Jail Bait

“Hey Darien! What’s up?” Dave yelled. He had with him a group of friends that Darien hung out with occasionally.

“I guess so. What are you guys up to?” Darien hadn’t set any time with his Dad. He certainly didn’t feel any guilt delaying the visit.

“We’re just hanging out. Come to the cafeteria with us.” Darien couldn’t understand why anyone would actually voluntarily eat the food at the university’s cafeteria, but he went with them anyway.

“Hey guys,” Dave began, addressing the two other guys in his group. There was Rob, a tall redhead also on the tennis team and Kai, an exchange student from Hawaii. “Darien here has a monopoly on this really hot group of high school girls! And get this the hottest one is the one he doesn’t get along with!”

“Isn’t it bad enough you can have all the college girls, you have them before they’re even legal!” Rob said in a rather congratulatory tone.

“Guys!” Darien warned. He wasn’t particularly appreciating this line of conversation. The girls were after all his closest friends along with Andrew. He even had a picture of them torturing him in the park. It had just been one of those playful days and Serena had snapped a strange shot of Amy holding his head in a head lock, while Raye sat on his back and Mina and Lita pulled at his cheeks. It certainly wasn’t him at his best but he kept it around to remind him of the wonderful friends he had.

“I’m still considering asking Serena out,” Dave said. “She’s really cute!”

He suddenly went still when Darien glared at him, the muscle in his jaw clenched tightly. In that moment he looked as intimidating as his father.

“Whoa! What’s the matter with you?” Kai asked, interrupting the stare down Darien was giving a reasonably uncomfortable Dave.

“Absolutely nothing. I just don’t appreciate having my friends being treated like toys for your personal amusement.”

“All, I said was I was thinking about asking her out! Besides, last time I checked you guys weren’t exactly friendly.” Dave said, slightly irked about the way Darien was behaving. “It’s not like she’s a little kid.

“Ok. I’ll put it simply. Feel free to ask any of the other girls out, and get shot down, or you can hit on Serena and I’ll personally break your arm in three places.” Darien said calmly.

‘Well that’s the understatement of the year!’ Darien thought to himself.

“When did this happen!?” Dave questioned. Darien merely shrugged, refusing to answer the question.

“Weren’t you the same guy who told me she was jail bait?” Dave asked incredulously.

“Well since you’re going to find out at some point. I might as well let you know now. Serena and I are a couple. She’s moving in with me.” Darien informed them in a rather casual fashion.

“You’re kidding right? A few weeks ago you couldn’t stand her and now she’s moving in with you!”

“Wait a sec, this girls parents are letting her move into an apartment with you? Rob asked unbelievingly.

“She’s pregnant,” Darien said simply. “It’s much more convenient for her to live with me. I’m the lucky father after all.” Darien had to admit he was enjoying shocking them.

“Whoa, hold on!” Dave said. “I know you just didn’t say you got Serena pregnant!”

“Yeah. Aren’t you Mr. Perfect?” Darien rolled his eyes at the ridiculous statement. He was unwilling to accept even the idea that many people seemed to have that he and his life were nothing short of perfect.

“Looks like you’re being domesticated really early!” Kai teased. “I can’t believe you are the same guy who said he wasn’t interested in any serious relationships until he graduated.”

“I am not ‘domesticated’! I knew I shouldn’t have told you guys anything. I’m out of here. I’ll see you guys later.” Darien got up and left the guys to mull over the shocking news with which he’d left them.

Darien walked into the enormous house his father and Brandi shared. The new housekeeper, Lucy, answered the door and informed him that his father and Brandi were sitting down to dinner.

“Darien. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show,” his father greeted. “Take a seat. I can’t say I expected you to come. You hardly ever show your face around here unless we insist.”

“Well don’t keep us waiting, please speak your mind.” Darien’s father said impatiently.

“Since you insist, I’m going to be a father.” His father was quiet for a moment a confused look on his face.

“I’m not sure I understand you correctly. You say you’re going to be a father? Of a child?”

Darien had to smile. His father was usually rather eloquent and he considered him the most intelligent man he knew but that was certainly the dumbest question he’d ever heard escape the man’s lips.

“The same girl you said you weren’t interested in and whom you claimed was too young for you to ask out. Is there some sort of strange standard you young people have these days that I’m not aware of. She’s too young to be asked out but young enough to sleep with!” Darien knew his father was in his own way saying ‘I told you so’.

“These things don’t just happen!” Michael said, calmly taking a bite of baked potato.

