Sakura's p.o.v
No more words.
Naruto left and I went back to cutting the stems of the rest of the roses.
Ino came downstairs with some white ribbons. We were making some rose banquets for an order that was received today. Ino lived upstairs from the shop. It was a nice decent sized apartment upstairs from it. The entire building was a house, but she turned the bottom half into the flower shop.
"I found the ribbons!"
"That's great…"
"What's wrong?"
I bit down on my lip gently before I said anything else.
"Naruto was here…"
"Is everything alright?" Ino walked over to me and placed her hand on my shoulder.
"He said he's going to rehab. He showed me the paper."
"That's wonderful news Sakura, but you don't really seem happy about it…"
"I'm happy about it! I just have this odd feeling bundled up inside of me. Something doesn't feel right."
"Maybe it's because you've been waiting so long for change to happen and it's here now."
"Yeah, maybe you're right…"
"We can finish up the banquets tomorrow morning. Let's close up for the night."
Ino and I did a little tidying up before we closed. There were stems and flower petals everywhere. We always had a hard time keeping things neat around here. So many people came in during the day. We just forget to clean up small messes before they get bigger.
When I started working here, I was too scared to touch anything. I always thought I was going to ruin something. Flowers are so delicate and fragile. The smallest touch with the slightest amount of pressure could destroy a flower.
"Bye-bye, Ino-san!"
"See you tomorrow, Sakura!"
We said our goodbyes and I walked home. I liked walking home at night. The night sky is always so beautiful. How could anyone not like nature at night? There are so many things to see at night, just like in the day.
I live in an apartment complex on the 16th. I take the elevator to the 16th floor. There's the option of using the stairs too, but who wants to walk up sixteen flights of stairs. It's an okay place to live, but it's not the best. I get pretty lonely when I'm home. It's always so quiet. I leave the television on, so it's like someone's there with me. Right when I get home, I usually call Ino or anyone in my contacts.
I kicked my shoes off and threw my apron off to the side somewhere. I didn't call Ino tonight. She had a long day today. So many orders came in and she was working so hard to get things done.
"What to do? What to do?" All I could do was pace back and forth, until I just plopped down on the couch in the living room. I closed my eyes for a moment. All of a sudden an image of Naruto popped up in my head.
Was all the pain and suffering really ending after all? Is he really serious about going to rehab? I hated that I thought about him all the time. Whenever I thought about Naruto I cried. Sometimes I just started crying and I didn't even know why those tears were leaving my eyes. I wouldn't even be thinking about him and tears just come pouring out. Sometimes I think it's because I cried so much, I don't think my body knows when I should and shouldn't release tears.
Everything hurts when it comes to him. Everything is just so damn painful. Sometimes I feel like it's my fault Naruto is the way he is now. Maybe I wasn't there enough or maybe I'm just a horrible person in general. Maybe I put too much pressure on him.
I leaned over letting my upper body rest against the couch. I buried my face in one of the cushions before I started to cry. The cushion was getting damp from my tears.
"Stupid idiot." I mumbled to myself.
My phone started to ring. The vibrating from my phone woke me up. I opened my eyes slowly as I went into my pocket to get it. The light from the phone burned my eyes. It was so bright.
"Hello?" I didn't bother to sit up.
"Yo Sakura."
"Who is this?"
"Sasuke…"
"Sasuke… Sasuke!? It's been so long since we last spoke. How are you?"
"Fine."
"That's good to hear. I'm sure you here the good news from Naruto?"
"Good news? What good news?"
"He's going to rehab. Isn't that wonderful? He's trying to get better…"
"Yeah, what wonderful news it is… I hear he's going for you..."
"He really wants to work things out. I appreciate it."
"Must be hard for you to see Naruto like that? Or just knowing that he's using…"
"It is. Sometimes I feel like I'm close to having nervous breakdown." I could hear Sasuke chuckling from my end of the phone. I wonder what he was laughing at. "So what's up? Is there something wrong?"
"No… Why would you assume there's something wrong?"
"Oh sorry, I was just wondering because we hardly speak."
