RIVALS - Chapter 6
By: R.Umali
roc1@access1.net
October 12 1999
Rated: PG13

With up-most apologies everyone.. Im really sorry that It has taken me so long 
to post this story.  As you can see the date on this fic was 4 months ago.  The 
holidays, my family and my job gave me little time on editing and posting my 
stories.  Then of course I had problems accessing the site.. Thanks to Crissy 
and a few others that finally stopped my hunt and frustrations in finding it.  I 
hope you guys enjoy this chapter.  I still have a few more and Im currently 
going over notes that Ive written for my next chapters.. So yes IM BACK and 
actually I have another story that I will be posting next week.. So watch out 
for it :)  ENJOY.....

Sunday Morning ~
Serena's eye's fluttered open as she heard the sound of the ocean. She
sat up and smiled in realization to where she was. 'I love waking up 
to the sound of the ocean' she said while sitting up.
"mmmm.... That was the best sleep I've had in a week," she said while stretching 
up her arms, and then a sudden knock came from the door.
"Come in" said Serena as she stared at the door.  Behind the door peaked Elaine 
with a breakfast tray.
"Good morning Serena, how was your sleep?" she said while holding the tray.
"Very well, thank you."
"Where would you like your breakfast?
"Oh.. Um the balcony would be fine," she said thinking about the man she 
encountered last night.
Elaine sensing this can only smile in wondered if they figured it out yet.  She 
set the tray on the table and turned around to find Serena behind her.
"Elaine, will you join me?" Serena said wanting company.
"I've already had my breakfast, but I can sit here and keep you company" Elaine 
said smiling.
"I would like that very much" said Serena smiling back at her friend while she 
took her fork and stabbed a piece of fruit.
"Oh by the way, this was delivered to you today" Elaine said while handing her a 
thick envelope.
"Thank you," she said while looking over at the writing in front "Oh its from 
Mr. Kina-sama" she said as she opened the large envelope.  Inside the envelope 
were profiles with a letter.

Serena-chan,

I know you are pretty tired from the long trip, so I figured I should send this 
to you so you may review them in your home instead.  I changed the meeting date 
between you and the assistants for Thursday instead of Monday.  Till then I hope 
you enjoy your new beginnings in Tokyo and am looking forward to seeing you on 
Thursday.

					Sincerely,

					Mr. Kina

"No meeting on Monday" she said to herself "What am I suppose to do till 
Thursday?" looking at Elaine.
"Well I guess you can see the sights before you start working," responded 
Elaine.
"I suppose your right" Serena grumbled while flipping through the profiles 
briskly "Elaine what are you doing today?"
"I'm going grocery shopping and doing a few errands here and there"
"May I go with you?" asked Serena, not wanting to stay home for 3 days.
"Of course you can.  Ill be leaving around 11:00 will you be ready by then?"
"Yes I can, I ll be ready in no time"
"Okay Ill see you then" Elaine said while getting up to leave. "Will you be okay 
by yourself now?" 
"Yeah, Ill be fine," said Serena as she stared at Elaine walking towards the 
door.
"Ill see you at eleven then," she said as she closed the door behind her.  
Serena now busily ate her breakfast and opened the introductory profile.  On the 
first page was a one page brief introduction of the assistant.
 
Name:  Jayson Preston
Age:     28
Education:  Juban University with Bachelors in Finance

Name:   Mina Aino
Age:      26
Education:  Azabu University with Bachelors in Business

Serena's eyes budged out as she almost choked on a piece of strawberry going 
across Mina's name.  Mina working for Tsukino Financial, Oh my gods... she said 
as she recognized a two more names.

Name:  Ami Anderson
Age:     26
Education:  Tokyo International School of Business with Bachelors in Accounting 
and a Masters in Business Finance.

Name:   Molly Bauer
Age:      26
Education:   Azabu University with Bachelors in Accounting

Serena couldn't believe it; she would be working with three of her best friends. 
'Why didn't they tell me they were working for TF Inc.' she thought to herself.  
'Boy will they be surprised' she thought as she put the profiles down and 
finished her breakfast.

