(A/N: blah shmah…. I can't believe I got past chapter three! I have never finished a story before-probably because I'm still learning how to write properly-and I just might be able to do this after all! I hope so…I'm not a good author person, but I am trying to learn from reading lots of good fics…so this is like a trial for me…and I'm learning and learning and learning…whoo…lot's of learning!)

Thank you, for reviewing everyone! You guys are SO nice to me!

chikichiki- Thank you!

dragonspirit88- Thanks; I worked hard on the last chappie. And hmm, what do you know? They'll meet in this chappie!

angel-demoness: Sakura didn't call 911 because she was sort of having a nervous breakdown, I think you could call it, and the irrational part of her didn't listen to the little voice. She thought the mere act of calling 911 would make it an emergency. That she didn't want. So, by not calling, in her head she was sort of convincing herself everything would be okay. Finally she chooses on impulse to call Yelan's number.

Camera-Happy: Thank you! No one's ever told me that before, and I'm flattered…since no one really- before I discovered this site a little while ago-, has gave me more than a 'it's good' or 'it's okay'. Thank you so much!! (Yeah, OOC makes sense now:)

Twilight-star1: I'm sorry you're confused (I've had people on ficpress say that to me too, I think I'm just a confusing person) but I'm glad you find it interesting enough to continue!

Maisuki-Chan: I always look forward to your review! It's so long, interesting, and funny! Grins, your comments are so kawaii! (Lol…Holy Shmicherfaults!)

Uhh, is it possible to be on someone's author alert list, yet not have a review from them? I'm confused…anyway enough of my ramblings…boy, do I talk a lot ();;

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS…but we all know I wish I did…

Chapter Three: The Phone Calls – Syaoran and Sakura

I drummed my fingers boredly on the oak desk as Mama continued to talk to whomever on the phone. It was late into in the night, and I was sleepy. But, first I had to talk to Mama. I wanted to get out fast, yet here she was on the phone.

"Oh hold on just a second please-" She lifted the phone from her ear and glared at me, "Stop tapping!" I slouched further into the chair, and rapped my knuckles on my knees instead.

"Yes, okay, okay, I'm certain, I'll make sure he does that, No, No, …it's okay, Yes, yes, sure, I'll talk to you later Mrs. Mifvitza. Bye…" She hung the telephone back in its place. Grabbing a piece of paper she started to write something. Without looking at me she said, " Syaoran, I'm extremely disappointed in your behavior you displayed in front of the Patels yesterday. What caused you to act like that?" I wanted to ask her what made her act like that. But, I knew better than to retort to Mama. Man, women like her didn't like that stuff.

"Mama, I'm tremendously sorry for the discomfort I have caused you with my crude actions I committed yesterday in the presence of guests. My temper had gotten a better hold of me." I answered monotonously; my speech perfectly arranged the night before and rehearsed. Just the way Mama like it, with huge words too. See, I can use them!

She looked up from her paper and pulled her glasses of her face. Massaging her nose where the glasses should've been resting, she inhaled sharply. I was just about seethe in anger; what else did she want in the apology? More big words? Okay, I'll just go get the dictionary or thesaurus or whatever! What did she want?

"Did you prepare this?" She asked, irritated.

"Yeah, I did. I worked hard on it." I replied triumphantly. What is wrong with the apology? It is fine.

"Then I don't want it. Okay, now I'm asking you again. Why did you do that yesterday? Talk like that? I've never heard you speak so…so…" Mama struggled for a word.

"Smart?" I offered hopefully.

"No." She refused automatically. What was that supposed to mean?

"Hmm…well, I had no idea you could just talk like that. Really, I didn't expect such an outburst from you!" I blinked. What did she think of me? A retard, or something?

"And…?" I asked her, hoping she'd get to the point, incase I may have missed it somewhere. I did that sometimes.

"And, I want to know why you did that?" She asked again. I had to think about that one. Why did I give a whole long, damn speech when it could've been done in an easier, less talkative way? I mean, jeez, I didn't know I knew that stuff.

"Because you keep setting me up! I wanted the message to get you, Mama. I don't want set ups. I'm nowhere near old enough to think of marriage. Besides, I'm so busy with the Insomnia Races. I can't just get married, or promised off!" Wow, there goes my mouth again. Hmm, maybe I can be smart and just don't know it. Like, he who knows but does not know he knows is asleep; please wake him. Yeah, that's pretty cool. Like I know, but I didn't know I knew, and I woke myself up so that I knew that I knew I was smart, so in conclusion- I am smart…whoa, that sounds like a bunch of gibberish. Damn, I must be wrong, and Mama must be right. And so what if I am a big ret-

"Syaoran? Stop daydreaming! I have many other appointments to attend to so I do not have much time here with you." She snapped.

Oh, so I'm just another stupid appointment in your fucking day, huh?

Ten, nine, eight, seven… I calmed down. Wow, I can change moods quickly. And I thought only women like Mama did that…jeez, that's why I'm her son I guess.

