Rules of Popularity ...be careful who you fall in love with.

Chapter 7: Love Blinds The Best Of Us

Sorry for the late update! I have SOOOO much homework these days! I promise one more before January 6th—and to make things right, this update is a long one!

"D-Dad? What are you doing back home?," Sakura asked, startled, as she finished walking down the stairs. "Weren't you in Egypt for another month?"

Fujatia Kinomoto smiled. "I was, but I'm back in Tomodea for four days because this dig is really going to take us another month. And if I don't make it home for Christmas..."

Sakura waved her hand. "It's only the end of December. You'll be back by mid-December. Plenty of time before Christmas. Besides, if you didn't come back now, you might get back earlier."

Fujata loosened his tie and walked into his living room, Sakura trailing behind. "Yes, but then we have to get Egypt's approval to carry the artifacts of out country after the one week showing and lecture and travel across Western Europe for another lecture. If we finish early, we might make a two day stop in Canada and the States, give a lecture in Tokyo and finally return to Egypt and make sure the artifacts are safely stored. If not, we'll do that after Christmas. But they're really pushing for before...that might take a while sweetie."

Sakura shrugged. "It's alright. Work is...work."

Mr. Kinomoto smiled. "I knew you'd understand."

Sakura gave her father a half-smile as she sat down in a chair opposite him. "I always do." She looked around her living room; 72'' flat screen TV and expensive sound system catching her eye. Yes, she always understood.

Her Dad came back from the kitchen with coffee. "I saw your report card the other day. Good job."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Report Card? They don't come out till January, after exams."

"Yes, yes—of course. No, it was your grade 9 one."

Sakura's jaw dropped. Her freshman report card? She was a junior! "Grade 9?"

Fujata smiled. "I know it was from last year...but I've been away since March, so I had them mail me it. Just told that office I wanted Sakura Kinomoto's grade 9 report card mailed out to me. I had to specify because last year they mailed me grade one to eight. It was a bit late, considering I saw it last week, but Egypt isn't exactly a first world country." He paused for a sip of his coffee. "How's grade 10 going? I always thought that was a hard grade."

Sakura swallowed, shock still evident on her face. "I'm—uh—it's—um, well, actually—"

The sound of a pager interrupted her. Her Dad whipped out a cell phone, called the number, exchanged a few words, then hung up. "Looks like I'm off to the site again tonight. Might not take a month after all, now."

He went upstairs, threw a suitcase together, then came back down, pausing at the door. "Well, good luck in school then. Tell Touya I said hi."

And with that Mr. Kinomoto walked out of Sakura's life, again; this time within twenty minutes of walking back in.

"Hey, Sakura, come on—hurry up. We need to get the blackmail for Mizuki—before most of the teachers arrive."

Sakura popped out of her daydream. Looking up at Alex. "Huh? Oh, yeah, of course—for sure. Stand watch for me until Sara—where is Sara? Sara?," she called to the girl in the corner, fixing her blush. She looked up at her leader.

"Yes?"

"Sara, It's 7:00—you need to be in position in thirty minutes. You both do. Remember, I want this to be dramatic. Now, I can get out of the records office in fifteen; but I'll have to around out the back of the school. So I'll make it just in time. Don't worry if I'm not there early. Alright?"

Alex nodded as Sakura paused at the door. "Where's Lyndze?"

Alex and Sara shrugged. "Probably doing homework. God, I explain to her everyday that if she would just bribe some loser, she wouldn't have any!"

Sakura turned her back so Alex wouldn't see her narrowed eyes. "Yeah. Probably." Something was up with Lyndze, and she didn't like it. And she would fix it tomorrow, at her party.

But for now, she had to concentrate on the currant plan.

And, with that, she slipped unnoticed into the record office.

"Miss Johnson, I'm afraid this isn't going to work..."

Lyndze dragged an arm across her forehead. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break those dishes, really, I—"

Mr. Copperfield, Lyndze's employer, stood shaking his head. "You're a good kid Lyndze. I know you didn't mean to break those dishes, really, I do—but look at you! You've been here since 5:30 this morning! This can't be good for school. On top of that, during after school shifts, you're even more tired than you are in the morning! I've seen your report card—why, you don't even need a full time job your marks are so high! You'll most likely get a scholarship!"

