Title: Winning Love Chapter 4
Author: Alicia Blade
E-Mail: Kammi22@sprintmail.com

Hey minna-chan! (I just learned what that meant, like, three hours ago!) Guess what? I’m gonna do something with the princess this Chapter! >Gasp!< Yeah, I know I said I wasn’t going to deal with it, But I changed my mind. Ya gotta problem with that? I’m sorry. Please don’t Hurt me. Also, I’m gonna deal with the Raye scenario this chapter, and no I do not hate Raye. I just think she is way wrong for Darien. So I’m Not going to bash her or anything. I’d like to give a HUGE thank you to For giving me ideas and suggestions on this chapter! Well, I hope you enjoy. PLEASE E-MAIL ME!!!!!!!! Thanx!

Chapter 4: A Day at the Beach

"Well, I do." And with that, she once again threw her arms behind me and pulled my lips to hers.
I was stunned. All I could feel was her lips pressing against mine. Her hands playing in my hair. I tried to remind myself that she was drunk and probably had no clue what she was doing… but who cares?
I allow my eyes to close and wrap my arms around her waste, pulling her closer to me. My head is light and I can taste the bitter remains of spiked punch on her breath, but somehow it is the most delicious taste ever to be in my mouth. My lips tingle in desire, and all I want is to remain like this forever. To never let our lips separate. To feel her warm body in my arms forever. But slowly, my mind comes back on check. I can’t do this to her. I can’t use her like this.
Reluctantly, I push her away. She looks at me, her big blue eyes confused. I smile lightly and push her back onto the pillows. Standing, I pull a blanket up to her chin. She watches my every move, never letting her eyes leave me. I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, and lightly brush my lips against her forehead.
"Get some sleep, my princess." I leave the room and close the door behind me. Slowly, I stumble out to the living room and collapse onto the green couch. Leaning back and closing my eyes, I strain to feel her in my arms again. I gasp and yank my eyes open. I thought I had felt her. I could have sworn she was there, in my arms.
Taking a deep breath, I lean back and slip into a thoughtful trance.
I had felt her. I had wanted her to be there, and she was there. Not physically, but I had felt her warmth, and the comfort I always feel when she is near. I hadn’t expected it. Whenever I have tried to recall a feeling or emotion, it would evaporate before I grasped it. But this time, it had been there. I think of all the times I have woken up in the middle of the night, the traces of a dream lingering on my drowsy thoughts. I would try to think of the princess. Her voice. Her smile. Her eyes. Things that I had been aware of in sleep, but would disappear the moment my eyes flew open. She was never there. Only her words would remain. And I would fall back on the pillows, longing for her to be there. Aching to see her for real. But the feeling never came.
And now, I attempt to feel Serena, and she is there. As if she never left. As if she is no longer in that dark room down the hall, but here, in my arms. Her smile lighting up the night as only the moon can do. The stars in her eyes glittering back at me. She was there. I sigh again.
And what about what I had said to her? I called her my princess. Why? I hadn’t thought about it. The words simply escaped my lips. Now that I think about it, she does vaguely resemble the girl in my dreams. But… no. Serena, beautiful and loving and kind as she is, is no princess. Though… I would call her ‘my princess’ a thousand times, and mean it every time the words came out.
I close my eyes and fall into sleep.

"Please, Tuxedo Mask, bring me the crystal…"
"Who are you?"
"Let me be free again. Let us be free again…"
"Please, let me see you, please…"
I woke up in a cold sweat. The same as the last few months. The same dream, the same princess, the same…
I threw my legs over the side of the couch and leaned against the back cushions. Uh-oh. I slept in my tux. Gonna have to go to the dry cleaners this morning. I stood up and went into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Checking the clock I noticed it was already almost 9:00. Wow, I almost never sleep in past 8:00. The ball must have really wore me out last night.
I closed my eyes and smiled as memories flooded back. Serena dancing in my arms, her falling asleep against my chest as I carried her out to the car, the kiss…
My fingers absentmindedly traced my lips. The coffee pot hissed and I snapped out of it. Taking a mug from the shelf, I poured myself a cup, and began to sip. Once it was gone, I walked into my bedroom to grab some clothes to change into.
An angel lay asleep on my bed. Her blonde hair, still in ponytails, was strewn carelessly about her petite body. Her pale cheeks glowed in the morning sunlight streaming through the curtains. Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes brushing against her soft skin. The blankets were thrown down to her knees, and her white dress was creased and wrinkled from being slept in.
I stood and stared at her, adoration in my eyes, for a long time. She would stir in her dreams from time to time, and then once again fall motionless. Eventually, I walked to the closet and grabbed a pair of jeans and T-shirt, then walked out the door, stealing one more glance at the sleeping angel.
I took a quick cold shower, and dressed. When I came outside once more, I could hear a soft whimpering coming from my bedroom. Inside, I saw Serena tossing and turning uncomfortably. I walked up to the bed to try and wake her, but as I came closer, I could barely make out some words from her mouth.
