Miss Trouble Magnet
Chapter 9:
I sat that night in my room, simply thinking. With all the commotion and everything I had gotten into, I hadn't had much time to look things over. I sighed and turned on my radio. It didn't matter if the music was loud enough for my ears to bleed, because my hard thinking seemed to block it all out. I sighed and put the back of my head on my hands as I stretched out on my bed.
I thought about mother, and father, and myself. We used to be the most wonderful family, and hadn't had many problems. We had all loved each other so deeply, and respected each other so much. My mother had gotten the news of her cancer 5 or 6 years back. My memories from that time period were usually quite clear, but they were blurry this time. Not because I was starting to forget, but because I had started to cry.
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I was half asleep the next day in my math class with Hinata. I could feel her nudge me over and over, but my head wouldn't dare leave the hard, cold, yet comfortable, desk surface. "Sakura…" She whispered urgently. I would have thought I was in a dream if I didn't know any better. Something slammed very hard on my desk, and I jumped up in surprise.
"Haruno Sakura, do you have an explanation as to why you are sleeping in my class?!" Kurenai asked me. Of course, I had a reason; I had stayed up most of the night crying. But that wasn't anyone's business but mine. I cleared my throat before answering.
"You're the teacher, Kurenai-sensei; shouldn't you know all the answers?" I asked her ignorantly without realising what I was actually saying. She gawked, and her eyes widened for a few seconds. Her expression then twisted into a frown.
"It looks like you'll need a trip to the office, young lady." She said firmly. I grimaced. I didn't appreciate being called a 'young lady'. I had a name, after all. Hinata shook her head as I got up and gathered all my things at a sloth's pace. The whole classroom watched me as I dropped them lazily in my back pack and pulled it over my right shoulder.
"Whatever you say… grandma." I grumbled and dragged my feet out of the room. I was trying to go faster but, hey, I was really lacking some energy! I could feel the tension in the room as I slammed the door (well I tried, but the door didn't even completely close…) behind me and left.
When I arrived in the principal's office, it was very empty and quiet. Well, that was a lie. The truth was, it was probably packed, but I was too tired to notice. I was soon called into the main office, where Tsunade-sama had her desk. She began talking to me, but I quickly dozed off in the middle of her speech, missing its point, and was reawakened by a slap in the face.
"Itai!" I squeaked and held my rosy cheek. Tsunade frowned at me.
"Haruno-san, don't fall asleep when I'm talking to you!" She scolded me. I frowned back at her.
"Tsunade-sama, you slapped me!" I accused stridently. She rolled her eyes.
"What are you going to do? Sue me? You don't have any money to do that, remember?" She told me, frowning. I felt as though my heart had gotten stung really hard. Tsunade noticed this and tried to smile. "Look, just listen to me alright?" She said kindly.
I stared at her wide eyed; did she just say what I thought she said…?
"If you keep on going like this you might end up getting a suspension. With the fights, all the missed days of school and now smart mouthing teachers! You used to be our top student, Haruno-san." She said in a serious tone.
"It's hard you know." I muttered, still staring her straight in the eyes.
"Then don't make it any harder than it already is." She said delicately, resting her chin on the back of her hand. I looked to my left, at old pictures hung on the wall. I nearly smiled when I saw one of her screaming, and pointing to a spider; as a child or course. I never thought I'd see something like that.
"I'll try to behave better from now own." I sighed and got up. She nodded her head, so I turned and left the office.
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I cried into Gaara's chest uncontrollably, I didn't even know why. Hinata and Sai were sitting beside us, looking at the grass gloomily. We were outside, supposedly having a picnic. Hinata had just started talking when I burst out crying. "Sakura…" Hinata mumbled sadly and gathered enough courage to look me in the eyes. I slowly wiped away my tears with my sleeve and let go of Gaara. He was frowning at me.
"Did someone hurt you?" He asked. I shook my head.
"No." I answered.
"Because if someone did…" He continued. I shook my head.
"I wouldn't lie to you guys." I said, "I'm just having break downs sometimes. I'll be fine tomorrow." I said. I hugged Gaara and bid them goodbye before leaving. I climbed into my hummer and revved the engine.
