Chapter 2
New Student, Same Problems
Kaoru and Misao conducted their daily ritual of walking slowly to school together. Both girls were rambling about random happenings in and out of school. Kaoru was careful to make sure not to talk at great lengths about the situation in her house. Her Mom had purchased a new home for the small family. It wasn't far from the one bedroom they once rented, but it was something to call their own. Kaoru didn't have to share a room and actually had some sense of privacy. She could lock herself in her room and forget about the situation right outside her door. She had left for school just as her mom was getting home and climbing into bed in her own room. It never took long for Kaoru to wake up and shower and get ready. Always punctual, her Mom didn't ever have to worry about her daughter missing a day of school. That was at least one thing Kaoru didn't want her mom to have to worry about. Kaoru awoke Yahiko who didn't have to be in school until later, but had a bad habit of always being late. She walked quickly down the stairs and past the living room on her way out knowing that her father was either passed out inside or sitting in the dark drunk and contemplating how to get his next bottle. Sigh "Are things ever going to change for us?" She opened the front door and closed it behind her, locking it quickly, and instantly taking a deep breath in of the fresh air around her. It was good to get away from home, even if it was for a few hours, and even if it was only school. At least she didn't have to think about that stuff when she was around friends.
Misao noticed her friend was a bit out of it and inquired, "Kaoru, are you okay? You look a bit lost. Everything cool at home?"
Snapping out of her thoughts Kaoru quickly responded "Huh…oh…YEAH! Hehe…I'm fine…I was thinking about some upcoming papers for school and other stuff". She plastered a big smile on her face and looked at Misao almost pleading with her not to inquire further. She had made it a habit of always putting on her best smile for everyone outside her home. It really was no one's business what happened inside her home, and she certainly didn't want any pity from anyone, including her friends. Just the fact that they cared and were good to her was enough.
Misao got the hint and quickly changed the subject as they approached the gates to their high school.
Walking inside the school yard they could see the droves of other students who were all standing in their own little groups chatting endlessly away before the bell for first period chimed.
However, today seemed a bit extra special. All the students were particularly charged about something as the energy around the yard was higher than usual.
The girls walked a bit further and noticed a tall figure standing in front of them. Knowing full well the only person that could ever tower over everyone else like that, the girls both walked up happily and greeted Sano.
"Hey Sano, what's up? What's everyone so excited about huh?" asked Misao.
Sano turned to greet both girls with a grin on his face and nothing but mischief in his eyes. He was a senior and a very active and popular jock. A nice guy deep down, but a bit cocky and arrogant on the surface. They had been friends for a while and had met initially in school. It had been so long since they had known each other that none of them really remembered how they actually came to be such good friends.
"Yo you two, what took you so long? There's some interesting news floating around school" he replied while smiling smugly.
"Oh, what's up? What's the news" Kaoru asked Sano.
"Well from what I hear, there's some new guy starting today. Supposedly he's a big shot and a few of the girls that seen him around town are telling everyone about how CUTE he is. Not to mention that he was driving a very sweet looking BMW. Whatever, if he's a jerk off I'll just have to pound him into his place" Sano replied stressing his point.
Both girls stood there for a moment digesting the news and of course Sano's last comments. "New guy? Driving a BMW? Must be some rich arrogant jerk. Great just what we need, another asshole to add to the bunch" Kaoru thought.
Misao spoke to up first, "Well I think that's pretty cool. I can't wait to see what he looks like. Did he show up yet?"
"Nah, why else do think everyone's hangin' around. There're all waiting for him to show up so they can get a look at him…morons!" Sano answered.
"Keh, sounds like someone's afraid that the new guys gonna' take their spot light away" Kaoru teased. "Besides, what are YOU doin' out here if not waiting for the new guy to show up?"
She looked at Misao with a smile and both girls looked evilly at their tall friend.
"Oh shut the hell up Kaoru. I'm not waiting to see what he's driving or whatever. I just wanna' know what the guy looks like in case I have to pound on him later. You know how these new guys need to prove themselves and I just need to make sure he doesn't overstep himself". Sano closed his eyes and crossed his arms looking like an absolutely stubborn child.
