Chapter 3: Settling In

And that was it. My mom was gone and she wasn't returning until two months from now. I started to ponder on whether or not I could actually do this. Sure there were times when I was away from home (there were weekends I had slumber parties at Sango's) but this was for the entire summer. I wasn't just living with a girl; but two boys instead, and who knew if there were going to be any parties involved. I hiked my bag higher onto my shoulders.

"Rin!"

I looked back and saw that Izayoi was calling out to me. She smiled.

"Come on in the house and get unpacked."

I took one last look at the empty street just before venturing inside. My jaw was practically on the floor. This house was amazing. In the living room was a giant flat screen TV that was built into the wall, two beige leather couches, a recliner and ottoman that were made from beige suede material and sat on the brightly polished floor that was composed of wood. There were no scuff marks or anything. Tan drapes that were also made of suede, covered the large window. Chinese porcelain figurines sat on top of the massive fireplace's mantle. Expensive looking lamps were placed in each corner of the living room. The dining set was even impressive; that included a sleek black marble table complete with black steel-iron chairs. A bright chandelier hovered over everything.

"Oh, wow."

I wandered past the dining set and onto the back porch. Unlike my back porch, theirs was elevated giving a wonderful view of their vast backyard and giant pool. A spacious hammock rested between two sturdy trees. I made my way back to the living room, catching glimpses of family photos. There were some of Izayoi and her husband, InuTaisho, a few of Inuyasha as he aged throughout the years and even Sesshomaru. It was kind of funny how in each one, he never smiled. My eye caught one image in particular; it was of me and Sesshomaru. He was dumping sand on my head while we were at the park. I would never forget that day. It took me forever to pick out the bugs from my hair.

Flashback

I was five at the time and my mother, along with Izayoi and her family were taking a visit to the park. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the sun made everything look so bright and inviting. It cast a wonderful glow on the playground and I was just dying to have my fun.

"Mommy, I wanna go play now!" I told her, tugging on her arm, urging her forward.

She giggled. "Alright, Rin. But don't go too far."

I nodded my head and raced off. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were already playing—well more like fighting. I wanted no part in that and took advantage of scooting down the slide, climbing the monkey bars, and pretending to be a pirate that was navigating her own ship.

We had eaten shortly after and I had ventured off to the sandbox once I was done. I was lost in my own little world until I felt the dump of sand land on my head. I let out an ear-piercing scream, tears streaming down my face. Ants crawled through my hair and I cried even harder.

Izayoi shouted, "Sesshomaru, play nice!"

End of Flashback

I gritted my teeth. Damn him! Sesshomaru could never be nice to me, not even if it killed him. He and Inuyasha were always playing jokes on me and it only reminded me of how much of a pain in the ass he was. The thought of an eight year-old boy causing havoc must seem unbelievable to some people.

"Rin?"

I was snapped from my thoughts and looked up to see Izayoi.

"Um, yes Mrs. Tai―"

She cut me off. "Oh please, call me Izayoi. I've known you since the day you were born you know."

I nodded my head.

"I'll show you to your room so you can start unpacking," she stated.

"Um..alright, thanks."

She led me upstairs and to the left. The hallway was really wide with at least four different rooms. I walked past two, both with the doors closed. I wondered which one was Sesshomaru's. I was finally taken to the end of the corridor; Izayoi pushed the door open. The room was pretty bare: white sheets sat at the foot of the bed, lacy lavender curtains hung in front of two sets of windows, a white vanity was on the opposite side of the room and a computer along with its desk was also present in the spacious area.

Well at least I'll have Internet, I thought.

"We'll go shopping later so we can decorate your room," Izayoi told me. "I'll leave you alone to unpack."

Once she left, I sat on the bed and began unloading all of my belongings. I was soon done in no time; my clothes were neatly folded in the dresser and the rest hung in the very spacious closet. I hadn't noticed that it had gotten dark out until I glanced out the window. I heard a knock at the door and I looked back and saw Izayoi. Wow, she pops up a lot around here.

"Dinner's ready Rin, if you're hungry."

I nodded my head. Dinner sounded really good; I hadn't eaten anything since earlier this morning. I followed her downstairs and into the dining room. The table was already set and appeared to be very elegant. I took a seat and peeked into the kitchen. I saw a sliver of long silver hair. My eyes widened. Could that be Sesshomaru? And then I frowned. Or maybe it was Inuyasha and his foul mouth.

It turned out to be neither one of them as the person stepped from inside the kitchen, carrying a bowl of salad. It was Mr. Taisho instead. He was tall just like his sons and had the same matching hair color. His skin had more of an olive complexion to it. Izayoi came in and set down a few more dishes then took a seat herself.

She tsked. "I wonder where the boys are?"

Yeah me too, I thought. I hadn't seen them for most of the day.

Unexpectedly the front door swung open and in walked Inuyasha. He was all smiles and talking into his cell phone. He disappeared upstairs, sounded like he was rummaging for things and then descended back down the stairs. He was just reaching for the front door, when Izayoi called out, "Inuyasha, where are you going?"

I heard him groan from where I was sitting. Why was he always so agitated?

He sighed. "I'm just going out, Mom."

"Hmm, oh yeah? Well Why not take Rin along too?" she suggested.

Inuyasha groaned again and then sighed. "Fine."

I looked towards Izayoi and she only nodded her head.

"Well, I guess if it's okay," I said.

I excused myself from the table, pranced upstairs and retrieved my red light-weight jacket. I trotted back downstairs to meet Inuyasha. I gave him an unsure smile about the whole idea, which he returned, of course with a frown. I just hoped that this wouldn't be so awkward.

MidniteHearts: Sesshomaru is coming up in the next chapter. I hoped you like this one.