"Damn it! I have to buy gas again?!" I nearly yelled. I liked the looks of my pink hummer, but it killed gas like there was no tomorrow! And I always felt like I might roll over something, or someone, when I rode in it. It was like my long gone smart car's arch rival.
I pulled out my wallet, which was packed with money. I had stuffed it up because my hummer took in so much gas, and Sasuke wouldn't dare lend me his credit card. I drove to the nearest gas station and parked there. I fell out of my huge 'car' and as I started filling it, I heard someone whistle. I swung my head in that direction.
"Hey there, miss." A man with black clothes and small, round black glasses said. I frowned at him; he as well was filling up his car. It looked like a 1986 Cadillac. I raised my eyebrow at his scratched and dusty car, and then glanced at my own. Suddenly, I was proud of the big, fat machine. "What's your name?" He asked and leaned against his car, smirking.
"What makes you think I'd tell you?" I muttered, loud enough for the unattractive man staring at me to hear. I heard him shift positions.
"Ooh, a feisty one, aren't ya? My name's Ebisu." He said, still smirking. I frowned when I recognized his name. He was a kindergarten teacher; I knew because I used to be neighbours with a little boy named Konohamaru, who was one of his students. Apparently, he read Jiraiya's books as well. I felt a shiver go down my spine. I tried to ignore him and walked into the store.
I have to stay away from trouble… stay away from trouble… trouble… trouble…
I paid the man for my gas and walked back to my monster car, though I felt as I though I was being watched. I opened the door and hopped inside. As I revved the engine, I could see 'Ebisu' getting inside his car as well. As far as I was concerned, he hadn't paid for the gas. I frowned and opened the car door. He watched me as I walked over to the side of his… ride.
"Excuse me, but you still haven't paid for your gas." I scolded him. He shrugged.
"I do it all the time." He muttered and raised an eyebrow at me. I struggled to keep my temper in check, as he stared at me expectantly.
"Well, not this time." I told him and easily opened his car door. Wow. This guy was smart, he didn't even lock it!
"What's wrong, scared?" He asked, smirking devilishly. I was just about ready to smack him across the face, or hit him with my cast. My temptation was just too strong, and my jaw was ready to start working its magic.
"No, but you'll be." I spoke clearly. He looked a little irritated and got out of his car. Before he could speak, the store owner came out, walking towards us. He was glaring at Ebisu, who looked angrier then I had just been. "Scared?" I asked in return. He turned his furious glare to me, before I turned on my heel and jumped back into my car.
"Leave me alone, you stalker!!" I screamed out my car window. That damned man was following me relentlessly, there was no way I could get home! I had been driving around the same block for about thirty minutes, and he followed patiently. I turned back to the road in front of me, and could see a red light ahead. I slowed down enough to stop, but felt a huge bump.
Oh my god! Did I roll over someone?!
I jumped out and looked under my car. Nothing. I then looked behind my car; Ebisu was laughing his head off as he sat comfortably in his car. "GAHH!!!" I yelled and grabbed my pink locks furiously. He had purposely rammed into my hummer! I stomped to his car angrily and stopped right beside it, in the middle of the road. "Take-this-you-piece-of-crap!!" I yelled and kicked his car with each word.
"Nooo!! My car!" He screeched and got out. I stuck my tongue out at him and got back in my car. I raced off before anyone could realize.
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I parked my car and flew out, then ran into the house. "Sakura-chan!" Itachi said loudly, once he saw me. I turned to him, he was watching a horror movie, and someone's arm had just flown off. I grimaced at the bloody mess that followed.
"What?" I managed to ask clearly once I looked away from the screen, throwing off my shoes. He suddenly smirked.
"Sasuke's been waiting for you." He announced to me. I still had a grimace on.
"So?" I asked. He paused his movie.
"… Aren't you happy?" He asked, frowning.
"Well yeah, I guess." I shrugged. He stopped frowning and sent me that dazzling smile of his.
"Bad day?"
"Yeah."
"I see."
As soon as I got into my room I threw off my bag and jacket. I was about to change when someone's voice interrupted me. "AH!" Sasuke suddenly yelled. I quickly turned to see him with his eyes covered, standing at the door.
Wow… that was anti-climactic.
I didn't care though; I had hardly lifted my shirt past my belly button. I slowly pulled my shirt back down and walked towards him, pulled his hands from his eyes. "You were waiting for me?" I asked, still slightly frowning.
