A Child's Visit : : Prologue
A beautiful young woman aged 23 with ivory white skin, lovely blue-purple eyes and midnight gray-purple hair stood in front of a huge balcony, eyes focused directly at nothing, deeply in thought trying to organize all the ideas and feelings within herself. She more than anything wondered how things could change from now on after she got that letter inside her weekly mail, some days ago.
It has been five years of being the only member of the Sakura-tachi still living in the ever lively town of Tomoeda. Sonomi Daidouji, one of the most influential businesswoman in Asia and Europe, had died leaving her only daughter and heiress alone but ready to follow in her footsteps as the head of Daidouji Enterprises.
Days, weeks and years went on as normal like the never-ending flow of water in the beautiful japanese streams; that is until words of elegant and refined cursive letters in black ink managed its way to the hands of an unaware young lady.
"Dearest Daidouji-san,
How are you?, is everything alright there in Japan?
I know it's been 10 years since we last saw each other, but I'm writing to you because I have a little favor to ask you. I'm sending my little daughter to Tomoeda for a few days because she wants to visit the place that she has heard a lot from me about. Unfortunately, I'm not able to travel with her and since no one else that holds my trust is there, I ask you for your hospitality.
Sincerely yours,
Hiiragizawa Eriol."
Tomoyo couldn't help it and smiled fondly. One of the things that she likes the most is to hear good news about her friends; and those were, for sure, good ones. "They must be very happy… I believe that Mizuki-sensei is the fortunate mother," thought the long-haired girl walking through the expansive drawing-room with the letter in her hands. "I guess I might as well write back to Hiiragizawa-kun," and so she did.
"Dear Hiiragizawa-kun,
A genki desu ka?
Watashi wa genki desu. Everything is fine here. I guess you know the latest news, do you? and if you don't then I tell you. Sakura-chan had her first child last year and both of them, she and Li-kun are very happy and proud of her. Yes, it's a 'her' and she's very powerful even though she's very much still a baby; or at least that's what they told me. I hadn't known that you had a daughter already, so congratulations!. How are Mizuki-san, Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun?, I hope they're doing fine.
I don't have any problems hosting your daughter, in fact I think it would be nice and I'm sure we're going to have so much fun together. You can bring her here anytime, but please call or write me about a week before to get everything ready and pick her up at the airport.
You'll find enclosed all my contact details to make communication easier.
Sincerely yours,
Daidouji Tomoyo."
A week after she wrote back to the british lad, on that windy spring day she received another mail from him but this time it was electronic; it said:
"Dear Daidouji-san,
How are you doing?
Everything here in London is just fine. I already knew about Sakura's daughter, after all my cute descendant called that glorious day in the middle of the night. I'm sorry to tell you that Kaho died while giving birth to our child six years ago, but don't worry I'm over it now. I'm very happy that you accepted my request. Little Annette is very excited too and can barely wait for next month to come because I've decided to let her go this summer, is that ok with you?. Before I forget, Nakuru and Spinel send their warmest greetings to you. Hope to hear more from you.
Sincerely yours,
Hiiragizawa Eriol"
Tomoyo re-read the e-mail before moving the cursor over the "reply" link. The day outside was warm and pink because of the sakura trees that were planted in front of the room, in the garden. She watched a bird looking for food in the ground and then leaving as quick as it came. With a tender smile on soft, pink lips she selected some purple stationery with tiny butterflies and began to write her answer.
"Haikei Hiiragizawa-kun,
I'm glad to hear that everything is fine in London… and so it is here in Tomoeda. So you knew about Sakura-chan's daughter. Isn't it wonderful?. I'm so sorry about Kaho-san, really sorry. It must had been very hard. This summer will be absolutely wonderful. I'm very honored to have your child with me for a couple of weeks. I'm dying to meet her, I wonder if she's a lot like you; however I'm sure that she's a charming young lady, having such charming parents.
Sincerely yours,
Daidouji Tomoyo"
The raven beauty finished the letter and hit the "send" button to have it delivered. Weeks passed smoothly for Tomoyo who, having a lot of work to do, didn't had time to realize that summer was approaching; but for little Annette, it was like waiting for eternity. The so awaited day came and Eriol was taking the lovely child to one of London's International Airports. He had to pay an extra fee for letting a child travel alone. When the person in charge asked him about the relationship between him and Miss Daidouji he answered that they were relatives… cousins in fact, and that seemed to please the middle-aged woman. It was almost time to leave and Eriol was giving Annette his last fatherly advices.
