CHAPTER 3: ELAINE'S EVIL PLAN
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"Don't tell me you already made arrangement for our 'Big Plan'. You know that specific one needs more time for preparation." Syaoran said as he escorted Elaine to her room, the latter still clinging to his arm. Elaine shook her head as she entered her dark cozy room, and pushed Syaoran to her bed, who smiled at her mischievously. To Syaoran's disappointment, Elaine got up and from her safe, she took out a thin folder and handed it to Syaoran.
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"I don't think its time for that one." Elaine is beginning to undress and put on a gorgeous, elegant long black velvet gown. She tossed her head hoping to see her fiancée drooling at her like a hungry dog, but instead she is dismayed to see that his head is buried on the contents of the folder that she had just given him. She scowled at how he seems to be not so eager to see her naked, but nevertheless she decided not to comment on the matter.
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Syaoran on the other hand is busy flipping through the pages, most of which are enlarged pictures of a very lovely woman who resembles Sakura. There is no doubt in his mind that the woman in the pictures is Sakura's mother. Everything about her reminds him of Sakura, except for her raven colored long wavy hair. Sakura must have gotten her hair color from Fujitaka. Underneath the pictures is a small print that says "Ann Nadeshiko Avalon".
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He flipped through the first one and saw Ann Avalon smiling at the photographer, an ice cream in her hand. The next picture revealed who the photographer was as he saw Fujitaka's face smiling with Ann, his arm visibly holding the camera. Syaoran had never seen Fujitaka that happy before. The next pages showed pictures of Ann, obviously dancing, Ann and Fujitaka giggling by the pool, another of her on her wedding dress, and the last one is a huge picture of her and a little baby in her arms. Underneath the picture is the print, "Ann and Sakura Avalon-Kinomoto". After the pictures, there is a long report about her and Sakura, which he didn't feel like reading at that time.
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"You know what I found out?" Elaine giggled as she flaunted her gorgeous ensemble to Syaoran. "That Avalon is a poor dancer. And she actually was the one who left Fujitaka. What a stupid woman."
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"They look so happy. What happened?" Syaoran is very much curious to know how such a happy looking couple could drift so much apart. Elaine's eyes widened as a lady who is about to tell a scandalous gossip would.
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"According to that report, she was never really happy with Fujitaka's way of life, you know all the intrigues and social crap that goes with being a public figure. She was never accepted in his world and she was ridiculed and scoffed when he is not around - and knowing Fujitaka, I bet he wasn't around very much." She said bemusedly.
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"That's when I realized something. If Sakura is anything like her mother..." There is a glint of wickedness in Elaine's eyes. "... she would do the same thing if we put her on the same situation." Elaine paused waiting for Syaoran's reaction.
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Syaoran is beginning to understand Elaine's point. If Ann Avalon was not able to endure being a misfit in their world despite her love for Fujitaka, then Sakura, who has no one to hang on to and certainly one of the plainest, and least vain person he's ever met on the planet, would more likely do the same.
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"So what you mean to say is..."
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"We give her a taste of what her mother's life was like." Elaine said as she handed Syaoran his suit.
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Sakura entered her room to see the dress lying on her bed as promised. She picked it up and examined it. It's a very simple and plain white, thin- strapped dress that goes all the way down her knees. It looks pretty on her, except that it's a little loose. She found matching shoes somewhere on the foot of her bed and she put those on too. She stood up in front of the mirror to examine herself. In truth, she is a bit surprised to know that Elaine owns a dress that's so simple and plain, not to mention made of cotton fabric. Elaine wears clothes more extravagant than this when she's just in the house. She isn't complaining though, since the dress is prettier than anything she had ever owned in her entire life, and she is thankful that her stepsister is kind enough to lend her a dress that she hasn't worn yet.
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Sakura stepped out of her room and sure enough, she heard a soft elegant tune reverberating throughout the house, mingled with the soft chattering of people who she assumed are guests. She descended down the steps, only to be surprised by her grinning stepsister, whose entire appearance made her gasp in shock.
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Elaine's gown is not only beautiful and elegant and undoubtedly expensive, but it seems as if the two of them are going to completely different parties. Elaine has a formal gown accessorized with classy diamond earrings and one extremely heavy looking necklace. Elaine looks as if she is going to a formal ball, while Sakura looks like a girl strolling around the park on a Sunday afternoon. Elaine smiled once again, but it wasn't that giggly over dramatic smile she had before - rather she seems to be amused at her own cleverness.
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"Well well well dear, finally you are done. Your guests have been waiting for you." Elaine said as she eyed Sakura from head to toe obviously pleased. Sakura wanted to ask what is going on, but before she could speak, Elaine grabbed her arm and forced her across the room to a group of young girls, perhaps older than her by a year or two, who looked at her with the same interest as Elaine. Unknowingly, she nervously played with the fabric of her simple dress as she looked at the other girls who look as if they are going to an extra special prom.
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"Girls, this is Sakura Avalon-Kinomoto. My new stepsister." Elaine announced to all the girls who almost in synchronized manner raised their eyebrows obviously enjoying what they see. But it gets worse, because Sakura saw Syaoran in an appropriate suit casually walking towards them, taking Elaine by the waist. Sakura looked nervously at the judgmental stares she got from her supposed guests.
