Hey everyone. Thank you so much for the followers that I have gained since posting the first chapter. Please continue to tell me what you think, I will be writing more. Thank you so much and please remember to review.

Rin: WhisperingLady does not own vocaloids or any actual company/product mentioned in this story

Me: Exactly. Please don't sue me T-T


Chapter 2: Luka's surprise to me

Waking up the next morning, I winced as I moved onto my side. I opened my eyes slowly and looked up at my bedside clock; 6:00 a.m. 10 more minutes and my alarm would go off. Reaching up, I turned the alarm switch to off.

No sense in waking everyone else up. I turned back over and sighed heavily. Another dreamless night. At least I hadn't had any nightmares, so I was thankful for that, at least, as I sat up. I looked around my room and noticed my birthday "present" from Ted was laying in a crumpled heap on the floor next to my bed. It made me shudder.

Wrapping myself in my comforter, I got up, and walked over to the small closet in the corner of my room.

I opened the double doors and took out my bathrobe. Dropping the blanket, I tossed it back to the bed and slipped on the fuzzy yellow robe, wrapping it tightly around myself. I needed another shower. BADLY.

I grabbed my toiletries, walked out of my room, making my way to the bathroom and closed the door quietly behind me.

I sighed and turned to look at myself in the mirror. Nothing special. My shoulder-length blonde hair was a disheveled mess, my blue eyes seeming lackluster. I looked down at my face and noticed a bright red mark on my cheek that looked like a handprint.

Bringing my hand up and lightly touching a finger to the mark, I winced. It stung pretty badly, so I left it alone for now. I moved my hand down to the counter and took my gaze off the mark, looking the rest of myself over in the mirror.

I saw what looked like a hickey on my neck right above where my collar bone starts and a deep blue-purple bruise on my arm. You could see the finger indentations in it.

I sighed and hung my head, bracing myself against the counter before leaning off the smooth marble surface and reaching towards the shower, turning it on. Waiting for the steam to fill the small space, I sighed heavily. I felt tired, but it was more than just a lack of sleep. My entire being felt exhausted in a way that I felt might never go away. I took my robe off and stepped in front of the steaming water.

I put my hands on the wall of the shower and faced my back to the nozzle, letting the water cascade off my back. Everything felt so stiff and tight that the water felt like little needles pricking my skin. Thankfully, it didn't take long before I felt my muscles start to relax.

I sighed in relief. This was the only time, anywhere, where I could get some peace and quiet. The only time I could relax. I just stood there for about 10 minutes before doing anything. Finally I started washing myself, scrubbing until I felt my skin go raw.

Turning off the water, I stepped out, grabbing a towel and my robe, and walked back to my room. Picking out my school outfit from my closet, I realized I had always thought the skirt was a little too short, but most the girls liked it that way, so I shrugged it off.

I loved my school colors though. Orange, black, and yellow. The skirt was a dark orange color with a black lace trim and a white button up shirt, a black and yellow striped tie, and a black blazer with the school emblem embroidered onto the small breast pocket.

Thankfully the school board realized that during the fall and winter months, the students would need a bit more coverage, so we actually had two different outfits.

Well the girls did anyway. The skirt got longer and the shirt turned into a long-sleeve instead of a short-sleeve. The guy's just changed their shirt because they wore pants year round. I got dressed and went to my vanity.

Trying to cover up the hand print wouldn't be a problem because it was already fading. I might have a sore cheek, but it wouldn't be visible to anyone, thank god. I applied some concealer to the mark on my neck, hoping no one paid much attention to me today, because it wasn't covering up too well.

Sighing, I put on a sheer coat of sparkly yellow eyeshadow to match the colors of my outfit. I put a bit of eyeliner on my bottom lids, some mascara and just a little bit of clear lip-gloss. Looking myself over, I reached down and grabbed my hair-clips, clipping my bangs back out of my face.

I grabbed my white hair bow and began tying it in my hair, and readjusting it perfectly on top of my head. Now most people would ask me why someone my age would still wear a hair bow, but it's the only thing I really have left that my father gave me. It somehow still fits, even after all these years.

Looking myself over in the mirror, I nod and get up, reaching down to grab my book bag and headphones, walking over to where I had set the gift I was most excited about.

I look down at my new book and smile to myself. Grabbing it in one arm, I hugged it to my chest with my bookbag in the other hand, down at my side.

I left my room, closing the door quietly behind me and tip-toed downstairs. Making my way quickly to the kitchen and placing my stuff on the counter, I walk over to the fridge and open it. Looking in to try and figure out what to make myself for lunch considering I didn't have very much cash, I tried to figure out what would fill me up and double as a healthy lunch.