"Tu… Tuxedo Ma… Tuxedo Mask, no… don’t… don’t…"
I stepped back in shock. Wha…?
"The crystal. Have the… crys… Tuxedo Mask… don’t go…"
I stood blinking at her for a few seconds, unable to think. Had… Serena just asked me for the crystal? In a few moments, I realized she had quit tossing and turning, and once again lay still. Immediately, I ran into the kitchen to grab another cup of coffee. I had downed one and a half cups when I heard a yawn from the doorway Turning, I saw Serena stretching both arms above her head and yawning tiredly. Her dress clinged with static to her stomach and thighs and her hair was falling out of the buns on either side. I stared for a few minutes, until I realized she was returning my gaze, and blushing.
"Uh… you want some coffee?" How is it that when I think she couldn’t be any more beautiful, she always manages to prove me wrong?
"No, thanks."
"How ‘bout some cocoa?"
Her eyes brightened. "Sure!" I quickly made her a cup and handed it to her. "Thanks." She suddenly grabbed her head.
"What is it? What’s wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, major headache all the sudden. Ow."
I chuckle. "Next time maybe you’ll think twice before drinking so much spiked punch." She glares at me. "So… did you sleep well?"
She looked at the floor for a moment, "Yeah, I guess so."
"It can be hard sleeping in a strange bed." She nodded. "Um… I think you were having a bad dream a little while ago. You kept saying something about… Tuxedo Mask? And, um, crystals?"
She stared at me shocked for a second. "Oh, well, uh… Tuxedo Mask is this way cool guy who uh, saves the, uh, Sailor Scouts sometimes. You know, like Sailor Moon and all them. Uh, at least, that’s what they say. I don’t know, I’ve never met him in person. Who knows if he even exists. Hee-hee."
I chuckle softly. Oh, he exists. "And what about crystals?"
"Crystals? Well, I, uh, well, who knows what dreams are about any ways? I mean, I’m sure it’s nothing. I don’t know about any crystals. Do you?"
"Oh, uh, no… I just… don’t want you to be having nightmares, that’s all." We both laugh uncomfortably for a few seconds.
"Oh! Mom is going to kill me! I slept in this dress! She’s most likely worried sick too! Great! Why am I here, any ways?"
"Woah, woah, slow down. We can take your dress to the cleaners. Your mom’ll never notice. She thinks you are spending the night at Amy’s. And you’re here because you were drunk, and I don’t think you’re Dad would appreciate me bringing you home like that."
"Oh…" She squints her eyes in pain. "Now I know what a hangover is like."
"Here, come sit down." I lead her over to the couch and take the hot chocolate away, setting it down on the end table. "Now, just relax for a bit. Don’t try to think about it." I grab a towel from the kitchen and rinse it in cold water, then return to the couch. Forcing her to lie down, I brush some hair away from her face and begin to run the towel over her forehead. She gasps.
"Cold." I smile, and continue. Her eyes never wander from my own. We made eye contact, and I froze. Her eyes were wide as they stared up at me. A smile dancing on the corners of her lips. What if I leaned down and…
I quickly stand and walk back to the kitchen, throwing the towel in the sink. My cheeks are burning hot. Over the counter, I see her now sitting up, a blush covering her face as well. "Um… do you feel any better?" I ask, flustered.
"Yeah, yeah thanks."
I sigh. "Um… we should probably take our things to the cleaners pretty quick. Before… it gets too crowded."
"Yeah, I… I guess. But… what am I going to wear?"
Oops, hadn’t thought of that. "Well, I’m sure we can find something that fits. Come on." I grab her hand and slowly lead her back to my room. Opening my closet, I look for anything that might fit her. She stands behind me, peering into the closet as well. "Let’s see… this might work." I grab a pair of jeans that are almost too small for me and a sweater. After handing them to her, I walk out of the room and close the door, allowing her privacy. After a few minutes in the hall, I hear a pitch of laughter from inside. "Uh, Serena?"
"Yeah, yeah, come in." I open the door and see her standing in the center of the room. The sweater is dangling past her wrists and the pant legs are dragging nearly a foot on the floor, hiding her feet. A pair of shoes and a dress are thrown across the floor chaotically. I try to choke down a laugh, without much success. She is giggling along.
Twirling around, she looks at me, still smiling. "Styling, isn’t it?" She begins walking toward me, but trips on the legs. I quickly dash forward and catch her in my arms. She peers up at me though her eyelashes and I once again lose all sense of reality. "I think they’re just a little too big."
I smile down at her, still in my arms. "Just a tad."
Picking her up, I carry her to the bed and set her down, her feet dangling over the edge. Kneeling in front of her, I begin to roll up the legs. She laughs and points down to the floor. "Kneel, servant!"
I laugh along with her. "Yes, your majesty. All hail, Princess Meatball Head!"
