why she was so
tired, not that this boring lecture was helping any.

She
hadnt had a good morning. She had woken up to find that if she didnt
hurry she would be late again, something shed had a recurrence of lately,
having improved over the last year. She had rushed through breakfast and
was about to fly out the door when she felt the sudden urge to puke. And
she did; she lost everything shed eaten. That would be the last time she
tried to break the speed of light with her eating habits. Shed also had
a minor recurrence of Klutziness when she arrived at school and had tripped
over a shoelace into the classroom.

Ms.
Tsukino! Mr. Yamamoto yelled. Am I boring you?

No,
no of course not, Serena replied hurriedly. There was just something
interesting on my desk. I had to take a closer look.

Her
comment set the class giggling and Serena breathed a sigh of relief as
he rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the chalkboard.

Tomorrow
well begin the chapter on reproductive biology, so I suggest you read
Chapters eleven through fourteen for our next class. Well be discussing
both human and amphibian fetal developments so dont forget to read. Class
dismissed.

Serena
was happy it was over. This was her last class of the day. A few minutes
longer and she might have been drooling all over the desk. She wasnt looking
forward to reading these chapters on reproductive biology. There was nothing
interesting about science, absolutely nothing. Shed have time to read
the chapters in detention.



Serena
flipped through the pages of the biology book not really reading. She just
wanted to see the pictures. She came across a diagram of a half section
of a pregnant woman.

She
began reading the text next to it becoming more nervous as she read. The
book was describing the symptoms of pregnancy, the missing period, sensitive
breasts, emotional instability, nausea, fatigue and weepiness. All of which
shed been experiencing recently. She considered the idea for a while but
fearfully decided she was just being paranoid.

Still,
she couldnt get the thought out of her head. It just wasnt possible that
she could be pregnant. It was ridiculous. She shut the book harshly, unwilling
to subject herself to the idea anymore. She was not pregnant, and thats
all there was to it.

She
was amazed the thought hadnt come to her before. Shed had unprotected
sex with Darien on two occasions it certainly was a possibility. It wasnt
one she even wanted to consider however.



Still
worried, Serena made her way home. She slumped down on her bed with the
intention of taking a nap but she still had this vision of herself in her
mind with a protruding stomach. She rolled over and laid her hands on her
flat stomach. What if she was pregnant? What would she do? Her parents
would kill her! What had she gotten herself into now?

She
had to know. It would be a relief to prove to herself that there wasnt
a small child growing in her womb at the moment; a child whose father didnt
want her and most likely wouldnt want any child she carried. Serena found
herself running over to Minas again. She couldnt do this alone.

When
she got to Minas Mina opened the door at Serenas persistent ringing.
Seeing the panicked look on Serenas face, Mina went into panic mode.

Whats
the matter? She asked, grabbing Serenas shoulders.

Serena
glanced around to make sure no one else was around. I think I might be
pregnant. I need to take this test Serena pulled a box out of her bag.
When she had gone to the pharmacy, the woman had given her this condescending
look that had made Serena feel guilty and even more nervous. 

You
what! Mina exclaimed loudly. 

I
was reading my biology book and I have all the symptoms and I think I might
be pregnant so I bought this test but I didnt want to take it at home
because my moms there and youre the only one who knows so I came here
and can you please help me I cant be pregnant my parents will kill me!
Serena gasped for breath at the end of her panicked statement.

Slow
down Serena! Lets go to my room.

Mina,
Serena began nervously. What if Im pregnant?

I
dont know Serena. Lets just take one thing at a time. She hugged her
friend and then removed the test from the box and began reading the directions.

Ten
minutes later the two girls were staring at the test. Minas eyes went
wide and Serena went into a panic.

It
cant be right, lets do it again! Serena said apprehensively. She pulled
out a second box.

Serena!
We did the test right. There is a big plus sign right there, she said
pointing to the test. You should skip the next test and go to the doctor.

But
I cant be pregnant Mina! I still kiss my parents goodnight!

Serena
please calm down! Serena took a deep breath to calm her hysterics.

Mina,
Serena began calmly. How am I going to tell my parents, all four of them,
that Im going to have a baby?

