Author's notes: I'm going to just make this short guys since I'm really in
a bit of a hurry. Thank you to everybody who read the last chapter and said
they've liked it! You are all so sweet! And gomen nasai for errors on this
chap, I wasn't able to proof read it since I am indeed in a hurry. I'll
revise it again next time, when I got the chance to read this. And lastly,
pls. review. This chapter is my offer to all of you before I go for a week-
long or more than that vacation. I'm going to miss you all! Hope you like
this one!
CHAPTER ELEVEN
DANCE LESSONS
**SAKURA**
"Syaoran's really late." I muttered as I glanced at the old grandfather clock of the Daidouji's family.
"Well, maybe they're still up doing their project." Tomoyo answered as she came back inside their huge living room, carrying a pitcher of fresh orange juice.
"Here, why don't we drink this first while waiting for Syaoran to arrived," she offered, setting down the pitcher infront of me.
"Arigatou." I replied gratefully. It seems to me that Hana and Syaoran apparently wasn't able to finish their project sooner than what he expected. And Syaoran and I still have to practice the much dreaded dance lessons today after their project.
I sighed. I'm already getting a bit bored and tired waiting for him.
"So, what do we do now Tomoyo?" I asked. "We've just finished our project and we don't have anything to do now. I'm getting bored already."
That's right, guys. You've heard me right. Even though it's only Wednesday today, Tomoyo and I have decided to finish off our project already since we've all agreed earlier that while we wait for Syaoran to finish their meeting, we'll do at least something productive. Thanks to the wonders of technology, such as the Internet, our group finished our research in a flash. So now, we've got nothing left to do and just what I've said, I'm already getting bored. And it doesn't help to know that I don't actually look forward to what's going to happen next. Our dance lessons doesn't exactly thrilled me before, and even though I have all these weird feeling towards my bestfriend now, it still wasn't able to manage raising the level of my enthusiasm even for a bit. Even more so, it just made me even feel more nervous.
"Hmmm...why don't we talk about your secret valentine's?" Tomoyo giggled. "It was really funny seeing your face earlier when you received that beautiful angel figurine right before the class. You look like you're going to explode in any minute!"
I grunted in exasperation, as I remembered what happened this morning. "You don't have to remind me, Tomoyo."
Well, since Tomoyo brought it up, I have no choice but to recount what happened today to all of you. I'm just going to make it short and clear since, you know, my so-called admirer still disgusts me. You see, when I went to class this morning, as soon as I've entered our room, all our classmates suddenly whistled and giggled and got all hyper. I'm not really that dense not to know that something weird was up and unfortunately, it's about me. As I walk towards my desk, I've even heard some of my classmates whispering about whom I'm going with to that stupid party. As if, I'm going there! Anyway, when I look around, the first face I've noticed was Syaoran's and boy, does he look angry! Well, I think so. And then, when I glanced at my desk, there was that thing. And as usual, it even have a note attached to it. And when I read the note, there was this thing written in it:
Sakura,
Angels are friends who lifted us to our feet, especially during in times of trouble.
Let me be that angel to guide you.
******
Of course, it freaked me out. Although, whoever send this thing to me seems to know I've got some sort of dilemma right now and that got me confused. And what's really weird is that the guy keeps talking about friendship. And not about romantic stuffs. And you know, what's really bad about what happened earlier? Now, the whole class knows I've got some secret admirer and that they really found it very romantic and interesting. Man, suddenly I had a lovelife! Ugh. Isn't that really scary? I'm even getting goosebumps now just by recalling what had happened!
"But don't you think he's sweet?" Tomoyo asked breathlessly, looking as if she'd just watch a romance movie. "Plus, the figurine really looks elegant. He's one tender guy, I suppose."
I drink first some juice before answering. "Tomoyo, I think it's high time you got yourself a boyfriend so that you can pour all that romance into someone else." I chuckled softly. "Got anyone in your mind right now?"
"Iie." She shook her head furiously. "I don't have time for that. I'm very busy with my extracurricular stuffs."
I smiled teasingly. "Maybe you're not telling me something."
