Note: Bwuahahaha! Last chapter of the story! Hope you all enjoyed reading my story even though it wasn't that great AND accurate! Gomen, gomen, I know it wasn't THAT accurate, but I tried my best! Anywayz, last chapter, we know that Jiro has been defeated...or has he? Hey, this is the mushiest part of the story! Hope you all like! :) To those who are wondering...I AM having a sequel to this story! Oh, you all must be wondering what happened to Kaho? Well, you're about to find out as she makes another appearance on the story. ^_^ wheeeeeeee let's all jump for joy! More work for me! Oh well, all the better to satisfy my good readers out there!
Chapter 12 - Forever
"Ne, Tomoyo? Who's going to be your escort tonight?" Tomoyo looked up from her homework at Misaki, peering over her shoulder like a vulture looking for prey. Startled, she almost fell off her chair at Misaki's closeness, but managed to sit up straight as she closed her math book calmly.
"I don't have one," Tomoyo replied softly.
"Eh?" Kana turned around from her chair to look at Tomoyo, tapping her pencil annoyingly on her friend's desk. "What do you mean you don't have one?"
"I mean I don't have one. I mean, that no guy is going to come with me at the dance, but just me and my friends." Tomoyo opened her math book again, doing her best to be confident about being independent and waited for Kana and Misaki to speak on how important it was to have an escort and all those useless naggings they do to her.
Fortunately, none of them did and Tomoyo was relieved. Kana and Misaki continued on doing their math homework and said nothing of it for the rest of the day in class. When class was over, Tomoyo went to her locker to get her lunch and stuffed all her books she didn't need inside the cramped space of the school closet. Her mind jumped back to Eriol. Eriol... she thought. He must have gone back to England by now, being in Kaho's arms. Tomoyo closed her eyes.
"If you hold that long enough, it's eventually going to break, Tomoyo," a deep voice spoke, startling her. Tomoyo turned around, unaware of someone approaching her and let go of her binder. She did not realize how tightly she was holding her binder, until she noticed a dent at the side. She put the binder back inside the closet and looked up as Yukio walked towards her and paused just enough to give her space.
Tomoyo blushed, putting the last item in her locker and zipped her backpack closed. "Do you usually spy on people, Yuki-kun?" She looked up and smiled.
Yukio blushed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I couldn't help but notice...well, I couldn't help but listen that you didn't have an escort for the dance. I'd like to be your escort if you want..."
The lavender haired girl smiled, her teeth grinding underneath impatiently. Couldn't wait, could you? She thought. Yukio would jump at any chance to be with her, especially now that Eriol was gone. Somehow, he knew that. "Yukio..."
Yuki backed away and shook his head. "Iiee! You don't need to answer that, I already know. I mean, I've liked you ever since I met you, Tomoyo and even though I can be annoying at times, I would never force you to do anything you don't want to. I was just asking." Yukio smiled for the first time she has ever seen him do- a real genuine smile that was only meant for her to see. She watched as he turned to leave, but Tomoyo's heart was full of guilt for the young man.
"Yuki-kun! Matte!" Tomoyo ran to him, putting on both the straps of his backpack and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him from walking away. Yukio turned, his face full of curiosity. "I'll go with you," she spoke.
"You...will?" Yukio's eyes were full of happiness. Maybe there was hope after all.
Tomoyo noticed it. She has to tell him the truth before he gets hurt even more. "Demo... Yuki-kun..." She took a hand in her palms and looked up, smiling. "Let's just go as friends, okay? I just need a friend right now."
Yukio felt disappointed, but he smiled anyway. That Eriol hurt her to badly, that she has lost hope on someone else. He sighed softly and nodded. "All right, that's fine. I'll pick you up at seven?" He started to walk towards the cafeteria, but paused when Tomoyo's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Tomoyo nodded taking steps in beside him. "Hai! Are you going to be eating at the cafeteria or outside?"
Yukio shrugged. "I don't know. Where do you want to eat?"
The dark haired girl smiled. "Since it's a nice day, I'd say we eat outside."
"Good!" Yukio grabbed Tomoyo's hand. "I don't really want to eat with Misaki and Kana anyways. They'll start nagging me about taking you to the dance."
"Well, you ARE taking me to the dance!" Tomoyo replied as they stepped out of the building, as if they were running from some kind of criminal.
Yukio laughed. "Yeah well, they'll start nagging on someone else. I don't need three mothers!" They stopped running and began walking to a nearby tree.
Tomoyo giggled as they turned the corner, not knowing that someone nearby was watching them closely. He watched from a top a tree, his hands stuffed in his pockets. He closely regarded the way she smiled, the way she moved and the way her hair blew in her face. Tomoyo...he thought. He wished that he could hold her. He stepped down from the tree and followed them down the street, his footsteps quiet in the windy afternoon. A woman and a man passed by, but Eriol did not care about them, his eyes were trained on the young woman ahead of him, a lovely young woman whom he will miss more than anything else in the world. Tomoyo and the high school friend of hers walked by the older couple. Eriol paused when she noticed the way Tomoyo was staring at the woman as they walked by each other. He glanced towards the woman and gasped at the sight of the one person he has not seen in months. Kaho? He thought. Walking beside her was a man he did not know. What was going on?
