SHOULD SHE TELL DARIEN OR NOT?
By: Talent Scout
Disclaimer: This is the only time im going to say this so listen up. All characters and other stuff are liscenced property of their rightful owners. Yada yada yada. Okay. Remember, send comments to: [email protected]. Also any made up characters given to me i will give full credit to the author who made it/them.
Should She Tell Darien or Not?
Note: Once again, I've changed this so that there are 5 Scouts, but none of them, even Darien, ever found out about their other identities of their past or future.
Raye and her friends hoped that they weren't too late to find Serena. From what they heard, she was hurt. When they got to the edge of the lake, they surely did find her hurt and shivering; of fear? That's not unusual.
"Serena, are you alright?" All of her friends asked the same question at the same time.
"What does it look like?" she bawled. Her eyes no longer had pure blue in them; only grayish blue and pink. Her clothes were torn up like rags, and the crescent moon wand was noticeably falling out.
Mina and Lita helped her up while Amy bent down and used her mini-data computer to scan Serena all over.
"No Negaenergy," she finally concluded. She let out a sigh of relief.
"No Amy, only something possibly worst!" Serena screamed.
Amy was hurt. She never had her friend yell at her like that. Tears were threatening to come down her face, but she tried to hold it in. She bit her trembling lip.
Serena saw her genius friend and quickly apologized, "Oh Amy, I"m so sorry! I didn't mean to yell at you like that. Are you OK?" She hugged her friend, and both of them felt better.
"It's alright, Serena. What happened to you?" Amy inquired.
Serena looked at all her friends and answered angrily, "I'll give you one word; 'RAPE'."
"WHAT!?" screeched her friends.
"Yeah, that's right; RAPE," she emphasized. Her friends tried to adjust some of her clothes and tried to calm her down, but it was no use; she couldn't stop crying.
"What did that guy look like?" asked Raye.
Serena sniffled, "He was fairly huge, short-spiked hair, one earring on his right ear, gray sweater."
"Are you sure?" asked Mina.
"I hope so," she answered. She tried to stop crying for a moment as she explained, "I'm really thankful that you guys came so quickly. Thanks; I wouldn't know what else to do if you guys weren't here." She tucked in the Crescent Moon Wand.
Lita and Raye helped Serena up as Lita replied, "We've got to get you some help as soon as possible, Serena. Let's go!"
"Right!" agreed the girls in Sailorscout determination.
***
7 days later...
***
Even after 7 days, she was crying harder than when the actual incident happened. Wisps of her blonde hair streamed around her face as her eyes seem to be even more duller than before. But Serena couldn't help it; she was still hurt. She didn't want to go out anywhere again, but she felt she had to. She scrambled to the arcade not to play; but to hide from society. She was due to have another appointment with the prenatal care doctor in about an hour, but she didn't care; nor did she want to go. Surprisingly, Serena didn't klutz out when she ran. She couldn't hide the fact that she was crying like usual; it seemed that this could never be hidden from society at all. She finally neared the entrance as she fled inside.
Meanwhile, Darien across the street was also walking towards the arcade. He looked sly and ready-to-tease as usual, but some caught his eye and disturbed him in the slightest way. He peered and walked closer.
"Hey, doesn't that kind of look like Meatball-head?" he asked himself. "Hey it is! Wait a minute, why is she running in there like a crazed criminal? And where are her friends that she usually comes with her? Huh? What is she doing?"
He crossed the street and forwarded into the arcade secretly. He expected her to head straight to the new Sailor V Game and rag at it, but she didn't. She didn't even go and say hi to Andrew as she usually would!
"Something's wrong," Darien mumbled to himself. For once, he was getting concerned. Then it caught his eye; she was crying, and a lot worse than usual. He saw her look around and then hid herself in the back of some game machines.
"What is she doing there for?" he asked. He walked closer but stayed far enough to keep from Serena's eye distance. He finally stopped getting closer when he saw Andrew peering towards Serena. He bent down and started to talk to her, but unusually, she heaved away. Andrew tried again, and this time, she was encircled in his hug, crying on his shoulder. Darien walked to another hidden part of the arcade.
"Why is Andrew comforting her? What's wrong with her?" he thought.
***
Meanwhile...
"Serena, are you OK?" asked Andrew. "This is not like you."
Serena cried, "I'll know if I'll be OK or not by today."
"Well, what exactly happened?" Andrew asked.
She whispered something in his ear and started bawling harder. Andrew automatically held her in his arms and tried to provide comfort. He was angry too, but it was more like crying than red with fury.
After a while, they broke loose, and Serena calmed down.
"Is there any way for me to help you through any of this? I'd be glad to help," he offered.
Serena refused, "I don't think I'll ever get over this. I still have to go to the clinic and check put my conditions."
"Yeah. Listen Serena, like I mentioned before, I'll always be here for you, no matter what. You can always count on me," Andrew confirmed.
"Really?" Serena questioned.
"Really," Andrew replied. Serena blushed as her tears died-down; "Thanks, Andrew! Thank you so much!"
After a few moments, they released each other from their hug and stood up.
"Is there anything that you'd want right now?" asked Andrew.
Serena sat down in the nearest chair and answered, "I don't know right now. I don't even feel like talking or seeing any of my friends that much. And I also have a doctor's appointment to determine my condition, but I don't even want to think about going there."
"But Serena, you'd probably want to go anyways, just in case there's something wrong," Andrew suggested. He looked at his watch and continued, "My break is in 15 minutes. If you stick around a bit longer, I can drive and accompany you to the clinic. What do you say?"
Serena lit up a bit and blushed, "Are you sure? It's alright with you?"
"Sure," he answered.
"OK," Serena answered. She still was sniffling, but she responded, "Thanks a lot. I'll just play a few games while waiting."
"Alright," Andrew smiled. He turned around and went back to his work.
Now's a probably good time to snoop, Darien thought. He walked over to Serena and started, "Hey Meatball Head, still trying to beat yourself, huh?"
Her eyes and tears started to burn again. Why can't that guy leave me alone? Still, I can't show myself like this to him...
"What do you want Darien?" interrogated Serena, in a noticeably crying voice. "If you're here to tease, I'm sick and tired of it." She turned around, crying again, "So just go away and leave me alone!"
Darien was startled and was hurt. He never heard Serena like this, and to hear this, he was threatened to bring on some tears himself.
"Oh--Serena, I'm sorry," he apologized. "Are you OK?"
"Why should you care!" she cried. She leaped up and ran off to another part of the arcade. He tried to catch up with her, but he was restrained by someone's deathening grip. He first felt someone painfully hit him in his back, which he fell forward onto the face of the video game. Then, that same person grabbed his arms and smacked them on him; a skinny knee was felt pinning his back. Darien yelled in pain and surprise, feeling that his face had a burning sensation on it now. He tried to use his own fighting skills to fight back, but surprisingly, he couldn't. For the moment, he couldn't even breathe!
An angry female voice interrogated, "Alright you sorry bastard, you'd better 'fess up! What have you done to Serena? From the looks of this, you have. If you've done something to her, I swear, you're going to be in such pain that you're gonna wish you never hear of me again! You for sure don't want to see me angry! Come on, 'fess up!"
"Huh? I--," Darien stammered.
The female just pushed him harder.
"OK, OK!" he responded. "I didn't do anything to her, Lita! I really didn't! I just did my normal gig as usual, and she screamed at me. She then just ran off." He winced and groaned. "Lita, please, can you let go now?!"
"If that's not the truth--," Lita threatened.
"It is! Please, let go of me!" Darien shouted.
Lita finally let go but was in fighting stance. Darien spun around, gasping for breath. He almost jumped back because of Lita's look of ready to kill.
"Man, why did you do that for, Lita!" he queried. He rubbed his arm.
She just reverted, "If something happens to one of my best friends, I'm bent out for revenge and explanations."
"You didn't need to almost kill me for it!" he cried.
Lita calmed down, but still clenched her fist. "Alright, I'm sorry. But don't you dare do that again, you hear? If you do, you're gonna get it!"
Darien also calmed down and asked, "I'm sorry too. But Lita, what happened to Serena? Did she just lose another game on the video game again?"
"Very funny," Lita answered. "And no, it wasn't that. She's going through something right now, and she just needs to be alone."
"Yeah, but I've never seen her cry like that before," he replied. "She really scared me."
"Why should it scare you? It seems that you don't ever give a damn," she cussed.
"Well it did, alright? Was it that serious?" he asked.
"Yeah. I'm just here to pick her up to go somewhere," Lita reasoned.
"I just overheard her and Andrew talking to each other, and he said would take her to that place; where ever that is," Darien explained.
"The hospital," Lita finished.
"What?"
"The 'hospital.' You know, a place for hurt or sick people?" Lita answered, impatiently.
"Alright, I know where that is. Don't start," he warned.
Lita broke out a little chuckle still with a serious look on her face, but it was a lot better than the killing look at first. She glanced at her watch and started to leave.
"See ya' around, Darien," she smirked and left.
He nodded after her and redeemed his sly look. But, his look changed to a painful look as he rubbed his arm again.
