Shadows of the Heart
Chapter Thirteen
Court: Part I
"Resigning?(!) Resigning! Syaoran, you can't resign! You can't! I won't let you!" Yumi argued, covering the door to her father's office. "Is this about that Kinomoto girl?"
"Yumi, please move. You're being rude, and you're making me uncomfortable. I thought we could be friends," Syaoran simply stated.
"No! We're friends with benefit! I'm telling you, Syaoran! Are you listening?"
"Yes. Are you?"
"I am, and the only reason I can come up with is, you're being brainwashed! When Frank's name is cleared, you'll come back begging to have this position again! Please, don't do this, Syaoran!"
"No. Friends are just friends; not with benefits," he pointed out.
Yumi growled, still glued in place. Syaoran didn't want to touch her for fear of the employees spreading rumors.
"Step aside, Yumi," he said.
She shook her head. "You'll regret doing this, Syaoran!"
"Now, what is going, Yumi?" a strong voice inside demanded. "Let Li do what he wants."
"No!" she retorted. "I won't accept this!"
"Security, you are allowed to move Yumi from my entrance," he said into his intercom.
Yumi widened her eyes. A few seconds later, the security men came and dragged her away. It was a hilarious sight, although very embarrassing for Yumi.
Syaoran stepped in. "Naozumi-sama."
"Tyru is fine," he told Syaoran, spinning around to find him on his spinning chair. The window behind him had its curtains pulled back and opened a bit to let some air in. "Sit down, sit down. So, why are you resigning?"
"I don't mean to offend you, sir. Yumi..." He sighed.
"I understand she gets on your nerves. But, Li, I've spoiled her since she was little. It's hard to change that now. You're at the top of this company, Li, why resign? If it's a raise you need, I'll give it to you."
"No, I'm fine, sir."
"Then what is it? Surely, it can't be all Yumi's fault."
Syaoran looked at him. "No, it isn't."
"Who else is involved? Is my Yumi having an affair with someone while she was seeing you?"
"No. Yumi was faithful."
"Oh?" The man raised an eyebrow. "It's your fault as well. I see."
"I apologize." He bowed his head. He placed the envelope at Tyru's table.
He hesitated to accept it. "Wait. Don't leave yet. Is it also because of the incident that had happened a few months earlier?"
"Huh? How did you know?"
"I'm the president of this company! What did you expect?" He laughed. "So, the one who did it is at this company, Li? From the expression on your face, I say it's true. I disagree, Li. The victim is a liar. She comes from the company that's competing against ours. She'll do anything to make me lose business and loyalty from my employees. I dislike you believing her. Who knows? She might've been a slut."
Syaoran growled, angered by what he had said about Sakura. He stood up, slamming his palms on top of the desk. "I don't appreciate you insulting someone I am very close to, sir! I have proof that Frank did it, and it will be proven. Like father, like daughter, isn't it?"
Tyru glared at him. "Frank? That's impossible! He hasn't been here long, but it is not him! Li, you will regret your actions! I will hire the best for him and get fingerprints and DNA scans to put that slut in jail!"
"She is not a slut! For your information, she's better than Yumi! She knows better."
"Really? But she isn't daughter of the president of her company, is she? Then I don't give a damn who she is!"
"Now I know where Yumi got her behavior from." With that, Syaoran left, slamming the door.
"And by the best, I meant Yumi!"
Everyone had heard it. They were curious. Some agreed, some disagreed. A few had thoughts of leaving the company because of the president's actions and words. They even had doubts of Frank's loyalty.
Of course, he had heard what that snothead said. No, "snothead" is too kind. "Asshole" isn't even close. "Jerk" and "asshole" would be it.
Syaoran growled as he pulled into the parking lot of the hospital. He stepped out, beginning to clear his head and let out his anger.
"Okay, I've got to get Sakura ready for trial. Don't let her know what had happened. Don't."
-
At the room, Sakura was laughing. She had recited the oath wrong. Eriol was shaking his head sadly and Tomoyo giggled a little. Lang still had some patience and, boy, was he relieved when Syaoran came in.
"Can you tell her not to mess up again?" he said, pointing at Sakura. "We don't have much time left."
"We have two weeks," Sakura stated, pulling Syaoran over to her bed. "Hey, guess what? I get out next week, and I'll be free of the hospital!"
"That's good," he commented, smiling.
"And then, you two can sleep on the same bed. We know, Sakura," Eriol joked.
"Eriol! That's gross!" Tomoyo pointed out, using the pillow to hit his head.
He adjusted his specs. "What? I'm just trying to divert Syaoran's attention. He seems to be upset about something. You're so tense. What happened?"
Syaoran looked at him, narrowing his eyes. Geez, that guy can read anyone, can't he? "Nothing. Yumi was just bugging me at work, but that's all."