"Kaho?" Eriol yelled, grabbing the woman's arm. The woman turned, startled by the young man's sudden aggression. The man beside her turned and took Eriol by the shoulder, warning him. Eriol brushed his hand away and looked closely into the woman's eyes. There was no mistaken...this WAS Kaho. Kaho just looked at him, confusion in her eyes as if she has never seen him all his life.
"Excuse me, young man... will you please take your hand off of my wife?" the man spoke, now firmly grasping Eriol's shoulder. He gently guided him from her sight and stared hard into his eyes. "Who are you?!"
"Kaho! Don't you remember me?" Eriol's eyes were on the woman alone and no one else. Tomoyo watched Eriol's expression. They were full of confusion, sadness and heartbreak. Kaho just stared at him and for one slow motion; she shook her head in response to his question. Tomoyo stood, watching as Eriol went back to her and took her hand in his. Her heart felt like it was stabbed many times by a large knife.
"I'm sorry, I don't know who you are. Let's go, Kei." She took her husband's hand and pulled him away from Eriol's sight and they turned the direction from which they came. Eriol watched them leave, many questions running in his mind. What happened to her after the China incident?
Sighing, Eriol turned, only to have turned the wrong way as he noticed Tomoyo's tears flowing down her cheeks. Her eyes were full of sadness and he wanted to be the last person that made her cry. How could he do this to her? "Tomoyo..."
Tomoyo frowned, grabbing Yukio's hand and walked away from him, dragging the poor boy behind her. Eriol wanted to tell Tomoyo the truth. True, he wanted Kaho back, but not as his lover, but as his friend. Now that he knows Kaho truly HAS come back and is now in a happy relationship with a man who will take care of her, his heart truly belongs to Tomoyo. Somehow, he has to find a way to make her understand. Eriol sighed and nodded. He has decided on one thing to make her see that he truly loved her.
****************
"Kaho? Do you know that man?" Kei spoke, wrapping his arms around her.
His wife nodded. "Yes. But I just want him to move on now. I know that he has found someone of his own so there is no point of me worrying." She turned to face the man who saved her life from death. "Kei? What was Jiro like?"
Kei grinned, stealing a kiss from the tip of her nose. "Jiro was someone who was misunderstood. My uncle deserves to rest in peace now, knowing now of what that witch has done to him."
His wife curled a strand of blond hair behind his ear. "He doesn't have to worry about her anymore."
Kei nodded. "Yes, but we do. She'll come back for him again and she'll find a way to revive him so she can use him to release the cards."
"Yes, but that's not our concern anymore. Eriol can do it."
Kei sighed. "I just hope he's strong enough to defeat her."
Kaho took Kei's hand in hers. "Don't worry. Because of Tomoyo, Eriol's heart is stronger than before.
The blond man pulled away from his wife and looked at her strangely. "What does his heart have to do with it?"
"Trust me...it has EVERYTHING to do with it."
****************
"Tomoyo!!!!!! KAWAII!" Misaki and Kana peeked from their windows and watched as Yukio led their friend down the stairs slowly. Her dress was the most amazing to watch and it suited her well. She surprised Tomoyo the moment Kana met her, the way she acted, despite how rich she was, she was as kind as anyone she has ever known. Most rich folks were snobs to her, but Tomoyo would not do that. And no matter how much money she had, she would make her clothes from scratch, without buying something expensive from a store. "Tomoyo, you did it again! You're once again the bell of the ball!" Kana spoke, unlocking the door for her at the back. Tomoyo's dress was long, purple and beautiful and she had outdone herself for making something like that. It was one of the best dresses she has ever made.
Tomoyo blushed at their comments as Yukio opened the door for her. He leaned slightly and whispered, "Don't let them get to you! Just smile and have fun at this dance!"
The girl nodded and smiled up at Yukio. "Arigatou gozaimasu!"
When everyone was inside, the black Volkswagen Beatle pulled out of the Daidouji driveway and were taken to the Hakusho Convention Center, just forty minutes from Tomoyo's place, a building big enough for at least a thousand people, overlooking the beautiful ocean. They entered with awe and glee at the marvelous chandelier high above the ceiling and the dinner, gleaming with famous cuisines from the around the world prepared only for the graduates. There was a large stage that was almost a semi-circle, facing a huge dance floor and instruments fit for a rock band steadily on the stage. The moment they opened the door to let them in, a few teenage men stepped out from the black curtains and took their places on the stage, with their guitars, their drums and their keyboard. Tomoyo watched them carefully; entranced by the way they tuned their guitars. She has almost forgotten to sing. At that moment, she wanted to sing and it didn't matter how many people watched her. She just wanted to express her feelings through a song so that maybe Eriol can hear her. However, her idea popped out of her head when everyone else started shuffling inside, their voices loud and echoing around the building. Tomoyo looked behind her to find Kana and Misaki calling for her to sit down on a table next to the refreshments. She nodded and sat down next to Yukio and watched as the bright lights turned down slightly to make the room dim. Every six hundred graduates sat down at their respected reserved tables and watched as Yamura-sensei, their principal, stepped out of the darkness and into the spotlight, on top of the stage. He cleared his throat before starting his speech. One that Tomoyo usually found interesting and boring for others. However, for some reason, Tomoyo could not listen. Her mind was trained on Eriol's face and his smile. 'He must have already left for England,' she thought.