"So where are you working and living at now?"
"I work with Ino. "
"At her flower shop?"
"Mhm. I live in that apartment complex by the park. Working with her is walking distance and convenient."
"I see, I see. Maybe I'll stop by sometimes."
"Alright. It was nice hearing from you."
"Yeah."
He hung up the phone and I went back to sleep.
It was morning now and I was on my way to work. My body felt stiff from sleeping on the couch. That was a big mistake. I didn't think my couch would be that uncomfortable to sleep on. Before I got to work I stopped by a crafting store to pick up some more ribbons and lace for the flowers.
"Good morning Ino."
"Morning, Sakura."
"I picked up some more ribbons and stuff for you just in case."
"You're so awesome! I was running low too."
We sat down together over at the desk and started working on the remaining flowers.
"You didn't call me last night. Is everything okay?"
"Oh, yeah. You were working so hard yesterday. I thought you would need your rest, ya know?"
"Nah. I was up pretty late anyways."
"Guess who called me last night…"
"Who?"
"Sasuke…"
"Sasuke!? I haven't seen or heard from that guy in forever. What did he want?"
"I don't even know. He just called. He was acting weird."
"Sasuke always acted weird." Ino laughed while she was preparing the banquets.
"I guess you're right. He's always acted weird. It's just odd he called. Everything just feels so weird lately."
"Don't over think it. You'll make yourself sick."
"Yeah you're right. What would I do without you Ino?" I leaned over and laid my head against her shoulder.
"You'd probably lost somewhere in the woods."
"Silly."
We spent the entire morning working on the orders that came in yesterday. When the afternoon came around, the people who ordered the banquets came to pick them up. Ino and I worked really hard on them. The banquets came out pretty nice.
Business was teeming today. The store was completely packed. There were about fifty more orders that came in today. I wonder what was going on for all these people to need flowers. Maybe some dates, dinner parties, or even a wedding. I didn't even think we had enough flowers to cover fifty orders, but Ino had everything under control.
Wedding... I always wondered what Naruto and I wedding would be like.
"You're crying."
"No I'm not." She pressed and ran her thumb against the bottom of my right eye. She lifted her thumb up to my face. Her thumb was wet. "I'm sorry…"
"You're thinking about him again aren't you?"
"Yeah I am…"
"It's okay Sakura. Everything's going to get better." Ino stood up and wrapped her arms around my shoulders.
I nodded and leaned back against Ino sinking into her hug a bit more. My body was melting away from her warmth. I couldn't ask for a better friend. She always knows what to say to me when I was in distressed or out of it.
"Thank you Ino. You're the best."
"I know." She giggled a little in a jokingly manner. "Tomorrow let's go out somewhere."
"Like where?"
"I dunno. Maybe let's go pick up some more seeds and get something to eat. There's some new seeds that just came in down at the garden store. I seen it in a newspaper at the grocery store."
"That should be fun." I always loved spending time with Ino outside of work. She always made everything so fun and enjoyable.
"Tomorrow let's meet up here around 10 a.m."
"Why so early?"
"I want to spend the entire day with you silly."
"What about the orders?"
"We can finish them up later on that night and the people can come for them the day after. They don't need them right away ya know."
"Alright then, tomorrow should be fun."
"Of course it will!"
"Well what are we supposed to do now?" Ino released me from her arms and she sat back down.
"I don't know, but I'll be right back. I'm going upstairs to get something." There was a staircase that led upstairs to Ino apartment in the back, where she kept a lot of the care products for the flowers. She disappeared in the back. As she walked into the back someone walked in. I could hear the footsteps against the floor.
"Hello. Welcome, how can I help you?"
"Yo."
I turned around. There was a familiar figure standing there with a pair of shades on. He was wearing a black suit. One of his hands was in his pocket and the other was dangling by his side. The male pulled off his shades.
"Sasuke?"
"What's up?"
"What are you doing here?"
"I said I was going to stop by."
"I didn't think it was going to be so soon."
"Well isn't this a lovely place." Sasuke went into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and placed it against his nose.
"Yeah it is. Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine; I just feel a sneeze coming on."