"All right, Sakura. If you recite the oath incorrectly at the trial, they'll think you have memory problems and won't take you seriously," Lang informed her, doing hand movements.
"Okay. I swear to tell the truth, the 'Ho' truth, and nothing but the truth," Sakura recited. She decided to have revenge for his "hand movements."
"Uh-huh." He pretended to nod sincerely. "What did you put in place of 'whole'?"
"'Ho.' That's what I said."
"Sa-ku-ra," he groaned, banging his head against the top of the table.
Syaoran laughed.
"Both of you are in this, aren't you?" Lang said. "I wish I had the detective here to go 'authority' on your asses."
"Now, now," Tomoyo snapped. "Don't trash the kids' minds." She covered Sakura's ears.
"I am not touching him," Eriol said, his arms crossed as he looked at Syaoran. "I don't want to cover some 'kid's' ears."
"It's nothing, Eriol! You're just covering the ears of a young boy," Tomoyo explained.
"No," he replied firmly.
"This is so immature. Grow up, you guys!" Lang almost yelled, hands on his hips like a granny.
"Now that's disturbing," Syaoran remarked, making all of them burst out laughing except for an embarrassed Lang.
"This is how you treat your lawyer, huh?"
Sakura blinked. "No! Guys, stop it!" She smiled innocently. "I know the oath by heart now, Lang. Please, do go on with what we have planned next."
"That's all. I just wanted you to know the oath today." He packed up his things.
"Really?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes." He nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."
They all said bye.
"Syaoran, can we go take pictures?"
He looked at her, an eyebrow raised. "Why? There's no special occasions."
"You don't need a holiday to take pictures! Gosh, you're so traditional. People these days take pictures as souvenirs. Anyway, you have a car, and I want pictures to compare myself before and after my hospital release."
"Uh... huh." He nodded as if he got up. He sweatdropped.
"We're going to practice walking," Tomoyo announced to them. "Eriol's taken his first steps a few days before. Oh," she said, pretending to cry, "I'm so proud of him."
Eriol rolled his eyes. "Tomoyo!" he complained.
"Coming, honey. Have fun, Sakura. Have fun, Syaoran. Eriol, don't cry."
"I'm not crying! That's just the light!"
"Just the light. I hear you."
He sweatdropped.
Syaoran chuckled briefly. Sakura pushed him out to change, then dragged him all the way to his car. She rushed him to start the ignition and drive to the mall.
"This is a waste of money and gas," Syaroan murmured.
"But it's not a waste of time. Time is meant to be used."
At the mall, Sakura made him buy a cute stuffed bear. It was white, matching their clothes in some way, and had a big pink bow on one ear. They stood in a line at one of the stores that gave choice of poses.
"How should I hold this? In front of me, beside me, or between us? Syaoran... Are you paying attention? Hello?" She waved her hand in front of his face.
Syaoran shook his head. "Huh? What is it?"
"What are you looking at?" She followed his gaze. There were two people at a corner of the room, making out graphically, and a kid sitting in a chair staring at them. Sakura widened her eyes, then hit Syaoran with the teddy bear.
"Ow!" he groaned, covering his face.
"You're so perverted! You don't have to watch like you don't have a life like that kid, Syaoran! You're so - You're so - Ugh!" She threw the bear at his face. Sakura turned to face the front of the line, pouting.
"Sakura, that's just a picture," he said to her.
She looked in another direction. Syaoran forced her to stare at it.
She widened her eyes. Her face turn red as she took the teddy bear to hide her blush. "Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry, Syaoran," she said, her voice muffled. "I should've put more trust in you. I'm so untrustworthy."
"Sakura, everyone misunderstands. This is one of those times. I forgive you," he whispered, hugging her from behind.
Sakura's cell phone suddenly rang. She turned it on. "Tomoyo, what do you need?"
"Sakura! Are you having fun? It's been hours since I last saw you! You sound sad. Are you all right?"
She sighed tiredly. "Yes, I'm okay. I'm just waiting at the line. There are so many people off this week, you'd think Christmas is tomorrow."
"Well, you know how some people want to take pictures early to avoid traffic. Christmas is in a few weeks. Hey, can I talk to Syaoran?"
"You're speaking to him," Syaoran said over Sakura's shoulder.
Tomoyo squealed. "What are you two standing so close? Are you in bed?" she practically screamed, making a scene.
They blushed, quickly splitting.
"No, we're not, Tomoyo! Your dirty mind is not welcome! I know what you're doing with Eriol, so stop accusing us!"
She gasped. "I am not! Eriol's practicing walking, and I'm doing some paperwork. You should be a-shamed of yourself, Kinomoto Sakura, accusing your best friend of doing something she is innocent of! Good day to you, ma'am!" she exclaimed. Then, in a calm and warm voice, she added, "Come home soon, darling, I'll miss you if I don't see you by tomorrow. Kiss-kiss, and have fun with your Syaoran."
