Chapter XI : Growing up!
"Tomoyo, dear are you there?" I hear mom say with her crystal-clear voice. Hurriedly typing a line to Eriol-kun in the messenger I answer her call. The door opens right after that and I find her looking at me with uneasy-ness painted all over her face.
"Listen honey, I just had a conversation with Mr. Phillips from our American branch and he informed that things are not going very well there." She makes a halt to let the information sink in. That I can tell.
"So, that means you have to go there right now?" It has happened before; I'm not surprised at all.
"Well, yes. Also I need your help..." She says, her face straight in a very business-like mask. I find myself swallowing hard. "I need you to keep an eye on our branch here in London. It wouldn't be that much of a problem since it's somewhat new, however I need you to supervise it and take over my position. You know what I mean right?"
Oh yes, I understand all too well what she's hinting at. "Hai, okaasan. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it." I say in a solemn voice. There's no room for further arguments about this particular topic.
"Good! I'm very proud of you Tomoyo-chan. I knew you'll agree with this," okaasan said with a big smile on her cherry lips, "I'll be leaving in two hours time, everything is ready and the jet is waiting for me." Turning then to leave the room.
"Is there something else that I can help you with?" I inquired getting up from the chair in front of the cherry-wood desk.
"Hmmm, yes. Please get all my papers from the study-room. I believe I made quite a mess while working on them and I need to take them with me." Placing her slender hand on her neck as if to massage it. I bet she's tired but her spirit is stronger than that.
"Consider it done!" I exclaim cheerfully to lighten her up a bit. She smiled and then we both left my room with two different destinations.
Ara ara, the desk is sure a mess! I begin to gather all the papers and place them in neat stacks to then put them inside the silver briefcase. I really admire mom. She's a fighter in what she does, never giving up and always getting what she wants. I closed the lock of the briefcase and take it with me to the lounge. I decided that a nice sandwich will be good for a traveler so I set up to the kitchen and search the fridge and cabinets for the ingredients.
Half an hour later I see mom step in the kitchen dressed in black dress pants, a white blouse with big slopes and a low cleavage, black over coat and nice black high-heels. She has a magnificent black and silver necklace that takes full advantage of her cleavage. It also has a matching bracelet, earrings and ring. She has a tasteful make up on that highlights her most precious features.
"What is it that I smell darling?" She asks having seat in front of the breakfast counter.
"I wanted to make you some dinner so you won't get hungry in your flight," I say placing her club-sandwich in front of her along with a glass of orange juice and a cup of vanilla latté, "here, for the sleepy-ness!"
"Thank you so much Tomoyo-chan!" And we begin our meal, momentarily talking about some business issues.
"The house is under your command, as well as the corporate staff. I don't know how long it'll take me but I'll try my best to return home soon," she makes a pause to sip her coffee, "I'll call you daily and keep you informed okay?"
I just nod while sipping my orange juice. "Is Eriol-kun aware of your departure?" Since he's very close to us, it's natural for mom to inform him whatever happens that requires his attention.
"Unfortunately I didn't have the time. I'll leave it to you dear!" Winking at me and my cheeks flush earning a giggle from okaasan.
"Alright!" Stressing the last syllable to show my annoyance. However, the blush won't leave me so easily.
After we're done and the chauffer tells that everything is settled mom turns to me. "Take good care of yourself sweetie, be good and don't let things wear you down. If some problem arises, feel free to tell me okay?" Caressing my cheeks with her thumbs in a soothing circular motion.
"Hai okaasan, don't worry! Everything will be alright." That's been my motto since forever. It always brings peace to my soul.
"I know baby-girl!" And with a last look and a kiss on my forehead she turns away to take the briefcase that lays on the crème couch. "Ittekimasu!"
I smile widely waving good-bye, "itterasai!" and the door of the private elevator closes soundlessly. With a sigh I send a prayer to God to keep my mother away from any harm.
