Hi, this is my first attempt at a fanfic,so please if anybody has complaints, go easy on me... :).I don't own these characters, but the story is most thankfully mine. Please don't sue.So if anybody has complaints, write to Shaddow_Cat@hotmail.com I'd also like to thank a few fanfic writers who have fired up my imagination and if there are similarities in the story, sorry... :) I needed some templates for the story. * denotes thought By:*Mystique* Title:Skating Coincedences Rating:G Chapter-1 :Shocks A blond sighed as she heard her manager call her name."Callahan!Phone!" he said.She walked to the office and picked up the phone."Yes?"she asked. "Serena Callahan,do you know what is the date today??!".Serena sighed, "Hello mother."."Why aren't you here for Christmas yet?!Tomorrow's Christmas Eve already!" said her mother sternly. "I will be there mother.I just had to finish some things."said Serena. "I want you here by tomorrow at the Manor."said her mother sternly."I worry about you."she said.Serena sighed *Since when isn't she worried.* "Mother,I'm fine the way I am."said Serena. She heard her mother sigh into the phone."Serena,you're twenty-five...", "That's not old,..."said Serena "A twenty-five year old that lives in New York travelling and hiding out in her penthouse apartment!"said her mother exasperated."You can never meet anyone that way!" Serena rolled her eyes,*Again with that...* "You DO remember that your grandmother has invited all the Dalesteads to the manor here in Massachusetts!."said her mother."Yes mother,I remember. "she sighed.*Nothing like spending the holidays packed into the manor with the family times two.* "I expect you here tomorrow before dinner Serena."said her mother,and she put down the phone with a click. An hour later,as she was about to leave,her manager called her to his office."Serena,I want to tell you that your partner Kevin has injured his leg and wants to pull out of the ice-skating world championships."said her manager in a solemn voice."WHAT??"shouted Serena."But,another manager my friend is deciding to enter his skaters,and one of them I believe you know, Beryl Carlston is unwilling to participate with her partner the 'Ice Prince' because of an argument,and was wondering if you'd like to."he said.Serena smirked,..* The Ice Prince,she'd heard of him but never met him or knew his name.But Beryl was a different case,of course Serena knew her.Beryl never liked her.* "Alright Will,I'll do it."she said. Will her manager smiled..."That's the spirit my Ice Princess.Serena groaned.Ice Princess was the name the press had given her because of her icy attitude toward them and also because she had been the winner in various female solo skating competitions. Serena reached her apartment and plopped herself onto the couch.She sighed ,all the Dalesteads were going to be there, meaning HIM.The HIM that had haunted her very childhood.Her grandmother and his grandmother were bestfriends.Her grandmother always talking about him.She pressed the rewind button on her answering machine and walked into the kitchen absent-mindedly as she opened the fridge.Then a voice was heard.."Rena.Lita.Call."and was off with a click.Serena grinned.Lita Callahan had married her cousin Ken and they both hated answering machines.She picked up her phone and dialed Ken's number. Chapter 2- Gossip Three rings and the phone was picked up."Ken Callahan's phone,his wife speaking."said a voice."Hi Lita,why'd you call?"asked Serena."Rena?Why aren't you here yet?Your mother is going to ground you."said Lita.Serena laughed,"What else is new?"she said. "Cousin Chad brought his fiancee Raye,you remember her right?I think you met her once last year."said Lita.Serena smiled,"REALLY????THAT'S SOooooo... CUTE!!And yes I remember her."said Serena."Oh, Amy is here with her husband Greg and Mina's with her little baby boy and husband Andrew."said Lita. "Really?That's wonderful!I can't wait to see Mina again and cousin Amy. How's cousin Andrew?"asked Serena."He's good,but speaking of couples..." "Oh great, it probably ties with a Dalestead."said Serena."Ahem..Serena, "said Lita."Yes?"she asked "Anyway the Dalestead 'Prince' is here for Christmas and all your catty cousins are head over heels with him."said Lita. "Prince, Lita?"said Serena.*HIM* "The one that teaches pre-med part-time at John's Hopskin's right?"she said. "Right,Have you two met?"asked Lita."Because I don't think so."said Lita again. "Nope,never met him.Heard of him,YES.HOT but cruel and cold.What's his name?*Of course she already knew.