Serena
were not sure yet, Mina said not even believing her own words. We could
have done the test wrong.

No
we didnt. Everything points to the fact that Im pregnant and I suppose
I have been pregnant since the first time Darien and IOh God! Darien! 

Serena
sank her head into her hands and began crying as Mina attempted to calm
her. 

This
wouldnt be so bad if I at least knew that he cared! She mumbled.

Serena
ran up the stairs without saying hello to her parents who had long since
returned home and had been wondering where shed disappeared to without
calling. Shed run most of the way home and out of breath she now threw
herself down on her bed and cried her eyes out. Life was definitely set
against her.

She
wanted to hate him so much and yet she couldnt. It had seemed so easy
to do just a few weeks ago. Now all she felt was anger, as much towards
him as towards herself. She was nave to have believed that he was
different from any of the other men in the world, who for centuries had
used and abused women. 

Even
her own father used women for his own pleasure and then walked away as
if nothing he did held any consequences. How else did the man have three
daughters with three different women; at least those were the ones they
were aware of. She wondered if she had any other siblings out there. 

How
could she have been so stupid? She sneered at the thought of how shed
gotten all dressed up and gone over there like a little hussy. Shed let
him use her and toss her aside like she was some kind of slut. Maybe I
am she said to herself.

Sweetheart?
Ikuko called outside Serenas bedroom door.

Whats
the matter? Can I come in?

Just
leave me alone! Serena yelled. I dont want to talk to you or anyone
else! 

She
knew it was unfair to take her anger out on her mother, but she couldnt
seem to help herself. Her mother, having been a teenage girl once, understood
however, and was prepared to let her be. 

Do
you want me to bring up dinner?

No!
Im not hungry. It was a lie. She was starving. She just didnt want to
have to talk to anyone. She cried herself to sleep.

Hours
later in the middle of the night, she woke up to find her hunger had not
abated and was at the point where it was almost overwhelming. She got out
of bed, making an effort not to wake Luna, who had at some point had come
through the window and curled up at her feet.She
made her way down the stairs to the kitchen where she spent a good hour
indulging in cookies and ice cream and a good fifteen minutes later feeling
nauseous. 

She
spent the rest of the night awake, unable to go back to sleep, having cried
herself into exhaustion earlier. She sat down in front of the TV watching
the images without really seeing. Her eyes finally closed as the sun rose.
Her mother found her asleep on the couch that morning, took pity on her
and let her sleep until late morning; missing one day of school wouldnt
kill her.



Lita
and Amy were worried when Serena didnt show up for school. When they got
together at Rayes temple she still did not show up. They called her house
but got no answer. 

Secretly
Mina wondered if she had spent the entire night with Darien and had been
too tired to go to school. She was very sorry shed promised to keep their
secret. She desperately wanted to let the cat out of the bag.



Serena
was happy her mother had allowed her to stay home. She wasnt really in
the mood for schoolwork anyway, not that she ever was. When shed woken
up, her mother had insisted they go shopping an obvious but winning attempt
to cheer her up. At some point she knew her mother would have to ask the
question. She just hadnt expected the question to be: So, whos the
guy?

Serena
had just about choked on the ice cream shed been eating as they walked
through the mall. She had been expecting the question since theyd stopped
by the ice cream shop to satisfy her craving but that was not the question
she had expected. She had been anticipating the usual whats wrong? or
whats been bothering you lately. She could at least pass half of that
off to PMS and teen angst.

What
makes you think theres a guy? Serena asked uneasily. Her mother couldnt
possibly know!

Oh
come on Serena! Im your mother. I think I know when theres a guy involved.

Does
motherhood endow you with some kind of psychic power? Serena asked half
joking. 

I
cant tell you that! Serenas mother gasped, pretending to be shocked
at the suggestion. The secret motherhood society would have my head if
I ever told you such a thing! Thats something you will have to discover
when you have a child of your own.

Serena
found herself giggling at her mothers antics. She always knew how to make
her feel better. 

So
whos the lucky young man? Her mother asked.

Id
rather not talk about him Mom. I wont be seeing him again anyway. Serena
said. She wished she could get off this topic. She didnt want to talk
about Darien or think about him.