Glancing towards the Mac G5 conveniently resting on top of the cherry-wood desk and seeing it's on screensaver mode I walk towards it to shut it off. Once I move the mouse around I see my Chobits wallpaper and smile at Freya sitting on the moon with a dark background and stars falling everywhere. Clicking open the messenger window I see that Eriol-kun is still online so, changing my mind and opening iTunes I push play to I Hear You Everywhere and get ready to send an instant message.
I open my disoriented eyes to greet a new day and get off of bed as clumsily as ever. I can sense a mild headache going on in my still dormant status and frown in annoyance. What a way to begin a Monday.
I wash my face and brush my teeth before stripping off the nightgown and enter the shower where pleasing warm water hits my body. I just love showers and baths too much! I wash my hair and apply conditioner also. After twenty minutes or so of enjoying myself I get out much to my dismay and wrap a towel around my water-dripping hair and another around my soaked body.
Looking at myself in the mirror I notice that the headache is somewhat gone. Maybe all I needed was a warm shower. I proceed to dress in Eton's uniform and give myself the final touches to then go downstairs, book bag draped over one shoulder and my new Five Star(r) binder in hand.
I just reached the entrance of the academic building after a nice omelette and a quiet ride.
"Good Morning Tomoyo! How are you doing today?" I can't help but smile once I recognize the owner of that voice.
"Morning to you too William. I'm fine, you?" Turning around cautiously managing to balance two books in one arm and a sliding backpack in the other.
"Great, even if a bit tired," his sky-blue eyes dancing with mock mirth, "I had quite an eventful weekend with some relatives visiting. You know how formal and tiring royalty can be."
"Aw come on! It can't be that bad!" Grinning widely at him. "That's the life of the rich and famous!" Mockery in my apparently innocent voice.
"Speak for yourself fair lady! I still remember your mother's party in behalf of Daidouji Enterprises," combing his blond hair with his right hand, "I must say I was pretty shocked to see how you moved around so freely. I could say that formal etiquette comes naturally to you." Looking at me with serious eyes.
"As far as I know, I'm just a humble Japanese girl. However, mother insisted to teach me those things at a very tender age," I say matter-of-factly, "I guess that all the hard work finally paid off." Trying to get the book bag in place, that is, on the right shoulder and no way down the arm.
"Still..." His face brightens up a little. "Where's Sir Hiiragizawa?" Looking around as if expecting to see him pop-up from nowhere.
"I was just wondering that myself," looking at my dark-blue Louis Vuitton wristwatch, "he should be here by now."
Suddenly the bell rings and we are forced to go to our schoolrooms. We walked side-by-side talking quietly until we parted ways.
Nothing exceptionally happened except, maybe, an almost panting boy with his shirt untucked, tie loose and tail-jacket over one shoulder. His hands balancing a stack of books and a black binder. Hair disheveled and glasses on the bridge of an aristocratic nose. Over all, the sight he made was quite handsome and cute at the same time.
Yes fellows, amazingly and amusingly enough this walking epitome of oversleep-ness goes by the name of Hiiragizawa Eriol.
Photographer's reflexes made me take the Casio Exilim camera hanging around my neck in a fashionable cord and take a quick shot while the entire room just stared and blinked at him in disbelief, for this is our perfect Eriol-kun that we're talking about. Speaking a soft but clear apology to our math teacher, looking composed despite his dressing status, he was excused and ordered to take a seat promptly.
Time found us seating in the crowded dinning room having a snack consisting of tuna sandwich for Eriol-kun, a bottle of Nestea for darling William who decided to join us and a can of yogurt with cereal for me. Our precious break time was wisely invested in observing other people, pointing certain facts about one thing or another. Even if it appeared to be, we were in no way criticizing. I'm against it! It's just not a polite thing, educated people can do.
"Tomoyo, darling, I was checking the film chart yesterday and saw this movie that maybe you'd like to watch." Says our royal member, changing the topic abruptly from what? Oh yes, International Law.
"Are you sure William? Have you asked for permission to Your Highness?" Inquires Eriol in a fine taunting tone that's answered with a wide smile by William.
"But why, of course!" Twinkling eyes dancing mockingly.
