Hey Guys!!!

M Back!

I'm so glad!!! i could finally upload my story...

my server was giving me problems...(grrrrrrrr...stupid serverkicks it)

so...on with da story...

The next day wasn't a very eventful one and Sakura was dead bored. Tomoyo hadn't shown up and Sakura was beginning to feel that she wasn't speaking to her. Just as she flicked out her cell phone, it began to ring. "Moshi moshi, Tomoyo-chan. I'M SO SORRY ABOUT YESTERDAY!" squealed Sakura. On the other side of the line, Tomoyo sweat dropped. "It's OK, Sakura-chan. don't worry, really," said Tomoyo. Sakura could feel her smiling. Relieved, she said, "So, how was school?"

Tomoyo tucked an ebony lock behind her ear before saying, "it was the same. Dull and boring without you." Sakura grinned and said, "Well, that can't be helped, can it? Listen, can you come over to my place? There's something I've been dying to tell you….."

"OK. I'll be right there," said Tomoyo.

Tomoyo raced down the streets, anxious to know the reason why Sakura had called her. She didn't notice the rock in her way and so, she tripped and fell flat on her face. Annoyed, she got up rubbing her backside and muttering, "Ouch. That really hurt."

Suddenly, she caught sight of a snow white hand extended towards her. Looking up, she saw sapphire blue eyes staring at her with slight amusement. Nevertheless, those eyes were kind and very expressive. Wordlessly, she held out her hand and caught the guy's hand. He heaved her up and said, "That must have hurt. You sure are heavy, aren't you?"

Tomoyo went red. She wasn't fat. No, she was perfect. She glared at the guy who was now laughing. "Forgive me, but I allow my sense of humor to run away a little, at times," said the boy. Now that she was face to face with him, Tomoyo noticed that it was not just the eyes, but the boy was very handsome. He was at least a head taller than her. His lovely, silky, dark hair fell over his eyes, almost like a rock star's. She blushed at her thoughts. She can't be checking out someone whom she didn't know and someone who was rude to her!!!

The boy had stopped laughing and was now saying, "I'm Eriol Hiiragizawa. My family just moved in yesterday. Pleased to meet you." Tomoyo gaped at him. "Hiiragizawa-san, it's me, Tomoyo Daidouji!" she squealed.

Now it was Eriol's turn to gape at her. From what Eriol remembered of her, she was nothing like the present Tomoyo. The shy, soft spoken ten year old was gone, and in her place stood a lovely sixteen year old maiden. Eriol noticed her long legs under her cute short skirt and her silky ebony hair; she looked amazing.

"When did you come back? Oh, this is simply wonderful!" she exclaimed, her happiness evident in her amethyst eyes. Eriol smiled at her. Back in Tomoeda elementary, Sakura, Eriol and Tomoyo had been the best of friends. But, unfortunately, Eriol had to leave for England and Sakura and Tomoyo were heart broken. Eriol, however, didn't know about Sakura's condition. The girls had kept it a secret. And so he asked, "how's Sakura doing?"

Tomoyo's face fell. She turned away, slightly hesitating and said, "Sakura's got multiple sclerosis, Hiiragizawa-kun. She can't walk. She can use her hands OK, but she's handicapped now."

Eriol looked shocked. He composed himself and said, "I'm sorry to hear that. Are you going to her's now?" Tomoyo nodded. Eriol sighed and buried his hands in his pockets. "I want to come, but, Nakuru and Spinel will kill me if I don't get them food." Tomoyo giggled. "That's OK. I'll tell her you dropped by."

"Ja ne," said Eriol, grinning. Tomoyo waved and ran off.

Taking off her shoes, Tomoyo politely greeted Touya. Walking in, she found Sakura glued to the screen. the Li commercial was on. Tomoyo watched open mouthed as he said, "So watch out for me, Tokyo!"

After the commercial, Sakura and Tomoyo just stared at each other and began to squeal in a really girlish manner. Both hugged each other, holding hands and yelling at the top of their voices. "He's coming, he's coming, OMG, HE'S COMING!" chanted Sakura as Tomoyo squealed, "Syaoran, watashi dake no movie star!" at this point Sakura stopped and said, "hey Tomoyo….I thought that was me……"

Tomoyo smiled apologetically and said, "of course, but you see Sakura-chan, Syaoran-kun is a boy……." Sakura pouted cutely and said, "yeah, yeah…whatever." Both of them looked at each other and burst out laughing. They couldn't believe they were fighting over a guy.