"Hey! Don’t call me that." She begins to pout, crossing her arms in front of her. The sleeves entangling themselves around her arms. I force myself not to laugh. She is so adorable!
"I am sorry, your highness. Can you forgive me?" I grab the heal of her foot and lift it, laying a butterfly kiss on the top. She looks at me wide eyed.
"Stop that," she whispers, taking her foot out of my grasp and back down to the carpet.
"Why?" I kiss the other foot, just as lightly.
"Because… it tickles."
I raise an eyebrow at her. "It tickles?" I kiss the foot again. I see a blush rush into her cheeks and smile.
"Yeah. It tickles. So stop… please?"
"Please? Don’t tell me the queen is saying please to her servant!" I kiss the other foot again. She pulls it away.
"Darien! Stop! I’m very ticklish!"
I fake a surprised look. "You are? Really?"
"Yes, I am. So stop."
I cock my head to the side. "I don’t believe you." Without warning, I lunge forward, tickling her stomach. She wraps her arms around her and falls back on the bed, laughing hard and struggling to catch her breath.
"Darien!" I climb up on the bed beside her, never taking my fingers away from her stomach. She tries to roll away, but I put one arm on the other side. I look down at her. Her mouth is in a wide smile and her eyes are squeezed shut. Tears begin falling down her cheeks. Finally I stop. She takes a few deep breaths and looks up at me. We stare at each other for what seemed like hours. Taking one arm away from her stomach, she playfully smacks me in the chest. "You are so mean!"
I simply smile down at her. She looks up at me again, and then slides beneath my arm and sits up. I sit next to her. After a moment of silence, I take the arm closest to me and roll up the sleeve, then get to work on the other side.
"There, all done."
She hops up off the bed and starts walking to the doorway. I stand up as well and wrap my arms around her shoulders.
"What? No thank you?"
"No."
"Well, see if I ever serve your majesty again."
She huffs her shoulders and walks out of the room. I quickly scoop up her dress and my tux, putting them both on hangers and follow her out, the bright smile never fading.
Serena disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes and came out with her hair redone.
"Ready to go?"
"Yup."
"Great. Ya wanna take the car, or walk? Or… how ‘bout the motorcycle?"
She looked at me surprised. "You ride a motorcycle?"
"Yeah."
"I’ve never rode on one. They look so cool!"
"Well, let’s take that then."
"Okay!" I went into a small room I keep mostly for stuff I don’t know what to do with, and came out with my helmet, and a spare I keep just in case.
"Here ya go." I handed her the spare, grabbed my wallet, keys, tux, and her dress, and we were on our way. In the parking garage on the lower level of my apartment building, I led her to where I park the bike. She gawked at it for a second.
"Ya like it?"
"It is wicked cool!"
I laughed and put my helmet on. She did the same. Extending my hand, I helped her onto the seat, then shoved the clothes into a compartment built into the side of the bike. I sat down in front of her.
"Now, put your hands on my waist," I called back to her. She hesitated briefly, and then did as I asked, her hands barely touching the cloth of my shirt. I smiled. We can fix that. Turning the key, I felt the engine rumble beneath me. She threw her arms tightly around my waist. "I’d like to be able to breathe," I say, laughing. She loosens up and I begin backing out of the parking space. She clings even tighter than before. I laugh merrily, and we are on our way. It only takes a few minutes to get to the dry cleaners, but I, of course, decided to take the long way. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. Once we finally arrived, I parked in front and helped Serena off the bike. She was smiling brightly. Her eyes were wide from excitement and her hands trembled when I took the clothes from them.
"How was the ride?"
"F…fun!" She exclaimed, still shaking. I drape my arm over her shoulders to calm her. She didn’t back away, much to my relief.
The bell on the door rang as we entered the small room which smelled like bleach and fabric softener. Serena was still underneath my arm, though she wasn’t shaking anymore. After awhile, the thought of her being there, so close, disintegrated away from thought. It felt so… usual. Like this wasn’t out of the ordinary at all. Like we always were and always will be together and in each others arms.
I gave the clothing to a lady behind the counter, and was given a receipt in return. We were told to come back in an hour and a half, I had to pay extra so it would be done before I had to take Serena home, and we were back in the parking lot.
"So, what should we do to kill an hour and a half?" She shrugged. "How about… we go get brunch. I haven’t had anything to eat except some coffee, and I don’t think that counts."
"Oooohhh, can we go to that one new place… uh, Pikestreet Café I think."
"Sure. I’ve heard some great stuff about their desserts." She licked her lips in agreement.
And so I found myself taking the beautiful Meatball Head out to brunch. This week just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?
We were escorted to a table, me and a very shaky Serena, and we began looking through our menus.
"So, how’s your head ache?"
"All better. I think the motorcycle helped it a little."
"Yeah, must be the fresh air."
