Chapter 3: Surprise Party

A few weeks had gone by and the final bell rang for the end of the day as we all packed up our belongings to leave. "Students before you leave, please note there will be no class tomorrow. So please enjoy your weekend," Lady Kaede announced quickly. "Miss Rin, if you could please stay after class. I would like to talk to you privately." I wonder what Lady Kaede has to say to me? She hasn't pulled me aside like this since the first year I attended Shikon Academy and I know I haven't done anything wrong either.

Before Shiori walked out, she turned to me and said, "Rin, I'll meet you near the senior parking lot in an hour."

"Of course. Actually! Could you meet me at the main office, please? We need to pick up a notice that we'll be coming back late tonight." The group and myself were all going out to celebrate my birthday a few days early.

"Sure," she smiled brightly. Shiori has been coming out of her shell a little bit everyday. She was very grateful for that. Her parents were happy about that as well. "I'll see you in a bit."

After everyone left I walked over to Lady Kaede's desk. "Is everything okay, Lady Kaede?"

"Of course dear. I just wanted to give you something. I know it's your birthday in a few days and I have a gift for you." I watched her walk over to the closet by her desk.

"Oh! Lady Kaede, you didn't have to do that." She's too kind.

"It's no problem my dear." I watched her pull out a long rectangular box, wrapped in shiny Japanese wrapping paper. The paper was white with pink and gold magnolia prints. "Here you are dear." She handed it over to me, "go ahead and open it. I want to see your reaction."

I ripped open the paper and pulled off the lid to find an elegant kimono inside. The colors were ombré from a maroonish red to pale pink, "Lady Kaede, this…it's so pretty." I pulled it out to get a better look at it. The material fell all the way to the floor. It was very silky. It was much longer than I thought. "It's so beautiful. It reminds me of one my mother owned." The thought of that memory is kind of sad. I wasn't able to save it as my aunt threw it away because it had one little hole in the armpit. I could have fixed it myself.

"I'm glad you love it dear. Now, go and enjoy your evening with your friends. Please be safe, since you're going out to celebrate," she kindly said.

"I'll be sure to be safe, Lady Kaede," I bowed to her and gave her a hug. "You have an amazing weekend and I'll see you on Monday."

"That I will dear." I waved goodbye and walked out of her classroom. "Before I head over and meet everyone, I need to change my clothes and drop my stuff off in my dorm." I texted the group that I was going to get a quick shower and that I'll meet up with them within an hour. Once in my dorm and before I jumped into the shower, I opened up my closet, looked at the options of clothes before me, all designed by Izayoi. After I looked for a few minutes, I decided on a casual mori girl style. I love this type of fashion since it has an earthy inspiration. I pulled out a sheer rosy floor length dress with tiny dusty rose prints all over it. The dress had a cream tone material underneath. I had the perfect flats to go with it.

After my shower, getting dressed, styling my hair in a loose updown, with large curls and putting on my meido bracelet, I went out and headed for the main office. I was about to walk inside when the loud speaker went off.

Ding ding

"Students, classes are cancelled for tomorrow. So please enjoy your three day weekend. Also! Curfew has been extended till midnight. Remember to be back on campus and into your dorms at the proper time. If you plan to stay out later, please come to the main office to get a late pass notice," Mrs. Midoriko announced.

That's awesome! What a great way to start out my birthday weekend. I went inside and got myself a late pass notice anyways. Since we were going to the city to celebrate, we would be coming back super late.

After I got my pass, I headed for the senior parking lot. "Everyone should be there waiting right now." I was almost there when a bright white light shot in front of me. I had a feeling who this might be. "Eh, human girl. Hear me now! You'll break up with my cousin Sesshomaru immediately, or I'll make your life a living hell. He deserves better than a low life human like yourself," Koto addressed disgustingly.

