Title: A Dance to Remember - Part 2
Author: Alicia Blade
E-mail: Kammi22@sprintmail.com

Hey Minna-chan! Here's chapter two! Please e-mail me on what you think! 
I have to thank Athena, a wonderful friend who gives me the best ideas 
and is always 100% supportive! Luv ya! And Edeet who also gave me some 
great ideas for this fanfic and is a totally cool friend too! Thanx! 
Let's see, who else? Legoliza for reminding me to put in a very 
essential part in this story. Eek, woulda been a disaster if I forgot! 
Thanx! Uh... Shan-chan, R-chan, Patti-chan, and Mia-chan, aka the Pack 
for reading my fics even if I don't get them back until 3 months later. 
Heh heh... that's okay though. Go read Rayea Bowen's new, and first, 
fanfic! Its really good, and eventually, I'm gonna be in it too! Don't 
ask. But read it!!! Oh, and go visit Spiral's and Salvation's site- 
enter their drawing contest if you happen to do fanart too!! It's found 
at: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bridge/8224/ 
Thanx also to everyone who has ever e-mailed me or 
given me inspiration or been my friend. And, last but most certainly 
not least, the Lord, Jesus Christ, without him, nothing would be 
possible.      
			-Brian Littrel, BSB

~ A Dance to Remember ~

Part 2 - First Date Jitters

I let out a deep breath, closing my eyes. Counting down from ten, 
I felt my heart beat slow and my nerves relax the slightest bit. This 
was the 6th time I had done this exercise within the last two minutes. 
Opening my eyes, I analyzed my appearance in the full-length mirror 
skeptically. 
	The dress was perfectly smooth, not a wrinkle in sight. White 
satin with a light pink sachet around the waist and spaghetti straps 
tying onto the low neckline. Sequined white and silver sandals 
with a small heel and gold buckles adorned my feet. My toenails had 
been colored a dusty rose pink, matching my fingernails. Small pink 
heart earrings dangled from my earlobes, matching the golden chain and 
pink heart charm on my neck. Two golden locks fell from their usual 
buns on either side of my head, with my bangs flowing lightly over my 
forehead. Two small bobby pins with miniature hearts and gold beads 
were threaded along my hair as well. My cheeks had a natural rosy glow, 
probably due to the numerous times I had ran up and down the stairs 
searching for my shoes or jewelry. My lips were stained with a simple 
pink gloss and my elongated lashes lightly brushed up against the pale 
blue shadow on my eyelids. 
	I looked gorgeous, and I knew it. But no matter how sure of 
myself I was, my blue eyes still swam with worry. 
	I checked the small bunny clock on my dresser. 4:56. He said he 
would be here at 5. 5 o'clock. And then I will spend five whole hours 
with Darien. Darien. Who is taking me to the Valentine's Dance. Who is 
also taking me out to dinner. Darien...
	10... 9... 8...
	I breathed in deeply. What if he changed his mind? What if he 
doesn't want to go to a middle school dance? What if he doesn't want to 
go with me after all?
	7... 6... 5...
	Closing my eyes, I saw his face smiling at me when I had said 
yes. Then I saw him teasing me. 'Meatball Head. Klutz. Loser.'
	Maybe... I don't want to do this. Maybe I don't want to be stuck 
with him through the whole dance. Maybe he's only doing this to make me 
look stupid in front of the whole school...
	4... 3... 2...
	What will I do if he doesn't show up? He did say 5, right? What 
if I'm not pretty enough? What if he looks so good in a tux, I trip and 
fall, or even worse, drool all over myself? It's already hard enough to 
think around him in normal clothes. 
	What will happen when I see Josh? Will he be with Jessica? Will 
everyone be jealous because of Darien? What if HE sees Jessica and 
ditches me for her? She is so much prettier and... 
	He did say 5, right?
	1...
	I take another breath and open my eyes. They were still dark 
with worry. Oh Darien, where are you?
	I check the clock. 4:56. STILL?! I could have sworn ten minutes 
have passed! What's wrong with that clock, anywaaaait a minute. Okay, 
there, it's now 4:57. Not much of a comfort. Oh where is that blasted 
man?! Doesn't he know how crazy this is making me?
	Hmm... maybe it would be better if he doesn't show up. I mean, it's 
not like we'll be able to get along the whole night. What would people 
think if we started arguing in the middle of the dance? Besides, it's 
not like I REALLY want to go with him or anything. It is Darien, after 
all. The completely ignorant, rude, conceited, unpleasant, idiotic, 
self-centered, charming, egotistical, horrible jerk!
	Wait a minute... how did charming sneak in there?
	I groaned and closed my eyes. 
	Who are you trying to fool, Serena? Face it. You're sprung over 
the guy. You were happier than a kid on Christmas when he asked you to 
the dance tonight. 
	To the empty room, I whispered, "Oh, Darien, where ARE you?"
	I checked the clock. 4:58.
	I checked the mirror. Stunning. 
	I glanced out the window to see if he was pulling up to the 
driveway. Empty. It was dark outside. It gets dark around 4:30 this 
time of year. There was a sliver of a moon balancing on the horizon. 
Our neighbors' porch light glittered from where I stood. Stars were 
beginning to peek out from the protective blanket of night. But our 
dark driveway... was empty. 
	He will be here. He WILL be here. Sooner or later. Preferably 
sooner. He did say 5, right? 
	Biting my lip, and then quickly grabbing the lip gloss on my desk 
to reapply the bit I had rubbed off, however unnoticeable it was, I 
began to count backwards again. 
	10... 9... 8... 7... 6...
	I put the cap back on the makeup and groaned, slamming my eyes 
shut. Why isn't it working?! 
	"Daaarieeeenn!!!" I whined to no one. I opened my eyes just wide 
enough to see the clock clearly. 4:59. Okay, he's not late yet. But 
must he make a point of being here exactly on time?! 
	I began to nibble on the inside of my cheek, not taking the 
chance of smearing my lip gloss again. Geez, do men even realize how 
much trouble women go through to look nice for them? Well, maybe not 
all women but... 
	"Darien where ARE you?!" I screamed at the clock. As if in a 
mocking reply, the digits changed. 
	5:00. 
	I could have sworn the small bunny was laughing at me. I had an 
urge to throw it out that window. Clenching my fist and pressing my 
lips together, I strode over to it angrily. Then, with a glance out my 
window, I froze. 
	Headlights. Two absolutely beautiful, glorious, enthralling 
lights, like those at the end of a dark tunnel. Two headlights of a red 
car just now pulling into the driveway. 
	With a smile spreading across my face and a delighted squeal, I 
grabbed my small handbag and flew out of the bedroom and through the 
hallway, down the flight of stairs. Just as the doorbell rang, I called 
over my shoulder,
	"Bye Mom! Bye Dad! Be back around 10:30!" Then I tossed the door 
open and flew outside...

