InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Not Soon Forgotten ❯ Always on my Mind ( Chapter 10 )

Inuyasha paced the hallways of the hospital wing impatiently. Having been notified of Kagome's accident, he rushed there as soon as possible and had done nothing but wait since. The doctors could tell him nothing of what was wrong with her. They said all the x-rays looked normal, but she had a large bump on the back of her head from where she hit the pavement. Any other information on her well-being would have to be learned of when she woke up.

 

One of the doctors emerged from Kagome's room then and Inuyasha walked quickly towards him.

 

“Has she woken up yet?” Inuyasha asked the doctor.

 

“No, she hasn't, but her vitals are all looking stable and as of right now she doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain,” the doctor explained to him. “Are you the man she was yelling for under the anesthetic?”

 

Inuyasha frowned a bit at this. “No, that's somebody else; she was on her way to marry him.”

 

“Has he been informed of her accident?” the doctor questioned.

 

“No; I've known Kagome for a long time and she wouldn't want to burden more people than necessary. She'll probably let him know when she's ready.”

 

The doctor nodded and looked back towards Kagome's room. “That's very noble of her. She seems like a nice girl and I haven't even had the pleasure of meeting her yet.”

 

Inuyasha smiled at the doctor. “Yes, she is very kind.”

 

“Thank you for informing us of all her personal information; it helps a lot to know what vaccinations she had received within the last year, and with her recent relocation from Japan, that information was definitely needed,” the doctor told him.

 

Inuyasha nodded his head. “It's not a problem. If you don't mind, may I please go sit in there with her?”

 

“Sure. Maybe a familiar voice will help her wake up sooner,” the doctor said before she took her leave.

 

Inuyasha sighed. So many things had changed in the course of a few months, but he would never have wished for something bad like this to happen to Kagome. He had wondered time and time again if things would have been different if only he had tried to hold onto her just a little harder. Inuyasha shook his head; now was not the time to be thinking about things like that. He was going to make sure Kagome was taken care of so that she could be happy again.

 

He closed his eyes and then pushed open the door to her room. The least he could do was give her a little bit of company; he wanted to make sure she saw a friendly face when she woke up.

 

***

 

 

Kagome had no idea where she was as she slowly came back to the conscious world. She opened her eyes and had to shut them again quickly when bright white lights overhead blinded her tired eyes. She tried again and this time was able to focus in on the offending lights; this place did not look familiar.

 

She turned her head to the side and was immediately assaulted with a harsh ache in the back of her head. She reached up to rub a hand against her head and then saw the bandages and an IV. She was at a hospital that much was for sure now. But why was she here? Kagome looked around the room but it brought her no answers. All she could do was wait until someone came in to check on her.

 

Kagome sat up a little in her bed when she heard her door open.

 

Inuyasha walked in and was a little surprised to see Kagome wide awake when only moments ago the doctor had said she was still sleeping. He walked to her bedside and sat down in a chair close to her.

 

“Hey,” he greeted.

 

“Hello,” Kagome replied.

 

“H-how are you feeling,” Inuyasha asked her. He hated hospitals and it was making him uneasy just to see her in the hospital bed. Granted from the looks of her she was fine, but it was an unnatural setting for her to be in. She looked too…small.

 

“I'm feeling okay; the back of my head hurts though,” Kagome answered.

 

“I'm sorry to hear that, I'll make sure the doctor knows so she can give you something for the pain.”

 

Kagome nodded. “Um, what happened? Why am I here?”

 

“Well, from what I heard you were pushed into traffic and a car hit you. Luckily you didn't break anything, although, you'll probably be pretty sore for a while,” Inuyasha informed her.

 

Kagome shook her head disbelievingly; why didn't she remember any of this? “I don't recall any of that. How long am I going to be here?”

 

“I'm not sure yet, before I came in you were still sleeping, so the doctor doesn't even know you're awake. I should probably go get her and let her know. Do you need anything while I'm out?”