I thought you’d be pleased to know that in some round about fashion I took your advice. She is, of course, the same one whose father you wanted a business deal with. I seriously doubt now would be a good time to approach him however, he’s very upset at the moment. I think it might have something to do with his pregnant daughter.”

“Not at all Dad. Everyone in this family gets what they want, except you Brandi; you’re only after the money after all. I get the girl I love, Mother gets the daughter-in-law she’s always wanted and you get the business connection you want. You should be pleased.”

“There is no need to insult Brandi or this family. We didn’t get you into this situation. We certainly didn’t raise you to behave this way.”

“You didn’t raise me at all! I was raised by an English nanny by the name of Marie. She died four years ago and you were too busy to attend her funeral.” Darien said coldly.

Darien realized he was being unfair. His father had been relatively receptive. He had been worrying about details and by the time he’d gotten around to his news it had thrown him off track. He had automatically gone into defense-attack mode in expectation of the usual arguments he normally had with his father.

“I’m sorry Dad. I guess I’m a little tense. Serena’s family wasn’t particularly receptive, not that I expected them to be, but it has been on my mind.”

“She’s spending the day with her family. Her family arrived from San Francisco to see her yesterday. You’ll meet her soon hopefully.”

“I’m not Puritanical. Your mother doesn’t look as young as she does because she’s a blue blood as she claims. She looks young because she’s only thirty-nine. The business marriage you are so opposed to did not actually occur until five months before you were born.”

“I’m not repeating your life am I?” Darien asked suddenly worried about turning into his father. There was too much evidence pointing in that direction. He wouldn’t mind the looks but the rest his father could keep.

“That depends. Are you harboring any computer knowledge I’m unaware of? If you are, then you may end up repeating my life after all. I was a biology major studying to be a doctor before I picked up on the computer trend and made a career change. My father wasn’t particularly happy but he changed tunes later.”

“I thought you disapproved of dramatic age differences, Darien” Brand commented suddenly, in her sickeningly sweet tone.”

“Five years is quite minor as opposed to twenty.” Darien replied tersely, reminding her of the age difference between her and his father.

“Of course, dear,” Brandi conceded, her nauseating tone unsettling Darien’s stomach.

The moment Darien had informed his mother of his new girlfriend and their coming baby, she had booked a flight for Tokyo. In just an hour two families would meet to either become one or kill each other. He looked in the mirror and straightened his tie once again.

He was ready far earlier than he needed to be which left him with plenty of time to panic, worry, and pace the floor of the apartment before heading over to the restaurant. He had decided on neutral territory; that way Chandler and Tsukino would probably think before harming him. He certainly hoped Chandler would be much calmer than he had been before.

Serena brushed her hair for the final time. She had had to change her mid-calf skirt and silk blouse for a full-length formal summer dress when she’d felt the waist was just a little tighter than it had been before. This baby was slowly becoming a reality.

She was a little nervous about meeting Darien’s parents. It was an enormous comfort that they would be much calmer and more accepting than her own parents. Of course, they didn’t have a pregnant teenage daughter.

Yesterday she hadn’t said a word to any of her parents. She had gone out with her Dad and Celine to lunch, where she’d eaten quietly with the exception of a few words to Irene and Catherine. Her little sister had made her feel slightly better and she’d spent a good part of the day playing with her. Catherine was so sweet and innocent and she was the only one whose view of her hadn’t changed.

She could hear her mother calling her. She looked herself over in the mirror. She was wearing blue, a color that looked especially good on her. Looking good did little to assuage her nervousness. Tonight the rest of her future would be decided. She closed her eyes, said a little prayer, and went downstairs.

“It seems your son has impregnated my daughter Chiba,” Richard said cutting to the chase as soon as dinner was ordered.”

“Daddy, Please!” Serena whispered, embarrassed at how forward he was being with people he knew nothing of but their names.

Serena had been surprised when she’d met Darien’s parents. Mr. Chiba looked exactly like Darien only older and with a startling pair of light brown eyes. His mother had luxurious black hair and the same shade of blue eyes as her son. Serena was truly amazed. Arianna didn’t look old enough to have a son Darien’s age. She had the air and grace of a princess. It was enough to make Serena feel like a clod.

Unlike Serena’s parents, Darien’s seemed calm and had already attached themselves to her in a way that was comforting to her considering the situation she was having to deal with her own parents, more specifically Kenji and Richard.

“It seems he has.” Chiba replied calmly. His casual reply left little else to be said, but Richard managed to find something.