"Yeah, whatever you say Sano" Kaoru teased, as she nudged Misao and both girls started to chuckle.
Just then Kaoru noticed a break in the constant chatter around them, and turned around to see what was going on. Everyone was looking towards the entrance of the large school yard and at the silver BMW Z3 that pulled up.
"Oh great, his highness has arrived" Kaoru mumbled as she awaited the occupant of the car to reveal himself.
As if moving in slow motion, the car door opened soon after the engine stopped and a figure made its way out.
Kaoru had a pretty good view since they stood on some of the stairs leading up the main entrance of the school and saw the figure come into focus. Long, thick red hair! "What's up with that hair" Kaoru thought. She heard gasps and sighs of awe coming from all around her as the rest of the student body (mostly the girls) caught sight of the new guy. He moved slowly from the car, and started walking towards the school gates and made his way into the yard. Now Kaoru could see him even better. He was wearing perfect fitting blue jeans and a white T-shirt that accentuated his toned and muscular torso. His clothes weren't baggy but he didn't look like he tried very hard to look put together. He was a medium build, shorter than Sano, but he had so much presence. He carried his car keys in one hand and a notebook in the other hand and strode confidently past onlookers and outright gawkers, making his way through the yard. He smiled slightly at anyone who made eye contact with him.
Kaoru stood there a bit transfixed until she caught herself with her mouth slightly open and staring at the guy. She quickly composed herself and pretended that she wasn't really looking at him and tried to get Misao's attention.
"Come on Misao, we gotta' get inside before the bell. The rest of these idiots are gonna' start tryin to cram themselves through the doors all at on!" she tugged on Misao's arm as she turned in the opposite direction of the new guy that was still making his way through the crowd.
"Oh wow…" Misao sighed "…he's cute!"
Kaoru simply rolled her eyes and proceeded to drag Misao past Sano who had taken one look at the new guy and turned his face, closing his eyes and still keeping his arms crossed across his chest.
"See ya later Sano" Kaoru said as she passed her friend still dragging Misao behind her.
"Yeah, later you two" Sano replied as he rejoined his group of jocks who were also sizing up the new guy.
The two girls managed to make their way into the school and started walking slowly towards their first period class.
Misao spoke up "God Kaoru, you don't think he was cute? I think so, I mean no one's cuter than Aoshi, but this guy has a good fighting chance".
"Umm Misao, perhaps I should mention to Mr. Aoshi how you were practically ogling the new guy at school. Let's get his opinion on that huh?" Kaoru teased as she purposely ignored her friend's question.
"Ah! No, no, that's not what I meant. I mean…ah…well you know…he's good looking…BUT NO ONE IS BETTER LOOKING THAN MY AOSHI" Misao beamed about her much older boyfriend.
"Yeah, whatever" Kaoru replied as the girls walked into the empty classroom.
"Damn Kaoru, we're the first one's here! Everyone's gonna' think we're geeks or something. Why didn't you just let me stand outside a bit longer?" Misao asked a bit irritated.
"I don't care! Besides, you just wanted to see the new and have a good look at him didn't you?" Kaoru asked teasing once more.
"Shut up Kaoru!" Misao squealed in exasperation. But then her eyes suddenly shot back at Kaoru with a wicked look. "You were checkin' him out too, and practically drooling when he got outta' that hot little car of his. DON'T DENY IT! I SAW YOU!" Misao said as she grinned at her friend.
"Bah, you're outta' your mind, I was just lookin' to see what the big deal was. And trust me, there's no need for a big deal. He's not all that" Kaoru shot back. "Liar, you thought he was cute, why else did you practically run away from him when he was walking up in the same direction?" Kaoru thought to herself.
Just as Misao was about to continue their little discussion, the bell chimed and the rest of the students started filing into the classroom. Soon everyone was seated as the English professor in front of them was preparing to start his lesson plan when the second bell chimed.
Soon the lecture was disrupted by a knock at the door as the principal entered the room. Kaoru looked up from her notebook and saw he wasn't alone. The new guy followed the portly man inside the classroom and stood facing the class looking around at everyone.