 

“No I don't think so. Thank you Inuyasha,” Kagome said before he walked out of the room.

 

Not too long after, the door opened again when the doctor came to check up on her patient.

 

“Ah Ms. Higurashi, it's good to see you awake,” the doctor told her in broken Japanese. “How are you feeling?”

 

“I'm doing okay; my head hurts a little bit. Um, may I ask, are you from here?” Kagome questioned her doctor.

 

“Yes I am; I've lived here my whole life. I've thought about moving a couple of times, but New York just feels like home to me,” the doctor told her.

 

Kagome furrowed her brows a bit. “New York?”

 

The doctor looked up from examining Kagome's head. “Yes Kagome, this is New York. Why? Where did you think we were?” the doctor asked trying to confirm her suspicions.

 

“Well, I thought I was in Japan,” Kagome stated like it was obvious. “I'm not in Japan?”

 

The doctor wanted to sigh in disappointment; nothing was physically wrong with Kagome, but now she knew Kagome was not entirely okay.

 

Inuyasha walked in the door holding two cups of tea. He placed one on the table for himself and the other on the tray for Kagome. At the serious expression on the doctor's face, Inuyasha instantly went on alert.

 

“What? What is it? What's wrong?” he asked frantically.

 

The doctor turned towards Kagome. “I'm not sure if you want him to be here for what I'm going to say, but it might help to have him around.”

 

Kagome became worried then; just what was wrong with her?

 

“No, I want him here. Please, tell us what's wrong,” Kagome pleaded.

 

“Well, it seems to me that you have a case of what we call anterograde amnesia caused by your head injury,” the doctor began.

 

“What is that exactly?” Inuyasha interrupted. The doctor nodded her head, expecting someone to ask.

 

“What anterograde amnesia is is basically memory loss in which new events are not transferred from short-term memory to long-term memory. So, in other words, you Kagome, cannot remember recent events, in this case events that happened less than a year ago from what Inuyasha has told me.”

 

“Great, so I'm missing an entire year of my life,” Kagome said angrily. She turned to Inuyasha then, expecting him to start filling in the blanks. “So what's happened? What am I missing?”

 

The doctor bowed out of the conversation and quietly left the room. They had a lot to talk about.

 

“Look Kagome, I don't exactly know what to tell you; I haven't been around you all that much this year, so I don't know everything that happened.”

 

Kagome looked as if she was about to speak, but Inuyasha stopped her and spent the next few minutes explaining all that he could about her situation. When he had finished, Kagome was all but in tears. She felt disgusted with herself.

 

“You're telling me that on the way here to America to see you I ended up falling in love with your brother and now we're supposed to be getting married?” Kagome said disbelievingly.

 

Inuyasha nodded his head and Kagome let the tears fall. “I'm so sorry Inuyasha; I can't imagine what you think of me! I'm so sorry,” she cried on.

 

He walked over to her and gave her a big embrace. “Kagome, quit apologizing, we've already been through this. I know you don't remember, but really, we're okay. Everything's okay,” he reassured her.

 

Kagome sniffed a few times and then pulled back from his embrace. This was so much for her to take in. Things like this weren't supposed to happen to her, she was just Kagome.

 

“Do you want me to try and get in touch with Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha asked breaking the silence.

 

Kagome thought about it for a moment but then answered. “No, I don't think so. I just want to go home and think things through. Until I remember, I don't want to be a burden on someone I don't know.”

 

Inuyasha nodded his acceptance of her decision. “You know, I'll be here for you if you need me. I got an apartment here in New York to live in while I'm here, so I'll be close by.”

 

“Thank you Inuyasha,” Kagome said and gave him a smile. “I want to be able to take care of myself; just because I don't remember anything that has happened within the last year, doesn't mean that I'm helpless.”