Tomoyo laugh softly. "It seems to me that you're also bitten by that Valentine's bug on the loose right now. Maybe you're the one who needs a boyfriend. Don't you think so?"
My smile disappeared and was replaced by a small frown. "I don't think so. Come on, why don't we do something else rather than discuss my nonexistent lovelife? It seems to me that Syaoran's still not arriving any sooner."
I took another frustrated glance at their clock. Syaoran's already late for almost an hour now! It's a good thing that we don't have any assignments for tomorrow and that we're already done with our project, or else...
"I have an idea!" Tomoyo exclaimed suddenly, which startled me that I jump about an inch in my seat. She tugged me lightly in my arms as she drag me in whatever direction she's going. "This is certainly fun and not boring, trust me."
"What on earth are you up to?"
She smiled mischievously at me. "You'll see."
As we ended up inside Tomoyo's bedroom, I eventually found out what her idea of fun was. And I don't like it! Next time, I should've just kept my mouth shut when I'm bored rather that ask her what to do.
"Iie, Tomoyo! Never in my life will I do that!" I shook my head in disagreement.
"Onegai, Sakura?" She pleaded. "Just this once?"
"I'm NOT going to have any makeovers." I said stubbornly. "Don't you think I look good enough?"
"Of course, you look really kawaii, Sakura! Gorgeous, in fact." Tomoyo answered earnestly, although her praises still doesn't get to me. No matter how many times she'll flatter me, I won't do it. It's so absurd!
"Then, I don't think I need a make-over." I stand up. "Let's just go downstairs and wait for Syaoran."
"Tell you what, you don't have to look like that infront of Syaoran." Tomoyo bargained. "You can wash the make-up off and change back into your clothes right after you saw yourself."
"Then what's the purpose of doing it if I'll change back again?" I asked in disbelief. Really, it doesn't makes sense!
"First and foremost, weâE~re doing something rather than sit downstairs and get bored. Second, I really want to see how you'll look like when you're all dressed up!" Tomoyo explained. " You said you're not going to the dance so you don't get to wear these fancy dresses and we don't get to see you! So I think you should at least know what it feels like to get all glamorous and those stuffs!"
"You can not convince me, Tomoyo."
"Okay, you don't have to wear a dress. Maybe just some blouses or something. As long as it looks feminine." She continued to negotiate. "Just think of it as a play, Sakura. Like you're just acting out. Eventually, you know, someday you'll have to wear these stuffs too."
"Demo TomoyoâE"" I started but I was cut short by Tomoyo's pleading voice.
"Just this once, onegai? Promise, right after this I wouldn't bother you with girly stuffs anymore."
As I look at my bestfriend's hopeful face, I suddenly couldn't bring myself to argue with her anymore. Tomoyo looks really serious about it and I guess, I don't have the heart to shatter what she really wants. This is really not a big deal right? Besides, she said I could get to wash off the make-up right away so basically I don't have anything to lose that much. Right, guys?
I took a deep, nervous breath before replying. "Okay, Tomoyo. I'm going to do it."
At that, she squealed happily and hug me tight. Oh well, at least it made my bestfriend really happy.
"Right after this, you will not bug me anymore about dressing up, okay?"
"Hai!" Tomoyo nodded happily. Immediately, she is on the work as she rummaged around her room for all the materials she's going to need while I sat helplessly on a chair infront of her vanity mirror.
"Can I close my eyes while you apply all that paint on my face?" I asked.
Tomoyo laughed. "You can call this make-up, Sakura. Sure, you can close your eyes."
A few minutes later, after a few more sighing and grunting, at last, my ordeal is already finished. It is indeed a makeover, complete with all the works. From my hair, to my face, to my attire.
"OH MY GOD!!! You look so kawaii!" Tomoyo shrieked as I stood up from the chair, not glancing at my reflection. Basically I still haven't seen my change since I practically got my eyes close the whole time, except of course when I got dressed, because I am afraid to see what I look like. I'm pretty sure that I look like an idiot dressed in some girly stuff.
"Now that you're happy, can I change back to my old self now?"
"Don't you want to see what you look like?" She asked in disbelief.
"Iie."
"Oh Sakura, you have to! Come on, let's go downstairs."
