PRT 343- “Moonlight Chat”

Chrissy: Serena! Long time, no see! I last saw you and Raye when you were here in Philly opening for Keith Urban on August 18th, '07. I was up there in the very last row rocking out. Pretty bummed I didn't get to talk to you that night, though!

Well, I know you said that you are definitely going to be touring this summer. So, I'm wondering, what kind of live show can we expect to see? Solo? Acoustic? Full band? ...Wardrobe changes? ...Pyrotechnics?!

Serena: Hey Chrissy! Wow, that WAS a long time ago! Yes, I will absolutely be touring. Full band. Opening for other artists and doing fairs and festivals to start. But if I do well enough to headline someday, I will demand pyro, wardrobe changes.....and a sparkle microphone, of course.

eMANDIa: will you ever travel to germany Serena?

Serena: I sure hope so! I’ve been overseas with Michelle’s tours before but I’d LOVE to go with my own music of course! I know the questions about releases and touring overseas get asked a lot, so I'll just say, for ANY country: I HOPE SO!

Sneff: Serena,as usual I think you are fab! and a person I've always admired.

1) Please describe your upcoming album using 5 words.
2)What is your favorite treat/candy?

Serena: thank you sneff

1. hmm. real, me, honest, variety, true
i asked Darien for help, he says: kick ass (he's a little partial though)

2. I absolutely love sweets of any kind, so if you asked about cake or cookies or ice cream, I could never pick a favorite. but my favorite candy is without a doubt peanut butter m&m's!

Deadinmi: Hey Serena, I was just wondering if you'd heard Raye's new single This Way (score for free downloads), it's almost like you two are still playing together what with the singles coming out on the same day, except we get twice the music with half the wait. It seems like your country sound had a huge influence on this single with the steel guitar in there. Anything from Raye's writing style or such carry over to you from your Wreckers experience, cus it seems like she's brought a lot of you to her new single.

Serena: You know I actually haven't heard it! Which is shocking since we work in the same studio! I've had so much going on not only in my personal life, but with getting this record finished and ready to get out there, I've been listening to my stuff more than anything! luckily I'm not yet sick of it, which is why I feel like I made a good record.

I think Raye and I both influenced each other - there's really no way we couldn't after so many years as friends...and then musical partners!

acousticHO: Ha! Pyro, wardrobe changes and a sparkle microphone...so are you turning into Brett Richards???

Serena: Haha! Maybe! No…I know Brett…trust me…I’m not turning into him anytime soon.

Jenna: HEY SERENA!!!! I was just wondering what you think of the media coverange of michelle????

Serena: Good question and I’m happy to answer it! Personally I think it’s sickening. Michelle is a really amazing person and friend and she doesn’t deserve all this crap. She’s been through so much lately…more than anyone even knows and the media keeps pushing and pushing. Frankly, I’m sick of it. I really wish we could all just be famous for our music and other entertainment

Kayleen: Serena, do you have a date for the release of the album yet?

Serena: Sorry Kayleen, just a month. June. That’s as far as we’ve gotten with it. When I know you’ll know!!!

Leslie: HI! Do you and Darien plan on having kids anytime soon??? Do you want a boy or girl??? What do you want to name him/her???

Serena: OMG!!! LOL! Darien and I want kids, of course, but not too soon. I’m very busy with my music and he’s a busy doctor that’s also in law school! We’re too busy to add a baby to it! I have a feeling I’ll have a little girl…call it instinct. I think we’ll name her Rini. What do you guys think?

Serena: OK guys, I gotta hop off here. Thanks for great questions and a great chat. Keep requesting my song and thank you SO much for all you’re support. I love you guys so much! Thank you!!!

I logged off the computer and stretched.

“Finished with the chat?” Darien asked. He was sitting on the sofa reading a law book.

“Yeah, finished.” I said.

“Did you have fun?”

“Totally. I love talking to my fans. I still can’t believe *I* have fans.”

Darien laughed, “I can. You’re very talented Serena.”

“Thanks. You almost finished studying?”

“Yeah, I can finish this chapter later. Why? You ready for dinner?”

“Yeah. I am.”

“OK, I’ll start cooking.”

