A/N: Okay I kind of realized that the word count of the Preface isn't efficient to really pull in readers, so I'm going to go ahead and present you hags [small joke] with the first chapter. You guys better enjoy it because it's already 11:02 nighttime when I start this and now it's 10:15 nighttime of the next two days and I'm exhausted.
Vous connaissez déjà la clause de non-responsabilité standard et la signification des divers formats de texte, etc. avec le spectacle!
V(^.^)V
S e n i o r Y e a r
"Sakura! Sakura dear, wake up or you'll be late for your first day of school!" The sound of my mother's voice calling from downstairs penetrated the thick walls of my deep slumber and stirred me awake.
"Ugh…what was that? What time is it?" I muttered incoherently to no one and turn my head groggily to my left to try and decipher the foggy numbers on the clock.
It read 7:30 A.M. which instantly caused me to spring out from my bed and into my bathroom. With the post-sleep haze gone from my system—thanks to the bright green numbers on my alarm clock—I was able to really focus on getting ready.
My arms and hands seemed to have minds of their own as they raced to complete their given tasks. My right arm was swiftly brushing my pearly whites and the left was speeding through my slightly long pink locks, smoothening out any tangles which had appeared during my sleep.
Once those objectives were done I quickly applied a small coat of eyeliner above my emerald green eyes and jogged over to my walk-in-closet.
I never really had a thing for make-up and I've never considered the gunk as an absolute necessity of life like some other girls. Now, when I say "like some other girls" I really mean like those sluts and bimbos who apply buckets of the stuff onto their faces as if their faces were blank canvases that desperately needed paint to be splattered all over them. Besides, people say my face is already naturally gorgeous which only further motivates me to not wear make-up. So I guess I was a blank canvas that didn't need make-up, only I was beautiful to begin with and didn't need any colors to be added on.
Opening the double doors, I walk in and quickly scan the contents of my racks and compartments. Making up my mind, I grab a pair of khaki colored short shorts that reach mid thigh, a wide black belt, a white tank top, a black and white checkered long sleeve button-up shirt (which I left the top three buttons undone), and a pair of white Kirra Kelli Patent Sandals and slip everything on in a rush.
I turn to the left where my full body mirror is standing ready and give myself a once over and suddenly my brain is working its hardest to figure out what else I needed to do. The light bulb inside my mind turns on with a ding as I finally realize my hair still isn't fixed. Turning on the balls of my heels I open one of the compartments in front of me and sigh in relief when I find all my hair ties bunched up together. Hurriedly, I pick out a red one and tie my pink locks in a messy bun and let loose curls escape and let some strands drape down to frame my heart shaped face. Turning around for the final time I give myself a final once over and determine that I look fine.
My clothing isn't at all like the sluts' and the bimbos'. I don't have anything over the top revealing and even if I did, my revealing clothes would be elegant, sophisticated, dignified, and would still be able to be classified as sexy. They would provide me with all the qualities needed to attract the opposite sex but still convey the fact that I was a strong, independent, and intelligent woman who didn't really need a man to make her complete.
Looking at my black leather DKNY watch I discover the hands are pointing at 7:55 A.M. and suck in a huge gasp, realizing I was going to be late on my first day of school. My eyes move frantically around my whole room trying to locate my beige Hobo bag I had gotten a few weeks ago from Charlotte Russe and zone in on the very important object on the chair in front of my computer desk. I had finished the rest of the required summer assignments last night and prepared everything, placing all my hard months' work of homework in the bag.
I'm about to leave the room with the strap of my Hobo on my shoulder when I realize I'm missing my car keys, my wallet, and my cell phone and run to my computer desk to snatch up the other very important objects.
As I reach ground level my mom hands me a piece of toast with strawberry jam on it. Strawberries are my favorite fruit, especially if they have whipped cream on them.
"Do you have everything you need?" My mom asked me in a hurried tone.
"Yes mom!"
"Are you sure?"
I'm already at the door when I give her the same answer and I'm about to take a step outside when she calls me back in again.
"Sakura wait! I just remembered…I wanted to give you this. I thought it would help you pass the day a little faster." My eyes widen as my mom hands me a brand new 16GB iTouch fully equipped with the case and headphones.
"Cool, thanks mom!" Glancing at my watch I nearly yelp as the hands tick towards 8:04 A.M.
I plant a quick kiss on my mom's cheek and give her a tight hug before I sprint out the front door and into my brand new white Acura TL.
In my junior year of high school, I used to always walk to school, and my dad would pick me up on his way home. Now that I'm a senior however, my parents decided it would be more practical if I drove to school instead, saying I was a grown and matured lady and that I shouldn't have to use walking as my means of transit from place to place. I didn't mind walking really, but I'm not complaining.
