It had been a week since the party, and Orihime had missed five days of school.

After spending a few days at Kurosaki clinic, Orihime had convinced everyone she was fine to go home. Her friends had checked on her daily, either by sending text messages, calling, stopping by. One night Tatsuki had come over and made dinner and they had talked about nothing but good things. It had felt like the party had never happened, which had been her favorite part about the visit.

Ishida-kun, as tough as he appeared, was nothing but a teddy bear underneath. He had sewn her a new stuffed animal to put next to Enraku. He had blushed when he had dropped it off, insisting that it was nothing, just something he had made from scrap materials, but she knew better. She had smiled a big smile, the biggest one in awhile, and had thanked him for spending that time on her.

Sado-kun and Kurosaki-kun had stopped by together another evening, bringing her more food and some movies to watch to pass the time. They had stayed for dinner, and though they were trying to make the visit light, she could see the concern in their eyes the entire time they were over. Orihime hadn't been taking great care of herself. She had showered and changed her clothes, but beyond that, the energy wasn't there. Her hair was a bit tangled when she answered the door, and she would have been lying to herself if she didn't admit that they had probably seen the bags under her eyes. She hadn't been sleeping well, and it was evident. She was also a little thin, as she had only been eating enough to sustain her body. Her sweats were bigger on her than usual, and it appeared that she was swimming in fabric. Her natural sparkle that seemed to radiant off of her every move was also absent. She was lackluster, like a diamond covered in rubble.

After they had left, Orihime had cried herself to sleep. She was happy to have such caring, wonderful friends, but at the end of the day, when the night creeped in and the sun went down, the darkness always came back and she was always alone to face it. She tossed and turned throughout the night until morning had come.

Orihime sighed, and adjusted her necktie in the mirror.

She didn't know if she was ready to go back, but she really couldn't afford to miss anymore classes. Her Aunt paid for everything based off of her grades, and regardless of what had happened in her life, she doubted that her Aunt would excuse her grades dropping. So with one last look in the mirror, and a weak, forced smile, she turned on her heel and headed out the door.

::.::

The walk to school was a familiar walk. It didn't take long, but she found comfort in getting back into routine. She was nervous to see all her classmates. She knew they would have questions, and rightfully so; however she didn't know if she was ready to face their questions, and she really wasn't ready for all the attention.

She wanted nothing more than to be a wall flower for the rest of the year.

It was awkward knowing people knew what happened. People knew her darkest moment, her most vulnerable and intimate self had been exposed and it was out there for anyone to discuss. It made her want to vomit.

She shook her head. She couldn't focus on that. She needed to focus on the positives - like the fact her friends were there to support her, how kind they had been to her the past few days. She knew now more than ever how much they cared for her, she could feel it metaphorically but also physically. Their reiatsu was seeping with devotion and kindness. She just needed to focus on that.

She arrived at her class with barely any memory of the walk. Her body worked on autopilot, especially these days. She hoped that she would enter unnoticed, and that she would have the strength to make it through today.

"Inoue-san!"

She stepped into the classroom to see many sets of eyes on her. Expressions ranged from surprise, concern and sympathy. Most of them were regretful. Orihime looked at her shoes.

"What are you doing here?" It was Ichigo speaking, and he looked surprised to see her. She could see the concern on his face, his brown orbs looking at her questioningly, worriedly. She smiled softly at him, and he clenched his jaw in response. It was time to put on a brave face.

She took another step into the classroom, and as she did she felt like each step was a commitment to stay. There was no running back home. She needed to move forward.

"I've been out for a week. I'm falling behind in classes and the little blue men are great company but sometimes I need to talk to other humans like me! So I decided to come back today. Routine is good for me." She took a seat in her desk. She felt exhausted already. Maybe she couldn't do this. She looked out at her peers. Eyes were still on her.

"Inoue-san, are you sure? I mean it's only been a week. I think everyone would understand if you wanted to be home for awhile longer." Ishida chimed in. He looked at Ichigo and they both shared a look of concern. They both felt it was too soon. What she had been through was horrible, and a week was not enough time to work through it. They could tell she was doing her best, but she wasn't herself, it was easy to see.