Darien stumbled back a few feet when a force came hurdling into 
him. With a startled yell, he grasped onto the railing of the porch 
with one hand and looked down at the girl in his other arm. 
Serena was breathing heavily, her chest rising with every gasp of 
air. Both of her hands were resting on his chest, grasping at the black 
tuxedo. After her heartbeat had calmed somewhat, she looked up at 
Darien who was staring down at her with shock. The dim lights from the 
neighborhood allowed both of them to look into the blue eyes of the 
other, stars twinkling from within the blue recesses. 
Licking her lips, Serena pulled away slightly before grabbing 
Darien's hand and pulling him down the stairs. "Come on, let's go!" she 
squealed happily. 
Half way to his car, Darien managed to gather his senses. Gaining 
his composure, he gently wrapped his free hand around 
her upper arm. She paused and turned around, looking up at him with 
confusion. Darien smiled down at her, released her arm, and walked 
ahead. In his most gentlemanly manner, he opened the passenger car 
door. She looked at his hand reaching out to hers to help her in and 
immediately recognition crossed her face. She smiled and giggled 
lightly before placing her small hand in his palm and stepping lightly 
into the sports car. 
Darien shut the door softly behind her and she fastened her 
seatbelt, before lying her hands in her palm and twiddling her fingers 
around each other, her previous nervousness returning. 
She heard Darien entering the car and sitting down in the 
driver's seat. She stared straight ahead as she felt the car rumble as 
the engine was turned. 
Darien looked over at the girl sitting beside him, everything 
except for her eyes and a few golden strands hidden in shadow. Shaking 
his head in wonderment, (he still couldn't grasp that this girl was 
going out with HIM), he pulled slowly out of the driveway.