"Mm-hmm." The waitress came and I ordered a cream-filled donut and coffee. Serena had three chocolate covered donuts and an extra large hot cocoa.
"So, do you have any idea why your parents want you home at noon?"
"Ummm, let me think… I’m sure there was something we were doing today… Oh yeah! We’re going to the beach! Me and like, a whole bunch of friends and stuff."
"Like who?"
"Well, let’s see," she began counting off on her fingers. "There’s me of course, and Mom and Dad, Sammy, Amy, Lita, possibly that guy Lita’s always talking about… uh, Kirk or Ben or something, Raye, and I think Chad is tagging along with her, and I think that’s it."
"Sounds like a good turn out."
"Yeah… hey, you should come!"
"What? Me? Let me get this straight… you are actually inviting me to do something with you?"
"Just say yes and let it go."
I chuckle. "Well, if you insist, I’d love to go."
"Great. You can get a ride down with my family if you’d like. My dad won’t go ballistic as long as he knows you’re just a friend, and Mom sure seemed to take a liking to you last night."
"Alright. After I drop you off, I’ll wait a bit, then come over. Don’t want them thinking you were at my house and not Amy’s last night."
"Yeah. That would be bad." The food arrived and we ate mostly in silence.
Later, we returned to the cleaners, picked up our stuff, and went back to my apartment. She quickly changed into her dress. When she came out of my bedroom, I once again felt my speech impair. But I recovered soon and drove her home, (in the car) making sure to drop her off a block away so her parents wouldn’t see her coming home with me.
"You sure you wanna be walking around like that? I bet at least 5 guys try to pick you up before you even get home," I joked, or maybe I was serious.
"I’ll be fine, Darien. Thanks… for everything."
"No problem. I’ll see you in about half an hour, then."
"Yup. Bye!"
"Bye." I watched her until she reached her doorway, and then took off back to my place. I quickly threw on some swim shorts and a white tee. A little bit of sun block and I was on my way, back to her house. Again.
I arrived and knocked on the door, which was once again answered by Serena’s mom.
"Oh hi, Darien! Serena told us that you would be coming along. I am so glad she invited you. Do you like the beach?"
Not really, but I really like your daughter. "Yeah! I love the beach." I walked in and sat down on the couch.
"Well, that’s good. We’ll be there probably until sundown tonight so I hope you don’t have any thing to do tomorrow morning, since we won’t be back until about 9 or 9:30."
"Is it really that far a drive?"
"Oh yes. We’re going all the way down to White Sands. Have you ever been there?"
"No, I haven’t."
"BANG! You’re dead." I turned my head to see the end of a plastic hand gun pointed right between my eyes. After my surprise, I got the hint and grabbed my chest, falling off the couch and lying motionless.
"Aaahh! You got me!"
"Ha-ha. Hey you’re not so bad at this game. Serena just yells at me and tells me to leave her alone."
I laugh and get back up on the couch, with a young boy of about eleven or twelve and sandy brown hair claiming the cushion next to me. Mrs. Tsukino left into the next room, saying something about packed lunches and juice boxes.
"Yeah. I can’t see Meatball Head going for a cops and robbers type game."
He began laughing hysterically. "Meatball Head! Hadn’t thought of that one!"
"Oh no! Not you too! Darien, see what you’ve done! I’ll never get away from that stupid name if you keep telling every one I ever come in contact with!"
"Sorry Meatba………" My thoughts were cut short as I turned to the direction of her voice, my jaw still hanging open.
She stood at the foot of the staircase. She had on a pair of leather sandals with straps that crossed back and forth all the way to her ankles. She wore a white spaghetti strapped dress which came to about mid-thigh. Through the light material, you could barely make out a blue bikini. Each of the buns were wrapped with strings of flowers.
"What were you going to say Darien?" she asked, taking note of what must have been a very foolish expression on my face as I gazed at her.
"Huh? Oh, I, uh…"
"Hee-hee. That’s what I thought." She giggled and walked past the couch and into the room her mom had disappeared into earlier. I carefully watched her every graceful movement, my jaw still hanging halfway to the floor.
"Mom! Dad! Let’s go!"
"Coming dear!" Her mom once again entered the room, carrying a picnic basket. A tall man with brown hair followed. When he saw me, I noticed him analyzing my appearance with a critical look.
"I call gunshot!" screamed the boy, who I guessed was Sammy.
"No, we’ll let Darien have the front. He’s our guest."
"Oh, uh, no that’s fine. I’ll sit in back. Doesn’t bother me."
"Yay! See? So I can have front!"
"No," said the man, "your mother will sit up front with me and you’ll sit in back with your sister and, uh… Mr. Chiba."
Mr. Chiba? Wow, I guess Serena does pay attention. I don’t remember telling her my last name. "Please, sir, just call me Darien."
"Alright. You of course will call me Mr. Tsukino."
I gulped at the disapproving sound in his voice. "Uh… of course, sir."
