A Call
Syaoran woke up at five. He noticed Sakura had moved closer to him. She was holding his hand tightly, yet gently letting go every now and then. It was as if she didn't want to lose him.
Syaoran slowly losen Sakura's grip on his hand. He didn't want to, but he had to return to work or else Yumi will get suspicious. Sakura shifted in her spot. Syaoran quickly fished into his pockets. He found his cell phone, so he pushed it into Sakura's hands.
However, when she woke up, there was no one. She only found a cell phone in her hands. It was green, like Syaoran's. She turned it on and saw his name.
She couldn't help but think of how nice yet familiar Syaoran is. Somewhere deep in her memories, she had met or heard him before.
Then she remembered the previous event. That horrible memory from a month ago... It still bugged her, like a weed. But because Syaoran was there, she didn't go all insane and pinned down to get some shots.
Colors in the sky fished her from the bed towards the window. She opened it. Apparently, Syaoran or someone had closed it at noon.
Two windows laid against the horizon, one on top of the other. It was the sort of thing that would cheer almost anyone up. She smiled. Syaoran had taught her how to take pictures with the cell phone, so she took two pictures of the rainbows.
Sakura placed the cellphone on the table, afraid that it would fall from her own carelessness.
When the cage fell, Tomoyo had came. Sakura distinctly remembered Eriol arriving, Tomoyo leaving, and Eriol following her. She wondered why.
Her eyes fell on the rainbows again. Then Syaoran's cell phone rang.
----
Eriol told his boss that he didn't want to work today. The boss seemed surprised, because Tomoyo also called in and said she wasn't going to work, either. Then he said that he decided he would go; there was nothing else to do anyway.
In his office, Joy came to see him.
Chamfort Joy. Joy is a somewhat hyper girl. She has black hair to about her elbows and blue eyes. She is Tomoyo's height.
"Hi, Eriol," the sweet voice said. She was leaning against his door. "You seemed troubled. What is it?" Joy is the kind of girl that immediately worries about someone she knows, even if it's only been a week or so.
Eriol gave her this look that showed she shouldn't be too nosy. He was angered that he couldn't find Tomoyo. That was his only anger, and he didn't want another.
"Oh! It's almost break time. Let's go somewhere to eat!" Joy suggested.
Eriol's eyes narrowed. "No," he said firmly.
"Come on! It isn't nice to be cooped up here all day. After all, we might have some luck finding Daidouji-san. She's a close friend of yours, right?" she asked, hooking hands with Eriol and dragging him towards the elevator.
Eriol growled. The elevator flew down to the ground floor before he was calm enough to say something.
Being polite and trying not to show her that something is wrong, Eriol started his car and waited for her to buckle herself before driving.
"Where do you want to go?" Eriol asked, trying to act cool.
"I don't know. You pick," Joy replied.
Eriol spotted a restaurant after a long silence. It was Tomoyo's favorite.
Joy gasped. "Not this place!" she whined. "I hate this place! Do you know what the food taste like? It's plan-"
Eriol got out of the car. It was Tomoyo's favorite because, even though the food is the same as the other places, this was the first place they had met and the place where Eriol proposed. Other than it being named "Food Palace," she liked all the other things.
Inside, it was never too cool or too hot. Joy reluctantly followed Eriol. She grabbed his arm and pointed out the places she wanted to sit. Eriol chose one at the corner because it was his and Tomoyo's special place.
----
Tomoyo tried to sleep, but she couldn't. So, she walked a few hours to a restaurant that was nearby, not realizing its name. She just wanted some place where there's a lot of people so she could wonder about them. It was an unusual hobby, but what else is there to do?
When she was finally inside, she remembered. Tomoyo tried to get out, but there were too many people coming in. This is a good time for break times for companies, she noticed.
Sighing, Tomoyo went to a corner seat. Then she realized it was the special seat. She got up and was about to walk to another seat far away before seeing Eriol and Joy.
Joy's hand was wrapped around Eriol's. Jealousy took over. Tomoyo ducked into the next booth. She slid down in the bench. If it weren't sort of couch-like, she couldn't have camouflaged so well. Tomoyo quickly ordered large dishes of food; she wanted to pretend that she's eating instead of just sitting and get Eriol's attention.
