Chapter II: Hanging Out in London.


"Dear Journal,

Yesterday was a great day! My new school is big and beautiful, though I miss the friendliness of Tomoeda. I met Hiiragizawa-kun who is now my classmate again and I think we'll grow to be very good friends." I finish off writing and smile thinking about what to write next. "I wonder how the love-birds are now? I bet they're having a wonderful time. You know what? Something I don't comprehend is why single people my age feel so depressed. Girls tend to believe themselves worthless and their mind is filled with self-pity thoughts that certainly are not healthy. It's not that you can't live without a man's love. Whatever happened to our self-steem? It annoys me to listen to that kind of conversations in the girl's restroom. They don't seem to think of other things rather than that boy, swooning all the way. There are good looking, handsome men out there but it's not like I'm going to look like a love-sick fool in front of them. There's something called pride, you know?" I frown slightly at the paper in front of me.

"I'm not dating anyone right now and haven't done so in all my life (which could bee scandalous in some girls' mind) but I don't care and actually feel extremely comfortable with my, let's say, freedom. Another thing I don't quite agree with is the popular sentence I want to look gorgeous for him so he can be proud in front of his guy-friends." My frown deepens and my lips are gracefully twisted in disgust. "Whether I decide to look gorgeous or not, it certainly will be for my own enjoyment, not for somebody else's. I don't want to be a toy or be showed off around as a prize or something, thank you very much. Whatever their reason is, the main principle of tolerance is respecting each other's ideas whether you share them or not.

Love,

Daidouji Tomoyo."

I close the diary and turn off the lamp before going to sleep. I need to replenish my energy-level for tomorrow. I feel like my strength has been drained out of my body.

Early the next morning I wake up by another song being player in the stereo system.

Why?

Simply because I don't like alarm-clocks and their annoying sound much. I don't find it the least pleasant to be awaken by a loud and high-pitched ringing or beeping sound. Opening my eyes slowly I stretch myself in bed and take off the warm covers, wincing at the coldness in the environment and on the hardwood floor. Must remember to buy a rug this weekend.

I freshen up taking a long shower and brush my teeth, seemingly wide awake at the moment. It doesn't take me much to be dressed in the school uniform and the next step is to decide how to comb my long wavy hair. Staring at my reflection and noticing I'm about to fall asleep in the vanity chair, I grab a burgundy head-band and place it on my head, preventing some hair from falling in front of my face. Ready to go I take the bag and head downstairs to have an English breakfast.

"Morning sweetie! Had a nice sleep?" Asks kaa-san engrossed in her daily newspaper, looking at the economics section I guess.

With heavy steps I make it to the table and have seat beside her. "Ohayo kaa-san," giving pause to cover a yawn, "yeah, I did! But I think I didn't sleep enough." There's another yawn before I can bite the toast.

"I'm sorry honey, I believe you are not accustomed to the hour difference," pausing to drink from her steaming coffee, "but I'm sure you'll get through it soon." How I do love her reassuring smiles!

"Maybe you're right! However, I have to be careful not to fall asleep during class," a pause to drink from my own vanilla-latté. The hot beverage is not listed in my favourite conoctions list but my nervous system needs it greatly. "How do you picture your day?... Busy?" I say biting again the toast.

"I'm afraid so... I don't think I can make it for dinner," she says looking sad. "I'm sorry"

"Don't worry... I know the first months are pretty hard," trying to ease her discomfort, "I'm going to go out today and maybe have dinner. Hiiragizawa-kun asked me out yesterday." Giving it the least of importance.

"Oh really? On a date?" And I can see a certain fire in her royal-purple eyes.

"Nope... Just to hang out and get to know the city." I say waving my hand to dismiss the topic and hopefully any further questions.

"I see... Well, I insist on meeting this gentleman." A smirk playing on her deep-cherry lips.

"I'll make sure you get to know him someday." And proceed to eat my bacons and eggs. They thought it was possible to escape me? Think again!