"Listen to me dear, you're going to make a trip of almost 16 hours alone. Hopefully you won't have to change flights; but if that happens, please wait until the stewardess takes you to your next flight," he made a pause to check if she was paying attention to him. "Don't worry daddy, I've traveled a lot with you, I've memorized it… nothing bad will happen to me, I promise," answered the little girl to her father's unspoken question.
"Do you remember clearly how Daidouji-san looks like?" asked Eriol. "Yes, of course!, how wouldn't I if you have been telling me how she looks like for almost two weeks?. I think I know her more than mother." The girl finished in a sad tone which made Eriol smile tenderly at her.
"Ok, I know you're ready to go now… please take care dear and send my greetings to Daidouji-san and remember…"
"Be a good girl as I've taught you to," finished the azure-eyed girl with a tiny smirk.
Minutes later a mechanic voice called every passenger going to Tokyo, Japan to board the plane before it finally took flight; leaving Eriol looking through the huge windows, waving his "good-bye" to his beloved daughter.
Fifteen hours later, almost at the other side of the world, a black and shiny Maybach 62 stopped at the front gates of Tokyo's International Airport. A man in his mid-forties stepped in front and opened the back passenger's door, leaving it wide open to let a lovely young woman out. She acknowledged it by politely tilting her head downwards and smiled in gratitude before entering the bustling building.
Although it was still an hour before Annette's plane arrived, Tomoyo wanted to be there early and be prepared should something unexpected happens. Since now on and for a couple of weeks, Eriol's daughter is her responsibility, as if the little girl was her own child, and the beautiful lady had promised herself that she would be a sweet and loving mother to the motherless girl.
Tomoyo managed to weave herself out of the crowd towards the Brittish Airways Information stand and proceeded to explain the man in charge her business there. He typed some words in the computer in front of him and instantly a document appeared.
"Excuse me Daidouji-san, are you Hiiragizawa Eriol-san's cousin?" asked the man looking at the screen. "I beg your pardon?" was Tomoyo's answer. That question took her completely by surprise; but soon remembered all about airlines policies and understood everything.
"I said if you are Hiiragizawa-san's cousin" asked again the man looking at her. "Sorry, I couldn't hear you… it's too noisy in here," she said trying to cover up her lapse. "Yes, I'm Eriol's cousin" she finished, calling her "cousin" by his first name to be more convincing. "Ok, since all the information required is here, this process is over," and momentarily turned to retrieve some papers from the laser printer. "This is the permission to take the girl out of the airport which will be required by the inmigration officers. Please read and sign the document before," he asked giving her two papers.
Tomoyo signed the document she was asked to and thanked the man with a smile. She still had like a quarter of an hour and decided to go to some of those souvenirs stores and buy a "welcome" gift to the little girl. The elegant woman passed-by four stores but found nothing and that was when she turned around and saw a Sanrio Store. She searched everywhere for a potential gift and then she found a cute purple pair of Pochacco slippers, took them immediately, added some candies and went straight to the cashier. She asked the attendant to wrap it for a gift, paid the amount and exited the store with a smile on her face quite excited about her new guest.
"The flight number 305 from London, England is arriving by Gate 4," said over and over again a female voice coming out of the speakers.
Tomoyo headed towards Gate 4 and waited patiently until everyone went off the plane, which took about 10 minutes. She gave a quick glance at her silver Rolex and then looked to where the people were walking with their luggage and belongings. Thinking that perhaps this was not the flight she was waiting for, though she was pretty much sure it was, Tomoyo was about to ask some reresentative when her eyes did a double-take and her gaze landed on the gorgeous figure of a little girl.
They stared at each other for seconds that seemed minutes that made both of them smile in recognition. Annette was a lovely young lady. Her midnight-blue hair had soft curls and was falling freely at her back. The childish skin was as fair as her father's but her cheeks had a rosy tint inherited perhaps from her mother. She also had wise and gentle looking gray-blue eyes. Over all, her person emitted an aura of importance and distinction as if she was a true lady with royal blood back there in the XVI century. Tomoyo was speechless. Annette was a lot like her old childhood classmate and friend Hiiragizawa Eriol and that made her smile to grow bigger.
For little Annette, it was almost the same. Her father had described the memory he had of Daidouji-san when they were little so well; but she couldn't even wonder back then how beautiful she really was and how wonderfully she grew up. The young woman in front of her had her silky and curled gray-purple hair falling freely at her shoulders and back. "Her hair is so long and beautiful, I want mine to be like hers," she thought in awe. Her face was so perfect, like a porcelain doll, with a skin that was pale white much like her own father's. She had a top-model-like body tastefully clad in casual business clothes. But there was something about her beautiful blue-purple eyes that didn't fit her, although she was smiling her eyes were a little bit dark with a sadness guarded so deep within her. Annette happened to like a lot her father's friend and promised herself that she would do anything to make those lovely eyes smile again.
