The morning was gloomy and grey. The dark rain clouds that hovered over the sky added even more sadness to the girl that was already filled with despair. "Are you ready to sit back down, Rukia?" An older male asked. His voice was deep and stern, but also calm and gentle. "N-no." was the only words she knew how to say tears ran down her face. Her older brother could only watch her stand in front of the coffin, struck with grief. The tremendous amount of sadness in his eyes was concealed because of his rather intimidating demeanor. "I'll never be ready! I don't want to leave you Hisana!" All Rukia could feel was a combination of anger, sadness, and even confusion It felt like chains were keeping her bound to the sight and weights came crushing down on her. She could only cry and sob in a heart wrenching grief. "Rukia, you need to sit back down." Byakuya said gently as he placed his hand on her shoulder. He watched as his little sister-in-law sobbed over the loss. She turned around, facing him. Her purple eyes covered with tears he could only watch as he opened his arms to her and she immediately fell into his embrace, crying even more. This was the first time he had ever shown a public display of affection to his younger sister-in-law, who he almost considered like a daughter. "I wish it could've been different!" She cried out everyone else who accompanied them could only watch with tears also falling. He felt her tears fall on him and the sight broke him however he did not show it. "I know." He spoke softly. He held his little sister in his arms as he wiped away the tears that fell from her eyes. Each tear falling faster than the one before. The young girl had cried so much that she felt herself becoming physically weak. The sobs slowly stopped. However, tears still came out. Rukia didn't feel a single thing. She no longer felt the heart crushing pain, but she also did not feel peace or any type of comfort. She felt nothing absolutely nothing. She could only lay in her older brother's embrace a little longer hoping to feel some type of feeling, but at that current moment all she felt was numb. She watched as her brother took off the sage scarf he had kept on him and placed it in the coffin. "My beloved, one day I will be with you again." He spoke softly as he gave one last kiss to his precious wife. Rukia used every ounce of strength left within her and walked back to her seat and sat down while her older brother stood next to the coffin which held her older sister. Rukia couldn't even watch as the coffin was then sealed shut. The moment it had been sealed shut was the moment she realized it was over. Hearing it closing and being locked broke her heart all over again.
Her older sister's life had ended. She realized she would never walk downstairs every morning and see her sister sitting down in her usual spot, she would never again get to spend time with her sister doing their usual girly things, which was watching all their favorite romantic movies while wearing home-made facial masks and giving each other at home manicures. She would miss all their talks and even their bickering. All of those daily things she realized she had taken for granted had ended. But what hit Rukia the hardest was that she would never get to share all of her life milestones with her older sister. Her sister was the only family she had and the closet thing to a mother and it killed her how her sister would never get to be a part of things such as her graduation, or hear about the moment she was proposed to, she would also not see the moment Rukia would walk down the aisle, and she would never meet her future children. It was all over and she couldn't understand why of all people, why the only family she had. Byakuya and the other men of his family then proceeded to lifting the closed coffin out of the parlor. Everyone walked behind them. She watched as the men all walked down the steps and watched as the coffin was placed into the hearse. She and her older brother watched as the car slowly drove off.
2 Months Later
"Rukia, it's time to wake up. We have a long day ahead of us." The deep and calm voice of her brother directed sternly from the other side of the bedroom door. The young girl who was now awoken by the noise of the door being knocked from the outside of her bedroom could only force herself to get up, still being half asleep. "Okay, brother." She yawned in her groggy and very sleepy morning voice. She felt the sun's rays coming in from the window right next to her bed hitting her eye thus fully waking her up. She turned to face the photo that stood in its sliver frame. "Good morning, Hisana." The teenager smiled bitter sweetly to the photo. She then got out of her comfortable bed while grabbing her purple iPhone 11 and proceeded to the washroom down the hallway. She connected her phone to the Bluetooth speaker that was built into her washrooms mirror and opened her Apple Music app and played "Good Days" by SZA. As the song began, the upbeat and feel good lyrics helped to motivate the girl into getting ready. She brushed her teeth as she sang along. She danced around for a few moments more and then proceeded with spitting out the now foamy minty toothpaste. She then wrapped her fingers around the gold handle bar opening the grey drawer attached to the sleek vanity. She grabbed her favorite face wash, a citrus infused face exfoliant. Rukia then placed her hands under the warm running water to wet her face and then applied the face wash, scrubbing it in a circular motion. Afterwards, she then rinsed her face off and applied a facial lotion. She brushed and styled her short black hair. After that, she then disconnected her phone and proceeded to her bedroom. It was mostly empty. The only things that filled the space were her mattress and all of her belongings packed into boxes. Rukia felt a great deal of enthusiasm about the move. However, she also felt anxious about starting school the following day.