Somewhere up in Eton High Street I see Hiiragizawa-kun walking calmly with his messenger bag slung across his back and chest.

"Hiiragizawa-kun!"

"Good morning Daidouji-san! Early as usual." He greets cheerfully with the smile I used to see almost everyday during elementary school.

"Morning to you too, strong habits die hard!" I say jogging a little to catch up with him.

"That's true!... Got any problems with your homework?" Fixing the strap of his bag into a more comfortable position.

"Actually, no... Ancient History is easy compared to Japan's Sengoku Jidai History. Further Mathematics?... Nothing to be worried about." I say beaming at him in gratitude for his concern. "I forgot to ask you something yesterday... How are Nakuru-san and Spinel Sun?" I can almost swear a somber look crossed his features, but he visibly relaxed once I gave him the subjects of my interest.

"They are great! Nakuru is always finding new ways to get Spinel on a sugar-high and he ends up blowing up the house. I have to clean the whole mess up!" He says a little bit indignant about his guardians behaviour though the smile is still there.

"It's good to hear that!" I say smiling at him with memories of the unique creatures floating in my mind.


"So, those equations are reduced to simple linear equations. Applying said process you should (...)" I hear our Math teacher explain something about the many constants and variables she had written on the whiteboard.

Somehow her voice seems distant and the neat, black symbols are blurred in my vision. My eyelids are heavy and can't keep them open. I hate when this happens!

"Miss Daidouji, I know you are new but since your Math records is one of the highest; would you be so kind as to solve this problem?"

My brain registers my name being called and it's like a bucket full of cold water spills its content over me. My eyes shot open instantly but I can tell that my brain has a difficult time trying to catch up.

I blink twice and manage to smile, standing up to walk over the front of the spacious schoolroom filled with more than a fair amount of whispers. "Of course!"

I take the black marker that had been offered to me and proceed to solve the exercise. Fluid motions guide my hand, that was shaky at first, and the equations are reduced to numbers in the blink of an eye, it wasn't a difficult one, thank God! The last think I want is to make a fool of myself in a half-awake state of mind.


"Are the plans still up for the evening?" I ask before swallowing a bite of the roost beef sandwich.

Hiiwagizawa-kun puts aside his cup of iced tea and smiles. "Of course!... I'm a man of word." With pride in his deep male voice.

I raise a perfectly shaped eyebrow at him and we continue to eat our meals in comfortable silence.

It was 16:30 and I just got home. I head directly to the bathroom to take a quick shower and change into more appropriate clothes like a pair of low-cut bleached blue-jeans and a tight soft lavender shirt with two wings printed with purple glitter in the center. I tie my hair in a high-ponytail and apply a touch of purple eye-shadow and lip-gloss. Looking at the clock resting on the desk I realize there's still enough time to do my homework. One of the things I learned during my short stay at Eton is that it's virtually impossible to leave assignments for a later time.

The MIDI version of Moonlight Sonata breaks through my concentration. Without even looking I take a silver-purplish cordless phone and press the talk button. It was our only maid, Marie, informing that Hiiragizawa-kun was waiting for me in the terrace.

Before I can leave the room, I go to the walk-in closet to put on a pair of light blue and lavender Sketchers sneakers and grab a shoulder bag with my wallet, mobile, face pressed powder and bubblegum.

Hiiragizawa-kun wears black dress pants and a navy-blue sweater that really brings out his eyes and hair. He stands up when he sees me, placing down a glass of water on small round table beside him. "Are you ready to go, Milady?"

I giggle at his antics and nod. "Of course, Milord".

