RIVALS – Chapter 2
By: R.Umali
roc1@access1.net
PG13

Thanks to all that have mailed me and given me the confidence to
write more.  It is to you (diep tran, Diana and another person that did 
not leave their name) that I dedicate this chapter to.  Thanks again 
and let me know if you like it and keep the feedbacks coming.  Lotts a 
love…

* In Tokyo
Darien walked the street of Tokyo headed for the parking structure that 
housed his emerald green Mercedes. It wasn’t a bad walk; he always 
enjoyed the time of fresh air before entering his over worked office.  
The structure was a building that was built to suite business men and 
women a like.  He would even arrive early with his assistants to have 
coffee on the lobby level of the structure, which is the entrance to 
the building.  The lobby was set up like a café, It was a place where 
you can find the business elites having coffee in the morning and 
buried in deep conversation.  Yet it was also a meeting place for 
mistress and lovers.  

Slowly walking down the street wondering eyes set on the handsome man 
with a bouquet of flowers in his strong hands.  Women drooled and 
stared dreamily at his sight wishing that they were the ones to receive 
the beautiful blossoms.

Enjoying the peaceful drive to his grandparents house he was entrance 
by the beautiful country scenery.  It was so much different than of the 
city life that he woke up to every morning.  Listening to a familiar 
childhood song, he can clearly remember the first time he traveled to 
these parts of the country….

~ Flashback ~
He was only 10 years old, when he first traveled along what used to be 
dirt road.  He was in the back seat of a luxurious car staring at every 
thing in sight.  The driver of the car was a fairly aged man with a 
black and gray uniform with a driver’s hat.  His gloved hands 
maneuvered the steering wheel while he concentrated on the road in 
front of him.  The man who looked at his rearview mirror took note of 
the frightened young Darien. 
“So how old are you” the man asked trying to break the silence.
“I’m 10 years old Sir.” said young Darien somewhat hesitant
“Oh, you don’t have to call me Sir.  My name is Lucas,” he said with a 
smile that is clearly seen on the rearview mirror.  It was that same 
smile that assured Darien that everything was going to be alright and 
that there was nothing to be afraid of.
“Nice to meet you Lucas, my name is Darien” he replied.
“So your finally going to meet your grandparents?  Aren’t you excited?” 
asked Lucas
“Sort of kind of” young Darien replied while looking at the long 
winding road “My aunt…, I mean Jean never talked about them much.”  
Lucas winced at that name; he hated her but didn’t want the young one 
to notice.  But all thoughts of her subsided as he looked at the young 
man.
“Well Darien, things have turned for the best and I know you will enjoy 
your time here” Lucas became quiet and still while he turned to the 
long driveway to reveal a large country mansion.  

