Hopefully I am forgiven...?

Rin: These people have been waiting for you to get on with the story for at least a year, A YEAR!

Daddy'sPoetryAngel: *head slumped* I'm sorry...

Rin: You should be.

*sigh* I'm still sorry for the extremely long wait! And I hope it's not too much when I say maybe a month until the next few chapters? School is coming up and I've been in my head in summer assignments! Then volleyball is coming!... Oh goodness so much to do still... But I haven't lost my vision in this story.

Disclaimer: Do not own.

Chapter 11

School Hasn't Changed

Sango was still in a tight mood when they dropped Tsu off. Rin decided to break the ice and tried at small talk, "So how long has Miroku been living with you?"

Sango didn't even flinch at the question. "He's been there for 5 months..." Her eyes were narrowed slightly like she was being reminded of something that didn't suit well with her. She quickly shook it off and tried to put on an encouraging smile for Rin. Rin was only left to squirm in her seat uncomfortably, she had another question though, actually she had a ton of questions. Before she could open her mouth to ask her second question, the car stopped and Sango shifted her Mercedes into park.

Sango sat there for a moment and turned toward Rin, her face completely serious that it made Rin forget her earlier question. Sango took a deep breath and in her eyes Rin could see a war waging. She had known that look and she put a hand on Sango's shoulder and gave her a small soft smile. It was enough to convince Sango to say her next words, "Rin, before we get into the school grounds, I want you to know how absolutely sorry I am for your loss... I've had troubles with my parents-well actually I still am having troubles with them, but I don't know what I'd do without them. I know you had difficulties as well, because I've been there, I am there. I just don't want you to feel like you're alone and like you have to go through this alone. I'm going to be right here okay? Even if you don't want me there, I'm going to keep nagging you until you let me in and so that I can help. Okay?" Sango's words were true in every sense and they really shot home. Rin felt tears prick at her eyes but she pushed them back and nodded at Sango, too afraid to voice out words that would certainly make her break down.

Sango breathed a sigh of relief and gave Rin a small pat on the shoulder, "Good, now let's get inside before that bell rings." Rin smiled and for once she felt hope shimmer inside her body for today. They headed toward the double doors entrance to the school and were met with whispers from the students. Rin's head instantly dropped and she let her soft bangs hide her eyes away from all the students that stared at her. That didn't mean she could hide her ears, the students only whispered to the people around them but one voice was able to come out loud and clear, "Yeah, I heard her parents were drunk and they lost control of the wheel. What a pity!" That made Rin's eyes sting but she suddenly she felt the girl beside her tense up.

Before Rin could lift her head to see what was wrong with Sango she heard her speak in a calm even voice, "Kagura. You want to talk about parents? Your mommy and daddy are off in Vegas and just send you money to get by. Don't try to deny it, I heard you talking on the phone with your mom during your bathroom break, because you needed money to buy some stilettos to go out clubbing. Oh, and don't let me forget that you just HAD to have your assets done by then as well." Sango gave her a smirk as she turned a deep shade of red. Rin could only stare at Sango in awe, she could have never stood up to Kagura the way she had and she felt... Grateful.

Sango came back and quickly linked her arm around Rin's and gave Kagura a tiny wave before stepping into the cafeteria. Once the doors shut behind them they could hear the students talking loudly about Kagura's body and parents. No longer were they interested in Rin's story about her parents car accident and Rin was glad. All in all, school was still the same, with all their gossiping and secrets that could never be secrets before somebody's mouth slipped. Rin and Sango quickly got in line for breakfast, Sango settled for a red apple and orange juice while Rin grabbed a milk and muffin. They waited for the line to move along when Sango's phone suddenly went off, she looked at the caller id and her cocky face turned into a soft scowl, yes a soft scowl, only Sango could pull it off. She hesitated before answering. "Yeah? What's wrong?" Rin stepped forward to pay the lunch lady for her breakfast, she smiled kindly at her and waved away the money she was trying to give her. Sango bumped Rin's hip softly with hers so that they could move the line along faster because students were starting to get a little grumpy. Rin moved out of the way as Sango paid for her breakfast and said irritatingly in the phone, "Look I don't have the patience to listen to you yap about you're sales and how I need to keep up with the business. I'm doing as hard as I can under the circumstances-" Sango must have been cut off because she wasn't done with her sentence as she paused.