They had been driving for 3 minutes. It seemed like 30 to both of 
them. Darien would occasionally glance over at Serena. The stripes of 
light from the street lamps moved over her lap and stomach, chest, 
neck, and worried expression. He would pull his eyes back to the road. 
The drive was silent. Darien could feel nervousness now seeping into 
his own mind, tearing him away from the flying spirits he had grown 
accustomed to the past few hours. Ever since she had said yes and 
thrown herself into his arms. 
	Finally, he pulled into the parking lot of The Lobster Shop. The 
nicest restaurant in this part of Tokyo. Turning off the engine, he 
unbuckled his seatbelt as Serena did the same. Then, he did something 
even he was not expecting. Instead of reaching for the door handle, he 
turned the other way and grasped Serena's hand. She gasped and turned 
to look up at him. 
	His heart caught in his throat when he saw the worry and fear in 
her eyes. Taking a breath, he relaxed and smiled slightly. Rubbing the 
back of her hand with his fingertips, he whispered, "Serena... what's 
wrong? Did I do something...?"
	Serena stared blankly. Her thoughts dissolved into air at his 
touch. Her heart pounded at her ribcage at his voice. Her lips tingled 
as her eyes drifted from his concerned sapphire gaze to his slight, 
quirky grin. 
	She closed her eyes to calm the whirling in her stomach. As a 
small smile spread across her pink lips, she opened them again to look 
up at him. "I'm fine," she whispered. "Just a little nervous I guess."
	Darien smiled wider and removed his hand from hers, reaching up 
to trace along the soft curves of her jaw. 
	"Don't be," he said. "I promise everything will be fine. Tonight 
will be perfect! I'll make this the best night of your life! I 
promise..."
	Serena had to laugh at his courageous attempts to comfort her. 
Darien was greatly relieved and slowly drew his hand away from her 
cheek, to both of their disappointments. With a soft gesture, he 
motioned for her to stay put and got out of the car. Serena looked on 
with confusion as he walked around the front of the car to her door and 
opened it for her, before holding out his hand once more. She once 
again giggled at the thought of being treated like a real lady for 
once, something that never happened to her. Actually, she was quite 
surprised that Darien, of all people, could be such a complete 
gentleman. So sweet and gentle and... she felt herself falling as she 
placed her hand in his and looked up into his sincere face while 
stepping onto the pavement. No, she was not having a klutz attack, 
though falling into his arms seemed like a very welcome event at the 
moment. She felt herself falling in love.

	Darien stepped into the well-lit restaurant with Serena on his 
arm. Releasing her, he approached the reservation desk.
	"Two for Chiba, please."
	The host looked down at his papers, scanning for the reservation. 
"Oh, yes, sir, the wait will only be a few minutes."
	"Thank you." Darien turned back to Serena and his breath caught. 
This was the first time he had seen her in full light. She looked like 
an angel beneath the crystal chandelier, soft music floating around her 
from inside the eating area. Her blue eyes were focused on the waiters 
and waitresses as they walked by, carrying platters of elegant 
delicacies and delicious entrees. Her pink lips had a slight, 
astonished smile playing across them, and her hands were linked through 
each other, as if forcing herself not to reach out and steal the food 
from the passer-byes. Her white satin dress fit her petite body 
perfectly and the pink heart jewelry added a cupid-like feature. 
	Serena noticed Darien staring at her from the corner of her eye. 
Nervously, she turned to face him. He immediately clamped his jaw shut 
and she saw him take a deep breath before running his hand through his 
black hair. She smiled at the sight. 'He actually looks... scared... and 
shy... I wonder why... but God, he's cute when he looks down like that...'
	And then, Serena's eyes drifted down as well, leaving his face to 
take notice of whatever outfit he had chosen. Her eyes nearly bugged 
out. Sure, she knew he was going to wear a tuxedo, and she had already 
taken notice of it earlier, but now that she had the full opportunity 
to see him, she was stunned. 
	He wore a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt, and black bow 
tie, only adding to the incredibly perfect silky black hair and 
midnight blue eyes. 
	'He is so handsome... how am I ever going to get through this night 
without just staring at him the whole time? Oh who cares if I stare at 
him all night? How does that saying go? Easy on the eyes? Heh heh... Yup, 
definitely.'
	Darien walked over to Serena and once again offered his arm. She 
smiled widely up at him before leaning against his arm as they were led 
to their table. 