"Guys, I'm fine, really! I'd much rather be focusing on my coursework then staring at the same four walls. I'm okay to be here. Trust me."

Everyone glanced at each other, concern still evident on their faces but they let it go. It was her decision after all, and it may be good for her not to be home thinking about it day after day.

"So, Inoue-san...um...are you okay? What really happened?" Ryo Kuneida asked. Chizuru and Mahana exchanged awkward glances. Most of the students had heard through the grapevine about what had happened last weekend, but no one really knew the entire story outside of Orihime's friends. When asked about Orihime's whereabouts and the rumors circulating her, none would answer. When pressed by other classmates, each reacted defensively. Ishida Uryu had adjusted his glasses and simply said that Orihime was alright, but would be out for awhile and if they wanted to know anything more, they would have to wait until she was back. Chad simply did not speak, which was not that unusual for the gentle giant. Mizuiro and Keigo hadn't shared any details, which was especially odd for Mizuiro, considering he and his cell phone were usually the first to spread the latest news. In this case, however, they said it wasn't something that everyone needed to know, and left it at that. Tatsuki Arisawa and Ichigo Kurosaki had been the most hostile on the subject when asked, as they had told everyone to mind their own business and to not bother the princess. There had also been a few threats thrown in there for anyone who decided to go digging their nose where it didn't belong. That was enough to shut everyone up.

"I'm sorry, Ryo-chan. I really don't want to talk about it right now." Orihime politely said, turning red and turning her eyes back to her shoes. She was not about to explain what had happened at that party last weekend in front of everyone. She didn't know what they knew, but she didn't have an ounce of energy to even relive any of it.

Ichigo, annoyed at the situation, shot death glares at Ryo and all the other students. She looked like a statue on display at a museum of gawking tourists, and it made him, and clearly her, uncomfortable.

"Look, everyone, Inoue-san just walked through the door. I don't think she really needs you guys asking her personal questions right off the bat. She will talk to you when she's ready. And if she doesn't, then I guess it's none of your concern." Tatsuki said, moving to stand by Orihime.

"If I catch any of you interrogating her, you will be the next one out of school for a week." She added. The other students moved to their desks, averting their eyes and attention to other things, though they still sneaked a peak whenever they thought Orihime or Tatsuki weren't looking.

"Arigatou, Tatsuki-chan."

::.::

The first few classes had passed by slowly, and by lunch Orihime wondered if time had stopped completely. The coursework itself was fine; being in the top 3 in class meant that she knew material well and studied hard often. Missing the past five days hadn't slowed her down much, which she was thankful for. She would have to stay after one day to make up a test, but her teacher had told her that she could do it whenever she felt ready. Ochi-sama had been very supportive and understanding - Kurosaki Isshin had stopped by and told her what had happened and delivered a doctor's note for her. Orihime had thought that kind of him. Even though she had no real parents and her brother had passed, her nakama had stepped in and took care of her just like family. She would be forever indebted to them, if she wasn't already.

Orihime took a seat on some soft grass underneath a tree. She guessed Tatsuki would come find her once she reached the courtyard. For now, she took this moment for herself. No one had asked her questions since Ryo-chan this morning, but she could see their glances and hear their whispers when she would walk by. It made her feel uncomfortable, like she wasn't a part of them anymore.

She pulled her knees to her chest and closed her eyes, taking a long deep breath in of fresh air. She loved the smell of the outside world. The trees, the grass - everything was so crisp and fresh. The blooming flowers and the bright blue sky set a beautiful background for the day. It was a nice contrast to how she had been feeling lately- dirty, ugly, dark.

The wind whipped her long auburn strands around her, and from a passerby she looked peaceful there underneath that tree, with her knees pulled to her chest and her chin resting on top of them, eyes closed and a serene look on her face.

She hadn't packed a lunch today, she knew she wouldn't be hungry. She was also out of food and needed to go to the grocery store, but hadn't found the time nor energy to run that errand. Instead, she decided to use this period to relax for the first time in awhile. She struggled to sleep in her lonely, dark apartment. Here, under this tree, she felt safe. There were people around, laughing and talking, and the sun was out, casting protection over the princess.

