Title-Love and Hate Chapter 9 Author-Tif Email-tg_76@hotmail.com Rated-pg-13 Disturbing Thoughts The next day, when Darien and Serena were on break an uncomfortable silence lay between them as they sat in the lounge, one sipping black coffee while the other was drinking orange juice. Both were deep in thought and trying to deal with their emotions that they felt the night before. The night when he decided to do the stupidest thing…to cause her pain he used the utterly annoying Beryl…out of everyone he had to go and chose her. ******Darien's thought****** *Why? Why did I agree to go out with Beryl yesterday? And why did I said yes to her again after the date was over?* Darien's mind asked. *Because you wanted to hurt Serena you fool!* his heart replied harshly. *You are on big fool! You had a miserable time with Beryl and you pretend that you were actually enjoying it. The whole time you couldn't stop thinking about Serena and how she changed…how she became a beautiful women. *his heart thought causing him unknowingly to smile…but as soon as the smile came it faded into a frown with his next thought *And when it was finally over you had to go and say 'yes' to her when she asked to eat lunch with you today* *You can't blame me…Serena hurt me…it serves her right if she feels the pain I'm feeling. Beside yesterday she didn't see us together…today she will.* Darien's mind argue back. *You are so stupid! Did you not notice the pain in her eyes? Did you not feel your heart tear into two after lunch? Did you not want to put your arms around her and tell her everything is okay?* but before his heart could go on his beeper went off that snapped him out of his thought. *******Serena's thought (this is happening at the same time)******* *How could he do this to me? History is repeating itself twice…this time I don't think my heart can take it. Darien looks like he had a good time yesterday* thought Serena as she quickly glance at him to see him smiling *He's smiling…the smile that he used to give me…the smile that showed how much he loved me…maybe he loves Beryl.* thought Serena as she looked down…she couldn't bring herself to look at Darien anymore…seeing him smile and being happy…but she didn't see the frown that appear after her head went down. *At least someone enjoyed their date…mine after I visited my old friends…after old memories are brought up….seeing everyone happy and content …I was…alone…coming back to my dark and lonely apartment…laying in bed….crying for lost time…..crying for past memories…crying and clutching a stupid ring…Serena….he's doing this to hurt you right? He can't fall for Beryl right?* but before she could go on a beeping noise startled her out of her thoughts. "Nurse Serena, we have to go to section B right now. Breaks over" said Darien as he rushed out the door with Serena following behind. Regrets? The morning passed by soon after Darien's and Serena's morning break was cut short and soon lunch roll by. Both worked in quiet and talked only when necessary. Both were too scared to deal with each other. "I have to congratulate you Doctor Chiba…you have been showing an excellent work. It's amazing how fast you react in the emergency room and how lucky you have been. Never have you not complete an operation successfully. Maybe it's because of the great nurse you got next to you." Said Doctor Matthew as he walked with Darien and Serena to the lunch room. *It's amazing…but I guess top of Harvard guarantees that though* he thought and chuckle. "Yes…I have to admit I got a great nurse with me" Darien said as he looked at the now blushing Serena. *She's beautiful…everything I wanted put into one person. Maybe I should forget about revenge…no one can hurt an angel. But the pains, the regrets, betrayal, it's too much to forgive or forget* "You give me to much credit Doctor Matthew and Doctor Chiba…I'm just a beginner at this but thank you" Serena replied looking at both men but soon she was staring at Darien's deep midnight blue eyes…unable to look away. But not before long a high pitch…and very annoying voice forced them to look away. *His eyes…the one I could lose myself in forever…for eternity. To live with him…but can things ever be the same….can we still be together?