A Sailormoon Romance


   
   
   
   



Jail Bait
MarshAngel
Part 6


Serena!
Ikuko was beginning to suspect something was seriously wrong with her daughter.
Even for a teenager, these mood swings and sudden upsets of hers were unusual.
It was becoming a common thing for Serena to run up to her room in tears
without explanation. Later she would come down and act as though nothing
had happened and her usual cheery smile would be back on her face.

Although
there were no locks on any of the bedrooms in the house, there was a general
respect for privacy. She was getting tired of her daughters constant mood
swings, however. Just now Serena had come into the house all teary and
was in her room sniffling. She had to know what was wrong; this couldnt
keep happening!

Serena?
Ikuko asked quietly pushing open the door to her daughters bedroom. Her
daughter was sitting on her bed hugging a pillow and staring blankly out
her window, her face stained with tears. 

Serena,
honey, whats the matter?

Im
fine. Serena whispered. Ikuko rolled her eyes. Surely she didnt expect
her to believe that, while she sat on the bed looking like her world had
just ended.

Serena.
I know you cant possibly expect me to believe that. You have to know you
can tell me anything. Whatever is bothering you, Im sure youd feel better
if you talked about it. 

Serena
said nothing for a while. She just continued staring. 

When
she finally said something, Ikuko cold barely hear her. 

Mom,
if I did something really stupid, if I made an enormous mistake, what would
you do?

I
couldnt tell you that, Serena. I cant know what Id do if I dont know
what the situation is, Ikuko replied calmly. Serena, everyone makes mistakes!
No one is in infallible but we learn to deal with our mistakes as best
we can and learn from them. Ikuko wiped her daughters cheeks with her
fingers smiling gently at her. Will you tell me what this mistake is?

Can
you promise not to tell Dad? At least, not for a while. Please?

Serena,
your father and I dont keep secrets.

Please
Mom. This is important. You cant tell him yet.

Ikuko
thought for a moment before promising her daughter to keep her secret. 

I
promise. 

Serena
took a deep breath before beginning her explanation after which her mother
was bound to go into hysterics.

Do
you remember that guy Darien I was telling you about?

Oh
yes, the one who gets on your nerves. Ikuko said.

Uh
yeah. Serena muttered nervously. Well you see we kind of slept together
twice and then he told me that we couldnt see each other anymore and well
we havent spoken in more than two weeks and today I took a pregnancy test
and as it turns out Im pregnant please dont kill me, I feel horrible
enough as it is!. Serena finished her run on sentence. Shed spoken fast
to prevent any interruptions. She didnt look at her mother for fear of
the expression on her face or what shed say.

Ikukos
brain was oscillating between slept together and pregnant. She couldnt
believe the words that had just come from Serenas lips. It was certainly
not anything shed expected to hear from her daughter. She was in complete
shock.

Not
hearing any sounds from her mother, Serena raised her head to see the expression
on her face. Ikuko had a blank stare on her face. She was still incapable
of saying anything. 

Mom?
Please say something, Serena begged, tears streaming down her face again.

II
dont really know what to say Serena. I never thought anything like this
would happen, not to you! 

Im
sorry Mom. I didnt mean to disappoint you. Serena whispered repentantly. 

There
was nothing that IKuko could find to say to her daughter. She couldnt
condemn her for this mistake when Serena was evidence of one of her grander
mistakes. Shed had a short affair with Richard Chandler right before shed
been married, resulting in Serena. Still Serena was only sixteen years
old. She pulled her daughter in for a hug as much out of a sense of mourning
as for support. 

Now
which father were you referring to exactly? Ikuko asked trying to break
the tension in the room.

Serena
giggled a bit, feeling much better having spoken to her mother. 

The
crazy one with the swords in the living room. Serena replied.

Have
you told Darien yet?

No,
Serena replied in a fearful whisper. Im not sure I want to.

He
has a right to know Serena.

I
know. Im angry with him but I love him and I dont want daddy to kill
him if I ever bring him here.

Serena,
Ikuko began reassuringly, well worry about your father later, and you
need to explain this to Darien. Well worry about the rest later; Ill
make an appointment with the doctor tomorrow. Now, why dont you try to
get some sleep and try not to run around so much in the morning, it makes
the morning sickness worse.

Thanks
Mom, Serena said gratefully, hugging her mother.



