RIVALS - Chapter 2 
By: raq 
PG13 

Edited by Carla *huggles tightly* Thankies... 


REVISED and EDITED from Original RIVALS! 


* In Tokyo * 

Mamoru walked the street of Tokyo, heading for the parking structure that housed 
his emerald green Mercedes. It was never a bad walk, he enjoyed the time before 
being housed in his overworked office. 

As he walked down the street, wandering eyes set upon the handsome man with 
bouquets of flowers within his strong grasp. Women drooled and stared dreamily 
at the sight before them, wishing and hoping in their minds that they were the 
ones to receive the beautiful blossoms. 

The beautiful country scenery was very enchanting to his eyes, pleasing his 
whole being as it welcomed him home. The drive to his grandparents' home was 
always soothing to his senses, an area untouched by the city he lived in and 
woke to every morning. 

As he listened to a familiar childhood song, he could clearly remember the first 
time he traveled to this part of the country... 

~ Flashback ~ 

He was only 10 years old, when he first traveled along what used to be a dirt 
encrusted road. He was in the back seat of a luxurious car, staring at every 
thing and anything in sight. The driver of the car was a fairly aged man wearing 
a black and gray uniform, his gloved hands maneuvered the steering wheel while 
he concentrated on the road in front of him. The man looked at his rearview 
mirror and took note of the frightened young man. "So, how old are you?" he 
asked, trying to break the silence. 

"I'm 10 years old, Sir." said young Mamoru somewhat hesitant 

"Oh, you don't have to call me Sir. My name is Shoji," he said with a smile that 
could clearly be seen in the rearview mirror. It was that same smile that 
assured the young boy that everything was going to work out just fine and that 
there was nothing to fear. 

"Nice to meet you, Shoji-sama. My name is Mamoru," he replied. 

"So you're finally going to meet your Oji and Oka-san? Aren't you excited?" 
asked Shoji 

"Sort of......... kind of..." young Mamoru replied while looking at the long 
winding road "My aunt..., I mean Natsumi, never talked about them much." 
Shoji winced at the name, the name had always brought a bitter and sour taste in 
his mouth, but all thoughts of her subsided as he looked at the young man who 
wore the resemblence of Chiba blood, his eyes were already given. 

"Well Mamoru, things have turned for the best and I know you will enjoy your 
time here," Shoji became quiet and still while he drove down a long driveway 
that revealed a large country mansion. 

Shoji had been a part of the Chiba help for many years and knew everything and 
anything about the family. His father was the family chauffer. Growing up he had 
befriended Ryosuke, the son of the great, great Chiba-san. Throughout the years, 
the two became the best of friends and were quite a mischievous pair. Happy 
memories were clearly remembered as well as unhappy ones, especially the night 
when young Mamoru, who had only been 5 at that time, disappeared. 

~Shoji's flashback~ 
He remembered the sad gray cloud that came over the Chiba mansion for many years 
to come. It was an even sadder day when his mother, Kei, the young sweet loving 
mother, died from cancer 3 years later. A strong woman, she fought the cancer 
for many years. In defiant defeat, the cancer and the harsh reality that she 
might not be able to see her son won. All the frustrations and exhaustion of 
trying to find her son 
wore her body from inside and out. A mother without her child, she was put to 
rest with an empty shell. Her soul empty, her heart broken, they knew even as 
she was lowered to the ground, she would never rest. 

After her death his father himself didn't do too well. Kei was her husband's 
strength, his family. Kei and her son were everything to him. Even in her 
weakened state, she was the one that gave him hope that someday they would find 
their son and all would be happy again. When Kei took her last breaths of life, 
her husband literally did as well. 

Digging his own grave, he resolved to drinking and eating no less than a piece 
of bread. He was seeing ghosts and apparitions of his wife calling to him to 
join her in the afterlife. Determined to feel no pain, he attempted suicide many 
times. 

It was Chiba Nakumi, his mother, that gave him the light of hope and strength he 
needed, instilling in him that his son needed him. Kei would never have given up 
as easily if she had lived. Her soul would never be at rest, and she would never 
move on to her eternal restful peace until he found his son. 