I helped carry a couple of bags filled with towels and snacks out to the car. Mr. Tsukino began shooting questions at me.
"How old are you?"
"I’m 19."
"What college do you go to? You do go to school, don’t you?"
"Yes, I go to St. Joseph’s Medical School."
"Oh, you are studying to be a doctor?"
"Neurosurgeon."
"Well, that’s a good living, I guess…"
We were now sitting in the car, Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino in front and Serena, Sammy, and I in back, with me crammed in the middle. At least there’s more leg room.
"So now," Kenny continued, "what exactly is your relationship to my daughter?" So that was the point of this little questionnaire.
"DAD!!!" screamed Serena, a blush noticeable on her cheeks.
I held back a laugh. "We’re good friends." Smiling at Serena, I saw her look up at me, a ton of different emotions flashing by her face. First relief, then apologizing, joy, realization, and… disappointment?
I didn’t know how to respond to this mix of feelings, so I turned away and began chatting with Sammy about his favorite scenes in Star Wars. After awhile, we began playing word games, travel BINGO, and Truth or Dare- without the Dare.
"Okay, Sammy," I asked, "who’s your favorite super hero?"
"Hmmm… Wolverine from X-Men! Definitely!" He began to mimic Wolverine’s fighting moves, making slashing and ripping sounds as he ‘sliced’ the chairs in front of us.
"No way!" countered Serena. "Tuxedo Mask is way cooler!"
I raised an eyebrow at this comment. Hmmm… I could play off of this… "Okay, Serena, what is it that makes Tuxedo Mask ‘way cooler’?"
She blushed for a second, then her eyes lit up. "Well, first, he has those roses, which are way romantic! And the top hat and mask make him totally mysterious! And then there’s the cape, oh! And his poetic speeches! And he’s so heroic and dashing and handsome and…" she sighed as she retreated into her own fantasyland. I smiled at her dazed expression. So! Serena has a crush on my alter-ego! But then… could that make a little competition. All the sudden, I felt a lump of jealousy boil in my stomach. Wait a minute… jealousy of who? Me? Well, it sorta makes sense. I guess. But what if she found out who I was? She would most likely jump at the chance to date me, sure. But… only because of Tuxie. Not because of who I am. So, I guess, I don’t tell her who I am… until I know her heart is for me. Darien Chiba. And then, of course, I’ll tell her everything. She deserves to know. Hmm… good plan Mr. Chiba. Why thank you.
I smile my own dazed expression.
"Darien? Darien!" I look up to see Sammy waving a hand in front of my face.
"Yeah, kiddo?"
"It’s about time!" said Serena. "I thought we were playing a game here and all the sudden you skip off to dreamland!"
"You’re one to talk!" snapped Sammy. "Ms. Tuxedo Mask’s fan club president!"
I chuckle but then quickly hold out both hands to separate the arguing siblings. "Alright! Break it up! C’mon, let’s get back to the game. It’s my turn to answer a question."
"Okay!" said Serena. She tilted her head and scrunched her brow in thought. "Let’s see… ooh! Got it! Answer this Mr. Surgeon-in- Training-at-St.-Joseph’s-Medical-School! Describe your dream girl!"
"That’s not a question Meatball Head." I state matter-of-factly. Okay, so I just really don’t want to answer the question. I mean, I can’t say she’s a princess who always asks me to bring her crystals, and a 14 year old with blue eyes and blonde meatballs doesn’t work out too well, either.
"You know what I mean Darien! Do you have to be so critical?!"
I laugh. "Why do you want to know any ways?"
"That doesn’t matter. Just answer the question. OR STATEMENT! Whatever!"
"Alright! Fine! Let’s see… the girl of my dreams… she’d be funny and kind. And loving, and… everyone who meets her, loves her… but, she loves me." I shut up before I said too much. Serena looked close to tears.
"Darien… that’s so… pretty."
I smile. There is a silence for a few minutes, then Mr. Tsukino announced we were at the beach.
"Whoopee!" exclaimed Serena and Sammy. They were out of the car and running down the sand before we even came to a complete stop. I sighed and helped carry the bags again. After setting up my own towel, I went searching for Serena. She was surrounded by a large group of people. When I came close, I noticed Raye. She wore a red string bikini. The bottom half was covered by a black wrap around skirt with large red roses printed on it. All in all, she was quite beautiful, though no match for my Serena.
"Darien!" she screamed as she noticed me. Before I knew it, she had her arms wrapped tightly around my neck.
I managed to choke out, "Uh… hi, Raye. Think ya could lay off the death grip a little?"
She giggled and backed away, blushing. "Sorry."
"No problem."
"Have you met everyone?"
I looked around and noticed a few unfamiliar faces. "No, not everyone."
She began to go down the list, pointing to each one in turn. "You know Serena, Amy, and Lita, and this is Chad and Ken."
"KEN!" screamed Serena, startling everyone. "I knew I was close! Ha! I thought it was Kirk! Hee-hee, oops."
