Chapter 1

Painful Memories Never To Be Forgotten

Kagome had been running for what seemed like hours. Feeling the numbness from her feet, she collapsed onto the wet grass, panting.

FLASHBACK

Kagome was early this time. She can't wait to tell InuYasha & the others the good news. Today, she's turning 16.

It's been a year seen I've first met InuYasha. So many things have happened since that day. Meeting new friends…

Her thoughts trailed off as she approached the Bone Eaters Well.

It was hard to persuade her family to celebrate half of the day with InuYasha & the rest of the gang. But they finally agreed. After all, it was her birthday today.

Humming, she excitedly walked toward the village carrying a cake with her.

"I can't wait to show this to them. They've never tasted a cake before. I bet they'll like it," she said, smiling.

Passing through the forest, she thought she heard InuYasha's voice, & so she followed it. She never expected what happened next.

InuYasha is KISSING Kikyou! He said he LIKE me! Why? WHY?!

Tears brimming in Kagome's eyes. She can't seem to pry her eyes away from the terrible scene in front of her. She can't move, she stood there frozen from shock & mix emotions flooding her heart, mind & soul.

InuYasha sensing that someone was watching them, he broke the kiss. He looked to the direction of Kagome…. Their eyes met. His eyes were wide in shock.

She saw us! "Kagome….. I……." InuYasha was at a lost for words.

At that time, everything seemed to stop. Their surroundings began to fade, even Kikyou beside him. There were only thetwo of them.

There's no hate in her eyes, only shock, confusion, sorrow, & most of all, the pain.

"I guess you finally realized who you want to be with, InuYasha. You've chosen Kikyou," Kagome's voice cracked.

I'm sorry……

Then, what seemed like an eternity, Kagome began to walk away.

END OF FLASHBACK

It started to rain few minutes ago. Her whole body was drenched by the pouring rain.

KAGOME'S POV

My leg hurts & I'm so cold… No… It's my heart that feels cold & aches. I looked at my surrounding & realized that I'm lost. Great! Now I'm lost & alone… ALONE… I shuddered at the thought. InuYasha… will never be mine. His heart still remains with Kikyou. Sorrow & despair began to flood me again.

Happy Birthday, Kagome! I smiled bitterly.

I began to cry again.