"Nani?" I exclaimed. "Why do I have to go down?"
"We'll go to the room where you'll practice your dance with Syaoran later." Tomoyo answered. "It has this large mirror where you can get to see your whole body. Come on!"
Tomoyo tugged me again, giving me no time to object. Everything is happening so fast that I wasn't able to defend myself. But if this will keep her from not bugging me anymore, I guess I'll just go on with it for a little bit more.
"Take a look at yourself now, Sakura." I heard her say proudly a few minutes later as soon as we reached their small, ballroom inspired room (Whoa! It rhymes! Lol!).
I braced myself for the reflection I'm about to see as I took a glance at the mirror. But as I look at the mirror before me, I couldn't believe what I am seeing! I wouldn't have notice myself!
Tomoyo has decided to let my hair down adding just a small, pink barrette on the left side. She applied the faintest hint of a blush on my cheeks, giving me a natural look and finishing it off with just a light dab of lip gloss and powder. Since I objected in wearing a dress, Tomoyo settled for a pink blouse and white Capri pants instead. And she capped off my attire with a simple sandals.
"You look really kawaii, don't you agree?"
"Well..." I trailed off still shock from what I'm seeing. I never expected I'll look like a real young lady, just by wearing these simple stuffs. Really. It's amazing what little tidying can do to a person!
Suddenly, one of their maids peeked inside the door. "Ms. Tomoyo? Phone call for you. It's your mother."
"Hai. I'll be there soon."
"Ms. Kinomoto?" I've noticed their maid's eyes widen. "You look...so...beautiful."
I flushed at the first compliment I've heard other than from Tomoyo, of course. "Arigatou." I replied timidly.
"I'll be there in a minute, Sakura." Tomoyo said as she went off outside leaving me in the room.
I am still in surprise and amazed at my newfound self that I completely forgot that I was supposed to wash off my face before Syaoran could see me. As I took another last glance at myself, I was prepared to go back upstairs to Tomoyo's room when I've heard the door opened.
I whirled around. "Tomoyo, I'm going toâE"" I was about to say I'm going to change but I was caught in surprise when I saw who've just entered the room.
It is Syaoran.
And he looks just as shock as I am.
"Sakura?" He asked, looking at me in astonishment. "What happened to you?"
I felt the heat rushing up in my cheeks because of embarrassment. Man, suddenly I just really wanted to disappear!
"Makeover. Tomoyo's so insistent and..." I babbled. "I've got to get going first, Syaoran. I'm going to change now."
"Don't." Syaoran blocked my path. "Don't change. I like how you look. You look so...beautiful."
I could feel my heart pounding so hard and threatening to burst out of my chest right now. I just couldn't bear looking at Syaoran's eyes at the moment because I am too afraid that he'll know what I really feel.
"Syaoran? You're here already?" Tomoyo's surprised voice echoed out the room as she entered. " I didn't know you've already arrived."
"Well, one of your maids told me you're still on the phone and since you've said earlier that you've been expecting me, she just led me here already." Syaoran smiled. "By the way, really nice job with Sakura, Tomoyo."
"Arigatou, Syaoran." Tomoyo smiled, glancing happily at us.
I just knew how much she loves what's happening right now. I knew Tomoyo wanted so badly for Syaoran to see me this way and boy, how her prayers got answered. And because of that, I'm left in my misery.
"Anyway, gomen nasai for being late." Syaoran added apologetically.
"It's okay." I replied quietly.
"I've got to get going now, guys. You can practice with your dance lessons now." Tomoyo said leaving me in surprise. And I thought she'll be with us the whole time when we practice!
"Tomoyo!" I shouted in panic. "Don't go! I mean, you still have to teach us, you know!"
"You're a good dancer, Sakura." She smiled slyly. "I'm sure you won't need me. Besides, my mom said I go baked some cake for you guys. She was saying I should feed you, Sakura. My mom wants to make sure you get to enjoy your stay here at our house."
I smirked at Tomoyo. I know I've already been set-up! Although I am a good dancer, I thought we've already talked about this stupid dance thing before! And she knew pretty well that I am too scared to be alone with Syaoran.
