----------Angels Dancing On Her Eyelids
---------Written by Rainbow Dreamer
-----Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. I hold no claims on this fanfiction in any way. The plot, however, is mine and I would like it to remain that way. In other words, no plagiarism you evil little men out there! Hehe.
-----AUTHOR'S NOTE: WOW. My second fic. Although I'm not yet done with Do You Remember Me? I Remember You (a CCS fic), I suddenly had an inspiration for this story. This story however, will not be that long. at least I THINK so. Hehe. For those who have read my first fic, you guys know what I'm talking about. I 'm always adding more and more. Hehe. Anyhow, THANK YOU for all those reviews! Sugoi! I never thought that I would receive so many!
-----SPECIAL THANKS: Argent Dragon: I'm glad the title of my story compelled you enough to read it! I hope you'll become a huge CCS fan after you're done reading this!
Chii: Hehe. I'm super duper that the plot goes well with everyone. It's quite special.
Little Rabbit f/LRPLI: thanks!
T: Hey~! You've read my other Card Captor Sakura fic haven't you? I remember you! Hehe. I'm SO glad you're reading this!
Chibi Tenshi: Don't chase me! LOL. But doesn't Sakura blind make the plot so much more original and interesting? There's not that many fics out there I know with Sakura blind. Hehe. Oh.. And THANK YOU, loyal reader. I just remembered that you also read my other fic as well. Arigato.
Sakura Avalon: Sweet! Hehe. I thought so as well. Or should I say, "KAWAII"?
Sum1: I'll mention the person later along the story. *sniff sniff * Anyhow.. What makes you think that handsome mysterious guy is Syaoran? Keep on hoping girl!
Fire blade: Thank you for your compliment. I'll try my best to update soon, but as you might know, I have my other fic to write as well.
Pink lover: Arigato. *Bows * Hehe.
Janna: Yay! My fix's original. There's too many princess and prince stories out there that I just had to add something with some twist! (No offense to anyone who has written a princess and prince story. Those are fine.)
Kan-Chan: HEY GIRL! Yay! My long faithful reader has found her way to my second fic! Man, I love you girl! Keep on reading!
SKC: And you too GIRL! My other faithful and trustworthy reader has come to support me once again. Hehe. I'm close to tears. You guys make me so happy.
Rosie: Why, thank you! I'm so glad that you're learning a lot about flowers. I'm not sad by the number of reviews I have for chapter one. Hehe. Reviews get more as the story deepens. Anyhow, thank you.
Star Goddess: Thank you!
THANK YOU ALL. Your support has greatly helped me and this fic will be the best ever! Hehe. I'm kind of thinking that this plot would be more interesting than my other Do You Remember Me fic. Of course, no offense to readers and. myself. LOL.
-----CHAPTER TWO:
"Mmm." She moaned lightly as she shifted her weight in her bed. The warm sunlight was dancing on her blanket playfully. A smile came upon her sweet face as she greeted the new day.
Sakura stretched in her bed, breathing in the fresh smell of the morning glories she had received as a gift yesterday. Crawling out of bed quietly so she wouldn't disturb Tomoyo who stubbornly insisted sleeping on the floor while Sakura had the bed. She was such a good friend to her.
"Hmm." She took in a deep breath of the flowers. Reaching out a hand tentatively, she caressed a white petal. Her mind slowly took her to yesterday's incident with the young man.
"Trust me." His voice was still clear in her mind as if he was right next to her. His warmth from his hands as he clasped hers still gave her a tingly sensation.
Tomoyo had told her that the operation only had thirty percent success or even less. Often people told of the higher percent number. Sakura sighed softly to herself. She didn't know if she wanted to undergo the operation.
"What is there to lose? You can see again." The young man's voice was so clear; it made Sakura jump a little. When she calmed down and found no one was around, she smiled slightly. What was there to lose?
She hated the darkness, not being able to visualize everything for their true beauty. But she was afraid. The doctors had told her clearly that if the operation failed, she would never regain her sight. And she couldn't face the pain, the realization of not being able to live forever in the darkness.
But what was the use of sitting here in the darkness? She laughed at her stupidity. Sitting here in the darkness day after day would not regain her eyesight.
Yes, she had nothing to lose. She was going to take that operation. Her hand had found itself on the card. Snowdrops mean hope. She could only hope now.
"Oomph." A quiet voice came from the other side of the room. Tomoyo sat up from her mattress on the floor. "Ohayo Sakura. You're up early."
"Ohayo Tomoyo." Sakura replied. "It's too good of a day to spend inside. Besides, the wonderful smell of the snowdrops woke me up."
"Indeed. They smell wonderful." Her friend agreed.
"Now what was about the operation change yesterday?" She asked a while later.