“I’m sure you’re aware my daughter is only sixteen. I’m very tempted to report him to the police and have him charged with statutory rape!”

Serena and Darien sucked in a deep breath. Kenji nodded in agreement and Celine and Ikuko glared at Richard, a pointless act considering he seemed to be completely oblivious. Michael however, remained calm.

“You’re an intelligent man Chandler, I’m sure you’re fully aware that if you were to charge my son with rape we’d both end up with an everlasting court battle pitting the best lawyers against each other, and if by some miracle you were to win all you’d get was a pregnant daughter with no father for her child.”

Richard being the intelligent man he was easily recognized the logic in that statement. If anything however, it made his blood boil that he hadn’t realized the stupidity of his threat in the first place. His anger at Darien while not completely misplaced was bordering on the irrational.

The deed was done, his daughter was pregnant, and the young couple seemed very much in love. Darien was very willing to stand by her side and take care of his responsibilities. He only had one thing to insist on however. Before he could say anything, Chiba’s ex-wife interrupted. Looking at the beautiful woman he had to seriously wonder what sane man would choose to divorce her?!

“Mr. Chandler, Mr. Tsukino,” Arianna began diplomatically in her gentle, accented voice, “My son and your daughter are obviously well-matched despite their age. I think it would be in all our best interests to make the best of the situation and accept that we will be joined as a family. It’s best you men put your anger aside and let Darien and Serena work things out on their own.”

“We really have no problem with that,” Ikuko said. I think what Richard and Kenji would like to ensure is security for Serena and their child. We would like to see these two married as soon as possible.”

Serena’s eyes doubled and she gulped. Her life was being planned out before her eyes. Just last year her only concern had been where to spend the holidays, what to do on the holidays, and which guys were the cutest. Suddenly everything was a whirlwind. In the last two months everything had changed. She was expecting a baby, moving in with a man she had just realized she loved, and now there was talk of a marriage, which in her mind hinted at wedding and her seventeenth birthday was only two weeks away.

Darien was equally surprised. While he had every intention of marrying Serena he had hoped that it would be an event decided between them not between three sets of parents bent on running their lives. How had one moment of ecstasy led to this? His whole life, his future, was changing moment by moment and it was extremely unsettling.

“Naturally, we expected the same thing,” Michael agreed with Ikuko. There is a problem with age however. Your daughter is only sixteen, she does not meet the age requirements for marriage in this country. If there is to be a wedding it will have to be somewhere else.”

Serena and Darien looked at each other, frustrated at the direction of the conversation. By the time the waiter arrived, they were both equally upset. Somehow at the mention of a wedding their families had bonded but left the two subjects of conversation out. The men were discussing money, and business and the mothers were discussing all the other possibilities from location to maternity gowns.

They gave in however and just enjoyed their dinner in silence, rolling their eyes at the comments and suggestions being tossed back and forth and smiling at each other. Their lives were being planned around them but at this point in time they really didn’t care. This would give them the opportunity to focus on more important things like Serena’s doctor’s appointment tomorrow, the baby and each other.

Serena stared at herself nervously as Celine placed the wreath of silk roses with its short veil down on her loose blonde hair, perfectly curled around her in ringlets for the wedding. Everything was happening so fast! On short notice the wedding had turned out to be medium sized affair that was taking place in a garden in the south of France.

Everything was perfect. Her sleeveless empire-waist wedding gown was cream silk with pale gold and white roses, designed by Irene’s mother and altered to fit her protruding stomach. There were flowers everywhere, a mini orchestra and a brunch buffet awaiting the guests after the wedding. She was amazed by how much her mother, her new mother-in-law, her stepmother, and her sister’s mother had gotten done on such short notice.

It had been her father, Richard, who had insisted on a formal affair with many guests. In his own way, he was secretly happy, if somewhat dismayed, to see her married. Serena was quite surprised to find herself looking forward to actually being married, something she hadn’t expected to happen for years.

Over the last few weeks she had come to accept her situation with less distress and more ease than she’s thought was possible. The moment of truth and acceptance had occurred when Darien had held her hand as they heard their baby’s heart beat for the first time. It was certainly an amazing feeling to know there was another tiny heart beating inside you.

She settled the veil around her shoulders and her mother and stepmother helped her settle the long edges of the gown around her. With tears in her eyes, Ikuko handed her the bouquet of cream roses and left the room to make their way to the area outside where the guests were all seated. Serena would walk down the aisle alone rather than choose between the two fathers whom she viewed equally.

