Authors note: So if you guys paid attention the first chapter and what I had said, this is my first fanfiction. I've realized that a lot of people have been reading my fist chapter but not my second nor third. Which neither of them have Author's Notes. They don't have them because I uploaded them all three at the same time. If this is the reason why I am getting lesser views then that is a tragedy. If the reason why I am getting lesser views is because my story is shit well then I definitely take more of a claim to it then if it was because of not having author's note's. I'd rather be a shitty writer then have shitty views because I haven't put an author's note at the top. My story has nothing to do with my author's notes. If I didn't write anything then it's because I didn't have anything to write in the first place. I'd rather have real meaning behind my words than give you fake words.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A New Life

Sakura didn't have a car. Or any type of vehicle for that matter. So therefore, she was currently sitting in the airport, waiting to board her flight. Ipod in coat pocket, earphones in her ears, she sat eating a sandwich she had gotten from a fast food restaurant on her way to the airport. On her way walking to the airport that was. After what had happened, there was no way she was getting anywhere close to a car that Sasuke was in.

To say her parents were furious was an understatement. Getting a call from their daughter saying that she had to come back home because she got kicked out of college well, wasn't something they took lightly. Neither was the fact that they had to pay for her plane ticket because she didn't have any money. She hadn't thought to put any money in savings while living with him and had just spent the money on school and necessities around the apartment.

Sakura had just gotten down to the last bite of her sandwich when the digital sign changed, saying her flight was here and it was time to board. Picking up her book bag from the floor and slinging it over her back she gulped down the last bite before wadding up the paper and throwing it away in a nearby trashcan. The ride was long and devastating. She listened to her Ipod the whole time and slept.

Before she knew it she was being woken up from someone shaking her by the shoulder. Looking up confusingly she saw a man with a bag over his shoulder. He didn't look happy.

"Wake up. We're here and I can't get out with you in the way." He said rudely. Sakura said nothing. Only got up and stepped in the isle for him to pass by before grabbing her own bag and trudging off the plane.

Once outside in the airport, she stretched and looked around for her parents. Spotting them standing a little way off, not looking so happy. Sakura rolled her eyes and headed over.

"Hey dad, hey mom." She greeted with a smile on her face.

Neither said nothing, only looked at her with disapproving looks on their faces.

"Don't I get a hug?" She said? Her mom raised her chin at this and looked at her as if to say 'you know better'. Sakura turned to her dad.

"What about you?" He looked at her in a stern way.

"You know very well we are very disappointed in you Sakura. This is no time for games." He scolded before turning around and sauntering towards the door, her mom following soon after. She rolled her eyes. Talk about one big happy family.

The ride home was silence. Stony silence. They said nothing as they drove home. And Sakura said nothing. If they didn't want to talk about it, she certainly wouldn't bring it up. It was hard enough avoiding their questions on the phone call. It would be worse in person. Sakura was worried that they would drill her for information. Drill her until she broke and spilled everything and she couldn't have that. She had to keep it together. Knowing what happened is hard enough, saying it out loud would make it reality and Sakura didn't know if she was strong enough to handle that.

It had been a week since it happened. And ever since that day, Sakura felt like she was dreaming. She couldn't book a flight for a week so she had stayed in a hotel room for the remaining time. A hotel room that Sasuke had paid for. He asked her to stay. Begged her. But she refused. Once he had dropped her off at the hotel and had asked her once again to stay and she returned his request with an icy reply, he had never spoken to her again. The only sign he still existed was the people at the front desk not asking for her pay. It was just poof, like he had never happened, like he had never been there to begin with. But Sakura knew better.

With nothing else to do, she dropped out of college. Figuring she would just have to go to college somewhere else. Maybe this was a chance to live her own life. To do what she wanted, and not what her parents wanted. But Sakura wondered where she would go now. What she would do next. She felt as if she was going somewhere and then everything stopped. She felt frozen in time.

"We're here." Her father stated before her parents got out and left her to get her luggage herself. Not that I have much. She thought before looking down at the one book bag that had the few possessions she took with her. In her attempt to get out of the house and away from Sasuke as fast as she could she just packed what few belongings she really wanted. Sasuke had offered to pack her things for her but she refused. Sakura didn't care about any of the stuff she left behind. She had no reason to. This was her new life, no sense in bringing stuff with her that would only bring up the past.

Sighing while climbing out of the car, she took a good look around her. Everything was so familiar, yet so unfamiliar at the same time. She had almost forgotten how big her house was. I guess this is home.

Walking through the front door she immediately noticed how clean it was. I guess not much has changed.

"Sakura."

She was being called from the living room. Oh, what now? She complained, heading for the living room.

