-----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: Thank you all for your reviews. I really appreciate them. Hm. This is one of the few times that I actually don't have much to say in my author's note. LoL. I know I usually write a lot of nonsense here. I even wonder how many people actually read this....... God, I sound like I'm talking to myself!
What am I doing? Enjoy the story peeps!
Rainbow Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: gohansfan: Thanks! Hehe... Yes, I have noticed that there are two Xiao Langs.. or is there?
Montserrat T: Thank you. How would Lei know everything? You'll find out in this chapter. Happy reading.
Pink Cherry Blossom: Glad you loved this chapter and that Sakura and Syaoran are back to being friends. Thanks for reviewing.
Raymisha: Yeah, life is full of obstacles, but when you overcome them, don't you think life is so much more meaningful?
Winged guardian: Thanks.
Azi: Hehe, I guess the cursing matches Meiling a bit huh? Well, in this chapter you get to see another person curse quite a lot. Heh.
Smilez: Thank you!
D: Heh, seems like everyone's confused about the guy at the flower shop. You'll know when time comes.
Sakura Lova: Glad the last chapter was happy, something to cheer you up after the sad one. Anyhow, thanks.
Luckyducky7: Yay! You like Daphne! Heh! I like her too!
Anime Obsession Fantasy: Thanks.
Riley s: Hehe, you're up to a surprise this chapter. Your wish just might come true.
CCSakura: Thank you for you compliments. Hope you like this chapter.
Dangerous-beans: Your welcome! I'm glad I made you so, so happy!
ScarleT Rose: Thank you.
Illusioner 1412: LoL. When you said that I'm the author and I can do anything that I want makes me feel like some dictator or something. Hehe. I guess I am in a way over my stories! :)
Maiden of Ice: "If your love it true, then you can find a way out of any problem fate has set against you." That's really nice. Although I don't believe in fate. I believe that we do have control over our lives. :)
Cherry Princess: Glad you like the flower signification so much! And you too might get your wish in this chapter!
Lauren: Thank you so much!
Eclipse: Hm. Perhaps Syaoran was a bit out of character in the last chapter, but this is how I see it: it's been almost two weeks and considering how good friends they were, he's really is wondering how she is and all. I don't know, but if I were dragged there, I would be thinking, "I just want to see her." And then the situation unfolds from there. But I'll keep what you said in mind, thanks!!!
Di: Syaoran having multiple personality disorder... Now that's a first. Hehe. I kind of like the idea, just kidding. Hm. Whoever said Lei was the one who gave her the cherry blossoms? Besides.. we don't know who gave them, right?
Ash Night: I got to think of some nickname to you, though there's not much I can do with yours. Hehe. I'm glad that I captured Syaoran well during his talk with Wei; that means a whole lot to me. Thank you.
Mookie: I'm glad you found your way to my story and I hope you'll enjoy this. Welcome, and thank you!
Kazeko: Thank you!
Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Thanks girl! And my grades.... Yeah, let's just say I have to take SAT I again in October.. damn. Heh. Aiming for a 1300 but not there yet.. darn Anyhow, thanks for everything!
Swtcherryblossoms: Your welcome for the gift. Thanks.
Pink Hana: Welcome to the club who are confused about the two Xiao Langs. :)
Azure Roses: Thanks! I'm glad that Sakura and Syaoran are friends once more as well. And about the bad words, well, what can I say? They happen to me as well!
Mysticalia: Thanks.
Leena-Chan: Yikes! I definitely think I have an assassin after me. Well, I hope you like this chapter!
Jannyzhan: Since you didn't leave a name except ......, so I decided to use your email address name. Anyhow, thanks and of course I'll write more!
Sweet Madison: Hey smiley girl! No wonder I haven't seen you around lately! Did you have fun on your vacation? Lucky duck! Anyhow, thanks!
Sliverymare: I'm glad you love the flower meanings and Syaoran in the last chapter. Hm. Two Xiao Langs, eh? I'll comfort you by saying that you're not alone. Heh. I'm so evil aren't I?
Midnight moon: Thank you.
Chibi Neko-chan: Aie. Sorry for not emailing you! I have the worst memory! Gomen. But I'm glad you found your way back to this story without my email. Heh. :)
White Blossoms: Thank you.
Cryst: Hey girl! What's wrong with crying? And especially when they're tears of joy? Why not? Heck, whenever I laugh really hard, there I go crying and people wonder if I'm crying because I'm sad or whether I'm crazy. LoL. That reminds me of the time I was playing defense for soccer during gym and a guy slammed a soccer ball on my back and I started laughing and crying. Talk about crazy!
Moshi Moshi Queen: Hey, haven't seen you in a while. I'm glad you're still here. Enjoy the update!
THANK YOU ALL TREMEDOUSLY. Gomen to the ones who I forgot to add on my thank you list, but be assured that you are truly thanked whenever I read them. I love that fuzzy feeling that others are enjoying what I write. Thank you all.
Rainbow Dreamer.
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
-----"Give all to love; obey thy heart."
-----Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
--- Daphne--
I was laughing so hard that I swear that my stomach was about to burst. I hardly had this much fun with the nurses I worked around with. The only time I remember laughing with them was the time when Dr. Waleigh woke up from a nap, yelling at us because he couldn't find his glasses which where perched on his nose. However, this laughter I was sharing was much more special, and had a soothing atmosphere. It was patients like her that make me smile, knowing that I had chosen the right career.
"You've got to be joking," Sakura declared, her green eyes twinkling mischievously. I smiled along with her. She had just gotten off her bandages, oh, around four hours ago and we had been having fun since then like telling amusing anecdotes, totally pigging out, and playing card games.
"I'm not." He replied, teasingly. "When do I joke?" He asked, his autumn eyes smiling into hers.
Sakura smirked, a smirk that looked just like his, I noted. "Li Xiao Lang, I swear you are the most ridiculous person on the earth!"
"You mean stubborn," he corrected her calmly.
"Same difference."
"There's a lot of difference." Syaoran replied in the same cool tone, as talking to a little kid who didn't understand. "Ridiculous and stubborn are hardly synonyms of each other. In fact, they have no relationship."
Sakura and I shared a look, making my patient roll her eyes. Then she turned to him, her eyes shinning.
"Uh, Kinomoto?" Syaoran asked. He didn't like that look on her face; it was just like Meiling's when she wanted she was plotting against him or his sisters' when they wanted to know his latest crush that didn't existed or something along those lines. The look was a bit too sweet.
She was still smiling. "For your information, Li-kun, there is a connection between the word 'ridiculous' and 'stubborn.'" Then her smile turned into a wolfish grin. "They all describe you."
I laughed, and raised my hand while Sakura slapped it. Syaoran was glaring at her, but I could see warmness and joy shinning under those depths. I knew then that the two were going to be great friends, and perhaps even more. Sakura was so lost without him during those days when her parents refused to let him see her. I grinned evilly as a plan started to form in my head.
"Daphne?" A sweet, angelic voice asked.
"Oh, hai Sakura-chan?" I replied, coming out from my thoughts.
"What are you thinking? You've got that evil look like what Tomoyo has when she has a new outfit for me to wear."
That just made me smile even more. Why, I was thinking of a better plan. Tomoyo, actually, would be a lot of help. And Meiling as well. I was glad I got to know them well when they visited......
--- Intersection point---
Tomoyo and Meiling rushed off together after they met at the intersection point where the two paths leading to their separate schools diverged.
"Do you think they've bitten their heads off?" Meiling asked as she paced herself next to Tomoyo.
Tomoyo laughed. "No. I think Li-kun's probably still standing in the same position that you left him this morning and Sakura's probably still trying to recover from the fact that he's right there."
"I must say your theory is much more accurate than mine," Meiling joined humorously. "But, really, what do you think happened between the two?"
"I have no idea. But knowing Sakura, I'm sure things are progressing slowly. She doesn't want to lose his friendship."
"Ditto that. Syaoran's been acting all weird."
"Hm. Well, it's good to know that Sakura can see once again." Tomoyo said thankfully, recalling how she had gotten a message before noon, telling her that she could see again.
"I know. I'm so relieved. Do you think Sakura's family will allow Syaoran to see Sakura now? Now that she can see?"
"Perhaps." Tomoyo said briefly, not wanting to keep her hopes too high. "Let's just see how things are and progress from there."
Her friend nodded in agreement. "Kinomoto-san has his great conference today right?" Meiling asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah. They'll be taking Sakura out to dinner tonight with me and my mom so we're going have to hurry if we want to talk to Sakura alone."
"Oh, sure." Meiling said amiably. "Besides, my cousin probably left." The two shared a look as if to confirm their thoughts before quickening their pace to the hospital that was coming to view any moment now.
