RIVALS – Chapter 4
By: R.Umali
September 9, 1999
PG13

* In Tokyo
“You okay?” he asked his best friend.
“Yeah I’m fine, how’s Ms. Bishop doing?” he asked curiously
“She’s fine, a little shock but she’s fine” He then presses the 
button on his phone “Ms. Bishop will you come in here when you have 
a moment” he said releasing the button.  Within a couple of seconds, 
Ms. Bishop came in a little red.  Darien motioned for her to take a 
seat.
“Ms. Bishop, I really apologize for what had just taken place.  You 
out of all people do not deserve to be treated in such a way,” he 
said apologizing “Did she hurt you?”
“No sir, she just shook me up a little”
“Well, why don’t you take the rest of the day off?  I’ll have Rei 
take the rest of your duties”.
“Yes sir” she said as she started to leave.
“Oh.. Ms. Bishop, I know you have a fiancé and if any friction 
between you arises because of what just happened.  Please let me 
know and I will set things right and again I do apologize”
“I will sir and thank you,” she said as she left out the door.  
Darien and Michael were now the only ones left in the room, Michael 
stared at Darien who was in deep thought and taking the note on 
Darien frustrated eyes.
“Dare, you need to get away.  You need rest” he said worriedly about 
his friend “you don’t look too good”
“I’m okay Mike, just tired that’s all.  I’m just so worried about 
the faith of the company once Tsukino Financial gets its new CEO” he 
said as he rubbed his temples.
“You know, we don’t even know if all these information are true.  
For all we know the information could just be all hyped up.  We 
won’t really know for sure how good she is until we see her in 
action.  So why don’t we worry about her later.  In the mean time, 
you need to take a few days off.”  
“Maybe your right.  Can you take my meetings Monday?”  Darien began 
to say when Rei stepped in and interrupted.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Johnson’s messenger asked me to 
give this to you” she said handing him an envelope.  “Here’s one for 
you too Michael”.  Both eager to know what the special delivery was, 
they ripped the open the envelope.  It is an invitation for a Luau 
on Saturday at 6:00pm being held at the Johnson’s estate on MoonRose 
Drive. 
“MoonRose Drive, isn’t that by the beach?” asked Darien
“Uh.. huh.. It sure is.  Iv been up their a few times and its really 
nice.  Will you guys be going?” asked Rei, who was also invited and 
so, was the rest of the Chiba Corp executive assistants.
“You got one too Rei?” asked Michael.
“Of course, we all did.  Including a certain executive female that 
works for Tsukino Financial” she said winking at him “and as you can 
clearly read.  It says Hawaiian attire and knowing Mina she has many 
strapless Hawaiian bi..ki..ni’s somewhere” she teased.  Darien can 
only look in interest at his best friend’s facial impression and 
laughed when he saw Michael’s eyes bulge out when Rei mentioned the 
word bikini.
“I wouldn’t miss this Luau for anything” he said grinning at Rei.
“She called to ask if you were going, so I guess I can tell her that 
you wouldn’t miss seeing her in a bikini” she said walking towards 
the door.
“Noooo.. Nooooo. Don’t tell her that,” he said running after Rei.  
Both Rei and Darien were now laughing at how the usually composed 
Michael can turn so immature when it came to Mina. “Rei… don’t” 
Michael pleaded
“Relax, Mike I was just kidding but I will call her and tell her 
that you’re going,” she said as she laughed her way out the door.  
Michael turned around to face the grinning Darien.
“Don’t say anything… I don’t want to hear it” he shot at Darien 
while flopping himself on the couch.
“Looks like some ones got it bad” he retorted
“Didn’t I just say that I didn’t want to hear it” Michael said, as 
he turned to face Darien “how about you, are you going?”
“Ohh I don’t know”
“Come on, It’ll be fun.  It’s just what you need to relax.  The 
smell of ocean water, waves crashing, women in bikini’s and…” 
***pause*** “ wait you don’t need any more women! On second thought 
maybe you need to go somewhere where women are immune to you or 
doesn’t exist.”  Michael commented.
“And where do you suppose that would that be?” Asked Darien to his 
best friend.
“I don’t know, maybe… maybe… the moon perhaps.” He said as he got 
wadded up papers thrown at him.  Then a buzz from the phone and came 
Rei’s voice.
“Darien, Mr. Johnson is on the phone”
“Thanks.  Hello Darien Chiba.. Oh Hello Mr. Johnson……Yes.. Yes we 
did…. Yes were are and were looking forward to it...” he said while 
looking at Michael. “Meeting Monday… umm.. I will be out of town on 
Monday, but Michael my trusted assistant will be there.  Sure 8:30… 
Will be prepared.  Thank you sir. Bye” Darien said as he hung up the 
phone.
“Where will I be on Monday at 8:30, I assume pm” said Michael…
“No… It’s am and it will be at his residence at MoonRose Drive” he 
said while writing a few things down and handing it to Michael.  “He 
is having a meeting with his investors and I want you to be there to 
help.  Make sure you have all that stuff prepared before you meet 
with them.”
“Wait why do I have to go?” asked Michael.
“You just said that I need a few days off and I’m taking Monday 
off,” he said smilingly.
“Things I do for you…”…