After the principal and their English teacher exchanged a few quiet words to themselves, they turned to face the rest of the students who were now whispering about the new guy.
Their principal started, "Class, I'd to introduce Mr. Kenshin Himura to you. He is a new student that has just started today and is relatively new to this area. I trust you will make his first day a pleasant one…"
Kaoru didn't even bother listening to the rest of her principal's babble. She was too busy staring up at the new guy in front of her. "Kenshin Himura…Kenshin. What's up with his eyes?" Kaoru tilted her face to the side slightly in amazement as she noticed his eyes for the first time. They were a soft purple and as he kept glancing around the room they seemed to shine brighter and darker with hints of amber around the edges as the light reflected in them. "Well they're weird, but so pretty at the same time. He must be so damn arrogant to be so good looking". She noticed that he looked at her for a moment and without too much emotion across his features, he looked away. "She strikes out! God, he didn't even look at me for more than a second. Well I guess he's after bigger and better. Probably one of the bimbo cheerleaders. Yup, he seems like that type".
Just then the principal finished his rambling and their English professor invited Kenshin say a little something about himself while he was standing in front of his new peers.
Without missing a beat, Kenshin smiled slightly and looked at the class and simply replied "What do you want to know?"
There were whispers shooting up from all around the room when finally a girl from the back of the room asked "Are you single?" The room erupted into laughter and the girl quickly had a feverous blush across her face.
Kaoru rolled her eyes "Idiot!" as she inquisitively looked back at Kenshin.
He smiled a little more and looked the young lady who asked the question right in the eye and simply replied "Yes".
The girl grinned a bit to herself as did the rest of the girls in the room. The principal cleared his throat in a vain attempt to try and calm the students, and Kaoru looked over to her right to see her friend Misao. When she looked over she saw that Misao was smiling to herself and as soon as the girls made eye contact Kaoru simply mouthed "Dumb ass" to her. Misao leaned in a bit to Kaoru and whispered "You've a chance then!" as she leaned back into her seat and gave Kaoru a wicked grin.
Twitching her eyebrows, Kaoru rolled her eyes as she directed her attention once more to the front of the room. She sure wished she hadn't because she instantly made eye contact with the red-headed cutie who was looking at her and smiling. Not knowing what to make of it, she simply frowned, unconsciously blushing, and went back to looking down at her notes.
Their English teacher had Kenshin take a seat a few rows away from Kaoru, but even with other students between them, Kaoru could almost feel him staring at her as he did before.
Class ended without too much fuss and the students began to slowly collect their books and walk out. A small group of girls however lingered getting he opportunity to ask Kenshin a few more questions.
Misao and Kaoru were packing their belongings and still looking over the assignment the professor had handed out and managed to hear the conversation.
"So where are you from Kenshin?" one of them asked, giggling at the same time.
Kenshin seemed a little shocked at first, adjusted to the sudden attention quickly and slyly grinned at the girl "Originally from California in the US, we just moved here".
There were instantly gasps of excitement at the news that the new, very cute guy was from the US.
Another one spoke up, "How do you have such nice hair?"
"Oh god!" Kaoru said loudly and soon realized a bit too loudly. She saw Kenshin and the other girls look her way and quickly looked down at her notebook and then at Misao speaking loudly enough for them to hear again "ah…look at how much work we have for this class, damn!" Misao caught the drift and looked sympathetically at her friend. "Shit, he heard me. Those bimbo's!" She caught herself and wondered why she was so upset at Kenshin divulging so much attention towards the pathetic group of girls.
Kenshin noticed the two other girls in the room, and lingered with his gaze towards the taller one with long black hair. "She's cute, different, but cute".
"Ah…haha…well, it's genetic I guess" Kenshin replied visibly trying to walk away from the pack of girls.
"Well ladies, I will see you all later. I have to run to my second class now" he quickly added as the girls were visibly distressed at his leaving.
"What's your next class Kenshin" one of them asked quickly.
