A Child's Visit.
VII – Thinking About Her… Living Without Her.
At the Metropolitan Hotel in London, a young woman entered her giant suite placing a key card and leather gloves on a mahogany console that was located beside the double white wooden door. An elegant raincoat rests in the hanger along with a scarf while the dark-haired lady continued her way through the fancy sitting room decorated in impeccable pearl-white and beige tones, towards the dormitory.
Tomoyo threw herself in the soft but firm mattress, her head resting on a creamy beige pillow while a thin pale hand covered her closed eyes. She wanted to get some decent rest before going to the Hospital again. She had arranged with the British young man to come and pick her up at one o'clock in the afternoon.
A man went to the bathroom and half an our later he came out fully dressed with tight black leather pants, a beige turtle-neck long-sleeved sweater revealing his wonderfully-toned upper body and a pair of black boots. His black-bluish hair was arranged fashionably with gel which gave a natural moist look. He looked absolutely gorgeous and he knew that, smiling at his reflection in the mirror… a mischievous smile.
It was true that the youth reincarnation of Reed Clow always wanted to be in the latest fashion. All the female population in London could tell that certainly and there was not a piece of fabric that makes him look bad. Quite the contrary, it seemed that all kind of men's clothes were made for him, he looked incredibly handsome whatever he wore.
Eriol entered the kitchen and began to make some warm tea for himself. The teapot started to sound and he took it away from the stove, filling a cobalt-blue mug with its liquid and placing a tea bag inside it. He placed the cup in the kitchen counter and began to read the newspaper, glancing at his platinum wristwatch from time to time, waiting patiently the exact moment to pick up his lovely friend.
Tomoyo was in the bathroom giving the last touches to her makeup and hair. White and warm fabric hugged her tightly from the shoulders to her middle tights, showing her graceful but strong curves and her wonderful slender, unblemished legs. The wavy hair was casually tied in a loose braid with silky locks of hair framing the beautiful face. A beret was carefully placed atop her head while hands were covered with leather gloves. She placed over herself the same raincoat and leather high heeled boots she had used the day before.
The ringing of a phone almost made her jump out of her own skin, so submerged as she was in what she was doing. Sighing in relief, she placed down her brush and went to get the call.
"Hello? Daidouji Tomoyo speaking," she greeted politely having seat at the edge of bed.
"Hello milady… It's a pleasure to inform you that your carriage is waiting for you," said a rich voice through the device.
Tomoyo could do nothing but smile at his words. "Thanks milord, I'll be right there," and seconds later the phone was back on its base.
Eriol was seated comfortably in one of the many contemporary-style chairs there were in the sitting room which looked like a huge lounge. He was so absorbed staring at nothing in particular that didn't notice the looks the women were giving him, how they walked deliberately in front of him and signaled him while talking, giggling and blushing. He wasn't even aware of the firm but graceful footsteps that were coming towards him, until a hand was placed on his right shoulder, pressing it softly as if to get noticed.
Tomoyo had seen him moments after the golden doors of the elevator opened, letting her step outside. A smile had appeared in her cherry-pink colored lips. She walked to the young man seated some meters away in the big room, apparently unaware of what was going on in his surroundings, perhaps deep in thought. Now was the men's turn to stare at her breathtaking presence, giving her looks full of lust, but she didn't seemed to care. Tomoyo was somehow quite used to it, though it was still uncomfortable.
"Eriol-kun?" she said softly to not scare the stunning man.
He blinked, returning his attention to the outside world, being greeted by such beauty. "Is that you Tomoyo-san?" a doubtful voice answered.
"Hai, who else?" she said playfully, scrutinizing his face which momentarily took her breath away. He looked like a Greek mythology God in modern times and that made her blush a cute shade of pink that didn't go unnoticed by his azure eyes.
"Did you had lunch?" his lips drawing a smirk.
"No, not really," was Tomoyo's absent-minded answer. "And you?" smiling adorably at him.
"Neither did I, why don't we eat here before going to the Hospital?" he suggested, standing up.
"It seems good to me," she said politely. Eriol offered his arm and she took it, feeling a little bit nervous by his closeness but masked it the best she could.
The couple walked hand in hand through the corridors of the luxurious Hotel and entered one of the three restaurants there were. A man dressed in a formal uniform showed them to a table by the window side, in the no smoking area. He helped the lady with her chair and offered them the wine chart. After they had told him their preferences, which happened to be the same, he excused himself and went to get what they had ordered.
"Did you sleep well Eriol-kun?" concern in the female voice. "You seem… somewhat distracted" she said taking off her leather gloves to then place them inside her purse.
