'The Melancholy Crow'
By: GaaraFox
Chapter II: First Impressions
9/16/07
Last Edit: 10/04/08
Sometime in December, I thought. Though I wasn't sure of it; days grew to years, while I grew impatient. It's sad, really, how there's nothing left, nothing. . . .no one to hold onto, no one to fight or hunt with. This nefarious graveyard mocked my own stubbornness. If only I'd listened to him. . . .perhaps we would've won?
Now gazing in the distance, I find an inferno lighting the sky. I assume they've already attacked the villages.
The once blue and white roof of air now bled vermillion. Sighing, I began my hike in the other direction. Twilight was alluring, a sure omen of hope, and now that I know their weakness, I can easily defeat them, and reclaim Raztka as my country. The country of all creatures.
I sat my book down, careful not to place it anywhere near my food or perspiring water bottle, and gazed at Nina's table. Ino was still there, and I was getting splenetic. We always sit together at lunch, so this is the first time that I saw my best friend sitting with other people, and laughing. They were simply giggling; just enjoying the day I suppose, but how that was getting to me, I don't know.
It could possibly be the fact that Ino and I have always had each other, and we've always disliked Nina's "posse" (slaves), and suddenly she's talking to her. Oh how this confuses me! It's like dropping a basketball and watching it bounce, settle, and then declare that gravity doesn't exist! Does that make sense? Because it doesn't to me!
The cafeteria was boisterous, so it was difficult to think, let alone read. I turned my head from one side of the room, to the other. Then, I saw Sasuke and Naruto sitting together at that same table. At first I thought Sasuke was stolid, but I did see him laugh whenever Naruto went to get some food, and he stuck his foot out and tripped him. Even I couldn't help but crack a smile.
Naruto was such a klutz, but I still loved him. As a friend, of course, since we've known each other for quite a long time. Third grade, I recall, is the grade in which we first met. We've been friends ever since, but we slowly stopped hanging out whenever we grew into our teenage years and I suddenly had girlfriends, while he had guy-friends.
I wonder if Naruto and Sasuke ever knew each other? Maybe they met one summer, or before third grade? It could be possible, I haven't talked to him in a year or so. Well, I have, but nothing like a full conversation. They kind of look like brothers, him and Sasuke, just from the way they're arguing. At least I think they're arguing? It's kind of hard to tell when you're all the way across the cafeteria from someone.
Which reminds me, Ino still isn't back yet! I curiously glanced over at their table, and a few more girls that weren't there before, were over there. If you'd like details, here are all the names: Nina, Ino, Christine, Janelle, Brittany, Savilia, Theresa, and Samantha. I remember, once upon a time, Ino and I were best friends with Christine, but unfortunately, she joined the dark side around Junior High.
Which is exactly why I'm getting so annoyed! I swear, if they brainwash Ino, I'll tell the librarian to give them all twenty book reports, each! And yes, I do have the power to do that!
"So what do you think?" I saw Nina glide a lustrous red stick across her lips, holding a mirror in her right hand, as she said something to Ino. Although the distance between us repels me from listening.
"Sounds like fun! What time?" Ino replied, a toothy smile adorning her face.
"Oh, around 6:30 sound good?" Nina smiled back.
"Oh my gosh, this is going to be so much fun!" Christina giggled excitedly. For what reason, I wasn't sure.
"Just don't tell-" Nina glanced in my direction. Were they talking about me?
Paranoia soon took control of my mind as I strained my ears to listen, but without success (unfortunately) and I finally decided to ignore them. Although that same paranoia kept resurfacing as I saw other girls at that table glance in my direction. It's a bit irritating, really, how they can use their sick mind powers to make you feel like some sideshow freak.
"Hey, Sakura!" I heard someone calling my name, so I glanced around the room, searching for anyone looking in my direction. "Sakura, over here!" Oh, how I hate it when people call my name! For one, I can never pinpoint their location with just sound, so I always end up like a lost puppy. And two, everyone looks at you like you did something wrong or like they expect you to do a trick!