"Oh fine." I gave in. There's no use opposing with Tomoyo anymore. Besides, she already won.
"Got to go, guys! Be back later for the snack!" She finally said right before disappearing in our sights, leaving me alone with Syaoran.
"You know, you could keep up with that look and you'll be fine." Syaoran commented, giving me a thorough look.
"Shut up, Syaoran, " I muttered making him laugh softly.
"I mean what I've said about you being beautiful. You look like a lady in that attire. I'm sure, guys will beg you to go out with them." He said. I couldn't help noticing how he said the last sentence with such emphasis.
"Let's get going with the dance lessons, okay?" I narrowed my eyes at him. "We don't have much time left anymore since you're late already."
"I said I'm sorry." He said sarcastically.
I immediately went to the stereo located at the far end of the room and turned it on. I really wanted to finish this dance as soon as possible. Syaoran's glance kept getting me nervous all the time and I just don't know, I have this crazy idea on my head that he seems to admire me. Am I weird or what?!?
= Yeah, right. Syaoran admires me?!? Get real, girl! =
I popped a random CD on the player and turned to face my pupil.
"Well, are you ready?" I asked, taking a deep breath to calm myself, as a pulsating dance beat blasted out of the speakers.
Syaoran shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess. What do I do first?'
So I showed him. Actually, the lesson wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. Syaoran's feet did tend to get in the way a bit at times, but they didn't do any permanent damage to mine, and he surprisingly had a good sense of rhythm. I felt sure that with practice, he wouldn't have anything to be ashamed of on Valentine's party.
"I guess that takes care of it," I told Syaoran half an hour later. "I think you'll do just fine."
"What about slow dancing?" he asked.
"What about it?"
"Don't they usually have some of that, too?'
"Well, yes, but..."
"Then hadn't we better work on it?"
It was a sensible request, but for some reason, I hesitated.
"There's really nothing to it, Syaoran." I told him. "All you have to do is put your arms around her and sway back and forth. It's a lot easier than what we've been doing."
"Maybe so, but it would make me feel a whole lot better if we tried it just once." Syaoran said, looking intently at me. "Isn't there some CD there that we could use?"
"I guess so." I said reluctantly. "Let me look."
So I have no choice but to sort out all the CDs until I found a collection of romantic and sappy songs. I skimmed the list of songs and found a song called "No Ordinary Love".
"I think that would be good enough." I muttered softly as I pushed the play button and the opening bars of the song played on.
As Syaoran and I spent the first few measures of the introduction getting our feet in the proper position and out of each other's way, I must admit that as the time went by, I could feel myself bursting with nervousness. I am indeed trying my best to keep my cool, not affording for Syaoran to notice anything odd about me. As soon as we've settled our position, Syaoran put his arms around me and drew me close.
Because of the difference in our heights, the top of my head just reached his shoulders (well, he is tall...^__^). So I had two choices: I could either rest my head on his shoulders or hold it at an uncomfortable angle as far away from him as I could get. I chose the latter. Syaoran must have sensed my uneasiness, because at that moment he looked down at me and grinned.
"I won't bite you unless you bit me first." He said.
I glanced up, about to make some response, and found Syaoran's face only inches from mine. Suddenly, my heart was pounding so hard, I felt short of breath. I looked quickly away, confused by my reaction to his nearness. What was the matter with me anyway? It was all so silly.this is only good old Syaoran Li, and I was only a substitute for Hana.
I forced myself to relax, and for the next few minutes, we swayed back and forth in time to the music. Neither of us said a word. I figured that Syaoran is concentrating on keeping his feet out of my way. As for me, I couldn't have spoken if my life depended on it. It would have been impossible to carry on a conversation while my insides were turning to mush.
At last, the final notes of the song faded away but for a moment we just stood there, wrapped in each other's arms.
Suddenly, there was a soft knocking on the door and a voice could be heard. "You okay there, guys?" Tomoyo asked tentatively. (Aaaawwww...bad timing Tomoyo!)
The spell was broken, and I took a wobbly step backward out of Syaoran's embrace.
"Anyway, that's how it is done." I said shakily, looking at Syaoran weakly. (It rhymes again! Lol!) I really prayed and hoped he still doesn't figure out what's happening.