Realizing the truth, he finally straightened himself out and realized his mother 
was right; he couldn't give up on his son, not yet, not when he was still 
living. His son was Kei's heart and soul, and when he found his son, she would 
rest and he would be happy. 

It was at least a year later after his drinking and suicidal attempts, that a 
letter addressed to him came in the mail. The return address came from a 
familiar name, Ginga Natsumi, his ex-girlfriend. Standing on the porch, he 
opened the letter, eager to know why she was contacting him after all these 
years. As he opened the letter, a picture fell out. Curious, he picked it up and 
his eyes became sharp and narrowed as he stared at an all too familiar face. 
Young Chiba's legs were about to give way when he quickly held on to a column to 
carry his weight. Chills ran through his body as he stared at a little boy with 
his same blue eyes. In the picture he could see a great resemblance to his wife 
and he knew that this little boy smiling for the camera was his son. Chiba 
screamed to the top of his lungs for his mother. The outcry was so loud and 
fierce that everyone in the mansion, including his father and Shoji who was 
playing chess inside, came out. 

"What's the matter?" asked his mother. When young Chiba gave his mother the 
photo, she gasped and fell to the ground sobbing. Shoji and Ryosuke came to her 
side, helped her up to her feet, and then carried her over to the nearby chairs. 
Both mother and son were pale and could not speak. A crowd now gathered, maids, 
gardeners and others stared at them for answers. 

"What's the matter, Why do you two look like you've seen a ghost?" asked Ryosuke 
worriedly. Nakumi, now sobbing harder, without word handed the photo to her 
husband. He took the picture and, with the same reaction as both of his family 
members, fell when he stared into the infamous Chiba eyes. Shoji, now lost as 
ever, took the picture from Ryosuke's hand. His mouth opened wide at the sight 
of the little boy in the picture. It was a complete resemblance of the young 
Chiba when he was a little boy. 

"Who... Who sent this?" asked Nakumi, staring at her son. Her son had finally 
managed to read the letter and was flushed in fury, his hands balled, and anger 
stirred all over his body. 

"Ginga Natsumi," he said without emotion, "remember, a long time ago before I 
married Kei I dated a woman by the name Natsumi?" 

Shoji now helped Ryosuke get into a chair next to his wife and took a seat 
himself. Shoji might not have fallen at first glance, but he could feel his 
knees giving way. 

"Hai, the tall brunette." Ryosuke remembered her as a possessive and erratic 
girlfriend. He was so relieved when his son left her and fell madly in love with 
the innocent Kei. 

"Here read this," he said, handing the letter to his father and he read it out 
loud. 

Dearest M. Chiba, 

By now you have probably seen the photo. He is a handsome young man, much like 
his father and much like his mother too. I know you're asking and looking for an 
explanation, and I will do as much as I can to try to explain. 

It all started when things ended between us. I never felt so betrayed in my 
life. You were suppose to be mine, yet Kei stole you away from me, or so I 
thought. I always told myself that you would return and things would be better. 
But years passed and you were still so much in love with Kei. I was jealous and 
envious of her, she had everything and that included you. 

Then the heart breaking news of your engagement raved in the morning paper 
announcing that the 'Chiba's and the Misawa's will be united on the 11 of 
August.' 

I was so crushed that I cursed the Chiba's and the Misawa's for ruining my life. 
For two years I dealt with the pain of losing the one man I loved. Then another 
blow came when I read another proud announcement regarding the handsome couple. 

'The Chiba's and the Misawa's would like to announce a new addition to the 
family' was all I could read before tears rapidly engulfed my eyes. Jealousy and 
envy swept over my body once more and all I kept thinking about was 'I was 
suppose to have his baby.' With that, evil crossed my mind and I was determined 
to get revenge. 

For five years I planned what I was to do and finally that day came. It was just 
after his fifth birthday when I went into his room while all of you slept. I 
quietly picked up the sleeping angel and climbed out of his window down to the 
ground where a car waited. 

For a few years I had the satisfaction of watching your families drain their 
energy to finding the lost little Chiba. 