	"... and then Melvin jumped out of the bushes wearing this tuxedo 
and cape and throwing these roses at the poor guy! Molly and I were 
mortified! It turns out the boy was only trying to interview us for a 
paper add about our school! We would have had our names in it and 
everything if Melvin hadn't flipped out and started attacking him. Oh 
it was SO funny!"
	Darien laughed joyfully as Serena told her about the times her 
geeky friend had imitated... well, HIM, though Serena didn't know THAT. A 
waiter came by and politely took Darien's mostly empty plate while 
Serena turned back to her dish to scrape off the last bits of delicious 
food.
	The conversation and laughing died down quickly. Darien watched 
her lick her lips after every bite. He watched the way her eyes closed 
for a brief moment, savoring the taste, and how bits of sauce would 
find their way to her cheeks or the tip of her small nose. With a 
smile, he would bite his lip to refrain from leaning across the table 
and kissing away the misplaced meal. 
	Suddenly, in the middle of the quiet, candle and chandelier-lit 
restaurant, Darien failed to remember how he had ever thought of this 
girl before she was the lovely enchantress sitting across the table 
from him. Her golden hair no longer reminded him of a pasta dish, but 
of a crown upon a gorgeous princess. He couldn't grasp onto the 
memories of any time he'd seen her and not been caught up in her sheer 
beauty. The light that emanated from her smile and pale blue eyes 
burned into his soul until he could feel himself smiling by just 
watching her. He realized in that split second that Serena was quite 
simply the most radiant, heavenly, exquisite, divine girl he had ever 
been in the presence of. And he could not comprehend how he had failed 
to notice before.  
	Serena sighed and propped her head up in her palms, her elbows 
resting on the table. A waitress scurried over and took the empty plate 
from her. Serena's eyes found their way to a crystal chandelier hanging 
in the center of a dance floor. Couples twirled around the floor, 
always finding their way back to each other's arms, as if drawn by 
invisible threads. Another worry began to cloud her thoughts.
	Darien noticed the change and immediately reached across the 
table to hold her hand in his. She looked up at him, gazing over the 
single candle flame in the center of the small table. His eyes spoke 
volumes to her, asking why the drop in spirits. She smiled 
comfortingly, though he appeared unimpressed. 
	With a sigh of defeat, she said shakily, "Darien... I... maybe this 
isn't such a good idea after all."
Darien felt as if she might as well have slapped him. "You... wish 
you hadn't come with me?"
	Serena gasped at his question. "Oh no! That... that's not what I 
meant at all!" 
	Relief and confusion spread over Darien's expression as his 
fingers tightened slightly over hers. "Then what did you mean?"	Serena sighed. "Well... okay. Darien... when you asked if I would go 
to the dance with you, I was so excited. But because now I would show 
everyone that I had the cutest and most mature and... yeah, that I was at 
the dance with YOU. But then, after I got home... it wasn't so much about 
making everyone jealous anymore. It was more like, 'Omigosh, I'm going 
to a dance with Darien!' ya know? But... as happy as I am to actually be 
here... with you, I still, well, sorta want to..."
	"Make everyone envy you until both Jessica and Josh are turning 
green?" finished Darien with a smile. Serena looked up surprised.	"Exactly!"
	Darien laughed. "Don't worry about that. Trust me, it won't be a 
problem at all!"
	Serena smiled a bit in relief. "Then... you're not mad at me for... 
well... using you?"
	With a low chuckle, Darien squeezed her hand gently. "Of course 
not. Hey, you did say yes, either way. And that's all I cared about, 
really. Besides, you said that it's not just that anymore, right?"
	Serena smiled brightly and Darien felt his heart soar at the 
sight. "Right!" 
	Warily, Darien pulled his hand away from hers. They exchanged 
smiles before Serena tore her gaze away blushing, to look out over the 
dance floor again. And, like last time, her smile fell. 
	"Serena?"
	She turned back to him. "Darien... well, there's a... um... small 
problem though."
	Tilting his head to the side, Darien urged her to continue. 	"Well, ya see, I... um... sorta... don't know how to dance."
	She nibbled on her lip as her gaze inspected his reaction 
carefully. He smiled and even laughed a little.
	"Is that all? Well, gee, I could teach ya, no problem!"	Serena's eyes lit up. "Re...really? You know how? Like, really good 
and stuff? And you could teach me?"
	"Of course! Come on." Darien stood and offered his hand, but she 
recoiled from it instantly. 
	"Oh no! No way!"
	He scrunched his brow. "Huh? What's wrong?"
	"Not here! I don't wanna learn in front of all these people!" she 
squealed, looking around in paranoia, as if to prove her point. 	Darien sighed and collapsed back into his chair. However, his 
small, disappointed frown faded away as he looked upon her adorable, 
slightly frightened face. 
	"Alright, alright. We'll just... learn somewhere else I guess..."	"Oh but where!? Darien the dance is..."
	"I know. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."
	Serena sat back and analyzed him with a peculiarly suspicious and 
confused pout. At last, a smile made its way along her lips and her 
large blue eyes glowed with electricity. 
	"Okay!" she said cheerily. Darien laughed at her delightful 
charms and pondered what he would do to solve this odd little dilemma. 	Then the waiter came with the dessert tray and the rest of the 
dinner was spent chatting over more precious memories and mindless 
small talk, each simply drinking in the other's company. 
	Serena smiled contentedly and sank down further in the leather 
seat. Looking around, she thought, 'Wow, what a nice car. I wonder what 
he does for a living to afford all of this.'
	She glanced at the digital clock on the dashboard. 'Only 6:18?' 
What are we gonna do for the next 40 minutes?!'
	"Darien, the dance doesn't start until 7. What are we gonna do?"
	Darien smiled. "You'll see."
	She raised an eyebrow and sat up straighter. "Darien?"
	"Hm?"
	"What are you up to?"
	He laughed a little at her suspiciousness. "Who? Me? Up to 
something? Nah, of course not!" He smiled at her mischievously.
	Serena creased her brow and shrugged, finally resorting to 
looking out the window to the dark night outside. Closing her eyes, she 
thought of the look on Jessica's face when she saw Darien, with HER arm 
strung through his. She smiled even more at stringing her arm through 
Darien's. 