Byakuya decided that a new house would be ideal. A new and fresh beginning would be a good way to cope with the loss of Hisana. Also allowing Rukia the chance to be around peers her age instead of being home schooled would help cope with the heartbreaking loss of her older sister. So he had purchased a new home that was out in more tranquil surroundings He had also decided it was time to leave the city. Of course, nothing could ever fill the void that was left behind, but this was the most effective way he could come up with to deal with the sudden changes. It was not too far from his work however travel was not a worry since he also has the option of taking a private jet wherever and whenever he chooses. Rukia then proceeded with getting dressed. She changed out of her pajamas and into a pair of black leggings with a grey oversized hoodie paired a white spaghetti strap top underneath and also a slipped on a pair of black vans besides it would be a road trip and she wanted to be comfortable. "Rukia, let's go. The movers will be here soon." Her brother said as he opened her door and walked in. "Go gather your belongings." He ordered. He watched as the first thing she grabbed was her picture and placed it in her bag gently and then grabbed her clothes and placed those into her duffel bag which was packed with clothes she would wear while waiting on everything else that was already being shipped out to the new house. She grabbed her things and flung the duffel bag across her shoulder. Leaving the bedroom door open. She walked down the hallway, the walls painted with a light grey and the hardwood floors being a rich ebony shade. She then walked down the spiral staircase. Which lead her to the main living area of the massive apartment. She would really miss waking up every morning and coming downstairs and looking at the view of the city from the floor to celling windows that wrapped around the entire living area. After all, she spent most of her life in this building. The summer sun that shined through the large windows brought a brightness to the space. She noticed her brother standing in front of the window looking at the view while being on a phone call.
""Mr.Kuchiki my apologies for disrupting you during your work, I believe the movers are here. Would you like me to let them in?" The young maid spoke in a gentle and hesitant voice as she walked into the living area. She was no younger than being in her mid twenty's She was petite but not as small as Rukia. Her long black hair styled in a low ponytail with her curtain bangs framing her face, she had green eyes, and wore a simple pale blue A-line dress with a white apron tied around her waist and neutral tone flats. "Yes Nemu, you may allow them in show them to the living area." Byakuya instructed to her as he placed his free hand over the phone to let her know. "Yes Sir, I will get straight to that right away." She bowed with respect as she hurried off to do what she was instructed to. With Hisanna no longer around, a maid was needed. Byakuya was occupying himself in work much more, and Rukia would be busy with school and studies so a maid would help take some stress off. Rukia watched as the movers walked alongside Nemu. She watched as she instructed them on what was being packed and delivered to the new house. Rukia watched as the two men walked into the elevator that was attached to the apartment carrying boxes and lifting furniture. "Do not bother with packing that box, I will be the one carrying that myself." Byakuya instructed sternly. The box read the name of his beloved wife Hisana Rukia gave her brother a look of sympathy. Rukia couldn't believe that it had been two months since her older sisters passing. Being that most of the boxes had already been shipped out, not a lot was left. It was only big pieces of furniture from the living room. With each trip that the two movers took to and from the elevator, the living room slowly became empty until nothing was left. "Rukia, are you ready?" Byakuya asked. "Yes brother, I'm ready, I'm just going to make sure I left nothing behind." She smiled. Truthfully, she was going upstairs in her bedroom one last time. She walked up the spiral stairs and proceeded into her room. Everything was empty. It felt so weird considering she would have never imagined leaving it. She walked into her closet and opened the door to find where her and her older sister had both written their names in permanent marker when they all moved in for the first time. She placed her finger tips over the signatures. "No, I will not cry anymore." She thought to herself as she stopped her tears. She grabbed her phone and took a picture of written names before getting up to go back down the stairs.
"I'm ready. Let's go." Rukia smiled to her brother as she made her way to him. She looked back at the empty apartment just as her and her brother stepped into the elevator. "Nemu, if you'd like, you're more than welcome to ride with me and Byakuya instead." Rukia offered politely. "Thank you! But no worries, I have some last minute errands to run, Mr.Kuchiki set up transportation for me." She replied warmly. Byakuya held the button on the elevator that kept the doors from shutting. "Nemu, be sure you send me your location once your car has arrived, so I can ensure your arrival." Byakuya instructed as he lifted his finger from the metal button. "Yes sir! I promise." She smiled warmly to him.