He
hurt you really badly didnt he? Serena merely nodded.

First
loves are always the worst. But dont worry sweetheart, Ikuko said pulling
her only daughter close to her, youll get over it and look back on this
one day with fondness.

Was
daddy your first love? Serena asked, grasping at the opportunity to steer
the conversation away from her.

Which
one? Ikuko asked playfully?

Well
that just answers my question right there. Serena replied cynically.

Actually
my first love was a guy named, Marco de la Cruz.

Spanish?

Portuguese.

He
was a year older than me and his family had just moved to California. Naturally
my father hated him. Eventually he moved away and we broke up.

Has
there ever been a guy you liked that grandpa liked?

Ikuko
pretended to think for a moment before answering. 

No.
He had two daughters and he swore he would protect them from the male scourge.
I thought he would have a heart attack when I told him I was getting married.
Hes a lot like Kenji. I bet if you ever brought a guy home hed start
shining those swords hanging on the living room wall.

Well
he doesnt have to worry now. I think Ill be staying away from guys for
a while!

Im
sure your father would be happy to hear that. 



Darien,
if you dont tell me what the hells wrong with you, I swear Im going
to beat it out of you, Andrew growled. For the second day in a row Darien
was behaving very strangely. Since hed come in, he hadnt said a word.
Hed not done anything but stare at the mocha cappuccino Andrew had placed
before him.

Im
a selfish bastard and a pervert!

Pervert?

Amazing
how you just skip the selfish bastard part and just jump right to pervert!
Darien commented, smiling wryly.

Well
the first part I knew, but this pervert thing is a new one for me, Andrew
responded, grinning one of his brilliant white-toothed smiles.

I
love having friends! It certainly saves me the trouble of making enemies.

Well
as your best friend, I demand you tell me whats going on!

Darien
sighed and gave in to Andrews demands. 

Have
you ever done something that you knew was so wrong but felt so very right?

Well
I once had two beers, thee vodka martinis and a half bottle of root beer
schnapps and it felt very right until I woke up the next morning. Looking
at Dariens raised eyebrows Andrew decided to amend that. I doubt thats
the kind of indulgence youre referring to.

Actually
I was referring to something a bit more controversial, more specifically,
one very, very sexy, absolutely beautiful and much to young teenage girl.

What!
Darien what are you talking about?

Have
you ever been attracted to someone much younger than you?

Yeah.
I had a thing for Serena for a while but I decided that that wouldnt be
a good idea. Dariens eyes opened wide in shock! He wasnt even aware
that his mouth was hanging open.

Andrew
seeing Dariens shocked expression rolled his eyes and decided to explain. 

You
know Darien, just because you dont like her doesnt mean no one else does.
I mean youd have to be blind not to see that she is absolutely gorgeous!

Darien
could hardly believe his ears. 

Do
you regret not asking her out? Darien asked, curious as to whether Andrew
still had feelings for her.

Well
I still find her attractive, but it was just a crush, one that has been
over for a while. 

So
whos this teenage dreamboat of yours?

You
wont believe me. Darien stated simply.

Try
me.

Ok,
but you wont believe me.

Just
tell me damn it!

Its
Serena. Andrew stared at Darien blankly for a good long while.

I
know youre kidding. You cant possibly expect me to believe that you asked
Serena out!

I
didnt ask her out, Andrew. Darien said quietly.

Then
what do you mean? Im not sure I understand.

We
kind of skipped the whole date scenario and jumped to the honeymoon.

Andrew
was speechless. It would have been rather difficult to speak anyway with
his jaws hanging that widely. 

And
therein lies my dilemma.

Holy
shit!

Calm
down drama queen! Darien snapped. Theyre kids around.

Let
me get this straight: you and Serena in bed together; no yelling no insults,
no one screaming bloody murder? The world is ending isnt it? This is a
goddamn miracle!

Darien
rolled his eyes. 

There
may have been screaming but it wasnt bloody murder! Darien said, smiling
wryly. Well now I think I made a huge mistake and told her I couldnt
see her anymore and I didnt even get a chance to tell her why. Now, she
hates me and were both miserable. Were back to where we started except
this time she really means it. 

