Author's note: I'm SOOOO sorry! I know I haven't updated in AGES! *bows Tohru style* GOMEN! I've been really busy, and was figuring this whole upload issue out. I'm sorry I've been so MIA. I just started my freshmen year, and to tell the truth, its been SO STRESSFUL. But I'll try to update as frequently as possible now. At least once every 2 weeks is my goal. Hopefully more frequent, but you never know. Anyway, sorry for the shortness, but Here you go! My continuation!

Chapter 9: Truth, lies, and impressive observations

Kyo's P.O.V

Rei had transformed. On the first DAY. At least that Mateo kid didn't see otherwise we'd be in deep trouble. Rei didn't seem to mind at all. Sure, she still couldn't (or wouldn't) talk, but she still could communicate well. She trotted over still in her panther form to where I was lying on the floor. She licked my hand with her scratchy tongue and then lay down beside me. A silent request for love. I scratched her head and let her lean against my back. After a while there was a POOF and suddenly my little sister was back to her regular human form. Haru handed her clothes while averting his eyes (if he hadn't I would've yanked them outta his multi-colored head) Coming back from her room, Rei went looking for Tohru. The stupid rat was sitting on the sofa doing homework while Haru snored making a noise like a dog in a blender. Finally cracking from the irritating noise I chucked a dictionary at his head. A resounding clunk followed by a shout of pain assured me I had hit my target. Lying back down I went back to sleep.

Rei's P.O.V

I found Tohru on the second floor hanging the laundry. She had her pretty brown hair tied up in a pink bandana and a simple white apron around her waist. She hummed as she hung the clothes every now and then dropping a clothespin. Staring at the rainbow just over the trees left me feeling refreshed. I began to hum, not sing, hum. The words spread through my mind, sending back to when I first heard the song.

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high

There's a land that I've heard of, once in a lullaby…

Tohru turned to see me sitting on the railing of the 2nd story porch with my legs dangling over the edge. I must have looked rather insane, for Tohru looked at me in concern.

"Rei-san, is there something wrong?" She asked, worry coloring her tone.

I shook my head and went back downstairs to see if I could get Yuki to help me understand a math problem. I was just about to walk into the living room when I heard a familiar voice.

"Uh, yeah, sorry to barge in like this. I'm looking for Rei?" It was Mateo! I smacked myself in the forehead wondering why on earth he'd be here unless he'd figured out the curse. Well crap. Kyo wouldn't ever let me go back to school now would he? Pressing myself into the shadows I listened hard to the conversation going on in the other room. Judging from the yawn that had just shattered my ear drums, Haru had woken up.

"What's he doing here?" Were the first words out of his mouth. Charming Haru. Charming.

Yuki's P.O.V

"Please wait here while I go look for her." I stated hoping that the kid wouldn't wonder off. I shot Haru a meaningful look that said "make sure he doesn't go anywhere." I knew he understood when he began to apologize to Mateo for his antics earlier. I was about to walk up the stairs when I bumped right into something on the landing. It was Rei. She was staring at me, emerald orbs glowing with curiosity. With a simple look at her face I knew she'd heard that Mateo was there. I shrugged and gave an "after you" gesture toward the living room. I followed her back to the living room. Mateo was a rather strange boy it seemed. After all, even if he was new like Rei, he'd have surely heard the rumors. We Sohmas were "mysterious" and in some jealous boy's opinions, "dangerous" (which I guess is true if you look at Haru). Rei seemed unconcerned about the boy. Then again, she must have gotten very good at learning to hide her emotions around Akito. I shuddered. I knew how that felt. All too well.

Rei's P.O.V

Mateo, what are you doing here? I signed. I knew it seemed a bit rude, but this was a question I needed answered. What if I'd blown the secret? My first day at school and I ruin it for everyone. Great. Just great.

"Uh can I talk to you alone?" Mateo asked, seeming slightly uncomfortable by the open glare from Haru. I gave Haru a "get lost you nosy cow" look. He stuck his tongue out at me before walking out to the front lawn. Yuki had gone back upstairs and I could see Kyo's sleeping figure on the porch now. Haru's snoring must have gotten to him.

So what's up?

"Um, see I know that you're cousins are lying."

Mateo's P.O.V

Her emerald eyes flew wide open when I said that. No confusion. So she knew the secret too. I know there's something fishy about the Sohmas. They're just so ODD. I mean don't get me wrong my family's weird too. I'm not gonna deny that. But I could swear that when I had been walking earlier, I had bumped into Rei. NOT that Haru kid or Yuki. But then she'd disappeared…how strange. Shaking my head I decided that I would wait. If she wanted to tell me, she'd tell me on her own.

What do you mean they're lying? Her eyes had narrowed into cat-like slits and for a moment I really truly realized how much she looked like Kyo. Weird.

"I'm not really sure what they're lying to me for but I know that they are. Kyo's pupil's contract ever so slightly and Haru twitches his nose when he lies."

She regarded me impassively, her usually sparkling eyes emotionless. Then she began to shake. For a second I thought she was crying. Then I saw the tiny smile on her face. She was laughing. For a split second I had the urge to hear her true laugh. Unguarded, strong, unbridled laughter; I wonder what it sounds like.

Impressive! She signed with a ghost of a grin still stretching across half her face.

"Thanks?" Her face then sobered quickly.

I wish I could tell you Mateo-san. I really really do. But, I can't. So please, forget whatever you saw, and forget about who we are.

"Rei, how can I "forget you"? You're in of my classes!" I was getting impatient. I know it's her secret, but seriously!As if I'd forget her…

I think it's time for you to leave Mateo-san. She signed. As if to emphasize the point, Haru came out of nowhere and stood behind her with a large white hand on her slim shoulder. Compared to him, she looked like a china doll. Rolling my eyes, I slung my satchel over my shoulders, straightened my blue knit sweater, gave the menacing teenager a nod, and walked towards the door.

"Bye Rei." I murmured.

Rei's P.O.V

"Bye Rei." As Mateo left, I felt a sad twang. Sitting down at the table, I realized something. I had a friend. And the first truth he wanted to know about me, was the one fact that I could never tell him.