"O-Okay."
Sasuke started walking around the shop. It looked like he was looking for something. I could hear Ino coming down the stairs in the back. She walked to the front and plucked me in the back of my head.
"Who's that guy?"
"Sasuke. He came to stop by."
"Sasuke!?" Ino leaned in closer to me and started to whisper. "He's so handsome."
I laughed awkwardly not knowing what to say to that comment. I never was really attracted to Sasuke. He didn't really seem like the socialable type. Plus I always secretly had eyes for Naruto when I was younger. Ino on the other hand talked about Sasuke all the time when we were young. She acted like she was too cool to like a cool guy. The girls were crazy over Sasuke. I never really understood why.
Sasuke walked back over to us. He still had the handkerchief over his nose.
"Hey Ino."
"H-Hi Sasuke." Sasuke sported a charming smile at Ino before he looked over to me. I looked away awkwardly. "Well ladies I must get going now. I'll see you around soon. Hopefully I'll see you sooner Ino." He winked at her before he turned around and left.
"Well that was weird Ino."
"He's so charming."
"I guess. You're weird... We should close up for the day. I'm not feeling well."
"What's wrong?"
"Just a headache. I think I need to take a nap or something."
"Alright Sakura, I'll see you tomorrow. I can close up here, you just head home."
"Are you sure?"
'Positive. I'll see you tomorrow."
I got all my stuff together and walked home.
I met up with Ino at the shop at 10. The first place we headed too was the gardening store. This place was full of stuff that I didn't even know flowers would need. Taking care of a flower must feel like taking care of a small child or a puppy.
When we got to the store Ino's face lite up with joy. Once we got inside, she was running around the place like a little kid at an amusement park. Ino was so passionate about flowers and fashion. She was always trying to incorporate flowers into anything she wore.
"Oi, Sakura look! They have a flower shaped nozzle for a hose. Let's get it!"
"Ino-san, don't forget what we came here for."
"Oh yeah, seeds."
"You're so forgetful at times."
"Sorry, you know how I get when I come to this place."
"It's okay."
"I heard they have some seeds for fruits and vegetables now. Last time I came here they were sold out. Mmm, fresh fruit is the best."
"Everything is better fresh."
"I know, I know."
There's so many aisle in this store. It's so easy to get lost in here. I know I've gotten lost in here a few times before. It's like a giant maze. I stayed close to Ino. She knew her way around here the best. She knew where everything was.
We went over to the aisle with seeds in it. Ino started picking out the ones that she wanted. Most of the seeds she got were flowers. The others were fruits and veggies. She picked out at least five fruits and six veggie seeds.
Ino and I went out to lunch at this cute little diner. The food at this place was really good. I loved it. There's nothing better than good food. We both ordered a burger, fries, and a milkshake. While we were eating Ino brought up Sasuke.
"I really can't believe how handsome Sasuke is."
"Didn't always think he was handsome?"
"Yeah, that's true."
"I wonder if he'd go out on a date with me."
"Date with Sasuke? It's worth a try, but you haven't seen him in so long…"
"That's also true, but who doesn't like dates with cute guys."
"Hm, alright Ino."
We finished up our food and left the diner. We headed back to the shop. Ino didn't really officially open it up. Ino and I only went inside to finish the rest of the orders. By the time we finished the rest of the orders it was late.
"Hey Sakura, why don't you stay over tonight?"
"Sure."
"I have some pjs upstairs that you can wear."
"Awesome." I smiled at her.
She turned off the light downstairs and we headed up. The inside of Ino's apartment was so nice. It's was kinda classy, but not to classy. It was just perfect. I think it was better than that stupid apartment that I'm living in.
Ino and I walked into her room. She went into her dresser and threw me a shirt and some short. We changed into our sleeping wear and chilled out for the rest of the night. We laid down in her bed together. There were a few horror movies that came on TV that night. We checked them out. While we were watching one of the movies, Ino nudged my arm.
'Hey Sakura, what's Sasuke number?"
"His number?" I picked up my phone from the side of me and brought Sasuke's contact information up for Ino. She took down his number in her phone.
