V – Mother for a Day
Eriol woke up early like always, took a shower and got dressed in black pants, dark blue turtle-neck sweater and an also black coat. He placed his platinum Rolex on his left wrist, combed his silky bluish-black hair with his right hand and went down to the kitchen to have some breakfast before leaving the house. His secretary had called him yesterday to inform that he had some important documents to sign and a couple of meetings with some prospective investors.
Later, when Nakuru arrived at the kitchen ready to make breakfast for the family and guest, she found some dishes in the sink and a sticky-note in the stainless-steel refrigerator that read:
"Hello Nakuru, I had to leave early in order to sort some things and can't take Annette to school today. Please do that for me.
Love and kisses,
Master E."
She smiled and tied her Chococat apron over the beige dress fully intent on making breakfast.
Half an hour later everyone was at the table, Tomoyo included. Annette wondered why her father wasn't there as he usually did which seemed to sadden the cute little girl. The brown-reddish girl noticed that and explained that Eriol had to leave early in the morning in order to attend some appointments and that she was going to take her to school and maybe pick her up as well. Annette smiled understanding her father's situation and continued eating the pancakes with honey syrup.
"Would you like to go with us Tomoyo?" asked the human shaped guardian drinking her orange juice.
"Yes, of course" replied the black-purplish haired girl dressed in low-cut heavily-bleached blue jeans and a light purple tube-top with the word "Princess" in lavender glitter. Her hair was fixed in two braids and wore a pair of Sketchers sneakers. "But first I need to go upstairs and take my bag," she added after finishing her mokaccino. "I'll be right back" and left.
Tomoyo took a small backpack and transferred her wallet, lip gloss, compact face powder and her silver-purplish cell phone from the former purse and exited the room walking downstairs wearing a pair of purple shades with silver frame.
"Sugoi Tomoyo, you look so stylish!" cried out Nakuru grabbing her car keys and bag, opening the front door in the process.
Nakuru pressed the alarm button in the remote control of the silver Audi Cabrio in front of her. With two beeps the doors were unlocked. The false form of the Moon Guardian took place in the driver's seat, Tomoyo in the passenger's one and Annette was in the beige leather back seat with her dark-blue Outdoor backpack at her side. The driver started the engine and turned on the radio seeking a good tune and stopped when the melody of "A World of Our Own" filled the space.
Ave Maria Private Elementary School was an impressive sight of a castle-like building made of red brick and gray concrete. It had a drive-way that bordered a marvelous marble fountain of Virgin Mary located just in front of huge double-doors that led to the inside of the building. Many colored windows depicting biblical scenes adorned the walls and let warm sunlight to penetrate the many rooms it held. Annette kissed both Tomoyo's and Nakuru's cheeks and with a "See you later" got out dragging her backpack behind her and placing it on her right shoulder once she had stepped on the brick path.
"What do you want to do Tomoyo?" asked Nakuru switching lanes right after a black mini-van had speeded off. "We can go shopping!"
"That's a must! I mean, it's been a while since my last visit to a mall in Europe and I have not many clothes with me right at the moment," replied Tomoyo looking at the hyper girl currently driving.
"Okay then, Harrods here we go!" exclaimed the guardian changing gears with a huge grin on her glowing face
The girls spent the entire morning in one of the biggest and most famous malls in London. Their arms were full with all kind of shopping bags, all the sizes, all the colors, shapes, and styles. Both of them wore a happy and satisfied expression in their pretty faces and their eyes shone in delight. What woman doesn't like to go shopping anyway?
"Oh my God! It's so late, we have to go back. I have to make lunch!" cried out Nakuru with a light frown.
"I was wondering, why you don't have helpers in the house?" asked her shopping partner with a curious look in her porcelain face.
"That's because Master doesn't like strangers in the house, besides we are only four people living there and he's a sorcerer. Spinel and I are magical creatures. It would be complicated having servants there anyway," said Nakuru off-handedly heading towards the silver Audi.
When they got home, Nakuru started to make lunch and Tomoyo placed all the things she had recently bought in her room and freshened up before reuniting with the Moon guardian downstairs in the kitchen. She found Spinel reading an old-looking thick book with his paws crossed in front of him, seated in a tall stool at the kitchen island. Tomoyo greeted him and smiled brightly at the tiny cat who returned her smile and flew towards her, perching himself in Tomoyo's head.
