CHAPTER 5: WHAT HAPPENED
By Taryn Burt
He sat in front of the house debating when he should go in. He could go in now & seem too eager or he could wait for more guests and make it seem like he didn't want to be there. Sakura would believe the latter more than the former, but he wanted to see Sakura w/all his heart. =I'll wait for three more guests to show up= So far only five people were there. He didn't know when the rest would turn up so he turned on the radio. It was one of his favorite songs but he was too nervous and anxious to sing along. Rita walked up to the house carrying a brightly wrapped present. She rang the doorbell and Li leaned forward in anticipation, hoping Sakura would answer the door. She didn't. Madison did. He sank back in his seat disappointedly. He sat there for 5 minutes & right when he was about to give up & go inside, Nikki & Meiling walked up carrying hurriedly wrapped presents. They rang the doorbell and again Li leaned forward. She answered. He gaped at her. [A/n: heehee ^.^ weird sentence coming up] She looked like an angel trapped in a gorgeous human body [LOL^.^]. Her hair was down and it almost went past her shoulders. She wore a blue cotton dress that fit to her every curve that swept past her ankles. Since it was a chilly night the sleeves reached to her wrists. She smiled and he could have sworn it was brighter than the sunniest summer day. He decided he'd get out of the car after she shut the door. = The longer I can put off her hating me, the better = She shut the door and he picked up his small box. The present rattled inside & he held it so it would not shake. It didn't help. He was so nervous that the present, instead of quieting, grew louder. He drew a deep breath and stepped out of the car. = What will I say?!?!?! = His mind went blank and he got even more nervous [as if that were possible]. He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to calm down. = Start w/ "HI" or "Welcome back" = He stretched out his hand and rang the doorbell. She answered the door slightly confused then cold as she realized whom it was. Her emerald eyes grew a blue tint and she stepped away clutching the door in a death grip. =I bet she's resisting the urge to slam the door in my face. =
"Hello Sakura."
"Li. It's a pleasure to see u." = yeah right = Some how while still following him in, managed to miss him place his small box on the table w/the other presents. He glanced up & saw Meiling approach. Around Sakura she acted normal but not around him. = Oh NO!! =
"Hello Li," she cooed, getting as close to him as she dared. [a/n: O.K. around Sakura she acts perfectly normal, but around Li.......]
"Hello Meiling," he said as he backed away.
"You can't stop me from flirting w/u here. We're not at work." Li inwardly slapped his face in embarrassment.
"I'll leave u 2 alone," Sakura said pleasantly, seeing Li's discomfort.
"EEP!" Meiling was getting closer and Sakura farther, although the image of her was vividly fresh in is mind.
"So Li, how are you?"
"I'd be better I'd u were farther." Ever since Sakura had left Japan, Meiling had been trying twice as hard to win Li's heart. So far she had failed miserably.
"I'm going to get a drink."
"NO! I'll get it for u. Don't move." As soon as her back was turned he ran. He saw Madison sitting on a purple couch and directed his momentum there.
"Dodging Meiling again?" Everyone knew how Meiling felt about Li. They also knew how Li felt about Meiling. It was one thing the girls could always gossip about, unless Meiling or Li moved.
"Yeah. Where's April?"
"She'll be here in a minute or two. She had to finish wrapping Sakura's present."
"What did u get her?" Madison grinned evilly.
"I wrapped every single video of Sakura I could find. I couldn't fine the video w/the thunder cards though." she slyly gazed at Li. he blushed. He hadn't stolen it exactly. She HAD said he could borrow whatever movie he wanted.
"What did April get her?"
"She got her a picture of me, Nikki, Rita and Meiling. What did u get her?"
"A car." [a/n: O.K. so I am not as creative as I thought I was]
"A WHAT!?!?!"
"A car. She couldn't bring her so I thought she might need one."
"What did- How did u wrap it?"
"I didn't. I wrapped the keys in a box and attached a card which has a picture of the car inside."
"Getting a little extreme for a person who hates u."
"She may hate me but I still love her."
"Aw, just like out of a manga." suddenly Li remembered who he was talking to.
"Don't u dare say a word to Sakura."
