"Ready, Set, Hike."

Quick as lightning, Serena had the ball. She found an opening between

two players on the other team and quickly slipped past them making it to the

60-yard line. She didn't have to see to know that Darien was behind her. And

he was gaining. With a last burst of speed, she made it past the 70-yard

line, then was tackled.

They rolled on the ground and found themselves in a situation similar

to one they had been in before. Serena smirked at him, her golden blond hair

fanned around her face. Her hat was lost somewhere on the field.

"Well, Dare, you got me." She ran a finger down his shirt, "Now what

are you going to do?"

Darien smiled wickedly, a jet black lock falling over his face.

"What I wanted to do the last time I tackled you." He bent down and

captured her lips. Sweet like strawberries.

And then they were interrupted by an irritated call.

"Darien, if all you're ever going to do with the quarterback after

tackling her is kiss her, your eliminated from the game." Andrew stomped his

foot angrily on the ground. "No, both of you are eliminated."

Darien grinned and pulled Serena and himself off of the ground.

"What about you and Mina? Don't you think it's a little unfair when you

wont even attempt to tackle your girlfriend?"

Andrew blushed. Mina, dressed in a stylish football jersey and black

spandex, ran to the rescue. "Don't listen to them Andrew," She cooed, "I

didn't want to play this stupid game anyways." She held out her prettily

manicured hand and pointed to a chipped fingernail. "Just look what it did!"

Andrew rolled his eyes and ignored the amusement visibly apparent in

Darien's eyes.

"Mina, Mina, Mina," Serena chided, pulling Darien's arm around her

shoulder, "Will you never learn?"

"It's time to go!!"

They all turned to see a furious Raye followed by Lita and Amy. She was

covered from head to toe in fresh mud. She narrowed her eyes.

"Serena, I did this for you but I will never, I mean NEVER play

football again if that idiot Chad is playing. Who does he think he is?" She

ran her hand across her face, creating a fresh smudge, then stalked off,

muttering to herself.

Amy smiled while Lita whistled and raised her eyebrows.

"Don't worry," Amy said, placing a hand on Serena's shoulder, "She's

just coming to grips with her mixed emotions towards Chad. Her anger is only

a defense mechanism."

Serena smiled and nodded, watching as Amy went to catch up with Raye.

She would never understand a word that came out of Amy's mouth but she was a

nice girl anyways.

Lita, understanding, grinned. "What Amy is trying to say is that Raye

has the hots for Chad." Lita started to walk off, then caught Serena's

confused stare. "Oh, Chad didn't push her into the mud, she tripped." The

sound of Lita's laughter trailed after her.

Serena sighed, leaning in closer to Darien.

"Now what are we going to do? Everyone's leaving!"

Darien grinned and Serena couldn't help her heart from fluttering. He

looked so devastating, so… She sighed again. He lifted an eyebrow at that

then leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"I guess we'll just have to play one-on-one."

"Oh yeah?" Serena said, grinning.

"Yeah," Darien said. "Now where did I put that Basketball?"

Serena laughed and punched him in the arm.

They walked hand in hand towards Darien's car. They couldn't have

imagined this being like this even three weeks ago. His best friend who he

thought he had known all of his life was now the love of his life. He shook

his head, who would of thought? He still wasn't used to her new look, even

when she wore her old sports clothes. She stopped taping her breasts and he

couldn't help but stare at times. Especially when they were playing

basketball. And then her hair, the beautiful golden tresses were no longer

hidden under her cap. Rather, she let it fall in an sport like ponytail out

of the back of her hat.

She hadn't changed completely, thank god. She didn't wear dresses and

wore skirts rarely. But when she did, oh what a sight. She was the perfect

combination and he now understood her. He hoped.

Serena smiled up at him and caught him staring at her. "What?" she

said, arching a nicely plucked eyebrow. "Is there something on my face?"

"No," He said, and kissed her lightly upon her nose.

"I love you Darien."

"I love you too."

This is the end guys. No more. Thank you all you faithful readers, but this

adventure has come to an end. Say goodbye to the tomboy and her best friend.

*Tears fall* I love you guys.

Copyright Dreameress 2003/2004