Sakura shrugged. "I guess I've been foolish all these years, Tomoyo. Five years wasted in the darkness, thinking that I would regain my sight after a while."
"Oh Sakura. You're not foolish at all." Tomoyo countered. "In fact, you're quite the opposite, more like brave."
"Brave?" Sakura echoed.
"Hai." Tomoyo replied. "Brave. You're so brave to live in all that darkness and still be able to smile and give thanks everyday. If it were me, I don't even know what'd I do."
A small smile tugged at the auburn haired girl's face. "Arigato, Tomoyo." She hugged her friend and Tomoyo hugged back.
*****
"So you want to try the operation?" Nadeshiko asked quietly later after breakfast. The four and Tomoyo were sitting at the living room. Sakura nodded.
"I want to see again." She whispered. The family smiled happily in agreement at the youngest member of the family.
"She's recovered fully," Touya thought to himself. "I'll get Dr. Waleigh's phone number." He offered, rising from his seat to got to the kitchen.
"And I'll make the phone call for an appointment." Fujitaka supported, following his son's actions out of the living room. Nadeshiko smiled softly at her daughter.
"You're so brave," She whispered as she hugged her daughter tightly. Sakura smiled, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. She was touched at her family and friend's support.
"Inherited it from you," She replied back, teasingly. Nadeshiko laughed playfully and pulled away from her daughter's embrace.
"Arigato Tomoyo." Sakura said sincerely. Tomoyo just smiled.
"What are friends for?" She asked. It was Sakura's turn to smile.
"Yo, kaijuu, Dr. Waleigh says he'll see you this afternoon," Touya called, poking his head through the door. Sakura turned at the sound of his voice.
"That's fine with me," She replied. "And Touya?" She called.
"What?" He shouted from the outside the living room.
"I'm not a kaijuu!" She yelled. Touya laughed appreciatively. Tomoyo and Nadeshiko couldn't help but share a smile. Even Sakura was giggling.
The whole house was filled with an indescribable happiness. It was filled with hope.
*****
"Yo! Xiao.Xiao Lang! Go back to the carpentry room and grab the small white fence we made the other day will you?" The big muscular manager ordered. He had such hard times with memorizing names and matching them to the person.
Xiao Lang nodded and came back with the fence as if it weighed nothing. "Where do I put this, Mr. Kay?" He asked, his voice full of respect. The manager laughed and pounded his assistant hard on the back.
"Aye, aye. We're all part of the business there.. Uh, Xiao Lang. No need with the formalities!" He said cheerfully. Xiao Lang nodded crisply.
"Hai Masu" the young man replied. Masu laughed, his loud booming laugh.
"Now where is are other fellow? Tai.." Masu started, trailing off as he forgot the other assistance's name.
"Takuro," Xiao Lang offered helpfully.
"I knew it started with a T," he mumbled. Xiao Lang smiled wryly, his deep set eyes shinning with a shade of amusement, wondering when his manager would ever get the names right.
"I'll get the names before you know it, Xiao Lang," Masu countered, knowing what the young man was thinking. Xiao Land just grinned.
"Li's at a delivery," Xiao Lang replied smoothly.
"Right. Takuro Li; I'll remember that." The manager spoke. "He's off sending the roses Ms. Ankara wanted, ne?"
"Hai. He should be back soon." The assistant replied. "Is there anything else you need help on?"
"Iie. Arigato for coming on your spring break." Masu thanked.
"It's nothing," Xiao Lang replied. "I'll be coming back after school when school begins."
"Arigato. Tak.argh, Li as well?" The manager said as he stumbled over his over assistant's name.
"Takuro," He filled in. "He'll be back here. You know how much he loves those flowers."
"Hai, I do. I do." Masu replied, laughing. "And he does great carpentry, just like you. I'm such a lucky man to have you two who both care for flowers and do a bit of carpentry as well."
"Well, you pay well." Xiao Lang said, with a sly grin.
"Ah! You little rascal." He joked, laughing merrily.
The bell of the shop rang lightly, breaking the laughter between the two. "Welcome to Mikomi Sono (it means "hope garden" in Japanese), how can I help you mister?" The manager called.
"Xiao, get the dozens of peach roses for Mr. Akuizo here." He called. Xiao Lang frowned at the use of his nickname but obediently went to go retrieve the roses.
"Arigato!" The man waved his hand in goodbye as the man walked off. "Don't like my nickname for you, ne?" he asked, his black eyes shinning.
Xiao Lang was growling, thinking of a reply when Takuro walked in.
"Ah, Tak, my boy!" Masu greeted.
"Tak?" He questioned, his golden eyes confused.
"Tak. you know, short for um."
"Takuro." Xiao Lang filled in, giving a smirk to the manager. He now owed him one. "Masu here is trying to act younger by giving us ridiculous nicknames."
