A/N: Hi! Hi. How's everyone doing? I am finally back on schedule. Thanks so much for the reviews! I did some random picking and Charade won! So here's the next chapter! Sakura is acting weird isn't she? Oh ya! I found a way to be able to copy my reviews list. Instead of clickin, I press Contol! It won't freeze that way!
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Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura, and I'm sure you don't too!
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Reviewers: Thanks to
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Chapter 3: Party
Meiling Rae was on her way to the Li mansion.
She had just received news of another welcoming ball for her cousin, Syaoran Li's fiancé.
As usual, Yelan Li called her over to help with the planning as she was known as the Li family best decorator. She had studied interior designing while in university.
Now, she was working as one of the most famous interior designer in Hong Kong.
Also, besides in her skills of designing, she was also a master of martial arts. She trained with Syaoran when she was small.
Initially, she had a small crush on Syaoran. Who could blame her? Syaoran looked so cute when he was young. However, now her feelings seemed to have disappeared into thin air as she grew up and it was replaced by family love.
Sighing, Meiling stared at the Li mansion from the window of her Limo. She wondered if Syaoran's new fiancé would be as snotty and bratty as the others. If she was, she would gladly help Syaoran kick the woman out of the house.
The Li mansion gates opened as Mei Ling's sleek sliver Limo drove into the area. Tires screeched and Mei Ling's butler opened the door for his mistress.
"MEILING-CHAN!"
Ruby eyes widened in surprise as her four other older cousins glomped her again. Meiling laughed as all four Li sisters started to blast questions like there was no tomorrow.
"It's nice to see you all again!"
"Mei Ling-chan! You've got to help us! Syaoran's new fiancé is the worst!"
"Mei Ling raised her eyebrow, "I'm sure Syaoran-kun and Eriol-kun could handle it..."
One of the Li sisters shook her head, "It's not going well. Syaoran-chan and Eriol-kun haven't played ANY pranks on her since she got here. Oh did I mention her cousin is Tomoyo Daidouji who would I like to say is totally b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l?"
Meiling's curiosity perked ... no pranks? Something is going on here...
"I'll see what I can do...could you all please get off me? Wait... Did you say TOMOYO DAIDOUJI?"
Meiling was also a fan of Tomoyo's designs. Hell, she was wearing one right there and then.
"I've got to see her!"
The five walked into the mansion. They shrieked with joy as Tomoyo and Eriol were seen stepping out of the dining hall to the right.
"TOMOYO-CHAN!"
All five ran towards their favourite fashion designer. Meiling's smile grew wider as she clasped Tomoyo's hand.
"Hi there! Nice to meet you. I'm Meiling Rae, Syaoran's favourite cousin. I'm just a fan of your works!"
Tomoyo smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Eriol's then spoke, "Favourite cousin huh?"
Meiling attention turned to Eriol with her eyes laughing, "Who else could it be? You?"
Before Eriol could say anything, Yelan, Sakura, Syaoran and Ryu had come out to see what all the commotion was.
Syaoran wondered, "Meiling?"
Meiling ran towards and gave her cousin a hug, "Hello Syaoran!" She didn't realize Syaoran's face was turning from normal to purplish-blue.
Sakura watched the scene as Syaoran tried to gasp for breath. Another Li was added to her count. However, a green flame was ignited in her heart. Anger burned within her.
"Why is she hugging Syaoran like that?"
"Ahem!"
Meiling's attention was turned to Sakura. Her eyes narrowed as both girls glared at each other, "Ya?"
Syaoran felt as the tension grew, "Erm... Meiling, this is Sakura Kinomoto, my fiancé and vice versa."
Meiling, being the observant one, had already sensed the anger radiating from Sakura. She had to admit this Kinomoto girl was pretty. Still, she didn't look like the petty type. Why was this girl so special? Why did her two cousins stop their usual pranks?
Sakura on the other hand was wondering what she was doing. She knew she was angry with the new arrival...The question is...why?
Slowly, Meiling let go of Syaoran and turned to Yelan and Ryu. "It's so nice to see you again, Auntie, Uncle."
Relief washed over Sakura, so this girl was just another one of Syaoran's cousins. She was just hugging Syaoran because she missed him. Still...
"Good to see you again Meiling. Let's go and talk with the servants about the decorations. I'm sure you've already thought of that? I've already talked to the chef about the food."
Meiling nodded and took out a large piece of folded paper in her bad she was carrying. When she opened it, everyone gasped.
On the paper was a replica of the Li's ballroom. Many beautiful decorations were drawn onto it. Many sliver glittery ribbons tied to the pillars, together with red silk curtains that were on the windows. The tables were covered with a golden cloth and had to most magnificent design. The chairs were exactly the same with the current chairs in the mansion but with the cloth design, it matched perfectly. The chandelier was different and seemed to glow in the picture. It's no wonder Meiling was one of the best interior designer around. Just like Tomoyo, she had a natural talent for art, except both appreciate different kinds of designing.