I moved away in search of a place to keep my secret, and there I sort of took a 
liking to the little angel. I acted and treated him as if he was my own. I 
wanted so much to be his mother, but that plan failed when I would see a grave 
resemblance of his mother whom I desperately hated. Then with a husband, a baby 
of my own and two and a half years later, I realized what I had done. 

It became evident one morning when I went to my daughter's room to check up on 
her. Surprised she was no where in sight, I searched for hours and hours before 
my husband came home with our daughter in his arms. While searching for her, I 
realized that this must have been how you all felt. The sense of fear, lost 
emotions, and anger swelled through my head. I was lost without my daughter and 
this was only in hours time, but you had years of greivence. 

How could I have done such a horrible thing as to take away a parent's pride and 
joy? It was then, I realized that I had to reunite him with you and your family. 
I know that your family will never forgive me for what I have done. Your family 
went through so much pain and suffering all because of my selfishness. Now, even 
though it's been years, I can only try to do what's right. I am sending your son 
back to where he rightfully belongs. 

On Friday, the 20th of August, I will board Mamoru on a plane to Minatoku. From 
there I assume someone will pick him up and bring him to the country. I have 
told Mamoru all that has occurred and, as expected, resented everything I did 
from that day forth. He despises me and only stares at me with so much hate 
which I can clearly understand. 

I cannot turn myself in and leave my family, we want to make a new start and 
forget about the rueful things I have done. I can only apologize for not 
realizing sooner and reuniting the boy with his mother. 

Regretfully, 

Ginga Natsumi 

Silence fell amongst the family and the crowd that had encircled them. They can 
only stare with tears in their eyes as they waited for the response of the 
family. They all were there when Mamoru came home from the hospital and were 
there when he was abducted and now... they will be here to witness the happy 
reunion. 

"I cant believe it.. My grandson is coming home," Natsumi had tears in her eyes 
as she looked at her son who was staring at the photo. 

"My son.. My son, mama.. He's coming home..." he said as he fell on his 
knees. 

~End of flashback from Shoji~ 

"That's my Grandparents home?" the young Mamoru asked breaking Shoji's thoughts 
of the past. 

"Yes... yes it is, it's also your home now too," Shoji grinned larger than 
before. He watched as Mamoru's eyes grew and a smile formed on his face. As they 
drove closer to the mansion, he can see three figures by the entrance, they seem 
to be waiting for someone. Both tall suited men stood along side of the small 
woman. The tall suited man on the left was heavily built and had his arms 
wrapped around a woman looking to be his age. The woman was in a white floral 
dress that adorned her small petite figure. The other man that stood on the 
other side of the woman was younger, but he was tall and a complete replica of 
the other. 

"Who are those people?" he asked curiously while pointing at them. 

"The tall man on the left is Chiba Ryosuke and the woman is Chiba Nakumi. Your 
grandparents," Shoji happily replied. 

"My grandparents...," he said almost whisperingly, "who is that other man?" 

"Yes, Mamoru. Those are your grandparents, they've been wanting to see you for 
quite some time," Shoji ignore the last question, he wanted the family to 
formally introduce themselves and that was to include his father. 

The car finally came to a stop and young Mamoru just stared at the three while 
Shoji stepped outside. Mamoru heard them talking a little about some one being 
scared and he assumed it was about him. Shoji finally came to his side and 
opened the door. Slowly, Mamoru jumped out of the car to walk towards the three. 
He stopped a couple of feet away where he can see and register their faces. The 
man with an arm around the woman, who was now in tears, was smiling. 

"Mamoru," said the woman in her soft voice. 

"Konnichiwa." 

"My name is Nakumi," she said slowly, trying not to shock the boy. 

"Koniichiwa Nakumi...um...," as he stared at the woman still in tears. 

"Gomen... but I thought...I thought Shoji-san said that you are my grandmother?" 
All eyes turned to Shoji who just gave them a smile and a shrug of the 
shoulders. 

"Hai, that I am," replied Nakumi worried about the reaction she might get from 
the young Mamoru. 

"Then can I...I call you Sobo, I.. like that better than Nakumi-san," Mamoru 
asked, his eyes pleading. All eyes and smiles were on Mamoru as he waited for 
her response. Nakumi, now on her knees, stared at him. 

