At noon, an intimate Christmas mass was taking place. "Gokigenyou, Onee-sama" Yumi said, walking behind Sachiko and took her place in the seat next to her. The mass was voluntary, so there were no lines according to grade levels, or classes. "Yumi, you've invited Touko-chan and Kanako-chan didn't you?" Yumi wondered how Sachiko knew that little bit of information but then she remembered Yoshino talking with her onee-sama with some words, like her name being thrown around in the conversation. In which, Rei had most likely mentioned it to Sachiko. "They may have to leave early but, they'll come." "I see." Sachiko said in a whisper, and the conversation was cut off.

Yumi then wondered if Sachiko knew that Touko had visited her house during the break. 'But she hasn't mentioned anything. Maybe it would be better that it came from Touko-chan herself. Unless Onee-sama hasn't been informed yet, it might be good if I told her. But Kashiwagi-san had been quite about it. Arrghh... I really don't know what to do. But if I told Onee-sama I'm worried of what she'll answer me' While Yumi was worrying about those things, the priest entered, her worries had been put aside for the time being.

0-0-0

The mass had ended about an hour ago. The roses went back to their classrooms, grabbed their things and headed towards the Rose Mansion. Rei and Shimako had gone on ahead to the Rose Mansion. When Yumi and Yoshino opened the door to the meeting room, now transformed into a party room, was shocked to see Shimako making a cake while Rei was helping her out. "Shimako-san is baking a cake?" Yoshino exclaimed as she walked through the door that Yumi was holding open.

After carefully placing some 'groves' on the 'log' cake Shimako raised her head to face Yoshino. "I just thought, well, I'd try it out you know..." Both Yumi and Yoshino were surprised at Shimako's answer coupled with an audible 'eh?' in their voices. "And then maybe Rei-sama can teach me a thing or two." After Shimako said the last few words Yoshino gave out a loud 'hmmphh' and then disappeared into her work. As Yumi closed the door, it was then that she realized what Shimako's true intentions were. 'Of course, Rei-sama and Sachiko-sama will be graduating soon. Next year we won't be able to eat Rei-sama's cake and it's obvious that Shimako-san wanted to be able to keep the recipe going in the Rose family. Soon the two most dreaded words that they were still not ready to face was getting nearer and nearer; 'graduation'.' While Yumi was busy with her thoughts she had subconsciously been checking the materials and other things that they would need for the party.

Yumi then asked loudly "How should be decorate the place this year?" Yoshino then looked at her best friend and contemplated on the question that was brought up. Suddenly Noriko appeared in the room, out of breath. "I'm sorry I'm late...and...Yumi-sama, I'm sorry about this morning."

"It's fine. I'm sorry too. You came alone?" Yumi answered Noriko.

"Kanako-san and Touko-san are on their way. We met up with Rosa Chinensis on the way, and she told me to go on ahead." Noriko explained; then slipped out of the room momentarily, brought in a box and set it down on the floor. "Rose Chinensis had told me that there was some package from the first floor to the second floor. Is this it?"

On top of the box written on it in think writing 'Christmas Party Materials' upon spotting the writing both Yumi and Yoshino exclaimed at the same time "Ah, its Youko-sama's writing." Yumi then bent down and hurriedly opened the box, brought out various things and started passing out a chain with hoop-like links and a cardboard crown. "She was the previous Rose Chinensis, wasn't she?" Noriko inquired. "Yes she was." Yoshino said and added "Kanako-chan and the rest will be coming soon right? Then I'll go as well." she then quickly left the Rose Mansion. From behind them Rei gave out a heavy sigh "That Yoshino..." and they just looked her. To break the sudden silence in the room Yumi then stood up, with some decorations in her hand and asked Noriko if she would like to help her put up the decorations.

0-0-0

On her way to the place where she will meet up with Nana, Yoshino ended up meeting with Sachiko and others. "Gokigenyou, everyone." Yoshino welcomed them. The two first years greeted Yoshino respectfully while Kanako greeted her perkily. Sachiko then asked Yoshino where she was going and she simply replied "Just to grab someone." From this reply Yoshino didn't want Sachiko or the other to find out who it was she was brining over and at the same time Sachiko did not push Yoshino for answers. Instead she asked whether everybody was already present at the Rose Mansion. "Onee-sama is there as well as Shimako-san and Yumi-san... Noriko-chan too." she told her. Sachiko just nodded at her response and asked Yoshino to look out for Tsutako. "If you see Tsutako-san could you say something to her for me? Tell her that if she doesn't pick up the pace a bit the party will start without her." "Sure." As Yoshino started to walk again it was then that it hit her, 'How did Sachiko-sama know that I wasn't really looking for Tsutako-san.' She then walked inside the middle school building, and found it deserted. When she opened the classroom door she found Nana sitting there by herself.

"I'm sorry. Had you been waiting long?" Nana, who had inserted herself into a library book, with her coat on and book bag beside her, bluntly stated "I had." Upon seeing Nana's coat it was then that she realized how cold the room was. "Have you been here since the end of homeroom?"