"I know you all must be eager for this night, so we're just going to start off the dance with a little tune from our band here. Have fun graduates, this is your night!" Loud cheers and hollers came after Yamura-sensei spoke those words and he stepped out of the light, the rock band began to play a slow song. A few couples were the first brave soldiers to step into the dance floor and began to dance. Tomoyo sighed. Great... a slow song, she thought.
"Ne, Yukio?" Misaki whispered to her cousin. "Why don't you ask Tomoyo to dance?"
Yukio smiled and shook his head. "Iiee. She looks thirsty, I think I'll just ask her if she wants anything to drink!" He turned towards Tomoyo. "Tomoyo? Do you want something to drink?"
Misaki looked at her cousin strangely. Yukio? She watched him suspiciously as Tomoyo answered his question with a 'yes' and as he took her answer by leaving her side to fetch him a drink. Misaki turned towards Tomoyo, confused by what just happened. "Tomoyo? Do you think Yukio is acting strange?"
Tomoyo shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Naze?"
"What did you do to him?" Misaki asked, looking at her suspiciously.
"Me?" Tomoyo's eyes widened. "I didn't do anything to him."
"Yeah right..."
"Misaki! Let's dance!" Misaki looked up. Yoshitomi Morie held out a hand towards her and, forgetting about her suspicion, took his hand and walked with him to the dance floor. Tomoyo sighed. It was a good thing Misaki forgot everything she said after a while. She didn't need her nagging right now. Kana was also dancing with her date, by the name of Akita Shotaro, a sophomore in college. They seem to be having fun, she thought.
"Then, why aren't you?" Tomoyo sighed. Yukio was back all ready? She thought to herself. She looked up, expecting her friend with a glass of water, but she was shocked to find Eriol there instead. He held out his hand to her. "Would a lovely lady care to dance with a fool like me?"
Tomoyo thought for a moment, unsure what to say. She placed a hand on his, still doubting him and stood up. She said nothing as Eriol led her on the dance floor, watched with resentment by her two friends. Slowly, he took her in his arms, placing one hand around her waist and the other, connecting with fingers. Tomoyo blushed at their contact. They have never had ANY contact since he came to visit, maybe except that one time she embraced him, but that was different. She put an arm around him, staring into his eyes. "What are you doing here? I thought you left for England?"
"I forgot to give you something." He let go of Tomoyo's hand and fished something from out of his tuxedo jacket. After a few seconds, he took out a small box wrapped in gold wrapping paper and handed it to her. They continued to dance as Tomoyo took the box with one hand, while Eriol put his other hand around the other side of her waist. Tomoyo examined it for a while, then looked up.
"What's this?" she asked. "Aren't you jumping ahead just a bit?"
Eriol laughed. "It's not what you think. I want you to open it after you get your diploma tomorrow."
Tomoyo said nothing. "You...won't be there?"
Eriol stopped laughing. "I have to go back to England to keep the black book safe."
Tomoyo nodded. "I understand." What black book? He's just covering it up so he can be with Kaho. Why would he lie to her?
Reading her thoughts, Eriol frowned. "Tomoyo, is that what you think of me?"
Caught in the act, Tomoyo looked down and said nothing, answering his question. Eriol placed a hand underneath her chin and lifted her head up so she could look at him. "I'm not lying to you. Kaho has found someone else and she has already moved on. I plan on moving on too, if you let me."
Tears fell from her eyes. Tomoyo could no longer contain her emotion. He always knew how she felt, always knew what to say to her. "I'm sorry. I believe you. I didn't want you to go, but I guess your first duty is to be a sorcerer so you can protect the world."
"And most importantly...you." Eriol tilted her head up towards him and he leaned forward towards her soft lips. For the first time during those months full of turmoil and despair, all was washed away by his kiss. Tomoyo closed her eyes, feeling so alive. She felt like there were wings on her feet for her to fly. She was on Cloud 9. "I'll never forget you, Tomoyo," he whispered in her ear. "My flight leaves in a few hours and I just want to congratulate you. You made it."
Tomoyo smiled, feeling her breaking heart going back to pieces, now that she knows she has found where she belongs... with him. "I'll think of you...always." More tears fell from her eyes and they danced slowly through the night, watched by Yukio, a friend, mentor and a broken hearted teenager.