"Yeah, I guess." He answered, reading my expression.
"Okay, so… I'm here!" I announced. He looked at me blankly. There was an awkward silence. "What did you want to tell me?" I asked impatiently.
"Nothing." He said innocently. I narrowed my eyes.
"Fine! I'll see you at the dinner table." I snapped and shut the door. I locked it and quickly changed into more comfortable clothing. I sighed and I pulled off my socks and threw them in the laundry basket. "He always does that." I muttered angrily to myself. I was in a T-shirt, and a knee-length skirt.
I re-painted my nails and brushed my hair before putting my head band back on. It wasn't six o'clock yet, but I wanted to help set up the table. I skipped down the stairs, forgetting my problems as I felt a wave of bliss enlighten me. I slid into the kitchen and took in the hot smell of chicken in the oven.
"Mmm… Smells tasty…" I noted and sighed. I walked on the tip of my toes to the dining area, peaking into the open area. It was empty. I smiled; the table was there, waiting for me to set it up. I went to the cabinets and pulled out everything I needed. I turned around with my hands full with plates and utensils, and hit something.
"Sorry!" I gasped and tried to get back a good hold on the load I carried.
"Here, let me help." Sasuke insisted. I hadn't even noticed it was him; I hadn't even given a thought to who it might have been. I let him take most of the things I carried and help me set up the table. "Sorry, about er… before." He coughed.
"What did you say?" I asked.
"Uh… S-Sorry." He said quickly. I frowned.
"Sasuke, can you speak clearly, please?" I asked again. He sighed and stared at the table.
"Sorry." He finally said. I smirked.
"Chicken." I muttered and stared at the wall.
"What?" He asked, almost threateningly.
"Chicken," I sung, "Chicken, chicken! You can't even say sorry without whimpering like a poor little puppy!" I teased. He narrowed his eyes and they glared through me like knives. My smirk only grew wider.
"Oh, shut up, miss tattle tale!" He snapped. I immediately frowned.
"What are you talking about?" I quickly asked.
"Don't play innocent, I saw you threatening that guy at the gas station." He muttered, but loud enough for me to hear. I put my hands on my hips and stared at him disbelievingly.
"When was this? How did you witness this? What are you talking about?" I asked all too quickly. He smirked at my constant twitching.
"I was just minding my own business, fetching some salt at the corner store, then; bam! You appear from thin air, you stride into the store dramatically and pay for you gas. Then, you fly back into your car and start the engine. Are you leaving? No! You jump back out, and call out that man in his car. Then you start to yell at him, you're losing your patience-if you have any at all. And THEN, you tell on him!" Sasuke said dramatically as he used forks and spoons to demonstrate the scene.
I blinked.
"Wow." I mumbled; surprised that he spoken so much at once. His right eye was twitching, and he walked towards me quickly.
"Don't look so surprised." He simply said, his tone and voice normal again. I blinked again. I almost said 'wow'.
"Well then," A booming voice came from the kitchen entrance. Sasuke and I both turned to see Itachi glowering at us, "If you guys are done playing your games, I'd like to announce my departure!"
"What? You're leaving??" I asked.
"Got to go on a business trip." He lied; I could tell by the way he moved his index finger left and right. Yeah… it's pretty weird.
"You're going on vacation without us?" Sasuke asked. I guessed that he had noticed too. Itachi's finger stopped wiggling around.
"Yeah, you guys would ruin it. You're always bickering." He shrugged. I frowned at him. "Hey, think of it this way…" He started and made us come closer to hear his whisper (I don't see why, I mean; we're the only ones here!), "You guys get some time together. Alone." He snickered.
"Itachi!" Sasuke threatened. But Itachi had already started running, and would be out in seconds. I sighed.
"All right… Let's start eating, then." I said, and was followed by the sound of a closing door. In a few minutes, we managed to set up the table and serve ourselves some food. We ate in silence, and pondered. Sasuke was thinking hard and I was thinking hard on what Sasuke might be thinking hard about.
Simply put.
I had gulfed down my food quickly and grabbed an apple for desert. Sasuke stared curiously as I began to eat it like a squirrel. One line all across the center to start. Then chip off the top, follow with the bottom, and polish it with a not so clean finish. As I munched, I noticed him staring at me.
