ERi- I told you guys I was inspired…Thank you to all who reviewed. To WillowEvenstar - I'm happy too. lol.

Also, I forgot to mention that Susanna and Tasha are my made up characters. Just want that to be known.

Disclaimer- No, I don't own CCS or CC.

Chapter 4

Sakura's POV

"I really wish Dixon would fall down the stairs one of these days. Maybe then I wouldn't have to listen to her criticize every little thing!" I stormed out of my English II class upset with Rika following right behind me.

"You really shouldn't say such things Sakura-chan. It's not nice."

I gave Rika a look, thinking, "Well she wasn't very nice to me 3 minutes ago!" Instead of speaking my mind, I simply said, "She's just been on my case since school started. It's so frustrating." We both stopped by our normal spot in the garden and I continue. "Sometimes I just feel like I should just go home and to be with my brother and my father."

Rika put her hand on my shoulder and took my hand. "Sakura, you can't just give up. I know you can do it."

"Fine, but, I don't want to talk about it any more, Rika-chan. But thanks."

Rika and I went our separate ways. I know she was trying to help, but I felt I needed to 'pull a Tomoyo' on her. Just be alone for a bit. Times like right now I just need to think by myself. I pulled out my pink diary in the shady spot by the tree I was at, and started to write.

Dear Diary,

I'm so frustrated…I want to go home and get away from this stupid school. Sure, the people are nice and it's very beautiful, but it seems like it's going to be too much for me. If it's this hard now, I know later on it's going to be more difficult. Everyone says, "Oh, I know you can do it Sakura-chan", or, "You're so special Sakura", but it's easy for them to say because they (underlines 'they' three times) were made for this school. I think I got lucky to tell you the truth. Why did I have to get those recommendation letters? Why did I beg my father to let me come here? Why the hell did I want to come here so bad! Now I'm angry Diary! Things aren't fair! Bitchy teaches aren't helping; not even my friends are helping! I just—

I couldn't write anymore. My eyes were too foggy from my tears to see what I was doing. I let the moisture from my eyes fall on the pages not caring if anyone saw me. I sat sobbing knowing my cheeks were turning red and my eyes were burning. Even still, I didn't care.

"This is too much." I thought to myself.

After a while of sitting by the tree, I got up heading down the halls as fast as I could. I passed my class room doors and the cafeteria. My shoes clicked against the floor as I sped past the other students; future doctors, lawyers and so on. The girls I thought – no, knew where supposed to be here and excel and make their families proud of them because they had what it took to be the best. Their classes were a piece of cake for them. They studied, with no problem. They came to class and took in information not missing a step. Sure, I can do those things, to an extent. But those girls who I go to class with and see walk the halls; can do a lot more and much better.

I finally came to my destination, Ms Misuki's office. I knocked on the door still crying. "Ms. Misuki!" I yelled. "I need to talk to you! Please Ms. Misuki!"

The door opened to see Ms. Misuki's face. She cheeks rose and her face smiling and welcoming. Of course, it was only for a few seconds. She looked at me and made her 'what's wrong honey' face.

"Sakura!" She exclaimed. "What happened, dear?" She quickly pulled me in to her office which smelled like cherry blossoms. Sakura means cherry blossoms in Japanese.

I took a seat on her couch and she sat beside me handing me a few tissues. I took them and said thank you, not completely forgetting my manners.

After cleaning my face I said, "Ms. Misuki…I can't do this anymore."

"Do what Sakura?" She said not understanding.

"I can't stay and Crestwood anymore. I just can't. It's too much!" I sobbed making her understand more clearly. "I miss my father. I miss my home."

She smiled. I don't know why, but she smiled like I do when I'm trying to make people feel better. "Sakura, everyone gets home sick. It's normal and…"

"No!" I interrupted. "It's not that! No!"

Ms. Misuki was silent.