"Ow," he complained, "man, how can Lita be so strong? I can't believe I let a girl who's probably five years younger than I am beat the crap out of me, as well as lasting affects." He groaned as he walked over to Andrew.
"Hey, Andrew!" he called out.
"Yo, Darien! What's up?" he smiled. "Man, what happened to you and your arm? Looks like someone beat the living life out of you." Andrew peered closer. "Do you have a bruise on your eye there?"
Darien gasped and felt his eye. The eye didn't hurt too much, but the corner bone did. He winced, "Yeah, it's a bruise. Boy, does it hurt!"
"Where did get it from? From Lita?"
Darien answered, "Well, actually--huh? How--" He lowered his voice to a whisper, "How did you know?"
"I saw Lita lethally pinned someone to the Sailor V game," he answered simply. He laughed, "Man, I can't believe Lita could pull something on you like that!"
"Well, she did surprise me," Darien responded. He looked all around as he carefully worded his question, "Andrew, where's Serena? Doesn't Meatball Head usually turn about right now?"
Andrew turned his glance to the custodian door. "Yeah, she's over there. I'm taking her to the hospital in 5 minutes."
Darien crossed his fingers in his pocket. "For what? She seems pretty healthy. What's wrong with her?"
"Well, no offense Dar', she doesn't want anyone to know what happened. I'm just offering to help."
"When did she come in?"
"About 15 minutes ago," Andrew answered. He started polishing the counter.
"Did she cry when she come in? And where did she go? Was she alright?" Darien questioned.
"Yes, she was crying. She hid behind a game machine and I talked to her," he answered. Andrew stared at Darien curiously. "What's with you, Darien? Why are you asking all these questions about her?"
Darien tried not to blush. "Well--I was just worried. I--I--well, Lita thought I knew something or did something to her to make her cry. That's why she pinned me down. I had a fairly interesting talk with her, though."
Andrew nodded suspiciously, "Sure."
"What?"
"Nothing," Andrew remarked. He took off his apron and put away the polishing cloth. "Look, I gotta go. Later." He jogged over to where Serena and Lita were and led them to his car. They then drove steadily off as Darien looked after them.
Serena frowned, but she couldn't do anything. "Shut up, Darien. Actually, it was---oh, never mind."
***
Back at the arcade; the next day in the morning...
"Hey, Serena, how did the tests run?" asked Mina.
"Yes, how did it?" asked Amy, putting away her book.
Serena made a painful smile on her face as she answered, "Well, all I can really say is that I can drop out of school now."
Raye was angry. "What for, Meatball Head? You're finally giving up on your education?"
"Shut up, Raye! No! You don't understand; it's that in the worst ways!" cried Serena. Tears were creating paths down her face. "I'd always rather go to school to see my friends, pig out, shop at the mall, and all that stuff! Why don't you guess why can't I do those things anymore?"
Lita gasped, "You mean--you're..."
"Yes, I am! Alright! The doctor just said so yesterday!" she raged. "I'm pregnant!"
Everyone gulped as they stared at their Scouts leader.
"Maybe the doctor made a mistake," mumbled Mina.
"I doubt it," replied Serena. She suddenly clutched her head as she swayed around.
"Serena, are you OK?" asked Raye. She reached out to her friend.
"N--no," she whispered. She stumbled forward, and collapsed on her knees. Her friends dashed to her side as she started to heave deep breaths loudly.
"Ohmigod," muttered Lita. She ran off, shouting, "Andrew! Andrew! Quickly, help! Serena just collapsed on the ground! Get someone!"
Andrew ran all the way over here from talking to Darien. Darien heard too, and rushed to her side quicker than Andrew did.
"What? What's wrong with her?" asked Andrew.
Lita looked at both of them with tears in her eyes. "She was talking to us and she swayed, then fell to the ground."
Serena looked up at both of them, sadly. "I--I need to go..." She struggled up, but fell down again. Surprisingly, Darien shoved everyone aside and held her up.
"Serena, what's wrong? Please, you have to tell me," he begged. "I can help."
She looked at him dizzily and replied, "Go--away, Darien. I don't need your help. I just need to go home and rest."
"No Serena," refused Andrew. He felt her pulse. "You have to stay here for a while. Your pulse is kind of irregular, and we have to take you to the hospital."
Serena pushed her friends as well as Darien aside. She couldn't push Andrew away, but she pleaded, "Please Andrew, let go of me. I can get up myself." Then, she screeched in pain as she clutched her abdomen.
"Serena, you're going to have to lie down," pleaded Amy. She started her medical training. She felt Serena's head, pulse, and tried some moves. She turned to Andrew. "Andrew, do you have a place to let her lie down? She's having a faint spell, as well as something else. From my experience, she needs to lie down as soon as possible. And bring something for her to drink!"
He started to protest, but Mina added, "Please, she's studying to become a doctor, so she knows. Please, just let her do what she can! We don't know what else to do besides call for an ambulance!"
"I don't need help!" cried Serena. She stood as straight as possible and walked a few steps. Darien, feeling ashamed, looped her arm over his shoulder and started to help her walk. But about halfway to the entrance, Serena collapsed completely, and fell unconscious. Darien caught her in time, and he commanded everyone, "Someone, open that room over there! She needs help right now!"
Andrew this time didn't hesitate. He ran over to the office room and opened the door. Darien lifted Serena up and carried her to the room as fast as possible and laid her down on the bed. He adjusted some pillows and blankets as his training kicked in. Amy pulled out a first aid kit and scooted over to his side.
"Darien, lift up her upper body for me. Put some pillows underneath her and then set her back down. Lita, you get a cool, wet cloth for Serena's forehead. The patient has Tokyo's medical code #110! Come on; hustle, hustle, hustle!" Amy ordered.
Everyone set to work as they obeyed Amy without any consolation. She several other things and then concluded, "She'll be fine after a few moments of rest. A dizzy and shock spell just overpowered her for a moment." She turned to Lita and requested, "Lita, I need to talk to you for a moment about the other day you and Serena went to the..." She made a sign language gesture. "...you know what and where I mean." Lita nodded and followed Amy out.
"Raye, you search in Serena's bag to see if you could find her special card. If you can, call her doctor immediately to see if these are the first symptoms. I really think they are, but I want to hear the doctor's opinion just to be sure," suggested Amy. "Or would you rather to have Andrew or Mina do it?"
Raye shook her head. "No, I can do it. Andrew and Mina; you two just keep a watch over here."
After a few minutes, Lita, Amy, and Raye returned.
"Amy, the doctor said that this was natural. Every woman, even young girls, experience this as one of the early signs. This is totally natural for her," she remarked.
"Good. Lita and I just concluded the same things, then," replied Amy.
Andrew came over and asked, "Amy, you mean to tell me that Serena's..."
Amy nodded.
"So that's why she still looks scared, even after the doctor's yesterday," Andrew mumbled. His eyes looked at Serena in disbelief.
Darien was furious; he doesn't know what the heck is going on, and he was about to explode. "Alright! Hold it! What the hell is going on here! How come everyone knows what's going on, and I don't! Can't someone tell me what the hell is going on!"
Everyone gasped, especially Lita again. She looked angered, but she calmly answered, "Look Darien, we would tell you if we could. Golly, if you wanted to know so badly, why didn't you offer a hand?"
"I did! You know, there's a lot more to me than just a conceited jerk to you and Serena, you know! I hope you realize, I do slightly worry about her!" he cried.
Raye was shocked, but answered, "Darien, Serena's my best friend. She doesn't want anyone to know what she's going through, and probably for the next several months. We'll all tell you when she agrees that it's OK."
He calmed down. "I'm sorry everyone. I didn't mean to rage on you guys, but I was just a bit too uptight." He tried changing the subject. "Do you need someone to watch her? I can do it." He had no idea what he was saying.
Mina gasped. "Are you sure, Darien? Why would you want to do a thing like that?" she asked, suspiciously.
"I--I don't know," he responded. "I don't know why I even volunteered. Well, still, I won't mind if I do."
Andrew eyed him uneasily and said, "Alright, fine. You can watch her. This is the boss's office, so don't mess anything up in here. We'll all be outside for a while." Before everyone left the room, Amy gave the glass of water to him.
"Just in case she wakes up," she explained. "And keep the wet cloth moistured." Everyone left. Darien looked down at her.
"Man, Serena," he grinched through his teeth, "what the hell's wrong? Why can't I act nice towards you and Lita especially? And for the record, what's going on with you? Everyone knows except me, and excuse me, but I do want to know! I do care!"
Darien brought a chair next to her and sat down. Strangely, all he could do was stare at her intently. He didn't move at all.
***
"Serena, it's time to wake up!" he mom called out. "Come on, you lazy bones, get up! You'll be late again!"
"Huh?" asked Serena. She dizzily sat up in bed.
"Serena, you're such a big goof!" cried Sammy.
"Young lady, you're grounded!" her dad yelled. "Go to your room!"
"Hey, Meatball Head!" smirked Darien. "Did ya' klutz out yet?"