Lucas have been a part of the Chiba help for many years and knew 
everything about the family.  He grew up befriending Gerald, the son of 
the great great Chiba-san.  Throughout the years the two became friends 
and were quite a pair of mischievous ones.  Happy memories were clearly 
remembered as too of unhappy ones.  Especially the night when young 
Darien who was only 5 at that time disappeared.  He so remembers the 
sad gray cloud that came over the Chiba mansion for years to come.  It 
was an even sadder day when his mother Marla died 3 years later.  
Marla, the young sweet loving mother died from cancer.  She was a 
strong woman and fought the cancer for many years, but the exhaustion 
of keeping hope that her son was alive wore her body from inside and 
out. The cancer which you can literally say, did not kill her but the 
emptiness and the heart break of a mother without her child.  After her 
death his father himself didn’t do too well.  Marla was her husband’s 
strength; she and her son were everything to him.  She was the one that 
gave him the hope that someday they will find their son and all will be 
happy again.  When Marla died, he was literally digging his own grave.  
He resolved to drinking and constantly attempted suicide numerous 
times.  It was Kate Chiba his mother that gave him the light of hope 
and strength he needed.  She drilled him about finding his son and that 
Marla wouldn’t have given up so easy if it weren’t for the cancer.  She 
ruffly told him that if he wanted Marla back, then he would need to 
find his son, for within his son is Marla’s heart and soul.  He finally 
straightened himself out and realized his mother was right, he couldn’t 
give up on his son.  It was at lease a year later after his drinking, 
when a letter came in the mail that was addressed to him, It came from 
a familiar name, Jean Adams his ex-girlfriend.  He was standing out on 
the porch as he opened the letter, eager to know why she is contacting 
him after all these years.  As he opened the letter a picture fell out, 
curiously picking it up his eyes became sharp as he stared at an all to 
familiar face.  Young Chiba’s legs were about to give way when he 
quickly held on to a column to carry his weight.  Chills ran through 
his body as he stared at a little boy with his same blue eyes.  Looking 
at the picture he can see a great resemblance to his wife, he 
automatically knew that this little boy smiling for the camera was his 
son.  Young Chiba screamed to the top of his lungs for his mother.  The 
yell was so loud and fierce that everyone in the mansion came out 
including Lucas and his father who was playing chess inside.
“What’s the matter?” asked his mother.  Young Chiba gave his mother the 
photo, she gasp and fell to the ground sobbing.  Lucas and Gerald came 
to view and helped Kate up to her feet then carried her over to the 
patio chairs.  Both mother and son were pale and could not speak.  Now 
a crowd was among them, maids, gardeners and others stared at them for 
answers.
“What’s the matter, Why do you two look like you’ve seen a ghost?” 
asked Gerald worriedly.
Kate now sobbing harder and without word handed the photo to her 
husband.  He took the picture and with the same reaction as both of his 
family members, fell when he stared into the infamous Chiba eyes on the 
picture he was holding.  Lucas now lost as ever took the picture from 
Gerald’s hand.  His mouth opened wide to the little boy on the picture.  
It was a complete resemblance of the young Chiba when he was a little 
boy.
“Who.. Who sent this?” asked Kate staring at her son. Her son who 
finally managed to read the letter was red, his hands were balled up in 
a fist and anger stirred all over his body.  
“Jean Adams” he said without emotion “remember, a long time ago before 
I married Marla I dated a woman by the name Jean?” he said while 
looking at his mother.  Lucas now helped Gerald get into a chair next 
to Kate and took a seat himself.  He might not have fallen at first 
glance of the photo but he can feel his knees giving way.
“Yes, the tall brunette with a unwilling attitude” said Gerald.  Gerald 
remembered her as a possessive and erratic girlfriend.  He was so 
relieved when his son broke up with her and fell madly in love with the 
innocent Marla Daniels.
“Here read this” handing the letter to his father and reading it out 
loud.