Starting up the engine and hearing it purr quietly, I back up out of the wide driveway, give a final wave to my smiling mother (who had her thumbs raised up), and speed down the road and to Konoha High School where I would finish the final chapter of my high school career.
My thoughts drift off to wonder about my new school and Inner Sakura takes over the wheel to make sure we didn't crash. God knows I'm terrible at multi-tasking, but I plan to become better at the ability as I grow older.
In the pamphlet it said Konoha High was a prestigious public high school located in the beautiful suburban community of Jacksonville, FL. The mention of its location, Jacksonville, FL, immediately had me visualizing a gigantic school with vibrant green lawns and tall shady trees. Jacksonville, FL was a well known city of America and one of its best to be exact. Of course the school should meet the standards too right?
I'm originally from Los Angeles, CA all the way on the other side of the country in the West Coast. My school there had been amazing just like everything else in America's finest state. It was an indoor school and we had large grass lawns and tall shady oaks lining up the pathways, and we also had colorful blossoms decorating the sides of the buildings. To say the school was extravagant would be an understatement because it was way more than that.
The inside of it was even more amazing because we had everything. There were air conditioners in every class so were never too hot or too cold; the temperature was always just right. We also had flat screens in the classrooms so we could watch our school's show and see what was happening in that week. Not only that, we had the latest equipment from cameras to video cameras; from computers to the new teacher's tool called the Promethean (this thing was the coolest gadget I'd ever seen); even our text books and writing utensils were new!
Our cafeteria was one of my favorite places in the school because we had large windows that let in the sunlight and it was never gloomy. The food they served us was absolutely delicious but I always had the pasta because I really loved the stuff. There were five vending machines in the cafeteria too, that all dispensed different things, so we were able to buy snacks and drinks like Lays and Dr. Pepper.
Also, I'm not like all those other girls who were too afraid to get fat so they didn't eat. I'm the complete opposite of them because I love to eat and I don't care if I get fat. Well, that's not entirely true because everyone should care, so the way I kept the weight off but was still able to eat as much as I wanted and anything I wanted was to play sports.
My old school had a huge grass field that we used for our football team. There were stalls on both sides which were able to fit plenty of people and I was always one of those plenty of people. I loved sports and I loved to watch our teams because they were talented. So, on the other side of the school we had a gym that doubled as both a basketball and volleyball place and next to that were the lockers and another field which tripled as the field for lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer. During the fall and winter when it was cold I'd play volleyball, and during the spring and summer I'd play field hockey and I was good at both sports. This is how I kept the weight off.
Even though all these things and places were extraordinary they weren't my favorite things and places. My absolute favorite was this part in the back of the school where a small lunch table was situated between two enormous oaks. It was where I spent my time building memories with all my friends. Friends I didn't realize at the time I'd someday leave behind. That place was special because it was the only time we could all really be together since we all had different schedules and we never really saw each other throughout the school day. We'd get our food from the cafeteria then head straight for our table and we'd just have fun.
Returning my thoughts to Konoha High I set up my expectations for the school believing it will be just as amazing as my previous school. The brochure said it was a school well known for its academics, arts, and athletic programs. It said they were some of the best in the country and I couldn't wait to experience them for myself.
Soon I'm the one on the wheel again and I curse as I almost hit a sleek pearl gray Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640. I didn't just love sports but I knew about cars as well. I guess all those years of my dad taking me to car shows were good for something after all. The switch from Inner Sakura to me was off. We switched places right before a stop sign at a four way intersection and instead of coming to a full stop then proceeding when it was my turn to go, I just stepped on the gas and didn't stop. Fortunately, I was able to react fast enough to pump the brakes and come to a screeching halt.
I gaze ahead of me, a little dazed, at the Lamborghini which slowed down but otherwise didn't stop because if it did then we would have had a little problem. I'm a little disappointed and annoyed because the windows of the aforementioned vehicle were darkly tinted so I couldn't see the guy inside. I knew it was a guy because it had tobe a guy. I know it's sexist of me but the style of the car and the way his windows were like that, plus my instincts, gave me sufficient reason to believe a man was inside that car and probably a good looking one too. Why wouldn't he be? Lamborghini was an expensive brand and only very rich people could afford it; and we all know rich people are good looking.
I don't dwell on the thought too much because I also remember rich people are snobby and cruel, remembering from my old school how all the rich kids picked on the lower class kids, even if they were well off and average like me. Also, if that guy was even normal he should be glaring at me—since it was my fault we almost crashed—and I definitely did not want to see his discriminating eyes because I've experienced enough of that in LA.