I raised an eyebrow to her and crossed my arms under my breast, "uhh, no! Sesshomaru and I have a strong bond that cannot be broken. I don't know if you were informed of him and I? But we are mated and our connection is sealed permanently." I pulled back my hair to show her my neck. I let go of my hair as I told her, "so if you don't mind, I'm supposed to meet up with my friends." Everyday she's been coming at me and scolding me and I do my best to stand clear of her.

As I walked around her, "you are nothing but a witch who casted a spell upon my cousin. You should have been sent to live with your incarcerated family's family. Just so you know, when you two get married, I'll make sure it's the worst day for you." Koto walked off and headed back towards campus.

"That won't happen," I whispered to myself. "Sesshomaru will make sure of that." I'll let him know what she said tomorrow night when he picks me up. Thinking about him makes me excited to know what his plans are going to be. I know he can feel my happiness to see him tomorrow.

I finally arrived at the senior parking lot where everyone was waiting. "Hey Rin, we decided to travel in Koharu's car. It will fit us all. Is that okay?" Kohaku asked.

"Sure, that's fine. I'll give you some money for gas, Koharu," I said as I was about to pull out my wallet.

Koharu stopped me very quickly by grabbing my hand. "Rin, don't worry about it. Now let's head out before it gets too late and before traffic becomes a nightmare," she said cheerfully. "By the way I love your outfit, Rin. Is it one of Izayoi's designs?"

"Thank you! Yes, it's one of her latest designs. So what do we want to do in the city?" I asked as we all gathered into the car.

"Not sure, let's look up some fun things for teens," Kohaku suggested. We all pulled out our phones, except Koharu. She can't be distracted while driving.

I looked up some things that could be of interest and I think I found something we all could do. It would be free for all of us. "Hey! Maybe we can enjoy walking around the city?" It's going to be a beautiful evening. "Plus, we would be saving a lot of money."

"I agree with Rin," Koharu agreed. "Wait, isn't there a festival going on this week?" Koharu asked as she turned down the two lane highway.

"Oh right! There is one and I think it's the same one like every year," Kohaku addressed.

"Festival? I don't think I've ever been to this one before?" Shiori explained. Aww, we'll make sure she has a good old time.

"It's a lot of fun, Shiori. The first time I went with everyone we all went to the museum. It was that same day I was paired with Sesshomaru, which started out as a friend date." That day was very amazing and special. It was that same day he kissed me. A memory I'll never forget. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach again. I loved to replay that day in my head, that I lost count how many times I thought of it.

"Is that when you both started dating?" Shiori wondered.

"Not quite. We didn't actually start dating till he asked me to be his girlfriend a day after my sixteenth birthday. So in four more days it will be three years." I can't believe it's almost been three years since Sesshomaru asked me to be his girlfriend. How I wish he could celebrate with us tonight. Even Inuyasha, Kagome, and their son Kenji. As well as Sango, Miroku, plus their daughters Kin'u and Gyokuto.

"Four days? Wow!" Shiori was shocked.

"Yeah, it's hard to believe," I said cheerfully.

"I remember that day, Rin! We all had that feeling that something special would happen to you and Sesshomaru. It was cute the way he held you after you fell asleep in his arms on the way back that night," Koharu explained.

"Haha, yeah. I didn't know I had fallen asleep until I woke up in the elevators in his arms, but it was still at that time I was not speaking." Oh how I wished I could have then. At least he got to hear my laugh.

We arrived within the city in just under an hour. Surprisingly we didn't hit much traffic because it was a Thursday afternoon. We parked in a parking garage a few blocks from the river. "We made perfect timing. Thanks to Koharu's driving," Kohaku said out loud for the whole parking deck to echo.

"What do I say, I have a lead foot, haha." I had to join in their laughter and totally agree. Koharu does have a lead foot.

"Hey guys, we should find a place to eat for dinner. Any suggestions?" I asked as we walked down the stairs to exit into the city.

"Hmm, we'll think of something along the way. Do you all want to visit the park near the river and check out the festival or the museum?" Koharu asked us all.