Serena
walked into the arcade looking around nervously to see if anyone she knew
was around. It was too early for any of her friends to be up except Andrew
who was sitting behind the counter drinking his coffee. There werent many
people around. It seemed it wasnt just she who liked to sleep in on a
Saturday morning. She had been woken up this morning by the nauseating
smell of pancakes. It was strange that the same pancakes she normally adored
had sent her puking to the bathroom.

Shed
been hoping to find Darien here at this time but he wasnt here. She walked
over to the counter to greet Andrew.

Hi
Andrew, She greeted. 

Wow,
Serena is that really you? Youre up before one?

Oh
lay off Andrew, I can get up early if I want to. Andrew gave her a skeptical
look.

Besides,
I couldnt sleep any longer, She added miserably causing Andrew to smile.

So
what brings you here so early in the morning?

Actually,
Serena began slowly, hoping to spare Andrew any shock. Im looking for
Darien. I called his place but he wasnt there. Serena was surprised when
Andrew merely raised his eyebrows but didnt mention it.

Hes
on his way here, I just spoke to him on his cell phone. Why are you looking
for him? Dont tell me you two are secretly friends? Andrew asked smirking.

We
arent friends, secretly, or otherwise, Serena said tersely.

Ouch!
Why do you hate him so much, Serena? Andrew wished he could fix whatever
had happened between Serena and his best friend. He hadnt meddled however.
Dariens reasons were actually pretty logical.

I
dont hate him. I just think hes one of the most deceptive people Ive
ever met and I dont trust him as far as I can throw him and if I could
throw him, I would.

So
that doesnt explain why youre looking for him?

Looking
for whom? Darien asked.

He
had walked into the arcade to find Andrew talking to a blonde girl he had
thought for a moment was Serena. Hed dismissed the thought however, when
he considered that it was too early on a Saturday morning for her to be
up. Besides this girl wasnt wearing meatballs, just a long braid.

You.
Andrew replied.

The
girl turned around to face him and to his surprise, it was Serena.

Serena?
Youre up early! Serena rolled her eyes. 

Occasionally
I do get out of bed before one. 

Youre
looking for me? Darien asked shocked that shed even want to speak with
him at all.

Uh,
yeah. I have to talk to you, alone. Serena said nervously.

Darien
glanced at Andrew questioningly, as if asking if this was his doing. Andrew
merely gave a confounded shrug. Darien guided her over to a corner booth
where they both sat down. Darien was actually somewhat nervous mostly because
he had no idea what she was going to say.

Serenas
palms were sweaty and the queasiness in her stomach was increasing. In
her mind she had been going over the many different ways to begin her speech;
none of the ways seemed right. 

Serena?
Darien asked, concerned. Apparently he wasnt the only nervous one, he
thought to himself as he saw Serena wipe her hands on her jeans for the
second time. She also seemed to be going over something in her mind, a
type of rehearsal for whatever she was about to say.

I
guess I should talk now, right? She said with a tight smile. She took
a deep breath before beginning.

Im
pregnant! Okay that did not come out the way I intended!

What!
Darien muttered in shock. He hadnt heard her say that she was pregnant;
he hadnt.

Youre
not going make me say it again are you? OkIm pregnant, she repeated.

Shed
said it twice, the second time with more assurance. He wasnt hearing things
shed definitely said the word pregnant. He stared at her rather stupidly
for a while.

Darien?
Serena called softly.

IIm
going to be somebodys father?

Serena
nodded. I cant believe Im going to be a mother to a little person.
Serena spoke gently her head hanging down, staring at her hands resting
on the table between them. I know you dont want me in your life so I
dont know if She broke off as she felt his hand on her chin. To her
surprise as he raised her head so she could look at him, he was staring
at her rather intently. She cursed at herself for crying again; damn hormones.

Serena,
I didnt mean to hurt you. I thought I was doing what was best for both
of us when I told you we couldnt see each other anymore. As it turns out,
I think I was just being selfish. What we have together isnt something
your parents or the law really appreciates. Still, I think you should know
that I do love you. I wont walk out on you now, if thats what youre
thinking.

You
love me? Serena asked skeptically.

Yes,
I love you Serena. He whispered.

I
love you too. Serena replied. Darien leaned forward and kissed her gently
on the lips.

Andrew
watched on amazed. The same lips that had spouted some of the most creative
insults hed ever heard pass between two people, were kissing. Luck guy,
Andrew thought. 