* "Oh Darien, I hope you haven't forgot about our lunch date. I saved you a seat" Beryl said as she walked over to them and took Darien's arm. *HA…yes girl look. Darien is MINE!!! Sigh…he is so gorgeous though…* as she smile sweetly at Darien. *Wonder why he keeps looking at his nurse…looks like she's in pain* "Of course I didn't" replied Darien as he gave her a big smile and put his arms around her. *Sorry Serena…it's not like I want to do this but…but I can't forgive you. You need to know how I felt…when you broke my heart* thought Darien as he catches Serena's painful, heart breaking gaze and his heart broke as he continued to smile at Beryl. "I didn't know you two were together," exclaimed Doctor Matthew as he looked from Darien to Beryl. *Beryl??? He chose Beryl??? The utterly annoying one…I wish I could do something about his taste. There is a perfect, beautiful, young lady, and he got her for a nurse and he's giving her up? But in something is really going on with those two….the looks they give ech other…it's so deep. Something is going on…* "Um…excuse me. I think Ami is waiting. See you later Doctor Matthew...Doctor Chiba." Said Serena as she avoided Darien's eyes and walked past him into the cafeteria. *Lunch date? He has a lunch date with her? The ugh…I hate him…let him get stuck with her….how could anyone be so annoying??? And to believe we could save what we still have. HAH…not in this lifetime…you just push it into the I hate you section* Inside the cafeteria… "Hi Serena. What took you so long? Where's Darien?" asked Ami as she saw Serena approach her and Greg. *Something is wrong…and one guess it has to be Darien what is he thinking sometimes….sigh…but it's something they have to handle…we can only help. In a very small way* "He's…he's not eating lunch with us. He has a lunch date with Beryl." Said Serena as she tried to avoid her friend's eyes. *The arrogant guy…sigh but I do deserve it…I wasn't a great girlfriend. Things change…he's not the same one again. He's different. He wasn't the one I fell in love with.* tears threaten to spill… she stopped thinking about the old times and pasted a fake smile. "Oh…Well…um…I don't think anything is going on between them Serena…so you don't need to worry." Ami comforted her hurt friend. "Yeah…Serena don't worry. Darien told me when he got here that he thought all the nurses were annoying. He couldn't be interested in them." Greg said as he tried to comfort Serena. "Apparently, he changed his mind." Serena said as she saw Darien and Beryl walked in laughing. *That's it forget him…not worth your time…forget him….he's not worth it.* but no matter how hard she tried her heart told her otherwise. "But you know what…I don't really care now. His life is none of my business and what he does have nothing to do with me. I don't care. It was over between us six years ago and now we can go our separate ways. So what's there to eat today?" asked Serena as she headed toward the lunch line. *Change subject…forget about him…works perfectly* "Is it over between the two Ami?" asked Greg as he saw Serena's form leave. "I don't think so Greg. I can still see her love for Darien even though he's hurting her now. You know we need to have another meeting. Things are going very bad." Ami replied as she looked into Greg's eyes….sadness and worries were evident in both of their eyes. When Serena came back with her lunch…obviously luck was not on her side and the one and only person that she wished not to be near was behind her in line as she got her lunch. The whole lunch was very bizarre as Serena was extra talkative. Talking about the weather to the latest fashion then from there it was downhill as she started to talk about what socks color she liked. "Is everyone going to get together tonight?" asked Serena as she thought how fun it was to see and talk to her old friends again. It was just like old times except for one missing person who was not present. *Old times…good friends…last a long time….what have I been talking about??? Oh well…change the subject* "Um…sure. How about eight tonight?" asked Ami. She knew their meeting would be over before Serena got there. "Well…I guess lunch is over. I better get going. Bye Ami…Bye Greg see you tonight!" waved Serena as she stood up, walked over to the trash can to deposit her trash, and walked out of the cafeteria. No sign of sadness or bitterness shown on her face only a. artificial smile. Inside her heart was shattered. Another Love Cupid's Meeting… Three weeks had past and every other day the Love Cupids would meet to discuss the progress between Darien and Serena. Things were getting desperate. Now there not nine very eager members to help out their friends but nine very mad, annoyed, and tired members who want to physically knock some sense into Darien. "Has anyone come up with another attempt?" asked the now very tired president…Mina. "I just can't believe those two. Everything we have come up has backfires right into our face. It would have been a lot easier if we used my plan in the beginning" Lita said angrily. "And what was your plan, Lita? Maybe we could use it now, Honey," asked Ken as he tried to calm down Lita's anger. "My plan from the start was to knock both of them unconscious, carry their bodies into a closet, and lock them their until they make up. Isn't that a good idea?" "I agree with Lita. We should have knocked them out. Everything we tried…one of them manages to ruin it. And it's not helping when Beryl is tagging along on every event we come up. Let's see…" a very annoyed Raye said. "Group picnic…annoying Beryl came along" *******Flashback******** On