White robes swept across the room; a strong smell of medicine hung heavily in the air; occasional coughs resounded here and there; hasty conversations were exchanged between doctors and nurses. The workers moved in brisk steps, hurrying from one place to another, just as if racing with time. Ghastly-looking patients could be spotted almost everywhere in the hospital. Some of their faces were so pale that they blended in perfectly with the walls.
A&E department, the most hectic of all places, was filled with an atmosphere of urgency. Doctors and nurses stationed themselves at the entrance of the department, ready in action. From afar, the wailing of the ambulance was penetrating enough to deafen someone. The red and white vehicle came to sight and was pulled to a halt. The paramedics rushed down and wheeled the patient out.
Fully prepared, the staff unleashed their professionalism and performed their rightful duties to save the injured. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, a young surgeon emerged from behind the curtains, removing his bloodstained rubber gloves.
"Good job, Dr. Hiiragizawa," a nurse, still in her operating gown, commented.
Eriol smiled and nodded his head in response. The acclamation made by the nurse was followed by several other compliments and pats on the shoulder by the other staff members. Yes, Eriol had once again revived a patient who was on the verge of death minutes ago.
Quickening his pace, Eriol returned to his office. The room was furnished with numerous pictures of his wife and son, all of which showed big happy smiles on their faces. They were the most important aspects of his life. He shuddered as he tried to imagine how life would be without them.
No matter how hard he tries to convince himself, Yasuaki is no doubt someone else's son. Nonetheless, he treated him like his own, gave him the best and doted on him like never before. Although he knew who the father was, it did not necessarily mean Yasuaki had to know too. Concealing the truth would do everyone good. Yes, it would, Eriol thought.
Sometimes, Eriol could not help but wonder if there was mutual feeling in their relationship, if everything was just a pretense. Knowing Sakura who lets her heart rule over her mind, it would not be surprising if she married him just because she did not want to hurt him.
Many a time, Eriol had attempted to ask Sakura what actually happened between her and Syaoran. But he was unable to touch her on the raw, to allow her to dwell on her past again.
Sakura… can you please open up to me? I'm tired of making futile guesses. Eriol took off his spectacles and massaged the bridge of his nose. He leaned back in his swivel chair, gazing fixedly at the ceiling.
~*~*~*~*~
Sakura, thoroughly drenched, leaned listlessly against the glass pane of Tomoeda Hospital. She was sure she looked extremely pathetic. With her hair hanging limply down her face, her clothes dripping wet, no one could doubt that. Sakura looked at the rain that has not yet ceased with distant and sad eyes.
Sakura had no idea why she was there, waiting for Eriol. Maybe it was her intuition. Everytime she's near him, she would feel a sense of warmth surround her, assuring her that all her anxieties would be like bubbles, popping within seconds. But… is this love?
"Hey, Sakura!" Eriol called, waving.
Sakura hurriedly took out her compact and checked her reflection. Her cheeks were still blotchy and her eyes still swollen. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, trying to make herself look more presentable. She took in a deep breath and forced a smile.
Eriol put his arm around Sakura and asked, "What's my dear wife doing here?"
Sakura shrugged. "I just felt like comin'."
Eriol smiled but frowned when he saw how soaked Sakura was. "Come on, let's get into the car. I don't want my wife to catch a cold." He offered his hand and led her to his car.
Sakura smiled. This was it. That was why I married him.
But what about all those tears she had shed for Syaoran these past few years? To whom does her heart belong? Only she herself has the answer.
~*~*~*~*~
The school bell sounded. Throngs of elementary students emerged. Sakura stood tip-toed so as to find her son.
"There he is," Sakura muttered.
She elbowed her way through the crowd of parents and called out to her son, "Yasuaki-chan!"
A boy with chocolate-brown hair whirled around and saw his mother, grinning broadly as usual. He ran up to Sakura. "Hi, mum!" Yasuaki looked around and asked, "Where's dad?"
Sakura pointed at a car parked beside the pavement and said, "There."
Yasuaki craned his neck and finally, he spotted his father. He waved.
"Come, let's go," urged Sakura.
Yasuaki took his mother's hand and pulled her along. "Wait up!" Sakura called, balancing herself. Just then, something caught her eyes. She paused, causing Yasuaki to protest.
"Mum! Let's go."
Ignoring her son, Sakura stood in front of the newsstand, digesting what she had seen. No, it can't be. She shook her head vigorously. Maybe it's just a dream. But no. The magazine was still lying on the table, without moving an inch.
Sakura stared and a pair of amber eyes, which she knew all too well, stared back.
Li Syaoran
The youngest tycoon of all times
CEO of a famous supermarket- Cherry blossomA/N: Yay! I've finally completed this chapter. It took me quite a long time to come up with this. Haha. I hope you liked it! Review and give your opinions about this chapter ya? The next chapter will be up quite soon. Oh yeah, Tomoyo will be in this fic. And if you wanna know if Syaoran's still single, stay tuned! =]