"You're such a whiner, Serena! And you're so stubborn! Who would ever want to love you? You're so lazy sometimes!" Raye shouted.
"What's going on? Why are you all yelling at me?" Serena cried.
"Serena, you're so irresponsible!" Luna lectured. "Why can't you take anything seriously like the other Sailorscouts?"
"You're such a ditz!" Molly raged.
"You should study harder!" suggested Amy.
"Stop goofing around, Serena!" cried Lita and Mina.
"Now that you're pregnant, what kind of mom are you going to be? Hopefully, he/she won't inherit their mother's klutziness and stubbornness!" retorted Raye again.
Serena covered her ears. Voices and more of them raged everywhere, trying to get rid of her.
"Why are you all against me! Am I that bad?" cried Serena. She covered her ears and screamed,
"STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!" Serena cried. She flared her arms out and then sat straight up in bed. Gasping for breath, she madly glanced around the room. Darien almost fell off his chair; that almost gave him a heart attack!
"Serena, what's wrong! You need to calm down! Quick, just take a deep breath and calm down," soothed Darien.
Serena for once obeyed and breathed. After a few seconds, she calmed down but she opened her arms and hugged Darien, crying on his shoulder hysterically. He was shocked, but he just encircled his arms around her.
"Hey, Serena; it's going to be OK," he whispered. "It's going to be OK."
Serena cried for another fifteen minutes and then let go.
"I'm--I'm really sorry Darien," she apologized.
"For what? It's alright," he answered, smiling. Serena was surprised, and answered, "For what I just did."
"It's OK," he repeated. Serena lay back in the bed and pulled the covers over her. But right when she lay down, she darted right up and out. She spotted a trash can and grabbed it. Out it all comes. Her body heaved in pain, making unforgettable sounds. She coughed, she choked, and she gasped. Darien ran to her side and supported her. After it was all over, he gave her the glass of water as she rinsed her mouth. After that, she just fell back against the desk on her left.
"Was it something you ate, Meatball Head?" Darien joked. He really hoped joking would perk up her mood.
Serena frowned, but she couldn't do anything. "Shut up, Darien. Actually, it was---oh, never mind."
"Serena, you can tell me," he pleaded. "I may not show it, but I do listen. I can probably even help you."
"I don't think you or anyone can help me," she said, her voice getting louder to a shout, "No one can help me change this lifetime incident!"
"Lifetime?" Darien interrogated. "What the hell did you do?"
"I didn't do anything! At least I hope I didn't!" she marveled. "For your own benefit, you're going to be glad, because you and everyone else won't be able to see me again!"
"What? What are you talking about?" he asked.
Serena doubled over in pain. He helped her up as she whispered, "You'll find out in several months, Darien. You'll for sure will find out."
Lita and the other Scouts came in just in time.
"Serena, are you all right?" asked Raye. She rushed over.
Serena successfully stood and answered, "I'm a lot better, thanks. Thanks to everyone, even to Darien here." She smiled, hiding some tears. "I have to go." Serena ran out the office and arcade. Everyone else stared.
Darien broke the silence by lifting up the trash can. "I guess I can take out the trash now. She threw up."
Amy looked at Raye. "Yes, this is definitely one of the early symptoms."
***
"Serena honey, how are you keep going on?" asked her mom.
"I'm gonna kill this guy whoever did this!" raged her father. "No one hurts me or my little girl. If anyone does this to my daughter, I'll always make sure he pays!"
Serena on the couch smiled.
"Well honey, what are you going to do? Are you going to keep the baby, or give it up for adoption?" asked Mr. Tsukino.
Serena looked at the floor and at her little brother, who stared at her worriedly.
"Mom, Dad," she started, "I've been thinking about this ever since I found out I was pregnant. Night and day, school and sleep; that was all I did. So... if it's OK for you...I'm keeping the baby."
Mrs. Tsukino smiled at her daughter. "That's your choice honey. I know that you're going to be a great mother to this child. It's going to be just as beautiful and kind-hearted as her mother."
Serena nodded with tears in her eyes, but this time, they were tears of comfort; the for a long time. She hugged her parents.
"We're going to help you and your child in every step of the way," promised Mrs. Tsukino. "This child is going to have everything in the world, even under the circumstances."
Serena started to cry silently in her parents' shirts as she thought,
"Everything except a father."
***
For the whole pregnancy, Serena did a lot of growing up and work. She did surprisingly well in school and still went out with her friends but just not as much. She had to stay home to rest and eat healthy; no more junking out, arcade and mall trotting, except for baby stuff. Boy, being a mother was a lot of work! Her friends too helped her in every step of the way. Once again, Amy's mother also helped Serena; she gave her medication, advice and all the stuff you can need; even some money for some of the expenses!
After two and a half months, Serena hardly went out with her friends at all; instead, they came over to her house. Whenever they came over, they brought over some supporting stuff; from old stuff animals to diapers (already!)! One day, she finally had permission to go out for fun; and for a break from all that work. She passed right by the park and the exact spot where she was raped, and stopped.
"No," she whispered. She rubbed her womb. "No. It's happening again. That night...that horrible night, the worst night of my life. The shadows...the screaming..."
Serena quickly dashed out of there as fast as possible. Shadows were following her as she tried to get away, but she couldn't run as fast as usual. Finally, she made it to the block of the arcade.
"Maybe I can play a few games, just like old times," she replied to herself. "Before I become a full-fledged mother and not be able to be myself again." She neared slowly, walking with a hand on her back, grunting in exhaustion and pain.
"Boy am I glad that I'm not showing yet," she replied.
"Hey Meatball Head, what's up? I didn't see you around the arcade or even around for a long time. Did ya' klutz out bad enough to hurt your back?" a familiar voice sneered.
Serena spun around slowly and answered, "Yes Darien, I klutzed out on the stairs hard enough to hurt my back. Now, just leave me alone!" She stomped by him.
Darien caught up with her and grabbed her free wrist. "Serena, that--that was just a joke. It's not true--is it? What's wrong?"
She threw down his hand and cried, softly, "Just go away Darien." She tried to get away, but he was faster.
"Hey, Serena, what's wrong? This is not like you at all," he remarked. "You usually cry, but you get over it, and you haven't on this one. What's wrong?"
She held her hands up and wept, pleadingly, "Please, just--just leave me alone, Darien. Leave me alone, alright? I'm asking you nicely." She pushed him away and went inside the arcade, wiping her face. Darien just stood there, bewildered. Bewildered, but still curious, he followed her in again.
***
"Hey Serena!" called out a really familiar voice.
"Andrew!" she rejoiced. She ran over and hugged him.
"Wow, long time no see, and for days, maybe even weeks too!" he remarked. He looked down at her belly as he lowered his voice to a faint whisper. "How's your pregnancy going? Basically, how are you and your baby doing?"
Serena smiled and fought her pain. "My baby and I are doing fine, Andrew."
"Did the police capture the guy?" he asked.
She looked at her feet and answered, "No, unfortunately. But, I'm moving on with my life. I'm not going to let that jerk get to me."
"That's great in how you're so strong in all of this," he complimented. He turned around. "If I mean any offense to you, please say so, because I got you a surprise for you and your child."
"Oh Andrew, you didn't need to! You're so kind hearted!" Serena acclaimed. "And I'm just curious; how did you find out?"
Andrew smiled, "Well, I am studying to become a doctor, and I could tell by the way you acted. Please don't take this the wrong way, but Lita told me too; but it was only to see if I could help you."
"It's alright, Andrew," Serena forgave. "As long as the whole world doesn't know, I don't care."
Andrew from behind his back pulled out a big package.
"Wow, thanks!" thanked Serena. She tore off the wrapping and peered into the box. She was amazed. It was a beautiful, pure white baby blanket consisting of little pink stitched bunnies, little crescent moons, stars and a little red stitchery of hope,
"A girl as kind-hearted as you would make the world's greatest friend and mother. Be strong, because I'll always be here for you, where ever you may be. And in the name of the moon, you will be free again..."
Serena started to cry and hugged Andrew with all her remaining strength.
"Oh Andrew, this is the best present I've ever gotten in my life," she wept. "It's so beautiful and encouraging. She let go and asked him, "How did you get all that stitchery, of the bunnies stars and moons? How did you make this?"
"I have a great little sister who loves to stitch, and she's a pro at it," he explained diligently. "I told her make something like this for you, and I know you like anything pink, moon, and bunny related."
"Thank you Andrew, thank you so much," Serena cried. She hugged him one more time.
"Now, do you need anything else?" he asked.
"No, this is all I can take from you," she responded. "I'm just going to play a bit of video games, since this is going to be one of the last times I get to act like my normal self again."
Andrew nodded and smiled. Serena turned around and sat down at one of the video games and started to play. Even though she played poorly, it didn't ruin her mood; the message stayed in her head forever,
"...I'll always be here for you, where ever you may be."
She nodded to herself, "Thanks, Andrew. In the name of the moon, I 'will' be free again. That rapist jerk has no chance against moon power..."
***
Mina and the other girls rushed into the arcade. She called Serena's mom to find out where she was, and she told her and the Scouts.