I went on. "I can't take it here! Everyone is so smart in their classes! And Teachers, my teachers, are so demanding a-and rude sometimes! I feel so small and ordinary compared to everyone else! And no one understands." I put my face in my hands and cried even more. Soon, I felt Ms. Misuki take me in her arms, hugging me. She held me there and let me cry on her. Like a daughter and her mother holding on each other. I knew it was that feeling because I faintly remember my mother hugging me the same way as a child when I cried for petty things like a not getting my way, or spilling my juice. In many ways, Ms. Misuki reminds me of my other. Not her looks really. Just the way she looks at me. Like she loves me. Her eyes say it, and you know it also.

As she hugged me. I heard her whisper in a sweet voice. "It's okay Sakura. Really, it is. Please don't give up on yourself. Don't doubt your abilities, because you are better than that. You're a smart young woman who as a lot to offer." She said. "No one means to pressure you. Or, make you feels small. And when you do feel small, please remember you're very far from that. You are just as smart and special as the other girls in this school. I mean that."

"Thank you Ms. Misuki."

Dear Kitty,

Everyday it seems like me and my roommates grow closer. It's fun to laugh with them and talk about our girly subjects together. Right now, I'm working on some new dresses. I plan on letting the girls and I wear them to the dance coming up soon. I remember last years dance. I hope that boy doesn't come after me again…I really have no interest in him. I mean, why should I? …I don't want to hurt the boy's feelings...but I guess I have to since I don't want to tell him the truth. Boys are so complicated. One reason I don't deal with them.

Sincerely,

Tomoyo Daidoji

Tomoyo's POV

I put my Diary up in my hidden place once again. I don't know why I hide it if it has a lock on it. I think it's because I got used to my mom trying to read it when I lived with her. I can still hear her now…

"Tomoyo," She'd say trying to sound as hurt as she possible could. "What is so private about your life that you can't share with your mother?"

I would just sigh, thinking, "If she only knew…"

Thinking back on the memories of my home in Canada, I start to miss my small, but loving family. Mother was a bit pushy and nosey, and Taylor, my "nanny" for when mom was working and had no time for me, often annoyed me sometimes, but overall, they cared.

I sketched more onto the dress that was supposed to be Rika's. Soon Rika herself came in. I watch her sit on her bed sighing. "Hello Tomo-chan." Anybody at this point can tell something's wrong with her. Before I could ask and confirm my suspicion, she blurted out in distraught, "Tomoyo, I think Sakura might be leaving us."

"What?" I gasped. "Why?"

Rika sighed, once again and started back up again. "She seems so stressed about being here and I think she can't take it anymore." It's weird to see Rika upset. She's usually the most mature girl I know. But I guess she's a teenager like the rest of us at heart. She came to sit beside me. "What do you think we should do, Tomoyo?"

I started to think. "I may have a solution…lets' find Sakura-chan.

Sakura's POV

"I knew I could count on Ms. Misuki." I think sitting in the garden again. I pick a flower and start playing with its petals. "Maybe I just over reacted from everything. Maybe I should stop doubting myself. It's causing too much stress."

"Things will get better!" I say trying to convince myself its true. But who am I trying to fool? I'll just have to wait and see.

"Sakura-chan!" I look up and find Tomoyo and Rika run over yelling. They finally arrive in front of me.

"We've been looking all over for you." Tomoyo said sitting down.

"Yeah!" Rika agreed."

I looked at them confused. "Why?"

"Because, we're going out!" Tomoyo helped me up from the ground. "Tasha and Susanna are coming with us."

I tried to think of a way to get out of there plan, but I couldn't. They looked very excited, but remembering earlier, I couldn't share their joy. But even Tomoyo was excited. It must have been grand. Instead of joining them in their smiles, I decided to be the joy-killer. I looked away from them. "I don't know if I want to tonight."

I really didn't.

Rika pulled me from the tree and we headed inside. "You have no choice. It's for your own well being."

She sounded like my father.

Tomoyo joined in. "She's right. We'll tie you up and drag you around if we must."

"Hoe?" whispered silently confused.

My two crazed roommates dragged me to the room to change. I was still in the hideous uniform after all. Tomoyo says she doesn't think they're that bad, but she likes fashion from what I gather, so she can see beauty in really ugly things I suppose.

