Did any of you read "Speak?" I'm trying to match the tone, and it's harder than I think! But then again, it's not that hard and I like it!

Stuff your faces; Happy Thanksgiving!!

Author's Note: I don't own Hinata but the reason why I'm upset is because I don't own Neji as well!!! Boo hoo


Years later...

September 6, Year of the Crescent Moon

I start eighth grade today. What a bummer.

Students mill around like mosquitoes, whining about this or that. If they had had the life I had, and the memories I had, they'd be dead whining by now.

I jam up my locker during homeroom.

"Need any help?" A blonde was smiling but overfriendly.

What a loser. I don't talk. It's easier to be ignored if I stay silent.

My locker opened with a clang, and I chose my books.

By the time I'd slammed it shut he was gone. Probably strolling around like all the over idiots. Maybe I should have been nicer.

But then again, it's futile.

First period crawls in, full of happy-go-lucky students milling around each other's desks. I open my assignment book, start to write down the homework, and then drop my pen and lean back.

What's the point? The homework was signing a paper on the teacher's specific rules. I'd just bring it to my father, and he'd look for an excuse to lecture me on the pains to be a ninja. It's better to avoid him like a bad spill on a highway. Caution: risk of getting heavily lectured.

I'd sign it myself.

The teacher had black hair and a warm smile as she surveyed the room, evidently not knowing what idiots she was looking at. "I'm Kurenai-san," she said, nearly sang, and I try not to puke.

Who the heck does she think she is? Do all teachers act like doting mothers?

I rest my head down, studied the notes inscribed on the wooden desks (I love you, Tsunade, talk to me Jiraiya) and promptly closed my eyes.

When the bell rings I'm still full of sleepiness. A talkative blond girl taps my arm. "Wake up! God, it's the first day."

"I know!" I snap back reflexively, scooping up my books and going out the door in one fluid motion. It would have been eloquent save for the laces of my sneaker that got caught in some hinge behind the stupid door.

Two girls, the blonde, and one with pink hair, stare at me for a few seconds. I shake my foot vainly, trying to force it loose.

Finally the pink-haired one gets behind the door and unhooks the laces, smiling. "They're getting new doors installed next week." Even her eyes light up, green and bright. Smiley smiley smiley.

I'm sick of smileys. I'd rather a room full of frowning people. Without an acknowledgement I turned and hightailed to second period, knowing I'd be late.

But who cared? The teacher wouldn't; it was the first day and student got away with murder. If anyone talked to me I'd just turn away. I wouldn't talk, wouldn't speak.

Maybe they'd think I was deaf, but that was better than the truth.

I blink to keep from bursting into tears.


There!! Second chapter is longer (but not that long, sob) and slightly interesting. Hopefully yours,

Review!!!

Lumberrrrrrrrrrry