"Okay, enough of that. Let us compromise here. You don't want to get married yet, right? That is fine with me." She paused as I waited for the catch. Please let it be bearable –whoa, I complimented myself, nice word-

"You have to attend the school I choose this year." I started to breathe faster. What school? Please don't let it be…. not that sch-

Mama opened her mouth to say the name of the school-abruptly the shrill ring of her cell phone interrupted. She glowered at me as if I had purposely with my magical powers (ha ha, I wish) made the phone ring. Saved by the ring. Or was that supposed to be a bell?

"Hello…who?" She looked perplexed. My interest was piqued. Who was calling? All I could figure out about this person was that he must know that Mama had all her calls filtered and it would take a long time before he actually talked to her. That was really smart and stuff but how'd the person actually get her private cell phone number?

"S-Sakura?…Yes, I am." She listened patiently. I watched on inquisitively, who is Sakura? Immediately as if on cue, Mama's eyes widened, and she looked dazed. Now, this was interesting. Things do not faze Mama easily. (Exception for yesterday when she acted so weird; I still don't know why she did that.)

"Dear Lord, what? She's out c-c-cold? Not breathing? Are you sure, honey?" I raised my eyebrows skeptically. Who was this lame-o? Ha, probably one of those losers who called Mama with those sympathetic stories to try and fool her into lending money. Although as I said before, why was she fooled now?

"Okay, I'm coming. I'll be right there sweetie. Don't worry. Everything will be ok," Mama continued in a soothing tone. How come she never used that tone with me? Now she was using it for a pathetic sap.

"Syaoran," She commanded, yet her voice faltering, "Drive me to Takura Hills."

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The drive was a silent one since no one in their right minds would be out this late, and on the road, unless of course you were at Misaki's party. Damn, why hadn't I taken up that offer? She had another party tonight, but Mama needed to 'talk' to me. Missed two of her parties in the same friggin week!

I glanced at Mama, to be surprised once more that she appeared nervous. Cross that, very anxious. I let out a sigh and went back to keeping my attention on driving. Second time her tough exterior was scratched. Perhaps, she might get rid of it altogether one day?

This whole situation bothered me a lot. There was much wrong with scene, and I couldn't even count up to that much. Besides, I was not Mama's chauffer. That meant she wanted me to drive, since she must have some sort of emotional stress and doesn't want the 'public' or 'anyone outside the LI name' to see her overcome by that. Well, I think so or I could be thinking too much because what if her chauffer wasn't awake this late? Who was? Me…I sighed again.

"Stop sighing, and keep your eyes where they belong." She said aggravated. Whoa, who put ants in her pants? (A/N: I just had to do THAT!! Lol…)

I followed the route, and soon we arrived at Takura Hills. I slowed down to hear Mama give me more specific directions.

"Right around that bend. Up to the cul-de-sac." I obeyed, and as I drove, the surroundings began to look somewhat familiar. Then it hit me, like I've never been hit before and I have been hit pretty hard before. That girl was Saku-

"Syaoran!" She snapped, for like the umpteenth time, "How many times do I have to tell you to watch what you are doing?" Damn, what was her problem? Ignoring her, I pulled into the cul-de-sac. After getting out myself, I opened the door for Mama. She doesn't get out or else, you have to open for her. And it has to be done by a 'gentleman'.

She stood up briskly, and dusted herself off. Then she marched in regal strides toward the door. I followed behind her, hands in my pockets, admiring the night sky.

At reaching the door, Mama lifted her hand to ring the doorbell. It rang several times before I heard a thud of feet coming down the stairs.

The door swung open. She stood there, in her pink pajamas, and lifted her head up to meet our eyes. They were red and swollen, like she'd been crying. Crying…? Her beautiful auburn hair was disheveled around her face. Then I remembered I still had her ribbons in my jacket pocket from that little incident.

I waited for her to do something, but all her attention was on Mama. She didn't even scream when she saw me! In fact, she didn't even look at me. Just at Mama. They stared for a couple of seconds, before Mama opened her arms out. She hesitated, but then walked into the embrace. They were crying in a just few seconds. I averted my gaze. I hated crying people; I never knew what to do. So, would anyone care to fill me in?

"She's …" I heard her whisper and Mama clutched her tighter. I wasn't looking, I wasn't looking, Okay so I was looking! What, or who, were they talking about? I was not a happy camper. I was not an included camper either, for I didn't know what the heck they were crying about!

They let go of each other, and headed upstairs. Leaving me downstairs, as if I wasn't there. Wasn't I? What was going on? But, I didn't have the heart to ask either of them. I let them go on, and I sulked in the couch.

I don't know how much time passed, but then suddenly I heard a loud wail and sirens. Immediately, I rushed up the large spiral stairs. Walking quickly, I swung each door open to locate who and where the person was screaming. I found the lucky door. Pushing it hard, the door was heavy, my eyes widened. I saw-

Sakura's Pov:

Slamming the phone in its handle, I cradled my face in my hands. I started to cry again. Mom, mom, mom, where are you?

The doorbell rang. She was here. Brushing away tears, I rushed down the stairs, tripping on my way.

