Honestly Okay
AN: I do not own Card Captor Sakura
Chapter 8
Meiling's P.O.V.
I felt like a silly ditsy pre-schooler running around the house singing Christmas carols along with the CDs Aunty has been playing all day long. I twirled with glittering decorations flying all around me. Fake small red apples, golden candle sticks with red or white candles… Miniature Santa's with big red suits and golden trumpets and red and white with gold trimmed drums.
A large Christmas tree decorated with bright colourful lights and a large shining silver star. Colourful presents with big bold ribbons and small love filled cards pilled up under the tree. A large fire crackling away in the fire place warming the house with the smell of burning wood, pine needles and Christmas.
Mistletoe on the doorframes, strategically placed by me. Pine cones, plain, gold, filled with glitter, silver, green and red arranged in big bowls around the large house to fill it with colour. Small figures of the Virgin Mary with Jesus and the three wise men arranged in a wonderful display on the window sill with white light brightening the scene – almost making it real. Tinsel everywhere!
The wonderful smells of Christmas cake and gingerbread men baking away in the hot oven, and the appetising smell of lamb, turkey and roast beef being cooked in wines and other fine sauces filled my senses.
I sighed in content as I sat on the stairs watching the made up living room and some of the dining room before me. A sudden surge filled my body – excitement, and intense joy. I jumped up and ran to the kitchen. The smells of wonderful food bombarded my senses. "My Meiling, you are excited."
"Very Aunty!"
"I'm glad." I closed my eyes for the moment her fingers affectionately stroke my hair. "Are you done with the decorations?"
"Yes. Even to the last piece of mistletoe."
"Who are you trying to get together?"
"Oh, no one in particular. I just want to create a few odd situations, get a laugh or two perhaps. Maybe a cheer." I grinned at my aunt as she laughed at me. "Can I help with anything?"
"You can help with the punch if you'd like."
"Yes please."
"Meiling! What's with all the damn mistletoe everywhere? I keep hitting my head against the stuff."
"It's not my fault you are too long for your own good."
"Just move it higher." I glared at my cousin and he at me. "I know what you are up to little missy."
"Mistletoe is tradition. I'm not up to anything. And I can't move it, I'm helping with the punch. If you want it higher, move it yourself."
"Meiling." My aunt hissed at me when my cousin walked out of the kitchen mumbling threats at me under his breath. "Did you put one above his door?"
"Yup!"
"That's a good girl."
"Aunty, shouldn't you want to try and keep Sakura out of his bedroom?"
"What ever for? The sooner they get married and have children, the sooner my poor soul can find some peace. That boy of mine drives me crazy sometimes." I laughed at my aunt. "Besides, and this is just between you and me, I think Xiao-lang wants to ask Sakura to marry him very soon."
"How did you come onto this conclusion?"
"He's been asking me all these weird questions. Such as what will it cost to buy a house or an apartment, and what the cost is of living… What should a budget look like, that kind of thing. I even caught him looking at the display in a jewellery shop when we went shopping the other day."
"Yeah so?" I jumped at my cousin's strong voice behind us. He was leaning against the wall eating a gingerbread man with an amused grin on his face. He bit into the man and chewed it leisurely as he watched us. "I want to get married you know."
"Eh? When did you stumble upon this sudden revelation?"
"I didn't stumble upon it. Sakura and I talked about it."
"And?"
"And? I'll probably ask her when she graduates. I just want her to get through school first, that is the most important."
"And what about collage?" I looked at my aunt. Yeah, what about that? Then again, I've never heard Sakura talk about that. She would brush it off if we ever stumbled upon the subject and say something nosical about it.
"I don't think she wants to go."
"Wrong you are cousin. She wants to do English Literature." He picked up and apple and I frowned at him. He's going to spoil his apatite. "We'll just make sure we won't have any children until she is done with her studies."
"You really thought this out, didn't you?"
"Of course mother. How else do you know me?" I sighed at my stupid love sick cousin. "I already asked Mr Kinomoto for permission." What the? He must really be serious then. I grinned.
"You're just looking for an excuse to get her into bed with you sooner."
"I don't need an excuse for that, you little twit."
"Oh, so you have done it with her?"
"My sex life is none of your concern." I watched him turn his back on us to make his way back to his room. I could hear him bite into the apple loudly – like he always does.
"Oh, so you are still a virgin."
"As are you!" I huffed as I crossed my arms. Why can't I ever bloody well win an argument with him? I looked at my aunt trying to stifle her giggles.
"You don't think…"
"Meiling honey, my dear boy is unfortunately much too responsible for that. He is logical as his father. You'll have to warn Sakura, it can sometimes be a damper on a romantic moment." I let my mind wander to Sakura and my cousin. I could see them making out on his bed. And somehow, I could just imagine him giving into her every whim.