"Thank you, but...I still really need the money."

Mr. Cooperfield narrowed his dark brown eyes. "Is to support some sort of addiction?"

Lyndze whipped her head up. "No!"

Her employer let a relieved half smile take over his face. "Look, Lyndze, I'm not going to fire you—you really put in maximum effort. But I am going to lessen your hours. You work to hard."

Lyndze nodded. It was better than nothing right? She began to walk back towards the kitchen.

"Just answer me one question."

Lyndze paused and turned around.

"Why do you need this money?"

Lyndze looked down, looking at her chipped French manicure. She hated French manicures now. A symbol of all that she let herself fall victim too. "Because I have no courage." She squeezed her eyes shut. Meiling didn't deserve what was about to happen to her.

"Everyone knows its better to be in than out. I'm no exception."

Sakura tip toed through the records, stopping at a drawer marked ''M''. As quietly as possible, she sifted through the files until she stopped on one marked Mitzuki. She muttered to herself as she flipped though the contracts her English teacher signed, passed the teaching license, and on to the history part.

"Graduated from Tokyo University...majored in high school English...taught in many high schools across Japan...quit a job from Preston Academy?" Sakura felt a smile grow on her cheeks. Preston Academy was only the most elite school in all of Japan. Nobody quits Preston—unless they're about to be fired.

All she needed was a little help from Alex's resources to obtain the last piece to this puzzle.

Kaho walked into the staff room at eight that morning, a good thirty five minutes before the bell. She nodded to some of her fellow employees along the way, making a beeline for the freshly made coffee sitting just meters away. She poured herself a generous amount; then, collapsed into a nearby chair.

She still didn't know what to make of Kinomoto. The paragraph she still couldn't mark, the pep rally, what next? It was like her and that Li Meiling were at a war with one another.

The click-click-click of high heeled shoes interrupted her thoughts. Why is that so familiar?

She sprinted towards the doorway, opening the door only to find that every student in the hallway was lined up against the walls, standing frozen; except for three girls. Meiling Li stood in the middle of the hallway; the raven haired girl—her name was Tomoyo wasn't it?—called up for the pep rally stood in horror reading some sort of banner on the student council bullition board.

Sakura Kinomoto stood at the opposite end of the hallway; yellow high-heel shoes on her feet.

Beside her, a tall brown haired football player stood looking confused at the students reactions. Didn't Sakura say that this theme for the spirit week would be popular? I mean, he he might have been elected student council president—but is wasn't like he cared if anyone other than the seniors—or Sakura and her friends—had a good school year. That was why his lovely girlfriend ran the student council—and, as she put it, he was a figure head so the administration would be happy. Only seniors could be president. And of course he had to make the occasional speech when it was called for.

And, based on the silence, he figured maybe they were waiting for one.

"Well...on behalf of your student council, I'd like to officially announce that starting on Monday, December 3—next week of course because today is a Friday, and uh, still November—that we will be having our first Spirit Week. Uhh...fellow students, may I present to you the theme of Spirit Week December 2004: Target Practice."

Meiling? Are you—are you alright?," Syaoran Li asked through the white wood door of their two bedroom apartment. "Meiling, we have school this morning. Are you sick? If you are I should run out and get some Advil now. I won't have time after school—our first football practice starts at four."

No answer.

Syaoran sighed. She must be sleeping; why else would she be ignoring him? He hadn't seen her all morning...and she was the late riser, not him. It was already eight thirty! Good thing he didn't have class until third period. But, Meiling he knew, should be in class in exactly...

...now. It was 8:35 am.

He had a strong feeling this was more than a fever.

Maybe she's in trouble with a teacher? A friend? Didn't do a project, so she's faking sick?

His thoughts we're interrupted by a packed school bag thrown by the door; lunch, car keys and morning coffee cup on the side table. It couldn't be...

...had Meiling gone to school, but come back home?

Kaho walked into a classroom full of juniors. The third period bell had just rung and most students began to settle down. She nervously placed her book bag on her desk, tucking her long red hair behind her ear. Pull yourself together, Kaho. She heard quiet whispers around, but they hushed as she began attendance.

"Junko?"

"Here."

"Kayuri?"

"Here."