a beautiful Friday afternoon the group set off to have a nice picnic in the countryside. Everyone agreed that they needed a break and even though it was hard to plan, the hardest part was to convince Serena to come along. Of course there was no mention of Darien but all figured that she was smart enough to figure it out. Well…on the Friday afternoon… "Isn't it a beautiful weather?" Mina shouted as she walked towards the grassy area with Andrew holding her hand. "Come on everybody hurry up!" "We're coming," Lita shouted as she dragged Ken and the large picnic basket. "Are you sure you didn't overdue it with the food Lita?" Ken groaned as he continued to hold the very big picnic basket. Behind them Greg and Ami whispered quietly to each other. "Do you think the hospital will need us? What happens if they need us, Greg?" she asked. "Ami, you know there are more doctors. Beside, we finally get a relaxing afternoon off. Try to enjoy it okay, Honey?" Greg asked knowing that his wife worried too much. "You're right, Dear. I'm just worried. But you also know that Darien and Serena took the day off and well we did too. And, well, I'm just worried. Not far behind them walked Seiya with Serena. "Seiya, I'm sorry. I never meant to cause this much trouble for you six years ago. I know I said this six years ago before I left for college but still I feel very bad about it. I was the one that ruined the friendship between you and Darien," she said and looked down afraid to look at him in fear of seeing only accusation. "Serena, the truth is your friendship means a lot to me. I never told you how I felt about you. You were a great friend and I hate to see you depressed," Seiya said as he reached out and tilted her face upward. "You were the light when I got here. You helped me, cheered me up, introduced me to friends, you were the one that changed my life! And I have to admit that all these years that you were gone I missed you, you were like a little sister to me you know?" "Thanks," was the only word she could think of. As she gazed into his eyes she realized that all he said was true and they had a sister and brother bond. "For once you're at a loss for words…only one question Meatball Head," Seiya realizing his mistake asked a question. "What happened to your Meatballs?? I miss them!" he stated but when he saw the tears in her eyes…he knew exactly why. Deciding to change the subject he looked up to see the big picnic blanket and the food set up. "Why don't we go eat? You remember how great Lita cooked and by the size of the basket that Ken was hauling around she cooked a lot." Smiling at his attempt to cheer her up she answered, "let's go eat," and walked towards the large group. Looking up to see Serena approaching them and Seiya following her they couldn't help but wonder what was taking the last person so long. He used to be punctual. After fifteen minutes of eating since some of their friends stomach began to grumble loudly and their attempt to hide it was pathetic…especially since some of their faces turned bright red and their wife's…started to look at them strangely. A relief for their stomach's when Serena's stomach joined the rest and she asked, "Can we eat?" and everyone agree to go ahead and start…maybe they'll leave a couple of chicken bones for Darien. Too bad their peaceful munching and chattering ended when a shrill high pitched voice echoing throughout the area. "Look I smell food, Darien!" Beryl yelled as she grabbed Darien's arms and dragged him to the area. "I hope you don't mind me tagging along. I won't be much trouble just wanted to see his friends. Can you hand me a plate?" she asked and sat down in the empty space while Darien stood up smiling sheepishly. "Hi! How are you guys doing? Sorry I'm late," he apologized but everyone saw he took a quick glance at Serena who apparently was avoiding his stare and looking at Seiya next to her. Sitting down to a now munching Beryl, Lita handed him a plate. Everyone had one thought in mind as they resumed their eating but now a very loud crunching sound came from the corner where Beryl sat…*And she says she's not too much trouble?* they all questioned. And so the rest of the afternoon was spent in chattering and unfortunately the girls were forced to make conversation with the highly irritating Beryl. There goes the peaceful country side picnic. **********End of Flashback******** "One," Chad said. "Going to the beach…annoying and painful Beryl came along" **********Flashback of the Beach******** "The water is nice and cool today!" yelled Lita as the group followed her into the water. "Looks like Darien is late again. I hope he doesn't bring 'the annoying one' again," whispered Andrew as he made his way into the deep water. Just then a loud scream was heard from the girls as they saw a stick stuck above the water making its way towards them. "What is that?" asked Serena, she was answered when the stick stopped near Mina and then a figure popped up. *No not her again,* everyone groaned as they recognized the figure and when the stick person spoke up they confirmed their worst nightmare. *It's her.