A Cherry Blossom - The Necklace

Chapter 16

I woke up the next morning after a dreamless sleep. I stretched in the bed, remembering that I fell asleep in Link's arms. He must have carried me to my bed, and I smiled while blushing from the thought. I looked around, not seeing anyone else in the room, but the sun was very bright from it being early in the morning; about eight o'clock. I caught a glance of something on the nightstand next to my bed, and picked up the folded note:

Sakura,

We'll be outside near the log shelter when you wake up. See you then.

Link

I lost my smile, and folded the paper back up. It was now the moment of truth for how Link really felt. If he was going to say the words that I wanted to hear, it had to be now. Last night, he only said that he liked me the way I was, but that definitely didn't mean that he liked me that way. I really hoped that he didn't think of me as only a best friend, because that is what I've gathered in these last few days.

There was only one way to find out, I guess. I hopped out of bed, and quickly brushed my hair so that it wasn't a bird's nest, and slipped into my new boots. I noticed that Anju laid out a new dress for me on the bed, one that looked just like my old pink one, but was white with pink lace on the ends of the arms, bottom train, and on the neck hole that sparkled in the sunlight. I put it on quickly after I realized it was there, and threw my pink and purple dress off to the side, never to be seen again.

I took off down the stairs, grabbing my satchel, bow, and quiver. I saw that the dress from when I first came to Termina was folded neatly into the bag along with my old flats. Anju must have known we were leaving today, and made all of the necessary preparations for me. I thanked her in my heart again, because I knew that she was with Kafei on their honeymoon right now. I would miss her.

I ran out of the inn for the last time, and sprinted to the southern gate of town. Everyone that was here yesterday was now gone, and it seemed really empty now. But I kept going, because I was ready for him to confess. Just thinking about it made me run faster and giggle.

I finally came up to the southern gate, and skidded to a halt. I turned around slowly, looking at every single feature that Clock Town had, from the tall wall to the clock tower. I knew that this was the last time I would ever see it again, and I nodded with a smile before twirling back around and out into Termina Field.

Link was talking to Skull Kid, who was talking to him as well. He didn't have that demonic mask anymore, which made me so relieved. I walked over, the wind blowing my hair and my dress off to the side, and Tatl dinged near Link to have him look at me. I smiled as I came up, folding my hands behind my back. "Hey," I said.

"Hi," Link replied, staring in awe before he blinked. "Uh, good morning. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded. "Thank you for putting me to bed." I smiled at him sweetly, then turned to Skull Kid, who looked away in shame as soon as I did. "Hello, Skull Kid. I don't think we've been properly introduced." I crouched, and he looked back into my eyes. "I'm Sakura."

"Yes," he nodded. "I know." He looked down then.

I knew why he was so embarrassed, and looked down myself, "Skull Kid, it's all right now. I forgive you for what you've done, because it was out of your control. And I know how lonely you must have felt for not having any friends." I found his small wooden hand, and smiled wider. "But if it's okay with you, can I become your friend too?"

His small lights for eyes became brighter. "You...you really mean it? Even after what I've done to you?"

I nodded. "Of course. It wasn't your fault, Skull Kid. I understand that what you did was because you were so broken when your friends left that you let out your anger on others. But that won't happen anymore, right?"