Over on the other side girls used to tease me because of my hair and forehead saying I was freakish but I knew they were just jealous because all the guys tried to get into my pants.
One other thing, I don't open up my legs to any good looking guy who happens to pass me by at the mall or at school, or any guy who walks my way. I can proudly say I'm a virgin and I made a promise to myself and my parents I would never participate in premarital sex and that I wouldn't do the deed until I was married.
Miraculously, I grew into my forehead and I've even received comments saying it was charming and not so big, that it was perfect. People have also commented on my hair saying it was unique and exotic which made me all the more appealing and lust worthy when coupled with the fact that I was still innocent but I don't let these comments get to my head. The reason why is because I'm also not that type of girl who spends all her time looking in the mirror complementing herself, and that type of girl who tries so hard to capture everyone's attention.
As I complete the left turn I can't help but remember the Lamborghini, then as I finally set my sight on the obtrusive architecture now in my view, I forget all about it.
Konoha high is magnificent. It did have green lawns with lush vibrant green grass and it stretched out for what seemed like acres but was more like an acre or two. Still, the lawn was beautiful and it wasn't only that because the cobblestone pathway going up to the front was lined not with oak trees but with cherry blossom trees. Immediately, the meaning of my name popped into my head and I couldn't help but smile amusedly at the delicate foliage.
Up ahead I could see the grand double doors to the school and I could make out the intricate and elaborate details carved into the marble walls of the massive building. Dozens of windows littered the entire front and I could only guess dozens more littered the sides and back meaning there was never any need for much light because during the day it was mostly natural.
The western part of the building revealed even from an outside view, what must have been the school's cafeteria. From my spot in the parking lot (because I was just standing outside my car with the door still open), I was able to identify that the entire western wall with some of the northern and what was probably the southern wall was replaced completely with tall glass panels. Thus, the reason I was easily able to determine that the location was a cafeteria since I could see the lunch tables through the glass.
The thought of going inside the eating quarters caused my stomach to grumble loudly. After all, I did only eat a piece of toast with jam for breakfast and like I said, I loved to eat.
The eastern part of the building mirrored the western part only instead of a cafeteria it was a library and there was no way anyone would not be able to see those gigantic shelves of literature.
Impulsively, I glance down at my watch and my mouth drops down in shock. It was already 8:19 A.M. and class starts at 8:30 A.M. It was a fifteen minute drive from my house to the school which meant I only had eleven minutes to check up with the school secretary, obtain my schedule, and officially begin the day as Konoha High's new student.
Taking one last glance at the extraordinary school (which had more than passed my expectations but I still believed it was nothing compared to my old school—though I'd later realize how wrong I was), I decide I can peruse the campus later and discover more about its landscape. Right now I desperately needed to check in and see what classes I was given and I hoped more than anything they were the advanced classes because hey, I was definitely not stupid.
I slam the door of my Acura shut, press the lock button on the remote, and sprint my way down the pathway. As I'm running I pass by a man with spiky silver locks and a masked face, but part of his face was uncovered and I was able to see that his skin was flawless and blemish free. He was also wearing a gray suit with a black dress shirt inside and the top two buttons unbuttoned revealing his chiseled chest. All in all he seemed to be really attractive and I wondered if he was a student but I didn't fully believe in both these thoughts for looks could be deceiving. I'd have to wait until later on in the school year to find out more. He was taller than me though and I could definitely conclude this without waiting a few months. Out of the corner of my eye I see that his head turns to the side just a little to catch me zip by and I don't miss the fact that his eyes seemed to linger on my fast moving form. It must be my hair because of course, it had to be. It wasn't everyday a person saw a girl with pink hair right?
Drawing my attention back to the matters at hand, I burst through the front doors of the school, which grabbed the attention of a few of the kids who were still in the hall (obviously not caring whether they were late or not), and slowed down just a little to ask where the office was located. I see a boy with red triangular tattoo marks on his cheeks eyeing me up and down with a smirk on his face and I roll my eyes at how carefree he was being, checking me out. Looking around the hall, which happened to be filled with the normal things a high school should have like lockers and announcement boards and fountains and classrooms, I discovered that everyone who had strayed behind had finally started heading to class and that the only one left to help me was the boy who was still checking me out. Sighing I decide help from a pervert is better than no help at all.
"Excuse me. Could you point me in the direction of the office or at least give me some directions? I'm a new transfer student." I ask him with an annoyed look because he was, you guessed it, still checking me out.
"Sure, anything for a pretty lady." He said and followed it up with what he thought was probably a sexy smirk.
Rolling my eyes again I egg him on to spill the beans, "So where is it?"