I changed into a pink shirt with black jeans and the matching jacket that had pink designs. Just because I was at Crestwood didn't mean I had to loose my fashion sense. Tomoyo and Rika also cleaned up nice also. I'll have to remember to borrow Rika's shoes.

I started to forget I was upset after getting dressed. We all talked for a bit and shared laughs. I remember now how much I love Rika and Tomoyo. I don't know why I wanted to leave them.

We went out the Crestwood gate and went on to catch a bus to the city. It's been a while since I had gotten away. I looked out the bus window at all the buildings and restaurants.

"It must be really pretty when it gets really dark outside." I said to Tomoyo.

She shrugged. "It does get pretty, but nothing special."

I smiled feeling good I was with them.

The bus stopped in front of the mall, which was our destination. I see Tasha and Susanna standing by the entrance. They looked even more artsy then they usually do. They were decked out in funky ear-rings and costume jewelry along with hints of glitter on them. They actually looked pretty. I admire their styles.

We walked up to them casually. Tasha, the one usually the first to speak turned from talking to Susanna beaming. "Ladies," She said loudly. "Glad you can make it!" She hugged Tomoyo and Rika. She smiled and hugged me also. "We heard you were in a bad mood kid! But don't worry; we're going to have fun tonight!" Susanna smiled agreeing with her friend. Those two are some characters, and really different from each other. One would wonder how they got along and were so close. But, you can tell they're always there for each other.

We all walked into the mall spending as much money possible. I have come to find out that not only is Tomoyo a fashion icon, but she's also a shop-a-holic as well. She even got me clothes with her credit card. Hope she's as rich as everyone says. We made quite a haul.

After shopping, we went to the food court for some food. Tasha and Rika did most of the talking at the table though.

"But yea, I think he was totally checking Susanna out."

"No way!"

"What do you mean? Don't you think he was looking at her a little harder than normal people should?" Tasha exclaimed. "You agree with me right Kura?

I laughed. "I thought he was going to break his neck whipping around like he was." I took another bite of the Philly-Cheese Steak I was munching on.

"Even if he was, I'm not interested." Susanna said in her usual mono-tone voice.

"Why not?" Rika asked. "As strange as he was, he was cute."

"You mean hottie!" Tasha blurted out. I looked over at Tasha, who suddenly seemed as if she remembered something important. She quickly spoke. "But, Susanna isn't really looking for a boyfriend."

Rika, Tomoyo, and I stared at her. "Really?" I asked.

"Yup." Tasha said while Susanna sipped some more of her milk-shake. "Plus, she just got out of a relationship."

Susanna gave Tasha a quick look. "Yeah…"

I'm not sure, but I think Susanna kicked Tasha. Her suddenly wincing in pain gave it away. Rika and Tomoyo giggled.

"So," Rika cleared her throat to change the subject. "Who was the guy?" Tasha choked slightly on her milk-shake. She glanced at Susanna.

"It doesn't matter." Susanna avoided eye contact with Rika. She was like Tomoyo in a way. Avoiding certain questions and saying as little as she could in the ones she answered.

Tasha coughed. "Guys, don't look now, but I think Susanna's friend came with his own gang."

I slightly glanced over to the group of guys Tasha pointed out. They all looked like the average teen males at the mall. They were all clean-cut and they wore sports t-shirts and jeans; nothing special. But you had to admit they were cute.

"We should mess with them." Tasha said grinning wildly. She's so insane.

Susanna gave her friend a look. Tasha whined in response. "What?"

"You know what…" Susanna mumbled. I glanced around seeing Rika was just as clueless as I was.

"Aww come on Anna. Please? It's just for fun and never again I promise." Tasha playfully gave her a sad eye look.

"It could be fun." I spoke up. Rika agreed with me while Tomoyo shrugged not caring one way or the other.

Susanna sighed. "Never again right?" Tasha answered with a smile.