I smiled along with her while everyone else just stared confused, especially poor Ken.
"Hey, why don’t we go swimming?" offered Raye.
"Actually," spoke Amy in her usual soft tone, "I was planning on doing some reading in the sun. It is so relaxing on the beach, I’m sure I’ll be able to get in some great studying."
We all groaned. "Lita and I were going to go surfing later on, you guys want to come?" asked Ken.
"Don’t know how," Serena and I spoke in unison.
"Oh, it’s a cinch. I’ll teach you, okay Darien?" asked Raye, threading her arm through mine.
"Actually, I think I’ll just watch."
"Oh, that’s no fun!" said Serena. "How about we all go swimming for now, and then you guys can go boarding later, okay?"
"Sounds good to me!" exclaimed Lita cheerfully. "Amy, ya sure you don’t wanna come?"
"Of course she wants to come!" answered Serena before Amy even got her mouth open. I looked over to the one person who hadn’t yet said a word. The guy with long brown hair who Raye had called Chad was staring mournfully at Raye’s arm, still clutched through mine. I hadn’t bothered to move, knowing that it would just make itself there again, but now I quickly jerked away.
"Let’s get going then!" I ordered then ran back to my towel, tossing off my T-shirt and throwing it in a heap along with my sandals in the sand. When I turned around, I saw four gorgeous ladies not far away. Raye had removed the wrap around to reveal a pair of long legs beneath the small bright red bikini. Lita had discarded the Hawaiian style skirt and pale green tank top she had on earlier to show a dark green, strapless, one piece with gold trimming along the top. Amy wore a high cut one piece with a light blue bodice and navy bottom half. But the most astonishing was Serena. The light dress was gone showing the blue bikini. It was strapless with very small yellow roses as a pattern. Her tall, thin legs and small stomach and waist would have left any boy drooling in spite of himself- including me. Gathering any energy I had after analyzing her every feature, I walked to where the group was collecting once again.
"Ready to go?" asked Ken once everyone came back. I briefly noticed Raye’s eyes look me over, and then… did Serena’s too?
"Yeah!" screamed Serena excitedly. "Let’s go! Let’s go!"
She ran off to the waves breaking on the beach. The rest of us trailing behind her. I watched as she fearlessly plunged a toe into the waves, and then jumped back shrieking, "COLD!!!"
The others ran in without nearly so much whining. "What’s wrong, Meatball Head?"
She looked at me, ignoring the name. "It’s… freezing!"
I laugh cheerfully. "Oh, come on! It’s not that cold! Here, I’ll prove it to you!" In the blink of an eye, I scoop her into my arms and run out into the water. She is screaming in my ear the whole time.
"DARIEN!" I pranced through the water, letting it splash up and light drops fall on my victim. Her hands were wrapped around my neck, fingernails digging into my back, but it didn’t hurt. I don’t think I could even feel pain with her so close to me.
"See Serena. It’s not cold." I lowered her foot to the water. The instant it touched, she scrambled around in my arms until her legs were wrapped around my waist and her head resting against my chest.
"Don’t you dare put me down! Don’t you dare!" I laughed teasingly.
"I don’t think I could put you down if I wanted to!" Finally, she realized the position we were in. She looked up at me and blushed, but her hold only tightened. Not that I cared, of course. Looking past her, I saw Raye standing about 30 feet away with a sad look on her face.
I turned away. After waiting a few seconds just to feel Serena’s warmth in my arms, I walked back to the shore. She happily clambered off of me. Once she was on her own two feet, she stood right in front of me and pointed her finger in my face.
"If you ever EVER do that to me again I swear I’ll…"
"You’ll what?" I asked, trying as hard as I could to hold back a smile. Her face was so set in determination and she was so absolutely adorable! Finally, a quirky grin fell on the corners of my mouth.
"I’ll… I’ll… do something really bad!" Losing self control, I broke into a fit of laughter. Soon, Serena did so herself, her finger still aimed at my face. Before she had stopped laughing, I took a hold of her hand and placed my free arm around her shoulders.
"I’m glad we have an agreement," I stated, smiles still hanging on both our faces.
"Darien?" We turned to see Raye not far from us, her eyes noticeably filling with tears.
"Raye, are you alright?" Serena asked with concern, her smile having faded.
"Yeah, Meatball Head, I’m fine. Just need to talk to Darien, that’s all." Serena glanced back at me.
"Uh… sure. I guess I’ll go see what Amy’s up to." She left, leaving Raye and I alone together. I gulped.
"You wanted to talk about something Raye?" She silently walked past me and I followed. She didn’t say a word until we were pretty far up the beach.
"Darien, I…" she turned to face me, "I don’t think we should see each other anymore."
I blinked. I blinked again. Nope, she was still there, that sad expression still on her face. "I… uh… think you’re… right…" Well, what am I supposed to say? ‘Oh darn! I’m losing the girlfriend I never knew I had?! I am so heartbroken. Boo-hoo.’