"Head down this hall and to your right baby cakes!" I raise my eyebrow at the nickname but otherwise utter a small thank you and jog down the way he directed me to go; I'd settle with him later.
"Don't mention it!" was his reply and it echoed down the hall and despite his earlier antics it made a small smile appear on my lips.
Finally rounding the corner, I spot a door with red bold letters emblazoned on it saying, 'Office' and I pause to take a calming breath before I place my hand on the handle and twist.
Upon entering the first thought that comes to my mind is, damn this school is going to be really snobby. The reason being the office was so extravagant and fancy all on its own. The floor was paneled with a deep colored mahogany and a large dark green carpet resting on top. The walls were covered with ornate frames bearing photos of the school's many accomplishments and honors and even medals were nailed onto the white walls. Above me an elegant chandelier hung luminously, casting a warm golden glow throughout the whole room and all around me the intricacy of the school's architecture was once again displayed as I gazed at all the moldings and carvings. Even the desks were made of expensive woods!
Wondering how my parents had gotten me into such a school, I remember that it was a public high school meaning there was no tuition required or anything. So then, why was it so…amazing?
"Hello, how may I help you?" A light feminine voice interrupts my musings.
"Huh? O-Oh yeah...Hi! I'm Sakura Haruno and I'm the new transfer student from Los Angeles, CA." Was my long reply and I hoped she was smart enough to know that I was checking in and picking up my schedule.
She had short black hair with matching eyes and pale skin. She was wearing a purple blouse with a black mid-section belt and a gray pinstriped pencil skirt that reached to just above her knees; and to finish the whole ensemble she was wearing some Jimmy Choo high heels which were about two inches high. She was pretty and I could instantly tell she was also really nice.
"Oh yes we were expecting you and my aren't you a lovely young lady." Was her response and I couldn't help but blush at her kind comment.
"Well here's your schedule and I won't tell you anything more because discovering the ways and workings of the school is the journey itself." With that she just handed me my schedule with a certain twinkle in her eyes.
"Um, thank you very much but um, what if I get lost or anything?" I asked her uncertainly. It was my first day and I didn't want to be the loser who couldn't find her way around the school. However, I was a new student so it shouldn't count yet if I got lost or what not.
"Don't worry about that. We have maps stationed strategically in the halls so you absolutely can't get lost. By the way, my name is Shizune and welcome to Konoha High!" The woman, I now know as Shizune, answered warmly.
We both looked towards the clock and a frown mars my face realizing I now only have five minutes to report to class. Apparently Shizune was really nice because she handed me another slip of paper only it was an excused tardy pass instead of a class schedule.
"There you go! Now you won't get into trouble or anything if you come into class late. Also, take your time finding your first period and actually familiarize yourself with the surroundings so next time you won't need to use the maps okay?" I was really starting to like Shizune because she was so caring and understanding. If I never made friends this year, she was going to be my new friend.
"Wow thanks. And Shizune?"
"Yes?"
"I like your outfit especially the Jimmy Choo heels." I earn a bright smile from her and a nod telling me to head out which I readily listen to.
Before actually doing anything I take a peek at my schedule and smile at the classes assigned to me. They were all what I wanted and I was really thankful for it.
I had AP Statistics first period with Mr. Hatake, AP Government & Economics second period with Mr. Morino, Art third period with Ms. Yuuhi, AP American Literature fourth period with Jiraiya, Music fifth period with Tsunade, Lunch, AP Biology sixth period with Orochimaru, and Spanish seventh period with Mr. Sarutobi.
I had all the odd classes on Monday and Wednesday—with the exception of fifth period which I had everyday—and all the even classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays then on Fridays I had all the classes.
Scanning the classes again I lock onto AP Statistics with Mr. Hatake and glimpse at the room number next to the subject. It was room number 424 and based on the map right across from me, Shizune wasn't kidding when she said the maps were strategically placed around the halls, It was just a few halls down and then some.
With a final sigh I stuff the schedule into my bag and proceed down the hall and to my first class of Konoha High. I take my time and use small steps so I don't reach the class right away. I was going to listen to Shizune's advice and really examine my surroundings. I'd be here the whole year so I had to begin memorizing everything about the building so I wouldn't get lost.
As I'm nearing his classroom I start counting down the room numbers and I can't help but get a little anxious. This was a new school after all, with new people and new teachers and just essentially, a new everything. It's only natural I'd be anticipating what my new life here would be like.
Would I be an outcast or one of the "cool" kids? Would the other students—especially the girls—accept me as who I am or would they reject me and dub me as a freak? How difficult were my classes going to be and what were my teachers going to be like? Where would I eat lunch and hang out during the lunch period? When and who would I make friends with?