D. Chiba,
	By now you have probably seen the photo, he is a handsome young 
man, much like his father and much like his mother too.  I know you’re 
asking and looking for an explanation and I will do so much as try to 
explain.
	It wall started when things ended between us, I never felt so 
betrayed in my life.  You were suppose to be mine but yet Marla stole 
you away from me, or so I thought.  I always told myself that you would 
return and things would be better.  But years past and you were still 
so much in love with Marla.  I was jealous and envious of her, she had 
everything and that included you.  Then the heart breaking news of your 
engagement raved in the morning paper.  Announcing that the ‘Chiba’s 
and the Daniel’s will be united on the 11 of August’.  I was so crushed 
that I cursed the Chiba’s and the Daniel’s for ruining my life.  
Two years I dealt with the pain of losing the one man I loved.  
Then another blow came when a proud announcement regarding the handsome 
couple. ‘The Chiba’s and the Daniel’s would like to announce a new 
addition to the family” was all I can read before tears rapidly 
engulfed my eyes.  Jealousy and envy sweaped all over my body once 
more, all I kept thinking about was ‘I was suppose to have his baby’.  
With that, evil crossed my mind and I was so determined to get revenge 
and satisfaction.  
For five years I planned and planned to what I was to do.  
Finally that day came, it was just after his fifth birthday when I went 
into his room while all of you slept.  I quietly picked the sleeping 
angel and climbed down his window were a car waited.  For the few years 
I had the satisfaction of watching your families drain their energy of 
finding the lost little Chiba.
	I moved away in search for a place to keep my secret and there I 
sort of took a liking to the little angel.  I acted and treated him as 
if he was my own.  I wanted so much to be his mother, but that failed 
when I would see a grave resemblance of his mother whom I desperately 
hated.  Then with a husband, a baby of my own and a two in half years 
later I realized what I did.  My realization came one morning when I 
went to my daughters room to check up on her and she was no where in 
sight.  I searched for hours and hours before my husband came home with 
our daughter in his arms.  While searching for her I realized that this 
must have been how you all felt.  The sense of fear, lost emotions, and 
anger swelled through my head.  I was lost without my daughter and this 
was only in hours time but you had years of greivence.  How could I 
have done such a horrible thing as to take away a parents pride and 
joy.  It was then, I realized that I had to reunite him with you and 
your family.	
I know that your family will never forgive me for what I have 
done.  Your family went through so much pain and suffering all because 
of my selfishness.  Now, even though its been years, I can only try to 
do what’s right.  I will try to set things right and send him back to 
where he rightfully belongs.  On Friday the 20th of August, I will board 
Darien on a plane to Minatoku.  From there I assume someone will pick 
him up and bring him to the country.  I have told Darien all that has 
occurred and as expected resented everything I did from that day 
fourth.  He dispises me and only stare at me with hate which I can 
clearly understand.
I would like to more than have the authorities do away with me 
and repremend me to what I have done.  But I cannot turn myself in and 
leave my family, we want to make a new start and forget about what I 
have done.  That is why Darien will be boarding the plane alone.   I 
will end this now for you have been told the truth and no longer need 
other painful explinations.  I can only apologize for not realizing 
sooner and reunited the boy with his mother.

									Jean Adams

Silence fell amongst the family and the crowd of help that has 
encircled them.  They can only stare with tears in everyone’s eyes as 
they waited for the response of the family.  They all were there when 
Darien came home from the hospital and were there when he was abducted.
“I cant believe it.. My grandson is coming home” Kate said in tears.  
She looked at her son who is staring at the photo.
“My son.. My son mama.. He’s coming home…” he said as he fell on his 
knees.
* End of flashback from Lucas

