Redemption In Your Eyes

Reservations

The bed sheet was pulled taught in her clenched hands. Itachi paced the floor of their tiny bedroom. He was talking quickly and tapping his fingers on crossed arms. Aster watched in silence, her ears filled with ringing. How can I even begin?

"I can't even imagine how I will break this mission to Sasuke," he sighed.

The hospital bed was stiff and provided no comfort. Part of her wished she had just stayed home. Perhaps it was a mistake or bad dream. Although Aster had been expecting it, the creak of the door as Sakura entered the exam room made her flinch. Their eyes met.

Worry filled Itachi's eyes. Aster stared blankly. "I don't have a gentle way to inform him. I should just say it bluntly then?"

Sakura smiled with uncertainty. "It's good news."

Aster sighed heavily, relief washing over her. "Oh thank God."

"When do you plan on telling him?"

Suddenly confused and starting to feel sick, she look at the other girl quizzically. "Tell him what? I'm fortunate enough that if you keep this off my medical records, this will stay between us."

Realization dawned on Sakura. Aster had misinterpreted her. Their ideas of good news were not the same.

He was pacing faster, his feet thudding across the floor. "I need to be the one to tell him. I can't put this off and let someone else do it for me."

Panic contorted the pink hairs girl's features. "Aster, don't you understand?"

Aster froze, knowing what was coming but hiding in denial.

"You're pregnant."

That was when the world fell from under her. Her hands and feet went numb and her heart beat against her ribs as if trying to escape. The room went black and cold surrounded her.

"I wonder if it would help to have you there. Maybe he will handle the news better with someone he trusts nearby?" Itachi came to a halt and scowled at the ceiling.

Opening her eyes slowly, Aster was taken aback to Sakura's face and the feel of her brushing her bangs away from her face. She had been so cold a moment ago, and now she felt fevered.

"You're lucky I was here when you fainted." Concern colored Sakura's tone. "Maybe we should admit you?"

"No, please." Aster's breathing was labored with fear. "I can't be admitted. I can't be pregnant. I'm a ninja, not a housewife."

Sakura looked confused. "I think some women are both. And you are definitely pregnant. Almost 2 months along- you'll start showing soon."

Her mouth went dry. "Maybe I could... make another choice?" She took a deep breath. "Maybe things could end quietly?"

The other girl slumped, sadness taking over.

He was still rambling, about what she could only imagine. I wonder how he will feel about this. His back was to her now and she took a moment to appreciate his silhouette.

"If that's what you want, then fine." Biting her lip, Sakura tried to hide the tears she felt welling up.

And then Aster began to sob. Her cries were quiet, but came from her chest. "I can't do that, I just can't!"

Sakura wrapped her arms around her. "Then don't. This is a good thing; most people are happy to receive this news."

Enraged suddenly, Aster pushed her off. "Well then I suppose I'm not most people."