Sakura blinked, sweatdropping. "You, too." She hung up.
"Next!" the photographer yelled, waving them into the booth.
"Okay, Syaoran!" she said, pulling his arm so they can go in.
-
"Sakura, wake up. The trial is next week, and you're killing me with all this suspense!" Lang groaned, rapping on the door.
Sakura unwillingly got off her bed to get dressed and opened the door. She yawned. Having just been let go of by the hospital last night, she had given herself a tour of her house and was amazed to find Eriol's room a mess. She took the liberty to clean it, along with doing every other chore.
"Give your full atttention, be respectful, be polite, don't snap or yell out - use large vocabulary to show your emotions. If you're angry, don't say, 'I'm pissed,' or, 'Stop dissing me.'"
She laughed. "I never used those words before, Lang. You're being crucial, and you're going farther than you need. Is this really necessary?"
"Yes! It is a requirement - and it gives the judge, juries, and audience a good first impression of you. Basically, your behavior reflects your actions. If you are drastic when answering or asking questions, the jury will form a negative opinion of you. On the other hand, if you think and give a short, concise reply that's precise, they will think highly of you."
He murmured: "I'm not sure you used 'crucial' the right way, Sakura." Loudly: "Now, the word 'contrary' is a favorite. It means something like, 'on the other hand.' For example: 'On the contrary...' Hmm. I've been using too much 'on the.'"
"Stop mumbling to yourself," Syaoran said. "There's no need for that."
"Okay. Open your mouth, Eriol," Tomoyo cooed.
He sweatdropped. "Tomoyo, I can feed myself." To the others, he whispered: "She's just hyper because Sakura's going to court soon."
They nodded uncertainly.
It went on like that until the trial. Sakura had to memorize some things, such as saying "Your Honor" when talking to the judge, use some big words she thought aren't even in the world dictionary, and try to act as if she's listening when she was tired. And she pretended she didn't know anything law just to let Lang speak and take up their time. Doesn't he know she's a lawyer, and so were the other three? It was peaceful while Sakura was being "trained" by Lang, but, deep down, she had a bad feeling.
Sakura had fears of meeting Frank. She hasn't seen him since she tried to make him disappear from the face of the Earth, and it gave her shivers when she thought of having to sit in the courtroom, looking directly into his eyes, and answering questions that were somewhat personal. Questions like, "What happened between you and your family?" and "What is your relationship with Li Syaoran of the Legal Independence Company?" She didn't want to be interrogated in front of so many people, especially with cameras and news reporters just about everywhere.
Even though Lang kept telling her it was nothing to be ashamed of, it was something she couldn't get over with.
Thoughts continued to race in her mind as the day of the trial was within twenty-four hours.
At ten that night, she heard the faint ringing of the doorbell. Sakura stepped toward the front door, then stopped.
Who could visit someone at this time of the night? A friend, but why? Or a stranger whose car had coincidently broken down in front of her house? Maybe someone who was lost? No. Unlikely. Not before her trial. That's too much of a coincidence.
She flicked on the frontlight, staring through the doorhole. There was a girl with brown hair and blue-green eyes on the other side, waiting impatiently for the door to open.
Who is this? Who do I know with brown hair and those eyes...? Sakura asked herself, her fingers feeling the top lock. She slowly turned it, then stopped.
The visitor had apparently heard it and didn't like what happened. "Please open up. This is Naozumi Yumi, Kinomoto. I know you're in there. I just want to talk about the trial."
Sakura perked up. "Yumi?" she whispered to herself, leaning against the door. "The trial?"
"Frank isn't here, if you're so afraid of him." She paused. "You know, I should be afraid of you. Your lies are so gruesome. You made me lose everything, but I'm getting it all back when I expose you for who you truly are. Syaoran had resigned a few weeks ago. It's all your fault! You're so disgusting - I can't believe I'm even here, trying to talk to you! You're not even listening, are you? Ugh!" Yumi turned to the walkway, approaching her car.
"Syaoran had resigned?" Sakura asked herself. She watched Yumi start her car and rode away, feeling guilty for Syaoran's actions. All the confidence she had in herself soon disappeared.
-
"The Case of Fick Frank Versus Kinomoto Sakura," Jury 1 said, holding a microphone in his hand and a piece of paper in the other. "Your Honor," he continued, handing the judge some file folders.
Judge Yule grunted, looking through the papers. He finally handed it back. He slammed his gavel. "Present your case, Fink Frank."
Frank got out of his chair and sat at the witness table in the front. Somehow, Yumi had "persuaded" him into going against Sakura.
