Chapter 6: Time Moves On
The sweltering days of early fall fell away to crisp leaves and cooler winds, which in turn fell to rest on grounds soon covered by a light blanket of snow. The world became quieter, it seemed, as winter settled in.
Time seemed to slip through Kagome's fingers like sand. The novelty of Sakura High School became a normalcy—a routine—and people who were once new friends grew into those that were trusted and reliable.
Sango and Kagome had become even closer, and Kagome was constantly thankful for this.
'Really I don't know how we became fast friends…we just meshed well' Kagome thought to herself as she walked home from the local convenience store, the wind nipping her cheeks until they blushed a soft pink.
Kagome often went over thoughts in her head; her mind was always active. Sometimes it was handy, other times, it was a burden. Walking home in the cold months, even with people around her, always felt more peaceful. As she walked, she tucked her nose into her scarf, exhaling a deep breath to warm her face. She almost felt as though the natural world was asleep, dormant until spring gently beckoned life to return.
The late summer and fall months had been a whirlwind of activity. From football games to school-sponsored socials, Kagome found herself part of activities constantly. Sango was always doing something, and even when she had no plans, the even more socially active Miroku would drag them both into something. Kagome didn't mind. She had never had a chance to enjoy this kind of constant activity. Sango had convinced her to join the Archery Club, and to her utmost surprise, Kagome excelled at it.
"Wow, Kagome!" Sango had said with her mouth agape as Kagome landed an arrow confidently near the bullseye, "I guess you're a natural!"
It certainly seemed that way, and Kagome was honestly surprised by it herself. She had never picked up a bow and arrow, and certainly didn't consider herself the athletic type. She earned top marks for the club, just second to, to Sango's constant vexation, Kikyo.
Originally, no one thought Kikyo would ever join anything athletic, but apparently her parents and grandparents came from a line of archers, and it was a sport she had competed in since early childhood. It was almost like a rite of passage for her family.
Kagome couldn't help but feel pangs of jealousy at times. Sango had bet that Kikyo and Inuyasha would only last for a few weeks after the news of their relationship became official, but here it was nearly four months later, and they were still dating on and off. No one really understood why he couldn't just let her go completely.
Thinking of Inuyasha still made Kagome blush a bit. She couldn't stop herself. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that it was irrational to fall for him, she did. Between his rendezvous with Kikyo, Inuyasha still tried to hang out with his friends through much of the fall term, even if Kikyo would get angry and threaten to break up. Most of the school thought they were a natural couple. Inuyasha was always at the top of the Kendo team. Girls would fawn over him with a sword, as his eyes became intense and his body flexed with each beat of sword against sword.
Kagome, Sango, and Miroku had attended many of his competitions to support their friend. Sango had protested once, saying "if he's such a good friend, why does he hardly hang out anymore" with a sour note reading perfectly clear on her face. Miroku had become uncharacteristically serious and retorted "he tries, he wants to balance things, we don't give up on our friends."
Kagome remembered she had said nothing, and only continued to watch Inuyasha as he moved swiftly with his sword, easily overtaking the competitor as girls in the stands cheered.
Sango had scoffed "They cheer like they think if they're loud enough, he'll actually notice them." And Kagome realized she was right. Inuyasha really didn't pay attention to any other girls. He rarely talked to anyone of the opposite sex except Kikyo, Sango, and herself.
As she recalled this, Kagome felt a small flutter in her heart. She wanted to hope, but she knew it was silly.
'Why waste time on infatuation.' she was trying to be resolute in her thought, but she didn't feel completely committed. She couldn't hide that she wanted more.
The wind blew through the branches of the near-by trees, causing a soft cracking sound that snapped Kagome out of her thoughts. She was nearly home. The apartment complex within view. Her right hand was now numb from carrying the groceries home, the cold seeping through her thin gloves.
Back home, she threw open the door to her apartment and heaved the bag up to the counter, emptying the bags contents into the fridge.
She sighed at the empty apartment. 'this place is always empty these days.'
One of her mom's jobs had asked her to pick up more hours, and with the overtime pay, she didn't refuse.
"If they keep this up, I may be able to drop my other one!" her mom had said optimistically. Kagome had just frowned.
'It's amazing…one day can change your life forever. One minute you have stability, and the next, it's gone.' Kagome remembered the days with her father and her family, and felt the moisture start to gather in her eyes.
At that very moment, she could feel the sharp vibrate of her phone as a text found it's way.
"Just when I try to feel sorry for myself-Sango to the rescue" Kagome said to no one in particular, smiling in spite of herself.
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