* "Hi! Hope you don't mind I asked Darien if I could tag along and I won't be a bother. He's changing into his swim trunks," she answered as she saw Darien heading towards them and jumped up waving her arms in the air "DARIEN OVER HERE!!!" the motion of her arm caused the salty water of the beach to splash into everyone's eyes. "My eyes my eyes…I got salt in my eyes," they screamed frantically scrubbing their eyes. *And she's not a bother?* **********End Flashback******* "Two" Chad said "Group movies…guess who came tagging along?" *********Group Movies Flashback********* "This is a great movie, so far all magazines have given it the thumbs up," whispered Ami to Greg. "Yeah I heard it was too…shhhh…the lights are lowering," Serena answered next to her. "Yum….this popcorn is great," she munched. "Let me have some," whispered Seiya sitting next to Serena. "Here," she handed the bucket to Seiya and as she did a hand behind them stuck in the middle and grabbed some popcorn shocking the whole group. Turning around slowly, *No no…not her again…please no,* they thought but when their eyes fell on the two people behind them one munching on the popcorn that she took looking innocently at the screen while the other smilled trying to hold his embarrassment. "Yum…this popcorn is good," Beryl commented as she turned her attention back to the screen. This caused everyone to groan and turn their attention back to the screen. **********End of Group Movies Flashback******** "Three." "Going to the circus, museum, amusement park, theatre, shopping, day in the park, parties, get-togethers, ughhhh, EVERYTHING that was planned a very high pitch annoying…soon going to be dead Beryl tag along. How could Darien choose her? And doesn't she have anything else to do??? I suggest we knock her out while we are at it and dump her at a ditch or something…the world would thank us!" Raye angrily said as she went bright red. "four, five, six, seven, eight…" "WHACK you're not helping Chad!!!" as Andrew playfully hit him. "Do you know who I feel sorry for in all this?" Seiya started "Serena….I feel sorry for her. No matter how many times she says she doesn't care…her eyes give her away. Every time we try to get them together we end up making them get farther apart. Every time she sees him…it's like her heart is breaking again and again. I don't have the heart to do it again…we can't keep setting her up when every time we do she gets hurt. Did you know I saw her by herself crying quietly last time? What is Darien doing anyways? It's so obvious he doesn't like Beryl…the way he would sometime glance at Serena when she isn't looking proves it." *Serena…the one that was always t here for me. My best friend…the light in my life. My little sister always there to make me better.* "I have no idea what is going in that brain of he's sometimes. Everyone can see that when he hurts Serena his eyes show the same pain and longing, but why does he keep on doing it? I've been his friend since childhood yet I can't figure out why?" Greg asked. *Darien, when will you learn that what you're doing is just hurting Serena and you?* "It's very surprising how this doesn't affect their work. I still can't believe Darien has been this lucky…he has not have one unsuccessful operation yet. Can you believe that? I mean…it's very good but it's strange." Ami stated. *It's a miracle…but they do work efficiently with each other* "Let's forget all this for now. Let's talk about Mina's and Andrew's wedding coming up two months from now. How are things going?" asked Lita. *This is too depressing…Serena and Darien. Two of our friend's torn apart. What happened?* "The wedding that's it!" Mina yelled happily. *Wedding! Our wedding. Sigh…I always thought the Serena and Darien would be the first to wed. Their love six years ago was so much, I thought that they will be together but no one could really ever tell the future* "I was planning to have Serena as my bride's maid…Andrew didn't you say that Darien was going to be your best men?" "Yes, he was going to be my best men. I get what you're saying. Darien and Serena would be force to spend some time together without Beryl. There's a whole list of things that we would have to do. This is going to be great." Replied Andrew as happy as Mina. *Things are finally getting somewhere* thought everyone but it was too early to make any judgement. Luck Is Not On Our Side "Finally things are starting to work like it was supposed to one month ago!" Mina said and sighed "I can't believe we let a month passed by and not even once did we manage to get the two together. I don't know about you, Andrew but how in the world could one of them could be busy for an appointment and the other free when they both work together with the SAME schedule!" *How could this not have worked? And why did all of a sudden things come up? Always…one was here and the other was too busy. Too busy to cancel it to be here. And there was no excuse from the both. Why?