Note

Darien stepped out of the cab that had driven him to the front of the luxurious Celestial Mansion, the Hawaiian home of the generous feminist Madam Celeste Crystalplata, whom so generously had created the scholarship found that provided Darien with the monetary ability to pay his college tuition and still maintain a high living standard. Darien had made a significant amount of money in his modeling days, but is not enough to maintain a high-class apartment, a fancy sports car and motorcycle while paying for college. Lets also not forget that Darien likes the good things in life, like expensive cloths and a diamond charm for a certain someone. The Merit-based academic scholarship paid full tuition and books, allowing Darien to pay for his other expenses.

A butler led him through the maze of marble stairs and finely decorated hallways that reeked of old money and pride, but they did not seem showy to Darien. To him, they were examples of good taste. His room had walls painted extremely light blue, as if some one had brought into the room a hand-full of blue dust and softly blown it on the walls. The furniture was a light wood color, and when Darien touched it, he could tell it was the best money could buy. The azure silk feather comforter felt good against his skin and made a beautiful contrast against the fine white cotton sheets with a blue hand-stitched embroilment on the edges. The blue silk curtains were playing with the wind coming from the slightly opened window.

The spacious room was a dream to Darien. The trip was a dream to Darien. The whole chain of events that led him here was a dream to Darien. He had received his scholarship award letter confirming that he had been awarded the necessary amount, and with it had came an invitation to an all expense paid trip to spend the holidays with the women who had so generously supplied him with the money and her family. What made it all more dream-like had been the first-class airplane ticket that was inside the invitation. They didn’t seem to expect a decline.

Amy sighed as she heard the telephone ring a seventh time. “Pick up, please!” She thought as she held the receiver tightly to her ear. Finally giving up she hung up the phone.

“Calling your friend again?” Her mother asked as she poked her head in the door.

“Cheer up, sweetheart! You will catch him at a latter time. He is probably still doing holiday shopping. Anyway, you have to pick up your cousin at the train station. You don’t want to be late.”

“You’re right mom.” She offered her mother a weak smile. She put on her coat and zipped up. “Mom is right. Greg probably still has shopping to do. Though, with all his psychic ability he should be able to guess to be home at the time I call. Is that too much to ask? And why can’t mom understand how important it is for me to be able to speak with him? You’d think she still remembered her first love.” Amy though as she started to walk to the bus station.

“And then he doesn’t call. You know, being it Christmas week, he should at least have the decency to call and whish me happy holidays. Just like a man to be thoughtless.” She thought as she reached the station and headed for the terminal. “Though, he isn’t like this. He is usually thoughtful and caring...Ahh!” Amy was snapped out of her trance when someone covered her eyes.

“Greg?” She was almost afraid of uttering his name, in fear of breaking the illusion.

“Yup.” He said letting her turn to face him. She smiled and hugged him. “It was your mom’s idea.” He began as soon as she let him breath again. “You can say I am your Christmas present from her.”

“My mom? Maybe she understands better than me.” She finished to herself as they walked home hand in hand.

Darien, taking a suggestion given to him by the butler, had gone to the immense stables and picked out a horse to take on an afternoon ride. This beautiful black stallion had a brilliant coat and wild eyes. The caretaker had warned him, “This one hasn’t been tamed yet! He’ll throw you off in no time! Take Cupcake, she is as tame as they come. Nothing like thunder here!” But Darien had not listened. He felt he once had owned Thunder. A long time ago. Perhaps, in a different life. He remembered with glee how the caretaker's face had turned white when he mounted the stallion with no problems. Horses know and care for their owners through all their lives.

He had raced Thunder through the expert trail. The horse was thankful for the exercise, and Darien was glad he had done so; it had been so relaxing and so invigorating. It was what the doctor had ordered, and now, he had slowed down while he enjoyed the Hawaiian scenery on the beginner’s trail. With the calm ocean breeze mixing with the laughter of a girl further down the trail, it seemed like a vacation commercial. This was the life. He heard the laughter grow louder as a white mare appeared before him. His face grew pale in surprise, and his lips dressed themselves in a smile when he saw the pretty face of the rider.

“Darien!” Serena choked as she saw him. Her blue eyes were as wild as Thunder’s and her golden curls were escaping from underneath her white ridding hat. “What-what are you doing here?”