"See you soon!" Rukia smiled as the elevator door closed. "Are you looking forward to the move? I'm positive your excited about enrolling in high school." Byakuya asked his little sister-in-law attempting to make conversation. "Yeah! I'm really excited!" She grinned it felt so good knowing she could be around people her age especially with everything that has gone on in her life. The elevator then lead them to the private parking garage that was attached to the apartment. The trunk to the black Mercedes G-wagon opened and Rukia placed her duffel bag inside the trunk and then closed it. Rukia got in the car at the same time as her older brother did. Both fastened their seat belts. She watched as he drove out of the parking garage and turned onto the busy morning streets. She connected her Bluetooth earphones to her IPhone. Rukia started to make herself comfortable.
She rested her cheek on her hand, her elbow was placed onto the door of the car as she stared out the window. the song in my head by Ariana Grande was playing on her music streaming app as she stared outside the window. The two were no longer in the city. They had gotten out of the city some time ago. It had been no longer than three hours of being in the car. Rukia stared at the trees outside and the clear afternoon sky. She quietly hummed the lyrics to the song. She wondered how much longer until they would be there. She wasn't even sure what this new place looked like. "Brother? When will we be there?" Rukia asked as she placed her phone on the charging pad. "Within the next hour, why do you ask?" Byakuya replied as he adjusted the car's ac. "Just curious, I'm excited to see the new house!" Rukia replied with a grin to him as she put away her headphones. Seeing the young girl so enthusiastic about the move gave Byakuya reassurance that moving was the right choice after all one of his final conversations with his beloved Hisana was that he would not only protect Rukia but he would do everything within his power to ensure her happiness. Not a single moment went by each day where flashbacks of their conversations weren't playing in his mind. "You will enjoy it a great deal, you're fairly close to town, therefore you will have different things to do." Byakuya said as he tapped the buttons on the car's screen that showed him the navigation.
The car ride continued. Rukia passed the remaining time of the car ride that was left by listening to the wide variety of music she had saved on her phone and by watching episodes of her latest anime series, binges. Her latest favorite being Sailor Moon Crystal. She was two episodes in her show and she noticed her brother getting off the exit. Rukia paused her show and looked outside the window again. The once empty road led the two into town. She looked around as she noticed the town. It was quite similar to the city however it felt much more comfortable and smaller. All the buildings seemed to have that old charm that Rukia loved so much. Everything seemed to be much slower paced here. Even the traffic lights. The car came to a stop at the intersection. Rukia looked at everyone that walked down the streets. An instant smile appeared on her face. It was much different here. Everyone seemed to be so much more down to earth. She watched as a group of young girls walked out of a boutique and watched as different adults sat in front of the cafes and restaurants dinning and drinking. She also watched how people walked up and down the sidewalks walking with their pets and small children. "Aw! Brother, look at the puppy! Can we please get a puppy too!" Rukia beamed as she pointed to the golden retriever that was crossing the crosswalk with its owner. "The animal is endearing indeed, however the answer to your question is no. I do not feel like taking care of one, nor do I feel like cleaning up after one. They shed and do other grotesque things." Byakuya answered his sister coldly and with little to no enthusiasm while making his turn at the green light. "You really need to lighten up!" Rukia moped as she crossed her arms. Byakuya was too focused on getting to the destination that he was paying no attention to the teenagers sudden attitude.
Soon enough, they drove through a neighborhood. All the houses being grand and all the greenery being neatly trimmed and kept up with. Each house was elaborate however all the houses had their own unique character. Rukia couldn't help but to be in awe as she admired all the homes. Finally, the two reach the end of the street. The car stopped in front of black and gold iron gates. "Wow, is this place our house?" Rukia asked in shock. She watched as her brother punched in numbers at the gates code box and soon enough the massive gates opened. The home couldn't even be considered a home it almost looked like a castle. The white brick driveway contrasted perfectly with the home's exterior color. It was a light cream color with a grey roof. The entire front and backyard all fenced in with iron fencing and covered with neatly trimmed tall hedges for extra privacy.