"Thank you! I want to text him and ask him out to a date."
"Oooh. I hope everything goes well." I laid my head against her shoulder.
Throughout the rest of the movie Ino was texting. She was probably texting Sasuke. I don't know what that girl sees in him. He's such a strange one, but I can't question another woman's taste in men.
We fell asleep watching one of the horror movies that was on TV.
"Goodmorning, Ino-san."
When I woke up this morning, I turned to my side, but Ino was nowhere in sight. I was assuming she was downstairs watering some of the flowers already. It was weird. Ino was usually still sleep when I awoke. I rolled out of bed and went downstairs. My eyes still felt heavy from just waking up. I grabbed my phone, but it was dead.
"What are you doing up so early Ino?" When I made it to the bottom of the stairs I stepped in something wet. I looked at the bottom of my foot and seen a thick red liquid. It must of ink. This wouldn't be the first time Ino spilled some ink on the floor. There wasn't enough of ink on my foot for me to freak. Ino would mix different colored ink into water and place roses in them to change their colors. She said the ink enhanced the flower's colors.
"You spill the ink again?" She didn't answer me. There was red ink all over the floor. I followed the trail of red. As I followed it, the puddles of red got bigger and bigger. I continued to follow the red trail until I seen her. Ino was lying on the floor covered in the red liquid.
"INO!" I rushed over to her and dropped to the floor. I rolled Ino over her back. There were holes in her chest and stomach area. The ink wasn't ink. It was blood. Ino's body was covered in blood. These holes were bullet wounds. My breathing pattern rapidly increased until I let out a heart wrenching scream. Tears quickly build up in my eyes and rushed down my cheek.
My body was shaking. I pressed my hands against her face. My hands were quivering so much I couldn't even get a good grip of her face. "INO! INO! INO! INO!" I continued to call out her name. She didn't respond. I refused to believe that she's gone. All of my tear drops were dropping on to her face and rolling off her cheek.
In Ino's hand, she was holding her cell. I grabbed the phone and started to dial 911. The blood from my hands smeared the phone's screen. My hands were trembling so bad, I could barely dial the number.
"911, What's your emergency?"
"Please help… She isn't breathing…"
"Where are you ma'am?"
"Y-Yamanaka flower's shop…"
"We're sending someone over."
I dropped the phone out of my hand. While I was reaching over to pick the phone back up, I noticed a piece of paper in Ino's hands. The paper was crumbled up. I opened up the paper and on the inside, there were some words. It said "You're taking him away from me. Now I'm taking her away from you." What does that even mean? "W-Who did this to you?"
I stayed hovered over Ino until the police and ambulance came. I was stuck and I couldn't move. I wouldn't move. My body was numb and my mind went blank. A police officer had to manually move me away from her while a few other officers zipped ino's body up in a body bag. The officers declared the shop as crime scene. All I could do was watch the black body bag Ino was in being driven away to the forensic lab.
One of the officers took me home. I was covered in blood. Everyone that was in the lobby was the complex was looking at me like I was crazy. The officer escorted me to my room. He told me that they would do their best to figure out who did this.
My stomach felt like it was going to explode. My mouth started watering. I ran to the bathroom and kicked the toilet lid up. Everything I ate yesterday was coming up. I felt so weak. Wiping the remaining saliva off of my mouth, I got into the shower. Ino's blood dried up on my skin. All I could think about at the moment was Ino's body lying there. Who would do something like that to Ino? She was such a good person. While the water was running down my body, I fell. I lost all the feeling in my knees. Tears started to pour out of my eyes. I rolled up into the fetal position while the hot water was falling down on me.
It was later on that day. I threw away the blood stained clothes I was wearing, but I kept the note I found in Ino's hand. At times like these where I needed someone I would call Ino, but she isn't here anymore. I lowered my head and clenched my fist up. Why is this happening to me? How am I supposed to call Ino's mom and dad and tell them what happened. What am I going to do?
I picked up my phone with shaky hands and dialed a number.
….
….
….
"Sakura?"
