Chapter VIII: My Birthday
Birds chirping in the distance and early morning sunlight floods the room waking me up most pleasantly. I stir and toss in bed and hide under a pillow from the ceiling-to-floor windows. It's school break and my birthday so, might as well rest a bit longer than usual. Today, the bed is most inviting and I'm in no mood to fight against it.
"Tomoyo, darling!" I hear okaasan's muffled voice through the cherry-wooden door. I emerge from under the covers and pillows while yawning and stretching.
"Come in!" Combing my messy hair with my fingers. I forgot to weave it into a braid yesterday so must deal with the knots and tangles later.
"Oh, honey! O-tanjoubi omodeto gozaimasu!" Says mother rushing inside the spacious room and climbing onto bed to then embrace me in a loving hug.
"Arigato okaasan!" Smiling widely. The sleep-fog already forgotten.
"I just can't believe it, my baby is no a baby anymore... She's a full grown woman!" And when the sun-rays kiss her eyes I can see a couple of unshed tears of joy and pride.
"I'm not a full grown woman... I'm just eighteen!" Giggling at her comment. "You're making me feel like an old, old lady!"
"Well, you're of legal age now and with it comes certain responsibilities but I know that you're mature enough to handle them with no problems at all!" Smiling so lovingly, she can't be any more proud than she already is.
"I know," I said twice in a business-like tone, "the duties of the Anamiya and Daidouji family," letting out a suffering sigh, "I just hope to stay alive!"
"You will, Tomoyo-dear," fondling the mess I used to call hair, "I'm sure you'll do more than just stay alive," caressing my cheek with her thumb, "besides, you know that I'll always be by your side, no matter what."
And the long held tears make their way down her powdered face leaving two tiny streaks.
"Don't cry mother, you'll ruin your makeup!" I say to calm her down. Seeing a strong woman such as she crying always gives me the creeps.
"These are happy tears and I don't care if I mess it up. I can always do it again!" Smiling broadly while wipping away the tears. "What are your plans for the day?"
That caught me out off-guard for I really hadn't thought of anything special for today. "Vegetate around the house?"
"I'm so sorry baby, with all the work we've been through we didn't plan something for your special day!" Shame and sadness displayed in her pretty eyes.
"It's alright mom, I don't mind. I'll just have some quality time alone and meditate things a bit." Saying the truth.
I knew the day was coming but didn't move a finger to set up something. I'm used to having only a cake and some candles to blow off in my birthdays. I just don't need, big, fancy parties where I barely know half of the guests.
"I ordered your favorite cake directly from France. It should arrive anytime soon," little details, it's all about the little details, "and downstairs you'll find something for you. I hope you like it!" She finished with a wink and a kiss. "I'm sorry I have to work, however I scheduled my day to work until three in the afternoon so I'll be joining you soon enough!" She added as an afterthought when she was halfway in the hallway.
What is it that awaits me downstairs? I thought of rushing down to find out but decided against it. Let's make the bed, take a bubble bath, dress up (I feel something important is about to happen), have some light breakfast and then, go on a search-party.
Here I am, wearing low-cut tight, black jeans and a lavender tube-top with the word angel written in white glitter. I have ankle-lenght black socks and my lavender fluffy slippers on. I combed my hair into a Sailor Moon style that reached the middle back. I even applied a touch of makeup.
Marie was a doll! She wished me a happy birthday and arranged a health-concious breakfast for me in the living room that consisted of cereal with yogourt and a fruit salad. I chew carefully each mouthful while watching the morning cartoons in the plasma screen.
In the living room and other areas of the penthouse everything seems to be normal. There are no big boxes with fancy ribbons around. Perhaps mother forgot to bring my gift with her?
I can't help it! I sat down on the plush couch with a plop and pouted.
After a good ten minutes of sulking like a child, the mood to go out got to me so grabbing a CK black shoulder-bag (that I had left on the table the night before) I walk towards the lift (it opens exactly in the receiving room). I unzip the bag and fish for the cell phone to check on the battery life; but before I can reach it, my hand brushes agaisnt something metalic. It feels like keys but there's not the Pochacco keychain.
What keys are these?
I take them out and put them into my line of vision with a slight frown, about ready to go look for Marie. Maybe she found them somewhere and thought they were mine (though she never messes with my personal belongings, most specially my purses) but something caught the light and got my full attention.
A metallic glint. The metallic glint of the Mercedes-Benz symbol embedded in the keychain.
Oh my God!
Wasting no time to get to the underground garage, I bounced towards the two parking spaces reserved to us and a full-fledged smile was brought to my lips.
