It has been a week. A whole week... Time has flown by me so quickly, yet so dauntingly, painfully slow. It felt like just yesterday I was sitting in class, finishing up my class work.
"Ms. Haruno?" My teacher had called to me, holding a yellow, wrinkled slip between her index and middle finger. I lifted my head, diverting my attention from my work to her. She raised the slip in my direction, waiting for me to get up in front of the class and walk over to grab it. I did, reluctantly. Already knowing I was being called down to the office, I didn't bother to read the paper, just took it and kindly excused myself from her class. It was the doctor, from Konohagakure's hospital. He was calling, as always to inform me of my mother's current state. I already knew what to expect as I walked through that door and took the phone. He would say he was sorry, that my mother has not been making any improvements. The phone calls were completely pointless. I already knew the horrible condition my mother was in. I knew that day after day she grew weaker. I was even going to visit her after school, so whatever he had to tell me was useless.
"Hello?" I spoke in a calmed voice into the receiver. I knew everything. Everything he was telling me. This wasn't anything knew. I tuned out the entire conversation, wishing he'd stop talking about what was going on inside my mother's body in such a vivid manner. "What...?" I was snapped back into attention at the mention of the word. A word that has been spoken so often, yet not enough. As sick as my mother was, I never allowed myself to believe she and that word would be used in the same sentence.
"Your mother," The doctor said with a shaky pause. "Is dead."
My mother, at the age of twenty-nine, was diagnosed with Leukemia; four days after I was born. Her cancer was something I had lived with my hole life. Something I had gotten used to. She showed very little signs of her symptoms at first, attempting to stay strong for her daughter. My mother was enduring in ways one wouldn't imagine. For seventeen years she had raised a daughter by herself, while she fought her own battle. The second she knew of her disease, she was in a constant war to stay alive. She wouldn't allow her daughter to be raised without a mother. She signed up for treatments after treatments, anything she could do to fight off her death for as long as possible.
It wasn't until now that her constant fight came to an end. She was too weak. There was nothing she could do. The cancer had consumed her.
And now... She's gone.
-----
I walked over to my bed, my heels clacking on the wooden tiled floor with each step. I bent and picked up the dyed black rose that lay on my bed, and brought it up to my hair. I pulled my fringes aside, clipping the rose over it. It contrasted with my pink hair, resting just above my right ear. I turned to look at myself in the full lengthened mirror, sadness crossing my features. I looked just like my mother. In moments like this, I really wished I had attained more of my father's genes. It was difficult to be constantly reminding myself of her every time I stared into my own reflection.
From outside, I could hear a car honking, signaling it's arrival.
I tugged on my black dress and hurried out the door, turning lights off in the process. I pushed open the front door, Naruto already waiting at the door to greet me. He smiled softly, "Sakura-chan," He said joyfully. He gazed at me from head to toe, his arm reaching over behind his head.. "You look... beautiful." He scratched the back of his head, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Thanks..." I looked down at the long heels I was wearing, making me look taller then usual, which was not tall to begin with. I reminded myself that I should take that as a compliment. After all, I was beautiful because I looked like my mother. But, that was also the reason I never took that compliment seriously. Because it wasn't me they were admiring. Not that I cared, until recently.
"Ready?" he asked cautiously, holding his hand out to me. I nodded once and placed my hand over his, allowing him to lead me down my front steps. He dropped our hands between us as we walked side by side in silence. Naruto had known my mother ever since he was twelve, when we first met. My mother used to be a teacher at our school, and Naruto loved her. He was her "teacher's pet". I grew jealous of the attention my mother gave him and ended up despising him. Everyone else didn't like Naruto, so no one ever questioned me. He was always that strange kid that no body ever wanted to talk to, the kid that would cause mischief for attention. I always found his pranks to be childish and immature. If he wanted a friend so badly, he could try being normal. But that was all in the past. Respect for him came down the road, and I actually started liking him once I put my jealousy aside. He would never know that, of course. He couldn't. How strange would that be?
-----
"Looks like it's going to rain," Naruto muttered beside me as he lead me towards the ginormous mansion ahead, his arm snaked around my waist. The mansion had apparently belonged to one of my mother's closest friend, and by the looks of it, one of her wealthier friends too. "Uchiha Manor", the sign by the entrance read. Fancy stuff. There was a stone wall surrounding the manor, green ivory plants adorning the length. Naruto reached over to the metal black gate, twisting the handle and pulling it open for me. I hesitantly walked in. Was this the right place? It looked quiet and vacant, there wasn't even cars in front. I turned to Naruto as he closed the gate.
"Are you sure this is it?" I asked him.
He walked towards me and rest his hand on my shoulder, his other hand digging into his pocket. He pulled out a white folded paper and handed it to me. "Check for yourself."
