Prologue
I opened my eyes. The bright lights, the roar of the crowd, the thrill of being centre stage…It was what I'd always wanted; dreamed of… I'm standing there, amazed by the size of the audience…Wow. Must be all of Konoha out here! A low whisper draws my attention.
"Hey." It's the cute lead singer of the absolute best band in history…And he's staring at me. I can feel my cheeks go red. "Your part's coming up. Sing."
That kills it…What am I supposed to sing? I look back. The rest of the band is staring at me… What do I do now? I know the tune…I think… The lyrics…I can't remember the words…Could this get any worse?
"Miss. Hashi…"
My teacher just showed up…Yup. Now it's worse.
"Miss. Hashi!" A text book smashed down on my desk. Needless to say, it woke me up.
"Oh…Sorry, Motoko-sensei…"
"Detention! Three o'clock!" The rest of the class roared with laughter.
"Day dreaming about your 'boyfriend', huh?" TenTen rolled her eyes.
"As if. He'd never be caught dead anywhere around you. Hello? He's a rock star! A gorgeous, talented rock star! And you…" Karin looked me up and down scornfully. "You're pathetic."
"Girls! Would you like to join her in detention?"
"No…"
"Then shut up!"
I look at myself in my pocket mirror. Maybe they're right. Maybe I'll never make it to the limelight. I bury my notebook into my bag. What difference will it make? I'll never make it through school if I keep having these dreams. And I'll never fulfill them so I'll…I'll be a failure at life.
Suddenly, the bell rings. I stand, dodging the others as they rush to the door. Slowly, I make my way down the hall.
"Hey, Inita. Still dreaming about that guitarist?"
Oh no. Yuki. "He is the lead singer in the band. By the way, he plays bass…"
"Whatev… When will you learn, kid? He's not what you want. Me, however…I'm popular, rich…single…" He leaned closer.
"Nice try, playboy." I head off, trying hard not to smile at the reaction of his friends.
"Dude, she totally dissed you."
"Yea, man…Way uncool."
I finally reach home. "Mom! Can I get a new guitar when Ariel moves to downtown Konoha?"
"Of course honey."
"Can I get an amp too?"
"Of course honey."
Going in for the kill. "Mom, can I move in with Ariel?"
"Sure…Wait. What?"
"Thanks mom!"
"Inita!"
Awesome. Soon, I would be a step closer to living my dream.