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"Kinomoto eh. I have to say, Elaine isn't that the dress you wore when we went to Beth's house last week." A snotty looking woman with red hair said as she touched the soft fabric of the dress.
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"Oh Claire, I wasn't going to mention it, but. . .. I believe you're right!" Elaine snickered at Sakura. "Sakura dear, next time when you borrow one of my clothes, I would truly appreciate it if you ask me first."
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Sakura's face flushed slightly at the implication of her stealing Elaine's clothes. This didn't escape the eyes of Syaoran, who just kept smiling bemusedly.
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"But Elaine told me..." But before she could finish, Sakura is yet interrupted by another girl.
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"Well, I suppose if you would take one of her clothes, you could've at least taken something more appropriate. You look like a maid in that thing." The other girl laughed mockingly at her. Sakura is really starting to get very furious - although she is a gentle person by nature.
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"I'm sorry Margie, I guess where she came from, this is considered formal and elegant." Elaine added. Every person in that circle gave her a mocking stare, especially Syaoran who seems to be taking pleasure in this more and more. The party has just begun, and Sakura already hates it.
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"I'm sorry, Claire is it?" Sakura tried to give her the sweetest fake smile she could muster. "This is indeed Elaine's dress - I mean as you can see, it's rather TOO BIG" the two last words are rather emphasized. Elaine's eyes almost popped out when she heard the insinuation that she is fat, and Syaoran nearly coughed up the champagne he is just drinking.
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"I didn't get it without her permission though, but I believe she must have been too drunk or too busy sucking the tongue out of Mr. Li here that she got slightly confused. I'm sorry about the mix up." Sakura said as she bowed politely to the guest. No one can deny that Sakura does have some proper decorum, but maybe she was slightly a little more blunt than what anyone expected. They were all under the impression that she was going to cry. Syaoran watched her with an even keener interest now. She's a really surprising girl.
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Sakura turned around and left Elaine and her friends who now seem to dislike her more. However, when she looked around, she saw a classy crowd of people mostly Elaine's age, and no doubt her friends, and it dawned to her that in her supposed "party", she knows absolutely no one. It might be a little rude, but seeing how shabby she looks compared to them, and seeing how no one seems to be remotely interested on who she is, it's probably better to just leave. And thus, Sakura headed to the stairs that leads to her room, but a pretty girl with long straight hair, wearing a beautiful burgundy gown blocked her way.
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"Hey, get me a glass of champagne, and make it quick." The black-haired girl commanded Sakura, who just looked quizzically back at her. "Well what are you waiting for, hurry up I'm thirsty." The girl said with more imperiousness.
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"I'm sorry, I'm not a servant here." Sakura said, her voice quivered in embarrassment knowing that the way she looks does make her look like a maid. The girl just looked at her confused, but somehow she managed to smile apologetically.
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"I'm sorry, my name is Meilin.... Li...." she said. Sakura recognized the name and she knew that she is somehow related to Syaoran.
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"Don't worry about it. You're not the only Li who said that." Sakura smiled weakly remembering how Syaoran also thought she was a maid the first time they met.
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"Oh, I'm sorry. So who are you..." Before Meilin finished her sentence, Elaine waltzed in and tugged her rather forcefully.
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"Sakura, where are you going?" But Elaine stopped when she saw Meilin standing right next to her. Seeing the looks that Elaine and Meilin gave each other, Sakura is quick to note what is obvious - Elaine and Meilin dislike ... no more like hate ... no more like loathe each other.
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"Meilin...." Elaine said icily at the other girl. Meilin just glared at her.
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"How's the gold-digging tramp lately?" Meilin said, abhorrence apparent in her voice. Elaine responded with a tone of equal revulsion.
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"Who are you calling a tramp?"
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"You..." Meilin said, casually tossing her head. Sakura could see that Elaine is getting more and more furious.
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"I'll talk to you later Sakura, I'll go call my FIANCEE SYAORAN." She stressed the words, which seems to have a strong effect on Meilin. Satisfaction on her face, Elaine turned around and trotted across the room.
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"Uhmm, are you ok?" Sakura asked cautiously at the girl who seems to be fuming still. Meilin took a deep breath and it took a while for her to compose herself. She then looked at Sakura with a great deal of curiosity.
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"So you are Sakura, as in Sakura Kinomoto." Meilin said, obviously liking her more.
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"Yes, I guess." Sakura said sheepishly. Even now, the name Kinomoto still sounds foreign to her.
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"Oh my, Elaine must be furious with you." Meilin is now looking very cheerful. "That makes you my new best friend!" Sakura looked at her as if she was crazy. Luckily, she was saved from further discussion by a shriek coming from the door.
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"Sakura! It's soo great to see you here!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she hugged the perplexed Sakura tightly. After realizing who it was, Sakura jumped with joy, seeing her best friend once again.
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"I haven't gotten the chance to talk to you." Tomoyo continued, the smile still plastered on her face. The smile died however as she saw her poor looking outfit, certainly a misfit and unsuitable for this type of occasion.