There, just in front of me and no more than some five steps ahead, was a Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster in the perfect shade of red. I walked around it and traced the lines and curves with the briefest touch of my fingerpads, as if afraid it would vanish. When it didn't, the fingers that held the keychain found the alarm button and pressed.
With a beeping sound the alarm system gave away and the car was unlocked.
"Eriol-kun, you won't believe it! Okaasan gave me a car!" I squealed in the mobile phone as soon as I heard him pick up the call.
"Seriously Tomoyo-san, where are your maners?" He said sternly though I can hear some light chukles.
"Oops, my bad! Good morning Eriol-kun, how are you?" My cheeks were aflame and my voice was giddy.
"I'm fine, thank you; and for what I see, the birthday-girl is feeling very good today!" Giving me that sexy laugh of him. "I called earlier to congratulate you but your mother told me that you were sleeping and I didn't have the heart to wake you so happy birthday!"
"Arigato!" And if I could smile broader, then I would. "Are you busy? Maybe we can meet somewhere and hang out for a while?" Basking in the smell of brand-new leather seats.
He sounded sad and regretful when he said that he was out running errands and that it might take him a while.
"Aw! It's a shame. Well, I guess we'll do it later, ne?"
"Sure thing! Got to go, ja!" And the call was ended.
It's five in the afternoon and I'm parking my baby back at home. Eriol-kun was right when he said that the feeling of freedom gotten from driving is one of the most pleasurable feelings in the world.
Mother was not home as she promised but I shrugged it off and got upstairs to store the items I bought in my most recent shopping spree. It is my birthday after all!
"How is the birthday-girl?"
I swear I jumped three feet out of my own skin. Eriol-kun, with all of his gentlemanly upbringing just won't learn to knock on a ladies' door.
"Eriol-kun!" I said in a high-pitched voice, twirling around and placing a placating hand on my heart.
"Happy birthday!" He ignored his obvious rudeness and hugged me so lovingly that I blushed against his Tommy shirt.
Okay, I must admit that this hug is longer than those I'm used to and he's squeezing me in such a way that we could fusion together if that's even possible.
Do I mind?
No.
"I'm so happy you came!" I say agaisnt his well-developed chest, inhaling his Armani cologne.
"I wouldn't miss out on this day for anything in the world," he said seriously, kissing me in the forehead, "now come on, I have a surprise for you!" Dragging me towards the door.
"Really?... What is it?" Curiosity getting the best of me.
"If I told you, would it still be a secret? Come on, close your eyes" He says in my ear and his hot breath tickled my earlobe making me shiver.
"B-but I'll trip down the stairs!" I protest. The idea of some teeth missing, a broken nose or being an invalid person for the rest of my life are the least appealing things to me right at the moment.
"You won't because I'll lead the way... Don't you trust me?" He said visibly hurt.
"I trust you... Too much for my own good, that much is certain." Which is the pure truth.
"I'm glad... Then, let's make this the less complicated..." And he sweeps me off my feet and carries me bridal-style.
"W-what are you doing?" I squeak in surprise at his sudden actions.
"What does it look like? Carrying you, what else?" His half-laughing voice is too damn enchanting for my senses to handle.
In almost no time we are downstairs and he puts me back on my feet. "Are you ready?"
"Mmmm... I don't know"
"Seriously Tomoyo-san..."
"Okay... I'm ready!"
"Good"
My eyes opened as if on cue with his last word to find confetis popping out of apparently nowhere and a chorus of warm surprise. There are two voices in that chorus that I recognize pretty well... Even if my reason tells me that it is practically impossible.
"Oh my God, Sakura-chan!" Shrieking her name when the realization hits me full force.
"Happy Birthday Tomoyo-chan!" She says in her trademark cheerful voice and holds me tightly.
God I missed her.
"Li-kun!" I say smiling widely at the couple as soon as Sakura released me.
"Congratulations Daidouji-san" Smiling so sweetely it's contagious. He hugs me like a brother would and I feel content.
"Congratulations Tomoyo-chaaaaan!" Says Nakuru in her hyper attitude while shocking the dear life out of me.
"Arigato Nakuru-chan!" She's such a doll!
"Happy Birthday Daidouji-san" Congratulates Spinel in his normal seriousness. But the cat like creature is smiling cutely! Kawaii!
"Thanks Spinel-san" Craddling him in my arms.
After the shock, mother, who happened to be there, told us to go to the living room and get more comfortable. So here we are, seated in the comfy sofas while drinking hot tea with pastries.
"I'm so happy to see you both! How did you make it?" I say, taking a cupcake from the fountain and straightening in my seat, just beside Eriol.