It was a 15 minutes before 11:00 when Serena came down wearing lavender chiffon 
slip dress. She glided down the stairs with the largest smile on her face, happy 
she was to finding out the she will be working with her best friends.  Finally 
making it down the long marble tiled stairs she walked towards the kitchen to 
find Elaine and Ben doing the dishes.
"Hello Ben" said Serena as she sat down on one of the many stools.
"Why, Hello Princess.  How was your first evening here in out humble palace?" he 
said winking at Elaine.
"Great, I slept like a.. a.. princess" she giggled
"Well I heard that you acquired yourself a couple of admirers too," he said to 
her with a grin
Serena a little red could only look at Elaine, knowing the fact that she had 
told Ben all about the men admiring her outside the window.  Ben seeing Serena 
fluster in embarrassment changed the subject quickly when he felt his wife elbow 
him.
"So.. I heard your going to go with Elaine," he said trying to change the 
subject.
"Yes I am" Serena said happily and relief that he changed the subject.
"Well are you ready?" asked Elaine wiping her hand.
"Sure I am.  I'm all dressed, got my shoes on and ready to go" Serena bubbledly 
said as she followed Elaine out the door.

Driving down many streets, Elaine introduced Serena to some new areas and places 
where she usual runs her errands.
"So where are we headed to first?" asked Serena
"I was thinking we go to the bakery first," said Elaine while turning left at 
the stop light to the local bakery.  She parks and smiles at Serena
"Here we are," she said as they both got out of the car.  Serena sniff the air 
and was delighted when she smelled fresh bake bread.
"MMMmmmm... I love fresh bake bread," she said following Elaine inside the 
bakery.  As they entered the bakery they were both greeted by a small plump man 
with beady eyes.
"Ohayo Gozaimasu" said the old man going up to the both of them
"Good morning Mr. Ogata-sama, how is business this morning?" asked Elaine
"Business is the usual, but it's always a pleasure seeing you here" said Mr. 
Ogata now glancing over to Serena. "Mrs. Elaine, I see you brought me a 
visitor".
"Oh, I'm sorry where are my manners.  Mr. Ogata this is Miss Serena Tsukino, she 
is the master of the house" said Elaine while putting her hand on Serena's 
shoulders.
"It is nice to meet you Mr. Ogata-sama," said Serena bowing to him
"Oh please don't bow...I would prefer you just smile, it seems to brighten up 
the bakery more."  He said as he watch Serena blush slightly.
"Mr. Ogata-sama your breads smell real good, but could you say the same about 
the taste?' asked Serena with a smile wanting to have a little taste.
"I assure you Miss Tsukino all the breads in this bakery taste as they smell.  
Come over here and let me give you some samples," he said walking towards the 
baking area, Elaine and Serena followed behind.
"Mr. Ogata-sama please just call me Serena," she said following him.  As they 
entered the back all eyes set on them, particularly the young men.  They 
followed there every move, from one end to the other.  They stopped in front of 
a large oven where many types of bread were being baked.  Mr. Ogata opened the 
oven and removed a loaf of bread off the pan.
"Here Miss Serena, this would be your first taste so therefore it shall be 
special" he said with his smiling round face.  As he cut the hot loaf a young 
man interrupted.
"Father, we are in need of more yeast," he said staring at Serena.
"Son you know very well that we have them in the warehouse next door.  Why don't 
you have someone get some?" he said irritated until he took note of his son's 
interest in Serena.
"Gomen-Naisa, Serena this is my son Kaneto" he said introducing his son "he is 
single and is going to school to be a Lawyer," he said as he proudly patting his 
son on the back.
"Father..." Kaneto said while turning red from his father's comments.
"It's nice to meet you Kaneto," she said while extending her arm for a 
handshake.
"No.. Its nice to meet you Serena" shaking her hand lightly.  "So what brings 
you here today"
"I'm here with Elaine she's showing me around town while she is doing errands" 
said Serena eyeing the loaf of bread.
"Miss Serena just arrived from New York," said Elaine
"New York. What brings you here?" curiously asked Kaneto
"I was transferred to work for a financial institution."
"Which one Chiba Bankers Corp or Tsukino Financial Inc."
"Why do you assume its either one?" asked Serena curiously
"Well you've come a long way and I don't think you would transfer all the way 
from New York to a small financial branch." He said feeling her defenses rise.
"Here you go Serena, it should have cooled by now" Mr. Ogata said while handing 
her a slice of the loaf.
"Mmmm Mr. Ogata you have outdone yourself.  It is as it smells," said Serena 
tasting the loaf.
"Well Serena are you ready to go, We have more errands and other people for you 
to meet" said Elaine eyeing Serena's interest in the loaf of bread.
"Yes.. I'm ready," said Serena while popping the last of her slice of bread in 
her mouth "it was nice meeting you Mr. Ogata and Kaneto.  Thank you for the 
taste test"
"Miss Serena, We hope to see you here again and anytime you want a taste any of 
the loafs, Kaneto here can help you" he said as his son smiles.
"Thank You" said Serena as she followed Elaine out the door.

