Chapter 1

I sit on the swingset slowly swinging back and forth. The rain comes down hard to the ground as I wonder why the sound of it sings the melody of disappointment. I look down at the puddle and stare at the reflection that I see. I think you can call me an average girl who goes through a lot more pain than you can decribe in stories. Sometimes I wonder how it led me up to this moment. Sometimes I wonder how to tell the story. Sometimes I wonder where to start.

I live in a rich house with parents who cares for me more than you can imagine, or so that is what I wish to imagine. " Sakura, you better get out of hiding because now you're going to regret this, you worthless piece of trash!" I saw my father's face through the tiny hole in the closet door and I winced from the pain I am about to get. I closed my eyes and pictured myself in an open field where no one can reach me in any harm. I always imagine when something bad happens so it's like I'm watching someone else go through hell rather than me. It works out better that way, so my heart will still have hopes."

Sakura, I will find you!" Then, I heard the closet door slammed opened. I quickly opened my eyes and saw the belt in his hand raise up above my head an-.

The alarm clock woke me up so early in the morning. I quickly got up, changed into my school uniform, and left the house. I rather leave the house that gives me torture but facing school, is facing hell. I started walking out of the house. just like any ordinary day. I bought my hot chocolate from the stand and thanked the guy. I walked towards the bench and sat there. I was watching everyone pass on by. I had fifteen minutes until school. I don't have any friends to laugh with times like this. I'm wondering right now what it is like to have a friend. I wonder what it's like to laugh. It seems like a good feeling, doesn't it? It doesn't seem like a big deal to anyone. I hear it all the time as I see friends arm in arm passing by with big smiles. Every morning like this, I also wonder what it is like to be loved. I used to have a mother until something terrible happened.

I walked towards home. I was young and my parents were out on another business trip. They were taking the plane to France. I walked inside the house and heard the phone ringing.

I picked it up and said, "Moshi moshi." For the japanese, it is a way to say hello on the phone.

The person said, "Bonjour. Tu est fille au Kinomoto famille."

I said nervously, "Sorry, Sir. I don't speak French."

He said with a sad tone in his voice, "Mrs. Kinomoto was taking a trip to France on a plane, non?"

I said trying to speak as much english as I knew, "Yes, what about it."

"Something was wrong with the plane.", I gasped and remained quiet.

His voice started to choke as the man continued, "This is the head of the airport. I am here to inform you the tragic news. They were supposed to arrive an hour ago but they never arrived." Tears started building in my eyes.

I already knew what was coming, "The pilot- well, he lost control. No one understands what went wrong but it burst into flames. Not one passenger survived that we have heard from."

I ended the flashback of the phone call. I didn't want to end up in tears again before school starts. Ever since I was born, my father never loved me but he also never abused me in any way. All he ever did was just avoided me so my mother doesn't notice the hatred he holds for me. Now, all he does is bring pain to me. The closest I have ever gotten to love is pity. Maybe one day it's possible for these things to happen that doesn't seem a big deal. For now, I can only dream. I finished my drink and started walking to school. I reached school and heard the bell ring and ran inside. I walked into my classroom and Tomoyo pushed into me and I fell over with my books scattered to the floor.

She said, "Ew, you bumped into me. Bow and apologize."

I looked up and her and mumbled, "Sorry." I really didn't want to get involved with anything so early in the morning. It's better to walk away rather than get yourself into something that'll only lead to trouble.

She smirked at me, "Are you deaf, Kinomoto? You have to bow and apologize."

Mei Ling came by her side and laughed, "No, that ain't good enough. You gotta kick her to make her bow." A crowd started forming. For some reason, they always enSakuraed watching me get tortured. Before, it used to be the whole class but some of my classmates got tired of watching the same thing every morning that they began to pity on me. The ways of my school is cold and harsh. If you see someone being teased or picked on, you wouldn't want to get involved or they'll go against you too. If you're the one being picked on, then it'll start to happen everyday and they won't let it go. If you're the one picking on someone, then you're just another person that people don't want to get involved with unless you're popular.

I brustled Tomoyo's shoe aside, stood up, and picked up my books and said softly, "I already said I'm sorry, Tomoyo." Mei Ling kicked me and I fell to the floor.

Mei Ling said, "You need to learn respect. Isn't that right, Tomoyo?" I didn't really want to start a fight with Mei Ling and Tomoyo, who is her right hand. They both have the whole homeroom in control, especially Mei Ling. All the girls wanted to be like her, all the guys wanted her, and I'm just the target to be picked on. It has been like this since childhood.

Tomoyo smiled, "Let's show her how to respect someone." She grabbed my shirt and I tried to pull free but she just let go and I hit the wall.
I said, "What do you want from me?"

Mei Ling pointed to the floor, "I want you to bow and apologize to me."

The teacher walked in and Mei Ling said, "You'll get it next time."

The teacher said, "Okay everyone, sit down in your seat. Today is the third day of school. For the past two days, we haven't been able to do a proper introduction with each other. So far, we have just had two assemblies in a row. Let's introduce ourselves in order. First, My name is Mrs. Soiru. I have been teaching at this Suzuka Junior High School. It has been a great ten years here. I hope that this year will be fun. Okay, we'll go down the rows. Stand up from your seat as you say your name and three things about yourself."

Mei Ling said, "You all know my name's Li, Mei Ling. I think that I'm the prettiest girl here, I'm popular, and I'm rich as well." How conceited can she be? But, none of us could really say that. Unfortunately, what she says is the truth. She stands out from the rest of us. She has long silky hair that looks like it flows with the melody of the wind around her. She's photogenic and despite her attitude and how mean she can be, everyone will do anything to go out with her. Her dad is the most famous executive in the business so her family is financially stable. Her life's already perfect enough as it is. She smiled and sat down.

Tomoyo stood up and said, "I'm Daidouji, Tomoyo. I'm taken by Hiiragizawa, Eriol. I hate playing the piano, and I can be demanding." Demanding's an understatement, but whatever. She and Eriol Hiiragizawa have been together since sixth grade when they kissed in truth or dare. I was just standing there watching them play. Tomoyo is really good at the piano but she stopped playing ever since she got a boyfriend. She could be a professional player if she wanted to be. She sat down and I stood up.

I said shyly, "Um..uh..um..M-my name is Kinomoto Sakura. I like to sing, I also like to write songs, and I can be shy."

Mei Ling whispered loudly enough for me to hear and smirked, "Damn right." I blushed and sat back down. Everyone else introduced themselves but I tuned them out. There's no point in listening to them if you already known them since kindergarden. At lunch time, I avoided everyone and just stayed near the teacher. I really didn't feel like getting kicked around. Afterwards was more lessons. Around six, I came home exhausted. My father was sitting on the couch lazily watching t.v.

"Sakura, go to your room."

I sighed, "With pleasure, Father."

He smirked, "And don't come down here until tomorrow." He hit my back with his belt as I passed by. I sighed as I walked up to my room. I got started on my homework and it was soon after one in the morning. There was so much work from my teachers, especially since I'm in all of the honors classes. Soon, I fell asleep on my desk.