During Tomoyo's first month of pregnancy, the presence of Sakura was constant; so much that she became Tomoyo's shadow. It was understandable though, because in Sakura's mind, Tomoyo was nothing more than a human incubator; as bold as it sounds. To the raven-haired girl it was somewhat amusing to see her best friend so worked out about her every move but everything has a limit and unfortunately, they had reached said point.
The youngest of the Amamiya – Daidouji women plopped down on the creamy loveseat inside her bedroom that faced the balcony with an exasperated oof. Closing her gorgeous eyes and placing a lavender pillow over her face she muffled a scream that was brought to her after she started to replay a conversation that took place no more than two hours ago.
"I'm fine Sakura-chan, seriously!" even if the Daidouji girl was known for her calm and collected attitude, she couldn't help herself but to cry out in sheer exasperation. "Do you think that I would be as careless as to do something that can put the pregnancy in danger?" she added trying to make her understand. "I-iie Tomoyo-chan, I know that you won't do such a thing!" Sakura hurried to reply. "It's just that I'm worried about the baby, and about you! I've been thinking and I believe that it's not wise for you to be working;" she said, looking at the young woman seated comfortably in a leather chair behind the sleek desk.
Tomoyo closed her eyes and breathed deeply to calm down the sudden rage. "And why, my dear, would that be? I'm not the first pregnant woman who also happens to work, you know?" God, she tried, but it proved impossible not to add those two words and speak them most viciously. Sakura, who had been previously sitting, rose to her average height. "Because I know you and your tendency to be a workaholic! I don't want my baby to be denied of vital energy for its growing process because you want nothing more than to work yourself to oblivion!" said the honey-haired youth with barely suppressed anger mixed with frustration. "You don't even need the money for Pete's sake! You're filthy rich as you are – My God Tomoyo! Are you seriously that greedy?" finished Sakura very indignant.
That was it. The aggravated girl couldn't believe those words. What became of all those years they spent together? Were they for nothing? To think that of her, it hurt her so. As hurt as she was, she needed to avenge her pride thus she also rose to her full height, towering over the brunette's head by a couple of inches. "I find it unbelievable that you think such of me and it hurts, but for both of our sakes I'll let that pass and will try to forget," she said and her voice had an icy quality to it that made your senses explode in awareness of incoming danger. "I don't like to repeat myself, however I tell you that I won't stop working or whatever I intend on doing that poses no threat to your baby. I already spoke to Dr. Hiiragizawa and he approved of my methods, furthermore there's nothing to be afraid of," she stopped to fix her amethyst eyes, that were not so shiny but dulled with coldness and underlying seriousness, on her best friend. "But if you no longer believe in me, let's quit all this nonsense – " Sakura's sudden intake of air made her stop. "N-nani? What do you mean with that?" inquired the fellow, shocked beyond reason.
She didn't want to be cruel, heavens above knew she didn't; but Tomoyo was in an unusual situation, carrying a child that is not her own while trying to live as normal as she possibly could. "I'm implying exactly what you think, either that or for me to get out of the country and only come back when it's the due time." Trying to sound menacing, knowing that the line must be drawn somewhere. "You wouldn't dare?!" spat Sakura hardly recognizing her warm-hearted girl within the elegant woman. "Tempt me," replied Tomoyo in a despairing whisper.
Sakura stood right across from her, in the expansive office that held a magnificent view of Tokyo Tower thru the ceiling to floor window panel in front of her; her mouth aghast as if to bite back while her brain tried to produce something useful. The business woman sighed and guilt began to eat at her soul. There are some things that she shouldn't have said, but she needed her to understand her predicament. She looked away, at the bursting city literally at her feet; to then walk around the desk and approach her silent best friend. "Do you not understand, Sakura-chan? How difficult all of this is for me? I'm confused beyond belief and honestly, the last thing that I need is for you to suffocate me," she said and took Sakura's hands in hers; squeezing lightly. "I know how afraid you are about the baby's safety, and you must know that I am too; but after all these years of being together you, better than anyone, also must know that I am not a crazy-head." She cupped her friend's face in her hands and dried off the tears she shed with a swift movement of perfectly manicured thumbs. "I'm trying to live my life as normal as I can, and you can't stop me. I think that I've sacrificed more than enough," Tomoyo paused but hurried to finish when Sakura made movements to protest. "Don't get me wrong, I don't pretend to rub it in your face; but I think that I have the right to be able to do what I want, what I think is right – I want a bit of freedom. Is that too much to ask for?"