And I did. I unfolded the paper, reading the address my mother had written on it. Five thousand and fifty. I looked up to the giant wooden door and read the golden numbers beside it. Five thousand and fifty. Naruto took the letter and said, "I'll wait in the car." I nodded as he turned to leave. So this is it. I twisted back around to face my knew home. The presence of the giant three story house sending shivers up and down my spine. What if this place was haunted? Did my mother seriously expect me to live somewhere that inhabited ghost? I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked over my shoulder to see if Naruto was still there. He wasn't.
My knees were becoming shaky with each second. I felt like I was going to collapse, and these heels certainly didn't help with my balance.
God, I hope I don't have to go up the stairs...
I rang the door bell, waited a few seconds and rang it two more times. I had to force myself to stop ringing, but I couldn't help myself. Who in Konohagakure had a doorbell? The thought was so taboo, I just had to ring it once more.
I pulled back instantly, gasping as someone pulled the door open.
A short, chubby man with a tuxedo stood across from me, his greying hair gelled back. He looked as if he were in his fifty's, maybe sixty's. I blinked, a bit surprised that there even was someone living here. "H-hello.." I stuttered, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The short chubby man remained still, peaking out at me through the open small crack
"Are you Sakura Haruno?" He asked in a detective-like voice. I swear, it's like the idea of someone visiting their home was forbidden, or something. I nodded in response and the man brightened up instantly. "Good, Good," He said cheerfully, which blew me away since it was the complete opposite of how he was a few seconds ago. "Please, come in, come in." He pulled the door wide open, standing aside to allow me to enter.
I took a step further, entering the darkness. That was the first thought that came to my mind, this place was dark. And big. My eyes darted around, taking in my surroundings. I could not believe my eyes, was I dreaming? No, I don't think I would have such a...dark dream. But the house itself didn't look that bad. It had marble floors, sculptures, big leather sofas, and all of that package that made you feel like you just entered into a palace. "Wow," I said under my breath as I squinted my eyes, trying to take in the finer details.
"Like it?" The short chubby man asked.
I turned to face him, "If it's not to much to ask," I began cautiously, turning away from him to look at the giant dark curtains that blocked out the sunlight. "Why don't you open up the curtains? It really is a beautiful home." Such a shame it had to be kept under such darkness. The man bellowed a raspy laugh, tilting his head back. I stared at him in confusion. Had I said something funny?
"Why, thank you," He said, his laughter turning into soft rumbles. "I fully agree with you. What a pity it is indeed." He smiled at me, then straitened himself up. "Please come, sit." I allowed him to lead me toward the living room, the glow of the fire from the fireplace flickering off the walls. He pulled up a chair for me.
"So then, why don't you open the curtains?" I asked once more. The place had little to no lighting at all. Not even from lamps. It was literally lit up by flames. There were candles everywhere. I took my seat gratefully, relieved of not having to stand in these tedious heels. The chubby man took his seat across from me.
"Unfortunately, the young master doesn't enjoy sunlight very much. He finds it to be quite...'annoying'." He made air quotes as he said this.
I raised a brow, "Is that so?" What is this guy, a vampire? What kind of albino weirdo doesn't like the sun? I mentally scolded myself for thinking that. Whoever this Uchiha guy was, he might have a skin problem. It was no place of mine to go pointng fingers and making assumptions. But still, he doesn't like the sun?He must have had one tough childhood... "Well, where is he?" I looked around, worried that he-or worse, a ghost-would pop out of no where.
"Young master is currently sleeping."
I scoffed. Sleeping, at three in the afternoon? Just how rich and spoiled is this guy?
"Oh." I finally said, wishing Naruto were there with me and not waiting outside.
The man cleared his throat, "Would you like something to drink while you wait?"
I shook my head, "No thank you. I can just come back later-"
"That wont be necessary," someone said, cutting me off. I turned to look over my shoulder, a dark figure was walking down the stairs in our direction. If he hadn't talked, I would have ran far, far away from here, thinking he was a ghost.
His face became clearer as he grew closer to the living room.
"Young master," The man stood, bowing immediately.
So this was going to be my knew guardian, huh? Well, it's definitely going to be awkward living in a house filled with men...
The guy stopped beside me, staring at me from head to toe. "No way," I said in disbelief. "You're the 'master' ?" My jaw dropped. This guy was so young! "There must be a mistake..." Why would my mother send me to live with someone around my age? She never even allowed me to sleep over Naruto's house!
The guy reached over and grabbed my chin, lifting my face and turning it to each side. I blushed at the sudden contact. What's he looking at?
"She's very pretty isn't she?" The short chubby man said with a hint of pride. This hole scene made me nervous. What, was I going to be auctioned or something? God...please no.
"Not at all," The guy said plainly, releasing his grip. My Jaw dropped. Did he just call me ugly? How rude! I narrowed my eyes at him as he walked over and took a seat next to the short chubby man. They both stared at me, well, the chubby guy did, the other seemed to be more interested with the flames from the fireplace then with his guest.