* "Darien.His story's like yours except his wasn't quite as happy since his parents were killed in an accident.Ken tutored him in English.Since he came from Japan but he's not Japanese.He was born in America." "With a name like that who wouldn't melt?"said Serena fakingly.*Of course she knew about Darien Dalestead but she wanted to hear it again.* "Ken told me once you were quite competitive with a guy you never met, I believe Ken said his name was DARIEN DALESTEAD"said Lita. *Ooops,caught red-handed.*Serena coughed into the telephone."Anyway , I'm sure Darien Dalestead is a silly self-centered twit snob with a brain of oatmeal."said Serena. Lita smirked into the phone.She enjoyed teasing Serena."Serena,he does teach part-time a John's Hopskins you know.Besides you can see for yourself tomorrow when you duel with him yourself."said Lita. "Yeah,yeah whatever."said Serena.Darien Dalestead had to be smart,she didn't want to meet him and find out that the little competition she had set up was a floozy."Is my charming opponent already there?"mocked Serena. "As a matter of fact ,yes.He got in about 2 hours ago."said Lita. "He proceeded to be locked up in the study with my husband,cousin Chad, Andrew and Greg talking about macho guy things I guess."she laughed. "I see.Well see you tomorrow Lita.Tell the girls I said 'hi'"said Serena. "I will Rena.Bye." Chapter 3- Getting Acquainted. Darien Dalestead paced around in his room in the Manor speaking on the phone with his manager."What??She still refuses to enter?"said Darien. "Yes Darien I'm afraid so.But I've found a substitute for her if she doesn't enter."said his manager."You'll be meeting her after the holidays."he said again. "Oh."said Darien flatly."Well a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Darien."said the man."Yeah,Happy Christmas."*and I hope your New Year sucks Beryl.*he thought putting down the phone.From what he'd heard from his cousins and Ilene Callahan's wailing, SHE, was coming.The girl his grandmother had always talked about, Serena Nicole Callahan.'She did this... she did that....she,she,she....'.Darien sighed.He'd never met her but her name was stealthly slipped into his memory.He heard she was a part-time lecturer in pre-law studies but had apparently followed a different route in her life.Sure he'd be honored to meet her..... Serena entered the manor and a few people were there to greet her, "Amy!"cried Serena.Amy ran up to her and hugged her fiercely."Rena,your mother is going to lock you up."said Amy laughing.Serena cocked an eyebrow, "Where?In the North tower?"she asked jokingly. "SERENA!!!"shouted a voice.Serena turned and her eyes grew wide and her face lit up."MINA!!cried Serena.They hugged each other.Serena turned to her cousin Andrew and smiled but her gaze fell on her cousin Ken and Lita. Then another voice startled Serena. "SERENA NICOLE CALLAHAN!You won't be going anywhere for the next few months young lady. Serena smiled weakly.."Good evening mother."said Serena.Ilene gave her daughter a hug."How about for 2 weeks? I DO afterall have to practice and teach a few classes."said Serena."Where's Sam and Daddy?"she asked puzzled. "Over here sis!"said her brother."Hello sis..."he said."And daddy?"she asked. "Right here little moon bunny."said her father.Serena smiled and hugged her father. "All right everybody,dinner is on in 30 minutes!"said a regal voice. "Gram!"cried Serena. Elizabeth Callahan stood on the marble stone staircase wearing a deep royal blue."How's my favourite granddaughter?"she asked smiling.Serena hugged her grandmother tightly."Come now we'll catch up later ,you go upstairs a put on something classy for dinner."said her grandmother a twinkle in her eye. Serena walked up the staircase to her room.They had added a name plate on her door which was quite and improvement.She showered and blow dried her shoulder length hair.She picked a silk ice blue dress,it's tunic embroided with silver thread and pearls.The dress felt light as a feather.She then braided her silky golden-silver hair into a tight neat French braid which she tied with a silk blue ribbon and pearl earrings tipped her earlobes. She slipped on silk blue flats and admired herself in the mirror. *She looked good* she concluded to herself.She heard the dinner bell and checked her appearence and stepped out of her room. When she stepped out she found herself bumping into somebody.She apologized and turned around finding herself staring at a tall handsome man with dark black hair and broad shoulders.But what startled her was his eyes. She found herself gazing into them.They were the deepest sea blue eyes she had ever seen.