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"Don't tell me that bitch Elaine made you wear that?!" Tomoyo said anger showing up in her face. Sakura shrugged nervously. If there is anything that Tomoyo hates to see, it's other people dressing up Sakura, and especially dressing her inappropriately.
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Meilin however smiled upon hearing the words "bitch" and "Elaine" come out consecutively out of Tomoyo's mouth. She looked at her and smiled sweetly.
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" Tomoyo Daidouji, it's always a pleasure." Meilin said cheerfully.
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At first Tomoyo didn't understand why one of the most hard to please people in the high-society world is so warm towards her. Actually, she met her long time ago in one of the parties, but she never stays long. She has the reputation of being the hardest person to get along with since she basically hates everyone. But she does know about the longstanding grudge between Elaine and Meilin, and she realized that their mutual hatred towards Elaine makes them on the same side.
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"Pleasure is all mine Meilin Li." Tomoyo extended her hand to her. Meilin smiled a clever smile as she took Daidouji's hands.
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Just then, Syaoran walked in looking very much displeased. He turned to Sakura, who looked up innocently at the raging man.
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"What have you done to Elaine?" Syaoran fumed at the innocent girl. Meilin and Tomoyo both scowled at his unpleasant tone.
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Sakura has never heard anything so stupid in her life. She can't believe that Syaoran has the nerve to confront her when it was Elaine who tried to humiliate her in front of her guests. "Are you blind? Didn't you see who started it?" Sakura defended herself.
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"What did she do, prepare a party for you, lend you a dress and introduce you to her friends? Yeah, I can really see what made you so mad at her!!" Syaoran scoffed sardonically at Sakura. To Sakura, this is just ridiculous.
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"Look, I don't know where you pick up you logic, but you're obviously not using your brain." Sakura retorted. Syaoran looked at her with disgust. He does not like how Sakura is slowly learning to fight him back. This would be another glitch to their plan.
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"Look, Elaine is a good person...." But before Syaoran could finish that sentence, Meilin began to laugh as if she just heard the funniest thing in the world. Syaoran's eyes darted at her angrily.
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"That is maybe the most stupid thing I've ever heard. No actually, you saying you'll marry her is the most stupid." Meilin said. Tomoyo seems to like that comment very much.
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"Look, Meilin. I don't care what your problem is with her, but you have to grow up and accept that fact that I love Elaine and I'll marry her!" Syaoran is now being dead-serious. But Meilin is no different...
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"You love that twofaced slut because your mother hates her. Honestly Syaoran, who are you trying to fool." Meilin said exasperatedly. Syaoran seems to be heavily offended by this.
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"Elaine... is not a slut." His teeth are now gritted and his hands are now curled to a fist. If only it's not wrong for a man to hit a woman.
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"Oh she is soooo a slut..." Tomoyo added.
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"And two faced too." Sakura said, more timidly than her two companions. Syaoran is obviously displeased.
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"I don't appreciate you..." Syaoran was interrupted as he noticed the room become quieter. He looked around to see that a majority of the guests have gathered around Elaine, many of them murmuring rather audibly, throwing suspicious glances at Sakura. Sakura wondered what was going on.
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One of the girls earlier came up to Sakura, an evil smile plastered on her face. "Your mother is very beautiful." Somehow, Sakura didn't think that this was a complement. She began to tread cautiously across the room to see what the commotion is all about. The guests parted, giving way to Sakura. She heard a mixture of giggling and murmuring, and somehow she didn't like this, especially since it's coming from a crowd that is made up of Elaine's friends.
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In the center of the circle, Elaine is standing there, a naughty smile on her face, and a bunch of pictures in her hands. She slowly extended one hand, and deliberately dropped a picture into the cold floor, where it landed bottom side up, so that Sakura could not see the picture. Elaine smiled amiably at Sakura. "Sakura dear, please be a doll and pick that up."
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Sakura bent down to retrieve the photo, but her hands froze as she flipped it to see the picture on the other side. In the picture is the face of her mother smiling innocently, but the body is digitally altered to show a body in a two-piece bikini. The chest and thighs are enhanced, and the body is posed in a rather seductive position. Sakura's fingers began to shake, as a sudden surge of anger, and pain rushed through her. Anyone who knows Sakura well would know that if there were anyone in the world that Sakura loves the most - it's her deceased mother.
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Sakura wanted to scream and run as the murmurs around her seems to have intensified. Her breath became heavier, and she could feel her knees began to buckle. She wants nothing else in the world but to hurt Elaine, who had insulted her dead mother in the most sickening way. And for what reason? Whatever has she done to her to make her want to hurt her this much.
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Sakura slumped to the floor on her knees, but as she did, she knocked one of the guests and the guest's champagne spilled on her dress. She heard everyone began to laugh, but she didn't care. She is so mad, and at the same time, trying so hard to control herself from slapping Elaine, that she began to sob uncontrollably, her entire body shaking in fury. Seeing her in such a pitiful position, everyone slowly fell silent. Tomoyo ran up to Sakura and embraced her tight; all the while shooting deadly glares at Elaine. Only Elaine did not feel the same compassion as the others.
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"You do not belong in our world Sakura Avalon." Elaine said icily, and Sakura looked up at her helplessly. Why does Elaine despise her so much?
