Hi there guys! Here's another chapter for you.

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Disclaimer: I do not own NARUTO the series or the manga.

CHAPTER 2- TEARS BEHIND THE SMILE

It was 6 PM. The venue was perfect. It had balloons, ribbons and flowers decorated all over the place. There was also a pink banner in the center where the words "Happy 18th Birthday Sakura!" in white was written.

All of her family and friends were there.

She entered the room with her hands on Sai's, her escort. They were all dazzled because of her beauty. She sat on a table in the center of the hall. The party went on. There were performances, and other ceremonies held. Then, there was the eating part.

Everyone enjoyed the party. And while Sakura was eating with Sai, Naruto, with Sasuke, approached them.

"Hey Sakura! Happy Birthday!" Naruto said as he handed over his gift. "Thanks" Sakura answered.

"Sa-" Sasuke said, but he was interrupted by Sakura.

"I'll go get some more." Sakura said. "Excuse me."

She stood up and passed by Sasuke. But, Sasuke followed her to the buffet table.

As Sakura was getting food, Sasuke said, "Sakura, happy birthday." and handed her his gift.

Sakura stopped in getting the food, glanced in Sasuke's direction, stared at him and got the gift.

Sasuke looked down.

"Thanks." Sakura said. Sasuke was surprised and looked at her.

Sakura turned back and went back to her seat.

'I'm sorry but I just can't talk to you now. I wouldn't take it. I can't cry on my own party.' She thought to herself.

Sasuke went back to Naruto.

"What's with Sakura? She doesn't notice me." Sasuke whispered to Naruto.

"I don't know." Naruto said as she shrugged his shoulders.

"Now, let us call on our birthday celebrant to give her closing remarks." The emcee announced.

Sakura stood up from her seat and went in the center, where the activities were held.

She got the microphone and started talking. "I would like to say thank you to the people who went to my party, those who spent their time for preparing this venue, and those who made the necessary arrangements. Thank you so much. And of course, to the people who have been very important to me. First of all are my friends, who were constantly there for me…"

Sakura glanced at her friends and gave them a smile.

"…to my senseis..." Sakura stared at all the teachers and also smiled at them and continued, "…my master, Tsunade..." she also gave her a smile.

"…to my team, team 7…" Naruto smiled and gave a thumbs up to Sakura. Sakura couldn't help but smile. "Naruto-kun, thanks for always being there, Kakashi-sensei, who's always been like a father to us, and Sasuke-kun…" Sakura stared at Sasuke and tears started to form in her eyes. She looked away and continued. "To my boyfriend, Sai. I love you and thank you. To my family, especially my mom, who was always there for me. I love you so much and thanks a lot."

Sakura gave the microphone back to the emcee and everyone applauded.

"Why didn't give some kind of special message to you." Naruto whispered to Sasuke.

Sasuke just stared at Sakura.

Sakura noticed him and Sasuke glanced in another direction.

"Let's go." Sasuke told Naruto.

The party ended and everybody got back to their homes.

Sakura stared at herself in the mirror as she cleaned her face. There were tears falling. She started crying. 'I'm sorry.'

In a house, not so far away from Sakura's, was Sasuke with depression in his face.

'This can't be… it's all my fault.' Sasuke thought to himself.

Sneak Preview: Sasuke confronts Sakura but what will she do? What will she say to him? The truth? Find out!

Thanks for reading. Please review!