SummerSensations: Greetings! This is my very first story. Yup yup. I hope it's not too bad. Heehee. Anyway, I'll be looking forward to your reviews! Happy reading!!

Chapter 1: When the Rain Began to Fall       

Looking up at the vast expanse of azure blue sky, a flock of white pigeons could be seen soaring freely, as if nothing ever bothered them. And at every corner of Tomoeda Park, pairs of loving couples could be found, whispering gaily to one another, as though no one else mattered. And at one far edge of the park was a young woman in her twenties, with short auburn hair and a pair of emerald eyes that seemed distant and… sad. Sakura heaved a sigh of exasperation. Why do they get to be so lucky, having someone that truly love them? What about me? A pathetic soul surrounded by pairs and pairs of couples. Why is life so unfair? Jealousy was not the word to describe her current feeling. She just yearned for a someone out there who can make her smile again, make her innocent laughter to be heard once more.

Sakura looked at the dense green foliage ahead, knowing that amongst the many trees, one of them was hers, only hers. Effortlessly, she spotted her tree. Its ethereal beauty was so captivating that it stood out of all other trees. Its silvery crown of leaves spread out far and wide at each side of the thick, gnarled trunk, bending slightly forwards in a protective arc. This was where Sakura sought comfort whenever she was feeling down. But at the same time, it brought out many unhappy memories that still pained Sakura. Till now, she can remember the vivid image on this same day, same month, when she and Syaoran made a commitment to each other and vowed to stick close together under any circumstances.

Flashback

Syaoran held both Sakura's hands and, with a grim expression on his face, he said, barely audible, "I'll love you till the day my life is through, this I promise you."

Sakura laughed. "Did you get that inspiration from N'sync's 'This I promise you'?"

Syaoran blushed and gave a sheepish grin. "Y-yeah. Sorta."

Sakura tried to stifle her laughter and said, "Okay. What were you going to day?"

Syaoran cleared his throat and with his cheeks flushed to multiple shades of pink, he went down on one knee, with a velvet box in his sweaty palms. "Will you… marry me?"

Sakura was so astonished that she almost stumbled over. She did not know to react, what to say, what to do. Instead of giving Syaoran a reply, Sakura simply stared at him dumbly, as if he had spoken in Greek.

The sound of the surrounding trees rustled in the steady cool breeze, birds chirped and airplanes sounded above them, creating a harmonious symphony. The serenity of the atmosphere calmed Sakura's nerves, making her less nervous. However, she remained silent, her mind blank.

Syaoran caught her hint and slowly rose, so that he towered over Sakura. He gave an awkward laugh and said, with his eyes focusing on his shoes, "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…"

As though being snapped back to reality, Sakura interrupted, almost abruptly, "No, I don't mean that." With that, she tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on Syaoran's lips. Right there and then, he knew her answer and leaned in, kissing her back with all of his passion and love.

The pigeons cooed, the leaves rustled, forming a melodious harmony, just as if celebrating for the newfound happiness and bliss the couple was going to share in the near future. And, with a little love, a little trust and a little care and concern merging in their kiss, a special bonding between was formed. And, it was never meant to be destroyed.

End of flashback

Sakura looked at the tree and clutched her chest tightly as tears stung her eyes. It evoked so many memories, both happy and sad. She had long lost her exuberance and the invincible incantation that she possessed since the day of her birth. However, those had vanished and there was no longer any laughter coming from Kinomoto Sakura. The eternal sparkle in her eyes had disappeared too. Her eyes now embodied sorrow and resignation, things that never occurred to her in the past.

Even with the presence of Eriol and her seven-year-old son, Yasuaki, she did not seem to be able to brace herself up. She knew fairly well that she should devote herself fully to her family but with the recurrence of the unhappy memories, she was unable to do so. Moreover, her feeling towards Eriol was still uncertain. She had naively thought that she would develop deeper feelings for him gradually. But she was wrong.

Even after all these years, there was no mutual but on-sided love. As much as Sakura wanted to, she was unable to make herself love someone else all over again when her broken heart was yet to be mended. She wanted to try and love Eriol for who he is and not for the fact that he could make a perfect father for Yasuaki. And hurting him was the last thing Sakura would ever do.

How Sakura wish she could empty out all the memories she had had with Syaoran. But she knew perfectly well that it was impossible. You can put a memory out of your mind, but the heart never forgets. Through these years of agony, Sakura came to realize that love is like magic, but then again, magic is nothing but an illusion. Therefore, she came to a conclusion that maybe their relationship was just simply a deception and nothing more. Sakura shuddered at the thought. Deception. Nothing but just plain deception. Everything's just lies, nothing else but lies. Sakura felt she was the dumbest person to believe everything Syaoran said. All her love and devotion put in could be worth more than a billion bucks. But what she get in return? Nothing but pieces of her shattered heart.

Why did you do this to me, Syaoran? Why? Am I that dense and gullible that you can just toy with my feelings? Am I that worthless? Then, it began to pour heavily, the rain mixing with Sakura's tears.

A solitary figure stood behind a tree, looking painfully at Sakura's sobbing back. His hair was plastered limply to his face and his clothes soaked from head to toe.

"Sakura… it pains me to see you in such agony. I'm sorry." Without a sound, he walked away, leaving traces of footprints behind.

The rain continued to fall, like there was no end to it. Pitter patter. Pitter patter.

And a familiar song sounded from a distance. A song that could melt Sakura's heart, a song that could capture any girl's attention. It was this song that made Sakura tingle all over and one that had her heart won over. It seems so far away… so far…

'cause everytime I breathe I take you in

And my heart beats again

 

Baby I can't help it

You keep me drowning in your love

And everytime I try to rise above

I'm swept away by love

Baby I can't help it

You keep me drowning in your love.

You keep me drowning in your love…

oh my god!! I can't believe I've completed one chapter!! Hooray!! Sorry for this short chapter. I promise the other chapters will be longer. Mark my words. *nods head* cross my heart and hope to die. Okay… I'll be looking forward to all of your reviews!!!

See ya laterx.

SummerSensations*