"Konbanwa, welcome to Japan Hiiragizawa-san," greeted the elder of the ladies with candor. "Good afternoon Daidouji-san, Im honored to meet you," Annette replied and bowed, "but please call me Annette". "It is my pleasure," said Tomoyo doing as she was taught about when meeting people, "you might as well call me Tomoyo if that pleases you". "Then Tomoyo will be," said the girl smiling.
"Here, I bought a welcome gift for you, given that you're going to spend two weeks here in Japan I thought you would like to join us in our traditions," said the young woman handing the gift to the girl. "Thank you very much Tomoyo!, can I open it now?" asked Annette looking at the bag with interest reflected in her sapphire eyes. "Of course you can, it's your gift after all!," replied Tomoyo letting out a small giggle.
Annette opened carefully the gift wrapped with a purple paper and Pochacco's pattern all over it. What was inside seemed to be liked by the English lady because the smile she had on her face grew even bigger.
"A pair of Pochacco slippers!… it's my favorite Sanrio character and purple just happens to be my favorite color ever!… thank you again Tomoyo," said the girl in pure joy. "I'm glad you liked it Annette-chan!… shall we go home?, I suppose you're very tired" said Tomoyo with a caring smile.
"It's ok with me, since I'm used to travel a lot with daddy," answered the girl returning the slippers to the depths of the paper bag again. "Then let's go, but first we have to go, get your belongings and show this form to the inmmigration officers," said the raven beauty showing said paper before taking Annette's right hand in hers and starting to walk towards the delivery machines.
The ladies were outside the airport and comfortably seated in the automobile's plush leather seats half an hour later. The ride back Tomoyo's home was spent in a polite tetê-a-tetê that ocassionally brought a laugh or two. When the black car rounded the corner and the mansion's impressive gates came to view, Annette's eyes seemed to brighten up even more. Said gates were soundlessly opened and then closed after the vehicle had went through to then drive around a brick drive-way and halt at the very front doors of the Daidouji Manor.
The back-seat door was again opened, this time by a smiling maid who rushed to greet her young mistress and her new charge. "Good afternoon Daidouji-sama, okaeri nasai!". "Thank you Tsubame-san, could you please help us with the luggage?" said Tomoyo stepping out of the car and helping Annette to get out as well.
"Your house is very nice Tomoyo-san, I like your taste in home decor very much," praised the girl truthfully. "Thanks for the compliment young lady, and you haven't seen it all… let me show you to your room," said Tomoyo signaling the carpeted stairs which eventually lead them to young Tomoyo's chambers. Said room was mostly kept closed and forbidden to any visitors except the loyal maids and only for their cleaning schedule. The reason behind it? Well, Tomoyo kept it as a sanctuary of her childhood innocence and a haven for when she felt trapped and suffocated by the outside world.
"Here we are, in the same room that sheltered me as a child until the very day I turned sixteen and was transfered to another one in the west wing and then, to my mother's," she paused and breathed deeply to fight down inner demons, "as you can see, it's very big and has everything you can have fun with," explained Tomoyo to her little guest. "This room is lovely! It has it's own mini theater, living room, a walk-in closet, a bathroom… it's amazing!," said Annette walking around the dormitory. "Are these your clothes Tomoyo?" she then asked.
Tomoyo contemplated her with interest. It has been a while since she felt as carefree and genuine as the girl. "Yes, they are. I wore them when I was about your age" she explained softly. "But why, if may I ask, do you keep this room untouched, in the same way as it was years ago, even with your clothes and personal stuff if you're now occupying another one?" wanted to know Annette.
"I wondered when she would ask, such a bright child," thought the raven haired lass while sitting down at the edge of the bed and taking a small teddy bear that had been previously lying in front of the assorted pillows. Exhaling a calming breath she braced herself to answer the revious inquiry.
"Oh, you'll see Annette-chan… that's because when I was little I felt so protected and happy between this walls that when I grew up and some bad and hurting things began to happen to me, like my mother dying… or when I think that I cannot endure things any longer and I sense the strength leaving me… I come to this room, remember when I was a little girl just like you, sleep in this old bed embracing Benji-kun, read my old manga books, watch my old video tapes, sew new costumes and stuff like that because it makes me forget about my pains, problems and worries, makes me smile and regain my strength to continue fighting in this world to fulfill my goals and make my dreams come true." Explained Tomoyo like a mother would, giving a piece of her soul to an almost complete stranger.