Looking closely inside, I decided on an omelet with rice. I quickly got some eggs, tomatoes, green onions, peppers, and cheese out. Setting them on the kitchen island and getting out a small grater, I shredded up the small block of cheese and got to work cutting up the veggies. Cooking everything together, I added some cheese to the middle before folding it over and getting it out of the pan. Steam rose off of the fluffy meal while sliding it into my bento box. I sprinkled some more cheese on top and smiled to myself.

Grabbing the rice cooker from the bottom cabinet, I set it on the counter and grabbed the bowl inside. Walking to the sink, I took the salt shaker off the stove top and stuck the bowl under the faucet, turning the water on and filling it to the appropriate line. I sprinkled some salt into the water for some flavor before turning the sink off and walking the bowl back to the machine.

Reaching up, I grabbed the rice and measured it out, sprinkling it evenly into the bowl, hoping it cooked all over. Sometimes this machine liked to overcook certain spots while under cooking others. Shutting the lid and setting the timer, I smiled softly and gathered up the dishes I had dirtied, gently placing them in the sink and began filling it with water and soap.

Better to do them now rather than later. As I started on the pan, the sound of someone's soft footsteps coming down the stairs and into the kitchen caught my attention. Turning my head and looking over my shoulder, I saw lily's sleepy form slumped against the kitchen island.

I chuckled softly before smiling at her. "Morning sleepy head." I said cheerfully. All I heard was a grunt and a mumbled response as Lily's face pressed down against the smooth polished wooden top of the island. It made me chuckle even again.

"You hungry?" I asked as I started scrubbing the pan a little harder before rinsing it off. "Mmhmm. Can you cook me something?" she asked. But it came out as a mumbled mess. I smiled and nodded.

"Alright. Go get dressed and ready and I'll make you something. Also, do you want me to cook you lunch, or are you buying yours?" I asked, tilting my head and looking back at her.

She lifted her head off the island, got up, stretched and yawned. "I'm buying lunch, so no thanks." She turned and walked out of the kitchen and back up the stairs. I heard her footsteps slowly retreat.

I smiled to myself and finished the dishes. As I dried them, I looked over at the clock on the stove. 6:45 a.m. I still had time if I wanted to get there early. Instead of putting the frying pan away, I put it back on the stove and turned the burner on again. Going back over to the fridge, I pulled out eggs, hash brown patties, and some bacon.

I popped the bacon in the oven to cook after lightly dusting them with a small layer of brown sugar. I fried up the eggs and hash brown patties on the griddle attachment we had, realizing only after I had started cooking, how delicious everything smelled and how much my stomach would hate me for skipping out on this. After the last bacon stripe had left the pan and made its way onto the plates, I slid them onto the kitchen island and smiled.

My stomach protested that the food wasn't already being shoveled into my mouth and I sighed and chuckled softly, shaking my head. "You hush down there." I said playfully to myself.

No one else liked orange juice, so I didn't bother with a glass while I grabbed the carton, along with the milk, out of the fridge. Hearing the beep from the rice cooker signal it was done, I set the beverages on the island counter before reaching over and turning it off. I grabbed some seaweed strips from the cooler and started forming the rice balls, putting the seaweed around the bottom and packing them into the bento box next to the omelet, before closing it and sticking it in my bag.

I turned and walked over to the island and saw Lily come down and the minute she turned into the kitchen,her stomach growled loudly. She looked eagerly at the food and sat down as I tried not to laugh.

She eagerly devoured the food as I realized she hadn't eaten much last night because orange chicken wasn't her thing. I saw the giant smile on her face as she shoveled the food into her mouth which made me grin at her as she ate.

She downed her glass of milk and I refilled it with a small chuckle, making her smile at me.

"You know," I heard her start to say through a mouthful of food. She finished chewing and swallowed before she continued talking. "I miss days like this. Where me and you would just sit and eat breakfast together before school. You and I may not be blood related, but we're still sisters." I saw her hang her head a little and a hint of sadness entered her voice. "I'm sorry I've been such a bitch to you lately, Rin. I really am."

I saw her eyes tear up slightly, but she blinked them away as I looked at her. I smiled a kind smile and reached my hand over to hers and gave it a small squeeze, making her head come up and look at me.

"Lily, it's okay. You don't have to apologize. I forgive you." I smiled brightly at her, which made her grin and squeeze my hand in return as I let go. I got up and made my way to the sink with my plate as I heard my phone beep on the counter. I walked over and flipped it open as the screen lit up.