In the center of the driveway there was a rather large marble water fountain. Besides the fountain were two stone benches positioned across from each other. There was also more greenery around the fountain and trees trimmed in spiral shapes. Rukia looked in awe at the beautifully detailed windows. There was even a guest house and a very large garage. Rukia watched as her brother put the car in park. Feeling relieved that the long car ride was finally over she nearly jumped out swinging the door open at full speed. "Wow! This place is amazing!" She cheered as she ran up the marble steps that lead to the giant doors. Rukia couldn't contain her excitement and tried opening the large doors however the doors were locked. Her brother walked up beside her and placed the gold key in the lock and turned it. The doors opened to reveal a grand foyer with two marble stairs with iron and gold railing. A massive chandelier with teardrop crystals hung from the cathedral length ceiling. Rukia looked up and around in amazement at the sight. The white marble floors paired together perfectly with the cream painted walls. "This is stunning!" Rukia beamed. "I am pleased that it is to your liking." Byakuya gave a small smile he hadn't seen the girl this happy in ages. "Wow! Is this the living room!" Rukia exclaimed as she ran towards the giant formal living area. It was painted the same color as the grand hall.Rather than marble floors being exposed, the floor was covered with a white carpet. Intricately designed crown molding wrapped around the entire living area. The living area also had floor to celling windows decorated with champagne colored curtains and drapes. Yet another giant chandelier also hung on the celling which was painted with what seemed to be something that resembled an oil painting of clouds and a blue sky. "This is so awesome! I can't believe we're going to be living here!" Rukia turned to her brother and cheered she ran towards the french doors which opened up to stone stairs that lead to the backyard.
There was a beautiful swimming pool area decorated with exotic trees, bushes, and flowers of all kinds and even a water slide and a hot tub. It also showed a giant stone waterfall that was attached to the pool. "This is insane!" She cried out with exhilaration as her smile went from ear to ear. "I'm going to go look around." Rukia said to her brother. She smiled as she opened the doors. She stopped to admire the view. Rukia then walked down the white stone steps that had more neatly trimmed bushes at each of the sides. She wanted to see more of the pool area since she already knew that would be where she would spend most of her time. She walked down the pathway some more and saw everything up close. She looked around the pool area some more. Her eyes then landed on another set of glass doors that lead to the bottom level of the house. It seemed to be a fully furnished basement.
Wanting to continue her house exploring adventure, she walked in. She was greeted with an arcade room with different pinball machines. All the pinball machines being lined up next to each-other. In the center of the room stood a pool table. There was also a flat screen television with a long L shaped leather couch in front of it with the matching table in-between the couch and television. It probably belonged to the previous owners, as her brother did not care for things like that. As wonderful as the house was, Rukia wondered why such a huge house was needed for only two people. She walked down the finished basement hallway, which had three different doors. Two across and one at the end. She opened the door to the left which revealed a large workout room it had different equipment and machines. The room also had large windows which showed a view of the backyard landscape. "Definitely not going to be in here." Rukia jokingly said to herself as she walked out of that room and opened the door across. It was a wine room she noticed all the expensive bottles her brother collected over the years already filled the entire room it was dim and not much was in the room except for the bottles and shelving units. Unamused by it, her curiosity turned to the door at the end of the hallway. She opened it and it revealed an even larger theater room, much bigger than the one she had already had in her old apartment. The walls were decorated with an elegant red velvet wallpaper, the floors were black and decorated with track lighting. It looked like an actual theater, the room of course had black recliner seating. There was also a snack bar and popcorn machine and even a soda fountain. Rukia suddenly felt her excitement fade. She realized she didn't know anyone it would be very boring to do things on her own. Exhausted by her house exploring, she realized it was time to find her brother so he could inform her which bedroom would be hers.
Just when she was about to look for the stairs she assumed would be in the basement, she noticed an elevator at the end of the basement. "Man, my brother really went above and beyond with his house hunting." Rukia said to herself as she pressed the button and then watched as the door opened. She then pressed the button that lead to the main levels hallway. Byakuya heard the noise of the elevator door opening and noticed his little sister walking out of it. "Brother, I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, but I forgot to ask where my bedroom is." Rukia informed her brother. Byakuya looked to her. "Follow me." He instructed.