He went home tired as usual, the events that happened this week was 
just too overwhelming.  Unbuttoning his shirt and pants, he made his 
way to the balcony to capture the evening city lights.  ‘How 
peaceful’ he thought to himself.  “Peaceful…. something my life is 
not used too”…He started to recapture the past week, his 
grandparents house, profits up to 80%, women, Maybe Michael’s right, 
I should go to the Luau, besides I think it would be fun seeing him 
with Mina.

* In New York
Back in New York Serena and Sammy drove up to their driveway they 
were curious to know whose car was parked inside.  It was a black 
Lexus with the license plate ‘strlghts’.
They walked through the door to be greeted by their mother.
“Hello you two.  I thought you guys might have lost your way home,” 
said Irene.
“Mom, whose car is that outside?” asked Sammy
“It’s a guest for your sister.  Serena he’s waiting in the living 
room”.
“Thanks mom” now eyeing her mother curiously and trying to find the 
slightest hint to who it was.
“Serena, were you expecting anyone?” asked Sammy
“No, I don’t think so.” Curious more than ever she made her way to 
the living room to see a dark haired man with a pony tail.  With a 
gasp of fear, she automatically knew who it was.  Chills of disgust 
and fear streamed down her spine but did well in not showing 
anything. 
“SIEYA! What the hell are you doing here?” she said coldly.  
Sammy now in the kitchen heard a displeasing name and ran to the 
living room in anger.
“What nerve you have coming here,” said Sammy now clenching his 
fist.  He hated Sieya with every bone in his body.  He still cannot 
forget the torment he brought to his sister one summer evening.

~Flashback ~ 
Sammy never drew his guards down towards Sieya who was Serena’s 
boyfriend at that time. He was kind to Serena and to the family but 
Sammy was always doubtful towards his fake actions.  He can see the 
dark intention he had for his sister when he would find Sieya 
staring at Serena.  Sammy had spoken to him a few times, but he just 
gave him a remark that angered him even more.  He can recall a 
conversation he had with him at a family picnic.
“Sieya, my sister is very special and I don’t want to see her hurt.  
Just what exactly are your intentions with my sister?”  said Sammy 
trying to be nice but yet demanding.
“What ever my intentions are with your sister is non of your 
business” Sieya remarked with a devilish glare.  With those eyes, 
Sammy found himself fear for his sister. 