“I should ask you the same thing.” He said as he dismounted. He was glad he had found a pair of black riding pants that fit him in the closet, otherwise that could have been a very embarrassing scene. She, on the other hand, was wearing white riding pants and a yellow Polo shirt. If she had wings, she would have been an angel. Darien helped her of her horse. “I am here for the banquet. I was invited.”

“Yeah, and you?” Serena blushed at the question. No one else had asked her, and she hadn’t advertised it until now. It was assumed or implied by those who had only known her here, but how bizarre will it sound to Darien, who knew her everyday routine.

“Here, really? Who is she?” He asked surprised thinking it might be the cook, an assistant, or the caretaker’s wife.

“Serena, wait up.” Sammy rode up on a brown pony. “Hey Darien! You’re here too? I bet is for the scholarship thing! We are here visiting Grandma Celeste!” He said in a breath as he dismounted.

“The one an only!” Sam said cheerfully. Darien gave Serena a questioning look. Remembering the modest house that he had driven her a night not so long ago. It was a nice house, but it was nothing compared to this mansion complete with five outdoor swimming pools, two man made lakes, seven Jacuzzis, three tennis courts, one large stable, five ridding trails, and several buildings.

“I see.” It was an awkward moment for the two of them, and poor Sammy was left in the middle without understanding why.

“I am going to run for the hills if they begin to comment on the weather.” Sammy thought to himself.

“Ok,” Sammy thought, “It is a conversation about the weather no matter how they disguise it, and I don’t want to hear about it.” He took a deep breath and mounted his pony saying, “Look at the time, I have to-to...go chase some girls before it gets to late. Yeah, that’s right! Chase after girls...ha-ha...BYE!” He finished after he had taken off, leaving Serena and Darien staring at their last hope for survival leaving them out to dry.

“So,” Serena continued. She sighed as she realized how stupid she was being. This changed nothing. He was still Darien, and she will always be his Meatball Head; he wasn’t the type to treat her differently now that he knew she had money and status. She smiled and gave him one of her pat in the backs. “Have you seen the property. There is a beautiful lake just up ahead in front of the main dining room.”

“No, Meatball Head, I haven’t.” He smiled, relieved that the awkwardness was over. “Lead the way.” They mounted their horses and kept a healthy step until they reached the lake.

“It’s beautiful.” Darien commented as he witness the beauty of the lake, which seemed to be dragging itself towards the tall building with the marble columns, surrounded by tropical vegetation.

“I know...Did you know that many people think its man-made because it is in the shape of a perfect crescent moon...well, as perfect as a lake can get?”

“No, I thought both were man-made.” She walked to the edge of the platform, took off her shoes and socks, and rolled up the cuffs of her pants. The she dipped her feet in the water to cool them off. He followed her and sat by her side without getting wet. “This has to breathtaking at night, with the stars and the moon.” He said more to himself than to her.

“It is. I remember playing with my cousins, and we use to pretend that the dinning hall was a mansion some “evil doer” made in the jungle, and we were here to stop him. The lake was made out of a special volcano rock created by the villain, so it was too cold to cross. We would run around imagining ways to cross it. My favorite was the night we rode the moonbeams across.” She reminisced as her eyes turned to wild fire. Darien just observed her. He took in her every move, and registered her every smile. This made him happy. “I could’ve rode those moonbeams forever.”

“Darien, always the teacher.” She said in a smart tone. “Have you ever ridden the moonbeams?”

“Have you ever danced with the devil under the pale blue light of the moon?”

“Then I have never ridden the moonbeams.” He smiled as she blushed and giggled. It felt so right being there with him, and he felt so good having this conversation with her. “You’ve grown so much in the past year, I hardly recognize you.”

“That’s not what I mean...your still a klutz and a meatball head, but don’t get me wrong...you would not be you if you weren’t. What I mean is...the way you carry yourself...and behave more responsibly...and your becoming into such a beautiful young lady before my eyes...I-I can’t believe it.” Serena blushed and smiled.

“You’ve changed too...or maybe I just got to know you better. You aren’t the jerk I first thought of you. You-you are a really nice guy, whom I owe my A- in biology.”

“From a C- at midterm to an A-, I got to say, I’m good.” Serena laughed at his joke.

“No, for everything. For being a friend, and sometimes more...” She trailed of. The conversation was about to take a turn into a road she was not ready to travel, and he sensed it.