They proceeded again to other parts of town; from dry cleaners to specific 
markets they were everywhere.  Serena met new people and tasted everything from 
fruits to pastries and being as kind as Serena is, everyone took a liking in 
her. 'Who could resist this angel' thought Elaine taking note that in almost 
every store they encountered into almost had a parent offering their son.
"It's 1:00pm where are we going too now?" asked Serena happily
"Now we go grocery shopping," said Elaine driving up to the local grocery store 
"This grocery store will have everything you would need from eggs to imported 
items like American food, in case you get homesick" smiled Elaine while closing 
the door to the navigator.
"Elaine, I would like to cook tonight, would that be alright?" 
"Why of course, anytime you want to cook just let me know," said Elaine  "So 
what are we having tonight?"
"I was thinking of beef broccoli with mushroom then for desert old fashion apple 
pie with vanilla ice cream"
"mmm.. sounds good, I cant wait for dinner" Elaine put her arm around Serena and 
walked happily to the shopping carts.  Elaine who does not have any children of 
her own has grown fond of Serena.  Even for only being a day she has grown to 
sense her every need, just like a mother would and in that same sense, Serena 
feels the same way.  Elaine grabs a cart a proceeded to the entrance.  As they 
walked in, as the same usual reaction came from many men.  Stares, at the lovely 
woman before them.  It was a sure wasn't coincidence that each aisle that Serena 
went into had many men offering there help. 