Nana shook her head "No. I went to the mass to kill some time."

"Shall we go?"

"Sure." Nana picked up her bag and opened her coat. While walking back to the Rose Mansion Yoshino suddenly spoke up "Ahh...I'm nervous."

"Why are you nervous, Yoshino-sama?" the middle school girl asked while her thoughts went on in this fashion 'I'm the one who should be nervous. What's making her so worked up over this?'

"Umm... Well you know... I have to take you there with me. I was thinking about how I should introduce you, and that sort of thing." Yoshino answered, interrupting her train of thoughts. "Is that sort of thing really hard?" she uttered blandly, though innocent and neutral. "No it isn't, but ..." she then smiled uselessly.

The reason Yoshino was feeling nervous was because she couldn't think of a proper excuse as to why she would bring Nana over. She then thought 'I wonder if she is nervous about this?' "I'm just asking but, are you nervous?" From that question to anyone else it would definitely seem odd to ask that to the middle school student. Of course she would be nervous she does not belong to this section, yet, she was going to meet the High School Onee-sama's and nonetheless it was the Yamayurikai. "The Rose Mansion is a place where all Middle School students want to come close to. It's where the High School student council meet, is it not? It's naturally a place where you have to keep your guard up."

"It doesn't really seem that way."

"But it is, so that is why I shouldn't really be nervous."

"I see." While having their light conversation the two finally reached the Rose Mansion, Yoshino then led Nana up to the second floor.

0-0-0

At the Rose Mansion, while everyone was busily setting up the place Sachiko then arrived with the two first years in tow. "Sorry we're late." At the sight of Sachiko, Yumi instantly exclaimed 'Onee-sama!' and followed suite with 'Kanako-chan! Touko-chan!' when she saw the other two enter the room. "Yumi-sama, thank you for inviting us today." said Kanako as soon as she entered the room and at the same time tried to make Touko say something too. While Touko was certainly on auto pilot, her mind was definitely on manual.'Yumi-sama what are you planning now?'

It was then that Tsutako entered the room "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for inviting me again this year. Sorry for being late. Am I the last one?" Her eyes wondered the room. "Guess not. I can't see Yoshino-san." Just hearing the word 'Yoshino' Rei's face suddenly scrunched up in tension. And at the same time Yoshino entered the room with Nana tailing her. "Sorry for making everyone wait." From here an air of awkwardness swept the room, no one dared to move a muscle but thankfully Tsutako spoke up "Why don't we get a group picture? Some will be leaving early right?" Inside Yumi's head she mentally thanked Tsutako for her quick thinking.

Tsutako then motioned for the group to form two lines so that she can take the picture. After the picture taking was done another question started milling around the room 'Who is she?' to suppress this Sachiko then spoke up "Let's draw lots for the seating arrangement followed by a short introduction." Yoshino was caught off guard from this statement. As they drew lots the seating was then decided. From the head of the table going left Yoshino, Tsutako, Noriko, Rei, Yumi, Nana, Sachiko, Kanako, Shimako and lastly Touko.

Yoshino had a crestfallen look upon her face 'Aww... My plan backfired. Nana-chan is all the way at the other end, how can I fix this...?' While Yoshino was having silent problems on her own Yumi too was having the same thoughts 'and here I was hoping that I could talk to Touko-chan, mou… how I wish I could exchange seats with Yoshino-san and I bet that she is thinking of the same thing.' After the introductions the lunch table was opened for them to start eating.

After eating everyone had gone off into separate groups and started chatting away. Kanako had quietly slipped away with Sachiko only having the knowledge that she had already left. It was then that Yumi noticed that Kanako had already left, Sachiko had simply told Yumi that she had some things to do at home and that she did not want to disturb the party also that she wanted Touko to stay longer. Once again Yumi's mind was flooded by that girl 'Why Touko-chan said that she was busy yet when Kanako-chan had 'dragged' her into going to the party she had simply stood there. Why does she look so sad? But the bigger question that I want answered is why is she avoiding me as if I'm a plague.' she then looked over where Touko was playing Jenga with the others 'and now she is laughing but when did Touko-chan stop scowling?' the Jenga pieces then fell and Touko laughed. Sachiko then noticed her petite soeur's strained face, placing one hand on her should she told her "Don't make such a face, this is a party right?" Yumi had simply looked at her Onee-sama and smiled back.

After the small Jenga tournament was held a twister mat was then placed on the floor. While this was happening Yumi noticed that Shimako was leaving the room. She followed her down "Shimako-san wait!" Shimako then stopped and looked at the girl that called her out. "What's wrong, Yumi-san?" "Ummm..." From Yumi's response Shimako was able to catch on what Yumi was trying to ask her. "Are you wondering about Touko-chan?" Yumi was caught off guard and was trying to deny it but she could not hold on to it long, especially since it was her personality. "No, No you're right." Shimako then explained to Yumi that Touko had simply asked her about her family's line of work and if she was going to inherit it and other things related to it. From this conversation Yumi found out a few new things about Shimako which truly surprised her.