"I would like to see the festival. I've only been to the ones near my home. So this will be a different experience to see how others celebrate," Shiori explained.

"You'll have fun Shiori! I promise." She'll enjoy the city one a lot more with us.

"Rin is right. We always have fun coming here. If Inuyasha and Miroku were here, we usually would find something to do and show off, haha." Kohaku is still the same way he was back when I first met him in ninth grade.

"Kohaku, you better not show off tonight and save it for the weekend."

"Yes, Koharu. Besides, Inuyasha doesn't have time to show off since he's a dad. Same with Miroku. I can't believe they'll be having new babies next year. I think they're due around the same time."

"Nah, they both showed off by jumping into the river finding out they were going to be dads again," Kohaku informed her.

We didn't say anything else about that as we finally made it to the festival. It was in full swing and everyone was dressed in normal day clothes while others were dressed in festival day kimonos, male haori and yukatas. "Wow! it's so huge!" I turned to see Shiori and her purple eyes were all lit up.

"Yeah, this festival is pretty popular for it being the end of summer. Come, let's check out the stands and see what they are selling." I pulled Shiori by the hand and all of us headed down the sidewalk. Vendors were selling sweet desserts of cakes, candy and other stuff that wasn't food. I wasn't planning on buying anything this time.

"It's getting too crowded for me, anyone for the park?" Kohaku asked. I had to agree with him. I wasn't big on crowded places, especially crowded outdoor events. We all came to the same agreement and headed a block to the park.

We were a few minutes away and I could smell a cookout going on. Not sure what it was, but it smelled great. "Something smells really good."

"Mmh, something does smell good, Rin. Man I could go for a nice juicy steak just about now. What about you girls?" Kohaku asked.

"I'm not much on steak, but chicken yes," Shiori informed him.

"Kohaku did you forget I'm not much on red meat?" Koharu reminded him.

"Haha, ops. Sorry dear." I had to join in with their laughter. Kohaku slowed his pace and got behind me while Shiori and Koharu got on both sides of me. They both took my hand then Kohaku shielded my eyes. "Sorry Rin, but we had to do this."

"What's going on?" I was confused at what they were doing.

"You'll see here soon," Koharu said in my left ear.

The smell of the bbq was getting stronger and it dawned on me, "are you guys throwing me a surprise cookout party?"

"Haha, just wait and see," Kohaku was laughing very hard behind me. We all walked about another hundred feet when we came to a dead stop as the smell of food got to its strongest point. The girls let go of my hands and Kohaku removed his hands from my eyes. I kept my eyes closed until he said, "okay Rin, you can open your eyes."

I did as he said and was shocked to see a party for me here at the park. "Surprise!" They all screamed.

I covered my mouth as I was speechless. I've never had a surprise party before and this was something I was not expecting. The most amazing surprise was seeing Sesshomaru here. He was at my side fast and engulfed my lips to his, "surprised my little lavender?"

"Yes, was this your idea?" I hugged him as I was all too happy to see him. I haven't seen him in weeks, "I missed you."

"No, it was Izayoi's idea." His clawed hands ran through the back of my raven hair, "I missed you too, everyday."

Forgetting that there were others around us, I got pulled away by Izayoi pretty fast. "Now it's my chance to steal the almost birthday girl. Oh! Rin, you are wearing the dress I was hoping you would wear. The color suits you well my darling goddaughter."

"Haha, I had a feeling you would be happy if I wore your latest design. It's good to see you again Izayoi and you too Toga." He finally came over and stood next to his mate.

"Yes, all of this was Izayoi's idea. She wanted to do something a lot of others do for parties and a cookout she chose." Everyone was here. Inuyasha, Kagome and their little son Kenji. I could see Miroku and Sango talking with them. Their two little girls who were dressed alike.

"Later tonight, Toga and I have a little gift not just for you, but Sesshomaru too," Izayoi said cheerfully. By gift it was mostly her idea Izayoi loves to surprise her family by spoiling them. "Dinner is still going to be awhile, so you two lovebirds go and catch up." She pushed us away just as Sesshomaru led me away from everyone else.