"Serena should be careful when she goes out, especially now!" cried Mina to her friends. "Maybe she should have someone accompany her whenever she goes anywhere. She's not safe going alone."
Finally, they spotted her; they all rushed over in a heap.
"Serena, you should really give us a call the next time you go somewhere!" Amy replied, breathlessly.
She turned around. "Oh hi guys! I know I should have someone come with me, but for once in a long time, I want to act like my normal self!"
Just then, Darien entered in search for Serena. He spotted her and nervously strolled over.
"Serena," he called out.
"What brings you here, Mr. Chiba?" she asked, suspiciously.
"I just need to get this all out," he started. "I'm sorry if I acted like a jerk towards you, Serena. I'm sorry for what I did earlier and for everything. But Serena, can't you tell me what's going on with you? I'd probably even get a better night sleep that way."
Before he could answer, Mina reacted, "Darien, if she's not ready, she won't tell you. Why are you pressuring her into telling you? Are you that interested?"
"Well--I guess so," he answered. He looked at everyone and then Serena with her little blanket.
"Who gave you that?" he questioned.
"Andrew," she answered. She showed most of it to him, except the obvious baby parts. "It was for my good job on my test; a B! He was nice enough to do that." Serena hoped in her heart that Darien would buy her little lie.
"O--kay," he recurred. "Well, I--I think I'll just play a few games over there. See you girls around." He turned around and started to the other side of the row of games, sat down and started to play, but he really just tried to eavesdrop on the girls. I know this is wrong, he thought; but in order for me to find out what's going on, I have to.
The girls started to chat once again.
"Serena, I don't think Andrew gave you that because of your test," replied Amy.
"Yeah, who could actually believe that you can do so well on a test!" sniggered Raye. "I don't remember when was the last time you even got higher than a 71!"
Serena stuck out her tongue and answered, "No, it wasn't that, but I did get a lot better grade on my test; a 79! And besides, I guess--I didn't want Darien to find out that I was...well, you know. It's a little blanket."
"Any luck finding out if the police caught that damn jackass?" asked Lita.
"Nope," Serena acknowledged.
"What did your dad say when he found out?" asked Mina.
"He was pretty pissed at first, but not at me. He started to rage about getting this guy, and making sure that the guy will pay," Serena explained. "My mom was pretty shocked, and my brother just froze."
Mina started to giggle. "Oh Serena, I'm sorry for laughing, but--what does this sound? Your parents are going to be 'grandparents' now."
Serena and Lita laughed.
"Yeah," Lita chuckled, " 'Hi, I'm Mr. Tsukino, and I'm a grandparent now. Oh, my aching back! I need my cane. Where's my dentures?'"
The girls laughed harder.
"You sure do make a good impressions about my dad," she complimented. "Ever since I was raped, I started to think about my life in the future; no more hanging out with you guys, Andrew, the arcade, and I hate to say this, but I'm going to miss Darien, too. Wait--I can't believe I said that!"
"How are you feeling now?" asked Mina.
"Well, I feel BIG," Serena emphasized. "It's a lot harder to run, walk and do my normal stuff. But, I have to give up everything now and in the future, just because I'm little over 2 months pregnant."
A choked, dry gasp came from the other side of the video games, causing everyone to jump. Darien froze and lost from the video game, and he gasped again. Serena's pregnant? he thought; that's why she's been acting so weird lately. That's why she had dizzy spells, she threw up, pain the back, and all the other stuff. But why, Serena? How could you (in the puzzlement and shameful manner) How--why?
Serena muttered, "Oops."
Darien came over from the other side at stared at everyone. Everyone stared at him, particularly Serena. She jumped out of her chair and dashed out. Darien ran after her, as well as Raye.
When he got outside, he caught up with her and replied, "Serena, wait!" He caught her hand, and she stopped; crying.
"OK, so you finally know," she sobbed. "Satisfied!"
"No! No, that doesn't make me satisfied," Darien answered. "Why couldn't you tell me? I would've done something to help instead of acting like a fool."
"Would you?" she challenged. She saw Raye catching up. "Would you? I thought you were going to start lecturing on me that I'm not going to be a good mother, or that my kid is going to be just as stupid as my old Meatball Head self! You wouldn't understand what it's like to be raped! You understand what it feels like to be pregnant without a father, losing all of my chances to be a normal teenager, hanging out with all my friends, pigging out, mall! You wou--"
"I would! I would if you told me!" he pleaded.
"Why would I want the whole universe to know! And why would I ever want you to know!?" she screamed. Raye charged up next to her. She hugged her friend.
"Darien, just leave her alone," Raye begged. "She needs to be alone."
"But Raye, all I've done was just accidentally heard her! I just wanted to help!" he indicated.
"Oh really? By hiding behind a game machine and pretending to play a game so you can eavesdrop?" Raye argued.
"Raye, please, stop it! Darien, now that you know, why don't you just do me a favor? Tell the whole universe and humiliate myself even more!" Serena cried and ran off. Darien and Raye looked after her in deep concern. Actually, Darien tried to go after her, but Raye pulled him back.
"Don't follow her," she informed. "Like I've said, just leave her alone."
"But you don't know where she went! She might be in trouble!" he cried. He violently struggled.
"Darien, please, let me follow her then," she replied, calmly. "I know better how to talk to her."
He looked down at her and agreed. Raye was about to run off, but Lita and Mina swept right by them, crying out, "We'll go find her! Lita and I would be back no time, and call me if she comes back!" Amy in back of Raye opened up her computer to contact Serena on the communicator (good thing Darien didn't see her).
Everyone just hoped that Serena was alright.
***
For the next week, Darien couldn't find Serena anywhere. He searched everywhere for her; the arcade, park, ice cream shop, mall, school--nothing. He was getting pretty worried; had he been too hard on her? He knew the answer to that--yes.
Finally, he decided to go ask someone. His first attempt--Raye. He called her and asked, but all he got was a rather harsh and curt answer.
"Sorry, she doesn't want to talk you," she replied. "She's not in the mood to see anyone right now. I'm sorry, Darien." She hung up.
He put down the receiver. OK, now Raye hates me, he sadly thought. Doesn't everyone? Lita--how can I find her? She'll probably just pulverize me like she almost did last time. Mina--maybe I can find her at the modeling studio, and Amy might be at her cram school. Oh...
Darien then attempted to go to the arcade to talk to Andrew. Andrew just looked at Darien solemnly and replied, "Sorry, she hasn't been here. I haven't seen her around after the last time she came here."
"Andrew, you know, don't you?" Darien asked.
"What?"
"You know, right?"
"If you're talking about Serena, yes, I know. I knew way before you did." Andrew put down his wash cloth and replied, "Look, I know that Serena is a definite forgiving kind of person. She'll come out eventually. I don't know what exactly happened, but Lita told me that you somehow eavesdropped and found out, but I know nothing else."
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop; I only wanted to help," Darien explained.
"You do?"
"Sure I do! Andrew, I do care about Serena, even though I don't show it often. Most of the time, I wouldn't even give a damn, but this time, she's really freaking me out. I've never seen her so--different and pale. Usually, she cries her eyes out in front of me, and then seconds later, she's full of life and happiness again. It seems that I've gone too far this time."
"Darien, I'm sure it wasn't entirely your fault. If it were, I'm sure you didn't mean to. But if you do find her, apologize; it would at least make me and her friends feel better if not her. You would, too."
Darien reached into his jacket and pulled out a beautiful, crimson rose and a little card with Tuxedo Mask's sticker on it. "I give up, Andrew. I know she hates with all her guts, and she never wants to hear or see the likes of me again. But--if you do see her, give this to her. Tell her it was from me, and that I apologized." He turned around and started to walk out, with guilt plaguing him. I'll always regret this, he thought.
He was absent-mindedly walking along the sidewalk, but he started to jog. Maybe I can find her at her house, he thought. It's worth a try. He started to jog a bit faster and collided into someone. Books and papers flew everywhere as a book bag slid away. He fell onto the person was awakened immediately.
"Oh, I'm so sorry sir! I'll help you up!" Darien repented. He started to gather the things, but he started to blush beet red as he paused.
"Huh?" came a female voice. The blue-haired female looked up.
"Uh, sorry Amy," he repeated again. "I didn't see it was you. Here, let me help you gather your things."
"Ah, Darien; I knew I was a bit confused when you called me 'sir.' Sorry, I'll be out of your way in no time," Amy reconciled. After a few moments, everything was picked up.
"Well, see you around," waved Amy. She started to walk away, but Darien clutched her wrist and asked, "Wait Amy, do you know where Serena is? I--I need to talk to her about what happened the other night."
"She's at home, Darien, but she doesn't want to talk to you. Frankly, she doesn't feel like talking to any of her friends at the moment," Amy said.
"If you do see her, can you tell her that I really am sorry? I really didn't mean what I did, and I'd be willing to make it up to her."
"I'll try, Darien, I'll try my best to reach her."
"Thanks Amy. See you around." He started to walk way, a lot relieved. Boy, I can almost always count on Amy, Darien thought. Hopefully, Serena will forgive me.
