Finally I was free. I didn't feel like a prisoner in that hospital anymore. The hospital was awful. The nurses barely cared or tended to the patients, they were too busy filing their nails and gossiping to each other to bother. Even trying to past the time wasn't easy, and trying to sleep when I was in a room with other people. It didn't help when I had so much on my mind to worry about, and especially why none of my calls were returned. This wasn't like Inuyasha at all.

My mom gracefully helped me into the backseat of the car, seeing she had everything packed in the back. She made sure the seatbelt was tight, and lightly smiled with hope.

" Kagome just try to worry about one thing at a time. You should be grateful your out of that hospital!"

My mother's words disappeared as she hopped into the passenger seat ready to leave the cottage country behind once again. She looked in the rear view mirror to see my arms folded, with the dullest look on my face.

" Hmph. Easy for you to say."

We were finally on the highway passing by all the fruit groves and pastures, all the country scene. Sota was already half asleep against the window, and I didn't know whether to be mad or happy with Inuyasha if I saw him. It was so confusing what had happened. It was pretty much unexpected and a blur. Maybe that kiss brought more than good. I didn't know what was going in his head, or even mind. Nothing seemed to make sense at all.

Inuyasha and I had what we called, " a buddy system." Ever since we were very young. It sounds stupid now but it's the best thing that we have going still. He promised me he'd always watch my back and be there for me good or bad. Life or death. I promised the exact same, and he stuck with the promise. Seems like now it had failed.

The car had finally halted when it came to a intersection. I rose my head to see how far we were, and it wasn't far a enough. I recognized the small donut shop on the far corner, and the stupid signs Sota would point out.

" Kagome sweetheart," She said taking a sip of her coffee that she almost completely forgotten about. " I have my cell phone on me if you wish to call Inuyasha again. It's worth a-"

" Thanks, but no thanks." I snapped which wasn't my intention. My mother pretended as though she didn't hear the tone in my voice and looked forward on the road.

I had fallen asleep just as easily as Sota had. The shakes and bumps from the road had put me to sleep, and finally I could rest without any worry or thought.

I found myself back home, standing at Sango's front door. I knew it had to be a dream since the surrounds weren't exactly normal looking. Outside was Inuyasha, his head down low, and his hair following suit. His hands were clasped together, holding tightly what appeared to be the necklace I had given him. He didn't seem too happy, but I couldn't tell with Inuyasha. He was a mood swing.

The minute I went to walk up to him, he automatically raised his head. Without warning he threw his embraced me tightly, with more strength than before.

" Kagome, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't of been there with you. I lost my cell phone and-"

I just smiled and laughed it off completely.

" I'm alright. Don't worry. Just be careful of my stitch on my stomach."

He made sure he was extra careful. No words were really said, only looks were exchanged nothing more. He felt like a failure. He knew he wanted to stay longer, if he had known something like that was to happen to me.

" Inuyasha I thought you didn't come because of what happened between us."

" Are you stupid! That would never be the reason at all. I would of stayed longer at the cottage but-"

I just dumbfounded, while he held the necklace in his hands showing that he wouldn't of dare thrown it away. It meant too much.

" But what?"

" The reason I left is-"

Finally I opened my eyes, to find myself back home. It bothered me my dream didn't finish, but I was home, at least. I would have the comfort of sleeping in my own bed, be in a room where I didn't have to share with anyone, and finally have some privacy. Sota was already wide wake, ready to burst out the van door.

" Finally awake sleepy head. Nice hairstyle by the way. Very ugly." Sota smiled, while I just back handed him which I got yelled at for.

My mother opened the door, we were already in front of the brilliant shrine, and the huge tree that I was still to this day fascinated by. Sota already sped off with the keys jumping around with excitement, while I had offered to help carry things for my mother.

" Kagome I got it, don't worry. Go see Sango, and be with your friends."

I nodded, trying to rush down the street as fast as I could. I couldn't have felt any happier to be there to give my fair well to Sango, and ask Inuyasha why he hadn't come to see me. I ran until I had been out of breath.

There I was standing right in front of Sango's house just like the dream. The for sale was still there but it had sold already posted across it. I was in a panic; I looked through the windows to see any sign of Sango or her brother, but nothing. Everything was empty. There was no furniture, nothing at all. It was completely bare.

" What the hell is going on they said to be here today!"

It made no sense why they already packed up and left. I wasn't able to say goodbye to Sango, or even Miroku who was leaving and transferring to different schools. I threw myself on the stone steps, feeling so out of it. I just looked at my watch looking at the time, and saw I made a mistake on the date. I was one day too late.

" I'm such an idiot! If I hadn't have my damn head up in the clouds, or been with Kouga I wouldn't of missed it! I can't believe I screwed up a simple date! I must of looked like an idiot not being there!"

Sango must of thought maybe I was having too much fun at my cottage, and had not cared to see her move at all. Usually the cottage was fun, but it was different. I didn't expect to find myself hurt and beaten from a guy who had a drinking problem, who seemed so sweet. I regretted even locking lips with him. I had be naïve. Very naïve. If Inuyasha had been there he would of beaten him to the ground, and made sure it wouldn't have gotten any further. Inuyasha would make me stay by his side, since he was over protective like that. He knew how parties were. He knew most guys weren't thinking were their heads either. He wouldn't oflet me be a target.