Of course, she knew that bad things could happen in the middle of the day, she wasn't stupid; but it was similar feeling of a blanket providing safety from the monsters in the night. Irrational and illogical, but still, it was comforting.

A hand on her shoulder sent her world crashing down around her.

Orihime whipped her head around, and with a look of horror on her face, hit the person standing over her. A small scream had escaped her lips, and though brief, her classmates had heard it.

"Inoue-san!" she heard, and in that moment, she realized what she had done. Ryo-kun stood, hunched over holding her stomach in pain.

"Oh, Ryo-kun! I am so, so sorry! I-I was startled, I didn't realize it was you...I- I don't know...wha- what I was thinking." She stuttered out, horrified at her behavior. She had never struck anyone before, let alone a classmate and friend. She cringed in shame and embarrassment.

"Inoue-san!" She heard again, this time footsteps were accompanied with it. She turned to see Tatsuki, Uryu, Chad and Ichigo running towards her. She winced in regret.

"Ryo-san, are you alright?" Uryu asked, stopping next to Orihime. He glanced at that healer and saw the pain written on her face.

"Yeah...yeah, I am fine. She just hit be really hard in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me."

"I am so sorry, Ryo-chan!" Orihime yelped again, putting her face in her hands. She was still on her knees, and her hair fell in front of her face. She wanted to disappear.

"I never knew you could hit like that. It's my fault, I shouldn't have come up behind you." Ryo said, adjusting her skirt and standing upright. "I definitely won't be doing that again."

"I didn't realize it was you - I just reacted without thinking. I am so sorry." Orihime murmured again.

"It's fine, Orihime. I was coming to talk, but we can do that later. Don't worry about it, it was an accident. Atleast now I know you can throw a punch!" Ryo said. She reached her hand out to help Orihime up, and she took it, pulling herself upright.

Ichigo had been watching the exchange the between them the entire time. He had seen the look on her face wen Ryo's hand had touched her shoulder without warning. He knew Orihime wasn't ready to be here, and he knew now she probably felt worse for attacking an innocent classmate. He moved to put his hand on her shoulder but thought against it and instead ran his hand through his hair. He didn't think she needed anyone else violating her space.

"It's okay, Inoue. Ryo knows it was an accident. Don't beat yourself up about it." He said, hoping to comfort her but not knowing how. He hated seeing her this way. He was hoping she would have looked better from the other night Chad and him had visited, but she didn't. She still had those bags under her eyes, and her school uniform was definitely looser than before. Her hair was combed and properly in place today, but her movements were tired and her eyes dull. Even her reiatsu felt different. He and everyone else was worried about her. He clenched his fist.

He should have just killed the man responsible. It would have been so much better for everyone.

Orihime looked back at her shoes.

"I know you guys think I'm not ready to be back, and maybe you're right; but I couldn't stay at home anymore. Being alone just makes me feel worse. At least at school I am focusing on other things and I'm surrounded by people I trust. When I'm home, every noise spooks me, and every bad thought creeps into the corners of my mind and I can't sleep. Being here, even with all the eyes and whispers, is better than that...until now. I can't believe I hit Ryo-chan. I don't think I can ever forgive myself. I..I just don't know who I am becoming but ... everyone probably thinks I am a monster..." Orihime trailed off, tears forming in her eyes. She felt so much shame for so many things. She had to get away. She needed to run someplace away from here to work through her feelings and find herself again.

And so she did. She turned on her heels, and ran. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew she couldn't stop until she was far away.

"Inoue!" "Orihime!" "Inoue-san!" Her friends called, but she did not look back at them.

::.::

A/N: Yeah, I know. It's been like, a REALLY long time. I am sorry for that. I have had a lot of personal things going on in my life and for awhile I didn't even have a laptop at one point. Mostly, I lost my inspiration and passion for writing. I always lurk on , but I haven't posted anywhere in awhile. I will try and get back into it, but my loyal reviewers deserved another chapter and more effort from me. Thank you to all those who reviewed after all this time. You patience and kindness is appreciated.