(a/n) as always, i appreciate all of your reviews. and I BEG you bear with my cliffies. heh, i just can't control myself on that part of the story.
Crazy First Love
Chapter 13 - Proposals
Syaoran and Sakura soon arrive at his own house with had a black limo waiting in front of it.
"Huh? A limo?" Sakura said as they walked past it.
"That... belongs to my family," Syoran said dully as he opened the door. Only, he didn't really. Someone had immediately opened it when they reached the doorstep.
"Master Li, the mistress awaits your arrival," Wei said.
"Well, it IS my house...," he sighed as they both went inside.
As they entered the living room, Meilin was sitting on the couch with someone else, drinking tea.
"Hey Syaoran!" she said when they walked in.
"Xiao Lang," the woman said gently. He coughed uneasily.
"Hello, mother," he said. "Oh, uh, I'd like for you to meet an old friend of mine...if you care to remember, this is Sakura."
"It's nice to meet you...err, again, Ms Li," she said slightly nervous. She didn't remember Saoran's family all that well. Last time they actually visited was when she was 4.
"The pleasure is all mine, now please, sit down so we may...talk," she said gesturing the seat across from her.
"Syaoran..." Sakura whispered.
"What?"
"Um...can you let go of my hand?" she said blushing slightly. He looked down to see himself gripping it. He immediately dropped it.
"Oh, sorry," he smiled sheepishly. They both then sat down next to Meilin who handed them some tea.
"Now, I do believe we have some business to discuss at the moment, Xiao Lang."
"Business? What business?"
"Your...engagement with Meilin."
"Oh."
"She called me to announce she wished to break the arrangement. Did you give her a reason to do so?"
He looked at Meilin who pretended to be oblivious to the situation.
"Uh, well, I don't believe I did but that would be most pleasant news...I think," he said incertainly.
"Well, you're turning 18 soon... you'll need to find a bride before then," Yelan said calmly.
He groaned in annoyance. "But... do I have to? I mean, let me finish my studies, at least."
"No," she said strictly which made him flinch, almost dropping the china cup. "You WILL find one or I will do it for you.This is our tradition, you know that."
Syaoran nodded slowly. Sakura just sat there listening while mindlessly drinking her tea.
"I'll make a deal with you... if you can find someone you believe is suitable for you within this week before Monday, then I won't force you to marry them...YET," she said, emphasizing 'yet'. "If you don't, I'll find you another one again and you WILL get married."
"Don't you think it would be rushing it, Aunty Yelan?" Meilin said abruptedly. "Today is Saturday... that would give him a day."
"Well, then we'll just have another arrangement. No questions asked. Understood?"
"But mother, I--" he began but was interrupted.
"NO BUT'S."
Syaoran gritted his teeth but let it go. He knew how important tradition was in his family. Being the only male certainly didn't help.
"Fine..." he sighed.
"Good. I shall be staying in Japan until your decision is made... so, until then." She rose from her seat and Wei escorted her to the door. Meilin coughed uneasily in the silence. Sakura's eyes roamed around and then she finally got up from her seat.
"Wel, uh, I can see you're busy, so... I'll just go home."
"Oh, alright, I'll give you a ride then."
"No, no. You should be...looking for the suitable bride so I'll just walk home. Remember I don't live THAT far...," she said jokingly. He frowned slightly but smiled.
"Alright, be careful."
Sakura then left the house and walked down the sidewalk. She sighed. I wonder who he'll pick... there are lots of girls he can pick... She was just exhasperated. A black limo then pulled up next to her by the road. She stopped and looked when the window rolled down. Surprisingly to see Yelan.
"Ms Li?"
"Would you care to ride with me for a moment, Sakura?" she asked kindly.
Confused and tempted to ask why, she smiled. "Um, sure." The door swung open and she got in."
Syaoran's house
"Why didn't you just let me know you broke the engagement off?" he asked slightly annoyed. "Now I only have a day because of you."
"Hey! I was just trying to do what's best for you. I know you didn't want to get engaged with me," she said dully.
He sighed. "I'm not trying to argue with you here. But why the sudden decision?"
She rolled her eyes, wondering if it was wrong people thought he was smart.
"Are you that dense? You know exactly why."
"Huh?"
"She fumed. "You like Sakura, don't you?"
"...What gave you that idea?"
"The whole population could probably tell but you two," she laughed. He raised an eyebrow.
"So you did this just because I like her?"
"Well, I could always tell she didn't really like it when I was around you guys and your friends but she's always been nice enough. I want to be friends with her too."
"Uh huh."
"So? Will you pick her or what?"
"Hmph, now who's dense?"
Yelan's limo
"So... um, what did you want to speak about, Ms Li?" Sakura said nervously.
"Hmm, I thought it would be obvious. But no matter. I wished to speak of you about my son," she said plainly. "And lastly, please, you may call me Yelan."
"Oh, okay..."
"Tell me what you think of him, my dear."
She was surprised by the question. "Well, he's... okay, I suppose."
"Is that all?"
"Err, no, not really...," she said look down. "He's nice and caring, I guess. Though sometimes he's a bit arrogant..."
"Oh, his arrogant side has always been there since young," Yelan joked.
Sakura laughed slightly. "Yeah, I can remember when we were younger. But he's nice, anyway."
"If you believe that, would there be a chance that you may like him?"
Okay, that was a shock question. She thought for a moment in silence. "You would like an honest answer?"
"Of course, my dear."
"I...really don't know."
"...I see..."
"Oh, but don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't. Just not sure if I LIKE like."
Yelan laughed. "I suppose it's understandable. These things are difficult to comprehend, especially for us women."
"Why do you ask? If it's alright, I would like to know."
"Oh, Meilin has told me about you and Xiao Lang being together when she arrived. She believed she saw a bit of intimacy that she didn't feel with Xiao Lang before between the two of you," she smiled mischievously.
Sakura blushed slightly. "Well... we've been friends for awhile... so it shouldn't be surprising, should it?"
"Oh, of course not, dear child. But this is something that doesn't happen quite often among teenagers your age. So I had wanted to ask..."
"Hm? What is it?"
"If you might have considered being with him before?"
"Maybe... but people usually see us argue a lot..."
Again, she laughed. "Like I mentioned before, intimacy."
The car then stopped and the door opened. "I believe this is where you live?"
Sakura just stepped outside. "Yes, it is. Thank you for the ride and the...talk." she smiled.
"Antyime, dear. Do say hello to your father for me."
"Alright then."
Syaoran's house, his room
He plopped himself onto the bed and faced the ceiling with weary eyes. This is too much action for one day. But I suppose it can be good... I saw Sakura in a towel and I don't have to marry Meilin! But I have to pick a bride before Monday... ARGH! Damn you mother!
He sighed and turned his head to the window. "Maybe I should take Meilin's offer then," he thought.
(a/n) I think i just confused myself...lol! Its not like im a psychologist on love. ANYWAY! i hoped you like this chapter...look forward to the next one, heheheh. im starting to sound sinister. lol!