A new beginning – chapter 11
"Opportunities lie behind every corner"
Coco cookie: Ello! Sodid my last chap really seem to end as a cliffhanger? I didn't think sowell anywayz, sorrie ^_^ I thought it was a cute endin actually
Now remember folks, if a chap sux in any way – TELL ME. I don't get offended as long as it isn't a flare – and always getting good reviews makes me feel as if ya hiding da true fact dat da storie stank. I want my story to be da best it can possibly be – so unless u tell me exactly what u thought of it, I can't guarantee it.
*Takes a deep breath* Just excuse me – I'm a very picky person that likes things up to perfection.
Key:
Braces indicate thoughts
Starry things indicate a new setting
* * * * *
"Where should we sit Tomoyo?"
"Hmmwhy not at the back?"
Sakura stared at her puzzled. "I thought you always disliked sitting at the back because it was stuffy and not much air came in"
Tomoyo laughed nervously as she flapped a hand at her. "Ohohoho, well that was before – this is now." Tugging onto Sakura's sleeve, she made her walk infront of her.
"Hoe, is something wrong?" She glanced at the rows of seats on the coach that they could have taken – except strangely, Tomoyo insisted on the back row
"No, no," Tomoyo smiled," just keep walking." [Ofcourse, you didn't notice dear Li-kun sitting in the back corner] She had to duck another bag that hung dangerously off the shelf, and had to keep squishing between the seats on the narrow walkway. She was so used to riding around in a limousine that this was one of the most uncomfortable rides she would ever take.
"Hey Sakura, care to sit here?"
Going red immediately, Sakura began twiddling with her thumbs. "Hoe! Um"
"Sorry Miwatasu-kun, but she's sitting up there." Tomoyo gave him a smile as she saved Sakura from another admirer.
"Thank you," Sakura whispered gratefully.
"It's all in a day's work," Tomoyo smiled. [And my final task today is to get you and Li-kun together] After what seemed like forever, they finally got to the last row of which Syaoran sat – rather camouflaged – in the corner.
He was staring out the window, his eyes unreadable and his head resting on one hand. As always, he looked cool in his khaki pants and a large, baggy green shirt. Then to top it off, he wore a silver chain around his neck.
"Syaoran!" Feeling her heart race just to see him, Sakura smiled happily.
Her call woke him from his thoughts immediately – one which he preferred not to be disturbed in. Dark brown eyes locked into her gorgeous green ones but he didn't welcome her happiness. He looked away frowning.
What came over him that Saturday? He was totally playing around with her – totally being friendly. Resting a hand on his back, the pain from years ago returned to him. The many whippingsthe disgrace
He realized that being mean and heartless wouldn't take him anywhere – but being kind was not supposed to happen either. He should tell her that he didn't want her friendship – such as when she called him a teddy bear – but something stopped him. He couldn't bring himself to do it, when she was happy, he was.
"Syaoran?" Sakura asked worriedly as she leaned over to look at him. "What's wrong?"
[Now what should I say? Piss off?] Lifting his face again to see hers, he gave up – he just couldn't. Everytime he saw her serene green eyes, he ... he just ... "Yeah," He sighed, "Nothing."
"Hoe are you sure?"
"Yeah."
Sakura watched him with a hurt expression [Don't hide it from me Syaoran...I thought you trusted me...] There was an uncomfortable silence between them - until one of the teacher's voice ran through the coach.
"We're running out of room - 3 to a seat! 3 to a seat!"
Taking this as the perfect chance, Tomoyo smiled brightly. "Come on Sakura! Sit down!" Quick as a flash, Tomoyo shoved Sakura onto the spot beside Syaoran.
"Hoe!" she shrieked.
Her head landed right on Syaoran's arm who turned red right at the contact. Holding back the urge to yell, he cleared his throat gruffly. "Uh...um..."
There was no need to talk any further as she got the point. Hurriedly she bolted upright, her own face a bright red stuttering apologies. Staring right down at her lap with her hands tightly clasped, Sakura avoided his gaze completely.