They took a seat in the middle of the cafeteria, at a round table that held seven chairs all around. Rin let my eyes wander outside to where her usual spot was in the corner with a tree to keep her shaded from the heat of the sun. Rin was just sitting there with Sango when suddenly she felt a pair of eyes staring at her (You know that chill down your back? Yeah, exactly like that), unconsciously she ran a hand over her long black hair to let it fall down and cover her face and eyes. She just realized that Sango was now deathly quiet, and turned her head in Sango's direction.

Sango was staring straight ahead but something in her posture looked deflated, defeated. Rin bit her lip nervously and gently tapped Sango on the hand that was poised over her red apple. Sango's gaze snapped to Rin's worried face and she tried to give her a reassuring smile but it didn't look right. Rin swallowed as Sango replied into the receiver, "Yes, I see." Slight pause. "WHAT?" Rin flinched in her rise of volume and quickly retracted her hand. Sango continued as if nothing happened, "Put him on the phone, right now." Rin looked around the cafeteria to see if anyone else had heard Sango's outburst. A few heads had turned but they continued to eat as if this was an everyday occurrence. Rin bit her lip again as Sango seethed into the phone, "You idiot! What were you thinking?" Pause. "That's right, you weren't thinking! Don't give me any of those endearing words! I don't want to hear it! Are you even listening to me?" Sango paused again, in which Rin was suddenly wondering if the person on the other line could feel the heat of her anger. Whoever it was seemed to be getting Sango worked up and to make it final Sango bit harshly into her red apple. Rin wasn't sure what to do as she looked for some kind of, escape? Well at least from Sango's anger, she didn't look like a force to reckoned with at the moment. Right as Rin got up and began to turn she collided with a strong chest. The person grunted and she glanced up shyly, an apology already on the tip of her tongue, when she saw who it was her voice died.

Sesshomaru raised a delicate brow in question but Rin was still immobile, unsure of what he was doing here and why she couldn't bring herself to say anything. A throat was cleared and they both looked to where it came from. Sango waved sheepishly, her phone put away back into her pocket. "Sesshomaru! It's good to see you back again. I never did get to tell you that, the week has been pretty hectic." Sango gave a tentative smile, her earlier frustration completely vanished. Sesshomaru gave a slight nod of indication and slid into the seat beside Rin's. Rin look back toward the way that she was going to go, the exit, and instead sat down as well. The table was silent with each person glancing at one another uncertainly, Sesshomaru was acting as if this was the most normal thing in the world however.

Rin decided to break the ice, "What did you mean by 'back again'?" Her question was directed to Sango.

Sango looked at Sesshomaru first and then back at Rin. "Well Sesshomaru and Inuyasha aren't exactly "new students", they used to live here a while back and moved when Sesshomaru started his Sophomore year and Inuyasha his Freshman year. Sesshomaru here is a freaking genius and he knows it. Just by looking at Inuyasha you would think he got the lower half, er no offense to Inuyasha of course, but he's actually pretty smart if you hit the right buttons. He has a huge heart if I do say so myself, he just doesn't know how to use it properly." Sango smirked and nodded her head so that Rin and Sesshomaru would look behind them. What a scene to behold, Inuyasha and Kagome. Only, it looked to be that they were in some sort of spar with Kagome shooting him a skeptical look with a raised brow. Inuyasha looking extra cocky and yet his fingers were twiddling nervously behind his back. Rin giggled softly at Inuyasha's silly antics and hid her smile behind her hand.

Sesshomaru watched his little brother with a bored expression, inside he was smiling at the way this girl seemed to be immune to Inuyasha's every sly comment. He supposed he could come to like this girl in the future, when she came over at least he wouldn't despise another one of Inuyasha's guests. He frowned and wondered how Rin was holding up in her new home with Miroku.

Ever since he had been introduced by Inuyasha to the family he had always had an odd vibe. His suspicions served correct when they went out to dinner and he had watched as Miroku gave the perky waitress a smooth smile, showing his perfect pearly whites, then gave said woman a pat on her bottom. Never in Sesshomaru's lifetime would he have thought that, that was a way to treat a lady, but by the end of the day he had gotten her number and a date for next Saturday. To say that Sesshomaru was stunned was an understatement but of course nobody would ever have thought he was.

Rin looked over at Sango seeing that Sesshomaru was lost in deep thought, "Why does Inuyasha have to be so... Um cocky?" Rin didn't understand why anyone had to be so cocky and have a huge ego for a girl to like them. Can't they see that a girl likes a guy who is there for them and treats them as their equal? Rin glanced back over at Inuyasha and Kagome, Inuyasha was saying something that made Kagome narrow her eyes and put her hands on her hips, that was never a good sign.