"Oh no, I had such a pleasant rest Tomoyo-san…" looking at her pure amethyst eyes with his well-known smile. "I was just thinking…" he took his eyes off her, taking a glance through the transparent surface of the window.
Tomoyo took a look at the window too, expecting to see something interesting to only find busy people passing by the other side of the street, with their arms full of bags. The girl knew about the weird behavior of her friend, and that equally concerned and made her curious. It was such and odd thing to see the almighty sorcerer like that, although it wasn't that evident to other people, to Tomoyo, the observant one it was quite noticeable. "What are you thinking about, Eriol-kun?" she asked carefully, not wanting to break the balance in their conversation.
He was taken aback by her question but somehow he knew it was just a matter of time for her to ask. A waiter approached them and placed down two crystal glasses filled with a dark red liquid in the exquisite set-up table. He also gave them the menus and waited there to take their orders. The oriental young woman read the entire English menu carefully and decided to have of the meat selection. Eriol did likewise and the young man took both menus along with their orders and walked away.
The handsome British man took his glass of expensive wine elegantly in his right hand, moving it in circles, making the liquid shine in the light of the electric chandeliers. He sipped the red wine which had an unique and exquisite combination of flavors that moisturized his suddenly dry throat. "It's just that the past events made me think… about Kaho" he finally said.
Tomoyo watched him all the time and began to lose the hopes of getting an answer as the minutes ticked away. His answer surprised her, but she remained calm, afraid of doing something that suddenly makes him close the doors of his shield again. She understood him; after all they were very much alike. "If you want to talk I'm here to listen," comforting hands against strong but strangely vulnerable male ones.
Eriol looked at her eyes, loosing himself in her bottomless pools of kindness and warmness. He didn't know why he was feeling that way, but something in her eyes told him that talking about it would make it easier to understand, and most important, he knew by the look of those absorbing eyes that his secret will always be safe with her. He took another sip of the dark red liquid and smiled, his left hand still being held by hers. "I was remembering the days when Kaho and I were together, when Annette was born and she died…" his melancholic voice sinking deep in Tomoyo's heart.
The woman seated across from him drank a little from her untouched crystal glass. She opened her mind and heart to listen to whatever his story would be. Nevertheless she was sure of something; it would be painful for both of them since she also knew the feeling of loosing somebody you love. Tomoyo kept silent while squeezing his hand tenderly, giving him strength to continue.
"Four years after returning to London when my mission as Clow's reincarnation was fulfilled, I asked Kaho to be my girlfriend. I was fifteen years old by then and hoped to be physically old enough to be her suitor. It's right that being a reincarnation I had the maturity of an adult but also had the appearance of a young boy," he drank from the glass still in his right hand, seeking for comprehension in her eyes. Tomoyo could do nothing but smile at his old classmate who was showing his open heart for her to see.
She wondered that their relationship was kind of troubled, because of their age differences and especially because of society. Tomoyo thought that maybe it was a clandestine relationship, and that was hard and sad to hide your most treasured feelings when what you really want is to scream with joy and happiness.
"She accepted when I asked her to be my girlfriend and we began to live together a year after," her train of thoughts was broken by his speech. He gave her a glance, looking for any sign of horror or disgust, finding only a pair of beautiful eyes that looked at him with motherly comfort. "It was a beautiful chapter in my life, I loved the sensation of someone waiting for me at home, besides Ruby and Spinel of course."
The waiter came again carrying expertly a silver tray with one hand. He placed down the plates and wishing them bon appetite, he disappeared as quickly as he came. Tomoyo minced the meat with her fork and knife, putting a bit of the juicy food in her mouth, chewing on it in a display of perfect table manners.
"We had such beautiful days… I remember clearly our first night together," he said with a mischievous smile and Tomoyo blushed slightly under the privacy that offered her silky hair falling down her face. Eriol decided to follow his partner and got a piece of his meat, making a pause as if to get the 'audience' more interested. "Six months after she gave me the most wonderful news I had ever heard… she was pregnant," the lady elegantly seated in front of him smiled softly at the glow of pure joy that the young man held in his azure eyes while talking about that special memory. She let go his hand to drink from her glass of water and Eriol noticed how cold his hand was now, without hers covering it. Tomoyo decided not to talk, afraid of breaking the magic of the moment. It wasn't all days when Clow's reincarnation talks about his precious memories offering you his open heart.
