I know, I haven't had much up as of lately, and for anyone who actually likes my stories THAT much (and they must have A LOT of time on their hands...), I DO have a reason. I've been really busy, even though I've been out of school for almost a month now, with a lot of new projects. For one, I've been trying to finish up SMJ, my ongoing story, on it's own page. Two, I'm working on "The New Era", my new series that will be up at the end of June. Three, I've taken up Swing dancing, and you really have NO idea how much time that takes up! I try to practice everyday, I have two hours of lessons each week, and me and my friends go out to Clubs each week, to get in some extra practice. On top of that, I am doing some MAJOR drawing this summer, because of AP Art next year, and I need to get some work together by August. *Whew!* And that's only in one month! Anyway, I hope to get some more stories out soon, since I finished remodeling SMJ, my pet Internet project. Anyway, enough jabbering on about my personal life, ON WITH THE STORY! - sailoreuropa@geocities.com ************** Life Without You - Chapter One By Sailor Europa Plop! That is the last time I eat Indian food with a hard drink on an empty stomach. I don't think I've felt this much pain since I came down with the stomach flu for a week last spring. I dropped another tablet into the glass and watched it desolve into the liquid. Since when do I even drink alcohol? I sighed. I think more came out of me this past 24 hours, than I actually put in. I wondered where it all came from....... Not exactly the most pleasant of thoughts, I know. I sighed again, tracing the edge of the cool glass on the cup. At least I was home, instead of at the paper, working. Rolling my eyes, I sat down on the stool next to me. This was much more fulfilling. Why I ever took that job, I'll never know. A moment of weakness, I guess. I needed a job, they needed a journalist. It was my specialty in high school , I must admit. However, writing stories about fictional characters seemed much more thrilling than sitting at a computer for 6 consecutive hours, with writers block, and dead silence all around. It seemed like a good idea when I accepted it, but now, I'd rather be getting a root canal. My life didn't seem quite as exciting as I had dreamed it would be, once I got on my own. I was 22, single, and totally alone. I had one friend left, the others either dead or out making their fortunes. Ami, the famous physician, took up residence in Phoenix, Arizona, way over in America, after getting a job as a neuron-surgeon in one of the biggest hospitals in the country. Rei, basking in the sun as a model in the Bahamas. Lita, opened a restraunt in Hiroshima, with her Husband. Mina stayed with me, after getting a job with KNXV, channel 13. News, Weather, and whole lot more, in one action packed hour. Yes, that's right, Mina was a top rated Anchor woman in Tokyo. Still single, and loving every minute of it. So she says. I doubted that. Me? I was the gossip columnist in the Tokyo Star, one of the best newspapers in Japan. Or, so they claim. In fact, no one trusted it's word, and the only people I've seen actually reading it, are old house-wives, at the supermarket check-out, leafing through the magazines next to the Numerology books, and Snickers bars. It's not even so much of a newspaper, as a shady, underhanded little piece of crap, that the editors try to pass off as real journalism. I wasn't convinced, but then again, I had to work with these people, and I knew that 95% of tripe they put in there, was total fiction. 3% of that being my column, and the other 2% being the adds that people actually PAY to have put in there. Smart, eh? I gulped down the last contents of the glass and dropped it into the sink. I walked back to my room, and sat down on the bed. I absently pick up the remote control and flipped through the channels. I was about to turn it off, when you caught my eye. I wasn't sure it was you, but when I turned back, sure enough, there you were, just as adorable as you have always been. "Darien Chiba accepted the award for Outstanding Technical Achievement at Charleston Tech earlier today. He was cheered by his students and fellow staff in the Unazuki Memorial hall......." I tuned the announcer out. I just stared. I could feel the memories flood my mind once more, and it was hard to focus on anything but those years ago.......The fight, the yelling, and then.......God, it was hard to remember exactly what came after that.......That year in my life is like a black hole, a Bermuda Triangle. I couldn't remember much that went on, except for you leaving me. No phone calls, no letters, nothing. You couldn't even look me in the eye when you left........So ashamed, afraid of how I felt. I felt the same, you know. No, of course you don't know. You never even tried to connect with me. No means of communication were enough. I didn't even cry. But, I walked around numbly for the next 9 months, not feeling a thing. No pain, happiness, sorrow......No emotions at all. It really wasn't that bad. But, my wall came crashing down as soon as school ended. I guess my childish innocence