***************
"Tomoyo! Hayaku! Hayaku! You're going to be late for the commencements!" Tomoyo opened one eye slowly. She had a wonderful dream... was it a dream? She stretched and yawned and rubbed her eyes lazily, smiling to herself. Yes, it must have been a dream. Glancing at her clock on her bedside table, Tomoyo noticed a small box wrapped with the same gold paper she saw in her dreams. It wasn't a dream, she thought.
A hard knock startled her from her reverie. Tomoyo looked up at her closed door and nodded. "Hai! Hai! I'm coming!" She washed her hair quickly at her bathroom sink and changed into her nice purple sundress. She paired that dress with her white sandals and tied her hair up into a neat ponytail. There was no point in worrying about what she was going to wear, since she was going to wear her gown overtop anyway.
"Tomoyo! Let's go!" her mother yelled from downstairs.
The dark haired girl grabbed the small box from the table and stuffed it inside her pocket located near the leg part of the dress. She ran out the door and down the stairs, locking the door behind her. Her mother was already waiting for her at the driveway, inside their black BMW, getting irritated. A drop of sweat soaked her forehead and she apologized to her mother for being late as she stepped inside the car. Her mother sighed and nodded, accepting her apology and they drove out of the driveway like no tomorrow to the Tomoeda high school.
***************
"Daidouji Tomoyo!" the principal called. Cheers and claps could be heard around the auditorium as Tomoyo stepped into the platform. She nervously walked across the stage towards the principal, who was holding her two diplomas. "Tomoyo receives a diploma of recognition, with the scholarship of $10,000 from the Yomashido Music School and the scholarship of $1,000 from a charity work in South Africa." More roars from each student grew louder as he announced her work. Tomoyo blushed as she accepted the two diplomas, one rolled up and one placed inside a glass frame. She shook hand with her sensei and took pictures with him. When her turn was done, she stepped out of the platform and back down towards her seat. She received pats and congratulations from each student as she walked by and received hugs from Misaki, Kana and Yukio. Her mother gave her a hug as well, adding a kiss on her cheek and tears of happiness.
"I'm so proud of you!" Sonomi whispered in her daughter's ear. Tomoyo sat down beside her mother and when the last person was called at the platform, following the same routine as everyone else did, Yamura-sensei stepped back towards the microphone and said his final words.
"It was such an honor to have been your principal these last five years. You guys were the greatest kids I have ever met. You conquered everything and did all that could be! Despite the difficulties, you defeated the challenges and stood a top the pile and smiled throughout the years. I'm going to miss you all!" Tears of joy surrounded Yamura-sensei as all the graduated students, with their diplomas and medals, lifted up their caps and tossed it high in the air, the golden tassles flinging in the air around them. Hollers and hoots could be heard from many mouths of the parents, the visitors and the graduates around her. Tomoyo consciously reached inside her blouse at her pocket and felt something there. She took it out slowly and placed the box in the palm of her hands. Curiously, she opened the box and finally saw what it was that drove her to wonder. Inside, was a sterling silver necklace with a small treble clef pendant, adorned with a small, diamond placed at the end of the 'S' part of the treble. Tomoyo smiled, pulling the necklace slowly from the carton and examined it closely. The diamond was REAL! She could tell by the way the light bounced off from it. Tears of happiness gleamed from her eyes.
"Tomoyo!" The girl looked up and was surprised to see Sakura, with Syaoran trailing behind, running towards her, with a camera in her hand. She ran her way through the crowd and wrapped her arms around the taller girl lovingly. "Tomoyo! Congratulations!"
Tomoyo smiled, glancing at the necklace in her hands. "Congratulations to you too, Sakura and Syaoran! I can't believe we made it!"
"Neither could I!" Sakura squeaked. She pulled away from Tomoyo and noticed the necklace in her hand as the girl unwrapped her arms from around her. "What's that, Tomoyo?" she asked, pointing at the necklace.
Tomoyo glanced at the gift and smiled. "It's from Eriol," she replied, with a hint of red coloring on her cheeks.
Sakura smiled. "You're going to miss him, aren't you?" She waited for her answer, however, Tomoyo just smiled and turned back towards the stage, staring at nothing. She was going to miss him after all. 'Summer...' she thought. 'Eriol, I'm going to be with you soon enough.' Sakura stared at her as Tomoyo turned to look at her best friend.
"Ne, Sakura? What do you think is a good summer vacation?"
Sakura stared at her for a moment, then thought about it, but not before Tomoyo answered her own question first. "I think watching the beautiful sunset in England would be nice, don't you think?"
The shorthaired girl smiled, finally understanding what she means. "That would be great! Can I come too?"
Syaoran stared at the two girls, confused by their conversation.
"Sure!" Tomoyo answered. She glanced at Syaoran. For the first time in months, she never saw Syaoran more than just a friend. She saw him as a good pal for the many years they've been together. "What about you, Syoaran? Care to join us?"
Syaoran had no choice but the answer 'yes' even though he had no idea what was going on. "Ah! Syaoran-kun!" Sakura wrapped her arms around her boyfriend and giggled when she noticed him blushing. Tomoyo laughed along with her, her heart pounding with excitement for the up coming summer and her mind completely on Eriol's smile and his kiss. Tomoyo looked up into the sky and closed her eyes. Eriol...she thought. I'm coming...