They slowed down their pace only when the hospital doors slide open, greeting them with a wave of air conditioning that was blessedly wonderful after running in the hot air. "We're here to see Sakura Kinomoto in room 105," Tomoyo rushed quickly with a hasty smile.
The nurse nodded and slide them a clipboard to sign in. Tomoyo and Meiling shared a look when they noticed Syaoran's name that Meiling signed under that morning, had not been checked out yet.
"Oh my God." The two whispered in awe and dashed towards Sakura's room.
They could hear laughter trailing down the hall that came from Sakura's room. Sharing another look of disbelief, the two opened the door slowly, praying that what they hoped had come true.
Tomoyo's face fell when she saw what was before her. Meiling frowned, expressing her disappointment.
Sakura turned and saw them, and a happy laughter came out from her. "Tomoyo! Meiling!" She cried, opening her arms wide for a hug. Tomoyo laughed and hugged her best friend tightly and Meiling did the same afterwards. It was clear to Tomoyo that she was fine, for her emeralds shinned like the time she opened her eyes and realized that she could see in the first time for five years.
"How are you girl?" Meiling teased. "Seems like you're having a party here." She continued, motioning to the flowers on the desk, the bags of junk food scattered on the bed, the chocolate wrappings that missed the trashcan, and the few random cards on the floor. Sakura laughed.
"Wonderful." She replied. "You're just in time to join me and Daphne here." Daphne gave the two girls that just came in huge smiles.
"The operation went extremely successful." The nurse spoke. "She's been having the time of her life for the past four hours or so."
"That's just great," Tomoyo smiled joyfully, giving her bet friend another great hug. Sakura laughed once more and hugged back.
"Isn't it?" A voice asked with amusement. "You guys certainly took your time coming here." The voice continued. "I had enough playing 'go fish' with her for four hours straight."
"Hey! I resent that!" Sakura shot back. "We did not play 'go fish' for four hours straight, right Daphne?" She turned to her nurse for support.
Daphne just grinned and shrugged. Actually, they had played 'go fish' for two hours straight before Syaoran purposely lost a few cards and they couldn't play anymore much to Sakura's disappointment. "I've been in here for much too long, Saku. I have to look at my other patients okay?"
Sakura beamed a smile at her. "Hai. Arigato, Daphne." The nurse nodded and left the room, for she knew that Tomoyo and Meiling were giving quite confused yet hopeful looks. The others also bid their goodbyes and once she left, Tomoyo and Meiling focused their attention on Sakura once more.
"What?" Sakura whined. "Do I have something on my face or something?"
"Now that you mention it Kinomoto, you do look a little weird. It must be because you took those bandages off. I was getting used to you having them on." Syaoran cut in before Tomoyo or Meiling could reply. Sakura immediately focused her glare on him. He just smirked, challenging her.
Unable to defeat the master, Sakura frowned and turned to Meiling. "Meiling, tell your cousin to stop teasing me!" She pleaded.
Sakura and Syaoran exchanged a strange look when Meiling didn't respond. The two raised their eyebrows and returned their attention to the Chinese girl. They watched her confused expression slowly defrost and, as if the sun shined, a smile slowly crept upon her face. Soon, the smile was so big it looked goofy on her face.
"Meiling?" Sakura peeped, wondering what could be possible wrong with her.
Meiling finally came out of her silly smile, and looked at her friend then at her cousin. "Syaoran, you can tease Sakura all you want." She grinned evilly. Yes, the Meiling Li they knew was back.
"Nani?" Her friend yelled.
Meiling just shrugged and looked over at Tomoyo who was taping all of this. But Tomoyo caught her look and winked. Meiling smiled and nodded her head.
"You guys are so mean!" Meiling and Syaoran just snickered while Tomoyo had a small smile of amusement while she filmed. "Tomoyo, turn the stupid camera off!" The screen turned blank for a few seconds when it came in contact with Sakura's pillow that hit its target with deadly accuracy.
--- Outside---
"What do you think?" A female asked, a smile playing on her lips.
"I say everything's going back to normal." Her companion replied.
"I still don't trust the gaki." A younger male voice stubbornly proclaimed.
"Touya, just accept the fact that they're all coming to dinner with us." Nadeshiko replied happily.
"NANI?" Touya yelled. His mother just smiled sweetly and entered Sakura's room. "Like mother, like daughter. Do you know about this?" he asked weakly.
Fujitaka smiled softly. "No." He replied quietly. "I know you don't trust him and I'm still a bit weary about him. But I'm glad to see Sakura so happy today; I don't want to spoil this day for her." He paused. "Your mother will most likely see to it that Li won't do anything wrong to her. You know how much she loves Sakura."
"I know." Touya sighed. It was their mother who probably knew Sakura the best in her family and she should know what was best for her daughter.
The two shared a look, nodded, and entered the room to be greeted joyfully by Sakura. Touya couldn't help but notice the bright twinkle in her eyes and the happy atmosphere in the hospital room.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Nadeshiko said brightly. "Sakura, we've ordered a spot at your favorite restaurant."
"Honte ne?" Her daughter exclaimed joyfully. Nadeshiko nodded her head and Sakura broke out into another fit of beaming smiles.
"Excuse us then," Syaoran said as politely as possible, seeing that Touya had this eyes glued to him. "We should be going; we don't want to bother you." He continued and motioned to Meiling to leave.
Meiling nodded. "Sakura, it's great that you can see again. I'll see you at school tomorrow, okay?" Sakura nodded. "Kinomoto, it's a pleasure seeing you all again."
"What's the rush?" Nadeshiko asked. "Are you not staying for dinner? We've reserved your seats. It's be a pity if you won't be able to attend."
"Really, I-," Meiling started.
"Meiling, you are definitely going," She commanded in a playful manner. "You're one of Sakura's best friends; I couldn't thank you more."
"Come on, Mei." Sakura invited smiling with Tomoyo nodding in agreement.
Meiling smiled. "Oh, all right. Arigato."
Syaoran sighed under his breath. "Then I'll be leaving then. Arigato for letting Meiling dine with you." Touya smirked happily. Nadeshiko sensed his uncertainty.
"Tomoyo dear, Sonomi told me to call you. Why don't you do that now while I have a light chat with Li here?" Nadeshiko asked cheerfully. Tomoyo nodded silently and took out her cell phone. She stood up elegantly, her gray hair that looked like Sakura's except in a different shade, flowed down her back. She smiled warmly at Syaoran. "Could I have a talk with you?"
Syaoran nodded and the two exit out the door. Nadeshiko closed it softly behind them. "Let's go get a drink shall we? I was so excited since I heard Sakura could see again that I haven't had a drink all day." Syaoran stared at her, but quickly caught himself and shrugged indifferently. Nadeshiko just smiled and led the way to a vending machine where she gave herself and him a can of orange juice. Syaoran sat down rolling the can in his hands, thinking. She sat down beside him and drank a sip of juice before talking.
"We haven't really introduced ourselves before," She started with a smile that looked just like Sakura's. He was now beginning to see where Sakura got her personality. "I'm Nadeshiko Kinomoto, Sakura's mother."
Syaoran half smiled in spite of himself. "Syaoran Li."
"Nice to meet you Li." She extended her hand and he grasped it uncertainly. Her hand was warm and welcoming as her smile. "Sakura's brother is quite protective of Sakura." She explained softly. "And so is my husband." Then she laughed quietly. "I guess so am I." Her tone made it clear that she didn't want to be interrupted so Syaoran stayed quiet and listened.
"Sakura was great friends with Tomoyo and a sweet Chinese girl called Shin Hua since they met in elementary. It was during her twelfth birthday that she turned blind while crossing a road."
"And Sakura managed to push Tomoyo out of the way but Shin Hua later died in the hospital." Syaoran found himself completing the story. "She was blind for five years until she decided to undergo the surgery."
"Hai. She told you?" Syaoran, however, didn't meet her eye. Nadeshiko looked at him with a soft smile. What was she worrying about? Sakura had told him about how she had gotten blind, something she didn't tell people unless she trusted them.
"I apologize for our earlier harsh actions the day you sent Sakura to the hospital Li." Nadeshiko spoke. "We tend to think Sakura as more vulnerable than others due her blindness. But perhaps we're the ones who are blind now. Sakura seems to understand more than others at times; perhaps its because her others senses are so much stronger than ours." She smiled at him.
"So Li, are you willing to join us for dinner?"
Syaoran thought about it, her words echoing in his head. Did he want to eat dinner with them? Would he ruin the happy atmosphere or would he add to it? Strength, Courage, Love, Mercy; those ideals of the Li clan, he reminded. "I'd be honored to join you all to dinner." He finally spoke in a formal tone he was taught to use.
