Chapter Ten: Escape

"And another successful performance ends. Great job everyone!" Tomoyo at Life as they headed towards the table everyone else was at.

"Ah thank you! I try," Kyou replied as he grabbed a chair.

Naoko shook her head at him. "Ego much?"

"Aw come on Naoko. You know I'm kidding. We all did really well tonight."

Chiharu smirked. "Smart guy. Save yourself." The rest of the group laughed.

Meiling sighed. "It's hard to believe that in a few days summer vacation is going to start.

Syaoran nodded. "You're right. Time has gone by quite quickly…but maybe that's because there was so much going lately." And he was right. The school festival and talent show competition took up a lot of their time; especially since they had to deal with Sakura's being bullied and Risa being blackmailed incidents. Not to mention all the practices the band goes through on a regular basis and performances done at Club Blossom. The gang was so busy it was no wonder the days seemed to fly by.

Speaking of which," he turned towards the others. "What do you guys have planned for summer…other than more performances here at the club?"

"Well, I got a job making costumes for a summer school that's planning a pretty huge production. I'm so excited! I can't wait to start!" Tomoyo squealed with joy.

Eriol chuckled. "That's just like you." He turned to Sakura. "So what do you have planned?"

"Since it is summer break I am trying to get a job part time and then spend the rest of the time with Kohana and help out around the house."

"If you want, you can apply for a job at the summer school I'm working at. It's a six-week program for kids ages three and up and they need another person to help supervise the kids at the swimming pool," Eriol suggested.

Sakura smiled at Eriol. "Really?"

Eriol nodded. "Of course it is. Besides the only other two they have so far are Syaoran and Meiling and we do need at least one more responsible person aside from Syaoran."

"Hey! I resent that comment!" Everyone laughed at Meiling's outburst.

Sakura grinned. "Okay, I think I'll check it out. Maybe sign Kohana up to go as well. Thanks Eriol."

"No problem."

Syaoran turned to Naoko and the others. "Do you have anything planned? I'm sure there are a few more openings left at the summer school if any of you are interested."

"Well I don't have any plans yet so I'm not sure," Naoko shrugged her reply.

Kyou turned towards her and frowned. "You could've joined us Naoko! You would have had fun!"

"I can't go Kyou."

"Go to what exactly," Sakura asked.

Chiharu sighed. "There's a music workshop going on for six weeks this summer. Takashi, Elrick, Kyou, Risa, and I all signed up for it but Naoko says that she can't go with us."

"And I honestly can't. My dad told me no. He thinks that it's all a waste of time and money."

Risa placed a hand on Naoko's shoulder. "But Naoko, you love music. You love playing your cello as much as I love playing my guitar."

Takashi agreed. "And isn't it your dream to join a music conservatory like Chiharu? This is a really good opportunity for you."

It was evident that Naoko really wanted to go. "I know but…"

Kyou took Naoko's hands and held them, gazing straight into her eyes. "It's not too late. If you want, Elrick, Chiharu and I can meet Mr. Yanagisawa for you – "

"No!"

The entire gang was taken aback by the sudden outburst, especially Kyou and Chiharu who were both wide eyed. Naoko realized her mistake and tried to correct it. "I'm sorry…what I mean is that it would be pointless to try. Once he makes up his mind there's no changing it. Don't worry about it. I'll find something else to do."

Kyou looked at Naoko's obviously fake smile and sighed. "Alright then…but if you are ever able to convince him, let me know. There are two more weeks left to sign up."

Naoko nodded. "Okay."

Not long after a person called out to them, breaking the tension amongst the group. "Excuse me. This is the band Life, no?"

The group turned to see a woman of medium height in her twenties smiling at them. She had curly black hair and blue eyes and was dressed pretty casually, wearing a pair of jeans with a silver blouse and heels.

Sakura spoke up. "Yes, this is. How can we help you?"

