"Come on Mercury! It will be fun!"

"Yeah. You'll feel happier! A party is the best thing to get your mood up again!"

Mercury was on her bed, sitting there, staring at the sheets. On her left hand, it was Zoisite's rose. The flower was pink, and not regarding the long weeks that had passed, it still was as Zoisite had given it to Mercury. It was in middle bloom, not fully opened, just the necessary to show its color. Jupiter, Mars and Serenity were in there too, trying to convince her to go to the party. However, it was being a lot tougher than they had thought. Mercury didn't look at them, just said no with her head.

Jupiter grimaced and said, "But Mercury, you've been like this for weeks, moping around the palace like a widow!"

She didn't answer. Serenity tried this time: "Mercury, you must recover! Look at you! You are letting depression take over you!" Mercury just looked through the window, her eyes a mask of seriousness. Jupiter's temper was starting to boil.

Mars, noticing her flaring eyes, calmed her down. "Jupiter," she whispered, "violence won't lead anywhere. Relax."

The brunette princess looked at her, and whispered back: "But, look at her. I can't bear to see her like that! She used to be so cheerful and funny... and now she just sits in there or walks around the palace as white and quiet as a ghost!"

Jupiter then realized Mercury was staring directly at her. Her eyes were serious, but had the same look of the past weeks. Jupiter looked back, trying to tell her everything she felt through her eyes. A silent prayer left Jupiter's eyes, flared in the air for a couple of moments, to then enter Mercury's eyes. It was as if they were talking telepathically. Everyone fell silent.

Then, Jupiter spoke: "Mercury. Listen to me. You are being controlled by your heart. Where did that wonderful girl I knew go? I know she's down there still, just let her free. Lord Zoisite may have broken up with you, but that's no reason for being like this. You are young and have plenty of life to go. Shake off every sad feeling, and for one minute, think straight. Become the girl you were again, and talk to him. Do you think he just stopped loving you all of a sudden? A love like yours isn't seen twice a lifetime. And if by chance, he did, don't care! There are plenty other men out there, who are ten times better that Lord Zoisite was. You can fight this, girl, I know it!"

She stopped, as she saw something happening in her friend's face. It was hardening. The line of her lips was getting tighter and thinner. Her eyes were getting colder, hiding any emotions from inside. Her eyes had always been a window to her feelings, now it was as if those windows were being closed completely. Her eyebrows, generally relaxed and far over her eyes, were getting closer, as she frowned like no one had seen her before.

Then, she said: "You are right Jupiter. He was nothing to me. Why should I be like this? Man, I was getting carried away in here. Crying like a child, that's not me. Since now, I'm over him." Then, and without even looking, she tossed the rose into the wastebasket.

Mars stared at her in disbelief. The rose landed soundlessly in the inside, and a petal fell from it, as a silent reminder of what it had once represented. Mercury didn't look at it, and for the first time in weeks, she smiled. It was the same smile she had always had. But, it wasn't quite the same... it was... different.

Serenity was surprised, as she tried to think of a way of describing her friend's appearance. However, she had almost no time to, as Mercury jumped from the bed and walked to the bathroom. The sound of running water filled their ears, and over it, Mercury's voice, which said: "Then, the party is tonight, isn't it? Count me in, I'm ready now!"

The water stopped, and Mercury came out. Her face was clean of any trace of tears or sadness, but she kept that icy look that sent shivers down their spines.

"Mercury? Are you alright?" asked Mars, sensing something strange in her.

"Alright? I'm perfect! Why shouldn't I?"

"Well, we... we thought you... about Lord Zoisite."

"He? Don't worry, he is just a memory. Why should I feel anything for him?" Then, the young girl went to her drawers, and took a new outfit out. Then, looking to her friends, and putting her hands on her waist and said, "Well, what are you waiting for? You only have three hours left to get ready, and so do I. Now, come on, move!" She took Mars and Jupiter by their arms, and dragged them to the door.

"Mercury, are you sure you...?"

"Mars--for Queen Serenity's sake--I'm 17 years old. I can dress alone. And no, don't worry. I'm fine, really!" To ensure her words, she laughed loudly. She managed to get the two of them out of her room, and they were soon followed by Princess Serenity. The three of them stood there, not sure on what to do next.

"Well? Stop being so worried. I promise; this is a party we'll never forget. I'm so anxious I can't wait for tonight! Now move quickly! If not, I'm gonna get all the guys' looks, and there will be nothing left for you!" Then, with a final smile, Mercury closed the door.

As soon as she did, she leaned against it. Listening intently, she made sure no one was on the other side. She could clearly hear as her friend's footsteps went away. Just then, she sighed deeply. My God that was tough. I thought they were never going to leave.

She walked to her bed, and kneeling in front of it, searched into the wastebasket. From the inside she took the rose, and clutched it tightly against her chest. She kissed it, and whispered: "I will always love you, never forget that. We may be apart, but my soul is linked to yours." Then, she stood up, and walked to the balcony. There, she leaned against the window sill, and looking at the setting-sun, said:

"I hope I fooled them, at least for now. I'm only doing this for their own good. If not, they would be worried about me forever. I wonder if I can keep this up... Let's just hope I can."