Title: Head Over Heels

Author: Shinsei Kokoro

Beta: AmaiOkashi

Chapter: 8: Maybe Baby

Updated: 21st July 2004

Syaoran Li P.O.V

Time. After lunch. Fourth period.

Location. Girls toilets.

Reason for being on current locale? Let's just say…unrecognized at the moment.

Yeah. That's right.

Over and out. Now get me a walkie-talkie that's not made out of plastic, you cheap-os.

So maybe walking into a place like this after her hadn't exactly been part of the plan…but with a chance like this…heck…I couldn't keep myself low anymore.

Sakura Kinomoto.

I'd seen her run past me in a blur, and I'd followed her since the hallway was empty. No one around to see me.

And with the lack of commotion on the other side of the vacuum door, I'd figured it was safe for me to kick the door open.

She'd been glaring at the mirror. Her arms upstraight on the side of the basins, supporting her body as she gasped for breath.

Her long brown hair curtained her face, and the only way I could see her was through the stained mirrors.

"Trying for the Olympics?"

I think my voice broke her trance. Whatever trance that was.

Her head snapped up, and in a second she was turning on her heels. She almost tripped.

Her eyes were wide and bewildered. Her brows furrowed, reckless of that wispy hair falling sloppily over her shoulders.

The life from her face had drained, and they looked so pale and…innocent? No…

Her lips parted. But as I stood there waiting, I didn't hear anything. They shook. Then she finally blurted it. Stuttering. "Hey"

Okay…now that was something I wasn't expecting. She wasn't screaming, "This is the girls' toilet! Shove it!"

My patience drew thin.

Okay. What was I supposed to say now?

Wanna come home with me? Do some dope, and then fool around?

I noticed her eyes scanning me. No. Bad idea.

Or what about this? Look bitch, I hate you. But I can't get you outta my head. You're making me bloody crazy. I love your hair. I love your eyes. I want you.

No.

That made me sound pathetic.

She leaned in, suddenly very uptight, "Wait a second" Maybe her senses had finally kicked in, "What are you doing here?"

And so she says.

My hands uncomfortably pocketed my jeans, and I said the first thing that landed on my tongue, "There's gonna be a mob."

She obviously didn't understand me, "Huh?"

"Party." I related, and the frown on her face seemed to have gotten deeper, "Meiling's wanting you in."

Damn. From when did I morph into a chicken? I couldn't even take the credit?

But Sakura was suddenly shaking her head, obviously not following my abrupt words "W-wait a minute" she held up a finger, her green eyes glowing, "Meiling invited me to a party? Your party?"

She was slow.

I frowned at her facials, "Ain't that what I just said?"

That was when she started to smile.

I scowled. I liked that smile.

She cracked up; "You're kidding me! Y-you don't expect me to believe that do you?"

All right. Now she was pissing me off.

I creamed my brains up. Why was I doing this again? Oh yeah. I couldn't stop thinking about her.

"Believe me" I answered in my most monotonous voice. Let's just say that I've never unintentionally asked a girl out. Especially someone like her.

I go for girls who get right to the point. Or…something like that. But I guess a change would do something good for me. I'm just quoting Meiling here. But now I'm not sure if I should start with an extreme change.

She stopped laughing. Actually, she'd just frozen all over again.

"W-what?" she squeaked.

I hid my gritted jaw, "Look…" I refrained myself from calling her a bitch, "…if you wanna come…then come. If you don't…then screw it"

"Are…are you really serious about this?" She tried a little smile.

I grounded.

"No. I'm not. What the hell do you think I've been babbling here to you about, huh?" It wasn't supposed to come out in that harsh and pissed off way. I wasn't even supposed to say that.

She didn't react.

"What do you expect me to think?" I could here her mumble, "First you tell me to back off. And now you're here calling me to your 'mob'?"

I glowered at her; "I'm doing this for Meiling, you bitch" I lied starkly.

Whatever it was that had lighted up her face, had now disappeared.

But damn…she was seriously eating me up. Couldn't she just say yes, and start acting in that weird way when I'd met her for the first time. Was hanging out with Eriol making her a little ups?

"Hey. It's Sakura" her eyes narrowed bluntly, "Not bitch, alright? So would you mind using it?"

I bit down my various comebacks. I couldn't say anything. Because anything coming out of my mouth would ruin my chances.

