Just Saying A Little Prayer
Chapter 3

"Sis.Tomoyo!"

She turned around and saw Eriol Hiragizawa standing on the doorway of the chapel. "Yes,Mr.Hiragizawa?"

He smirked. "I'm flattered.You remember me."

She laughed. "Oh no.Your students told me your name,that's all."

Embarrassed,Eriol decided to change the topic. "Leaving already?"

She took her bag. "Yes,my classes are over." She was about to go out when Eriol called her again.

"Be careful on your way." he reminded her.

Fr.Ayashi was eating strawberries when Eriol entered the room. "Who gave you those?" asked the teacher.

"Sis.Tomoyo picked some for us in the strawberry farm." replied the priest.

"Us?"

"She picked a jarful for you." He pointed at the plastic jar on the table. "So what's the latest on Kaho?"

He showed him the letter. "She was begging me to do something about her child-bearing ability."

The priest,who knew all about his hidden powers and his former relationship with Kaho,sighed. "Why don't you give it to her?"

"Never!" Eriol boomed. "I want her to feel the emptiness I feel right now.She doesn't deserve to be completely happy!"

Fr.Ayashi didn't comment anymore.

The teacher stood up. "Say thanks to the nun for me."
~*~*~*~*~*~

The next afternoon,Eriol had no afternoon classes so he decided to visit Fr.Ayashi again.Along his way,he heard children's voices singing with a beautiful,mature one.He closed his eyes,savoring the feeling of peace it brought his drained mind and troubled heart.When the song stopped,he walked towards where the voices were coming from,applauding. "Encore!Encore!"

The students were astounded by his reaction but Tomoyo looked happy. "See?I told you your voices are beautiful!Don't you think so,Sir Eriol?" Some students giggled with how the nun called their teacher.

"Y-Yeah." was all he could say.

"Anyway,children,do you know that your History teacher is an amazing pianist?" said Tomoyo. "I'm sure he'll play the piano for us some other time,am I right,Sir Eriol?"

"It will be my pleasure." he replied.
~*~*~*~*~*~

Eriol watched the heavy downpour of the rain.For the first time in his entire teaching career,he was worried whether his students made it home safely without catching a cold.He then prayed Tomoyo made it to the convent dry and safe too.

"What am I doing?" he asked himself,annoyed.Just because she praised him in front of his students awhile ago doesn't mean he could get cozy with her already.He glanced at his watch.If he doesn't move now,he 's going to sleep in the classroom.Using only his coat as his protection,he braved the heavy rain.

As he walked on the slippery sidewalk,he remembered the walks he and Kaho used to take as they had long,serious talks about the future that lies ahead for them. 'But now,they're only..memories.She's in another man's arms now.' His tears mixed with the raindrops on his face.

Suddenly,he heard light,quick footsteps following him.He turned around and saw Tomoyo rushing to him worriedly while bringing umbrellas. "Are you crazy?Why did you go out in the rain without this?" She gave him an umbrella.

"Tomo..yo.." He fainted in her arms.

She made a sign of the cross. "E-Eriol,what happened?!H-Help!Fr.Ayashi!!"

 

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