"Mou Eriol-kun, don't be so mean!" Giving a sour look to my dark-haired best friend. "Which movie is it?" Turning my attention to the prince.
"Intolerable Cruelty." He says smoothly and simply, as if it explained it all. Which it does by the way.
"I'd love to watch that... However I'm afraid I can't unless the date is a convenient one for me," I say, eyes downcast scooping half a spoon of creamy whiteness, "mom left for America yesterday night and now I'm in charge of our business here." I sigh heavily and then put the spoon inside my mouth.
"Really Tomoyo-san? How come you didn't tell me yesterday over the messenger?" Inquired Eriol with a look far more serious than I'd liked. It made me slightly uneasy.
"I really have no answer for that, gomen nasai!" I look at him with my best sincere eyes. "I guess that I was waiting for everything to sink in." The bottom of the emptied can of yogurt is proving to be more interesting than anything else.
"That's quite a responsibility Tomoyo, dear." Says William with underlying pride and honor, as if it were a compliment of sorts and not a burden.
"Yes, it is," gathering my courage to face up the wild blowing winds the best I can, "I promised to do my best, keep it safe and running and that's what I'll do."
"That's the right thing to do, needless to say I'm with you no matter what." Said Eriol finally smiling, an encouraging smile and I beam at the boys seated in front of me.
"Domo arigato gozaimasu Eriol-kun!" Reaching for his hand across the polished table and squeezing it lightly. "Thank you to you too William dearest! You two are the best." Doing the same with his hand and building a triangle with our arms.
"Always at your service, my fair lady!" Says William kissing my hand.
"You can count on me always, besides I'm sure that Sonomi-kaasan would like me to look after her baby girl!" And he followed William's courteous step.
"Stop it! Both of you! I didn't know you can be such shameless flirts! What would people think?" I say, face flushed in embarrassment.
"Let them think what they please. It's not like you care anyway!" Commented Eriol with a smirk.
"That's true enough. Amazing how you know me so well" I say releasing their hands and taking a glance at the wristwatch. "Dear Lord! The bell is about to ring in thirty seconds!" Gathering my things and preparing to leave.
"We should hurry then. Only God knows how crowed the halls can be at such a moment!" Exclaims William with mock horror and after dumping the trash in the bins we make our way towards our next classrooms.
Monday morning and mid afternoon poured out like smooth silk. Luckily we have not been given any homework today and so I can devote myself looking after the family business. It's a good thing that I have been always around Daidouji Enterprises since a little child and so I don't feel lost and know, fairly good, what is it that I'm ought to do and what is it that lays over my shoulders. Otherwise, it'd be a total disaster!
Mr. Smith drove home quietly, like a ride in heaven, and I used some time to rest my aching eyes and drift to a relaxing sleep listening to Beethoven's gifted music. Once home I was greeted by a warm fillet mignon and a smiling Marie. She and Mr. Smith have been so good to me these days, catering to my every need and whim. They certainly make the big penthouse livelier and I don't feel that much alone, except maybe during the night.
After resting for forty-five minutes that included checking my e-mail inbox, sending a note to Sakura-chan and watching some random TV channels; I refreshed and changed the school uniform for low-rise, stone-washed Diesel jeans, a black tube top and black leather pointy-boots. I quickly took my personal stuff out of the backpack and placed them in a nice Fendi hand-bag. I applied a little touch of make-up to be ready if some unexpected meeting arises or anything of the sort.
Smiling like a fool I get inside the red Benz and close the door with a soft thud and put the key in the ignition hole, turning it inside to make the engine roar to life. I take out my BoA CD of the Pochacco PC agenda and slide it inside the stereo system, turning it on. As music begins to play out the 6 speakers placed all around the interior of the automobile, I slide the seat-belt in place and drive in reverse a few meters to then turn and exit the parking space and beyond, the garage.
Did I say that Monday was a smooth and peaceful day? Well, then scratch that! Looking around piles of paperwork and a list of missed calls that requires urgent attention, I can't help but wonder how is that okaasan manages to put up with all of these. Sure, I've helped her sometimes but that doesn't cover even a five percent of what I'm supposed to handle now.