The music began to play and she found her feet, as if on their own accord, walking timely down the aisle. She glanced around at the guests, a sea of pastel colors, finding her friends seated close to the front. Her closest friends had all been flown all the way to France just to see her married. Technically she and Darien were already married, having signed the licenses at a short stop in Miami. It wouldn’t be complete however, without the ceremony that would declare them a couple before their friends and family.

Serena found her eyes settling on Darien’s expectant face and grew impatient with what was beginning to seem like an everlasting walk. Darien had no doubts as he stared into the face of the young lady approaching him at a pace so slow as if intended to be torture. She had never looked more beautiful and nothing he’d ever done had ever felt so right.

When she finally arrived and he took her hands into his and refused to let go. He was a little nervous and his hands shook a little. When it finally came time to say their vows his nervousness increased as he began to recite the vows he had spent an entire week writing.

“Serena, we weren’t always the best of friends and now I swear it must have been a miracle that made me realize how much I’ve always loved you, because I was so sure I could choose when, how and with whom I’d fall in love. I always thought I could plan my life and make things the way I wanted them. You came into my heart unannounced, changing everything I thought I knew about life and love. I realized that you can’t plan to fall in love. You are the unexpected gift I never knew I wanted or needed but now I can’t live without you.

I promise to love and care for you as long as I’m able. You are the love of my life, the one I choose to be with forever and always. I swear to protect and honor you in all ways and make every attempt to make our lives together a never-ending joy. I love you, and I choose you to be my one and only loving wife.”

By the time he completed his vows both he and Serena were teary and smiling. He could see the loving adoration in her eyes and it made his heart beat faster as she prepared to say her own vows.

“For so long I denied the great things I saw about you. I denied myself the love for you that was deep within, a love that now makes me feel strong and complete whenever I am with you. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I have known you so long without giving in to the love that is so strong between us now.

You can be sure that I will never give up on our love. Our love will be the center of great things because it is eternal. I am blessed to know you and even more so to love you. I love you, and I choose you to be my one and only loving husband.”

They both barely heard the minister pronounce them man and wife as they reached, without prodding, to kiss each other, joining them not only as man and wife but as a family.

Serena unpacked the last of her clothing, looking around the new condo she and Darien now shared. It was a wedding gift of sorts from both their parents. His place while comfortable had been the ultimate bachelor pad and there had been a need for more room. Their new place was certainly beautiful and similar in size and layout to Mina’s place.

The second wedding gift had come from Irene’s Mom. It had been a honeymoon on a European cruise line, which to her great satisfaction kept her out of a swimsuit, something she refused to wear with her swelling stomach. Her fathers quote on hearing of the week and a half long cruise was a rather loud whisper to her mother; “What do they need a honeymoon for? Isn’t that what got them here in the first place?” It was now safe for her to laugh at that.

She found herself beginning to wonder if it were possible for her family to get any larger and stranger. She now had three sets of parents. During the planning of the wedding she had noticed something happening between Arianna and Michael, something that had annoyed that Brandi woman who seemed to be so self involved. If things turned out to be as she saw them, Darien would have his parents back the way he preferred them.

She looked herself over in the mirror. At eight months pregnant she was enormous. There was this round ball protruding from her middle making her look alien. Her body certainly didn’t feel like her own. Being pregnant always seemed more attractive on other people and it certainly felt more attractive on someone else.

Except for the swollen feet and aching back however, she had to admit she felt rather good. Every now and then her child would kick either gently tickling or mildly painful reminder of its existence. Feeling her baby moving inside her was the strangest yet most marvelous feeling she’d ever experienced.

“A while,” he replied smiling but not moving from the doorway. “You look beautiful.” He looked over her rounded figure. Her face was aglow with warmth and the weight she’d gained from her pregnancy made her look like a cherub.

“I’m scared Darien. What if my labor is as bad as Celine’s was?” Her stepmother had given birth to two rather large baby boys only after the doctors had sped up the labor process after the first twenty hours.

“Everything will be fine, Serena. Celine had twins; this is very different. We’ll have a healthy baby, you’ll be fine.”

She certainly hoped so. She couldn’t bear to lose this baby now. It meant so much to her and to Darien. She wondered whether it was a boy or a girl. If they had a boy, it would be named after Darien’s grandfather Anthony Chiba as well as her own Michael Chandler if it was a girl it would be named after Darien’s mother and his nanny Marie who had died a few years ago.

She really couldn’t wait to have this baby. Her body was feeling very uncomfortable but she still had another three weeks to go before their baby was due.

