A/N: Heeeellloooo guys (: I dedicate this story to i_am_mochi because I just love her/his story Love rivals! You guys should really read it, it's great. Sorry if it took a long time, I just wasn't in a writing mood.

I ran as if my life depended on it. My legs felt like twigs, ready to snap at any second. Even though my body was aching in pain, aching for food, for water, I did not give up. My feet squished in the mud beneath my feet. I had to keep going, I had to get away. I would not, could not, let them win. My clothes stuck to my body due to perspiration. I hiked to the top of a hill and collapsed, gasping for air. Once I stopped gasping, I surveyed my surroundings.

Giant pines surrounded the grassy hill, climbing so high they seemed to swallow me. A small amount of light came through the greenery, casting an eerie glow. I hear the birds chirping and squirrels scampering around. I'm in the forest near Konoha High. It's not the biggest forest but is definitely large. My mind started to feel slightly fuzzy as if I wasn't totally awake. I blinked my eyes open. I had almost fallen asleep. I wobbled to my feet and tried to contain the desire to throw up. I tried to wrack my brain for the reason I was here.

My eyes widened when the memory came back. My knees buckled and I fell down onto the soft earth. The memory had hit me like a tidal wave, causing me to start gasping for air again.

-Flashback-

I was running down the sidewalk, after a horrible day of school. Karin had stalked up to our table at lunch and poured her carton of milk over my head. Gaara had gotten pissed and had slapped her. Neji and Sasuke didn't help me stop Gaara's rampage and Naruto only seemed to rile Gaara up further by swearing at Karin.

The reason I was running was because Karin had obviously been angry. But instead of taking it out on Gaara, she, of course, took it out on me. She convinced her fanboys that whoever could capture me first got a date with her. And them, being dumb fools, agreed.

I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, making me faster than usual. I could almost feel them behind me. I continued running until I came in contact with the woods. I ran in there, not sparing a thought. They, being idiots, followed me. I didn't stop running, even when my eyes started to fog, even when my throat felt raw and on fire, even when my legs started to tremble. I didn't stop until they gave up.

-End Flashback-

So now here I was, basically lost. I have no idea how far I have gone ino the woods. For all I know I could be miles in. And since I don't have food or water, my chance of survival has decreased.

"Who was the "Smart" person who ran into the woods in the first place?"

"You shut your damn face."

"I don't have a face, idiot."

"I thought I got rid of you..."

"Whatever, admit it, you like me. I'm growing on you."

"Like a damn tumor."

I sigh, running a hand through my pink hair. I pull a hair band off my wrist and tie my hair up in a high ponytail. I shiver, gripping my arms. My outfit, luckily, is warmer than if I had been any other girl from my school. I hoist my bag up and start walking into the dense woods. I know it's probably dumb to walk into the woods near dark, but I really don't want to be stuck here for a night. Father would most likely be angry. I wonder if he would even care?

No, he probably doesn't care. Why would anyone care about me? Why do the guys at school care? I have nothing to give them. My father only cared if there was something to gain. So what do they gain out of being my friends?

The sun sets, making the last bit of light blink out. A calming aura of peace settles into the now silent forest. I continue hiking until I'm too tired to move. I collapse underneath a willow tree, the branches surrounding me. They were like arms, trying to protect me from the slight breeze. I curl up in the fetal position and wrap my arms around my knees. I pull the hair band out, allowing my hair to cover my upper half like a blanket.

I start to cry. I try to stop but realize something. What's the point? Who cares if I cry? Certainly not my father.

"He doesn't even care if I die," I think bitterly.

"Naruto, Gaara, Kiba, Neji, and Sasuke care," whispers a small voice in the back of my mind.

I smile, despite the tears, at the thought. Maybe that voice is right. Maybe God has finally seen my suffering and decided to give me a helping hand. Or maybe I discovered this on my own. Maybe this is the chance I've been waiting for.

I stand up, despite my body screaming at me to lay back down. I grab my bag and start walking again. I have to do this. I have to prove to myself that I'm strong enough to face this. I don't stop walking, not even looking at my surroundings. Just staring ahead, waiting until I don't see endless darkness.

I know I'm back on the road when I see the bright neon glow of a street light. I grin happily. I did it! It may not seem like a big deal, but it was one of the many challenges I have to face. I overcame my weakness. I continue walking until I reach my home and look around for my Father's car. I scan the whole area and see it nowhere. He must be out drinking.

I walk inside my house and run straight to the kitchen. I grab a bottle of water and gulp it down. Water dribbles down my chin, so I wipe it away with my left hand. The water went faster than I thought, so I hurry to the fridge. For once I don't give a damn what my father thinks when he gets home. I'm so hungry I would probably murder him if it meant food. I pull out eggs and bacon. I make myself some scrambled eggs and bacon and chow down. I clean up my mess, not even afraid of the consequences.

With a full stomach, I went upstairs and got into some light green pajama pants and a green tank top. I ran to the bathroom and brushed out the leaves, sticks, and grass sticking out. I brushed my teeth and cleaned the dirt off my face. I feel mud caked in my hair, but was too tired to care. I'd shower in the morning. I tiredly walked back to my bed and set my alarm. I snuggled up in my quilt, appreciating the warmth it provided.

I looked up at the ceiling. All my life I had been waiting for someone to come save me from this hell. I had never even considered that I could save myself. Now I know I can. I don't have the strength to do it yet, but my new goal is quite clear. I will save myself from my father, I will stand up for myself at school. I'm done. I'm sick of being weak.

I drift to sleep, satisfied with my decision. I hope I'm still like this tomorrow. Who knows when I'll need that determination.

To be continued.........