In the meantime an emerald green Mercedes parks and out came were two handsome 
men. They were both dressed in casual jeans and shirts.
"Dare, what are we doing here?" asked Michael
"Millie asked me to get some stuffing and some champagne or something like 
that," said Darien irritated
"Gods, you would think she would go shopping before she invited anyone over for 
dinner.  Although I know dinner is not what she has planned," said Michael 
following Darien inside the grocery store.
"Lets just get the things and get out of here.  I'm not in the mood to shop" 
said Darien with his wondering mind, still stuck on the angel that he had met 
last night.
"Excuse me sir which aisle would the stuffing be?" asked Michael to the grocery 
clerk.
"It would be on aisle ten Sir," said a young man pointing at aisle 10
"Thank You" said Darien as he walked over to aisle 10.  They stopped to find 
endless kinds of stuffing.
"Chicken stuffing, Beef stuffing. What the hell kind a stuffing does she need?" 
said a frustrated Darien.
"Well first of all, what is she cooking?" asked Michael.
"I don't know, I don't even think she can cook," laughed Darien as he looked at 
Michael who was laughing himself.
In the other aisle Serena was curiously looking down the list she made in the 
car.
"Elaine can I cook tomorrow too?" asked Serena eyeing the shelves.
"Sure"
"Okay then I'm cooking chicken and I need stuffing," said Serena "Elaine where 
would they be?"
"I don't know, I don't usual use stuffing.  Lets ask that young man over there" 
said Elaine pointing at a stock clerk who was watching them.
"Excuse me sir, but what aisle would the stuffing be?" asked Serena politely.
"They would be in the next aisle," he said as he clumsily dropped a bunch of 
canned pea soups all over.
"Oh, Im sorry to distract you" said Serena as she stoop down to help the young 
man "here let me help you" picking up two cans and putting them on the shelves.
"That's, okay it was my fault.  Thanks for helping" said the young man.
"Your Welcome"
"Hmm aisle 10, here we are." as Serena walked down the aisle looking for 
stuffing she encountered two men kneeling and arguing apparently over stuffing. 
"No let's get this one, it says good for both chicken and beef," said Darien
"No this one, it looks better" said Michael.  Serena, who couldn't stand there 
anymore without laughing, giggled.
"No this one..." Darien said as he heard a familiar giggle, He turns to Michael 
and then behind them.  It was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.  'The 
angel, the angel at the balcony was there' he thought to himself.
"Umm, may I make a suggestion?" asked Serena at the two men staring at her.  
Getting no response she stepped forward between Michael and Darien. Being quite 
close it allowed them to smell her essence and closely gaze at her beauty.  The 
usual long flowing blond hair was done up in two unique pigtails, they were 
different but very cute.  Her deep blue eyes stood out from her flawless 
features.   "This one" she said as she picked up a box "is better with chicken 
and this one is better with beef" handing them two boxes.
"Thank you." said Darien still mesmerizing her beauty.
"Glad I can help" smiled Serena as she walked off putting two boxes of stuffing 
in the cart.  Serena left the two men frozen behind; they still couldn't 
comprehend just how beautiful she was.  Forgotten by the two men, Elaine was 
smiling as she recognized these men as two of the men at the party inquiring 
about Serena, especially the one with black hair.
"Hello.." said Elaine trying to get their attention away from their frozen gaze 
at Serena.  Both Darien and Michael turned around to see a woman behind a cart.
"I suggest that if you want those questions answered, here's your chance to ask 
my Lady now" said Elaine starting to walk away smiling.  Darien and Michael both 
stared at each other for a moment then said in unison
"Mrs. Chua".  As they both followed Elaine and Serena they bumped into many 
people, even knocking some things down.  By now Serena was in the fruit aisles 
picking some apples.
"Dare, here's your chance to get her name, why don't you go up to her" said 
Michael looking around for any distractions that might come along "although I 
think you might have a little competition" he said noticing other men 
contemplating their move.  Darien looks around and see's many men staring 
directly at her, getting closer and closer to Serena.  'I can't have them beat 
me to this, she's my angel' he thought as he walked briskly towards her, giving 
the other men cold stares.
"Excuse me miss, but do you like apples?" he said smilingly
"Oh yes, there my favorite" said Serena taking an apple then placing them in her 
bag "their very good for you" she said smiling at him as she took a bite out of 
one.  Darien looked into the deep ocean blue eyes and was lost with words.
"You know you look familiar," said Serena now also looking into his eyes.  As 
they both locked in each other's gazes, she remembers the man under her balcony 
last night had the same intense blue eyes.
"Oh.. are you... or were you the man that was under my balcony last night.." she 
said with smile and a faint blush "Darien, is that correct?" said Serena waiting 
for a response.  Darien smiled, as he was happy that she remembered him.
"Yes.. It is. My name is Darien Chiba," he said admiring her.
"Nice to meet you Darien, would you like a bite" she said offering him her 
apple.  Darien looked at her than to the apple, he was frozen and unaware of 
what to do.  He looked away for a moment as he felt many eyes staring at him 
enviously.  His eyes turned to look at Mike and noticed him nodding his head to 
accept the apple.
"I don't bite Darien and the apple is not poisoned," said Serena with a smile.  
Darien who was knocked out of his trance with her smile accepted the apple, and 
was clearly happy that she had offered it to him.
"It is very good, but why do I taste strawberries," said Darien looking at the 
apple.
"Oh.. umm must have been my lip-gloss.  It's strawberry flavored, umm sorry.." 
said Serena now redder than ever.  Looking away from him she noticed Elaine 
waiting for her with a large smile on her face.
"Sorry, but I have to go" said Serena as she started to walk off.
"wait" Darien said grabbing her hand.  With his hand touching hers, warmth seem 
to engulf both of their bodies making them come closer and be locked in each 
others blue eyes again.
"You have not given me your name, " said Darien staring down at Serena's blue 
eyes.
"Oh Im sorry, My name is Se..." she began to say when a loud annoying voice was 
heard.
"Darien Chiba..." said the woman with brown hair walking quickly towards them.
"Oh No... It's Angie," said Mike.  Angie first stared at Serena then rudely 
wedged herself between Serena and Darien causing Serena to drop her bag of 
apples.  Darien now flustered in embarrassment and frustration.  'Every time I 
try to get her name, someone interrupts' he thought to himself as he motioned 
for Mike to help Serena.  Not able to get out of Angie's grasp.  Mike who got 
the message walked over to Serena and helped put the apples back in the bags.
"Darien Baby, why haven't you called me lately?" asked Angie annoyingly 
caressing his hair and asking him hundreds of questions.  While Darien tried to 
pry Angie away from him, Mike helped Serena get the bags of apples to her cart 
where Elaine waited.
"Thank you" said Serena as she looked at Mike who was now lost in her eyes.