Youre
pregnant, Darien stated attempting to apply real meaning to the words
that didnt quite seem to do their situation justice. Im dead meat arent
I?

Serena
nodded. My mom said not to worry about Dad, but I suggest wearing armor
anyway. He doesnt know yet.

What
about your real dad?

Hes
all business, hell probably sue you.

Before
or after he has me charged with statutory rape?

Serenas
eyes widened. She had never considered that. Despite her constant ranting,
Serena had always accepted Darien as a part of their group. Shed never
really considered that he was about five years her senior. What held them
together as a group went beyond the usual. 

You
mean thats why you?

Yeah,
Darien replied ashamed of himself. I guess I figured if I was in jail
we wouldnt have much of a relationship anyway.

Serena
raised her eyebrows in a cynical gesture unwilling to grace Dariens paranoid
nonsense with words. 

What
about your family? Will they care? Serena asked.

Darien
hung his head in defeat. I think my father is going to give me that I
told you so look and insist we get married as soon as possible, and my
mother is going to be happy I finally found someone suitable to my social
standing, Darien finished, rolling his eyes. I think she had some strange
fear I would bring home a girl like Brandi. Shell also be relieved of
the annoyingly painstaking duty of meddling in my life and finding methe
right girl.

Serena
stared at him incredulously. Why would your father say I told you so?

Well,
a few weeks ago, for some strange reason, I was complaining to my mother
about you being the most annoying person Id ever met. Serena gave him
a rather harsh look but said nothing. Naturally she skipped right to the
Chandler section of your name and decided that youd be perfect for me
and then she called my father up who naturally thought that if we ever
got married hed have the perfect opportunity to make a business alliance
with Chandler corp. If we hadnt already known each other my mother would
have found a way to ensure we met through your sisters mother, her friend,
Anika St. Andre, your dads ex-wife.

Im
sorry I asked, Serena muttered. 

What
are you guys doing? Lita asked nervously as she walked over to the booth
where Serena were talking quietly. 

Serena
rolled here eyes. Were talking Lita.

But,
thats impossible! Amy uttered. You guys havent said a single nice,
calm statement to each other since the day you met!

Things
change, Amy, Darien pointed out. 

But
not this! Amy said. Have you two been brainwashed? Amy asked jokingly.

Arent
you the one whos always trying to get us to stop fighting? Darien questioned.

Are
you telling me, I actually succeeded? Amy asked skeptically.

No,
Im afraid you cant take credit for this one Ames, Serena said. This
ones a miracle, divine intervention.

It
would have to be, Lita said. Nothing else could work.

So
what were you guys talking about? Lita questioned the two, looking back
and forth between a suddenly pale Serena and a red-faced Darien.

We
were talking about my family, Darien answered. My Dad thinks I should
marry Serena! Darien said grinning, knowing he would shock Serena and
everyone else.

The
girls eyes widened and they stared back and forth between the two. Serena
suddenly turned an even pastier shade of white.

I
think Im going to throw up! She gasped and shoving Lita out of the way
she rushed for the ladies room.

Serena
doesnt seem to like that idea too much! Lita exclaimed grinning.

Andrew
walked over to the table, curious as to what was the matter with Serena. 

What
just happened? Andrew questioned the three still sitting at the table.

Darien
just announced that his father wants him to marry Serena and she ran to
the bathroom to throw up! Amy replied. Id take that as a hint Darien,
She teased.

Andrew
raised a questioning eyebrow at Darien. Darien returned it with a subtle
look that told Andrew that hed find out all about it later. He was about
to go back to work, when Serena came from the bathroom looking a little
better than she had when shed gone in.

Are
you ok? Andrew asked. 

Yeah
Im fine. I just lost my breakfast but I am so hungry! Can I have a double
cheeseburger with pickles, fries and a chocolate milkshake?

Everyone
stared at her with wide-eyed incredulity.

What?
Serena snapped. Im hungry!

Serena
do you think its wise to eat all that after you just threw up? You could
have a stomach virus! Amy asked.

Im
fine Amy. Stop Worrying! A girls got to eat, you know.

So
says the bottomless pit. Lita commented teasingly.

Hey!
Just because I dont waste food like other people, doesnt make me a bottomless
pit!

Darien
watched on amusedly, smiling unintentionally. He was happy not to be apart
from her anymore. He watched as she laughed and talked with her friends
and suddenly felt shame wash over him. 