I frantically searched until I saw some crazy blonde kid waving his hands in the air. I sighed internally, picked up my tray and books, and walked over towards Naruto.
At first I was hesitant to go, because of Mr. Cool sitting next to him, but after rethinking it, I could just ignore him. Well, unless he talked to me of course, then I'd talk back because that's the polite thing to do. So, agreeing that I'd only talk to him if he talked to him, I sat in front of Naruto.
"Hey Sakura, why are you sitting all by yourself?"
"Oh, well. . ." Ino ditched me. The End. I sighed. "I was sitting with Ino, but she ran off somewhere. . ." I smiled, having somewhat-of-a-conversation with Naruto was nice, and to my fortune (or misfortune, whatever you'd like to call it), Sasuke was sleeping with his head resting on folded arms; his face buried inside.
"Oh ok. . ." Naruto scratched his chin, deeply thinking. "do you want me to help you find her?" He was immediately animated at the idea of helping me, although I knew he could read the hurt in my eyes when I had mentioned Ino's name.
I quickly shook my head, rejecting that absurd idea. "N-No, that's ok-" I pushed aside embarrassing memories of our childhood; I could just feel the heat rising to the surface on my cheeks from the other times he's tried "helping me".
"Hey look, there she is! Hey Ino!" Naruto screamed at the top of his lungs. "Why is she sitting with Nina? Ino! Hey Ino!" He did his plane maneuver again, except this time everyone in the cafeteria was looking our way.
"Naruto! Sit down! Everyone's looking!" I fussed.
"Hey Sakura, she's looking!" 'Damnit!' I internally growled.
"Naruto, shut-up!"
"Hey I-" I somewhat gently, but forcefully, smacked him on the top of his head, which sent him back in his seat. I felt a little bad for hitting him, but at least now he wasn't screaming. And thank kami Nina, Ino, and the other girls didn't see me sitting over here! Imagine the drama that would've taken place!
"Oww. . ." He began whining. "Sakura, you're mean."
"Well. . ." Oh, the guilt. . . "It was the only way to hush you."
"You could've just told me to stop. . ." He glared, but it only made me laugh.
"I tried, ok? I'm sorry." To my relief, he smiled. It's nice to know he's easy at forgiving.
"H-Hey Sasuke." A girl precariously walked up to our table. Brittany was her name, I knew it because I have her in World History, sixth period, and she's one of Nina's new best friends' (slaves).
"Hey Brittany." I smiled openly.
She was a little bewildered at my presence, and my greeting seemed to catch her off guard. Am I, honestly, that invisible? "Hey Sakura, what are you doing over here?"
I was taken aback by the way she asked that question, it was as if she purposely said it that way just to get on my nervous. "Eating." 'Duh.' I snapped back. "What about you?"
And at that moment, her façade was nothing but a myth. That sweet, innocent, straight-A student glared at me with as much abhorrence and envy as every other girl in this cafeteria right now, that it made me tremble (just a little). I glanced around, a lot of girls were staring at me- no, they were glaring at me. Which is something I hadn't noticed 'til just now.
"Sasuke." She spoke sweetly, moving his shoulder back and forth. Stirring him from his slumber.
At first I thought he was growling, but that became a groan and then a flat "Hn."
"Will you go out with me?" She dragged her words, just like a three year old would to her father if the mother had told her 'no'.
He lifted his head up, half awake and half asleep, and scowled at her. "Now why would I want to do that?" He was simply irascible, you could just hear it in his voice! Blunt, thick sarcasm; as toxic as venom, but as deadly as depression.
"Silly Sasuke, there are a lot of girls that want you, and there are a lot of guys that want me-"
"I don't want you." Naruto stated dumbly; pizza sauce decorating his nose.
She raised one side of her lip in disgust, but then shook her head and continued her "facts" with Sasuke. "-so it's only natural that we get together." Oh, wow, she just pulled a Nina; oh how I hate that fake smile.