"Need help?" asked Tomoyo eyeing the book that Spinel left in the counter.
"No thanks, I'm fine," refused the brown-reddish haired girl washing some vegetables. "What time is it?" she wondered taking a look at her wrist watch, that to her surprise, wasn't there.
"Eleven thirty," answered Tomoyo looking at her watch. "Are you sure you can manage?" she asked again.
"Yes, yes I'll be fine," answered Nakuru with a reassuring smile. "Kawaii Suppi-chan" she said excitedly at the sight of the winged creature in the other girl's head.
"You're hopeless Ruby Moon," mumbled the cat flying towards his book again with an annoyed look in his cute dark face.
"I'll be in the Music Dome then," informed the Japanese woman exiting the kitchen. Some time later Spinel joined her.
Tomoyo sat down in the comfortable piano bench, placing her perfect French style manicured hands on the ivory piano keys. The lady closed her eyes in an attempt to remember the score of one of the tunes she had written long time ago when she used to take piano lessons. When the music sheets appeared in her mind, as if she was actually reading them in front of her, eyes still closed, she began to play.
The beginning was soft and slow but then the tempo increased and it sounded like a scale. Some strong and deep notes wanted to emphasize the ethereal sound. The music died and was reborn again smoothly and softly like a whisper but then strong notes were heard and another deep scale. With the same sequence, the previous soft scale but now with a deep background, repeated itself again and again and then it suddenly stopped. The room was silent again after 3' 21".
Clapping sounds were heard and the lady snapped back into reality, opening her bottomless pools of pure amethyst. She placed back behind her ear some locks of silky and wavy hair that had escaped from the grasp of her loose braid while she played.
"That was absolutely wonderful Daidouji-san" said the magic being flying from the fluffy couch to the polished surface of the music organ. "You always amaze me, I didn't know you played the piano as well." And a smirk adorned his cute features.
"Oh well, I used to take piano lesson because mother wanted me to and I ended up enjoining it," explained the girl resting her hands in her lap. "But I'm not as talented as Eriol-kun, he's a prodigy!" she beamed.
Spinel smiled and continued, "But your skills are better than others I've heard, what's the name of the tune?" inquired the black and tiny cat.
"I've named it 'Blue'" answered Tomoyo. "It was an assignment from my teacher to get my degree, like a final test," she then explained.
"And did she like it?" said Spinel already knowing the answer, since it was indeed a beautiful tune.
"Yes, she liked it very much, even asked me to record it on tape," said Tomoyo proudly.
"I see" replied Spinel smiling at the lady in front of him.
Tomoyo played some other tunes that she remembered and Spinel listened carefully, watching the elegant movement of the girl's pale white hands. She played "Moonlight Sonata", "Fur Elise", "Presto Agitato 'Moonlight'", and many others. A knock was heard and the door opened soundlessly letting in a chest-nut haired woman.
"Lunch is ready, do you want to eat?" inquired Nakuru walking towards the other girl and the cat.
"Yes, I'm starving!" answered Tomoyo placing her right hand over her plain and bare stomach. "Is Eriol-kun at home?"
"No, I'm afraid he can't make it," answered Nakuru with a concerned expression on her pretty face.
"Nakuru-san, when will Annette arrive today?" asked the dark haired girl standing up.
"Let me see," she said and paused to think. "Today her last class ends at two," answered the Moon Guardian with a thoughtful look. "And that reminds me... Oh God! I can't pick up her up today. I have a date and must hurry up if I want to make it! What am I going to do?" she cried out holding her head in both hands looking very distraught.
"Is that date of yours really important Ruby?" inquired the cat-like creature giving her an annoyed look.
"Well no, but the boy is so cute!" said the elder girl with dreamy eyes.
Tomoyo observed the situation in front of her and gave Nakuru a comforting smile. "If you want, I can go and pick up Annette myself," she offered.
Nakuru's expression immediately lightened up and she hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much Tomoyo, I owe you one!" she said excitedly. "Let's go to eat!"
Spinel wasn't so sure about that and so he interrupted his "partner". "But Nakuru, what would happen if the police suddenly catch Daidouji-san driving without a license?"
Nakuru stopped dead in her little celebration and turned to face the "thinking" one, "That won't happen, besides that's why you're going with her, to prevent such things and if it happens to get worse, you'll provide a way to get out of the trouble," she said with a wide grin.