"Of course you can sweetheart, I like that better too," she said while holding 
her arms out. Mamoru, who was looking at the ground, looked up and saw the 
invitation. Running up to his now Sobo, he engulfed himself within her arms. 
Small sobs escaped her lips until a large hand touched her shoulder. They broke 
the embrace and she turned to her right to the older man. 

"Mamoru, this is your Grandfather, Ryosuke," she said, wiping away her 
tears. 

"Hello young man, it's so nice to finally see you again," he said with tears 
forming in his own eyes, "and you can call me Sofu." He picked up his grandson 
and gave him a huge hug. After the lingering embrace, young Mamoru turned to the 
one man that has not been introduced. The tall young one that deeply resembled 
his grandfather, he is tall, handsome looking and has a very familiar set of 
blue eyes. Mamoru couldn't help but wonder if he has seen those eyes before. 
Silence grew as the young boy stared at the tall man with tears in his eyes. He 
was studying every feature on him including the blue eyes. Finally the silence 
was broken. 

"Daijobu??? Why are you crying?" asked Mamoru, who was still in his 
grandfather's arms. The tall man was still staring at him in joy. 
"Did I say something wrong to make you cry? Are you hurt?" a small voice asked, 
but little did he know that those tears that were streaming down the tall man's 
eyes were not tears of pain, but tears of joy. 

"No.. I'm just happy that's all," said the strong but quivering voice. 
Mamoru turned to his grandfather and asked to be put down. Once he was on the 
ground he walked slowly towards the crying man. 

"My name is Mamoru. What's yours?" he said confidently as he looked up at him. 
Mamoru can feel and sense that this person is a relative, but who was he? He 
watched as the tall man looked at his grandparents and suddenly stooped down to 
be the same height with the small Mamoru. 

"Mamoru, that's a wonderful name," the man said, while staring at young 
Mamoru and wiping his tears away. 

"Arigato! What's your name?" he asked anxiously. 

"My name is Mamoru too," the tall man said. At this point all was quiet, both 
Mamoru's were staring at each other not knowing what type of reaction would 
occur. Mamoru stared at the tall man with hopeful eyes. 

"Nat...Natsumi... the lady that took me said that I was named after my 
chichi," the small one said, as he looked up at the man in front of him. 

The older Mamoru couldn't help but smile, actually thankful that Natsumi even 
mentioned him. He couldn't say a word, every bone in his body froze. "Could... 
Could that mean that you're my chichi?" he asked questioningly and turning away 
just a little bit to see his grandparents. The grandparents stood there holding 
each other with tears in their eyes. Young Mamoru now turned back to the older 
man stooping before him. A small smile crept on the tall man's face and nodded. 

"Hai, Mamoru, I am your chichi," he said happily, but afraid that the young one 
would deny him after all the years of separation. He looked into the young boy's 
eyes to try to conjure what he was feeling, and before he even noticed a slight 
tear forming, young Mamoru leapt from his position to the arms of his father. 
The force was so strong that it knocked both of them to the ground but neither 
Mamoru's cared. 
Everyone's eyes were focused on the father and son. Neither acknowledging the 
others in presence, they just sat there hugging each 
other, relishing the moment of their long awaited reunion. Tears were in both 
his grandparents' eyes as well as Shoji's. The entire household also came out to 
see what all the comotion was about and squeeled in glee to see the father and 
son on the ground. 

"Finally," Mrs. Yui said as one of the help sighed outloud, "finally our young 
Mamoru's back," said the now sobbing older woman, who was known to be Mamoru's 
nanny before. 

~ End of Mamoru's Flashback ~ 

Mamoru was now at the end of the driveway at his grandparents home. He could see 
his grandmother sitting on the porch waiting for him. Stopping his green 
Mercedes, he stepped out of his car with two bouquet of flowers on the in hand. 
"Sobo," he said smilingly as he walked towards his grandmother, giving her one 
of the bouquet of flowers and a huge hug. 

"Hello sweetheart," she said, returning the hug while tears form in her eyes. 
Nakumi still has a problem in keeping her emotions in every time she sees 
Mamoru. 