"Kinomoto?"

No answer.

"Kinomoto?," Kaho called a little louder.

No answer. Kaho looked towards the back of the room. There sat Kinomoto Sakura, smug grim across her face. "Sakura, I called your name twice. I expect you to answer if your here."

Sakura matched her gaze equally. "Here."

Kaho let out a shaky breath. "Kynto?"

"Here."

"Li Meiling?"

No answer. Kaho looked up towards the empty desk in front of Sakura Kinomoto. Meiling should have been here...didn't she see her in the morning? "Does anyone know where Meiling is today?"

Sakura raised her hand in mock respect. "She's started feeling a little overwhelmed, so I guess she went home."

"Thank you, Sakura." Kaho raised her eyebrows. First Kinomoto wouldn't talk to her, now she's volunteering information?

"Li Syaoran?"

"I'm here!," the young boy called out as he walked though the door of the third floor classroom. "Am I late?"

Kaho rubbed her forehead. "Just sit down, Mr. Li. Mario?"

"Oh, she's sick today..."

"Ms. Mituki?" A voice came over the intercom. "We need you in the office. We'll send a sub down."

Kaho collapsed into her chair. She officially hated period threes.

At least the paragraphs her class wrote she wouldn't have to deal with today.

Meiling lay on her bed. Turning her head, she saw that it was supposed to be period three right now. What day was it? 5? So that means she should be in...

English.

"I'm not missing much am I?," she asked to the empty room. Seeing the poster in the hallway set her on fire. Target Practice. How dare Kinomoto pull something like this!? She needed a way to get back at her.

Which was why she was at home, waiting for a phone call. She couldn't risk Kinomoto seeing her reaction to the Spirit Week Theme; she needed the element of surprise for any sort of plan to work. Say wasn't it about time for the phone call—

Meiling reached over and picked up her cell. Right on time, Tomoyo As she hit the talk button, she realised just how lucky Meiling's English class and Tomoyo's spare worked out. Oh—and the fact Daidoji wasn't in her and Kinomoto's English class.

"Hey—right on time, like always."

"You expected less?," a teasing voice answered. Meiling bit her lip as she realized that Daidoji was still against getting revenge. She was simply putting on a mask for the people who had outnumbered her—in simple terms, she was going with the flow of things.

"Look, Tomoyo—"

"There's a party at Sakura's on tonight. They always start around ten-ish. Do whatever you have to. I'm not going."

"Tomoyo, why—"

"If your going to drag me into this, I'm only going to be an accomplish. She might deserve whatever she's getting tonight—but, in the end, when she's on her deathbed, she's going to have to decide if what she did at seventeen was the right choice in her heart."

"—can't you call her Kinomoto."

But Tomoyo had already long since ended the conversation. Literally. Yet, something told Meiling, that even though the conversation have come to a literal stop, subconsciously the battle had just begun.

Not just in Tomoyo....but in herself too.

By period four, Syaoran Li was so glad to arrive to a class where everything was logical and no surprises and twists could occur.

That something was math. Calculus—grade 12 Calculus—to be exact. None of that consumer nonsense for him—and, next year, came grade 12 Applied math.

It was a certainty that Syaoran Li was planning a future in the math and science department.

He slid into his desk beside what he could define as the best male friend he had—depending on your version of best friend. To Syaoran, that meant anyone who helped him through the last three weeks of high school. And, that lead him to Eriol Hirracazawa.

"Hey Eriol."

"Syaoran," he acknowledged not even looking up from some sort of flow chart he was making. "I suppose you saw the spirit week theme this morning?"

"I had a double spare this morning—just made it in time for period three. So, I haven't had a chance to look. Another popularity rule you'd like to fill me in on before I do something stupid?"

Eriol chuckled. What downright lucky people Meiling and Sakura were—if Syaoran saw that big scene this morning both girls would be ruined. High school ought to be on TV—it was more dramatic and entertaining than the The O.C.! Especially if you were in his position. "No. And yes. More so no."

Syaoran sighed. "Are you always so cryptic? Alright, what is it this time? I have to attend an annual spirit week party? I—"

Eriol looked up from his writing. "Actually, you just reminded me. There's a party tonight."

"Mandatory attendance?," Syaorna quipped.