"Hello, nice to meet you!" The woman took out a business card with her name and phone number on it and handed it over to Sakura. "My name is Lita Kimoree and I work for an organization called Starlight. It's an organization that was just created a few months ago to encourage youths to get out and do something positive rather than just stay shut in the house all day. It's a plan to get young people more active."

"What do you want with us exactly?"

"To make our organization more known we are planning an annual summer event that will be held about two months from now. It's going to be a three-day festival of sorts for the entire family. We'll have lots of food, games, and prizes…even a tournament. To end the weekend we'll have an all-day concert featuring high school bands in this town and anywhere else who is interested in joining. It's my job to recruit such bands." Lita pointed towards the stage. "You guys were amazing up there. If you all are interested I would like you to be one of the many bands that will perform that day."

Sakura was quite surprised by the invitation and instantly turned to her friends for their opinions.

Elrick smiled. "I think we should. It's a chance to perform in front of a larger group."

Risa agreed. "It's an opportunity that most will never get."

"Plus there will be food there!" Takashi instantly received a whack on the arm from Chiharu.

"Honestly," she huffed. "Don't you think of anything else except food?" She faces Sakura with a smile. "They are right though…plus the concert's two months away. We'd all be done with our plans by then and it's not as if we can't practice during this time anyway. We would be ready for it."

"So all of you are for it?" Sakura looked at all the members of Life. Everyone was for it 100%. Sakura turned back to Lita grinning. "We accept your invitation."

Lita returned the smile with one of her own. "That's great! I'll leave this card here with you and if you have any questions at all about the event feel free to call or e-mail me. I would greatly appreciate if I could receive some sort of contact information so that I can contact you when I get more information." They exchanged contact information. "I hope to see you guys soon! Thank you so much and have a great day! She waved and walked off."

"That was unexpected, don't you guys think?" Naoko looked in the direction Lita had just gone.

"I think this will be an amazing experience for you all. Syaoran and I will be there for sure, right Syaoran?" Meiling nudged Syaoran for an answer.

Syaoran smiled. "That's right. It seems like fun. I'll be glad to go!"

"Alright! This is gonna be awesome!" Pure excitement shone off of Kyou as it did with the rest of the band.

"Finally, the last day of school before summer vacation has ended. I almost wondered if we'd never see this day," Elrick said with a sigh.

School had just ended at Kitara High and Elrick was with Angelique sitting in the grass near the school entrance.

Angelique laughed. "Don't forget to do your homework. You never used to when we were back in Hong Kong but you seem so relieved who knows what'd happen."

"You know I never forget. It'll be done in no time."

The silver-eyed girl smiled. "Yea that's just like you. Always orderly…got every done first. Who knows when I would've completed my assignments if it wasn't for you?"

Elrick laughed this time. "I remember that. You would always wait until about the day before and then be in a panic to get everything done. Have you improved on that?"

"I had to. After you moved here it was either get the work done or suffer."

"Good, because I don't plan on helping you this time if you wait until the last minute."

Angelique pouted. "Oh come on! Don't be like that!"

"Then don't start it too late."

"Fine," Angelique sighed. She gazed into the sky. "We have a lot of memories from Hong Kong don't we?"

Elrick gazed into the sky as well. "Yea, we certainly do."

"Um…Elrick…I wanted to apologize about what happened between us those last few months before you left." At this point Elrick turned to face her but she continued to gaze into the sky sadly. "I treated you horribly…you and Kyou both. I don't know what I was thinking. You're my best friend…at least we were best friends…I'm so sorry."

Elrick turned towards the ground this time. "It wasn't your entire fault. Your father had a major role to play in it as well you know."

"But that was no excuse for my behavior! I admit I was wrong. I hurt you…and I'm really sorry. I hope that someday we can be good friends again…"

Angelique's words were cut off as Elrick gently picked up her hand and held it. "We can be friends again. Angelique…it is okay. I forgive you."

"But what about Kyou?"

"He will come around…one day. So don't worry about it okay?"