"I see. So which half is yours?" Takuro asked, raising his eyebrow. "Lang or.. Xiao?" he asked, smirking.
"Neither!" Xiao Lang shot back, his deep brown eyes flaring in anger. "Takky!" He added for good measure.
"Takky? At least I'm not small!" Takuro retorted. Masu's booming laugh broke up the fight.
"Aye, you guys make me laugh." He laughed again and clasped a hand on each boy's shoulder hard, making both of them wince.
"Now get to work." He demanded, a twinkle in his eye. Roaring with laughter at his victory, Masu walked out the main shop room to a small resting area behind the shop.
"Sure thing Mano!" Xiao Lang called back. Takuro laughed. He raised a high five and Xiao Lang slammed it down.
*****
"Now, Ms. Kinomoto," Dr. Waleigh started, peering over his rectangular glasses perched on the edge of his nose. "You know the consequences of this eye operation do you not?" He asked stiffly.
"Oh! Hai. hai." Sakura replied. She couldn't help but giggle at what the doctor looked like! He sounded like those typical stiff doctors with glasses almost falling off their noses.
"Excuse me, but we are talking about important matters here." The doctor said frowning.
"Hai." Sakura said obediently.
"Since the operation is to be taken a while after the incident, I'm afraid the percentage of success is lower." Dr. Waleigh started. "Gomenasai."
Sakura didn't reply but bowed her head disappointedly. Tomoyo patted her friend's back in support.
"What's the likeness of success?" Touya cut in. He was worried for his younger sister.
"Around twenty." The doctor replied, looking through his papers. "It will be quite difficult to perform and even with the most careful precautions, the operation might not be true."
"Will there be any side effects after the operation?" Fujitaka asked politely.
"She may feel a bit uncomfortable after the operation but that will be all. If the operation fails. well, you all know what will happen." Dr. Waleigh stated. "I'm sorry that things are looking so gloomy for your daughter's future."
"Is this the only possibility that we can regain our daughter's eyesight?" Nadeshiko asked softly, eyeing how sad her daughter was looking.
The doctor shook his head lightly. "I'm sorry."
"I don't care." Sakura's voice was lesser than its usual strong timber, but she continued. "I've decided to take the risk in getting my eyesight."
"I have nothing to lose," She firmly stated, echoing the words of the mysterious young man. "I just have to hope and trust." She smiled to herself. Hope and trust. That's what the young man gave her that day in that simple brief moment.
Nadeshiko and Fujitaka exchanged a proud smile. "When can the operation take place? We would like it to be performed as soon as possible so she can get used to seeing again before school starts." Fujitaka asked.
Dr. Waleigh smiled at the young girl's bravery and her parents and friends' support. "I can schedule a meeting tomorrow afternoon to get some checkups done. The fastest date I have right now would be next week, is that fine with you?"
"Sakura? This is your decision," Nadeshiko asked softly.
"Next week is fine." She replied.
"Good. I need you to come in on Monday April 8th and we'll have the operation the next morning." Dr. Waleigh instructed.
"Arigato for your time doctor," Fujitaka thanked, shaking the doctors hand while his wife bowed her thanks. Touya nodded in greeting and walked briskly out the room. Tomoyo smiled brightly before leading her best friend out the door.
"I hope things will turn out," The doctor whispered to himself after the Kinomoto family left.
*****
"Sakura, honey, you should go get some sleep. Besides, you probably have to be changed in that hospital room for a whole day tomorrow." Nadeshiko kindly suggested. Sakura nodded her head and gave her mother a big hug.
"Arigato." She replied. "Tomoyo, I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked.
Tomoyo nodded. "Of course!" She asserted. "I'll be here at eight thirty as always."
Sakura flashed her a bright smile. "Sure. Tell your mom that I said hello and that everything went fine today so she doesn't have to worry about not being able to make it today." Tomoyo nodded. They knew how much Sonomi Daidouji cared for Sakura.
"Ja ne!" Sakura called before shuffling to her room. She knew the whole house like the back of her hand and had no trouble making her around the house.
"Ja ne!" Tomoyo's voice called back as she walked out the house. Sakura smiled and sat down on her bed.
*** Sakura's POV ***
I lay down on my soft bed, hugging a huge teddy bear I had got from Touya when I was five. I smiled into its soft fur and pondered over the events that had happened that day.
Only twenty percent of success, not subtracting the possibility the quack was bluffing. So, which meant I have less then twenty percent of success.
What if I can't see again? I wondered. Five years, living in the darkness and pretending everything is the same as before. I smiled sadly. Things change in five years; people change in five years. It's almost as if I'm behind five years. It's as if time has stopped.
I'm wondering how Shin Hua's doing in Heaven. I can still picture her cheerful smiles and those deep black eyes and ebony straight hair. I smiled; she was the perfect Asian, raised by a beautiful Asian who could really cook good Chinese food. I remembered all those times Tomoyo and I would go to her house after school.