Text Message: Luka Megurine

I smiled and opened the message.

To: Rin Akita

From: Luka Megurine

Hey girly. You awake?

I chuckled as I replied

To: Luka Megurine

From: Rin Akita

Of course. But what are you doing up so early? You're never up this early. It's like sleep time in Luka land. Watch out! You might actually make it to school on time for once! 0.0

To: Rin Akita

From: Luka Megurine

Ha Ha Ha. Very funny Miss "perfect attendance." I am in fact up this early because I have a surprise for you missy. Now hurry your butt up and get to school. That's where your surprise starts.

I closed the phone and looked at the time on the clock. 7:10 a.m. I grabbed my bag and book off the counter and stopped to get a pair of chopsticks that I shoved into my bag next to the bento box and put the headphones on over my ears.

I walked over to the door and slipped my shoes on as Lily came over, gave me a quick hug, slipped on her shoes and ran outside with me following her out, putting my blazer on and closing the front door behind me.

I looked and saw Lily hop into the shotgun seat of a cherry red Volkswagen bug. One of her best friends, IA, was driving. Her long, light pink hair in her signature two front braids, smiled and started animatedly talking to Lily the minute she got in.

I saw Lily's other best friend, Cul, sitting in the back seat, laughing at something obviously funny that the pink haired girl had said. Lily, looked over at me, waved and then closed the door as they sped off down the street in the opposite direction of the school.

From here, it took about 20 minutes to walk to the school, but I refused to take the school bus, so I was perfectly fine with walking. Reaching in my blazer pocket, I pulled out my old iPod and plugged my headphones into the music jack.

I started walking as I contemplated what to listen to, absentmindedly biting the inside of my cheek. I decided on my favorite playlist and hit shuffle, clicking the power button once, to turn the screen black as the familiar music started invading my eardrums.

Maybe 5 minutes into me walking, one of my favorite songs "Nantonaku Ittemitai Kotoba" started playing and my eyes lit up a little as I started immediately rapping along with the singer.

I started bobbing my head along with the beat and turned a corner.

Something caught my peripheral vision. I saw what looked like a boy following me, but the minute I turned my head, I saw nothing. I looked around, saw nothing and shrugged it off, continuing to walk and sing along with the song.

I did have a few reasons for choosing to walk along this path to school, instead of being on a crowded school bus filled with my classmates. Passing the small cafe that housed my favorite barista was one of them. The door was open and the smell of orange pumpkin spice filled my nostrils, driving me inside. I ordered a grande orange pumpkin spice latte and walked out with the sweet, creamy concoction. But not before making small talk with the girl behind the counter. She always gave me extra whipped cream whenever I came in.

It warmed me up inside and a quiet smile played at my lips as I gingerly sipped the steaming beverage. Fog had started to settle in around the area I was in, giving the whole street the look of fall. I chuckled and started blowing little steam rings with my breath into the air as it grew colder.

It told me my favorite season was finally here. Walking along the town's sidewalk, I could see the other businesses start to open up, lighting their "welcome" and "open" signs as people started bustling inside the shops along the street.

The street vendors started pulling out their carts and the second reason I liked walking along this path came into focus. My favorite treat was served out of a cart along this little stretch of sidewalk, my eyes searching for the familiar older man. As usual, he was making his way to his preferred spot along the street.

I walked straight up to him as he was beginning to set up.

"Ah Rin-chan. How nice to see you this morning." He smiled at me in the same way you'd smile at an old friend. "Ohayou" I said, bowing my head and smiling up at him. He looked at me and chuckled. "I know what you want. The usual, right?"

He asked, chuckling more. I nodded.

"You know me so well Rei-san" I giggled and nodded again.

I saw him open the hatch of his cart and pull out a packaged sweet roll that was as big as my head. I smiled brightly as he handed it to me.

"Actually Rei, can I get two this time? I want to give my friend one so I can show her how addicting they are." He chuckled. "Sure. Here you are." He said, handing me another one.

"Arigato Rei." I said bowing and handing him the money, but he wouldn't take it. "It's a gift for my favorite customer. You're my best customer Rin! Plus if I remember correctly, it's someone's birthday." He said, laughing at my shocked expression.

I thanked him again and walked off after he handed me a third one. I was so happy by the time I reached school. I looked at my watch. 7:37 a.m.

I was still early, so I decided to go in and go to my favorite place. The school library. I walked into the large building and down the empty hallways until I came to the double doors. I opened them and closed my eyes as the scent of thousands of books hit my nostrils, making me inhale deeply and smile.

I absolutely loved that smell.