"So that's it, I really appreciate your trust towards me. I dare say it's like a secret for you Tomoyo-san," said Annette looking straight at the young woman in front of her. "Since this is a very special room for you, I will cherish it as you do," finished the girl with a smile.
Tomoyo wasn't surprised by this show of maturity from a little girl not older than six; this was, after all, Hiiragizawa Eriol's daughter that she was dealing with. "I'll really appreciate that Annette-chan," said Tomoyo placing one hand on the girl's head. "Why don't you take a nap before dinner time?"
"I think I'll take your advice… but first, one more question please," asked the girl. "Of course dear," Tomoyo replied standing up and placing Benji-kun again in it's place.
"I just wanted to ask for your permission about something," she paused and looked ashamed for a moment but then resolve seemed to sweep into her petite body and she looked up again. "Can I borrow some dresses from you? They're so beautiful and I'm tired about the ones I use to wear in London. The costumes you have here are so stylish and original… did you make them all?" the dark-blue haired girl begged with puppy dog eyes and then all starry-eyed. "Sugoi!, I'm flattered and honored… I've designed most of them, you're free to use everything you want in this house, make yourself at home," answered Tomoyo smiling tenderly.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality," said the girl. "You're welcome darling, now get some sleep… I will cook dinner by myself specially for you," replied Tomoyo exiting the room and closing the door soundlessly behind her.
As it wasn't too late in the afternoon, the young woman fixed her hair and make-up and went to her office given that she had a lot of things to deal with. Along with the Daidouji Enterprises there were "Plum Blossoms" which was her new clothing line and "Fruits & Candy" that is the patisserie she has owned for some time now. Most people defined Tomoyo as a workaholic but she not minded at all because in some ways it was true. Tomoyo hates to have nothing to do, so she helped her mom with everything she could and when Daidouji Sonomi died, she inherited her family's economic empire and became a successful businesswoman.
The company was doing so well that she wanted to do something she really enjoyed doing. Since it was cloth designing, she created "Plum Blossoms" which soon had its place in the Japanese fashion business. But then she noticed that when she was stressed, she always ended up in the kitchen baking for hours until she could feel herself calm again. Though it seemed a nice thing to do, it had a downside because when that happened, the kitchen was full with all kind of pastries and she couldn't eat them all.
She used to give most of them to Sakura because Kero loved to eat sweet things and kept saying that the ones made by Tomoyo where the best ones he had ever tried. So when Sakura moved to Hong Kong with Li and Kero, she had no one to give the cakes and cookies to. That's why she owned a patisserie and her loyal buyers can mostly see her like twice a month baking there.
Tomoyo returned home early in the evening, bathed, changed into more comfortable but still stylish clothes, tied her long hair up in a high ponytail and went down to the kitchen to start making dinner. Her maids were surprised by seeing their mistress doing such a thing so they asked if she needed help but her answer was an "Only with doing the washing-up, you know I hate that" which they agreed with.
Dinner was ready in an hour and a half because Tomoyo made various Japanese dishes in honor of her new guest. When everything was settled up she sent a maid to call the little girl down to join her in the kitchen, mostly because the dinning room was too formal for a homely meal.
"Good evening Annette-chan, did you have a nice rest?" greeted Tomoyo with a smile, placing the last plates on the rectangular and creamy wooden table with white tiles on its center, very much like the American pantries you see in country magazines. "Hi, yes I had such a nice rest!" replied the little girl smiling brilliantly.
"I'm glad, how about eating dinner?" asked Tomoyo turning around to face the girl. What she saw surprised her. Annette wore one of Tomoyo's dresses, a pale blue one with a white apron tied at her back. She had on her brand-new slippers and her hair was tied up in two pig tails with a pair of baby-blue ribbons. She looked so nice and fresh in that gown, it did suit her perfectly.
"You look so nice in that dress!," said Tomoyo excitedly. "Thank you Tomoyo, I feel very comfortable in this" said the girl touching the fabric of her dress. "I know, I can feel it… let's eat dinner!," invited the long-haired girl cheerfully.
Both of them seated themselves at the table facing each other. They shared a delightful time having dinner. The little guest talked about her trip and some things about London while Tomoyo talked about how were things in Japan and most of all, Tomoeda; the weather they had there, her friendship with Hiiragizawa and stuff like that.
After the meal was over, they went to the living room and watched TV untill it was way past bed-time standars. Well, the truth was that Annette fell asleep in the couch, so Tomoyo turned off the wonder-box and carried the girl in her arms upstairs to her room, placed her in bed, tucked her in, gave a quick kiss on her forehead, exited the room and went to her own to have some sleep herself.