"Ah…I think it's History" he replied walking past Kaoru and Misao who were now ready to head off towards their next class.
"History? With me? Shit!" thought Kaoru.
Kenshin disappeared out the door and Kaoru quickly looked at Misao who was already looking at her and smiling.
"Uh, shut up Misao. Don't say a single word".
The rest of the day went by quickly. Although much to Kaoru's dismay all of her classes were with the very new and popular Kenshin Himura. They didn't sit near each other or even talk to each other, but whenever they would make eye contact Kaoru felt odd. He wouldn't stare at her, but just that fact that his eyes glanced over her made her shiver, and she couldn't understand why. She dared not tell Misao for the simple fact that she'd be ridiculed the rest of the semester about it.
Even during the lunch break Kaoru caught a glance at Kenshin as he made his way through the cafeteria. Other groups of girls practically begging him to sit next to them, but he politely declined.
She saw him walk towards the guys' table and knew he'd run into Sano. "I pray he's not a jerk. Especially for his own well being. Sano has no patience!" Kaoru thoughtas she saw Kenshin disappear in the crowd.
As the final class ended, Kaoru and Misao sauntered out of the school. They saw Sano outside and walked up to briefly speak with him.
"Hey Sano, what's new?" Kaoru asked as both girls walked up.
Sano seemed to be in a good mood and turned to them smiling "Oh hi there you two, I spoke to that new guy, Kenshin Himura."
"I thought you didn't like him Sano? You didn't beat him up right!" Kaoru inquired.
"Oi, why so worried Missy?" Sano chuckled as Misao and him glanced at the blushing Kaoru.
"Ah, if you two are done now. I was just wondering if you got your big gorilla-self in trouble for beating up some poor new guy!" Kaoru shot back.
Sano and Misao both laughed a bit as Kaoru got more frustrated. Just as she was about to pound on Sano, Misao spoke up "So what happened with Kenshin?"
That relieved some tension from Kaoru as she regained her composure once more and was interested in Sano's response to the question.
"Well the guy ain't that bad. He came over looking for some relief from the swarm of girls that were following him around during lunch break and just drifted toward our table. He sat and we basically talked about some general crap, and the guys actually pretty cool".
"Hmm, maybe you can introduce him to Kaoru now" Misao quipped.
"Oh please, who cares, he's just some spoilt rich kid lookin' to get popular and get a few bimbo girlfriends. I want nothing to do with him!" Kaoru spat back.
"Oi Missy, he isn't that bad you know. I mean I don't know the guy that well, but we mainly spoke about sports and other crap. He didn't even mention the girls or sound like an arrogant jerk for all the money he seems to have. He was actually pretty cool". The last part even Sano sounded surprised at!
"Whatever, I don't care Sano" Kaoru hissed. "He's probably not a jerk off, but it's not my concern".
Just then Sano looked past the two girls and waved his arm above his head and yelled "Oi, over here!" Kaoru and Misao both turned to see who Sano was waving towards and much to Kaoru's disbelief it was Kenshin walking towards them.
A small, inaudible gasp escaped Kaoru as she mentally smacked herself for being so nervous. Her stomach was twisted in a million knots and she found herself getting weaker as Kenshin approached them. "Damnit, what's wrong with me. It's just a stupid guy. Pretend he's another Sano! Yeah! That should help…ep..nope, didn't help. He's definitely no Sano!"
"Hey Kenshin, meet some friends of mine" Sano boomed.
Kenshin smiled warmly and greeted Sano. He stood next to Sano and was facing Kaoru and Misao.
"This is Misao aka Midget. She's looks little but she's very fiery so don't get on her bad side" Sano chuckled.
"I am not a midget Sano! And you better be scared, cause I can kick your ass all over this school!" Misao grumbled.
"Nice to meet you Misao" Kenshin smiled as he shook hands with the girl causing her to calm down a bit and smile back at Kenshin.
"Same here Kenshin, I hope you liked our school" Misao added sweetly.
"Hehe, yeah, it's not so bad" Kenshin added as he turned his attention to the now very quiet Kaoru.