Angelique bent her head so that her long light blue hair could hide the blush on her face. "Okay…thank you."

There was a comfortable silence between the two. Suddenly Angelique checked her watch and gasped. "I didn't realize it was this late! I gotta go!" She quickly picked up her bag and prepared to run. "I hope I get to see you again soon. Maybe we can do our homework together."

"Angelique, wait!" The young girl stopped and turned towards Elrick, waiting for his response. "Two months from now there's suppose to be a huge festival by a new organization coming up and our band has been invited to perform on the final day. I hope you'll be able to make it."

Angelique smiled and gave a thumb up. "I'll be there!"

Elrick smiled back. "Great! See you around then!" She waved and left. Elrick decided to remain seated where he was, wearing a very big smile.

"I can't believe you forgave her."

Elrick jumped. "Kyou, how long were you here?"

"Long enough…Elrick do you honestly think she deserves a second chance?"

Elrick turned to face Kyou head on. "Why not? She apologized after all."

"And you forgive her? You honestly think she meant her apology? That backstabber?"

Elrick frowned. "Kyou…what's gotten into you?"

"I can ask you the same thing! Did you forget the way she treated us…you especially? Shall I remind you?"

"There's no need to do that!"

Kyou glared at Elrick with fiery eyes. "Oh I think I do because it's obvious you have forgotten. She was your best friend for years Elrick. You two were nearly inseparable…until the year her mother got remarried…became rich."

Elrick was now staring at the ground. His fists clenched. "That's enough…"

However, Kyou continued on. "She changed from the sweet girl she was to a rich snob who could no longer associate with us. Conversation with you died down until it was almost no more. Soon she stopped talking to you altogether and started hanging out with a new group of people…people who enjoyed messing with others."

"Please stop…"

"It came to the point where one of the people in that group stole some of the teacher's possessions and placed all the blame on you. She knew who it was, but did she tell the truth to save you? No. Did she come to your aid when you were being accused of theft and was threatened with expulsion? No. And even when your innocence was proven…the rumors began to spread about you because of her group. Did she stick up for you? No. In fact when you confronted her she acted as if you didn't exist and confessed to spreading the rumors herself!"

Elrick was absolutely enraged now. "I said, that's enough!""

Kyou persisted still. "Why should I stop? You honestly believe her? You honestly think that she has changed? When we left Hong Kong to come here she didn't even utter a word of goodbye to you and now she has the audacity to greet us again with a smile on her face as if we left as friends? Pathetic…that's what I think. And yet you stand up for her. Why, Elrick? Why?"

Elrick stormed closer to Kyou and yanked him by the shirt. "Because I love her, okay? Can you understand that? Can you?" Elrick's voice was a harsh and angry whisper…as if speaking any louder would lead to disastrous results; and Kyou had never seen him like this. He was rendered speechless.

"I loved her when we were best friends. I loved her when she betrayed us and even when we moved here I was still in love with her. Why do you think I'm still single and you're not, huh? It was because I never got over her. That's why even though she started to ignore me, even though she betrayed our friendship, even though she didn't stand up for me, I couldn't hate her. Do you honestly think those things didn't hurt me? You of all people knew how I felt about her. The girl broke my heart and yet I still couldn't hate her. And now, even when I know there's a chance that she might not have changed, I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt like I do all my friends. Why? Because I LOVE HER! If you of all people cannot seem to understand that then you don't know me at all do you?"

With that Elrick released his brother and walked off from the area…leaving a bewildered and stunned Kyou alone.

It was evening. The sun was starting to set slowly in the background revealing its lovely shades of orange and red before saying goodnight. Kyou did not go home. Instead he decided to go for a walk to clear his head for a while.

"That has never happened before…"

"What hasn't?" Kyou turned behind him to see Naoko right behind with her cello. It was on wheels, making it easier to carry.

Kyou smiled a bit. "Hey." He kissed her and then took the cello from her hands. He went by her side so that they could walk together. "I didn't expect you to be out this late."