	The car slowed down and came to a stop. Confused, Serena opened 
her eyes. They were in a dark area, a few clusters of trees and patches 
of grass. A garden with roses shining silver in the moonlight was 
noticed right outside of her window. She looked over to Darien. He was 
busy fiddling with the radio. 
	"Darien? Where are we?"
	He looked up to her and smiled. "The park," he stated simply, 
sounding rather proud of himself. 
	"The park? But... why?" 
	"You'll see," he said mysteriously, his cocky voice irritating 
her as her mind began to search for any explanations. Darien's hand 
stopped on the dial of the radio and he slowly turned it up. Serena 
heard a slow acoustic guitar solo just now bringing the end to a song 
she didn't know. "Wait here," said Darien, stepping out of the car. 
	Serena sighed and leaned back in the car seat. Like at the 
restaurant, he walked around the front of the car and opened her door, 
offering his hand for support. 
	Eyeing his face speculatively, Serena stood and placed her hand 
in his. The air outside was slightly cold, though her heart was beating 
fast enough to warm her body instantly. 
	When she had been led by Darien into the midst of roses, he 
smiled to her and bowed slightly at the waist, never allowing her hand 
to fall from his. Looking up, he asked, "My lovely lady, may I have the 
honor of this dance?"
	Serena gasped. 'So that's what he's doing!'
	With a huge and beautiful grin, she nodded her head, a blush 
reaching her cheeks. Darien smiled even wider. 
	"Okay, now this is really simple. First, you put his hand on my 
shoulder like this," he guided her hand to his right shoulder and then 
rested his on her slim waist. "And then your other hand goes here," he 
took her palm into his and held it gently. Then, with the hand 
lingering at her side, he brought it around to the small of her back, 
pulling her closer to him. 
	Serena gasped and smiled, then pierced her lips together as he 
began to twirl around the small open area. She could hear the small 
heals of her shoes lightly tapping on the brick pathway. Looking down, 
she watched her feet carefully, trying her hardest to match his 
movement. She heard Darien laugh and looked up at him confused. 
	He smiled down at her and, releasing her hand from his, tilted 
her chin up with his finger. "Look at me," he whispered soothingly. 
"Just relax and let me guide you."
	"I'm afraid I'll step on your feet," she whispered back. 
	Darien smiled. "Is that what you're worried about? Well then, 
here, try this." Darien stopped dancing, but kept his arm around her. 
"Now stand on my feet."
	"What?!"
	"Don't worry, it won't hurt me. Just put the toes of your feet on 
mine."
	"But..."
	"Don't worry Serena, I promise it won't hurt. Trust me?"
	Serena looked into deep puppy dog eyes and laughed slightly. 
"Okay... I guess..."
	Looking down again, she slowly stepped onto his feet. She felt 
his arm lifting her up slightly as she did so. She breathed in deeply 
at the closeness of his warm body, and found her senses impaled with a 
soft cologne she hadn't noticed until now. 'It's delicious,' she 
thought, leaning her head onto his chest to smell the fragrance more 
sharply. Cinnamon and roses and evergreen and rainwater and chocolate 
and sugar and... and... oh Darien... I wonder what your kisses taste like.
	She didn't know how her mind had drifted to that thought, but she 
couldn't rid herself of it as she felt herself being slowly turned 
around as Darien led her in small circles. She could vaguely hear one 
of her favorite duets coming on the radio, sung by two of her favorite 
artists, Shannon Carter and Marsha Jordan.
	'I like dancing like this,' she thought. 'Not nearly so much 
work. And he's so close...'
	