"And this is another very hot-headed friend of mine, Kaoru aka Missy!" Sano chirped.
Kenshin held out his hand and looked Kaoru right in the eyes and said "Nice to meet you Kaoru" still extending his hand towards her.
"Ah…yeah…hi…nice to meet you too…Kenshin" she barely stammered out as she awkwardly shook hands with him. "I am so pathetic!
"You're in practically all of my classes I noticed, maybe I could bum some notes off of you to catch up?" Kenshin asked Kaoru.
"Oh God, his voice is so smooth…and deep…and sexy….what the hell am I thinking! He just asked me for notes, not my hand in marriage…get a hold of yourself girl!"
"Uh, yeah sure…anytime" she responded, instantly regretting her words. "Nope THAT didn't sound desperate! Stupid, stupid, stupid"
"Ah well...it's time for us to go…come on Misao…bye Sano, nice meeting you Kenshin…bye!" Kaoru practically dragged Misao away and started walking quickly. A bit too quickly because as soon as she a got a few feet away from Kenshin and Sano, with Misao still behind her, Kaoru tripped over her feet and went crashing to the ground.
Kenshin saw the whole thing the only thing that came out of this mouth before he ran over to the girl was "Shit!"
All three hovered over Kaoru who was now not only nursing a bruised knee but also her bruised ego. "I am such a klutz, God…why me?"
Kenshin bent down next to her and placed a hand on her arm asking "Are you okay Kaoru that was quite a fall? Anything feel broken?"
"Awww, he looks genuinely worried about me…no, no, no…he just feels sorry for the stupid little dumbass girl that trips over her own feet. Damnit all!"
"Hey missy, you okay there?" Sano inquired.
"Kaoru, are you okay?" Misao asked.
As if suddenly brought back to reality Kaoru looked up at the three people looking very distressed over her.
"Ah…yea…ummm…I'm okay. It's not bad…I'm not hurt or anything" she said as she quickly tried to regain some composure and stand up.
She tried to stand up quickly but as soon as she tried to spring up to her feet, her throbbing knee brought her right back down. But this time Kenshin caught her putting his other arm around her before she collapsed again and steadied her as he slowly rose up with her.
"I think it'll be sore, can you walk?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
Kaoru winced in pain as she put her body weight on her feet and pain instantly shot through her knee. "Ah yeah, of course, it was just a stupid little fall. I'm fine, no worries. I'll just walk it off" Kaoru replied noticing that she was still being held by Kenshin. "Oh shit! Okay, don't blush Kaoru, DO NOT BLUSH!"
"Kaoru I think your knee is worse than it may seem. You can hardly stand up on your own" Misao said sounding very concerned for her friend.
Instantly Kaoru broke free from Kenshin and steadied herself on her own two feet. "No Misao, its fine. I can handle it!" Kaoru said as she felt embarrassed by her display of weakness.
"Ah Missy, don't try to act so tough, if you're hurt than we can help you home. No point in making the injury worse by hobbling home on your own" Sano added with a smug tone.
"Hobble! I am FINE! It was a small fall. I can walk on my own thank you very much" Kaoru stated getting angrier by the minute.
Kenshin stood watching the dark haired girl argue with his tall new friend in amazement. "She's pretty tough!" He noticed her hair was in a high pony tail held up by a dark blue ribbon but some strands were framing her face.
Kaoru noticed the intense stare that Kenshin was giving her and turned her attention from Misao and Sano and looked at Kenshin. "What! What are you looking at? I am fine you know" she barked at him.
Kenshin raised his hands and stated "Oh no, I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. You're a strong girl to take a fall like that and get right back up. But you know just to be on the safe side, let me drive you home. I mean I do owe you since you agreed to lend me some notes. What'd you say?"
Misao and Sano stood in disbelief as Kenshin asked Kaoru the question. Kaoru's anger instantly subsided and she stood there in shock at Kenshin's proposal.
"Ah…umm..well…it's not really that bad, so I don't really…."