He
was ashamed, for not feeling as upset or guilty about impregnating a sixteen-year-old
girl, as he should. She had her whole life before her and hed changed
her life forever. He wondered if shed for a moment considering aborting
their child? He knew the answer to that. She hadnt she wouldnt, no matter
how much easier it could make their lives. Serena cared too much about
life to even consider it.

That
was just one of the things hed felt within her when theyd made love.
In those moments hed known her every hope and dream. Hed fallen in love
with everything about her and everything about her was beautiful. Even
the way she was inhaling the fries Andrew had just placed before her. 

He
was amazed at himself for taking all this so well. He was going to be a
father. In a few months there would be a squealing infant whod eventually
call him Daddy. It was disturbing but somehow natural. In his mind hes
even already decided that he would marry her. He could just imagine the
look on his friends face when he told them he was going to be a father
and a husband. 

Suddenly
there was a low-pitched beeping and Serena groaned as Amy and Lita pulled
out their communicators. Rayes face appeared in the small view screen
at the top of the sick pink plastic communicators.

You
know the drill. Youma at the tower; its a big one. Raye said calmly.

Well
be there soon, Lita replied.

Lets
go guys! Lita said.

Im
not done yet, Serena grumbled over a fry. 

Come
on, Lita said grabbing her arm and pulling her out of the booth.

Actually,
Lita. Serenas not going, Darien said.

Im
not? Serena asked, surprised. 

She
isnt? Amy and Lita asked at the same time.

No,
shes not. Serena isnt feeling very well today are you Serena?

Suddenly
remembering the tiny child inside her, Serena sat down. 

No,
Im not, Serena agreed. She definitely didnt want any harm to come to
her baby even if she couldnt feel him or her just yet.

Shell
feel much better once shes transformed, Amy informed.

No,
I wont. This is ahdifferent.

Amy
and Lita looked at her rather skeptically until Darien filled in.

Im
sure we can handle it on our own guys, Darien said. We dont have time
to talk about this. They gave in and left Serena by herself to finish
her food.

Where
did everyone go Serena? Andrew asked.

Oh,
they had a little emergency. Serena replied nonchalantly as she took a
bite out of her burger.

And
you didnt go with them? Andrew asked, with an unbelieving expression
on his face.

No.
Im hungry. Serena replied and continued chewing.

Andrew
shook his head and returned to work. He knew some very strange people!




I told her this would work! Beryl muttered out loud to herself. Wait
till she finds out the Prince and Princess are about to become Mommy and
Daddy. If I werent already dead Id write my will!



Serena
finally took the last step up to the shrine feeling awfully tired by the
time she was done. If they werent here, shed kill them just because she
had to climb all those stairs for no reason.She
dragged herself over to the entrance of the temple and too tired to lift
her feet, she tripped over the steps and found herself falling into Rayes
room.

She
never hit the floor as she felt herself landing in a pair of strong arms. 

You
know meatball head, if you keep tripping over yourself like that youre
going to seriously damage something! Darien commented teasingly.

The
girls, who were sitting around the room, waited for her to blow but were
shocked when she was now standing on her own and still calm.

Are
you always going to call me that, Darien? Serena asked sweetly.

For
as long as I can get away with it, he replied smiling.

Hmmm,
was all she said. All the girls stared at the two, their jaws hanging open.
Wasnt that smile the same one shed given Dave when she was flirting with
him?

So
Serena, what happened to Sailor Moon today? Raye asked crossly as Serena
took a seat next to Darien. Theyd just gotten back to the temple after
the battle. Amy had twisted her ankle a bit and was still in her Scout
form to speed up the healing process. 

She
wont be appearing for a while. Serena answered calmly. Mina glanced at
Serena, realizing with some surprise, what her friend was doing. Obviously
she had worked things out with Darien.

What
are you talking about now, Meatball, Raye asked tersely.

Well
as much as I hate depriving Mina of the opportunity for good gossip, Id
rather skip over the details shed be bound to give, Serena began, causing
some color to rise to both Darien and Minas cheeks. Darien was so cute
when he was embarrassed.

Sailor
Moon wont be appearing for a long while because Im pregnant. The room
was silent as all except Mina and Darien stared at Serena in shock.

Did
you just say you were pregnant? Amy asked, still running Serenas words
through her mind. Serena nodded.

But
you dont even have a boyfriend! Raye said. Whos the father?