My world is falling away
But you still hold onto me
Come to my side
And I can feel you.

My eyes are locked down tight.
Let your voice calm the aching in my head
And your hands drift around my waist,
Your smile cuddle in my hair.

I will kiss you,
And I will love you,
And I will believe you
As long as these moments last...

Whisper sweet nothings in my ear.
Tell me it will be alright,
Even if you are lying,
And I will believe you.

You are my brick,
Pulling me into the calm.
And no one can make me feel
Like you do.

And as long as you kiss me
And love me...
As long as you believe in me...
I will hold onto these moments while they last.

I belong to you...
Even if it's a lie,
Say it will be alright
And I will believe you.

I believe...
I believe...
I believe...

That you must hold onto these moments 
While they last.

I smiled as she rested her head on my chest. I felt her inhale 
deeply. Nuzzling my face gently in her golden locks, I smelled her 
shampoo and smiled. A heavenly scent dulled my senses. She was so close 
I could hardly breathe, and I couldn't think straight at all. The small 
rode garden was nothing more than flashes of silver against the navy 
backdrop, with a silver streak hanging high in the sky, and glinting 
stars smiling down upon us. 
	Her petite body fit mine like a puzzle. She was so small and 
fragile in my arms, and yet she held this unimaginable power around 
her, and around me. Her satin dress felt smooth and light beneath my 
fingertips as I stroked along her back slowly. One hand lingered on her 
waist while the other mindlessly came up to sift through her golden 
hair. I could feel her sigh underneath my touch and smiled. Before I 
knew what I was thinking, my lips were lightly caressing her forehead, 
teasing her hair, stroking down her cheek...
	The song came to an end, and I reluctantly stopped dancing. She 
remained in my arms for a moment, her eyes closed in a peaceful trance. 
I looked down at the angel in my arms and lay one last butterfly kiss 
on her soft skin. Slowly, she opened her eyes to look up at me. They 
were groggy, as if she had just been awakened from a dream, but they 
sparkled with a million different emotions I couldn't possibly 
determine. Emotions I had never seen, felt, heard of... I think that at 
that moment, my eyes held the same feelings exactly. For I know I had 
never felt this way in my entire life... and I simply couldn't comprehend 
that it would be over after tonight. 
	Hold onto these moments while they last...
	Breathing in, Serena seemed to force herself out of my arms, 
placing her feet onto the brick pathway once again. I heard the click 
of her shoes softly against the ground. I smiled down at her 
reassuringly as a blush tinted her cheeks. 
	"See, dancing's pretty easy," I whispered. She smiled.
	"I think I'm ready to dance for real now..."
	I nodded and returned my hands to their original position, taking 
her right hand in my left, and reaching my other arm around her waist, 
wasting no time in pulling her towards me. My body was already 
suffering for lack of her warmth and my senses longed for the scent of 
her shampoo and the taste of her smooth skin. 
	She breathed in sharply and slowly placed her hand on my shoulder 
again, wrapping her arm slightly around me so that she seemingly hugged 
my side. Lying her head on my chest again, she closed her eyes. I could 
feel her heartbeat speed up. 
	I whispered into her ear, "Relax. Just follow my movements, and 
let me do the dancing..."
	