"Well, actually it was Eriol-kun and Sonomi-obasan's idea," began Sakura clearly remembering how it all had been, "he called, made the arrangements and voil�! Here we are!" Sakura was all-smiles.
"Honto ni? Domo arigato Eriol-kun!" Hugging the magician so suddenly that he flinched momentarily but then relaxed. "That was so sweet of you!"
"You're welcome, but remember that it also was Sonomi-kaasan's idea too so she deserves some credit." Giving me his famous smile.
"I'll do that later." Returning the gesture and giving my attention now to the couple.
"Ano... Tomoyo-chan? Why Eriol-kun calls Sonomi-obasan mother?" Question marks appearing all over her lovely head.
"You'll see, I met Eriol-kun at Eton and we quickly became best-friends," placing my left arm around his shoulders, pushing him close, "right Eriol-kun?" While looking at him with a huge smile on my lips. So close we are that I better don't think about it. "We are friends to a point where he became a family member, just as Li-kun." I paused and looked at the British lad who had a mild confused look. He looked so cute that I gave him a peck on the left cheek. Out of the corner of the eye I can see Sakura's ayes popping out an Syaoran wore a light frown. "Demo, Li-kun is also part of the family for other reasons than just innocent friendship..." I trailed off and smirked.
They looked like human tomatoes.
"I'm happy for you both," began Sakura who was the first to recover, "when you left, I was worried about your welfare... And I always wondered how Eriol-kun was doing. Now that you've found each other, it's simply magnifiqué!" Clasping her hands together in delight.
"Has he done anything to you, Daidouji-san?" Asked the young man from China and glared with eyes that spelled pain at his ancestor if he did.
"Seriously, cute descendant do you think me capable of doing such a thing?" Asked Eriol with a raised eyebrow.
My chesnut-haired friend glared at him icily for a second. "Yes, indeed"
"You wound me!" Replied the reincarnated sorcerer with mock hurt.
"Like I care Hiiragizawa!" Li spat out, glaring icicles.
"Boys, boys... Quit that, will you?" Sakura said in a motherly fashion.
"Yeah, Sakura is right... We already know that you just love each other," Syaoran looked disgusted and Eriol's smirk grew wider, if possible, "why don't you two, love-birds, fill us in everything that's being going on in Hong Kong?" Sipping my tea as if nothing had happened.
I found out that the wedding arrangements were on hold until they graduate from University because they don't want to rush things and agree that proper education is important. Syaoran is to study Politics due to his position as the Li Clan Leader, one who is said to be the main ruler of China, pulling at the threads of the goverment as if it were a puppet.
The Li Clan is of great importance in Asia and all that responsibily resides now in poor Syaoran's shoulders since he would asume the tittle of Clan Leader once he reaches the twenty-one years of age.
Sakura is planning on studying Journalism there in Hong Kong. She'd hate to live off her future husband and would like something to keep her busy. At this, Syaoran objected that to be a Clan Leader's wife is a full-time job in itself, given that she has to run the many charity foundations and social-related work. Most adequately, the social approach to everything that is the Li Clan. However, he also liked her will to be an independant woman and was a more than welcome support source in her studies when his family found out of her intentions. Li Yelan and the Elders were not too happy about that, arguing that it would clash with the special education that was to be imparted to her. In the end, Sakura had agreed to juggle her university courses and the Clan courses as well.
Always count to Sakura to please every one.
As for Yukito-san and Kero-kun she said that they're doing alright; though the later is wounded by his previous endless supply of sweets kindly provided by me (as he said). Touya-kun is living with Yue's false identity in a studio apartment in Tokyo, close to Tokyo U where both were accepted while Fujitaka-san continued his labor as a teacher.
"Time to sing Happy Birthday!" Said mother with a big smile while lighting the candles.
The sun had long since set and it added to the atmosphere.
I sat in front of the beautifully decorated cake and everybody gathered around me to sing the well-known Happy Birthday song. Soon after I made a wish and blew all the candles successfully! I must say I was left breathless and dizzy.
With our slice of cake in an elegant plate and a silver dessert-spoon we sat in the living room again talking about random stuff. I'm happier now that mother is among us and not working like in the previous years. We are having a marvelous time and I don't want this day to end.
"Tell me Sakura-chan, when are you returning to Hong Kong?" Inquired mother a bit downcast.
"Tomorrow morning," she said nibbling at her spoon, cutely.
"Honto ni? So soon?" I whined inmediately. It's been so long since I last saw Sakura-chan and she's talking about going back.