“Thanks hun. Anything I can do to help?”

“Stay out of the kitchen?” Darien teased.

“Ha ha. Funny man. I can at least keep you company. I won’t touch anything.”

“Sounds good.”

We walked into the kitchen and I sat on the side counter out of the way while Darien started dinner.

“Have you fed Luna?” Darien asked.

“Not yet. I guess I should. Luna!” I called.

“Yes Serena?” she asked walking in.

“Are you hungry?”

“Now that you mention it, I am.”

“What do you want tonight? Tuna surprise or salmon and herbs?”

“Serena, why do you insist on buying cat food for me?”

“Because you’re a cat?”

Luna sighed, “That stuff isn’t that good. Can I please have a can of real tuna?”

“Come on Serena, she’s right, she’s not a normal cat. She can tell us what she wants.” Darien said.

“Ok, ok. This is why most people have cats that don’t talk.” I mumbled as I opened a can of tuna fish and poured it in a bowl for Luna. She started eating and I plopped back on the counter.

“Are you ok Serena?” Darien asked.

“Yeah, I am. I’m worried about Michelle. Mina said she had a break down today at the office. I’m also concerned about Nemesis. We still don’t know who she is and she has Hotaru.”

“Luna, have you remembered anything else about Nemesis yet?” Darien asked.

“Mm, no. Not beyond what I told you. Artemis and I have discussed it but our memories of Nemesis are sketchy at best. Obviously Sailor Nemesis is the Princess of Nemesis…but we have no idea what the princess’s name is.” Luna said.

“And that worries me. I’m supposed to be promoting my album and working on a new band album all the while saving the world from some evil Sailor Solider we know nothing about.” I said. “And to top it off one of our teammates/front woman/friend/label CEO is on the edge of a metal meltdown. AND Hotaru is Mistress 9 again. AND the Outers are still hesitant to work with us.”

“It’s not ideal…but you can do it. You’ll find a way to make it all work. I know you Serena. You can do this.” Darien said.

I made a face, “I’m glad you have faith. I don’t.”

“Serena, this isn’t like you at all. You always see the bright side of things.”

“Yeah, but this is different.”

“No, it’s not. Where’s my girl that sees the sun in the thunderstorms?”

I looked down, “I just don’t see the sun right now.”

“Come on Serena. Don’t make me sing your own song to you.”

“You can’t sing.”

“But I will.”

“Darien…no…”

“The first thing I'm reminded of is a beautiful summer day /The way the sun shines on my face, the clouds floating away/The next thing I see is a sparkling lake, all the clouds in the air/The sand on the beach, the children play with not one single care” Darien sang…loudly and very out of key.

“OK! STOP!” I laughed.

“What? You don’t like my serenade?” he asked as he walked over to the counter and stood in front of where I was sitting.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, “I love you but you can’t carry a tune in a bucket.”

“Did I get my point across?”

I rested my forehead on his shoulder, “Yes, you did…thank you.”

Darien wrapped his arms around me, “It will be ok.”

“You’re right. It will.”

“Of course I’m right.”

I laughed and hit his arm playfully, “My modest man.”

“But you love me.”

“Yes I do.”

“And you love my cooking…which I should finish.” He said as he went back over to the stove to finish dinner.