Serena shivered in delight at his warm breath on her ear, though 
she tried to ignore the incredible sensations. 
He began to turn around slowly and she easily followed his smooth 
movements. The hand on her back would occasionally tighten or loosen, 
and she learned to understand which way he would turn next depending on 
these subtle movements. 
	Serena smiled dreamily. 'I've always wanted to dance like this. 
It looks so cool in the movies and it is so romantic. I wonder where 
Darien learned to dance like this. Hmm... who cares? I just like the 
feeling though. I never thought being so close to someone could bring 
such a cascade of emotions. Ooh, my entire body is tingling. I wonder 
if he can hear my heartbeat. God, I never thought his touch could 
effect me like this. But he's doing something to me. His touch is 
definitely doing something to me. I hope this never ends...'
	Darien had watched her feelings fly past her face, and enjoyed 
watching each one more than the last. 'She's so beautiful when she's 
confused. Or happy. Or content. Or in my arms. Yes, definitely gorgeous 
when she's in my arms. I wonder what she's thinking. Does it matter? 
God, just looking at her now, surrounded by roses, drenched in the 
moonlight. Like a goddess. No, more like an angel. Oh, goddess, angel, 
what's the difference? She's mine tonight. Either way, she's mine.'
	Becoming daring, Darien quickly let go of her waist and spun her 
around away from him. She gasped at first, but seemed to pick up the 
movement quickly, twirling back to him and ending with her back resting 
against his chest. Darien smiled and turned her around, making eye 
contact before dipping her into his arms. With yet another gasp, she 
fell easily, giggling and laughing joyfully. Darien smiled down at her, 
resting so trustingly in his arms. The outside world got still as he 
found his lips slowly closing the gap between their faces. 
	Her giggles halted abruptly as she saw his eyes looking down on 
her so seriously. So full of love and desire and... and... lust? On 
instinct, Serena raised her hands to his shoulders. Wetting her lips 
slightly, her eyes drifted close as she realized exactly what was going 
on. 'He's going to kiss me... Darien's going to... this can't be happening, 
I mean, it's impossible... but it is... Oh God, if this is a dream, never, 
ever let me wake up...'
	Darien's lips were so close to her, not even an inch more. Her 
eyes were closed, her lips were parted... so slightly. 'She looks so 
vulnerable... innocent... beautiful...'
	Serena felt his warm breath tickling her lips, his arms holding 
her as if she were lying on the air, only the toes of her shoes 
brushing the ground. His strong arms were wrapped around her tightly, 
possessively, and yet with such a gentleness, as if she were made of 
glass. With one hand on her lower back and the other nestled in the 
crook between shoulder blade and neck, it was as if he were claiming 
her for his, always and forever. 
	'A first kiss, in a rose garden, under the moonlight... how 
perfect...' she thought. A small, absentminded giggle and sigh left her 
mouth just before Darien's lips caught onto hers. 
	A roaring electricity flowed through their veins. Serena's arms 
reached behind his back and grasped onto him as she felt her entire 
body go limp beneath him. Her lips tingled with the gentle, caressing 
kisses, slowly deepening. Darien felt the girl in his arms become light 
as a feather and all thoughts pass away. The sudden crashing of heaven 
upon him nearly made him drop the angel, though he held on tight. He 
could feel her hands roaming over his shoulders and back, before 
settling upon the black hair at the nape of his neck. His lips began 
grabbing for more of her taste, aching for the delights sending shivers 
speeding down his spine. As if she was a drug, he only desired more. 
	Serena felt his lips urging hers apart, slowly coaxing her to 
open her lips to his assault. Slowly, her lips parted and she gasped at 
the feeling of his tongue slowly entering her mouth, tasting her, 
playing with her. And then she groaned at the incredible sensations. 
	Her mind drifted to a few moments ago when she had thought his 
touch was doing things to her, and now his kisses were burning deep 
into her soul. Her mind drifted to the dance, briefly forgotten. 'Who 
cares about the Valentine's Dance? Can't we just stay here the rest of 
the night?' she thought, his kisses blanking out any further 
reflection.
	