For one week their parents went to Europe for vacation and left 
Serena responsible for the both of them.  She was 21 at the time and 
finally graduating from college, Sammy was 17 graduating from High 
School.  After telling her what of the so-called conversation he had 
with Sieya, she had have just about enough.  At this point things 
with Sieya were not going to well.  Serena was miserable and was 
ready to break up with him.  She didn’t find the relationship to be 
healthy.  He was very possessive and often followed her every move.  
Sieya would blow up and cause a big scene when she would talk to her 
other male friends, especially with Jaq.  
Serena needed company so they invited Jaq and Mika to stay over.  
Everything was quite pleasant until the doorbell rang.  Serena 
opened the door and to her unhappy surprise found Sieya with a bag.
“Hey Sieya, what are you doing here?” asked Serena curiously looking 
at his bag.
“I thought I would come and crash the party,” he said with a crooked 
smile.  
Hearing his voice made Sammy’s blood boil.  He went to the door and 
stood by his sister giving her an assuring hand over her shoulder.
“Sieya, you weren’t invited and surely aren’t welcomed here 
anymore.” said Sammy coldly.  By now the two stared at each other 
with piercing blue eyes verse brown eyes.  Serena see’s the tension 
and finds her words.
“I no longer want to be with you Sieya.  I can not be with a man 
that hides skeletons in his closets nor have cruel intentions 
towards anyone,” said Serena with every confidence.
“Sieya, I think you better go.  Just like Sammy said, your not 
welcome here” she proudly said.
“Serena, you don’t want this.  Your brother’s just trying to break 
us apart.  Things will be better, I promise!”  He said pleading with 
her.
“No Sieya, Promises are meant to be kept unlike your broken ones,” 
she said angrily.  Jaq and Mika now came to view.  Sieya’s eyes 
darkened seeing Jaq there.
“GOODBYE SIEYA!”
“This is not over Serena,” he said while giving them all hateful 
stares.
“Yes, it is!” Serena said while slamming the door.  She smiles at 
everyone in the room while a huge burden was finally released.  
Thinking that she had won the battle for now she just wanted to 
enjoy the rest of the evening not thinking about him.  The evening 
went by quickly and it was now early morning.  Serena and Sammy 
slept in their rooms while Jaq and Mika slept in the guest rooms.  
Everyone was in peaceful slumber except for Serena who was restless. 
She got up and went to the kitchen to get a glass of warm milk.  
When she came back, she was greeted with the curtains rustling in 
the wind.  She took notice of her balcony door open.  How could this 
be, she thought I know I closed that door.  With shock written all 
over her face she went and closed the door.  When she turned around, 
a familiar voice whispered.
“Do you really think I would leave a relationship with out getting 
what I want?” he said coldly.
“SIEYA! What are you doing here?” fear striking ever bone in her 
body.  She can now see a shadow figure walking towards her.  She 
made a move towards her right knowing that Sammy’s room was on the 
other side.
“Get out of here Sieya”
“No.. I don’t think so my sweet.  Not until I’ve tasted your sweet 
nectar”
Knowing well what his intentions, she screamed to the top of her 
lungs in fear.  She threw many items around making as much noise as 
possible.  Serena can hear Jaq and Mika pounding on the door, she 
screamed harder as she tried to maneuver away from Sieya.  Trying to 
make her way to the door, he lunged at her causing her to lose her 
balance.  She fell back and to her horror Sieya was now on top of 
her tearing the top of her pajamas apart.  Serena screamed to the 
top of her lungs until something hard hit her head and all of the 
sudden everything went black, but not before she heard a gun shot.

Sammy jumped out of his bed as he heard Serena scream in fright.  He 
ran to the hallway to find Jaq and Mika banging on Serena’s door.
“Serena…... open the door..” pleaded Jaq with fear written all over 
his face.  He looks over to Sammy.  
“Sammy, what are we going to do???”  Jaq said with tears in his 
eyes.  Sammy did not hesitate to answer Jaq.  He quickly ran his 
hardest to his father’s office, where he kept all his firearms.  He 
took the shotgun and loaded it.  Taking a few more bullets just in 
case, he ran upstairs thinking ‘SIEYA… IM GOING TO KILL HIM’.  
Noticing the shotgun, Jaq and Mika moved away from the door.  Sammy 
took the first shot to open the door.  He quickly walked in and 
turned on the lights.  By the bed he saw Sieya atop of his unmoving 
sister with her top torn.  Sammy’s blood rose and took aim at his 
sister tormentor.
“GET AWAY FROM HER!” he screamed and demanded with fierce red eyes.  
Sieya got up slowly with his hands up.
“Move…away from her…and DON’T EVEN think about making any sudden 
moves SIEYA!  I’m not afraid to use this,” he said while looking 
worriedly at his sister lying on the floor and turning back to him  
“it would be more than my pleasure killing you”.  
After making a phone call to the police Mika and Jaq now made their 
way to the fallen Serena.  Mika took the bed sheet and covered 
Serena’s bareness, while Jaq checked for a pulse.
“She’s got a pulse,” said Jaq happily
“Thank gods” said Mika with tears straining down her eyes looking up 
at Sammy.  Traces of tears were also present on his face.  They can 
now hear sirens and footsteps running up the stairs.  The police 
took Sieya away and questioned the three of them.  Serena was now 
conscious and was also being questioned.  

When the police finally left it was close to 4:00am, Serena was now 
sleeping tiredly in her brother’s room while he slept on the floor 
besides her.  Late morning came when they all finally awoke. They 
all woke in silence.  Not knowing what to say or do Mika and Jaq 
made breakfast as they left the two alone.  The two sat in the patio 
area that overlooked the gardens.  After a long silence Serena 
finally spoke.
“Sammy, I don’t want mom and dad to know about this,” said Serena 
while she still stared at the gardens.
“Serena, Why? Besides what’s dad going to say when he finds your 
door ripped with bullet holes, your bedroom in shambles and it’s a 
possibility that someone could tell him”