I
am! Darien spoke up.

Ok,
now I know youre joking! Raye said. You almost had me there. 

When
the serious expression remained on Darien and Serenas faces and they saw
him move in closer to her, Lita, Raye, and Amy realized the two were serious. 

I
think theyre serious guys, Lita muttered, completely shocked out of her
mind.

They
cant be. Raye announced. That would mean theyd actually have to sleep
together! Serena blushed and Darien gave a sly smile. Raye was slowly
realizing that they really werent kidding. Had she been anyone else, Raye
swore she might have passed out. Instead she just stared at them blankly.

You
knew? Amy asked Mina. Mina nodded, smiling sheepishly.

And
you didnt tell us? Lita screeched. You knew these two were doing the
hanky panky in secret and you kept it to yourself!

They
made me! Mina defended. I didnt know she was pregnant, nor for that
matter did she, until yesterday!

Just
how pregnant are you Serena? Amy asked curiously.

Just
a little. Serena replied jokingly.

Serena!
Amy uttered.

A
little more than a month, She answered seriously.

This
is unbelievable! Lita muttered. And I thought you guys hated each other!

I
guess it is a miracle! Amy proclaimed.



Why
is there a limo outside your house Serena? Darien asked as they got out
of his car. He was already nervous enough as things were. Hed forgone
the armor for a casual suit. If he couldnt protect himself he might as
well make an attempt to impress. 

I
dont know, Serena replied worriedly. 

They
walked into the house to find it filled with people.

Serena!
a loud voice squealed. A dark-haired girl flung herself into Serenas arms.

Rena!
Serena gasped. What are you doing here? Serena asked her younger sister
Irene. As she looked around she realized most of her family were in her
living room. 

Daddy!
She ran over to her father, Richard, and gave him a hug; she then gave
another hug to her very pregnant stepmother and then bent to pick up her
excited little sister Catherine. 

The
tiny blonde Cherub, looked a lot like Serena. She had big blue eyes, golden
curls and the most adorable pink cheeks. She looked like a life-sized doll. 

Kat!
Serena squealed twirling the little girl around, as she giggled excitedly.

Darien
watched Serena and her family. He could easily imagine their own child
replacing Catherine in Serenas arms. Looking around at the two large men,
who were Serenas fathers (an odd thing to say), he was suddenly very,
very nervous. It was going to be a long evening.

What
are you guys doing here? Serena asked excitedly, completely forgetting
Darien and why he was there.

Celine
just got it into her head that she wanted to pay you a surprise visit,
Richard said pointing to his wife.

Whos
your friend, Serena?Irene asked
her sister, drawing attention to the gorgeous guy standing beside her.
Serena suddenly remembered her purpose and became very flustered. She managed
a decent introduction.

Mom,
Dad, Celine, Dad, Irene, Catherine, this is Darien, she introduced, my
boyfriend, she finished in a whisper.

Darien
found himself shaking a lot of hands, including that of the toddler in
Serenas arms. At least two of those handshakes had been rather painful,
accompanied by intense glares. And to think they hadnt even heard their
wonderful news yet, Darien thought.

To
Dariens great dismay, while Serena and Irene helped Ikuko with dinner
and Celine and Catherine attempted to fight jetlag by taking a nap upstairs,
Darien found himself alone with two very protective fathers.

So
how long have you been secretly dating my daughter young man? Kenji
demanded. The man certainly had a way of getting directly to the point.
He began to answer nervously under the intense gaze of the two fathers.

Approximately
a month sir, Darien replied, his voice sounding more confident than he
felt. He eyed the swords above the mantel nervously. I have no intention
of bringing harm to your daughter sir, except for impregnating her and
making her go through the horrors of child birth before the age of eighteen
he added to himself. 

Whatever
gave you the idea that we assumed youd hurt her? Richard asked. Of course
if you did

Darien
gulped. That unfinished sentence left his mind open to many possibilities.
The axe dream came rushing back to him. 

I
was just saying that just in case you thought Darien had no idea what
he was trying to say.

Kenji,
Richard, I hope youre not trying to intimidate this young man, Ikuko
interrupted, much to Dariens relief. Why dont you come help us in the
kitchen Darien? You men can intimidate and interrogate some other time.



He
is so cute! Irene giggled.

Serena
smiled. This slightly younger, giggling, dark-haired version of herself
made her feel so old when she considered all the things Irene didnt have
to deal with. Irene went to a boarding school in France where there were
no youma, no Sailor Scouts and no boys. 