By: Talent Scout
Disclaimer: This is the only time im going to say this so listen up. All characters and other stuff are liscenced property of their rightful owners. Yada yada yada. Okay. Remember, send comments to: [email protected]. Also any made up characters given to me i will give full credit to the author who made it/them.
Should She Tell Darien or Not?
Note: Once again, I've changed this so that there are 5 Scouts, but none of them, even Darien, ever found out about their other identities of their past or future.
Raye and her friends hoped that they weren't too late to find Serena. From what they heard, she was hurt. When they got to the edge of the lake, they surely did find her hurt and shivering; of fear? That's not unusual.
"Serena, are you alright?" All of her friends asked the same question at the same time.
"What does it look like?" she bawled. Her eyes no longer had pure blue in them; only grayish blue and pink. Her clothes were torn up like rags, and the crescent moon wand was noticeably falling out.
Mina and Lita helped her up while Amy bent down and used her mini-data computer to scan Serena all over.
"No Negaenergy," she finally concluded. She let out a sigh of relief.
"No Amy, only something possibly worst!" Serena screamed.
Amy was hurt. She never had her friend yell at her like that. Tears were threatening to come down her face, but she tried to hold it in. She bit her trembling lip.
Serena saw her genius friend and quickly apologized, "Oh Amy, I"m so sorry! I didn't mean to yell at you like that. Are you OK?" She hugged her friend, and both of them felt better.
"It's alright, Serena. What happened to you?" Amy inquired.
Serena looked at all her friends and answered angrily, "I'll give you one word; 'RAPE'."
"WHAT!?" screeched her friends.
"Yeah, that's right; RAPE," she emphasized. Her friends tried to adjust some of her clothes and tried to calm her down, but it was no use; she couldn't stop crying.
"What did that guy look like?" asked Raye.
Serena sniffled, "He was fairly huge, short-spiked hair, one earring on his right ear, gray sweater."
"Are you sure?" asked Mina.
"I hope so," she answered. She tried to stop crying for a moment as she explained, "I'm really thankful that you guys came so quickly. Thanks; I wouldn't know what else to do if you guys weren't here." She tucked in the Crescent Moon Wand.
Lita and Raye helped Serena up as Lita replied, "We've got to get you some help as soon as possible, Serena. Let's go!"
"Right!" agreed the girls in Sailorscout determination.
***
7 days later...
***
Even after 7 days, she was crying harder than when the actual incident happened. Wisps of her blonde hair streamed around her face as her eyes seem to be even more duller than before. But Serena couldn't help it; she was still hurt. She didn't want to go out anywhere again, but she felt she had to. She scrambled to the arcade not to play; but to hide from society. She was due to have another appointment with the prenatal care doctor in about an hour, but she didn't care; nor did she want to go. Surprisingly, Serena didn't klutz out when she ran. She couldn't hide the fact that she was crying like usual; it seemed that this could never be hidden from society at all. She finally neared the entrance as she fled inside.
Meanwhile, Darien across the street was also walking towards the arcade. He looked sly and ready-to-tease as usual, but some caught his eye and disturbed him in the slightest way. He peered and walked closer.
"Hey, doesn't that kind of look like Meatball-head?" he asked himself. "Hey it is! Wait a minute, why is she running in there like a crazed criminal? And where are her friends that she usually comes with her? Huh? What is she doing?"
He crossed the street and forwarded into the arcade secretly. He expected her to head straight to the new Sailor V Game and rag at it, but she didn't. She didn't even go and say hi to Andrew as she usually would!
"Something's wrong," Darien mumbled to himself. For once, he was getting concerned. Then it caught his eye; she was crying, and a lot worse than usual. He saw her look around and then hid herself in the back of some game machines.
"What is she doing there for?" he asked. He walked closer but stayed far enough to keep from Serena's eye distance. He finally stopped getting closer when he saw Andrew peering towards Serena. He bent down and started to talk to her, but unusually, she heaved away. Andrew tried again, and this time, she was encircled in his hug, crying on his shoulder. Darien walked to another hidden part of the arcade.
"Why is Andrew comforting her? What's wrong with her?" he thought.
***
Meanwhile...
"Serena, are you OK?" asked Andrew. "This is not like you."
Serena cried, "I'll know if I'll be OK or not by today."
"Well, what exactly happened?" Andrew asked.
She whispered something in his ear and started bawling harder. Andrew automatically held her in his arms and tried to provide comfort. He was angry too, but it was more like crying than red with fury.
After a while, they broke loose, and Serena calmed down.
"Is there any way for me to help you through any of this? I'd be glad to help," he offered.
Serena refused, "I don't think I'll ever get over this. I still have to go to the clinic and check put my conditions."
"Yeah. Listen Serena, like I mentioned before, I'll always be here for you, no matter what. You can always count on me," Andrew confirmed.
"Really?" Serena questioned.
"Really," Andrew replied. Serena blushed as her tears died-down; "Thanks, Andrew! Thank you so much!"
After a few moments, they released each other from their hug and stood up.
"Is there anything that you'd want right now?" asked Andrew.
Serena sat down in the nearest chair and answered, "I don't know right now. I don't even feel like talking or seeing any of my friends that much. And I also have a doctor's appointment to determine my condition, but I don't even want to think about going there."
"But Serena, you'd probably want to go anyways, just in case there's something wrong," Andrew suggested. He looked at his watch and continued, "My break is in 15 minutes. If you stick around a bit longer, I can drive and accompany you to the clinic. What do you say?"
Serena lit up a bit and blushed, "Are you sure? It's alright with you?"
"Sure," he answered.
"OK," Serena answered. She still was sniffling, but she responded, "Thanks a lot. I'll just play a few games while waiting."
"Alright," Andrew smiled. He turned around and went back to his work.
Now's a probably good time to snoop, Darien thought. He walked over to Serena and started, "Hey Meatball Head, still trying to beat yourself, huh?"
Her eyes and tears started to burn again. Why can't that guy leave me alone? Still, I can't show myself like this to him...
"What do you want Darien?" interrogated Serena, in a noticeably crying voice. "If you're here to tease, I'm sick and tired of it." She turned around, crying again, "So just go away and leave me alone!"
Darien was startled and was hurt. He never heard Serena like this, and to hear this, he was threatened to bring on some tears himself.
"Oh--Serena, I'm sorry," he apologized. "Are you OK?"
"Why should you care!" she cried. She leaped up and ran off to another part of the arcade. He tried to catch up with her, but he was restrained by someone's deathening grip. He first felt someone painfully hit him in his back, which he fell forward onto the face of the video game. Then, that same person grabbed his arms and smacked them on him; a skinny knee was felt pinning his back. Darien yelled in pain and surprise, feeling that his face had a burning sensation on it now. He tried to use his own fighting skills to fight back, but surprisingly, he couldn't. For the moment, he couldn't even breathe!
An angry female voice interrogated, "Alright you sorry bastard, you'd better 'fess up! What have you done to Serena? From the looks of this, you have. If you've done something to her, I swear, you're going to be in such pain that you're gonna wish you never hear of me again! You for sure don't want to see me angry! Come on, 'fess up!"
"Huh? I--," Darien stammered.
The female just pushed him harder.
"OK, OK!" he responded. "I didn't do anything to her, Lita! I really didn't! I just did my normal gig as usual, and she screamed at me. She then just ran off." He winced and groaned. "Lita, please, can you let go now?!"
"If that's not the truth--," Lita threatened.
"It is! Please, let go of me!" Darien shouted.
Lita finally let go but was in fighting stance. Darien spun around, gasping for breath. He almost jumped back because of Lita's look of ready to kill.
"Man, why did you do that for, Lita!" he queried. He rubbed his arm.
She just reverted, "If something happens to one of my best friends, I'm bent out for revenge and explanations."
"You didn't need to almost kill me for it!" he cried.
Lita calmed down, but still clenched her fist. "Alright, I'm sorry. But don't you dare do that again, you hear? If you do, you're gonna get it!"
Darien also calmed down and asked, "I'm sorry too. But Lita, what happened to Serena? Did she just lose another game on the video game again?"
"Very funny," Lita answered. "And no, it wasn't that. She's going through something right now, and she just needs to be alone."
"Yeah, but I've never seen her cry like that before," he replied. "She really scared me."
"Why should it scare you? It seems that you don't ever give a damn," she cussed.
"Well it did, alright? Was it that serious?" he asked.
"Yeah. I'm just here to pick her up to go somewhere," Lita reasoned.
"I just overheard her and Andrew talking to each other, and he said would take her to that place; where ever that is," Darien explained.
"The hospital," Lita finished.
"What?"
"The 'hospital.' You know, a place for hurt or sick people?" Lita answered, impatiently.
"Alright, I know where that is. Don't start," he warned.
Lita broke out a little chuckle still with a serious look on her face, but it was a lot better than the killing look at first. She glanced at her watch and started to leave.
"See ya' around, Darien," she smirked and left.
He nodded after her and redeemed his sly look. But, his look changed to a painful look as he rubbed his arm again.
