Story Title: Portrait of a Cherry Blossom
Author: CCSakura
Other: Thanks again to everyone that reviewed! And tell me; are you getting bored by reading this Author's Notes? Because, if you are, I'll stop. But I just enjoy writing these so much! So on with Chapter Four!
Chapter Four: The Painter
Sakura glanced at the sun. "Tomoyo, isn't it time for lunch right now? The sun is at its peak…" Tomoyo followed her gaze and balked. "You're right! I must have forgotten in all the confusion…" She quickly raced out and took the center branch at the intersection. Sakura followed her; a little confused, and entered the kitchen.
The first thing she noticed was that it was spotless. There were no stains, splotches, or grime. Just the shiny tiles that had had been carefully placed around the perimeter of the room. Tomoyo noticed her glance and smiled. "Master Syaoran is a bit excessive in his need to be neat. So we try our best to keep him happy." Sakura nodded in understanding.
She watched as Tomoyo heated a pot and added oil and spices to the water. She dumped in cabbage leaves and added ginger and meat. The resulting aroma was amazing. Meanwhile, the girl named Aya had been chopping up strands of meat and placed them in neat rows with celery. She heated another pot and placed in pepper and oil.
Sakura watched in fascination as Aya combined the two and expertly seasoned the meal with spices and herbs she had never seen before. She flipped the meat and celery together and waited for the heat to kick in. Sakura had never felt so hungry in her life.
"Master enjoys the Oriental food that is not easy to come by. So had to learn as well," Aya explained to Sakura. Sakura immediately took a liking to the shy, quiet girl. She watched as they heated rice and made one more dish that was covered in a sweet sauce. It was all done in less than half and hour.
"Sakura, can you carry the soup?" Tomoyo already held the rice and the meat. Sakura nodded and grasped the handle on the pot. Following the two girls in front of her, she quietly entered the eating room.
Syaoran and Meiling were already seated on opposite ends of a clean and sparkling table. Sakura swallowed a feeling of envy that was coming up; how she would have done almost anything to have one like it at home. But she simply followed the others and grabbed a plate to lay the pot on. Bowing, she left.
"Do we really have to bow? It makes me feel like they rescued me from some monster and I owe them my life…" Sakura glanced disgustedly behind her at the closed door. Tomoyo pressed her lips together. "It is customary in China to have a servant bow to a master. Master Syaoran is very familiar with these ways, along with Mistress Meiling. It is best not to annoy them." Sakura sighed and nodded.
"Tomoyo, where is the bathroom?" She remembered that she had not seen one that entire day. Tomoyo pointed at a side door. "It's there, but you will have to go upstairs…and through Master's studio. Be careful that you do not disturb anything in the room." Sakura thanked her and left.
She felt the smooth railing of the banister and turned into the only door on the second floor. And she was surprised at what she came to. The room was rather plain, moderate in size, and it seemed to only have two windows, an easel, and a stool. She looked cautiously at the canvas and saw the beginnings of a face.
It's too…stiff. There's no life in that outline…No movement or anything to show that that person might be alive. It's too perfect. Without thinking, she picked up the slate of charcoal and began adding imperfections to the face. The eyes ares far too round…it needs a little drooping…the lips are too small…they should be stretched in a smile. The cheekbones cannot be so high. It is far too proud…
And she sat and drew. When she felt that it was complete, she simply stood and entered the other door.
-- Later --
Syaoran entered his studio and bathed in the golden light that filtered through the windows. I'm sure I can make good progress on the painting today. It's a rare, perfect day.
He sighed and seated himself on the stool. The first thing he noticed was the charcoal stick had been moved. I know I always leave it on the left side of the easel… And he finally glanced up. He made no movement or sound; he simply stared.
Why…this face is real! It has no…lies in it. It's simply a pure, naïve face. Syaoran admired the little details that had been added and changed to give the picture a whole new perspective. I think I know who did it. Perhaps she can help me later on. Her insight is amazing…
"Tomoyo!" She stood in the entrance of the door almost immediately after. "Yes, Master?" She waited expectantly. "Send Sakura Kinomoto to me." Tomoyo silently gasped for air. She bowed, though, and hurriedly closed the door. What had Sakura done wrong? Was it Meiling?
Panicked and frightened for her friend, she haltingly started down the steps.
[A/N]: So, that wasn't too bad now was it? Don't worry, next chapter, the story will be much more interesting! BTW, if anyone's interested, I'll be starting a new story. Of course it'll be S+S, but it's based on a true story.