"Sasuke-kun." I said. He snapped out of his daze and stared at his food.
"Yeah?" He asked, after a short pause.
"… Are you going to eat that?" I asked. He frowned at me like a father would to his misbehaving child.
"…" He pushed his plate towards me and I beamed. Staying alone with Sasuke would be fun after all; Itachi wasn't here to steal all the leftovers, or rather, the goods. Sasuke grimaced as I threw to apple towards the garbage, and got a cool swish. "You're such a pig." He muttered. I rolled my eyes.
"Sometimes, it's okay to let your guard down." I explained. He raised an eyebrow, not understanding completely. "Don't you think even royalty, like a princess or prince, would like to forget everything and relax once in a while?"
"Yes, but I don't see anything royal about any of us. All I see is you making a fool of yourself." He told me. I rolled my eyes again, what a foolish boy.
"We don't have to be royalty, that's not the point!" I said and brought his plate to the kitchen. He got up and followed.
"Aren't you going to finish that?" He asked as he glanced at his semi-filled plate.
"All in due time, Sasuke-kun. Patience is a virtue." I said in a high and royal tone as I covered up the plate and dumped it in the fridge. He shook his head and followed me to the game room. I was in the mood for some pool, normally I wouldn't, because Itachi would always cream us and make us bet all our money.
"Pool? I'll own you, Sakura-chan. Are you sure?" He asked as he grabbed a pool stick. I smiled happily.
"First of all, no one can own me; for I am not for sale," I stated, he rolled his eyes, "And second of all…" I slammed fifty bucks on the table. My actions spoke for themselves. He took out some money as well and set it on the table, smirking.
"You're on."
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In less than an hour, we both got bored of the match. We called it a tie, because neither was winning nor losing. We switched fifty dollar bills, just to make things a little interesting. But honestly, Itachi had been our main source of life, and nothing was interesting. When alone, we were like kids and calculus, we didn't fit together. One was stupid and the other was too complicated.
"So… what do you want to do?" I asked. He shrugged.
"I'll go do my homework." He yawned and got up. I quickly followed and was about to grab his arm, when his voice echoed in my head; "Do you have separation anxiety or something…?"
I wonder where that came from.
"Sakura-chan." He said, snapping his fingers in front of my face. I blinked.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Do you-"
"HAVE SEPERATION ANXIETY?!" I nearly screamed in suspense, "Yes, fine! I do! Whatever will make you stop saying that-" I blabbed on, and on. He didn't seem to listen to what followed, and interrupted me.
"Actually, I was going to ask if you would mind making some of those vanilla milkshakes. They're really good." He said plainly. I frowned. He didn't know I snuck a bit of tomato juice in his...
"Sure, sure." I said and we walked up the stairs- the game room was in the basement- to the kitchen. We were right in front of the kitchen when the door bell rang.
"I'll get it." He told me when I glanced at him. I nodded my head and disappeared into the kitchen. As I dumped the ingredients to my concoction in the blender, I heard a low voice speaking to Sasuke. Sasuke was trying to make them go away- I knew because he hardly spoke; must've been sending one of Gaara famous glares. It was probably someone selling some stupid product to make wrinkles disappear.
How dumb.
I didn't hear the conversation get a little louder, as I turned on the noisy blender and watched everything mixed into a soft and bubbly liquid. "Sasuke-kuuuuun!!!" I heard a familiar voice whine. My face distorted disgustingly as I stepped out to the door. Karin's eyes widened for a second, and Sasuke turned to look at me. He was giving me a look stating; "You really shouldn't be here right now". The cat fight would have commenced right then and there. Vases breaking to pieces, couches shred to smithereens, curtains ripped and eyes popping from their sockets. All you would expect from two short-tempered maniacs.
But instead, someone even worse happened, it would be unforgivable, a moment I could never dream of forgetting. Sasuke's head turned towards Karin, I couldn't see his expression. Karin suddenly grabbed his face and pulled him into her, claiming his lips with her own.
My jaw dropped and I felt my body go numb. Sasuke didn't fight back, but he didn't grab her, or even respond; he was frozen. Was surprised? I didn't see or care what happened next, because my eyes over-flew with tears and I ran to my room; ready to pack all my belongings and leave.
Moving In had been a huge mistake.