Ronny

~~~~~

I pulled into my parking space in front of the apartment I shared with Hunter. We were both on the road so much it seemed silly to have two apartments. Luckily we both happened to be off. He was in his off season and I had a short break before my next race. I was still thinking about Mina’s request. I actually felt bad for Michelle. She seemed to be having a rough time…but how could I send the man I loved right back to her arms? She was the love of his life and I knew it. The WORLD knew that. I know, I know. Michelle was married and in love with RJ. I didn’t doubt that. I also didn’t doubt Hunter loved me. That being said, I also didn’t trust that Hunter and Michelle wouldn’t jump into bed again given the chance…especially with her in such a vulnerable place. There was too much history and emotion between them.

I went into the apartment. Hunter was lying on the sofa watching Sports Center. He was wearing jeans and a white tank top. He was such a beautiful man. I was a lucky girl.

“Hey babe.” I said as I put my purse down.

“Hey Ronny.” Hunter said as he sat up.

I walked over to the sofa and leaned down to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his lap, “What a greeting.” I said.

“Did you get what you needed from the store?”

“Yeah.” I said as I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Hey…what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. I can tell.”

I sighed, “Mina called me.”

“Oh great. What now?”

“Evidently Michelle is in bad shape. Mina and RJ are worried and…”

“And they think I can help. I know. RJ called me.”

“Mina wanted me to help convince you to go talk to Mich.”

“What did you tell her?”

“That Michelle needs to learn to get by without you.”

“You’re right.”

“But you’re worried about her too aren’t you?”

“Of course. If Michelle is really about to have a mental breakdown I’m very worried. I’ve seen Michelle breakdown before. It’s not pretty. At the same time, you’re right; I can’t keep running back to help her. She’s not my girlfriend anymore and she can’t continue to depend on me.”

I sighed again, “Hunter, if you feel like you need to go talk to Michelle I will try to understand.”

“No. Ronny, we’re together now. Quite frankly I’m sick of Michelle and her friends nosing into our relationship.”

I hugged him tightly, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” He said as he held me.

“Thank you.”

“Listen, why don’t we go pick up some dinner then we can come back here and get a pay-per-view…”

“Why don’t I go pick up dinner and you can stay here and pick a movie.”

“Ok, if that’s what you want. What type of movie do you want?”

“You pick. What type of food do you want?”

“You pick. You know what I like.” He said.

I smiled, “OK, be right back.”

I grabbed my keys and headed out. I was so happy. Life was good.

Hunter

~~~~~

After Ronny left I grabbed the remote and started channel surfing. I wanted to see if any good movies were on our normal channels before I checked out pay-per-view. As I was channel surfing I came across “Northern Lights”…Michelle’s new movie. I stopped for a second and watched.

I sighed. In truth I was very concerned for her. I loved her more than I ever thought I could love anyone…and no, I didn’t copy that line from her movie. It was true. That being said, she’d made her choice. I tried to get her back and…well we know how that ended. We got into a fight and she’d ended up losing her baby.

Honestly, I blamed myself for that loss…I know I wasn’t the only one either. RJ certainly blamed me and I was sure Michelle did too. Losing the baby is what started this mess for Michelle. Since then she’d been through one thing after another. I didn’t blame her for being on the edge of a breakdown. I didn’t know everything she was dealing with, but I knew enough to know it was more than any one person should have to bear.

But why was everyone so convinced I could fix her? I was the cause of all of this. I may not have murdered the baby, but I may as well have. Her death was my fault. I’d done quite enough for Michelle. Having me anywhere near her would only make things worse…not better.

Besides, Ronny really was right. Michelle was my ex-girlfriend and she had to learn to get through hard times without leaning on me. I would always love Michelle in the deepest way…but love wasn’t always enough to make it work. We’d proven that time and time again. She knew that too. I knew she still loved me. The fact she was still releasing songs about our relationship was proof of that.

But she did love RJ and I did love Ronny and that is how it needed to be. Ronny was an amazing girl and I was happy with her.

Ohhh, love scene…

God Michelle is beautiful…

Oh…anyway…

I continued to channel surf and eventually got to the pay-per-view section. I settled on a movie and waited for Ronny.