He's in love with even her touch. I can't possibly imagine him resisting her kisses or her body pressed so tightly against his. I giggled to myself. I hope I get to baby sit their children one day. They will be adorable. Then again, if they are anything like Xiao-lang when he was little I can be doomed too. I wonder what Sakura was like as a little kid? I remember her father saying something of having to drive Sakura to the hospital on a regular basis.
Oh boy. We are doomed if they have children. Calm down, breathe in and out. That's it. It's still a number of years and who knows, maybe at that stage I'll have children of my own to give theirs hell. That's not good either. "Aunty, do you think it wise to let him breed?"
"I heard that!"
I ignored my cousin's cry of outrage from somewhere in the house and looked up at my aunt. "You only say that now, you are still young and have so much to live for. I know that it is difficult for you without your parents and sister, but Xiao-lang and I will always be there for you. No matter what you need or where you are. I'm so sorry that my beloved brother and his wife won't be able to see what a beautiful young woman you are turning into."
I hugged my aunt and let her hold onto me. She has in so many ways become my mother, but I still miss my real mother and father. I let my eyes drift to the roof. Sakura said… "Sakura said that no matter where I go my parents and sister will always be with me, because I carry them with me. I carry them in my heart."
"It seems that our little Sakura is a wise person underneath that clumsy exterior. Oh, Meiling…" I smiled at my aunt as her dark eyes searched mine. "Although I wish your parents were still here, I am forever grateful for the time they gave for you to spend with me."
"It's been the best aunty. I really can't ask for more." I really can't ask for more.
Tomoyo's P.O.V.
Mom and I have been singing Christmas carols like idiots all day long. It started at around ten in the morning and I slightly embarrassed to say that it has continued till six thirty the evening, now that we are on our way to the Li residence. And I suspect once we arrive there we will still continue to sing carols like idiots until well into the night.
Oh well, who gives a damn?
My dad left, and although I feel kind of empty inside, I also feel relieved. All that tension that used to wear my mom down is gone now. She's been sleeping well, she eats better, she looks better and she is so much happier. She even baked a special Christmas cake for me. Mom never bakes! She buys.
Strangely enough this empty feeling isn't bothering me all that much. I'll still see my dad. I don't know what on earth I will say to him when I do see him. As I recall our last meaningful conversation was two years ago when he asked me about Sakura – again. Conversation, I should rather say heated debate.
It's going to be odd to spend time with him, that is if he even makes time for me. I doubt it though. He hasn't made time for me in a very long time and I don't think he is going to start now. What's he going to tell me anyways? Hey honey, let me tell you about the five woman I slept with this week and the illegitimate child that is most probably mine, seeing as I was the only guy who screwed the little whore at that stage.
That won't surprise me – an illegitimate child, or more. They will all probably pop up when he dies and try to put a claim on their share of the inheritance. I can just see it now, 'Daidouji in feud with father's unknown children' or something like that. As if. They can take his money. I'll take over from mom one day. It's been her and my plan since I was a little girl.
I don't want any part of my dad's business – machines ain't my style. Here you go dear half-brother or half-sister, please take it. You'll be glad to find that you will have to work impossible hours, spend a lot of time with a bunch of back stabbers and you'll probably end up sleeping with half of the model slash acting population in town.
Dad is weak. I can just imagine it. Him at some fancy party without mom and a little slut with no self-respect rubbing herself up against him. 'Oh Mr Daidouji, you have such a big … Please screw me all night long.' 'Sure honey, let me just call my wife and tell her I will be late – oops, I'm separated now. I can screw who ever I want.' Not that he didn't do it anyways! So much for vows.
Oh great, now I have a disgusting image of dad riding some model through the mattress of a motel bed. URG! I'm not having sex until I am married, I swear. Disgusting, stupid imagination. I am scarred for life. As if just knowing about his infidelity isn't bad enough.
I wonder what he'll do if I do walk in on him one day?
"Here we are Tomoyo! I'm so excited."
"Yeah mom, this is going to be great." I smiled at my mom and climbed out of the car. Our arms were loaded with gifts as we made it to the door. Wei opened it with a huge smile on his face and a silly Santa hat on his head causing me to giggle. "Mr Wei, you look great."
"'Tis the holiday season miss. Please enter. Good evening Mrs Daidouji."
"Evening Wei. We even brought you a little something."
"I'm delighted madam." I rolled my eyes at the two talking all funny.
"Meiling! Where are you?"
"In the kitchen with Sakura!"
"What? You know you should keep her away from food. We want her to stay as attractive as possible for Li."
"Ha ha, Tomoyo." I grinned at Sakura as Li pulled her close to him with a grin on his lips. "I can pig out if I want, it is one day. Besides, you are the one who packed on the pounds this holiday."
"I did not!"
"Really, then what is that little blubber I see?"