And if he does?
I don't know what I'll do about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Ooooohh...sweet! Lol! Yeah! Anyways, pls. review! I'll appreciate it a lot! Thanks!
CHAPTER ELEVEN
DANCE LESSONS
**SAKURA**
"Syaoran's really late." I muttered as I glanced at the old grandfather clock of the Daidouji's family.
"Well, maybe they're still up doing their project." Tomoyo answered as she came back inside their huge living room, carrying a pitcher of fresh orange juice.
"Here, why don't we drink this first while waiting for Syaoran to arrived," she offered, setting down the pitcher infront of me.
"Arigatou." I replied gratefully. It seems to me that Hana and Syaoran apparently wasn't able to finish their project sooner than what he expected. And Syaoran and I still have to practice the much dreaded dance lessons today after their project.
I sighed. I'm already getting a bit bored and tired waiting for him.
"So, what do we do now Tomoyo?" I asked. "We've just finished our project and we don't have anything to do now. I'm getting bored already."
That's right, guys. You've heard me right. Even though it's only Wednesday today, Tomoyo and I have decided to finish off our project already since we've all agreed earlier that while we wait for Syaoran to finish their meeting, we'll do at least something productive. Thanks to the wonders of technology, such as the Internet, our group finished our research in a flash. So now, we've got nothing left to do and just what I've said, I'm already getting bored. And it doesn't help to know that I don't actually look forward to what's going to happen next. Our dance lessons doesn't exactly thrilled me before, and even though I have all these weird feeling towards my bestfriend now, it still wasn't able to manage raising the level of my enthusiasm even for a bit. Even more so, it just made me even feel more nervous.
"Hmmm...why don't we talk about your secret valentine's?" Tomoyo giggled. "It was really funny seeing your face earlier when you received that beautiful angel figurine right before the class. You look like you're going to explode in any minute!"
I grunted in exasperation, as I remembered what happened this morning. "You don't have to remind me, Tomoyo."
Well, since Tomoyo brought it up, I have no choice but to recount what happened today to all of you. I'm just going to make it short and clear since, you know, my so-called admirer still disgusts me. You see, when I went to class this morning, as soon as I've entered our room, all our classmates suddenly whistled and giggled and got all hyper. I'm not really that dense not to know that something weird was up and unfortunately, it's about me. As I walk towards my desk, I've even heard some of my classmates whispering about whom I'm going with to that stupid party. As if, I'm going there! Anyway, when I look around, the first face I've noticed was Syaoran's and boy, does he look angry! Well, I think so. And then, when I glanced at my desk, there was that thing. And as usual, it even have a note attached to it. And when I read the note, there was this thing written in it:
Sakura,
Angels are friends who lifted us to our feet, especially during in times of trouble.
Let me be that angel to guide you.
******
Of course, it freaked me out. Although, whoever send this thing to me seems to know I've got some sort of dilemma right now and that got me confused. And what's really weird is that the guy keeps talking about friendship. And not about romantic stuffs. And you know, what's really bad about what happened earlier? Now, the whole class knows I've got some secret admirer and that they really found it very romantic and interesting. Man, suddenly I had a lovelife! Ugh. Isn't that really scary? I'm even getting goosebumps now just by recalling what had happened!
"But don't you think he's sweet?" Tomoyo asked breathlessly, looking as if she'd just watch a romance movie. "Plus, the figurine really looks elegant. He's one tender guy, I suppose."
I drink first some juice before answering. "Tomoyo, I think it's high time you got yourself a boyfriend so that you can pour all that romance into someone else." I chuckled softly. "Got anyone in your mind right now?"
"Iie." She shook her head furiously. "I don't have time for that. I'm very busy with my extracurricular stuffs."
I smiled teasingly. "Maybe you're not telling me something."
Tomoyo laugh softly. "It seems to me that you're also bitten by that Valentine's bug on the loose right now. Maybe you're the one who needs a boyfriend. Don't you think so?"
My smile disappeared and was replaced by a small frown. "I don't think so. Come on, why don't we do something else rather than discuss my nonexistent lovelife? It seems to me that Syaoran's still not arriving any sooner."