Suddenly they heard the same footsteps racing up the coach and the very recognizable voice. "Ah! My favorite couple!"
Closing his eyes wearily, Syaoran ran a hand through his hair. "Eroil..." he said warningly.
Ignoring Syaoran, Eroil faced Tomoyo. "Tomoyo, are you sitting here?" he asked politely. Still as his and Tomoyo's eyes met, his gaze held a mischievous thought. As if understanding perfectly, Tomoyo giggled. "Nope, go ahead."
[What are they up to?] Syaoran thought as he narrowed his eyes. [ Eroil's got that look on his face again. I got a bad feeling about thisHEY!]
Placing another person on the seat was going to be squishy - but Eroil put a whole new meaning to it. He totally pushed Sakura off and made her half sit on Syaoran's lap.
"Hoe!"
"Are you comfortable my sweet?" Eroil smiled.
Scratching her head as she stared puzzled at him, she replied slowly, "Well...do you-"
"When the hell did you start taking up so much space?!" Syaoran yelled furiously. He had to move Sakura to the side so that he could stick his head out far enough to talk.
"When in the world does your face get so red?" Eroil replied evilly. "Did you get sun burnt? Or is it because of a certain girl..."
"Eroil," Syaoran glared, "shut up."
"Ah don't hide it my cute descendent - we know you like her."
"You two look so cute together too!" Tomoyo added as she zoomed her video camera in.
"Hoe!" Sakura glanced at them confused. "Who's the girl you're talking about? I don't see her..." [Oh, does Syaoran really like someone else?] Her eyes fell in disappointment. [Guess it's Mirano...]
"Oh she's here Sakura - want me to describe her for you?" Eroil grinned.
"Yes please," Sakura nodded, her hair flying around with her.
"Watch where your hair's going," Syaoran grumbled.
"Anyway," Eroil smiled," she has silky auburn hair - bangs at the front and wavy hair at the back-"
"SHUT UP!" (Don't need to tell ya who this is do I?^^)
"She has stunning eyes, as green as an emerald-"
"EROIL!"
"Soft pale skin that sets off all her beauty-"
Unable to stand it, Syaoran reached out to strangle Eroil. Luckily Eroil dodged out of the way just in time and since Syaoran was not that able to move around, he had no chance of following.
"Hmm," Sakura said thoughtfully," this person sure looks a lot like me doesn't she? Except, she's really beautiful..." [Well at least it isn't Mirano - any girl's better then her] Turning around to face Syaoran, she asked innocently, "Can you tell me who she is?"
"There's no one - stop thinking about it. Then he turned away with a grunt, trying to go back to watching the world from the window. Except it was a bit hard knowing that the girl which several guys seeked sat on his lap. Then with the occasional strands of her auburn hair that flew into his face and the fact that Tomoyo and Eroil still kept hinting things, remaining silent was even more of a task.
* * * * *
"This place is great!" Sakura cried giddily as she stumbled in with her luggage. Beside Mirano's bags of endless clothes and Tomoyo's luggage that would contain everything a girl would need, Sakura's one was also one of the largest. After all, having such an over-protective brother as Touya would certainly mean bringing strange things.
~FLASHBACK~
"Pack this in as well kaijiu," Touya commanded as he handed her what seemed like two torches.
"Hoe! But you just gave me five yesterday!"
"I know," Touya replied casually. "But what if you get lost and the battery of the first one goes out-"
"It won't oniichan," Sakura sighed. "Those batteries are made to last at least four hours - and you gave me an extra 13 just incase."
"Why of course!" Touya exclaimed. He turned around to rustle in one of his drawers until he found one last battery. "Now you have 14 - it's no longer an unlucky number. I should have thought about it before."
Sighing, Sakura unzipped her bag for the 28th time that day to add more things. "Hoe!" she gasped as she took out seven strange bottles, "why would I need..." Sakura squinted at the label. "Water?!"
"Just incase the water there's polluted - and here's one more bottle to make an even number."