"Ohh no problem" said Mike looking back to where Darien was.  He was staring 
directly at them wanting to just run away.  "Sorry about that, Darien is just 
like a magnet" said Mike smiling at Serena.
"Oh no that's okay, I can clearly see that he has many admirers" said Serena 
looking back at Darien who was staring directly at her.
"Well, my name is Michael" he said extending his arm and also trying to get her 
name, knowing the fact that Darien didn't.  Breaking Serena's gaze at Darien she 
looked at Michael and extended her hand.
"My name is Sere...." She said before being again interrupted by another voice.  
"Michael.... Anthony.... Jacobs...."  They both turned to find a small petite 
black haired woman standing beside them.  "I now understand why you haven't 
called me lately" said the woman eyeing Serena.  Michael who now was also red in 
embarrassment looked at Darien who was still trying to get Angie away, had his 
hand over his head.
"Umm.. I think I've stirred enough commotion around here.  I think I should be 
going now." Serena said as she left towards the cash register.  She turned to 
Elaine and comically stated "Elaine I think we better go now, before anything 
else happen"
"I think so too," she said laughing quietly.  As they made their way to the 
cashier, Serena would look around to see where Darien was, she was curious to 
know if he had pried Angie off of him.  It made her blush to see that he was 
looking directly at her from another area, clearly from another cash register 
aisle.
"Miss that would be 5080yen" said the young man.
"Oh my gosh.. Serena, I forgot to go to the bank do you have any money" said 
Elaine embarrassedly.
"Sure" said Serena taking her wallet out and realized that she only had dollars.  
"Elaine I only have dollars" said Serena turning to Elaine.  
"She said Dollars.. That must mean she's form the US" said Darien to Michael.
"Sir, can you compute the total in dollars instead please" asked Elaine.
"I can, But I have to give you change in yen" said the young man.
"That's fine, I need some yen any ways" said Serena happily to the young man as 
he gave her the total and her change.
"Here's your change Miss"
"Thank you...Sorry for the inconvenience" said Serena as she looked at his name 
badge "Geri".
"Oh no problem maam.." he said as he smiled at her.  Seeing this of course made 
Darien anger in jealousy.  By now Serena and Elaine was almost out the door and 
it seems everyone in the register area froze, watching her leave.
"Miss." said Geri waiting for Serena to turn around "I'm pretty sure you get 
this all the time, but I have to say that your very beautiful".  Serena now more 
embarrassed as ever looked at the young man then around, taking notice that 
everyone stared at her.  The men with want in their eyes and the women with hate 
and envy.  She then notices Darien and Michael smiling at her.
"Thank you" was all Serena could muster when she quickly walked out with Elaine 
laughing out loud.
"Elaine, I don't think Ill ever go shopping with you again." Said Serena once 
she was outside the store.
"I don't think the store would want you either, nobody gets his or her job 
done," she said still laughing.
"Elaine, that's not funny, I was really embarrassed in there" she said before 
seeing a flower stand "I ll be back" said Serena as she made her way to the 
flower stand.  She gasps in glee seeing all the pink, lavender, yellow, white 
and red roses.
"Oh there so beautiful" she said caressing each color with her delicate touch.  
While Serena fondly admired the roses Darien and Michael came out laughing.
"Why does that always happen?" said Darien "Right when I'm about to get her name 
something interrupts"
"Well maybe she'll show up again," said Michael walking towards the car.  Then 
suddenly from the corner of his eye he saw a too familiar set of blond pigtails 
that could only belong to the angel they've been stocking.  "Darien Look" he 
said pointing at her "Here's another chance".  Darien took a look at the flower 
stand and beneath his dark sunglasses was a spark of hope that he can get her 
name and phone number this time.
"Please heaven be good to me and let nothing happen this time," he said looking 
up at the sky. Michael laugh to how silly Darien looked 'why is Darien so 
determine to get her name' he asked himself.
"Ahh Darien, you better hurry up before something does happen.  Besides you 
wouldn't want her to see you talking to the sky, she might think you crazy or 
something."
"Mike, your no help," said Darien walking towards the flower stand.
"Sir, I would like a dozen of the pink, yellow, lavender and white please," said 
Serena as she picked up a lavender rose and brought it delicately to her nose.
"Does that smell as sweet as the taste of your lip gloss?" asked Darien smiling 
beside her.  Serena taken by surprise turned and smiled and again lost in his 
eyes.  She quickly looked away as she noticed a faint blush starting to rise.
"Well, would you like to experience them yourself?" asked Serena leaning the 
rose to his face.  Darien saw the gesture and slowly closed his eyes and bent 
down to smell the rose.  Only, the smell of the rose was over powered by 
Serena's intoxicating scent causing him to quickly rise.  He didn't want to 
dwell too much on her, for he might need to hide behind some flowers.
"I can't smell anything, all I can smell is your sweet strawberry lip gloss," he 
said smiling down at her.  Serena was lost in his voice, for she has never heard 
a voice so subtle and soothing to her ears.
"So ummm.. may I help you pick some flowers up for your lady?" she staggered, 
curious to find information on this handsome man.
"Oh no there is no lady, just acquaintances," he said now staring at her golden 
mane.
"I see, I take it you always give flowers and not receive," asked Serena.
"I don't just give flowers to anyone, I only give them to certain women in my 
life and they are very dear to me" said Darien staring at Serena.
"Certain woman, meaning more than one.  Boy.. you've got yourself a handful" 
marked Serena grinningly.
"Its not what you think.." said Darien as he picked up a white rose 
"this rose seem to resemble you"
"A white rose, the rose for purity and innocence" said Serena to Darien.
"Well is this rose as you say purity and innocence resemble you?" asked Darien.  
Serena could not believe what he was asking. She bearly met this guy and now he 
was asking her if she was pure.  All in all though and looking at his blue eyes 
she wanted her to express herself to this intriguing man, the man that many 
women fondly admire.
"I admit I am as innocent as the rose you hold before you" she said with her low 
but naïve little voice. Serena now feeling uncomfortable turned away slightly to 
avoid his conffesional gaze.  'What is it about this guy that makes me want to 
open up to him" she thought as she impatiently waited for the man.  Darien 
sensing how sincere she was but also uncomfortable smack himself on the head for 
making her feel uneasy.  
"You know much about roses, How about this one" he said picking up a yellow rose 
and trying to break the silence.  Serena turned around to find him holding a 
yellow one and with being a little more at ease she responded to him calmly.
"The sign of friendship and admiration" she said before being interrupted by the 
old man
"Here you go miss" the man said handing her 4 dozen of pastel colored roses.  
Darien observing the flowers curiously, he notice that she had all the colors, 
but one.