I took another frustrated glance at their clock. Syaoran's already late for almost an hour now! It's a good thing that we don't have any assignments for tomorrow and that we're already done with our project, or else...
"I have an idea!" Tomoyo exclaimed suddenly, which startled me that I jump about an inch in my seat. She tugged me lightly in my arms as she drag me in whatever direction she's going. "This is certainly fun and not boring, trust me."
"What on earth are you up to?"
She smiled mischievously at me. "You'll see."
As we ended up inside Tomoyo's bedroom, I eventually found out what her idea of fun was. And I don't like it! Next time, I should've just kept my mouth shut when I'm bored rather that ask her what to do.
"Iie, Tomoyo! Never in my life will I do that!" I shook my head in disagreement.
"Onegai, Sakura?" She pleaded. "Just this once?"
"I'm NOT going to have any makeovers." I said stubbornly. "Don't you think I look good enough?"
"Of course, you look really kawaii, Sakura! Gorgeous, in fact." Tomoyo answered earnestly, although her praises still doesn't get to me. No matter how many times she'll flatter me, I won't do it. It's so absurd!
"Then, I don't think I need a make-over." I stand up. "Let's just go downstairs and wait for Syaoran."
"Tell you what, you don't have to look like that infront of Syaoran." Tomoyo bargained. "You can wash the make-up off and change back into your clothes right after you saw yourself."
"Then what's the purpose of doing it if I'll change back again?" I asked in disbelief. Really, it doesn't makes sense!
"First and foremost, weâE~re doing something rather than sit downstairs and get bored. Second, I really want to see how you'll look like when you're all dressed up!" Tomoyo explained. " You said you're not going to the dance so you don't get to wear these fancy dresses and we don't get to see you! So I think you should at least know what it feels like to get all glamorous and those stuffs!"
"You can not convince me, Tomoyo."
"Okay, you don't have to wear a dress. Maybe just some blouses or something. As long as it looks feminine." She continued to negotiate. "Just think of it as a play, Sakura. Like you're just acting out. Eventually, you know, someday you'll have to wear these stuffs too."
"Demo TomoyoâE"" I started but I was cut short by Tomoyo's pleading voice.
"Just this once, onegai? Promise, right after this I wouldn't bother you with girly stuffs anymore."
As I look at my bestfriend's hopeful face, I suddenly couldn't bring myself to argue with her anymore. Tomoyo looks really serious about it and I guess, I don't have the heart to shatter what she really wants. This is really not a big deal right? Besides, she said I could get to wash off the make-up right away so basically I don't have anything to lose that much. Right, guys?
I took a deep, nervous breath before replying. "Okay, Tomoyo. I'm going to do it."
At that, she squealed happily and hug me tight. Oh well, at least it made my bestfriend really happy.
"Right after this, you will not bug me anymore about dressing up, okay?"
"Hai!" Tomoyo nodded happily. Immediately, she is on the work as she rummaged around her room for all the materials she's going to need while I sat helplessly on a chair infront of her vanity mirror.
"Can I close my eyes while you apply all that paint on my face?" I asked.
Tomoyo laughed. "You can call this make-up, Sakura. Sure, you can close your eyes."
A few minutes later, after a few more sighing and grunting, at last, my ordeal is already finished. It is indeed a makeover, complete with all the works. From my hair, to my face, to my attire.
"OH MY GOD!!! You look so kawaii!" Tomoyo shrieked as I stood up from the chair, not glancing at my reflection. Basically I still haven't seen my change since I practically got my eyes close the whole time, except of course when I got dressed, because I am afraid to see what I look like. I'm pretty sure that I look like an idiot dressed in some girly stuff.
"Now that you're happy, can I change back to my old self now?"
"Don't you want to see what you look like?" She asked in disbelief.
"Iie."
"Oh Sakura, you have to! Come on, let's go downstairs."
"Nani?" I exclaimed. "Why do I have to go down?"
"We'll go to the room where you'll practice your dance with Syaoran later." Tomoyo answered. "It has this large mirror where you can get to see your whole body. Come on!"