That seemed so long ago. Five years. It all happened so suddenly on that afternoon a week after my twelfth birthday. Shin Hua insisted on celebrating my birthday once more under the Sakura trees, and of course I had not refused. I smiled, recalling the special last day I had with her.
Thank Kami it was after the celebration. She was always so happy. And those days in the hospital were torture for her. She had a strong fierce spirit and had disliked those days spent inside like a prison. Shin Hua had even taught Tomoyo and me a few moves of kung fu she learned in China, demanding that every girl should learn self defense. She was such a female activist.
I was kind of angry with myself for being so helpless at times. I guess that's why I made Touya teach me to catch things and block things when they were thrown to me. I made him teach me a little bit of self-defense as well. I laughed wryly at myself. I wondered what I looked like now. Shin Hua really had a huge impact over my life and I never really noticed it before she died.
Angels watch over her, I prayed, yet knowing clearly that they already were.
I sighed and stared at my ceiling. I was scared, about everything. I was scared of being in the dark. I was scared of the operation failing. I felt so vulnerable and there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.
The fresh wave of snowdrops brought me back to my senses. I blinked a couple of times before smiling. "Hope." I whispered.
How could I forgotten about hope? I can firmly asserted in the doctor's office and yet now I forget it. I was just so stupid sometimes. Hope, Sakura. You can hope.
Repeating that phrase over and over to myself out loud and mentally, I drifted off to sleep with a contented smile on my face.
*** Third POV ***
Nadeshiko smiled softly in front of her daughter's room, hearing her words of hope. She softly touched the pink cross-stitched design that spelled out Sakura, which Shin Hua had made for her daughter on her twelfth birthday.
"You've made my daughter strong, Shin Hua." Nadeshiko whispered. Her family, consisting of only her mother, father and baby sister, had moved back to China an year after Shin Hua's accident that took her life away. The young girl was only twelve at the time being, but her clear and strong beliefs carried her far.
*****
"Oh! I hate it in here," Sakura whined. She was back in the hospital. The checkups had gone fine and she was back in the hospital. It was Monday, April 8th, the day before the operation.
"Sakura, you're starting to sound like Shin Hua," Tomoyo giggled, remembering the days Shin Hua complained about the hospital in her last days alive. Although she was weak in those last days, her old spirit never died.
Sakura laughed. "I was just thinking that a few nights ago. She's had so much influence over me."
"Hai, and mine as well. She was a wonderful friend." Tomoyo agreed. "She would be proud of you, knowing that you're undergoing the operation. She never really mentioned about the operation in front of you, you know. Shin Hua understood how uncomfortable you were with the idea, but she often talked about it with me."
"Really?" Sakura asked, not believing what she was hearing.
"Hai," Her best friend replied. "Oh. This reminds me. She has a letter for you." Reaching inside her bag, she pulled out a pink envelope that was a bit faded.
Sakura eyes watered as she saw the beautifully designed envelope. "She gave it to me before she died, promising me to give it to you only when you were willing to take the operation. Shin Hua truly believed that you would regain your eyesight again." Tomoyo smiled and wiped the tears away from Sakura's cheeks.
"And you know what?" She asked. Sakura shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks in emotion. "I believe that you will too."
"Arigato Tomoyo." She replied.
"Arigato Shin Hua." She whispered, tilting her heads to the Heavens. Kami, she would be able to see again.
"Hope and trust. I wonder who that guy is. I want to say thank you for all he's done for me." Sakura wondered that night as she breathed in the smell of the snowdrops that she insisted on moving in with her into the hostipal.
As she fell into deep slumber that night, a pale light filled the room. It was the figure of a young girl with magnificent white wings on her back. Smiling softly, she patted Sakura's arm softly in comfort. "I'm watching over you," the angel whispered, her black eyes shinning with softness and care. With one last look at her friend, she turned her ebony head away and disappeared from sight.
----- How was it? Will Sakura see again?
Will she find that mysterious young man?
Shin Hua is a Chinese name, meaning "happy flower." She's based on a best friend of mine. Shin Hua's name is combined of my friend's name and mine. Hehe. Just thought it would be sweet. my own character. I was deciding whether or not to use of one of Sakura's friends in the anime, but then her character would be a bit too out of place. Yep. Besides, they might appear later.
Don't you love the name of the flower shop? Mikomi Sono? Hehe.
Anyhow, please review. I'm so glad at the wonderful reviews you've all been giving me! Again, for those who read my Do You Remember Me? Fic, sorry! It has been postpone for a while. Gomen. But I hope you'll be content reading this one while I write the next chapter for that fic. Hehe.