We glared at each other for at least more than ten seconds. Was I even going for the right girl? We were already bitching around, so I think it's safe to say that if I ever end up with her, we'd never get to have any fun.

Maybe that's what I need?

A girl who would be available for me at any time.

Her eyes had softened by now, and she looked…well…damn…I'm not the kind of guy who says these corny things…but she looked pretty good when she was angry.

With all her sandals, tight jeans and a brown shirt on, I found it hard to shove my eyes away from her.

"Whatever." I found myself mumbling, and taking little steps back, "I don't need this."

I didn't. I really didn't need this. Seriously, I could do better.

Why was I even bothering with her?

Sure she was hot. Maybe even hotter than any other girl I've seen till now. But that didn't mean that I had to go for it.

Maybe I'd dreamt of her because my bloody head didn't have anything better to dream about…maybe I was getting so sick of Minas that she was the only next best thing. Maybe I just needed a few drinks with some other girl. Maybe Shiroi wasn't kidding around about that after-jail syndrome. Or maybe I was just getting crazier.

Oh yeah. That must be it.

"Maybe you shouldn't come" I didn't wait there any longer. And in no time I was opening the door, half-waiting for any response from her.

It didn't come.

Nothing came.

I wasn't pissed. Really. I mean why would I get pissed at some freakin' girl who was probably too thick to bloody get what I was frigging saying! Bro, I wasn't pissed.

Maybe I'd be slamming that door if it didn't have that vacuum thing behind it.

Nobody was outside, and I figured Mr. Ohio wouldn't mind having a student who just got through prison to be missing from him afternoon class.

No. I knew he wouldn't.

Maybe I could just go and sit with the others in the backfield. They were always wagging classes. But one last thought about Shiroi snogging up to his new girl, Chiharu and Yamazaki at it again, and Meiling with her prop, I was sent walking further into the hallway.

Actually. Scratch that.

I think it was time for me to actually listen to whatever reason I had taken Electronics for.

Man, I wasn't pissed.

I didn't feel like smashing anyone's face. I just had to get to my booze.

There's supposed to be a mob at my apartment. Complimentary of Yamazaki. There were gonna be girls and drinks.

Maybe this time I would actually get out of my room, and stay awake till it ended. For a moment I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if the bitch really came.

Get smashed from the rest of the girls?

Loose that repute that she had from the rest of her friends when they'd found out that she'd come to an outcasts' mob?

I smirked.

Shit. Who was I kidding?

Like she'd even come.

Sakura Kinomoto P.O.V

I was struck by thunder. Enthralled. Freaked. Shocked to my bones. And other words that I'm not capable of blurting out at the moment.

Seriously. None of the guys I've ever dated have come so far to do this. None. Read my frozen lips. None.

Not that we're even going out, but in all these never-ending days that I've lived, there's never been a guy who's followed me right inside the girls toilets' and invited me to a party, when our social circumstances are downright polar.

He followed me.

To the girls toilets'.

Give me a moment here guys…it's just a little hard to believe, that my dream guy had the courage and bravery to do such a thing.

Only to give me he permission to come to his 'mob' on Meiling's behalf.

Heh…yeah…there I was thinking it was his idea for finally giving me a chance.

But maybe I still had one.

For a second in my momentary madness, I'd thought of going there in a disguise. Probably dye my hair black. Spend my allowance on black lenses, and hope that a tic-tac would go in as a tongue piercing.

Yup. That had been my plan in that second. But as always it backfired in my face.

As in dyeing my hair black…would I be able to show my face to the whole school the next day?

As in…would I be able to get those lenses if I had any money in my account.

As in…what if a guy (presumably Syaoran) were to kiss me and swallow my tic-tac. That would make me pearcingless (I'm not counting my ears, since I think every girl has one). Then I would have to seal my lips for the rest of the party.

Or maybe I could just forget about the piercing, and stick with the wild look.

Or maybe I'd be better off if I just spent my day finishing off that second Computers assignment that was due tomorrow.

This was just great.

Just…whoopee-doodly-doo.

Here was my ultimate chance of getting together with a guy I was destined to stay away from, and here I was…hoping I wouldn't get scared.

I've heard heroines regarding their love for some guy so sacred, that they pledge their lives on it…but in real life…it's a bluff…a glitch…a rip-off.