I stared at him incredulously. What a jerk...
"I had not properly introduced myself," the short chubby man said. "I am Masaaki, young master's personal assistent. And this is Sasuke Uchiha, the young master himself."
"Nice to meet you," I said, mostly to Masaaki. My eyes kept darting back to Sake, or was it Suke? Whatever, as if it mattered.
"Ms. Haruno," Masaaki said, diverting my attention away from the other guy.
"Just, call me Sakura," I interrupted.
"My apologies, Sakrua. I understand you are sent here by you mother. Am I right?" I gave him a curt nod and leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs. My mother had wrote on her will for me to come live with an old friend of her's. She hated the idea of me being an orphan.
Masaaki reached over to grab a pile a papers that were resting on the coffee table. He placed the glasses that were hanging around his neck on the bridge of his nose, pushing it up with his index finger. I watched as he went through the papers, searching through every tittle. "Ah," He pulled out a sheet from the center of the pile, placing the rest on the coffee table. "Here it is." For a brief second, the other guy's eyes shifted in my direction, locking with my own. Just how old was he? Did he seriously just wake up? I found it hard to believe. He looked as if he had just stepped out of a meeting; tuxedo and everything.
I quickly looked away, after a while of his awkward stare.
Masaaki read briefly over the paper, "It says here that Sasuke's father," Oh, so that's his name...Not like it matters anyway. "And your mother used to be, well by the looks of it, very, very close friends." He said, clearing his throat. I wondered how "close" exactly. No offense to my mother, god bless her soul, but she did get around often. I mean, really often. "And that they have come to an agreement that you are to come live with us as Sasuke's fiance-"
"Wait...What?!" Fiance?! I was not aware of that ! "No...no, there must be a mistake. My mother never mentioned anything about...marriage." I shook my head in disbelief. No, this isn't right.
"I'm sorry Sakura. It says it right here," Masaaki pointed at the paper. "There is even a signature-"
I didn't give him a chance to finish, I stood immediately while he was talking and snatched the papers from his hands. My eyes skimmed the paper, trying to find proof that this was all lie, or really sick joke. The paper read read;
Dear Masaaki,
You have been an outstanding help to our family. You have stuck by us through the thick and thin, and for that I am eternally grateful for you.
The first half was pretty much Sasuke's dad telling Masaaki about how great he is, yada-yada-yada... I skipped a few lines.
Therefore I have one last request. As my dyeing wish, I wish for Sasuke to be married and have children.
What, children!? No way! This man is insane! I am not sleeping with Sasuke.
It is every parent's dream to see their child marry. I, in the other hand, was unfortunate. I will never receive the privilege of watching my child be wed.
But at least, I will rest in piece knowing that you will read this letter, and that under your hands, my dream of my child marrying will be completed.
I gave the paper back to Masaaki, not even bothering to finish it. I don't have to take this. Who says I have to marry Sasuke? My dead mother and Sasuke's dead father, that's who. But still! It's not their place to decide my future like this. "I'm sorry, but I will not marry him." I turned on my heel and stormed out of the living room. Incredible! I hardly knew this guy, nor did I want to, and I was expected to devote my life to him? No freaking way!
Just as I was about to grab for the door handle and get as far away from this place as possible, a hand grabbed my elbow and yanked me back. I stumbled backward, loosing balance on my heel, Sasuke's chest breaking my fall.
"That's no way for a guest to be acting," Sasuke said scoldingly.
I flushed and yanked my arm away from his, turning around once I regained my balance. I jammed my finger angrily at his chest, not caring how important he might be. "Don't you be telling me how to act." I spat, narrowing my eyes at him. "How could you be so damn calm about this? As if marriage was such a frivolous thing that you do on a whim."
He grabbed my wrist, holding it over my head. He leaned his face closer to mine, our noses barely touching. "First, don't poke me," Sasuke said, his breath fanning over my face. I looked away, my cheeks flushing. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to star him in the eyes.
"Let go of me!" I attempted to yank my arm out of his grasp, failing miserably
"And second," He began, finally releasing me. "Sit," He said, pointing to the chairs.
My mouth dropped in disbelief. Was he ordering me around? The nerve! "No." I crossed my arms stubbornly. He is no body to me. He can't just order me around like that!
Sasuke smirked as I glared up at him. "Please, Please," Masaaki stepped between us. "There is no need for such behavior."
Sasuke shrugged, looking away. "Whatever." He said under his breath.
"Sakura, this is beyond any of our control. It was decided a long time ago." His brows furrowed together as he apologized. "Please, let's just sit down and talk-"
I interrupted him mid-sentence, "I don't want to talk about it! What does it matter if I do? Because, by the looks of it, anything I have to say isn't going to make a difference in the end. I apparently don't have much say in my own life. Please, spare me the waist of breath."
