"Finally" I screamed annoyed inside my head as the train came in sight from the west side of the platform. I have been standing close to the edge of this platform for about half an hour already. My black hoody (pull down hiding my features as best as it can), dark jeans, and black sneakers cover me from head to toe helping me conceal my identity. My duffel bag is heavily hanging from my right shoulder. The darkness of the night covers the platform except for the few floodlights adequately placed to provide sufficient light. I have kept a watchful eye on the few individuals waiting patiently for the train. Maybe my dark mood and dark clothes seem a bit obvious but I have only gotten a few glances so far. I will take that as a good sign. The train comes to a full stop and people begin standing up and walking closer to the edge. I wait a minute looking around and board along with everyone. I am hoping I am not making a mistake with my decision but I had to do something. Somethings can't be left at the hands of someone else, even if it's someone I love and trust.
I make my way left towards the empty seats in the back, near an exit and the restroom. I am not expecting to be recognized at this point and I am positive an exit door would not help me in a moving train. I do not have a death wish. Hopefully this long trip will be an uneventful one. The duffel bag leaves my shoulder and I place it in the empty space between the window and I. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what I need. I have to think things through, and maybe when I am calmer and not as pissed I will re-consider my current actions. But at the moment I can't bring myself to regret anything.
"Attention, passengers: this is your conductor speaking. The train is about to leave the station. Please stand clear of the closing doors."
There are not many people in this cart, 5 to be exact. There is a couple whispering and smiling at each other on the far right, an elderly man about 3 seats from them, a young man on the opposite side of the elderly man, and a young woman a few seats from me. I pick up my duffel bag and change seats with it. My forehead rests against the glass and I glance outside. Goodbye Oto!
**-3 hours later-**
"Attention, passengers: this is your conductor speaking. We are now in Konoha. Please exit safely through your nearest exit, and have a wonderful day."
I grab my bag and, since the exit door is right behind me seat, exit the train before all others. My iPhone lights up as I unlock it with my fingerprint. It annoys me a little since I only want to see the time. 3:45 AM. Shit it's late! I walk towards the end of the platform and enter the station. The "Car Rental" sign is brightly lit and a bored looking 'teenager' sits behind the counter.
"Hi". I say, startling the poor kid. "Do you know the number for the taxi service here?"
He stares at me for about five seconds before snapping out of a trance.
"Oh… Hi" he says. "Sure, the number is (716) 444-4444." He immediately utters looking a bit flushed.
The boy hands me a taxi card which I accept. "Thank you!" I say, walking towards the main entrance of the station.
There are a few cabs out by the curb even at this time of the night. Pretty sure they know the train schedule by heart.
I walk up to the first one and get in. The driver turns and greets me with a warm smile.
"Where to Miss?" He asks. I reach into the side pocket of my duffel bag and pull out a piece of paper. "Could you drive me to this address?" I say handing the piece of paper to him and the driver nods.
The cab pulls away from the curb and soon after merges into the almost deserted streets of Konoha.
The ride is quiet except for a few questions from the driver asking if I was vacationing. I might as well be; let's call it an unexpected mini getaway vacation. After that there was not another peep from him giving me time to glance out the window and think.
The train ride wasn't eventful, as I had hoped. I caught the young man glancing my way two or three times but he would look away as soon as my eyes found his. He seemed shy and maybe interested in walking over. I am glad he didn't! I absolutely have no time to even entertain the idea of a man in my life. He was still glued to his seat when I got up from mine. Maybe he lives in the next town or further.
The taxi stopped after 20 minutes in front of a multi-story building. The entrance is grand and luxurious. I am not surprised in the least. Leave it to Ino to want to live it up.
"Thank you so much. Have a good night." I offer the cab driver as I hand him a 100-dollar bill. His reaches into the globe compartment probably looking for change.
"No! Please there is no need." I tell him with one foot out the door.
I stand in front of the large glass sliding doors, which instantly open sensing my presence.
'Deep breath in… Deep breath out...' I mentally encourage myself to calm my racing heart.
Ino Yamanaka is my cousin, my confidant, my best friend. She and I had been inseparable for the initial 17 years of our lives. But her parents moved right before senior year. There were many tears, some cursing, and a bunch of promises. We promised to write and call and visit each other. We kept that promise for 3 years, but the last 5 years have been tough. Work, school, family matters have worn me out and I have not been able to come see her, or even spend countless hours on the phone like we had done before. Oh how I missed my best friend!
My heart is still racing as I walk to the reception desk. The woman behind it greets me with a smile even if we are closing in to 4:30 in the morning. Some people are just good at hiding negative emotion or she is an extreme morning person.
"Welcome to Konoha Skylight." She says.
"Hi, I am visiting my cousin Ino Yamanaka. Could you provide me her apartment number?" I ask the lady, smiling my usual courteous smile.
"Please sign the visitors log to your right while I will give Ms. Yamanaka a call." She points to the log as she picks up the handset of the phone on the desk. 4 seconds later I hear her speak.
"Good morning Ms. Yamanaka. Sorry to wake you! I have a young lady at the lobby, she said she is a cousin of yours." The woman listens for a few seconds and glances my way.
"Yes, she does!" She speaks into the phone.
"Yes Ma'am! Enjoy your day. Sorry for the early call." She quickly hangs up and looks at me. "44-6. Ms. Yamanaka is in level 44 and apartment 6 will be towards the left when you step off the elevator. Enjoy your stay at the Skylight." She says with a polite smile.
Not five minutes later I stand in front of my cousins' door ready to knock. The opportunity leaves me when the door is practically detached from its hinges as Ino throws the door open.
"Sakura? What the hell", are the first words out of her mouth.
"Morning, Ino. Nice to see you too. I missed you lots as well." I smile at her teasingly.
Her eyes glaze over for a few seconds and I get the brief impression that she is going to burst into tears.
"Oh my god! It has been way too long!" she says pulling me into a death grip hug. How a slender girl such as Ino could have such a death grip is beyond me.
Untangling myself, I keep her at arm's length and look her over. Ino is wearing peach pajama pants and a matching tank top. Her long legs and wide hips are discretely visible under the loose material. Her lean body and descent chest size made apparent with the tank top. Her waist long blond hair with the shine I was always jealous of, and her bright green eyes staring back at me with concern.
"You have changed so much in 5 years." I offer. "I missed you too much." I hug her again.
"Come on, let's get inside. We are going to wake all my neighbors." Ino rushes me inside and closes the door.
The apartment seems decently sized. At least from the size of the living room I am standing in.
I turn to her and under her intense gaze finally let a few tears shed. "Ino, I am in trouble."