"Your Honor," he started, "on September 14th, in an office at the Legal Independence company, I was attacked by Kinomoto Sakura." He pointed at her. "She not only tried to kill me, but she accused me of raping her."
"Objection!" Lang cried.
"Overruled!" Judge Yule said, slamming his gavel again.
(Sorry, I just wanted Lang to do that. It means nothing but a waste of space, although you can do that in court. Lolz.)
"Continue."
Frank resumed his "claim." "She had been trying to communicate with Li Syaoran, head of events concerning what she wants. She had asked me a couple of times to present some files to him. I don't think she got the meeting she so desperately wanted, so she blames me and decides to take revenge."
Lang growled; Yumi smirked. Tomoyo was frowning, and Eriol narrowed his eyes. Syaoran rolled his eyes, his arms folded. He couldn't believe this guy - so-called friend.
"You may be seated," Judge Yule told him. "Present your case, Kinomoto Sakura."
Sakura got up from her seat nervously. She swallowed as she passed by Frank, who looked at her worridly, as though he cared. She sat on the chair at the witness table and turned to the crowd. She was too shocked to know what to say.
Lang kept mouthing: "We've rehearsed it before, Sakura. Don't worry." It looked more like: "We're going to be gone, Sakura. Don't go on."
She raised an eyebrow. "Uh..." She gaped.
"Your Honor," Lang finally spoke up, "I think this is too much pressure for my client, considering what she had to endure the pass few months. I suggest-"
"Objection! My client had no trouble going up there!" Yumi protested.
Lang glared at her. "He's the guilty one!"
The judge kept a calm face while he shouted, "Order!" and slammed his gavel at the same time. "Objection overruled. Kinomoto Sakura, you are to present your case immediately."
Sakura nodded. "On July 14th... I was..." She sighed. "I was raped," she said, her voice low. She looked down. "Frank threatened to kill my only family if I don't listen to him, so I couldn't scream." A hand quickly came to her face, then came down again. "He still denies it."
"Objection!"
"State your purpose."
"She attacked my client and even wanted to commit suicide. That says she doesn't want to hold responsibility for my client's homicide," Yumi explained.
"It's because she's living with an emotional injury!" Lang said.
"Shut up, you jerk!"
"Say that again, bitch!"
"Order! Order! Kinomoto Sakura, return to your seat."
"Yes, Your Honor." Sakura sat in her chair.
"You did good, Sakura," Lang assured her.
She smiled, wondering when she had heard him curse before.
"Fick Frank, your first witness."
Frank got some companions from the company come up, saying they had "witnessed" his departure before midnight. They went on and on about how "nice" and "trusthworthy" Frank is; and how "annoying" Sakura was, always asking Frank to do things for her. Lang, however, cross-examined them to the point that they grew mad and stopped answering questions. He confused them most of the time, much to Yumi's disappointment.
Sakura was sitting there, quietly in her own world. She felt uncomfortable, letting strangers know what happened to her. She glanced at Frank and shivered. Behind that kind face was a devil that can do just about anything.
"Court adjourned," Judge Yule announced, his gavel pounding the stand. "Next meeting in seven days at the same time."
"Sakura... Sakura?" Tomoyo said.
"Huh? Oh. Hey, Tomoyo."
"Are you okay?"
"Um, yeah. I am. Why?"
"It's been a few minutes. Aren't you coming?"
"Oh. Sorry."
Tomoyo looked at her. "You can talk to me about it if you want."
"Nah. I'm all right, Tomoyo," she replied, smiling.
"I hope so."
Yumi glared at her. Tomoyo saw this. She turned to Sakura.
"Sakura, she's trying to intimidate you. Don't let her," Tomoyo informed her.
"Huh? Really?"
"Yes!" She smiled. "Syaoran's waiting for you." She patted her back.
Sakura nodded. She went out the doors and saw Syaoran at his car, then stopped. Yumi approached him first. She said something to him. Syaoran said something back. Yumi left, mad. She glared at Sakura as they brushed by each other.
He smiled at her. "I thought you were never going to come outside."
She laughed. "Syaoran, where are you going to take me?"
"Somewhere to relax," he answered, taking her hand in his. He kissed her for a while. "I'm sorry you have to face Frank."
"You get over your fears by facing them, Syaoran."
"So, you're going to win, right?"
"Yeah. I will."
"That's what I needed to hear."
They smiled at each other.
To Be Continued...
(The "court" thing is all made up because I can barely find anything about a court. Am I looking hard enough? I don't know. No, nobody has to do it. Please. I mean it. No. Don't look things up for me. No! Unless you've been to a court. That'll help tons! Frank's last name is weird 'cause I'm tired of looking up names, as well as law. For example, I don't think you can object when both sides are "presenting his/her case.")