"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I can't believe I slept so long," Kagome exclaimed as she jolted upright in bed, disturbing Buyo, who was sleeping beside her. Just minutes before, she awoke feeling refreshed that is until she looked at her clock. It was 2:00 am. "How am I going to get any studying done? Now I have to pull an all nighter. This is just great. I will be lucky if I can stay awake in class."
Kagome slid out her bed and headed back downstairs to retrieve her yellow bag. As she pulled all of her books and study materials were inside the almost bottomless and much abused bag. Once downstairs, Kagome decide it was best to study at the short table her family reserved for eating. "If I try study upstairs, I will probably end up falling asleep again."
Kagome mulled over math problems and other study materials until the sun rose. She refused to lose her focus, stopping only momentarily to stretch or pet Buyo. The housecat crept downstairs hours ago to be close to her master. When the light of dawn began to shine in the living room, the young girl rose gracefully despite every muscle in her body protesting and aching from being forced to sit on the ground for so long. "You've been gone from Sengoku Jidai for one day and you're already growing soft," Kagome chided herself. I had to sleep on ground for weeks; I should be used to this by now.
Her stomach also began to growl in protest, blushing a bit in embarrassment Kagome headed for the kitchen. "I guess I am hungry. I haven't eaten since the night before last. Are you hungry too, Buyo?"
Buyo mewled in agreement and trotted after her. Kagome poured Buyo a bowl of cream and then searched the refrigerator for something to eat. I guess I'll have leftovers. It looks really good. Dipping her finger into the plastic container full of the remains of her mother's cooking, she sampled it.
"Mmmmm… This is good even cold. I guess I should heat it up, though. I am not a complete pig, unlike one person I know…" Upon thinking of the ramen-loving hanyou, she shook her head and sighed. He didn't come for me last night or at least I don't think he did. I guess he really is pissed at me. It doesn't matter. I will return after finishing this week in school and patch things up like the good friend that I am. It's a new day anyways; I have schoolwork to think about not that silly dog-boy.
Kagome's face shined with resolve. Things will be fine. When I go back, it will be like nothing happened. I just know it. Kagome popped the leftovers in the microwave and put some tea on for herself. Once both were done, she went back to the table and ate in silence. The house was so quiet. I miss Mama, Jii-chan, and Souta. The house is way too dead when they aren't here. I'm so lonely now. Kagome frowned a little but then sighed, "Here I go again. I need to stop being such a wuss. I was never like this before and this attitude is not something I want to hold on to."
After chastising herself for the last time, she finished her meal and she decided she would walk to school early. The fresh morning air would clear her mind and the idea of seeing her friends, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi, gave her an instant boost of energy. After cleaning up and donning a new uniform, Kagome walked into the fresh spring air, taking in the scent of cherry blossoms.
"Buyo…" She called out to her cat, "Be a good kitty while I'm gone." With that said, Kagome skipped off into the courtyard and into the streets of Tokyo. The cool morning breeze blew her shining obsidian locks about her face as she walked. I probably won't run into anyone now because it's way too early to be out. I guess I'll just sit beneath one of the cherry trees in the schoolyard and study a bit more. Being in high school requires a lot more studying than junior high. I don't even know how I survive it and get the grades I do.
Upon her arrival at school, Kagome sat at one of the benches lining the concrete walkway to the entrance but decided that the grass would be more comfortable. She chose a spot under a large cherry blossom tree and rested her back against its smooth trunk. "Now to study," Kagome reached into her backpack for her books and then looked into the schoolbag noticing that she forgot something, "Oh no! I forgot to pack a lunch! Ugh… Now I have to go a whole day being hungry and tired. Oh well, what am I going to do about it now?" Sighing she picked up her English book and read, sometimes saying words in English just hear how they sounded rolling off her tongue.
"Higurashi!!!"
Kagome jumped in surprise, looking up to see Hojo heading in her direction. I wasn't expecting to see him. Oh dear… what do I say to him? She had little time to think as Hojo now stood before, blocking her light. "Hey… Hojo. How are you?"
"I feel fine. How are you, Higurashi? I heard you were supposed to get some surgery or something like that. Should you be at school so soon after the operation?"
Operation..? Oh Kami-sama, has no one ever heard of a common cold at all? It's been two years and jii-chan has diagnosed me with every disease medically known to man except the ones that make sense. "Oh yeah… the umm "operation" went fine. I feel great and decided I should come to school. I don't want to get any further behind." Kagome began to rise from her sitting position; her neck was beginning to ache from looking up. As she did so, Hojo grabbed her hand attempting to help her up. It had to be that moment when her friends, Ayumi, Yuka, and Eri, marched over.
"Kagome! Oh… uhh… We see you're busy. We'll be over there." Ayumi snickered as she dragged Yuka and snickering Eri away. They all bustled off to position optimum for watching the two "lovebirds" converse.