"Yes."

"And, the whole spirit week thing?"

"Just...forget it. For now, at least," Eriol had come to a conclusion the other day during the pep rally—and that was that he held a lot more cards than he gave himself credit for. He controlled Syaoran; and Meiling and Sakura knew it.

But, for now, just as he had been doing for the past two years and three months, he was just going to sit back and enjoy the show.

Sakura sat in her period four history class and she wasn't the least bit happy. Yet, she should be, right? Her theme for spirit week had hit the bullseye on the Meiling Li dart board. The score was in her favor.

Then why couldn't she enjoy this victory? Next week would be even better—every day more satisfying than the last. But, dammit, something was bothering her. And what pissed her off most was it wasn't about Meiling Li—

—but about no one other than Lyndze.

Lyndze, she reflected, hadn't been the best at loyalty. Sakura had seen that by May of grade 9. Though, she thought that a few years had worked wonders on her friend—she even stopped trying to reason out with them why they were ruining people's lives.

But why hadn't she still conformed?

This was getting urgent; she needed to solve this before Monday. And today, being a Friday, meant she had little time. This was no weekend matter. Lyndze's one weakness was school related.

And, Sakura Kinomoto, knew just the specific weakness too. She scribbled a note to Alex, who she got arranged to sit in a neighboring desk—Mr. Dyke was a easy pushover long since won over—let Alex send out a few texts messages, waited for two more minutes before Alex wrote back a note.

Exactly ten seconds later a note came excusing her from class for a school related issue for unknown length of time; Miss Carter's forged signature and all.

And just about now, someone else was going to get a little surprise. She was about to put a new meaning to the cliché Kill Two Birds With One Stone.

Figuratively speaking, Lyndze was the one who actually had a conscience. I had rid myself of mine; what good did it do me? She was the one I was concerned about. In fact, I had to fear more from her than almost anyone—she knew a lot about my personal life. I needed her to be on my side 100.

But, to pause on the subject of Alex. She was better than me in every way; on every other possible world, our roles would have been reversed. But, you can say, I learned from the best—by way of example. And Meiling Li didn't even know it. What would she say when I told her that she created me?

Back to Alex, though—she was a model. One day, she'd be working for Victoria Secret. I am simply gifted in the ways of leadership—even if I function as a dictator. She has connections—she probably went thought at least fifteen people to answer my note. Crazy, I know. She worships me—I have to keep her thinking that way, too.

And Sara. Sara, Sara, Sara. To this day, I still don't understand what made me include her—oh, yes, I remember. I got her to get losers to do my homework. But, I am quite capable of getting them myself now.

Yet, I seemed to overlook one very important person in this story's very near future....

"Hello? Coach?"

Sakura smiled. Right on time. She was waiting against the wall of the boys locker room; out of the light, though, should anyone unexpected show up.

"He's not here." Sakura walked back into the light, portraying the most nutural and innocent look as she could.

The boy narrowed his eyes. "Sakura."

Sakura smiled. She walked up to him, close enough so her breath was on his face. "Eriol."

Eriol met her gaze equally. "I had a feeling this wasn't about football. Coach isn't here during the school hours on odd days."

Sakura walked her fingers up his chest. "Impressive. Too bad you didn't follow that gut instinct, huh?"

Eriol tensed as she placed her hand on his neck.

Sakura lowered her voice to a whisper. "Too bad your such a rebel, Eriol. You could have been it. I could have made you better than some lousy offense player. Besides, yours so hot—"

"Thanks, but no thanks. You offered me the same thing in grade 9." He realized their position and pushed her back. "Is this what you called me down for, Sakura? To seduce me?"

Sakura gave a bitter laugh as she pulled out a cigerette-look-alike. But it smelled like...

Eriol cringed his nose. "Don't tell me you've crossed over to drugs now."

Sakura took a long drag and shrugged. "Like you haven't."

"That was a one month thing—almost a year and half ago,now."

"While your parents were going through a divorce, if I remember correctly. Had Alex look you up—what did you Mom sue your Dad for? Oh, yes—for gambling away your family's money. Though I can't remember if she won." Sakura paused to think as she let the smoke out of her mouth. "Probably didn't completely win—I mean, if your relying on a scholarship to an American university...that means you can obviously to attend Tokyo, just aren't that rich little family who used to be able to afford Harvard, eh?"