 

“Yeah I know. I heard you were working at a night club in Manhattan; I'm sure the owner would be glad to have you back considering you were the one who quit,” Inuyasha informed her.

 

“How do you know all this?” Kagome asked genuinely curious.

 

Inuyasha shrugged a little. “I have my ways. Just trust that everything will be alright. Inuyasha, after everything I've done to you, how can you still be so kind to me?”

 

“Kagome, we can't help who we love. I love you and I always will, but you found that happiness with someone else. I've always heard, `if you love someone you have to let them go'. I just want you to be happy.”

 

Kagome smiled at him; he truly was a great person, and she hoped that he would be happy too one day. “I think I want to better myself; I haven't been a great person.”

 

“What do you have in mind?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“I don't know. I finished school with a teaching credential in performing arts, so I don't see why I shouldn't put that to use. Maybe when I get out of here I'll start looking for a job as a music teacher.”

 

“I can help you with that,” Inuyasha offered.

 

“No, you've already done so much for me. I can manage this on my own. Thank you though.”

 

There was a knock on the door before it opened and the doctor walked inside.

 

“Ms. Higurashi, I have your papers; all your tests came back good, so as soon as you sign these, you're free to go,” the doctor told her.

 

Kagome took the offered papers. Things were going to be very strange for a while. When Inuyasha had told her the story of what had happened within the last year she was overwhelmed. However, when he had said the name Sesshoumaru, her mind reacted in the most unusual way. She had felt a smile tugging on her face and a light blush creep over her cheeks. Strange that the mere mention of a name would do that to her.

 

Kagome was definitely looking forward to remembering the last few months. In the back recesses of her mind she knew that she should probably try and contact this Sesshoumaru, but if what Inuyasha had told her was true, then she really did not want to burden him. It would be better for Sesshoumaru to have a fiancée that remembered him.

 

It was for the best.

 

 

****

 

 

Sesshoumaru took a long look around the garden before him. He had not been away for very long, but all the same, it felt like forever to him. He slowly walked up the drive with even steps. The sun was starting to set giving this beautiful place even more of a paradise feel.

 

Sesshoumaru took a deep breath in, indulging in this out of character action. The air here was always so fresh, and the peacefulness gave a person some much needed quiet in order to think.

 

That much needed quiet was soon interrupted by a loud squeal and the sound of tiny footsteps making their way quickly towards him.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama!!!!” screamed a high pitched voice.

 

The corners of his mouth turned up into a small grin and he quickly lifted the little girl into his arms while she giggled. He spun her around a couple of times and then set her back on her feet.

 

“Hello Rin. How is it that you have grown so much in only a short amount of time?” Sesshoumaru questioned the young girl.

 

Rin smiled brightly at him before she gave him her genuine answer. “It is because I turned seven when you were away!”

 

He nodded his head and then she took his hand in hers to lead him into the house. “Mom can't come meet you out here, the doctor said she needs to rest because she's so fat,” Rin said with blatant honesty.

 

Sesshoumaru felt a smile wanting to break through at Rin's innocence. No doubt Sango was very big by now and due to give birth within the next month. He walked in quietly just in case Sango was sleeping and was met by a very tired looking Miroku.

 

Miroku looked up from his cup of tea and then quickly shot to his feet when he saw Sesshoumaru standing in the doorway.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, what a surprise! We were not expecting to see you so soon after your last visit,” Miroku said as he bowed.

 

“I was not exactly planning on coming here, but it is where I ended up,” Sesshoumaru admitted off-handedly.

 

Miroku took a moment to look over his long-time friend. Sesshoumaru looked as if he had not slept in days. He had never seen him look so disheveled; it was a bit unnerving. His hair was not tied back in his standard low ponytail, but instead it was hanging loose over his shoulders. Instead of the customary business suit he was used to seeing him in, Sesshoumaru now wore khaki slacks and a white polo shirt. All-in-all the effect was surprisingly casual.