“That’s my Grandparents home?” the young Darien asked breaking Lucas’s 
thoughts of the past.
“Yes… yes it is, its also your home now too” Lucas said with a smile 
larger than the one before.  He watched as Darien’s eyes grew and a 
smile formed on his face.  As they drove closer to the mansion he can 
see three figures by the entrance, they seem to be waiting for someone.  
Both tall suited men stood along side of the small woman.  The tall 
suited man on the left was heavyly built and had his arms wrapped 
around a woman looking to be his age. The woman was in a white floral 
dress that adorned her small petite figure.  The other man that stood 
on the other side of the woman was younger but he was tall and a 
complete replica of the other.
“Who are those people?”  he asked curiously while pointing at them.
“The tall man on the left is Gerald Chiba and the woman is Kate Chiba.  
Your grandparents” Lucas happily replied.
“My grandparents..” he said almost whisperingly “who is that other 
man?”
“Yes, Darien.  Those are your grandparents, they’ve been wanting to see 
you again for quite some time”  said Lucas trying to ignore the last 
question, he wanted the family to formally introduce themselves and 
that was to include his father.  The car finally came to a stop and 
young Darien just stared at the three while Lucas stepped outside.  
Darien heard them talking a little about some one being scared and he 
assumed it was about him.  Lucas finally came to his side and opened 
the door.  Darien slowly jumped out of the car to walk towards the 
three.  He stopped a couple of feet away where he can see and register 
their faces.  The man with an arm around the woman who was now in tears 
was smiling.
“Hello Darien” said the woman in her soft voice.
“Hi”
“My name is Kate” she said slowly trying not to shock the boy.
“Umm.. Hi Kate” as he stared at the woman still in tears “I 
thought…umm… I thought Lucas said that you are my grandmother?” All 
eyes turned to Lucas who just gave them a smile and a shrug of the 
shoulders.
“Yes, I am” said Kate worried about the reaction she might get from the 
young Darien.
“Then can I…I call you grandma, I.. like that better than Kate”  Darien 
said with pleading eyes.  All eyes and smiles were one Darien as he 
waited for her response.  Kate now on her knees stared at him 
“Of course you can sweetheart, I like that better too” she said while 
holding her arms out.  Darien who was looking at the ground looked up 
and saw the invitation for a hug.  He ran up to her and engulfed 
himself in her arms.  She cried small sobs until a large hand touched 
her.  They broke the embrace and she turned to her right to the older 
man.
“Darien this is your Grandfather, Gerald.”  She said wiping away her 
tears.
“Hello young man, it’s so nice to finally see you again” he said with 
tears forming in his eyes “and you can call me grandpa”.  He picked up 
his grandson and gave him a huge hug.  After the embrace Darien turned 
to the one man that has not been introduced.  The tall young one that 
deeply resembles his grandfather, he is tall, handsome looking and has 
a very familiar set of blue eyes. Darien couldn’t help but wonder if he 
has seen those eyes before.  Silence grew as the young boy stared at 
the tall man with tears in his eyes.  He was studying every feature on 
him including the blue eyes.  Finally the silence was broken
“Umm..why are you crying?” asked Darien who was still in his 
grandfathers arms.  The tall man was still staring at him in joy.
“Did I say something wrong to make you cry? are you hurt?” a small 
voice asked but little did he know that those tears that were streaming 
down the tall mans eyes were not tears of pain but tears of joy.
“No.. Im just happy that’s all” said the strong but quivering voice.  
Darien turned to his grandfather and asked to be put down.  Once he was 
on the ground he walked slowly towards the crying man.
“My name is Darien, what’s your’s” he said confidently as he looked up 
at him.  Darien can feel and sense that this person is a relative but 
who was he.  He watch as the tall man looked at his grandparents and 
suddenly stooped down to be hieght with the small Darien.
“Darien, that’s a wonderful name” the man said while staring at young 
Darien and wiping his tears away.
“Thank you!  What’s your name?” he asked anxiously.
“My name is Darien too” the tall man said.  At this point all was 
quiet, both Dariens were staring at each other not knowing what type of 
reaction would happen. Darien stared at the tall man.
“Jea.. Jean the lady that took me said that I was named after my 
father” the small one said as he looked up at the man in front of him.  
The older Darien couldn’t help but smile to what he said.  He was 
actually thankful that Jean even mentioned him.  He couldn’t say 
anything, every bone in his body froze.
“Could.. Could that mean that you’re my father?” he asked questioningly 
and turning away just a little bit to see his grandparents.  The 
grandparents stood there holding each other with tears in their eyes.  
Little Darien now turned back to the older man stooping before him.  A 
small smile crept on the Tall man’s face and nodded.
“Yes Darien, I am your father” he said happily but afraid that the 
young one would deny him after all the years of separation.  He looked 
into the young boys eyes to try to conjure what he was feeling and 
before he even noticed a slight tear forming, young Darien leapt from 
his position to the arms of his father.  The force was so strong that 
it knocked both of them to the ground but neither Dariens cared.  
Everyone’s eyes were focused on the father and son.
Neither acknowlegeing the presence around, they sat there hugging each 
other.  Tears were in both his grandparents eyes as well as Lucas.  The 
house hold helpers also came out to see what all the comotion was about 
and squeeled in glee to see the father and son on the ground.
“Finally” Mrs. Young said one of the helps sighed out loud “finally our 
young Darien’s back” said the now sobbing older woman wearing a maids 
uniform.
~ End of Darien’s Flashback ~

