Heh...whoops. Sorry for the super long update. By now, I would think that most of you have forgotten me. XD.

One thing...I am well aware that my characters are a bit Out of Character. So what? I like my story, and it's characters, and if you don't, stop reading. See what I care.

Either way, I knew I had to type this so here's the next chapter.

Chapter Nine - Goodbyes

(Haruno Sakura - What I Learned in Chemistry)

Even Naruto shut up...and that was something I wasn't quite comfortable with yet. Especially after...you know. Nope...he didn't die...but. I can't say it. It hurts a lot, especially knowing that I was there. That I could've warned him, and saved him...but I didn't. I've been trying to convince myself that it was okay...that him being paralyzed and in a coma was okay...and better than dead. But I couldn't. Because I could've saved him.

And I didn't.

I especially feel bad for Itachi-san. Now, he has a lot more to worry about than the fate of his business. And he's busy worrying about Naruto and me. He's too stressed, and I can feel it. He's gonna blow, and he's way too young to have a mid-life crisis yet. But it amazes me, how strong he is. Like Sasuke. No wonder they are brothers.

"Hey..." Naruto said, trying his best to break the silence. But Itachi liked the silence, so he glared at him from the front seat and didn't reply. I didn't want to ignore Naruto, but I didn't want to talk to him either. While I was busy debating, Naruto started to yell.

"IT'S NOT MY FAULT!" the blond screeched, pointing an accusing finger at Itachi. "You...You just...I...It's not my fault...I just...I..." and that was all he could say before collapsing, sitting limply in his seat like a broken doll discarded. Wasted, no longer of any use. That's how I felt now. I couldn't be of any use to Sasuke...or Naruto...or Itachi. I couldn't help them, no matter how much I really wanted to.

It was a long and quiet ride back to my house, and my mother came out of the door in her PJs, crying and yelling, thanking God that I was alive and safe. But Sasuke wasn't. And I started to cry. My gracious mother took me into her arms and we cried, until I knew I couldn't anymore.

"Thank you," she said to Naruto and Itachi, "for bringing her back."

Naruto looked away, guilty and afraid. Itachi extended a gracious hand and a pained smile. Fake. "You're welcome," he replied, in the same gentleman tone. The two of them walked back to the car, and they left our quiet driveway and down the street. We watched them leave, and then my mother turned to me. We embraced once more.

"Mom...I'm home."

"I know, dear. I know."

Mom wanted me to stay home from school the next day, but I didn't want to miss a thing. Who knows...maybe Sasuke might be awake, alive, and okay, and yesterday was all a dream.

I didn't want all of it to be a dream, though. Because that would mean losing my first kiss with Sasuke. Actually, that might be my first kiss. Sasuke seemed pretty experienced, because he was an amazing kisser! But that probably isn't something I should mention, especially with my present situation.

Anyway, as I walk up the stairs, my hopes are smashed. Sasuke usually waits for me at my locker. He wasn't there.

Calm down, girl! Everything...everything's cool. It's fine. He'll wake up. He'll be okay.

Like that did anything.

By lunch time, I knew I had to cut class. So I dragged Naruto with me. Naruto's permanent record is notorious enough to make it seem like he dragged me, and that way I get the lighter punishment. I know, I'm mean. But a girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do. Especially if it has something to do with the love of your life.

It was about two miles from the school to the hospital, and boy, that was one quick run. I've never ran faster in my entire life, or longer. I might as well join the Track and Field Team, as long as Sasuke's right there at the finish line, waving and cheering me on. He's my only incentive, and that's why I'm full of adrenaline. This time, I'm ready to protect him from anything and everything.

Oh, yeah. And Naruto is too.

When we arrived at the hospital, the nurse stared at us like we were from outer space or something. She pursed her plump, frosted-with-lip-gloss lips and clicked her tongue several times in disapproval. Then...she went to bitch mode.

"Shouldn't stupid kids like you be at school this time?"

Doesn't she know what love does to you!? Huh!? She looked like one of those girls who are spoiled brats and always got whatever they wanted, never had anything taken away from them that was so precious. Well, that almost happened to me, and so I'm willing to go the extra mile to preclude it from happening ever again.

"Listen...I'm just here to visit, so get your fat ass out of my way," Naruto said, stepping up, a strong defiance in his voice.

YOU GO, NARUTO!!!

While the nurse's jaw dropped right to her ankles, Naruto and I sprinted down the hall and into one of the white rooms on the second floor. Everything in the hospital was white...and I really hated it. It felt like death would be lurking in every corner, haunting, and waiting at the right moment to leap up and steal the soul of an unsuspecting patient.

Naruto opened the door, and I walked in, trying to smile and holding on to a tiny bit of faith and hope. Hope that he was wide awake, smiling, and waiting for us.

But, that was squashed right to the ground. He wasn't awake, his eyes were shut tight, brows creased as if he were having a nightmare. Sasuke was sweating, cringing this way and that. I wanted to cry right there. I felt useless. I couldn't help him.

"Hey," Naruto whispered, his voice cracking. He was worried, too. I could see the glossy stare in his eyes as he looked at his best friend. He must really be suffering; they'd look so close. Now, I feel guilty, like I got in between their friendship; but I shoved that thought right down. Naruto would probably deny it and Sasuke would be shocked that I ever thought such a thing.

Naruto took Sasuke's hand, and he seemed to calm down a bit. I smile and sit down next to the bed, trying so hard not to cry. Trying to be strong, but I couldn't. The tears just wouldn't stop; I thought I'd be all cried out by now. Dammit...why can't I just be strong?

"Ah...Sakura-chan," Naruto said. "Are you alright?"

"Y...yes I'm fine," I manage to choke out. Sasuke would be disappointed in me...he really would. And I'm moving in three days...the timing was just too bad. I really hated this, I really did.

After two hours, the doctors came in and told us to leave. And as we did, I looked back at the face that was once smiling at me, the lips that once touched mine. In three days...I wouldn't be able to see him...his smile, or feel his touch, or hear his voice. It was aggravating and frustrating. Just three days...and if he doesn't wake up till then...

I wouldn't be able to say good-bye.

Sorry, it was short. I don't have the time to write a long chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one, though.

Reviews are greatly appreciated.