Yumi then went back to the party with thoughts and questions once again filling her mind. 'Did something happen to Touko-chan's family? Is this what's bothering her so much? But she won't come to me. I don't want to force myself onto her again it might just push her further away than she already is.' When Yumi opened the door, Yoshino made another ruckus when she was about to introduce Nana to Rei. It would seem that Nana had wanted to spar with Rei one of these days which ended up Yoshino finding out that Rei will not be attending Lillian's Women College. Yumi then out of curiosity asked Sachiko in which Sachiko simply replied "I would have wanted to tell you much more privately but I'll be attending Lillian's Women College." Upon hearing this Yumi was glad that her Onee-sama would be close, she then decided that it was time for her to give Sachiko her Christmas present but as she was about to give it to her she saw Touko leave the room. Leaving all other thoughts behind her she followed Touko out the Rose Mansion.

0-0-0

"Wait!" Touko stopped walking and looked back at Yumi not a shred of emotion was present on her face. "Leaving already?" But that question was really stupid seeing that Touko had both her coat and bag with her. "Yes. You said it was fine if I left in the middle of it." She then continued in walking and then stopped again and looked back at Yumi who was obviously going to follow her out. "Please do not follow me. And why are you coming with me? Will you be going home too, Yumi-sama? But I doubt that you had come to school with just a small handbag." "Of course not, and I just wanted to talk to you."

"Do you always pay little attention to what others feel?"

"...No" Yumi and Touko walked down the first year shoe box, the latter collected her shoes and headed to the entrance. "Did you really just wanted to walk with me then, Yumi-sama." when this question was brought up Yumi wanted to ask whether she was alright? Or is there anything I can help you with? But instead she just blurted out the most neutral question she can think of "Rei-sama's declaration really surprised me."

"Sachiko-sama will be staying here at Lillian, so you're happy, aren't you, Yumi-sama?"

"You mean, aren't I happy that a third hear chose her future path the way I had wanted her to...right?"

"The world isn't full of people who can follow the path they want." a short pause was followed and Yumi simply looked at Touko questioningly "When I was in primary school, in social studies we were given a blank map. At that time, I became really excited. I drew mountains, cities, borders, rivers and lots more on it. But then as the class went on I realized that it's not easy to do, I had wanted a map that would beat all the other maps but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the limits of being an elementary student. Life is like that blank map. It doesn't go the way you want it to. I had my eyes opened."

"Touko-chan..." Yumi whispered. Touko then continued to walk and then Yumi suddenly called out Touko's name, she stopped and turned around. They stood in front of Maria-sama, Yumi's hand was inside her pocket she could feel the beads of the rosary rubbing against her palm at the same time her mind was reeling 'How can I bridge the gap between us? I believe this rosary will do just that.' Slowly Yumi approached Touko and then out of the blue Yumi suddenly hugged Touko, again! While hugging Touko she silently told Touko, while still hugging her, "Will you…be my petite soeur?"Touko was definitely caught off guard once again, as soon as she heard Yumi utter the words 'petite soeur…will you…', she forcefully pushed her away from took a step back from her. Touko's expression was that of confusion, anger, and dumbfounded. Her head had slightly moved in a 'no' fashion as she slowly moved away from Yumi and then she ran.

Yumi was shocked at Touko's reaction; she just stood there not knowing what to do as she just stared at Touko's retreating back. The reaction that Touko made made Yumi think things over 'Touko-chan's face was filled of confusion, anger, regret, sadness…and most of all her eye's…it was lonely. Why did she reject me? Her face betrayed her actions, but still why? I had already opened myself to her…'

0-0-0

Quietly Yumi headed back to the Rose Mansion, still with Touko's emotions heavy on her mind. As she aimlessly ambled on, she lost track of time. "Yumi." Sachiko was standing in front of the door to the Rose Mansion. Walking up to meet her Yumi tried to put on her best happy, cheerful face. "If I waited here, I thought maybe we would meet alone." Both girls did not bring their coats which entailed for them to warm up using conventional ways. "If you waited...?" Yumi asked. 'How long was Onee-sama waiting? Does she know where I had been, that I had been with Touko-chan?' Sachiko then took something out of her small bag and handed Yumi a small box with a simple red ribbon tying it close. It was then that Yumi realized that Sachiko was handing her it was her Christmas present. Yumi gratefully accepted the present and opened the gift inside was a white handkerchief that had an 'S' and 'Y' embroidered on top of each other and beside this was a red rose. "Thank you so much! Oh yeah, I also have something." Yumi then took out a package from her own bag and handed it to Sachiko. When she opened the gift she was surprised yet happy at the gift. "A book cover and this is... The red rose color, we thought about the same thing when making our presents!"

Sachiko then noticed how Yumi was not that cheerful as she was before. "What's wrong?" Yumi simply shook her head and tried to steel her resolve "It's nothing Onee-sama." Sachiko reached her hand out and gently caressed her petite soeurs face and gave her a warm smile. Yumi, seeing that smile, calmed down and simply smiled back at Sachiko.


AN: Here's another update! : Quite a reaction from Touko.