I
cant apologize to her because every time I see herwell I cant seem to
keep my hands off her. It dont think its a particularly good idea to
try apologizing anyway, shes only sixteen and Im way too old for her
and I think I am so far guilty of two counts of statutory rape. I rejected
her in order to save my own ass.

Wow!
Andrew was all Andrew could say. He was still shocked at the idea of the
two mortal enemies in bed together not to mention the guilt trip Darien
was giving himself over his situation.

I
dont know what to say, Darien. You have gotten yourself into one hell
of a situation. Just a random question, have you ever met Serenas dad? 

Darien
glared at Andrew who was grinning at him mockingly.

Thats
not funny Drew! Darien growled.

Tsukino
has those three katana swords in his living room so you better watch out!
I bet Chandler has one or two weapons of his own. 



Serena
where were you today? Raye asked over the phone. Lita and Amy said you
didnt show up for school are you sick or something?

Something
like that. I had some ice cream last night and got sick and my mom let
me sleep late, Serena half-lied

You
got sick from ice cream! You east the stuff almost every day! 

Yeah,
and I could eat some more right now!

Pig!

Oh
lay off! I went shopping with my mother today though. We had fun.

So
what did you buy?

Nothing
really. We mostly window-shopped.

Am
I understanding that your mother let you stay out of school because you
got a little sick after eating too much ice cream and then took you shopping?

Yup!

Why
cant I be that lucky? Raye groaned.



Serena
knew she didnt want to see him but she knew shed have to get used to
it. If she had any luck maybe he would avoid her instead. It certainly
seemed that way. He hadnt been there for the past three days so she had
managed to keep up her act with her friends.

Shed
had detention today for not paying attention in class so she was on her
way to the arcade on her own. As she walked down the street she remembered
something shed told Mina only two days ago when the other girl had asked
her about her relationship with Darien. Shed still been upset and bitter
and had said the words without meaning them at all.

Mina
had come over to her house and theyd sat together in her room. Mina had
playfully asked how the two lovebirds were and Serena had answered harshly.

Were
not love birds, Mina!

Oh
come on Serena. Admit it you and Darien are very much in love! Its time
you let everyone know about your relationship!


Darien
and I dont have a relationship! We had sex. Thats all there is to it
and quite frankly thats all therell ever be to it!

Mina
had stared at her open-mouthed with shock. Looking back she realized shed
belittled the experience making herself sound like, in her mind, a slut.
She hadnt meant it. It had definitely ended any conversation concerning
Darien.

She
didnt want Mina think less of her. She was supposed to be this graceful,
sweet, honest, and perfect princess and over the last few years she had
improved in many regards. She didnt want Mina thinking that Her Royal
Highness Princess Serenity just randomly slept around as if it were the
most normal thing in the world.

Except
for her random emotional lows, Serena had to admit she was handling this
rather well. None of her friends had any inkling of what had happened to
her and thats how she intended to keep it. Shed seen Darien from a distance
yesterday getting into his car. Shed felt a slight chill of anger at him
but had managed to keep herself in check as she and her friends walked
together.

When
she walked into the arcade she was surprised and unnerved to find Darien
sitting on the edge of a seat by the booth with her friends. She built
up a wall around her emotions and walked over. 

Hi
guys! She greeted, smiling much too brilliantly. She didnt dare glance
at Darien at all. They returned her greeting as she stood there. She managed
to squeeze in next to Mina and Lita. She could feel a slightly building
tension between her and Darien of which no one but Mina seemed aware.

Darien
suddenly got up; he couldnt help glancing at her. She wasnt looking at
him. In fact, it was plainly obvious she was making it a point not to.
He wished he could tell her but knew that if he did the guilt he was feeling
would be overwhelming. It was much easier to know she was angry than if
she were obviously depressed or forgiving. He couldnt stand it if she
forgave him. Nothing would feel worse.

Serena
could feel his eyes on her. She knew he wasnt really staring but she could
feel his presence down to her very bones and it was very unnerving. She
was suddenly feeling very queasy and wished hes just go away instead of
standing there bullshitting up a reason to get away from her.

I
have to go now, he said hurriedly inventing a good reason. I have to
go talk to my father about something. That Brandi is really beginning to
get on my nerves you know.