GoodGurl: Whew! Finished that! Woohoo! Can't wait to write the sequel! You can guess what type of sequel! Tomoyo in England for the summer! Yeay! See ya!
Chapter 12 - Forever
"Ne, Tomoyo? Who's going to be your escort tonight?" Tomoyo looked up from her homework at Misaki, peering over her shoulder like a vulture looking for prey. Startled, she almost fell off her chair at Misaki's closeness, but managed to sit up straight as she closed her math book calmly.
"I don't have one," Tomoyo replied softly.
"Eh?" Kana turned around from her chair to look at Tomoyo, tapping her pencil annoyingly on her friend's desk. "What do you mean you don't have one?"
"I mean I don't have one. I mean, that no guy is going to come with me at the dance, but just me and my friends." Tomoyo opened her math book again, doing her best to be confident about being independent and waited for Kana and Misaki to speak on how important it was to have an escort and all those useless naggings they do to her.
Fortunately, none of them did and Tomoyo was relieved. Kana and Misaki continued on doing their math homework and said nothing of it for the rest of the day in class. When class was over, Tomoyo went to her locker to get her lunch and stuffed all her books she didn't need inside the cramped space of the school closet. Her mind jumped back to Eriol. Eriol... she thought. He must have gone back to England by now, being in Kaho's arms. Tomoyo closed her eyes.
"If you hold that long enough, it's eventually going to break, Tomoyo," a deep voice spoke, startling her. Tomoyo turned around, unaware of someone approaching her and let go of her binder. She did not realize how tightly she was holding her binder, until she noticed a dent at the side. She put the binder back inside the closet and looked up as Yukio walked towards her and paused just enough to give her space.
Tomoyo blushed, putting the last item in her locker and zipped her backpack closed. "Do you usually spy on people, Yuki-kun?" She looked up and smiled.
Yukio blushed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I couldn't help but notice...well, I couldn't help but listen that you didn't have an escort for the dance. I'd like to be your escort if you want..."
The lavender haired girl smiled, her teeth grinding underneath impatiently. Couldn't wait, could you? She thought. Yukio would jump at any chance to be with her, especially now that Eriol was gone. Somehow, he knew that. "Yukio..."
Yuki backed away and shook his head. "Iiee! You don't need to answer that, I already know. I mean, I've liked you ever since I met you, Tomoyo and even though I can be annoying at times, I would never force you to do anything you don't want to. I was just asking." Yukio smiled for the first time she has ever seen him do- a real genuine smile that was only meant for her to see. She watched as he turned to leave, but Tomoyo's heart was full of guilt for the young man.
"Yuki-kun! Matte!" Tomoyo ran to him, putting on both the straps of his backpack and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him from walking away. Yukio turned, his face full of curiosity. "I'll go with you," she spoke.
"You...will?" Yukio's eyes were full of happiness. Maybe there was hope after all.
Tomoyo noticed it. She has to tell him the truth before he gets hurt even more. "Demo... Yuki-kun..." She took a hand in her palms and looked up, smiling. "Let's just go as friends, okay? I just need a friend right now."
Yukio felt disappointed, but he smiled anyway. That Eriol hurt her to badly, that she has lost hope on someone else. He sighed softly and nodded. "All right, that's fine. I'll pick you up at seven?" He started to walk towards the cafeteria, but paused when Tomoyo's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Tomoyo nodded taking steps in beside him. "Hai! Are you going to be eating at the cafeteria or outside?"
Yukio shrugged. "I don't know. Where do you want to eat?"
The dark haired girl smiled. "Since it's a nice day, I'd say we eat outside."
"Good!" Yukio grabbed Tomoyo's hand. "I don't really want to eat with Misaki and Kana anyways. They'll start nagging me about taking you to the dance."
"Well, you ARE taking me to the dance!" Tomoyo replied as they stepped out of the building, as if they were running from some kind of criminal.
Yukio laughed. "Yeah well, they'll start nagging on someone else. I don't need three mothers!" They stopped running and began walking to a nearby tree.
Tomoyo giggled as they turned the corner, not knowing that someone nearby was watching them closely. He watched from a top a tree, his hands stuffed in his pockets. He closely regarded the way she smiled, the way she moved and the way her hair blew in her face. Tomoyo...he thought. He wished that he could hold her. He stepped down from the tree and followed them down the street, his footsteps quiet in the windy afternoon. A woman and a man passed by, but Eriol did not care about them, his eyes were trained on the young woman ahead of him, a lovely young woman whom he will miss more than anything else in the world. Tomoyo and the high school friend of hers walked by the older couple. Eriol paused when she noticed the way Tomoyo was staring at the woman as they walked by each other. He glanced towards the woman and gasped at the sight of the one person he has not seen in months. Kaho? He thought. Walking beside her was a man he did not know. What was going on?
