Chapter 11:
The Tears They Cried
Disclaimer: Well I own nothing but the idea and my feet so yeah...
Kakashi grabbed his coat and slipped it on. It was Saturday so they were going to watch a movie and eat dinner. As they were heading out the door Iruka's phone rang. He answered it and heard a hysteric voice on the other line.
" Ino, What's wrong?" He said.
After Ino's answer Iruka gasped and said," We'll be right there."
Naruto and Sasuke shared a curious glance. Iruka started the car and headed in the direction of Ino's house.
Sakura...
The snow was falling in thick flakes. It was a beautiful sight for Sakura and Temari as they wandered around the town. Sakura rested her head on Temari's shoulder as they walked quietly. Temari stopped abruptly and looked at Sakura. She stared at her for a moment and then lowered her face to the pink haired girl before her. She let their lips touch for a moment. When she pulled back Sakura was blushing with her eyes shut. What the hell just happened? Sakura smiled when she opened her eyes.
" Did you just?" She reached up with a gloved hand and touched her lips.
Temari giggled and brushed snow out of her angels hair. She took Sakura's hand and began to walk again.
Ino...
The pain coursing through her body was killing her. She breathed in and out slowly. I'm only six months pregnant I can't be in labor. Instinctively, she grabbed her stomach and doubled over in pain. She heard tires squeal and knew Iruka was there. She saw him coming to her where she sat on the stairs. Kakashi came also. He lifted her and put her in the back seat. Naruto let her lay across his lap. He patted her head and helped her breath.
" My baby... My baby could die!" She cried.
Iruka floored the car in order to get to the hospital. When they got into the waiting room a nurse pulled up a wheel chair and took her to the emergency department. Ino was trying to be calm but she was really torn inside. Ituka and the others had to stay in the waiting room. Naruto had texted all his friends so they would come.
Hinata...
Hinata's phone buzzed. She pulled herself away from Kiba and picked it up. She read the text that said Ino is in the hospital. Long story just get here now!
Hinata showed it to Kiba. She grabbed her shirt and put it back on. Kiba grabbed their coats and they ran to the hospital. Hinata was panicking because Ino was her friend after all and this could be bad.
Sakura...
Sakura sat next to Temari in the dark theatre. Their hands were intertwined. Her phone vibrated and she saw Temari reach for hers too. They both read the messages before them and looked at each other. They nodded and stood. Together they walked to the hospital.
Neji...
Neji and Tenten were in the hospital doing volunteer hours together when their phones went off. They rushed to where Ino was and saw her just before she went in for her emergency c- section. They saw the tears on her face and a sense of foreboding filled them.
" This cannot end well," Neji muttered.
Lee...
Lee and Gaara were laying in Gaara's bed. Gaara felt his phone ring in his hoodie pocket and reached for it. When he read the message and show Lee they both got up and Lee drove them to the hospital.
Everyone gathere in the waiting room. They were huddled together, praying for the best. It seemed like hours before the doctor came out. He stood before them and swept off his cap.
" There is good news. The baby is fine," The doctor said in a strained voice.
" Well can we see Ino?" Iruka asked.
" The bad news is," The doctor sighed.
" No," Sakura shook her head.
" Ino did not make it. She died after giving birth," The doctor bowed his head," I am sorry for your loss."
" No," Sakura said again.
" She can't be dead," Naruto's eyes filled with tears.
" I am sorry," The doctor repeated.
Sakura...
Her stomach turned and she cried out. She can't be dead. She was fine the other day. She may have hurt me but I can't help but love her. She was my friend also. Sakura felt Temari pull her into an embrace. She cried and listened to the collective gasps and sobs around her.
It was a cold, snowy day. Ino's favorite kind of day to watch T.V. And stare out her window. Maybe even play outside. It was right for her to be buried on this day. On Sunday December the eighth.
Iruka held the baby to the coffin and smiled through tears.
" Look, Ino, look at little Ino. We named her after you. It's amazing how much she looks like you. Her hair, her eyes. I never got a chance to thank you for this precious gift. Kakashi and I love you like a daughter. I can't believe you're gone," Iruka shook with sobs and Kakashi tried to quiet him.
Friends and family stood gathered around the coffin watching the snow fall. In the wind they could almost hear her voice and her laugh. Most cried, for some it hadn't quite sunken in yet. By the time she was lowered into the ground and a picture was placed next to the hole everyone was in tears. They all grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it into the dark opening. They were burying their friend, ex lover, daughter, and hero. They all remembered the good times. Like when her and Sakura used to fight over Sasuke. Or all the laughs and smiles. The tears and heartbreaks. It was a hard time.
They turned their backs on the plot and walked away. Sasuke tucked Naruto into his arms and they both looked back to see a small twelve year old girl waving back and saying," Naruto, Take care of my boy Sasuke and my girl, Sakura!"
A smile crossed both of their faces and they turned away to walk to Iruka's car. Everyone cried and buried the young girl who had so much left. However, they could never bury all the memories they shared. The tears they cried.