Sakura Blossoms - SasuSaku

Chapter 2

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Sakura

The next morning Sakura is still buzzing from the concert last night. Mulling over the setlist and stage decoration, seeing what might work better if she tweaked things this way or that. Her mind is always consumed with performing, song writing, dancing, and anything else related to her music career. How could she not be in love with her life?

Sakura's train of thought is interrupted by her cell phone ringing, she can't help but tap her toe to the pop beat of her ringtone before answering. She looked down at the screen and saw her moms name pop up.

"What's up mom? How is dad doing?" Sakura asked excitedly. "I miss you guys so much and can't wait until the tour is over so I can visit!"

She was met with apprehensive silence on the other end of the line.

"Mama? Is something wrong?" Sakura said in a more hurried voice.

Sakura's mother finally answered after what seemed like several minutes but Sakura was sure it was only a few seconds

"It's your father," she clipped out. "His illness has progressed and he is declining at a very rapid rate. I think it would be best for you to come home and prepare yourself for goodbyes."

The room started to cave in, her clothes immediately felt too tight and she felt like she was suffocating.

"I'll be on the next flight to Konoha mom," Sakura said, her voice shaking. "Please tell dad I love him so much."

Her mom hesitated but said "Okay honey. I know this is very hard for you. We will be there for eachother through this. Please be safe in your travels. I love you, my superstar."

"I love you too mama." Sakura chirped back in the happiest voice she could muster before ending the call and falling to the floor in tears.

She knew her dad was really sick. She knew this was a possibility. But she wasn't ready to lose her dad. The man who made her strong and told the best jokes and made the best supreme pizza. Her dad might die and she can't do anything but cry about it. Feelings of dread and sorrow sliced through her as she picked herself up off the floor and grabbed her phone. She had to call Kurenai and explain the news about her dad, and break it to her that she will be leaving in the middle of her tour. She unlocked the screen and found Kurenai's contact and hit call.

"What's up my little popstar?" Kurenai cooed on the other end of the line.

"Oh hi Kurenai, hope I'm not interrupting anything." Sakura said with dread in her gut. "I have to tell you something."

"Go ahead Sakura, what's got your pants in a twist?' Kurenai said jokingly.

"My mom just called to let me know my dads condition has worsened and I need to come home and prepare myself for goodbyes. I am leaving tonight and I need you to postpone all tour dates and functions until further notice. I know this is unprecedented and a lot to put on your plate, but my family comes first." Sakura said it all in one breath, like if she didn't say it fast enough she wouldn't be able to get it out.

Silence on the line. Not a good sign.

Kurenai finally spoke "Sakura, this is honestly a disaster and will be a PR nightmare, but I understand." She continued, "Go to your family and be with your dad. I will handle everything on the business end until you are ready to come back."

"Thank you for understanding Kurenai, I seriously don't know what I'd do without you!" Sakura said, relieved.

"It's always been a pleasure working for you, Sakura." Kurenai said cheerfully. "I hope to see you soon and well wishes to your father. Talk to you later, bye!" and then she hung up.

Sakura stared down at the phone in her hands. Feelings of pain and regret rush over her at the realization that her fans will be disappointed. I've let my fans down by leaving, she thought, but I have to be there for my family no matter the cost.

And with that she set off to pack her bags and hop on the next flight to Konoha.