"I won't." and she hopped off. = probably going to play matchmaker. = He hoped so. = Then again she hates me. And it's all Meiling's fault. =
@@@@Flash Back @@@@
"Why!?"
"My clan is jealous that u r the Clow mistress."
"But all the cards are captured."
"My family is a race of proud people."
"But doesn't our love count for something?"
"Not to them. We can only be friends."
"Best friends?"
"Of course." Sakura smiled sadly. "Do u mind?"
"As long as I'm close to u, I'll be fine." [a/n: yeah that was really cheesy :p] she was lying and they both knew it.
"Oh Sakura." He wanted to kiss her but resisted and hugged her tightly instead.
@@@@Another Flash Back@@@@
"Li guess what!" Meiling ran up to Li who was sadly walking around Penguin Park. She ignored his mood and put her arms around his shoulders in a hug. "I get to stay in Reedington." "That's great Meiling," he said distractedly. Without warning she pulled his head closer and kissed him. He tried to push her away but he had been crying recently which had made him weak. He heard footsteps and he and Meiling whirled around to face the person. It was Sakura. Li stared in horror as tears formed in her eyes.
"Now I understand why u cannot commit yourself to me. U love her not me." she turned and started to run home. She tripped and he wanted to help her up but Meiling held him in a grip harder than steel. She picked herself up and continued running. He stared at where she had fallen. Little droplets of blood stained the concrete. He whirled around to face Meiling who held a look of victory on her face.
"MEILING!"
"What Li?" she cooed [a/n: does she think she's a pigeon or something "Coo coo."]
"U r the most despising creature ever born on this earth." and w/that he shoved a most astonished Meiling to the ground and he too ran home.
@@@@ End flash backs@@@@
********* Meanwhile Sakura was having a similar flashback through her POV.
@@@@Flash Back@@@@
Sakura walked through penguin park looking for her lost earring. She gazed ahead and saw a shape that looked vaguely looked like Li. she eagerly walked over to him, but when she got near she stopped. He and Meiling were kissing. [A/n: I LOVE this next sentence] She felt her heart shatter and her soul fall into a void. They whirled around to stare at her, Meiling in victory, and Li in an emotion she had never seen him in before: horror. = Because I found out no doubt. = Then she uttered the words she had hoped she would never utter.
"Now I understand why u cannot commit yourself to me. U love her not me." She felt hot tears burn trails down her face, but didn't burn as much as her heart. She turned, running. The earring forgotten. She fell. Her knees scraped the hard ground and blood fell. She paused for a millisecond hoping Li would break free and help her, to prove Meiling had kissed him w/out his consent. He didn't. She stood up and ran the entire way home straight to her room, ignoring Tori who actual looked concerned for her.
@@@@End Flash Back@@@@
She stared at Li who sat in the couch looking cautious. "Time to open presents," Madison called. Sakura and Tori walked over to the two chairs set next to the present's table. Sakura received: an apron, a book, a sword [o_O;; eh!?] and a very large stack of tapes. A knock sounded at he door and Madison exclaimed, "April!" and smacked her forehead w/her palm. She walked to and opened the door. In stepped a raven-haired woman. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was earring a purple leather dress.
"Sorry I'm late. My boss called."
"That's O.K. We were just opening presents."
"Looks like all the presents are opened."
"Not quite. There's yours and Li's." = He got me a present!?!?!?! = She looked at the table and saw a small box and an envelope. = Probably a stamp =
"Here." April was standing in front of Sakura holding a flat rectangular object.
"What is it?"
"Well I can't tell u. that would defeat the purpose. Now open it." Sakura opened it. It was a picture if all her friends. The astonishing thing was that next to the adult versions of her friends were their children versions. Sakura looked at the picture than at April.
"Did u make this?"
"With a little help from Madison."
"Wow, Thanks!"
"Is it time to eat yet?" someone asked. Everyone giggled.
"No, there's 1 more present," exclaimed Madison and she pointed to the box/card. Sakura picked it up and opened the box. Inside was a pair of keys. Confused, she opened the card and inside was a picture of a car. On the card it said *the car is in the driveway* "Whoa! A car! Who's it from?" she showed them the name on the box. Everyone turned and stared at Li who sat innocently on the couch.