We exit Seacon Tower with the disapproving look of my personal bodyguard who refused to let me out without any escort. Nevertheless, Hiiragizawa-kun promised to never let anything bad happen to the Lady and she let us go, eventually. He said later on, while walking along the sidewalk, that he had chosen not to bring his car because this was a tourist trip and I needed to experience by first-contact the beauties, amenities and facilities the city has to offer. I agreed whole-heartedly with the logic behind his reasoning. Besides it'd be nice to get away from any sort of luxury for a while. I had the excitement of a girlscout, dying to know what hides behind each corner.

London sure is a wonderful city, though it tends to rain almost everyday. However, that is no problem as long as you learn to take an umbrella everywhere with you. What shocked me the most was to see how the citizens are used to this, not like in other cities where plans are promptly cancelled when a raindrop falls.

He told me about going to the London Zoo but since it's not funny on rainy days, we decided against it. Instead, he took me to Portobello Road, a kilometre and a half flea-market full of small stands where people shows off their merchandise for everyone to see. It was crowed, and he said it was normal. I noticed lots of fine antiques and pretty things. It was difficult not to get lost among the people in there, but fortunately, Hiiragizawa-kun held my hand tightly and showed me around the place.

Then we headed towards Madame Tussaud's. I couldn't believe just how perfect the statues are. The seemed real! However, besides the pretty things, there were also horrendous statues of torture and death in so many styles. The name of the museum comes from the name of a woman who lived in the VIII century that used to take the heads of the decapitate victims and show them around to then keep them as some kind of trophy. The whole hour and a half was spent with me clinging at Hiiragizawa-kun's arm as if my very life depended on it. Truth be told, that was a very strong, secure and protective arm.

Unfortunately it was getting late and the other places worth visiting were either closed or about to close, so he said something about going to The British Airways' London Eye to get a magnificent view of the city. Once there, all I could see was a giant wheel with little transparent cabins attached to the outside. He paid the fee and we were allowed to get in. Time later the wheel began to move and, honestly, the view was awesome! You could see almost 40 kilometres from the highest spot. I enjoyed the ride very much. It felt so peaceful up there, with the starlit sky so close to you giving the impression that you could touch it with your bare hands.

"Where do you want to have dinner, Daidouji-san?" I hear him say with courtesy and I place an index finger against my chin in a thoughtful expression.

"Mmmm, anywhere would be fine. I'm not feeling like going to a fancy place right now," I say looking at my surroundings, "what about Wendy's?" The thought of a Beacon Champion makes me hungry in no time.

"Very well then." He said smiling at me with amused eyes.

"Thanks for this evening Hiiragizawa-kun. I really appreciate what you're doing for me." I say taking a fry from the paper bag.

"There's no need to thank me. I just wanted you to feel at home. Besides, I enjoy your company inmensely." He said with a charming smile that I'm sure is meant to melt a girl's heart. "You can count on me always. I'm just a call away," and he slid a contact card across the table towards me, "that's the only way to repay your friendliness when I was the foreigner." His deep-azure eyes locked into mine.

We established a mutual, unspoken agreement.


"Welcome home Lady; good evening Sir.," greets Marie opening the door just when I was looking for my keys inside my bag that, needless to say, appeared to be a mess.

"Thanks Marie. Is mother home?"

"I'm afraid not. Ma'am Daidouji called a few minutes ago informing that she had a last hour meeting and will be delayed."

"I see," I say to myself more than to anybody present, "would you care for tea Hiiragizawa-kun?" Turning around to face the British lad. I wouldn't be the proper hostess mother taught me to be otherwise. Besides, it's nice hanging around the fellow.

"If I'm not impossing, it'd be my pleasure." Again, there's his charming smile.

"You are always welcome here Hiiragizawa-kun," I say giving him a bright smile.

"You've got such a fine example of luxury real state. I must say that the interior-designer truly did it justice." He says after looking around the place, completely at ease.

"Thank you. I decorated it myself." I say while giggling quietly, not bothering to hide the blush I know is there. After so many years of hearing all sorts of compliments, I still find my cheeks turn that embarrassing rosy color. "Would you like a tour?"