" Well I guess I'll pay a visit to Inuyasha. He's usually already settled in when school is close by. Hopefully he's home!"

I felt ashamed, practically embarrassed that I had missed my friend leaving. I knew if anything she wanted all of us there to celebrate, and watch her leave. She knew she couldn't postpone it like a regular party or date. Even if I was accounted for she couldn't wait any longer, she had to leave.

Sadly I strolled down the street, seeing a few guys that I recognized from school smoking cigarettes and pushing each other into the bushes. Inuyasha's side of the neighborhood wasn't the friendliest. It was the rough, and there was a lot of gangs and abuse around there. The cops were always around there, and it didn't worry me too much after a lot of people got arrested in the area.

His home was small but comfy. It was a small modern house, that looked more up to date then the rest. He lived alone ever since his mother perished in a house fire. His father and him didn't get along with so much. His brother had left on his own, knowing he hated Inuyasha's guts. His step mom would stay there time to time because of family reasons. Inuyasha didn't mind. He trusted her, and she was welcome there. He had enough money because of what was left behind, but he had to grow up faster than the rest of us.

Quietly I sped with excitement still wearing his colorful black and red wooden necklace. I waited impatiently waiting for him to open the door, and jump into his arms without warning as a surprise. We always did that, mostly for jokes. Ever time I did he would lose balance, or he'd move out the way so I could kiss the floor. Which he found funny as hell.

I heard heavy steps, and saw someone else open the door. It was his step mom. She was thin and very pretty. Beautiful blue eyes, and long brown hair and a cigarette in hand.

" Kagome. Looking for Inuyasha I'm guessing?"

I just busted out with laughter. I had no idea why I seemed and acted so giddy.

" Ya. I thought he would be home since it's coming close to school."

She leaned comfortably against the door way and she didn't mind talking to me. She was friendly over all, and didn't have one mean bone in her body.

" Nah. He was happy that he stayed at your cottage. He enjoyed it there. I had never seen him so happy!"

It made me feel so much better just to know Inuyasha loved it up there, especially spending time with my crazy family. My grandfather decided he wanted to stay at the cottage for awhile longer, since he barely ever got to be up there.

" Kagome I should be paying attention to the food that's on the stove. When I see Inuyasha I will let him know that Kagome stopped by."

Finally I went home, a little disappointed knowing the only time I would see him was in school. I was already dreading a new year even if I was really good with grades and teachers. It wasn't my favorite time of the year.

" Kagome so how was Inuyasha?" I threw myself against the living room couch, beside Sota who was addicted to his video games.

" I couldn't find him. That means tomorrow when I go to school I'll see him."

My mother cleaned up the kitchen after she cooked. She made sure her counters were clean, and she was always at it. If cleaning was a sport she'd likely get a medal for it.

" That's good. You'll get to see all your friends again. Kagome, there's some medicine by your bedside for your stitches. I've made some soup as well. So if I were you I'd lay down. You didn't get any sleep at that hospital, I know that for a fact. So lay down, and rest up for a new day. Especially school."

That word school just triggered something off. I hated it, even when I was just enjoying summer break too. I nodded feeling exhausted for running around and worrying and knowing I had missed Sango and Miroku. Even to know Inuyasha wasn't home either. I had so much to say to him.

I marched upstairs and placed myself in warm bed. The starlight hung beside my bed that lit up my room enough for me to see. The light looked like candle light from the angle of where I laid. It had been a gift from Sango years ago, when she had came to my birthday party. I remember blowing out my candles, and Inuyasha being a brat and pulling the candles out and licking the bottoms. He was a brat when he was younger. Now, he was more mature. Just he had a sewer mouth that I was pretty much use to.

I threw my hands underneath the pillow looking at the ceiling that had a painting thatlooked like a sunset, with a bridge and mountains off in the distance. I loved looking at that every time I laid down. It made me feel peaceful. Like I had no worries in the world.

" The summer went by so fast. Faster than I expected. I still can't believe what him and I did. It still hasn't sunk in yet."

I was already replaying when I thrown off my foot wear, and ran bare foot across the graveled down driveway. It was a wonderful moment, and I didn't think friends could take things that far. The one moment I saw him one way, and another was different then any other way I had seen him before. I tried to deny my feelings, but the more I fought the more they grew.

The image of him and I together the way we were vanished, when my mother had walked in. She was holding a tray had that a bowl of soup, sandwiches, and more capsules of medicine. She carefully placed it over my lap, and sat on the edge of the bed.

" You're a brave girl Kagome. Being around that guy who gave you all those marks, and being in the hospital for that period of time. I'm sorry you experienced that. You didn't deserve that all.-

Her tone was stern but soft for the most part. She gently kissed me on the forehead, carefully inspecting the bruises that were on my cheek. She made sure she was careful, and tender when she looked at them. She smiled, and placed her hands back to her side.

" Your bruises are finally healing. It won't take long before you feel better, I promise. Just get some rest. I promise next summer is up to you. It will be your choice to go anywhere we want."

I was too exhausted to really say anything back. She just slowly flicked off the light, " Sweet dreams Kagome. See you in the morning."

Carefully I turned to the side, my blanket held tightly in my grasp. " Thank you. Sweet dreams."