"You got new curtains." Sakura nodded towards the window. "I think I liked the red ones better." She observed while looking around. Her mother just closed her eyes and sighed quietly as if not to give away her emotions.

"You have a week to get a job." She ordered. This caused Sakura to look at her. "If you don't have a job by then, you're out." Sakura said nothing; only stared.

"Your curfew is eight-"

"Eight?! That's ridiculous! I'm in college, not middle school!" Sakura exclaimed. You're not in college anymore. She ignored the whispering thought that crept into her mind.

"This is my house, you will abide by my rules. Judging from your actions and the situation you are in you are not mature enough to even think about handling a curfew any later than that." Sakura was truly shocked. She had no idea what to say.

"What does the fact that I dropped out of college have anything to do with being mature? It's my personal decision what I choose to do with my life." Her mother didn't say anything. Only looked at her with a knowing look on her face. Then it hit her.

"Wait. This isn't just about me dropping out of college, is it? It's about Sasuke, isn't it?"

"You know very well he was good for you. Sasuke is a good man and he could have gotten you anywhere in life. You know how wealthy he is, and for you two to be together was just to be expected and the way it should have been. The way it was before you went and screwed it all to hell. I mean what were you thinking-"

"You know nothing about me and Sasuke, Mother." She spat venomously. "Don't you dare speak like you know what's going on because you most certainly do not. And what about me? What about me making my own accomplishments instead of Sasuke doing it for me?! This is my life, not Sasukes. And I can get anywhere I want in life, myself."

They just stood there fuming at each other in silence. Her mother had always liked Sasuke. She had told Sakura more than once that she couldn't see her with anyone but him. For the longest time that's how it was. Just her and Sasuke. For as long as she can remember everywhere she went, he was there. Sakura's mom took in a huge breath before replying.

"I don't care about your thoughts on the situation. You have a week to get a job. And you are out of here by the end of the summer. By the beginning of the next year, whether you are on the street or not, I don't care." She finished before turning abruptly and leaving the room.

Sakura had a headache. Leaving the living room as well, she wound her way through the maze of hallways, towards her room, surprised that she could remember the way by heart. What she found was not what she expected.

Sakura had to double check to make sure she was in the right room. Where the hell is all of my stuff?! My posters? My books, my CD's? And why the hell is my room painted yellow?! Slamming the door she stormed over to the dresser. This isn't even my dresser. It's brand new. Snatching the first drawer open she looked at the empty drawer before her. She even threw away my clothes?! Ugh! Sakura growled and slammed the drawer shut before plopping herself down on her bed.

Laying on her back, she stared at the ceiling. The ceiling that seemed to just go on forever. A plain abyss she wished she were lost in. Pulling out her cellphone she dialed a number, putting it to her ear. They picked up on the first ring.

"Hey, Ino" She spoke into the phone. "No, actually, um, I'm in town….yea, right now." This was followed by a huge screech and a million and one questions.

"Look, I just need you to come pick me up."

"So that's what happened." Sakura said before dipping her finger in the jar for another swipe of peanut butter.

Ino just sat there with huge eyes; staring at her. They were currently at Ino's house, sitting on her bed with a pile of junk food between them. Ino had yet to eat any of it but Sakura was sure putting it to good use. Ino had clung to a pillow the whole entire time.

"Oh my god," She spoke finally. "I can't believe that happened to you."

"I know," Sakura said around a finger of peanut butter. "She's such a bitch. I mean am I just like a huge failure to her or something-"

"Not that!" Ino interrupted. "Sasuke! That lying jerk! How could he do this to you?!"

"Oh, that."

"Yes, that! Are you OK?! I mean how do you feel about the whole situation? And what are you gonna do? What about school?"Ino's questions seemed to go on forever and ever.

"I don't know yet Ino." Sakura stated sadly. "I'm just trying to cope. I'm just gonna see where my life takes me. It's time for me to take care of myself."

"Awww," Ino put on a sad face "What do you mean?"

"I mean the whole time, for most of my life actually, it's just been all about Sasuke. No one else. At the time I thought that was all that mattered. But now, I'm not so sure. I've just gotta take care of myself. The whole time I've just depended on him, knowing that with his support, I could never fail." Sakura explained. "But I mean, isn't failing a part of life?"

Ino looked sympathetic.

"I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm sorry Sasuke is such a jerk and that he didn't work out. But I know you can do it. And you don't need Sasuke to do it either." She gave her a little hug before pulling away.

"Thanks." Sakura smiled.

"Come on, let's go out. You've gotta find a job anyways." Ino said before jumping out of the bed and getting her coat. "Let's go check out cute boys." She winked.