How
long have you been going out?

Uhwe
havent exactly gone out per say.

I
dont understand. I thought you said he was your

He
is, I guess. Serena broke in. We just havent gone out.

Ok.
Then?

You
know what Rena, I might as well tell you now before you hear it later,
just try not to freak out on me.

Ok,
Irene agreed, already concerned. 

Im
having his baby!

Youre
what! Irene yelled, just as Serena slapped her hand over her mouth. 

I
told you not to freak out!

How
am I not to freak out? Irene began hurriedly in French. You just said
youre going to have baby with some guy you havent even been out on a
date with!! How long have you even known this guy? 

Long
enough to know I love him! I spent two years arguing with him. Believe
me I know him.

You
havent told them yet have you? Irene asked referring to their parents.

I
told mom. I brought him here so we could tell Kenji and it looks like Ill
be saving myself that third explanation now that Dads here.

I
so do not envy you?

Serena
sighed and continued tossing the salad, one of the few things she was actually
capable of in the kitchen.

How
old is he? He looks older than you.

Thats
because hes twenty-two, Serena replied. Irene balked.

Youre
in for it!

I
know. I wonder if hes still alive out there?



So
what exactly do you do Darien, apart from impregnating sixteen year old
girls on a whim? Ikuko added to herself? She had to admit she was somewhat
angry at Darien. He was after all a grown man. He should have been more
responsible than this. She had known twenty-two year old men however, and
she had to admit that they were not that much more mature than teenage
boys.

I
work for the University computer center, just dont tell my father, but
Im also a full time student.

Your
father?

Yes,
Michael Chiba of Chiba Tech. He wants me to go into the computer business
with him.

What
do you want to do?

Im
majoring in geology and botanical science. I want to work on the mars terra
forming project.

Youre
very ambitious.

Its
one of the few things I have in common with my father.

And
Serena? How do she and this baby fit into your life?

I
dont know yet. Its all very new to me, Darien replied truthfully. Im
only sure that I want them with me.

Well,
I suggest you come up with a plan pretty soon. I guarantee that the two
men I just rescued you from are going to want to know the details. Ikuko
didnt mean to be blunt but he needed to know that this was not going to
be easy.



At
dinner, Darien was relieved to find himself seated between Serena and her
mother. The dinner table had been expanded to include all their guests.
Darien was amazed to find how well Richard and Kenji got along. Personally,
if his fiance had had a child with another man he wouldnt have
forgiven her. Then again if his teenaged daughter got pregnant by a man
five years her senior hed probably try to kill him. He certainly hoped
Kenji was as forgiving of him.

Dinner
went relatively well, his interrogation was rather limited. A few questions
had been tossed his way that were uncomfortable, but in the end little
had come of them. By the end of dinner however both men were eyeing him
with suspicion. He had a feeling it had something to do with him being
in college, still they hadnt asked his ageyet.

Suddenly,
as he was beginning to settle a bit the question came.

What
year of college are you in Darien? Mr. Tsukino asked.

Im
a senior sir, Darien answered as confidently as he could manage. 

That
would make you? Richard asked, leaving the question open for Darien to
fill in the blanks.

Twenty-two,
sir. There was a sudden silence at the table and Serena easily recognized
the clenching of her fathers jaw that had nothing to do with his chewing. 

As
dinner came to a close, Serena grew more nervous. She felt her stomach
do a belly flop after the table was cleared.

Irene,
why dont you take your sister upstairs to wash up. Sammy go with them.

But
mom, Sammy complained. He wanted to watch TV but the look on his mothers
face told him there would be no arguing. Irene wanted to stay and see what
happened but she decided shed let Serena explain later.



Serenas
parents sat in the living room waiting for her to say something as she
and Darien sat across from them. Richard and Kenji both suspected bad news
when they saw Serena nervously slip her hands into Dariens. She cleared
her throat before she began speaking.

Darien
and I have some important news. She didnt bother addressing any of them
by name; that would have been rather confusing. Were going to have a
baby. Her voice shook as she said it and the nervousness she was feeling
increased ten-fold as she waited for a reaction. Darien squeezed her hand,
feeling it shake.

Mr.
Tsukino

Dont
say a word! Richard interrupted tersely. Darien gulped but remained silent. 