Rukia watched as boxes were brought into the house as the two walked towards the stairs in the foyer. "We're going to have a-lot to unpack. In a house this huge, it could easily take almost a month." Rukia was not looking forward to all the unpacking. "Mr.Kuchiki, which room would you like me to organize first?" A female voice asked while quickly rushing into the foyer the sound of her shoes tapping was heard as she quickly walked in. It was Nemu she had just arrived."Also, this is a beautiful home you have Mr.Kuchiki, I wouldn't expect anything less from you." Nemu giggled as she looked around at the extravagant house. Noticing that her employer was occupied with other things. She decided she would not bother him. "I can see you are occupied, just let me know what needs to be done when you are free." Nemu smiled as she watched the two walk up the stairs.
Rukia followed her brother up the stairs. The hallway also had the same marble floors as the foyer and was decorated with white archways. She looked around at all the fine details. She watched as her brother stopped at the door that was at the very end of the hallway. "Come in, take a look." He said as he stepped aside from the door, allowing his sister to open it. "Oh, my." was all Rukia could say as she walked in. It was not too large, nor was it too small. It was the perfect amount of space. The room was painted a lavender shade and crown molding wrapped throughout the edges of the celling. She noticed her furniture from the former apartment had already been assembled. The thing that caught her eye the most however was the closet. "It's a walk-in closet!" She beamed as she ran in. It seemed to be perfect. "I love it!" She smiled. "I was certain you'd be fond of this room." Byakuya smiled to her. "Its amazing!" She beamed. "I will be heading back down. Begin unboxing your belongings." He ordered as he walked out.
Rukia watched as he closed the door behind. She connected her headphones to her phone and begin unpacking some boxes. The afternoon turned into evening. Rukia had unpacked most of her things.
The movers had brought the last of the boxes into the house. The day was filled with arranging things and unpacking things and moving a bunch of stuff around. Rukia laid on her bed feeling drained. She stood in bed reading her favorite manga Maid Sama. "Rukia, my apologies for disrupting you, but dinner is waiting for you downstairs I ordered takeout." Rukia was surprised as Nemu opened the door. "Oh! Thanks for telling me, I'll be down now." Rukia smiled as she placed the manga on her bed and walked down the dimly lit hallway. She walked down the grand stair case and made her way into the kitchen. "Nemu where is my brother?" Rukia asked as she noticed her brother was nowhere to be found. "Mr.Kuchiki said he was feeling tired, He headed upstairs in his bedroom to sleep." Nemu explained as she cleaned up the empty plate. "He also wished that I would inform you tomorrow is your first of day of starting school. Be sure your bag is packed, I've prepared your school uniform." Nemu smiled. "Thanks! However, I could've gotten my own clothes you didn't need to do all that." Rukia said with a slight embarrassment. "No worries!" Nemu smiled. Rukia sat for a few minutes more and decided that she was full. All the unpacking made her way too tired to do anything. She watched as Nemu finished up cleaning of her own. Rukia then cleaned up her empty dish and made her way back upstairs. She opened the door which lead into her bedroom. She was way too tired to do her night time routine. The most she could do was open her duffel bag and throw on an oversized t-shirt and a pair of sleeping shorts. She took the photo out of the bag and placed it on the pile of boxes that stood next to her bed just before getting in bed. She turned off her bedroom light.
"Good night, Hisana." Rukia said quietly, while holding the photo. "Tomorrow I'm starting real school, I wonder if it's going to be like the school's we always used to see on tv." Rukia spoke to the photo, hoping that somehow and someway her beloved sister could hear. Deep down Rukia knew she couldn't, but this was the only thing that made her feel like her sister was still around. "I-I really miss you, it's not the same without you around." Rukia felt tears gently fall from her face. She did not realize her brother was standing from the other side of the door. Byakuya decided he would check to see if Rukia was asleep before sleeping himself. However upon realizing she was still up he decided instead of walking in he knew she would prefer to be alone. Watching Rukia cry brought a saddened and sympathetic feeling for his little sister-in-law upon him, especially because Rukia was in an age where an older female figure was needed. He knew that nothing he could say would help her at the moment. Instead he walked away and proceeded to his bedroom he felt guilty for not being able to help and comfort his younger sister-in-law. Rukia had felt as if someone was listening in on her. She then turned she saw door was shut. She laid back down placed the photo back down on it's original spot. She could not help but wonder what her high school experience would be like. Would she make new friends? Or would people see her as odd or strange? Would she even enjoy real school? All these thoughts and questions filled her mind. "I can't worry about this I gotta get some sleep" Rukia thought to herself. She closed her eyes and soon enough fell asleep.