Chapter 2
Even Glaciers Melt
An hour later,Eriol called over the intercom that he wanted to
sleep already.Since nakuru was on the phone,it was Tomoyo who
went up to his room.
"Where is Nakuru?" he demanded when she came in.
"She's talking with your physical therapist.I think you're
going to start your session tomorrow." she informed him as
she brought some of his clothes out of his suitcase.
"Why don't you do me a favor and just let me die?That is the
only fate deserved by a killer-" Eriol was silenced by
Tomoyo's finger on his lips.
"You are not a killer,belive me.Accidents happen all the
time.What happened wasn't entirely your fault." she
explained as she removed her finger and started unbuttoning his
shirt.
"But why Kaho?Why would God take away someone as kind and
loving as her," he moaned.
"God always has a reason.Put your complete trust on him and
all will be well." She freed his body from his shirt and
replaced it with a clean one.After that,she wiped his face with a
wet towel.Finally it was his trouser's turn to be changed.Tomoyo
had no idea how to start.
"Well?" Eriol prompted.Tomoyo thought she saw the
corners of his mouth twitching.She took a deep breath and reached
out for the buckle of his pants with trembling hands.Eriol's hand
suddenly stopped hers.She looked up,puzzled.
"I can take care of that." he said,his eyes smiling for
the first time.
She nodded,her face flushed.She turned her back on him as he
undressed.
"Tomoyo?"
"Yes?"
"Does your invitation still stands?"he asked shyly.
"Which one?"
"The stroll in the afternoon." He wheeled towards
her,already dressed.
"Yes.Do you want to go tomorrow afternoon after your
session?"asked Tomoyo.
He nodded,then yawned.Tomoyo stood up and helped him lie down the
bed.She tucked him in and smoothed his blankets.
"Why are you treating me like a child?" he asked
sort0of defiantly.
She smiled. "Because you're making me do so.If you quit
acting like a spolied brat,I'll treat you as my master."
"Promise?"he asked,amused.
"Promise." She closed the door. "Goodnight."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Tomoyo was about to retire in her own quarters in Eriol's mansion
when she heard Eriol scream.She panickedly rushed downstairs and
met an equally worried Nakuru in the hallway. "Nakuru,get
his tranquilizer,now!"
They threw the door open and saw Eriol in hysterics,crying out
Kaho's name.As Nakuru sorted the medicines in the cabinet,Tomoyo
hurried to his bed and slapped his face in an attempt to pacify
him. "Eriol!Eriol!"
Upon hearing her voice,Eriol's mind cleared.
"Tomoyo!"He buried his head in her hands which he
imprisoned with his own. "Tomoyo,don't leave me alone
please..I don't want to be alone anymore." he
sobbed,practically breaking Tomoyo's heart.
She tightened her grip on his hands. "Yes.I will not leave
you alone.You won't be alone anymore because I am here."
Nakuru sat quickly beside her master and injected his medicine.
"Tomoyo..Tomoyo,d-don't..l-leave me." These were his
last words before he fell asleep,still holding Tomoyo's hands.
"He's gonna be ok,Ms.Tomoyo." Nakuru assured her when
she saw her still staring at the man.
"I know,but just in case,I will stay in his room and watch
over him.He would feel much more secure when he wakes up and sees
someone in the room with him." she said while kneeling on
the floor,still not letting go of his hands.
"As you wish.Goodnight,Ms.Tomoyo." Nakuru closed the
door gently.
For a few hours,Tomoyo stayed awake,watching over the peacefully
sleeping Eriol.But she soon gave in to the slumber's call and
fell asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Eriol slowly woke up.He felt soft hands holding his own.
"These aren't Kaho's." he thought.He slowly turned his
head and found Tomoyo's serene face lying fast asleep on the bed.
He unconciously squeezed her hands fondly.,as if thanking her for
being with him while he was in pain last night.He struggled to
get up but felt only agony.Sighing,he removed his blanket and
placed it on the shoulders of the sleeping lady.This woke Tomoyo
up. "E-Eriol!" Alarmed,she pushed him back to bed.
"You shouldn't be moving just like that!"
"I'm fine." he snapped.Why did she keep on treating him
like a handicapped person?
Sensing his feelings,she bowed her head in apology.She then saw
his blanket upon her feet.
"I thought you got cold.." his voice trailed off.
"T-Thank you,Mr.Hiragizawa." said Tomoyo.
"Anytime." he said,still looking at her.