"Where's Sofu and Shoji," looking around he asks. 

"Oh they're out in the back playing chess again. Come on, lets go interrupt," 
she said as she took his arm and walked around the porch. The Chiba property has 
been untouched by modern civilization. It still holds its serene atmosphere and 
beauty. Lush green trees, shrubs and foliage surround the mansion and the fresh 
fragrant smell of fresh cut grass filtered through the air. As they walked 
towards the back, Mamoru saw many familiar faces, faces that helped the family 
throughout the years. 

"Hello young Mamoru," said an old lady with a maid's uniform on. 

"Hello Mrs. Yui. How are you doing?" he asked and giving her a hug 
at the same time. 

"Oh just great now that you're here. We prepared your favorite meal for you, and 
it should be ready in a few minutes," she commented leaving. As she walked off 
she noticed a few new young helpers staring from behind the corner of the 
mansion. Young ladies that have a good eye for handsome men, most have not had 
the honor of meeting Mamoru. They've only seen him by photo's or paintings that 
scatter all over the mansion and wonder when they will meet the handsome 
Chiba-san 

"Girls...," the old lady said giving them a smile. "Looking desperate will not 
catch his attention... you wouldn't want to look desperate... now would you?" 
she acted with a comic eye while watching the girls regain their posture and 
leaving. She laughed quietly and thought to herself 'it's going to be a long and 
wasteful day.' She knew that the younger ladies will not get any work done with 
young Chiba around. 

"So my grandson is finally here," Ryosuke said while getting up and 
giving his grandson a hug. 

"Hello Sofu," he said with a smile and returning the hug. Once the 
hug ended, Mamoru turned to Shoji. 

"Shoji-sama, my paternal ojii-san," he said laughingly as he gives him a hug. 
"How are you doing? Beat Sofu yet?" he asked. 

"Never," Ryosuke replied, "it's been 10 years since he's beaten me." 

"No.. I have not," Shoji said while winking at Mamoru. "Your grandfather is just 
so good at this game". 

"Maybe you'll give up, Shoji-sama," Mamoru said with a small laugh, knowing too 
well that Shoji always lets him win. 

"Me give up.. Nahhh. I've still got at lease 10 more years in this body. If I 
have too, I'll die trying," Shoji said laughingly. 

"Come on you three," Nakumi interrupted, "Lunch is ready." Mamoru took his 
grandmother's arm,wrapped it around his, and escorted her to the made up area 
under a large oak tree where a nice table was prepared. The perfect place for 
lunch, his favorite spot where he fondly remembered the times where he and his 
father happily played. A light cool breeze and the water babbling down the river 
made it completely relaxing. 

"So Mamoru," his grandfather started, "how's business doing?" Mamoru politely 
pulled out the chair for his grandmother and waited for her to settle before 
taking a seat himself. 

"Well, it's okay for now. But we will see by next week if we have anything to 
worry about," he said calmly, even though he was edgy about the subject. 

"Are you worried about something, honey?" asked his grandmother. 

"No.. not at all," he said disguising his edgyness. "So how are 
things going?" changeing the subject. 

"Oh just fine, everything is well maintained here, our help have been great. Oh 
by the way Honey, remember my friend Saori? Well her granddaughter is currently 
living with her... I think you two should meet," she said happily. Again, 
Natusmi was always too eager to set him up with someone. 

"Sobo, I'm not looking for anyone right now," he replied as he looked at the two 
men asking for help. They can only look and smile at the same time, giving the 
impression that he was on his own. 

"Mamoru, your Sofu and I are getting old. We need someone to run around and bid 
mischievous things to the help around here." 

"What your Sobo is trying to say is that we are in desperate need of a great 
grandchild," his grandfather said proudly. Obviously his grandfather was up for 
this plan too. Mamoru looked at Shoji, who usually helped him out in situations 
like this. 

"They're right ,Mamoru, I even miss the loud and boisterous sounds that you made 
when you were young," he said smilingly, "it would be great to experience it 
again with the new generation of Chiba's." Mamoru sighed as he was about to tell 
them his honest truth. 