There was a big problem, though. Tomoyo spent most of her money at the hotel. Well, she didn't have that much to start with, but now she doesn't even have enough to pay all that she ordered. "Ugh," she groaned, sliding further down on the bench.
Eriol's voice made her tense. He was sitting in the bench behind hers. She was sweating.
Tomoyo was still angry. She couldn't get it out of her head that Eriol didn't tell her about the folder. Why was she so scared, anyway? Even if Eriol found her, she wouldn't return to him.
Tomoyo brought up her ring finger and traced the mark left behind by her wedding ring. A tear fell down from her eyes. She wiped it away quickly.
"Do you think Daidouji-san is weird?" Joy suddenly asked, which caught Tomoyo's attention right away. "I mean, she's always so quiet. She's your best friend, right?"
Tomoyo heard Eriol growl, but he didn't say anything, as if he was ignoring Joy.
"She and you are always somewhere together. I see you go to work together sometimes. What, you're trying to get a girl from her advice?" Joy said thoughtfully.
Eriol saw her blue eyes glitter, as if she was talking about Eriol going to Tomoyo to help him get Joy. Tomoyo was fuming like crazy, but was able to calm down. Then it occurred to her that she and Eriol didn't tell Joy that they were engaged.
Now, Tomoyo was fearful of hurting someone. Of course, this someone is Joy. And it just made her think of Sakura.
----
Syaoran ran into someone as he headed into his office.
Yumi was holding her cell phone. Syaoran immediately turned it off, knowing who she was trying to reach - him.
"Syaoran!" she said. Her brown hair was tied into a ponytail today and her aquamarine eyes glowed darkly. "I've been trying to reach you all day! It was raining so hard, and there was lightning and thunder!" she told him. "And I want to show you something."
Before he could protest, Yumi pulled him toward the wide office window. There, lying on the horizon, were two rainbows. Syaoran stared in awe. He wasn't sure why he didn't see it while he was driving.
I wonder if Sakura is looking at this, too, he thought, his hand resting against the glass.
"Syaoran? Syaoran!"
"Huh? What?"
"I was calling you, but you seemed to be off in space," Yumi told him, her head resting against his shoulder.
For once in his lifetime, Syaoran felt regret. He didn't have any feelings for Yumi anymore - nor had he ever, not even family love. He had just figured it out. And he was afraid of hurting her. But if he hadn't met her, Sakura wouldn't come into the picture.
There was a knock at the door. They turned around.
"Sorry to disturb the romance," Frank said, leaning against the door. He was holding a black folder.
"Oh, it's okay," Yumi said, giggling. She looked curiously at her black-eyed friend. "What's the folder for?"
"Hmm?" he said, holding up the folder. "Here are the reports you gave to your father. He wanted me to return them."
"Tell him Syaoran can do it next time," Yumi said, taking it and examing the papers.
----
"Hey, why do you think that customer have so much food? I mean, whoever it is wouldn't be able to eat all that, right?"
Eriol turned around. The person in the booth next to his and Joy's had a table full of food. Of course, this person is Tomoyo, whose heart had just skipped a beat. Her face showed frustration.
"Just leave him or her alone," Eriol said.
Tomoyo was mad. "So, what, you just left me alone when you had all the information?" she hissed. She got up and walked to Eriol's booth, looked at him, then left the restaurant.
Eriol was shocked; Joy was speechless (she didn't hear anything, so don't worry). Eriol followed her, deserting Joy.
When Tomoyo was outside, Eriol grabbed her arm. Tomoyo made sure she was out of Joy's sight before saying, "Let me go," very firmly.
"Tomoyo," he said, hesitantly releasing his hold. Then he put his arm around her and kissed her. Tomoyo was surprised at first. She didn't have the strength to shove him away, but she kissed him back.
"Eriol, I'll return home, don't worry," she said, stopping the kiss. Tomoyo was released from Eriol's hold, then she walked away.
----
Sakura looked at the phone curiously. A "Naozumi Yumi" had just called. She couldn't quite point out who this girl was.
A rush of jealousy swooped over her.