"Here you go miss," the man said handing her 4 dozen of pastel colored roses.  
Darien noticing the flowers curiously notice that she had all the colors but 
red.
"You seem to have forgotten the color red. Do you not like red"
"Oh I do, but I can only wait till someone gives them to me for a red rose means 
true love and passion, something a lover would give to his other" ,she said as 
she picked up a red rose and caressed the petals gentle before returning it to 
its place. 'She is so beautiful and so.. so.. innocent' thought Darien as he 
stared at her.
"So you didn't answer my last question Mr. Chiba.  Have you ever received 
flowers before?" asked Serena mischievously.
"No I cant say I have" said Darien in wonder to what this girl was getting at.
"Well, I can change that" said Serena smiling as she took a color from each of 
her bundle and handed them to the florist who took them to the back.  After a 
few minutes he quickly returned with a small beautiful arranged bouquet of 1 
white, 1 yellow, 1 pink, and 1 lavender rose garnished with baby's breath and 
tied together with raffia.  The man handed Serena the bouquet and smiled.
 "Here you go," she said handing him the bouquet "now you can't say you have 
never received flowers" said Serena smiling at him.  Darien took the bouquet and 
was taken by surprised; he never thought that receiving flowers could feel so 
nice.  He took the bouquet and smelled each flower, now being able to smell 
their sweet scent he smiled.  From the corner of his eye, he can see Michael 
smiling at his gesture and in wonder if Darien finally met his match.
"Thank you.. Miss......" he said waiting for her to end the sentence.
"Oh I'm sorry, how rude of me, my name is Sere...." was all she can conjure when 
she was again for the second time he was interrupted by female acquaintances of 
his.
"Oh Darien.... is that for me...." Said the blond female taking the bouquet of 
roses away from his hand, angering Serena.
"Jennifer, what.. ah.." said surprised Darien as he felt the bouquet out of his 
hands and into Jennifer's grasp.
"Baby, you never gave me flowers before" she said.  Darien saw Serena's angry 
eyes when Jennifer took hold of the bouquet.  He then looked at Michael who saw 
what happened and hit his head on the roof of the car three times.  Serena upset 
on how rude his acquaintances were, fakely smiled and walked away.  She wanted 
to get away before she says anything offensive.  Darien noticing her fake smile 
leaving made him angry.  For the third time these women are ruining his moments 
with his angel.
"Give me that," he said to Jennifer as he grabbed the bouquet from her "this is 
not for you" 
"You will never receive flowers from me, you hear... Now leave me be" said 
Darien to Jennifer with cold eyes that can be felt through his dark glasses.  
Jennifer knows better then to test his anger, she left and was almost in tears 
as she went inside the store.  
'I gave that to him as a sign of friendship' thought Serena feeling upset.  
Before entering the car she turned around to say something to the rude girl to 
only find Darien and only Darien holding the bouquet staring at her.  Noticing 
his eyes on her she smiled largely before retreating in her car.

