Watching me from afar

School life became more and more complex. The social status of everyone was what truly mattered. I watched my fellow friends fight over fashion while I ate my sandwich never saying much. "Sakura what do you think of my yellow perk dress?" Tomoyo questioned. All eyes laid on me Li help me please! I opened my month and whispered, "I like the dress. It's real pretty on you Tomoyo." Meiling laughed, "You're such a pushover Sakura. You're rather pathetic." I shot her a glare and said, "Well at least I don't worry about what I wear everyday." Meiling asked, "Well hello Li. How are you? I haven't seen you around much." He gripped my shoulder softly; I am here for you. Like I promise, Let me deal with Miss. Cat face. I grinned and chuckled to myself.

Li teased and complemented Meiling. "Well Sakura and I best be going." I felt my chair being pulled out from below me and my arm escorted by a strong grip. Meiling hollered a little out of normal. "I'm having a party this Friday Li. Could you come?"

Li smiled and turned around to speak with her. I started to back away, pulling my invisible cloak working. Sakura do not do it! Are you going to the dance? I looked at his back. She never invited me. You know she hates my guts. "Meiling, I must decline." Meiling saw my small smile and said, "Sakura can come to. Where are my manners? I'm so sorry Sakura." She looked straight at me waiting for an answer.

Li grinned and said, "We will be there then." Li I will not go.

Sakura you have to go. We will talk about this later all right, good girl.

I am not some pet Li. I remember turning away from his back and walking straight out of the cafeteria hearing Meiling laugh and say, "Well seems like Sakura made her choice about the party. Sit down Li."

I blocked him out the first time in weeks. I could not handle all this pressure. Tears ran down my face realizing Li was not behind me saving me. For once since I got here, I had to save myself. Mrs. Hornet stood in front of our classroom. "Well, Congrats Miss Sakura. You are the first to come back from lunch. Why not go sit down and dry your face to save some dignity before the others come in." For once, I listened to her and sat in the front row sitting up straight with my hands clasped ready to learn. In my mind, I was blocking the urgent calls of Li. He was shouting I felt the urgency of the calls but I placed bigger force fields between us. Students slowly stubbed into the classroom climbing into seats chatting all around me. I saw him before he saw me, his face was full of worry but before we met contact, I pulled my head down to my work. "Mr. Li, Your late! Any good excuse?" Mrs. Hornet yelled. Li looked up at her, and then at me. "I was looking for Sakura." I looked at Mrs. Hornet waiting for her to give him her worse punishment. "I'll discuss this with you later Mr. Li."

Later after school

I pulled my bag onto my shoulder, cheerleading had been canceled for the rest of the week. I pulled my winter jacket on tighter and then headed for the door with the rest of the crowd except poor Li. He looked straight at me at the perfect moment and my blockades could not stop him. Sakura, I am truly sorry. Please understand I just was trying to help.
Li, you cannot hurt me like that ever again promise.

I promise Sakura.

I walked up to Mrs. Hornet. "I am responsible for Li being late. I should have told him about where I was." The woman grinned, "Well both you will be serving detention on Friday then together."

Li stood from his seat and grabbed my arm lightly and we walked out the classroom and the school. He moved his arm to my shoulder and whispered, "Thanks."

Friday I knew would be long and boring. I just could not handle Meiling the next day.

Hope you like.

Lighthope1