A girl had just called Syaoran, she realized. She felt like dropping the phone, then remembered that it was Syaoran's and the only object she had from him.
I haven't said much to anyone, just thought. What does my voice sound like?
"Hi," she said.
Yeah, that was it. She stared at the sky. Dad... Touya... I miss you two. Is Mom up there? She cried.
Flashback
I was mad that day. I think I became aware of my jealousy for Tomoyo. She had a boyfriend, Eriol. He was one of the most perfect guy I have ever met. And I set both of them up. It's selfish of me for thinking that if I hadn't introduced Eriol to Tomoyo then a relationship wouldn't grow, but who could help it? I met him first!
"Oh, so Tomoyo is already engaged?" Dad had asked. Touya pushed the wheelchair toward the door, where I was standing.
Eriol proposed about a week earlier. The couple was getting ready for the wedding next spring. They had to wait that long. I wouldn't be able to do that.
"Yeah," I answered reluctantly. I felt like telling him not to keep asking that.
"Where's your guy?" Touya asked, an eyebrow raised.
"I don't want one." That was the answer I had always gave, but he continues asking no matter what. Why does he do that?
"You need one," he pointed out, pushing the wheelchair towards the window. It was still kind of early.
I growled. It was a harsh day; I worked on a lot of reports and was denied from a meeting. "I don't need one," I repeated. "Would you shut up, Touya," I said bitterly. It was a command, not a demand. Dad was there; I shouldn't have said that.
"Sakura, that was impolite," Dad said firmly.
"Well, even if he is my brother, he shouldn't tell me I need a guy!"
"He's your brother," he said calmly.
"I - He - Ugh," I muttered, looking away. I guess all the stress I've kept hidden is being released right this instant. All the stress from work, waking up, Eriol and Tomoyo...
"Let me introduce-" Touya started.
"Shut up, Touya. Would you quit pairing me up with guys I don't like or want ?! I'm tired of it! Stop controlling my life!" I shouted.
"Look, just because the past ones doesn't work doesn't mean-"
"Do I care? Since when do I care? Guys are controlling, like you," I said contemptuously. Of course, he's a brother, but... Geez! I hate him. I hate him so much!
"I see you working hard, so I'm just trying to make your life better," he said, his tone almost as mean as mine.
I growled, then slammed the door shut behind me. I ran to my car and left. I wanted peace and quiet.
End of Flashback
----
"What's going on?" Eriol asked, looking around the party-like room. He was in the main room of the company, which had all its workers gathered here, partying.
Joy shrugged her shoulders.
The company's president's secretary announced that it was a celebration for the company's anniversity very loudly from the intercom.
"I guess that answers your question," Joy said. Then she pulled on Eriol's arm.
"Hey - What are you doing?" Eriol demanded, getting dragged toward a table.
"Party, Eriol. It's not every time that a big company celebrates. Especially a lawyer one, if I'm correct."
"Companies throw parties occasionally, but what's the point if there's no reason? Anyway, you're supposed to benefit other people," Eriol said.
"Ohh... Wow, that's very thoughtful of you, Eriol." She whispered to herself, "I knew I'd pick the right guy," and smiled.
----
"Aren't you tired, Sakura?" she asked herself. "If you don't tell anyone sooner, then it'd be too much. I mean, you want to scream so loud-!"
She sniffed, almost starting to cry.
"But there's too much pain... misery... memories."
"So? Tomoyo is worried about you. You saw how she cried. And even though Eriol wouldn't blame you, he would if he could, but he recognized that friendship is important."
She groaned and sighed. She rested her eyes for a while.
The door opened suddenly, catching Sakura by surprise. She bounced back and screamed abruptly.
"Oh, my gosh! I'm so sorry! Um... Someone!" Tomoyo cried, panicking terribly.
Sakura was too shocked to say anything, so she only held out her hands and shook them.
Tomoyo understood right away. She closed the door, then stared at Sakura. Her eyes were slightly red, but she seemed fine.
Sakura felt guilty. She wanted to ask Tomoyo what happened and why she wasn't with Eriol. Wouldn't that cause more pain, though? Well, if a friend of yours suddenly said she was fine after she was raped a month ago? Wouldn't you be hurt that you were worried all this time for nothing, and felt betrayed that your friend didn't show her true feelings? It's as if she didn't trust you.