"Yea, my practice ended up running longer than usual. But enough about me. What's going on with you?"

"Elrick and I had sort of a fight…about Angelique."

Naoko gasped. "You're right. You guys don't usually fight like this. You know…you never told me what happened between you three in the past. Care to tell me now?"

And so Kyou talked about everything from how Angelique ditched them to how Elrick almost got expelled because of her. He then explained the cause of their fight that day.

Naoko listened and was silent for a moment. Finally she spoke. "You know Kyou, I understand your resentment towards Angelique. I understand how Elrick feels as well. I think he's hoping that things have changed…that whatever happened to Angelique back then is no longer there."

Kyou sighed. "But we don't know if she has changed from back then or not. People do not change that easily."

"You're right…which is why I would question Angelique's behavior from the beginning…from when you guys were in Hong Kong."

He looked at her confused. "I don't get it. Why?"

"Think about it. You said that those two were childhood friends…best friends. They grew up together so they were close. In fact they knew each other almost as long as you two do when your parents got re-married. And then one day she suddenly stops talking to him…and it is right after her mom got remarried too? I would say that there's more to this story than you know."

"You do have a point. I never thought of that. Think Elrick knows?"

"He may know a bit more than you do. Talk to him again and see. You may not have forgiven Angelique as yet but Elrick is still your brother. Try seeing things from his perspective."

Kyou nodded his head. "Thanks. I don't like it but you are right. I'll try talking to him again. Besides I don't want to go home to a tense atmosphere anyway."

Naoko smiled. "You two will be fine dear. I'm sure of it."

"So, what exactly caused your practice to run so long," Kyou asked.

"Well it was because we were talking. We're going to be seniors next year so my teacher wanted to know if I was interested in continuing music after I graduate from high school. We were talking about some of the conservatories in the area and what I would need to do to start preparing for them."

"That's awesome! Have you told Mr. Yanagisawa about it yet?"

"No…but I will eventually I guess…"

"Naoko…is there something going on in that house?"

She stopped walking, startled by the question, but continued walking again right afterwards. She smiled almost nervously. "Not at all. Why would you think that?"

Kyou looked straight ahead. They were almost to Naoko's home. "I don't know. Maybe because for the last few months you've been getting a lot of bruises and cuts. You're not clumsy. This is not normal for you at all. You get tense whenever we mention anything about home…almost as if you are scared and aside from me, Elrick, and Chiharu, you haven't let anyone else meet your dad. Not that I blame you for that one though. Your dad is a jerk. I can't stand him…but you haven't let me visit your home in a long time either. We always have to meet away from your house."

"You know my dad doesn't like you that much either. Look, there really isn't anything going on. Sakura and the others haven't met him before because we were always so busy with other things and those bruises were really all accidents."

By this time now they were in front of the steps to Naoko's home. Kyou turned to face Naoko. "You're sure?"

Naoko nodded her head. "Honestly."

Kyou sighed. He didn't believe her words one bit. Looks like he would have to really do some digging of his own. He stood the cello case up and held Naoko by the shoulders, his eyes meeting her own. "If something ever happens…promise me that you would tell me. I don't want anything happening to you."

Naoko, not able to tear away from his gaze merely whispered, "Okay."

Kyou smiled. "Good." Then he leaned in to kiss her. When he pulled away he asked, "Is your dad home tonight?"

Naoko shook her head. "No. He has business out of town for the next few days so he should have left today." She took the keys out of her pocket. "I'll see you tomorrow at practice?"

"Yeah," Kyou replied.

Naoko smiled. "Okay, see you then –" The smile on her face disappeared entirely. Her eyes grew wide behind her glasses and she started trembling. Right at the top of the stairs was her father…and he didn't look very happy. "Dad…what are you doing here? I thought you had to leave today?"

"It was postponed two days…why are you coming home so late? It's almost 7 o'clock."

"Wwell…you see…I just came from my cello lessons."