I opened my eyes and stepped in, letting the doors close quietly behind me. Looking over to the huge desk at the other end of the room, I saw the librarian, Iroha Nekomura, clicking away on the computer, inputting new books into the system.

She must not have heard the doors open, so I quietly made my way over to the front of her desk and lightly tapped on it. She looked up at me over her glasses and smiled. "Well good morning Rin." I bowed slightly "Konichiwa Miss Nekomura. How are you this morning?" I asked, lifting my head and smiling at her.

"Tired" she chuckled, her light pink hair bobbing with her head. "I stayed up too late with Meiko. Boy can that girl put down some sake." She leaned back in her chair and gave me a warm smile that I couldn't help returning.

"Oh. I almost forgot. Your birthday was yesterday wasn't it?" she asked, tilting her head and looking at me.

I nodded and smiled. "Yeah. I got a lot of amazing stuff." I smiled gently and lightly touched the locket, now resting on around my neck. She nodded and reached under her desk and pulled out a small card. "I thought so. Happy Birthday."

She smiled and handed it to me. I took it timidly and looked at it as my eyes went wide. It was a cash card for $500. I couldn't believe it. I looked at her and bowed deeply.

"Arigato Miss Nekomura, but this is really too much." I said, trying to hand it back to her, but she simply smiled and looked at me. "Think nothing of it Rin. With how much work you do for me in here, it only seemed fitting. Plus how many times do you turn 17?"

She smiled kindly at me, which made me tear up slightly. I returned her smile and put the card in my pocket before walking over to the other side of the desk, leaning down and giving her a great big hug.

She chuckled and hugged back. I let go and wiped my eyes. "Really Iroha. Thank you. This means a lot."

I looked at her and she smiled at me. "Rin, you're one of the best library assistants I have ever had. Not to mention an amazing young lady and student. It would feel wrong of me not to give you something after all this time."

I didn't know what to say this time, so I just hugged her tightly again. As I let go, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I gave her a kind smile, grabbed my phone out of my pocket and flipped it open.

To: Rin Akita:

From: Luka Megurine

Hey girly. Where are you?!

To: Luka Megurine

From: Rin Akita

The library of course

To: Rin Akita

From: Luka Megurine

Of course. Should have known. See you in a few minutes

To: Luka Megurine

From: Rin Akita

Kk

I closed the phone, turned around and waved at Iroha over my shoulder as I made my way over to the laptops that students could loan out from the library.

Grabbing one of the sleek machines off the top of the cart they were stored in, I sat down and opened it up.

It was a steely metallic gray color and had that smell to it. I gingerly ran my fingers over the smooth keys as it booted up.

I heard the gears inside as it whizzed to life. The screen turned white and the little sign in box appeared. How it worked was, each student had their own account in the school's systems.

You had to enter your password and then a security question to confirm it was in fact you. That way, if someone got a hold of your password and just felt like being mean, they couldn't access your account.

I scrolled through the list of classrooms and found "2B", clicking it. The names of the other students in my class showed next and I scrolled down, finding "Akita, Rin", clicking on it

The little password window popped up and I entered the 8-digit student i.d. number each student is assigned when they start school.

I clicked enter and the security question showed up, asking me " What is the name of your childhood crush?" I typed in "Oranges" and hit enter. "Welcome Rin-chan". The screen changed to the default background while everything fired up.

It was a picture of a beautiful Japanese street with cherry blossom trees in full bloom on the sidewalks. I smiled at the picture. It was so serene and calming. I opened up the internet browser and typed into the URL bar.

I waited until I saw the Yahoo! homepage and entered my email and password and waited for the messages to load. Nothing new except a few spam emails, one from Luka, photobombing me with funny pictures of some of our favorite anime characters which made me laugh and one from my grandmother, wishing me a happy birthday and telling me that my present from her was in the mail.

My grandma lived in America and she had no phone, so the only way she could communicate was through email. I clicked the email from my nana and replied, saying thank you, that I loved her and I would try to get on more so we could talk. I clicked send and was about to exit out of the window, when an instant messenger window popped up at the bottom of the screen.