Turning back around just as Sango said, "Well Inuysha-" Her words were cut short from Sesshomaru's sharp tone.

"He has his reasons." Rin felt her lips tighten at how sharp and stern his sentence was. She nodded her head and chastised herself for asking about it. Sango's mouth was open still in a silent o form and she quickly recovered, giving Rin an apologetic look. Rin hoped her eyes said that it was okay but Sango's gaze was turned when an annoyed Kagome plopped in the seat next to her. Rin looked back to where Kagome had come from and saw that Inuyasha was no longer there. "Inuyasha doesn't seem to understand the appropriate approach to a young lady. I apologize for his... Behavior." Sesshomaru's words made Rin look at him in surprise. Why was he apologizing for Inuyasha?

Rin's question was outspoken in a different form. "You don't have to apologize for him." Kagome's voice was soft but had strength behind it. Rin just knew Kagome wasn't one to get angry easily but somehow Inuyasha was able to knock down her smooth image. Rin didn't say this aloud but she could just see the wheels turning slowly in her head, they must not have known each other those years that they were here so Rin hadn't been alone in the introductions of them at least.

Kagome didn't say anything else but instead chose to study the far clock on the opposite wall, the bell rang throughout the cafeteria for class to begin. Everyone picked up their books and began to head their way. Kagome and Sango gave Rin a pat on the shoulder and told her to have a good day. "Meet me outside the gym, I have volleyball practice and then we'll leave, if you have anything to do after school text me." Sango wrote on Rin's hand in blue pen and then, with Kagome, left down the opposite hallway to her technology class. Which left Rin and Sesshomaru to stand in the sea of students.

Rin smiled shyly, "I suppose you don't need my help getting around since you already know the school fairly well." Rin licked her lips nervously and wondered why Sesshomaru wasn't moving to leave her. He just stared at her and made Rin's insides swish in an amazing way that she wished time would just stop. That the students around them would stop brushing against her and grunting out to move out of the way.

The second bell was about to ring and Rin wasn't one for tardiness. "I have most of the same classes as you do, and I would have thought you would want some company. If you wish for me to leave you, then that is fine as well." Sesshomaru blinked when he felt something in him slump at the thought of not being wanted. He believed that after all that he had been through with Rin that perhaps she would have understood that he truly liked her. Maybe that wasn't the case though, in fact, she may not like him in that way at all. Rin could have only needed somebody to comfort her when she was feeling sad and he was there for her to lean on.

Rin tilted her head wondering if Sesshomaru had heard her. At this rate they were both going to be late and she didn't want to miss English, they were going to go in depth with Romeo and Juliet. She didn't have time for Sesshomaru's musings, without thinking Rin grabbed hold of his hand, and strode down the hallway toward the room. They entered just as the bell rang, Rin quickly guided Sesshomaru to her table and sat down in her regular seat. Sesshomaru, to Rin's relief, sat down next to her as well.

Mr. Gito turned around from the white board and gave his class a genuine smile, "Let's begin."

Sesshomaru was acting unusually distant but he was still following her. Rin found out that they had 1st, 4th, then they would meet up with Sango and Kagome to have lunch, and 8th period with her. He was always outside the door waiting for her after the conclusion of her every class. They only walked together and nothing else but ever since she left for her 2nd period class he's just been devoid of everything going on around them. Maybe he just felt responsible for her in some way or even worse... Uncomfortable. Rin's nose curled slightly, as if she had smelled something horrible, he couldn't possibly be uncomfortable around her if he kept meeting up with her after every class period.

Suddenly Rin felt a new body join her and Sesshomaru to their last class of the day together, 8th period. The scent of strong perfume and desperation was enough to inform Rin of just who it was. "Oh! Rin dear! I just had to catch up with you to inform you of an upcoming party we're having this weekend! I hope you and your friend here can make it." Kagura made sure to coat sugary sweetness into that last sentence and give a wink in Sesshomaru's direction. It was obvious that their earlier encounter was well forgotten on Kagura. Before Rin could refuse she shoved the paper in her hands, and stealthily made her way to the lab to hand out more flyers and pep talk.

Looking down at the paper that was forced into her hands she saw that in green and pink neon colors it read, Kagura Bash and Smash! You don't want to miss the band or the swimming! It'll be SpEcTaCuLaR! Rin grimaced at the letters in spectacular, they reminded her much of the time when Kagura handed out party flyers to everyone in her class last year, making it a point to leave her out. That same word had been the first thing that popped out at her when students waved their paper in the air, happy about being invited to an exclusive party. It was Kagura's trademark word when printing and making announcements in school. Rin sighed out and took her lab seat waiting for Ms. Kaede to calm the students down.