"For a person who doesn't like going shopping a lot, it was enjoyable those entire days spent in malls shopping for everything a baby would need. The toys section soon was my favorite and Kaho joked about it," he said loosing himself in a pair of amethyst eyes. "With a little bit of magic we decorated our baby's room, Nakuru and Spinel helped and gave their personal touches to it. I wanted our child to be dearly loved, surrounded by friendly people everywhere and to have a real family…" sadness could be sensed in his voice, which turned into a whisper at the last sentence. "Not like me, who has no parents given that I'm a reincarnation. The only parents I knew where Ruby and Spinel which I created out of nothing, but they treated me like my elder siblings, nevertheless I have never complained about it and won't do it now." At his words, Tomoyo placed again her comforting hand on top of his. "Nine months went by quickly and in a stormy midnight of Sep, 2 she gave birth to Annette. The pregnancy was normal and she was healthy but after the birth the doctor told me that Kaho had an aneurism and nobody knew about it… she only had some hours left, or luckily, days"
Tomoyo's throat was suddenly dry, the calmness in her eyes turned into watery waves and a crystal tear rolled down her ivory cheek. It was so sad. She wondered what had happened to her former teacher and somewhat came to a conclusion that wasn't that far from reality. But hearing the reality from her friend's lips was something completely different. She felt his sadness, loneliness and frustration all together in the way his rich voice was quieter and quieter until it broke into soft sobs.
"So my dreams weren't meant to be after all, Kaho met her daughter and gave her a name. That's the only thing besides part of her own existence that Annette has from her mother. My dear child got to know her mother by mere photos and tales I've told her when she was younger. Destiny wanted my child to be motherless, but I tried my best to provide her every single thing she needs, ignoring my own… but I think I can't take it any longer," he said ashamed of the implicit meaning of his words.
Tomoyo took a sip from her water. "I'm very sorry Eriol-kun… Fate has been harsh on you but looking into the bright side, you have a wonderful child to live for, she's Mizuki-sensei's legacy, born from the true love you both shared and treasured. I must said I'm very proud of you since it's quite difficult for a man to rise a child alone. Men's unique nature gives them whole different needs and perceptions. However you're not a normal person and you had the help of your dear guardians. But there's something you must not forget and that is to live… Live as a man, not only a father. Very much alike to women who have their different roles such as daughters, friends, mothers, lovers and professionals for those who work; men do have their roles too and as long as your roles are equally played, you'll be happy and living a healthy life." Tomoyo said calmly to her dear friend, while her inner self was arguing with her. "Who are you to tell such thing, look at yourself! A lonely person who seeks shelter in work under the pretext of improving what is already perfect. Slowly you're becoming your mother with the slight difference that you have not a child to leave alone at home." Those were the furious words her mind shouted back at her, but she dismissed her thoughts quickly taking another sip of the cold and transparent liquid.
Eriol looked at her with the interest of a child listening to its mother's advice, taking each word and sentence her mouth said to heart. He had devoted himself to Annette and has no regrets, but despite all the love he got from her, he couldn't help himself but fell empty in one of the many rooms that his heart held and his nature had. The words of the raven woman sank in his mind giving him the permission he hadn't asked but longed.
"Thank you Tomoyo-san…" Tomoyo heard Eriol's voice once again. "What for, Eriol-kun?" she said rising elegantly an eyebrow, smiling gracefully. "For listening, you are the first person to who I open up my heart, and I must say that I feel better now," was his answer, smiling sweetly at her, taking her slender hand in his. "What are friends for?" she managed herself to say, noticing how nervous he made her. "Now let's eat, I believe poor little Ann is be very anxious to see you again." Tomoyo drew back her hand almost reluctantly, trying to hold his gaze and a cute shade of pink covered her pale cheeks.
The British young man let her go, not wanting it at all. He found that her hand felt incredibly good within his grasp. Both of them took their knives and forks and resumed eating the delicious food that was starting to cool down, but they didn't seem to care since their minds were busy thinking about something else. Half an hour later they had finished their meal, including dessert. Eriol took one of his many gold credit cards and handed it to the waiter. After the paying process was done, they exited the Hotel and drove away to the hospital where a hyper girl waited not so patiently for them.
"Mou Nakuru! When are daddy and Tomoyo coming?" asked the girl looking to the park outside trough the big window "I miss them already!" cute gray-blue eyes turned to face the guardian.
"They must be on their way here, just be patient and wait a little longer" said Nakuru placing a hand on top of the girl's head, playing with her soft curls.
"Maybe you're right, I'll wait, there's nothing else I can do anyway…" replied Annette sitting in her bed with her arms crossed in her lap.
