AN: I'm making some things up.
Disclaimer: I don't own the song My Cherie Amour by Stevie Wonder.
Chapter 7: Changes in Time
The next days passed painfully slow. Tomoyo had spent most of her time with Robin but didn't watch his practice and waited for him in another place. Tutor classes had stopped and both were glad of it. Even morning walks to school became dull. Tomoyo went out early while Eriol reached school fifteen minutes before the bell. Eriol took refuge in intense soccer practice and made it a point to be the last one to leave the field. The lass went home early, often escorted by Robin. Tomoyo had objected, noting that his studies mattered more than ever, now that it was his final year. But the boy shook his head saying that he was more concerned for her because she might neglect her studies (because of her problems) and might not make it to the next level.
Weeks turned to months, Eriol and Tomoyo barely saw each other. Eriol stubbornly ignored Robin's pleas to talk and reconcile with Tomoyo. (He nearly got hit in the face when Eriol directed a soccer ball at him during one practice). When Tomoyo heard of this, she asked Robin to give it up and let her handle it. And so, they drifted apart, unknowingly drawing themselves in and forgetting that the world was still a bright and happy place to live in.
++++++
Summer morning rays filtered in through the sheer curtains of her bedroom. RING!RING!POUND!THUD! Tomoyo woke up to the ever-present silence of her surroundings. Yawning, she picked up her clock on the floor and wore her slippers. Facing her vanity mirror, Tomoyo picked up her brush and smoothed the morning tangles. She did a little stretching and fixed her bed.
Her mid-morning breakfast was quiet save for the chirping of the birds and the other insignificant sounds. "Where are the Fergusons?" she asked the housekeeper who was busy cleaning in the living room. "Their house seems quiet today." "They must've left for vacation, Miss Tomoyo. I saw them packing a lot of things two days ago when I took out the trash." "Mmm." she said. "That's why I haven't heard the kids lately. I thought I was just too tired." "By the way Miss, a Mr. Robin Maxwell left a message asking if you could call him." "Thank you for informing me."
"I'd like to meet you at the corner café in Hilton Avenue for a drink." "Okay." Beep.
"Mrs. Desiree, I will be going out for lunch with Robin," she called out, while putting on a light coat. "I'll be back at three o'clock." "Very well miss."
They greeted each other and sat down the table. A waiter came and Robin ordered their beverages. The waiter left and Robin faced her. "How are you?" "Quite alright," she simply answered. It was true, she wasn't much troubled by the problem and had a good sleep. "What are you planning for this summer?" "Nothing. I'll just stay here and I don't want to go back to Japan right now, I'm not ready yet." He took her hand. "I'm sorry I haven't been with you much." She smiled and placed her free hand on top of his. "It's understandable. I was able to bear it so don't worry too much. By the way, I heard that you were going to try out for the National Team." "Yes, that's right. And it's the reason I asked you here. I want to say goodbye," he said. Tomoyo didn't bother hiding her sadness. Robin would know anyway. She didn't speak. "And I also want to thank you for the extraordinary things you did for me," he added. A frown creased her forehead. "What things?" "You helped me change. What I told you before is true and will remain true. My love for you made me realize how selfish I had been. And that's why I decided to change for the better. Even if you couldn't accept me, I'm glad I met a wonderful girl like you and I'm blessed in having you as a friend." A soft smile crinkled as the frown diminished. "I'm really that special huh?" "I consider you my angel, Tomoyo. You enlightened me and now I'm hoping to find someone as admirable as you are." She released his hands wiped a small tear. "Thank you Robin."
After a while, they parted ways. Tomoyo hugged him for the last time, this one without guilt, but with happiness for another friend. "I hope everything works out."
She strolled along the park and into a thin clump of trees. "It wasn't so bad," she smiled. "Much painless than with Sakura." Her thoughts drifted to the times when she and Christian went out. The times when they spent hours on the phone, the afternoons they spent playing soccer in the park. Christian had taught her the basic things and she found it rather relieving. "It's over now," she said to herself. "Don't reminisce again. Keep them treasured Tomoyo."
A few ivories broke the thick silence in the house. Then a slight rummaging followed and a stream of notes flooded.
La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la,
My cherie amour, lovely as summer day My cherie amour, distant as the milky way My cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore You're the only girl my heart beats for How I wish that you were mine
In a café or sometimes on a crowded street I've been near you, but you never noticed me My cherie amour, won't you tell how could you ignore That behind the little smile I wore How I wish that you were mine
La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la,
Maybe someday, you'll see my face among the crowd Maybe someday, I'll share your distant little cloud Oh, cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore You're the only girl my heart beats for How I wish that you were mine
La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la,
After the last vibrations faded away, he left the piano, and went to the terrace overlooking the back yard. A huge garden met his gaze. "What's the use of a beautiful garden when there's no one to share its beauty with me?" He stayed there until the last rays of the sun dispersed and the whole garden was bathed in the dim glow of a crescent moon. "Master Eriol! Dinner's ready," Spinel said.
