How strong is our love: part III By: Twilight Editor: Sailor Twin After school Darien rushed to the arcade, but stopped half way there when he saw the temple. Deciding to go there first and discuss things with Raye, he headed up the steps. Suddenly he heard the sounds of crying and quickened his pace. Looking around he saw no one until a weeping form caught his attention near the pond. It was Raye; Darien felt a surge of anger rip through his body 'whoever made her cry is going to ---!!!......why do I feel so protective all of a sudden?' he thought to himself. Slowly he put his arms around the shaking girl and tried his best to comfort her, rocking and stroking her her long black mane. He dared not speak for he wanted Raye to be the first to talk. He knew she was a very sensitive soul on the inside, but chose to cover it by trying to be strong. "I told the.......the girls...a..about us" came Raye's weak reply. "They just loo....looked at me and....and said.....how I've diss....dissapointed them!" and she broke down sobbing again. "I understand them, but....but I just wish they cou...could understand me.." Raye couldn't believe she was crying. CRYING!! This was not her, it showed that she was weak, but she couldn't stop herself as the tears poured down her thin pale face. After sometime she regained her composure and soon realized how comforting it felt to be in Dariens' embrace. A deep husky voice soon broke her from her thoughts " I'm sorry this all got out of hand Raye." Then the two just sat there content with each others company. In the distance, Chad watched in angry devastation. He wanted it to be him holding and comforting Raye, not this Darien person. Jealousy raged through him, until he realized Raye was never his to begin with.....although he had always hoped someday. Turning his back to them, Chad continued with his chores. Raye and Darien decided without words that they would talk later until they had spent enough time in each other's arms. ~~~~~~~~~~ Once school was out, Serena said she wanted to go home and change into something else before heading to the park. The other girls agreed to meet again in 45 minutes. After they said their good-bye's, Serena walked home trying her best to keep back the tears. When she finally reached her room she let them fall freely down her porcelain face, crying until there were no tears left to cry. Serena didn't want to cry in front of the others...she wanted them to think she was all right, strong. So instead she silently cried to herself almost everynight under the glowing moon, only Luna knew how much pain she was really in. Serena soon realized that Luna wasn't in the house and briefly wondered where she ran off to. She quickly forgot about Luna and went to find a change of clothes that were a bit more comfortable. She decided to wear a pair of fitted blue jeans and a slightly loose pink sweater with white tennis shoes. Once dressed she left early for the park and pasted on a fake smile for the world. Along the way she saw a salon and decided it was time for a pysical changes with her features. The girls were all settled on a blanket lightly conversing while eating some of the food Lita brought along. They somehow convinced Ami to come, even though she was still reading a book. Slowly Serena edged her way to her friends, slightly anxious if they would recognize her. He hair now came to mid back and was layered. It showed so much volume and glinted in the sun while at the same time showed off her baby blue eyes and framed her face. Once there she seated herself and the conversation between her friends ceased. All girls looked at Serena wondering who she was, until Lita recognized her. "Serena? Is that you? Wha'd you do to your hair? I love it!" "I just thought it was time for a change and so I went for it! Do you really like it?" She was so happy that her friends liked her hair that she couldn't stop smiling and her confidence shot up like a rocket. ~~~~~~~~~~ Once Raye was all right Darien suggested they go for a walk to help clear their minds. Figuring that it would be safe because Serena was usually either at the arcade playing the Sailor V game or sitting in detention at school asleep. "Chad, I'm going out for a little bit. I'll be back later" Chad never once looked up but answered her with a simple nod then turned to leave. Raye felt a pang of guilt as she watched his reatreating back . 'why do I care what he thinks? It's not like I like him or anything!' dismissing the thought quickly, the two then left hand in hand towards the park. ~~~~~~~~~~ Serena's pov After we finished talking about my hair I noticed that there were still a couple of sandwiches left and I happily grabbed one to eat. After all, I never was one to turn down food! I never really paid attention to what they were saying, my mind was else where 'gee I do that a lot'. Suddenly I stopped in mid bite when I noticed two familiar figures walking this direction. "Hey Serena, I don't think you've tried my......huh? Serena what's wrong?" Seeing as I wouldn't be answering her anytime soon Lita followed my gaze as well as everyone else. There walking towards us was Raye and my beloved Darien. I quickly pushed back my emotions and pasted on a happy face. "I can't believe she has the nerve to come here! And with him!" Lita was furious. I couldn't help noticing that she was always very protective of me. It actually looked like she was about to jump up and beat the daylights out of Raye....... Ami always being able to calm herself tried to do the same with Lita. "Calm down Lita, I'm sure she didn't know. Maybe we should leave." We all agreed but I suggested we stay and sit here for just a few more minutes. I really wanted to see their faces when they saw us. The girls just looked at me like I was crazy but shrugged their shoulders and did as they were told. 