Chapter 1
It had been 5 months since the Nightmare of the Century. Of course, it was the latest news for the entire month before the paparazzi got tired of digging for information.
The first month after the wedding disaster, Kagome had gone into a state of depression. She refused to eat and could barely sleep. After getting an earful from both Sango and Ayame, with a few encouraging words from Kikyo, Kagome realized that moping won't solve anything. With the help of her girlfriends, Kagome was finally restored to good health and had started to look forward to the birth of her child.
During the second month, Kagome surprised everyone when she decided to pursue her singing career and managed to pull through after asking favours from her close family friends who worked in show biz. For the sake of privacy and the health of herself and the baby, Kagome decided to sign as Jayana Ai. To keep her identity as secret as possible, she personally hired Sango as her manager, Kikyo as her agent, and Ayame as her makeup and fashion artist. Her first single, Far Away, had been a best-seller and made "Jayana Ai" extremely popular.
The following months after that, Kagome had been working on a new CD, called Only Reminds Me Of You. She had also started to shop for her child and plan the baby's room in her current residence, Sunrise Condominiums.
"Kagome, would you take a break already? You've been working non-stop since you got back from the Caribbean! This isn't healthy!" Sango chided with a frown.
The soon-to-be mother ignored her. "I almost have this song done, Sango. Once I finish, I'll take a break, alright?" Kagome said as she reached for her guitar. She frowned when Ayame snagged it.
"Kagome, you've been working on that song for weeks now. I personally don't think you're going to finish it any time soon," Ayame said dryly. She made sure to keep the beautiful, state-of-the-art, black guitar away from her best friend's reach.
"You don't want us to send you on another unwanted vacation, do you?" Kikyo gently reasoned as she placed a cup of Jasmine tea on Kagome's desk.
Kagome narrowed her eyes at the threat. "You wouldn't dare," the young woman hissed. She couldn't believe they were ganging up and threatening her again!
That was how she was she was practically forced into her Caribbean getaway. Convinced that she was going on a world tour as Jayana Ai, Kagome readily agreed to go. However, once she arrived at their destination, Sango, Ayame and Kikyo left her there. They left a letter to Kagome saying that they were deeply sorry and this was for her own good. If she tried to leave, they would be notified immediately. Kagome couldn't help but throw a temper tantrum, causing distress to the resort employees and to her personal guard, Bankotsu.
Sango stepped up, seeing the opportunity to convince the young woman. "Oh, but dear Kagome, we would dare," she flashed a wide grin to the angry woman.
Kagome sent a glare in response. She looked at each of her friends and knew they only meant well. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Fine. I'll take a break from working on the CD. Happy?" she asked. She placed her pen and notebook on her desk, stood up, and stretched.
"Not quite," Ayame butted in.
Kagome quickly swallowed the Jasmine tea she had just sipped. "Don't push it, guys," Kagome narrowed her eyes at them.
Ayame quickly put her hands up in defense. "Down, girl! I was just going to suggest that we go outside today. It's a wonderful 27°C with no clouds. Pure sunlight! Besides, you definitely need the tan Kagome. You look like Count Dracula's wife. Oh! And you're running out of clothes to wear," the young woman grinned.
Kagome ignored the insult and sighed once again. "Let me guess, more maternity clothes?" She shook her head. They had just gone shopping last week for new clothes.
"Jeez. With all the clothes you own, we should make an entire room your closet," Sango mumbled. She thought the same thing as she also remembered the shopping spree days ago.
"Well, pop-stars do not wear the same outfit AT ALL. Plus, Kagome's getting bigger, you know, with the pregnancy and all. She could barely fit the clothes we bought her!" Ayame protested.
"Alright! Fine! But if I see one thing that's not right, we're heading back. Deal?" Kagome stated as she waited for their nods of agreement.
Ayame, Sango and Kikyo nodded hastily before grabbing their purses and Kagome's car keys before she decided to change her mind. Kagome growled in irritation when she was practically hauled out of her condo and into her car. Before she knew it, they were already down the highway. Kikyo decided to drive since she's the safest driver out of the 4 of them. Kagome sighed from the passenger seat. She unknowingly fiddled with her black and gray XOXO satchel.
"Can someone turn on the radio?" Ayame asked, seeing as how her arm wasn't long enough for her to reach.
"No!" Sango quickly said.
"Why not?!" Ayame demanded with a frown.
"Last time you had music on, we almost got into a car crash!" Sango protested, shuddering at the memory.
"It's not my fault the music that was on was shit!" Ayame retorted.
Sango snorted. "That 'shit' was the CD Jak burned for you 2 weeks before."
Ayame rolled her eyes. "Exactly why it was shit! Anything that queer listens to is shit!" she huffed.
Kagome sighed in irritation. "If either of you two doesn't shut up, I will lose it," she growled.
"It's best not to test the pregnant lady, Sango, Ayame," Kikyo advised as she made a left turn at the stop light.
Sango and Ayame shut their mouths quickly. They knew that it would turn real ugly if they continued their little bicker around the mood-swinging woman.
Silence enveloped the group. Kagome closed her eyes at the peace and quiet. It, much to her great annoyance, did not last long.
"So … can someone turn on the radio?" Ayame asked once again.
Kagome glared at her through the rearview mirror while Kikyo sighed and Sango snickered at the young woman's dense mind.
This is going to be a LONG day, Kagome thought. She felt a slight twinge of regret for ever leaving her humble and quiet home.