But she didn't get a chance to finish as Misao suddenly jumped in, "Oh, that's great Kenshin. I think that's a good idea considering she should put some ice on that knee of hers soon. Yes, you definitely take her home and I can just walk with Sano. Okay Kaoru, please call me as soon as you get home and I will see you tomorrow morning. Come on Sano!" She grabbed Sano by the arm and quickly led him away. Misao turned her head back to look at Kaoru as she walked away and gave her the tiniest of smiles with a twinkle in her eye. Kaoru was left there in shock trying to absorb what had just happened.
As she looked at Misao walking away, still dragging Sano beside her, Kaoru could only think "Sneaky, little b…"
"Shall we go?" Kenshin interrupted her thoughts.
"Ah Kenshin, you don't have to, you know I am fine. I don't want you to go out of your way" she mumbled.
"Oh please, don't worry about it. Like I said I owe you a favor in return for your notes" Kenshin replied smiling warmly at her.
Reluctantly Kaoru nodded and so the two were off walking slowly towards Kenshin's car. She was still hurting a bit and every step she made herself take sent pain up and down her knee and leg. "I guess I fell harder than I thought. Be strong Kaoru, you're not a weakling".
She walked slowly besides Kenshin who had retrieved her school bag and some of her books from the ground and was still holding them for her. She had told him to let her hold it, but he simply replied "Don't worry, I got it".
They walked in an awkward silence back to Kenshin's car and he unlocked and opened the door for her, handing her belongings to her once she was seated and buckled.
"Okay, just get home and this will be over with soon enough. Breath Kaoru!" she chanted over and over in her head as Kenshin fired up the engine and started driving.
"So where am I going Kaoru?" he asked as soon as they pulled out of the parking space. Kaoru quickly gave him the fastest directions to her house they fell into an uneasy silence once more as he drove.
When they stopped at the light, he dropped the top on the car letting in the cool, refreshing afternoon breeze run over them. "It's really a beautiful afternoon today" he remarked.
"Yeah…" she muttered in response. "Gees, I hope no one I know sees me in this thing with him and gets the wrong idea".
"So Kaoru, tell me a little about yourself. You're really very quiet" he said.
"Ah, well, umm…I don't know" thinking back to earlier in the day when Kenshin stood in front of the class, she shot back "What would you like to know?" she smiled at him.
"Hehe, nice, I deserve that. Um, okay, let's see lemme think for a moment…" and he began to think about what to ask the stubborn girl next to him that wouldn't send her over the edge like earlier.
Kaoru was still looking at Kenshin while he was driving, his hair in the wind, the thoughtful expression on his face, the way his arm stretched out and his strong hand held the steering wheel…"Shit there I go again, stop staring at him". But she couldn't.
He suddenly looked up towards her and with a smile forming on his lips as he caught her staring at him, he asked her "Tell me about your family".
Instantly, her heart fell. "Family?" Her gaze fell on the road ahead of them as she started to talk, her bangs covering her eyes, "Well there's my little brother Yahiko who's a major pain in the butt, my Mom, my Dad, and me. That's my little family". She looked up with a smile on her face but a hint of sadness in her eyes that Kenshin didn't miss. As he was about to inquire further, she suddenly surprised him with a question of her own "So Kenshin, why did your family move here from the US?"
Caught off guard by the sudden change in topic Kenshin answered, "Ah, well, my dad is originally from Japan, so when his company offered him the position back home, he gladly accepted. It's just me and him though. My mom passed away a few years ago…ovarian cancer".
"Oh I am sorry to hear that Kenshin" was the only response Kaoru could muster.
"So who's car is this really?" she asked playfully, trying to change the heavy mood.
Laughing he replied "It's mine of course. It was a gift from my Dad. He's pretty busy with work and all, so I needed my own means to get around".
"What does he do?" Kaoru inquired.
"Well he works with this architecture firm who've expanded their services internationally. It's really a passion of his, so he's pretty dedicated" he answered.
"Oh I see. Umm..take the next left and the second right and go straight for a few. You can let me out at the corner" she instructed. "A new home, but the same nightmares" she thought as Kenshin turned onto her block.