The Li Clan Leader's wife listened to everything that was said, trying to find in her overwhelmed mind what it takes to digest that information. "I'm so sorry Tomoyo-chan, I never meant it that way!" she cried and more tears ran down her flushed cheeks. "I will try my best to not pester you so much anymore, but you must also understand how difficult it is for me to know that my child grows in somebody else's womb and there's nothing that I can do to control it!" wiping away her tears and inhaling deeply to calm herself.
Tomoyo smiled reassuringly at her before saying, "And I do understand, I really do. Now, if you excuse me there is a meeting that I must attend." Taking Sakura by the shoulders and hugging her tightly, drawing smooth circles on her back. "Oh, sure. See you later then!" she chirped in, totally in control of her cheerful self. "Syaoran wanted me to go with him and meet some business partner's wives so I also must be going," she excused herself, kissed Tomoyo good-bye on her right cheek and disappeared through the door.
Now that she remembered it all, more than to scream in rage and indignation, she found it most fitting to cry in despair. At this point she began to question her decision of sacrificing herself for her best friend's happiness. Fate never ceases to amaze her with its labyrinth of paths. Right now she feels like her freedom has been taken away; like she's not in control of her life anymore and that those important decisions concerning her immediate future are for others to make and not her. She doubted her foolish reasons and wanted nothing more than to turn back time and change it all. But in all of her heart felt selfishness right at that moment, she couldn't find it in herself to put it all to an end. She would never forgive herself but foremost, the women of her family, are women of word and honor. I won't bring them shame and disgrace, I must be strong and keep on, she decided and with a last calming breath she closed her eyes. Sleep claiming her troubled mind and tired body.
The sunrise found her still lying on the couch, wrapped with a blanket that Sonomi had provided for her the night before. She had come in after not seeing her darling daughter the whole day. Tomoyo had looked so peaceful that her mother did not dare to wake the sleeping angel.
What day is it today?, thought the amethyst eyed youth blinking and narrowing her eyes to make out the blue numbers of the Sony Dream Machine. Heavenly Saturday.
Tomoyo tried to rise and found out that her body ached in various spots but mainly at the base of her neck. The sofa was comfy enough, true; but she slept in such a position! She dragged herself the best she could towards the king-sized bed tastefully draped with a spotless white duvet with plum-blossoms pattern and silken sheets. Tucking herself under the slightly cold covers, she drifted off to sleep until noon.
The Daidouji girl opened her eyes to the world, again, at 11:30 AM. She stretched and yawned, preparing to leave the exquisite warmth of her bed to take a luxurious bubble bath and continue her weekly relaxing ritual that takes place every weekend. Hair cleaned and conditioned, skin properly moisturized and scented with a bouquet of wild flowers and spices, face thoroughly exfoliated and treated to make its fair complexion all the more beautiful and body fashionably dressed in a Rulo jacket, Phetty top and Reco mini-skirt all by Diesel. That's how her mother found her two hours later, seated in front of the vanity; applying the last touches of lip-gloss to her soft make-up.
"What a lovely sight! Are you going out?" inquired Sonomi; closing the door behind her and walking towards her daughter with clasped hands in delight. "Yes mom, I'm in need of fresh air and some time for myself," explained the girl; giving a last glance at her reflection and placing the lip-gloss aside. "It's a lovely day outside, on that I agree; but I don't want you to go alone and less in your condition." Declared the older of them in a display of motherly concern.
Tomoyo sighed and stood up from her sitting position to then walk and get her knee-length leather boots. "You worry too much okaa-san. Besides, I won't be alone –" she said while zipping up her boots in place. "Is that so? Who are you going with then?" asked the royal-blue eyed woman with mild interest. "Oh, it'll only be me, myself, I and a good book," replied the girl calmly, most seriously. "Tomoyo, darling, don't be disrespectful!" warned Nadeshiko's cousin sternly.