“Sammy, just please… keep this a secret between the four of us or 
until I’m ready to tell them” she said with pleading eyes.  Sammy 
looked in deep within her eyes, trying to find the reason of her 
silence over this matter.
What he found was fear, anger, and confusion.  He left at that and 
heeded his sisters’ wishes.
“Okay, Serena I wont tell mom or dad but we need to get your door 
fix and room cleaned up before they get back” now going to his 
sister and giving her a hug.
“It’s okay Serena we’ll get through this and we still have a few 
days before they come back”.  Fortunately the horrible incident 
happened so early in the morning that no one in our neighborhood 
took note.  It made it in the paper but it was a very small article 
and was already dismissed when their parents got back.  By this time 
everything was almost back to normal, except for Serena’s re-
occurring nightmares.
~ End of Flashback ~

Having the memories of that night flowed through him and was angered 
on how Sieya could be so calm.
“I say to you again Sieya, What are you doing here” he said more 
demandingly and now taking his sister behind him.
“Sammy you have grown” Sieya said sarcastically and now turning to 
face Serena besides Sammy “I am here to ask for an apology”.  Sammy 
could not believe what he was hearing.  This man, this so called man 
tries to rape my sister gives her horrible nightmares and he has the 
nerve to ask for an apology.  Hot blood was running through his 
veins and he had the sudden urge to run for his fathers shot gun.
“You’ve got some nerve Sieya, Now leave before I finish what 
happened years ago.”
“Sammy, I didn’t come here to ask for your apology.  I’m here for 
Serena’s forgiveness.  Besides I know she’ll forgive me,” he said 
with a smile.  Serena was quiet and in a daze as she stared at the 
two.  Finally everything was registering in her mind.  Horrible 
memories he gave her and all her feelings, feelings of hatred 
boiled.  Never before has Serena ever hated anyone, in the past she 
always forgave but not this time.
“How ‘DARE’ you come in here and have the nerve to ask for my 
forgiveness” she said coldly, surprising both the men.  Irene 
hearing loud angry voices was now in the room herself.  She stood by 
the doorway that connected the living room and the entrance.
“I will NEVER… EVER… forgive you.  Not now, not later, not in 
another lifetime and I will not stand here and have you in the 
presence of my home any longer.  GET OUT!! before I with my own 
hands pull the trigger to your death” Serena said loudly.  Never 
before feeling this hatred over anyone, her blood boiled madly.  Her 
mother was in total shock that her sweet Usa could talk so harshly 
but knew there would have to be good reasons.  
Sieya was also in shock that innocent Serena could say such things.
“It seems times have changed,” he said…
“That’s right! Things have changed.  The innocent Serena you knew is 
no longer here.  I've learned to hate because of you and it’s also 
that same hate that taught me to no longer fear you.  So don’t think 
you can intimidate me with your so-called gentleman smile because it 
doesn’t work.  I can clearly see through all that.  Now leave before 
I make my dreams of killing you become reality” she said harshly 
while pointing at the door.  Her mother is silence as she watched 
her daughter get angry at every word.  Sieya now in deeper shock, 
walks pass Serena and Sammy towards the door.  Taking the doorknob 
and giving it a quick turn Sieya was almost out the door when 
Serena’s voice stopped him.
“and Sieya” she said calmly “ you will ‘never’ taste this sweet 
nectar.”  Sammy and her mother stood there with there mouths open to 
Serena’s last sentence.  Sieya took one last look at Serena and 
proceeded out the door.  Outside the Tsukino house, and evil 
intention whispered through Sieya  “That’s what you think!” he said 
evilly taking one last look at the house before revving up his 
engine and leaving.