*Who was this?* she felt her face flush.She smiled and turned to walk down the corridor.As she walked away she still wondered who he was, but knowing she'd meet him later. Chapter 4-Introductions The next day,Serena had woken up at 7am.Knowing nobody but the servants were up, she decided to do a little jogging.It was still dark out.She walked down the stairs and met up with the man she saw the night before.She smiled to herself.*So he jogs too.*Although it was dark,Serena knew the ground very well.She caught up with the man. Darien had decided to go jogging as he started jogging through the grounds of the manor,he heard somebody behind him and turned his head only to see the blond he had seen in the hallway last night.She jogged next to him and smiled."Hi,mind if I join you?"she asked. Darien smiled,"Of course not."he said.They ran a good 5 miles.He was surprised.She knew the grounds really well and started a conversation while they were jogging.When they finished,he found out her name was Rena and she was a Callahan. Serena smiled.The man beside her had said his name was Dare,and he was a Dalestead.But she didn't know that Darien had given her his nickname. That afternoon, they conversed on various subjects.Soon it was time for the masquerade dance which was held at the manor every year.It was a tradition. Dare excused himself and went to his room.He found Rena Callahan was very interesting.So far he had not met Serena Callahan and HIS room was right next to hers.*At least he'd met someone interesting.*All he had to do was find her at the masquerade and not let himself be found by the scheming Callahan cats all wanting to rip each others faces off. Darien Dalestead was actually a cold and emotionless man but his looks had clouded every girl's judgement...Okay so maybe not EVERY girl. Serena went to her room 15 minutes later.She decided to dress as a winter goddess.She never did like dressing up for the masquerade. She wondered what Dare would dress up as. Chapter 5- Surprise! The masquerade was about to start soon and Darien had decided to dress up as the Ice Prince as he was so frequently called.He stepped out into the hallway.Then,he froze as Serena Callahan's door opened.She was dressed in white silk with ebony tresses framing her delicate face.Dark eyes behind her white mask which glittered with diamonds and bordered by swan feathers. She wore a diamond and rhinestone choker.On her hair was a crown which looked like it was made of ice.Thin glittering wings were folded behind her dress.Apparently she was a Winter Goddess."Good Evening,"she said in an icy voice.Darien froze,her voice was cold as ice. Serena looked at her companion in the hallway was an Ice Prince.He had answered her cold voice with an equally icy tone.A few doors down,Mina and Andrew came out.Followed by Ken and Lita. "Darien!"said Ken.Andrew smiled and looked at Darien,"An Ice Prince, cute costume."said Andrew."I wouldn't have known it was you except for your stride."said Ken Mina and Lita's gaze swept over Serena."A Winter Goddess, Serena?Good choice."they giggled."Just what we were thinking."said Ken. "Yeah,you two are perfect.Both something to do with the cold."said Andrew.Serena glared at her cousins. Darien on the other hand was trying to think of a way to get away from Serena.Her voice was cold as ice and could freeze his toes off.But afraid he wasn't being courteous,he offered her his hand.Serena decided to accept being sure that Melvin was going to be there.So if she didn't latch onto someone else.He was sure to ask her. As the pair entered the masquerade,it was already obvious to the Callahan cats who Darien was.Darien decided it was better that he stuck to this Callahan instead of letting himself fall prey to the scheming cousins. "Shall we dance?"he asked in a cold tone."We shall,"she said in an equally icy pitch.A smirk creeping across her lips.Darien noted to himself that it was a kissable mouth though appeared cold. Serena saw the challenge in his eyes and she smiled,her eyes conveying a message.*I'll win this round Dalestead.*,*We'll see Callahan.