~FLASHBACK ENDS~
"I bags this bunk!" Sakura laughed as she chose the one by the large window. Lifting back the curtains, she realized she got a perfect view of the small green valley below - Oki island was famous for its beaches, sunlight and greenery. (I'm making this whole thing up folks - sorry. Plus if they were really going to get there, they should take a plane)
"This place is actually alright I guess," Mirano said as she wrinkled her nose. "It's way better then sleeping in those nasty tents on the floor. I mean, who lies on dirt? Ewww!"
"Hey!" Chiharu snapped. "I love camping!"
"Oh - that's the word isn't it?" Mirano replied casually. She dumped her huge bag on one of the beds and began fingering through her clothes. "Is it true that we're holding a dance this Thursday or something?"
"Yep," Tomoyo smiled," it's the time for the annual school Cupid's day."
"Oh that!" Mirano picked up a ruby colored dress which she held to her body. "Just imagine Syaoran's expression when he sees me like this!" Then frowning, she let that one drop and picked up another one. "Or do you think this blue one is better?"
Too excited to hear them, Sakura was lost in her own world. Breathing in the beautiful fresh air, a large smile crossed her lips. What a great five days it was going to be.
* * * * *
"It's a beautiful view here," Naoko gushed as she pointed out to the ocean. "The breeze, the sea salt...it's so safe and relaxing."
Everyone nodded in agreement - even Mirano who hated the outdoors was enjoying the surrounding. After what seemed like forever, they had finished unpacking in their cabins and had choose an area on the green to eat lunch.
"The food here is nice too," Tomoyo complimented as she bit into her sandwich. "Well ... as good as they can get."
Finally finishing all of her pasta, Sakura hurriedly took out the wrinkled timetable from her pocket. Excitedly, she went over what they would be doing. "After we finish lunch, we're going on a quick tour of the place so that we don't get lost...then we'll have an early night in."
"You mean no ghost stories?" Naoko cut in disappointed.
"Thankfully no," Sakura replied happily as she placed a hand over her chest. Just one story would give her nightmares for days.
"Uh oh then," Asumi said as he looked over her shoulder to see the sheet," they say we're having stories by the campfire on every other night - except Thursday."
"HOEEEE!"
"Good," Naoko smiled. "I've got a great one about this girl who-"
"Don't you dare go on," Mirano warned.
"You don't like ghost stories too?" Rika asked puzzled.
"No," Mirano replied as she flicked her blonde hair back, "I just can't stand Sakura's wailing."
Instantly steam began rising out of Sakura's ears. "I DON'T-"
"Well at least we won't have stories on Thursday," Tomoyo said hurriedly, trying to even out the mess, "we're having the Cupid's ball that night."
"Oh I can't wait!" Mirano and Sakura squealed at the same time. Instantly they both looked hopefully to Syaoran who sat silently, eating his lunch. Their look said rather transparently 'I want to go with you - we're the perfect couple'.
Avoiding both gazes, Syaoran finally spoke. "What is ... the Cupid's Ball?" he asked with his eyebrows raised. During the whole conversation he just sat there with his arms crossed, listening.
"Exactly," Eroil cut in. "You all know except us."
"Well," Tomoyo smiled. "It's an annual school tradition - held each year on the night of April the 28th. The idea is that if you like someone, you make them a present which you think represents them."
"It has to be handmade," Rika added, "because the effort you put into it shows your love."
"On the night, where we all dress up, we hand our crush -"
"Who is blindfolded," Mirano cut in.
"The present with a clue on it," Tomoyo finished. "If he, or she, likes your present the best and easily knows who it is from, it is said that Cupid's arrow brought you two together." During the whole time she was speaking, Tomoyo stared intently at Syaoran with a funny smile on her face.
"Wow," Eroil smiled as he too looked over at Syaoran, "by any chance, who are you making something for?"
"Haven't you embarrassed me enough on the way here?" Syaoran growled back.
"Did you know that earthquakes are very popular on this island?" Takakshi suddenly asked with a smile written all over his face.