A beautiful young woman aged 23 with ivory white skin, lovely blue-purple eyes and midnight gray-purple hair stood in front of a huge balcony, eyes focused directly at nothing, deeply in thought trying to organize all the ideas and feelings within herself. She more than anything wondered how things could change from now on after she got that letter inside her weekly mail, some days ago.
It has been five years of being the only member of the Sakura-tachi still living in the ever lively town of Tomoeda. Sonomi Daidouji, one of the most influential businesswoman in Asia and Europe, had died leaving her only daughter and heiress alone but ready to follow in her footsteps as the head of Daidouji Enterprises.
Days, weeks and years went on as normal like the never-ending flow of water in the beautiful japanese streams; that is until words of elegant and refined cursive letters in black ink managed its way to the hands of an unaware young lady.
"Dearest Daidouji-san,
How are you?, is everything alright there in Japan?
I know it's been 10 years since we last saw each other, but I'm writing to you because I have a little favor to ask you. I'm sending my little daughter to Tomoeda for a few days because she wants to visit the place that she has heard a lot from me about. Unfortunately, I'm not able to travel with her and since no one else that holds my trust is there, I ask you for your hospitality.
Sincerely yours,
Hiiragizawa Eriol."
Tomoyo couldn't help it and smiled fondly. One of the things that she likes the most is to hear good news about her friends; and those were, for sure, good ones. "They must be very happy… I believe that Mizuki-sensei is the fortunate mother," thought the long-haired girl walking through the expansive drawing-room with the letter in her hands. "I guess I might as well write back to Hiiragizawa-kun," and so she did.
"Dear Hiiragizawa-kun,
A genki desu ka?
Watashi wa genki desu. Everything is fine here. I guess you know the latest news, do you? and if you don't then I tell you. Sakura-chan had her first child last year and both of them, she and Li-kun are very happy and proud of her. Yes, it's a 'her' and she's very powerful even though she's very much still a baby; or at least that's what they told me. I hadn't known that you had a daughter already, so congratulations!. How are Mizuki-san, Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun?, I hope they're doing fine.
I don't have any problems hosting your daughter, in fact I think it would be nice and I'm sure we're going to have so much fun together. You can bring her here anytime, but please call or write me about a week before to get everything ready and pick her up at the airport.
You'll find enclosed all my contact details to make communication easier.
Sincerely yours,
Daidouji Tomoyo."
A week after she wrote back to the british lad, on that windy spring day she received another mail from him but this time it was electronic; it said:
"Dear Daidouji-san,
How are you doing?
Everything here in London is just fine. I already knew about Sakura's daughter, after all my cute descendant called that glorious day in the middle of the night. I'm sorry to tell you that Kaho died while giving birth to our child six years ago, but don't worry I'm over it now. I'm very happy that you accepted my request. Little Annette is very excited too and can barely wait for next month to come because I've decided to let her go this summer, is that ok with you?. Before I forget, Nakuru and Spinel send their warmest greetings to you. Hope to hear more from you.
Sincerely yours,
Hiiragizawa Eriol"
Tomoyo re-read the e-mail before moving the cursor over the "reply" link. The day outside was warm and pink because of the sakura trees that were planted in front of the room, in the garden. She watched a bird looking for food in the ground and then leaving as quick as it came. With a tender smile on soft, pink lips she selected some purple stationery with tiny butterflies and began to write her answer.
"Haikei Hiiragizawa-kun,
I'm glad to hear that everything is fine in London… and so it is here in Tomoeda. So you knew about Sakura-chan's daughter. Isn't it wonderful?. I'm so sorry about Kaho-san, really sorry. It must had been very hard. This summer will be absolutely wonderful. I'm very honored to have your child with me for a couple of weeks. I'm dying to meet her, I wonder if she's a lot like you; however I'm sure that she's a charming young lady, having such charming parents.
Sincerely yours,
Daidouji Tomoyo"
The raven beauty finished the letter and hit the "send" button to have it delivered. Weeks passed smoothly for Tomoyo who, having a lot of work to do, didn't had time to realize that summer was approaching; but for little Annette, it was like waiting for eternity. The so awaited day came and Eriol was taking the lovely child to one of London's International Airports. He had to pay an extra fee for letting a child travel alone. When the person in charge asked him about the relationship between him and Miss Daidouji he answered that they were relatives… cousins in fact, and that seemed to please the middle-aged woman. It was almost time to leave and Eriol was giving Annette his last fatherly advices.