"Kaoru you sure? I can drop you right in front so you don't have to walk far" he asked.
"Ah..n-no..it's okay. I'm sure. Besides I'm not supposed to show you where I live, you're a stranger!" she responded laughing slightly.
"That hurts Kaoru" he said as he faked some hurt in his voice and then laughed. "Really, where are you? The extra few feet of driving are no trouble for me!"
She thought about it for a moment, and deciding she didn't want to make him feel bad, she told him, "It's the third house from the corner on the right hand side".
"Okay, I promise I won't stalk you" he joked.
She laughed, a bit uneasy at the notion that her father might just hear or see her coming out of a strange guy's car. "I sure hope he's passed out or something".
"Okay, this is it right?" he asked as she recognized the house he stopped in front of.
"Yeah…" she replied, but before she could turn to face him, Kenshin had already hopped out of the driver's side and ran over to open her door for her. She gathered her books and school bag and slowly raised herself out of the seat using the car door as leverage. As soon as she stood, she recognized the pain in her knee, and her eyebrows twitched in reaction.
Immediately, Kenshin grabbed her bag and books from her and held her arm to help her walk towards the house. "Wait, he's walking me to the door? NO!"
"Ah its okay Kenshin, I can take it from here. Thanks for the ride" she tried to reason with him.
"No trouble, but let me get you to your front door at least. You're very stubborn you know." he responded still walking along beside her with her arm in his hand.
"Great, why don't we just go inside and announce to my father that a strange new boy just drove me home and is now practically holding my hand and walking me inside!"
Kenshin could see some distress in her face, and asked "Umm, everything okay? Your parent's aren't gonna try to jump me or something are they?"
Barely able to let out a laugh, Kaoru smiled and said "n-no, it's nothing like that". "It's much worse!"
She slipped her key into the lock and opened the door. Once inside she turned to Kenshin and stood in the doorway determined not to let him in. She quietly took her belongings from him and again thanked him.
Kenshin noticed the sudden change in Kaoru's personality and noticed her blocking the entrance of her home. "Maybe she's really not comfortable by me coming here".
He momentarily looked beyond Kaoru, but only saw darkness inside the house and thought he heard something. But before he could ask anything Kaoru spoke up "Well, thanks again Kenshin. I'm sorry for the trouble and I'll see you at school tomorrow. Good Evening".
And before he could even finish his goodbye to her, she promptly closed and locked the door.
"That was strange" he thought. "Why is her entire house dark and what was that musty smell coming from inside?" He sighed and turned around and started walking towards his car. He couldn't help but noticed a muffled sound that came from the darkened room behind Kaoru. She instantly jumped and hurriedly closed the door on him. "Strange girl".
Kaoru turned around after locking the door and instantly felt horrible for shutting it on Kenshin so suddenly. She had watched him out of the window as he walked back to his car and drove away. Sigh! Kaoru was sure that she had heard something stir behind her, and when she noticed Kenshin peering inside, she couldn't let him find out what was going on so she quickly forced the door shut on him. "He must think I am such a bitch!"
Just then she looked up and saw him; her father standing across from her. Glaring at her with anger in his eyes, the air hanging still around them. Smells of alcohol and vomit all around, it made her sick to her stomach. But his piercing glare pinned her to the door behind her. Had he seen Kenshin? Of course he did! He probably saw the whole thing…walking together…holding her arm…"Oh God!"
End Chapter 2
Well, how did you guys like it? As I was writing it, I thought the story was going a bit slowly, so I skipped some details like Kenshin and Sano's first conversation, etc. I didn't want it to drag out too much. And I also wanted to get a little bit into the family drama and the heart of the story soon. So I suppose it'll really pick up shortly. But for now, please tell me what you think. It may sound odd, but a lot of this is coming from personal experience and the rest is made up. I am at a bit of a crossroads though on which direction I want the story to go. Really dark or bittersweet or just plain tragic. Well, as soon as I get some reviews, I guess I'll know.
Next chappy will be up soon! As always, I greatly value all of your input!
Thanks to gabyhyatt for being my first ever reviewer! Thanks a bunch!
