Darien had dropped her into the lake before she could finish. She came up sputtering and gasping for breath. She looked at Darien and glared at him hard. He just smiled at her and jumped in. A wave came up and splashed Serena. She looked around for Darien and started to get worried when she didn’t see him.
“Darien?! Darien are you all right?! Darien answer me!”
She felt a hand close around her ankle and she let out a little cry when she was pulled under. When she opened her eyes she was string ant Darien’s smiling face. She frowned at him then made a move to go back up to the surface. Darien grabbed her and pulled her back down. She tried to hit him, but the water slowed her arm down. He was laughing at her attempts to escape from him. Finally he let her up to the surface. Serena just glared at Darien then started to swim to the edge on the lake. Again Darien grabbed her then pulled her close to him and whispered into her ear.
“Just where to you think you are going my Juliet?”
“Why far away from you my Romeo.”
He chuckled then dunked her. He pushed her away from him then started splashing her. Serena returned the gesture. Serena didn’t have long to react. She soon found herself responding to the kiss. When they parted and headed to the surface Serena was numb from head to toe. Darien climbed on to the douche then pulled her up too. Serena wrapped her arms around her self and started to shiver.
“I hope you are happy Darien. I’m all wet thanks to you.”
Darien laughed lightly then drew her close and looked into her eyes.
“It was all worth it if I could be close to you.”
A shiver ran through Serena’s body not out of coldness, but of pure joy. Darien pulled off his jacket and wrapped it around Serena. Serena stared at him astonished.
“Darien you’re coat is wet. It is just making me colder.”
A goofy grin appeared on his lips.
“That maybe, but you would have to snuggle closer to me to get warm.” (AN: Ooooohhhhh. Darien you plotting lucky man you. ^_,^ )
Serena punched him in the arm then wrapped her arms around his waste. They walked out of the park and towards Serena’s house.
“I don’t know what my mom I going to say when I walk in there all wet. But I can tell my dad is going to flip out when he sees you so you had better be prepared to run from my house with a middle aged man with a shot gun on your tail.”
Both of them laughed and Darien drew Serena tighter to his side. Serena opened her door and took a deep breath.
“Mom! I’m home!”
“Serena there you are I was just … Oh my what on earth happened to you. You are dripping all over my floor!”
“Sorry mom! Darien and I accidentally fell in the lake. Do you think he could stay for dinner?”
“He most certainly is not sitting on my wood chair with those wet clothes on. My husband would gladly spare you some of his.”
Ken had just came down the stairs when he heard the last part.
“What is going on! Why is this boy in my house dripping wet and WHY are his hands around my daughter!”
“Ken calm down. This is Serena’s friend Darien.”
Ken gave Darien a hard glare. Darien wiggled uncertainly under the older man’s stare.
“Darien why don’t you wait in the living room why Serena changes and I get you some clothes.”
“Thank you ma’am.”
“Don’t mention it, and please call me Ilene.”
Darien strolled into the living room and looked at the family pictures on the mantel of their fire - place.
He felt eyes on him and when he turned around he saw Serena’s dad. He gave him a smile then turned back to the pictures.
“You have a lovely family Sir.”
“Yes, I do. Just what pray tell is going on between you and my daughter.?”
“Umm. We are just friend’s Sir. For now.”
Darien smiled at the glare he got from Ken. Ilene came into the room and handed Darien some clothes.
“This way Darien I’ll show you to the bathroom where you can change.”
“Don’t forget to lock the door we have children in the house.”
Ken mumbled under his breath. He gulped under his wife’s gaze then sat in his chair and pretended to read the newspaper. Darien walked behind Ilene as she led him up stairs to the bathroom. She smiled t him as he shut the door then left. Darien pulled on the clothes as fast as he could manage. When he was through he folded his clothes and walked out of the bathroom. He noticed a door to his left was open so he decided to investigate. He opened the door a little wider and found everything was pink and there was a bunch of Bunny stuff every where. He smiled to himself.