Darien was now at the end of the driveway at his grandparents home.  He 
could see his grandmother sitting on the porch waiting for him.  He 
stops his green Mercedes, picks up the two bouquet of flowers on the 
passenger seat and steps out of the car.
“Hello, grandma..” he said smilingly as he walked towards his 
grandmother and giving her on of the flowers and a huge hug.
“Hello sweetheart” she said returning the hug while tears form in her 
eyes.  Kate still has a problem in keeping her emotions in every time 
she sees Darien.
“Where’s grandpa and Lucas” looking around he asks.
“Oh their out in the back playing chess again.  Come on lets go 
interrupt” she said taking his arm and walked around the porch.  The 
Chiba property has been untouched by modern civilization.  It still 
holds its serene atmosphere and beauty.  Lush green trees, shrubs and 
foliage surround the mansion and the fresh fragrant smell of fresh cut 
grass filtered through the air.  As they walked towards the back, 
Darien saw many familiar faces, faces that helped the family throughout 
the years.
“Hello young Darien” said an old lady with a maid’s uniform on.
“Hello Mrs. Young.  How are you doing?” he asked and giving her a hug 
at the same time.  Mrs. Young was his nanny when he was growing up.
“Oh just great now that you’re here.  We prepared your favorite meal 
for you and It should be ready in a few minutes” she said as she 
leaves.  As she walked off she notices a few new young helps staring 
behind the corner of the mansion.  Young ladies that have a good eye 
for handsome men, Most of the ladies have never met Darien for they 
have only been here for a short time.  They’ve only seen him by photo’s 
or paintings that scatter all over the mansion and wonder when they 
will meet the handsome Chiba-san  
“Girls…” the old lady said giving them a smile.
“I know the scene over there is handsome, but you wouldn’t want to look 
desperate” she said funnily while watching the girls regain their 
posture and leaving.  She laughed quietly and thought to herself  ‘its 
going to be a long and wasteful day”.  She new that the young help 
around here will not get any work done with young Chiba around.
 
“So my grandson is finally here” Gerald said while getting up and 
giving his grandson a hug.  
“Hello grandpa” he said with a smile and returning the hug.  Once the 
hug ended, Darien turned to Lucas.
“Lucas, my paternal grandfather” he said laughingly as he gives him a 
hug.  “How are you doing?  Beat grandpa yet?” he asked.
“Never” Gerald replied “Its been 10 years since he’s beaten me”.  
“No.. I have not” Lucas said while winking at Darien. “your grandfather 
is just so good at this game”.
“Maybe youll give up Lucas” Darien said with a small laugh.  Knowing 
too well that Lucas always lets him win.
“Me give up.. Nahhh. Ive still got at lease 10 more years in this body.  
If I have too, Ill die beating him.”  Lucas said jokingly.
“Come on you three” said Kate “Lunch is ready”.  Darien took his 
grandmothers arm and wrapped it around his.  He proceeded to escort his 
grandmother to the made up area under a large oak tree where a nice 
table was prepared.  It was a perfect place for lunch, light cool 
breeze and the water running down the river made it completely 
relaxing.
“So Darien” his grandfather started “how business doing?”  he asked 
curiously.  Darien politely pulled out the chair for his grandmother 
and waited for her to settle before taking a seat himself.
“Well, its okay for now.  But we will see by next week if we have 
anything to worry about” he said calmly, even though he was edgy about 
the subject.
“Are you worried about something honey?” asked his grandmother.
“No.. not at all”  he said disguesing his edgyness.  “So how’s are 
things going?”  he said trying to change the subject.
“Oh just fine, everything is well maintained here, Our helps have been 
great.  Oh by the way Honey, a few of my friends grandchildren would 
like to meet you.  They’ve seen your picture and is very much 
interested” she said happily.  Knowing too well what his grandmother 
was trying to get, all he could do was smile.  Grandmother was always 
trying to play cupid, She is so eager to set him up with someone.
“Grandma, Im not looking for anyone right now” he replied as he looked 
at the two men asking for help.  They can only look and smile at the 
same time, giving the impression that he was on his own.
“Darien, your grandfather and I are getting old.  We need someone to 
run around and bid mischievous things to the help around here”  she 
said looking at Darien.
“What your grandmother is trying to say is that we are in desperate 
need of a great grandchild” his grandfather said proudly.  Obviously 
his grandfather was up for this plan too.  Darien looked at Lucas, who 
usually helps him out in situations like this.
“They’re right Darien, I even miss the loud and boisterous sounds that 
you made when you were young” he said smilingly “it would be great to 
experience it again with the new generation of Chiba’s”.  Darien now 
trapped in a corner didn’t know what to say.
“Guys, Im still young and have a lot time to get married and have a 
family.  Just not now, Im having too much fun being a bachelor” he said 
to all of them taking a sip of his water.  His grandparents know about 
his playboy life and completely disapproves, for they know what can 
happen to a broken heart.
“Darien, a woman’s heart is something not to be played around with.  
Someone can get hurt or better yet, everyone can get hurt” she said 
with her head down.  He knew what she was thinking, she was thinking 
about Jean Adams and how she had taken revenge of her broken heart.  
Seeing the worried frown on everyone’s face he ***sighed*** and kindly 
gave in.
“Okay, grandma” he said while putting his strong hand on top of hers 
“Ill try harder to find the right girl” he said trying to be sincere.  
With that Mrs. Young and many other helps came with their lunch.  
Darien was so much in a trance about what his grandmother had said that 
he total ignored the ladies serving him.