"Wonderful. Sakura will be so happy." She stood up, winking at him. Slowly, Syaoran found himself smiling. He liked her; he reminded him of Sakura, but she had her own style that reminded him somewhat of his own mother as well.
The two got up and walked back to Sakura's room to find Sakura dressed in a light green sundress with daisies at the bottom cut out, the same one she wore on her birthday. Syaoran smiled softly once he saw her. She felt his eyes on him and turned around and gave him a bright smile.
"Li-kun, are you coming with us?" she asked, the dress bringing out the color of her eyes. He nodded, not daring himself to speak. "Sugoi!" She exclaimed. "Come on, let's go." She whined, motioning everyone out the door. Everyone laughed and followed her lead.
--- Sakura. ---
I crept out my large pane window and crept up to the roof to bath under the moon and starlight. I loved to be up there and reach out to the stars, each twinkling a wish of their own. I loved to be there and connect the constellation with a finger, each telling a story of how they came to be. I loved to be up there and feel the cool night breeze gliding pass my ear, whispering of promises. But what I loved most was that I was able to think out here, and tell my secrets the night.
"Shin Hua, how are you?" I asked softly to a bright star that I named after my friend. It winked and I smiled. Of course, she was dancing with the angels now.
I sighed and laid down on the roof, a hand tucked underneath my head as I arched my head to the huge sky. I had come here to think about Syaoran Li. So much had happened today that I just had to settle my thoughts.
Barely two weeks ago, we weren't even on talking terms, yet here I was today, talking and laughing with him like the old days. And okaasan.... I wondered what she and Li-kun talked about. Sure I had talked to her the day before and we had spilled out our feelings, but I didn't expect for Syaoran to be accepted by my family once more and so quickly. I knew how protective they were. I had noticed Touya's hawk's eye on him and Otosan's cautious actions. I sighed once more. I didn't know what to make out of my family, but I knew one thing: I knew I loved them.
But still, it was that amber haired and autumn orbs that was confusing me. It really surprised me when Meiling walked in this morning with him in tow. Had he really wanted to come visit me? Or did Meiling drag him here? Did he miss me like how I missed him? I remember his arms around me, his warm wide chest, as I buried my face into his embrace. I remember his sad pools when I told him we couldn't be friends anymore. It was the first time I saw he express such emotions. But, were those real or was I just imagining things that I want to see? I wanted to believe that he missed me, but that would be just fooling myself wouldn't it?
I wanted to talk to him, just him and me, to ask what he felt. Even though I claim to be his friend, I don't know him. I know I don't. Those eyes contain so much behind them. I know I don't know the real him. I just have this feeling I don't.
I remember the way he looked at me when he came back into the room with Okaasan after their "talk." His eyes were looking at me in a way as if he was remembering something from long ago. And while everyone was talking, he had walked up to me and given me that bottle of orange juice. I closed my eyes, remembering his words when I asked him why he had given me this, "It's your favorite" he had replied simply. I never really noticed that it was my favorite, but once he mentioned it, I guess I did like it.
I wonder what he was thinking.
My thoughts began to wander and they drifted to Lei Long. I found myself not knowing him either. And here I was, his girlfriend but I didn't know him, not really anyways. He was sweet, though, always there, with his reassuring smiles and laughter. I realized I missed spending time with him. We did talk on the phone later when I messaged him to tell him that I had regained my sight. I could hear his happiness for me.
A falling star streaked across the sky, leaving a sliver promise behind while carrying my hopes along with it.
--- Syaoran ---
"Xiao Lang," Meiling called. I turned to look at her from my position at the balcony, leaning comfortably against the railing, watching the quiet night falling into deep slumber.
"What?" I asked, annoyed.
"Do you regret that I pushed you to the hospital today?" She asked with a boyish grin.
I sighed. I was forever in her debt now and she was going to make my life as hell until I repaid her back. "What do you want me to do now?"
"Oh, just something." She sang playfully.
"Give it up, Meiling. I don't have time for this."
"All right cuz." She finally gave in. "You'll thank me for asking you to do this actually."
"What is it?" I repeated, exasperated.
"I want you tell her everything." She told me. "The whole truth."
"I can't." I said automatically, as if stating a fact.
"You're in my debt."
"But I can't, Meiling. You know why. She's vulnerable as it is and I don't want to hurt her more than I have already." I sighed. "Ask me something else."
"I don't have anything else." My cousin replied stubbornly. "Xiao Lang, you're just being stupid for not telling her. It's going to break her heart once she does know the real truth. You're going to pay for all those days you didn't tell her."
"I know I will." I replied softly, running a hand through my messy hair. "But this is for her. She's happy now and I want to let her have it for a while longer."
"How can you say that?" Meiling demanded me, her ruby eyes flashing with fury. "Why are you willing to just stand there silently? Doesn't it hurt you?"
I smiled sadly to myself and turned back to the quiet night sky. "Of course it does."
"Then why are you willing?"
"Because they don't see me and her the way I do." I replied with a smile, a real smile. "But I'm willing to wait; I'll always watch over her."
I could feel Meiling's eyes bore into my back unbelievably. Then I heard her sigh. "You've finally grown up, Xiao Lang. You're becoming to be your true self." Then she smiled softly. "Good night."
"You too, Mei mei." She snorted, hating how it sounded like I was calling her my younger sister.
"Just watch your back of yours, Xiao Lang. It won't be everyday you catch me in such a great mood." Meiling retorted.
"Whatever." I called back. She snorted once again and closed the door to the balcony behind her. But I could hear her laughter, carefree and happy, from inside. I chuckled lightly to myself and looked up to the night sky to see a falling star sign its name across the sky. My eyes followed it, my heart planting its wishes with it.
Maybe I was finally growing up. I was learning to express a bit more of my emotions. Perhaps I was healing. Time did heal all wounds after all. Perhaps I was willing to give everything another chance.
--- Tomoyo's Mansion ---
"Oh, hi! Yeah, I'm doing fine." Tomoyo said as she held her cell phone between her head and shoulder as she was flipping through pages of pictures.
"Is anything wrong? Why did you call?" She asked, a frown crossing her face as she tried to find that photo she knew that was in this photo album.
"Oh, I see. So what's this plan of yours?" The purple haired girl paused what she was doing, the book falling out of her hands and onto the floor when she heard the reply. Her face paled a bit before returning to normal with her cheeks flushed.
"Absolutely perfect! I don't think I could have planned it better." She complimented. "You do know that she has a boyfriend already, don't you?" A muffled voice of surprise came from the other side while Tomoyo laughed. "Just reminding you." She teased. "Don't worry. I'll see what I can do."
"Hai, hai. I'll call you back once I've have everything here set up okay?" Tomoyo nodded, as if agreeing to what the person on the other end was saying. Then she hung the phone up slowly and looked down to the book she dropped, smiling when she noticed that it was on the page she wanted. Bending down, she took the picture out from its plastic covering and smiled triumphantly. Tomoyo raised the photo up, and whispered, "Perfect. Just perfect."
--- Tomoeda High ---
"Lei!" Sakura cried happily, running up to him and hugging him from behind. Lei laughed and turned himself around in her arms.
"Love the world?" He asked, his reddish brown eyes twinkling.
Sakura laughed. "Totally," She replied, making him smile. "Did you miss me?"
"Every day girl." Lei answered. "I'm glad you're here back again."
"Me too!" She chimed. Lei just nodded, the light in his eyes turning cold. Sakura frowned and looked at the direction he was looking at: Meiling and Syaoran had just entered the school gate.
"He's my friend." Sakura stated firmly, her emerald eyes blazing softly.
Lei sighed, and ran a hand through his tousled hair. "I know he is" He replied, but the cold look never left his eyes.
"Lei stop this. You're acting foolish and stupid. You weren't there, so how would you know anything about what happened?"
"Your brother told me."
"Touya? He told you?" Sakura was surprised; she didn't think Touya would do that kind of thing. Sure, he held grudges against those who hurt her, but she would never think that her brother would actually do that.
Lei just nodded his head, his eyes never leaving Syaoran's. Syaoran's sensed his and they locked eyes, both of them hard and cold. Meiling look over at Sakura with a sad look on her face, and made a feeble attempt to smile. Sakura's frown deepened.
"Lei! Just knock it off!" Sakura demanded, yanking him hard on the arm. Lei just flung his arm at her, which Sakura managed to block with her hand. "Quit it!"
"Sakura, you stay out of this!" He roared. "He hurt you and he's not going to get away with this." His voice was deadly steel, a side Sakura never saw on him before.
Lei blinked. "Get out of the way Sakura." He demanded, his tone soft and deadly.
"You're going to have to fight me first." She retorted, blocking his way.
"Sakura....." He warned.
