I'm not sure how this came back, but it's back, and with IMPROVED writing skills. I apologize for the wait. Reviews will motivate me to update. Ideas are welcome. Suggestions and point outs on improving are appreciated, but not harsh criticism. I really wish they could have done more with this series! I will do my best to stay on track with this! So here we go, Episode 5!

Bitter Sweetness

Her walk home was completely silent, but it was it unbelievably relieving for just getting out of detention. She didn't even mind that her clothes were damp, or that her socks were soggy from the rain, which stopped earlier.

I wish the candy weren't gone, she thought. Rin remembered receiving Aoki's mini-Hershey bar, which was a small prize for doing her best on the math problem in class. However, she savored it as it melted in her mouth.

The child giggled happily as she leaped over a puddle, attempting to make it to the other side to avoid getting mud over her shoes. She made it with six inches apart from her and the puddle, and she reversed to face it with confidence. She cackled loudly. "This horrible day really has become heavily!"

Rin's face was glowing, and she could feel her heart thumping against her chest. She turned back around and continued forward to her house, thinking of the benefits of today's results. Aoki's gift gave her confidence of their love and affection, which she was struggling so hard for.

Not only that, but Rin was determined to work harder on her schoolwork, especially to make her teacher to happy, because that would make Rin happy.

As Rin opened the front door to her house, she suddenly got a chill when she heard Reiji's raging voice from in the living room. "What are you saying that my little Rin got in trouble? What did you to do to her this time!"

Rin shut the door behind her and stepped inside to see that Reiji was on the phone, and he obviously wasn't happy.

"Rin does not get detention. There must be some mistake."

The child's eyes widened because she was certain that it was Aoki on the other line. What made matters worse was that her precious Sensei was telling her guardian that she had got into trouble.

It wasn't as if nobody would find out. Afterall, Rin did put up a fight and scene at the playground in front of the whole class, so it would be no surprise of people finding out about her punishment. However, Aoki ratting her to anyone was a personal case.

The girl felt her skin crawl as she peered down at the floor while Reiji continued to shout into the phone. By the time she heard him say, "Whatever, I will not allow this to happen again, and if it does, I'm going to the school board", Rin dropped her backpack down in a depressed way.

"Rin," he said in a concerned voice.

Rin slowly raised her head. She couldn't see much disappointment in his face. In fact, it looked like he felt sorry for her.

"What happened today? You got detention, right?" He knelt to the girl's level and stared into her eyes until she was ready to give him an answer. It didn't take her too long.

"I wouldn't come to class after recces was over," Rin said dully before poking her nose in the air. "I waited on the monkey bars, and I did not listen to the teachers."

Reiji seemed stunned because it was exactly as Aoki told him her own words. Of course, he was disappointed, but it wasn't like it was common for Rin to get detention. She did not usually get into trouble like that, so the man let her off easy. "Well, I'll be making dinner soon. Go ahead and get your bath."

Rin did as he said and disappeared into her own world within the hot water of the tub. Soaking away, she felt her mind emptying. So many emotions and chaos piled up on the girl, and it was the hot bath was a godsend.

The child continued to dig deep into her mind as she sunk beneath the surface of the water. Again, she felt happiness and pleasure of how things ended up wit her and Aiko, but was it worth that he had to do calling and ratting her out? Love is so complicating, she thought.

She felt her body warm up as her thoughts wandered. Sometimes I feel lost.

Lost...

Grownups don't understand how hard it is for us children. They think that that they don't have feelings, but we do. We might as well be a dead corpse.

With those thoughts, a vision of a figure that resembled a child popped in her head, and Rin suddenly felt cold. After that, she got the instant sensation of falling, and she quickly made herself up.

Rin gasped for air and continued breathed with panic as she left her thoughts. In seconds, Reiji came dashing in and asked if she was okay. The child tried to stand in response, but her dizziness, cost her balance.

Reiji caught the girl before she could fall and grabbed her with a towel before picking her up and carrying her out of the tub. Then he sat her on the floor and placed his hands on her cheeks in a maternal way. "Rin, are you alright?"

Rin peered up at him and gave him a weak smile. "Yes, I slipped," she lied. After receiving a hug and help drying off, the child got into her pajamas, and joined her guardian for dinner.

Rin was able to get to sleep fast that night, because the day was full of exhaustion. She did not expect anything specific, nor did she guess of anything to happen the next day. The girl's slumber was deep, and she dreamed all night long.