Chapter 23: Truth

"This is what happened, correct?"

She nodded and kept her eyes on the floor. The markings on her body was proof enough. She was led out to Mrs. Higurashi's car with Kagome and there they waited.Sango buckled her seatbelt and saw Kagome looking at her. She smiled at her and turned around. Sango closed her eyes and sucked in air through her lips quickly. Was this a good thing that they had gone up to meet with the principal? Did it mean that Bankotsu would be punished for it? She didn't even know what to think. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest, signaling just how nervous she was about the whole situation. Miroku hadn't been there for the meeting. But, she had seen Bankotsu. His icey eyes had stayed on her until she went into the office. His furious eyes.

The sound of the door suddenly made her jump. Mrs. Higurashi sat down in the driver's seat and soon she drove off. Nobody said anything on the way home. Kagome glanced over at her other. When they reached the house, the three of them went inside the kitchen. Sango sat at the table and sighed wearily. She hadn't been sleeping well for the past couple of nights. Mrs. Higurashi sat down across from her and cleared her throat. Sango stared at her, sensing the awkwardness.

"How are you doing, Sango?"

"I don't know...fine."

"What has happened is that...Bankotsu is going to be expelled and...if you want to, you can press charges."

"...No...I don't..."

"Are you sure?"

"I don't want to go through with that," Sango said.

"Alright then. Do you think you'll be up for school tomorrow?"

Sango thought for a moment and shrugged. Maybe. Mrs. Higurashi smiled and pat her hand before going up. Sango turned and started to go up to her room. When she made it in, she saw a dozen red roses laid out on her bed. She gazed at them and then picked them up in her arms. The scent travelled up to her, soothing her. She put them on her dresser and then went back to her bed. She sat on the edge and slid off her shoes. Going back to school. She felt like she was being pulled in two directions. She wanted to go but, she didn't know if she could do it. Would she end up seeing Bankotsu again? She was scared about that.

Sango bent her head over and held it in the palm of her hands. She didn't know anything anymore. She listened and heard the sound of a car driving up and shut off. Who was that? The doorbell rang a minute later. Footsteps. Her door opened and Miroku came in. Sango looked back and stood up. He stopped and stayed where he was. She loosened up a little bit and smiled weakly. Miroku let out oa sigh of relief and went to her. Before she had the chance to apologize, Miroku threw his arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry, Sango. I'm so sorry," Miroku said.

"You didn't do anything wrong."

Miroku looked down at her and smiled. She pulled away and took his hands in hers. She then saw the bruises on his knuckles. She looked up at him, searching for an explanation. He frowned and shrugged it off. "How did this happen?" she asked.

"I uh...got into a fight."

"With Bankotsu?" she guessed uneasily.

"...Yeah, with him..."

"Miroku, your going to get in trouble for doing that."

"Just a couple of detentions, nothing serious."

"If you say so," she said.

"Well, I see you got my flowers," he replied.

"Yes, they're nice. Thank you."

"I really wanted to see you. I hope you don't mind."

Sango looked up at his worried face. She smiled and shook her head. Actually, she was really grateful. She wasn't so sure he would come back. Sango sat on her bed again and yawned. Miroku watched her awkwardly. What could he do to comfort her? He had no clue how to get her full attention on him and away from Bankotsu. Miroku fished into his pocked and pulled out his keys. Sango looked up at him. He waved them around playfully. She smiled and slipped on her shoes. Miroku took her hand and left the room to his car. Maybe she just needed to get away.

Miroku handed Sango an icecream and sat next to her in the sand. She smiled and licked the side, tasting vanilla. The ocean tide rushed up to the sand and went back just as it touched her toes. The beach was quiet and empty for a change, giving the two a chance to be alone. Sango hadn't ever really gotten the chance to go to the beach. She was glad that she was able to come with Miroku though. The sun could be seen on the horizon in the distance, about to set. Sango finished her icecream and leaned into Miroku. He wrapped his arm around her and put his chin in her hair. She curled up into him and arranged herself so she was sitting in front of him. Miroku placed his arms around her waist and let her rest her head on his chest.

"Bankotsu is giong to be expelled," Sango said.

"Good, does that mean your going back to school?"

"I should. I can't miss anymore school."

"Do you think your ready for it?" Miroku asked.

"...I can try," she said.

"If you need to go home early, just tell me and I'll take you."

"Alright, I will," she said.

"Sango," he said.

"Hm?" she mumbled softly.

"I'll always be here. I won't ever abandon you, I promise."

Sango smiled to herself and nodded. They stayed at the beach until the sun went down and then left to his car. He drove back slowly, not trying to rush anywhere fast. He looked over at her. She seemed calm and better. Maybe she would do okay if she went back. And if Bankotsu were to stay out of her life from now on, she would heal quickly. He didn't know what she was truly going through right now. If she was really doing better or if he was just imagining it. Sango touched his hand and smiled warmly at him. She knew what he was thinking. He was too easy to read. It was hard to believe that his kind of person would fight. He didn't appear to be the type to be angered or stressed.

Once they made it to the Higurashi house, Miroku walked her up to the door. She touched the door knob after unlocking it and turned to Miroku. She hugged him and gave him a kiss. He smiled and took her hands in his. She glanced down at them and then back up into his eyes. He squeezed them and smiled once more.

"Your going to be fine," he said.

"Miroku...thank you," she said.

"I'll come pick you up tomorrow if you feel like going. If not, don't worry."

"Okay, thank you again."

He smiled. "Good night."

Sango entered the house and went upstairs to her room. Miroku was right. She would be fine. He had already helped her this far. So had Kagome. She decided she wouldn't let Bankotsu bring her down anymore. Sango lflopped over onto her bed and closed her eyes. Kagome came in a few minutes later and sat down next to her. Sango looked up at her and turned onto her stomach. Kagome saw the roses on her dresser and grinned. Miroku sure did know how to bring the best out in Sango.

"Those are beatiful," Kagome commented.

"Yeah they are," Sango agreed.

"The beach," she replied.

"Oh really? How was it?"

"Very relaxing, and quiet."

"Great. So...school?"

"Yeah, I'll go."

"Are you sure? I mean, don't feel pressured."

"I want to go. Besides, Miroku is picking us up tomorrow."

"Oh, okay. Then, I'll let you get some sleep. Night."

"Night..."

Here's this weeks chapter, hope it was likeable. Read and Review.