"You're just being stupid!" She yelled, surprising him and everyone else as well. "Syaoran is MY friend and I'm not going to stand here and watch you beat him up. Touya wasn't there to see what happened, so what would you know about anything? Syaoran protected me that day and that's final. If you choose to be some stupid baka and believe it, then fine!"
Everyone in the school courtyard stared at them. This was the first time they say Sakura yelling at Lei, or at anyone, for that matter. And, this was her first day back and she was getting angry.
"So you were cheating on me all this time." Lei answered, his eyes angry and furious that hid his surprised look. "Since when did you and Li become such good friends to call each him by his first name? And here I was, being a total retard waiting for you, while you go hang out with him!"
"And where the hell were you when I needed you?" Sakura retorted hotly back, not wanting to give in.
Meiling looked at the fight, her eyes saddening more. Syaoran had quietly left the area, his jaws set hard and his right hand clenched into fists, but his eyes portrayed what he was going through.
"Sakura, let's go okay?" Meiling pleaded. "It's too rough to be fighting on your first day back."
Sakura frowned, refusing to let her tears fall as she stared coldly at him. Then she turned quietly away, drops of tears glittering in the sun before falling to the cracked dirt. Meiling put an arm around her, whispering words to her, as she led her to the classroom.
Lei stood there, angrily. His wild eyes, searching to push his anger out of himself. Shaking his head, he sat down on the ground frustrated. Grabbing a handful of sand, he let it slowly blow away.
What the hell had he just done?
Sakura and Meiling were sitting at the school café after getting permission to skip the first period after Meiling lied, saying how Sakura still felt a bit off center. And here she was with her friend staring icily at her tea.
Meiling sighed. "Saku, what's gotten into you?" she whispered.
Sakura's hands were trembling as she tried to lift the cup up. The tea slopped over the side and burned her skin, making her curse and slam the cup on the table. Meiling stopped herself from yelling; when was Tomoyo when she needed her?
"Gomen, Meiling. I know you want to yell at me and all, and I am being stupid and childish right now." Sakura started, wiping the tea off her softly. "I just don't know what's gotten into me." A tear dropped into the tea, making soft ripples.
"Oh, Saku." Meiling said with a wobbly smile. "What happened to make you yell at Long like that?"
"He was glaring at Li-kun, and suddenly I knew that he was blaming him for me being hospitalized." She replied softly. "The next thing I knew was that Lei was doubling his fists up, and I knew I didn't want to see him or Li- kun hurt."
"Sakura, nothing would of happened. I don't think Syaoran would of allowed that to happen."
"Perhaps." The girl whispered, "but I felt afraid."
"Of?"
"I don't know!" She cried exasperated. "Losing him again or something!" Meiling looked at her, surprised. "Being in all that darkness just made me feel so alone. As if I was losing everyone around me once again!"
"Again?"
"I was twelve when I became blind. Shin Hua, a wonderful friend of mine, Tomoyo, and I were crossing the street after celebrating my birthday again. A drunk driver came towards us." She swallowed nervously. "I managed to push Tomoyo away but Shin Hua died a few days later." She paused. "I thought I died that day, and a little part of me has. It frightened me when it dawned on me that I couldn't see no longer."
Then she smiled sadly. "And I never did get to see Shin Hua again."
"Oh, Sakura," Meiling whispered, her heart aching of what Sakura had to go through. She opened her arms to hug Sakura, but Sakura stopped her, lifting up her legs and hugging them to herself.
"When I became blind again, I was afraid that I would go insane. My old fears came back and I thought I lost Li-kun forever." She whispered softly, tears sliding down and onto her knees. "I was so happy to have him back yesterday and to see him, and everyone with my eyes. It was evidence, proof, that I knew I wasn't alone."
Before Meiling could continue, Sakura laughed a hollow laugh. "But now, I think I just lost Lei in spite of everything."
Meiling didn't know what to say to that. What could one say to something like that? She really wished Tomoyo was here, but since she wasn't she just had to grit her teeth and help her friend out here.
"Sakura, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," her voice sounded faraway and weary, as if she had the burden the size of the world on her back.
"What happened that day when you and Syaoran weren't friends anymore?" Meiling's voice was soft and it felt like she wasn't even questioning her. Sakura looked up into her friend's worried eyes and sighed. Should she tell? She didn't even tell Tomoyo yet.
But, she took a deep breath and started to tell the story, her knuckles white as she clenched her hands together to keep them from shaking. By the time she was done, Sakura's face was covered in tears as well as Meiling's shoulder.
"Is that why you called him by his first name this morning?"
The question struck Sakura dumb. She didn't even notice that it had come out of her until it already did. He was her friend, so why not? But then her thoughts reminded her of Lei and she knew the answer why.
"Sakura," Meiling called her out of her thoughts, "perhaps you should talk to Long and Xiao Lang."
"Won't they be mad? Didn't you say Li-kun walked off angrily?"
"Sakura, just trust me on this and go talk to him." She replied with a grin that was beginning to be more and more like her old self. "And..... I guess, talk to Long as well."
Sakura laughed. "He's not that bad, Mei."
Meiling snorted. "Whatever, girl. You get this matter settled. I'm done being a psychologist all morning; it's Tomoyo's job, not mine." Sakura giggled happily. "See? That's what my job is girl, making you laugh."
Sakura smiled genuinely. "That's what attracted me to you the most, Meiling. It was that characteristic that reminded me of Shin Hua so much. You would have been best friends with her. She was Chinese like you and was such a female activist. She was the one who taught me kung fu and to be strong."
Meiling grinned. "Sounds like me all right."
"All the way." Sakura agreed.
"Now, what class do you have next? I can't let you have all the fun missing classes while I was stuck in some torture prison while you were gone."
"Oh, calculus, I think."
"With Syaoran?" Sakura froze and Meiling saw her uncertainty. "Don't worry, girl. He's just as nervous as you are probably, after all, my dear cousin is human." Then she paused, grinning wolfishly. "Well, I think he is."
"Meiling!"
"Kidding!" She replied. "But seriously, talk to him soon before the rumors get too wild. Right after you got the hurt, the message was spreading around the school like prairie fire. Don't know who started it however, but I'll get rid of the guy if I find out who."
"Oh, gee thanks Mei."
"Anytime." Her friend replied. "Come on, I'll walk you to class, but it's all yours." Sakura just nodded.
--- Syaoran ---
I put my head under the sink and allowed the cold water rush over my head. I stayed there for a while, water flowing down my face as I squinted. I turned off the water and straightened, water dripping down my shirt. Growling, I shook my head, making water splatter all over.
"Damnit." I cursed, pounding a fist on the mirror of the guys' bathroom. What the hell was getting into me? How could I have gotten so fired up this morning? And on her first day back? She didn't need this. She truly didn't. She deserved so much better.
The warning bell rang, breaking out of my thoughts. "Fuck." I cursed once more and yanked the door open to go to my next class. Someone in front of me peeped. Shoving my wet hair from my face, I saw a pair of emerald eyes.
Damn. It was Sakura Kinomoto. I didn't even think of what to say to her yet. I growled, frustrated.
She was looked at me, nervously, for she was biting her bottom lip unconsciously. "What Kinomoto?" I asked. I guess I asked louder than I expected because she winced.
"I, uh, can I have a talk with you?" She whispered, looking at me in the eye. I was surprised at what I saw there. Her voice sounded so uncertain, but her eyes were stubborn and strong.
I nodded warily. She managed a weak smile at me then turned to my cousin behind her who was giving her an encouraging smile. Then she looked back at me and walked down the hall. I frowned. Meiling gave me a sharp look and I relaxed a bit, following Kinomoto out the door.
We walked to the field where there were a few people playing soccer and running, but not much. We sat there in silence before Sakura spoke.
"I'm thinking of breaking up with Lei."
I think my brain just died. Stop functioning. Was she fooling me? She was considering of breaking up with Long? Just because of the fight this morning? What the hell? My head was spinning in circles.
"Li-kun?" She asked.
I stared at her. "What-- What did you say?"
--- And here is where I cut off. Hehe. Sorry about the cliffhanger people. Hm. Other than this apology, I have to say sorry that I won't be updating for a while. I have SATs (Again... groan.) in the beginning of June (the 7th) and I have to prepare for senior graduation on June 13th, and prom (since I'm prom head) on June 14th. Yep. Busy few weeks ahead of me, so bear with me for a while! So, forgive me and sorry about the cliffhanger. I know how much you dislike them, because so do I, but I have to stop somewhere before I finish the whole story. Heh.
Please review~! I love them all; they give me such encouragement to continue. Thank you. :)
Until next time, (I sound like some guy on television on National Geographic or something. Hah.)
Rainbow Dreamer.