"Speaking of guys, guess whom I bumped into today?' asked Tomoyo, wiping away her tears (of laughter). "Lemme guess……Houjo-kun?" asked Sakura teasingly. Tomoyo frowned and blushed and said, "No. Eriol." Sakura looked amazed. "So, he's back, eh?" Tomoyo nodded. Sakura smiled happily. Now things would be like before. Well, not exactly the same.

"So, you going to the concert, right?' asked Tomoyo, reaching across the coffee table and grabbing a cushion. Sakura nodded and said, "I wouldn't miss it for the world!!!" Touya entered and asked, "You wouldn't want to miss what for the world?"

Sakura nervously glanced at Tomoyo, who seemed to be slightly perspiring. It was common knowledge that Touya strictly disapproved of that 'messy haired moron' or 'Mr. five-minutes-of-fame….' Touya waited impatiently, frowning at Sakura. Finally, he turned to Tomoyo and said, "Since the cat's got her tongue, can you tell me what's up?" Tomoyo glanced at Sakura before saying, "um-OK. Well, Li Syaoran's coming to town and we were hoping we could-" "not a chance," said Touya, glowering.

At this point, Sakura stood up (well, sort of) and yelled, "why not? Look, Touya, I'm not in the fourth grade anymore! As for my legs, Tomoyo can help me! Won't you, Tomoyo-chan?" Tomoyo nodded vigorously. Touya shouted, "Sakura it isn't the problem with your age, OK? You're not….you're not….."

"Normal…" finished Sakura quietly. Touya began to say something but Sakura was already pushing past him and limping to her room on her crutches. She was amazingly fast and Touya couldn't get into her room faster than her. He hammered on her bedroom door for the quarter of an hour, but Sakura refused to come out.

She sat at her bedroom window, clutching her Li Syaoran plushy close to her heart. She absentmindedly traced something on the mist on the window. After taking her long hands off the window, she saw that she had written, "why me?"

Sakura felt a pathetic wave of self pity come over her as tears began to fall from her beautiful green eyes. This was really unfair. While girls of her age shopped in malls and went out for parties and dances, she sat at home, with a book, her crutches leaning against her wall, horribly reminding her of her life. She regretted leaving school in the first place; but; the teasing and tormenting had gotten so much that she couldn't sleep at night without shedding tears.

She knew Touya cared about her and that her wanted her to be safe and happy, but he was so inconsiderate and stubborn too. She knew she had to go to that concert, even if it's the last thing she would ever do. If Touya was stubborn, she was double stubborn. After all, she was his sister!

Sakura started as she had a soft knock on her door. Somehow, she felt like opening the door. The door swung open to reveal her father. Fujitaka Kinomoto stood there, his eyes glimmering sadly, but a sweet smile played on his lips. "Can I come in?" he asked his daughter. Sakura nodded.

"Touya told me about the concert," he said, after he had sat down on her bed. Sakura stared at the plushy, waiting for the torrent of reprimanding. But it never came. Instead, she found herself being pulled into a pair of soft and strong arms. Her eyes widened as she heard her father say, "I'm sorry, honey but…….you just are too weak for this. I hope you understand. You can't walk and rock concerts aren't a sort of place where you can sit down and clap politely. People are on their feet, yelling all the time." "You mean you've been to one, daddy?" asked Sakura. Her father nodded, grinning sheepishly.

"So, what is it like?" she asked, settling snugly in his arms. Fujitaka wrinkled his nose to remember. "Its all wild and people wear any sort of clothes…" he said, smiling. Sakura grinned. "So, what were you wearing daddy?" she said, impishly. Her father blushed. "Now, now, its time for bed," he said, sweat dropping. "Was mum with you?" she asked, throwing back her hair. Fujitaka paused at the door. Turning around, he said, "of course she was. She was the one on stage."

Sakura looked surprised and then reasoned with herself. It was but obvious that her mom was a singer. But for a rock band? That's frickin' cool! She thought, smiling.

Sakura knew she couldn't go to the concert. Sighing, she reached out for her photo frame in which she had carefully put a picture of her mother. She sighed, softly, and said, "Mom, how can you meet someone you really like when he doesn't even know you? How can you even think of liking someone when you know that he's superstar and he could have innumerable girlfriends? In spite of knowing the fact he would never love a handicapped like me, I still…" and then she said no more. She had fallen asleep.