I don't think you'll be finding any human out there who'd actually give their life away for someone they don't know. Some guy who does drugs and is probably a player. Some guy who can hardly speak two sentences without swearing. Some guy who just got out of prison for assault. And some guy who's just so damn hot and irresistible that he sends physic waves to his lover to go jump off Mount Everest screaming his name.

Yes.

That's right.

I'm finally admitting this. I'm obsessed with this guy. There hasn't been a day that has gone by without me infatuating about him since the first day I saw him.

Close up too.

The opening of the door brought me back to my senses, and for a second I thought it was Syaoran. I imagined him stomping towards me, pushing me across the wall and kissing me crazy. Speaking to me all the while about how he couldn't stop thinking about me. Then maybe I could tell him about the latest dream I'd had about him.

But the moment a redhead threw me a pissed look, I went back to my sighing. Oh, the pain. She slammed at the cubicle, and I just turned on the taps and pretended to wash my hands.

Sakura. Sakura. Oh Sakura. Stop bloody dreaming!

I've already done so much of that…maybe I should just give up. Give up on him.

Which meant that, I'd be left feeling like a lifeless freak…and which would also make my possibilities with Van higher…and that I so did not want.

I turned the tap off, and ran my wet fingers through my hair. I gave it a toss behind my back.

"Lord. Where art thou my Romeo?"

History had come and gone. I don't mean my past chronicles…but the one-hour of blissful time I get to spend in the same room as Syaoran Li. One of the many Outcasts from Seijuu. Or let's just put this in sweeter terms- the Romeo of my, oh so stormy and resentful life.

He stayed in the corner of my eyes.

Leaning his chair against the back wall, for the first time engrossed in whatever Mrs. Watanabi was talking about.

I opened my ears for a few seconds.

Wait a second.

What was so interesting about Cleopatra cheating on Julius Caesar?

He was a case of nuts, and she just happened to find someone better and much hotter.

He was thumbing the pen in his hands, and for a moment I caught him fingering that bruise on his neck. Presumably a mark from the assault he was in, but I'm not raising any questions.

His dirty shoes were kicking at the desk, and his earring glinted in my direction.

It made me gulp and claw at my textbook.

Did this mean that he was giving me a chance? Maybe he didn't hate me? Maybe he wanted us to be friends?

What? Which one of them was it?

I was half thinking of asking Meiling about this…half thinking of asking her what her cousin really thought of me.

Then it suddenly hit me. Wasn't I supposed to meet her after classes for that re-match?

I think that was enough to boost my spirits.

Yes.

This would make Syaoran Li's intentions clear.

Crystal clear.

Van was being the same ol' flirt in Chemistry. Busy telling me how his parents were travelling to Thailand to meet his cousin who'd unintentionally gotten drunk and pregnant by a company owner who was being extremely friendly towards her. Busy telling me how alone he would be at home. Busy inviting me over to see his new installed Jacuzzi.

Jesus. Like I couldn't see where he was going.

Eriol was quiet. We aren't on speaking-terms anymore. It's just the usual 'hi'. But that's only when Tomoyo's around.

And since she's in Music now probably snorting into a tuba, we are history. Yes. This time I do mean my past chronicle.

We are no more what we used to be.

If the guy wants to act like an ass, and play with the girl's heart, he can go ahead and do it for all I care. He won't be acting so cocky once I break it up to her.

Actually…

Hold that thought…he won't be acting cocky once I find out a way on how to break it to her.

Yeah. That's it.

So for now he could go on and allow the girl next to him to continue flirting with him, and I could find the courage to ask Van to shut his bleeding trap.

He was running me thin with his story, while the professor was busy in the Principal's office due to some important stuff she'd been blabbing about not long ago.

"…and so they finally met him. I think she's probably gonna marry him now. She doesn't want to abort, since she couldn't get pregnant with her first husband. And this guy's rich. For some reason he's agreeing to go with all of this…and so is Yuki. She—,"

"Hold up. Who's Yuki?" I asked mindlessly balancing an equation at the same time.

"My cousin."

I looked up at him from my book, "Oh." I managed a smile, "Okay. Go on"

And so he did.

He went on and on, and while he did, I didn't fail to miss Eriol's glare.

I found it hard to believe it really. That he still liked me I mean. That he was doing all this just to make me jealous.

I couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

I suppose he was the kind of guy who just had to get what he wanted. And for the time being…that was me.