"Don't be absurd. Tomoyo has a perfect ass." I yelped when someone smacked my bottom. I turned to glare at the person, only to find Eriol with an extremely amused look on his face. "Nice and firm too."
"Keep your hands off my posterior Hiiragizawa!"
"Oh such big words for such a little girl. How are you love?" I pulled a face when he draped an arm around my shoulders and kissed me on the forehead. I glared at Meiling and Sakura who were both failing miserably in trying to keep their giggles in.
"I'm fine."
"Good, because tonight is going to be a blast."
"Blast off to the moon and leave me alone with the candy apples, then I will be happy."
"You wound me so my dear love."
"Get over yourself."
"Tomoyo and Eriol sitting in the tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g."
"Get back here Kinomoto! You have sung your last teasing song!"
"Run away, run away!" I dashed after Sakura as she released herself from Li's hold and ran for her life out of the kitchen. "Run to the hills! Run to the hills!"
"But me lord, they're coming from the hills!" Sakura swallowed as I blocked her way to the stairs.
"Well then… Run away from the hills! Run away from the hills!"
"Get back here Sakura!"
"Not in your life. Omf!" I burst with laughter when Sakura ran strait into her brother, Toya. He looked at her with that annoyed look he always carried when he believed his sister to be acting like the 'monster' he always say she is. He pulled her up by her collar like a little puppy and sat her back down on her feet.
"Monster."
"Come here trouble maker." I laughed when Li lifted Sakura over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes before carrying her off to another room, probably to make out.
"Sweet." I frowned at Eriol. "Them – wish I had a girl." I laughed at his statement. "What don't think anyone would go out with me?"
"No, unless she is crazy."
"Like you?"
Sakura's P.O.V.
"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh. Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells…"
"Jingle bells, Eriol smells, Toya laid an egg!"
"HEY!"
"Oh what fun it is to drink with Mrs L and Mr K…"
"Yeah!" I giggled at my dad and Mrs Li with their glasses high in the air along with the other grown ups before they continued with their drinking and talking. The boys were all playing poker and we took to karaoke. Bad karaoke, but karaoke none the less. And let's just say that after a couple of glasses of wine the songs Tomoyo and Meiling come up with only gets more interesting by the minute.
"What next my lovely Sakura?" I glanced at Meiling as she basically draped herself over my shoulders.
"Silent night?"
"Pretty, but boring. We need something up beat."
"What about a pop song torture session?"
"Oh! Me like… He he!" The pushed herself off me and glanced around the room. "Tomoyo! Where are you, you toffee apple eating pine needle?"
"It's snowing!"
"Eehhh!" Meiling and I shrieked as we grabbed our coats and made a dash for the door and into the cold night air. Snow was gently drifting down to the earth expanding the white blanket that already covered the ground.
"Oh baby, baby, how was I suppose to know." I giggled at Tomoyo as she picked up a stick and poked a snowball onto it to make a fake microphone.
"That the toffee wasn't right yeah." I threw Meiling with a snowball when she turned to me to go on with our stupid little song.
"Oh pretty baby, now the apple has gone cold."
"And that ain't right yeah!"
"You and me, we were meant to eat…"
"Something great now, so what went wrong?"
"You're singing is what went wrong." We all turned to glare at my brother as he came out dressed in his warm coat with the rest of the boys behind him.
"Shut up Toya!"
"Monsters will stay out in the cold to calm down when the rest can go in to warm up." I stuck my tongue out at him and he grinned. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" I nodded as he placed a warm arm around my shoulders. "Merry Christmas squirt."
"Merry Christmas big brother." He wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on my head as we watched a snowball fight break out between the rest. I laughed when a snowball hit Syaoran square in the face followed by a small victory dance by Meiling.
"You love him, don't you?" I glanced up at my brother and he smiled down at me. "I can see it in your eyes, and in his too." I smiled at my brother. "I'll always be here for you squirt."
"I know Toya."
"Big brothers need little monsters to tease."
"Hey." He laughed at me.
"You grew up so fast. I can still remember the first time I held you. You were such a tiny little thing. I was so scarred I was going to break you, but mom insisted."
"What was mom like?"
"Mom?" He was quite for a while before he pulled me closer to him. "She was just like you squirt, she was just like you." I smiled as I leaned against my big brother. Every one I love is here tonight, even great grandfather and to some extent the mother I never knew. This is more than okay, even better than honestly okay. It's perfect.
For everyone.
AN: Hello! We are at the end of our story. Sniff. But it is like they say, all good things must come to an end. Excuse my absence, but while I was away I wrote my exams and GOT MY DEGREE! Yes, you've read right. I got my degree. I am very chuffed. Ha ha!
Thank you for your continuous support throughout this story. I really appreciate it. I just love Christmas, that it why I ended the story with a Christmas scene. And one day I want to have a white Christmas. I live in the South and it's summer now.
Thank you for the lovely reviews. I hope to see you again!
Lovies Tella