Next morning, Sakura woke up quickly. Limping down, she saw that Miss Mizuki had already arrived. Sakura crammed her breakfast in her mouth and began to study wordlessly. Miss Mizuki looked amazed. This was something new. Sakura….studying on her own? She was sure something was up. Nevertheless, she may enjoy the attentiveness before her inquiry…!

Sakura finished 7 exercises of geometry. A very creditable achievement! Thought Kaho. Okay, now was the time. "Alright, Sakura. What is it that you want?" asked Kaho, smirking. Sakura looked surprised. Shaking her head, she said, "Why can't I please my teacher for once?" she said, innocently. Kaho raised her eyebrows. "You know you can't deceive me," said Kaho sternly. Sakura sweat dropped. Thinking for a moment or tow, she said, softly, "OK. Just don't be mad at me….." Kaho waited tentatively. "Well….um…….Syaoran-kun's concert…it's gonna be here….," she said, her cheeks flaming. Kaho laughed and said, "And I suppose you want to go for it." Sakura nodded vigorously. "I don't see why you should not," said Kaho smiling. Sakura looked up, amazed. She expected her teacher to behave like Touya and her dad. But then she realized, Miss Mizuki would always be different. "On one condition, though," she said. Sakura looked up. "You'll work this hard everyday," finished Kaho. Sakura nodded and said, "of course, sensei."

Before they could proceed, Sakura said, "Sensei, Touya and dad will never agree. They said no." Kaho didn't look up but merely said, "I'll convince them. Don't you worry." Sakura grinned. Now Touya could definitely not say no.

However, she was very wrong. Because of Sakura, (as Sakura puts it) there was a heated argument created in the Kinomoto household; which had ended with Miss Mizuki leaving in high dudgeon, while Touya swore angrily and went to his room. Only Mr. Kinomoto sighed softly and said, "Sakura, after listening to your teacher, I think we may send you if you do not misbehave." Sakura's ears perked up at once. Smiling, she said, hopefully, "You mean it daddy?" Mr. Kinomoto nodded. Gently scooping his daughter's frail body in his arms, he said, "Let's get you upstairs now. Go to sleep. No music tonight or Touya'll do his nut."

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tomoyo walked slowly across the street; it was quite deserted. Tomoyo liked it. She never felt the need to walk with a crowd of people. With Sakura no longer there, it was as good as being alone. Tomoyo could never like her classmates the way she liked Sakura as there was something completely different about the emerald-eyed girl.

Tomoyo paused at the cherry blossom tree. It was in full bloom. The soft delicate petals slowly swirled around her. Tomoyo smiled sadly. Sakura was as pretty, but equally helpless as the petals. Once separated from the flower and the tree, these petals could be easily crushed; they needed to be banded together in a single flower if they were to survive. Sakura was as helpless as them; without her limbs.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" asked Eriol, scaring Tomoyo as he suddenly appeared behind. "Hi-Hiiragizawa-kun, Ohayou," said Tomoyo, embarrassed to be caught in an emotional mood. "Tut, tut, Tomoyo-chan. We've known each other for so long…lets drop the formalities, please," said Eriol, chuckling. Tomoyo nodded.

When they reached school, Tomoyo looked over her shoulder to find Eriol gone. 'Just like the wind,' she thought to herself, smiling. She opened the classroom door and greeted all her friends.

"Ohayou, Tomoyo-san!" greeted cheerful brown-haired Chiharu. Almost instantly, everyone else asked the customary question, "How's Sakura-chan doing?"

Tomoyo smiled and replied, "She's doing well. Do you want to come to visit her with me? Today's her day out you know," she finished.

Chiharu sighed and said, "Sorry can't make it. Yamazaki's taking me out today," she added, looking over at her boyfriend, Takashi Yamazaki. Rika and Naoko gave similar excuses, and so, Tomoyo returned to her seat, disheartened. She looked over at the empty seat next to her and sighed. God, she missed her so much.

Suddenly, the door opened and Mr. Terada stepped in. the class instantly hushed down. The tall teacher smiled and said, "Good morning, class. Today we have a new addition to our class," he said, pausing. There was a buzz round the class. Mr. Terada cleared his throat and everyone became silent. "I'm sure you remember him. He was your old colleague and dear friend. Please welcome, or should I say, welcome back, Hiiragizawa Eriol!"

The handsome youth stepped in to be greeted by loud cheering and applauding, particularly from the female population. Eriol's bangs had grown longer and so, the girls found him as hot as ever. Eriol's eyes, however, were searching for only one person. He found her, surprised to see that she was quite courageous enough to stare into his sapphire blue eyes with her amethyst ones. Eriol knew everyone expected a good speech. He felt nervous. However, staring at her made him feel calm again.