* Mina strangely. "It's a little frustrating isn't it Love? At least now we manage to get the two together. But I do find it funny how they had known when the other would be here and then only one of them will show up and the other was busy." Andrew said as he put a hand on Mina's shoulder. "The only reason we accomplish that is because they both have to be here to take our wedding pictures. I'm more worried about those two then our wedding! Serena' s been a great friend and I hate to see her so hurt and sad. It's not her being sad all the time…although she does do a good job hiding it." Before Andrew get a chance to comfort Mina, two figure walked…surprisingly together. "Hi Andrew….Mina sorry were late but we just got off work." Darien greeted his friends as he approached them. *My long time best friend is getting married. He looks so happy and content. At least someone managed to accomplish their dream of marrying the girl they love…mine may be hopeless. Now especially, with my pretend Beryl relationship…I'm getting tired of it. Getting tired of hurting Serena and bring her pain. I don't think my heart will let me hurt her again. Everything changed…* "Hi Andrew and Mina. How are things going? I still can't believe you're getting married and you choose me to be your bride's maid. I hope I didn't disappoint you since I didn't make it to some of the appointment" Serena said. *Ten to be exact. I hope I didn't disappoint her…all the time that I had to cancel was strictly business and not because I was trying to avoid the inconsiderate jerk who broke more appointment then me! Why is life so complicated? I wish it would be like when I was in Japan still a little girl with no worries but especially no pains.* *******Flashbacks******* (These are the flashbacks of what happened within the month. It also has some small scenes to why Serena cancelled some of the meetings with Andrew and Mina. Just small scenes don't want to bore you with long ones so if it jumps from place to place try not to get too confused…this is just an explanation and the only person who knows this is Serena.) On the telephone… "Serena can you come today to the Wedding Gown Shop? Darien is going to be there after work and Andrew and me want to you to get fitted for your bride's maid gown," Mina asked on the phone. "Today…today?" thinking deeply if she had an appointment and then remembered "I can't today Mina. Something came up is it okay if I come tomorrow?" she asked. Her long time childhood friends were coming today to visit her for a couple of days. When she moved to the U.S. with her family no matter how hard it was she would always keep in touch with both of them. And then last week she got mail saying that they had married and were planning a honey moon in the U.S.. So naturally they would stop to visit her a couple of days after their honeymoon. *I don't want to tell anyone about this. They specifically told me to keep quiet. I wonder what's wrong though?* That afternoon at the airport… As Serena stood at gate 240C she saw as people hugged and greeted each other. After waiting five minutes two figures started to come forward one was caring a small black suitcase. He was tall with dark brown hair…and still wearing his thick oval shaped glasses. But Serena could tell that Melvin had grown up to be a handsome man. So different from their childhood times when he would tag along with Serena and Molly. The beautiful lady next to him…his wife Molly. She had grown to become a beautiful women not that she wasn't cute when they were small. Her deep short red hair had grown long and she now walked with grace…not like when they were kids and she would trip on a rock...wait that was Serena that tripped. "Molly!" Serena screamed and ran to her long time best friend. "How are you two?" she asked giving them a tight hug causing both to groan and plead for air. "Serena I am so happy to see you!!! Sure getting mail from you everyday is great but it's not like seeing you in person," Molly smiled. "You have changed so much! I missed you." "Serena…Serena are you still having your klutz attacks?" Melvin jokingly asked causing Serena to screech and playfully slap him…while Molly rooted. Some things never changed. That night in Serena' s guest room… "So why don't you want me to tell anyone that you are here?" asked Serena as she sat on bed with Molly and Melvin. "Oh it's really simple. We will only be staying for a couple of days and I really don't want to bother anyone...and you know how I hate making friends and having to say good bye. We decided to stop here before heading back not only so I can see my long time best friend but to offer you something. You tell her, Melvin," Molly said as she smiled brightly. 