Tomoyo tugged me again, giving me no time to object. Everything is happening so fast that I wasn't able to defend myself. But if this will keep her from not bugging me anymore, I guess I'll just go on with it for a little bit more.
"Take a look at yourself now, Sakura." I heard her say proudly a few minutes later as soon as we reached their small, ballroom inspired room (Whoa! It rhymes! Lol!).
I braced myself for the reflection I'm about to see as I took a glance at the mirror. But as I look at the mirror before me, I couldn't believe what I am seeing! I wouldn't have notice myself!
Tomoyo has decided to let my hair down adding just a small, pink barrette on the left side. She applied the faintest hint of a blush on my cheeks, giving me a natural look and finishing it off with just a light dab of lip gloss and powder. Since I objected in wearing a dress, Tomoyo settled for a pink blouse and white Capri pants instead. And she capped off my attire with a simple sandals.
"You look really kawaii, don't you agree?"
"Well..." I trailed off still shock from what I'm seeing. I never expected I'll look like a real young lady, just by wearing these simple stuffs. Really. It's amazing what little tidying can do to a person!
Suddenly, one of their maids peeked inside the door. "Ms. Tomoyo? Phone call for you. It's your mother."
"Hai. I'll be there soon."
"Ms. Kinomoto?" I've noticed their maid's eyes widen. "You look...so...beautiful."
I flushed at the first compliment I've heard other than from Tomoyo, of course. "Arigatou." I replied timidly.
"I'll be there in a minute, Sakura." Tomoyo said as she went off outside leaving me in the room.
I am still in surprise and amazed at my newfound self that I completely forgot that I was supposed to wash off my face before Syaoran could see me. As I took another last glance at myself, I was prepared to go back upstairs to Tomoyo's room when I've heard the door opened.
I whirled around. "Tomoyo, I'm going toâE"" I was about to say I'm going to change but I was caught in surprise when I saw who've just entered the room.
It is Syaoran.
And he looks just as shock as I am.
"Sakura?" He asked, looking at me in astonishment. "What happened to you?"
I felt the heat rushing up in my cheeks because of embarrassment. Man, suddenly I just really wanted to disappear!
"Makeover. Tomoyo's so insistent and..." I babbled. "I've got to get going first, Syaoran. I'm going to change now."
"Don't." Syaoran blocked my path. "Don't change. I like how you look. You look so...beautiful."
I could feel my heart pounding so hard and threatening to burst out of my chest right now. I just couldn't bear looking at Syaoran's eyes at the moment because I am too afraid that he'll know what I really feel.
"Syaoran? You're here already?" Tomoyo's surprised voice echoed out the room as she entered. " I didn't know you've already arrived."
"Well, one of your maids told me you're still on the phone and since you've said earlier that you've been expecting me, she just led me here already." Syaoran smiled. "By the way, really nice job with Sakura, Tomoyo."
"Arigatou, Syaoran." Tomoyo smiled, glancing happily at us.
I just knew how much she loves what's happening right now. I knew Tomoyo wanted so badly for Syaoran to see me this way and boy, how her prayers got answered. And because of that, I'm left in my misery.
"Anyway, gomen nasai for being late." Syaoran added apologetically.
"It's okay." I replied quietly.
"I've got to get going now, guys. You can practice with your dance lessons now." Tomoyo said leaving me in surprise. And I thought she'll be with us the whole time when we practice!
"Tomoyo!" I shouted in panic. "Don't go! I mean, you still have to teach us, you know!"
"You're a good dancer, Sakura." She smiled slyly. "I'm sure you won't need me. Besides, my mom said I go baked some cake for you guys. She was saying I should feed you, Sakura. My mom wants to make sure you get to enjoy your stay here at our house."
I smirked at Tomoyo. I know I've already been set-up! Although I am a good dancer, I thought we've already talked about this stupid dance thing before! And she knew pretty well that I am too scared to be alone with Syaoran.
"Oh fine." I gave in. There's no use opposing with Tomoyo anymore. Besides, she already won.
"Got to go, guys! Be back later for the snack!" She finally said right before disappearing in our sights, leaving me alone with Syaoran.