The countless times he had stood on any platform, his eyes desperately and unconsciously searched for her. She seemed to motivate and comfort him; with her soft smile and her reassuring and eager body language. Eriol didn't need to know where she sat or how she sat; if she wasn't there, he would picture her in his mind's eye and begin. In the beginning, Eriol felt confused about his feelings. When Kaho left him for Touya, he felt as though the world had come to an end. But, every night, reading Tomoyo's cheerful letters and e-mails, made him feel happy. Slowly, he began to fall in love with the dark-haired maiden. He didn't care about her appearance, he loved the hidden Tomoyo. And the reason why he had returned was to tell her how much he-

"Hiiragizawa, Hiiragizawa?" asked Mr. Terada confused. Eriol snapped put of his reverie to find the whole class staring at him. "Oh-right-gomen nasai, sensei. Hey guys, it feels great to be back! I hope we can get along as well as we did when we were in elementary!" he finished, sweat dropping. The girls smiled, batting their eyelashes. All of them waited with bated breath, only to be disappointed to find Eriol heading towards Tomoyo. "Sorry, I wanted to make a dramatic entrance," he said, smirking. Tomoyo grinned and replied, "Yeah, yeah. Welcome back, Eriol-kun."

As they sat under the Sakura trees, eating their lunch; a flower floated freely on top of Tomoyo's head. Tomoyo noticed it and plucked it out of her long tresses. As she was about to place it on the ground, Eriol took it from her hands and tucked it gently behind her ear. "There. Now it's found its true identity. On the moon," he said, smiling, a tinge of red on his cheeks. Tomoyo smiled shyly. She missed Eriol's blush, though. For the first time, her heart skipped a beat as she noticed how close Eriol was to her. She could never look at him form that point of view. He's my friend she thought firmly. No bad thoughts; besides; I love only Houjo……

Her thoughts were interrupted as a tall figure approached. Tomoyo could recognize that auburn hair anywhere-

"Houjo-kun!" exclaimed Tomoyo, standing up abruptly. Houjo stooped near her and smiled, saying, "got a moment, Tomoyo-san? I would like to have a word." Eriol watched this exchange, slightly annoyed. He watched Tomoyo's pale cheeks turn slowly red. He watched her go with him. He noticed that she seemed to have forgotten about his presence because of some honey-haired moron. Eriol realized he should have expected this. But it was difficult accepting it.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

As they walked home together, Eriol noticed that Tomoyo was unusually quiet. She seemed deep in thought. Eriol watched her, a pained smile on his face. He remembered the time when Tomoyo nursed special feelings for Sakura. She was broken hearted when she realized she could never have her. He was happy to see that she had started noticing other guys around her and had gotten over Sakura. But right now…….

"Tomoyo-san, what is it?" asked Eriol suddenly. Tomoyo started and said, "Gomen ne, Eriol-kun. It's nothing I just-" "c'mon, Tomoyo-chan; we're friends, right?" said Eriol playfully. Tomoyo nodded and said, "Well, Hiiragizawa-kun……today at lunch….." she abruptly ended her sentence, blushing deeply.

Eriol's heart began to pound against his Adam's apple. Remembering the cherry blossom incident, he thought, Could it be that….Tomoyo…..Tomoyo likes me too? Tomoyo's next sentence made him snap back to reality.

"Eriol-kun…today at lunch…Houjo-kun…Houjo-kun asked me out," she blurted out, blushing happily. Eriol smiled, breaking up inwardly. Managing to control himself, Eriol said tentatively, "and you said-"

"Yes, of course," said Tomoyo staring at him as though he was off his rocker. Eriol smiled and said, "I'm happy….for you." Tomoyo smiled and said, holding his hand, "Arigatou, Eriol-kun."

This simple gesture would have made Eriol do cartwheels. But, not after this. He secretly smiled to himself and said, "I'm really happy, Daidouji-san." After all, my happiness is secured if I see the one I love happy.

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

Sakura absentmindedly doodled in her book, her eyes fixed on the clock. She looked up to glance at Li's picture. Smiling, she said, "Syaoran-kun, I'm going to meet you. I will."

