Dearest Reader,

I am so glad that so many of you are enjoying my little story. I am thankful for all of the reviews that have been left and can't wait to read more. You are truly what keeps me going. I did, however, want to clarify a few things. Only men and women of wealthy family are placed into arranged marriages. Also, only the eldest sons of families have their wives chosen for them. Because of this Sasuke, for example, would be allowed to marry a woman of his choice. Naruto was raised by someone other than his parents and is thereby an exception to the rule. The women is these relationships have prepared for them their entire lives and, although they are frightened, consider it a great honor to marry a man of great status. I don't want you to see Itachi as evil but rather as distant. He was forced into this just as much as Sakura was.

Thank you once again for reading and please remember to review.

Jordan

"Has it really been eight weeks since your marriage Sakura? You must have so many fascinating stories about your new family. I would give anything to marry into a family as wealthy as the Uchiha."

I envied Tenten's optimism and wanted nothing more than to allow myself to smile at her comment. Because of her status she would never have to go through the same trials and tribulations as Ino and I had. She had the honor of choosing her own husband, one that she could properly fall in love with before the exchanging of her vows. However, she had already rejected many of her suitors and I had a strong feeling that she would not marry for many years.

"I am so glad that you came with us Sakura. We have truly missed you. I have been so lonely since Kiba left for Kiri. My hearts aches for him to return."

The blonde women who sat beside me returned her attention to her son who was lying on a small blanket spread across the grass. I was surprised that she had agreed to bring him out of her home so early in life and was thankful that there was plenty of sunshine to keep him happy and warm. His dark brown hair reminded me of his father but his eyes were the same icy blue as Ino's. He truly was a magnificent thing to behold and I was glad to see that his birth had made my friend happy.

"Itachi has been encouraging me to visit with many of my old companions. The notion is very odd. If Lord Fugaku had his way I would remain within the compound until I produce an heir."

"Perhaps your husband feels guilty about leaving you alone so often. Men are not very gifted when it comes to revealing their true feelings. Remember, Uchiha blood boils hot in his veins. If he is anything like Sasuke…"

"Ino."

My gaze soon found Tenten who was now gathering wildflowers by the stream. Her blatant interruption was a cruel reminder that Sasuke had still had not contacted any of his friends or relatives. His disappearance had been hard on many of us, especially Naruto who have vowed to go and search for him if he had not returned by winters end. We had all been so very close during our younger years. It was sad to know that adulthood would be the driving force behind our separation.

"I apologize Sakura. It was not my intention re-open old wounds. Please forgive me."

I could tell that her apology was sincere. Her eyes were wide, revealing clues as to how sorry she truly was. Ino was one of my most trusted companions, a sister in the eyes of God. How could I not forgive her?

"You shouldn't worry…"

She squealed, pulling me into a tight embrace before motioning for Tenten to join us. In that brief moment I was transported to my past, remembering days when the three of us would sneak into the woods. Naruto and Kiba would be waiting, ready to share dark stories from the north. We pretended to be brave, stating to the boys that nothing could make us budge. They would laugh, chasing us back into the village where we were glad to be surrounded by the light once again.

"Did the doctor have anything to say?"

I didn't reply but instead turned my attention to that of the distant country side. In truth, my private physician had been very pleasant. I had heard tales that he had developed a special mixture, one that could enhance a woman's ability of conceiving a child. When I had mentioned this to Itachi he had simply waved the idea away with his hand, stating that we were both young and that despite his father's urgency there truly was no rush. Still, I couldn't help but notice the disappointment in his face when I had announced that I had bled again.

"Give it time Sakura. I was well into my marriage before I became pregnant with Riku. Itachi must learn to understand that these things happen."

"Ino is right. You shouldn't carry this burden alone."

"He comes to me almost every night. I feel that I have disappointed him."

Ino laughed, clasping her hands together as if she were ready for her prayers. At the same time a sly smile had spread its way across Tenten's lips. Had I said something amusing?

"This is how men are. He will learn to control himself when the time is right. Still, if I were you I would use this little fact to your advantage."

"I'm…I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Come now Sakura. I know from experience that you are not that thick. It was the same with Kiba. This is the way to a man's true heart. However, you must make it look like you are the one who enjoys it…not he."

"How do I do that?"

Ino's fingers enclosed around my wrist as she playfully pushed me onto the grass below. Her petite frame was now straddling mine in the same was that a husband would claim his wife. Her long blonde locks tickled against my nose, reminding me of my first carnal experience only a few short weeks before. I could hear Tenten breathing from her spot beside be, no doubt just as confused as I was.

"What are you doing Ino?"

"Teaching."