Please review. Thanks ever so! ~ Rainbow Dreamer.
-----Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. I hold no claims on this fanfiction in any way. The plot, however, is mine and I would like it to remain that way. In other words, no plagiarism you evil little men out there! Hehe.
-----AUTHOR'S NOTE: WOW. My second fic. Although I'm not yet done with Do You Remember Me? I Remember You (a CCS fic), I suddenly had an inspiration for this story. This story however, will not be that long. at least I THINK so. Hehe. For those who have read my first fic, you guys know what I'm talking about. I 'm always adding more and more. Hehe. Anyhow, THANK YOU for all those reviews! Sugoi! I never thought that I would receive so many!
-----SPECIAL THANKS: Argent Dragon: I'm glad the title of my story compelled you enough to read it! I hope you'll become a huge CCS fan after you're done reading this!
Chii: Hehe. I'm super duper that the plot goes well with everyone. It's quite special.
Little Rabbit f/LRPLI: thanks!
T: Hey~! You've read my other Card Captor Sakura fic haven't you? I remember you! Hehe. I'm SO glad you're reading this!
Chibi Tenshi: Don't chase me! LOL. But doesn't Sakura blind make the plot so much more original and interesting? There's not that many fics out there I know with Sakura blind. Hehe. Oh.. And THANK YOU, loyal reader. I just remembered that you also read my other fic as well. Arigato.
Sakura Avalon: Sweet! Hehe. I thought so as well. Or should I say, "KAWAII"?
Sum1: I'll mention the person later along the story. *sniff sniff * Anyhow.. What makes you think that handsome mysterious guy is Syaoran? Keep on hoping girl!
Fire blade: Thank you for your compliment. I'll try my best to update soon, but as you might know, I have my other fic to write as well.
Pink lover: Arigato. *Bows * Hehe.
Janna: Yay! My fix's original. There's too many princess and prince stories out there that I just had to add something with some twist! (No offense to anyone who has written a princess and prince story. Those are fine.)
Kan-Chan: HEY GIRL! Yay! My long faithful reader has found her way to my second fic! Man, I love you girl! Keep on reading!
SKC: And you too GIRL! My other faithful and trustworthy reader has come to support me once again. Hehe. I'm close to tears. You guys make me so happy.
Rosie: Why, thank you! I'm so glad that you're learning a lot about flowers. I'm not sad by the number of reviews I have for chapter one. Hehe. Reviews get more as the story deepens. Anyhow, thank you.
Star Goddess: Thank you!
THANK YOU ALL. Your support has greatly helped me and this fic will be the best ever! Hehe. I'm kind of thinking that this plot would be more interesting than my other Do You Remember Me fic. Of course, no offense to readers and. myself. LOL.
-----CHAPTER TWO:
"Mmm." She moaned lightly as she shifted her weight in her bed. The warm sunlight was dancing on her blanket playfully. A smile came upon her sweet face as she greeted the new day.
Sakura stretched in her bed, breathing in the fresh smell of the morning glories she had received as a gift yesterday. Crawling out of bed quietly so she wouldn't disturb Tomoyo who stubbornly insisted sleeping on the floor while Sakura had the bed. She was such a good friend to her.
"Hmm." She took in a deep breath of the flowers. Reaching out a hand tentatively, she caressed a white petal. Her mind slowly took her to yesterday's incident with the young man.
"Trust me." His voice was still clear in her mind as if he was right next to her. His warmth from his hands as he clasped hers still gave her a tingly sensation.
Tomoyo had told her that the operation only had thirty percent success or even less. Often people told of the higher percent number. Sakura sighed softly to herself. She didn't know if she wanted to undergo the operation.
"What is there to lose? You can see again." The young man's voice was so clear; it made Sakura jump a little. When she calmed down and found no one was around, she smiled slightly. What was there to lose?
She hated the darkness, not being able to visualize everything for their true beauty. But she was afraid. The doctors had told her clearly that if the operation failed, she would never regain her sight. And she couldn't face the pain, the realization of not being able to live forever in the darkness.
But what was the use of sitting here in the darkness? She laughed at her stupidity. Sitting here in the darkness day after day would not regain her eyesight.
Yes, she had nothing to lose. She was going to take that operation. Her hand had found itself on the card. Snowdrops mean hope. She could only hope now.
"Oomph." A quiet voice came from the other side of the room. Tomoyo sat up from her mattress on the floor. "Ohayo Sakura. You're up early."
"Ohayo Tomoyo." Sakura replied. "It's too good of a day to spend inside. Besides, the wonderful smell of the snowdrops woke me up."
"Indeed. They smell wonderful." Her friend agreed.
"Now what was about the operation change yesterday?" She asked a while later.
Sakura shrugged. "I guess I've been foolish all these years, Tomoyo. Five years wasted in the darkness, thinking that I would regain my sight after a while."