* For the next 3 hours they danced.Surprisingly they both didn't even feel tired.Serena when dancing with him felt completely at ease,light and graceful.Darien was enjoying dancing with her.She had lots of stamina.She had actually given him quite a workout and also she was a worthy opponent. Elizabeth Callahan and Gretchen Dalestead stood by each other.... "What do you think Elizabeth?Do you think they have fallen for each other?" asked Gretchen."I don't think so Gretchen,both of them don't seem to talk very much.I looks like they're dueling."said Elizabeth.Gretchen watched the couple slowly."Yes I agree,the concept of fighting for dignity.But for three hours...."she started, "And their pride wouldn't allow any less.Both are stubborn by nature and that is why I think they are the perfect match."said Elizabeth smiling. Gretchen smiled."Oh,Elizabeth it's time for the unmasking."said Gretchen. "Yes,I'd love to see their faces when they realize they've been talking to each other all afternoon."she said. She stepped towards the microphone..."All right everybody,It's time to unmask who you're with."she anounced. Serena sighed.*Should she even bother?*she wondered."Go on Serena."said Mina.Serena rolled her eyes."Oh alright."she said as she took the mask off his face.Darien did the same.*It couldn't be,that curve of the cheek..* Serena saw a familiar face shape.When reality sunk in,they both stammered out simultaneously ,"YOU????" Chapter 6- Games Early in the morning about 5.30am,Serena sat in bed watching tiny snowflakes float down outside her window as her mind went whirling in a whirlwind trying to register what had happened last night.She got up from the bed.So,handsome charming and sweet Dare was actually Darien Dalestead. She sighed and pressed her head against the window panes. In the room next door,Darien was sitting by the window watching the landscape as it got covered by fresh white snow.1#,Rena Callahan was actually Serena Callahan the girl he despised at childhood.2#,She was also called Ice beauty or something rather,which he was inclined to agree.She really was beautiful.3#,Ice,was in her name which surprised him.Sure she had displayed an icy cold attitude, but from what he'd seen in the morning she was kind,sweet and warm-loving. Serena Callahan was a puzzling mystery.That was the only way she could be described as.What was worse ,was that their grandmothers and other relatives now considered them a happy loving couple.Not that he minded much of course. Darien rubbed his forehead.WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH HIM???? The week passed by quickly.Serena spent the week trying to disabuse the notion of a loving and happy couple between herself and Darien. 'FLASHBACK' "YOU????" the both said simultaneously.Elizabeth and Gretchen smiled at each other and pointed upwards to the ceiling at the two.Darien and Serena both looked up to see a silver and golden mistletoe above their heads. "So Serena,Darien...do you have anything to say to us?"said Elizabeth Callahan. 'END FLASHBACK' Because of tradition,she had shared a kiss with that jerk Darien.But there had also been something in that kiss.Darien never did anything but catch her trying to disabuse the illusion and tease her. Soon, it was the New Year's eve ball.Serena wore a sleeveless forest green dress which hugged her curves nicely.She wore white opera gloves. Emerald earrings in the shape of a water drop tipped her pale white earlobes and with a silver necklace with a single emerald stone graced her swan-like neck.Her hair was swept up, pinned with silver combs studded with emeralds. As she stepped out,another person had just stepped out of the room next door.It was Darien.He was wearing a black tuxedo which fitted him nicely. Her cheeks became flushed with a pink rosey hue. Darien turned and froze,she was a vision of loveliness.*Why'd she have to look so incredibly stunning?*he thought his eyes glued to her appearence. But was interupted by an opening door a few feet away."Darien!Serena!"said Andrew. Serena smiled at her cousin and saw Mina come out of the room after Andrew."Hi Serena!"said Mina brightly."I see you and your fiance are going to entertain us again?"she said laughing.Serena frowned and retaliated with an icy tone..."I wasn't aware we were engaged Mina,"she said. Mina still giggling apologized."You're right Serena.I'm sorry."she laughed a little.Andrew grinned and turned toward Darien..."Well?Aren't you going to escort my fair cousin down?"he teased. Darien thought for a moment....*When Serena looked like THAT...why not?* "Shall we?"he asked politely. Serena's gaze swept over Darien critically,hoping to find a flaw.But found none.She decided she didn't need an excuse to snub him coldly. "I know how to walk,"she said coldly and stomped off.A smile creeped on Darien's face... *This is going to be interesting....