"Kaho?" Eriol yelled, grabbing the woman's arm. The woman turned, startled by the young man's sudden aggression. The man beside her turned and took Eriol by the shoulder, warning him. Eriol brushed his hand away and looked closely into the woman's eyes. There was no mistaken...this WAS Kaho. Kaho just looked at him, confusion in her eyes as if she has never seen him all his life.
"Excuse me, young man... will you please take your hand off of my wife?" the man spoke, now firmly grasping Eriol's shoulder. He gently guided him from her sight and stared hard into his eyes. "Who are you?!"
"Kaho! Don't you remember me?" Eriol's eyes were on the woman alone and no one else. Tomoyo watched Eriol's expression. They were full of confusion, sadness and heartbreak. Kaho just stared at him and for one slow motion; she shook her head in response to his question. Tomoyo stood, watching as Eriol went back to her and took her hand in his. Her heart felt like it was stabbed many times by a large knife.
"I'm sorry, I don't know who you are. Let's go, Kei." She took her husband's hand and pulled him away from Eriol's sight and they turned the direction from which they came. Eriol watched them leave, many questions running in his mind. What happened to her after the China incident?
Sighing, Eriol turned, only to have turned the wrong way as he noticed Tomoyo's tears flowing down her cheeks. Her eyes were full of sadness and he wanted to be the last person that made her cry. How could he do this to her? "Tomoyo..."
Tomoyo frowned, grabbing Yukio's hand and walked away from him, dragging the poor boy behind her. Eriol wanted to tell Tomoyo the truth. True, he wanted Kaho back, but not as his lover, but as his friend. Now that he knows Kaho truly HAS come back and is now in a happy relationship with a man who will take care of her, his heart truly belongs to Tomoyo. Somehow, he has to find a way to make her understand. Eriol sighed and nodded. He has decided on one thing to make her see that he truly loved her.
****************
"Kaho? Do you know that man?" Kei spoke, wrapping his arms around her.
His wife nodded. "Yes. But I just want him to move on now. I know that he has found someone of his own so there is no point of me worrying." She turned to face the man who saved her life from death. "Kei? What was Jiro like?"
Kei grinned, stealing a kiss from the tip of her nose. "Jiro was someone who was misunderstood. My uncle deserves to rest in peace now, knowing now of what that witch has done to him."
His wife curled a strand of blond hair behind his ear. "He doesn't have to worry about her anymore."
Kei nodded. "Yes, but we do. She'll come back for him again and she'll find a way to revive him so she can use him to release the cards."
"Yes, but that's not our concern anymore. Eriol can do it."
Kei sighed. "I just hope he's strong enough to defeat her."
Kaho took Kei's hand in hers. "Don't worry. Because of Tomoyo, Eriol's heart is stronger than before.
The blond man pulled away from his wife and looked at her strangely. "What does his heart have to do with it?"
"Trust me...it has EVERYTHING to do with it."
****************
"Tomoyo!!!!!! KAWAII!" Misaki and Kana peeked from their windows and watched as Yukio led their friend down the stairs slowly. Her dress was the most amazing to watch and it suited her well. She surprised Tomoyo the moment Kana met her, the way she acted, despite how rich she was, she was as kind as anyone she has ever known. Most rich folks were snobs to her, but Tomoyo would not do that. And no matter how much money she had, she would make her clothes from scratch, without buying something expensive from a store. "Tomoyo, you did it again! You're once again the bell of the ball!" Kana spoke, unlocking the door for her at the back. Tomoyo's dress was long, purple and beautiful and she had outdone herself for making something like that. It was one of the best dresses she has ever made.
Tomoyo blushed at their comments as Yukio opened the door for her. He leaned slightly and whispered, "Don't let them get to you! Just smile and have fun at this dance!"
The girl nodded and smiled up at Yukio. "Arigatou gozaimasu!"
When everyone was inside, the black Volkswagen Beatle pulled out of the Daidouji driveway and were taken to the Hakusho Convention Center, just forty minutes from Tomoyo's place, a building big enough for at least a thousand people, overlooking the beautiful ocean. They entered with awe and glee at the marvelous chandelier high above the ceiling and the dinner, gleaming with famous cuisines from the around the world prepared only for the graduates. There was a large stage that was almost a semi-circle, facing a huge dance floor and instruments fit for a rock band steadily on the stage. The moment they opened the door to let them in, a few teenage men stepped out from the black curtains and took their places on the stage, with their guitars, their drums and their keyboard. Tomoyo watched them carefully; entranced by the way they tuned their guitars. She has almost forgotten to sing. At that moment, she wanted to sing and it didn't matter how many people watched her. She just wanted to express her feelings through a song so that maybe Eriol can hear her. However, her idea popped out of her head when everyone else started shuffling inside, their voices loud and echoing around the building. Tomoyo looked behind her to find Kana and Misaki calling for her to sit down on a table next to the refreshments. She nodded and sat down next to Yukio and watched as the bright lights turned down slightly to make the room dim. Every six hundred graduates sat down at their respected reserved tables and watched as Yamura-sensei, their principal, stepped out of the darkness and into the spotlight, on top of the stage. He cleared his throat before starting his speech. One that Tomoyo usually found interesting and boring for others. However, for some reason, Tomoyo could not listen. Her mind was trained on Eriol's face and his smile. 'He must have already left for England,' she thought.