"Oh Sakura. You're not foolish at all." Tomoyo countered. "In fact, you're quite the opposite, more like brave."
"Brave?" Sakura echoed.
"Hai." Tomoyo replied. "Brave. You're so brave to live in all that darkness and still be able to smile and give thanks everyday. If it were me, I don't even know what'd I do."
A small smile tugged at the auburn haired girl's face. "Arigato, Tomoyo." She hugged her friend and Tomoyo hugged back.
*****
"So you want to try the operation?" Nadeshiko asked quietly later after breakfast. The four and Tomoyo were sitting at the living room. Sakura nodded.
"I want to see again." She whispered. The family smiled happily in agreement at the youngest member of the family.
"She's recovered fully," Touya thought to himself. "I'll get Dr. Waleigh's phone number." He offered, rising from his seat to got to the kitchen.
"And I'll make the phone call for an appointment." Fujitaka supported, following his son's actions out of the living room. Nadeshiko smiled softly at her daughter.
"You're so brave," She whispered as she hugged her daughter tightly. Sakura smiled, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. She was touched at her family and friend's support.
"Inherited it from you," She replied back, teasingly. Nadeshiko laughed playfully and pulled away from her daughter's embrace.
"Arigato Tomoyo." Sakura said sincerely. Tomoyo just smiled.
"What are friends for?" She asked. It was Sakura's turn to smile.
"Yo, kaijuu, Dr. Waleigh says he'll see you this afternoon," Touya called, poking his head through the door. Sakura turned at the sound of his voice.
"That's fine with me," She replied. "And Touya?" She called.
"What?" He shouted from the outside the living room.
"I'm not a kaijuu!" She yelled. Touya laughed appreciatively. Tomoyo and Nadeshiko couldn't help but share a smile. Even Sakura was giggling.
The whole house was filled with an indescribable happiness. It was filled with hope.
*****
"Yo! Xiao.Xiao Lang! Go back to the carpentry room and grab the small white fence we made the other day will you?" The big muscular manager ordered. He had such hard times with memorizing names and matching them to the person.
Xiao Lang nodded and came back with the fence as if it weighed nothing. "Where do I put this, Mr. Kay?" He asked, his voice full of respect. The manager laughed and pounded his assistant hard on the back.
"Aye, aye. We're all part of the business there.. Uh, Xiao Lang. No need with the formalities!" He said cheerfully. Xiao Lang nodded crisply.
"Hai Masu" the young man replied. Masu laughed, his loud booming laugh.
"Now where is are other fellow? Tai.." Masu started, trailing off as he forgot the other assistance's name.
"Takuro," Xiao Lang offered helpfully.
"I knew it started with a T," he mumbled. Xiao Lang smiled wryly, his deep set eyes shinning with a shade of amusement, wondering when his manager would ever get the names right.
"I'll get the names before you know it, Xiao Lang," Masu countered, knowing what the young man was thinking. Xiao Land just grinned.
"Li's at a delivery," Xiao Lang replied smoothly.
"Right. Takuro Li; I'll remember that." The manager spoke. "He's off sending the roses Ms. Ankara wanted, ne?"
"Hai. He should be back soon." The assistant replied. "Is there anything else you need help on?"
"Iie. Arigato for coming on your spring break." Masu thanked.
"It's nothing," Xiao Lang replied. "I'll be coming back after school when school begins."
"Arigato. Tak.argh, Li as well?" The manager said as he stumbled over his over assistant's name.
"Takuro," He filled in. "He'll be back here. You know how much he loves those flowers."
"Hai, I do. I do." Masu replied, laughing. "And he does great carpentry, just like you. I'm such a lucky man to have you two who both care for flowers and do a bit of carpentry as well."
"Well, you pay well." Xiao Lang said, with a sly grin.
"Ah! You little rascal." He joked, laughing merrily.
The bell of the shop rang lightly, breaking the laughter between the two. "Welcome to Mikomi Sono (it means "hope garden" in Japanese), how can I help you mister?" The manager called.
"Xiao, get the dozens of peach roses for Mr. Akuizo here." He called. Xiao Lang frowned at the use of his nickname but obediently went to go retrieve the roses.
"Arigato!" The man waved his hand in goodbye as the man walked off. "Don't like my nickname for you, ne?" he asked, his black eyes shinning.
Xiao Lang was growling, thinking of a reply when Takuro walked in.
"Ah, Tak, my boy!" Masu greeted.
"Tak?" He questioned, his golden eyes confused.
"Tak. you know, short for um."
"Takuro." Xiao Lang filled in, giving a smirk to the manager. He now owed him one. "Masu here is trying to act younger by giving us ridiculous nicknames."