After a great lunch Darien and his grandmother took a walk towards a 
familiar area.  They walk to the bright orange horizon over a small 
hill.  Descending down the hill, a white picket fence was around two 
stones that embedded themselves on the ground.  The fence is heavily 
decorated  with bright floral arrangements that make the area seem like 
a garden.  They came to the opening of the garden, there two 
beautifully carved marble stones lay next to each other.  They are the 
grave stones of his mother and father.  His fathers headstone was 
plainly decorated with blue and white flowers as of his mothers were 
draped with beautiful red and white roses.  In each stone was a picture 
of his parents.  As he laid the other bouquet of flowers he brought, he 
couldn’t help but stare into his mothers photo, he so much wished that 
he had seen her before she died and thinking about that only brought up 
hatered towards Jean.  He pushed all anger aside and took some purple 
and lavender irises from the ground and placed them if front of her 
grave.  Darien than met his grandmother who was outside the picket 
fence and quietly walked off.

~Tuesday~
Serena woke up to the sun shinning over her body.  She opened her eyes 
and looked at the clock ‘9:00am, I must have been really tired to sleep 
this late and not change into some pajamas’ Serena thought to her self.   
She sat up and stretched her arms as she heard someone knocking on the 
door “Come in”.  Irene came in and smiled at her daughter still in bed.  
She then made her way across the obstacle course (with all the boxes 
and clothes around) while holding a cup of cocoa.  The aroma of the 
sweet cocoa and the sight of her mother made Serena smile.
“I didn’t want to wake you, I know you stayed up late last night” said 
Irene while handing her the cup. 
“Thank You!.” she said taking the cup from her.
“Your father called and said that you didn’t have to come in to the 
office if you didn’t want to and that he took care of Mr. Simon.  I 
think he knew that you would probably be out shopping for things to 
take to your trip,” said Irene.  
“I did write a list of things that I needed.  Mom will you come with 
me” smiled Serena wanting to spend some time with her mother before she 
leaves.  
“Why sure honey.  Ill wait for you down stairs while you get ready” 
said Irene before heading to the door.  
“Mom” said Serena trying to catch her before she exists out the door.  
“Yes dear” Irene turned around and waited for her daughters words.  
“I love you” said Serena with a big smile.  “I love you too Usa”  as 
her mother left with a smile on her face.  ‘Usa…. My mom hasn’t called 
me that in years’ with that thought in mind Serena made her way to the 
bathroom.