prevented me from thinking ahead, and I kept my positive outlook on life all that time. But, when Ami accepted the job in America, it cracked, if only a little. Then, Lita and her marriage. Elation ruled for a while, until she bought the piece of land in Hiroshima, so far from Tokyo. I felt the beam snap as I watched her leave. Then, the final blow: Rei. We'd grown somewhat close in that year. God only knows how. When she was discovered at the Temple, of all places, I was so happy for her! But, then she left all the coldness of Japan for the warm, sunny beaches of The Bahamas. Mina, staying behind to further her career as an actress, comforted my breaking heart somewhat, dampening the awesome effect of all my loved ones leaving. It was hardly a consolation, but, it worked all the same. But, you leaving was by far the hardest thing in my life. That day, I sat outside, on the cool grass in my front yard. I cried as a plane would zoom by, wondering if you were on it. I would sob hard, until my tears would die down, and I would close my eyes.....It hurt so bad, knowing that you weren't coming back for me. You were going for good, leaving me and my wounded soul behind, and all the broken pieces strewed about, for me to clean up myself. No consoling, no telling me you would visit. Just good-bye. I asked why you couldn't come back, why you weren't going to take me with you. I always expected you would come back, the next day, and tell me you were wrong......Tell me again how much you loved me, that you needed me still as much as you always did.......But you never returned.......And I was left to wonder what I'd done to deserve this...... I still haven't figured out what it was. I stopped after a year. It became too much to understand. And now, here you were, back in Tokyo, after all these years, all this time apart. What was I to think? To DO? Do I try to call? Do I wait for you to contact me? Do I even WANT you to contact me? I had no idea. All those strange feelings returned, and I couldn't grasp a hold of any resolution. My mind flew in every direction, and I stared blankly at the screen, even as the news caster moved onto another topic. I must have been that way for a while, because by the time I'd snapped out of it, I realized that Mina would be on any second. I flipped through the stations, finally landing on 13. Sure enough, there was Mina, sitting in front of the camera, soaking up everything around her with her bright smile. She chirped out a welcoming statement, and moved right into her first topic. And I should have known what it was, but I must have still been in shock, and what happened next, really didn't help matters..... "Darien Chiba was honored at his Alma Mater today, with the prestigious award for Outstanding Technical Achievement, in the field of Science. I caught up with Mr. Chiba outside the auditorium after he accepted it." She smiled happily, as if she knew what this was doing to me. She talked to him. God, she actually SAW him. What would he think when he saw her? What did SHE think? I snapped out if it, in time to see Darien's startled face as Mina tackled him coming out of the building. "How does it feel, Mr. Chiba, to receive such a honor as this?" She asked, thrusting the mike in his face. He just stared at her, obviously a little stunned. Like a deer in the headlights...... "Uh....Great. It's nice to be appreciated........." He answered, a little half-heartedly. She laughed falsely for the camera. "I'll bet!" She said, grinning into the lens. I rolled my eyes. What a ham..... "Mina?" He asked. She looked like a stunned bunny as he called her name, a little surprised. Who wouldn't be, though? She was acting like a fool, as if she had no idea who this was! How could acting so stupid look so natural? "Uh, yes Mr. Chiba?" She asked, her face flushing in embarrassment. "What's all this "Mr. Chiba" stuff, Mina?" He asked, totally avoiding the camera crew. She put her head in her hands, and shook her face violently. She thrust her hands towards the camera, opening her eyes widely. She then pointed to the mike, with the wide letters "KNXV" written under the foam part. Again, he didn't quite get it. Deciding to cut it short, she turned towards the camera. "Well, that's it. This was Mina Aino, from Unazuki hall, in Charleston Tech." She said, putting her false front up once again. Darien just stared blankly still, as the camera cut away to the studio, and back to Mina at the desk. She smiled still widely, her face scarlet, and her eyes closed. She laughed nervously to the camera, and sighed. "Dan?" She said, turning to her co-anchor next to her. I turned it off, and shot up off the bed. I practically relived my whole childhood, tripping over anything within a two foot radius, as I made my way towards my closet. I was gonna go meet my friend, and find out exactly why she did this. Oh, I knew why she did this. To torture me, that's why. But I wanted to hear it from her. ************ I made my way through the doors of the studio. I waved to the security guard, and he smiled. I'd been here enough times, that they knew I was no threat. Just wait till I was done with Mina today, though. They'll