"I know you all must be eager for this night, so we're just going to start off the dance with a little tune from our band here. Have fun graduates, this is your night!" Loud cheers and hollers came after Yamura-sensei spoke those words and he stepped out of the light, the rock band began to play a slow song. A few couples were the first brave soldiers to step into the dance floor and began to dance. Tomoyo sighed. Great... a slow song, she thought.
"Ne, Yukio?" Misaki whispered to her cousin. "Why don't you ask Tomoyo to dance?"
Yukio smiled and shook his head. "Iiee. She looks thirsty, I think I'll just ask her if she wants anything to drink!" He turned towards Tomoyo. "Tomoyo? Do you want something to drink?"
Misaki looked at her cousin strangely. Yukio? She watched him suspiciously as Tomoyo answered his question with a 'yes' and as he took her answer by leaving her side to fetch him a drink. Misaki turned towards Tomoyo, confused by what just happened. "Tomoyo? Do you think Yukio is acting strange?"
Tomoyo shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Naze?"
"What did you do to him?" Misaki asked, looking at her suspiciously.
"Me?" Tomoyo's eyes widened. "I didn't do anything to him."
"Yeah right..."
"Misaki! Let's dance!" Misaki looked up. Yoshitomi Morie held out a hand towards her and, forgetting about her suspicion, took his hand and walked with him to the dance floor. Tomoyo sighed. It was a good thing Misaki forgot everything she said after a while. She didn't need her nagging right now. Kana was also dancing with her date, by the name of Akita Shotaro, a sophomore in college. They seem to be having fun, she thought.
"Then, why aren't you?" Tomoyo sighed. Yukio was back all ready? She thought to herself. She looked up, expecting her friend with a glass of water, but she was shocked to find Eriol there instead. He held out his hand to her. "Would a lovely lady care to dance with a fool like me?"
Tomoyo thought for a moment, unsure what to say. She placed a hand on his, still doubting him and stood up. She said nothing as Eriol led her on the dance floor, watched with resentment by her two friends. Slowly, he took her in his arms, placing one hand around her waist and the other, connecting with fingers. Tomoyo blushed at their contact. They have never had ANY contact since he came to visit, maybe except that one time she embraced him, but that was different. She put an arm around him, staring into his eyes. "What are you doing here? I thought you left for England?"
"I forgot to give you something." He let go of Tomoyo's hand and fished something from out of his tuxedo jacket. After a few seconds, he took out a small box wrapped in gold wrapping paper and handed it to her. They continued to dance as Tomoyo took the box with one hand, while Eriol put his other hand around the other side of her waist. Tomoyo examined it for a while, then looked up.
"What's this?" she asked. "Aren't you jumping ahead just a bit?"
Eriol laughed. "It's not what you think. I want you to open it after you get your diploma tomorrow."
Tomoyo said nothing. "You...won't be there?"
Eriol stopped laughing. "I have to go back to England to keep the black book safe."
Tomoyo nodded. "I understand." What black book? He's just covering it up so he can be with Kaho. Why would he lie to her?
Reading her thoughts, Eriol frowned. "Tomoyo, is that what you think of me?"
Caught in the act, Tomoyo looked down and said nothing, answering his question. Eriol placed a hand underneath her chin and lifted her head up so she could look at him. "I'm not lying to you. Kaho has found someone else and she has already moved on. I plan on moving on too, if you let me."
Tears fell from her eyes. Tomoyo could no longer contain her emotion. He always knew how she felt, always knew what to say to her. "I'm sorry. I believe you. I didn't want you to go, but I guess your first duty is to be a sorcerer so you can protect the world."
"And most importantly...you." Eriol tilted her head up towards him and he leaned forward towards her soft lips. For the first time during those months full of turmoil and despair, all was washed away by his kiss. Tomoyo closed her eyes, feeling so alive. She felt like there were wings on her feet for her to fly. She was on Cloud 9. "I'll never forget you, Tomoyo," he whispered in her ear. "My flight leaves in a few hours and I just want to congratulate you. You made it."
Tomoyo smiled, feeling her breaking heart going back to pieces, now that she knows she has found where she belongs... with him. "I'll think of you...always." More tears fell from her eyes and they danced slowly through the night, watched by Yukio, a friend, mentor and a broken hearted teenager.
***************
"Tomoyo! Hayaku! Hayaku! You're going to be late for the commencements!" Tomoyo opened one eye slowly. She had a wonderful dream... was it a dream? She stretched and yawned and rubbed her eyes lazily, smiling to herself. Yes, it must have been a dream. Glancing at her clock on her bedside table, Tomoyo noticed a small box wrapped with the same gold paper she saw in her dreams. It wasn't a dream, she thought.