"Isn't it time to eat?" he asked. Ever one agreed and headed to the dining room.
"What are we having?"
"Macaroni," someone suggested.
"EW!"
"Cake," came another suggestion.
"YEAH!"
"Your all wrong! It's takeout." and Madison came in carrying many boxes [a/n: much like from Chinese restaurants] April held many chopsticks and handed them to people. Madison set the food on the table.
"All right!" Everyone grabbed a plate and started picking food out of the boxes.
"Pass the beef and broccoli," [a/n: O.K. So I know NOTHING about Japanese cuisine...] and many other requests and comments came from around the room. = A car. I can't believe he got me a car. And what is the other key for? = Unfortunately she would have to ask Li to find out. She inched her way over to him.
"Hello Li."
"Hello Sakura."
"I have a question."
"Hmm?"
"What is the extra key for?"
"The glove box."
"Oh..."
"Bye." he walked over to discuss something w/Madison.
"Oh no!" came a shout.
"Eeek!"
"We're put of Mongolian beef."
"I'll get some more," volunteered Sakura.
"No, u shouldn't go."
"She just wants to try out her new car." people giggled. Sakura blushed. Even though Li had given it to her, it was her first car she had had in a long time.
"Let her try it out. We'll just bug Tori.' Tori suddenly looked very scared by all the young ladies he knew through Sakura. Sakura stepped outside and walked over to the car. She heard the front door open and turned to see whom it was. It was Li.
"I didn't know what kind of car u drove so I got u a stick-shift [a/n: I also know NOTHING about cars...]"
"oh. I can't drive a stick-shift"
"I can. I'll drive you." =oh dear. One seat away from Mr. Heart-Break himself.[a/n: it's Kraft Macaroni & CHEESE!] What'll I do? =
"I can manage."
"Really? In a car u can't drive?"
"Well..."
"I'm driving and that's final. Get in the car," she reluctantly got in the passenger seat. Li got in on the other side. He cleared his throat. "Uh-um! The keys?"
"Oh here." she wondered if they would make it past the first red light
By Taryn Burt
He sat in front of the house debating when he should go in. He could go in now & seem too eager or he could wait for more guests and make it seem like he didn't want to be there. Sakura would believe the latter more than the former, but he wanted to see Sakura w/all his heart. =I'll wait for three more guests to show up= So far only five people were there. He didn't know when the rest would turn up so he turned on the radio. It was one of his favorite songs but he was too nervous and anxious to sing along. Rita walked up to the house carrying a brightly wrapped present. She rang the doorbell and Li leaned forward in anticipation, hoping Sakura would answer the door. She didn't. Madison did. He sank back in his seat disappointedly. He sat there for 5 minutes & right when he was about to give up & go inside, Nikki & Meiling walked up carrying hurriedly wrapped presents. They rang the doorbell and again Li leaned forward. She answered. He gaped at her. [A/n: heehee ^.^ weird sentence coming up] She looked like an angel trapped in a gorgeous human body [LOL^.^]. Her hair was down and it almost went past her shoulders. She wore a blue cotton dress that fit to her every curve that swept past her ankles. Since it was a chilly night the sleeves reached to her wrists. She smiled and he could have sworn it was brighter than the sunniest summer day. He decided he'd get out of the car after she shut the door. = The longer I can put off her hating me, the better = She shut the door and he picked up his small box. The present rattled inside & he held it so it would not shake. It didn't help. He was so nervous that the present, instead of quieting, grew louder. He drew a deep breath and stepped out of the car. = What will I say?!?!?! = His mind went blank and he got even more nervous [as if that were possible]. He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to calm down. = Start w/ "HI" or "Welcome back" = He stretched out his hand and rang the doorbell. She answered the door slightly confused then cold as she realized whom it was. Her emerald eyes grew a blue tint and she stepped away clutching the door in a death grip. =I bet she's resisting the urge to slam the door in my face. =
"Hello Sakura."