Mother's assistant and secretary tells me that there are some signatures required to authorize a big cargo of merchandise to be released in some toy-stores around the country. Those are top-priority since we are in Christmas and we can't leave the markets un-attended and un-provided. I sigh and read the whole documents before ever thinking of signing. I've learned that one must be extremely careful with what one signs or approves.
Two hours later I'm done with the stacks of paper and take a glance at the clipboard with names and phone numbers. Summoning the personal assistant through the intercom-link I take mental note of which ones are to be called first and which ones can wait, perhaps, another day.
It turned out to be that some signatures are missing in one of the delivery contracts with a well-known European company and so it was turned down. Not our fault but theirs. However, I had to talk to a few people and make sure the problem will be solved pronto or else we'll lose some important money and go through the troubles of finding another partner to do the job.
Eight-thirty in the evening and a medium headache was annoying me like hell would. I massaged my temples in circular motions and drank a glass of water in hope of making it disappear. Curse my luck for it did not and grew worse instead. After and hour and a half scheduling meetings and appointments with mother's assistant, Mrs. Whitepeck, I called quits and prepared to leave the office building.
Just great, another red light. I thought with annoyance drumming my fingers on the steering-wheel following BoA's Milky Way rhythm pouring cheerily out the speakers. The polyphonic ringing of the mobile got my attention and I fish for the phone inside the Fendi bag. Talk about good timing!
"Hi Eriol-kun!" A smile drawing on my face despite the head-splitting headache I'm having.
"Evening Tomoyo-san! How are you? I called your house but they told me that you were at the office" Manly voice soaked in concern.
"Oh yes! It seems that I survived... However, I got a massive headache," whining like a child, "I'm on my way home though." Placing the phone in the hands-free set because the traffic light is now green.
"Honto ni? Was it too stressful?" I hear some shouting in the background also so I guess those are Spinel-sun and Nakuru-chan bickering as always.
"I wouldn't know since I'm not used to it." Giving a soft sigh and looking at the rear-view mirror.
"Are you far from home? Do you want me to go over?" I bet he already has the car keys in hand ready for a major dash to the door.
"Hmmm... Just ten minutes away. Iie, don't worry Eriol-kun! I'll be fine." Smiling dazedly at his concern.
"I'll believe you Tomoyo-san. However, make sure to call me if something happens, okay?" I know he's frowning in the other end of the line.
"Hai! Pinky-promise!" Giggling softly at my silly behavior, holding up my little finger in front of the Samsung SPHa500 as if to hook the finger with it.
"Well then. I won't distract you from the road any longer. Have a safe trip!" And in the background I can hear also a "That's enough! Stop chasing Spinel, Nakuru!" Which sends me to a round of laughter.
"Sure thing love!" And the call ends by itself.
I got home safely and after eating dinner I went straight to bed as sleep overcame me.
We decided to go to the movies on Wednesday and so we did. It was a hilarious show really and I learned some things about law that might come in handy someday. Poor William couldn't stay long and so he departed after the movie was over, leaving just Eriol-kun and myself to go get some Subway(r) for dinner. I returned home at ten-thirty in the evening feeling tired but bubbling with sheer happiness. If you ever want to loosen up a bit and relieve some stress then call a friend and go out somewhere. I didn't have much work to do for the office and I had worked on my homework the previous day so it wasn't a problem.
Two weeks went by and Christmas was getting closer and closer. I managed to bring the holiday's spirit in the house by decorating everywhere. The color themes are Red, Green and a bit of Gold. Such traditional colors with a modern and elegant twist. I really like how it all turned out. However, my pride and joy is the huge Christmas' Tree that stays up so regal in the living room.