"I see. So which half is yours?" Takuro asked, raising his eyebrow. "Lang or.. Xiao?" he asked, smirking.
"Neither!" Xiao Lang shot back, his deep brown eyes flaring in anger. "Takky!" He added for good measure.
"Takky? At least I'm not small!" Takuro retorted. Masu's booming laugh broke up the fight.
"Aye, you guys make me laugh." He laughed again and clasped a hand on each boy's shoulder hard, making both of them wince.
"Now get to work." He demanded, a twinkle in his eye. Roaring with laughter at his victory, Masu walked out the main shop room to a small resting area behind the shop.
"Sure thing Mano!" Xiao Lang called back. Takuro laughed. He raised a high five and Xiao Lang slammed it down.
*****
"Now, Ms. Kinomoto," Dr. Waleigh started, peering over his rectangular glasses perched on the edge of his nose. "You know the consequences of this eye operation do you not?" He asked stiffly.
"Oh! Hai. hai." Sakura replied. She couldn't help but giggle at what the doctor looked like! He sounded like those typical stiff doctors with glasses almost falling off their noses.
"Excuse me, but we are talking about important matters here." The doctor said frowning.
"Hai." Sakura said obediently.
"Since the operation is to be taken a while after the incident, I'm afraid the percentage of success is lower." Dr. Waleigh started. "Gomenasai."
Sakura didn't reply but bowed her head disappointedly. Tomoyo patted her friend's back in support.
"What's the likeness of success?" Touya cut in. He was worried for his younger sister.
"Around twenty." The doctor replied, looking through his papers. "It will be quite difficult to perform and even with the most careful precautions, the operation might not be true."
"Will there be any side effects after the operation?" Fujitaka asked politely.
"She may feel a bit uncomfortable after the operation but that will be all. If the operation fails. well, you all know what will happen." Dr. Waleigh stated. "I'm sorry that things are looking so gloomy for your daughter's future."
"Is this the only possibility that we can regain our daughter's eyesight?" Nadeshiko asked softly, eyeing how sad her daughter was looking.
The doctor shook his head lightly. "I'm sorry."
"I don't care." Sakura's voice was lesser than its usual strong timber, but she continued. "I've decided to take the risk in getting my eyesight."
"I have nothing to lose," She firmly stated, echoing the words of the mysterious young man. "I just have to hope and trust." She smiled to herself. Hope and trust. That's what the young man gave her that day in that simple brief moment.
Nadeshiko and Fujitaka exchanged a proud smile. "When can the operation take place? We would like it to be performed as soon as possible so she can get used to seeing again before school starts." Fujitaka asked.
Dr. Waleigh smiled at the young girl's bravery and her parents and friends' support. "I can schedule a meeting tomorrow afternoon to get some checkups done. The fastest date I have right now would be next week, is that fine with you?"
"Sakura? This is your decision," Nadeshiko asked softly.
"Next week is fine." She replied.
"Good. I need you to come in on Monday April 8th and we'll have the operation the next morning." Dr. Waleigh instructed.
"Arigato for your time doctor," Fujitaka thanked, shaking the doctors hand while his wife bowed her thanks. Touya nodded in greeting and walked briskly out the room. Tomoyo smiled brightly before leading her best friend out the door.
"I hope things will turn out," The doctor whispered to himself after the Kinomoto family left.
*****
"Sakura, honey, you should go get some sleep. Besides, you probably have to be changed in that hospital room for a whole day tomorrow." Nadeshiko kindly suggested. Sakura nodded her head and gave her mother a big hug.
"Arigato." She replied. "Tomoyo, I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked.
Tomoyo nodded. "Of course!" She asserted. "I'll be here at eight thirty as always."
Sakura flashed her a bright smile. "Sure. Tell your mom that I said hello and that everything went fine today so she doesn't have to worry about not being able to make it today." Tomoyo nodded. They knew how much Sonomi Daidouji cared for Sakura.
"Ja ne!" Sakura called before shuffling to her room. She knew the whole house like the back of her hand and had no trouble making her around the house.
"Ja ne!" Tomoyo's voice called back as she walked out the house. Sakura smiled and sat down on her bed.
*** Sakura's POV ***
I lay down on my soft bed, hugging a huge teddy bear I had got from Touya when I was five. I smiled into its soft fur and pondered over the events that had happened that day.
Only twenty percent of success, not subtracting the possibility the quack was bluffing. So, which meant I have less then twenty percent of success.
What if I can't see again? I wondered. Five years, living in the darkness and pretending everything is the same as before. I smiled sadly. Things change in five years; people change in five years. It's almost as if I'm behind five years. It's as if time has stopped.
I'm wondering how Shin Hua's doing in Heaven. I can still picture her cheerful smiles and those deep black eyes and ebony straight hair. I smiled; she was the perfect Asian, raised by a beautiful Asian who could really cook good Chinese food. I remembered all those times Tomoyo and I would go to her house after school.