Sakura waited for Tomoyo's next move.
The visitor was holding a bag with something in it. She walked over to Sakura and was sort of awed that she didn't complain at her for being so close. Tomoyo sat beside Sakura. She took out a box.
"Eriol didn't tell me about some things," Tomoyo said, opening the box of soup. She changed the subject by saying, "I bet you'll return to normal if I treat you like a mother, huh?"
Sakura raised an eyebrow, wondering if Tomoy's gone mad for some reason, possibly Eriol.
She took out a smooth, white spoon and dipped it into the hot soup. Tomoyo got a spoonful of soup and put it near Sakura's mouth. "Aren't you hungry, Sakura? You need to eat to get better."
"I'm not a kid, Tomoyo," Sakura said, quite sadly.
Tomoyo froze, staring hard at her best friend.
"I'm fine, Tomoyo. And I'm sorry for the way I was acting."
Tomoyo smiled sadly. She wasn't mad or anything. In fact, she was excessively happy and relieved that Sakura was still herself.
"You don't have to act. I know you want to scream right now," Sakura said, bursting into tears.
"You should know me, Sakura," Tomoyo said. "Don't cry," she told Sakura, hugging her. "I'm happy that you're fine. At least you don't want to commit suicide. What happened to the strong, genki cousin I once knew?"
Sakura smiled, hugging Tomoyo back. "I missed them, Tomoyo," she whispered.
"Me, too... Me, too."
----
"Eriol, where are you going?" Joy asked, holding Eriol by his arm.
"Joy, you're drunk," Eriol pointed out.
"No, I'm not. I only got a couple of drinks."
Eriol muttered, "I can't believe they brought in beer."
"Where are you going?" she repeated.
"I'm going home. It's really late, Joy. Who's driving you home?"
"I drive myself home," she said.
Eriol raised an eyebrow. "You're too drunk. It's illegal to drive drunk, Joy. I think you should take a taxi. Maybe a friend of yours could drive you home instead."
"No. I'm fine." She took a step. But instead of being perfectly balanced, Joy fell on Eriol. She whispered, "Can't you drive me home?"
Eriol pushed her back, but kept her from falling. "I can't," he said. "I need to get home."
"Please?" she insisted, trying to get closer to him.
"Okay, okay," Eriol said reluctantly. He helped Joy into his car. "Which way to your house?" he asked.
"Can't I stay at yours?" she said, turning at him sleepily.
Eriol kept his eye on the wheel. "Sorry, Joy, but I don't live by myself."
"Oh? Then who do you live with?" she said between hiccups.
"Which way to your house?" he repeated, irritated.
"I want to stay at your house," she insisted, tugging at his arm.
"Okay, Joy, please!" he said. "I need to get home." Then he threatened her with, "Point out the direction to your house or I'll drop you off here." He didn't really mean it, but people like that makes you wanna commit homicide.
"That's so mean, Eriol," she whined.
"I'm being nice, Joy," he hissed.
She finally gave in and pointed out the way to her home.
At Joy's house, Eriol helped her out and asked her for the keys. He led her to her bedroom and left.
----
Tomoyo returned home.
"Everything looks so bright now," she said, smiling. She went to her room and saw the ring case. Without a thought, Tomoyo entered Eriol's room. She was disappointed that no one was on the bed, but didn't hesitate to sleep under the covers.
Some time later, Tomoyo heard Eriol enter the house. She was sort of a light sleeper, especially after a day like today, in which she and Sakura had a talk.
She heard Eriol walk into the room.
Eriol was tired at the time. When he saw Tomoyo on his bed, he climbed under the covers beside her and wrapped her in his arms. He kissed her on the lips and fell asleep.
Tomoyo smiled.
To Be Continued...
[Guys, they're only sleeping on the same bed. Even though some engaged couples do it before they're actually married, this is Eriol and Tomoyo we're talking about! Oh, and I was thinking about saying that Eriol was really dead, but that'd make you hate me, right? Actually, I'll back it up by saying he's alive and it was a typo. I was tempted into doing that.]