4: Hypnotized and Confused Hearts

Groggy from crying all night and day this morning I looked like hell. Shizune came in with a sympathetic smile. I was thankful she didn't shoot me any questions as she fixed my look. Hours after she fixed my gloomy self, in the mirror was not me. There stood a bewildered girl with straight pink hair and a flawless face that looked nothing like the monster I was in the morning. There the princess wore a white dress making her look completely innocent and angelic. This was not me.

"Sakura-chan, do you like it?"

"Shizune! Thank you soo much! I look soo different from when I woke up!"

"You looked so dead so you gave me a challenge, but it's so great to see you sparkle again. Maybe this will get Sasuke-san to come back to you," I could feel her smile as we walked in for a needed hug. I looked at the mirror once more and I could tell today might be different. Hopefully.

Blingg... I broke from the hug and reached for my phone. Shizune looked at me as I was checking it. I told her about texts and emails I could receive from my phone. She laughed and headed outside, she knew from my face it was Naruto-kun. She then reminded me that I was needed at one to meet about this problem. I let that go as the text from Naruto shot my spirits high into clouds.

Sakura-chan! u didn't say good bye 2 me! I guess that means u myt b comin bck! Hurray! U do remember winter bck hre in LA ryt? All those fun snow ball fights! Anyways, pls come bck soon my sweet cherry blossom! Huggs n kisses from ur naru-kun

Ps. The old man misses u too n wat shud it tel shika and tema about u suddenly goin bck?

Shit, that's right, I didn't have time to tell them both about my real life. I quickly texted Naruto to cover for me; I looked up at the clock and it read twelve noon. I went down to the kitchen, grabbed something and ate on the polished brown wood called the dining table. Here I sat and thought about my life and memories began to flood in my eyes.

I remembered meeting Naruto back in kindergarten and how our lives revolved around each others. Afterwards we met with the smart ass Shikamaru. He was extremely lazy and we found this out in gym class in grade five. He was extremely smart as he told us about math class and how troublesome it was. We laughed and had a great time after. In grade seven we met a new girl Temari, she was alone just like how Naruto and I was in kindergarten. She immediately became my girlfriend. We talked about guys and other stuff. I helped her with her crush on Shika-san, while she teased me about Naruto. I missed how Naruto would be clumsy and how we'd laugh at him. He'd laugh with us and continue to be there for me. I started to miss them all, but today was about the problem at hand; the lunatic lady who stole my fiancé Sasuke.

"Sakura-hime, right on time," I nodded at Minato and mouthed 'thank you' in his direction. He waved it away and said it was fine. Other guards brought Ino in as Sasuke followed. He held the same blank stare as yesterday. Nothing has changed and he didn't move when he saw me.

"May I please speak to Sasuke alone," they handed him to me and we walked to the beach, hopefully this will bring him back.

"Sasuke-kun please, don't do this to me. I really do love you, and I'd do anything to have the real you back." Sasuke's response was nothing. He was in a blank state; it was if he was hypnotized. Oh my god! That was it! I ran back with Sasuke following behind with his hand in mine.

"Mom! Dad! Your highnesses! I have great news! Sasukes been... hypnotized... just like the rest of you." I couldn't believe my eyes. There in the room nobody moved, everyone had a blank stare. The people I loved and cared about were out of my reach. Shizune, Minato, mom and dad, and especially Sasuke. They could no longer hear me, all because of the evil woman laughing in the darkness.

My anger took control of my body. I felt myself lunge at Ino. She removed her cloak and there was the jewel hanging by its chain. I tried to call their names as I dodged every kick and punch that was thrown my way. After a while I had to focus at the enemy in front of me. I tried attacking but years of basketball and track wasn't exactly karate, and soon fatigue took over. I couldn't see straight and all I could hear was her maniacal laugh.

"I will run Konoha now. No little girl should, now watch me ruin your life. Minato!"

"Yes Princess," Those very words struck my heart like nothing else could. Minato was my dad and guardian, like my very own guardian angel. She had taken away Sasuke's heart, Shizune's and my parents' souls and Minato's mind; if anything else would make it worse, she'd have Naruto.