'I am their leader after all!' I thought happily. ~~~~~~~~~~ "That was a funny joke Darien! Where did you hear that? I'll be sure and tell Chad and Grandpa about...." Raye cut herself short to see the faces of three Very angry scouts and one amused face. 'was that Serena?' Lita looked like she wanted to jump up and tackle her, but held herself in check. Darien realized Raye's sudden stop and turned to look at her slightly startled gaze; he followed her eyes to see where they landed. There, sitting under a tree but slowly packing up were Mina, Lita, Ami, and was that Serena? Immediately, Darien released Raye's hand and shoved his own into his pockets. He was sure that Serena would run up to them and beg to know what was going on while crying her eyes out. As he watched them leave, he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked. His eyes were glued to her. Serena was approaching fast with a look of determination in her eyes. "Hello Raye.....Darien" she said in a bubbly voice without stopping for a reply, she left the two standing there speechless. It took all of Serena's will power not to cry in front of them and show how hurt she really was. After reaching the girls they began their long walk home, their body's outlined by the setting of the sun. Darien and Raye were astounded! They thought Serena would do the complete opposite of what she just did, and then some. But she blew them away, seeming not to care at all Then slowly, ever so slowly they began their walk again. "Maybe she doesn't care that we are dating.." Raye glanced over to him, hands still in his pockets, a far away look in his eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~ It had been one year since that day in the park. Ami, Lita and Mina still talk to Raye, but not as often when compared to old times. Serena had changed drastically over the year . She no longer klutzed out, instead she walked tall and gracefully. She started to study more and soon became one of the top students her in class, even going so far as to challenge Ami. In her spare time she took some martial arts classes to help improve her fighting skills as a sailor scout. Serena was now everything that she was not a year ago. Although she still had that fun loving personality everybody loved, it was different somehow. Her looks had matured greatly, and she no longer had the baby fat on her face. Along with her looks, her height had grown quite a bit reaching 5'6", almost as tall as Lita, but not quite. Serena was just pretty last year, this year she is beautiful, an absolute vision. She had many admirers, and guys asked her out left and right, she never accepted them though. They weren't who she really longed for and they never could be. All her friends and parents were proud of her, she had come along way and hardly needed the help of her friends. If Serena had enough motivation and determination, which she did, she could do anything. She wanted to be responsible, and she got that wish along with much much more. ~~~~~~~~~~ Ami, Lita, Mina and Molly were all sitting in class discussing what to do for Serena's birthday because it was this weekend. She would be turning 18, an official adult. "Where should we hold the party guys?" Mina inquired. "I would do it at my house buy my mum wants some quiet time at home since she doesn't have to work" "Well Ami, that's fine. We'll just do it at my apartment, I don't mind." "Oh great Lita! Now we just need to know the time, what to bring...." Molly excitedly began to name off the things they would be needing for her party. ~~~~~~~~~~ Over the year Darien and Raye talked, but stopped dating. It felt too weird to both of them. Raye knew she would never be able to fill the void in Dariens' heart like Serena. The Serena who was her best friend, who always stood by her side, whose friendship she missed more than anything in the world. She hadn't seen or spoken to Serena since the day in the park. "And who could blame her?" She mumbled sadly to herself. Over the year she had a lot of time to think things through and soon concluded that she loved Darien, but in a brotherly way, not a romantic way. She only wished it didn't take as long as it did to figure it out. Darien said he felt the same way, that's why they called things off awhile back. He had been more distant ever since the day in the park. Darien had tried to apologize to Serena over and over again, but she told him that she couldn't trust him with her heart anymore. He broke it one too many times, and she wasn't ready to forgive him yet. That didn't stop him from trying though. He was determined to win back her love and trust somehow, no matter how long it took. ~~~~~~~~~~ After school, Serena wanted to go for a walk when someone stopped her. She turned to look into a pair of endless deep blue eyes. She knew without a doubt who they belonged to. Darien. He had sent her flowers, cards, candy, anything to get her to let him back into her life, but she couldn't. Her heart was screaming at her to forgive and accept him, but her mind said 'he'll only hurt you again'. They had talked everyonce in awhile over the past year, but the conversations lasted only minutes and were filled with the trifling dialogue of strangers. "Hello Darien" "Hi, Serena. You look pretty today" Darien replied. Serena looked down quickly as a blush crept onto her cheeks. He could and would always be able to make her smile and blush. "Flattery will get you no where Darien, but thankyou." "Mind if I walk you home?" She tilted her head to the side and brought her hand up to stroke her chin mockingly. She acted like she was thinking hard then, smiled brightly and nodded yes. They didn't really talk about much, just of what happened during the day and funny events. Even though Serena was the one doing all the talking, Darien didn't seem to mind. He simply smiled and nodded his head. ~~~~~~~~~~ The weekend soon came and Serena's party was a hit. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time and cherished each passing moment. Something in the back of Serenas' mind kept nagging her but she had know idea what it was.. almost like someone was crying out to her. Slowly she she let her blue eyes wonder over the crowd of people until they fell upon a shadowed person sitting alone in a dim corner. Raye. At first Serena was angry to see her there but her anger subsided quickly and was replaced with gratitude. No matter how much she hated to admit it, she missed the firey priestess. The girls had managed to always keep her updated no matter how much she tried to ignore them. Their relationship soon ended that day in the park. They had finally come to terms that they did love each other, but in a sibling sort of way. At first Serena was doubtful of the excuse but finally accepted it. Deep inside she was overjoyed, but didn't show any signs that she cared. When she had finally built up enough courage to walk over and talk to her. She did it by silently sitting down next to Raye, but Raye didn't acknowledged her or she didn't seem to notice that anyone was there. The girls had invited her to come and at first she didn't know if she should have. Now she differently felt as though she didn't belong. The sound of someone lightly coughing next to her, caught her attention. Raye turned to look into the kindest blue eyes she had ever seen. "Serena?" her voice was no higher than a whisper and her disbelief was obvious. "Hi, Raye, long time no see huh?" Serena managed to put all her anger behind her and looked forward to the future now, for the past no longer lingered. It was too painful. Suddenly Raye went into an all out explanation and saying how sorry she was until she felt slim arms go around her neck. At first she was surprised but happily returned the hug whole heartily. She finally had her best friend back, Serena was always one to forgive easily. After they released each other, Serena then dragged her to where the girls were hanging out and they embraced in a group hug. Happy to finally be all together again. Soon the time came to open presents. One by one Serena tore them apart, a smile always playing on her lips. After the party was over the girls helped her gather her things and took them to Serena's house. Once there she bide them farewell and went up to her room to put away her belongings. As she opened her door she saw a dozen fully bloomed deep red roses beautifully arranged in a crystal vase on her dresser. Next to the roses was an elegantly designed card resting against the vase at an angle. The moons rays where shining brightly down on them giving them a picturesque look. Serena didn't have to think of who may have sent her this, she already knew in a heartbeat. Slowly she opened the card and a small heartshaped gold locket fell out. Inside was a small picture of her and Darien. From the background she could tell it was the day when they went to a carnival awhile back. She stared at the picture longingly, 'we looked so happy'. She then slipped on the locket and began to read the card. Dearest Serena, I don't know where to begin or even start, so I guess the beginning is the best place. I am deeply sorry for all the pain that I have caused you. You have no idea how it much it hurts to see you so unhappy. I never meant for this to happen, but please let me explain myself before you throw this away. I guess the reason I started to go to Raye was because I was scared. I was so scared that I was falling in love with you, and I couldn't do anything to stop myself. I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you. You have to understand this is still so new to me and I'm afraid. I was afraid to depend on others when I never had to before, not once in my whole life! I still don't understand why I went to Raye, but in the end I know now that my feelings for you are real. Raye, I love like a sister, and I only wish I could have figured that out sooner. But from that experience I have also learned that my love for you is unconditional and enduring. My love for you only grows every day and each day without you is a day wasted. I finally realized you will always and forever be the only one for me. It is so unfair that I had to do the dumbest thing in the universe to learn this. I just hope that someday you will find it in your heart to forgive me, My Meatball Head. I will never stop loving you and I will always be waiting. Forever yours, Darien Shields (muffin) Tears sprung to Serena's eyes as she read the letter over and over again. 'what do I do now? Do I talk to him about this? Am I ready to forgive him yet?' Soon after Serena had fallen asleep still undecided on what to do. Hopefully the night would help her find the answers she so needed to hear.