"But," Spinel was shortly interrupted by the chest-nut haired girl.
Tomoyo smiled and got the attention back to her. "You needn't worry, I happen to have an international driver's license."
"Great! And no "buts" Suppi-chan," finished Nakuru with her index finger pointing directly at him. "Now let's go eat minna!"
After she had exited the room, Tomoyo turned to the Sun guardian and apologized for backing up the female guardian because she was sure that the other didn't approve any of it.
"Is alright, don't worry Daidouji-san. I appreciate what you did for Nakuru," he said having seat in Tomoyo's left shoulder.
After lunch was eaten and they had had a short rest watching CNN in the huge entertaining room Tomoyo decided that it was right about time to head towards Ave Maria. The flying supernatural creature led her to where the car-keys were stored and invited her to take one. The girl looked skeptically at him but he encouraged her further.
"Are you sure about this?" inquired the amethyst eyed woman looking at him for any trace of deceit.
"Yes, might as well have some fun right?" he replied and gave her a cheesier-cat like grin.
Five minutes later had the dark-haired pair cruising the London's street in a silver Jaguar F-Type. Tomoyo had always loved cars and she was not going to let pass the opportunity of driving such a gorgeous car. The soft top was down and so the autumn breeze played with her hair and the cat's fur making them feel relaxed.
"Hello Annette! How was your day?" asked Tomoyo happily smiling brightly at the little girl.
"Hi Tomoyo! It was fine I guess," answered the clear-blue eyed girl with a tint of sadness in her soft voice. "Where's Nakuru?" trying to change the topic.
Tomoyo's cheerful expression changed into a small concerned frown at the girl's reaction, a frown that Spinel caught. "Nakuru went out on a date," she said facing the girl seated at her right with her backpack placed neatly in her lap and Spinel perched on top.
"Oh really? Poor, poor boy," said Annette giggling but the sound was devoid of mirth.
"What's wrong young Mistress?" Inquired the false form of the Sun Guardian looking towards her.
"What are you talking about? I'm fine, perhaps a little bit tired, that's all," replied the girl not looking at him.
Tomoyo recognized the look in the girl's face and her heart sank deep in her stomach, but managed to smile. "Are you sure Annette?"
"Yes, don't worry," said Annette trying to put on a fake smile hopping she had sounded convincing enough.
Tomoyo didn't buy it and neither did Spinel but they both agreed not push her. So the elder girl changed gears and speeded off leaving the school behind until it could no longer be seen. They talked about less important things and eventually sang along with the radio. It took a while to reach home because there was a lot of traffic.
Annette excused herself right after lunch and went upstairs mumbling something about lots of homework to do while Tomoyo and Spinel observed the form of the young lady disappear behind the door that leads to one of the many halls in the house. They stared at the now closed door for some minutes and Tomoyo broke the silence.
"I think something bad happened to her at school today, I'm quite worried about her," said Tomoyo gathering the plates.
"The young Mistress had been so happy the past days and now, suddenly, she gets depressed again. Eriol won't like this at all," said the cat-like creature placing one paw in his tiny chin.
"I'm going to talk to her," informed the only woman in the almost empty kitchen placing the dishes inside the dishwasher.
"That would be good. I wish you luck, sometimes she tends to bottle up everything inside of her," said Spinel giving her a encouraging smile.
"Thanks, I'll keep you informed," assured the girl before exiting the kitchen.
When she was in front of the girl's room, she breathed deeply and proceeded to knock the beautifully sculptured wooden door. A muffled "come in" was heard and Tomoyo entered the dark room finding a small figure in a ball position resting in the king sized bed. Annette's arms were hugging her legs near her chest and her chin was resting above her knees.
"You didn't buy it, did you?" said rather than asked Annette.
Tomoyo kneeled down in front of her bed so her face was in the same level as the girl's. "No I didn't. Want to talk about it?" she said, caressing Annette's right cheek lovingly with her slender hand.
Annette kept silent, enjoining the caress she was given and then finally spoke. "Is just that today Miss. Cherry, our main teacher, informed us that we are going to have a special day with our mothers this Friday with lots of activities that involves them," she explained while sitting up in the mattress. "They said that it's for our well being to spend time with our mothers since plenty of them either are workaholic or social-butterflies. It's like a Mother and Daughter's day."
