Forever in your eyes

Chapter 14

Author's jibberish: I'm back!  High school is over! So, it's my first day off and I'm here writing to you instead of going out and gallivanting.  Oh well, thanks for the reviews.

            His hands dropped from his embrace.  "You're...engaged?"

            She solemnly nodded. "His name is Shun Satoru.  He's 20 years old and works for Daidouji Toys."

            Eriol's eyes fell.

            "We've been engaged since summer. He's a good guy.  He's nice and responsible...he'll take good care of me."

            Eriol couldn't face her. He turned away, his eyes to the ground. He poured his heart out to her just a second a go and in return, she tells him she belongs to another.

            "I'm sorry if I confused you or anything, Eriol," Tomoyo apologized. Her tears continued to fall. "I'm so, so sorry."

            Eriol turned to her, and smiled. It took all his strength not to lose his cool. He was Hiiragizawa Eriol. "It's getting late, dont' you think?"

            Tomoyo looked down. "Yes."

            "I'll take you home now."

            The fireworks soon faded from the sky.

            Eriol sat in his chair, facing the window. The outside was dark and dreary, and clouds covered the sky.  In his lap sat the framed picture of the two.  He stared out at the empty, foggy morning, cursing everything he could think of.

            Nakuru walked upstairs, a tray in her hands. He didn't come down for dinner again last night.  It had been almost a week since New Years.  He would lock himself in his room, shower and eat close to nothing.  It broke her heart seeing him like this because she did not know how to make her master well.  She feared he was getting sick in his depression.

            She knocked on his bedroom door. "Eriol, I brought you some breakfast. It's just some pancakes...Suppi-chan says it's better than the last time..." No answer came to the door. Nakuru stood there then placed the tray down. "I'll leave the tray here so you can eat."  She was about to turn away but she stopped. Nakuru leaned against the wall beside the door.  "Eriol...Suppi-chan and I are really worried. You've been like this since you got back from your date on New Year's.  We're your guardians but...we wish we could've protected you from this. You have always been able to talk to us Eriol. It's been a whole week and you seem to be getting worse. To be honest, Suppi and I are scared--."

            The door slowly creaked open.  Out stepped Eriol, dressed in a jacket, sweater and pants. His eyes were red, with dark circles under them.  His face seemed to be an unhealthy white. He looked up at her, a sad expression on his face. "I told her I love her...but she's engaged."

            Nakuru's eyebrows lifted. "Oh...Eriol, I'm so sorry."

            Eriol nodded. "So am I." He shrugged heavily. "Clow Reed never found true love. Maybe I'm not destined for love. Maybe...I'm meant to be alone."

            "No Eriol!" Nakuru placed her hands on his shoulders. "You're not alone; you have us."

            He closed his eyes and took her hands in his own. "And I am forever grateful." He held her by the shoulders, pulled her towards him and kissed her forehead. "But..." his eyes lowered. He turned and walked away. "I'll be out." Eriol left downstairs and closed the door behind him.

            Eriol walked to the hills that overlooked the town. The air was insanely cold and he could see his breath appear in puffs of smoke. He clutched the railing and began to yell at the top of his lungs. "I want to get over Daidouji Tomoyo!"

            The clouds began to part.

            "I want to find a new life without her!" Eriol's knees grew weak and he collapsed on them, clinging onto the railing. He hung his head. "I..." he muttered. I felt a little better when I yelled about Kaho...why isn't this working now? He asked himself. He then realized that what he feels for Tomoyo is stronger than what he felt for Kaho. Is that possible? Yes, he soon realized. Fate gave him a wild card and he couldn't figure out what to do.

            The first rays of sun hit his eyes.  He looked up and could see the sunrays peeking from the mountains. Eriol slowly got to his feet and ran back into town.

...to be continued =)

More jibberish: Well, that was less cliffhanger-like, I do say so myself.  I got a lot of reviews for Chapter 13...couldn't imagine why =) Anyway, what will Eriol do? I'll give you a little hint on the next chapter: Shun Satoru!