have to pull me off her...... "Mina! Just what in God's name happened today?" I practically screamed out. She looked a little surprised, then put up her camera face. "Serena! What are you doing here? You should be in bed! That Indian food didn't agree with you...." She grinned, trying to look sympathetic. "Can it, you know why I'm here. And you know what I want." I tapped my foot impatiently as I awaited her answer. She sighed, and let her face fall. "I know. And I seriously didn't know that I was going to get that assignment! I would have told you! Please believe me when I say that I had absolutely no idea that it would happen!" She pleaded, clasping her hands together. Nice to know all those years of drama didn't go to waist. "Oh, all right. But it really came as a surprise. I didn't even know he was back in Tokyo. Not like I expected that he would tell me he was returning, though." I said. Sighing, I changed the topic. "How 'bout dinner? I'm kinda hungry after losing the lunch I had yesterday. And all the lunches I had this week....." "Well, um, actually........I'm kinda going to have dinner with someone. Alone." She said, laughing nervously. I eyed her suspiciously. "With who?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, it's not important. Besides, you really need your rest. You really looked bad last night. After running to the bathroom all those times." She said, a touch of sympathy playing in her voice. I sighed. "I guess your right. I couldn't afford to take another days vacation anyway. I guess I'll just see you tomorrow. I nodded towards her, and she smiled, waiving as I left. I sighed, making my way back to my car. Not very productive. I went way too easy on her. Maybe I do need to rest. Though, I doubt I'll even sleep tonight, knowing he's nearby........ ********** "Another day......." I said, laying my bag down on the table with a flourish. I sat down, sighing. Still not used to Luna not being here. I still expect her to come up and chastise me for being late, or not getting my work done. But, she left long ago. Same with Artemis. I missed her more than I let on, I knew it. I wished she could've stayed, but, I knew she wanted to be with him. I let her leave, I wanted her to be happy. I didn't get that privilege. I was left all alone, and so unhappy. I wanted all my friends to be happy, but that came at the price of my own contentment. I wondered if it was worth it. Knowing all my loved ones were happy, and yet being so depressed and alone myself. I sighed. After being so naive in school, all my woes were catching up to me. It wasn't worth it. I hiked myself off the chair, pulling up my skirt, in a rather un-lady-like position, and itched my leg. I wasn't the most graceful person in Japan, I'll tell you that. I figure, what's the sense? No one sees me, and even if they did, why would they care. Nice, eh? I decided to take myself out to dinner. Alone. I found out Mina was going out with this mystery guy again tonight, and I don't want to stay home, and watch reruns. I hadn't had a nice meal in a while, so I figured I could afford some posh place on the ritzy side of town. With my luck though, I'll trip over the carpet and break all the champagne flutes on the table next to me. I'm not a pessimist, but I do believe in being prepared....... ************ I stood in front of my closet, trying to decide on the most expensive outfit to wear. Unfortunately, being a writer for a crappy little newspaper doesn't bring in too much money, so it really wasn't hard. I had one really nice three piece outfit that I really liked, and decided that I could impress anyone in that. I raked through my closet, leafing through skirts, dresses and pants, finally falling (literally...), onto the satin dinner jacket that went with it. I dug through the pile of clothes on the floor, and finally emmerged with the rather revealing dress skirt that completed the ensemble. Minutes later, I was hopping around, trying, in vain, to fit a shoe on my foot, while also trying to apply a pale brown lipstick to my lips. It wasn't working. "Aw, shoot! I'll never find my "Mocha Ice".......Guess I'll have to settle for "Freezer Burn"......." I plopped down in front of my vanity, sighing at the complete lack of materials I had to work with. I picked up my eyeliner and expertly applied it to both eyes. Then, I masterfully applied my choice of shadow, and examined myself in the mirror. I scowled at the reflection and sighed again. "Too dark.......I look like I should be on a street corner......." I picked up the powder and rubbed a bit over my lids. Then, I picked up the applicator once again, and applied more to my eyes. I opened my blue eyes once again, and smiled. Satisfied so far, I chose a darker shade of shadow, and picked another brush. I applied this to only the edges and looked once again at my reflection. I growled angrily at the dusty face that stared back at me. I succeeded in getting the powder, not only on my eyes, but all over each cheek, also. I looked like a twelve year old, with freckles. Picking up the powder brush, and clamping it angrily, and proceeded to dust off all the excess shadow, rather roughly, in my haste. Huffing as I finished, I gave my face one last look over. Satisfied, finally, I got up off the chair and surveyed my room. Clothes strewn all around, kinda made it look like a disaster zone. I shrugged. "I'll clean it up later." I said. Never do today, what you can put off till tomorrow, I always say.......Too bad tomorrow never comes........ ************* "Table for one?" The matre'di replied, raising a judgemental eyebrow. I shot him a dirty look as I nodded a reply. He gave a self-ritcheous little smirk, and wiggled his finger, for me to follow. "Follow me." Now I remember why I never come to these places. He led me to a secluded little corner table, with very poor lighting. I was about to yell at him for giving me such a crappy seating arrangement, before I noticed that all the other tables had limited lighting also. Maybe they were hoping you wouldn't notice the horrendously high prices. Those were enough to give you a coronary. I sighed as he handed me a menu and left. I hate dining alone....... "Let's see......." I sighed, my eyes darting along from the appetizers, entrees, side dishes and the desserts, trying to find something that sounded somewhat edible, and yet inexpensive enough so that I wouldn't have to take a mortgage out on my home. I finally decided on a large dinner salad, and then figured I would have enough left for a piece of pie. I smiled, rather satisfied with my choice, and laid my menu on the side of the table, and waited for my waiter to return. I tapped my nails on the hard surface, growing rather impatient. Usually these people won't leave you alone. The one time it doesn't take me two hours to decide, they want nothing to do with me. It figures. I sighed loudly, hoping maybe it would draw some attention from one of the other waiters. I was almost ready to scream for one of them to come tend to me, when I heard an annoying, high-pitched laugh at a nearby table. My brow wrinkled when I realized that it was the all too familiar cackle of Mina. I smiled to myself, and figured this was the PERFECT chance to meet this mystery guy she had been seeing. I didn't have to impose her privacy by asking, this way, which I knew she hated. Why she liked keeping her private life, private, I'll never know.......I'm her best friend, it's only natural I know what's going on in her life. I picked myself up off my chair, and headed towards the sound of her squeaky voice. Wasn't too hard to follow, either, high-pitched as it was. I gave myself a little smile as I got closer, prepared for that little deer-in-the-headlights look she usually gets when she isn't expecting something. I smoothed out my dress as I approached the back of her chair. I got a clear view of her companion, and I squinted to make out his features. There was something really familiar about him........Dark, jet hair, deep blue eyes........strong build..........My heart pounded in my chest as my steps slowed it down to a crawl. I had totally stopped, my eyes drawn out widely, and my hands hanging limply at my side. He looked up at the same time, and he noticed me. I thought my heart would just pop right out of my chest then. My whole body began to shake violently as I stood there, totally still. Mina must have seen his scared mug, because she turned around soon after. Her face fell, and I think she almost cried. I wanted to. God, how I wished I could have! They both jumped up, and my whole being had had about all it was gonna take. "Serena.....!" Was all I heard Darien say before my body hit the floor of the resteraunt. ******************************* OK, I know that was really short, especially for a first chapter! But, until about the middle of this, I really expected it to be another independent story. After thinking it through, I decided it would work MUCH better as a series. Now, I'm not used to doing these, so I don't know how good it's gonna be. I also can't promise a chapter each week, although I will TRY to get one out every other week. And maybe, when I have nothing else to do, occasionally there'll be a time when I can get one out every week. But, I don't plan on there being any fighting, since I REALLY suck at writing battle scenes. I also have a few other stories I'm working on, on their own respective pages, so, I have to map my work out carefully, because, those are gonna slow down also as this series continues. Also, I don't know how many chapters are gonna be contained in this. I know how it's gonna end, but, if the chapters keep staying this short, it could be up to 15. But, if I lengthen them up, then, it could be as few as 5. But, the longer they are, the longer it will take to get them out. Both have negative and positive sides, and we'll just have to wait and see. Anyway, I have MANY more stories in the works, so I hope you'll keep a look out for them! Ja ne, for now minna-chan! sailoreuropa@geocities.com You can check out my fanfic pages at the following pages - SMJ - www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/7358 Time Honored - www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/9347 SMJ: TNE - www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/5870