"Ow," he complained, "man, how can Lita be so strong? I can't believe I let a girl who's probably five years younger than I am beat the crap out of me, as well as lasting affects." He groaned as he walked over to Andrew.
"Hey, Andrew!" he called out.
"Yo, Darien! What's up?" he smiled. "Man, what happened to you and your arm? Looks like someone beat the living life out of you." Andrew peered closer. "Do you have a bruise on your eye there?"
Darien gasped and felt his eye. The eye didn't hurt too much, but the corner bone did. He winced, "Yeah, it's a bruise. Boy, does it hurt!"
"Where did get it from? From Lita?"
Darien answered, "Well, actually--huh? How--" He lowered his voice to a whisper, "How did you know?"
"I saw Lita lethally pinned someone to the Sailor V game," he answered simply. He laughed, "Man, I can't believe Lita could pull something on you like that!"
"Well, she did surprise me," Darien responded. He looked all around as he carefully worded his question, "Andrew, where's Serena? Doesn't Meatball Head usually turn about right now?"
Andrew turned his glance to the custodian door. "Yeah, she's over there. I'm taking her to the hospital in 5 minutes."
Darien crossed his fingers in his pocket. "For what? She seems pretty healthy. What's wrong with her?"
"Well, no offense Dar', she doesn't want anyone to know what happened. I'm just offering to help."
"When did she come in?"
"About 15 minutes ago," Andrew answered. He started polishing the counter.
"Did she cry when she come in? And where did she go? Was she alright?" Darien questioned.
"Yes, she was crying. She hid behind a game machine and I talked to her," he answered. Andrew stared at Darien curiously. "What's with you, Darien? Why are you asking all these questions about her?"
Darien tried not to blush. "Well--I was just worried. I--I--well, Lita thought I knew something or did something to her to make her cry. That's why she pinned me down. I had a fairly interesting talk with her, though."
Andrew nodded suspiciously, "Sure."
"What?"
"Nothing," Andrew remarked. He took off his apron and put away the polishing cloth. "Look, I gotta go. Later." He jogged over to where Serena and Lita were and led them to his car. They then drove steadily off as Darien looked after them.
Serena frowned, but she couldn't do anything. "Shut up, Darien. Actually, it was---oh, never mind."
***
Back at the arcade; the next day in the morning...
"Hey, Serena, how did the tests run?" asked Mina.
"Yes, how did it?" asked Amy, putting away her book.
Serena made a painful smile on her face as she answered, "Well, all I can really say is that I can drop out of school now."
Raye was angry. "What for, Meatball Head? You're finally giving up on your education?"
"Shut up, Raye! No! You don't understand; it's that in the worst ways!" cried Serena. Tears were creating paths down her face. "I'd always rather go to school to see my friends, pig out, shop at the mall, and all that stuff! Why don't you guess why can't I do those things anymore?"
Lita gasped, "You mean--you're..."
"Yes, I am! Alright! The doctor just said so yesterday!" she raged. "I'm pregnant!"
Everyone gulped as they stared at their Scouts leader.
"Maybe the doctor made a mistake," mumbled Mina.
"I doubt it," replied Serena. She suddenly clutched her head as she swayed around.
"Serena, are you OK?" asked Raye. She reached out to her friend.
"N--no," she whispered. She stumbled forward, and collapsed on her knees. Her friends dashed to her side as she started to heave deep breaths loudly.
"Ohmigod," muttered Lita. She ran off, shouting, "Andrew! Andrew! Quickly, help! Serena just collapsed on the ground! Get someone!"
Andrew ran all the way over here from talking to Darien. Darien heard too, and rushed to her side quicker than Andrew did.
"What? What's wrong with her?" asked Andrew.
Lita looked at both of them with tears in her eyes. "She was talking to us and she swayed, then fell to the ground."
Serena looked up at both of them, sadly. "I--I need to go..." She struggled up, but fell down again. Surprisingly, Darien shoved everyone aside and held her up.
"Serena, what's wrong? Please, you have to tell me," he begged. "I can help."
She looked at him dizzily and replied, "Go--away, Darien. I don't need your help. I just need to go home and rest."
"No Serena," refused Andrew. He felt her pulse. "You have to stay here for a while. Your pulse is kind of irregular, and we have to take you to the hospital."
Serena pushed her friends as well as Darien aside. She couldn't push Andrew away, but she pleaded, "Please Andrew, let go of me. I can get up myself." Then, she screeched in pain as she clutched her abdomen.
"Serena, you're going to have to lie down," pleaded Amy. She started her medical training. She felt Serena's head, pulse, and tried some moves. She turned to Andrew. "Andrew, do you have a place to let her lie down? She's having a faint spell, as well as something else. From my experience, she needs to lie down as soon as possible. And bring something for her to drink!"
He started to protest, but Mina added, "Please, she's studying to become a doctor, so she knows. Please, just let her do what she can! We don't know what else to do besides call for an ambulance!"
"I don't need help!" cried Serena. She stood as straight as possible and walked a few steps. Darien, feeling ashamed, looped her arm over his shoulder and started to help her walk. But about halfway to the entrance, Serena collapsed completely, and fell unconscious. Darien caught her in time, and he commanded everyone, "Someone, open that room over there! She needs help right now!"
Andrew this time didn't hesitate. He ran over to the office room and opened the door. Darien lifted Serena up and carried her to the room as fast as possible and laid her down on the bed. He adjusted some pillows and blankets as his training kicked in. Amy pulled out a first aid kit and scooted over to his side.
"Darien, lift up her upper body for me. Put some pillows underneath her and then set her back down. Lita, you get a cool, wet cloth for Serena's forehead. The patient has Tokyo's medical code #110! Come on; hustle, hustle, hustle!" Amy ordered.
Everyone set to work as they obeyed Amy without any consolation. She several other things and then concluded, "She'll be fine after a few moments of rest. A dizzy and shock spell just overpowered her for a moment." She turned to Lita and requested, "Lita, I need to talk to you for a moment about the other day you and Serena went to the..." She made a sign language gesture. "...you know what and where I mean." Lita nodded and followed Amy out.
"Raye, you search in Serena's bag to see if you could find her special card. If you can, call her doctor immediately to see if these are the first symptoms. I really think they are, but I want to hear the doctor's opinion just to be sure," suggested Amy. "Or would you rather to have Andrew or Mina do it?"
Raye shook her head. "No, I can do it. Andrew and Mina; you two just keep a watch over here."
After a few minutes, Lita, Amy, and Raye returned.
"Amy, the doctor said that this was natural. Every woman, even young girls, experience this as one of the early signs. This is totally natural for her," she remarked.
"Good. Lita and I just concluded the same things, then," replied Amy.
Andrew came over and asked, "Amy, you mean to tell me that Serena's..."
Amy nodded.
"So that's why she still looks scared, even after the doctor's yesterday," Andrew mumbled. His eyes looked at Serena in disbelief.
Darien was furious; he doesn't know what the heck is going on, and he was about to explode. "Alright! Hold it! What the hell is going on here! How come everyone knows what's going on, and I don't! Can't someone tell me what the hell is going on!"
Everyone gasped, especially Lita again. She looked angered, but she calmly answered, "Look Darien, we would tell you if we could. Golly, if you wanted to know so badly, why didn't you offer a hand?"
"I did! You know, there's a lot more to me than just a conceited jerk to you and Serena, you know! I hope you realize, I do slightly worry about her!" he cried.
Raye was shocked, but answered, "Darien, Serena's my best friend. She doesn't want anyone to know what she's going through, and probably for the next several months. We'll all tell you when she agrees that it's OK."
He calmed down. "I'm sorry everyone. I didn't mean to rage on you guys, but I was just a bit too uptight." He tried changing the subject. "Do you need someone to watch her? I can do it." He had no idea what he was saying.
Mina gasped. "Are you sure, Darien? Why would you want to do a thing like that?" she asked, suspiciously.
"I--I don't know," he responded. "I don't know why I even volunteered. Well, still, I won't mind if I do."
Andrew eyed him uneasily and said, "Alright, fine. You can watch her. This is the boss's office, so don't mess anything up in here. We'll all be outside for a while." Before everyone left the room, Amy gave the glass of water to him.
"Just in case she wakes up," she explained. "And keep the wet cloth moistured." Everyone left. Darien looked down at her.
"Man, Serena," he grinched through his teeth, "what the hell's wrong? Why can't I act nice towards you and Lita especially? And for the record, what's going on with you? Everyone knows except me, and excuse me, but I do want to know! I do care!"
Darien brought a chair next to her and sat down. Strangely, all he could do was stare at her intently. He didn't move at all.
***
"Serena, it's time to wake up!" he mom called out. "Come on, you lazy bones, get up! You'll be late again!"
"Huh?" asked Serena. She dizzily sat up in bed.
"Serena, you're such a big goof!" cried Sammy.
"Young lady, you're grounded!" her dad yelled. "Go to your room!"
"Hey, Meatball Head!" smirked Darien. "Did ya' klutz out yet?"
"You're such a whiner, Serena! And you're so stubborn! Who would ever want to love you? You're so lazy sometimes!" Raye shouted.
