A/N Finally, I finished writing chapter 3, hope you like it and I want to thank all of you who review my last 2 chapters. I usually update fast but I took a tiny break from writing. I hope y'all like this chapter.

CHAPTER 3: Desperate cry for help

Syaoran looked around the cafeteria, his eyes met every inch of the room. The decision would have been obvious to everyone else but Syaoran grew out of it. His eyes narrowed right at the back table to her table, he turned to his normal table sighed and walked to Sakura's table. What he didn't know was that everyone was looking at him as though he was on the verge of a new discovery.

He sat opposite from her; she shook her head and folded her arms.

"What is up with you?" she asked coldly.

"I just thought you needed some company."

"I don't now get lost." She demanded.

"So have you heard about the school dance?" he said ignoring her request.

"Oh my gosh, you are so annoying!" Sakura's argued aggravated.

Syaoran smiled. "You're not half as scary as you think you are."

Sakura forced out a laugh, she picked up her spoon and dipped it in the pudding.

"You're pathetic friends are looking at you." Sakura said.

Syaoran turned around and waved. He looked at Sakura. "So?"

"Aren't you afraid of what they will think or say?"

"Not really." He confessed.

Sakura rolled her eyes and rested her hand on the table.

"Just because I borrowed you're books doesn't mean were friends now."

"If that's the way you want it."

"So….what are you still doing here?"

"Sakura….." Syaoran was cut off when he felt someone patting his shoulder; he turned around to the sight of Tomoyo. Tomoyo was popular; she was more like a school role model. She was beautiful and multitalented every girl wanted to be her and every guy wanted to date her. She was school president and very kind in other words perfect. She had a gentle smile on her face and was carrying a folder.

"Hello." She said in a composed tone.

"Hey, what's up?" Syaoran said giving her his full attention.

She slightly bended her head and her smile was wider "Hi Sakura."

Sakura gave her a cold shoulder.

"You all probably know that the school dance is next Friday and I'm the organizer so I need to know how many people will be coming." She said coyly.

Syaoran's eyebrows rose, he shot her one of his rare smiles "Sakura and I will be there." He said in a playful tone.

Tomoyo glanced at him then blushed. She pushed her hair behind her ear and took out a pen.

"So you are coming as a couple?" she asked in a disappointed yet surprised tone.

"No… I'm not coming! I don't do dances." Sakura complained.

"Okay, so you're not coming…" Tomoyo was cut off.

"Sakura is coming." Syaoran was more serious this time.

"Will you stop making decisions for me?! I'm not coming." Sakura argued.

Syaoran didn't say anything.

"I'll see around Syaoran." She said looking at him as though she could just eat him.

Syaoran looked at Sakura who was busy eating her pudding. He glanced at her without a blink. Sakura stopped eating.

"What!" she said angrily.

"What's up with you?" Syaoran asked on the verge of loosing it.

Sakura didn't say anything. Her silence annoyed him even more. She licked her spoon and ignored him.

"Why would you not go- I don't understand."

Sakura looked up "Didn't you hear me…I don't go to things like that, I never will."

"Why? do you have nothing to wear? No date cause if that's the case I'll be you're date." He said quickly without a thought.

Sakura managed to force out a loud mocking laugh. "How desperate do you think I am?"

"I was just joking about the date thing." Syaoran was red with humiliation.

Syaoran ran his fingers through his hair. "I have to go, I'll probably come to you're place this afternoon."

Sakura frowned and said calmly "No you're not."

Syaoran got up and carried his tray. He shot her a boyish grin.

"I won't be home." Sakura bickered.

"Then I'll wait."

That afternoon Syaoran stuck to his word he made it all the way to her front door and without a minute to lose he knocked on the door. There was no answer, he knocked again but there still was no answer. He remembered what she said then sighed.

"Sakura I know you're in there." He shouted. "I'm not going away." He leaned against the door when it suddenly opened.

"Somebody shoot me." She said annoyed.

Syaoran's eyebrows ascended, it was the first time he had seen her out of her uniform. She wore a tight black t-shirt with denim shorts (A/N hillbilly shorts) and her brown farmer boots.

"Hey Sakura, your such a liar, I thought you said you wont be home." He commented.