Yelan's going to make it okay. She was her sister. Mom's going to open her eyes for her sister, right? Everything will be okay. This is a false alarm. Not an emergency.

I opened the door. My hopes crashed down, like passengers would smash in a dead plane. It was not her air that killed them. She had an air of confidence, intelligence, and level head-ness. It was not her immediate appearance that did it. She had a sharp-featured face, and her black hair was in a bun, in a no-nonsense way. It was her eyes, her soft, deep eyes. Appearing depressed and I stared at her, for how similar Mom looked in comparison. Her eyes started to water, making me quickly follow her path.

It was so damn hard not to cry. To not let it get to me. The suspicions and doubts…they were too much to even admit aloud in my thoughts.

Nothing is wrong.

Somehow that little voice was compelling me to think otherwise. But, I could not. I would not. It isn't true. I'm lying and confusing myself.

Yelan outstretched her arms to me. Offering sympathy? I don't need sympathy! Mom's is okay! She's not even sick!

Then why did you call Yelan if nothing was wrong?

Pushing all thoughts away, I let myself be embrace by a stranger. I thought it would be awkward, but it wasn't. It was soothing and pacifying, easing my nerves, like Mom's hugs. I wanted to stay there, and not have to go upstairs ever again. To see Mom like that was something I couldn't handle. But, I had to.

"She's…" I barely got to finish my sentence. Her arms tightened around me, almost pleading not to say what she thought. I struggled to tell her. I struggled with myself.

Finally she released me. Taking her by the hand, I led her upstairs. We turned through the many hallways and reached the dreaded destination. Slowly, I opened Mom's bedroom door. She was in the same position I left her in. Face, looking upward, eyes closed tightly, and hands at side. My cherry blossom fleece blanket was strewn across her body, to keep her warm. I put it there, because she was cold earlier. So, maybe if she were warm now, wouldn't she open those eyes for me?

Yelan inched behind me, almost like cowered behind me. Afraid. Afraid of Mom? No, afraid of what could be. Key word: Could.

Kneeling over Mom, as I had once done, Yelan checked for her pulse. I knew the answer. None. I handed her the empty sleeping pill bottle. She shut her eyes tightly and exhaled. "I think it's best we call an ambulance." I wanted to shout. To scream! We can't do that! Then it will be an emergency.

It isn't an emergency anymore. Mom is dead.

A loud wail erupted. It look time to find out that, it was I who was heaving. Me. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Tears, tears, and more tears.

Sirens wailed. Sirens, how familiar. Just like a week ago.

"Honey," Yelan asked, her voice shaking, "Let's call Touya." She was right. I completely forgot about calling him. I didn't even know where he was, but that wasn't something new. Touya and I weren't very close.

She picked up the phone again and asked me for the number. I reluctantly gave it to her. This was his mom, technically. Why am I thinking like that? Was?

"Hello? Touya? It's your Aunt Yelan. Where are you now, sweetie?" She paused. "Oh, okay. Well, can you drive home please? I'm sorry to bother you so late, but I'm afraid your Mom isn't in her best health." Her voice didn't falter this time. She sounded confident. It didn't help. Mom isn't here anymore.

The door swung open. I raised my head to look at the visitor.

Time seemed to stop. He gazed at me with his expressive, yet familiar amber eyes. They drew me to him. Later I found out, he was Syaoran Li. But, that didn't occur to me right now. He was confused and didn't know what was going on. His stared flickered from his Mother, I assume, to Mom, and back to me. His eyes showed sympathy. Does everyone feel I need it? I didn't need that. I wanted Mom. I was the first to break the glance.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

It was cold outside, but not as cold as I felt when the nurses took Mama away in a stretcher. I shuddered. She was gone, forever. The Inspector walked up to me, but he stood in front of me. I was thankful. I didn't want to answer any damned questions. Not now. Not ever.

"Ahh, Mr. Li! I know you! My daughter keeps a poster of you in her bedroom!" The Inspector exclaimed.

"Uhh, sure." He replied, stonily.

" Could you please move, so I may question Ms. Kinomoto and take her statement?" He asked.

"I'm sorry sir, her condition isn't well."

"I need to talk to her." He said more fiercely.

"Did you say your daughter was my fan? I could give her an autograph." Good work, I thought. Thank you. Both of them trudged away. I sat down on the porch, thinking, when I heard someone.

"Sakura, sweetie?" It was Yelan.

"Mhmm…" I didn't have enough strength to say another word.

"Come home with us tonight, okay?" I nodded. I looked around to see if Touya had come yet. He hadn't. I still wondered where he was.

It was almost morning now. Rosy-fingered dawn, cool air stretched out against us, and the memories of last night slowly fading away into the darkness. It was till there. It still hurt, but a numb feeling settled over me. I was no longer Sakura, but just an on-looker. A word drifted away from me before I could catch it and hold onto it forever.

Mom…

(A/N: Uh…sorry, this was really short too and my story is going at a SLOW pace, and gomen for switching the POV's half way through the chapter... Lol, well they met, but it wasn't really formal enough. Writing is hard…! Well, I'm trying, and hopefully crosses fingers, the next chapter will be better…)