Sighing, Chiharu hit him lightly on the head. "Liar - don't you ever stop?"
"Actually," Naoko said slowly, "he's telling the truth - this island is known to often undergo quakes and tremors."
Putting her hands on her hips, Chiharu replied, "Ha-ha, funny. Don't tell me you're taking his side now-"
"No she's right," Asumi interrupted. Once he spoke, Chiharu's cheeks reddened. She secretly liked Asumi; of course Takashi was her best friend and she liked him more...but Asumi was so handsome and perfect.
"See?" Takakshi smiled, "I told you!"
"Anyway," Naoko said as she pushed her glasses higher up her nose, "this island has always had small quakes every few years - but strangely, over the past years, these quakes have arrived more often and are a lot stronger. Instead of just being a few seconds, they now last for more then a minute." Seeing the stricken faces on her friends, Naoko added, "But this is still rare. So overall, the island is said to be safe."
But by the looks on their faces, they didn't really believe that.
* * * * *
The cabin was pretty silent except for the slight sounds made by Naoko's page turning and the soft breathing that came from Mirano's sleep. Flickering beams of light fell across the dark room, in turn playing on the faces of the girls.
Folding back the curtains so that the moonlight could come in, Sakura cuddled the blanket closer to herself.
Watching her, Tomoyo whispered quietly so that she wouldn't wake anyone. "Is something bothering you?" She walked over to Sakura's bed and placed a hand comfortably on her shoulder. "You can tell me."
"It's the earthquakes isn't it?" Chiharu said suddenly as she sat up.
"Hoe! I thought you were asleep!" Sakura exclaimed.
Chiharu sighed as she fiddled with her pigtails. "I'm trying to."
"Well I heard that drinking some herbal tea helps make you fall asleep," Tomoyo said helpfully as she turned to face her.
"But that just makes you want to pee later in the night," Chiharu replied disbelievingly. With that, they were vastly absorbed in their own conversation.
[The party is on in three more days...just three...] Sakura sighed as she rested her head onto her knees. She had to think of something to make for him; something special that he would love. She was thinking of a painting - but she was bad at art. Only someone as talented as Tomoyo could make that sort of masterpiece. [So maybe I can create a dance which shows his personality? But I always dance - it's just not special enough and doesn't take much effort. I want to do something that he can see I tried my hardest in to please him...]
Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was past 11. Holding back her yawns, she pulled the blanket up over her. But strangely, it wouldn't budge! Shocked, Sakura stared down at the material that covered her legs; cautiously she reached down with one hand and felt it. Instantly as if alive, it bounced up and wound around her arm.
"HOE!"
At her cry, all the girls that were still award stared up at her. "What's wrong Sakura?" Tomoyo asked, her eyes wide.
"I bet I know," Naoko said spookily. She pointed to the moon. "It's a full moon tonight - the perfect time for werewolves to come out."
"No I'm fine..." Sakura said shakily as she stared down at her arm. Once she looked at it, the cloth unwound from it's tight grip on her and fell down back onto her legs. No one saw this strange movement except Tomoyo who could guess what had really happened.
"You sure?" Tomoyo said softly so only they could hear.
"Yes," Sakura replied with a forced smile - of whom Tomoyo also noticed.
"So goodnight then?" Tomoyo said unsure.
"Yep. Goodnight!"
Then just as Tomoyo headed back to her own bed, Sakura spoke up. "Tomoyo?"
"What's wrong?"
"Could we change blankets (isn't dis a weird word?!) please? Just for tonight?"
* * * * *
Coco cookie: Camp finally starts!!!!!!!!! I ensure u dat somethin really S+S in gonna happen in a while - but something bad's gona happen too...
From da 10th Dec, i'm going on holiday - YES! But sadly, i'm not allowed to bring da laptop (and absolutely not any comps cause they won't fit) which means...
Yep, u got da idea.
I still plan on writing, but this time I won't get to type it up - it'll just be a draft. So...until I get to a comp and manage to type things up then upload it, no new chaps will arrive till halfway in January - SORRIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!