"Take her away. Banish her from here. I don't want to see this filth," Minato took my arm with greater force than needed. We headed to the closest airport and he sent me inside with bruises and cuts back to America. Hopefully he'd leave me before the plane took off so I could call Naruto.

A few hours into the flight I awoke in first class, my cell phone inside my hands; and on the front screen was a small message from Minato and Shizune.

Sakura-hime, pls go away and hide for a while, were both okay. However ur parents n sasuke r hypnotized. Minato n I faked it, sry 2 hav scared u.

We love you, pls take care ok –M&S

Thank god! I thought I lost them, but it looks like they were just faking. As I took a few moments to figure out where I was headed, I noticed a few of my wounds were slowly healing and the cuts have closed. Taking this time to evaluate, and found out I was heading to Los Angeles, I called Naruto.

"Hello?"Oh thank god they he was alright. I missed him sooo much, I choked on my words.

"Na-Naruto... it's me Saukra."

"Sakura-chan! Are you alright? Did anything happen? Are you coming home?"

"Naruto, I'm on a flight to back to LA, could you pick me up at the airport?" There was a pause and a sound of murmuring voices. Kakashi was still with him. Thank goodness they're both okay.

"Sure thing Sakura! We'll be there when you get off! Do you know what time you'll be at the airport?"

"In half an hour or so, I slept most of the way coming here," I laughed, hopefully he'd figure out I was alright. I didn't want him to worry about me just yet.

"Okay, we'll be there in no time. Have fun on the rest of the flight alright!"

"Thanks Naruto! I will bye."

"Sakura wait!"

"Yea?"

"Glad you're coming home. I missed you."

"Awe Naruto, glad I'm coming home."

"Okay, see you soon."

"Yup, bye!" With that good bye, I slept the remainder of the trip; hoping that these cuts and bruises will heal before I see Naruto again. Looking at the night starry sky, I only had one thought, Naruto.

-At home

"I love you..." I know she hung up. She'd never think of me that way anyways, it was just a

hopeful dream.

"Yo Naruto, we going?"

"Yup, let's go," Heading out the door, I grabbed a small bag, water and the guide. I needed it to

keep myself busy and who knows, it could come in handy as she walks down the runway and into my arms. I checked the next chapter and read while Kakashi drove to the LA airport into the midnight stars.

Chapter Two: Direction

If your relationship is in the just friends zone, you have to be optimistic and believe that love can do miracles. Since you're reading this book, you're the one in love with her. By now you have realized the type of romantic our woman is; now it's all about your path.

Your path will no doubt go through ups and downs, but continue to be by her side no matter what. Listen to her and be her backbone, support, the wind beneath her wings. And soon enough you'll be landing your girl. However how to actually be romantic is in chapter three; but right now direction is important.

So where are you planning to end up with this girl? Is she "The One" you've spent your whole life looking for? If so, and you plan on marrying her, what's stopping you? Then again, as a couple, talk about it. You never know right?

What if you don't know whether or not she's the one, but right now you can't "breathe" without her? Take a step back from everything and think about it yourself. Is she just an option for right now or is she a priority? Can you honestly see something develop from your history and become your future together? Do you love this girl? What are your plans in the future, and is she involved? think about it.

Is she the one night stand you let get away? Man, tough luck. She was only looking for a one night stand. Get over it. Besides, it's never a good way to start a relationship that way. It's so misleading and anything that you're not ready for, could happen. So be careful, but it's not recommended for any starting relationship.

Stay safe and remember that direction and goals are the same. However, staying true to them is difficult. Trust is important.

Whoa... this is kind of awkward. I could feel myself turn pink as the book talked more about "fun" and how being cute was normal; saying that you'd end up liking the interaction between eachother. Glancing at Kakashi who was too busy looking for parking, I silently texted Sakura we were at the airport and couldn't wait to see her again.

Sakura-chan, I can't believe your home.