Heaps of guys have wanted me before…but they haven't gone this far as he has.

Bringing Tomoyo in this and all.

He was taking it too far.

Too far, for me to grab him back and probably re-talk it with him. Because Tomoyo was in love…he was in hate…and well…I was stuck.

Either way I'm gonna be the loser. Either I let him keep leading her on…or I break it to her, and have her pissed off at me.

Okay guys, which one sounds better?

The play it safe or the 'your boyfriend's only going out with you to make me jealous'?

I didn't have all the time I needed to think about it because school was over after another hour.

I took my time walking to my locker and getting changed into my gear. The hallway was cramped, and I had to dodge two hungry looking guys, and that geek who I'd dropped coleslaw over the other day.

But nope. No sight of Syaoran.

What did he expect me to do? Knock. Knock. Hi, I was invited here by Meiling. I'm not here to crash your mob. And quit staring okay? It's not a tic-tac!

I could mentally imagine myself being kicked out by these painful heels, and land right in front of Syaoran who's apparently pretty busy with that girl I saw with him in the Resource room.

Smooch. Smooch.

Get a life, bitch. That's exactly what he'll say. And then start giving that girl a Frenchie and ignore my wails.

I'll be dragged out, and thrown out on the road…probably in some alleyway and then have Eriol come to my rescue.

I straightened on the mowed grass I was sitting on.

Where had that come from?

The moment I caught sight on Meiling jumping over the metal bars, I shook my head giving it the usual reminder.

Forget about Eriol.

"'Sup" she dropped her duffel bag next to me, unusually grinning just way too much for me to handle.

"What?" I greeted her by shading my face from the blazing sun.

"Nothing" she slipped off her jersey, and pulled out a drink bottle. I didn't believe her. She was smiling out of the chart.

"All right then." I slipped into my Pumas, and stood up, dusting off my butt.

"Let's make it four hundred meters today, aight? I need to be getting back a lil' early. Okay with you?" she sauntered towards the track, flexing her arms all the while.

"Sure." I gave my legs a few kicks to rub off the sleep in them, "I don't mind."

She looked at me for a second, and I frowned.

"What's the good news?" I couldn't help but ask as we stepped and dug into the white start-up line.

She was marking her track, but she stopped and turned her head to face me, "How about we talk after this. I need to beat you at this fair and square."

I laughed at her try at humor, "Okay then." I clenched my fists, and fell on my knee. I focused a glare ahead of me, and paced my breath. I used to have a little case of asthma when I as a small kid. I've gotten rid of it, but I kept remembering the time when I had gotten an attack right in the middle of my cross-country championships. I could never forget that.

We pushed off seconds later after the count down.

Meiling was fast. Giving her a glance during my slow run, I could see the harnessed energy on her jaws. But she had to give me that stupid smirk again.

Did that mean that Syaoran had told her something?

Something about him following me into the girls toilets just to give me the news?

For a second I almost lost my breath and misplaced my time track. Maybe that was one of the things that made me lose and come four seconds behind her, but by the time we were past the finish line, we were both on the grass panting and gasping for breath.

Meiling was cheering on her victory. Laughing and almost choking on it, while I just defended myself. I was never a sore looser.

"Whooo!" she punched a fist into the air hooting all the way, "Beatcha!"

I grinned back, "Fluke."

We argued on that for a while. For a while until we were both leaning back on her elbows, and dying our laughs.

The wind blew silent for a while, until she cracked up a small laugh.

"So did you get the message?"

I faked a smile, "Sure did."

She plucked at a fistful of grass blades, and threw them behind across her, "Are you coming?"

I didn't know what to say.

"Don't know really. I mean—,"

"I know. I know." she was suddenly interrupting me, "What if someone sees you? Or what if someone tells on you."

Yup. She read my mind all right.

"Yeah." I managed to end her sigh.

"But you can come at the end of it. There'll just be a few of us 'cuz most of them will be leaving after ten. And I can get the ones who see you to shut up their traps."

I smiled meekly, "That might work."

She rolled her crimson eyes, and picked herself up from the ground, "Don't fret. It will. Just make sure you make it there after ten."

I followed her, "That's exactly what I'm worried about. My dad's gonna freak out, and he'll probably ask my brother to lock me in my room for the night."

She chuckled, "Say that you're staying over at a friend's."