Sesshomaru and I walked off together along the river holding hands. A few times he would bring my hand to his lips and kiss each knuckle. "How I missed your scent Rin and to have you by my side again," he pulled me in front of him and took my lips to his. Oh how I missed his lips. They were just the same as always, soft and subtle. "It's a relief holding you against me. If you didn't have classes tomorrow I would be holding you all night tonight."

He flew us fast under a bridge and placed my back against the stone wall. He grabbed my left leg, lifted it up and wrapped it around his hips as he pressed himself against my core. Oh! God the sensation from that was heating me up.

Sesshomaru's lips lathered over his mark and his fangs sank deep within my skin. This moment made me gasp and I enjoyed it very much. He seeped more of his youkai deep within my veins, which felt even more amazing. "Sesshomaru, mmh. Classes were cancelled for tomorrow so you can hold me all night and all this weekend."

He removed his fangs and relicked his mating mark. "Mmh, if you like, we can go back to my dorm on campus and possibly continue off where we are now."

I would love that but I wonder, "don't you have classes tomorrow?" I asked as we walked back along the toad path.

"Nope, so after we celebrate tonight I'll drive you back to school so you can pack. But not before Izayoi and my father give you your birthday gift." I wonder what their gift is? "How was your day today? Did my cousin bother you?" He quickly asked to change the subject.

"My day was great and she did approach me just before I left campus." I went on explaining what all she had said to me this afternoon, from calling me a witch and telling him that she would ruin our wedding day. But when he heard that I should have been sent to live with my incarcerated family's family, I could feel the heat building up inside him. His hands were starting to shake and sweat, "the nerve of her. Rin, I'm sorry if her words upsetted you. Are you okay?"

"I am, though what she said about how I should have been sent to live with my uncle's family actually hurt. I don't think I've told you this but they were just abusive as my aunt and uncle. It's a memory I wish to forget." I still fear that they would come after me since I proved my uncle and aunt were serial killers.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, my little lavender. Just remember I'll always protect you from harm," he whispered softly into my ear.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, "thank you, Sesshomaru. So are you still not going to tell me what the surprise is?"

He smiled like he always did, "nope. But make sure to pack summer clothes for two weeks, including a swimsuit," was all he said. Wait what?

"Two weeks? A swimsuit?" I was shocked hearing those words. "Where are we going? Sesshomaru, I can't miss that much school though I only have three classes." This would be another long vacation I would be on.

"You'll find out soon." So we are flying somewhere that's warm? "Father already contacted your teachers and got all your work that you will need to make up."

"If I can get the work now I can have it done pretty quickly," I said jokingly. I could have it done by tomorrow depending on the work they provided me.

"You can do it on the plane if you like. Father says it's not a lot, just a few papers. For now we must head back, dinner is about done." So we are flying somewhere that's sunny?

"Good, I'm starving!"

We were almost at the park when an elderly couple walked by us. My heart skipped a beat. I recognized them as they looked at me in the corner of their glowing red eyes. It was Naraku's parents, Urasue and Onigumo. The reason I recognized them was because of the burn scar all over the man's face. He was a horrid man and so was his wife. She was a horrible witch. The abuse I suffered from them was something I hope no one ever goes through. I lowered my head. I tried to walk at a faster pace. But I kept a hold of Sessohmaru's hand till I knew we were out of their sight and hearing range.

"Rin?" His voice was soothing with a hint of alertness. "Do you know those two demons back there?"

Nodding my head, "yyy...eee...sss." It was so hard to just get that one word out

He pulled me against him and rubbed his fingers through the back of my hair. "Rin, who are they?"

I shook my head against his chest. I did want to tell him, just not here. There were too many people walking around and I didn't want to have a breakdown. I haven't cried in a long time. But seeing my past just brought back a lot of horrible memories.