"What's going on? Why are you all yelling at me?" Serena cried.
"Serena, you're so irresponsible!" Luna lectured. "Why can't you take anything seriously like the other Sailorscouts?"
"You're such a ditz!" Molly raged.
"You should study harder!" suggested Amy.
"Stop goofing around, Serena!" cried Lita and Mina.
"Now that you're pregnant, what kind of mom are you going to be? Hopefully, he/she won't inherit their mother's klutziness and stubbornness!" retorted Raye again.
Serena covered her ears. Voices and more of them raged everywhere, trying to get rid of her.
"Why are you all against me! Am I that bad?" cried Serena. She covered her ears and screamed,
"STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!" Serena cried. She flared her arms out and then sat straight up in bed. Gasping for breath, she madly glanced around the room. Darien almost fell off his chair; that almost gave him a heart attack!
"Serena, what's wrong! You need to calm down! Quick, just take a deep breath and calm down," soothed Darien.
Serena for once obeyed and breathed. After a few seconds, she calmed down but she opened her arms and hugged Darien, crying on his shoulder hysterically. He was shocked, but he just encircled his arms around her.
"Hey, Serena; it's going to be OK," he whispered. "It's going to be OK."
Serena cried for another fifteen minutes and then let go.
"I'm--I'm really sorry Darien," she apologized.
"For what? It's alright," he answered, smiling. Serena was surprised, and answered, "For what I just did."
"It's OK," he repeated. Serena lay back in the bed and pulled the covers over her. But right when she lay down, she darted right up and out. She spotted a trash can and grabbed it. Out it all comes. Her body heaved in pain, making unforgettable sounds. She coughed, she choked, and she gasped. Darien ran to her side and supported her. After it was all over, he gave her the glass of water as she rinsed her mouth. After that, she just fell back against the desk on her left.
"Was it something you ate, Meatball Head?" Darien joked. He really hoped joking would perk up her mood.
Serena frowned, but she couldn't do anything. "Shut up, Darien. Actually, it was---oh, never mind."
"Serena, you can tell me," he pleaded. "I may not show it, but I do listen. I can probably even help you."
"I don't think you or anyone can help me," she said, her voice getting louder to a shout, "No one can help me change this lifetime incident!"
"Lifetime?" Darien interrogated. "What the hell did you do?"
"I didn't do anything! At least I hope I didn't!" she marveled. "For your own benefit, you're going to be glad, because you and everyone else won't be able to see me again!"
"What? What are you talking about?" he asked.
Serena doubled over in pain. He helped her up as she whispered, "You'll find out in several months, Darien. You'll for sure will find out."
Lita and the other Scouts came in just in time.
"Serena, are you all right?" asked Raye. She rushed over.
Serena successfully stood and answered, "I'm a lot better, thanks. Thanks to everyone, even to Darien here." She smiled, hiding some tears. "I have to go." Serena ran out the office and arcade. Everyone else stared.
Darien broke the silence by lifting up the trash can. "I guess I can take out the trash now. She threw up."
Amy looked at Raye. "Yes, this is definitely one of the early symptoms."
***
"Serena honey, how are you keep going on?" asked her mom.
"I'm gonna kill this guy whoever did this!" raged her father. "No one hurts me or my little girl. If anyone does this to my daughter, I'll always make sure he pays!"
Serena on the couch smiled.
"Well honey, what are you going to do? Are you going to keep the baby, or give it up for adoption?" asked Mr. Tsukino.
Serena looked at the floor and at her little brother, who stared at her worriedly.
"Mom, Dad," she started, "I've been thinking about this ever since I found out I was pregnant. Night and day, school and sleep; that was all I did. So... if it's OK for you...I'm keeping the baby."
Mrs. Tsukino smiled at her daughter. "That's your choice honey. I know that you're going to be a great mother to this child. It's going to be just as beautiful and kind-hearted as her mother."
Serena nodded with tears in her eyes, but this time, they were tears of comfort; the for a long time. She hugged her parents.
"We're going to help you and your child in every step of the way," promised Mrs. Tsukino. "This child is going to have everything in the world, even under the circumstances."
Serena started to cry silently in her parents' shirts as she thought,
"Everything except a father."
***
For the whole pregnancy, Serena did a lot of growing up and work. She did surprisingly well in school and still went out with her friends but just not as much. She had to stay home to rest and eat healthy; no more junking out, arcade and mall trotting, except for baby stuff. Boy, being a mother was a lot of work! Her friends too helped her in every step of the way. Once again, Amy's mother also helped Serena; she gave her medication, advice and all the stuff you can need; even some money for some of the expenses!
After two and a half months, Serena hardly went out with her friends at all; instead, they came over to her house. Whenever they came over, they brought over some supporting stuff; from old stuff animals to diapers (already!)! One day, she finally had permission to go out for fun; and for a break from all that work. She passed right by the park and the exact spot where she was raped, and stopped.
"No," she whispered. She rubbed her womb. "No. It's happening again. That night...that horrible night, the worst night of my life. The shadows...the screaming..."
Serena quickly dashed out of there as fast as possible. Shadows were following her as she tried to get away, but she couldn't run as fast as usual. Finally, she made it to the block of the arcade.
"Maybe I can play a few games, just like old times," she replied to herself. "Before I become a full-fledged mother and not be able to be myself again." She neared slowly, walking with a hand on her back, grunting in exhaustion and pain.
"Boy am I glad that I'm not showing yet," she replied.
"Hey Meatball Head, what's up? I didn't see you around the arcade or even around for a long time. Did ya' klutz out bad enough to hurt your back?" a familiar voice sneered.
Serena spun around slowly and answered, "Yes Darien, I klutzed out on the stairs hard enough to hurt my back. Now, just leave me alone!" She stomped by him.
Darien caught up with her and grabbed her free wrist. "Serena, that--that was just a joke. It's not true--is it? What's wrong?"
She threw down his hand and cried, softly, "Just go away Darien." She tried to get away, but he was faster.
"Hey, Serena, what's wrong? This is not like you at all," he remarked. "You usually cry, but you get over it, and you haven't on this one. What's wrong?"
She held her hands up and wept, pleadingly, "Please, just--just leave me alone, Darien. Leave me alone, alright? I'm asking you nicely." She pushed him away and went inside the arcade, wiping her face. Darien just stood there, bewildered. Bewildered, but still curious, he followed her in again.
***
"Hey Serena!" called out a really familiar voice.
"Andrew!" she rejoiced. She ran over and hugged him.
"Wow, long time no see, and for days, maybe even weeks too!" he remarked. He looked down at her belly as he lowered his voice to a faint whisper. "How's your pregnancy going? Basically, how are you and your baby doing?"
Serena smiled and fought her pain. "My baby and I are doing fine, Andrew."
"Did the police capture the guy?" he asked.
She looked at her feet and answered, "No, unfortunately. But, I'm moving on with my life. I'm not going to let that jerk get to me."
"That's great in how you're so strong in all of this," he complimented. He turned around. "If I mean any offense to you, please say so, because I got you a surprise for you and your child."
"Oh Andrew, you didn't need to! You're so kind hearted!" Serena acclaimed. "And I'm just curious; how did you find out?"
Andrew smiled, "Well, I am studying to become a doctor, and I could tell by the way you acted. Please don't take this the wrong way, but Lita told me too; but it was only to see if I could help you."
"It's alright, Andrew," Serena forgave. "As long as the whole world doesn't know, I don't care."
Andrew from behind his back pulled out a big package.
"Wow, thanks!" thanked Serena. She tore off the wrapping and peered into the box. She was amazed. It was a beautiful, pure white baby blanket consisting of little pink stitched bunnies, little crescent moons, stars and a little red stitchery of hope,
"A girl as kind-hearted as you would make the world's greatest friend and mother. Be strong, because I'll always be here for you, where ever you may be. And in the name of the moon, you will be free again..."
Serena started to cry and hugged Andrew with all her remaining strength.
"Oh Andrew, this is the best present I've ever gotten in my life," she wept. "It's so beautiful and encouraging. She let go and asked him, "How did you get all that stitchery, of the bunnies stars and moons? How did you make this?"
"I have a great little sister who loves to stitch, and she's a pro at it," he explained diligently. "I told her make something like this for you, and I know you like anything pink, moon, and bunny related."
"Thank you Andrew, thank you so much," Serena cried. She hugged him one more time.
"Now, do you need anything else?" he asked.
"No, this is all I can take from you," she responded. "I'm just going to play a bit of video games, since this is going to be one of the last times I get to act like my normal self again."
Andrew nodded and smiled. Serena turned around and sat down at one of the video games and started to play. Even though she played poorly, it didn't ruin her mood; the message stayed in her head forever,
"...I'll always be here for you, where ever you may be."
She nodded to herself, "Thanks, Andrew. In the name of the moon, I 'will' be free again. That rapist jerk has no chance against moon power..."
***
Mina and the other girls rushed into the arcade. She called Serena's mom to find out where she was, and she told her and the Scouts.