"What about if we watch some TV?" said the chestnut haired woman pressing the 'on' button in the remote control.
"That's a good idea!" and the girl arranged herself comfortably in the now comfy bed to face the electronic device.
They changed channels almost each five minutes, seeking for something that really captured their attention, until they got in Cartoon Network and decided to watch The Powerpuff Girls much to Nakuru's delight, all must be said.
In the busy streets of London, a luxurious sports automobile made its way smoothly between the many cars that crowded the small road. "Can we stop by in a store for a second Eriol-kun?" asked Tomoyo casually, turning her attention from the window to the driver. "Of course milady, but what for if may I ask?" replied the gorgeous man playfully. "You'll see milord, I want to buy a present for a young lady." She smiled sweetly at him, her eyes twinkling brightly. "Which kind of store do you prefer?" he said returning his attention to the road in front of them. "Oh! I haven't thought of that… Since I'm still not familiarized with the city I give you an opportunity to surprise me," pale hand placing back a lock of dark hair to where it belongs.
Minutes later after some turns, traffic lights and a car crash; a silver-plated Jaguar entered the parking lot of a very famous shopping mall. He opened the door for Tomoyo and helped her out. Very gentleman like he offered his arm to her and she took it gladly, surprising a blush at his nearness. The 'couple' walked trough the many halls and looked all the showcases that held the most captivating things the store had to offer, but none of those seemed to get the girl's attention.
"What are you exactly looking for Tomoyo-san?" He said looking with amusement the young woman's face. She had that look of a girl who gets more and more impatient when not finding the thing she searches for. "I don't know… I'll know when I see it," was her absent-minded reply ignoring the puzzled expression on Eriol's face and the looks of admiration and envy some people were giving them. Both of them kept on walking until the man was practically dragged with such strength that almost made him fall down. He raised his head to meet the delightful look his girl friend had all over her heavenly face. The youth were in front of a cute store named "Imaginarium" that had all kind of stuffed toys, teddy bears, dolls, small tea-sets, puppets and pretty things for babies and children. The place was colorful and gave a sensation of happiness and freedom that kids possess. The glass doors opened automatically for them, Tomoyo released herself from Eriol's firm hold and stepped inside the store, looking everywhere with childish delight. The British could do nothing but follow her smiling sweetly instead of displaying his usual smirk. He was so amazed at how the girl's mood could change so suddenly, from a quiet refined lady to an excited little girl, all within seconds. But he had to admit that he loved the new face Tomoyo showed him, her happiness and joyfulness were so captivating and infectious that Clow Reed's reincarnation himself felt like a content child.
Tomoyo looked everywhere not wanting to miss any detail, she wanted to buy the whole store and though she could, she decided not to do so. After half an hour she had picked a cute medium sized stuffed cow that sings and moves its horns when you press its paw. Eriol headed her to the cashier and she paid for it, asking the saleslady to wrap it as a gift and to tie some floating balloons in the bag. The raven woman requested her companion for a pen to write down a line and attached it to one of the merry balloons.
In the Hospital, Annette had fallen asleep tired of too much television although Nakuru was enjoining Cartoon Network's shows very much. Some steps where heard from the outside and two voices from different genres were speaking softly and the female like one was giggling contently. The white door was opened and two well known figures entered the room with the man closing the white door behind them. The Moon Guardian turned around to greet him when she felt his presence but no words came out her mouth. It was natural to see her master well dressed since he liked to be in the latest fashion and always impeccable, but she knew that today he had been more 'conscious' about what he had chosen from his wardrobe. The woman couldn't help herself but stare with eyes as big as saucers at her master and then her open jaw was replaced by a smirk.
"You are finally here! Poor chibi-Ann waited for you for hours and finally had fallen asleep…" greeted the chest-nut woman looking from the girl to her master. "Why are you dressed like that?" she couldn't help herself but ask.
"Is there something wrong with my outfit?" looking down at his clothes seeking for something out of place with a worried look.
"No, there's nothing wrong, you look extremely handsome… You'll get the eyes of all the female population here in London," giving him an evil smile. "But you only want a certain pair of eyes… Am I right?"
He blushed a little wondering how Nakuru had found out his most secret intentions. "I won't answer that," he replied. Tomoyo just looked at him with a questioning look and an amused smile at her friend's awkwardness. The raven girl left the man's side and placing the gift in the bedside table she took seat on the edge of bed. Annette moved a little and her pretty eyes fluttered open, a big smile reaching her lips instantly.