That seemed so long ago. Five years. It all happened so suddenly on that afternoon a week after my twelfth birthday. Shin Hua insisted on celebrating my birthday once more under the Sakura trees, and of course I had not refused. I smiled, recalling the special last day I had with her.
Thank Kami it was after the celebration. She was always so happy. And those days in the hospital were torture for her. She had a strong fierce spirit and had disliked those days spent inside like a prison. Shin Hua had even taught Tomoyo and me a few moves of kung fu she learned in China, demanding that every girl should learn self defense. She was such a female activist.
I was kind of angry with myself for being so helpless at times. I guess that's why I made Touya teach me to catch things and block things when they were thrown to me. I made him teach me a little bit of self-defense as well. I laughed wryly at myself. I wondered what I looked like now. Shin Hua really had a huge impact over my life and I never really noticed it before she died.
Angels watch over her, I prayed, yet knowing clearly that they already were.
I sighed and stared at my ceiling. I was scared, about everything. I was scared of being in the dark. I was scared of the operation failing. I felt so vulnerable and there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.
The fresh wave of snowdrops brought me back to my senses. I blinked a couple of times before smiling. "Hope." I whispered.
How could I forgotten about hope? I can firmly asserted in the doctor's office and yet now I forget it. I was just so stupid sometimes. Hope, Sakura. You can hope.
Repeating that phrase over and over to myself out loud and mentally, I drifted off to sleep with a contented smile on my face.
*** Third POV ***
Nadeshiko smiled softly in front of her daughter's room, hearing her words of hope. She softly touched the pink cross-stitched design that spelled out Sakura, which Shin Hua had made for her daughter on her twelfth birthday.
"You've made my daughter strong, Shin Hua." Nadeshiko whispered. Her family, consisting of only her mother, father and baby sister, had moved back to China an year after Shin Hua's accident that took her life away. The young girl was only twelve at the time being, but her clear and strong beliefs carried her far.
*****
"Oh! I hate it in here," Sakura whined. She was back in the hospital. The checkups had gone fine and she was back in the hospital. It was Monday, April 8th, the day before the operation.
"Sakura, you're starting to sound like Shin Hua," Tomoyo giggled, remembering the days Shin Hua complained about the hospital in her last days alive. Although she was weak in those last days, her old spirit never died.
Sakura laughed. "I was just thinking that a few nights ago. She's had so much influence over me."
"Hai, and mine as well. She was a wonderful friend." Tomoyo agreed. "She would be proud of you, knowing that you're undergoing the operation. She never really mentioned about the operation in front of you, you know. Shin Hua understood how uncomfortable you were with the idea, but she often talked about it with me."
"Really?" Sakura asked, not believing what she was hearing.
"Hai," Her best friend replied. "Oh. This reminds me. She has a letter for you." Reaching inside her bag, she pulled out a pink envelope that was a bit faded.
Sakura eyes watered as she saw the beautifully designed envelope. "She gave it to me before she died, promising me to give it to you only when you were willing to take the operation. Shin Hua truly believed that you would regain your eyesight again." Tomoyo smiled and wiped the tears away from Sakura's cheeks.
"And you know what?" She asked. Sakura shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks in emotion. "I believe that you will too."
"Arigato Tomoyo." She replied.
"Arigato Shin Hua." She whispered, tilting her heads to the Heavens. Kami, she would be able to see again.
"Hope and trust. I wonder who that guy is. I want to say thank you for all he's done for me." Sakura wondered that night as she breathed in the smell of the snowdrops that she insisted on moving in with her into the hostipal.
As she fell into deep slumber that night, a pale light filled the room. It was the figure of a young girl with magnificent white wings on her back. Smiling softly, she patted Sakura's arm softly in comfort. "I'm watching over you," the angel whispered, her black eyes shinning with softness and care. With one last look at her friend, she turned her ebony head away and disappeared from sight.
----- How was it? Will Sakura see again?
Will she find that mysterious young man?
Shin Hua is a Chinese name, meaning "happy flower." She's based on a best friend of mine. Shin Hua's name is combined of my friend's name and mine. Hehe. Just thought it would be sweet. my own character. I was deciding whether or not to use of one of Sakura's friends in the anime, but then her character would be a bit too out of place. Yep. Besides, they might appear later.
Don't you love the name of the flower shop? Mikomi Sono? Hehe.
Anyhow, please review. I'm so glad at the wonderful reviews you've all been giving me! Again, for those who read my Do You Remember Me? Fic, sorry! It has been postpone for a while. Gomen. But I hope you'll be content reading this one while I write the next chapter for that fic. Hehe.
Please review. Thanks ever so! ~ Rainbow Dreamer.