I also helped to decorate Eriol-kun's manor, but we all choose silver and blue as his theme colors. It looks really, really nice. We needed some magic, Eriol's and Guardian's alike, because the place is way too big and there are many tall spots that are unreachable by human standards. Unless, that is, you use a stair provided by the fire-department itself. We adorned with lights and garlands the front gate, window-frames and door which gives a cheerful light to the mansion. Eriol's tree is almost thrice as mine because the ceiling in the sitting room is three stories tall. It was a challenge to put the many crafts and get an uniform and congruent appearance. Nevertheless, thanks to everybody it turned out like those you see in magazines. I even got some pictures and sent them to Sakura-chan and Li-kun over there in Hong Kong. How are they doing? That I wonder.
Okaasan's been calling me almost everyday at nights when she guesses I'm home. I really miss her and sometimes think that the amount of work and the magnitude of the responsibilities is overpowering and wearing me down. There's no day that I don't take a single aspirin. I even have a bottle with me whenever I go out for God's sake! I can tell that Eriol-kun is really worried about my health and I'm really grateful. If it weren't for him I think the migraine must have killed me already. He entitled himself as my assistant and despite my initial unwillingness I finally gave in.
The work-flow in both office and school is increasing dramatically because of the holidays. Stores want their stocks fully supplied and teachers want their hands full of homework. Hopefully I'll be able to pull it off until Christmas' Break.
I heard a knock on the door and I manage a muffled "come in!" through crossed arms (where my head is resting right now). Soon enough the door opens and I hear footsteps on the carpet.
"Miss Daidouji? Is something the matter?" I hear Mrs. Whitepeck speak to me with true concern. We've come to know each other in the past weeks.
"Yes, don't worry... It's just one of those nasty headaches," I pause to look up at her, standing in front of the desk with eyebrows furrowed in anxiety, "I took one aspirin already, I'm just waiting for it to work its effect." Straightening and sitting with my back against the leather chair.
"I don't think you're alright. You've been having these headaches for quite some time now. Maybe you should see a doctor?"
"I'll be alright I assure you," massaging the aching temples, "besides, I'm almost done. All I have to do is review these policies and then decide whether we are to accept the deal or not." Eyeing the black folder warily.
"I'm going to call Mr. Hiiragizawa right away!" She turned tail, making her way to the door before I can tell her otherwise. Oh Lord!
I spin around to face the ceiling to floor window behind me that shows a magnificent landscape of London and its people below. Many of them carry shopping bags and heavy clothes. We're in winter and it's very cold. I've experienced some cold winters back in Japan, but not as freezing as in here.
Feeling that the headache is giving me a break, I open the folder and begin to read the contents quickly. Making a halt at suspicious or tricky parts. Those terms and conditions are somewhat excessive but I think that the quality of the service is worth it. However, I'm not sure whether to approve of it or not. Playing with the black Mont-Blanc pen between my fingers I think of the matter at hand under various angles. Nibbling my lower lip I close the folder and move it aside; I'm not sure of this.
Another knock. "Come in!"
"Evening Tomoyo-san... How are you feeling?" Greets Eriol closing the door behind him. By the look of his face I can tell that he won't be fooled so easily. Not that he usually is anyway. This time it'll only be harder, which means almost impossible. "Mrs. Whitepeck informed me that you have another of your migraines."
I look at him some seconds thinking if I should either lie to him or tell him the truth. The first sounds tempting since I don't want somebody to be looking after me and tell me I told you so; but the second one sounds easier to comply. "Yes, but it's almost gone now."
What the hell was that? My mouth truly has a mind of its own.
"How many times have I told you not to work so hard?" He asks with a sour look and dead-pan voice. I'm in trouble.
"Many, many times... But I'm guilty as charged, I can't follow your advice." Breathing deeply and placing the elbows on top of the glass-topped desk, the chin resting on open palms.
"I'm extremely upset as to how you've been behaving nowadays. You're not eating enough and your headaches are not giving you any rest." His azure eyes trying to dig into my very soul.
"It's not my fault Eriol-kun, really! I try to eat but can't seem to digest anything!" Crying out in despair. No matter how much I try, the stomach-aches after eating are to die for!
"You know that your mother said it was okay to call her if you had problems," eyeing me with piercing ice-blue eyes, "why haven't you called her?" Walking towards the desk and sitting in front of me.
