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Stars

By: Ceres

E-mail: miyacka@yahoo.com

Chapter One: Broken Promises?

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Four years had passed. Four lonesome years had passed.

I had finally grown into a woman. My height had increased without me ever using the 'big card', my chest is no longer flat, and my hips are broader. I could stand up to my older brother Touya now although he is still taller than me.

My family is still pretty normal despite the fact that we are not normal. My brother had regained his sixth sense when he was twenty years old (when Yue had finally had power to make both him and Yukito survive) and he could see again our mother, Nadeshiko. However, just like other men here in Japan, he lives normally. He is now a chemist just like his friend Yukito. And he have a girlfriend, Fuuno Kotori. Kotori is actually very nice (Unlike my brother Touya---I'm just kidding of course!). She is very kind but at the same time she have this big cloud of mystery in her eyes often. In short she is just like my former math teacher and adviser, Miss Kaho Mizuki. She even looks almost exactly like her except for her dark blue eyes. Touya told me that they were supposed to get married next year. He also added that they just can't push the wedding this year because he was afraid that I might get into trouble.

Right. He still thinks that I am a little child. Actually, up to now he still calls me a monster. On the other hand, he is still a very sweet and protective brother. He guards me especially from my so-called suitors, which are very, very annoying at times you know.

Let us now go to my father. He is still very active and very alive despite of his age. He doesn't possess any special powers at all but he did have strong powers that can control the world's strongest elements, a long time ago. He was Clow Reed in his past life. Nevertheless, he still lives normally. He is such a great father and he keeps on giving 'fatherly' advises to Touya, especially know that he is getting married.

My mother, Nadeshiko, well like what I have said earlier, she is dead...physically. But Touya, father and I knew that she is just there somewhere looking after us. I just wished that I had more time with her. I believe she is one of the coolest mothers on earth. She is even a model and many people was found of her because of her gentleness.

And I...

My name is Kinomoto Sakura, in case you do not know. I am eighteen years old and currently in my third year high school. And I am really longing for someone...

My um...boyfriend and I had a promised that we would meet again after three or four years. That was about three days after my birthday. His cousin, Meilin, e-mailed me that they would return at the fourth of April---exactly four years after my birthday.

It appears like Syaoran would fulfill his promise after all.

 I really wanted to see them especially now for today is my birthday. I believe that their return would really be the best birthday gift ever.

However, maybe it is better spending more in my family. After all, maybe---just maybe---when Syaoran returns, we would have to discuss on building our own family.

However, something is still bothering me. My heart kept beating, asking me if he still loves me.

Does he?

One thing is for sure, I do love him. I had fallen deeply for him.

But he doesn't love me, why would he return for me?

I do not know. I really do not know.

My door slammed open. And the happy faces of my father, Touya, my best friend and second cousin, Tomoyo and her mother Aunt Sonomi greeted me. Kotori and Yukito was there too. I greeted them with a big smile, hiding my fears and worries about Syoaran. Besides, it is my birthday, why should I cry anyway?

"Happy eighteenth birthday, Sakura!" they all greeted.

"Thank you everyone!" I smiled with all glee.

Tomoyo went over and brought over a pink cake that is shaped like a cherry blossom flower. It is written in black, bold letters, 'Happy Birthday Sakura! Thanks for making us all happy. May you live a long, happy life! Love, Your father, Touya, Tomoyo, Aunt Sonomi, Yuki, Kotori and...'

"Who's Hikaru?" I've asked Tomoyo. I do not know anyone with that name and it is written in my cake.

Tomoyo just smiled. Other people smiled as well.

"Who is Hikaru?" I've asked again. I am becoming so clueless.

Then a boy, whose age seemed equal Tomoyo and mine's entered the room. His black eyes were glowing with spirit, his hair is tinted black, he is smiling broadly, he is about the same height as Touya's and he is just wearing a simple black slacks and a white button down shirt. Despite of his simplicity, he looks very cute. Come to think of it, he is a little cuter than Syaoran who only smile every once in a while.

He walked to me handing me a bouquet of cherry blossoms and smiled. I felt my cheeks color changed into different hues of red and pink.

"My name is Daidouji Hikaru," he introduced himself. "I am Tomoyo's twin brother. You have never seen me before because my dad let me study at Osaka to keep him company because of our business there. But my sister never fails to e-mail as well as call me almost every evening. She tells wonderful stories about you."

"Since Syaoran is not allowed," Tomoyo started. "We have decided to make my brother your special 'date' this very special day..."

"I hope that you enjoy this day Sakura," Aunt Sonomi said. She come over and hugged me so tight---it almost crushed me. "I can't believe that Nadeshiko's little girl had finally bloomed into a real woman..."

"Ehehehe..." I forced a laugh. "So I did..."

Everyone had laughed.

"What woman?" Touya sighed. "I can only see a monster lying in the bed and holding a bunch of cherry blossoms in her hands!"

"Touya!" Yukito and Kotori just chorused then smiled.

"Touya!" I exclaimed. "You have never changed!"

He leaned closer to Yuki and Kotori and whispered, "I told you she was still a monster..."

"So Sakura," father called my attention. "As soon as we leave this room, I want you to fix yourself, take a bath and wear your prettiest dress. Hikaru would wait downstairs and while your at it, the rest of us would prepare for your party later night..."

"Have fun Sakura," Kotori grinned and winked at me. "But remember, the early spring could sometimes end up into the coldest winter."

"Kotori," Touya said. "You do not want her to get weird on her first, official date..."

"It is just a warning, darling," she told Touya. "As they have all said, an ounce of prevention is better than cure..." She turned to me. "Just enjoy this day Sakura, I promise to cook you my best recipe, Strawberry Shortcake..."

"See you around Sakura," Yukito glanced at me. "I would make sure that they would prepare lots of food..."

"I really wanted to take a video of your date, Sakura," Tomoyo started. "But mom didn't let me. She told me that it is best to well, let you both enjoy your date personally. So..."

Thank you. Tomoyo is nice but I just get a little annoyed with her video camera.

"Later, Sakura," Hikaru then gave me a little wave. I felt my cheeks blushed again.

They left, leaving my birthday cake with me. "I hope Kero is still with me..."

I got up, look at my reflection at the mirror. Yes, things have changed.

Why did I felt weird with Hikaru? Do I like him?

I think I do. But how about Syaoran?

On the other hand, all I feel is just an innocent thing called 'crush'. I love Syaoran---those two things are totally different.

I wonder where he will take me…

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Next chapter. Sakura and Hikaru's date and...

Syaoran's return!

E-mail me at miyacka@yahoo.com

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