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Syaoran watched the whole spectacle. He knows he took part in this whole event, but nevertheless, he couldn't help but feel ashamed at what Elaine has done. Seeing Sakura so fragile and weak, an intense urge to embrace her suddenly overcame him -- to soothe her and somehow make her feel fine.
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Sakura couldn't bear to retaliate, but fortunately, Meilin is not bound by the same morals. A couple of guests gasped as Meilin's ring filled hand slapped the beautiful face of Elaine, causing her to wince in pain. She was about to deliver another one, but Syaoran stepped forward and caught her arm before she hit Elaine again. Elaine glared menacingly at Meilin and Sakura, while Syaoran hugged her comfortingly.
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"You are the lowest thing I have ever had the displeasure of meeting." Meilin screamed between gritted teeth as she joined Tomoyo in trying to help Sakura up.
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"Syaoran, I can't believe you find anything that is remotely desirable about this woman." Tomoyo snapped, secretly hoping that Eriol is around so he can give Syaoran a good scolding and finally knock some sense into his cousin. She can't believe he would defend someone who would act so low.
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Sakura found support from the two girls, and she was finally up on her feet. Tomoyo guided her towards the doorway, all the while being silently watched by her guests. Before she left, she shot one weak glance at Elaine, and then at Syaoran. She was glad that she at least saw a tint of guilt in Syaoran's eyes.
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Syaoran heard the car start and leave, and he knew that Tomoyo and Meilin and Sakura are gone. He turned around to look at his fiancée, whose flushed face is still obviously experiencing the pain brought by Meilin's hand. But somehow he didn't feel as compassionate.
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"What do you think you were doing?" Syaoran said coldly at Elaine, whose head is not buried on his chest. She looked up, obviously shocked at his tone.
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"I told you I would make her hate this life." Elaine snapped at Syaoran.
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"But to insult a dead woman??!!! ... What were you thinking?"
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Elaine is infuriated by Syaoran's tone. He sounds as if he is siding with Sakura and his cousin.
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"Why are you talking like you're on their side. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the one who was slapped!! I'm the one who got hurt!" Elaine's tone is escalating by every word.
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Syaoran sighed. Looking at his girlfriend's bruised face, he gently wiped her tears.
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"I'm sorry. Why don't you just go up and rest. It's been a long night." Syaoran whispered lovingly at Elaine. Elaine's face eased up after hearing his sweet voice.
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Meanwhile, the girls were driven to Tomoyo's mansion. It's a huge, beautiful house, almost as big as Sakura's, but it has a warm feel to it. Tomoyo took them to her room, which is not only huge, but it's also beautifully decorated; blue being the obvious motif. There is also a balcony, which overlooks the Daidouji's huge property. Sakura, Tomoyo and Meilin sat on the comfy chairs, each of them trying to enjoy the serene quietness of the night after such an intense event.
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"Sakura, are you alright?" Tomoyo whispered softly as she is gazing on the stars.
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"I'm fine. Thank you for standing up for me guys." Sakura responded, but she didn't take her eyes away from the sky. "Meilin, thanks for what you've done."
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"My pleasure." Meilin said as she was coming out of the room, bringing out soda cans for her companions that she took from Tomoyo's fridge (there is a refrigerator in her room). "You know, I don't usually get along well with most people... but somehow I feel like I can really get along with you two." She said smiling as she handed them the cans of soda. Sakura turned her head towards her and smiled.
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"I don't know how I'm going to go back home. Everyone must be furious at me."
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"Don't worry about that. You can sleep here tonight. You can too Meilin if you want." Tomoyo smiled at her two friends. Meilin just nodded her head and smiled sweetly back.
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"You should kick them out Sakura." Meilin said in an angered tone, breaking the serenity that has filled the air. "Why haven't you done so?"
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Sakura simply sighed, "I can't do that. Elvira is supposedly my guardian until I've learned enough to run my father's company. And second, my father married her and took Elaine as a daughter. My father loved them, and basically, they are the only family I've got."
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"You've got me." Tomoyo smiled as she laid one hand on Sakura's. Sakura knew that she was right. Tomoyo has been her bestfriend since she began high school. She's also got Chiharu, and Rika and her other friends, not to mention Kaho and of course Julian. And now, she feels the same camaraderie towards Meilin.
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"I know." Sakura whispered. Sensing that the mood has become so serious, she decided to break it. "I almost forgot, I have to worry about Syaoran!"
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"What about my cousin?!" Meilin said getting up from her chair, obviously interested with what Sakura has to say.
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"I'm supposed to clean his car tomorrow!" Sakura remembered how she lost the bet earlier that day. But Meilin just grinned mischievously.
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"Don't worry, you are going to have a couple of helpers to help you." She said as she winked to Tomoyo. Tomoyo's lips formed an identical grin. "Oh yeah"
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"Guy's I believe this is the start of a great new friendship." Tomoyo said cheerfully. And together, the three raised their soda cans and proposed a cheer.
I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS CHAPTER GOT TO BE SO LONG, BUT ATLEAST I UPDATED. I'M SORRY ABOUT BEING SLOW, LIKE I SAID MY COMPUTER IS MESSED UP. PLEASE REVIEW THIS CHAPTER. THANKS A LOT (..