"Listen to me dear, you're going to make a trip of almost 16 hours alone. Hopefully you won't have to change flights; but if that happens, please wait until the stewardess takes you to your next flight," he made a pause to check if she was paying attention to him. "Don't worry daddy, I've traveled a lot with you, I've memorized it… nothing bad will happen to me, I promise," answered the little girl to her father's unspoken question.
"Do you remember clearly how Daidouji-san looks like?" asked Eriol. "Yes, of course!, how wouldn't I if you have been telling me how she looks like for almost two weeks?. I think I know her more than mother." The girl finished in a sad tone which made Eriol smile tenderly at her.
"Ok, I know you're ready to go now… please take care dear and send my greetings to Daidouji-san and remember…"
"Be a good girl as I've taught you to," finished the azure-eyed girl with a tiny smirk.
Minutes later a mechanic voice called every passenger going to Tokyo, Japan to board the plane before it finally took flight; leaving Eriol looking through the huge windows, waving his "good-bye" to his beloved daughter.
Fifteen hours later, almost at the other side of the world, a black and shiny Maybach 62 stopped at the front gates of Tokyo's International Airport. A man in his mid-forties stepped in front and opened the back passenger's door, leaving it wide open to let a lovely young woman out. She acknowledged it by politely tilting her head downwards and smiled in gratitude before entering the bustling building.
Although it was still an hour before Annette's plane arrived, Tomoyo wanted to be there early and be prepared should something unexpected happens. Since now on and for a couple of weeks, Eriol's daughter is her responsibility, as if the little girl was her own child, and the beautiful lady had promised herself that she would be a sweet and loving mother to the motherless girl.
Tomoyo managed to weave herself out of the crowd towards the Brittish Airways Information stand and proceeded to explain the man in charge her business there. He typed some words in the computer in front of him and instantly a document appeared.
"Excuse me Daidouji-san, are you Hiiragizawa Eriol-san's cousin?" asked the man looking at the screen. "I beg your pardon?" was Tomoyo's answer. That question took her completely by surprise; but soon remembered all about airlines policies and understood everything.
"I said if you are Hiiragizawa-san's cousin" asked again the man looking at her. "Sorry, I couldn't hear you… it's too noisy in here," she said trying to cover up her lapse. "Yes, I'm Eriol's cousin" she finished, calling her "cousin" by his first name to be more convincing. "Ok, since all the information required is here, this process is over," and momentarily turned to retrieve some papers from the laser printer. "This is the permission to take the girl out of the airport which will be required by the inmigration officers. Please read and sign the document before," he asked giving her two papers.
Tomoyo signed the document she was asked to and thanked the man with a smile. She still had like a quarter of an hour and decided to go to some of those souvenirs stores and buy a "welcome" gift to the little girl. The elegant woman passed-by four stores but found nothing and that was when she turned around and saw a Sanrio Store. She searched everywhere for a potential gift and then she found a cute purple pair of Pochacco slippers, took them immediately, added some candies and went straight to the cashier. She asked the attendant to wrap it for a gift, paid the amount and exited the store with a smile on her face quite excited about her new guest.
"The flight number 305 from London, England is arriving by Gate 4," said over and over again a female voice coming out of the speakers.
Tomoyo headed towards Gate 4 and waited patiently until everyone went off the plane, which took about 10 minutes. She gave a quick glance at her silver Rolex and then looked to where the people were walking with their luggage and belongings. Thinking that perhaps this was not the flight she was waiting for, though she was pretty much sure it was, Tomoyo was about to ask some reresentative when her eyes did a double-take and her gaze landed on the gorgeous figure of a little girl.
They stared at each other for seconds that seemed minutes that made both of them smile in recognition. Annette was a lovely young lady. Her midnight-blue hair had soft curls and was falling freely at her back. The childish skin was as fair as her father's but her cheeks had a rosy tint inherited perhaps from her mother. She also had wise and gentle looking gray-blue eyes. Over all, her person emitted an aura of importance and distinction as if she was a true lady with royal blood back there in the XVI century. Tomoyo was speechless. Annette was a lot like her old childhood classmate and friend Hiiragizawa Eriol and that made her smile to grow bigger.
For little Annette, it was almost the same. Her father had described the memory he had of Daidouji-san when they were little so well; but she couldn't even wonder back then how beautiful she really was and how wonderfully she grew up. The young woman in front of her had her silky and curled gray-purple hair falling freely at her shoulders and back. "Her hair is so long and beautiful, I want mine to be like hers," she thought in awe. Her face was so perfect, like a porcelain doll, with a skin that was pale white much like her own father's. She had a top-model-like body tastefully clad in casual business clothes. But there was something about her beautiful blue-purple eyes that didn't fit her, although she was smiling her eyes were a little bit dark with a sadness guarded so deep within her. Annette happened to like a lot her father's friend and promised herself that she would do anything to make those lovely eyes smile again.