She had thought of various ways to persuade Touya; but he didn't budge. Today, she hadn't tried as he had threatened her that he wouldn't let out her out. So, she sat quietly, scratching her cat's ears. Kero and Yue were no longer in her service, as, after she had got multiple sclerosis, she had lost all her magical powers. But they still chose to stay with her; they loved the card mistress as though she was still their boss. Today, however, Touya and Yukito had gone to the mall, along with Kero disguised as an Easter bunny. Any second, Tomoyo should be coming. It was a fact that Tomoyo never forgot about her special days out and that she would never be late.

10…….

9…….

8……..

7……..

6……….

5……………………………………………….

4……………………

3……………………..

2……………………..

1…………………………

"Sakura! Sakura! I'm here!" yelled Tomoyo, from downstairs. Sakura grinned to herself. Tomoyo had maintained it after all. Sakura limped downstairs to find Tomoyo waiting for her along with a guy with midnight blue hair. Sakura paused, slowly deciding if it was really him. As her eyes traveled over his mature face (which was the same as ever) and the horn rimmed glasses, Sakura shrieked in delight and flung herself on Eriol.

Eriol chuckled and said, "my, my! Haven't we grown up? You're still the same as ever, Card mistress." Sakura stuck out her tongue at him. Tomoyo smiled and said, "Shouldn't we go now?" Sakura nodded enthusiastically and said, "Lead the way, Tomoyo-chan."

When they reached Penguin Park, the sun was already setting and it was getting dark. However, Sakura was unperturbed. She collapsed on the swing, much to Tomoyo's anxiety. "Are you alright, 'Kura-chan?" she asked, placing a hand around her. Sakura nodded, gasping a little as she replied, "yeah. It's….its just that I've never walked so much without support. My legs; they feel weak."

At this point, Eriol turned to them, his eyes blazing but his face remained calm. "You've been having this for quiet some time……haven't you, Sakura? I thought that friends never hid anything from each other. What's the point of a friendship when there's no trust, no sense of belongingness and definitely, no sense of consideration? Did you ever think of how the old magicians would have felt? Did you think about Clow? Did you ever think…of me?" he finished, faltering at his last words.

Sakura tried to talk but Tomoyo's glare silenced her. Tomoyo inclined her head and said, "Eriol-kun…we're really sorry." Taking his hands in hers, she said, "Eriol-kun, after you left Tomoeda as…as you broke up with Mizuki-sensei," she paused as Eriol asked, amazed, "how did you know?" Sakura smiled knowingly.

"You were so upset….we just thought informing you about something so dreadful wouldn't exactly lighten up your mood. We just wanted to see you happy…..that's all," finished Tomoyo, a solemn look on her face. Eriol took his hand out of hers and said, slightly red, "I guess you were right. Don't worry…….but please; don't hesitate to tell me anything else. Such news is…well…it's important."

Eriol sat down on the swing, thinking deeply. Sakura watched him, perplexed. Finally, Eriol spoke, "Sakura…if you don't mind…I'd like to cure you."

Sakura stared at him, shell-shocked. "Mind?! Why the hell should I mind?! I'll be….happy. No, I'll be delighted, "said Sakura, Sounding slightly crazy. "Can you really?" asked Tomoyo, slightly scared. Eriol nodded, "yes. Perhaps. But it requires lot of energy and time; not to mention potency."

"Oh c'mon, Eriol. You're la-di-da in Magic," said Sakura airily. "Not from my side…from yours," said Eriol, smirking slightly. Sakura threw her crutches at him. He ducked, fortunately.

"It's a deal, then," said Eriol, standing up. "I'll start tonight." Tomoyo smiled and said, "thank you, Hiiragizawa-kun. You're….great." Eriol blushed, though very slightly. Sakura noticed and wondered what was up. Suddenly, it dawned on Sakura, "hey! Daddy can allow me to go to Syaoran-kun's concert!!!!!"

Eriol grinned and nodded. He knew everything about Li Syaoran, Sakura's one and only. Eriol smirked, "yeah. Who knows, he may even give you a little kissie-wissy." Sakura blushed madly and shook her head violently. Tomoyo laughed. She glanced at Eriol and thought, 'Hiiragizawa-kun…now that you're back, everything will work out."

"Don't forget, I'm not sure of it. So don't get your hopes high, "said Eriol seriously. Sakura smiled and said, "of course. Arigatou, Eriol-kun."

Thank you...

please R&R...n guys, please pray 4 my younger sis...she's ill with really high fever n its not cumin down...she has to go 4 a camp 2morrow...she's heartbroken...please pray 4 her...

yours truly,

MSB.