A hard knock startled her from her reverie. Tomoyo looked up at her closed door and nodded. "Hai! Hai! I'm coming!" She washed her hair quickly at her bathroom sink and changed into her nice purple sundress. She paired that dress with her white sandals and tied her hair up into a neat ponytail. There was no point in worrying about what she was going to wear, since she was going to wear her gown overtop anyway.
"Tomoyo! Let's go!" her mother yelled from downstairs.
The dark haired girl grabbed the small box from the table and stuffed it inside her pocket located near the leg part of the dress. She ran out the door and down the stairs, locking the door behind her. Her mother was already waiting for her at the driveway, inside their black BMW, getting irritated. A drop of sweat soaked her forehead and she apologized to her mother for being late as she stepped inside the car. Her mother sighed and nodded, accepting her apology and they drove out of the driveway like no tomorrow to the Tomoeda high school.
***************
"Daidouji Tomoyo!" the principal called. Cheers and claps could be heard around the auditorium as Tomoyo stepped into the platform. She nervously walked across the stage towards the principal, who was holding her two diplomas. "Tomoyo receives a diploma of recognition, with the scholarship of $10,000 from the Yomashido Music School and the scholarship of $1,000 from a charity work in South Africa." More roars from each student grew louder as he announced her work. Tomoyo blushed as she accepted the two diplomas, one rolled up and one placed inside a glass frame. She shook hand with her sensei and took pictures with him. When her turn was done, she stepped out of the platform and back down towards her seat. She received pats and congratulations from each student as she walked by and received hugs from Misaki, Kana and Yukio. Her mother gave her a hug as well, adding a kiss on her cheek and tears of happiness.
"I'm so proud of you!" Sonomi whispered in her daughter's ear. Tomoyo sat down beside her mother and when the last person was called at the platform, following the same routine as everyone else did, Yamura-sensei stepped back towards the microphone and said his final words.
"It was such an honor to have been your principal these last five years. You guys were the greatest kids I have ever met. You conquered everything and did all that could be! Despite the difficulties, you defeated the challenges and stood a top the pile and smiled throughout the years. I'm going to miss you all!" Tears of joy surrounded Yamura-sensei as all the graduated students, with their diplomas and medals, lifted up their caps and tossed it high in the air, the golden tassles flinging in the air around them. Hollers and hoots could be heard from many mouths of the parents, the visitors and the graduates around her. Tomoyo consciously reached inside her blouse at her pocket and felt something there. She took it out slowly and placed the box in the palm of her hands. Curiously, she opened the box and finally saw what it was that drove her to wonder. Inside, was a sterling silver necklace with a small treble clef pendant, adorned with a small, diamond placed at the end of the 'S' part of the treble. Tomoyo smiled, pulling the necklace slowly from the carton and examined it closely. The diamond was REAL! She could tell by the way the light bounced off from it. Tears of happiness gleamed from her eyes.
"Tomoyo!" The girl looked up and was surprised to see Sakura, with Syaoran trailing behind, running towards her, with a camera in her hand. She ran her way through the crowd and wrapped her arms around the taller girl lovingly. "Tomoyo! Congratulations!"
Tomoyo smiled, glancing at the necklace in her hands. "Congratulations to you too, Sakura and Syaoran! I can't believe we made it!"
"Neither could I!" Sakura squeaked. She pulled away from Tomoyo and noticed the necklace in her hand as the girl unwrapped her arms from around her. "What's that, Tomoyo?" she asked, pointing at the necklace.
Tomoyo glanced at the gift and smiled. "It's from Eriol," she replied, with a hint of red coloring on her cheeks.
Sakura smiled. "You're going to miss him, aren't you?" She waited for her answer, however, Tomoyo just smiled and turned back towards the stage, staring at nothing. She was going to miss him after all. 'Summer...' she thought. 'Eriol, I'm going to be with you soon enough.' Sakura stared at her as Tomoyo turned to look at her best friend.
"Ne, Sakura? What do you think is a good summer vacation?"
Sakura stared at her for a moment, then thought about it, but not before Tomoyo answered her own question first. "I think watching the beautiful sunset in England would be nice, don't you think?"
The shorthaired girl smiled, finally understanding what she means. "That would be great! Can I come too?"
Syaoran stared at the two girls, confused by their conversation.
"Sure!" Tomoyo answered. She glanced at Syaoran. For the first time in months, she never saw Syaoran more than just a friend. She saw him as a good pal for the many years they've been together. "What about you, Syoaran? Care to join us?"
Syaoran had no choice but the answer 'yes' even though he had no idea what was going on. "Ah! Syaoran-kun!" Sakura wrapped her arms around her boyfriend and giggled when she noticed him blushing. Tomoyo laughed along with her, her heart pounding with excitement for the up coming summer and her mind completely on Eriol's smile and his kiss. Tomoyo looked up into the sky and closed her eyes. Eriol...she thought. I'm coming...
GoodGurl: Whew! Finished that! Woohoo! Can't wait to write the sequel! You can guess what type of sequel! Tomoyo in England for the summer! Yeay! See ya!