---------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: Thank you all for your reviews. I really appreciate them. Hm. This is one of the few times that I actually don't have much to say in my author's note. LoL. I know I usually write a lot of nonsense here. I even wonder how many people actually read this....... God, I sound like I'm talking to myself!
What am I doing? Enjoy the story peeps!
Rainbow Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: gohansfan: Thanks! Hehe... Yes, I have noticed that there are two Xiao Langs.. or is there?
Montserrat T: Thank you. How would Lei know everything? You'll find out in this chapter. Happy reading.
Pink Cherry Blossom: Glad you loved this chapter and that Sakura and Syaoran are back to being friends. Thanks for reviewing.
Raymisha: Yeah, life is full of obstacles, but when you overcome them, don't you think life is so much more meaningful?
Winged guardian: Thanks.
Azi: Hehe, I guess the cursing matches Meiling a bit huh? Well, in this chapter you get to see another person curse quite a lot. Heh.
Smilez: Thank you!
D: Heh, seems like everyone's confused about the guy at the flower shop. You'll know when time comes.
Sakura Lova: Glad the last chapter was happy, something to cheer you up after the sad one. Anyhow, thanks.
Luckyducky7: Yay! You like Daphne! Heh! I like her too!
Anime Obsession Fantasy: Thanks.
Riley s: Hehe, you're up to a surprise this chapter. Your wish just might come true.
CCSakura: Thank you for you compliments. Hope you like this chapter.
Dangerous-beans: Your welcome! I'm glad I made you so, so happy!
ScarleT Rose: Thank you.
Illusioner 1412: LoL. When you said that I'm the author and I can do anything that I want makes me feel like some dictator or something. Hehe. I guess I am in a way over my stories! :)
Maiden of Ice: "If your love it true, then you can find a way out of any problem fate has set against you." That's really nice. Although I don't believe in fate. I believe that we do have control over our lives. :)
Cherry Princess: Glad you like the flower signification so much! And you too might get your wish in this chapter!
Lauren: Thank you so much!
Eclipse: Hm. Perhaps Syaoran was a bit out of character in the last chapter, but this is how I see it: it's been almost two weeks and considering how good friends they were, he's really is wondering how she is and all. I don't know, but if I were dragged there, I would be thinking, "I just want to see her." And then the situation unfolds from there. But I'll keep what you said in mind, thanks!!!
Di: Syaoran having multiple personality disorder... Now that's a first. Hehe. I kind of like the idea, just kidding. Hm. Whoever said Lei was the one who gave her the cherry blossoms? Besides.. we don't know who gave them, right?
Ash Night: I got to think of some nickname to you, though there's not much I can do with yours. Hehe. I'm glad that I captured Syaoran well during his talk with Wei; that means a whole lot to me. Thank you.
Mookie: I'm glad you found your way to my story and I hope you'll enjoy this. Welcome, and thank you!
Kazeko: Thank you!
Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Thanks girl! And my grades.... Yeah, let's just say I have to take SAT I again in October.. damn. Heh. Aiming for a 1300 but not there yet.. darn Anyhow, thanks for everything!
Swtcherryblossoms: Your welcome for the gift. Thanks.
Pink Hana: Welcome to the club who are confused about the two Xiao Langs. :)
Azure Roses: Thanks! I'm glad that Sakura and Syaoran are friends once more as well. And about the bad words, well, what can I say? They happen to me as well!
Mysticalia: Thanks.
Leena-Chan: Yikes! I definitely think I have an assassin after me. Well, I hope you like this chapter!
Jannyzhan: Since you didn't leave a name except ......, so I decided to use your email address name. Anyhow, thanks and of course I'll write more!
Sweet Madison: Hey smiley girl! No wonder I haven't seen you around lately! Did you have fun on your vacation? Lucky duck! Anyhow, thanks!
Sliverymare: I'm glad you love the flower meanings and Syaoran in the last chapter. Hm. Two Xiao Langs, eh? I'll comfort you by saying that you're not alone. Heh. I'm so evil aren't I?
Midnight moon: Thank you.
Chibi Neko-chan: Aie. Sorry for not emailing you! I have the worst memory! Gomen. But I'm glad you found your way back to this story without my email. Heh. :)
White Blossoms: Thank you.
Cryst: Hey girl! What's wrong with crying? And especially when they're tears of joy? Why not? Heck, whenever I laugh really hard, there I go crying and people wonder if I'm crying because I'm sad or whether I'm crazy. LoL. That reminds me of the time I was playing defense for soccer during gym and a guy slammed a soccer ball on my back and I started laughing and crying. Talk about crazy!
Moshi Moshi Queen: Hey, haven't seen you in a while. I'm glad you're still here. Enjoy the update!
THANK YOU ALL TREMEDOUSLY. Gomen to the ones who I forgot to add on my thank you list, but be assured that you are truly thanked whenever I read them. I love that fuzzy feeling that others are enjoying what I write. Thank you all.
Rainbow Dreamer.
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
-----"Give all to love; obey thy heart."
-----Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
--- Daphne--
I was laughing so hard that I swear that my stomach was about to burst. I hardly had this much fun with the nurses I worked around with. The only time I remember laughing with them was the time when Dr. Waleigh woke up from a nap, yelling at us because he couldn't find his glasses which where perched on his nose. However, this laughter I was sharing was much more special, and had a soothing atmosphere. It was patients like her that make me smile, knowing that I had chosen the right career.
"You've got to be joking," Sakura declared, her green eyes twinkling mischievously. I smiled along with her. She had just gotten off her bandages, oh, around four hours ago and we had been having fun since then like telling amusing anecdotes, totally pigging out, and playing card games.
"I'm not." He replied, teasingly. "When do I joke?" He asked, his autumn eyes smiling into hers.
Sakura smirked, a smirk that looked just like his, I noted. "Li Xiao Lang, I swear you are the most ridiculous person on the earth!"
"You mean stubborn," he corrected her calmly.
"Same difference."
"There's a lot of difference." Syaoran replied in the same cool tone, as talking to a little kid who didn't understand. "Ridiculous and stubborn are hardly synonyms of each other. In fact, they have no relationship."
Sakura and I shared a look, making my patient roll her eyes. Then she turned to him, her eyes shinning.
"Uh, Kinomoto?" Syaoran asked. He didn't like that look on her face; it was just like Meiling's when she wanted she was plotting against him or his sisters' when they wanted to know his latest crush that didn't existed or something along those lines. The look was a bit too sweet.
She was still smiling. "For your information, Li-kun, there is a connection between the word 'ridiculous' and 'stubborn.'" Then her smile turned into a wolfish grin. "They all describe you."
I laughed, and raised my hand while Sakura slapped it. Syaoran was glaring at her, but I could see warmness and joy shinning under those depths. I knew then that the two were going to be great friends, and perhaps even more. Sakura was so lost without him during those days when her parents refused to let him see her. I grinned evilly as a plan started to form in my head.
"Daphne?" A sweet, angelic voice asked.
"Oh, hai Sakura-chan?" I replied, coming out from my thoughts.
"What are you thinking? You've got that evil look like what Tomoyo has when she has a new outfit for me to wear."
That just made me smile even more. Why, I was thinking of a better plan. Tomoyo, actually, would be a lot of help. And Meiling as well. I was glad I got to know them well when they visited......
--- Intersection point---
Tomoyo and Meiling rushed off together after they met at the intersection point where the two paths leading to their separate schools diverged.
"Do you think they've bitten their heads off?" Meiling asked as she paced herself next to Tomoyo.
Tomoyo laughed. "No. I think Li-kun's probably still standing in the same position that you left him this morning and Sakura's probably still trying to recover from the fact that he's right there."
"I must say your theory is much more accurate than mine," Meiling joined humorously. "But, really, what do you think happened between the two?"
"I have no idea. But knowing Sakura, I'm sure things are progressing slowly. She doesn't want to lose his friendship."
"Ditto that. Syaoran's been acting all weird."
"Hm. Well, it's good to know that Sakura can see once again." Tomoyo said thankfully, recalling how she had gotten a message before noon, telling her that she could see again.
"I know. I'm so relieved. Do you think Sakura's family will allow Syaoran to see Sakura now? Now that she can see?"
"Perhaps." Tomoyo said briefly, not wanting to keep her hopes too high. "Let's just see how things are and progress from there."
Her friend nodded in agreement. "Kinomoto-san has his great conference today right?" Meiling asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah. They'll be taking Sakura out to dinner tonight with me and my mom so we're going have to hurry if we want to talk to Sakura alone."
"Oh, sure." Meiling said amiably. "Besides, my cousin probably left." The two shared a look as if to confirm their thoughts before quickening their pace to the hospital that was coming to view any moment now.