"What do you want from me?" she said angrily.

Syaoran was quiet; he knew she already knew the answer to that question.

"Oh I get it…" Sakura began with a grin "You must be in love with me."

Syaoran's jaw drop and his cheeks turned red. He took a deep breath and looked at her.

"If that was the case I would have told you, when I like a girl I tell her how I feel and I flirt a lot, I don't do that with you."

Sakura shrugged her shoulders. She didn't know what surprised her more, the fact that he was on her doorstep or he was telling her how he treats girls.

There was a sudden yet awkward silence. Syaoran was expecting her to invite him in and she was expecting him to leave. He slipped his hands into his pocket then turned to the house on the right. He turned to Sakura who was tapping her foot.

"Do you ever go to Tomoyo's house?"

Sakura walked out the door and closed it "No." she said as though it repulsively.

"So how long have you two been neighbors?"

"10 years." She said without a slight hesitation.

"Do you like her?"

Sakura's lip curled "No, I wish someone could just break her." She scratched the back of her head and said "There's no getting rid of you, is there?"

"Nope," Syaoran shrugged.

"Oh…I might as well make the best of it." It was almost as though Syaoran had become a burden but then again she was Sakura, mean and scary the girl who never gives in, was she loosing her touch?

"So you're giving in?" he asked.

"Not exactly." She replied walking past him.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know, as far away from you as possible." She replied.

"You know me better than that; I'll just have to follow you."

Syaoran walked along side Sakura, he knew she didn't want him around but if he was ever going to be her friend he had to be around. They walked on the sidewalk in front of Sakura's house.

"So are you and your brother tight?" Syaoran began trying it stir up a conversation.

Sakura's eyebrow rose, usually she wouldn't answer but this was somewhat different.

"We argue a lot but we also care about each other." Sakura confessed.

Syaoran smiled, they were finally having a decent conversation. "So, why are you so uptight?"

Sakura continued walking "I was born like this."

Syaoran blinked and smirked "I get a feeling that isn't true. I think you being a rebel just an act. "

Sakura's fist tightened "Oh, you're so arrogant, where do you come off telling me something like that. You don't know the first thing about me"

Thus marked the end of a decent conversation with Sakura, maybe he was pulling her strings a little.

"Okay, I'm sorry; I was just trying to make a point." He sighed.

Sakura was quiet; she kicked a stone then turned away from Syaoran.

"So, what's up with the boots?"

Sakura looked down to them "Something I picked up at a yard sale a year ago." She said proudly.

"No offence but, the cause quiet a stir."

Sakura looked up "That's the idea."

Syaoran smiled, this girl was unpredictable. She must be one of a kind, he thought to himself.

"And do you have something against the world."

Sakura managed to fake a laugh and she stopped walking "I feel like I'm on a quiz show or something." She pushed the bangs from her face and added "I do have something against the world; I hate it for using me as its guinea pig."

Syaoran didn't understand, just when he thinks he has her figured out there is a new mystery about her to be solved. He looked at her, though it was difficult to admit she was beautiful her ignorance for rules and peoples expectations made her vibrant.

"Sakura." He began, grabbing her full attention "Your not as scary as everyone thinks you are." He admitted.

"Oh, so I'm not scary huh? Want me to tell you about the time I killed my dog cause it had bladder problems."

Syaoran chuckled "People say some pretty mean things about you."

"I don't care what people say, it doesn't kill me." Sakura was emotionless with every word.

They talked for minute's non stop. It was awkward for both of them, Syaoran would ask questions and she would simply answer them. He did what no one was able to do; he got Sakura to speak out, the more she spoke the more intelligent he thought she was. They reached a café called Eds. It was a popular hangout for teenagers. It wasn't too big or too small. It was painted white outside but green inside. As they walked closer to it Sakura's trail stopped. Syaoran looked at her with concern.

"What's the matter?"

"I don't go in there." She stated.

"Why not? I heard this is the coolest place to hang around."

Sakura rolled her eyes "That's it; your stupid friends are in there. They make me sick."

"Why, they're nice, they just don't understand you because you don't let them."

"You hang with them, if that's what you wish but your not going get me to give those Barbies and Kens a second glance."