Instant Message: secretguy19

Hey Rin

I looked at the screen and scratched my head. Who was this person? I didn't know anyone with that screen name.

orangelover77:

Umm, do I know you?

secretguy19:

Well you could say that. I definitely know you, but not so much the other way around.

orangelover77:

Funny. Now seriously, who are you?! And how do you know my name?

secretguy19:

How is your arm? -looks at you slightly concerned-

I stared at the computer screen, slightly wide eyed. Only two people knew about my arm, not including myself. How the hell did he find me?!

orangelover77:

It's perfectly fine mister stalker-man. Thanks for asking. -chuckles nervously and backs away slowly-

secretguy19:

-walks over and grabs your uninjured arm gently- Rin, don't run away from me please. I care about you and just want to see you safe. I really am worried about you. -looks at you pleadingly and pulls you into a gentle hug-

I just stared at the computer screen for a minute, unable to respond. Who was this guy and why did he care so much whether I was safe or not? I noticed my hands were shaking as I replied

orangelover77:

-uncertainly hugs back- thanks. I would like to know who you are though. -looks at you curiously-

secretguy19:

All in good time my dear. All in good time. -chuckles and smiles at you-

I was just about to reply when I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind, making me jump out of my chair. I turned around to see Luka laughing behind me. "Wow. A little jumpy are we?"

I breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled "Maybe a little" She looked at me curiously. "Why?" I flicked my gaze over to the computer screen nervously and back. "Oh nothing" Apparently this was when she noticed my instant messenger screen was up because the next thing I know, she's leaned over my shoulder, trying to read the messages between me and secretguy19.

"Who is this? Some secret boyfriend? What happened to bff's? I thought we told each other everything!" She said, faking a pout. I chuckled and turned back around to logout but I stopped as I saw a new message from him.

secretguy19:

Is Luka not happy that we're talking? And you haven't told her about me yet?

I froze and stared at the screen. How did he know I was talking to Luka?! I started looking around frantically, but the only people I could see were Luka, who was looking at me like I had gone insane and Iroha at the other end of the room.

I scanned the room again, but I didn't see anyone else. I shook my head and logged out, turned the laptop off and closed the lid, getting up and setting it back on the shelf. I turned to Luka "So what's my surprise chica?" I asked, chuckling and walking over to her, linking my arm through hers, making her smile as we started walking.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" I chuckled and walked with her back outside. "I guess it wouldn't" We walked out into the garden on the school grounds and sat underneath a cherry blossom tree that had once housed my initials, but now the bark had grown back over it.

I sat down and sighed happily as the cool morning breeze washed over me, making my hair blow slightly around my face. I closed my eyes and just sat there, enjoying the breeze. "Rin, open your eyes. Len Kagamine is staring at you!" I heard Luka's voice slightly squeal.

My eyes fling open. I looked around and froze as soon as I saw Len Kagamine, the most popular guy in school standing at the bottom of the hill near the gate. And sure enough, he was staring at me.

His girlfriend Miku Hatsune, linked arm in arm with him, talking animatedly with their group of friends.

I could name every single one of them and at least 5 reasons why none of them would ever talk to me like normal human beings.

They all decided I was a great target for practicing insults on, but for some reason Len was the only person who never participated in bullying me.

I met Len's gaze and it seemed like minutes before he finally looked away to answer one of the guys questions directed at him. I couldn't look away. Why would he even pay any attention to me?

He didn't even know I existed! Plus not to mention his trophy girlfriend. Miss perfect, flawless everything. She's rich, beautiful, popular. Everything I'm not and I envied her so much for it.

I secretly had a massive crush on Len. I have for years, but after middle school I realized I had no chance at all with him. Him and I lived in two different worlds.

It took me a minute to pop out of my slight reverie, but the first thing I noticed was Luka waving her hand in front of my face. "Rin. Earth to Rin. Are you there sweetie? Or did you get taken back home by the aliens?"

I swatted her hand away and chuckled. "You're not getting rid of me that easily. Aliens or no." She smiled "Good. Now hold out your hand" I raised my eyebrow but did what she said. She reached into her pocket and produced a small set of keys which she deposited into my waiting hand.

I looked at them and held them up in the sunlight. "What's this?" I asked looking at her quizzically.

She beamed at me. "The keys to our new apartment." I just looked at her like she was crazy. "Come again?" She chuckled and smiled kindly at me.

"That's my surprise to you Rin. My parents have promised to get us jobs at the restaurant and they will help pay for the apartment until we can get enough money saved up to not worry. I asked if you could be my roommate and my parents agreed. I know you hate it at your place and frankly Ted gives me the creeps. I want you out of there as much as you want to be. So this is my solution as well as a birthday present for you."

She smiled as I let everything sink in. I wouldn't have to live with Ted anymore

A sharp pain exploded in my chest as everything started spinning and I felt myself hit the ground. I could hear Luka screaming my name as I saw a pair of blurred feet come rushing towards me. I couldn't make out what was going on, but I felt warm arms encase me as I blacked out.


Please let me know what you guys think and I promise to not make the next chapter depressing at all.