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DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW. THANKS!!!! .
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"Don't tell me you already made arrangement for our 'Big Plan'. You know that specific one needs more time for preparation." Syaoran said as he escorted Elaine to her room, the latter still clinging to his arm. Elaine shook her head as she entered her dark cozy room, and pushed Syaoran to her bed, who smiled at her mischievously. To Syaoran's disappointment, Elaine got up and from her safe, she took out a thin folder and handed it to Syaoran.
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"I don't think its time for that one." Elaine is beginning to undress and put on a gorgeous, elegant long black velvet gown. She tossed her head hoping to see her fiancée drooling at her like a hungry dog, but instead she is dismayed to see that his head is buried on the contents of the folder that she had just given him. She scowled at how he seems to be not so eager to see her naked, but nevertheless she decided not to comment on the matter.
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Syaoran on the other hand is busy flipping through the pages, most of which are enlarged pictures of a very lovely woman who resembles Sakura. There is no doubt in his mind that the woman in the pictures is Sakura's mother. Everything about her reminds him of Sakura, except for her raven colored long wavy hair. Sakura must have gotten her hair color from Fujitaka. Underneath the pictures is a small print that says "Ann Nadeshiko Avalon".
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He flipped through the first one and saw Ann Avalon smiling at the photographer, an ice cream in her hand. The next picture revealed who the photographer was as he saw Fujitaka's face smiling with Ann, his arm visibly holding the camera. Syaoran had never seen Fujitaka that happy before. The next pages showed pictures of Ann, obviously dancing, Ann and Fujitaka giggling by the pool, another of her on her wedding dress, and the last one is a huge picture of her and a little baby in her arms. Underneath the picture is the print, "Ann and Sakura Avalon-Kinomoto". After the pictures, there is a long report about her and Sakura, which he didn't feel like reading at that time.
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"You know what I found out?" Elaine giggled as she flaunted her gorgeous ensemble to Syaoran. "That Avalon is a poor dancer. And she actually was the one who left Fujitaka. What a stupid woman."
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"They look so happy. What happened?" Syaoran is very much curious to know how such a happy looking couple could drift so much apart. Elaine's eyes widened as a lady who is about to tell a scandalous gossip would.
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"According to that report, she was never really happy with Fujitaka's way of life, you know all the intrigues and social crap that goes with being a public figure. She was never accepted in his world and she was ridiculed and scoffed when he is not around - and knowing Fujitaka, I bet he wasn't around very much." She said bemusedly.
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"That's when I realized something. If Sakura is anything like her mother..." There is a glint of wickedness in Elaine's eyes. "... she would do the same thing if we put her on the same situation." Elaine paused waiting for Syaoran's reaction.
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Syaoran is beginning to understand Elaine's point. If Ann Avalon was not able to endure being a misfit in their world despite her love for Fujitaka, then Sakura, who has no one to hang on to and certainly one of the plainest, and least vain person he's ever met on the planet, would more likely do the same.
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"So what you mean to say is..."
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"We give her a taste of what her mother's life was like." Elaine said as she handed Syaoran his suit.
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Sakura entered her room to see the dress lying on her bed as promised. She picked it up and examined it. It's a very simple and plain white, thin- strapped dress that goes all the way down her knees. It looks pretty on her, except that it's a little loose. She found matching shoes somewhere on the foot of her bed and she put those on too. She stood up in front of the mirror to examine herself. In truth, she is a bit surprised to know that Elaine owns a dress that's so simple and plain, not to mention made of cotton fabric. Elaine wears clothes more extravagant than this when she's just in the house. She isn't complaining though, since the dress is prettier than anything she had ever owned in her entire life, and she is thankful that her stepsister is kind enough to lend her a dress that she hasn't worn yet.
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Sakura stepped out of her room and sure enough, she heard a soft elegant tune reverberating throughout the house, mingled with the soft chattering of people who she assumed are guests. She descended down the steps, only to be surprised by her grinning stepsister, whose entire appearance made her gasp in shock.
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Elaine's gown is not only beautiful and elegant and undoubtedly expensive, but it seems as if the two of them are going to completely different parties. Elaine has a formal gown accessorized with classy diamond earrings and one extremely heavy looking necklace. Elaine looks as if she is going to a formal ball, while Sakura looks like a girl strolling around the park on a Sunday afternoon. Elaine smiled once again, but it wasn't that giggly over dramatic smile she had before - rather she seems to be amused at her own cleverness.
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"Well well well dear, finally you are done. Your guests have been waiting for you." Elaine said as she eyed Sakura from head to toe obviously pleased. Sakura wanted to ask what is going on, but before she could speak, Elaine grabbed her arm and forced her across the room to a group of young girls, perhaps older than her by a year or two, who looked at her with the same interest as Elaine. Unknowingly, she nervously played with the fabric of her simple dress as she looked at the other girls who look as if they are going to an extra special prom.
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"Girls, this is Sakura Avalon-Kinomoto. My new stepsister." Elaine announced to all the girls who almost in synchronized manner raised their eyebrows obviously enjoying what they see. But it gets worse, because Sakura saw Syaoran in an appropriate suit casually walking towards them, taking Elaine by the waist. Sakura looked nervously at the judgmental stares she got from her supposed guests.