Eriol felt a fist form. Old emotions he thought they had sorted out didn't die off. He hadn't been this mad at her since she threated to tell his coach about his little drug problem unless he kept his mouth shut about finding her cheat notes—cheat answers, actually—for the National Grade 10 English Exam. A crime punishable by becoming expelled.

She stepped on the small stub and threw it in the near by garbage, throwing in a perfumed card to clear the air of the scent. "Just for the record, I don't do that often."

Eriol sighed. "Sakura, look, we haven't talked in how many years? Why bring up old problems—"

Sakura interrupted. "Because like it or not Eriol, you are my problem right now."

Eriol raised his arms in mock surrender. "What did I do now?"

"Do you still like Lyndze?"

Eriol's eyes widened as the realization hit him. "You leave her out of this."

Sakura arched an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a yes."

"I'm serious. You harm her—"

Sakura ran a hand though her hair. "How long ago did you guys date? Oh, right—broke it off at the beginning of the school year. Why, Eriol?"

Eriol looked down. "Why, Sakura? Look in the God dammed mirror. I'm leaving next year, and I'm not breaking it off after prom for her to come crying to everything you represent. She's one hell of a nice girl—and why you sucked her into this high school drama is beyond me."

Sakura shrugged. "It was a risk that I took. Should have never of taken it—look where it got me. But, thanks to you, everything's gonna be okay."

Eriol grunted. "Explain, Kinomoto. Now."

Sakura smirked. "You make this sound like murder, when, in reality, all you have to do is take her back."

Eriol's head shot up. "What?"

Sakura leaned against the wall, her yellow Chanel silk tank-top and ultra low rise black jeans catching more light. "All you have to do is take Lyndze back. Tonight at the party."

Eriol covered more distance between them. "Why? What's in this for you, Kinomoto?"

Sakura felt a smile approach her lips. "Everything."

Eriol leaned in closer; his arms against the wall, holding himself up as he leaned in closer. "What-is-in-this-for-you."

Sakrua smirked. "Only since you asked so nicely." She paused to lean in closer to him. "But, I'm still not going to tell you. I'm sure you can guess."

Eriol nodded. "You have every dammed person you need around your finger—excpet me and Lyndze....more so Lyndze," he added. "If Lyndze is dating me, she has an obligation to your side because of me. And you already know I won't change sides—"

"Because, you need the scholarship," Sakura finished.

"You sick bitch," Eriol cursed as he pulled away running his hands though his hair. "You couldn't have left me alone for the rest of the year, couldn't you? Why the fuck are you pulling me into this? Lyndze doesn't deserve this—"

"But that's your weakness Eriol. And my strength. You care about her—you don't want her to get hurt. And she won't mind getting back together with you—like you said, she confides in me. Mistake or not, I know she didn't want to break up. So don't even think about breaking up again. Me and you run fucked up lives, Eriol—and we both know Lyndze does too, trying to make ends meet in her family. Sakura motioned to the garbage. "And we both know how people vulnerable people deal with problems."

Eriol closed his eyes. He was trapped. Sakrua had him good. If he didn't get back with her, somehow the influence of Sakura would fuck her up completely—Sakura was determined to remain supreme. She knew Lyndze had too much of a conscience—and she regretted bringing her into the circle. So, she had to fix her mistake somehow. And, like marriages forced bonds between countries, if dating created alliance to a side, Sakura was willing to go that far.

Eriol turned to leave. "You know I'll do it, Kinomoto. And you know I'll keep quiet about this little talk."

Sakura raised her hand in a mock toast. "You always do. Can't harm Lyndze, now can you? I guess love blinds the best of us, Eriol."

"But you don't know how strong Lyndze really is. She'll pull through one day. You'll see. Then you'll be sorry." Eriol let out a bitter laugh as he realized this was all about her fight with Meiling. And her efforts to keep Syaoran oblivious. Of course, he was one of the few people who knew why Sakura was going to such lengths to keep Syaoran in the dark—and, of these few people, Sakura herself wasn't even included.

"You're right, Kinomoto. We always protect the ones we love. Love blinds the best of us."

And with that, he walked off.