With that, we all got up after checking hair and make-up. Tasha said we all had to look hot for our little game to work. I never thought I'd do this in a million years, but I was with Tasha after all. She was the type of person that flirted just for kicks.

We walked up to them, and the boys stared up at us. Two of them didn't know weather to leave the dumb look on their face or to pick their jaw up. One remained calm with a, 'I don't give a damn' look on his face and the other one smiled. You could tell he was a charmer.

Tasha smiled greeting the boys nicely. "Hello boys." She said. They greeted her back with various responses like 'what's up?' and 'hey'. So far I just smiled and kept quiet.

One boy, the charmer of the group asked, "What can we do for you ladies." He had an English accent much like Susanna's. Only difference was he was a boy. His hair was blackish-blue color, straight and short in a neat style.

"My friends and I made a bet."

"A bet you say?"

"Uh-huh, that's right." Natasha said cutely. "Tomoyo, Rika, and Susanna here think you guys are from the boys' academy near town, but Sakura and I say you guys are way too cute to be academy preps with rich mommies and daddies. Can you help us out?"

The expressions on their faces were priceless. It was getting hard not to laugh at those guys who actually believed that story. But then again, they might be smarter than they look.

"Sure babe." Another guy decided to get in on the "action" we were creating. "You see, we are in fact from the academy."

"I told you." Rika taunted playing along.

Tasha fake gasped. "Are…you serious?" She looked at me, and I looked at her.

"Wow, we were wrong Natasha." I said trying my best to play along.

"I guess so." She pouted. "Well, I guess we lost. Let's go ladies." We turned and started to walk.

"Wait." One of the boys said. "You guys want to stick around. We could show you a good time?"

"Maybe some other time, gentlemen." Susanna said rollers her eyes.

Natasha breathed out obviously understanding. "Yeah," she agreed. "We have classes tomorrow."

"We'll see you guys around." Rika waved.

We left the guys who were probably disappointed we declined their offer. By since the dance was coming up, we would see them again.

Dear Diary,

I had a fun night with the girls. They (Tomoyo, Rika, Tasha, and Susanna) took me shopping to cheer me up. I guess Rika spread the word about my episode. I guess I lost it for a bit. Good thing they helped me get over it.

We had a laugh at the mall when we went to talk to those boys. It wasn't much, but it was Tasha's idea to get a cheap laugh out of that. Susanna and Tomoyo didn't join in as much as Rika and I did. Actually, they weren't in it at all…but I figured they wouldn't. I think Susanna was a little mad at Natasha though. I hope everything is alright.

Anyways, despite everything Diary, I guess I'm not so alone after all…

Until later,

Sakura

I lied on my bed while Rika was dressing into her night clothes. She was humming a tune happily. "I guess you're planning on staying Sakura?"

I looked up at her. "I guess so." I put my diary under my pillow. "Did I worry you?"

"Yes." I saw her frown. "I know it's hard here, and at times you may hate it, but we really want you to stay. But if you feel that unhappy, I, and I'm sure Tomoyo will respect your decision." She came to sit on my bed.

I looked up again. "Thanks Rika."

Tomoyo's POV

I walked down the halls with Susanna and Tasha after we got back from the mall. We tried to be really careful as to not wake anyone up. We were headed to the fashion design class room where all the material and sewing machines were.

"Brings back memories huh Tomoyo?" Natasha chuckled.

"One of these days we're going to get caught." Susanna mumbled.

I grinned at her. "We've never been caught before. We won't start now."

Natasha whispered whiled picking the lock to the room. "That's the spirit Tomo."

She finally got the door unlocked and we entered quietly.

"Remember to work fast girls!" I said.

"Don't worry, we got all night." Tasha reassured.

ERi- Another chapter down! Sorry it took so long. It always does. I think this one was a little more fun to write. Hope you guys like it. I've re-read this one about five times and found tons of mistakes . Darn! Oh well…anyways, like I've said (I think) I leave SMALL hints in my chapters about things. If you can't figure it out…good! If you can, VERY perceptive of you! Read and review. See you next chapter.