"Oh, that reminds me. What about you and what's his face?" Ino rolled her eyes.

"Don't ask. That's a story we'll save for later."

They were currently walking down the sidewalk. Sakura had no idea how much she had forgotten until Ino had taken her out. She could barely remember where everything was.

"How about we stop at the coffee shop around the corner? I could use a cup, and I think you could too."

"Yes, I could use a cup of coffee," Sakura agreed. "A cup of black, black coffee." Ino's eyes slid to her.

"Oh, come on. Cheer up." Ino said before giving her a little shake. "I know it's not that easy, but forget him. You'll find someone better. Someone that actually pays attention to you."

"Sasuke paid attention to me." Ino looked at her as if to say 'really? Come on.'

"What? He did." Sakura assured her.

"Really? That's funny, because last time I checked, he could barely remember your birthday. Or remember anything you told him for that matter. Like the time when you told him about your art ceremony and he didn't show up because he forgot."

"He's not good with birthdays! And he just forgot! He said sorry and took me out to dinner the next day!"

Ino just rolled her eyes mumbling a 'yea, whatever' before abruptly turning and entering a store. I guess this means we're here. Sakura thought before entering.

The sweet sweet smell of coffee floated to her nostrils and Sakura couldn't resist the urge to moan. Mmmm, coffee.

Sakura took in her surroundings. The place seemed to have a cozy warm feel to it, with couches and artwork that made you feel almost at home. She took in the tan colored wall paper and all of the people conversing with each other. Everyone seemed to belong here, as if they each had their own little place. She eyed two business people talking fast in what seemed to be a very heated conversation before her eyes switched over to the seat next to them only to land on three or four high schoolers just passing the time by. Sakura wondered how often people came here. This place must be non-stop busy.

"Sakura." Her head snapped up at the sound of her name. Ino had been calling her.

"Yes?" She said turning around and searching for her. Her eyes landed on a very annoyed blond, standing at the counter with a black haired guy on the other end looking at her expectantly.

"We're waiting on you." Ino said. She seemed to be gritting out of her teeth. "What kind do you want?"

"Ummm." Sakura's eyes skimmed the menu. She never drank much coffee back with Sasuke, despite all of the times she stayed up late. She never really needed it. Before she had a chance to pick though, Ino answered for her.

"She'll want a vanilla cappuccino." She told the cashier. He rang it up without another word.

She watched as Ino told him that that would be all before turning around with a look on her face that could say nothing else except for 'you're embarrassing me'. The blond hurried up and grabbed her on the arm before dragging her over to a table in the corner.

"What the hell? Here I am trying to hook you up with a job, and you're over here spazzing out like there's no tomorrow. Nobody's gonna wanna hire a freak show." Ino complained.

"Huh?" Sakura was clearly confused. "How would you manage to hook me up with a job here?"

Sakura looked like she had little faith in Ino. And Ino seemed to pick up on this.

"First of all," She said while squinting her eyes. "I'm a regular here. Second of all, that man that rang us up," She pointed a finger at the cashier that rang the two up. Sakura turned around to take in the mans pasty white skin and jet black hair. "Is someone I know."

"He looks like he doesn't have any facial expression at all. Like he's permanently numb there." Sakura complained while turning around to look at her.

"Yes, we all know." Ino said while rolling her eyes. "But do you want a job or not?"

They were interrupted by their cashier delivering their coffee to them.

"Chocolate cappuccino for you," He set the cup down in front of Ino. "And a vanilla cappuccino for you."

Sakura watched as he set her coffee down in front of her with an expression that could be seen as nothing else but a forced smile. She eyed him as he scampered back towards the front.

"Do I even wanna work with that dude?" Sakura asked skeptically as she took a sip of her coffee. "Better yet, do I even wanna know how you know him?"

Sakura didn't hear anything that she said after that. Her eye had spotted a record store across the street at the end of the corner. How long has that been there? I don't remember that being there. She gulped down her coffee in a hurry.

"Hey Ino, I'm gonna go walk around, see what all is new in town. I'll catch up with you later." Ino furrowed her eyebrows.

"Already? Are you sure?" She asked as she drank her coffee.

"Yea, I'll be fine. I just want to go see that record store over there." She explained why pointing towards it through the window.

Ino turned around to see the direction she was pointing in. Turning around with a roll of her eyes she said "Yea, you can definitely go alone for that one."

"Uhh, okay? What's that about?" Sakura asked confused.

She didn't answer before sipping more of her coffee. Well okay then. Guess I'll go by myself. Sakura wondered what it was all about but knew that she would get it out of her later.

"Alright. See ya later." She said before sliding out of her seat. "And thank you for the coffee!" She said as she headed out the door.