Nakuru put the plates away and Spinel for once agreed to help her. Eriol retired to the living room and was about to sit in his red chair when the doorbell rang. He didn't hurry and whoever was out there wasn't pressuring him either. Eriol swung it slowly and peered through. No one was in sight. He stepped out into the front porch and felt something rustle in his step. His hand picked up a cream envelope. He stared at it for a long time, turning it over and seeing his name. "For me?" then he turned but stopped when he heard light footsteps.
Tomoyo decided to take a very long route back home. That would mean that she would go around the neighborhood and pass by his house. Not because she wanted to see him; she just wanted to tire herself and sink back in bed once she got home. Turning the curb, she strolled by the corner house. 'Next would be his house' she thought. She turned her head slightly towards his front door. And met his gaze.
Neither smiled. Tomoyo didn't pause and instead continued walking home. Eriol stared at her back until she got home. A coincidence it is that they closed the door behind them at the same time and sighed sadly.
He read the letter in his chair.
Hiiragizawa,
I hope you won't throw this away before you finish reading this. I'd like to apologize for offending you. That would be the last time I'll be doing that since you won't be seeing me anymore. I have decided to try out for the National Soccer team and will be leaving tomorrow. If Tomoyo happens to cross your mind at this time, we already parted our ways a while ago. I'm not making you jealous by telling this. We didn't have a relationship other than just being friends. And if you are still angry because she trusted me, allow me to explain myself. I meant well when I spent time with Tomoyo during those months. It is true that I loved her, believe it or not, and I would promise to protect her if she ever became mine. But the thing is, she's not. And never will be. So, I hope you would forgive her as she has forgiven you. I wish that you two would reconcile because I know that she means a lot to you, Hiiragizawa. And I know for a fact that you'd rather die than see her with another man. Don't worry about it. She won't.
Best wishes, Robin Maxwell
P.S. Train the team hard Co-captain Hiiragizawa.
For the first time in weeks, Eriol smiled as he placed the letter inside the drawer of the table near the chair he was sitting on. He smiled because Tomoyo was all right. 'But there's something he's hinting on.' Too bad his thoughts were so clouded with fatigue that he didn't have time to ponder on it much.
Chapter 7: Changes in Time
The next days passed painfully slow. Tomoyo had spent most of her time with Robin but didn't watch his practice and waited for him in another place. Tutor classes had stopped and both were glad of it. Even morning walks to school became dull. Tomoyo went out early while Eriol reached school fifteen minutes before the bell. Eriol took refuge in intense soccer practice and made it a point to be the last one to leave the field. The lass went home early, often escorted by Robin. Tomoyo had objected, noting that his studies mattered more than ever, now that it was his final year. But the boy shook his head saying that he was more concerned for her because she might neglect her studies (because of her problems) and might not make it to the next level.
Weeks turned to months, Eriol and Tomoyo barely saw each other. Eriol stubbornly ignored Robin's pleas to talk and reconcile with Tomoyo. (He nearly got hit in the face when Eriol directed a soccer ball at him during one practice). When Tomoyo heard of this, she asked Robin to give it up and let her handle it. And so, they drifted apart, unknowingly drawing themselves in and forgetting that the world was still a bright and happy place to live in.
++++++
Summer morning rays filtered in through the sheer curtains of her bedroom. RING!RING!POUND!THUD! Tomoyo woke up to the ever-present silence of her surroundings. Yawning, she picked up her clock on the floor and wore her slippers. Facing her vanity mirror, Tomoyo picked up her brush and smoothed the morning tangles. She did a little stretching and fixed her bed.
Her mid-morning breakfast was quiet save for the chirping of the birds and the other insignificant sounds. "Where are the Fergusons?" she asked the housekeeper who was busy cleaning in the living room. "Their house seems quiet today." "They must've left for vacation, Miss Tomoyo. I saw them packing a lot of things two days ago when I took out the trash." "Mmm." she said. "That's why I haven't heard the kids lately. I thought I was just too tired." "By the way Miss, a Mr. Robin Maxwell left a message asking if you could call him." "Thank you for informing me."
"I'd like to meet you at the corner café in Hilton Avenue for a drink." "Okay." Beep.
"Mrs. Desiree, I will be going out for lunch with Robin," she called out, while putting on a light coat. "I'll be back at three o'clock." "Very well miss."