'Well, you know from the previous letters that I have graduated and became a certified doctor and my lovely beautiful charming," Melvin was about to say more when Molly playfully hit him and told him to get to the point. "Okay, Okay…no need to punch. Like I was saying my beautiful wife is a nurse so I decided to open a clinic in Japan and since I need an experienced nurse I thought that we should ask you. What do you think Serena? Can you come and live in Japan to work for us. I know Molly would be happy and I know that you are the best nurse out there. Besides I remember that you love Japan, I hope nothing has changed that." Everyone was silent for a while until Serena spoke up. "Can you give me some time to think about this? You know that my family is all here and my friends that mean so much to me. I need some time to think about this." "Of course Serena we didn't expect an answer right now. That's why we are staying here a couple of days. But I have a suggestion. Melvin can you leave for a moment? Go cook something up or read…I need to talk to Serena alone for a sec," Molly asked but when Melvin answered girl talk can't I stay Serena laughed as Molly literally threw him out the door and locked it. "And I thought guys weren't suppose to be so nosey," She commented and turned her attention back to Serena. "Serena, remember you wrote to me about Darien?" her friend's teary eyes confirmed it. "Things are hard for you now right? I was going to make a suggestion that instead of planning to live in Japan you could visit it for a month or two and help us out. While there you can decide if you want to stay or not. You know that we will always welcome you. This will give you some time away from Darien…just to let you get your thoughts right. This could also make Darien realize that some things can't be taken for granted. You can't be taken for granted. I don't like seeing you hurt. You are a dear friend to me and I will not stand to see you hurt. No one can take the beautiful bright smile away from you. A sad face just isn't Serena," Molly giggled at the last comment causing Serena to break into a fit of giggles too. "You know you have a point," Serena said when she finally calmed down. "I think a vacation is what I really need right now. But I can't leave until Mina's wedding is done. When would you need me?" "Anytime you decide to leave is fine with me. This is so GREAT!" Molly squealed and hugged Serena. "We can finally get to be together! And don't worry about a thing. Melvin will find an apartment for you to stay in while you stay and work for us. Everything will be prepared when you come!" "Thanks. I don't think I'll tell anyone about this until the last moment… they might convince me to skip the vacation all together." "And now you know why we didn't want to tell anyone…especially your friends they might chase us to the airport for taking you away for a couple of months." She laughed. "What's so funny?" Melvin asked as he poked his head in realizing his mistake when he saw two pillows fly and hit him in the face. "Augh…who was it???" he demanded as he grabbed both pillows and decided to attack head on. Another mistake. Two new pillows went flying, this time surprising him as he tripped and fall. Laughing hysterically the girls ran out of the room leaving a very in pain Melvin on the ground. Days later Serena stood at the airport and waved as her two friends disappeared into the gates. Sighing she turned around and headed outside. *Sigh…I hate good byes. And now I missed another appointment. Hope Mina can understand…wait she can't because I can't even tell her the reason.* Thinking sadly she walked to her car and drove home. After that day she had to cancel a lot more meetings with Mina because she had to get ready for her long vacation. Sighing, the only problem is *Do I stay forever,* she wondered but the owner's voice snapped her back into reality. ********End Flashback******* "Is everyone here Mr. James and Mrs. Very-Soon-To-Be James?" the owner teased Mina. "The boys on the right dressing room the girls on the left." continue the middle age lady. In the Women Dressing Room… "Serena there wasn't a doubt when I chose you to be my bride's maid. In fact, there was never anyone perfect for the role then you. You've been my best friend ever since we met. After six years that you were gone we still kept in touch. I couldn't ask for a better bride's maid or friend then you." Mina said as she put on her wedding dress carefully. "Oh Mina, you're my best friend too" said Serena tearfully "I thought that you made a big mistake when I miss some of the appointments. I really didn't want to but things just came up suddenly…I wish I could tell you the reason but…I can't." Serena came out of the dressing closet, fully dressed in her maid's gown and helped Mina fix her hair. "Does this have anything to do with Darien being