Tomoyo seated herself by Annette's side and allowed the girl to rest her head in her lap, playing with the midnight-blue soft curls. "I understand what you're going through, you can cry if you want, just don't let the sorrow bottle up inside of you. That won't make it go away, it only will make it worse," her hand still caressing Annette's hair.
The motherless child wept with pent-up sorrow quietly until she had no more salty tears to spend. Tomoyo remained by her side, comforting the girl in her arms the best way she could, understanding her pain. When she was little, Tomoyo remembered the days that her school organized similar things and her mother often told her "sorry I can make it, maybe another time." Those words always shattered the little girl's heart until she grew up and learned to deal with it. But it wasn't that bad, there was a day when her mother made her happy, the day of the Tomoeda Elementary School Spring Festival.
However, this case was different and the main reason was that, no matter what, she had the physical presence of her mother with her. The pain of the little girl who held tightly the fabric of her blue jean soaked her heart. She wanted to help her but things weren't that easy for it was the heart of a pure child that she was dealing with and Tomoyo didn't want to break it any further.
After the girl had fallen asleep, thoroughly exhausted, Tomoyo tucked her in and went downstairs. She found Spinel Sun reading in an elegant couch near the fireplace. When he sensed her, his attention was turned entirely to her. She told him everything that Annette had said to her and how the girl felt. Spinel's eyes became sad, somehow he knew that his little mistress's joy wouldn't last forever and that someday something like this would happen. No matter how badly they want to, it wasn't right to keep her away of the real world and the things that come along with it.
Tomoyo excused herself and went to her room to rest and think about the whole situation, especially about how the idea she had in mind would affect their lives.
Minutes passed by and slowly became hours. Eriol hadn't arrived home yet and neither did Nakuru. "She must be having a delightful time", thought Tomoyo with a smile getting out of bed and walking towards the bathroom. She'll cook dinner tonight and there was nobody in the house to prevent her from doing so. First, she checked on Annette only to find her deep in slumber but with a more relaxed expression on the cherubic face.
Tomoyo got some things out the fridge and started to make dinner. She decided for a light supper because she knew that in one way or another, nobody was in the mood to eat a fancy meal.
Nakuru arrived home and helped Tomoyo setting up the table while telling enthusiastically how incredibly wonderful her date was. Spinnel came in attracted by the smell of recently made food. However, the female guardian noticed the worried looks in both her companionships and decided to ask what was going on. The cat-like creature told her everything she needed to know and Ruby's expression became sad and troubled after the information had sank in her mind. They ate quietly, each one of them thinking what they could do to make things better. Nakuru placed the plates in the dishwasher and let the machine alone with its work. Spinel went to his room to finish a novel he was reading in an attempt to distract himself and Tomoyo went to the Great Salon and seated herself in front of the fireplace.
Late at night, the front door cracked open and a male figure stepped inside. The tall figure walked through the entrance hall he seemed to know so well and hung up his dark heavy coat on a nearby perch. When he passed by the door ajar of the Great Salon something got his attention: a female figure lounging in one of the plush sofas in front of the fireplace. Long dark curls cascading down the armrest, creating a striking contrast against the creamy beige surface. Her peaceful slumbering face was adorned by twin sets of perfectly shaped dark eyebrows, long, thick, curled eyelashes, full rosy lips and a cute, slender nose. Her arms were resting on her lap and chest, rising and downing with each breath she took. It was an absolutely breathtaking sight to behold. It was as if an angel had fallen asleep on his couch.
The man gazed at the ethereal figure in front of him with intense eyes for a while. He was coming closer to touch her as if to make sure that she was real; but suddenly the peaceful eyelids fluttered open revealing a pair of dreamy amethyst orbs which made him take a step backwards.
"Hi there, you're finally home," she said in a sleepy voice while rubbing her eyes.
"I'm sorry, it took me longer than I expected," apologized the man smiling at her even though he didn't know why since it was his house to begin with.
"Do you want to eat something?" asked Tomoyo getting up and smoothing imaginary wrinkles on her clothes. "A cup of tea perhaps?"
"Some tea would be nice," he accepted her proposal.