The
entire room fell so still that the only sound was the loud ticking of the
clock on the wall. Darien suddenly felt as though it was counting down
to the moment the axe fell on his neck. 

I
suppose this is what you meant when you said youd never do anything to
hurt my daughter? I suppose you think by knocking her up before shes even
had the chance to finish high school is doing her a favor! Richard yelled
angrily.

Serena,
youre coming with me when I leave. This bastard can find some other young
girl to knock up after you leave. Richard snapped at her.

What!
Serena screamed. Im not leaving!

Yes
you are! I suggest you start packing your things.

Im
not going anywhere with you! Do you think you can just come here and demand
that I do exactly as you say when you want it? Im not your employee; Im
your daughter.

And
as my daughter you are my responsibility. You will do as I say.

No
I wont! Serena screamed. This is my life and my baby and Ill be damned
if I let you ruin it.

Serena,
no ones trying to ruin your life. Ikuko intervened trying to calm the
situation.

We
dont have to, Kenji said angrily. Chiba here, seems to be doing a damn
fine job all by himself!

Darien
was unnerved by all the yelling in both English and Japanese. He was beginning
to wish hed never set foot in this house. Chances are he had ruined
Serenas life. He didnt even have any solid plans for their life ahead
of them. Their relationship would begin the hard way, with a third person
being introduced before they even had the chance to really talk and get
to know each other. He knew he loved her but was it enough?

I
love your daughter, Mr. Chandler. I can promise you Ill do whatever
it takes to give her the best life I possibly can.

You
wont be giving her a damn thing! Just who the hell do you think you are
waltzing into this house with some pathetic drivel about love and a whole
bunch of useless promises? Is that what you think it takes to raise a family?
Kenji yelled.

Look,
Mr. Tsukino, Darien said beginning to get angry, Id bet my trust fund
that you didnt have any idea just what the hell you were doing when Serena
was born! Ill bet you screwed up many times, but she turned out just fine.
Id appreciate it if youd give me a chance to raise my child, make my
own mistakes with the woman I love. If you cant understand that then I
cant see how God saw it fit to give you a child to raise!

Darien
could stand no more. He turned his back and showed himself out the front
door. 

I
hate you both! Serena yelled angrily at both men before storming out the
door after Darien.



Darien
sat in his car, his head on the wheel. He heard the passenger door open
and Serena got in. 

Well
that went about as well I expected. Serena said quietly. Maybe a bit
better; the sword are still where they were.

Yes,
and my heads still attached, Darien added. He even managed a small smile.
Her presence was already making him feel better. She slipped her small
hand into his.

We
really dont know anything about raising children, Serena said seriously.

Well
learn.

Well
have to. There isnt much choice in the matter is there?

No.
I guess not. Im sorry Serena; you shouldnt have to deal with this now.
You havent even finished high school yet.

Its
not all your fault you know.

Im
older I should have known better.

Maybe,
but if I could go back and do it all over I still would.

Stay
with me? Darien asked.

Always,
but not tonight. I need to go back inside before Im disowned. She kissed
him goodnight before walking back into what she was now visualizing as
the mouth of hell.



I
could hear you guys screaming from up here! Whats happened? Irene whispered.
While the rest of her family had gone back to the hotel, Irene had stayed
with her sister in her room.

Well,
Dad threatened to take me to back to San Francisco with him, Darien stormed
out, and I told them I hate them both. Serena said calmly, watching as
her sisters eyes went wide. 

And?
Irene asked wanting more details.

Im
moving in with Darien, at least thats what I want to do. Dad insists he
wont, and I quote, allow me to marry some delinquent pedophile whose
only concern is where hell stick his prick next. Hes still considering
a lawsuit, but hopefully hell calm down by tomorrow morning. I seriously
doubt it though; Kenji has threatened to maim Darien if he so much as touches
my person and I think he just sprouted ten gray hairs.Mom
has a migraine and Celine burst into tears at which Dad snapped at me about
how all this nonsense Ive gotten myself into is putting undue strain on
the mother of my future siblings. 

The
deal I managed to get with Moms help, is that, I can move in with Darien
as long as I have a private tutor and agree to finish high school. I now
have control over the expense account of my trust fund. Dad, for his own
benefit to keep him from looking like he just lost his argument, has informed
me hell be watching Dariens every move.

Oh
my God! Arent you scared? I mean youre going to have a baby!
I
have never been more scared in my life!


 
 