"I'm still young and have a lot time to get married and have a family; that's 
even if I decide to have a family. Just not now, I am at the peak of my 
bachelorhood." His grandparents knew about his playboy life and completely 
disapproved, for they knew what can happen to a broken heart. "To tell you the 
truth... I don't think I'll have a family." The three stopped and stared at 
Mamoru as if he just told them he was stricken with some type of disease. 

"Mamoru... where does all this lie?" pointed his grandfather to the wonderful 
estate. "Will all this go charities when we and even you are gone?" 

"Perhaps I will marry for convenience. I do plan on having an heir to all this, 
and more than likely for name-sake and to keep the line going; but I will not be 
bound by marriage for the sake of turning my burner to nothing. It has never 
been in my interest to be married." 

"Mamoru, a woman's heart is something not to be played around with. 
Someone can get hurt, or better yet, everyone can get hurt," she said with her 
head down. He knew what she was thinking, she was thinking of what Natsumi had 
done and how she sought revenge for her broken heart. Seeing the worried frown 
on everyone's face, he ***sighed*** and kindly and somewhat not fully gave in. 

"Sobo," he said while putting his strong hand on top of hers. "There might be a 
time where I will have that change of heart. One day, I might just be hit with 
something unexpected and might pursue marriage but as for now, I'm not ready for 
any serious relationship...," he said trying to be sincere. He squeezed his 
loving grandmother's shoulder and smiled. Her smile in return said for now she 
can take his answer... at lease he wasn't fully saying no. 

With that, Mrs. Yui and many other servants came with their lunch. 
Mamoru was concerned that he did not hurt his grandmother's feelings so he 
ignored the ladies serving him who tried to catch his attention. 

After a great lunch, Mamoru and his grandmother took a walk towards a familiar 
area. They trekked their way towards the bright orange horizon over a small 
hill. Descending down, a white marble stones built a fence surrounding a well 
maintained mausoleum. 

The fence was heavily decorated with bright floral arrangements that made the 
area seem like a garden once entered. Mamoru opened the gates of his family tomb 
and they entered. There, two beautifully carved marble encasted coffins lay next 
to each other, the final resting place of both his mother and father. His 
father's was plainly decorated with blue and white flowers and his mother's was 
draped with beautiful red and white roses. On each was a picture of his parents. 


As he laid the other bouquet of flowers he had brought, he couldn't help but 
stare into his mother's photo, she was so beautiful. Long black mane and fair... 
she was stunning. He could tell his features derived from his mother's beauty. 
He so wished that he had seen her before she died, and thinking about that only 
brought up hatred towards Natsumi. He pushed all anger aside, took some purple 
and lavender irises from the ground and placed them in front of her grave along 
with the bouquet. He then took one sweeping look at his father's coffin and 
patted the encasing softly... Mamoru then met his grandmother, who was outside 
giving him the time he needed. 

~Tuesday~ 

Serena woke up to the sun shinning over her body. She opened her eyes and looked 
at the clock '9:00am, I must have been really tired to sleep this late and not 
change into something else' Serena thought to her self. 

Stretching her arms, she heard a knock, "Come in". Irene entered and smiled at 
her daughter still in bed. She then made her way across the obstacle course 
(with all the boxes and clothes around) while holding a cup of cocoa. The aroma 
of the sweet cocoa and the sight of her mother made Serena smile. 

"I didn't want to wake you, I know you stayed up late last night" said 
Irene while handing her the cup. 

"Thank You!" Serena said, taking the cup from her. 

"Your father called and said that you didn't have to come in to the office. He 
took care of Mr. Simon. I think he knew that you would probably be out shopping 
for things to take to your trip." 

"I did write a list of things that I needed. Mom, will you come with me?" Serena 
smiled, wanting to spend some time with her mother before she left. 

"Why sure honey. I'll wait for you downstairs while you get ready," 
said Irene heading to the door. 

"Mom," Serena caught her before she went out the door. 

"Yes dear," Irene turned around and waited for her daughter's words. 

"I love you," said Serena with a big smile. 

"I love you too, Usa". A thoughtful look came across her mother's face. 

"What?" 

"What name will you be using in Japan?" 