"Ok, here's the thing. You like me, and I don't like you. So when I'm done talking, you're going to walk back over there," He started pointing randomly as if he just got done drinking an entire bar's worth of the best brandy. I snickered. "with your little friends, and act like this never happened. Because that's what I'm going to do."
Her bottom lip trembled as if she were cold, but I could instantly tell that's not what the problem was because her eyes began to glaze over.
"Oh, geez. . ." I stood up and walked over to her. "It's ok, he's just a big meanie face." I did my best to cheer her up as I wrapped my arms around her and let her cry into my shoulder. Now here comes the guilt, the part where I tell I'm so sorry about the way I said the things I said earlier, and then I tell her how special she is and that she doesn't need a boyfriend to make her happy. Which is true.
But do I have to do something about this? After I make her feel better, am I supposed to tell him off? Honestly, I'm not good at that sort of stuff. Ino always did it for me! 'Where the hell is Ino anyway?' I thought, turning my head to find Nina's table empty.
"Was she sitting with us?" Sasuke turned to Naruto, he nodded while chugging his chocolate milk. He turned his head in my direction. "If you're here to ask me out too, the answer's n-"
And before he could finish, I placed a finger on his lips and glared; unfortunately, he returned it. "Before you finish that, I'd just like to say that your kind makes me sick, so how about you," I started pointing in random directions, he noticed I was copying his gesture and scowled. "crawl back into your little hole, and try to remember that the world doesn't revolve around you."
"And what exactly is my kind?" He challenged.
"A self-centered bastard." I smiled sarcastically.
I heard a low growl but decided to stand my ground. "So," He began. "I guess you wouldn't know how unpleasant it is to have someone ask you out every five seconds." And now he was scanning me inside and out. "I pity you." He stated bluntly.
"Likewise; I'm so terribly sorry everyone loves you. It must hurt. No, really, it's probably the most terrible feeling in the world." I shot back.
"It's sad really," He sighed. "how plainly you're stating that you envy me. You know, girl, it's time you stop criticizing others over the decisions they make. You deal with your life, I'll deal with mine."
"Fine, only if you stay out of it. I hate wasting the little time I have on someone as pathetic as yourself."
"Oh, I'm sorry I'm such a hindrance."
"It's ok, I don't forgive you." Sasuke was about to open his mouth to say something, but Naruto stopped him.
"Hey Sakura, meet Sasuke." He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
Awkwardly in my arms, Britney whispered, "Umm, I have to go. . . ." And crawled out, reluctant to get away.
"How long have you known him, Naruto?" Sasuke and I continued our "staring contest" while I talked with Naruto.
"Well, since we were in Pre-K, all the way up to now. He moved away in second grade, and continued to move around until him and his family finally settled in Florida. We've kept in touch online, but now that he's moved back, we're probably going to be hanging out again."
"Which, by the way, is longer than he's known you." Sasuke snapped.
"Thanks, but I believe I wasn't talking to you." I countered.
"Oh, well it's kind of hard to tell since you're looking at me." He stated; vexation clear in his voice.
"I believe there's a difference between looking and glaring." I pointed out.
Naruto forced a smile. "Looks like you two are already best friends. . ."
"I disagree." I stated.
"So do I." He agreed.
"Copy cat." I mumbled, looking away when I heard the bell ring. "I guess I should go." I said to myself, putting my backpack on, and making a mental note to throw my tray away on the way out. "Bye Naruto!" I smiled and waved, and then left without looking back at Mr. 'I-think-I'm-so-cool'.
I was glad, actually, that I got to talk to him. At least my assumptions were right. Sadly, it's true, he shouldn't be so rude, but it also seems very irritating to have all those girls asking you out, but I'll never admit that to him.
My next class was Library, and it's one of my electives, although not a lot of kids take it or even think of it as an elective. I thought it would fit nicely with my resume for college since I want to become an English teacher, and I have to have the Literature background. What better place to get it then the library?