"Li. It's a pleasure to see u." = yeah right = Some how while still following him in, managed to miss him place his small box on the table w/the other presents. He glanced up & saw Meiling approach. Around Sakura she acted normal but not around him. = Oh NO!! =
"Hello Li," she cooed, getting as close to him as she dared. [a/n: O.K. around Sakura she acts perfectly normal, but around Li.......]
"Hello Meiling," he said as he backed away.
"You can't stop me from flirting w/u here. We're not at work." Li inwardly slapped his face in embarrassment.
"I'll leave u 2 alone," Sakura said pleasantly, seeing Li's discomfort.
"EEP!" Meiling was getting closer and Sakura farther, although the image of her was vividly fresh in is mind.
"So Li, how are you?"
"I'd be better I'd u were farther." Ever since Sakura had left Japan, Meiling had been trying twice as hard to win Li's heart. So far she had failed miserably.
"I'm going to get a drink."
"NO! I'll get it for u. Don't move." As soon as her back was turned he ran. He saw Madison sitting on a purple couch and directed his momentum there.
"Dodging Meiling again?" Everyone knew how Meiling felt about Li. They also knew how Li felt about Meiling. It was one thing the girls could always gossip about, unless Meiling or Li moved.
"Yeah. Where's April?"
"She'll be here in a minute or two. She had to finish wrapping Sakura's present."
"What did u get her?" Madison grinned evilly.
"I wrapped every single video of Sakura I could find. I couldn't fine the video w/the thunder cards though." she slyly gazed at Li. he blushed. He hadn't stolen it exactly. She HAD said he could borrow whatever movie he wanted.
"What did April get her?"
"She got her a picture of me, Nikki, Rita and Meiling. What did u get her?"
"A car." [a/n: O.K. so I am not as creative as I thought I was]
"A WHAT!?!?!"
"A car. She couldn't bring her so I thought she might need one."
"What did- How did u wrap it?"
"I didn't. I wrapped the keys in a box and attached a card which has a picture of the car inside."
"Getting a little extreme for a person who hates u."
"She may hate me but I still love her."
"Aw, just like out of a manga." suddenly Li remembered who he was talking to.
"Don't u dare say a word to Sakura."
"I won't." and she hopped off. = probably going to play matchmaker. = He hoped so. = Then again she hates me. And it's all Meiling's fault. =
@@@@Flash Back @@@@
"Why!?"
"My clan is jealous that u r the Clow mistress."
"But all the cards are captured."
"My family is a race of proud people."
"But doesn't our love count for something?"
"Not to them. We can only be friends."
"Best friends?"
"Of course." Sakura smiled sadly. "Do u mind?"
"As long as I'm close to u, I'll be fine." [a/n: yeah that was really cheesy :p] she was lying and they both knew it.
"Oh Sakura." He wanted to kiss her but resisted and hugged her tightly instead.
@@@@Another Flash Back@@@@
"Li guess what!" Meiling ran up to Li who was sadly walking around Penguin Park. She ignored his mood and put her arms around his shoulders in a hug. "I get to stay in Reedington." "That's great Meiling," he said distractedly. Without warning she pulled his head closer and kissed him. He tried to push her away but he had been crying recently which had made him weak. He heard footsteps and he and Meiling whirled around to face the person. It was Sakura. Li stared in horror as tears formed in her eyes.
"Now I understand why u cannot commit yourself to me. U love her not me." she turned and started to run home. She tripped and he wanted to help her up but Meiling held him in a grip harder than steel. She picked herself up and continued running. He stared at where she had fallen. Little droplets of blood stained the concrete. He whirled around to face Meiling who held a look of victory on her face.
"MEILING!"
"What Li?" she cooed [a/n: does she think she's a pigeon or something "Coo coo."]
"U r the most despising creature ever born on this earth." and w/that he shoved a most astonished Meiling to the ground and he too ran home.
@@@@ End flash backs@@@@
********* Meanwhile Sakura was having a similar flashback through her POV.
@@@@Flash Back@@@@
Sakura walked through penguin park looking for her lost earring. She gazed ahead and saw a shape that looked vaguely looked like Li. she eagerly walked over to him, but when she got near she stopped. He and Meiling were kissing. [A/n: I LOVE this next sentence] She felt her heart shatter and her soul fall into a void. They whirled around to stare at her, Meiling in victory, and Li in an emotion she had never seen him in before: horror. = Because I found out no doubt. = Then she uttered the words she had hoped she would never utter.