She sighed. "Yeah… I am right. So, we’re friends then?"
"Uh… of course. Friends."
"Great." She forced a smile. "Oh, and I uh… don’t care if you go for a friend or anything. I think you and Serena… would make a cute couple. So… good luck." And she walked off toward the others.
I collapsed into the sand, my legs in front of me, leaning on my palms. My eyes didn’t see, my ears didn’t hear. Why had Raye said that Serena and I would make a cute couple? Does she know how much I like her? She must. Or… has Serena said something about liking me? Now don’t jump to conclusions, Darien. You’ll only end up heart broken. I sigh and stand. Looking over the waves, I realize how perfect everything is actually turning out. I mean, Raye’s a pretty girl, she’ll find someone else. And here I am, on a beautiful day, at a beautiful beach, with a beautiful girl. And I have Raye’s consent to ask her out… not that that means anything… but it’s an added bonus. With a smile, I rejoin the others. Amy has camped out on a large towel reading a book. Serena’s family is up farther on the shore, her parents talking while Sammy builds a sand castle. Chad and Ken look like they’re discussing something about surfboards and Raye is talking to Serena and Lita who look like they are comforting her. As I come closer, Serena looks up at me, an unreadable look on her face. One of pity, curiosity, concern, and… happiness?
"Dudes!" said Chad, the first thing I had heard him say since we arrived. "Let’s hit the waves!"
"Yeah!" chimed in Lita and Ken.
"Come on, Raye!" exclaimed Lita.
"Alright! Alright! I’m coming!"
"Darien and I’ll watch," said Serena. Within a few minutes, Chad, Raye, Lita, and Ken were running out towards the breakers. Serena came and stood next to me. Quietly, we sat down on the sand.
"Amy! Are you gonna watch?" she called back to her friend who was about 40 feet behind us. She glanced up, but then shook her head and returned to her book.
"How can that girl read so much?" I asked, attempting to lighten the mood. I expected that Raye had told her what had happened.
"Dunno." Was the only answer I got. A silence. The people in the water were just reaching waist deep and getting on their boards face down on their stomachs. "So… uh… Raye… broke up with you?" she asked uncertainly.
"Yeah, she did."
"Are… are you okay?"
"Yeah, I’m fine… Is she okay?"
"I think she will be. Must have had a good reason to break up with you though. I mean… I think she really liked you."
"I… think she did had a good reason…"
"Probably…"
The surfers were just reaching some larger waves. Lita and Ken were in front. Quickly, they were on their feet, gliding above the water toward the shore. They reached knee deep and I good hear Lita laughing exasperatingly.
Back on the sea, Raye and Chad were just standing on their boards. They had caught a wave… when Raye’s board tipped and she was thrown into the dark water.
"RAYE!" Serena exclaimed jumping to her feet. Chad, who had been slightly behind Raye, quickly jumped off his own board. For a few seconds which seemed to last for hours, neither one of them could be seen. Finally we could see a movement. Out of the water, we saw a large mop of brown hair. Quickly followed Raye’s. Chad supported the inert body beneath her shoulders until they were at chest deep, where he picked her up. As he came closer, Serena, Amy, and I ran to meet with Lita and Ken who were already waiting near the sea.
Raye’s body hung limp in Chad’s arms. Her raven black hair stringed loosely in the wind. Even from here, we could see tears streaming down Chad’s cheeks. When he came to where the sand was dry, he laid her down. The rest of us formed a circle. Chad fell to both knees beside her. Amy, being the first to recover from her shock and fear, raced forward to check a pulse, but Chad was a step ahead.
Leaning, her head back, Chad placed his mouth tightly over hers. He released and pressed his palms down on her chest. He then repeated the process.
We watched in scared silence. Lita and Serena were both crying fiercely, balancing on each other. Then, she moved. Raye’s head flew to the side and choked up the salt water which had been stored in her lungs. After she was on a regular breathing pattern again, Chad grabbed both her shoulders and looked at her really hard for a second, as if to be sure she was real. Then he wrapped his arms around her, his salty tears mingling with the salt water in her drenched hair. All onlookers breathed deep sighs of relief. Serena dropped to her knees and hugged Raye as well, followed by Lita, and soon the girl had been bombarded by bear hugs. Even I joined in. When the fear and worry and relief had passed, Raye finally got a chance to speak.
"Ch… Chad? You… you saved me…"
Chad once again surrounded her in his arms. "Of course I saved you. I can’t imagine this world without you Raye. Hey, I need someone to boss me around at the temple." They both laughed relieved laughs.
"Thank you, Chad. Thank you."
"C’mon, girl," said Lita, "you need to relax a bit. Let’s get you up to the towels, okay?"
Chad helped her up, supporting her all the way up the shore.
Lita flopped onto the sand, burying her head in her knees and crying. Ken sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him willingly.