“Hey, if you need me I’m her, and when you don’t...well, I’m still here, Meatball Head.” She smiled and hugged him. “So this is how you get a pretty girl to hug you. Nice to know.” He joked and they laughed, and as their laughter died out, their eyes closed and their lips met in sweet solitude. The sparks of the first contact made her pull back, but he held her hand tightly, so she never broke the kiss. As their lips danced together, his hand rushed up her face and drowned in her hair as his other held on to her hand for dear life. She had slipped her hand around his neck and let it dropped as their lips parted. If the silence before had been deadly, this one was murderous. Neither knew what to say; it had been so impulsive, so primitive, so passionate, and so revealing that neither wanted to admit to the consequences.

Their heads were still slightly apart, and he had let his hand slide down her back to her waist. In all of this, he had not let go of her hand. It was time for someone to talk, to say anything, so the only brave soul dared to break the silence. Serena’s horsed hissed at a nearby snake. She went towards it to calm it. “It’s getting late.” She began as Darien looked on.

“A little.” He replied as he looked at the position of the sun and thought “Isn’t she going to say something...be mad...or at least tell me what that was?” She mounted her horse.

“We should head back.” She replied as she thought. “Isn’t he going to stop me? Aren’t we going to talk about this? Did it mean anything to him?”

Rei walked sadly through the temple. “What did I do? What was I thinking?” She kept tormenting herself. Behind her she could hear the screams of her grandfather as he chased Chad all over the temple, armed with a broom.

“I’ll teach you to keep your lips to yourself!” Her grandfather protested.

Why did she do it? It had been so spontaneous, but it seemed like the only way out at that moment. Her grandfather was sneaking in his Christmas, and if she had not kissed him at that moment, he would have seen it. What she didn’t expect is her grandfather to catch them.

It was not as if she had not enjoyed the kiss, or not wanted to kiss him. She had to admit, it was what she had wanted for Christmas, but now what? Would he let her down easily or try to pretend that this had never happened? “Maybe I have nothing to worry about. He might not survive grandpa’s broom attacks.” He ran past her and left a small package in her hands. She opened it and found a love charm, which she had blessed about a moth ago. They had sold like wild fire, and now she understood why. They worked better than words.

“No Serena. You’ve already admitted to liking him...you should not think it meant anything unless he tells you it meant something! You should not get your hopes up. Guys like him can kiss girls without meaning anything except it felt good at the moment. They are not like us. We only kiss because we mean it.” Rei trailed off.

“I guess your right. It probably was just another kiss for Mr. Popularity.” Serena said sadly.

“Don’t get all discourage! You got the man to kiss you...you are one step closer to conquering his heart... All that means is that next time you got to make sure it means something.”

“Your right!” Serena cheered up. “This love scout is going back into action.... Talk to you later.” Serena hung up the phone and she began to set a plan into action.

“Well, she kissed me back!” Darien defended himself. As he paced up and down his room with the receiver in one hand and the base on the other.

“Didn’t you ask her what it meant to her or talk about what it meant to both of you?”

“Why do you think I need to talk to you?” Darien protested. “I was testing the water and laying down heavy hints on the way back, but she didn’t pick up on any of them. She seemed so tensed.”

“I bet you were no ice breaker yourself. Darien you are my best friend and I pride myself in thinking that I know you...that kiss...it was more than a kiss, wasn’t it?”

“Ten million times more.” Darien confessed as he sat down on his bed. He couldn’t keep anything from Andrew. “Andrew, it was magical...heavenly. Nothing has felt so right in my entire life. I could have kissed her forever.”

“My advice for you is to tell her how you feel. Serena is a sweet girl, and at this point she is probably fighting between the dual image she holds of you. Let’s face it, she knows your reputation as a player, and she is probably fighting off all those sweet innocent dreams of holding hands under the moon. She doesn’t deserve this!”

“And I do? How am I suppose to handle this...I don’t want to hurt her, but I will. She is too young to understand that in life, people who care about each other end up hurting each other, specially first loves.”

“Who else? I don’t wish the pain that she caused me upon my worst enemy, much less Serena.”

“But, if you had a second chance, would you take it back...end that relationship before it started?”

“Never. The good times...all those sweet memories, they are too precious. I would never want to lose them. I would suffer twice as much if I could relive them.”

“Then why deny Serena that? Why deny Serena the chance to experience all those feelings. It is beautiful, and since you know the pain, you will, at all costs, try to protect her. You will make it easier for her and that is the truest test of love. Besides, for all you know, this whole thing might be a passing fling.”