"Serena should be careful when she goes out, especially now!" cried Mina to her friends. "Maybe she should have someone accompany her whenever she goes anywhere. She's not safe going alone."
Finally, they spotted her; they all rushed over in a heap.
"Serena, you should really give us a call the next time you go somewhere!" Amy replied, breathlessly.
She turned around. "Oh hi guys! I know I should have someone come with me, but for once in a long time, I want to act like my normal self!"
Just then, Darien entered in search for Serena. He spotted her and nervously strolled over.
"Serena," he called out.
"What brings you here, Mr. Chiba?" she asked, suspiciously.
"I just need to get this all out," he started. "I'm sorry if I acted like a jerk towards you, Serena. I'm sorry for what I did earlier and for everything. But Serena, can't you tell me what's going on with you? I'd probably even get a better night sleep that way."
Before he could answer, Mina reacted, "Darien, if she's not ready, she won't tell you. Why are you pressuring her into telling you? Are you that interested?"
"Well--I guess so," he answered. He looked at everyone and then Serena with her little blanket.
"Who gave you that?" he questioned.
"Andrew," she answered. She showed most of it to him, except the obvious baby parts. "It was for my good job on my test; a B! He was nice enough to do that." Serena hoped in her heart that Darien would buy her little lie.
"O--kay," he recurred. "Well, I--I think I'll just play a few games over there. See you girls around." He turned around and started to the other side of the row of games, sat down and started to play, but he really just tried to eavesdrop on the girls. I know this is wrong, he thought; but in order for me to find out what's going on, I have to.
The girls started to chat once again.
"Serena, I don't think Andrew gave you that because of your test," replied Amy.
"Yeah, who could actually believe that you can do so well on a test!" sniggered Raye. "I don't remember when was the last time you even got higher than a 71!"
Serena stuck out her tongue and answered, "No, it wasn't that, but I did get a lot better grade on my test; a 79! And besides, I guess--I didn't want Darien to find out that I was...well, you know. It's a little blanket."
"Any luck finding out if the police caught that damn jackass?" asked Lita.
"Nope," Serena acknowledged.
"What did your dad say when he found out?" asked Mina.
"He was pretty pissed at first, but not at me. He started to rage about getting this guy, and making sure that the guy will pay," Serena explained. "My mom was pretty shocked, and my brother just froze."
Mina started to giggle. "Oh Serena, I'm sorry for laughing, but--what does this sound? Your parents are going to be 'grandparents' now."
Serena and Lita laughed.
"Yeah," Lita chuckled, " 'Hi, I'm Mr. Tsukino, and I'm a grandparent now. Oh, my aching back! I need my cane. Where's my dentures?'"
The girls laughed harder.
"You sure do make a good impressions about my dad," she complimented. "Ever since I was raped, I started to think about my life in the future; no more hanging out with you guys, Andrew, the arcade, and I hate to say this, but I'm going to miss Darien, too. Wait--I can't believe I said that!"
"How are you feeling now?" asked Mina.
"Well, I feel BIG," Serena emphasized. "It's a lot harder to run, walk and do my normal stuff. But, I have to give up everything now and in the future, just because I'm little over 2 months pregnant."
A choked, dry gasp came from the other side of the video games, causing everyone to jump. Darien froze and lost from the video game, and he gasped again. Serena's pregnant? he thought; that's why she's been acting so weird lately. That's why she had dizzy spells, she threw up, pain the back, and all the other stuff. But why, Serena? How could you (in the puzzlement and shameful manner) How--why?
Serena muttered, "Oops."
Darien came over from the other side at stared at everyone. Everyone stared at him, particularly Serena. She jumped out of her chair and dashed out. Darien ran after her, as well as Raye.
When he got outside, he caught up with her and replied, "Serena, wait!" He caught her hand, and she stopped; crying.
"OK, so you finally know," she sobbed. "Satisfied!"
"No! No, that doesn't make me satisfied," Darien answered. "Why couldn't you tell me? I would've done something to help instead of acting like a fool."
"Would you?" she challenged. She saw Raye catching up. "Would you? I thought you were going to start lecturing on me that I'm not going to be a good mother, or that my kid is going to be just as stupid as my old Meatball Head self! You wouldn't understand what it's like to be raped! You understand what it feels like to be pregnant without a father, losing all of my chances to be a normal teenager, hanging out with all my friends, pigging out, mall! You wou--"
"I would! I would if you told me!" he pleaded.
"Why would I want the whole universe to know! And why would I ever want you to know!?" she screamed. Raye charged up next to her. She hugged her friend.
"Darien, just leave her alone," Raye begged. "She needs to be alone."
"But Raye, all I've done was just accidentally heard her! I just wanted to help!" he indicated.
"Oh really? By hiding behind a game machine and pretending to play a game so you can eavesdrop?" Raye argued.
"Raye, please, stop it! Darien, now that you know, why don't you just do me a favor? Tell the whole universe and humiliate myself even more!" Serena cried and ran off. Darien and Raye looked after her in deep concern. Actually, Darien tried to go after her, but Raye pulled him back.
"Don't follow her," she informed. "Like I've said, just leave her alone."
"But you don't know where she went! She might be in trouble!" he cried. He violently struggled.
"Darien, please, let me follow her then," she replied, calmly. "I know better how to talk to her."
He looked down at her and agreed. Raye was about to run off, but Lita and Mina swept right by them, crying out, "We'll go find her! Lita and I would be back no time, and call me if she comes back!" Amy in back of Raye opened up her computer to contact Serena on the communicator (good thing Darien didn't see her).
Everyone just hoped that Serena was alright.
***
For the next week, Darien couldn't find Serena anywhere. He searched everywhere for her; the arcade, park, ice cream shop, mall, school--nothing. He was getting pretty worried; had he been too hard on her? He knew the answer to that--yes.
Finally, he decided to go ask someone. His first attempt--Raye. He called her and asked, but all he got was a rather harsh and curt answer.
"Sorry, she doesn't want to talk you," she replied. "She's not in the mood to see anyone right now. I'm sorry, Darien." She hung up.
He put down the receiver. OK, now Raye hates me, he sadly thought. Doesn't everyone? Lita--how can I find her? She'll probably just pulverize me like she almost did last time. Mina--maybe I can find her at the modeling studio, and Amy might be at her cram school. Oh...
Darien then attempted to go to the arcade to talk to Andrew. Andrew just looked at Darien solemnly and replied, "Sorry, she hasn't been here. I haven't seen her around after the last time she came here."
"Andrew, you know, don't you?" Darien asked.
"What?"
"You know, right?"
"If you're talking about Serena, yes, I know. I knew way before you did." Andrew put down his wash cloth and replied, "Look, I know that Serena is a definite forgiving kind of person. She'll come out eventually. I don't know what exactly happened, but Lita told me that you somehow eavesdropped and found out, but I know nothing else."
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop; I only wanted to help," Darien explained.
"You do?"
"Sure I do! Andrew, I do care about Serena, even though I don't show it often. Most of the time, I wouldn't even give a damn, but this time, she's really freaking me out. I've never seen her so--different and pale. Usually, she cries her eyes out in front of me, and then seconds later, she's full of life and happiness again. It seems that I've gone too far this time."
"Darien, I'm sure it wasn't entirely your fault. If it were, I'm sure you didn't mean to. But if you do find her, apologize; it would at least make me and her friends feel better if not her. You would, too."
Darien reached into his jacket and pulled out a beautiful, crimson rose and a little card with Tuxedo Mask's sticker on it. "I give up, Andrew. I know she hates with all her guts, and she never wants to hear or see the likes of me again. But--if you do see her, give this to her. Tell her it was from me, and that I apologized." He turned around and started to walk out, with guilt plaguing him. I'll always regret this, he thought.
He was absent-mindedly walking along the sidewalk, but he started to jog. Maybe I can find her at her house, he thought. It's worth a try. He started to jog a bit faster and collided into someone. Books and papers flew everywhere as a book bag slid away. He fell onto the person was awakened immediately.
"Oh, I'm so sorry sir! I'll help you up!" Darien repented. He started to gather the things, but he started to blush beet red as he paused.
"Huh?" came a female voice. The blue-haired female looked up.
"Uh, sorry Amy," he repeated again. "I didn't see it was you. Here, let me help you gather your things."
"Ah, Darien; I knew I was a bit confused when you called me 'sir.' Sorry, I'll be out of your way in no time," Amy reconciled. After a few moments, everything was picked up.
"Well, see you around," waved Amy. She started to walk away, but Darien clutched her wrist and asked, "Wait Amy, do you know where Serena is? I--I need to talk to her about what happened the other night."
"She's at home, Darien, but she doesn't want to talk to you. Frankly, she doesn't feel like talking to any of her friends at the moment," Amy said.
"If you do see her, can you tell her that I really am sorry? I really didn't mean what I did, and I'd be willing to make it up to her."
"I'll try, Darien, I'll try my best to reach her."
"Thanks Amy. See you around." He started to walk way, a lot relieved. Boy, I can almost always count on Amy, Darien thought. Hopefully, Serena will forgive me.