Chapter 20: Pitty-Pat

Sakura and Tomoyo were seated at a table on the patio next to the pool at the Daidouji's mansion, the day of Tomoyo's mother's birthday party, a large umbrella shielding them from the morning sun. They tried to help with the preparations but ended up more of a distraction than help to the very capable staff. After unsuccessful attempts to help, they were banished here in the pool and tried to make themselves not to get in the way of the preparations.

Tomoyo looked over at Sakura, watching her mindlessly flipping the pages of a fashion magazine, looking restless. Knowing Sakura, she was not comfortable doing nothing while people around are doing all the work. This is the perfect moment to tell her, Tomoyo thought. But what would she say? She have to tell her, she is my best friend and she will listen.

"Sakura, Eriol and I kissed," noticing her surprise, Tomoyo hastily added, "accidentally." At this, she saw the beginning of a smile tug at her lips.

Sakura slightly nodded, willing her to continue. But nothing more happened. Why did she even tell Sakura this? She just needed someone to share this.

"That's why we were a little bit awkward with each other these past few days," she continued, looking carefully at her expression.

"It's your first kiss," Sakura stated. Tomoyo knew she would understand why this is a big deal for her. "How was it?" she asked, her voice slightly teasing but curiosity is very evident in her face.

Saying it was anything but would be a lie, so she said the whole truth, "It's the perfect first kiss."

Sakura smiled, evidently pleased with my response. "What happened after?"

"I ran away."

"Why?" Sakura asked, looking baffled.

"Because I thought he will apologize for kissing me and it will ruin it," she can't believe how candid she was sharing this with Sakura. But then, maybe, there are some things meant to be shared with your girl best friend.

"And running away won't?" Sakura said. Was that sarcasm in Sakura's voice? Tomoyo didn't think that she even knew what sarcasm is. Hanging out with Li is definitely rubbing on her.

"We're friends again," she instead said.

"Did the two of you talked about it?"

"We kind of both agreed not to talk about it."

"Tomoyo, how do you accidentally kiss someone?" she suddenly asked her tone mischievous. If Tomoyo would be really honest with Sakura and herself, it wasn't really an accident. It was at first, but Eriol definitely kissed her back and she's quite sure that wasn't an accident.

Before Tomoyo could decide to tell that to Sakura, a maid approached carrying a bouquet of lavender roses, saying it was delivered for Tomoyo. After Sakura and Tomoyo were left alone, she reached for the card. Sakura leaned from her chair and they both read the three words written:

See you later.

He, whoever he might be, will be attending her Mother's birthday party. And she's finally going to see him tonight.

"Sakura, I think it's a little bit too much," Tomoyo said, eyeing the mascara Sakura was wielding as if it's some sort of weapon. She was a little bit uncomfortable with any kind of makeup. Just a little lip gloss every day will do. But Sakura wouldn't be satisfied with just lip gloss, but she must admit, what she has done doesn't seem as half bad as she assumed it would be.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," she answered. She certainly seemed to. I don't know where this girlishness was hiding all this years she have known her. She remembered when they were kids, she has to force her to wear all those very cute costumes she made for her. Now, she's very excited about clothes and make-up. Must be growing up. Or having a boyfriend. She suppressed a sigh.

"Tomoyo, do you like Eriol?" Sakura suddenly asked, out of the blue. Not exactly out of the blue, as she had told her earlier about the kiss.

"I.. I don't.. know," To say that she doesn't like him wouldn't be completely honest.

Sakura considered this, silent for a moment. Then she started pinning up her wavy hair. Under Sakura's expert fingers, her hair was becoming a work of art. And the make-up was all right, it brought out the violet in her eyes.

"Pitty-pat," she murmured looking at the bear sitting at her vanity table. The bear Eriol gave her.

"What did you say?" Sakura asked, frowning.

"There are times when my heart goes pitty-pat when he's near. But usually I'm so comfortable with him, he's my best friend." She glanced at Sakura who has stopped fussing with her and she amended, "One of my best friends."

"Pitty-pat," Sakura repeated, amused.

"But there's also my secret admirer to consider. I always look forward going to school so I can see if he left me another rose or another poem. I did not tell you this but he has also sent me poems. Two poems. Maybe I haven't told you that because the poems are so special to me, I can't share it with anyone yet. It certainly made me feel as if he knows me. The real me."

Sakura was quiet for a few moments, then she put her arms around Tomoyo, hugging her from behind and said, "Maybe you're a little bit in love with both of them."

Tomoyo has no answered to that. She just stared at their reflection on the mirror. She was afraid that Sakura might be right this time. She has tonight to find out.

I know I haven't written for so long. And for that I'm sorry. I'm kind of not happy with the way this is written. I haven't written in such a long time I'm afraid this might be a little bit different. I thought of rewriting the whole story but decided against it.

Thoughts? Let me know.

Thanks for the all the reviews for I've previously received. I might not mention your names but I assure you that those reviews are what made me decide not to abandon this fanfic. And please bear with me.

(Anyone interested to be my beta reader? It will greatly improve the quality of my story. Please, I really need the help. Send me a message if interested. Thanks.)