I thought about it for a second. Okay. Here's the deal. I couldn't imagine myself spending the night where Syaoran might crash in too. A bit too far-fetched I might say.

"Or" she poised as we reached our duffels, and picked up her drink, "You could always be the good lil' girl." She said giving me the evils.

"What's that?" I grinned, and gulped in my juice.

"As in finish your dinner early. Make up some PMS excuse. Go to bed early. Off your lights. And then use your window as your door, and I'll probably be able to pick you up."

I froze for a second. When you think about it, it wasn't a bad idea actually. It would just mean that I'd have to be extra sneaky, control the guilt, and probably give up my dad's trust on me once he finds out. Not to forget mentioning, but my already suffering allowance too. Oh, the pain. The pain!

"I'm…not too sure about that." I blurted after a few ticks of silence, soothing out my imaginary burns.

She shrugged, and slung her duffel over a shoulder.

"Your bad. It's tomorrow night. So tell me by tomorrow."

I didn't know what else I could say, so I just dug it. We jumped over the metal bars and made our way across the back gates. No one was around, and I had to glance at my wristwatch to catch the time. It was pretty late, but I could still catch a few figures of guys playing with their basketballs on the quad.

We parted the moment I turned around D block; "Um…I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ta." she gave a little wave, and walked off.

I didn't bother going into the toilets and changing back. I was tired. My legs were weighing and I was busy thinking. Besides what would people think when they see me with a bag and without my PE gear? I'd be breaking one of those stupid rules wouldn't I?

Anyways, back to the things whirling in my stupid, dumb, idiotic head.

It was the yes or no questions. The ones that decided my chances with Syaoran.

Do you wanna see Syaoran Li tomorrow? Close-up?

Please enter your answer at your own responsibility and self-caution…oh yes. I do.

Do you wanna lose your credit card, your future allowance, and have the privilege to get grounded?

Please enter your answer at your own responsibility and self-caution …nooooo!

My strangled internal battle was abruptly torn away by my phone ringing. I had to stop at a bench, and rummage through my duffel.

Stupid phone.

Stupid…I glanced at the phone number blinking…stupid Touya!

"What is it?"

"You idiot! I've been trying to call you from half an hour! Couldn't you pick the freaking phone up!?" my brother's voice tore through the little holes.

I inched my phone away from my ear.

"Do you mind? I can almost feel your spit. And for your information, I was busy"

I could hear him snort, then add in urgently, "I won't be picking you up today."

"What?!" Yeah. That got me shrieking at him.

"My test today got postponed, and it's in five minutes. So you might as well take the bus."

I had to grit my teeth, "Incase you haven't tripped and lost your memory, there's no bus going that way you, moron"

"In that case you haven't been learning about the uses of your human body. God's done you a huge favor and given you two legs. Thought of using it?"

I was screaming at him after that, but he had the advantage of hanging up. I was sweating.

I glared at the front gates.

It'd take me more than half and hour to walk all the way home, and my legs weren't exactly in their gifted moment.

They were tired. And crazy to be put to sleep.

I groaned and moaned. Stomped a feet, and dragged myself out of my sanctuary.

I might as well get a start on it, if I was going to make an hour trip in my condition. And at that moment I couldn't give a tick about what people in their cars thought about a girl pulling at her feet. Red. Sweaty. And weighed down by a duffel.

Stupid. Stupid Touya.

Syaoran Li P.O.V

I'd had it with waiting for her like her person chauffeur. She took her own bloody time, and the next time she'd be finding herself stranded at school for the whole night.

She slid into the seat the moment I'd decided to step on the engine. I was having a major headache.

"Finally!" I pounded at the wheel.

"Jeez. What's got you looking freaky?" she was grinning, chucking her duffel into the back seat.

"Bitch. I've been waiting my ass here for you. I ain't come here for paradise, all right?" I twisted the key in the ignition, and stepped on the accelerator.

"Chill." she grabbed a gum from the headboard, and opened the windows, "I was with your babe."

I almost pressed on the break, but I made a turn and took the road.

"Who?" I was scowling. I don't know why.

She was laughing, "Don't play me a fool Syaoran. You got the hots for her like hell."

I suddenly caught her drift, and made a swerve at the corner. Why couldn't they just keep the car park at the front gates? I hated school grounds.

"Is she coming?" That was the only reason I'd come here after having a shower. Even Meiling couldn't stop me from having my after-school nap.