The black haired lady with natural purplish highlights on it, which was currently bouncing freely at her back like a thick silken veil turned her amethyst eyes devoid of mirth or scheme towards her mother. "I am sorry mother, I didn't mean to be such but I speak the truth. Right now, I rather be alone to think," she left her speech at that; returning her attention to setting up her hand bag. "Very well child, I think that I understand. Please make sure to eat something and remember to take your pills." Advised Sonomi before turning on her heels and leaving the young woman alone in the room.
Hibiya Park, located near the Imperial Gardens, was a lovely place to be in such a day. The greenness of the grass and leaves along with the colorful display of flowers was a welcome sight to the young lady. A Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster conveniently parked nearby, a warm blanket carefully folded and hanging over the right arm, handbag also secured over the shoulder and a McDonald's paper bag tightly clutched in the left hand; Tomoyo made her way among the crowd of mostly teenagers and love-birds, decided on finding the perfect place under a maple tree.
Finally, after walking for almost ten minutes, she was able to unfold and stretch the yellow, pink and green tartan look-alike fabric to then lie down after disposing off her leather boots and placing them aside along with her handbag. She undocked the Nestea® can from its holder and sucked on the straw in a very lady-like manner to then blow off the steam of her Broccoli Cream. It tasted heavenly! Plenty of broccoli rich in vitamins and fiber that created a creamy taste. She was very concerned about her diet, now as a pregnant woman, and would not indulge herself into junk food – or at least, not just yet; but she ached for McDonald's so she ordered their Mc Tokyo Menu, meant for contemporary, health-conscious customers. After she was done with the soup, until not a single drop could be seen, she added the ripened cheese dressing to her Mc Shaker Salad Garden and shook vigorously to then enjoy the selection of lettuce, radicchio rosso, and bell pepper. And since you can't call a lunch complete without a decent dessert, she unwrapped her Mc Roll Caramel and tasted the heavenly flavors of the rich and soft Danish pastry blended with Earl Grey and caramel and accented with butter cream.
Placing all the trash inside the paper bag she sat with her back against the trunk of the maple tree and reached to get her handbag. Unzipping it, she took out 'Memoirs of a Geisha' and opened it, landing directly on the bookmark, some pages ahead of the half part of the book. She read and drank her iced tea at a relaxed pace, loosing track of time and or everything going on around her. Somehow she even managed to shut off her inner-voice that often plagued her with thoughts and questions that she couldn't face nor answer at the moment. The sun was not as bright as before, and the birds weren't chirping as much neither, but she seemed oblivious to those facts; lying down on her stomach, the empty container of Nestea® cast aside and long forgotten, blissfully submerged in her little world of books and words.
In some other part of the overly crowed park, being it a weekend, the well-built figure of a young man could be seen, jogging along the walking track immersed in his own little world provided by the song 'Marmalade' sung by Gackt coming off the headphones of his blue mini iPod™. Exercise is one of the best things to keep our body in shape and in top condition; and he agreed with it. Perspiration was slightly present on his forehead and temple but he paid no heed and instead focused on finding a clear path ahead of him to run without bumping into random people.
He turned a corner and the scenery seemed to change with the magnificent view of the maple trees greeting him. Some couples were cuddling under the branches while others shared a meal. There were even complete families sharing quality time with each other; which is something endearing to see in these modern times. However, what caught his attention the most was the lone figure of a girl with raven-black hair that promised to be as silky as the most expensive silk you could find in today's market, sprawled all over her back. Its color turned to a deep purplish hue when the dying sunrays touched it. By the refined air the girl possessed, she appeared to be extremely well-off and you couldn't deny her accurate sense of fashion.
By the looks of her, he thought that he knew the lady lounging so carefree down there and so he found himself walking closer to her like if his legs had a mind of their own. She seemed like her, but he wasn't completely sure due to the fact that the lovely head was buried in that book of hers; thus he set up his mind on getting this angel's attention.
"Excuse me – ?" said Eriol stopping besides the lady reclined oh so comfortably on her pretty blanket. "Daidouji-san?"