Masaaki paused, hopefully taking some consideration into what I just said. "Well, you could always cancel this arrangement..."
Ding-ding-ding! We have a winner. Thank god. I sighed in relief. "Great, perfect. I'll take it."
"Whoa there, not so fast. There is, of course, one condition if you wish to cancel this arrangement." I stared blankly at him, waiting for him to tell me the "condition". I didn't care, I'd do anything. I don't want to get married.
"What is it?" I finally asked.
He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose once more, "You must pay your debt."
"Debt?" I asked, arching my brow. My mother never borrowed money from anyone, and considering the fact that this is the first time I've ever seen them, obviously I didn't borrow money either. "What debt? I don't owe any debt."
Sasuke, who was now leaning against the wall beside the door, smirked. "Seriously? Just how oblivious are you?"
I glared daggers at him. I will never marry him. Over my dead body.
"Hospital bills, school payments, the rent for your home, and many other bills have been paid by the Uchiha. All of that calculated is around ten million Yen. That is what you must repay the young master if you desire this arrangement to be cancelled..."
My mouth gaped wide open. Ten....Ten.....million. "WHAT!?"
Sasuke chuckled, "That means you have to do everything I say."
"Are you seriously agreeing with this?" I yelled at him, shocked. This has to be a joke. It just has to be. Things like this don't happen in real life!
He shrugged, "Not a problem with me."
I shook my head in disbelief, "You have no life at all, do you?" How could he be so okay with this? "Don't you have any plans at all for your life? I mean, don't you want to fall in love and have children?"
"So you want children?" He said with a sly smile.
My cheeks flushed a deep red. "Th-that's not what I meant!"
"So you don't want to have children?"
"No, I do." I responded quickly.
He smirked, "Good, I want eight."
EIght?! "No way!" I was not having sex with him eight times!
Masaaki chuckled, "Already arguing over children. It's like it's meant to be."
I shook my head, tired of their mind games. "I've had enough of this. I can't get married, I haven't even had my first kiss yet." I bit my tongue, wishing I could take back that useless piece of information.
Sasuke stared at me, making me feel uncomfortable with his unending gaze. "Wh..what?" I asked shyly. "That's perfectly normal." I looked away from him, embarrassed.
"Hn." Abruptly Sasuke walked the short distance between us and took my face in his hands.
"Wha-" I began, just before Sasuke pressed his lips against my own. My eyes flew wide open, shocked by his sudden action. I tried pulling away but to no avail. He gripped the back of my neck, his other hand pressing our torsos impossibly close. Sasuke angled his head into the kiss, slowly molding our lips together. I let out a soft complaining moan. My arms pressed against his chest, trying to shove him away. I began to slowly give up, getting lost in the pleasurable friction between our lips. My eyes closed, my lips moving in sync with his. God, this is too much. So warm, so electrifying. I slid my had up his torso, gripping onto his shoulders as I tippy-toed towards the kiss, his arm wrapping completely around my waist. I was so lost in the moment, I had to remind myself to breath. My nostrils tingled as I breathed in his cologne. God...it smelled so good.
Sasuke pulled away suddenly, a smirk painting his lips. I blinked in confusion, my mind dizzy, my lips tingly. "There. Will you marry me?"
I stared at him speechless. All I could manage was, "Huh?" My mind was still trying to process things.
"I kissed you." He said bluntly, as if it was an everyday thing. "So now, we can get married."
"Wha...What? No!" My mind was working a little slow now, since it had just become silly putty, but the anger was settling.
"You said if I don't kiss you we can't get married."
"What?! No I did not!" This guy is evil ! Masaaki walked up to me, holding out a sheet of paper and pen. "What's this?" I asked. Oh god...Masaaki saw the hole thing. This is way too embarrassing. What did I ever do to deserve this? I make strait A's! I never once talked back to my mother. I was the perfect, well behaved child she always wanted. Why was I being punished like this? I read the paper, picking up big black letters that read "Marriage license. "No way! I'm not signing that. Ever." I let out a 'hmph' and turned away defiantly.
"Sakura, I think this will be for the best... I mean, would you really want to disappoint your mother? Do you really want to turn down her dyeing wish?"
I froze, his words gnawing at me. I swallowed the lump in my throat, any defense barriers I had left crashing at the mention of my mother's disappointment. All I ever did was try to make her happy... I let out and empty sigh. "Fine.." I turn and grabbed the pen.
Masaaki brightened up, pointed with his index finger on the paper "Sign right here."
And I did. I signed that retched paper. All just to please my mother. I hope that, wherever she was, she was at least happy that I was completing this one last request. I owed her this much right?
Little did I know how much meaning was actually behind all of this... What would you do if you figured out your life was a lie?