"Sakura…" Syaoran's words trailed off when someone came out of the café door, it was Eriol. He looked up at Syaoran.

"Syaoran, I called you when…" Eroil stopped when his eyes fell on Sakura. "Hi…Sakura." He said casually. Sakura turned her head to the ground.

"I'll see you around Syaoran." She said in a calm and finicky tone.

Eriol's eyebrows rose, his jaw dropped then he laughed "What did you do to her?"

Syaoran sneered "Not much." He looked back to Sakura who was crossing the road "She'll probably hate me tomorrow." He said in jest

Eroil grinned. Syaoran knew immediately what he was thinking.

"Just so you would know that wasn't a date."

Eriol shrugged his shoulders "I never said it was."

Syaoran rolled his eyes "I'm not interested in her that way."

(Sakura's POV)

I stood by the mirror for what seemed like hours. I never looked twice in the mirror but this morning, this morning it felt necessary. I loosened my hair that hang on my shoulders. It reminded me of who I used to be, it reminded me of the times I used to have my hair short and I liked it. My reflection stared back at me. My hair was the centre on attention. It was lame and dead. I never minded it being that way before but now I did. I grabbed my hair brush and brushed it back. I took a deep breath and with no satisfaction with the results I tied it back. I noticed a hair clip on the sideboard; it was baby blue with a lily on it. Maybe it was worth a shot. I gently grabbed it and placed in my hair. It made a small difference. I grabbed my bag, hang it on my shoulder and ran down stairs, I walked to the kitchen and for the first time ever Touya's food smelled good.

"Did the word stop turning while I was asleep?"

Touya smiled "No, it just so happens I'm in a good mood today. I'm not going to let you spoil that."

I grabbed my plate and a fork. He leaned against the counter and smiled while looking at me.

"What is it?"

"I saw you talking to someone Yesterday." He said playfully. I didn't want to say anything, I knew what was coming.

"I thought you closed all lines of communication with man kind. You should really introduce me to this guy; he did me a huge favor."

I tightened the grip on my fork and glared at him "Do you mind Touya! I'm trying to eat." I frowned.

He let out a giggle "I knew it was too good to be true." He paused taking a close look at me. He gazed with wonder.

"What's wrong now, is there something on my face…"

"No no, there is something in your hair. Sakura is that a hair clip?" he asked.

"My bangs kept sticking out…don't make a big deal out of it."

He grinned "Sure, whatever you say."

"You know what I'm not hungry anymore." I got up and placed my bag on my shoulder.

"Sakura, don't beat up anyone today." He warned.

I arrive at school right on time. I made my way to my locker. Just before I could reach it a strong force pushed me over and I ended up falling on my knees, I turned around. It Luca, he looked at me then chuckled. I got up and looked him in the eye.

"You did that for purpose." I said calmly. All the evidence I needed was there.

"So the savage beast thought it was time to reshape…"

I was confused. I didn't know what he was talking about. "Go away, or else…" I muttered under my breath.

"Or else what, I'm not afraid of you, nobody is anymore, your little act is nothing more than a desperate cry for help."

I could feel my blood boil in my veins then I remembered Touya's words 'don't beat up anyone today.'

I turned around and walked to my locker.

"Scared huh?"

I turned around and stared at him "If there is anyone who should be scared, it's you Luca."

He laughed out loud you could almost see the spit from his mouth flying. He made a choking sound then shouted "We'll settle this at lunchtime." As is I wasn't close enough.

I reached my locker and standing by it was Syaoran. "Sakura, don't mess with him." He said in a fearful tone.

"Why?"

"They are after you, Luca and the soccer team. Yesterday Eriol told me that Luca is planning on getting rid of you." I knew why Syaoran was only saying this cause he didn't know me well enough, I realized that things had changed, instead of avoiding me or getting out of my way, Luca wanted to crush me.

"What are they going to do that's so bad?"

"They are going to tease you big time especially Luca" He counseled.

"Syaoran, I can take care of myself."

"Okay, what ever you say." Syaoran was skeptical and worried.

I closed my locker and walked past him.