They greeted each other and sat down the table. A waiter came and Robin ordered their beverages. The waiter left and Robin faced her. "How are you?" "Quite alright," she simply answered. It was true, she wasn't much troubled by the problem and had a good sleep. "What are you planning for this summer?" "Nothing. I'll just stay here and I don't want to go back to Japan right now, I'm not ready yet." He took her hand. "I'm sorry I haven't been with you much." She smiled and placed her free hand on top of his. "It's understandable. I was able to bear it so don't worry too much. By the way, I heard that you were going to try out for the National Team." "Yes, that's right. And it's the reason I asked you here. I want to say goodbye," he said. Tomoyo didn't bother hiding her sadness. Robin would know anyway. She didn't speak. "And I also want to thank you for the extraordinary things you did for me," he added. A frown creased her forehead. "What things?" "You helped me change. What I told you before is true and will remain true. My love for you made me realize how selfish I had been. And that's why I decided to change for the better. Even if you couldn't accept me, I'm glad I met a wonderful girl like you and I'm blessed in having you as a friend." A soft smile crinkled as the frown diminished. "I'm really that special huh?" "I consider you my angel, Tomoyo. You enlightened me and now I'm hoping to find someone as admirable as you are." She released his hands wiped a small tear. "Thank you Robin."
After a while, they parted ways. Tomoyo hugged him for the last time, this one without guilt, but with happiness for another friend. "I hope everything works out."
She strolled along the park and into a thin clump of trees. "It wasn't so bad," she smiled. "Much painless than with Sakura." Her thoughts drifted to the times when she and Christian went out. The times when they spent hours on the phone, the afternoons they spent playing soccer in the park. Christian had taught her the basic things and she found it rather relieving. "It's over now," she said to herself. "Don't reminisce again. Keep them treasured Tomoyo."
A few ivories broke the thick silence in the house. Then a slight rummaging followed and a stream of notes flooded.
La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la,
My cherie amour, lovely as summer day My cherie amour, distant as the milky way My cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore You're the only girl my heart beats for How I wish that you were mine
In a café or sometimes on a crowded street I've been near you, but you never noticed me My cherie amour, won't you tell how could you ignore That behind the little smile I wore How I wish that you were mine
La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la,
Maybe someday, you'll see my face among the crowd Maybe someday, I'll share your distant little cloud Oh, cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore You're the only girl my heart beats for How I wish that you were mine
La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la, la, la,
After the last vibrations faded away, he left the piano, and went to the terrace overlooking the back yard. A huge garden met his gaze. "What's the use of a beautiful garden when there's no one to share its beauty with me?" He stayed there until the last rays of the sun dispersed and the whole garden was bathed in the dim glow of a crescent moon. "Master Eriol! Dinner's ready," Spinel said.
Nakuru put the plates away and Spinel for once agreed to help her. Eriol retired to the living room and was about to sit in his red chair when the doorbell rang. He didn't hurry and whoever was out there wasn't pressuring him either. Eriol swung it slowly and peered through. No one was in sight. He stepped out into the front porch and felt something rustle in his step. His hand picked up a cream envelope. He stared at it for a long time, turning it over and seeing his name. "For me?" then he turned but stopped when he heard light footsteps.
Tomoyo decided to take a very long route back home. That would mean that she would go around the neighborhood and pass by his house. Not because she wanted to see him; she just wanted to tire herself and sink back in bed once she got home. Turning the curb, she strolled by the corner house. 'Next would be his house' she thought. She turned her head slightly towards his front door. And met his gaze.
Neither smiled. Tomoyo didn't pause and instead continued walking home. Eriol stared at her back until she got home. A coincidence it is that they closed the door behind them at the same time and sighed sadly.
He read the letter in his chair.
Hiiragizawa,
I hope you won't throw this away before you finish reading this. I'd like to apologize for offending you. That would be the last time I'll be doing that since you won't be seeing me anymore. I have decided to try out for the National Soccer team and will be leaving tomorrow. If Tomoyo happens to cross your mind at this time, we already parted our ways a while ago. I'm not making you jealous by telling this. We didn't have a relationship other than just being friends. And if you are still angry because she trusted me, allow me to explain myself. I meant well when I spent time with Tomoyo during those months. It is true that I loved her, believe it or not, and I would promise to protect her if she ever became mine. But the thing is, she's not. And never will be. So, I hope you would forgive her as she has forgiven you. I wish that you two would reconcile because I know that she means a lot to you, Hiiragizawa. And I know for a fact that you'd rather die than see her with another man. Don't worry about it. She won't.
Best wishes, Robin Maxwell
P.S. Train the team hard Co-captain Hiiragizawa.
For the first time in weeks, Eriol smiled as he placed the letter inside the drawer of the table near the chair he was sitting on. He smiled because Tomoyo was all right. 'But there's something he's hinting on.' Too bad his thoughts were so clouded with fatigue that he didn't have time to ponder on it much.