They slowed down their pace only when the hospital doors slide open, greeting them with a wave of air conditioning that was blessedly wonderful after running in the hot air. "We're here to see Sakura Kinomoto in room 105," Tomoyo rushed quickly with a hasty smile.
The nurse nodded and slide them a clipboard to sign in. Tomoyo and Meiling shared a look when they noticed Syaoran's name that Meiling signed under that morning, had not been checked out yet.
"Oh my God." The two whispered in awe and dashed towards Sakura's room.
They could hear laughter trailing down the hall that came from Sakura's room. Sharing another look of disbelief, the two opened the door slowly, praying that what they hoped had come true.
Tomoyo's face fell when she saw what was before her. Meiling frowned, expressing her disappointment.
Sakura turned and saw them, and a happy laughter came out from her. "Tomoyo! Meiling!" She cried, opening her arms wide for a hug. Tomoyo laughed and hugged her best friend tightly and Meiling did the same afterwards. It was clear to Tomoyo that she was fine, for her emeralds shinned like the time she opened her eyes and realized that she could see in the first time for five years.
"How are you girl?" Meiling teased. "Seems like you're having a party here." She continued, motioning to the flowers on the desk, the bags of junk food scattered on the bed, the chocolate wrappings that missed the trashcan, and the few random cards on the floor. Sakura laughed.
"Wonderful." She replied. "You're just in time to join me and Daphne here." Daphne gave the two girls that just came in huge smiles.
"The operation went extremely successful." The nurse spoke. "She's been having the time of her life for the past four hours or so."
"That's just great," Tomoyo smiled joyfully, giving her bet friend another great hug. Sakura laughed once more and hugged back.
"Isn't it?" A voice asked with amusement. "You guys certainly took your time coming here." The voice continued. "I had enough playing 'go fish' with her for four hours straight."
"Hey! I resent that!" Sakura shot back. "We did not play 'go fish' for four hours straight, right Daphne?" She turned to her nurse for support.
Daphne just grinned and shrugged. Actually, they had played 'go fish' for two hours straight before Syaoran purposely lost a few cards and they couldn't play anymore much to Sakura's disappointment. "I've been in here for much too long, Saku. I have to look at my other patients okay?"
Sakura beamed a smile at her. "Hai. Arigato, Daphne." The nurse nodded and left the room, for she knew that Tomoyo and Meiling were giving quite confused yet hopeful looks. The others also bid their goodbyes and once she left, Tomoyo and Meiling focused their attention on Sakura once more.
"What?" Sakura whined. "Do I have something on my face or something?"
"Now that you mention it Kinomoto, you do look a little weird. It must be because you took those bandages off. I was getting used to you having them on." Syaoran cut in before Tomoyo or Meiling could reply. Sakura immediately focused her glare on him. He just smirked, challenging her.
Unable to defeat the master, Sakura frowned and turned to Meiling. "Meiling, tell your cousin to stop teasing me!" She pleaded.
Sakura and Syaoran exchanged a strange look when Meiling didn't respond. The two raised their eyebrows and returned their attention to the Chinese girl. They watched her confused expression slowly defrost and, as if the sun shined, a smile slowly crept upon her face. Soon, the smile was so big it looked goofy on her face.
"Meiling?" Sakura peeped, wondering what could be possible wrong with her.
Meiling finally came out of her silly smile, and looked at her friend then at her cousin. "Syaoran, you can tease Sakura all you want." She grinned evilly. Yes, the Meiling Li they knew was back.
"Nani?" Her friend yelled.
Meiling just shrugged and looked over at Tomoyo who was taping all of this. But Tomoyo caught her look and winked. Meiling smiled and nodded her head.
"You guys are so mean!" Meiling and Syaoran just snickered while Tomoyo had a small smile of amusement while she filmed. "Tomoyo, turn the stupid camera off!" The screen turned blank for a few seconds when it came in contact with Sakura's pillow that hit its target with deadly accuracy.
--- Outside---
"What do you think?" A female asked, a smile playing on her lips.
"I say everything's going back to normal." Her companion replied.
"I still don't trust the gaki." A younger male voice stubbornly proclaimed.
"Touya, just accept the fact that they're all coming to dinner with us." Nadeshiko replied happily.
"NANI?" Touya yelled. His mother just smiled sweetly and entered Sakura's room. "Like mother, like daughter. Do you know about this?" he asked weakly.
Fujitaka smiled softly. "No." He replied quietly. "I know you don't trust him and I'm still a bit weary about him. But I'm glad to see Sakura so happy today; I don't want to spoil this day for her." He paused. "Your mother will most likely see to it that Li won't do anything wrong to her. You know how much she loves Sakura."
"I know." Touya sighed. It was their mother who probably knew Sakura the best in her family and she should know what was best for her daughter.
The two shared a look, nodded, and entered the room to be greeted joyfully by Sakura. Touya couldn't help but notice the bright twinkle in her eyes and the happy atmosphere in the hospital room.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Nadeshiko said brightly. "Sakura, we've ordered a spot at your favorite restaurant."
"Honte ne?" Her daughter exclaimed joyfully. Nadeshiko nodded her head and Sakura broke out into another fit of beaming smiles.
"Excuse us then," Syaoran said as politely as possible, seeing that Touya had this eyes glued to him. "We should be going; we don't want to bother you." He continued and motioned to Meiling to leave.
Meiling nodded. "Sakura, it's great that you can see again. I'll see you at school tomorrow, okay?" Sakura nodded. "Kinomoto, it's a pleasure seeing you all again."
"What's the rush?" Nadeshiko asked. "Are you not staying for dinner? We've reserved your seats. It's be a pity if you won't be able to attend."
"Really, I-," Meiling started.
"Meiling, you are definitely going," She commanded in a playful manner. "You're one of Sakura's best friends; I couldn't thank you more."
"Come on, Mei." Sakura invited smiling with Tomoyo nodding in agreement.
Meiling smiled. "Oh, all right. Arigato."
Syaoran sighed under his breath. "Then I'll be leaving then. Arigato for letting Meiling dine with you." Touya smirked happily. Nadeshiko sensed his uncertainty.
"Tomoyo dear, Sonomi told me to call you. Why don't you do that now while I have a light chat with Li here?" Nadeshiko asked cheerfully. Tomoyo nodded silently and took out her cell phone. She stood up elegantly, her gray hair that looked like Sakura's except in a different shade, flowed down her back. She smiled warmly at Syaoran. "Could I have a talk with you?"
Syaoran nodded and the two exit out the door. Nadeshiko closed it softly behind them. "Let's go get a drink shall we? I was so excited since I heard Sakura could see again that I haven't had a drink all day." Syaoran stared at her, but quickly caught himself and shrugged indifferently. Nadeshiko just smiled and led the way to a vending machine where she gave herself and him a can of orange juice. Syaoran sat down rolling the can in his hands, thinking. She sat down beside him and drank a sip of juice before talking.
"We haven't really introduced ourselves before," She started with a smile that looked just like Sakura's. He was now beginning to see where Sakura got her personality. "I'm Nadeshiko Kinomoto, Sakura's mother."
Syaoran half smiled in spite of himself. "Syaoran Li."
"Nice to meet you Li." She extended her hand and he grasped it uncertainly. Her hand was warm and welcoming as her smile. "Sakura's brother is quite protective of Sakura." She explained softly. "And so is my husband." Then she laughed quietly. "I guess so am I." Her tone made it clear that she didn't want to be interrupted so Syaoran stayed quiet and listened.
"Sakura was great friends with Tomoyo and a sweet Chinese girl called Shin Hua since they met in elementary. It was during her twelfth birthday that she turned blind while crossing a road."
"And Sakura managed to push Tomoyo out of the way but Shin Hua later died in the hospital." Syaoran found himself completing the story. "She was blind for five years until she decided to undergo the surgery."
"Hai. She told you?" Syaoran, however, didn't meet her eye. Nadeshiko looked at him with a soft smile. What was she worrying about? Sakura had told him about how she had gotten blind, something she didn't tell people unless she trusted them.
"I apologize for our earlier harsh actions the day you sent Sakura to the hospital Li." Nadeshiko spoke. "We tend to think Sakura as more vulnerable than others due her blindness. But perhaps we're the ones who are blind now. Sakura seems to understand more than others at times; perhaps its because her others senses are so much stronger than ours." She smiled at him.
"So Li, are you willing to join us for dinner?"
Syaoran thought about it, her words echoing in his head. Did he want to eat dinner with them? Would he ruin the happy atmosphere or would he add to it? Strength, Courage, Love, Mercy; those ideals of the Li clan, he reminded. "I'd be honored to join you all to dinner." He finally spoke in a formal tone he was taught to use.