* he smiled to himself. Serena entered the ballroom.Then Ilene Callahan walked up to Serena. "Hello darling I see you decided to join the dance afterall."said her mother smiling."Of course mother,"she smiled back. "Now where's that sweet love of yours, Darien?"asked her mother raising an eyebrow.Serena frowned. "Mother,Darien is..."she started."Right here now,honey."he said smiling. Darien's arms slipped round her waist meeting in front.Serena stared up, staring daggers at him."If you'll excuse us,I'd like to have a dance with your lovely daughter."he said politely. It was a slow song.As the two of them started to dance,Serena whispered in his ear,"I'm going to kill you for this Dalestead."Darien let out a soft warm chuckle which almost made Serena's insides melt."Well give it your best shot Callahan,because it'll be a one in a life time chance."he laughed again.His voice was like smooth thick velvet which gave a warm feeling to Serena's heart.But her pride went along with the game Dalestead had decided to play...... At the end of the ball, Darien slipped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck while whispering..."So Callahan,what's the best and worst things that have happened so far this whole year?"he asked. Serena began to feel light headed and dizzy as she felt the warmth rise to her cheeks.She turned to face him."The worst thing this year is the fact that I met you...and the fact I was dancing here with you."she said softly. But then noticed one of her bratty cousins were listening on her.She decided to give them a little gossip and said,"The best thing however is that I love you no matter what anyway..."she said and placed a kiss on his surprised smile. He then broke off the kiss....and whispered in her ear.."Good shot Callahan,I bet your cousins will have enough gossip for the next few months" he whispered laughing.Then the countdown started....Serena smirked but felt herself blushing. As the countdown ended,everybody burst out singing and laughing and after the song Darien and Serena noted that everyone in the ballroom was in liplock.*Except for the two of us.* At that moment,Darien grinned mischeviously...teasing her.."So,do you really love me?"he said jokingly.Serena placed her hands on his neck and said.."You wish,Dalestead...I plan on dumping you on....Valentine's Day.. Happy New Year honey..."she said and kissed him. Darien broke the kiss and laughed softly..."Wrong Callahan,I make the rules."he said catching her lips again giving her a kiss which she felt like melting into.... Chapter 7- Astonisment,Friends and Enemies The holidays were over,it was time to get back to training.It was time to meet the replacement for Beryl. Darien warmed up while waiting for his manager.He was going to meet the famous Ice Princess,though he didn't know her name. Darien did a few laps round the rink and heard his manager call his name from behind him."Hey Darien, my friend and his Ice Princess are waiting for us in the office!"he shouted.Darien came to a complete halt."Alright Todd!" he shouted back. Darien and his manager entered the office but only saw a man sitting in the office."Will,where's your lovely skater?"asked Todd."She went to the ladies, she should be back soon...."said Will as a knock sounded on the door startling them."Ah, that should be her now..."said Will.Darien's back was turned to the door, reading a few medical articals.Then he heard a familliar voice and turned....He gasped. Serena entered the office and started to greet her manager..."Hey Will, I'm...."she started as a tall man with dark black hair turned to face her... She gaped at the person. "DARIEN!"she said. Darien stared back..."Serena?"he asked questioningly.At that moment,his mind registered what was happening...Serena Nicole Callahan was the ice skating queen or more promptly known as the Ice Princess. Serena was taken back,*DARIEN DALESTEAD was the ICE PRINCE???*her mind screamed.*The winner of various Ice skating Men's Solo competitions???