“Anytime.”

Lita walked outside to admire the full moon. “Don’t be a stranger.” Ken said as he followed her. “I’m glad that you decided to join us. I would hate to think that you are spending the holidays by your self.”

“And miss out on your mother’s cooking, never. You know, now that my parents are gone, I can truly appreciate the people in my life. You and your family have been a second family to me. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Lita confessed with tears in her eyes.

“You miss them allot?”

“Like heaven its angels, but is not all that bad. Sometimes late at night, I can still hear their movements around the house. Sounds of my mom cleaning the kitchen, or my dad adding up bills...it may just be my imagination, but it helps me through the pain.” He slipped his arm around her.

“You know you can come over and hear my parent's sounds whenever you like?”

“I know, but my imagination keeps me from forgetting them; though during this time of year, I rather be with friends, than alone.”

“Come on, lets join the party.” They returned to the house where merry people where singing Christmas carols.

The dinning room was dressed in beautiful red and gold ribbons, and in the center there was the biggest most beautiful Christmas tree the island had ever seen. Traditionally decorated with candles and glass ornaments, the tree took the spotlight away from the dancing Christmas gowns and tuxedos. To add to the atmosphere of tradition, Madam Celeste had the whole hall strictly lighted with candles from the bathrooms to the dancing floor. The only exception was the kitchen, where for safety reasons, it was decided electricity was the best way to go.

As it was tradition, Celeste entered the room by descending the oak coral of stairs. This time, she was escorted by Sammy, which was a surprise to all because since the death of her husband, only her son had been given that honor. Serena followed them close behind. She didn’t want an escort because she felt no one would see her go down the stairs if she did it by herself, but though it was not announced, everyone admired her white angel gown. Her grandmother had picked it out after she saw the one Serena had brought. It was obvious to her that the dress, which was more suited for a five-year-old, had been hand picked by her son. Luckily, her daughter-in-law had laid a heavy hint in their last conversation, which was more than enough for Celeste. She enjoyed nothing more than playing dress up with her granddaughter.

The dress was off the shoulders with a white fur ring around her cleavage and arms. White satin wrapped tightly around her torso and hung off her hips more than hinting her hourglass figure. Her hair was up in its usual manner, but instead of strait, her hair fell in curls from her “Lunar Balls.” With the make-up applied by her grandmother’s personal stylist and the crystal high heels, everyone mistook Serena for a sixteen-year-old beauty. Serena held tightly to the banister and descended as slowly and as gracefully as possible in fear of tripping. As soon as she was safely on grown floor, she proceeded to mingle with the crowd and thank heavens she did not trip.

Serena was invited to dance by several handsome young suitors, and she accepted courteously each one of their invitations hoping it would bring her one step closer to Darien. If she could see where he was dancing or make him a little jealous...all is fair in love and war, but it was all in vain. He was no where to be seen. Angered by the situation, Serena decided to flirt uncontrollably with the young suitors. “I’ll show him I don’t need him!” She thought to herself as she wondered where he could be?

Mina finished decorating her tree. She through herself on the mercy of her couch as she looked around the room. If it wasn’t for the tree, you would not be able to guess it was Christmas. She was exhausted, too exhausted to continue decorating. She sadly looked at the picture of Trevor and herself at the amusement park. An entire month without him. Could she survive it?

DING-DONG! The doorbell echoed in the empty house. “Who is it?” She screamed hopping whoever it was would go away.

“Coming!” She peeled herself from the couch and opened the door to find a large box with legs. She didn’t have time to react as the box was thrown into her arms and the delivery guy stepped through the door. “Excuse me, but...” she began as she dropped the box and looked directly at the delivery guy. Her eyes brighten, her smile brightened, “Trevor! Aren’t you suppose to be on a flight headed to New York?”

“And aren’t you suppose to say ‘Sweetheart, how lovely of you to surprise me!’ and give me a kiss?” He asked with a smile then continued to explain to his stunned girlfriend, “I changed my flight so I could spend one last day with you.” She jumped on him throwing him on the floor, kissed him passionately and asked,

“So, Charles was it? You’ve been working here a long time?” Darien asked one of the older attendants who was tying one of the rowboats to the peer.

“Yup, specially the youngest gal...such a sweathea’t...Ah, did she love to ride ‘em moonbeams. That imagination of hers! Let me tell you how she rode ‘em.” Darien smiled devishly.