"Konbanwa, welcome to Japan Hiiragizawa-san," greeted the elder of the ladies with candor. "Good afternoon Daidouji-san, Im honored to meet you," Annette replied and bowed, "but please call me Annette". "It is my pleasure," said Tomoyo doing as she was taught about when meeting people, "you might as well call me Tomoyo if that pleases you". "Then Tomoyo will be," said the girl smiling.
"Here, I bought a welcome gift for you, given that you're going to spend two weeks here in Japan I thought you would like to join us in our traditions," said the young woman handing the gift to the girl. "Thank you very much Tomoyo!, can I open it now?" asked Annette looking at the bag with interest reflected in her sapphire eyes. "Of course you can, it's your gift after all!," replied Tomoyo letting out a small giggle.
Annette opened carefully the gift wrapped with a purple paper and Pochacco's pattern all over it. What was inside seemed to be liked by the English lady because the smile she had on her face grew even bigger.
"A pair of Pochacco slippers!… it's my favorite Sanrio character and purple just happens to be my favorite color ever!… thank you again Tomoyo," said the girl in pure joy. "I'm glad you liked it Annette-chan!… shall we go home?, I suppose you're very tired" said Tomoyo with a caring smile.
"It's ok with me, since I'm used to travel a lot with daddy," answered the girl returning the slippers to the depths of the paper bag again. "Then let's go, but first we have to go, get your belongings and show this form to the inmmigration officers," said the raven beauty showing said paper before taking Annette's right hand in hers and starting to walk towards the delivery machines.
The ladies were outside the airport and comfortably seated in the automobile's plush leather seats half an hour later. The ride back Tomoyo's home was spent in a polite tetê-a-tetê that ocassionally brought a laugh or two. When the black car rounded the corner and the mansion's impressive gates came to view, Annette's eyes seemed to brighten up even more. Said gates were soundlessly opened and then closed after the vehicle had went through to then drive around a brick drive-way and halt at the very front doors of the Daidouji Manor.
The back-seat door was again opened, this time by a smiling maid who rushed to greet her young mistress and her new charge. "Good afternoon Daidouji-sama, okaeri nasai!". "Thank you Tsubame-san, could you please help us with the luggage?" said Tomoyo stepping out of the car and helping Annette to get out as well.
"Your house is very nice Tomoyo-san, I like your taste in home decor very much," praised the girl truthfully. "Thanks for the compliment young lady, and you haven't seen it all… let me show you to your room," said Tomoyo signaling the carpeted stairs which eventually lead them to young Tomoyo's chambers. Said room was mostly kept closed and forbidden to any visitors except the loyal maids and only for their cleaning schedule. The reason behind it? Well, Tomoyo kept it as a sanctuary of her childhood innocence and a haven for when she felt trapped and suffocated by the outside world.
"Here we are, in the same room that sheltered me as a child until the very day I turned sixteen and was transfered to another one in the west wing and then, to my mother's," she paused and breathed deeply to fight down inner demons, "as you can see, it's very big and has everything you can have fun with," explained Tomoyo to her little guest. "This room is lovely! It has it's own mini theater, living room, a walk-in closet, a bathroom… it's amazing!," said Annette walking around the dormitory. "Are these your clothes Tomoyo?" she then asked.
Tomoyo contemplated her with interest. It has been a while since she felt as carefree and genuine as the girl. "Yes, they are. I wore them when I was about your age" she explained softly. "But why, if may I ask, do you keep this room untouched, in the same way as it was years ago, even with your clothes and personal stuff if you're now occupying another one?" wanted to know Annette.
"I wondered when she would ask, such a bright child," thought the raven haired lass while sitting down at the edge of the bed and taking a small teddy bear that had been previously lying in front of the assorted pillows. Exhaling a calming breath she braced herself to answer the revious inquiry.
"Oh, you'll see Annette-chan… that's because when I was little I felt so protected and happy between this walls that when I grew up and some bad and hurting things began to happen to me, like my mother dying… or when I think that I cannot endure things any longer and I sense the strength leaving me… I come to this room, remember when I was a little girl just like you, sleep in this old bed embracing Benji-kun, read my old manga books, watch my old video tapes, sew new costumes and stuff like that because it makes me forget about my pains, problems and worries, makes me smile and regain my strength to continue fighting in this world to fulfill my goals and make my dreams come true." Explained Tomoyo like a mother would, giving a piece of her soul to an almost complete stranger.