Oh
yes, the evil step mother huh? Raye commented.

Not
exactly. The gold digging tramp is closer to the truth. Well Ill see
you guys later. With that he walked out the door.

Is
it just me, or have you guys actually been getting along lately? Amy asked
Serena.

Yeah,
I know Lita added. I wouldnt call it getting along but you guys arent
arguing with each other! I miss the arguments! Those were so much more
amusing than this silent treatment. What happened?

Nothing
happened, Serena lied. She seemed to be doing that a lot of that lately.
I just decided he wasnt worth arguing with and I guess he agreed, she
said nonchalantly.

So
you guys just agreed to ignore each others presence? Raye asked incredulously.
She hadnt believed it was possible for the two to agree on anything.

Well
at least theyre agreeing on something. Amy pointed out.

All
through their little conversation Mina said nothing, amazed at the display
Serena was putting on for her friends. She could hardly believe this was
the same girl shed known for so long. Serena was lying and doing a good
job of it. She wondered how long shed been carrying this on.

She
was both worried about and annoyed with Serena. Her outburst two nights
ago had shocked her to the core. Everything she thought shed known about
Serena had come into question. 

Shed
always assumed that Serena shared her romantic notions about love and sex.
Shed even assumed that Serena would wait until shed married or at least
been in a serious, loving relationship. Shed been shocked when shed caught
Serena and Darien together in bed but shed naturally assumed that they
had some secret romance. 

The
last thing in the world shed expected to hear from Serenas lips was the
declaration that whatever had occurred between her and Darien had been
nothing but sex. That was something you heard on a soap opera not from
the lips of your best friend. Serena had obviously changed and Mina wasnt
sure she liked this new Serena.

Serena
noticed that Mina hadnt said anything. She had an idea what she was thinking.
For what seemed like the hundredth time, she had been lying again and Mina
knew it. 

Serena
felt very ashamed of herself. She desperately needed to explain to Mina
the mess shed made of her life. She just needed to get her alone. 



Serena
knocked on the front door of Minas condo. The large building had only
four luxury apartments, very similar to Dariens, but a bit larger. Minas
gorgeous, older brother Mark answered door and let her in. 

Hello,
Serena greeted. I didnt realize you were home! 

Just
visiting for a little while, he replied. Minas upstairs, why dont you
head up. 

Thanks.
Serena said. Mark was almost ten years older than Mina and lived and worked
in Osaka as an architect. He had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as
his sister and the build of a professional athlete. He occasionally came
to visit the place he still called home. He must have missed having his
mother asking him when he and his girlfriend Allie were going to tie the
knot. 

Serena
headed up to minas room. She had gone home before heading over here to
avoid any questions the other girls might have had.

She
loved Minas place, although it was definitely not the greatest place for
teenagers to hang out. Minas mother, an interior decorator, had decorated
it with impeccable style and subtle wealth. Serena and Minas fathers worked
together at TIC together but chose completely different modes of living.
Kenji enjoyed a low profiled family life whereas Jonathon Aino preferred
a high profile fast paced lifestyle. Both he and his wife were almost always
busy which left Mina to do almost anything she wanted.

Serena
rapped gently on Minas door. 

Come
in.

She
pushed open the door and went in. At Minas behest her mother had painted
her room a warm golden yellow. Everything in the room including the pile
of clothing in the middle of the floor that matched up with the one Serena
had in her own, seemed to be touched by sunlight.

Surprisingly
Mina was doing her homework on her bed with her TV on. 

Hi,
Mina.

Hi,
What are you doing here? She had been expecting her brother not Serena. 

I
just think you deserve an explanation after what happened on Tuesday.Mina
said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

What
happened between Darien and me is That wasnt a good start; she paused.What
Im trying to say is, I lied. It wasnt just sex.

Well
you seem to be doing a lot of that lately, Mina said, instantly regretting
it.

Thats
not fair, Mina. Serena said quietly. Why dont I start from the beginning?

Im
sorry Serena, I didnt mean that.

We
both seem to be saying things we dont mean, Serena said giving a tiny
smile.

Serena
began her long story and by the time she finished, she was in tears. She
hadnt meant to cry, she just couldnt help herself. 