They entered the kitchen and Tomoyo filled the teapot with water to then place it on the electric stove. She opened a cupboard, got two mugs and placed them on the counter. The lovely girl took two little bags of tea and placed them inside each one of the mugs. Eriol couldn't help himself but stare in amazement at the girl in front of him, moving around the kitchen she seemed to know like the back of her hand as if she had been living there all her life. She fitted the description of a lovely wife inch by inch and that thought made him blush. The girl however didn't notice it, busy as she was taking the teapot away from the stove to then turn it off. Tomoyo handed one mug to the unknown spectator of her very move after she had filled it with steaming hot water.
"There's something I need to tell you Eriol," she said softly, taking her mug.
"Is anything the matter?" asked Eriol sensing the concern in her beautiful soprano voice, moving up and down the tea bag.
Tomoyo told him everything that happened early that day. Her eyes looking straight into his, noticing how the sparks were no longer there making him look gloomy. "That's why I've been thinking that maybe," she paused unsure of what she had intended to say but she found in his eyes what was needed, "I could go with her," she finally said, hands trembling slightly against the hot cup, trying to take a sip of the warm liquid.
There was a long pregnant silence before she heard his deep and rich voice. "That would be wonderful Tomoyo," a sincere smile displayed on his face. "I've noticed how fond Annette is to you. I'm sure she'd love to have you with her that day and don't worry, she'll be fine." Warm and incredibly soft hands caressing softly her cheek making her blush. She smiled.
Early the day after, they were all seated in the kitchen table having breakfast and talking about whatever they had in mind. Annette looked better but sadness was still visible in her usual cheerful eyes.
"Are you feeling any better?" asked Tomoyo spreading butter on her toast.
"Yes, I am. Thank you for everything Tomoyo," replied the young lady smiling softly at her, taking a sip of her orange juice.
Later that day..."Can I come in?" asked Tomoyo from the hall knocking the girl's bedroom door after lunch.
"Of course!" came out a soft voice and she stepped inside the girl's huge room.
"Have you decided what you are going to do?" inquired Tomoyo having seat beside the girl.
"Not at all. You see, I'd like to go but I'm not sure if I can deal with it," explained the gray-blue eyed young lady.
"I understand," said Tomoyo and breather deeply. "I was wondering, what if I go with you?"
"Are you serious? Do you really mean it?" inquired Annette. While her expression changed suddenly into one of pure joy.
"Of course I'm serious! I wouldn't play with something like that!" Her smile grew bigger.
"Of course I'd love to go with you! You're the best Tomoyo!" beamed the little girl hugging Tomoyo tightly but let her go suddenly with a worried look in her pretty eyes.
"Don't worry about your father, I've talked to him already and he gave me his approval," explained Tomoyo smiling fondly at her.
"You did it? I can't believe it!" exclaimed Annette regaining her cheerful self.
Friday morning, Tomoyo woke up early and took a long shower. She wore a tartan-ish low-cut pleated mini skirt in red and black, a black tight tank top and black high-heeled shoes with a thin strap at her toes and ankle showing off dainty feet. She applied a fresh makeup and adorned her usual jewelry set: a set of ten thin silver bracelets in her right arm, her platinum Cartier watch in the other, a single platinum ring with a sakura blossom shaped diamond and long silver earrings. She grabbed her handbag with all her essentials and exited the beautiful bedroom.
When she entered the kitchen, she found out that everybody was already there. The fashionista greeted everyone good morning with a bright smile and felt Eriol's deep-blue eyes gazing at her which made her feel a tad-bit uncomfortable, but she managed to sit down in an empty chair and began to eat breakfast.
"Isn't she stunning Eriol?" Asked casually the female guardian with a mischievous smile.
Eriol was speechless, but regained his composure. "Yes, indeed she is." His deep voice was heard and said woman blushed prettily.
"You'll be the envy of all my friends!" squealed Annette excitedly.
"Now ladies, we must be going if you don't want to be late," was the still stricken man's advice.
Tomoyo finished quickly her meal without dropping her lady manners and joined Eriol and Annette in the entrance. The handsome man drove them to Ave Maria Elementary School and after they had said their farewells and he promised to pick them up at one sharp in the afternoon, the car disappeared down the road.
"Here we are Tomoyo!" said the little girl cheerfully.
"Your school is so nice! I remember when I first came here, I fell in love with it!" was Tomoyo's reply looking at the sight of the marvelous building in front of her. "I wanted to ask you, if you don't mind, what do they now about Mizuki-san?"
"They don't know about my mother's death. No one has asked so far anyways, though I bet they have some suspicions because I'm always with my father," answered the girl in a soft voice. "That's why I want you to be my mom... for today... it you don't mind..." pleading gray-blue eyes meeting warm and understanding amethyst ones.