"Now I understand why u cannot commit yourself to me. U love her not me." She felt hot tears burn trails down her face, but didn't burn as much as her heart. She turned, running. The earring forgotten. She fell. Her knees scraped the hard ground and blood fell. She paused for a millisecond hoping Li would break free and help her, to prove Meiling had kissed him w/out his consent. He didn't. She stood up and ran the entire way home straight to her room, ignoring Tori who actual looked concerned for her.
@@@@End Flash Back@@@@
She stared at Li who sat in the couch looking cautious. "Time to open presents," Madison called. Sakura and Tori walked over to the two chairs set next to the present's table. Sakura received: an apron, a book, a sword [o_O;; eh!?] and a very large stack of tapes. A knock sounded at he door and Madison exclaimed, "April!" and smacked her forehead w/her palm. She walked to and opened the door. In stepped a raven-haired woman. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was earring a purple leather dress.
"Sorry I'm late. My boss called."
"That's O.K. We were just opening presents."
"Looks like all the presents are opened."
"Not quite. There's yours and Li's." = He got me a present!?!?!?! = She looked at the table and saw a small box and an envelope. = Probably a stamp =
"Here." April was standing in front of Sakura holding a flat rectangular object.
"What is it?"
"Well I can't tell u. that would defeat the purpose. Now open it." Sakura opened it. It was a picture if all her friends. The astonishing thing was that next to the adult versions of her friends were their children versions. Sakura looked at the picture than at April.
"Did u make this?"
"With a little help from Madison."
"Wow, Thanks!"
"Is it time to eat yet?" someone asked. Everyone giggled.
"No, there's 1 more present," exclaimed Madison and she pointed to the box/card. Sakura picked it up and opened the box. Inside was a pair of keys. Confused, she opened the card and inside was a picture of a car. On the card it said *the car is in the driveway* "Whoa! A car! Who's it from?" she showed them the name on the box. Everyone turned and stared at Li who sat innocently on the couch.
"Isn't it time to eat?" he asked. Ever one agreed and headed to the dining room.
"What are we having?"
"Macaroni," someone suggested.
"EW!"
"Cake," came another suggestion.
"YEAH!"
"Your all wrong! It's takeout." and Madison came in carrying many boxes [a/n: much like from Chinese restaurants] April held many chopsticks and handed them to people. Madison set the food on the table.
"All right!" Everyone grabbed a plate and started picking food out of the boxes.
"Pass the beef and broccoli," [a/n: O.K. So I know NOTHING about Japanese cuisine...] and many other requests and comments came from around the room. = A car. I can't believe he got me a car. And what is the other key for? = Unfortunately she would have to ask Li to find out. She inched her way over to him.
"Hello Li."
"Hello Sakura."
"I have a question."
"Hmm?"
"What is the extra key for?"
"The glove box."
"Oh..."
"Bye." he walked over to discuss something w/Madison.
"Oh no!" came a shout.
"Eeek!"
"We're put of Mongolian beef."
"I'll get some more," volunteered Sakura.
"No, u shouldn't go."
"She just wants to try out her new car." people giggled. Sakura blushed. Even though Li had given it to her, it was her first car she had had in a long time.
"Let her try it out. We'll just bug Tori.' Tori suddenly looked very scared by all the young ladies he knew through Sakura. Sakura stepped outside and walked over to the car. She heard the front door open and turned to see whom it was. It was Li.
"I didn't know what kind of car u drove so I got u a stick-shift [a/n: I also know NOTHING about cars...]"
"oh. I can't drive a stick-shift"
"I can. I'll drive you." =oh dear. One seat away from Mr. Heart-Break himself.[a/n: it's Kraft Macaroni & CHEESE!] What'll I do? =
"I can manage."
"Really? In a car u can't drive?"
"Well..."
"I'm driving and that's final. Get in the car," she reluctantly got in the passenger seat. Li got in on the other side. He cleared his throat. "Uh-um! The keys?"
"Oh here." she wondered if they would make it past the first red light