Board of all the flirting, and finding all the young men annoying, Serena disappeared out of the dinning hall and into the garden by the lake. “Why all alone princess?” Sammy asked with a wide smile.

“May be, malady, but don’t you think that bad company might make an evening interesting.” Serena gave Sammy a strange look.

“What’s with the sudden formalities? Sammy you’re my brother! This is not you!”

“Not tonight! Tonight I am a messenger for the devil.” He handed her an envelope and disappeared into the building. She opened it with strange curiosity. The message read:

Serena was more than intrigued by the invitation. “Should I go?” The clock stroked twelve. “Well, latter might be too late.” She rushed to the peer twisting her ankle only once. Surprisingly, there was no one there. It was completely deprived of human life. She was about to leave when she noticed a red rose in one of the rowboats. She picked it up hoping to find a note or some indication of where he was.

“I thought you weren’t coming, but I see I was wrong.” A masked tuxedo commented from behind her. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned with a jump to face her companion.

“I-I take it you are the Devil.” She said forcing her heart to stop racing. Was it Darien or Tuxedo Mask? Under this light she couldn’t be sure. Either way, butterflies were dancing in her belly.

“Why else would I come?” Serena asked more relaxed whom ever he was, she was safe.

“Perhaps a young messenger twisted your arm.” At this she raised her arm and said,

“It doesn’t look twisted to me.” He took the opportunity to take her hand and lead her onto the boat.

“Then lets go.” He rowed slowly and steadily towards the other side of the lake. The conversation was more than lacking until they were half way through. Serena took the last bit of courage and decided to ask,

“Why not?” He stopped rowing and looked her dead in the eye. The full moon was shining brightly over them with the stars’ twinkling light kissing the lake. “Some men enjoy the company of a beautiful woman, and I...”

“I, as the devil I am, like to make sure that no one takes the company of my Moon Angles away from me. Besides, we need to talk.”

“Do we, Devil? And what does thou need to say to this Moon Angel?” Serena flirted. He just laughed.

“No, if you are the Devil tonight, then I am an angel and must be addressed as so.”

“And, what needed to be said?” She sat up as the conversation grew interesting. He took the rows and finished the trajectory. He helped her out of the boat. “So, you are the biggest idiot that ever lived?”

“Glad to see you noticed.” He joked, but she did not laughed. The music began to play again, and all Darien could do was keep one of his promises. He took her hand and they danced on the peer like they had done so once before on the eve of the end of her kingdom. They danced as if it was their last dance. They were solemnly happy then. It was their conversation, but now, the song was over.

“Serena...I mean Angel, what did the kiss mean to you.” Serena’s eyes opened wide at the question, then she walked away from him. “You know, your silence is quite loud as well.” He said after she failed to respond.

“It-it meant...the same it meant to you.” She finished holding back her tears. If she told him the truth and he let her down as easy, it would kill her. If he at least laughed at her, or was mean to her, then she could try to hate him.

“You don’t know what it meant for you?” Serena turned in rage as a tear sparkled in the moonlight. Darien became nervous. He never thought the words would escape him. She lowered her head and took a deep breath.

“Don’t worry about it. I may be fourteen but I am not stupid. I understand that guys sometimes kiss because it felt good at the moment, and that it means nothing. I am not a fool.” She was calm but sad. She was fighting tears and rage, pretending to be fine.

“Then you also understand that sometimes it means something.” Darien continued, stunned at her response. He wanted her to be more open about what it meant and more closed about kisses that just feel right. It would make it easier for him to tell her it meant something. What exactly, he did not know. Even with her, he had not felt what Serena made him feel.

“Darien, save your breath. I know where this is going.” She sadly “You are going to go on and tell me I will find a guy to whom it will mean something and apologize for something we both are guilty of and...” He kissed her lips quickly, but passionately.

“Yes.” She answered to shock to lie. He kissed her again, slowly but with the same passion, making her body vibrate with his emotions.

“Did that feel right?” He asked her as she started to cry. Her system had been shocked.

“Yes.” She answered as he took her into his arms. He held her as she cried uncontrollably. She was so confused. The energy she radiated awoke something at the bottom of the lake. Slowly, a burst of water in the shape of a woman rose from the lake. The sinister being approached the couple and began to drain their energy. Darien tried to shield her with his body.

The Ice Cold Princess

By Sailor Nena