“Mom, Im ready” Serena said excitedly walking down the stairs. Serena 
could care less about shopping, she just wanted to spend time with her 
mother.  For all she knew she could go shopping in Tokyo but the time 
with her mother was precious. She was always thankful to the Gods that 
she had such a loving mother for without her she wouldn’t be who she is 
today.  Her father is a great figure in her life too but there is 
something about the mother and daughter bond.  Serena always said to 
herself that she wanted to be just like her mom and in a sense she did.  
Inheriting all the gentle, kindness and beauty from her mother, she had 
her own characteristics that just blended everything all together.  
Finally making it down the stairs she found her mother standing before 
her.  “Ready Usa”, “Yes mommy” said Serena with a child like voice.  
She knew too well that she was going to miss her mother dearly.

It was 7:30 in the evening when Serena and her mother came home. She 
walked up to her room tiredly as she brought up her bags in the room 
and jumped on her bed.  She quietly thought about the time with her 
mother and her best friend Jaq. At first they went from one store in 
the mall to another.  Trying on outfits and laughing out loud when they 
didn’t look right.  They made faces at each other and argued for fun.  
With her mothers young serene beauty, a stranger would of thought they 
were sisters or even best friends.  Serena at one point even dared her 
mom to try on a sexy and revealing leather cat suit outfit at a 
lingerie store.  She was totally stunned when her mother took the cat 
suit out from the rack and headed straight for the dressing room.  When 
she came out, Serena gasp in surprise to see her mom in black leather 
all over, she was even wearing a cat mask that partially covered her 
face.   
“Beauty definitely runs in the family” said a voice behind Serena.  She 
quickly turns around to see her good friend Jaq’.  
“Jaq, it’s so good to see you” said Serena giving him a hug.  
“Like wise Usa.., My Mrs. Tsukino I now know where Serena gets her 
looks” said Jaq circling Irene.  
“Umm.. I…, why thank you Jaq” said Irene blushing like the red negligee 
she stood next too.  Jaq Mason is Serena’s best friend.  When she had 
first moved to New York it was difficult for her to make friends 
because of the language barrier, but Jaq changed all that.  He showed 
Serena around and helped her with everything. He even helped Serena 
with her English and in no time Serena was speaking English and Jaq was 
speaking Japanese.  Their friendship blossomed and became stronger when 
Jaq confided in Serena about his secret, she didn’t do so much as even 
push him away.  To Serena it made there bond stronger, to the fact that 
Jaq can confide in her with such a sensitive subject, she can only love 
him more.  They were so close during high school that her father 
thought that he was Serena’s boy friend.  Irene knowing the situation 
didn’t mind letting Jaq stay over or sleep in Serena’s room.  But her 
father of course was upset to the bone; he didn’t understand why his 
wife would allow a boy to be sleeping in his daughter’s room.  Serena 
and her mother could only laugh when her father comforted Jaq.  