"Wonderful. Sakura will be so happy." She stood up, winking at him. Slowly, Syaoran found himself smiling. He liked her; he reminded him of Sakura, but she had her own style that reminded him somewhat of his own mother as well.
The two got up and walked back to Sakura's room to find Sakura dressed in a light green sundress with daisies at the bottom cut out, the same one she wore on her birthday. Syaoran smiled softly once he saw her. She felt his eyes on him and turned around and gave him a bright smile.
"Li-kun, are you coming with us?" she asked, the dress bringing out the color of her eyes. He nodded, not daring himself to speak. "Sugoi!" She exclaimed. "Come on, let's go." She whined, motioning everyone out the door. Everyone laughed and followed her lead.
--- Sakura. ---
I crept out my large pane window and crept up to the roof to bath under the moon and starlight. I loved to be up there and reach out to the stars, each twinkling a wish of their own. I loved to be there and connect the constellation with a finger, each telling a story of how they came to be. I loved to be up there and feel the cool night breeze gliding pass my ear, whispering of promises. But what I loved most was that I was able to think out here, and tell my secrets the night.
"Shin Hua, how are you?" I asked softly to a bright star that I named after my friend. It winked and I smiled. Of course, she was dancing with the angels now.
I sighed and laid down on the roof, a hand tucked underneath my head as I arched my head to the huge sky. I had come here to think about Syaoran Li. So much had happened today that I just had to settle my thoughts.
Barely two weeks ago, we weren't even on talking terms, yet here I was today, talking and laughing with him like the old days. And okaasan.... I wondered what she and Li-kun talked about. Sure I had talked to her the day before and we had spilled out our feelings, but I didn't expect for Syaoran to be accepted by my family once more and so quickly. I knew how protective they were. I had noticed Touya's hawk's eye on him and Otosan's cautious actions. I sighed once more. I didn't know what to make out of my family, but I knew one thing: I knew I loved them.
But still, it was that amber haired and autumn orbs that was confusing me. It really surprised me when Meiling walked in this morning with him in tow. Had he really wanted to come visit me? Or did Meiling drag him here? Did he miss me like how I missed him? I remember his arms around me, his warm wide chest, as I buried my face into his embrace. I remember his sad pools when I told him we couldn't be friends anymore. It was the first time I saw he express such emotions. But, were those real or was I just imagining things that I want to see? I wanted to believe that he missed me, but that would be just fooling myself wouldn't it?
I wanted to talk to him, just him and me, to ask what he felt. Even though I claim to be his friend, I don't know him. I know I don't. Those eyes contain so much behind them. I know I don't know the real him. I just have this feeling I don't.
I remember the way he looked at me when he came back into the room with Okaasan after their "talk." His eyes were looking at me in a way as if he was remembering something from long ago. And while everyone was talking, he had walked up to me and given me that bottle of orange juice. I closed my eyes, remembering his words when I asked him why he had given me this, "It's your favorite" he had replied simply. I never really noticed that it was my favorite, but once he mentioned it, I guess I did like it.
I wonder what he was thinking.
My thoughts began to wander and they drifted to Lei Long. I found myself not knowing him either. And here I was, his girlfriend but I didn't know him, not really anyways. He was sweet, though, always there, with his reassuring smiles and laughter. I realized I missed spending time with him. We did talk on the phone later when I messaged him to tell him that I had regained my sight. I could hear his happiness for me.
A falling star streaked across the sky, leaving a sliver promise behind while carrying my hopes along with it.
--- Syaoran ---
"Xiao Lang," Meiling called. I turned to look at her from my position at the balcony, leaning comfortably against the railing, watching the quiet night falling into deep slumber.
"What?" I asked, annoyed.
"Do you regret that I pushed you to the hospital today?" She asked with a boyish grin.
I sighed. I was forever in her debt now and she was going to make my life as hell until I repaid her back. "What do you want me to do now?"
"Oh, just something." She sang playfully.
"Give it up, Meiling. I don't have time for this."
"All right cuz." She finally gave in. "You'll thank me for asking you to do this actually."
"What is it?" I repeated, exasperated.
"I want you tell her everything." She told me. "The whole truth."
"I can't." I said automatically, as if stating a fact.
"You're in my debt."
"But I can't, Meiling. You know why. She's vulnerable as it is and I don't want to hurt her more than I have already." I sighed. "Ask me something else."
"I don't have anything else." My cousin replied stubbornly. "Xiao Lang, you're just being stupid for not telling her. It's going to break her heart once she does know the real truth. You're going to pay for all those days you didn't tell her."
"I know I will." I replied softly, running a hand through my messy hair. "But this is for her. She's happy now and I want to let her have it for a while longer."
"How can you say that?" Meiling demanded me, her ruby eyes flashing with fury. "Why are you willing to just stand there silently? Doesn't it hurt you?"
I smiled sadly to myself and turned back to the quiet night sky. "Of course it does."
"Then why are you willing?"
"Because they don't see me and her the way I do." I replied with a smile, a real smile. "But I'm willing to wait; I'll always watch over her."
I could feel Meiling's eyes bore into my back unbelievably. Then I heard her sigh. "You've finally grown up, Xiao Lang. You're becoming to be your true self." Then she smiled softly. "Good night."
"You too, Mei mei." She snorted, hating how it sounded like I was calling her my younger sister.
"Just watch your back of yours, Xiao Lang. It won't be everyday you catch me in such a great mood." Meiling retorted.
"Whatever." I called back. She snorted once again and closed the door to the balcony behind her. But I could hear her laughter, carefree and happy, from inside. I chuckled lightly to myself and looked up to the night sky to see a falling star sign its name across the sky. My eyes followed it, my heart planting its wishes with it.
Maybe I was finally growing up. I was learning to express a bit more of my emotions. Perhaps I was healing. Time did heal all wounds after all. Perhaps I was willing to give everything another chance.
--- Tomoyo's Mansion ---
"Oh, hi! Yeah, I'm doing fine." Tomoyo said as she held her cell phone between her head and shoulder as she was flipping through pages of pictures.
"Is anything wrong? Why did you call?" She asked, a frown crossing her face as she tried to find that photo she knew that was in this photo album.
"Oh, I see. So what's this plan of yours?" The purple haired girl paused what she was doing, the book falling out of her hands and onto the floor when she heard the reply. Her face paled a bit before returning to normal with her cheeks flushed.
"Absolutely perfect! I don't think I could have planned it better." She complimented. "You do know that she has a boyfriend already, don't you?" A muffled voice of surprise came from the other side while Tomoyo laughed. "Just reminding you." She teased. "Don't worry. I'll see what I can do."
"Hai, hai. I'll call you back once I've have everything here set up okay?" Tomoyo nodded, as if agreeing to what the person on the other end was saying. Then she hung the phone up slowly and looked down to the book she dropped, smiling when she noticed that it was on the page she wanted. Bending down, she took the picture out from its plastic covering and smiled triumphantly. Tomoyo raised the photo up, and whispered, "Perfect. Just perfect."
--- Tomoeda High ---
"Lei!" Sakura cried happily, running up to him and hugging him from behind. Lei laughed and turned himself around in her arms.
"Love the world?" He asked, his reddish brown eyes twinkling.
Sakura laughed. "Totally," She replied, making him smile. "Did you miss me?"
"Every day girl." Lei answered. "I'm glad you're here back again."
"Me too!" She chimed. Lei just nodded, the light in his eyes turning cold. Sakura frowned and looked at the direction he was looking at: Meiling and Syaoran had just entered the school gate.
"He's my friend." Sakura stated firmly, her emerald eyes blazing softly.
Lei sighed, and ran a hand through his tousled hair. "I know he is" He replied, but the cold look never left his eyes.
"Lei stop this. You're acting foolish and stupid. You weren't there, so how would you know anything about what happened?"
"Your brother told me."
"Touya? He told you?" Sakura was surprised; she didn't think Touya would do that kind of thing. Sure, he held grudges against those who hurt her, but she would never think that her brother would actually do that.
Lei just nodded his head, his eyes never leaving Syaoran's. Syaoran's sensed his and they locked eyes, both of them hard and cold. Meiling look over at Sakura with a sad look on her face, and made a feeble attempt to smile. Sakura's frown deepened.
"Lei! Just knock it off!" Sakura demanded, yanking him hard on the arm. Lei just flung his arm at her, which Sakura managed to block with her hand. "Quit it!"
"Sakura, you stay out of this!" He roared. "He hurt you and he's not going to get away with this." His voice was deadly steel, a side Sakura never saw on him before.
Lei blinked. "Get out of the way Sakura." He demanded, his tone soft and deadly.
"You're going to have to fight me first." She retorted, blocking his way.
"Sakura....." He warned.