"Tomoyo!" she flung herself into her arms and hugged her tightly, her tiny chin resting on Tomoyo's shoulder. "Daddy!" Cheerful voice and small hands gesturing him to come closer and hug her, but since she was still in the woman's embrace he hugged both girls.
"Kawaii! You certainly look perfect together… It's a perfect family portrait!" squealed the pink-reddish eyed woman, clasping her hands together in admiration.
Eriol let them go and Tomoyo took the package that rested neatly in the table. "Look what I got for you my dear," handing the present to the excited girl. "Thank you so much, you really needn't to!" was the girl's reply, opening the bag with slightly trembling hands. "It's alright." The elder girl smiled fondly at the delightful glow that covered the gray-blue childish eyes.
"A cow! And what a cute little cow!" she then noticed the 'Press' sign in one of the stuffed toy paws, Annette did as told and the toy came to life singing merrily 'Old McDonald Had a Farm…' moving its black horns while it sang. Happy laugh filled the room and some claps were heard.
"How cute!" said Nakuru, who had approached the bed to get a better sight of the present. "Do you have a name for it, chibi-Ann?"
"I guess I'll name her Milk-chan, what do you think?" she asked looking at her father.
"It seems a perfect name to me sweetheart," said Eriol placing a lovingly hand on top of his daughter's head.
They spent the rest of the afternoon like a family, and Annette was no longer bored. They played all kind of games Eriol made appear out of the blue while joking and laughing. For the little girl it was like a dream come true, a family. The other four days went by the same way until the doctors let her go home with her 'parents'. Eriol had planned a surprise party to welcome her back and he was compensated with the child's happiness.
Later that night, when everybody were safe on their comfy beds, a male figure was seated in the so called Throne of Evil with a glass of expensive red wine in his right hand, looking absent-mindedly to the forms and patterns that the flames created in the fireplace. He had taken off his glasses and that made him look younger and more handsome if possible. Deep in thought, the man's eyes held a strange glow, like a fusion between fierce, determination and knowledge; as if he was now completely aware of something that was carefully hidden deep inside of him.
"This can't be true; I didn't feel so lonely before… I always felt complete and satisfied after she died. I thought that the love provided by our dear daughter was all I needed to feel complete… But then she came along, and entered my life without me really wanting it, and her kindness and grace awakened me of that state of slumber in which I had fallen into when you died. She makes me feel something so warm and pure that blinds me and it's hard to keep myself under control when all I want is to hold her tightly and kiss her breathless. All of this just when I thought that I was fine alone and that I didn't need the feeling of someone close to me anymore… I was so damn wrong, I must admit… Could you ever forgive me… Kaho?"
The glowing figure of a woman dressed in pure white appeared in front of the man. Her honey colored hair floating in the soft breeze that blew the silky curtains. She was almost translucent but her beauty was increased by her angelic-like appearance. She held the handsome man's face with her hands and caressed his cheeks lovingly.
"My dear Eriol, how have you been?" her lips turned into a soft smile. "I'm so glad that our little princess is healthy now, I was so worried but decided not to come since I noticed that someone had been taking good care of her."
"Is this really you, Kaho?" he asked with incredulity, pretty weird in a magician.
"Of course it's me silly! Were you expecting another ghost?" And she laughed merrily. "But getting to the point because I was just allowed to come down for some minutes… I'm really concerned about you Eriol… What's happening?" Kaho asked with comforting eyes.
"This is pure nonsense, I vowed to be faithful to your memory," he said looking down to the floor.
"Look dearest; what's the reason in closing your heart and not to love again? We had our moment and we were very happy, but now that I'm not with you, you have to keep on with your life… Destiny wanted it to be this way and there's nothing we can do to change that. I beg you to not give away the opportunity to love and to be loved back, because love is the most important thing in the world," she said calmly, rising his chin to make him look at her.
"I'm not sure… What about Annette?" he asked.
"Our daughter will be fine, I'm sure Daidouji-san will be a perfect mother for her, you should know by now," Kaho replied smiling at him. "Please don't let her walk out of your life… I wish you all the blessings God has to offer, I know you'll be really happy!… Now I got to go, hope not to talk to you again because that means that you are in trouble and I don't want that…"
"Why? So soon?" he asked hurriedly trying to hold her but his hand went trough her like air.
"My time is over… I have to go back, good luck." Kissing his lips she disappeared surrounded by a column of light that emanated a sensation of peacefulness and comfort.
The spirit of Kaho was now gone, leaving Eriol alone with his thoughts and a smirk reached his lips.
He had made up his mind.