* "YOU???YOU'RE the Ice Prince??"she squeaked. Darien was slapped back to reality at her voice..."I could say the same about you Callahan."he said calmly. Will and Todd looked at each other then back at them..."You 2 know each other?"they asked.Darien and Serena rolled their eyes.."Boy,DO we..."they said simultaneously.Todd smiled.."Well then no introductions will be in order then..."he said.Will nodded. The Ice skating Men and women Championship competition was less then 5 months away....and they both DID want to enter the competition badly.The both of them decided to tough it out. 1 month later....... Beryl Carlston stormed into the ice rink and marched into the office. "TODD!"she shrieked.At that moment, Darien and Serena entered the office after a hard time of training."Todd!You're replacing ME in the competitions !!!???Replacing me with HER?????"said Beryl.Serena's eyes narrowed at the sight of Beryl Carlston. "Hello Beryl..."said Serena calmly.Beryl turned her eyes toward Serena and scowled..."Serena Callahan....I should have guessed."said Beryl. Todd spoke up..."Beryl, it was YOU who didn't want to enter the competitions."reminded Todd.Beryl stared hard at Todd...."Well I changed my mind...I'm entering that competition...."she said turning her glare back towards Serena.*What does she think she's doing taking my place as Darien's partner for the competition.He's mine...*thought Beryl to herself. Serena was shocked at this.During the last month as she worked with Darien,she was feeling happy,warm and safe.Where there emotions came from she had no idea.But now....everything was in a jumble.Was she falling in love again?Was she falling for Darien Dalestead??She had frozen her heart a long time ago to keep all the hurt and pain from wounding her vulnerable heart. 'FLASHBACK' She was 6 years old again...running through the hospital corridors holding a beautiful red rose...A boy with dark hair sat crying on a bed of the Tokyo hospital.He was probably 8 years-old.She'd given him the rose and comforted him and got chased away by a nurse.Darien had the same memory...she'd met Darien Dalestead when she was 6 years old. 'END FLASHBACK' At that moment, Will entered the office looking solemn.Serena turned towards him and her eyes grew wide as Kevin Livingston entered behind him. Serena smiled and hugged Kevin."Kevin!How's your leg?"she asked.Kevin gave her a sly smile..."All better and I'm ready to start skating again."he said brightly. Now it was Darien's turn to be shocked.His mind panicked.*She's going to skate with her original partner...So was he..Why was he feeling this pain and a feeling of hopelessness in his heart?It's not as if he liked her or anything..right?RIGHT???? The sound of their managers talking broke him out of his trance... "So, it looks like our partnership is over since our original partners came back."said Darien slowly. Serena nodded."Yeah,It has been fun Dalestead."she said giving a small smile. Darien watched as Serena,Kevin and Will walked out of the office door. Beryl watched Darien angrily.Her gaze then turned hatefully towards the Ice Princess,Serena Callahan. Chapter 8- Complications in Love Serena kicked her shoes off and dropped herself onto her couch in the apartment.A whirlwind of thoughts penetrated her head.Something else lingered in her heart...pain. *But why?Why am I feeling this silly pain in my heart now that I'm no longer Darien's partner.?? Kevin's out of the hospital....I should be happy.*she sighed...her life had turned into one big royal mess.Too many complications,and it all started from but one man... Darien Dalestead. Darien hung up the phone.He was just talking to one of his colleagues at John's Hopskins, where he was a part-time lecturer in pre-med.He teached at John's Hopskins twice a week and did meetings mostly by phone.His life was complicated.Beryl was now his partner and was hardly enthusiastic about the competition.He decided to take a walk. As he opened the door, Beryl was at his door."Hello Darien,"she cooed. Darien felt like slamming the door shut in her face but decided against the thought."Hello Beryl..."he said with a hint of coldness in his voice. Beryl frowned.He was always so cold even during practice.She didn't like it."Where are you going?"she asked calmly.Darien just said.."For a walk." She nodded and answered.."I'll join you then."she said smirking. Serena had decided to take a walk down to the park.When she entered the park,she saw a familiar back and glossy dark hair.It was DARIEN!!She also saw a red-head...Beryl...he was kissing her.She looked at them...she felt dozens of tiny daggers pricking and tearing at her heart.She saw Beryl look at her from the corner of her eye with a triumphing gaze but then turned her attention back to Darien.Serena ran out of the park. Beryl had seen Serena entering the park while she was arguing with Darien about the competition.A devious plan formed in her mind.Darien hadn't seen Serena yet.Beryl threw her arm around Darien's neck catching him in a deep kiss.She'd gloated at Serena with her eyes. Darien had been caught unexpected by Beryl with a kiss.He pushed her away just as Serena ran out of the park but Darien had already caught a glimpse of her running away.He then glared at Beryl and stormed off, leaving a very angry and stunned Beryl in the park. Chapter 8- Championships After that kiss in the park with Beryl,Serena had avoided Darien for the past 4 months.But today was the day before the skating championship games. The organizers had decided to have all contestants to meet each other by holding a special gala the evening before the competition. Darien entered the ballroom with Beryl.His eyes searching for her.3 months ago, he'd realized something.... 