"I haven't because I don't see the use of it," just great, the headache is hitting back full-force, "I will be fine soon I assure you! It's just a virus or something."
"That's where you're wrong Tomoyo-san, you're not fine and I highly doubt it has something to do with a virus." He frowns at me but I keep my cool.
"Whatever do you mean Eriol-kun? Headache is a normal problem to human kind and the same applies to stomachaches." I try to make him drop what I sense he's aiming at.
"How can you think that? I seriously thought that an educated girl like you should know what can be described as healthy and what cannot!" By the way he breathes, I know he's trying to keep a hold on him. It's scary. "I'm going to call your mother, you can't be this way any longer."
That snapped something within me. "Don't you dare do that!" Standing up and slamming my palms against the smooth surface of the desk, so abruptly that the chair wheeled backwards a meter or so.
"What would you do? What is it you want to do? Kill yourself?" His voice is laced with an anger I've never seen before.
"Of course not!" I say indignantly. How can he think so lowly of me?
"Then why you don't let me call your mother and tell her about your headaches, stomachaches and fainting fits?" He knew about that too? Damn, I'm lost!
"That's simple! I don't want her to worry about me. There are more important problems at hand than some annoying headaches!" I'm still bent towards the desk, palms firmly fixed on the surface, now glaring at him.
"That's why? I thought better of you, you are truly foolish!" Standing up and forcing me to put my back straight in order to keep eye contact. "No matter what you do, think or say, I won't let you kill yourself so recklessly."
"Foolish? You call me foolish? The nerve you have Hiiragizawa-kun!" Eyes narrowing in what should be a murderous look. "You call me foolish for trying to do my best in what I'm ought to do? Call me foolish for trying to keep some problems off okaa-san's shoulders? Foolish for trying to make her proud and happy? Call me anything you want if you so desire, anything but bloody foolish!" Darn headache, it's breaking my head in four pieces!
"I don't see why! That's the only word that fits you at the moment! You are foolish enough as to think that your mother will be happy with a successful company and a sick daughter! Maybe they're just normal headaches and exhaustion to you, but what if it's something else!" His ice-blue eyes are blazing with anger and his brows are furrowed in deep concentration.
"Don't be silly! It can't be anything serious, the aspirin always takes them away! And I'm also taking meds for the stomachaches!" Gesturing with my hands as if to prove my point.
"Did you visit the doctor?" Narrowing his eyes and looking deadly murderous.
"Not yet! But those are the meds that I always take. It's not the first time it happens." That's the truth but he doesn't like it a single bit.
"I can't believe you! You're not only foolish but careless!" He spat at me, as dignified as possible and turned away to leave.
"How dare you call me that? What do you know?" Walking around the desk and facing him again. Hands on hips.
"What do you think I am? Stupid? I'm not a sorcerer for nothing! I've been sensing your aura for a week and a half now and it's weak and fragile!" At the mention of aura he pointed around me like I was wrapped up in something impossible for me to see.
I might not have magic but I can feel that something powerful is happening within him and it scared me. He might do something unexpected anytime soon.
"What's with magicians these days thinking they have the right to do like they please without so much as a thought? Intruding in my personal space no less!" My previous fear is overpowered by anger, making me take some steps towards him. "Enlighten me please and tell me what gives you the right to do such a thing? Who the hell are you?" I had to make a pause and breathe, everything is spinning around. "You know nothing! You are no(...)!"
I couldn't finish my sentence because suddenly my lips were covered by his in a aggressive and passionate kiss. I gasped in surprise and he took the opportunity to sneak his tongue inside my mouth and rummage every corner. I was frozen right there and then! What in the seventh level of hell am I supposed to do? This is Eriol we're talking about for God's sake! I feel something warm spread upwards my belly and twirl like fire-butterflies. The headache is still overwhelming and my knees are giving away. My vision is turning black and I'm suddenly too weak and feel so light! I'm going to fall anytime now... I don't care about what happens anymore. I closed my eyes and blankness took me away from consciousness.
Tsutsuku