Hold me closer to your warmth
Hush now, don't speak a word.
Don't move just yet...
Please don't let me wake up...

I couldn't bear to open my eyes
And find that this is a dream.
To lose this feeling that I have
Whenever you are near.
I pray that I will never wake up.

No, don't pull away just yet.
I am terrified.
My arms want to reach out to you
And pull you back to me,
But what if I wake up
From this perfectly, heavenly dream?

Please do not talk.
Don't say a word, for I understand.
Just rest and hold my hand. 
I won't wake you up
If you will let me sleep.

Don't speak,
For in the dream we carry on
And with a whisper,
I'll be gone.

Darien heard her groan beneath him, and at first, it only caused 
him to deepen the kiss even further, though he knew he was probably 
bruising her sweet lips by now. And that's when he began to reassert 
himself.
	'What are you DOING?!' he screamed at himself. 'She's 14 years 
old for goodness sakes! And you're kissing her! Not just that, but 
you're kissing her like she's a freakin' chocolate dessert! Have a 
little self control, Darien! You're going to scare her away!'
	Darien managed to pry himself away from her tempting kisses and 
with lightning quick movements, he had her on her feet again and at 
arm's length away from him.
	Serena almost lost her balance when Darien jerked away from her, 
but managed to catch herself. Her head was spinning, her thoughts were 
spinning, her entire world was on haywire. Finally, she gained the 
strength to look up at Darien as he stared at the bricks beneath them. 
Both were breathing heavily, gasping for air. Eventually, Darien forced 
himself to look up at her. Blue clashed with blue and both were 
speechless. 
	With the least bit of dignity, Darien managed to choke out the 
very words Serena didn't want to hear and she felt her world crash back 
to reality.
	"Serena... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. It... was... it was a mistake. 
It won't happen again... I'm sorry."
	Serena felt close to tears, the only thing keeping them from 
falling in cascades was the incessant tingles left on her lips. She 
even managed a nod, slowly and uncertainly, but a nod nonetheless. 
	And Darien felt his heart break. 'Well, there ya go. It was a 
mistake after all. I guess... maybe... she doesn't feel that way...'
	Darien nodded along with her. They continued to stare at each 
other for a long time while the music continued to surround them. Song 
after song, the lyrics - only blurs circling around them. Serena only 
desired to throw herself into Darien's arms, and he only wished to hold 
her close again. But neither dared say so.  
	"I... think that maybe... we should get going..." said Darien after a 
good ten minutes of silence between the two, each attempting to cease 
the whirling thoughts. "To the... uh... dance. We don't want to be late..."
	Serena only nodded. Looking down, Darien began to walk the short 
distance to his car, Serena only a few feet behind him. He chewed his 
lip nervously, not knowing what to say or do, but knowing exactly what 
he wanted. 
	On impulse, he turned around to face her, surprising her with his 
quick movements.
	"Serena please don't be angry. It's just that... you were there and 
so close and... I didn't know what I was doing... but I just... I still want 
to take you to the dance, I mean, if you don't hate me now. Please 
don't hate me! It really was a mista..."
	Serena placed two fingers on his lips before he could utter the 
dreaded word. 
	"Darien... don't. Just... don't. Of course I still want to go to the 
dance with you! Let's just forget about it okay? Besides... it's not like 
you did anything wrong really. I mean... I sorta... liked it..." Her fingers 
dropped from his lips and she looked away blushing. 
	After her words had sunk in, Darien managed a smile. 'She... liked 
it? Then... it wasn't a mistake?' He felt like jumping for joy or 
sweeping her into his arms, but decided against both actions. Settling 
on a goofy smile, he opened the door for her before proceeding to his 
side of the car. If Serena had been watching, she would have seen him 
skip half way to his door... maybe it's a good thing she was too busy 
dreaming to herself to notice.
	
	
Hope you enjoyed! Please e-mail me and tell me what I can do to improve 
my writing skills, what you like, and what you can't stand. Especially 
tell me if ya like the poems, or if they are distracting from the 
story. Oh, BTW, both of those were written by me. Anyway, E-mail me!  
Thanx! 

God bless!   
<3 Alicia