'FLASHBACK' Darien sat in his apartment sad and ready to weep.He hadn't seen Serena for a month.His heart ached.He missed her laugh and sweet smile.He missed her.His heart longed for her.When he was with her, he felt a sense of protectiveness,warmth and belonging.She healed any wound or hurt in his heart.He switched the radio on listening to some songs.At that moment, he realized something..... 'END FLASHBACK' He'd realized he LOVED her.But she probably hated him.Despised him.That hurt his heart.He should have told her...but now,it was probably too late... Serena was debating if she should have come.Kevin smiled at her.."Care to dance?"he asked.She still hadn't seen HIM yet.She smiled at Kevin.."I'd love to."she said slowly. 'FLASHBACK' 4 months ago.... She entered her apartment and flung herself onto her bed crying.She wiped her face and stared into the mirror.She choked back the sobs and pain. After seeing that Beryl Carlston kiss him,she had realized that she actually LOVED him.But now, he probably loved Beryl instead of her.Why did fate treat her this way she had wondered.Darien...... 'END FLASHBACK' Darien's eyes caught a glimpse of flowing blond hair and whirling pink silk.*Serena.....* Then he noticed Kevin dancing with her.He still did love her.Jealousy threathened to surge up into his heart.Angry and heart broken he asked Beryl to dance.Beryl smirked and accepted. Serena's sapphire eyes caught a glimpse of a couple dancing.It was Darien and Beryl.Serena watched...tears threathening to fall from her lovely blue orbs.Then her gaze caught Darien's.His ocean blue eyes looking deep into her sapphire blue ones with a feeling of sadness.She turned away telling Kevin she didn't feel very well.As she walked away, she still felt Darien's gaze at her back. It was championships today...Serena and Kevin were couple #10 and Darien and Beryl,#9. That day,Kevin had told Will and her that today would be the last time he skated for he was immigrating to Europe with his fiancee.Will nodded. Darien and Beryl skated beautifully,doing their moves perfectly though there were a few flaws in Beryl's triple axle.Darien's movements were perfect though,fluid and graceful.Strong and captivating.It was one reason he'd been called the Ice Prince. After them,Serena and Kevin made their entrance.Serena was a perfect yin to Darien's yang in skating.Both perfect and fluid motions.The Ice princess. The judges were baffled and couldn't decide on a winner.The judges decided to put off the anouncement of the winner and allowed new competitors try for the competition.The anouncement would be put off until the next month. Chapter 9- Tell me you love me. There was a dance the next night.There Kevin officially anounced after the competition ended he would retire from skating forever.Serena wore a white satin sleeveless.She danced wih Kevin and various partners but none of them were Darien.However he had watched her throughout the night,wanting to rip each man out of her arms and keep her to himself.Beryl sat in a corner glaring at Darien. Two hours of dancing.It was now 9.35 pm .She retreated out of the ballroom to the hallways.She stepped out into a balcony as she stared out into space at the stars and the moon.The moon looked so beautiful that night.It was already autumn and night had become cold.Tears fell from her eyes for she could no longer hold them back in.Her tears came like a flood from an emotional dam she had built which had burst spilling out a wave of sadness, hopelesness and loss.Then, a warm jacket covered her cold shoulders. "The moon is beautiful tonight isn't it?"said the voice.Surprisingly,the voice belonged to Darien.Serena nodded. She had to know.It was only fair."Serena I...I have something to confess to you."he said slowly.Serena's face was averted. "Serena I-I just want you to know, even though you despise me,I love you, We used to play games,but now it's not a game anymore...I.."he said. Serena's mind was whirling.... *HE LOVED HER???