Kyou frowned at the cold look in Mr. Yanagisawa's brown eyes and scowl. He hated even more the way Naoko responded to him. What is going on?

Mr. Yanagisawa turned to Kyou and his scowl grew even more. "Naoko…what is he doing here?"

Naoko began to shake even more…though she tried hard to hide it. Well, you see…we met up on the way home so he helped me carry my cello home – "

"Get inside. Now. We will continue talking later." Naoko picked up her cello and got inside quickly.

Mr. Yanagisawa went back to facing Kyou. "I see that you and Naoko are still together. I thought I told you to stay away from her."

Kyou's frown got even bigger. "I'm sorry, that is something I do not wish to do…and neither does she. Most people do not want to end a two-year relationship after all."

"You are going to have to end it anyway."

"I'm not going to."

Mr. Yanagisawa crossed his arms. "Stubborn young man, huh? Listen and listen well. You are a bad influence on Naoko. You dress like a rebel and you look weird. I don't care what you say; those color eyes cannot be real. Not to mention Naoko has been coming home really late these days. I'm guessing it is because of this band you two were talking about. Face it. You are a bad influence on her. Stay away from my daughter."

Kyou was very angry now. "Well, sir, I'm sorry if you dislike my appearance but you are going to have to deal with it. I don't care if you don't like how I look or my eyes which are very much real thank you. I don't care if you think I'm a bad influence on her. You never tried to get to know me in the first place. You keep her locked up in the house whenever you get the chance. I don't think she knows hardly anyone even in this neighborhood. As for the band, I think it was the best thing that has happened to her. She gets to play her cello occasionally with us, gaining more experience. She loves music. I'm not going to take that away from her…and neither should you. And she is your step-daughter. Remember that."

With that Kyou turned to head for home. "Goodnight Mr. Yanagisawa. I hope your business trip goes well." He left the house.

Naoko ran inside her room the instant she got inside the house. Closing the door quickly she locked it and fell to the floor. She was shaking tremendously. "I didn't think he would be home. I'm going to be in trouble for sure. I can't stay here. I gotta get out of here."

Naoko quickly took her backpack with her music books and shoved about three days worth of clothes in it as well. She looked at the picture she had of her mom and stared at it for a moment. She was prepared to jump out the window before her dad noticed when a knock came on the door…and she froze.

"Naoko, open this door right now. We need to talk."

Naoko didn't want to open the door. She knew what was coming…but fear prevented her from ignoring his command. She opened the door and sat on her bed waiting for his response. However all he did was enter the room and look around very calmly. Her room was a peach color filled with posters of famous conductors and composers alike. On one side of the room was a place where she could practice.

Mr. Yanagisawa walked over to the study desk where Naoko's books were stacked neatly and where her mother's picture lay. He picked it up. "You know…your mother was a very beautiful woman. Strong, independent, and hard working. She raised you all on her own after all. When I met her it was love at first sight. I was willing to accept everything about her…even her child. I thought her child would be just like her." He turned to Naoko with wicked, angry eyes and Naoko could no longer hide her shaking. She was frozen on the bed.

He walked closer to her. "When your mother died I did everything for you! I enrolled you in a top school, got us to live comfortably in a nice house. I even allowed you to continue playing that stupid cello of yours. I did everything I possibly could and when I open my door what do I see? You kissing that trash…the same trash I told you to get rid of months ago! Tell me one thing…do you really love him that much?"

"…Yes..."

He punched her and she fell to the ground. He then started kicking her repeatedly in her side. She screamed out but no one was near to hear her cries. "You good for nothing, unappreciative child! After all I did for you and you couldn't even do one thing for me? Can you imagine if the others in my business circle saw you two what they would think? My named would be ruined and would all be due to your selfishness! I'm starting to regret ever taking you in!"

He picked up her mother's photo again, completely enraged now. "I don't care if you are that woman's child. You mean nothing to me!" He took the glass frame and slammed it into Naoko's face, shattering it and cutting Naoko as a result. That was when he stopped and gazed at her with cold eyes.