Im
sorry Serena, Mina said, hugging her friend. I guess I was a bit judgmental.
I didnt mean to be, I was worried. I guess I thought... 

I
had turned into a slut overnight? Serena finished her sentence for her.
I worried about the same thing too. Serena said, smiling wryly through
her tears.

So
now what are you going to do?

What
do you mean?

You
love him dont you?

Yeah,
but what difference does it make its not like he wants me. Its over Mina.
I made a mistake and now I have to move on.

I
just dont think Darien is that type of guy Serena. I cant see him using
you like that purposefully. It just doesnt make any sense. He had to have
felt something for you in the first place!

Um
Mina, you need to cut down on your romance novel intake! Sex and love just
arent the same thing. Darien didnt make love to me because he was in
love, Mina. He made love to me because sailor suits are transparent when
wet!

Mina
turned red. Serena was being very blunt. Oh!

Sorry,
Serena said, realizing shed embarrassed Mina. She had to admit, it was
a relief to finally be able to tell someone what had happened.

Are
they really that transparent? Mina whispered curiously.

Mina!
Serena rebuked, before the two fell to giggling.



Serena
spent the weekend hanging out with her friends as usual. She felt so much
more relaxed now that she had let out her painful secret to someone. The
hurt didnt stop however. Inside she was as miserable as the moment hed
hurt her.

Over
the next two or so weeks, she saw him occasionally. They even battled youma
together. It was strange how theyd gone from loud, disruptive arguing
to this wall of silence. It was as though in the eyes of each other they
didnt exist.

Darien
however, was painfully aware of her presence. Hed have preferred arguing
to this thick silence. It was hard to be around her and not want to touch
her. It seemed every day they were apart she grew more beautiful. She had
a glow on her face that he saw in no one elses. Every thought he had about
her, sounded like sentimental drivel. 

He
was beginning to regret having let her go. How could have he been so selfish?
He had hurt her to save his own pathetic ass from a paranoid fear of what
everyone else would think and how much trouble it could cause them.

He
had spent much time arguing with himself over the matter and boring Andrew
to death with his questions of whether or not he had been right to let
her go. He sometimes managed to convince himself that it was the right
thing to do; he was much too old for her. It would have been a strange
relationship of which no one would approve. Besides, she seemed to be quite
happy without him.

Sometimes,
especially at night he felt so alone. He thought he could hear someone
crying. He even felt tears on his face but there were never any. 

He
felt like an ass and he certainly deserved a kick in it.



Is
there anyway we can hurt him? Beryl asked.

Unfortunately
no; not for now anyway. If we ever get enough energy together we can repossess
Artemis and Lunas body and give him a few scratches. 

I
cant believe you thought this loser was a perfect match for Serena!

Oh
shut up Bea! I didnt hear you complaining before. Not to mention, this
entire thing is your fault!

My
fault! Beryl screeched indignantly. This was your idea!

It
was not my idea to put them up in a hotel so Prince Darien could
make a valiant attempt to rescue my daughter! Serenity yelled shrilly.

Well
I didnt see you coming up with a better idea!  Beryl screamed
back. I help you out, and this is the thanks I get! You wanted them together
and I got them together! Its not my fault that they couldnt keep their
pants on and it sure as hell isnt my fault the prince you
chose
for your daughter doesnt know a good thing when he sees it!

Serenity
turned and glared at Beryl. Then she did something she had ever done in
life. She growled, a low, menacing sound that made Beryl take a step back.
She then raised her hand, snapped her fingers and disappeared to a place
where annoying siblings just didnt exist a small island in the south
pacific.



Serenas
eyes were drooping again. Her head was about to hit the desk at any moment.
When her Biology teacher saw the two blonde balls atop her head sinking
below the head of the person before her he said her name rather loudly,
snapping her out of her dream world. She didnt even know why she was so
tired, not that this boring lecture was helping any.

She
hadnt had a good morning. She had woken up to find that if she didnt
hurry she would be late again, something shed had a recurrence of lately,
having improved over the last year. She had rushed through breakfast and
was about to fly out the door when she felt the sudden urge to puke. And
she did; she lost everything shed eaten. That would be the last time she
tried to break the speed of light with her eating habits. Shed also had
a minor recurrence of Klutziness when she arrived at school and had tripped
over a shoelace into the classroom.