Amy returned to her towel and opened her book, but I could tell she wasn’t reading, but staring blankly at the page. Finally, she closed the book and laid down, allowing silent tears to roll unchecked down her cheeks.
I looked at Serena. She was staring hatefully at the ocean. Her teeth were clenched and her fists shook, but no tears had escaped.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah… I’ll be fine."
I didn’t know what to say. All I wanted to do was comfort her.
Let her know I’m there for her. Somehow get her to forget this. "Let’s go for a walk, okay? I think we both need to get our minds off of this." She simply nodded. I slid my arm around her waste and we began walking down the shore. It was close to 5:00. We had already been at the beach for an hour and a half. Serena and I didn’t talk for a long while. Finally, I could no longer bare the silence.
"She’s okay. Chad rescued her. You know that, right? She’s gonna be fine."
Serena stared at the sand. "I know… but… I some how feel, it was my fault…"
"Serena, how could it possibly be your fault?"
She looked hesitant. "Darien… Raye liked you… a lot. And… I think she broke up with you because… she thought that you and I were…"
"Serena," I cut her off, "Raye loves you! She is a great girl and inside she knows there was nothing between us. She dumped me because things weren’t working out. Raye and I weren’t meant for each other, and she knows that." Serena still looked doubtful. "It was an accident Serena. The board slipped or something. When Raye has her mind set on something, nothing can distract her… including us. Besides… I know Raye would have had no problem if something was suddenly to spring up between us or something."
"How do you know that?"
"Well, she sorta told me that… uh… we’d make a cute couple."
Serena started giggling. It was music to my ears. "Great! I try to set her up with Chad, and this is what I get! Since when does she think she can play Cupid with me?!"
I laugh. "Wait… why were you trying to set her up with Chad?"
"Huh? Oh… I… uh… because…"
"Serena…?"
"Well, I just didn’t think… you guys were made for each other…"
I smile down at her… maybe there’s hope for us after all… could she have been jealous when Raye and I were ‘going out’?
"Well… I can’t say I disagree. Besides, Chad and Raye might be kinda good together… he certainly likes her." Just then, I looked across the waves to see the sunset beginning to grace the sky with reds and oranges and purples. "Look!" Serena turned to where I pointed.
"Oh! It’s gorgeous!" I turned to see a small cliff about 10 feet high directly behind us. Large rocks were formed in front of it creating an easy latter.
"Come on!" I grabbed her hand and pulled her up to the ledge. She wasn’t sure, but then allowed me to take her hand and pull her up. We sat down, our legs dangling over the edge, and watched the yellow sun gently kissing the waves of the ocean. Unconsciously, Serena leaned against me and I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Right now, all we needed was a blanket and we would be perfect. But… neither of us came very prepared.
We sat their in silence for what seemed a few seconds but was actually about 40 minutes. The stars clustered in the sky and the sea birds had flown home. No one was on the beach except me and my Meatball Head.
Once, I looked down to see her staring up at me. For a moment, I saw the same glazed look in her eye she had gotten while talking about Tuxedo Mask. But then she blushed and looked back over the quiet waves.
Finally, two familiar figures came walking down the beach toward Us.
"Hey you two!" called out Lita.
"We thought you might have gotten lost," said Raye.
"Raye!" exclaimed Serena, clambering down the small cliff. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Yeah, Meatball Head! I’m fine."
"Actually, she’s great! Tell them, Raye!"
Raye blushed. The first time I had ever seen her do that. I gracefully leaped from the ledge to join the group and we started walking back towards the cars. "Well…" started Raye, "Chad, sorta, kinda…"
"He asked her out!" finished Lita.
"I can tell them myself, thank you!" yelled Raye, but her eyes were cheery all the same.
"Oh! That is so great! I always knew you would make a cute couple!" said Serena, overjoyed at her friends news. She gave her a bear hug.
"Hey! Circulation would be nice!"
"Oh, sorry." I laughed, understanding perfectly what Serena’s over enthusiastic hugs could be like.
"Speaking of cute couples…" spoke Lita, "what were you two doing out here all this time?"
"Yeah!" joined Raye. "Where does your relationship stand?"
Serena and I both blushed and looked at the sand.
"I… uh… what… relationship?" she stuttered.
"We… we’re just… friends…" I added.
Lita and Raye exchanged knowing glances and let it drop. Serena, on the other hand, wasn’t about to let go. "And what about Ken, Lita? You two sure seem pretty close."
It was Lita’s turn to blush. "We are just friends. We’ve been friends since second grade. So lay off!" Serena giggled.
"Sure Lita. Whatever you say."
After that, the conversation turned to our exciting day at the beach and we walked back to the parking lot, every one of us with smiles on our faces.

Okay, that’s all for this week! Hope you enjoyed! PLEASE E-MAIL ME!!! Stay tuned for Chapter 5: Tuxedo Mask to the Rescue