By this time Naoko could only sob in pain as she lay on the ground. She knew he wasn't done with her. She couldn't stay in that house anymore. She had to get out. She had to get out now. In the instant that Mr. Yanagisawa had stopped his abuse she jumped up with newfound energy and ran to the open window, backpack already on her back. He realized what she was about to do but it was too late to stop her. She jumped out of the second floor window to the tall tree that was near it and slid down it, running out of sight.

Mr. Yanagisawa slammed his fist angrily into the wall. "I can't believe this!" He ran down the stairs and headed towards the car to begin hunting her down.

Chiharu had just finished practicing her violin when she heard someone frantically ringing her doorbell. Startled she ran to the door quickly to see who it was. When it opened, she was surprised and appalled to see Naoko at her door covered in bruises. "Naoko…what happened to you?"

"Let me in quickly and lock the door!" Naoko ran inside as Chiharu locked the door behind her.

"Naoko did your father do this to you?"

Naoko continued to shake still not over what had just happened only moments ago. "Yes and he's still furious. I jumped out the window and ran away in the middle of it. He must be searching for me right now."

"What? We gotta get out of here then. He would come here first!"

Suddenly they heard a car drive up to the house. Chiharu looked through the peephole. "Crap! He's here! Run to the back door. My parents aren't home just yet. I'll call them to let them know what's going on later. We need to sneak out now!"

Chiharu and Naoko ran to the back door which led to a back street. "Naoko, we're gonna quickly but quietly get out of this door. We're a good distance away from the front door so that he wouldn't hear our footsteps. We can't head to Kyou's home. That would be the next place he would go. We got to go to a home he is not familiar with and I know just the place."

Mr. Yanagisawa started knocking on the door frantically. Chiharu quickly opened the door. "Let's go!" They slipped out and disappeared into the night without him suspecting anything.

Elrick sat at the piano playing a new piece that he was working on when Kyou came in. "Hey Elrick." Elrick stopped and turned to face him. "Can we talk?"

Elrick shrugged. "I suppose so."

Kyou grabbed a chair and sat on it backwards, facing his brother. "…Naoko and I talked this evening. I'm sorry I snapped at you today. I knew how you felt about her and didn't take it into consideration. It's just that she has hurt you so much Elrick. I don't want her to do it again."

Elrick didn't reply.

"Look, Naoko made me realize that there may be more to Angelique's behavior than I thought. Do you know anything about it?"

Elrick sighed. "I know it has to do with her step-father. He hated me. She never told me everything either."

Kyou frowned. "What's with these step-fathers hating us?" He sighed. "I can't say that I can forgive her as easily as you did. You're my brother and she hurt you. However, I guess it can't hurt to at least give her a second chance.

Elrick looked at him surprised. "Really?"

"Really."

Elrick smiled. "Good, because she's coming over next week so that we can work on our homework together."

Kyou looked slightly shocked and annoyed…then he started to laugh. "Looks like I'm gonna have to get started on this sooner than I thought…so are we cool now?"

Kyou gave a high five which Elrick responded to happily. "We're cool."

"Great."

The doorbell began the ring. "Elrick, Kyou, can one of you get that please? I'm busy in the kitchen."

"Okay," Kyou called out.

The doorbell started ringing nonstop and Kyou got annoyed. "Has this person never heard of ringing the doorbell once and waiting?" He got to the door and opened it. His eyes became wide with shock. "Mr. Yanagisawa? What are you doing here?"

Mr. Yanagisawa grabbed him by the collar and whispered harshly. "Where is she?"

"Where is who?"

"Don't mess with me. I know you're hiding Naoko somewhere. This is the only place she could be. Now tell me WHERE IS SHE?"

Kyou slapped his hands off his shirt. "I do not know where she is. Should she not be at home?"

He growled. "That ungrateful child ran off."

"What?"