the best man?" asked Mina as she put a diamond earring in each of her ears. "To tell you the truth…no it has nothing to do with him. Although I do want to stay away from him as much as possible I would never let this stop me from missing any appointments. It's already bad enough that I have to work next to him every day. Mina, is it hopeless between us? I'm getting really tired of getting hurt. I didn't return here after college to get hurt all over again. Sometimes…sometimes I want to give it all up and leave. I want to find a place far far away from here… away from him." Serena half said half cry. *Maybe some day I will* "Serena…things are not hopeless between the two of you. I know Darien doesn't show it but I can still sense his love for you. If only he wasn't blind by the hurt you caused him six years ago…things will be all right now." "Here I am crying on your wedding picture day…I'm so horrible. And look…now my eyes are swollen and red. Ugggghhh…someone hand me my make-up kit" Serena laughed and soon Mina joined her. "How do I look" Mina asked as she was done putting everything on and was now twirling around. "You make a beautiful bride, Mina. Andrew is one lucky man. How do I look?" asked Serena as she twirl around also. "We are going to knock those to men out." Mina putted an arm around Serena and they proceeded to walk out of the dressing room together. Waiting impatiently for the girls for the last fifteen minute sat two men…one strolling back and forward while the other sat there in the seat…twirling his thumb? "What could take the girl so long….the photographer looks a little impatient" Andrew said as he stop and turn to look at a now slightly sleeping photographer. "How could you tell? His eyes are close. I think he's been through this so many times that he can take a nap…probably already knows that women take their sweet time in getting ready. Especially since Mina will be taking her wedding picture and she would want to look perfect." Darien stopped twirling his thumbs and started annoyingly tap is feet to the marble floor. "Mina…she could look perfect any day…wait unless she was having one of her very bad hair day then…run very fast and hide." Chuckling deeply. "And remember Serena's bad hair day. Haha…her meatballs were…they were lop-sided and…it was too funny. Too bad she doesn't put it up that way anymore." "Serena…" whisper Darien as he saw her and Mina approach them. *She is so beautiful* thought Darien as he looked her up and down. She was beautifully dressed in an enchanting orange spaghetti string dress. The dress flow to her feet where she wore white high heels. Her dress accented all her curves. Two matching barrettes clipped her long blond hair. Two pearl earrings and a pearl necklace finish off her stunning look. Darien was so occupy with looking at Serena that he didn't seem to notice that she was also looking him up and down. *He is so gorgeous…I'll die before I let him know that* thought Serena as she trace every features of Darien and storing it mentally in her memory. Darien was dress in a black tuxedo. It seemed that the tux was too good to be true. It clung to him bringing out his muscular body…ahhh yes….lean chest, great biceps, and ohhh…the list can go on and on. It brought out his endless deep midnight blue eyes giving him a mysterious yet sexy look. Both were a sight for sore eyes. Both also didn't realize the look that other people gave them…being so lost into each other. The now fully awake photographer broke the two intense gaze "Is everyone here? Okay, I want you to stand here and put your arms around her. I'm going to take a picture of the groom, bride, best man, and bride's maid first. Then after that only the bride and groom. Okay? Let's see Mr. James can you put your arms around your bride and Mr. Chiba put your arms around Ms. Tsukino here. Hold it…Click there. Okay…let's try something different." The photographer commanded now fully awake and active. *How does he do it* wondered Andrew as he remember that he was still sleeping when Mina came in and he went over to her to give her a kiss and compliment how beautiful she was. *Look at the perfect best man and bride's maid….I wonder what they are thinking when they hold each other. This is good* thought Mina as she saw Darien smile brightly with a blushing Serena in his arms. *We look like the perfect couple…just like the old times.