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"Kinomoto eh. I have to say, Elaine isn't that the dress you wore when we went to Beth's house last week." A snotty looking woman with red hair said as she touched the soft fabric of the dress.
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"Oh Claire, I wasn't going to mention it, but. . .. I believe you're right!" Elaine snickered at Sakura. "Sakura dear, next time when you borrow one of my clothes, I would truly appreciate it if you ask me first."
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Sakura's face flushed slightly at the implication of her stealing Elaine's clothes. This didn't escape the eyes of Syaoran, who just kept smiling bemusedly.
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"But Elaine told me..." But before she could finish, Sakura is yet interrupted by another girl.
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"Well, I suppose if you would take one of her clothes, you could've at least taken something more appropriate. You look like a maid in that thing." The other girl laughed mockingly at her. Sakura is really starting to get very furious - although she is a gentle person by nature.
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"I'm sorry Margie, I guess where she came from, this is considered formal and elegant." Elaine added. Every person in that circle gave her a mocking stare, especially Syaoran who seems to be taking pleasure in this more and more. The party has just begun, and Sakura already hates it.
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"I'm sorry, Claire is it?" Sakura tried to give her the sweetest fake smile she could muster. "This is indeed Elaine's dress - I mean as you can see, it's rather TOO BIG" the two last words are rather emphasized. Elaine's eyes almost popped out when she heard the insinuation that she is fat, and Syaoran nearly coughed up the champagne he is just drinking.
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"I didn't get it without her permission though, but I believe she must have been too drunk or too busy sucking the tongue out of Mr. Li here that she got slightly confused. I'm sorry about the mix up." Sakura said as she bowed politely to the guest. No one can deny that Sakura does have some proper decorum, but maybe she was slightly a little more blunt than what anyone expected. They were all under the impression that she was going to cry. Syaoran watched her with an even keener interest now. She's a really surprising girl.
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Sakura turned around and left Elaine and her friends who now seem to dislike her more. However, when she looked around, she saw a classy crowd of people mostly Elaine's age, and no doubt her friends, and it dawned to her that in her supposed "party", she knows absolutely no one. It might be a little rude, but seeing how shabby she looks compared to them, and seeing how no one seems to be remotely interested on who she is, it's probably better to just leave. And thus, Sakura headed to the stairs that leads to her room, but a pretty girl with long straight hair, wearing a beautiful burgundy gown blocked her way.
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"Hey, get me a glass of champagne, and make it quick." The black-haired girl commanded Sakura, who just looked quizzically back at her. "Well what are you waiting for, hurry up I'm thirsty." The girl said with more imperiousness.
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"I'm sorry, I'm not a servant here." Sakura said, her voice quivered in embarrassment knowing that the way she looks does make her look like a maid. The girl just looked at her confused, but somehow she managed to smile apologetically.
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"I'm sorry, my name is Meilin.... Li...." she said. Sakura recognized the name and she knew that she is somehow related to Syaoran.
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"Don't worry about it. You're not the only Li who said that." Sakura smiled weakly remembering how Syaoran also thought she was a maid the first time they met.
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"Oh, I'm sorry. So who are you..." Before Meilin finished her sentence, Elaine waltzed in and tugged her rather forcefully.
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"Sakura, where are you going?" But Elaine stopped when she saw Meilin standing right next to her. Seeing the looks that Elaine and Meilin gave each other, Sakura is quick to note what is obvious - Elaine and Meilin dislike ... no more like hate ... no more like loathe each other.
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"Meilin...." Elaine said icily at the other girl. Meilin just glared at her.
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"How's the gold-digging tramp lately?" Meilin said, abhorrence apparent in her voice. Elaine responded with a tone of equal revulsion.
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"Who are you calling a tramp?"
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"You..." Meilin said, casually tossing her head. Sakura could see that Elaine is getting more and more furious.
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"I'll talk to you later Sakura, I'll go call my FIANCEE SYAORAN." She stressed the words, which seems to have a strong effect on Meilin. Satisfaction on her face, Elaine turned around and trotted across the room.
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"Uhmm, are you ok?" Sakura asked cautiously at the girl who seems to be fuming still. Meilin took a deep breath and it took a while for her to compose herself. She then looked at Sakura with a great deal of curiosity.
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"So you are Sakura, as in Sakura Kinomoto." Meilin said, obviously liking her more.
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"Yes, I guess." Sakura said sheepishly. Even now, the name Kinomoto still sounds foreign to her.
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"Oh my, Elaine must be furious with you." Meilin is now looking very cheerful. "That makes you my new best friend!" Sakura looked at her as if she was crazy. Luckily, she was saved from further discussion by a shriek coming from the door.
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"Sakura! It's soo great to see you here!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she hugged the perplexed Sakura tightly. After realizing who it was, Sakura jumped with joy, seeing her best friend once again.
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"I haven't gotten the chance to talk to you." Tomoyo continued, the smile still plastered on her face. The smile died however as she saw her poor looking outfit, certainly a misfit and unsuitable for this type of occasion.