Sesshomaru made no word as he promptly sat down next to her as well. "Students! Everyone settle down this instant." The voices in the room became hushed and everyone quickly took their appropriate seats. Kagura made her way behind Rin to sit next to her best friend Kikyou. Those two were always making jokes about Rin but somehow Rin believed today would be different because of the new presence in the classroom.

Ms. Kaede wrote formulas on the white board and you could hear the clinking of glasses being moved and dangerous liquid being swished around in bottles. Rin counted herself lucky that Kagura hadn't tried anything as life threatening as pouring some sort of substance down Rin's shirt or hair. Instead of thinking about Kagura, Rin began mixing her substances carefully together and putting the heat at a perfect temperature. She then began to reach out for the last bottle that Sesshomaru should have mixed together without looking. Rin's hand found a bottle that looked just like the substance that was supposed to be used and was about to mix it in when a hand shot out, snatching the bottle right out of her grasp. Unsure of what just happened Rin blinked in confusion and it dawned on her when she heard a snicker from behind her. Sesshomaru's deep voice rang out from beside her, "That Rin, was not the substance that I set there a moment ago. My apologies, there was a mix up but if I have anything to do with it, there won't be another mistake, I promise you." Rin bit her lip and heard a soft gasp behind her, Rin gave Sesshomaru a soft 'Thank You' smile. He shrugged nonchalantly and gave her the correct bottle of substance that she then mixed in with hers. They made their conclusions on the lab and in no time the bell rang for the ending of the day. Kagura was sure to give Rin a dirty look before she exited the room. Rin never understood why Kagura had to be such a stick in the mud for her and Rin didn't know why she couldn't ignore her. Kagura was just plain mean but there was a time when she was nice, something over the summer had completely changed Kagura in the worst way. That was all in the past though, and she couldn't change whatever it was that had happened. So she walked out of the room with Sesshomaru closely behind, not once questioning her destination.

Rin stopped at the outside of the gym and sat down on the curve of the street. Sesshomaru took a seat as well and brought out a water bottle to drink. "So how come you've been so quiet?" Rin asked tentatively.

At Rin's question Sesshomaru pulled down his eyebrows but otherwise gave no indication that he knew what she was talking about. He ran the question through his mind, wondering if he was supposed to have done something with the time he had spent with her. Realizing that he still hadn't said anything he tried a different approach. "Why have you not been talking to me?" He smirked inside when she blinked in surprise and opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say.

Looking away from Sesshomaru, Rin decided he was toying with her mind. He wasn't giving her a direct answer and was answering a question with a question. Rin's eyes brightened, well if he wanted to play that way then fine. "I would talk if you'd give me a reason to talk. Which leads me to my earlier question, how come you've been so quiet?" Rin saw him crumble slightly, knowing that she wasn't about to let her earlier question go.

Sesshomaru gave a small grunt and said, "It is not that I didn't want to speak to you. It was just that I had nothing to say." Something else was said quietly but Rin couldn't hear because the doors to the gym opened and girls talking over others drowned out Sesshomaru's words. Rin did catch the sight of her friend Sango and waved her over, hoping that Sango was able to see her as well.

Sango was in a bright mood and when she saw Rin she had a skip in her walk as she made her way to her and Sesshomaru. Without any warning she grabbed Rin's arms and pulled her up into a standing position and did a little jiggle. Rin looked uncertain but that didn't waver Sango's mood in the least bit. She was in high spirits and nothing or anybody could bring her down.

Rin just let Sango do her thing until she caught sight of a bruised face Kagura. Without even knowing it Rin had sucked in a sharp breath. Sango looked at her in confusion and followed her gaze to Kagura. Rin had never seen anything like that on Kagura, she looked so much out of place with the other perfect, flawless girls. Turning back to Sango she saw her raise her eyebrows and grin like she had just seen Santa Clause who was going to give her every present she wished for. The smile on Rin's face just couldn't help but come out, Sango and her did a small jiggle together. They didn't notice that pair of narrowed eyes that burned with fury.

End of Chapter 11 ^.^ hopefully it was good enough for you all and I'm working on making things work in my next chapter hopefully it'll be just as long as this one or maybe longer. I want to thank all of those who have been loyal and reading and reviewing my story! It's always a delight to read your reviews! ^.^ *Hugs to all!*