Darien watched Serena's car leave as he walked back to his where Michael waited. 
Looking at his bouquet of flowers he smiled at Darien.
"Do you feel special? he said as he watched Darien get into the car.
"I do, I actually do.  I never knew that receiving flowers can feel this nice" 
said Darien looking at the bouquet.  "But there's just one problem!"
"What's that?" asked Mike looking at Darien "Dare, don't tell me all that time 
you were there, you didn't get her name" he said looking at his friend stupidly.
"Okay I wont" said Darien "She was about to give me her name before Jennifer 
showed up ruining a good flirting moment". He sighed as he reversed the car and 
started to drive off.
"See what did I tell you about these women.  I told you that they'll come and 
haunt you" said Michael pointing a finger at Darien childishly.
"I know.. I know...Michael stop pointing your finger at me.  Im not a little 
kid." He said smacking Michael's finger away.  Darien driving forgot the moment 
as his mind enjoyable remembered Serena's presence.
"So... what time are you suppose to be at Millie's" asked Michael.  Who can only 
laugh when he glanced over and saw Darien's facial expression.
"Ohhh Mike, did you have to remind me about that.  I was perfectly thinking 
about something else."
"Well if you don't go, we went shopping for this stuffing for nothing and ended 
up with a bag of apples along with it too" said Michael.
"No Mike, our shopping didn't go to waste.  We found out a couple of things 
about this mysterious angel"
"Is that so and what that might be?" asked Michael
"Well, she cooks - that can clearly be noticed when she helped us out with the 
stuffing.  She loves apples, she wears strawberry lip gloss and..." said Darien 
before he was interrupted.
"How do you know she wears strawberry lip gloss?" asked Michael
"When I took a bite of her apple I tasted strawberry.  She admitted that she 
wore strawberry lip gloss that transferred its flavor on the apple when she took 
a bite."
"Ohhhhhh.. I see.. then what else did you find out about her?"
"Well she only had dollars so this must mean she came from the US, then she 
loves roses." He said thinking about her theory on red roses "Michael, 
somethings different about her"
"How so Dare" tilting his head
"She just seems to pure and innocent to be true" said Darien spacing out "I have 
never encountered a woman so full of life and beauty, let alone purity and 
innocence"
"Darien how do you know she's all what you have described, pure and innocent?" 
he asked curious to what his friend was getting at.
"I can tell by the way she moves and speak, she speaks so innocent and unaware 
of the evil surroundings that only want her for her body." He said not 
mentioning the white rose incident
"And what! that's not what your after?" asked Michael trying to prove his theory 
that Darien is actually falling for this woman this angel of his.  There was a 
brief silience in the car while Michael waited for his answer.
"Well.. I... I don't know" he said looking at the bouquet while at a stoplight.
"You know Darien, its amazing that the one girl your falling for, is the one 
girl that doesn't flock all over you." said Michael
"Who said that I was falling?" questioned Darien.

End of Chapter 6, stay tune for 7