"You know, you could keep up with that look and you'll be fine." Syaoran commented, giving me a thorough look.
"Shut up, Syaoran, " I muttered making him laugh softly.
"I mean what I've said about you being beautiful. You look like a lady in that attire. I'm sure, guys will beg you to go out with them." He said. I couldn't help noticing how he said the last sentence with such emphasis.
"Let's get going with the dance lessons, okay?" I narrowed my eyes at him. "We don't have much time left anymore since you're late already."
"I said I'm sorry." He said sarcastically.
I immediately went to the stereo located at the far end of the room and turned it on. I really wanted to finish this dance as soon as possible. Syaoran's glance kept getting me nervous all the time and I just don't know, I have this crazy idea on my head that he seems to admire me. Am I weird or what?!?
= Yeah, right. Syaoran admires me?!? Get real, girl! =
I popped a random CD on the player and turned to face my pupil.
"Well, are you ready?" I asked, taking a deep breath to calm myself, as a pulsating dance beat blasted out of the speakers.
Syaoran shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess. What do I do first?'
So I showed him. Actually, the lesson wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. Syaoran's feet did tend to get in the way a bit at times, but they didn't do any permanent damage to mine, and he surprisingly had a good sense of rhythm. I felt sure that with practice, he wouldn't have anything to be ashamed of on Valentine's party.
"I guess that takes care of it," I told Syaoran half an hour later. "I think you'll do just fine."
"What about slow dancing?" he asked.
"What about it?"
"Don't they usually have some of that, too?'
"Well, yes, but..."
"Then hadn't we better work on it?"
It was a sensible request, but for some reason, I hesitated.
"There's really nothing to it, Syaoran." I told him. "All you have to do is put your arms around her and sway back and forth. It's a lot easier than what we've been doing."
"Maybe so, but it would make me feel a whole lot better if we tried it just once." Syaoran said, looking intently at me. "Isn't there some CD there that we could use?"
"I guess so." I said reluctantly. "Let me look."
So I have no choice but to sort out all the CDs until I found a collection of romantic and sappy songs. I skimmed the list of songs and found a song called "No Ordinary Love".
"I think that would be good enough." I muttered softly as I pushed the play button and the opening bars of the song played on.
As Syaoran and I spent the first few measures of the introduction getting our feet in the proper position and out of each other's way, I must admit that as the time went by, I could feel myself bursting with nervousness. I am indeed trying my best to keep my cool, not affording for Syaoran to notice anything odd about me. As soon as we've settled our position, Syaoran put his arms around me and drew me close.
Because of the difference in our heights, the top of my head just reached his shoulders (well, he is tall...^__^). So I had two choices: I could either rest my head on his shoulders or hold it at an uncomfortable angle as far away from him as I could get. I chose the latter. Syaoran must have sensed my uneasiness, because at that moment he looked down at me and grinned.
"I won't bite you unless you bit me first." He said.
I glanced up, about to make some response, and found Syaoran's face only inches from mine. Suddenly, my heart was pounding so hard, I felt short of breath. I looked quickly away, confused by my reaction to his nearness. What was the matter with me anyway? It was all so silly.this is only good old Syaoran Li, and I was only a substitute for Hana.
I forced myself to relax, and for the next few minutes, we swayed back and forth in time to the music. Neither of us said a word. I figured that Syaoran is concentrating on keeping his feet out of my way. As for me, I couldn't have spoken if my life depended on it. It would have been impossible to carry on a conversation while my insides were turning to mush.
At last, the final notes of the song faded away but for a moment we just stood there, wrapped in each other's arms.
Suddenly, there was a soft knocking on the door and a voice could be heard. "You okay there, guys?" Tomoyo asked tentatively. (Aaaawwww...bad timing Tomoyo!)
The spell was broken, and I took a wobbly step backward out of Syaoran's embrace.
"Anyway, that's how it is done." I said shakily, looking at Syaoran weakly. (It rhymes again! Lol!) I really prayed and hoped he still doesn't figure out what's happening.
And if he does?
I don't know what I'll do about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Ooooohh...sweet! Lol! Yeah! Anyways, pls. review! I'll appreciate it a lot! Thanks!