 

“I've heard of the troubles that the Wind family had caused. Please accept my apologies and know that Sango and I will help you in any way possible,” Miroku offered after a moment.

 

Sesshoumaru shrugged. “It will not be necessary, but it is appreciated,” he told him.

 

Taking a step to get out of the slightly awkward moment, Miroku motioned for Sesshoumaru to take a seat while he poured him some tea. A thought hit him and he suddenly walked over to a small table and then sat back down hading Sesshoumaru a package.

 

“Sango gave me this to send to you today, but seeing as how you're here, you might was well save me the postage,” Miroku said.

 

Sesshoumaru took the package and opened it slightly to see its contents. Inside were a bunch of tiny seeds in small baggies with pictures taped to them.

 

“Sango said it was for the woman, Kagome, which was here with you the last time you visited,” Miroku said. He heard his name being called from the back of the house and got up.

 

“I'll be right back Sesshoumaru-sama, Sango's calling me,” he said as he walked away.

 

Sesshoumaru looked at the package in his hands and cursed the bad timing of this parcel. He had just started to make peace with the events that had happened and now, as if the universe wanted to constantly remind him of it, he got this placed in his hands.

 

He stood up from the couch and moved around the room towards the piano. Distantly Sesshoumaru could still hear Kagome's voice as she sung along to his piano playing. Perhaps it was a mistake coming back here; there were so many memories still fresh and floating around of her. It seemed as if he could not escape her no matter where he went to.

 

Sesshoumaru gave himself a mental shake and then opened the doors that led outside. Miroku came back from tending to Sango just in time to see Sesshoumaru walk out and went to follow him. There was something that was bothering his friend, and it was definitely not in Sesshoumaru's character to let anything get to him like this.

 

“Are you going to be leaving soon Sesshoumaru-sama?” Miroku asked.

 

Sesshoumaru turned to Miroku; his expression blank as he thought on his answer. It was always a tempting idea to stay here whenever he came to visit, but he always had someplace else to be. However, now he had nowhere to go and no one to see, so why not allow himself this?

 

“No, I believe I will stay here for a while,” Sesshoumaru answered him.

 

“If I may ask Sesshoumaru-sama-” Miroku began.

 

“I'd rather you not,” Sesshoumaru interrupted him. He then saw the disheartened look on Miroku's face and relented. “What is it?”

 

“It's just that, well, you seem so down. What happened?”

 

Sesshoumaru wanted to sigh; he knew that question would come up; he was just hoping to have more time to prepare for it.

 

“Did you know I was to be married Miroku?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

Miroku nodded. “Of course, to Ms. Kagura Wind…”

 

“No, not her; that woman that was here with me the last time. She and I had become close on our trip. We decided that we would meet in six months time, after we tied up loose ends if we still desired to be together.”

 

Miroku was, needless to say, surprised. “Really? And what happened?”

 

Sesshoumaru took a moment before he answered. “Six months I waited for her; I've never felt so vulnerable, it is not something I like to feel. Six months of anticipating, planning, painting. I was there nearly half an hour early at our determined spot…” Sesshoumaru trailed off a bit. While he was talking he had got a faraway look in his eyes, and Miroku imagined that he was reliving the events in his head.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama?” Miroku asked trying to break the spell that held his friend.

 

“I waited; she never came. I felt like a fool, I honestly thought she would show. I lost everything.”

 

Miroku gulped down his uneasiness. He had never heard Sesshoumaru talk in such a manner; he sounded so defeated.

 

“Leave me,” Sesshoumaru stated then.

 

Miroku was startled and was ready to protest, but reluctantly nodded and turned to go back into the house. “I'll be sure your room is ready for your stay. I'm sure Rin will be happy to know that you'll be here for a while.”

 

Sesshoumaru said nothing as Miroku disappeared. He looked over the grounds of his Hawaiian villa and his eyes landed on his dojo. He would always find solace in practicing with his old swords and meditation.

