Not Just Friends
Author's Note: I want to dedicate this story to my friends for saving me from a similar situation. Thanks guys, you know who you are!
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Naruto.
...
It hurt so much.
Being alone was like being a ghost; you watched the world go by around you while, at the same time, you were invisible to the world. The hatred that radiated from those who did see you would make you want to simply disappear.
My heart felt frozen solid, and yet so tender that it would bruise at the slightest impact. I hated everyone – even myself.
Why don't people like me? I would wonder, what have I done to deserve such loathing?
There were a few occasions when I was able to join some other kids to play. I did my best to seem like everyone else, laughing with a fake smile plastered to my face.
But always, they would leave, giving me the same hating glare as everyone else as they went.
Every time, it was like being punched in the gut, leaving me staggering and gasping for air.
At night I would cry, the pain and loneliness becoming tangible in the form of tears.
...
Then, a day came when someone acknowledged me without expressing hate or spite.
The sun suddenly seemed brighter, the air fresher, and I pressed on with renewed strength.
Time passed and I found myself surrounded by even more people who accepted me. I was so happy – but there always a nagging voice in the back of my mind, wondering when I would find myself abandoned again.
Pictures were taken as memories were made, and when I look back at them, I notice that at some point, my smile had become genuine.
No longer do I ache with pain and no more will I cry at night.
...
I had finally reached the training grounds, so deep in thought that I hardly noticed that I had arrived.
I looked up to see Sakura resting against a tree as Sasuke threw shuriken at a target nearby. I noticed that Kakashi was missing, and knew that he was obviously running late for practice again.
In the distance I could see Neji and Tenten sparring, as well as Gai and Lee running laps around the training area.
As I gazed upon the faces of my comrades I realized that they were not just my friends.
They were my saviors.
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