"OH... I didn't even think about that... I've been using Serena for so long..." 

"Well, whatever you use... it would be fitting." Irene exited her daughter's 
room. 'Usa.... Mom hasn't called me that in years,' with that thought in mind, 
Serena made her way to the bathroom. 

"Mom, I'm ready," Serena said excitedly, walking down the stairs. She could care 
less about shopping, she just wanted to spend time with her mother. For all she 
knew, she could go shopping in Tokyo, but the time with her mother was precious. 
She was always thankful to the gods that she had such a loving mother, for 
without her she wouldn't be who she is today. Her father was a great figure in 
her life as well, but there was something about the mother and daughter bond. 
Serena had always admired her mother, wanting to be just like her when she grew 
up. Versatile in everything: wife, parent, educated and more. In a sense, she 
did become her mother. 

Inheriting all the gentle kindness and beauty from her mother, she had her own 
characteristics that blended with everything to become what she was now. Finally 
making it down the stairs, she found her mother standing before her,"Ready Usa." 


"Yes mommy," said Serena with a childlike voice. She knew too well that she was 
going to miss her mother dearly. 

It was 7:30 in the evening when Serena and her mother came home. She walked up 
to her room tiredly as she brought up her bags and jumped on her bed. She 
quietly thought about the time with her mother and her best friend Jaq. At 
first, they went from one store in the mall to another, trying on outfits and 
laughing outloud when it didn't look right. They made faces at each other and 
argued for fun. With her mother's young serene beauty, a stranger would have 
thought they were sisters or even best friends. Serena, at one point, even dared 
her mom to try on a sexy and revealing leather cat suit outfit at a lingerie 
store. She was totally stunned when her mother took the cat suit out from the 
rack and headed straight for the dressing room. When she came out, Serena gasped 
in surprise to see her mom in black leather all over, even wearing a cat mask 
that partially covered her face. 

"Beauty definitely runs in the family," said a voice behind Serena. She quickly 
turned around to see her good friend Jaq. 

"Jaq, it's so good to see you," said Serena, giving him a hug. 

"Likewise Usa.., my, Mrs. Tsukino, I now know where Serena inherited her 
beauty," said Jaq as he circled Irene. 

"Umm.. I..., why thank you, Jaq," Irene said, blushing like the red negligee she 
stood next too. 

Jaq Devers was Serena's best friend. When she had first moved to New York, it 
was difficult for her to make friends because of the language barrier, but Jaq 
changed all that. He had shown Serena around and helped her with everything. He 
even helped Serena with her English and, in no time, Serena was speaking English 
and Jaq was speaking fluent Japanese. 

Their friendship blossomed and became stronger when Jaq confided in Serena about 
his secret and she didn't do so much as even push him away. To Serena it made 
their bond stronger, the fact that Jaq could confide in her with such a 
sensitive subject, she could only love him more. They were so close during high 
school that her father thought that he was Serena's boyfriend. Irene, knowing 
the situation, didn't mind letting Jaq stay over or sleep in Serena's room. But 
her father of course was upset to the bone; he didn't understand why his wife 
would allow a boy to sleep in his daughter's room. Serena and her mother could 
only laugh when her father comfronted Jaq. 

~Flashback~ 
"Jaq, may I speak to you and Serena in the library?" said her father 
demandingly. They both walked in quickly and sat down on the couch, sitting 
closely next to each other. This now only made Kenji more uncomfortable. 

"Jaq, if you're going to date my daughter, there will be rules to obey," said 
her angry father. "Date!!!!" Serena and Jaq yelled. By this time, Irene decided 
to join them and waited to see her husband's reaction to the news (she winked at 
both Jaq and Serena). 

"Mr. Tsukino, I'm... ahh.. not dating your daughter. You see, I'm..., " said 
Jaq, before being interrupted by an overprotective father. 

"What!!!! What do you mean you're not seeing my daughter? You two are always 
together." 

"Dad, let Jaq finish," said Serena, trying to hold her laughter in. 
Apparently so was her mom. 

"Mr. Tsukino, I can't like Usa, she's like a sister to me and besides, 
I'm not necessarily attracted to girls." Not knowing what type of reaction he 
was going to receive, he was trying to express himself slowly. 