* This must be Serena’s room. *
He walked out of it and down the stairs where Serena’s and her family were waiting at the dinner table. He sat next to Serena and glanced t her father. He was sulking in his chair and leaning on his elbows. This was a first for Darien. Being fussed over like he was part of the family. He noticed Serena and Sammy were at each - others throats fighting over who had the most ice - cream.
* Such a change from the other night. This must be what a real family is like. *
He was brought from his thoughts by Ilene’s voice.
“So Darien. What do you’re parents do? Are they retired?”
Darien turned pale and averted his eyes from her.
“Umm….”
Serena stood up abruptly and took Darien’s hand.
“Mom me and Darien are going for a walk I will be home in a little bit!”
Before any won could protest Serena had dragged Darien out of the house. Ilene couldn’t figure out her daughter’s sudden burst. She sat for a moment before it hit her. The way he paled, the way he averted his eyes, and the way he fidgeted in his chair. He was an orphan. Ilene was distressed with this news. He certainly turned out fine, but what a way to grow up.
* He will just have to eat dinner with us a lot more. *
Darien and Serena were walking along the sidewalk their hands clasped together and heads turned toward the sky.
“Thank you Serena.”
Serena looked at him.
“For what?”
“For inviting me for dinner. It meant a lot. I like your parents too. I wish you could meet mine.”
“Ummm. Darien. There is something I need to tell you. I ummm. Have already met your parents.”
Darien stopped cold in his tracks. He turned a pale face to Serena’s.
“You see. I saw you walk to the park and followed you. I saw their resting - place. I’m so sorry I spied on you I understand if you are mad at me. Your secrets safe with me I swear I won’t tell anyone….”
Darien placed his fingers on Serena’s lips and shushed her. He leaned close to her and whispered.
“I know my secrets safe with you. I trust you with my life.”
He closed the gap and kissed Serena. She reacted by wrapping her arms around his neck. When they broke off the kiss Darien looked into Serena’s eyes.
“Would you like to properly meet my parents Serena?”
Serena drew back then she smiled at him.
“I would love to Darien.”
The walked to the park and down the hidden path. When they were at the head stones Darien lit the lamp. Serena walked over between the head stones and knelt down. Darien soon joined her.
“Mom, Dad. This is Serena. The one I told you about.”
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Chiba.”
It was a day before the play and everyone was hectic. People were running everywhere. Props being painted, built, and changed. Costumes were being sewn and altered. And the actors were brushing up on their lines. Serena was in jitters. It wasn’t even time for the play and she thought she was going to die from the butterflies in her stomach. She was standing off by herself, practicing her lines when Darien sneaked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. Serena jumped and let out a little squeak. Darien chuckled at her glare.
“A little jumpy are we now Serena?”
“I’m so nervous. What if I mess up and everybody laughs at me? I couldn’t handle that Darien.”
Seeing Serena’s face looking like she was about to cry made his heart turn black and wither away. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close.
“Serena you have nothing to worry about. You will be great. They won’t be laughing at you they will be applauding you!”
“Are you sure?”
Serena looked at him a few tears escaping her eyes. She looked like a 3-year-old who had gotten a tiny cut. She looked so adorable.
“Of course! If they don’t I’ll kill em’ all off to make you feel better!” (AN: Not literally!)
Serena started to laugh.
“I hope not my parents will be in the crowd! I my gosh I forgot to tell them!”
“Relax you can tell them tonight.”
“You should wear a bullet proof vest. My dad is going to shot you when we have to kiss.”
Serena grinned at the look Darien gave her.
“Just between you and me I’m not going to take of Romeo’s armor.”
Serena giggled and playfully punched Darien in the arm.
“Seriously though. Do you think the play will turn out?”
“I know it will Serena. The play has you to star in it. I just wish my parents could see me in it.”
“Oh Darien.”
She cupped his face in her hands.
“In a way you know they’ll be watching you. Cheering and applauding.”
Darien smiled down at Serena. He leaned over and gave her a kiss. She turned into butter and melted to the floor. (AN: not really silly.)
“Thank you Darien. That means a lot coming from you.”
“Anything for my Meatball Head.”
(AN: Gee another chapter. Sorry! Email is appreciated, but now one is twisting your arm! ;) )
Back to Chapter Three Part One
Chapter Four