"Buenos tardes, señora." I greeted 'good afternoon' to my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Sorra.
"¡Hola Sakura! ¿Como estas?" She replied, asking me how I was.
"Estoy mal. . .tengo que irme." I told her I wasn't so good, and then said I had to go.
She shrugged it off; I was glad. "Adios Sakura, hasta manana." She said good bye and told me she'd see me tomorrow. Which is true because I have her second period.
I nodded, waved, and walked into the library, setting my books on one of the counters behind the main desk.
"Oh, hello Sakura! What's up?" Mrs. Vex, the librarian, glided in with a youthful smile.
"Oh, nothing really, just chillaxing." I lamely joked. "Where are the others?" Of course, this was supposed to be a "normal" elective. You know, with other students who love reading just as much as you do, (I hope you caught my sarcasm) but unfortunately, most kids only take the class so they can goof off or run around.
I don't blame them, though, sometimes I feel like running around myself. Our library is so absolutely colossal! The shelves are practically 20 feet high and 1,000 feet long! (Not literally)
But there are things I do blame them for. . . Such as last week, when everyone was here (surprisingly) and I had to find everyone in the book maze. Unfortunately, when I walked into the Biography section, I found two guys making out.
I shivered at the memory; praying that it won't ever happen again.
"You know, they're. . ." She looked around, pointing in different directions, reminding me of a certain air head. ". . .somewhere, around here. . ." She let out a short laugh and walked behind the counter next to me.
Mrs. Vex was extremely young, probably in her late twenties, and it showed! She was the prettiest woman in this school, without her, most guys wouldn't even know what a library was! I, sadly, envied her. Her life seemed so perfect, so flawless it made me jealous.
"Any classes today?" I asked, forcing myself out of my continuous daydreaming.
"Hmm. . . ." She thought for a moment. "Well, Mrs. Speed's Speech classes have been coming in today."
"What's the speech on?"
"I'm not sure. . ." She picked up a stack of books and opened each one, stamping the insides with black ink that said, 'Property of Yunging High School'. "I'm pretty sure you can pick your own topic."
I thought about this. "If it's Mr. Vetro, then you don't get to choose your own topic, because he enjoys keeping things simple and boring. If it's Mrs. Speed you do, then you do get to choose your own topic, because she's a lot more flexible. So if Mrs. Speed's class is coming, then they'll probably get a chance to choose whatever they'd like." I stated thoughtlessly. Twisting a piece of my hair with my fingers.
She giggled at the 'boring' part, "Hey Sakura?"
"Yes?" I looked up curiously.
"Could you sort those books on the tables, that way everyone won't have to go on too much of an expedition to find the right book."
I smiled at her lame, but funny, joke. "Sure thing." I pulled off my backpack, placing it behind the counter, and pushed a tan cart onto the main floor. I placed three books at each table, flipping through a few that caught my eye.
"Welcome Children, to your school library!" I heard Mrs. Vex scream. I sighed and smiled.
"Hello Mrs. Vex! It's so wonderful to see you!" Mrs. Speed screamed back. They air kissed each other's cheeks and then giggled.
"So kids, are you ready to learn?" Mrs. Vex asked excitedly.
"Shut-up!" Some kids yelled as the class walked in. I snickered, and continued to place books on different tables.
The teachers gasped at the exact moment. "That's not nice!"
I turned around to see who was all in the class, but my brain suddenly shut down when I caught sight of that mocking raven-like hair.
I glared at his fat head while the teachers were talking. He probably felt someone's eyes on him, because he suddenly turned his head and glared right on back.
And there's Chapter two! Revised and edited. (:
There are a few things that have been changed so far: they're seniors, Sasuke is in Speech instead of World History for fourth period, and I put those really cool puncuations for the spanish bit. :P
Also fixed up a few misspelled words, and improper use of grammar.
If you guys have a pet peeve about that, just as I do, you can tell me what I spelled wrong. (:
