Hello. Goodbye.
I OWN NOTHING.
Sayo was sweeping the living room when Kohaku came in through the front door.
''Good morning,'' Kohaku greeted her.
''The boss just left,'' Sayo stated and went back to her sweeping.
''Yes. Yes, I know. That's why I'll have to talk to Rin now,'' Kohaku responded.
''The lady isn't here. She's in her room,'' Sayo replied.
At that moment Rin came out from her room but when she saw Kohaku she wouldn't come any closer.
''Ma'am,'' Kohaku greeted her. ''Can I talk to you? Unfortunately, your husband is out and I have a few questions.''
''But I-'' ''It's very important.'' ''But I can't help you with-''
''Could we please go into the study and talk?'' Kohaku requested.
''Fine,'' Rin relented. ''I'll be there in just a moment.'' Rin waited for Kohaku to leave before rushing up to Sayo. ''Sayo, please stay here and let me know if someone comes.''
''But ma'am-'' ''Please. I'm begging you. Please.''
Sayo nodded so Rin went into Sesshomaru's office and closed the door.
''Are you insane? What were you thinking coming here?'' Rin questioned.
''And what were you thinking sending me that letter?'' Kohaku retorted.
''You wanted my answer, right? You got it,'' Rin replied.
''You know perfectly well you're the reason I'm here,'' Kohaku reminded her.
''You got here by lying. Pretending to be someone else,'' Rin reminded him.
''Yes,'' Kohaku admitted. ''I did it to be close to you. To show you you're important to me.''
''No, no,'' Rin shook her head. ''If that were true, you wouldn't be doing things this way. You would come clean. You'd fight fair, like a man. Without hiding. And even if it hurts, I have to accept that you've been a coward, Kohaku. You were never brave enough to talk to my dad, and you're still not brave enough to face Sesshomaru and tell him who you are.''
''You're making childish excuses to get what you want. As if I didn't know you, Rin. You have no idea how offensive your manipulation is. But if that's what you want. I just hope you know that when your husband learns I'm Kohaku Mai, you'll know death,'' Kohaku threatened. ''One of us will end up dead.''
Sayo paced through the living room until Sesshomaru suddenly came up behind her.
''What's wrong? Is everything okay?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''Yes,'' Sayo answered with a shaky voice. ''I thought you were going to be out until noon.''
''Yes, but I forgot something in the office,'' Sesshomaru explained and left without another word.
''Is that what you want, Rin?'' Kohaku questioned her. ''For Sesshomaru and me to kill each other for you?''
''No,'' Rin cried just as Sesshomaru walked in.
''What are you doing here?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Your foreman needs to talk to you about something important,'' Rin lied. ''I was just welcoming him, but I'll leave you alone so you can talk. Excuse me.'' Rin quickly walked out, leaving the two alone.
''Forgive me, ma'am. I couldn't do anything,'' Sayo exclaimed.
''Come with me to my room,'' Rin pleaded and ran to her room.
''Sayo,'' Sara called out stopping Sayo. ''What was she doing in the office with the foreman?''
''How would I know?'' Sayo retorted leaving Sara alone.
Rin rushed over to her closet and began to remove her clothes.
''Please, Sayo. Help me pack,'' Rin suddenly said. ''If my husband doesn't kill me as soon as he comes out of there, I'm sure he'll kick me out. I want to have all my things ready.''
''Do you want to leave with-'' ''No! If I leave this house, I'm leaving alone. Pack my things as fast as you can, the bathroom stuff too. I need to go and see what's happening.'' Rin ran out leaving Sayo alone.
Sayo picked up the clothes Rin threw on the bed, picked them up, and hung them back up. ''You won't abandon my brother. And he won't kick you out either.''
Rin walked hesitantly into the living room where Sara was waiting.
''Sesshomaru hasn't come out of the office?'' Rin asked.
''No ma'am,'' Sara answered smugly. ''He's still in there talking to the foreman. What's going on?''
''None of your business. Go to the kitchen,'' Rin ordered. ''I said go!''
Sara left while Rin paced until Sesshomaru and Kohaku finally came out.
''So we're agreed, Shiro,'' Sesshomaru said as he came out.
''Perfect,'' Kohaku looked at Rin. ''Okay. I won't take any more of your time. Excuse me.'' Kohaku took another look at Rin before going out the front door.
''What were you talking about?'' Rin asked.
''The ranch,'' Sesshomaru answered.
''Oh. You were in the office for a long time,'' Rin pointed out.
''Yes. We were discussing the workers' salaries. It took work, but we had to settle it,'' Sesshomaru explained. ''Are you okay?''
''Yes. Yes. Did he say anything else?'' Rin asked.
''No. Why?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
Rin shook her head. ''No, nothing.''
''Is there something going on that I should know about?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''No. Did you eat breakfast already?'' Rin asked.
''No. Not yet. You?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Me neither,'' Rin answered.
''Do you want to eat together?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Okay,'' Rin turned to walk towards the kitchen until she saw Sayo leaving her room. ''I'll be right with you,'' Rin said and let Sesshomaru walk ahead. ''I'm sorry, Sayo. I'm sorry, forgive me. Put everything away. Put the luggage away. Don't let anyone see you. And don't say anything to anyone, I beg of you.''
''As you wish, ma'am,'' Sayo smiled.
''Thank you, thank you,'' Rin exclaimed and hurried to join her husband.
''Are you feeling okay?'' Sesshomaru asked his wife as she sat down at the dining table.
''Yes. Yes, I'm fine,'' Rin answered.
''Are you upset about something?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''No. There's nothing wrong,'' Rin reassured and turned to one of the kitchen maids. ''Just bring his food, please.''
''Yes, ma'am.''
''Aren't you going to eat?'' Sesshomaru asked her.
''Maybe some fruit later. I'm not hungry right now,'' Rin answered.
''Did you ask them to set the table just for two?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Yes,'' Rin answered. ''Why?''
''What about Sara?'' Sesshomaru questioned. ''Rin, let me explain something to you. I've known Sara almost all my life. We've always had a good relationship and I care about her. I don't want you to treat her like she's just an employee, treat her like a family member. Let me remind you she's going through a difficult time. She's confused. But she's a good person. She's very nice.''
''Forgive me, but I disagree,'' Rin responded.
''Because you haven't tried to get to know her,'' Sesshomaru said.
''How do you know that? Maybe I already know her but not the same way you do,'' Rin argued.
''I want Sara to eat with us,'' Sesshomaru stated.
''Why do you want to force me to live with someone I don't like and who hates me?'' Rin questioned.
''If Sara isn't being nice to you, it's because you were very mean to her. You did some pretty bad things to her,'' Sesshomaru responded.
''You don't believe anything I say, do you?'' Rin questioned. ''You don't think she helped me escape and that I'm lying when I say Sara is rude not only to me, but to everybody, especially to Sayo.''
''Rin,'' Sesshomaru started. ''I have responsibilities to these people. Especially to those who have been good to me, not to people I don't know that well. So I'm asking you to please do what I say.''
''Why do you say it like that? Do you think we shouldn't trust Sayo?'' Rin questioned.
''No, but she's weird. I feel like she's afraid, or hiding something,'' Sesshomaru pointed out.
''I think Sayo is a very good person. She's always very nice to me,'' Rin smiled.
''I'm glad. By the way, I wanted to tell you that the owners of the ranch next door will be spending some time here. Would you like to meet them and see if you become friends?'' Sesshomaru suggested.
''If you want me to,'' Rin shrugged.
''I'm thinking about you. The Michis are the kind of people you're used to,'' Sesshomaru reminded her. ''You could plan a party or a dinner if you want to.''
''I don't really like parties,'' Rin revealed.
''Didn't you go to parties in Kamakura?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Yes,'' Rin answered. ''Yes, but out of obligation or to please my mother. But I don't really...You know very little about me, don't you?''
''I know only what you've allowed me to know. When we were dating you didn't like talking about yourself,'' Sesshomaru reminded her.
''Yes. You're right,'' Rin relented.
''I have to go check on some things. I'll be back for lunch,'' Sesshomaru announced. ''Talk to Sara, please?''
Rin nodded reluctantly and headed into the kitchen where Sayo was waiting alone.
''Sayo. I don't know..I don't know how to thank you for all that you've done for me,'' Rin whimpered.
''Don't worry about it, ma'am. That's what I'm here for. You can count on my discretion,'' Sayo responded.
Rin nodded. ''Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.''
''But I want you to know..That I don't like lying to the boss. He..He's been very kind to me,'' Sayo grimaced. ''I know I'm no one to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. But I'm scared. I'm very scared for you and Mr. Sesshomaru.''
''What you saw won't happen again,'' Rin promised.
''Don't play with fire, ma'am. There's people here who would be glad to mess things up between you and the boss if they heard or saw anything,'' Sayo reminded her.
''You're talking about Sara, right?'' Rin guessed. ''Yes. I've noticed that. But it won't happen again.''
''Okay,'' Sayo replied.
Rin pulled her in for hug. ''Thank you, Sayo.''
''Is everything okay, ma'am?'' Sango asked as she came into the kitchen.
''Yes,'' Rin wiped a tear from her cheek. ''Sango, can I ask you something?''
''Of course, ma'am,'' Sango answered.
''What exactly is the deal with Sesshomaru and Sara?'' Rin asked.
Sango sighed and sat down at the table. Rin and Sayo followed suit.
''Sesshomaru and Sara have known each other since Sara's parents started working here shortly after she was born. She and Sesshomaru weren't actually that close but..Sara's older brother Honda and Sesshomaru were best friends from the moment they met. They did everything together. Sesshomaru's mother, of course hated it but Sesshomaru didn't care. The years went by and Sara and Honda's mother died from illness and then so did their father. Honda took over as the foreman here until a few months ago. Honda had to go into town to drop off some paperwork for the factory and he was stopped by those robbers on the road. They took his truck, shot him, and left him for dead. Everyone was worried when he didn't come back so we all went looking. Sesshomaru found him but it was too late. You should've seen Sesshomaru carrying Honda in his arms, this dead look in his eyes. We had the funeral and then Sesshomaru didn't leave his room for three days. Didn't talk, didn't move, didn't eat. Sara finally went in there, stayed for a couple of hours and when she came out, Sesshomaru came out with her and they've basically been inseparable ever since, though as I'm sure you've noticed not as much as she'd like,'' Sango finished.
''Poor Mr. Sesshomaru,'' Sayo grimaced.
''...'' Rin didn't say a word while tears ran down her cheeks and she walked out the back door and walked through the fields until she found Sara. ''Sara.''
''What do you want?'' Sara asked.
''To tell you to come lunch with me and Sesshomaru in the dining room later,'' Rin answered.
''Did Sesshomaru order you to say that?'' Sara asked.
''My husband doesn't order me to do anything, he asks me,'' Rin retorted.
''Okay,'' Sara smirked. ''Excuse me.''
Rin took a deep breath to rid herself of anger. ''I can't stand her.''
''Kohaku, I'd like you to go out with me today,'' Sesshomaru requested as he came up on one of the horses.
''Of course,'' Kohaku nodded and went to the stables to saddle a horse.
''Regarding what I feel for you, I've never deceived you and to make my luck worse, I love you like you can't even imagine.''
Rin sighed and stood from her spot on the couch in the living room.
''Your lips. Your lips don't lie. You still love me.''
''Excuse me,'' Sayo came in. ''A woman just arrived in a car. They're unloading some luggage.''
Rin looked towards the front door in confusion until her aunt Sakura came through the door followed by many bags.
''Aunt Sakura?''
''My beautiful niece, come so I can hug you,'' Sakura smiled and pulled her niece into her arms. ''Hello, my dear.''
''What a surprise. You said you wouldn't come for a few more weeks,'' Rin pointed out.
''Honey, what can I tell you? Your father insisted on me coming now, and here I am,'' Sakura laughed.
''How wonderful. Let's go inside,'' Rin suggested and walked with her aunt back into the living room.
''Where is your husband?'' Sakura asked.
''He had to go out,'' Rin answered.
''You don't look good, honey. You look pale,'' Sakura noticed. ''Are you still not eating well?''
''No, no, no,'' Rin denied. ''I'm much better. I'm eating well.''
''Good,'' Sakura smiled.
Sesshomaru and Kohaku were riding through the fields towards the pastures when something caught Kohaku's attention.
''Wait, Sesshomaru. Wait.''
''What's up?'' Sesshomaru questioned right before a loud pop sounded the area and Sesshomaru went down.
Kohaku immediately pulled out his gun and moved Sesshomaru behind some cover. He stuck his head up and fired off his gun at a group of men wearing mask until they ran off. Kohaku looked down at the mobile Sesshomaru as a thought struck him and he decided to point the gun at Sesshomaru's head.
''Till death do you part.''
''What's wrong with you, honey? Aren't you happy here?'' Sakura questioned her niece.
''No, aunt Sakura. I am the least happiest person in the world,'' Rin sighed.
''Tell me about it, dear,'' Sakura said.
''He're's your coffee,'' Sayo brought in a tray.
''Thank you, Sayo,'' Rin smiled but then the front door opened to reveal Kohaku and her eyes widened in fear when she noticed some workers carrying Sesshomaru behind him. ''What happened?''
''We were on our way to the pastures and some men came and shot at us,'' Kohaku explained. Rin immediately gestured for the workers to take Sesshomaru to her room.
''Is he dead!?'' Sayo screamed.
''No, calm down,'' Kohaku assured. ''Bring bandages, bring something to clean the wound and..And hot water!'' Kohaku followed after Rin.
''Quick. Come in, come in carefully. Take him to the bed. Carefully!'' Rin cried.
''We have to get a doctor. Go now!'' Kohaku ordered the workers.
''Oh god. Oh my god,'' Rin whimpered and looked over her husband. ''Thank God, the wound on his head is just a scratch. But he was shot in his arm!'' Rin cried.
Kohaku nodded. ''Yes.''
''What about you?'' Rin asked. ''Did you get shot?''
''No,'' Kohaku waved her away.
''Did you say some men shot at you?'' Rin questioned suspiciously.
Kohaku looked up at her. ''What are you trying to say? If I had done it, I wouldn't have brought him to you alive, into your arms!'' Kohaku yelled angrily and stormed out.
Rin put Kohaku out of her mind and went back to her husband. ''My God, Sesshomaru. You'll be okay. You'll be fine. What do I do? What do I do?'' Rin started to take of Sesshomaru's shirt. ''You'll be fine, Sesshomaru.''
''Sesshomaru!'' Sara came running in and pushed Rin away from him. ''Get out of the way! My love, what did they do? What did they do to you? What happened? Please, open your eyes.''
''They will bring hot water and alcohol in a minute,'' Rin's aunt said as she came into Rin's bedroom. Rin pointed to Sara with frustration. ''Girl, get out of the way.''
''Let me go! I'll take care of him. I won't leave his side,'' Sara argued.
''Get out of here, Sara!'' Rin yelled.
''No one, not even you will make me leave him,'' Sara responded.
''I'm telling you to get out of my room!'' Rin grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Sesshomaru.
''I won't leave you alone with him. You're capable of killing him-'' Rin cut Sara off with a hard slap to the face.
''Out!'' Rin ordered. As soon as Sara scurried off, Rin broke down into tears. ''This can't be happening!''
''Now is not the time to fight, or cry. We have to take care of your husband,'' Sakura reminded her.
''Yes,'' Rin agreed. ''We have to undress him. Be careful. Don't hurt him.''
''Let me,'' Sayo suggested as she came in. Rin nodded and moved aside for her. Sayo dipped the towel she was holding in hot water and cleaned Sesshomaru's wound before applying a bandage. Rin looked at Sayo with worry and confusion when she noticed the tears running down her cheeks.
''Stay with him, ma'am. I'll get something to bring down his fever while we wait for the doctor,'' Sayo said and left Rin alone with her husband.
Rin pulled up a chair next to the bedside and looked at Sesshomaru for a moment before he finally opened his eyes. ''How are you feeling?''
''Why-Why am I here?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''You were shot,'' Rin reminded him.''You don't remember?''
''Yes,'' Sesshomaru answered.
''Or are you asking why you're in my bed?'' Rin smiled. ''I don't know but it was the first thing I thought of. Do you mind?''
''No,'' Sesshomaru responded and moved to touch his wounded arm.
''No, no, no. Don't touch it. You're badly wounded. Sayo cleaned it, she did everything the doctor said, but the bullet is still inside,'' Rin revealed. ''He won't be long, but he's coming from Kamakura. I also sent someone to tell Father Ocha.''
''You think I'm going to die,'' Sesshomaru guessed.
''No, you told me once when we were dating that it takes a lot more to kill a demon than it takes to kill a human,'' Rin remembered. ''I did it because I thought you'd like having him close.''
''If I die..It'll be better for you, right? You'd be free,'' Sesshomaru's eyes began to get heavier.
Rin pressed a finger to his lips. ''I don't want you to die.''
''Why?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''Because I-! I don't want anything bad to happen to you, Sesshomaru,'' Rin moved her hand away from him.
''Is that the only reason?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Well, you're..You're my husband,'' Rin whimpered when Sesshomaru's eyes closed again. Right after, the doctor arrived.
''I need the room, please.''
Rin paced in the living room until Father Jaken rushed in.
''How's Sesshomaru? I want to see him.''
''The doctor is with him right now. You're going to have to wait, Father,'' Rin told him.
''See, child? This is what I was afraid of. It's the foreman,'' Father Jaken accused.
''No, no. Kohaku had nothing to do with it, Father,'' Rin denied.
''Then what happened?'' Father questioned.
''They ran into some guys in the pastures who had guns and started shooting them,'' Rin explained. ''I don't know. Maybe they wanted to steal horses, or..I don't know!''
''Is the foreman hurt as well?'' Father asked and followed Rin outside to the front steps.
''No,'' Rin answered.
''Oh, child. I'm sorry, but it's very suspicious,'' Father pointed out. ''Especially after what that man said to me this afternoon.''
''You talked to Kohaku?'' Rin questioned.
''Yes, I did. And when I told him your duty was to stay married to Sesshomaru until death do you part, he answered in a way that..shocked me!'' Father informed her.
Rin's eyes widened. ''If what you're saying...is true, and Kohaku did this, it's my fault.''
''No, child-'' ''Yes! I pushed him, Father! I demanded he step up and be brave enough to face Sesshomaru and tell him, once and for all, the truth about who he is, so we could stop lying! I was willing to bear the consequences-Sesshomaru's hate and contempt. I even asked Sayo to pack my things in case Sesshomaru kicked me out. But he wasn't brave enough. He...wasn't brave enough to tell him anything.''
''What did you expect, child?'' Father questioned.
''I don't know. I don't even know...How I feel, what I think, much less what I want,'' Rin sobbed. ''With every minute, every hour, every day that goes by, I'm more and more confused.''
''Why don't you talk to Sesshomaru?'' Father asked. ''Tell him the truth. Tell him that man is Kohaku Mai. That he came for you, and that you don't want to go with him.''
Rin shook her head. ''No, I can't.''
''If you're afraid of his reaction, I could be there to calm everyone down. But especially to stand up for you.''
''I can't, Father. I can't tell him now,'' Rin refused.
''Why? What are you afraid of?'' Father questioned.
''That Sesshomaru will hate me even more,'' Rin cried.
Father Jaken smiled. ''Child, Sesshomaru doesn't hate you. He loves you.''
''When he finds out that his foreman is Kohaku...That love will turn into nothing,'' Rin whimpered.
''Don't you see? That means you care about your husband,'' Father pointed out. ''And that despite everything, you're starting to love him. Child, if you don't speak now, then it could be too late. And if that man is not willing to clear his conscience..You do it. I told you, you can count on me.''
''I can't. I just can't. Now is not the time. What I have to do is find a way to make Kohaku leave this place for good..And never come back,'' Rin said.
Rin walked back into the living room as Kohaku was walking in from the kitchen.
''Rin,'' Kohaku called out her name.
''What are you doing here?'' Rin questioned. ''Don't be careless.''
''We have to talk,'' Kohaku responded.
''Yes, but we can't here. Can't you see my aunt is here?'' Rin gestured towards her aunt asleep on the couch.
''Okay then..Let's go outside,'' Kohaku suggested.
''Please, Kohaku. Try to understand,'' Rin pleaded.
''It's just a moment. Let's go. Come,'' Kohaku led Rin outside.
''Kohaku?'' Rin's aunt opened her eyes and watched her niece walk out the door.
''I asked you to tell Sesshomaru the truth and you didn't have the guts to accept who you are,'' Rin told Kohaku.
Kohaku shook his head. ''That would've been crazy, can't you see?''
''We can't keep lying to Sesshomaru's face!'' Rin exclaimed.
''Why are you talking to me like this?'' Kohaku questioned.
''Because n-no one would forgive us for what we're doing,'' Rin stuttered.
''Why do you care if he forgives you or not?'' Kohaku asked. ''Don't you hate him? Tell me something, Rinny. Do you love him?''
''Unfortunately..The only man..I've loved is you. And you know it,'' Rin moved away when Kohaku tried to touch her. ''But this has to end. We have to end this, Kohaku. You have to leave.''
''No,'' Kohaku refused. ''I won't leave. I told you. I won't leave without you.''
''And I told you I'm not leaving like a thief,'' Rin retorted.
''After what happened today...I could've taken advantage,'' Kohaku said.
''What are you saying?'' Rin questioned.
''That when your husband was shot and unconscious...I could've fired a killing shot, and I didn't,'' Kohaku pointed out.
''No. Don't say that. Don't say that. You're scaring me,'' Rin whimpered.
''No, no, no, my love. I just..hope it's clear that..That I saved his life. Sesshomaru is alive, thanks to me,'' Kohaku told her.
''I expected no less from you,'' Rin turned to go back into the house but Kohaku grabbed her.
''No, honey. Don't go-'' ''Let me go. Let me go. Let me go.''
''Where are you going?'' Kohaku asked.
''To see Sesshomaru. He's with the doctor and I'm very worried about him. Let me go!'' Rin wretched herself out of his grasp.
''Worried about what? About him? That means you care, right? That's why you don't want to leave with me, because you care about that guy, right?'' Kohaku questioned.
''You know what? I can't be here anymore. Don't look..For me again. Don't touch me,'' Rin ordered and left him outside while she went back in.
''What were you doing outside?'' Rin's aunt asked her.
''Getting some fresh air,'' Rin lied. ''I'm going to check on Sesshomaru.''
''Wait. Who's that man? The one I saw you talking to outside?'' Sakura asked.
''That's Shiro Kon. The foreman,'' Rin answered.
''Shiro or Kohaku?'' Sakura questioned. ''Because I know that Kohaku was the petty officer you were pining for not long ago, right?''
''Shhhh! Please, we'll talk later, okay? Please,'' Rin pleaded and left to check on her husband. ''How's my husband, doctor?'' Rin asked as she walked into her bedroom.
''Rin,'' Sesshomaru called out.
''I'm giving you a strong sedative so I can get the bullet out,'' The doctor said.
''Stay with me, Rin. Please,'' Sesshomaru requested before falling back asleep. Rin smiled and held the tray for the doctor while he attempted to fish out the bullet.
Sayo kneeled before the alter that was located in the middle of the garden.
''Please, God. He's all I have left in this world. Don't take him, please.''
Early the next day, Rin had Sesshomaru's good arm in her lap and was pressed up against his side to make sure he didn't move throughout the night, she watched him as he slept until he started stirring.
''Hello,'' Rin smiled down at her husband. ''How are you feeling? Don't move.''
''My arm hurts,'' Sesshomaru groaned. ''What time is it?''
Rin looked down at her watch. ''6:30.''
Sesshomaru widened his eyes a little. ''You got up early.''
''You should eat something,'' Rin suggested. ''You haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning.''
''I'm not hungry,'' Sesshomaru responded.
''Either way, I'll go to the kitchen and make you some orange juice,'' Rin offered. ''And you have to take the medication the doctor left. Does it hurt a lot? Because he left something for the pain too. I'll be right back.'' Rin slipped her shoes back on and turned to leave but Sesshomaru stopped her.
''Rin, where did you sleep? Here?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''No, I didn't sleep,'' Rin blushed. ''I'll be right back.''
Rin walked into the kitchen and met with Sayo.
''Good morning, Sayo.''
''Good morning, ma'am,'' Sayo greeted her.
''Sesshomaru woke up,'' Rin smiled. ''I'm going to take him some orange juice.''
''I'll take it to him. You should get a little sleep,'' Sayo suggested.
''No, it's already daylight,'' Rin pointed out. ''Father Jaken?''
''He's praying at the chapel,'' Sayo told her.
''Okay,'' Rin replied and walked out to the living room where her aunt was waiting for her. ''Good morning, aunt Sakura. Did you sleep well?''
''Did you think I could sleep after yesterday?'' Sakura questioned.
''Please, not here. Let's go to the office,'' Rin walked over and opened one of the double doors for her aunt, waiting for her to enter before she closed it.
''Tell me something, Rin,'' Sakura started. ''The foreman and Kohaku are the same man, right?''
''Yes,'' Rin admitted.
Sakura gasped. ''My God, are you crazy? How could you bring that man here and lie to your husband this way?''
''Calm down, please,'' Rin pleaded. ''I didn't bring him here. Kohaku followed me. He came here pretending to be Shiro Kon. I swear I asked him to leave a million different ways, but he doesn't want to. He's obsessed with me leaving with him.''
''And you, Rin? Do you want to run away with that man?'' Sakura asked.
''No. Of course not,'' Rin shook her head.
''Because I found out that you were going to leave with him on the day of your wedding,'' Sakura told her.
''I-'' ''No. Your mother told me everything. So don't deny it.''
''It's different now,'' Rin defended herself. ''I swear. I understand now that running away won't fix my problems.''
''That man can't stay here,'' Sakura stated. ''Can you imagine what would happen if your husband found out?''
''I think it's for the best,'' Rin sighed. ''That way I'll get rid of this worry that's killing me.''
''Oh my God, girl. Sesshomaru can't know!'' Sakura exclaimed. ''I don't even want to think about what would happen.''
''Then what do I do? What can I do? Help me, because I don't know,'' Rin cried. ''Kohaku doesn't want to go. He doesn't want to, and I can't keep living like this, afraid all the time.''
''My baby, come here,'' Sakura pulled her niece in for a hug.
Sayo helped Sesshomaru drink a little orange juice with his medication.
''Thank you, Sayo,'' Sesshomaru said.
''You're welcome, sir. How are you feeling?'' Sayo asked.
''The pain in my arm is going away. I guess that's good,'' Sesshomaru answered. ''Sayo, did Lady Rin stay here all night long?''
''Yes. She hasn't left your side for even a moment,'' Sayo revealed. ''She's very worried. Well, we're all very worried about you.''
Rin's bedroom door creaked open when Sara opened the door to look around before coming in.
''Sesshomaru, how are you?'' Sara asked.
''Better, Sara,'' Sesshomaru answered.
''Does it hurt?'' Sara asked.
''Not so much anymore,'' Sesshomaru answered.
Sara pushed Sayo out of her way to stand next to the bed. ''I didn't come to see you yesterday..Not because I didn't want to...But because your wife didn't let me. She kicked me out, she even slapped me!''
''Shut up, Sara!'' Sayo exclaimed.
''Why should I shut up if it's the truth?'' Sara questioned.
''Please, leave me alone. Leave,'' Sesshomaru told them both.
Sayo and Sara excused themselves and left the room.
''Poor thing,'' Sara said.
''Now you can say that, right?'' Sayo retorted. ''But you loved going in there to bother him.''
''Me? Bother him?'' Sara questioned.
''Why did you say that about the Lady when he's in a delicate condition?'' Sayo asked.
''Because it's the truth. She hit me,'' Sara growled.
''Even if it's true, this is not the time to bother him,'' Sayo reminded.
''Who do you think you are telling me what I can or can't do,'' Sara sneered.
''I know very well I'm nobody, but what matters now is the boss' health and I won't let you bother him anymore,'' Sayo swore.
''Start saying your good-byes, Sayo. I'll make Sesshomaru fire you. I promise,'' Sara smirked.
''Calm down, sweetie. Crying doesn't fix anything,'' Sakura comforted her niece.
''What can I do?'' Rin questioned.
''I don't know, but I'll think of something,'' Sakura promised.
''I should never have gotten married. If you know everything, you know there were many lies that pushed me to get married,'' Rin started. ''Who's to be blamed more? Sesshomaru or my mother?''
''I don't know anything,'' Sakura looked away.
''Of course you know. I need you to tell me, because I need to believe someone!'' Rin exclaimed. ''Sesshomaru swears he was lied to just like me. Is that true?''
TA-DA! I haven't had much time the past couple of days because of work and such but here it is. I am so tired that my eyes aren't even working right now. Reviews people, reviews.
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