~Flashback~
“Jaq, may I speak to you and Serena in the library” said her father 
demandingly.  They both walked quickly and sat down on the couch, 
sitting closely next to each other.  This now only made Kenji 
uncomfortable.  
“Jaq, if you’re going to date my daughter, there will be rules to 
obey,” said her angry father.  “Date!!!!” Serena and Jaq yelled.  By 
this time Irene decided to join them wanting to see her husbands face 
when he got the news (she winks at both Jaq and Serena).  
“Mr. Tsukino Im… a.. not dating your daughter. You see Im. ”  said Jaq 
before being interrupted by an over protective father. 
 “what!!!!, what do you mean your not seeing my daughter.  You two are 
always together.”  
“Dad let Jaq finish” said Serena trying to hold her laughter in. 
Apparently so was her mom.  
“Mr. Tsukino, I cant like Serena, she’s like a sister to me and besides 
Im not attracted to girls.” said Jaq.  Not knowing what type of 
reaction he was going to receive, he was trying to express himself 
slowly.  
“Huh!!!! What do you mean not attracted to girls?” said a totally 
bewildered father.  
“DAD! Jaq is gay” said Serena smilingly.  Kenji was in total shock; he 
sat back on his chair and stared at Jaq.  He looked up at Irene and saw 
a smile on her face.  
“You know about this?” said Kenji looking at Irene.  She nodded with a 
smile.  “How come you never told me?”, “I did, I told you that you have 
nothing to worry about with Jaq.”  “Yeah but you didn’t tell me he 
was.. was.” 
“Gay” said Jaq finishing his sentence.  
“Yeah.. that” said Kenji.  As silence grew in the room, Serena and Jaq 
was afraid that this sudden surprise might have been too much for her 
father.  After all she didn’t know how her father felt about 
homosexuals.  
“Well, I have to admit that this was a big surprise, but you are always 
welcome to our home” said Kenji breaking the silence. 
“Really” said Jaq.  
“We hold not prejudice over anyone, no matter what they are or who they 
may be” said Kenji assureingly with a smile.

Since then Jaq and Serena have been as close as a brother and sister 
would be.  He got a degree in fashion designing and opened up his 
stores worldwide.  The lingerie store they were in just happens to be 
one of his many chains.  Serena at one point even agreed to pose for 
some pictures modeling his designs, but she felt uncomfortable 
exploiting herself.  Especially since she was barely wearing any 
clothes. Jaq a little frustrated pleaded with her trying to get 
permission to use them for his stores.  He loved Serena’s beauty and 
all his designs were actually inspired by her, so it only fit right 
when he wanted her to model them but to no avail, he only succeeded in 
getting her permission to use them in his private offices and his 
homes.
~ End of Flashback ~

“Jaq, what are you doing here? I thought you were in London promoting 
your designs.”  
“I got done early, so I decided to come back and visit some of my 
stores” said Jaq, now standing in front of Mrs. Tsukino. 
“Mrs. Tsukino would you like to model some of my designs, Since your 
‘daughter’ refuse to go on bill boards” said Jaq sarcastically.  
“Jaq, you’re too much, But I don’t think Mr. Tsukino would like his 
wife on a billboard revealing everything to the public.”  
“I suppose not. Well what about lunch with my favorite girls?” offered 
Jaq.
“Lunch would be great!  But I think mom needs to change, before 
somebody else makes her another offer” said Serena with a laugh.  
During lunch, Serena told Jaq about her transfer to Japan.  He was so 
happy for her and with that he brought them to all his stores on a 50-
mile radius.  In each store, she was able to pick anything to almost 
everything she wanted.  But of course Serena being the modest woman she 
was, only took what she felt are needed. She knew that if she ever 
needed anything, all she had to do was call Jaq, who wouldn’t have a 
problem picking things up for her, he new everything from her shoe size 
to the size of her undergarments.  All of Serena’s evening gowns were 
one of a kind and designed only for her.  That’s what having a famous 
designer for a best friend.  
“Best friends… Oh!.. Jaq, can I get a few items for my friends in 
Tokyo?” “Why sure, go right ahead!”  Not forgetting her best friends in 
Japan, she picked up a few items for them.  Most were lingerie of 
course, matching silk sets of blue, burnished orange, green, red and 
teal.  
“Boy are they going to be surprised.”

End of Chapter 2

Just a little note re: things in the story that you may read.  I am not 
aware of any type of Japanese traditions or even the environment.  I 
completely made up my surroundings and areas of plots.  So if I have 
offended anyone, please forgive me.  I can also ask for help in the 
Japanese formal introductions and such.

Thanks for reading, let me know what you think – roc1@access1.net

Stay tune for Chapter 3