I reached Biology class and unfortunately Luca was in this class too. I sat down and opened my book. The teacher began to write on the board and before I could grab my pen I felt a lukewarm substance on my cheek. I touched my cheek; the substance was soft. I got it out, it was a spit ball. I turned to Luca, who sat across me; he chuckled and whispered "There is more where that came from."

A wave of anger and hurt almost choked me. I just felt like beating him up, I don't know how I did it but I managed to control my anger. I turned to the board and started to copy the notes, before I knew it there was a spitball on my book. I ignored him. Throughout the lesson he threw papers and spitballs at me.

At lunch time it was worse; he came to my table and started to insult me. "You think you're better than anyone else." He commented. "You know what Kinomoto, you are nothing."

His words didn't mean a thing to me; though I was ignoring him he went on and on.

(Syaoran's POV)

Eriol and I entered the cafeteria. I looked around and half of the tables were empty. The students piled up at the table that was usually deserted, Sakura's table. I looked at Eriol "Don't tell me they are at Sakura's table." I panicked.

"Yeah, don't you think Luca is taking it a little too far, the monster is better off on her own."

I looked at Eriol "Don't call her that."

Eriol smirked "The reason he is bullying her is your fault you know."

I couldn't believe what he was saying "Me, how am I the reason?"

"You proved that Sakura isn't all that tough." It made sense, it really was my fault. I couldn't tell Sakura though, knowing her she would probably not talk to me again and I couldn't risk our friendship.

Eriol and I joined the crowd.

"So…your going to ignore me right, can't say anything, can't speak. What's the matter cat got your tongue you little predator." Luca laughed and some of the students laughed along with him he looked at me, I managed to smirk. Sakura looked at me then turned away. Once again she was helpless and alone.

"We all know why Syaoran has been talking to you; he wanted to prove how pathetic and weak you really are right Syaoran?" Luca looked at me waiting for an answer, the crowd then turned their faces to me. They were expecting me to say something. I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, that's why."

I couldn't look at Sakura, I was too embarrassed. Lying was not like me. She got up, the crowd made way for her. I looked at Luca then ran after her.

"Sakura!" I yelled and she immediately stopped.

"You sure know how to make a fool of me?" She said angrily. "What the hell do you want from me you low life…" she paused and looked at me "I shouldn't even be talking to you!" she shouted.

"Sakura, I didn't mean it, I just said it cause…"

"You think I'm weird, I thought you were different but you know what you are just like everyone else. Don't you ever come 10 feet within me."

"Sakura..." I moaned "I thought you don't care about what people think."

She turned away and muttered "For some reason I care about what you think, I thought…I thought we were…friends, how stupid could I be."

I watched leave, there was nothing more I could say; I lost the one person I liked hanging around with. How could I have been so stupid, would it have been hard just to stand by her side?

"You are amazing." A soft voice said. I turned around to find Tomoyo standing right before me.

"Amazing? I made her mad at me again; there is nothing amazing about that." I confessed.

Tomoyo walked closer to me, even her walk was somewhat elegant "You managed to get her to talk to someone." She pointed out. She moved closer to me, there was barely any space between us, she smiled.

A strange silent rested between us. She glared at me, it made me feel almost uncomfortable, I could almost feel my cheeks turn red, and then I figured the reason why she was quiet.

"Tomoyo, do want to go out with me sometime?" I asked, I always thought she was kind and not to mention hot despite what Sakura thought of her. Though I was not all that much attracted to her, I thought I'd give it a shot.

She nodded "Yes, Syaoran, I want to go out with you. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this"

"When?"

"Is tomorrow fine?"

"Tomorrow is perfect."

She smiled then gave me a peck on the cheek; she leaned on my shoulder and whispered "You won't regret this."

I wanted to show signs of excitement toward our date but I couldn't I stood numb thinking of a way to make it up to Sakura. Tomoyo withdrew herself from my shoulder, she blushed then looked down. "So I'll see you around."

I nodded.

(Normal POV)

That afternoon after school another feud in progress in the hallway, Luca decided to throw insults at Sakura again. As usual she ignored him. Syaoran was in the crowd but did nothing. Sakura stood in the middle of the crowd. She was mad, her anger didn't revolve around Luca only, it was Syaoran that got her fuming. His betrayal brought back the anger in her.