* "Darien...are you kidding me??!!!We play games and despise each other, so you don't have to..."she said "No, Serena...I truly do love you.I LOVED you since I met you.Since I saw your smiling face,that smirk during the masquerade,when I found out YOU were the Ice Princess.I love you more than anything, more than life itself.."he exclaimed.This shocked Serena to he core.... *HE LOVED HER!!!HE ACTUALLY LOVED HER!!*her mind screamed."Darien I-I..." she said choking back another wave of tears. "Serena don't cry,"he pleaded.He turned her face up to his and kissed her lightly on the lips...healing all hurt,pain and loneliness which had been borned in her heart. When they parted..Serena smiled..."I love you too Dalestead."she said laughing.Darien's face lit up as Serena caught him again in a deep and passionate kiss as their figures were blended against the darkness and the moonlight. "God Serena,you must be freezing."he said after they parted.Serena turned her head up and smiled.She then leaned her head against his chest and smiled..."Well,not anymore"she whispered.Darien hugged her tighter tugging the coat around her harder.She just smiled and leaned back in his safe,warm arms where she felt, safe,warm and most of all...loved. Chapter 10-Happily Ever After Serena and Darien skated in perfect,fluid and synchronised movements.The Prince and Princess of Ice.They smiled at each other.When they stopped... there was a loud erruption from the stands as they cheered.The judges agreed that both of them were the winners even though they had entered once with different partners and entered again. Will and Todd their managers decided to form a partnership.A party was held to celebrate their partnership and win in the championship. At the party,a raging figure sat in the corner,forgotten.Todd told her he was cancelling her contract and now Darien and Serena were dancing contently together.Beryl cursed and swore Serena's death under her breath. Hating Serena Callahan more than she did before. Soon it was midnight....Darien left Serena on the dancefloor and went up the stage saying he had something to anounce. "Hello,I'm sure all of you here already know who I am so I won't waste time and get straight to the point."he said. "As you all know,my manager, Todd has formed a partnership with Miss Callahan's manager,Will.But why I'm up here now is actually to anounce and ask one woman,one simple question and I hope her only answer is..yes."he continued.Serena stared up the stage and smiled as she watched others listening to Darien.She hadn't really heard what he'd said at first..but his last words caught her ear. "I tell you now Serena Nicole Callahan,What if I said whenever I'm without you,I just want to cry and curse love,What if I said your one smile can light up my day even if you're not smiling at me,what if I said I felt jealousy whenever I saw you with another man...." Serena smiled at him.Her heart swelled with love for Darien Dalestead. But what really shocked her was his question. "What if I dropped to my knees and ask you now,Serena Nicole Callahan, marry me..."he said completing his sentence. Serena gave a gasp as she watched him pull out a velvet box as he opened it,Serena's mouth dropped...it was a ring a diamond one.The diamond had the purity of water.It was beautiful. Darien jumped off the stage and walked in front of her.He smiled at her."So,what say you my Ice princess?"he asked. Serena hugged him and screamed..."YES ,DARIEN!!!YES!!!"she screamed. Darien smiled and hugged her tightly while swinging her off the groung in circles. As they stopped...Serena kissed him and felt her face blush as the guests started whistling and clapping.Darien stared into her eyes and whispered..."I love you." Their wedding was held back at the manor.All the Callahan girls looking enviously at Serena.Lita,Raye,Amy,Mina,Ken,Chad,Greg and Andrew stared and smiled at the happy couple,knowing they would live happily ever after. Serena and Darien danced at the wedding...Darien smiled at his newly-wedded wife and whispered into her ear.."I love you,Serena Callahan." Serena smiled and kissed him lightly."I love you too Darien Dalestead." she said.As they danced throughout the evening in the huge ballroom of Callahan Manor....... The End. By *Mystique* So?Whatcha think?Send your feedback to me at Shaddow_Cat@hotmail.com :) I'm thinking of writing another.But if all of you don't like my writing I won't write anymore after the second one. Bless you all!!