"Naruto…" I could hear myself whimpering like a puppy.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know what to do… Ino… Ino…"
"What about Ino?"
"Someone killed her… I-I came downstairs and she was covered in blood and I just…"
"WHAT?! I don't even know what to say. Who would do such a thing? I'm sorry Sakura-chan. I know this must be hard for you…"
"These are the times where I would call her, but I can't anymore." The tears started to build up in my eyes again.
"I'm here for you… I know things are bad between us right now, but I'm here."
"T-Thank you…"
Naruto and I didn't talk for long. I couldn't bare to hear his voice any longer. It just saddened me just thinking about everything that's going on right now.
It was late at night when my phone started ringing. I took a quick look at screen. It was Sasuke. I wonder what he was calling for. He probably heard about Ino. I answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey Sakura… I heard about Ino. I'm sorry to hear about what happened to Ino. I just saw the story on the news."
"It's so hard. I feel like I just lost a giant piece of my heart. She was talking about going on a date with you." I laughed sadly. "She had a reforming crush."
"I know, I know. I give you my best wishes. I would have loved to spend some time with her. It's sad that I couldn't of." Sasuke paused for a moment. "Maybe you should go see Naruto in the morning. I heard that he's leaving for rehab tomorrow."
"Really? He did mention it too me when I spoke with him earlier."
"Oh yes, he's leaving tomorrow."
"I guess I'll go see him then…"
"That's good. I guess I'll speak with you later. Bye bye."
"Bye…"
It was the next day after I found Ino. I walked over to Naruto's house to see him before he left for rehab. I wonder why he didn't mention it to me while we were on the phone. Maybe it's because I have so much on my mind already with Ino being gone and all. I just feel so lost without her. My body doesn't feel the same and my mind is just so clouded.
I was in front of Naruto's door. I gently knocked on the door, rang the doorbell a few times, and lowered my head. The door opened up. I could hear it.
"H-Hey… I just wanted to come by and say good luck with rehab and I wanted to talk to you about Ino. You're the only other person that really knew her like I did. I want to embrace her memory with someone."
"Oi? Do you want me to get Naruto?" A female voice? I lifted my head to see a female standing there with a long baggy shirt on. My eyes widened. An uncontrollable angry came over me. Naruto came walking out the back scratching his head and yawning. On the table in the living room I could see white pills and baggies of powder.
"Sakura-chan? His eyes widened when he looked over to the female standing in the door. "Who are you?! And what are you doing in my house?!"
I shoved the girl over to the side and walked up to Naruto. Lifting my hand up to Naruto's face, I smacked him as hard as I could.
"What was that for?!"
"WHO THE FUCK IS SHE AND WHAT IS THIS SHIT?" I pointed over to the table in the living room.
"Sakura listen to me, I don't know who she is or how she got in my house. Those aren't my pills. Those aren't my drugs. I promise. Please calm down."
"CALM DOWN? CALM DOWN? YOU LIED TO ME. YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU DON'T KNOW WHO SHE IS?" I smacked him once more "DO YOU THINK I'M FUCKING STUPID!? AND REHAB? YOU LYING PIECE OF SHIT… ALL YOU DO IT LIE TO ME!"
"Sakura please, listen to me! I don't know what's going on. I don't know her."
"You really think I'm stupid, huh? You think because I love you I'll fall for your stupid tricks?"
"Sakura please, I want to help you. I want to help us. I honestly don't know what's going on. I swear you."
"You want to help me? YOU WANT TO HELP? YOU CAN'T EVEN HELP YOURSELF! YOU KNOW HOW YOU CAN HELP ME? YOU STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME NARUTO! DON'T TRY TO COME NEAR ME! DON'T EVEN SPEAK MY FUCKING NAME!" I walked into the living room and kicked over the table before I walked out. "My boyfriend's a drug addict and my best friend is dead. I have no one, no one. "My voice softened.
"Sakura wait!" Before Naruto had the chance to come after I stormed out. I was trying my best to hold back these tears. I was tired of crying. I'm just so tired. What is this life that I'm living? What am I doing with my life?