Tomoyo spoke up, "It's really beautiful Li-san. Speaking of the ball, I had actually heard of it when in Japan. I went to check and found out that Li had four sisters. I don't have the measurements so I couldn't start until yesterday. I've made five dresses and altered them to fit the measurements I acquired from them yesterday and I didn't know Li-san would come..."
Meiling shook her head, "its ok. I'm actually going to wear another one of your designs to the ball. It's red with glitter and was one of your spring releases."
Tomoyo thought for a while and said, "Oh! I'm sure it'll fit you very well."
Yelan Li smiled while her daughters squeal in excitement; Tomoyo had taken their measurements yesterday and announced that she was making a dress for them.
Sakura watched the scene with envy. Somehow, she felt betrayed when Tomoyo said five and not six. Tomoyo didn't make one for her. Was their friendship really worth that much?
Without a word, she turned and walked away. She didn't notice that amethyst eyes were following her every move.
"Hope you like it Sakura."
Luckily, she remembered her way to Syaoran's room. Placing a hand on the identification panel, she heard the robotic voice.
"Identification complete. Welcome back Young Mistress Li. There's a parcel on the bed. It was sent by Miss Daidouji."
(A/N: Ok, since S and S were the only ones allowed in the room besides their personal maids, there's a function at their room if someone were to send something. However, they will have to enter their name.")
Hope awoke in Sakura's heart. Could it be?
She rushed in and spotted the parcel wrapped in pink paper. Excited, she unwrap the parcel quickly.
"Oh my god..."
Inside, was a beautiful dress. It was the colour of midnight blue. The edges were made of transparent material as the belt was slivery white. It wasn't puffy like those medieval dresses but flowed down to the floor. Like a Chinese dress, it was slit up all the way to her thigh. That was the only revealing element on the dress. It was sleeveless as the dress was tied together by ribbons on both sides. Accompanied by it was a blue corsage with a real blue rose sewn onto it. Also, she spotted white gloves which went all the way up her arm and a diamond necklace that was no doubt crafted by one of the best in the world.
Sakura then spotted a note and on it was Tomoyo's neat handwriting.
Dear Sakura,
I hope you like this dress. The necklace is a gift. I've made the dress before we came to Hong Kong. I know we haven't been on the best of terms since a year ago but I just want to let you know that I really miss you. It kills me to see you like this all because of... I'm sorry because I really can't say it. I know I would not be able to change your plans but I really want to get this message across: I value our friendship more than anything in the world, so please; can we be together once again?
Sighed,
Tomoyo Daidouji
Tears choked Sakura's emerald eyes as she hugged the dress to her chest. Tomoyo had still valued their friendship even after all she had done. She missed her cousin and video camera antics. She wanted her best friend back. The one she had always counted on since she was young.
"I missed you too Tomoyo..."
That day, the servants began Meiling's design on the ballroom. In the matter of hours, everything was done. All the Li sisters and Yelan had tried on Tomoyo's custom design for them. It fitted them perfectly and was really amazed by Tomoyo's work.
Syaoran didn't see Sakura for the rest of the day and for the first time since Sakura arrived, felt relaxed. He didn't even see her at lunch or dinner! Even when he went up for bed, Sakura wasn't there.
Somehow, he felt a hole when Sakura wasn't there. Shrugging off, he turned off the lights and went to bed.
The next day...
Syaoran woke up to come face to face with Sakura's back. Guessing that she had slipped in during the night, he stepped of the bed quietly.
Today, he and Eriol were going out to find a tuxedo since Tomoyo had only enough time for five dresses.
Dressing up quietly, she slipped out of the door unnoticed.
He met Eriol at the door and they both stepped out of the mansion.
They entered Syaoran's black limo and drove off.
Later that day...
When Syaoran and Eriol returned, they spotted the whole Li family in the dining room. They were having lunch. Tomoyo and Meiling were talking animatedly to each other and as usual, Sakura was sipping her juice quietly to herself
"Good afternoon Syaoran, Eriol. Did you find the right tuxedo?"
Eriol replied to his uncle's question, "Ya. It's once again, black..."
Tomoyo giggled, "Hiiragizawa, black is the most suited colour for men's formal wear."
Eriol chuckled, "I guess so. Anyways, Daidouji, would you care to dance with me later at the ball?"
His sapphire eyes glittered mischievously. Anyone could tell he was flirting.
Tomoyo, to Sakura's surprise, blushed, "Erm..sure!"
Meiling tried to stifle her laughter. She glanced to Sakura and noticed she was as shocked as Tomoyo was.
It was going to be one interesting ball...
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That night...