"Hai... Gomen ne Tomoyo-chan, but our school break is comming to an end and I need to review some material and do some homework," looking at me with her best apologetic look, "I'm very sorry!"
"Don't worry, I understand..." I truly do and I feel okay about it. Years ago this would mean unbearable pain, to see Sakura go, but now I know better.
"Then I suggest for you to retire early tonight. You must be tired and will need all the rest you can get." Said Eriol matter-of-factly after sipping his Pepsi.
"Aw, but I don't what them to go... I don't want you to go!" I turn to face him and he looks surprised. Okay, I admitt that the last sentence was a bit unexpected. I don't know where it came from but I mean it.
"Neither do we Daidouji-san... But it's been a tiring day and you know what a sleepy-head Sakura-chan can be." Says Syaoran good-naturedly.
"Of course I know!" Giggling at our childhood memories. "But it's still early, right? Please stay a bit longer!"
Mother took a glance at her fancy wristwatch and looked at me with a pained expression. "Tomoyo-chan, it's already ten-thirty."
"Let's do this," interjects Syaoran, "since we all know that the girls have a lot of girl talk to do... I say I go back to Hiiragizawa's place and Sakura stays here for the night," looking at his fiancee, "I know that Daidouji-san can lend you some clothes if that's what bothers you." Regarding her with the smile reserved for her only.
"Hai! I can lend you all the clothes you want! And we have some brand-new tooth brush and everything so, there's no problem at all!" Excitement rushing through my veins.
"Alright, then it's settled!" Beams Sakura. "That's why I love you so much Syao-kun!" Giving him a peck on the cheek that resulted on a beet-red Li-kun.
"Is there something that you want to tell me, Tomoyo-chan?" I heard her say after we were both in our pajamas and sprawled on the queen-sized bed. It might be the light playing tricks on me but I swear there was a weird twinkle in her emerald eyes.
"What are you talking about?" I say completely puzzled. Well, maybe not but I just have the feeling that this is revolving about personal matters here.
"Something about someone?" She asks again with a sly look on her face.
My first reaction was to beging a game of denial but she'll find out sooner or later, so it would be pointless. "Ah, you mean... Something about him?" Getting ready for what is to come.
"Yeah, the him also known as Hiiragizawa Eriol-kun," rolling over and facing me with her chin resting casually on her palm, "you love him, don't you? And no, I'm not talking in a best-friend basis."
"Since when you are so bold? Where is your naïvete?" I say with fake annoyment. "Yes, I'm in love with him... But he doesn't seem to notice for all I know. I think it's better this way."
"That's where you are terribly wrong Tomoyo-chan..." Smiling with understanding.
"What are you talking about? He knows?" I bolt up straight starting to panic.
"No, I don't know if he knows... But I know he feels just the same, so it really isn't better this way." I must look very dumbfounded because she's laugghing very hard.
"How do you know that?" I manage to ask, out of my stupor.
"Well... To be trained in magic really has its advantages," sitting up in bed indian-style, "I can read auras. Whenever he's near you or looks at you, even when he hears you speak or something that involves you," she paused and fixated her eyes on mine, "his aura, which is a steely-blue, transforms and turns into a warm-blue."
"Honto ni?" Mirroring her exact position.
"Hai hai!... I just feel it... It's wonderful Tomoyo-chan!" Placing a strand of honey-hair behind her ear.
"I don't know... What if you're reading it the wrong way and he just has sibling-like feelings for me?" Escepticism taking over me.
Sakura gives me a weird look. "Iie... I don't think so. I'm pretty sure that's not brotherly-love or whatever you mean." Combing her hair in a pony-tail to then let it loose.
"Even if what you say is true... I wont do any stupid thing such as voicing my feelings for him. I'm comfortable just the way I am right now. I don't need to make things complicated or to ruin a wonderful relationship," looking outside at the European landscape, "besides, what If what I think I'm feeling is not what I'm really feeling?... I'll give him hopes that I won't be able to fulfill... And he has had a painful past regarding his love life. I think I'll give time to time and think things over... Yeah, that's what I'll do." Gathering my long hair to braid it.
"If that's what you want to do... But remember something, don't let your mind take over your heart. It just doesn't work that way. You'll spoil things if you think them over and over again. Sometimes it's better to just follow your heart, as cliché as it may sound." Placing a reasuring hand on my right shoulder.
"Arigato Sakura-chan... You're the best friend ever!" Giving her a tight hug. "But please don't tell that to Eriol-kun alright? I don't think I could cope up with a jealous Eriol-kun!" And we break into a fit of giggles.
Tsutsuku