Serena

~~~~~

Darien and I finished eating and were sitting in the living room watching TV when his cell went off.

“Ugh.” I groaned.

“Sorry.” He said answering his phone. He talked for a bit in medical jargon I don’t get and then hung up, “I’m sorry baby, one of my patients needs me. I gotta go.”

I sighed, “If it’s not Nemesis it’s a patient. It’s ok. I understand.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” I said kissing him as he headed out.

I channel surfed and landed on VH1. They were playing music videos. The video from that new artist, Mia Blackwood, was on.

“She’s so pretty.” I said.

“Who is she?” Luna asked jumping up on the sofa next to me.

“Mia Blackwood. She’s a new rock artist.”

“New? Really?”

“Yeah, why?”

“There’s just something familiar about her. I can’t place her but I feel like we’ve met her before.”

“That’s weird.”

“She doesn’t seem familiar to you?”

“Not really. But I love her music. Her melodies are amazing.”

“She does have a good voice.” Luna agreed.

“I want to see my video on TV.” I whined.

“I’m sure you will in time. It just got released.”

“It’s a great video. It was so much fun.”

“It is a good video…it doesn’t look like you though.”

“That was the point.”

“You look much better as a blonde.”

“Yeah, but the brunette wig was fun for the shoot. It was nice to have a different look.”

“You just wanted to make sure your solo video was completely separate from your work with Raye.”

“Well, yeah.”

“I wish you girls wouldn’t fight.”

“We worked it out. We just decided we can’t work together as a duo. As long as we have our own space we’re fine.”

“Until next time.”

“Well, yeah.”

Luna sighed, “Serena…Serena…”

“Oh chill. Now if you’ll excuse me there’s cupcakes in the kitchen calling to me.”

“Um…actually…”

“Luna…”

“They were calling to me…”

“You ate my cupcakes?”

“I was still hungry! You only gave me half a can of tuna!”

“You could have asked for more!”

“Yeah but the cupcakes looked so good and…”

I sighed, “Fine. I’ll just have a bowl of cereal then.”

“Sorry Serena…”

“Yeah, yeah.” I sighed as I went in the kitchen.

Hunter

~~~~~

Ronny and I were in the middle of our movie when my cell rang. I looked at the caller ID.

“It’s Blake.” I said.

“OK. I’ll pause the movie.” Ronny said.

I nodded and answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hunter, hey.” Blake said.

“Hey, how’s Blue Bay Harbor? Are you and Tori having fun?”

“Yes, that’s actually why I’m calling. I have some news.”

“Oh? What’s up?”

“Well, I asked Tori to marry me and she said yes! I’m engaged!”

“Oh my god, Blake! Congratulations!” I cried.

“Thank you.”

“That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Thanks. We’re pretty happy too. The wedding will be later this year…we haven’t set a date but it will be this year. I’d really like it if you’d be my best man.”

“Of course! I’d be honored.”

“I’m so excited.”

“You should be! You’re marrying the woman you love. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

“Yeah…which brings me to something I really don’t wanna ask but it’s important to Tori.”

“Ok…”

“She wants Tally to be her maid of honor…but she wants Michelle as a bride’s maid. Would you be ok with that? If it would be too uncomfortable for you…”

“No, it’s Tori’s wedding, she should have whoever she wants in the wedding party. She’ll have to discuss how Michelle feels about it of course, but as far as I’m concerned it’s fine. Michelle and I are both adults with mutual friends. I think we can handle being in the same wedding for one night.”

“Thanks.”

“That being said, I wouldn’t count on Michelle for anything right now.”

“Why not?”

“RJ called me the other day. Evidently she’s on the edge of a mental meltdown.”

“Poor girl…wait…why did RJ call you?”

“She wanted me to talk her down from it.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“Isn’t he her husband?”

“Yup.”

“So he called you why?”

“Evidently he thinks I’m the only one that can help her.”

“Did you call her?”

“No. I’m not going to either. She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Ah, got it. But Hunter, you do love her.”

“Yeah.”

“So if she does something crazy…like Michelle has been known to do…wouldn’t you blame yourself for not trying to help?”

I sighed, “Probably…but I just can’t get involved.”

“Ok. I understand. I just hope you don’t end up regretting your decision.”

“I think I’ve caused enough trouble for her.”

“Hunter, Michelle losing the baby wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, it was actually.”

“Even if it was, which is wasn’t, there’s nothing you can do about it. What are you going to do? Carry the guilt forever?”

“Probably.”

“You have to move on.”

“I’m trying.”

“I’m just saying, if RJ really thinks you can talk her down from…whatever this is…maybe you should try.”

“No. I have my own life and my own girlfriend and I don’t need to get involved with her and her drama again.”

“Ok…fair enough. Listen, I gotta go. We’re going out with Marah and Dustin to celebrate. If you need me call me.”

“I will. And congratulation again. Love you bro.”

“Love you too. Bye.”

I hung up and sighed. I was very happy for Blake but part of me was a little jealous he was marrying the woman of his dreams and I’d lost mine…