* Serena and Darien thought as they shifted positions. *The rightful couple…* Too Good To Be True "Doctor Chiba Mina and Andrew called a minute ago and said that after work they want us to meet them at Mina's apartment to rehearse for the big day on Sunday," Serena said in a business like manner hiding the emotion she felt. *Time sure flies by fast when you have so much to do* thought Serena as she realized that her trip was coming up soon and she hasn't even asked about going on a vacation. "Okay. After work we'll both go there. Just two more hours and we can leave. Isn't it lucky of us to not have any unsuccessful operations, Serena? Maybe luck is on my side," Darien said as he walked out of his office. "Yes… I'm really glad that we were able to save everyone's live but it doesn't mean that we won't encounter one." Serena replied following Darien out of his office. "I want to ask you something Doctor Chiba. I was thinking of leaving for one or two months you know like take a break. Do you think there will be a way?" her question shocked him and before he could answer else his beeper went off and he and Serena were rushing to section B2 in the hospital. Two Hours Later… "Doctor Chiba, I'm sorry that this had to be your first unsuccessful operation but it had to happen sooner or later," Doctor Matthew said as he tried to comfort a miserable and tired doctor. "Yes…but did I have to fail when it was a child? I let that child down. It was a kid not even ten yet…and I couldn't save him. Why? Why when it most counted I couldn't save him? What am I going to tell the parents?" *When it most counted I failed…why? The boy was full of life, he would have a future and now everything is gone. I couldn't save him. He would never experience another day of his life…never get to meet new people, go to high school, fall in love…his light is gone forever.* "Darien it's not your fault. You shouldn't blame yourself. It's not your fault," Serena tried to comfort Darien but before she could continue two figures rushed forward and… "How is my son? Could you save him?" asked the father of the child now worn out and tiredness and worries strain his features. "How is my son? I want to know…can I see him now?" sobbed the boy's mother as she looked like she was going to break down. "We are sorry sir but we couldn't save him…It was too late," Darien stuttered out. "You couldn't save my little Steve? He's gone? Nooooo! Nooooo! It can't be true. What kind of doctor are you?" sobbed Steve's mother. She clutched Darien's doctor jacket tightly. "Thanks to you he won't see another day…he won't live to see he's tenth birthday," the father said sternly as he look at Darien with hatred. "Please calm down. Doctor Chiba did his best," Serena said as she calmed the parents down. The mother let go of her hold on Darien's jacket and slide into her husband's arm. Darien seeing that he no longer was being held down ran out of the waiting room and Serena soon follow him leaving Doctor Matthew to calm down the parents and make them understand that this was no one's fault. Outside the hospital and into the park nearby where it once was a special place to Serena and Darien, Serena found Darien face down at their special bench… "Darien are you okay? It wasn't your fault that you couldn't save the boy," Serena said comfortingly yet Darien still remain quiet. "If you are going to take the blame for it then you should include me too. I was there helping you…maybe if I worked faster I could have save him. It's my fault…your not the one to blame," tears spilled through her eyes. "Serena…" Darien whispered lifting his head from his hands and wrapped his arm around her. As he silently cried in her arms while she cried in his arms their love for each other grew. *I miss her so much…I still love her so much,* thought Darien as he now hold a crying Serena his head buried into her hair. "Darien…you know it's not your fault right? You don't blame your self for this right?" asked Serena as she recovered from her tears and now her head lay on his chest sighing deeply. *I miss him…miss his holding me…everything…I love him.* "I know it's not my fault but taking the blame helps the…pain for me. I know it was too good to be true when all these months I have had succeeded but this one should have been successful…yet it wasn't and that's what hurt," Darien mumbled. His head still buried in her golden hair and he inhaled deeply. *Still smells like wild flowers…nothings changed….she's still as beautiful as ever and she could always make me feel better. I can't live without her anymore. First thing on the to do list… break up with the annoying Beryl.* The two lay content in each others embrace for what seemed to be like an eternity before breaking apart and heading to Mina's apartment neither saying any words or emotions. Hi! Sorry this took so long but I had to do a big revising...since my editors and friends that have read this have told me that it went too fast and might be confusing. I hope the stuff that I added will help slow the story down. This is only half of chapter 9 and so I'll be working on the other one soon. I'd like to thank all my friends....they are all very special!!! You know who you are!!! Sniff....they are my confidence!!! And my editors for being patient. Any comments or suggestions email me at tg_76@hotmail.com. And I have a website now so you can also check it out! There are more stories by me there! BYE FOR NOW and email me!!!!!