Just Saying a Little Prayer
Chapter 6

The following days saw Eriol and Tomoyo busy rehearsing for the upcoming competition.During their practices,they always have regular visitors who only want to listen to their lovely voices .Even the regular townsfolk come to visit!

"Our school's Music Room became a tourist spot." said Fr.Ayashi to Eriol as they were resting from the practice.

"All thanks to her." said Eriol,pointing to the nun.He can't bear
calling the woman 'sister' anymore.He just can't.How could he when he was fantasizing about her for days already?

"We certainly have a lot to thank Sis.Tomoyo for." said the priest teasingly.

Eriol pretended not to hear the priest. "Ok,back to practice!"
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Be careful on your way home,children!"Tomoyo reminded as the kids went on their way.She returned to the chapel where she found Eriol arranging the pews.

"Still here?" she asked.She was used to being alone in the chapel after practices.And she knew Eriol had been avoiding her purposely lately,so why was he here?

"Can I walk you home?" he asked nervously.

"The convent is just near."

"I don't care."

She sighed. "Alright."
~*~*~*~*~*~

They ended up in the socer field.Eriol sat down beside her. "Tomoyo,please tell me why you became a nun."

She fell silent.

"Please?" he pleaded.

"My father told me to enter the convent." she replied.

"Huh?"

"After my mother died,I sent word for him that I'm penniless.I sold all our properties to try to save my mother through a bypass operation."

"It didn't succeed." said Eriol,his eyes sad. "I'm sorry."

"God wanted Mother to be with Him already.At least,I know she's in a better place than I am." replied Tomoyo.

"What happened then?"

"Dad said I am not his concern anymore.He told me to be a nun to survive." she narrated.

Eriol clenched his fists in anger. "That's..inhumane!Imagine,deserting your own daughter..your own flesh and blood!"

"But I feel no anger at anyone.I believe God has his reason why Dad left me.Had I not been a nun,I could not have met all of you in Wellings Academy." she said.

"You are the most optimistic person I've ever known." he commented.

"Optimism for you,Faith for me." she replied.

"Yeah.I thank God for giving me a chance to meet someone as caring..kind..patient..understanding..as you." he whispered.,looking at her with the sincerest eyes she had ever seen.

Sensing tension,she stood up quickly. "It's getting late..I better go."

"I'll walk you there." he tried,standing up too.

"No need.I can manage." She was about to run away when Eriol's arms suddenly encircled her tiny waist and pulled her to him.He gazed at her purple eyes deeply. "I'm sorry..I can't stop myself anymore.." he brought his lips down to hers.
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Eriol!!"

The teacher looked up and saw Mr.Burns looking at him strangely.He grinned sheepishly. "Were you saying something?"

"No,I was just reciting a John Milton and William Shakespeare poetry crossover." the principal said,rolling his eyes.

The teacher sighed.Ever since he kissed Tomoyo,he was never the same.He became amnesiac and daydreaming-prone.He can't concentrate on his lessons either because he was always looking outside the door,hoping to see Tomoyo watching him discuss.

Ah,why can't he stop thinking of her?Could it be possible that-

"Earth to Mr.Hiragizawa!" shouted the principal when he saw the teacher staring off to space again. "I wonder what's up with him." he thought silently.
~*~*~*~*~*~

Eriol silently vowed to himself that he will find Tomoyo and settle the real score between them.He's going to find out what she feels by hook or by crook!After hours of hunting,he finally cornered her in the High School Music Room practicing with her students.

"Hey Sir Eriol!Long time no see!" greeted Stephen.

He grinned. "Yeah.Alright,kids,break time!"

The students poured out of the room excitedly.After the last student went out,Eriol locked the door as Tomoyo looked down.

"Why were you avoiding me?" asked Eriol,kneeling in front of her so they could be face to face.

"I'm not-"

"Lying is bad for nuns.You're not avoiding me but you practiced here without telling me?" he said accusingly.

Tomoyo heaved a sigh. "Look,about what happened that night..let's forget it."

His heart stopped beating. "F-Forget it?B-But why?" he sputtered.

Tomoyo looked surprised. "Because it's wrong."

Wrong.The word resounded with finality and Eriol didn't like it one bit. "I..I can't promise to forget it." he began but was interrupted by urgent knocks on the door.

Grateful for the interruption,Tomoyo quickly opened the door and in came Paul,panting heavily.

"What happened?" asked the nun worriedly.

"C-Cara!She was hit by a car!!"

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