"Huh!!!! What do you mean not attracted to girls?" said a totally 
bewildered father. 

"DAD! Jaq is homosexual," said Serena smilingly. Kenji was in total shock; he 
sat back on his chair and stared at Jaq. He looked up at Irene and saw a smile 
on her face. 

"You knew about this didn't you?" said Kenji, looking at Irene. She nodded with 
a smile. "How come you never told me?" 

"I did, I told you that you had nothing to worry with about with Jaq." 

"Yeah, but you didn't tell me he was.. was." 

"Gay," said Jaq finishing his sentence. 

"Yeah.. that," said Kenji. As silence grew in the room, Serena and Jaq was 
afraid that the sudden surprise might have been too much for her father. After 
all, she didn't know how her father felt about homosexuals. 

"Well, I have to admit that this was a big surprise, but you are always welcome 
to our home," said Kenji, breaking the silence. 

"Really?" asked Jaq. 

"We hold not prejudice over anyone, no matter what they are or who they may be," 
said Kenji assuringly with a smile as he stood to shake Jaq's hand. Jaq quickly 
stood and walked towards Kenji. He stood there at first, then when he saw 
Kenji's hand come out... he looked down and decided he wanted a hug. Jaq quickly 
gave Kenji a hug, surprising him at first... but then Kenji smiled. 

Since then Jaq and Serena have been as close as a brother and sister. He had 
received a degree in fashion designing. Using Serena as his inspiration he 
designed many different ideas. In no time, Jaq became known for his fashionable 
lingerie and made a name for his company worldwide. Though for personal 
interest, Jaq also had done private collections of suits, evenings gowns and 
other apparels. 

Serena, at one point, even agreed to pose for some pictures modeling his 
designs, feeling uncomfortable exploiting herself. Especially since she was 
barely wearing any clothes. Yes... she loved Jaq's sensual style and lingerie 
that holds over all her clothes... she would always rather be wearing lingerie 
romping around in her room. However, how was she to get in the world of business 
dominated by men when she would be plastered all over billboards wearing close 
to nothing? They would never take her seriously. 

Jaq, a little frustrated, pleaded with her trying to get permission to use them 
for his stores. He loved Serena's beauty and all his designs were actually 
inspired by her, so it was only fitting that he wanted her to model them; but to 
no avail, he only succeeded in getting her permission to use them in his private 
offices and homes. 

~End of Flashback~ 

"Jaq, what are you doing here? I thought you were in London promoting." 

"It was over quickly, so I decided to come back and visit some of my stores" 
said Jaq, now standing in front of Mrs. Tsukino. 

"Mrs. Tsukino, would you like to model some of my designs since your 
'daughter' refuses to go on any advertising promotion for me?" asked Jaq 
sarcastically. 

"Jaq, you're too much, but I don't think Mr. Tsukino would like his wife on a 
billboard revealing everything to the public." 

"I suppose not. Well what about lunch with my favorite girls?" 

"Lunch would be great! But I think mom needs to change, before somebody else 
makes her another offer" 

During lunch, Serena told Jaq about her transfer to Japan. He was so happy for 
her, and with that he taken them to many stores in a 50-mile radius. In each 
store, she was able to pick anything to almost everything she wanted. But of 
course, Serena being the modest woman she was, only took what she felt was 
needed. She knew that if she ever needed anything, all she had to do was call 
Jaq, who wouldn't have a problem picking things up for her; he knew everything 
from her shoe size to the size of her undergarments. All of Serena's evening 
gowns were one of a kind and designed only for her. That's what having a famous 
designer for a best friend. 

"Best friends... Oh!.. Jaq, can I get a few items for my friends in 
Tokyo?" 

"Why sure, go right ahead!" Serena had picked matching silk sets of blue, 
burnished orange, green, red and teal. 

"Boy, are they going to be surprised." 


End of Chapter 2........................ 

Definitions: 
Sobo - Grandmother (your own) 
Sofu - Grandfather (your own) 
Obasan - Grandmother (someone else's) 
Ojiisan - Grandfather (someone else's) 
Chichi - Father (your own