"You can tell me later," he wiped the tears from under my eyes. "Don't let anything bring you down, Rin. Tonight is all about you and no one is going to ruin this day."

He's right! If they try to come near or do any harm, Sesshomaru and Toga would put a stop to them, Inuyasha too.

Later that evening, after everyone had left, except for Toga, Izayoi, Sesshomaru and myself. Inuyasha and Kagome were nearby on the playground. Kenji wanted to be pushed on the baby swing. We all gathered around the picnic table under a pavilion to talk.

"Here Rin, this gift is from Toga and I."

I lightly took the white carded envelope from her. She has pretty handwriting that shows my name on the white paper. Turning it over, I pulled out the purple card that showed a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the front. I opened it up to see a handwritten message written by Izayoi.

Rin,

Happy birthday my darling goddaughter. I can't believe you are already nineteen! Where has the time gone? Today you are a young woman with hopes and big dreams like your mother and father would want you to have. They would be so proud of the women you have become. You are no longer that small child who spilt a waterfall of warm chocolate sauce on my little Inuyasha. You are the women we all knew you would grow up to be. You are strong, beautiful and the bravest girl a godmother could ask for. Always cherish these words and hopefully the day when you have your own children, you can use these words to help them grow up big and strong, just like you. Just remember! They will be spoiled rotten.

With love,

Izayoi and Toga

Her message was so beautiful that one little tear drop fell from the corner of my eye. Looking back at the card there was a piece of paper sticking out of it. Taking it out I opened it up to see one big word printed at the top. 'HAWAII' I was going to Hawaii for two weeks? I was shocked.

"Hawaii! I'm going to Hawaii!" I covered my hand over my mouth. I was trying not to hyperventilate with happiness.

Sesshomaru grabbed my hand, "we are going to Hawaii. Are you surprised, Rin?"

"Yes, this will be my first time visiting the states." I've always wanted to visit America. Ah, to be able to lay in the sand and take in the sun's heat and much more.

"Sesshomaru told us and thought you would love to visit somewhere where you haven't gone yet," Izayoi had a cheerful smile.

"Yes, and I still have something special planned on your actual birthday. Well that's a lie, I have something planned for us to do everyday."

"I'm excited, what time is our flight?" I don't think I saw the time we boarded on the paper.

"You and Sesshomaru take off at nine tomorrow night. Izayoi and myself will drop you off at about five," Toga informed us. "The traffic is hell getting in there and I want to make sure you both don't miss your flight."

"Rin, I need you to be up before seven tomorrow," Izayoi smiled brightly at me again.

"How come?" Why would I need to be up that early? I really wanted to spend the evening in Sesshomaru's dorm. I guess we are going back to the house tonight? Bummer.

"I have part of the day planned for you and I. Your hair needs a trim and your nails dear," she grabbed both hands, eyeing them heavily. "They're in need of a manicure and I know you are in need of a pedicure." I looked at my nails and she was right. They were starting to chip. "We'll be back at the house before one." She's going to have me so exhausted that I'll be asleep the whole flight. Not unless I get a quick nap before we leave tomorrow late afternoon.

"Sure, and thank you again for this amazing gift."

Later that evening, Sesshomaru drove us back to campus and took his time as he drove. He lifted my hand and nibbled on my fingers. "Rin, my love, could you tell me who those two older people were?" He asked as he still nibbled along my skin.

I had a feeling he would bring that up sooner or later. "They are a memory I wish to forget. Those two...they are Naraku's parents, Sesshomaru." With me saying who they were related to, Sesshomaru put his foot on the brakes very fast and pulled over to the side of the road. I almost went flying into the dashboard. But thankfully I was wearing my seatbelt to catch myself.

The palms of his hand were starting to heat up and sweating again. "Rin, have they abused you the same way all those years ago?" His voice was harsh and I knew it was going to be a mix of emotions when I told him more.

"Yes," it was more of a whisper.

"Tell me?" He spoke softly as he started to drive again.