She was leaning an arm outside the window, "Cross your fingers."

"Man…" I weighed off the accelerator. I hated to cross my fingers.

She wasn't coming. I knew that already.

She wouldn't risk it.

"Syaoran…" Meiling was droning, "You've never chickened."

"I'm not!" I had to frown.

The road was empty.

I loved empty roads. I could speed as much as I wanted.

But at that moment, my head was spinning.

I made a sudden turn, and that got her giving met he looks, "Syaoran. Did you take some?"

I didn't say anything. She knew my answer, because she was sitting back hard, swearing in murmurs.

I haven't touched them in ages. Probably since a week. I spend my weekends getting high, but since this weekend had been a jail tour, I couldn't keep my hands off. My hands were practically shaking when I was snorting it all up.

Yamazaki had caught me in my room, but he hadn't said anything. He never said anything. Because the last time he had, he had a broken arm along with a black eye.

My palms were sweaty, but that didn't mean that I was seeing things.

Because she was right there walking on the curb.

But I suppose Meiling had seen her before me, because she was suddenly asking me to slow down to the left.

"Sakura!" she yelled out the window, looking back to see if there was anyone else to see her yelling, "Oi!"

The girl didn't turn, but with a second loud yell, she did.

By that moment, we were driving right next to her, and I didn't dare lean over Meiling's blocking body.

"H-hey." I could practically hear her voice shake.

"You want a drive?"

Great. Just leave all your dirty work up to Meiling.

She does it all for free.

"Um…" her voice was low, "If that's okay with you."

Meiling was laughing, and leaning back, "Of course! Get in." She looked around for a quick scan, then gave a thumbs up, "No one to see you. C'mon!" She was grinning at me all the way.

I didn't turn. And when the door slammed twice, I stepped on the pedal.

She gave a quick shriek as I stole way on the main road again.

"Whoa!" I could see her practically clutching to the seat from the rear-view mirror, her face full of bewilderment and panic.

Meiling turned around for a second, then murmured to me, "Slow down a little will ya? Don't wanna give her an attack"

I turned around the same moment we stopped at the traffic lights. She was looking up at me. Her face red this time.

"Hey." her voice was soft, and she pulled at her lips to smile. Obviously surprised to see me.

"'Sup" I gave a nod, and noticed Meiling smirking.

She ignored my questioning glance, and I used the spare time to pull my beanie lower.

"Where do you live?" she was turning around again.

"Oh yeah. Um…take a left turn after the second intersection. Then third right"

I almost didn't hear her words. My eyes were half on the mirror. And my ears were starting to give me the buzz.

Damn. She was hot.

She was gritting her jaw when I took through the speed the moment the lights turned green.

I loved driving over speed limit…but at least she wasn't complaining.

"That's gotta be over hundred." I could hear her mumble, grasping at her duffel all the while.

"It's just eighty." I rolled my eyes, "Stop freaking."

"I'm not freaking." she shot-back almost immediately.

"Yeah." Meiling added in for the sake of it, "She's not freaking."

"Right. You're not freaking." I grumbled.

She felt my sarcasm, "Exactly. I'm not freaking."

"See?" I scoffed, "You are freaking."

"No. I'm not freaking."

"All right!" Meiling was suddenly yelling, throwing her hands up, and slicing the air between us "Cut it out. You guys are freaking me out."

It wasn't really funny, but they cracked up.

I kept my drifting attention on the road, and took a left turn behind a red Mercedes.

"So…um…are you guys coming to that basketball game this Friday?" she was asking, and Meiling glimpsed at me.

"No." I said looking at the mirror again. I could see the glint of a silver necklace around her neck.

"We don't go there." Meiling continued for me, "We're not allowed."

"Oh…" she gave a pause, "But…why? I mean…what's wrong in that? It's just a game."

"They bullshit about it. And it's dumb anyway, they always lose. So why bother?"

She seemed surprised, "Oh…really? I thought they were good."

It wasn't shocking to me. After all Eriol Hiiragizawa was in it. "They can't play for shit." I added in my share of the insult. I used play captain for a team in junior high. We'd won all our games. Then I quit. I got interested in soccer instead. But it all stopped at Seijuu.

She remained quiet after that, and I took a left turn.

"Which one is it?" I glared at the houses we passed. My eyes were stinging. Maybe I shouldn't have snorted it in too fast.