Irene in total shock still had her mouth open in utter surprise of 
her daughters actions.  She always taught her daughter to be kind, 
gentle and to forgive.  Unlike the cold and angry woman she was 
looking at.  Sammy was also in shock of his sisters actions.  Shock 
but proud, she faced her fears and won the battle on her own.  All 
he could do was look at his sister and trying to find what she was 
feeling.   Blood still boiling, Serena looked at her mother 
realizing she had a lot of explaining to do. She then looked at her 
brother, seeing his strong assuring face calmed her and all she 
could do was smile.  Sammy saw this smile and gave his sister a 
comforting hug.
“Serena, would you tell me what just happened here.  Why did the two 
of you speak such words to Sieya?” Irene said needing answers.  
Sammy and Serena looked at each other in agreement.
“I think it’s time,” Sammy said to Serena
“Yes, I think so too” now looking at their mom “mom, I think you 
better sit down and make yourself comfortable” Irene took a seat to 
where Sieya sat and waited for an explanation.  Sammy walked off to 
the kitchen to come back with 3 mugs of coco.  
“Mom, remember when you and dad went on vacation?’ Serena slowly 
started.  During the next hour Serena and Sammy slowly explained 
every detail to their mother.  Even though it was getting late and 
Serena had a long trip ahead of her, they went through the whole 
ordeal slowly, trying not to shock their mother even more.  A couple 
of hours went by and finally Irene’s initial shock was slowly 
settling in.
“Honey, why did you hide this from us?”
“I was confused mom.  Besides everything was done and over with” 
Serena said looking down at the carpet.
“No wonder you had all those nightmares.  You had everything bottled 
up inside that it was eating you alive,” said Irene now stroking her 
daughters hair.  “Well it’s late you too and your father will be 
home soon.  I suggest the both of you go to bed.  And you young lady 
got a long plane ride ahead of you, so you need your rest.”  With 
that Serena and Sammy both got up from their sitting position and 
hugged their mom.
“Goodnight Mom” said Sammy while giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Goodnight Mom” said Serena doing the same.
“Serena, I want you to know that you can tell me anything, no matter 
how bad you think it is your father and I will understand” Irene 
said giving her daughter another hug.  She was upset to the fact 
that they kept this secret from her.  Especially something as 
serious as being assaulted and almost being raped.  She was scared 
and horrified that something like that could happen to her daughter 
but also relieved that it was all in the past.  Hand in hand Serena 
and Sammy began to descend their way up the stairs when their mom 
called out their names.  They turned around to see their mom in 
tears.
“I love both of you.  Don’t you two ever forget that.?” she said 
smilingly.  As the two began to step up “and one more thing” Irene 
said “No more secrets!!!!”  Both Serena and Sammy nodded in 
assurance and made their way up again.

Serena’s alarm clock was beeping with the most annoying tone this 
morning.  She looked up and realized that it was 5:00am.  She had 30 
minutes to get ready so she can get to the airport by 6:00pm.  In 
record time she was ready in 20 minutes.  Well with her hair not 
being done in her usual hairstyle.  She made her way down the stairs 
to find her luggage already been brought down.  Running into the 
kitchen she found her family sitting and waiting for her.
“Good morning, why didn’t you guys wake me,” she said while taking a 
mug and pouring some cocoa.
“We wanted you to miss your plane so you didn’t have to go” said 
Sammy jokingly.
“Very funny” Serena said as she stuck her tongue out.
“Okay you two, its time to go” said Kenji.
The ride to the airport was in silence.  Sammy and Serena was still 
tired from last nights ordeal.  All that explaining to her mother 
brought back so many memories.  It helped though, she was not afraid 
anymore.  She smiled, as she looked out the window of her brothers 
emerald green suburban.  In no time they were there.  Kenji and 
Sammy both brought down her luggage from the back of the truck.
“Geezzz.. Serena what do you have in here.”  Sammy said jokingly.
“My car, my dresser, my bed, umm oh and my tub.”  She said.  All 
Kenji and Irene do was smile at the two siblings.

Serena checked in and was told that she and the other first class 
passengers will begin to board in 5 minutes.  She then ran to her 
family and quickly said their good byes.  Serena first turned to her 
father.
“Thanks Dad for giving me this opportunity to prove myself.  I wont 
let you down” she said giving her father a hug and kissed him on the 
cheek.  
“I know you wont sweetheart” he said smilingly “Oh before I forget.. 
Here” he said handing her a piece of paper “this is the name and 
number of the man picking you up at the airport.  His name is Mr. 
Ben Chua they will help you out around the house” 
“Thanks dad” she said while turning to her mother
“Thanks mom for understanding.  I love you” she said doing the same 
gesture as she did with her father.
“I love you too,” she said returning her daughters embrace. “and 
remember, no more secrets!”
Serena smiled at her mom and nodded.  She now faced her little 
brother.
“Sammy” she jumped into her brothers arms “Thank you ‘big brother’… 
thank you for everything.”  Serena could not even express her 
appreciation for brother; she was so much in a rush to think for the 
right words.  She looked at him and said, “I think you know how I 
feel”.  
Nodding “That’s okay Serena I understand” he said smiling.  After 
the embrace the announcer called on the first class passengers.  She 
quickly gave each of them a hug and started walking away.  The three 
watch in sadness when she gave her ticket to the attendant but 
before proceeding to the tunnel that connected the plane and the 
building.  She turned around to bid her family once more.
“I LOVE YOU GUYS” said Serena smiling and then she proceeded to the 
tunnel.  After being seated and situated she found herself being 
pampered by the stewardess.  Being in first class has its advantages 
she muttered to herself.  As the plane was finally moving she 
settled down in her comfortable seat her eyes began to get heavy.  
Tired of all the weeks’ excitement she closed her eyes and 
peacefully rested.

End of Chapter 4
Thanks for reading please stay tune for Chapter 5. 
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