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"Don't tell me that bitch Elaine made you wear that?!" Tomoyo said anger showing up in her face. Sakura shrugged nervously. If there is anything that Tomoyo hates to see, it's other people dressing up Sakura, and especially dressing her inappropriately.
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Meilin however smiled upon hearing the words "bitch" and "Elaine" come out consecutively out of Tomoyo's mouth. She looked at her and smiled sweetly.
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" Tomoyo Daidouji, it's always a pleasure." Meilin said cheerfully.
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At first Tomoyo didn't understand why one of the most hard to please people in the high-society world is so warm towards her. Actually, she met her long time ago in one of the parties, but she never stays long. She has the reputation of being the hardest person to get along with since she basically hates everyone. But she does know about the longstanding grudge between Elaine and Meilin, and she realized that their mutual hatred towards Elaine makes them on the same side.
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"Pleasure is all mine Meilin Li." Tomoyo extended her hand to her. Meilin smiled a clever smile as she took Daidouji's hands.
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Just then, Syaoran walked in looking very much displeased. He turned to Sakura, who looked up innocently at the raging man.
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"What have you done to Elaine?" Syaoran fumed at the innocent girl. Meilin and Tomoyo both scowled at his unpleasant tone.
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Sakura has never heard anything so stupid in her life. She can't believe that Syaoran has the nerve to confront her when it was Elaine who tried to humiliate her in front of her guests. "Are you blind? Didn't you see who started it?" Sakura defended herself.
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"What did she do, prepare a party for you, lend you a dress and introduce you to her friends? Yeah, I can really see what made you so mad at her!!" Syaoran scoffed sardonically at Sakura. To Sakura, this is just ridiculous.
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"Look, I don't know where you pick up you logic, but you're obviously not using your brain." Sakura retorted. Syaoran looked at her with disgust. He does not like how Sakura is slowly learning to fight him back. This would be another glitch to their plan.
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"Look, Elaine is a good person...." But before Syaoran could finish that sentence, Meilin began to laugh as if she just heard the funniest thing in the world. Syaoran's eyes darted at her angrily.
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"That is maybe the most stupid thing I've ever heard. No actually, you saying you'll marry her is the most stupid." Meilin said. Tomoyo seems to like that comment very much.
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"Look, Meilin. I don't care what your problem is with her, but you have to grow up and accept that fact that I love Elaine and I'll marry her!" Syaoran is now being dead-serious. But Meilin is no different...
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"You love that twofaced slut because your mother hates her. Honestly Syaoran, who are you trying to fool." Meilin said exasperatedly. Syaoran seems to be heavily offended by this.
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"Elaine... is not a slut." His teeth are now gritted and his hands are now curled to a fist. If only it's not wrong for a man to hit a woman.
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"Oh she is soooo a slut..." Tomoyo added.
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"And two faced too." Sakura said, more timidly than her two companions. Syaoran is obviously displeased.
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"I don't appreciate you..." Syaoran was interrupted as he noticed the room become quieter. He looked around to see that a majority of the guests have gathered around Elaine, many of them murmuring rather audibly, throwing suspicious glances at Sakura. Sakura wondered what was going on.
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One of the girls earlier came up to Sakura, an evil smile plastered on her face. "Your mother is very beautiful." Somehow, Sakura didn't think that this was a complement. She began to tread cautiously across the room to see what the commotion is all about. The guests parted, giving way to Sakura. She heard a mixture of giggling and murmuring, and somehow she didn't like this, especially since it's coming from a crowd that is made up of Elaine's friends.
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In the center of the circle, Elaine is standing there, a naughty smile on her face, and a bunch of pictures in her hands. She slowly extended one hand, and deliberately dropped a picture into the cold floor, where it landed bottom side up, so that Sakura could not see the picture. Elaine smiled amiably at Sakura. "Sakura dear, please be a doll and pick that up."
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Sakura bent down to retrieve the photo, but her hands froze as she flipped it to see the picture on the other side. In the picture is the face of her mother smiling innocently, but the body is digitally altered to show a body in a two-piece bikini. The chest and thighs are enhanced, and the body is posed in a rather seductive position. Sakura's fingers began to shake, as a sudden surge of anger, and pain rushed through her. Anyone who knows Sakura well would know that if there were anyone in the world that Sakura loves the most - it's her deceased mother.
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Sakura wanted to scream and run as the murmurs around her seems to have intensified. Her breath became heavier, and she could feel her knees began to buckle. She wants nothing else in the world but to hurt Elaine, who had insulted her dead mother in the most sickening way. And for what reason? Whatever has she done to her to make her want to hurt her this much.
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Sakura slumped to the floor on her knees, but as she did, she knocked one of the guests and the guest's champagne spilled on her dress. She heard everyone began to laugh, but she didn't care. She is so mad, and at the same time, trying so hard to control herself from slapping Elaine, that she began to sob uncontrollably, her entire body shaking in fury. Seeing her in such a pitiful position, everyone slowly fell silent. Tomoyo ran up to Sakura and embraced her tight; all the while shooting deadly glares at Elaine. Only Elaine did not feel the same compassion as the others.
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"You do not belong in our world Sakura Avalon." Elaine said icily, and Sakura looked up at her helplessly. Why does Elaine despise her so much?