The thought of making new friends causes me to stop in my tracks and really think about the subject. I was on new turf, a new environment, so if I didn't make any friends at all then I know I'd be facing some hard times. I'm not stupid; I know friends are what make your life happy and fun aside from your parents. They're also there to help you out in sticky situations. Also, who didn't like making new friends? Loners that's who and I was definitely not that type of person and the reason being I'm not picky with my friends. I'd hang out with a goth person any day than to face life alone.
The sound of footsteps behind me brings me back from my musings and I turn around to see the same man with spiky silver hair. However, he doesn't walk right past me and instead stops right in front of me. Now I could confidently make out his appearance and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't blushing because this man was gorgeous. His skin was completely flawless without spot or blemish and wrinkles and his lone visible eye was a beautiful storm gray. The mask he was wearing hugged his jaw nicely revealing how defined it was and his hair looked soft and silky to the touch. Not only that but his body looked cut under the suit which was a very good sign because what girl didn't love a nice hunk of manly meat? The weird thing is, I had a feeling he wasn't a student but that didn't stop me from wanting to drool.
Then when he spoke, I felt like a puddle of jelly. It was deep and masculine and very tantalizing as if he knew exactly how to woo women; as if he'd done it time and time again.
"Hello, I'm Kakashi Hatake and you are?" It took me a while to register his name but when it did my mouth dropped open in utter shock.
This really attractive man was my AP Statistics teacher!? I couldn't believe it and I didn't want to believe it. There was just no way! He looked so young as if he was no older than twenty or twenty-one!
"Hello? Is something the matter?" He asked in a confused voice waving his hand in front of my face which worked to snap me out of my stupor.
My voice was shaky when I answered and he only smiled, "No nothing's wrong. It's just, you're so young, and well, you're kind of too cute to be a teacher. Are you sure you teach here? Oh, and I'm Sakura Haruno by the way. I'm a transfer student from LA. It's nice to meet you!"
"Hmm well I'd hope I'm attractive. We wouldn't want me to not be able to date beautiful women now do we? And yes, I do teach here and I am your teacher. Hmm I'd also figured you were new judging from your hair. I'd never seen it before and it was either that or you were just one of the students who decided to try a new fashion trend over the summer and dyed her hair pink." His lone eye was crinkled into a half moon and it never escaped me that he was smiling, probably amused.
Judging from his answer he was also a smooth talker. I wonder if it's illegal in FL to date your teacher because I wouldn't mind breaking the law.
"Oh yeah I got that a lot back in my old school."
"Yeah I bet. So what class are you heading to right now? Judging from your direction I'd say you were headed towards my class?" His lone gray iris was amused and I knew he didn't need an answer from me because somehow, he already knew.
"Y-Yeah, I am." It took me a few minutes later while we were walking to realize Mr. Hatake made me stutter which only made me blush harder knowing my teacher was provoking sexual feelings inside of me. Damn him for being so handsome.
"Okay then. Let's get going. We wouldn't want to get the class all riled up, especially if Naruto is in my class this year." He muttered the last part more to himself but I still heard it.
"Who's Naruto?" I asked my interest piqued. It was the first name of a non-student I've heard so far and from the way Mr. Hatake said that last bit, I'm guessing he was the class clown.
"You'll see." Was his only reply and I could identify the knowing smirk beneath his black mask.
Soon, about five minutes later, we stop in front of door 424 and I just look up at Mr. Hatake since he was about a head and a half taller than me.
"Here we are Ms. Haruno. You go on ahead and I'll follow behind you. Technically, you won't be late since you'll walk in before me." Again a smile emerges from under the covering on his face and his one eye crinkles into the half moon.
"Oh, thank you Mr. Hatake." I give him a small smile and I'm about to open the door after taking a huge breath when he calls my name again.
"And Sakura?"
"Yes?"
"You can just call me Kakashi. Everybody does." I was really starting to like Kakashi because he sure did give out smiles freely.
With those final words I open the door and I'm greeted with a huge wad of paper scrunched up into a paper ball and a very, very loud voice.
"Kakashi, you're-!" Suddenly the voice halts in its speech and I cast my gaze towards the direction it came from, stopping on an attractive blond boy.
"My first impression of this school is," I muttered quietly and I hear Kakashi chuckle amusedly behind me, "that boy is the class clown and is most likely Naruto." Oh God please help me make it through the rest of the day!
A/N: So here's Chapter One and don't forget to review because they are an absolute necessity. It's exactly what people say reviews are. They're the food and fuel for an author's imagination and motivation.
-Mr. Obsidian of Ms. Crimson Mr. Obsidian