"That would be lovely." He accepts and stands up to follow me.

Mother purchased a fantastic three double bedroom penthouse within a beautiful new riverside development. The 20th level penthouse is a landmark on the north bank of the Thames and within walking distance of Canary Wharf's renowned restaurants, shopping facilities and transport at South Quay DLR and CW Jubilee Line.

Natural light abounds this unique penthouse finished in the Copenhagen style with floor to ceiling windows providing spectacular panoramic and river views through all the windows.

Glazed doors fade to two large sun deck terraces on either side of the penthouse which are accesible from most rooms. A smart contemporary kitchen and the crisp white bathrooms are finished with frosted glass, chrome, light neutral colors, limestone flooring, and comfort heating/cooling.

Seacon Tower also offers fabulous 24-hour concierge reception with Japanese style fireplace and lift to penthouse with two secure underground parking spaces.

Though it originally had three bedrooms, mother turned the second one into an exact replica of the master beedroom complete with a full in-suite bathroom and a dressing room that looked more like a mini clothing store in my case; while the other room got turned into a spacious study.

Marie informs that tea and pastries have been served in the terrace so we end the tour.

"This is really good tea. You bought it from Japan?" Asks Hiiragizawa-kun after savoring the almost boiling tea.

"Indeed, " I say taking a cookie from the white zen-style china serving tray, "I wanted to bring with me something that makes me remember my homeland. Is there a better option than green tea?"

"I don't think there is. Are these home-made cookies?"

"Hai, I baked on Sunday because kaa-san loves to have tea with pastries." I reply before drinking from my cup.

"Amazing, you have not lost your touch over the years..." He stops to put the cup down on its small plate. "I remember your Home Economics class cakes back in Tomoeda. Everyone wanted to try it... Even some teachers had to queue up."

"You're exaggerating Hiiragizawa-kun." I say giggling a little, blushing slightly at his comment.

"The thing is that you got the point," taking another cookie, "Nakuru would love to try this."

I smile widely at the thought of his female guardian. "I can give you some if you like!"

"I'm sure that she'll be ecstatic!" He said with a twinkle in his deep azure eyes. It's endearing to see the relationship between them. "I'm afraid I must get going now Daidouji-san, it's getting pretty late and I would hate to find the family manor crumpled to ashes," he excused himself after taking a glance at his platinum wristwatch.

"Oh! Please wait while I get you the cookies." I say while standing up to head towards the kitchen. Once there I fill a glass cookie jar to the brim with cookies to then reunite with Hiiragizawa-kun. "Please tell her that these are not meant to be forced down Spinel's throat."

"I most definetely will."

"Do you want me to call ataxi for you? Or I can see if Mr. Smith can drive you home." I offer walking around to find the silver-plated cordless phone.

"There's no need to worry yourself with such petty things Daidouji-san. I'm alright." He said visibly touched by my concern. That much can be told.

"You sure? I don't want nice Hiiragizawa-kun to be exposed to the dangerous London streets at such an hour!" What wrong can it do to call him a taxi anyways?

"I'll be fine. Did you so easily forget that I'm a sorcerer? I can handle everything thrown at me." I can be shoot if that wasn't a smug tone.

"Why Hiiragizawa-kun? I believe your last shred of humility has taken a suicidal leap out the window. You might want to catch it before it's too late!" Adding a panicky tone to my voice and wildly moving my arms to stress out my point.

"Don't worry, I can do without it." He said with his trademark smirk. "Thank you for your company and the tea Daidouji-san. I'll see you in the morning." He said, bowing and kissing the back of my hand.

"There's no doubt about it."

After the door is closed, signaling that Hiiragizawa-kun is gone, I turn on my heels and head to my bedroom dying for a nice soak in the tub and a relaxing sleep. I'm positively drained but happy. It's been ages since I last felt this way.

I'll write to Sakura-chan.

Tomorrow.


Tsutsuku