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Syaoran watched the whole spectacle. He knows he took part in this whole event, but nevertheless, he couldn't help but feel ashamed at what Elaine has done. Seeing Sakura so fragile and weak, an intense urge to embrace her suddenly overcame him -- to soothe her and somehow make her feel fine.
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Sakura couldn't bear to retaliate, but fortunately, Meilin is not bound by the same morals. A couple of guests gasped as Meilin's ring filled hand slapped the beautiful face of Elaine, causing her to wince in pain. She was about to deliver another one, but Syaoran stepped forward and caught her arm before she hit Elaine again. Elaine glared menacingly at Meilin and Sakura, while Syaoran hugged her comfortingly.
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"You are the lowest thing I have ever had the displeasure of meeting." Meilin screamed between gritted teeth as she joined Tomoyo in trying to help Sakura up.
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"Syaoran, I can't believe you find anything that is remotely desirable about this woman." Tomoyo snapped, secretly hoping that Eriol is around so he can give Syaoran a good scolding and finally knock some sense into his cousin. She can't believe he would defend someone who would act so low.
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Sakura found support from the two girls, and she was finally up on her feet. Tomoyo guided her towards the doorway, all the while being silently watched by her guests. Before she left, she shot one weak glance at Elaine, and then at Syaoran. She was glad that she at least saw a tint of guilt in Syaoran's eyes.
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Syaoran heard the car start and leave, and he knew that Tomoyo and Meilin and Sakura are gone. He turned around to look at his fiancée, whose flushed face is still obviously experiencing the pain brought by Meilin's hand. But somehow he didn't feel as compassionate.
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"What do you think you were doing?" Syaoran said coldly at Elaine, whose head is not buried on his chest. She looked up, obviously shocked at his tone.
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"I told you I would make her hate this life." Elaine snapped at Syaoran.
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"But to insult a dead woman??!!! ... What were you thinking?"
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Elaine is infuriated by Syaoran's tone. He sounds as if he is siding with Sakura and his cousin.
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"Why are you talking like you're on their side. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the one who was slapped!! I'm the one who got hurt!" Elaine's tone is escalating by every word.
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Syaoran sighed. Looking at his girlfriend's bruised face, he gently wiped her tears.
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"I'm sorry. Why don't you just go up and rest. It's been a long night." Syaoran whispered lovingly at Elaine. Elaine's face eased up after hearing his sweet voice.
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Meanwhile, the girls were driven to Tomoyo's mansion. It's a huge, beautiful house, almost as big as Sakura's, but it has a warm feel to it. Tomoyo took them to her room, which is not only huge, but it's also beautifully decorated; blue being the obvious motif. There is also a balcony, which overlooks the Daidouji's huge property. Sakura, Tomoyo and Meilin sat on the comfy chairs, each of them trying to enjoy the serene quietness of the night after such an intense event.
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"Sakura, are you alright?" Tomoyo whispered softly as she is gazing on the stars.
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"I'm fine. Thank you for standing up for me guys." Sakura responded, but she didn't take her eyes away from the sky. "Meilin, thanks for what you've done."
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"My pleasure." Meilin said as she was coming out of the room, bringing out soda cans for her companions that she took from Tomoyo's fridge (there is a refrigerator in her room). "You know, I don't usually get along well with most people... but somehow I feel like I can really get along with you two." She said smiling as she handed them the cans of soda. Sakura turned her head towards her and smiled.
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"I don't know how I'm going to go back home. Everyone must be furious at me."
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"Don't worry about that. You can sleep here tonight. You can too Meilin if you want." Tomoyo smiled at her two friends. Meilin just nodded her head and smiled sweetly back.
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"You should kick them out Sakura." Meilin said in an angered tone, breaking the serenity that has filled the air. "Why haven't you done so?"
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Sakura simply sighed, "I can't do that. Elvira is supposedly my guardian until I've learned enough to run my father's company. And second, my father married her and took Elaine as a daughter. My father loved them, and basically, they are the only family I've got."
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"You've got me." Tomoyo smiled as she laid one hand on Sakura's. Sakura knew that she was right. Tomoyo has been her bestfriend since she began high school. She's also got Chiharu, and Rika and her other friends, not to mention Kaho and of course Julian. And now, she feels the same camaraderie towards Meilin.
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"I know." Sakura whispered. Sensing that the mood has become so serious, she decided to break it. "I almost forgot, I have to worry about Syaoran!"
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"What about my cousin?!" Meilin said getting up from her chair, obviously interested with what Sakura has to say.
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"I'm supposed to clean his car tomorrow!" Sakura remembered how she lost the bet earlier that day. But Meilin just grinned mischievously.
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"Don't worry, you are going to have a couple of helpers to help you." She said as she winked to Tomoyo. Tomoyo's lips formed an identical grin. "Oh yeah"
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"Guy's I believe this is the start of a great new friendship." Tomoyo said cheerfully. And together, the three raised their soda cans and proposed a cheer.
I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS CHAPTER GOT TO BE SO LONG, BUT ATLEAST I UPDATED. I'M SORRY ABOUT BEING SLOW, LIKE I SAID MY COMPUTER IS MESSED UP. PLEASE REVIEW THIS CHAPTER. THANKS A LOT (..
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