Tomoyo's heart melted right at that moment, and who wouldn't with the sole power of the puppy-eyes she was giving her. "Don't worry sweetie, everything will be alright." Her hands squeezing slightly Annette's ones.
Annette showed Tomoyo around the school until the soft melody of the bell, much alike the one in Tomoeda, filled the air. The girl guided the stylish princess through many halls to her classroom, holding her hand all the time with a content smile playing on her cherry lips. They entered the spacious room filled with twenty creamy wooden desks and met a lot of girls with their mothers. Tomoyo felt Annette's hand stiffen a little so she looked down at her and smiled warmly.
The classroom became suddenly quiet and they felt how all the eyes were upon them. Some girls gasped in awe, others whispered something to one another while the older women in their middle thirties or elder forties were speechless. The woman in front of them was scandalously young to be the mother of a six year-old. They were chocked about Tomoyo's appearance as well; she was too modern and stylish for the taste of the conservative women.
"Good morning!" Greeted Tomoyo cheerfully, smiling at the rows of girls and women.
"Hello Annette! I see you finally managed to bring your mother with you," snickered a brown haired girl with an evil smirk.
"Hello Chloe," greeted back Annette, hiding her anger behind her polite smile; an art she had inherited. That girl was always annoying her and she didn't know why, but today things were going to be different. She always tried to be polite and neutral like she was taught but no more, she had had enough.
Another girl, one with short blond hair and sky blue eyes approached her and placed a hand in Annette's right shoulder. "Hi Ann! Don't worry about her, you know she's always that way." She offered her a sincere smile. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your mother?"
Annette was taken aback for a moment but then smiled at her most friendly classmate. "Hello Jeanne! Were are my manners? Mom, this is Jeanne D'blass, Jeanne this is my mother Tomoyo" she said pointing to the girl and then to a smiling Tomoyo.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Hiiragizawa," said the blond girl shaking hands with her.
"It's my pleasure, but please drop the 'Mrs.' It makes me feel awfully old!" replied Tomoyo giggling softly.
"Aright then!" said the kind girl smiling. "You have such an enchanting and beautiful mother Ann," a big smile on the girl's thin lips.
Before Annette could say anything else, Miss. Cherry, a woman in her later twenties with jet black hair and kind honey-brown eyes, entered the classroom. "Good Morning everyone! To those who don't know me, I'm Cherry Eastwing and will be spending this day with you," the woman introduced herself to her audience and motioned them to sit down with a polite smile.
The women sat down besides their daughters in their spacious desk, each bank seated comfortably two people. Annette and Tomoyo were no exception, and the elder girl followed the younger one to her seat located in the center of the big room.
"I want you to know that this is an initiative of Ave Maria Elementary School to improve the development of our children by nurturing the relationship between mother and daughter, most especially in today's world where is usual for both parents to work" explained the teacher looking at her listeners. "Today we are going to have lots of activities in concordance with that objective but first I need some volunteers." She finished her short speech and took a clipboard from her desk.
Tomoyo looked down at Annette and smiling fondly at her she raised a slender hand. The teacher acknowledged the gesture with a nod and a smile, writing down some other notes. In fact she was silently checking the attendance and nobody seemed to be missing.
"So Mrs. Hiiragizawa, are you a volunteer?" asked the woman and Tomoyo felt her face become warmer than usual at the way the teacher had addressed her, but fought the blush and succeeded. Annette however noticed it and giggled softly.
"Yes madam," replied the black-purplish haired young woman.
"Good, any others?" inquired the teacher and got three more hands up. "Ok, that's alright. Mind to come here so I can explain you what you are going to do?"
The women said as they were told and waited for Mrs. Eastwing to take some papers, pencils, markers and crayons. She explained them later what they had to do: make groups of five girls with their moms and give each team a long sheet of paper and writing utensils. They had to draw the first thing that came to their minds and then pass the marker or pencil to the person immediately next to them who had the turn to draw something that complemented the previous drawing but without talking between them under any circumstance. They had fifteen minutes to complete the activity and return the sheets to the teacher. That was a Psychological activity to know how intertwined they were to each other and the level of understanding between them. No one had a dramatic level of misunderstanding but the Hiiragizawas did great.