"So that's it, I really appreciate your trust towards me. I dare say it's like a secret for you Tomoyo-san," said Annette looking straight at the young woman in front of her. "Since this is a very special room for you, I will cherish it as you do," finished the girl with a smile.
Tomoyo wasn't surprised by this show of maturity from a little girl not older than six; this was, after all, Hiiragizawa Eriol's daughter that she was dealing with. "I'll really appreciate that Annette-chan," said Tomoyo placing one hand on the girl's head. "Why don't you take a nap before dinner time?"
"I think I'll take your advice… but first, one more question please," asked the girl. "Of course dear," Tomoyo replied standing up and placing Benji-kun again in it's place.
"I just wanted to ask for your permission about something," she paused and looked ashamed for a moment but then resolve seemed to sweep into her petite body and she looked up again. "Can I borrow some dresses from you? They're so beautiful and I'm tired about the ones I use to wear in London. The costumes you have here are so stylish and original… did you make them all?" the dark-blue haired girl begged with puppy dog eyes and then all starry-eyed. "Sugoi!, I'm flattered and honored… I've designed most of them, you're free to use everything you want in this house, make yourself at home," answered Tomoyo smiling tenderly.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality," said the girl. "You're welcome darling, now get some sleep… I will cook dinner by myself specially for you," replied Tomoyo exiting the room and closing the door soundlessly behind her.
As it wasn't too late in the afternoon, the young woman fixed her hair and make-up and went to her office given that she had a lot of things to deal with. Along with the Daidouji Enterprises there were "Plum Blossoms" which was her new clothing line and "Fruits & Candy" that is the patisserie she has owned for some time now. Most people defined Tomoyo as a workaholic but she not minded at all because in some ways it was true. Tomoyo hates to have nothing to do, so she helped her mom with everything she could and when Daidouji Sonomi died, she inherited her family's economic empire and became a successful businesswoman.
The company was doing so well that she wanted to do something she really enjoyed doing. Since it was cloth designing, she created "Plum Blossoms" which soon had its place in the Japanese fashion business. But then she noticed that when she was stressed, she always ended up in the kitchen baking for hours until she could feel herself calm again. Though it seemed a nice thing to do, it had a downside because when that happened, the kitchen was full with all kind of pastries and she couldn't eat them all.
She used to give most of them to Sakura because Kero loved to eat sweet things and kept saying that the ones made by Tomoyo where the best ones he had ever tried. So when Sakura moved to Hong Kong with Li and Kero, she had no one to give the cakes and cookies to. That's why she owned a patisserie and her loyal buyers can mostly see her like twice a month baking there.
Tomoyo returned home early in the evening, bathed, changed into more comfortable but still stylish clothes, tied her long hair up in a high ponytail and went down to the kitchen to start making dinner. Her maids were surprised by seeing their mistress doing such a thing so they asked if she needed help but her answer was an "Only with doing the washing-up, you know I hate that" which they agreed with.
Dinner was ready in an hour and a half because Tomoyo made various Japanese dishes in honor of her new guest. When everything was settled up she sent a maid to call the little girl down to join her in the kitchen, mostly because the dinning room was too formal for a homely meal.
"Good evening Annette-chan, did you have a nice rest?" greeted Tomoyo with a smile, placing the last plates on the rectangular and creamy wooden table with white tiles on its center, very much like the American pantries you see in country magazines. "Hi, yes I had such a nice rest!" replied the little girl smiling brilliantly.
"I'm glad, how about eating dinner?" asked Tomoyo turning around to face the girl. What she saw surprised her. Annette wore one of Tomoyo's dresses, a pale blue one with a white apron tied at her back. She had on her brand-new slippers and her hair was tied up in two pig tails with a pair of baby-blue ribbons. She looked so nice and fresh in that gown, it did suit her perfectly.
"You look so nice in that dress!," said Tomoyo excitedly. "Thank you Tomoyo, I feel very comfortable in this" said the girl touching the fabric of her dress. "I know, I can feel it… let's eat dinner!," invited the long-haired girl cheerfully.
Both of them seated themselves at the table facing each other. They shared a delightful time having dinner. The little guest talked about her trip and some things about London while Tomoyo talked about how were things in Japan and most of all, Tomoeda; the weather they had there, her friendship with Hiiragizawa and stuff like that.
After the meal was over, they went to the living room and watched TV untill it was way past bed-time standars. Well, the truth was that Annette fell asleep in the couch, so Tomoyo turned off the wonder-box and carried the girl in her arms upstairs to her room, placed her in bed, tucked her in, gave a quick kiss on her forehead, exited the room and went to her own to have some sleep herself.