Stitching the Gaps

Change-Exchange

I did my homework at the school's library and then finish the rest at home in my bed room. Unless I finished at school, I help okaa san with dinner. I didn't participate in any school activities unless its group work in Japanese, science, and P.E. My outer clothing line never change. I'll wear long skirts, flat shoes, and long sleeve tops. Sometimes light jackets whenever I am wearing short sleeve blouses.

I don't like attention. I hate talking to a large group and sharing my opinion about any matter. I distance myself from people. I space myself to not bump into anyone in the halls or streets.

I'm a nervous wreck. My father gives me some talks. As well as my mother and little sister. They try to comfort me in any way. I love them for that.

People's eyes wondering around sticks on me. I may be imagining things. But I feel discomfort and weak. I know they can see marks. I pray to find a cream to remove this horrible stains on my body.

Deep down, I know there is nothing to clear them. I can't stand looking at the mirror at myself when I'm naked or wearing my underwear. It's like I'm back in middle school.

After being discharged from the hospital, I took baths with my mother. My sister fused how she wanted to bath with us. We repeatedly asked mother and she gave in. In the bathroom, Hanabi hopped in the tub first.

I stepped in the tub with my back facing her.

She didn't scream. Or called mother. Or father. Nor did she ask me questions. All she did was hugged me as I turned to her. At that time, I was fine with my body.

"You're my hero nee chan." She sighed. I didn't know what she meant by that but I treasured her so much. I smiled and wrapped my wee arms around her. Mother came in and smiled at us.

Hanabi is older now and still see me as I was before. She never gave me fearful eyes like the girls did in the middle school locker room. Hanabi gossips and tease me like any other sister would do. Mother never told me to change my appearance for others like my middle school P.E teacher. As a kid, I wore baggy clothes like sweats and sweaters. Always have a scarf to cover my neck.

I usual watch romantic dramas with my sister. We would say how it would be dreamy to hold hands and kiss a guy like in t.v shows. I'm a dreamer too. To have someone dear to you tells you how pretty you are. Make stupid jokes. Share stories. Someone who gives you spine shivers and stomach tangles. Until this day, I'm curious. Most times I laugh at myself.

Kiba casually pats my back or press his hand on my back. I know he distance himself from me at times because I'll jump from his touch. And I bet he's freaked out by it.

Neji, older cousin of mine, sometimes holds my hand. But he doesn't count. He's family.

Naruto always grab hold of me into tight hugs in a brotherly fashion. Ino would sometimes sandwich me with a bear hug. But they are my friends.

I mean. I hoped for a miracle. At least to have a normal high school life. Get away from middle school nightmares and faces.

I'm grateful to have Naruto, Ino, Sasuke, Kiba, and the other as friends. I still crave for romance. Maybe I watch and read too much fiction.

"Hey." I peeked up from my book and squeaked. Hiding my face in the pages.

"Gomen..."

"You have to stop spacing out. This is the fifth time." I shut the book and looked down at the table.

"I-I was thinking."

"Talking back now?" His dark brows raised. I bit my lip. My parents taught me better about talking back. I shook my head.

"Hn. You're no fun." Huh?

"Sasuke, can you help this kid with his homework? He's on aisle B." Kurenai popped her head behind the book shelve. Sasuke rolled his eyes. He looks at me.

"Hinata should help the kid." No! Kurenai giggled and left.

"I-I can't!" I argued. I flipped through my journal to check through my notes. The journal closed and huge hands held mine. I quickly pulled away.

"You owe me." He hovered the table to whisper. I giggled. His threats amuse me in every way.

"Um... Another...drink." I shrugged. His eyes widen.

"Someone likes martinis?" My cheeks warmed. I touched them to keep them cool. Pretty much, I like how it tasted. The way he makes them. Even though it does have it bitter taste but the after taste is wonderful. I can't believe I missed out on this. This teen life.

"Shut up." I said.

"I'mma make you wasted just because." He warned. That gave me shivers.

In a good way, I hope. Most of the time, he makes me crave more life. He literally opened doors for me to fit in his circle. Is it bad to drink? Definingly.

That day, after Sasuke helped the freshman, we exchanged numbers. In my room, I stared at the bold letters on my phone that reads his whole name. My thumb ached to text him. I would faint if I pressed the call button. That's too soon. Very too soon.

My stomach turned into knots.

Because...

Uchiha Sasuke: This is Naruto and I'm hacking Sasuke's phone. How's it going Hinata? How come you didn't give me your number but to this ass hole?

I don't know what fueled my flames. Naruto wanting my number too or how Sasuke it the first person in school to get my number. Even Kiba don't have my number. Only Neji and Uchiha Sasuke.

I texted back.

Me: Gomen. You can have it if you want.

Unknown: Store my number in your phone! NOW! NOW! Now!

Unknown: Hey! It's Ino. :DDD Since when you had a phone?! Save my number!

Ugh. It's one or the other. I felt so lonely for a long time. I believe I won't find any friends in high school. My phone contact was only filled with family. But...

Uchiha Sasuke: Sorry about that.

I smiled to myself.

Me: It's okay.

I waited patiently. I'm not sure how this texting thing works with friends. I rarely text Hanabi.

He took too long so I replied to Ino and Naruto's messages that kept on coming. My room was filled with laughter. Ino and Naruto were hilarious. They talked about each other and personal funny stories. Naruto told me how he spilled soup on his pet fox. I told him I would love to see the animal. I never saw a fox up close. Naruto said no problem. Ino mentioned about summer vacation. That's in two months. Yeah school is flying.

By the time I took a shower and dressed up for bed, I checked my phone.

Uchiha Sasuke: Better be.

I curled up.

Before I could text him shut up he texted.

Uchiha Sasuke: Don't tell me to shut up either

Sasuke. I do remember the time at the hospital. When I first met you, I thought you were interesting. I felt like was had something in common in the hospital. As I was marked with scars almost everywhere, other children were bald, had runny nose or eyes, couldn't see or speak, and rolled with a wheelchair. But you, with that scar vertically marking your chest gave me hope. Unlike the other kids, I felt like I found a friend that can relate to me.

Even though you were quite scary at first, but you open up. Years flew by and you're still the same. It takes time for you to get comfortable with others. Like the time we met. And as we met again, it's like everything restarted.

I smiled. I texted him back. And we went from there.

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A/N:

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