By this time both Elrick and their mom came to the door to find out what all the noise was about. They were surprised to see Mr. Yanagisawa as well. "It's been a long time since we have seen you. How may we help you sir?"

"Hello Mrs. Echiru. You see there is a situation here that can be solved quite easily. I want my daughter and your son's hiding him."

Kyou was getting agitated. "For the last time, I do not know where Naoko is and she is not here!"

Mrs. Echiru nodded her head. "That is right. Naoko is not here and she hasn't visited here in days. I suggest you ask her other friends. Then again I cannot see why she would run away in the first place…unless something just happened at home. Am I right?"

Mr. Yanagisawa glared at her. "I'm afraid it is none of your business. Goodnight." He walked to his car and drove off."

"What on earth is going on?" Elrick asked.

"That's what I want to know," Kyou replied. Suddenly his cell phone rang. "Hello? ...Chiharu what's wrong you sound like you're in a panic. …Yea, Mr. Yanagisawa just left here. He came to your house too? …What's going on? …WHAT? …Where are you guys going? Okay, I'm on my way. See you there." He hung up his phone and began to shake with anger.

"Kyou, what's wrong? Is Naoko with Chiharu?" their mom asked.

"Yes…she is. They're on the run. Mr. Yanagisawa beat Naoko up…and pretty badly it seems."

"What?"

"Where are they running too now," Elrick asked.

"They're on their way to Sakura's house. Mr. Yanagisawa does not know her. She'd be safe there." Kyou looked at his mom. "Mom, I got to go there now. Naoko needs me. Can you call Chiharu's parents so that they know what is going on please? Chiharu said she didn't have a chance to leave them a message."

Their mom nodded her head. "Alright. I'll do that right now. Go quickly! I'll tell your father what is going on as well."

"Thanks Mom." Kyou grabbed his shoes and ran out the door.

Elrick followed right after him. "I'm coming with you!" They both ran out the door.

Mrs. Echiru frowned. "Just what kind of life has Naoko been living all this time?"

"Baking cookies is fun, Mommy!" Kohana, Sakura and Nadeshiko had just finished putting the last batch in the oven.

Sakura laughed. "It is fun but look at you! You're a mess!" And indeed Kohana was. Her face and hands were completely covered in flour. Sakura took a wet cloth and cleaned her up.

The doorbell rang.

"Sakura, can you answer the door please?" Nadeshiko asked.

"Sure Mom. Kohana, do you want to help me answer the door too?"

Kohana nodded her head. They went to the door and when they opened it Sakura gasped. "Chiharu! Naoko! You're hurt! Why are you two here? What's going on?"

Chiharu sighed. "It's a long story." They both came inside.

"Oh my gosh!" Sakura cried out. "It's worse than I thought! Kohana sweetie, go to Grandma and tell her we need her help. Someone is hurt."

Kohana, who was scared silent by seeing Naoko so hurt merely nodded her head and ran straight into the kitchen. Nadeshiko came running out. "What happened that has Kohana so shaken up…oh my gosh…" She saw Naoko and immediately ran upstairs. "I'll get the first aid kit."

Sakura led the two girls to the couch when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," she said.

She ran back to the door to see a worried Elrick and an even more worried Kyou. "Is she here?" Kyou asked.

Sakura pointed him towards the couch where he ran to.

Kyou saw Naoko and stopped. "Naoko…"

Naoko immediately ran over to him. "Kyou!" Throwing herself into his arms she stayed there and sobbed.

The room went silent as all they could do was observe this sad scene.

A/N: Hello guys…I honestly have no real excuse this time why this chapter is coming an entire year later. I'm away to college and even now I'm still taking classes. However my writer's block is gone now and I promise that I will update at least this story and hopefully complete it by the end of the summer. I am very very sorry and I hope you guys forgive me…then again that's if you guys don't hate me after reading this chapter. I think my writing has changed a tad bit…what do you guys think? Anyway, until next time please R &R!