At the mention of her name, Tomoyo wanted to know who the intruder of her privacy was and so, she tilted her face gracefully and faced east, to the source of the voice. "Good evening, Dr. Hiiragizawa," she greeted pleasantly and marked the leaf she was reading with a finger, half closing the book. "How coincidental of seeing you here." Her luscious lips curved into a gracious smile.
Eriol found himself speechless at her display of politeness and berated himself to speak soon, not wanting to look like a fool. "There's no such thing as coincidences, only the inevitable," he said with the smile of those who look down at inexperienced children, making him look older all of a sudden. "How are you?" He inquired in good-nature.
Tomoyo chose to lie on her left side because her neck was beginning to protest such movements; but she didn't sit instead, convinced that he might leave her to her own devices soon enough, and if not, then she'll make him. "I'm feeling good, thank you. How about you?" she replied and was about to say something among the lines of 'what are you doing here?' but his appearance gave away the obvious and she wasn't going to start playing dumb. "I've never been better, relaxing under the evening breeze and relieving some stress," he said and looked at the horizon. "Mind if I join you down there? It seems comfy enough and I've been running quite some time now," adverting his gaze from the setting sun and locking it with her pools of molten gemstones.
A slender eyebrow rose at his request and she made no move to allow him any room in her blanket. He flashed her a boyish grin and she sighed. It won't hurt her to spend some time with him, would it? "I don't mind at all," she said and moved aside, enough for him to sit. "What is it that brings you to me?" she found herself asking while resuming the lecture of her momentarily forgotten book. He seemed taken aback by her masked boldness but smiled none-the-less, sitting down on the warm blanket. "I was running nearby and saw you all by yourself and so decided to pay a visit to my favorite patient," Eriol said effortlessly while running a hand over the slightly damp hair.
They stood like that for some seconds that seemed hours, each one in their own little world. "How long have you been here?" asked the young Dr with mild interest; trying to start a conversation with this unique specimen of woman-kind. He was no fool. Young bachelor Eriol Hiiragizawa was the most sought-after men in wherever he went, Middle School, High School, College, neighborhood, you name it. Women threw themselves at him anytime, anywhere and no one proved immune to his charms as of yet. But this Daidouji girl, not only seemed to be unfazed by it all, but also completely ignored him. Not considering the fact that he new almost 'everything' of her, her body that is, the lady was a complete enigma to him. A puzzle that proved difficult to solve when he always found himself trapped in their riddles of politeness and mannerisms.
Right at this point, Tomoyo thought that maybe he'll go away if she gives him the only thing that he's looking for: her attention. Thus she closed the book after book-marking it and sat straight, facing him. "I'm not sure, some hours perhaps?" she answered vaguely, not because she purposely intended so but because of lack of information. She could have checked her wristwatch and do the math, but right now she couldn't care less. "I see. This park is a lovely place to get away from the busy city and stressful life," Eriol commented looking at their surroundings and catching a glimpse of a paper bag with a world-wide known logo printed on it. "McDonald's is not one of the healthiest food options around my dear, you should be aware of that." He reprimanded softly but she seemed as cool as ever. "I am well aware of that, so I chose the healthiest option available," she answered swiftly not letting herself to be intimidated by this man, Dr., or not.
Eriol smirked inwardly. Maybe she doesn't show it but if he pressed the right buttons then he'll be able to see the all-mighty Daidouji Tomoyo loose the self control she found so much pride in – that he could tell. "I am sure that Tokyo has plenty of excellent places to eat at, considering your state – it's not about the money, or is it?" he said calmly with azure eyes boring into hers. Lately, I'm being judged quite a lot because of money, thought Tomoyo a bit sad and indignant but she won't let him or anyone else, for that matter, to see that. "Indeed, I know; but can't a woman in my 'condition' give in to her cravings?" she replied with pouty lips to intensify her words. "Yes, but isn't it a bit too early for you to show such signs?" he inquired with some sarcasm lacing his velvety voice. Tomoyo dropped her act and hurried to reply, "listen Dr., I'm a grown woman and well aware of my pregnancy. I appreciate your concern and best intentions outside the consulting room, I truly do. However, I'm getting tired of people telling me what to do and what not to do and so, for the sake of our relationship, I humbly ask for you to drop this nonsense at once." Her voice rang clear and true, not a waver to betray her inner rampant emotions. She had had her share of 'concern' and 'friendly-advice' for the day.