Then the teacher led the way towards the Home Economics classroom and ordered to put aprons over them. Each pair of relatives was going to bake something they really enjoyed and then share it with the others. Annette remembered the day she spent baking in "Fruits & Candy", a joyful smile reaching her lips at the merry memory.
"What do you want to bake dear?" asked the young woman softly. Taking off the pieces of jewelry she wore in her hands and placing them inside her small hand bag.
"A strawberry cake like the one we baked in Japan, remember?" was the girl's answer, looking for the ingredients.
"I remember! You ended up covered in flour from head to toe!" said Tomoyo giggling softly and placing a bowl in front of her with a wooden spoon.
Mothers and daughters spent two hours in the special classroom baking, laughing and sharing. Annette's cake was proclaimed the best of the day and the teacher gave her a smiling face round sticker to be put in the white shirt of her uniform. Tomoyo hugged her tightly and kissed her in the right cheek, everyone clapped.
They got a little recess and the girls sat in the grass with their backs resting against an old tree. Some other classmates of Annette came towards them and asked for their permission to stay with them. Annette wasn't very sure but the stylish lady dismissed her worries squeezing the child's hand.
"This is such a shock for us Annette, I mean, your mother is so cool!" said one of the girls with bright green eyes that reminded Tomoyo of her best friend.
She also noticed the tint of pride in Annette's gray-blue eyes and smiled inwardly. "I'm very much flattered," was her sincere reply.
"Yes, Vicky is right. You see, she looks like your elder sister or something. It must be so cool to have a mom like her, not that I'm complaining," said a light-violet long haired girl.
"I like your sense of fashion, maybe you can give us some pointers?" beamed another girl. Tomoyo couldn't help but smile at the conversation going on about her.
"What do you do?" asked a soft voice belonging to a raven girl.
"Well, basically, I'm a business manager," answered Tomoyo not wanting to get into details because that could be a problem. She wasn't intimidated about the girls' situation since they shared Annette's status but Tomoyo herself didn't like to show off her own wealth or make a big deal about it. She always has been a very humble person.
"How did your parents meet?" A question that was suddenly asked by a high-pitched voice. Tomoyo's train of thought was interrupted and she noticed how Annette became paler than usual. The inquiring girl that held that evil smirk had popped out of nowhere and was enjoining every moment of the tension she had created within the group.
Everything happened so soon and before the recently arrived girl could say something else, Tomoyo spoke softly, hiding her sudden anger behind a polite mask. That girl wanted to hurt Annette but that won't happen as long as she is with her. "Chloe is your name, am I right?" asked Tomoyo casually gesturing the girl to have seat among the other school girls.
"Yes, you are," replied the girl remaining on her feet.
Annette's expression lightened up and Tomoyo smiled at her. "It might sound corny, but that story has some likeness to a fairy tale. Do you want to hear it?" smiling warmly at the other girls.
"That would be wonderful!" said a green-eyed girl taking a more comfortable position.
"Well, Annette's father and I meet when we were little kids. He went to Japan as an exchange student from England for a year and he took the same courses that I attended. The only desk that was not occupied was behind me and we became very good friends," began to elaborate the elder girl.
"What happened next?" wanted to know a light-brown haired girl.
"Since we were best friends, he helped me with my problems and so I did with his. We became so close that I know him like the back of my hand," she said and made a gesture with her own hands. "But then, the academic year ended and he came back to London. Nevertheless we promised each other to keep in touch and so we did." The girl made a pause to see the fascinated faces of her public. "But one day, the letters stopped coming and I felt so sad," she said with misty eyes like if she was living her memories. "The first day of my senior year as a high school student the teacher announced that we had a foreign student and I had the surprise of my life when I saw him entering the classroom." Even Annette's eyes were going all starry with her story. "We had a great time together and in our prom he declared and proposed." A dramatic pause and a big smile on her lips. "Of course I said yes and here we are!" She finished snapping the girls out of their magical trance.
"What a love story!" exclaimed one of the listeners smiling widely, who happened to be the mother of one of their junior audience.
Somehow at one point of the story, the parents decided to look for their children since they weren't with them. And then they found all the girls seated or standing under a tree listening something that seemed very attractive, so they decided to go there and got caught by Tomoyo's tale. The bell rang and the crowd excused themselves and began to walk towards the classroom where the teacher was waiting for them.