While her friends were out of high school on vacation she had completed a good amount of her studies. She still had the better part of a year of tutoring to go but it was so much easier and more interesting than high school. Her tutor, a beautiful woman named Setsuna seemed to know everything and had far more interesting and comprehendible methods of teaching them than any of her high school teachers.

“Don’t worry Serena,” Darien said reassuringly. “You’ll make me nervous too.” He walked over and put his arms around her, enjoying having that much more of her to hug.

“I love you too.” He kissed her temple and she turned around I his arms, her round stomach between them. He leaned in for a kiss only to hear her say, “I’m hungry! Is there anything here to eat?”

Serena missed Luna. Intelligent as she was, she was still a cat and therefore posed a health risk for her and her baby. So when she and Darien had moved in together, Luna had not been able to go with them.

Luna had been disappointed but this gave her an excuse to do something she hadn’t done for more than a thousand years and certainly didn’t feel comfortable with. She and Artemis made a concentrated effort to regain and be comfortable in their human forms. She certainly wouldn’t miss the opportunity to hold Serena’s baby once the child was born.

Serena and her friends had been waiting for Darien inside a café on the university campus. They were all chatting happily, with the exception of Serena who as a bit quiet. She was feeling anxious and tired, a feeling only slightly relieved when her handsome husband (she loved the sound of the word) arrived. They relaxed together for a while talking and chatting until a beautiful redheaded girl headed over to their table.

“Hello Darien,” the tall redhead uttered flirtatiously, batting her eyelashes. Darien was curious as to why she was flirting so obviously when he was surrounded by five young women any of whom could be his girlfriend to the best of her knowledge, especially the very pregnant one sitting next to him. The rings on Serena and Darien’s fingers apparently hadn’t tipped her off in the least.

Mandy looked around at the group of girls. They were all cute but none of them could be his girlfriend, they had no sophistication or maturity. The fat blonde was as beautiful as the others but she really needed to lose some weight.

“There’s going to be a party at my sorority house this weekend, would you like to come with me?” Mandy asked sweetly. Darien was so stunned by this girls stupidity he was unable to answer. Fortunately that’s what wives were for.

“Mandy, is it?” Serena began with a brilliant, if fake, smile on her face. “While I’m not against a little fun once in a while; I really don’t appreciate my husband dating other women especially when I’m on the verge of giving birth to his child.”

Mandy’s eyes widened. “But, he can’t be married to you!” She squealed incredulously. “He’s the only guy on campus worth…” she trailed off suddenly realizing she was making a fool of herself. She composed herself and gave a forced smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

“That’s fine, just try to be more careful next time.” Mandy walked away with a confused expression on her face. That girl couldn’t have been more than eighteen.

“Thank you!” Serena replied smiling brilliantly as she planted a kiss on his cheek. “Now where did you meet her? That had to be the third one this week.”

Darien looked around in vain but found no help from the girls that surrounded him.

Serena suddenly felt a cramping all along her lower stomach. She winced in pain as the sudden realization that she was actually in labor came over her.

“I guess I am on the verge of giving birth,” she said smiling weakly as she felt water running down her legs. “Darien, my water just broke. Get the car.” Darien sat and stared at her for a while not quite believing she was actually ready to give birth.

“Sweetheart” Serena said, “If you don’t go get the car now, you’ll have to deliver this baby yourself. You’re brilliant but I’d really rather have this baby in the safety of a hospital room.”

Ten hours later after threats to Darien’s well being, severe labor pains, screaming and sweat, Serena gave birth to healthy screaming baby boy. Three sets of parents, five young women, Andrew and Dave awaited the happy couple. Even shortly after birth it was obvious that Michael Anthony Chiba looked very much like his father.

His eyes were brilliantly blue and curious and he was the most precious thing both his parents had ever seen. Darien was instantly in love with the small child and Serena knew this child was very much his. She’d be lucky if he’d let him go long enough to let her feed him.

The reaction of her numerous parents had been most amusing. The group of knew grandfathers had become easily fascinated, completely monopolizing the baby and refusing the new grandmas any opportunity to hold their grandson. There would be no lack of babysitters. Even Andrew had found it endlessly amusing watching the baby’s face crinkle as he opened his toothless mouth for a sleepy yawn.

Serena had thought she’d have been just relieved to have labor over with and she was but she had been instantly impatient to hold her child. After holding her baby in her arms for the first time, looking at the tiny miracle with loving fascination, fatigue had taken over and she’d fallen asleep in Darien’s arms.

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