 

With purpose, he strode to the dojo to begin forgetting about the woman that insisted in flooding his mind with images of herself which never gave him a moment's piece of mind.

 

 

****

 

 

About two weeks later, Kagome was able to find a teaching position with a small school not far from her apartment. Inuyasha had been very helpful in showing her how to get around Manhattan, and she picked up her directions quite easily. As grateful as she was to Inuyasha, Kagome wanted him to leave her to her own devices. As it was she already felt that she was in his debt, and she was pretty sure he was seeking the type of relationship that she was not sure she wanted to give him any more.

 

So now, as she went in to the classroom for the first day, Kagome was overcome by a sense of nervousness, but as well as pride that she had landed this job on her own, without Inuyasha's help. He had insisted a few times that he go with her, but she had turned down his offer.

 

Kagome walked through the school grounds and took note of all the playground equipment. She would be instructing third graders in their music lessons and she was sure she was in for a very interesting school year.

 

She walked into the classroom and greeted some of the parents that were there for their kid's first day of school. Kagome instantly made great connections with them and put their minds at ease when she took hold of the classroom full of chatting children. Kagome explained about the class in a way that both the parents and the kids understood and then passed out music books to them.

 

Kagome would be teaching them how to read music and then they would be learning how to sing a few songs for a performance that was planned just before Christmas. A couple of the parents were talking to themselves in the back, but Kagome caught the approving gleams in their eyes and was happy to see that she had such an affect on them this early in the year.

 

After an hour's class Kagome was left with an empty classroom. She walked around for a while, thinking about nothing in particular. For the past couple weeks she had been haunted by flashes of images of silvery-white hair and amber eyes. If she had not known any better she would have guessed them to be Inuyasha's, but the emotion in those eyes were different from her friend.

 

The emotions in these eyes were passionate, strong, and determined whereas Inuyasha's eyes held more softness, gentility, and persistence.

 

Kagome found herself wanting to close her eyes many times throughout the day just to catch a glimpse of these eyes. She had a pretty good idea of who they belonged to; it was just too early to jump to conclusions.

 

Almost like a mantra, she would say the name `Sesshoumaru' off and on throughout the day to try and will some of her memory to return to her. She did not expect to remember everything right away, but she was hoping for more progress than what she was currently having.

 

She was brought out of her thoughts when someone opened the door to the classroom.

 

“Oh, hello Principal Hanson, what can I do for you?” Kagome asked.

 

“Not a thing Ms. Higurashi. I just wanted to congratulate you on a successful first day. I got a lot of compliments from many different parents as they left with their children. It seems that you have met with their approval.”

 

“Thank you,” Kagome said with a smile. “That means a lot to me. Thank you for this job, I'm sure I'll love it here.”

 

The principal shook his head. “I didn't do much, I merely agreed with three other people that wanted you for this position.”

 

“That's still something,” Kagome explained.

 

“I guess it is,” the principal said. “It's amazing what music can do for small children isn't it? They can be terrorizing the room, but as soon as you put some music on, it does something to them.”

 

“Better yet,” Kagome added, “Put the music in their hands and see what they can do with it. Just give me a couple of months and you'll see what I mean. They'll be singing like angels,” Kagome said playfully.

 

“That I don't doubt. You had some very impressive qualifications to follow you for this job. I think you'll do great here.”

 

Kagome smiled at the man for his kind words. She hoped she did well here, she did not want to screw up her first teaching job.

 

“Well I guess I should be going. Keep up the great work Higurashi; if you need anything just ask myself or any other staff here and we'll do our best to help you.”

 

Kagome nodded and the principal left, once again leaving her in an empty room and to her thoughts of silver hair and amber eyes. Her cell phone ringing startled her and she rushed to answer it.

 

“Hello? Hi Inuyasha…what?” Kagome sighed exasperatedly. “No I do not need you to come walk me home from school...”