"Thank you so much Tomoyo! I really appreciate what you did for me," said the only girl that remained seated at the lady's side under the leafy tree.
"No problem, anytime you want!" she accepted her gratitude. "I would like to ask you something, what has Chloe against you?" concern displayed in her pretty amethyst eyes.
"I don't know. I've been nice to her since the beginning, I've never done anything mean to her," explained the dark-blue haired girl. "I think she hates me," she concluded sadly.
"Don't worry honey, you'll see that..." taking her face in her caressing hands.
"Everything will be alright" Annette finished the previous phrase with knowing eyes and a beautiful smile.
They entered the classroom and sat in Annette's desk waiting for further instructions. It was eleven thirty so Tomoyo thought that would be the last activity.
"Ok ladies, this would be our last activity, hope you had a great time so far," said the kind voice of Mrs. Eastwing. "Now we are going to have a Talent Show, so I'll give you thirty minutes to get ready. For that matter we are going to go to the theater," she informed but before she could stand up from her chair she said, "all the school will be watching you so be ready!"
They all followed the elder woman and entered a huge room with comfortable chairs that could easily contain eight-hundred people in there.
"What are we going to do mom?" asked Annette facing the lady seated beside her.
"I don't know. What would you like to do? Dance? Sing? Act?" Tomoyo gave her some possibilities.
Annette kept silent for a moment deep in thought. "I think a duet would be superb!" she proposed finally.
"A duet?" asked Tomoyo surprised.
"Yes a duet," she said and then whispered something into Tomoyo's ear so no one else could hear.
"Ok, that's great!" the elder girl gave in.
The half hour they were given went by quickly and the ladies were told to go backstage. The headmaster was the host of the event and greeted the students from other levels that were there to watch the Talent Show. One by one the pairs of parents and children were announced and made their appearance in the wooden platform that was high enough for everyone to see.
They performed all kind of things. The children would sign accompanied by their mothers with an instrument they knew how to play, or even danced. Some played short roles or recited poetry. One performed an act in which the girl was a kind of puppet and her mother was the puppet master.
Finally it was the Hiiragizawas' turn. Annette took a violin that was placed neatly on a chair while Tomoyo took seat in the grand-piano bench and opened the protective lid. The elder lady made some warming-up exercises with her hands and placed them on the keys. Annette was arranging the musical instrument against her left shoulder, holding it tightly with her chin. When she was done, she gave a signal to the young woman in the piano.
Soft and melodious notes got together to create a beautiful song. Beethoven's Sonata Nº 4, Op. 23 first movement Presto filled the room for 5' 23" with its magical and elegant sound. Both girls were so immersed in the tune they were playing that didn't notice the stunned looks of their rather big public. Loud clapping was heard when the song faded away. Tomoyo closed the lid of the piano and walked towards Annette who was placing the violin back to its place. The hand of the black-purplish haired woman held Annette's left small one and they bowed politely to their standing audience.
The day was over and after Annette said her good-byes to her classmates, they walked towards the front gates of Ave Maria Private High School. Many children from other courses were running around to their parent's protective and affectionate arms which made quite difficult to walk.
Eriol was already there waiting for them to show up at anytime. He saw two figures coming closer. A tall, slender lady hand in hand with a girl, talking and giggling to each other. He recognized them and a smile appeared on his handsome face. They looked absolutely lovely together.
"Daddy!" cried out Annette when she saw her father standing against his black Mercedes-Benz.
The smiling girl ran towards the wide open arms of her loving father and hugged him tightly. Tomoyo observed everything with a warm smile in her soft pink lips. She approached them and placed a slender hand up above Annette's head, caressing her hair affectionately.
"Hello Eriol, how have you been?" she greeted adoringly for there were some of the girl's classmates still lurking around.
"I've been great. How about you?" he asked politely.
"We had a wonderful time together, didn't we dearest?" she replied smiling down at the girl.
"Yes daddy! We have lots of things to tell you!" said Annette cheerfully.
"I'm glad, I must admit that I was quite worried about you two," deep sapphire eyes meeting soft amethyst.
"You needn't to," a comforting smile on her lips.
"Now I know," he said returning her smile. "Let's go home, I'm quite hungry you know?" placing a warm arm around Tomoyo's shoulder, embracing his daughter with the other.
Tomoyo didn't protest or made a move. She kept on that way enjoining his affectionate and protective hug, feeling a warm sensation within her..