He never thought he'll get this kind of answer, but far from smiling in victory like he originally thought, he furrowed his shapely eyebrows in worry. It was a fact that this lady has and is much more than she lets on. Just like himself. Somehow he had managed to catch a bit of distress in her speech pattern. He could tell, however, that she tried to cover it, and he praised her for that; a flawless technique to the eye of common people, but not for him; the king of masks. He reached for her hand across from him and took it in his carefully, not wanting her to fly away or worse, suddenly slap him. "What happened?" he asked in the most soft and coaxing voice he could muster.
Tomoyo tried to free her hand as soon as she felt uninvited warmness spread onto it, but he just increased the strength of his hold and she gave in. Somehow she could feel the need to voice aloud the feelings and insecurities inside of her to someone who could understand; or at least wouldn't judge her. Looking straight at him in the eyes she gathered enough courage and began the tale of her life's most recent events. A crystal teardrop slid down her porcelain cheek at the memory of the latest argument with Sakura. She noticed, relieved, that he made no move to interrupt her, keeping quiet and squeezing lightly her hand when her voice wavered instead.
"Do you want me to say something?" Eriol asked self-conscious. It could be that his unsolicited opinion does nothing but close the door that she had opened for him; and he certainly doesn't want that. There is something in this girl that calls out for him, and the need to protect her now when she seemed most vulnerable inside her tough walls was so strong. "Yes, please – " she said and nodded in a graceful movement. "First of, this is an incredibly difficult situation for both parties involved and I seriously don't want to walk in any of your shoes. I think that it is of extreme importance for you two to sit down and talk things out. This way, you won't run the risk of loosing your friendship of so many years," he spoke calmly and looked at her pensive face. "Have you considered the possibility of making a contract of sorts? I think that's one of the most intelligent things to do." Eriol ventured to say one of his personal thoughts on the matter at hand.
Tomoyo finally got her hand free and adverted her gaze to look somewhere else, at the birds flying in the horizon. "Seriously, yes, I've thought of it," she acknowledged and tumbled down on her side, tired of the sitting position. "I come from a family with a strong business sense after all – " she trailed off trying to justify what others might think of a disloyal proposition. "But I'm afraid of doing bad instead of good – Sakura is such a sensible woman, she might take it the wrong way and I'll loose the same thing that I'm trying to protect," she explained and sighed. "It's so complicated," she whispered as an afterthought. Hiiragizawa understood what she was hinting at, after all, it was common knowledge that business and family don't mix together. "I understand, but I still believe that you should give it more consideration," advised Eriol in a thoughtful manner.
They kept silent for some minutes to reflect on their own thoughts before saying something else, carefully calculating further interactions. "Nevertheless, I don't want you to be under that kind of emotional stress," Eriol broke the silence and laid down facing her, in a more relaxed position. "It's unhealthy and counterproductive for you and the pregnancy." He informed careful of the order in which he named the subjects of said threat, afraid that she could snap out if her condition was thought of first before of her. She was feeling neglected as a human being lately, only of use to bear her best friend's child – that he could tell; and so he planned on making her feel valued and important. A tad uncertain but wonderful smile none-the-less was his reward and he found himself already yearning for those smiles of her. "Thank you Dr.," she said and placed her head on her extended arm, just at the elbow. "Please drop the Dr., it makes me sound much business-like. Eriol is alright" He asked with a wining smile and she nodded carefully, but said nothing about him calling her by her given name for if she did, that would mean giving away a considerable amount of trust and she wasn't prepared for that yet. After all, first looks can be deceiving.
Suddenly interested, she reached out for his iPod. "May I?" she asked like a little girl looking for approbation from strict parents. "Sure, go ahead!" Eriol encouraged and smiled at her antics. She took it and put on the earphones to then turn it on and browsed briefly through his music library. "Impressive, you have a wide-range collection in here – Classical music? That's odd for a man," she commented when her eyes read on random titles. "Well yes, I'm a worldly man so what could you expect?" he said with a slight air of self-importance. "Of that I'm sure," she dismissed him without paying enough attention. "Here's something I like!" she exclaimed mindful of her tone of voice and pushed play to Christina Aguilera's "Voice Within". She couldn't help it, and after a minute and a half of passively listening, she began to sing along much to Eriol's pleasure and contentment for she had one of the most exquisite voices he had ever heard.