Ms.
Tsukino! Mr. Yamamoto yelled. Am I boring you?

No,
no of course not, Serena replied hurriedly. There was just something
interesting on my desk. I had to take a closer look.

Her
comment set the class giggling and Serena breathed a sigh of relief as
he rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the chalkboard.

Tomorrow
well begin the chapter on reproductive biology, so I suggest you read
Chapters eleven through fourteen for our next class. Well be discussing
both human and amphibian fetal developments so dont forget to read. Class
dismissed.

Serena
was happy it was over. This was her last class of the day. A few minutes
longer and she might have been drooling all over the desk. She wasnt looking
forward to reading these chapters on reproductive biology. There was nothing
interesting about science, absolutely nothing. Shed have time to read
the chapters in detention.



Serena
flipped through the pages of the biology book not really reading. She just
wanted to see the pictures. She came across a diagram of a half section
of a pregnant woman.

She
began reading the text next to it becoming more nervous as she read. The
book was describing the symptoms of pregnancy, the missing period, sensitive
breasts, emotional instability, nausea, fatigue and weepiness. All of which
shed been experiencing recently. She considered the idea for a while but
fearfully decided she was just being paranoid.

Still,
she couldnt get the thought out of her head. It just wasnt possible that
she could be pregnant. It was ridiculous. She shut the book harshly, unwilling
to subject herself to the idea anymore. She was not pregnant, and thats
all there was to it.

She
was amazed the thought hadnt come to her before. Shed had unprotected
sex with Darien on two occasions it certainly was a possibility. It wasnt
one she even wanted to consider however.



Still
worried, Serena made her way home. She slumped down on her bed with the
intention of taking a nap but she still had this vision of herself in her
mind with a protruding stomach. She rolled over and laid her hands on her
flat stomach. What if she was pregnant? What would she do? Her parents
would kill her! What had she gotten herself into now?

She
had to know. It would be a relief to prove to herself that there wasnt
a small child growing in her womb at the moment; a child whose father didnt
want her and most likely wouldnt want any child she carried. Serena found
herself running over to Minas again. She couldnt do this alone.

When
she got to Minas Mina opened the door at Serenas persistent ringing.
Seeing the panicked look on Serenas face, Mina went into panic mode.

Whats
the matter? She asked, grabbing Serenas shoulders.

Serena
glanced around to make sure no one else was around. I think I might be
pregnant. I need to take this test Serena pulled a box out of her bag.
When she had gone to the pharmacy, the woman had given her this condescending
look that had made Serena feel guilty and even more nervous. 

You
what! Mina exclaimed loudly. 

I
was reading my biology book and I have all the symptoms and I think I might
be pregnant so I bought this test but I didnt want to take it at home
because my moms there and youre the only one who knows so I came here
and can you please help me I cant be pregnant my parents will kill me!
Serena gasped for breath at the end of her panicked statement.

Slow
down Serena! Lets go to my room.

Mina,
Serena began nervously. What if Im pregnant?

I
dont know Serena. Lets just take one thing at a time. She hugged her
friend and then removed the test from the box and began reading the directions.

Ten
minutes later the two girls were staring at the test. Minas eyes went
wide and Serena went into a panic.

It
cant be right, lets do it again! Serena said apprehensively. She pulled
out a second box.

Serena!
We did the test right. There is a big plus sign right there, she said
pointing to the test. You should skip the next test and go to the doctor.

But
I cant be pregnant Mina! I still kiss my parents goodnight!

Serena
please calm down! Serena took a deep breath to calm her hysterics.

Mina,
Serena began calmly. How am I going to tell my parents, all four of them,
that Im going to have a baby?

Serena
were not sure yet, Mina said not even believing her own words. We could
have done the test wrong.

No
we didnt. Everything points to the fact that Im pregnant and I suppose
I have been pregnant since the first time Darien and IOh God! Darien! 

Serena
sank her head into her hands and began crying as Mina attempted to calm
her. 

This
wouldnt be so bad if I at least knew that he cared! She mumbled.