She was glued to the window, "The one after that Open Home board. The yellow one."

I stepped on the break, and she almost collided against Meiling's seat.

"Nice house." Meiling was frowning my way. I took off my beanie, and ran all ten fingers through my hair.

Sakura was already opening the door and out.

Her smile was wobbly as she stood by Meiling's window.

"Thanks for the ride." she was looking at me, and I shrugged. Well, that's all I could do anyways.

"Tell me if you're coming tomorrow okay?" Meiling was grinning wide at her.

"Okay. See ya!" she was waving, and I was on the accelerator once again, my thumping head beating up my brains.

I rushed on the main road again, getting in the way of a green Mitsubishi.

Meiling was scowling, "Syaoran. You look wasted"

I looked away, "Fuck up please."

"Y'know. It's a good thing she didn't see you completely. She wouldn't be coming tomorrow at all."

I clenched my teeth, and raced past a Beetle, "I don't give a damn."

But she ignored me, "What'd you take? The mushies?"

"Coke." I answered her sullenly, and I pressed harder on the accelerator.

She had to come tomorrow.

It was either her or some other chic by tomorrow.

And I'd waited too long.

Sakura Kinomoto P.O.V

I didn't know how long I stayed outside just staring at the road…but…yeah…that's what I did, until I could hear Dad from the door.

I grinned at him.

It was my lucky day today. I swear. God was finally listening to me.

I got away from Van. Syaoran followed me into the toilets. I had a good run with Meiling. And I just got a ride from Syaoran. The Syaoran I've been hallucinating about.

I did a little dance, while Dad continued to frown at me. I could predict his next questions. And then give me a lecture of getting dropped by guys who'll probably drop-out before they graduate.

But…I couldn't care less. My day just couldn't get worse.

"Woohoo!" I punched the air and ran up the front porch steps, "Hey Dad! You're home early." I gave him a large monotonous smile and walked past him, kicking off my shoes into the cabinet. Silently murmuring for him to just let me be happy for once, and not start an argument.

Maybe I'd please someone above the clouds, and they were settling the score. Yup. They sure were settling the score.

I did another dance before I hopped up the stairs, singing. Maybe I should do the ritual, that's pray before I go to sleep. Maybe just for today.

I didn't stop until Dad called out my name. He sounded like dead.

"Sakura"

I was turning, "Yes, Dad?"

For a moment he didn't say anything. And in that moment my smile dropped. Something cold touched my face.

He looked beat up. And he was fidgeting with his glasses, pushing back his thick hair.

"What is it Dad?" I didn't move. Somehow I didn't want to hear that answer.

"Your mother…" he paused, and heart beat almost stopped, "She's…she's…in the hospital."

"Wha-what?!" I almost slipped sown the stair screaming, but I caught hold of the railing, "Oh my god! Is she okay?! Did she get in an accident?! What happened?!"

He didn't say anything, but lowered his head. Then, he turned his back on me. I was trembling.

"Dad!" I stumbled down the stairs and ran towards him, "What is it?"

"She's fine." He mumbled quietly, and then looked up.

I didn't know why I hadn't seen them before, but his eyes were red and tired. He looked exhausted.

"Did something happen to Mr. Hirakushi?" I was blurting.

"No. He's fine too."

I swear. I wasn't disappointed.

"She's…pregnant."

Okay.

Okay.

Inhale.

Deep breath.

Maybe I didn't hear that right.

"Uh…ca-can you repeat that?"

Now he was scowling. The irritant re-appearing on his deep-set features, "Pregnant."

Okay.

Now I was really shocked.

Appalled.

"N-no. I mean the whole sentence. Because for a second there…" I laughed nervously, "I thought you just said…that mom's—,"

"Sakura. Your mother is pregnant. She got collapsed this afternoon at her work." he looked away. This time I could see the vein on his jaw. He was pissed.

I was left staring at him.

It was hard to believe.

My mother…was pregnant.

My mother was pregnant.

Which meant…that she was pregnant with her husband…who wasn't Dad…which meant that…I was gonna have a step sibling.

Which also meant that mom would never be divorcing her husband like she'd in my dreams and get back with Dad.

Which furthermore meant that my Dad would forever be a loner…and I would have to go through the horrors of baby-sitting.

Oh.

The pain.

Shinsei Kokoro