"So, house flea you've decided to be a-girl for once." He said pointing at Sakura's hair clip.

"Shut up Luca." Sakura warned.

"Oh, so the demon within has spoken." Luca teased. "What would you do if I got out that silly thing from your hair? Would you to hit me Sakura? How hard" He kicked his foot in the air and shouted "Aha." The crowd laughed their laughter encouraged him even more for he loved being the centre of attention. Syaoran did not laugh, he wanted to do something but his lips and body couldn't move. Luca walked close to Sakura and quickly slipped the hair clip from her hair.

"Give i-t ba-ck." Sakura muttered, she could almost feel her words burn.

"Oh what are you going to do now, you want it-come get." Luca joked.

Sakura scowled, she tightened her fist and punched him. "Owe Son of a…" Luca shouted crouching and covering his nose.

"There is more where that came from." Sakura said angrily.

The crowd continuously shouted fight! Fight! Syaoran's eyebrow rose, he just could believe how tough she was, when she said she could take care of herself she wasn't kidding. He was impressed. Suddenly Luca got up, the crowd laughed at him.

"You're going to pay this big time!" Luca stood up walked to Sakura and swung his arm. Before he could go for the kill something stopped him, it was more like someone. Syaoran grabbed his wrist and grinned. He looked into Luca's eyes.

"What do you think you're doing dude." Luca questioned confused.

"Has anyone ever told you not to hit a lady?"

Luca let out a loud laugh "That thing, that's no lady." He pointed at Sakura.

"Syaoran, I don't need you protecting me." Sakura said.

Syaoran looked at her then let Luca's arm go "Okay Sakura, if that's what you wish."

Luca snarled he threw away her hair clip, grabbed her neck then tightly squeezed it, Sakura could barely breathe. She looked at Syaoran then closed her eyes firmly I could use a little help any minute from now she thought. She tried to catch her breath. "Didn't I say you would pay." Luca laughed.

Suddenly Syaoran tapped Luca's shoulder, Luca turned around and Syaoran stuck a punch then shook his hand. Sakura felt the grip on her neck loosen. She opened her eyes then smiled. Luca crouched and shouted "Syaoran, you've really let me down."

A few guys from the soccer team entered the ring, Sakura and Syaoran looked around then at each other.

"Teacher! A teacher is coming." Someone yelled.

Syaoran stood still. Sakura grabbed his hand "I know I short cut!" She said sure. Syaoran nodded.

They made their way out of the school premises through the janitor's room. They were finally out; free…the managed to escape. Sakura crouched and placed her hands on her knees. She took a deep breathe. "You were great out there."

Syaoran ran his fingers through his hair "Well you know, it was nothing…We could have taken them all down right?" he said modestly.

"I guess, who knew, my wickedness is rubbing on you."

"Did you see me when I punched him-did you see when I patted his shoulder out of no where, I think I broke his nose, all those hours in the gym are finally off?" Syaoran lied. Fortunately Sakura could see right through him.

"You, the gym…who are you trying to kid?" Sakura teased.

Sakura Stood up straight then laughed. Syaoran couldn't believe it, she was laughing. He couldn't stop gazing at her, there was something intriguing…beautiful about her when she laughed. Sakura stopped laughing when she realized he was looking at her.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing but, you should smile more." Syaoran leered "It suits you."

Sakura was speechless, no one told her something like that for a long time. She didn't know how to respond. She looked up then back down. "I better get home."

"Sakura, wait." Syaoran requested.

Sakura stopped. Syaoran placed his hand in his pocket; he searched then withdrew his hand from his pocket. He tightened his wrapped his fingers around it then smiled.

"What is it?" Sakura asked.

Syaoran slowly opened his fingers and in his palm was Sakura's hair clip. Sakura's eyes lightened and she smiled. "You took it." She said.

Syaoran nodded the handed it to her, the look in her eyes was priceless. "It must mean a lot to you."

Sakura nodded with glee, "My mother gave it to me when I was little. Thanks"

A/N So that's it for now, I was kind of hesitant about writing this chapter cause the others did so well so I didn't want to mess up, tell me if I did. Plz review. Her