Two hours later Tomoyo safely pulled in the garage of the Daidouji Manor feeling light-hearted, relieved and visibly refreshed. It's a wonder what some outside air and an amiable conversation can do to a person's spirit. She got all her stuff out of the trunk and passenger seat and walked inside the warm home still humming that song.
"Good evening mom!" greeted the raven haired lass with enthusiasm and hurried to give her mom a quick hug and kiss. "Whoa Tomoyo-chan, you look so much better!" acknowledged the older of the women with a pleased look on her face. "What happened out there?" Tomoyo placed the keys on a nearby coffee table and turned to face her mother. "Nothing much, fresh air, delicious lunch, wonderful book and a pleasant conversation with a thoughtful acquaintance," she said and smiled sweetly. "A male friend perhaps?" wondered Sonomi amused. "Hmmm, Dr., Hiiragizawa as a matter of fact," she trailed off at her mother's devilish expression. "Your obstetrician honey?" the senior businesswoman asked with mischief and Tomoyo just nodded.
Tomoyo knew the look in her mother's eyes and didn't like it at all so she hurried to articulate in self-defense. "But it's not what you think okaa-san, we were discussing important things about the pregnancy." She said but her mother's smirk only got more evident in those pretty lips of hers. "Sure honey? Forgive me but I highly doubt that you'll be this light-hearted if you only talked about 'business' since I know how stressed you were about that same topic," she stopped for effect and then continued; "don't even try to deny it young lady, mothers always know best." But said young lady, instead of looking discouraged for her loosing campaign, calmly replied. "I know nothing of what you're implying mom, but if things turns out to be promising I won't deny myself a chance."
With a knowing nod and good-night kisses she made her way upstairs and got ready for sleep, which claimed her after three hours of changing channels idly.
Five days later found the Daidouji girl at Dr. Hiiragizawa's consulting room for her check up. It's currently the eight week of pregnancy and, as usual, they wanted to make sure that everything was running according to the plan.
"Well, Daidouji-san, it seems that everything is OK," acknowledged the young British doctor with a smile. "Now, the baby graduated from being an embryo and is now a fetus. Its fragment is made of cartilage. From the 47 day bone cells will replace the cartilage and form bones and joints, the face and jaw are formed but teeth and facial muscle are only starting. The vital organs are all there though still immature. It's starting to look like a human being now." He explained while watching the tiny form in the monitor.
"What size is it?" marveled Tomoyo at seeing such a tiny living creature inside of her. "It's only three centimeters long and weighs 3 grams – amazing ne?" he answered with wonder, even if he's more than accustomed to these sights by now.
Tomoyo kept silent, eyes glued to the form displayed in the screen. "Hai," she said in a breath.
"Don't be offended," began the doctor turning off the electronic device, "but I recommend some anti-stretch-mark creams and moisturizers to help your skin to stretch without being marked afterwards," he advised placing it all in its proper place while she started to get dressed. "Thank you doctor, I was beginning to wonder that myself." She said, combing her raven locks with dainty fingers. "Anything else?"
He looked at her, trying to decipher her thoughts inside her calm demeanor. This girl could become whatever she wanted so easily. She could shift from cheerful, to aloof, to motherly, to eerie calm, to cold and many other emotions at will so quickly that you couldn't see when exactly it happened. "No, everything is perfect. I'll see you next week," he stated while holding out his hand for her to shake. "Of course," she promised and did as expected.
After a warm smile she turned on her heels and exited the office; leaving one pensive doctor behind.
Okay, following on last chapter's footsteps, this chapter was also taken down and edited. I hope I got rid of those embarrassing mistakes, I can't believe I wrote 'god' instead of 'good'; that totally screwed the sentence! I have the third chapter half-way written so I should post it soon. Please stick around and give me your support!