(A/N: I'm moving fast aren't I? I'm getting restless from continuous typing and I think this chapter will be over 2500 words if I were to type the ball So, it's a treat for all of you.)
Guests entered the ballroom one after the other, taking a few moments to admire their surroundings. Meiling, who was sitting at the main table smiled proudly at her accomplishment.
Syaoran and Eriol were on either side of her and were wearing their tuxedos. Both look devilishly handsome as many of their business partner's daughters swooned at the sight of them.
Beside Eriol was Tomoyo, who was wearing a sliver dress. It shaped her curves perfectly and had transparent white sleeves. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail with a sliver plum blossom clip as it cascaded down her back. She also had two sliver wrist bangles around her wrists and a sliver choker around her neck. To everyone, she looked like an angel from heaven.
Syaoran noticed that Sakura wasn't present. Suddenly remembering that she was the guest of honor, he knew that she was only to appear when everyone else was present.
Finally, Yelan cleared her throat and everyone's whispers came to a stop.
"I like to thank everyone for coming to this ball to welcome Syaoran's new fiancé from Japan. Now without further due, please welcome Sakura Kinomoto!"
High heels were heard as Sakura emerged from the top of the stairs. Every male jaws, including Syaoran's in the room literally dropped to the ground.
Sakura smirked when she felt all eyes on her. Her auburn hair was tied in a French twist with a few strands around her neck. Her necklace too glittered under the chandelier's light. She had on very light makeup and lip gloss. She was carrying a small purse. Syaoran could hardly believe that this goddess was his fiancée. His.
Once she reached the bottom of the stairs, she bowed, "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. My name is Sakura Kinomoto."
Many males whistled and wolf-called, much to the annoyance of Syaoran.
Yelan then continued, "Now, as the food will be served, Sakura and my son will take the first dance on the dance floor."
This alerted the senses of the couple... first dance?
Reluctantly, Syaoran stood up and offered his hand to Sakura. Without any hesitation, Sakura accepted it, much to the envy of other females in the room.
Sakura placed her purse on the main table before following her fiancé to the dance floor.
Slow music swept through the ballroom as the engaged couple danced slowly. The lights were dimmed for the effect.
No words were exchanged as Sakura and Syaoran stared into each other's eyes. Meiling watched from the sidelines, more amused then ever.
Syaoran's heart felt like exploding as his hands was on Sakura's hips. It didn't seem to be affecting his dancing partner although he could almost see a faint blush on her cheeks. He was almost sure his face was on fire.
Sakura's legs felt like jelly as her eyes wandered over Syaoran's frame. He was sure handsome in his tuxedo. She knew that this wasn't supposed to happen. Her plans will be in rubble if he were to find out. She felt her icy barriers once again crumbled as she allowed the music enter her heart.
Time passed slowly as everyone watched the couple.
"Ring!" A sharp tone pierced the silence as Sakura's handphone rang. The trance was broken and Syaoran tried to shake off the weird feeling embedded in his heart.
Sakura whispered," Sorry."
Sakura detached herself from Syaoran and headed for her purse. Whispers began to emerge from the crowd.
Yelan stood up once again, "Let's carry on with the ball shall we?"
The lights brightened and everyone started to eat the food that was served to them.
Sakura stared at the phone ID in shock. It was him.
"May I be excused?"
Yelan nodded and Sakura walked stiffly to the garden. Syaoran sat down and began to eat his food while Meiling followed Sakura's figure. Tomoyo knew what was happening. However before she could make a move, Eriol had asked her to dance.
Shyly, she accepted it and was accompanied to the dance floor along with other teenage couples.
Meiling decided to follow Sakura, "Ermm, I need to go to the ladies."
Ryu nodded and Meiling walked off, in exactly the same direction as Sakura was going.
When she reached the garden, she saw Sakura whispering to her phone. Quietly, she hid behind a pillar
"Why are you calling? I was in the middle of a dance!"
"It's nothing. "Mother" wants me to, that's why."
"Ya. It's working. But I don't know if I can keep it up any longer."
Snap!
Meiling gasped as she accidentally stepped on a twig while leaning too forward. Sakura turned around.
"Who's there?"
Meiling sinked back into the shadows as she heard Sakura's last words.
"Call you back later."
With a snap, she closed her phone; Sakura looked around and saw nothing. Thinking it was maybe just a squirrel, she walked back to the ballroom.
Meiling slowly emerged from the shadows and pondered, "Who was that? Is Kinomoto planning something?"
The full moon shone brightly under the night sky. Meiling looked up at it and said to herself, "There's something different about Kinomoto and I am going to find out exactly what if my name isn't Meiling Rae!"
To be continued...
A/N: How was it? Both Meiling and Eriol noticed that Sakura's acting weird. Can they figure out what was happening? More importantly, can you? Lol. This is Cherri-star signing off!