"You're just being stupid!" She yelled, surprising him and everyone else as well. "Syaoran is MY friend and I'm not going to stand here and watch you beat him up. Touya wasn't there to see what happened, so what would you know about anything? Syaoran protected me that day and that's final. If you choose to be some stupid baka and believe it, then fine!"
Everyone in the school courtyard stared at them. This was the first time they say Sakura yelling at Lei, or at anyone, for that matter. And, this was her first day back and she was getting angry.
"So you were cheating on me all this time." Lei answered, his eyes angry and furious that hid his surprised look. "Since when did you and Li become such good friends to call each him by his first name? And here I was, being a total retard waiting for you, while you go hang out with him!"
"And where the hell were you when I needed you?" Sakura retorted hotly back, not wanting to give in.
Meiling looked at the fight, her eyes saddening more. Syaoran had quietly left the area, his jaws set hard and his right hand clenched into fists, but his eyes portrayed what he was going through.
"Sakura, let's go okay?" Meiling pleaded. "It's too rough to be fighting on your first day back."
Sakura frowned, refusing to let her tears fall as she stared coldly at him. Then she turned quietly away, drops of tears glittering in the sun before falling to the cracked dirt. Meiling put an arm around her, whispering words to her, as she led her to the classroom.
Lei stood there, angrily. His wild eyes, searching to push his anger out of himself. Shaking his head, he sat down on the ground frustrated. Grabbing a handful of sand, he let it slowly blow away.
What the hell had he just done?
Sakura and Meiling were sitting at the school café after getting permission to skip the first period after Meiling lied, saying how Sakura still felt a bit off center. And here she was with her friend staring icily at her tea.
Meiling sighed. "Saku, what's gotten into you?" she whispered.
Sakura's hands were trembling as she tried to lift the cup up. The tea slopped over the side and burned her skin, making her curse and slam the cup on the table. Meiling stopped herself from yelling; when was Tomoyo when she needed her?
"Gomen, Meiling. I know you want to yell at me and all, and I am being stupid and childish right now." Sakura started, wiping the tea off her softly. "I just don't know what's gotten into me." A tear dropped into the tea, making soft ripples.
"Oh, Saku." Meiling said with a wobbly smile. "What happened to make you yell at Long like that?"
"He was glaring at Li-kun, and suddenly I knew that he was blaming him for me being hospitalized." She replied softly. "The next thing I knew was that Lei was doubling his fists up, and I knew I didn't want to see him or Li- kun hurt."
"Sakura, nothing would of happened. I don't think Syaoran would of allowed that to happen."
"Perhaps." The girl whispered, "but I felt afraid."
"Of?"
"I don't know!" She cried exasperated. "Losing him again or something!" Meiling looked at her, surprised. "Being in all that darkness just made me feel so alone. As if I was losing everyone around me once again!"
"Again?"
"I was twelve when I became blind. Shin Hua, a wonderful friend of mine, Tomoyo, and I were crossing the street after celebrating my birthday again. A drunk driver came towards us." She swallowed nervously. "I managed to push Tomoyo away but Shin Hua died a few days later." She paused. "I thought I died that day, and a little part of me has. It frightened me when it dawned on me that I couldn't see no longer."
Then she smiled sadly. "And I never did get to see Shin Hua again."
"Oh, Sakura," Meiling whispered, her heart aching of what Sakura had to go through. She opened her arms to hug Sakura, but Sakura stopped her, lifting up her legs and hugging them to herself.
"When I became blind again, I was afraid that I would go insane. My old fears came back and I thought I lost Li-kun forever." She whispered softly, tears sliding down and onto her knees. "I was so happy to have him back yesterday and to see him, and everyone with my eyes. It was evidence, proof, that I knew I wasn't alone."
Before Meiling could continue, Sakura laughed a hollow laugh. "But now, I think I just lost Lei in spite of everything."
Meiling didn't know what to say to that. What could one say to something like that? She really wished Tomoyo was here, but since she wasn't she just had to grit her teeth and help her friend out here.
"Sakura, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," her voice sounded faraway and weary, as if she had the burden the size of the world on her back.
"What happened that day when you and Syaoran weren't friends anymore?" Meiling's voice was soft and it felt like she wasn't even questioning her. Sakura looked up into her friend's worried eyes and sighed. Should she tell? She didn't even tell Tomoyo yet.
But, she took a deep breath and started to tell the story, her knuckles white as she clenched her hands together to keep them from shaking. By the time she was done, Sakura's face was covered in tears as well as Meiling's shoulder.
"Is that why you called him by his first name this morning?"
The question struck Sakura dumb. She didn't even notice that it had come out of her until it already did. He was her friend, so why not? But then her thoughts reminded her of Lei and she knew the answer why.
"Sakura," Meiling called her out of her thoughts, "perhaps you should talk to Long and Xiao Lang."
"Won't they be mad? Didn't you say Li-kun walked off angrily?"
"Sakura, just trust me on this and go talk to him." She replied with a grin that was beginning to be more and more like her old self. "And..... I guess, talk to Long as well."
Sakura laughed. "He's not that bad, Mei."
Meiling snorted. "Whatever, girl. You get this matter settled. I'm done being a psychologist all morning; it's Tomoyo's job, not mine." Sakura giggled happily. "See? That's what my job is girl, making you laugh."
Sakura smiled genuinely. "That's what attracted me to you the most, Meiling. It was that characteristic that reminded me of Shin Hua so much. You would have been best friends with her. She was Chinese like you and was such a female activist. She was the one who taught me kung fu and to be strong."
Meiling grinned. "Sounds like me all right."
"All the way." Sakura agreed.
"Now, what class do you have next? I can't let you have all the fun missing classes while I was stuck in some torture prison while you were gone."
"Oh, calculus, I think."
"With Syaoran?" Sakura froze and Meiling saw her uncertainty. "Don't worry, girl. He's just as nervous as you are probably, after all, my dear cousin is human." Then she paused, grinning wolfishly. "Well, I think he is."
"Meiling!"
"Kidding!" She replied. "But seriously, talk to him soon before the rumors get too wild. Right after you got the hurt, the message was spreading around the school like prairie fire. Don't know who started it however, but I'll get rid of the guy if I find out who."
"Oh, gee thanks Mei."
"Anytime." Her friend replied. "Come on, I'll walk you to class, but it's all yours." Sakura just nodded.
--- Syaoran ---
I put my head under the sink and allowed the cold water rush over my head. I stayed there for a while, water flowing down my face as I squinted. I turned off the water and straightened, water dripping down my shirt. Growling, I shook my head, making water splatter all over.
"Damnit." I cursed, pounding a fist on the mirror of the guys' bathroom. What the hell was getting into me? How could I have gotten so fired up this morning? And on her first day back? She didn't need this. She truly didn't. She deserved so much better.
The warning bell rang, breaking out of my thoughts. "Fuck." I cursed once more and yanked the door open to go to my next class. Someone in front of me peeped. Shoving my wet hair from my face, I saw a pair of emerald eyes.
Damn. It was Sakura Kinomoto. I didn't even think of what to say to her yet. I growled, frustrated.
She was looked at me, nervously, for she was biting her bottom lip unconsciously. "What Kinomoto?" I asked. I guess I asked louder than I expected because she winced.
"I, uh, can I have a talk with you?" She whispered, looking at me in the eye. I was surprised at what I saw there. Her voice sounded so uncertain, but her eyes were stubborn and strong.
I nodded warily. She managed a weak smile at me then turned to my cousin behind her who was giving her an encouraging smile. Then she looked back at me and walked down the hall. I frowned. Meiling gave me a sharp look and I relaxed a bit, following Kinomoto out the door.
We walked to the field where there were a few people playing soccer and running, but not much. We sat there in silence before Sakura spoke.
"I'm thinking of breaking up with Lei."
I think my brain just died. Stop functioning. Was she fooling me? She was considering of breaking up with Long? Just because of the fight this morning? What the hell? My head was spinning in circles.
"Li-kun?" She asked.
I stared at her. "What-- What did you say?"
--- And here is where I cut off. Hehe. Sorry about the cliffhanger people. Hm. Other than this apology, I have to say sorry that I won't be updating for a while. I have SATs (Again... groan.) in the beginning of June (the 7th) and I have to prepare for senior graduation on June 13th, and prom (since I'm prom head) on June 14th. Yep. Busy few weeks ahead of me, so bear with me for a while! So, forgive me and sorry about the cliffhanger. I know how much you dislike them, because so do I, but I have to stop somewhere before I finish the whole story. Heh.
Please review~! I love them all; they give me such encouragement to continue. Thank you. :)
Until next time, (I sound like some guy on television on National Geographic or something. Hah.)
Rainbow Dreamer.