"Ugh," Kagome sighed as she pulled her hand away from Hojo's. It seemed like they had been standing like that for an eternity. Geez, they caught me in the act of doing nothing and Hojo's not helping. He's just grinning and blushing like an idiot. Oh Kami, is he blushing? This isn't good. "I am sorry. My friends always jump to conclusion. Umm, thank you for helping me up."
"It's okay… Kagome." Hojo spoke her name softly.
Kagome ceased wiping grass and dirt of her uniform to look up at Hojo. He's never said my name like that before. I don't know what's going on.
Hojo rubbed the back of head nervously and grinned, "I didn't mind at all. You know, Kagome, that you and I have been well… dating for a while…"
Dating?
"I know you have been sick a lot so we haven't gotten to talk much but, I like you a lot and…"
What do I say? He's not asking what I think he is… Is he?
"I think you and I should be closer than we are. That's why I think we should go steady. I want to be there for you now but I know it would be inappropriate to hang around without making our relationship concrete."
For all Kagome knew, the world had just stopped moving. She stood silent and stunned. Hojo-kun… What do I say? I don't like him like that… or at least I don't think I do… This is not the time. Inu Yasha… My heart still belongs to Inu Yasha. If things were different, maybe I would consider it. I don't want to hurt Hojo-kun's feelings. I do still like the boy after all, but as a friend. Kagome took a deep breath before opening her mouth to speak. She hoped that the words came out right, "Hojo… I…"
"You don't have to tell me now, Higurashi. I just want you to think about it, okay. We can talk it over later like at dinner. I was thinking we could go out to eat this Friday at 8. I can take you to this great place I know. I checked it out to make sure the food there doesn't irritate your allergies."
"Uhh… Umm… sure…" Kagome stuttered.
"Great! Well, I will see ya' at 8 on Friday." With that Hojo smiled brightly and walked away.
Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka immediately came running over, their faces jubilant and anxious. They bombarded Kagome with a million questions she didn't even know how to answer."
"What were you two talking about? And holding hands… I guess you and that jealous boyfriend of yours are through, right?" Yuka spoke a mile a minute.
"Uh, you guys! We were not holding hands. Hojo was trying to help me up from the ground." Kagome felt her cheeks begin to glow red. Her friends could be so embarrassing.
"Well, that's not what it looked like. Did he ask you out?" Eri asked.
"Yea. But I don't know if I can go… I have other things to do." Kagome sighed. She hated lying to them but it was the only way to get them to pipe down. "He was just surprised to see me at school so soon after my … ummm… surgery or whatever. He wanted to make sure I was okay."
The trio responded collectively, "Oh…"
"I still think he has the hots for you. You didn't say anything about your boyfriend either."
If you only knew… Inu Yasha is far from being my boyfriend. "He is still around." Kagome replied evasively. She wanted to drop this whole conversation, "So what I have I missed in my absence? Who is dating who?"
If there was one thing the trio knew, it had to be gossip. They set the young girl's mind whirling with the latest gossip and scandals. Kagome found herself alternating between gasping and holding her sides in laughter by the time they had filled her in. No matter how many changes I go through in Sengoku Jidai, here everything seems to remain the same. Kagome mentally sighed as she followed her friend's to homeroom.
The day was uneventful. Most of her classes were boring but this did not surprise Kagome. However, she was shocked to find that she was ahead of the class especially in history. In her frenzy to not fall behind her classes, Kagome studied more than was necessary and overcompensated for her frequent absences. The teachers were impressed as well, so impressed that most commented on it.
After taking her calculus test, a test she dreaded for weeks, Kagome was beaming. That was not so bad. I knew almost everything. If I keep this up, I just might get into Tokyo University. Class had been dismissed for the day and she fully planned on escaping to the school courtyard. It was her lunch period now and since she did not bring lunch she didn't want to be around people eating. Her happy thoughts were interrupted by her teacher's voice.
"Higurashi Kagome?"
Kagome turned to face her math teacher, a tall woman. Her hair was dark brown and pulled back in a severe bun. She was a young woman, no older than 25 by Kagome's estimation. Even so, Sae Hakibi was a stern and often intimidating teacher. She expected the best from her students and would accept no less.
Kagome's stomach began to flutter in nervousness as she spoke, "Yes Hakibi-sama?"
"May I speak with you?" the older woman's voice was calm, her expression unreadable.
"Yes Hakibi-sama…" Kagome conceded. She had nowhere else to be and curiosity also prompted her to stay. She's never even spoken to me since I started this class. What could she want from me?
The older woman seated herself at her desk, shuffling through some of her papers and consulting lingering students who had questions about their test. Kagome stood in silence at first. As time waned on she partially sat on one of the empty desks in the front row of the class. The teacher had not yet addressed her. All that could be heard in the classroom was the shuffle of papers and muted conversations. Once the last student left the classroom, Hakibi-sama looked up at Kagome.
"Miss Higurashi?" the math teacher rose from her desk and came to stand in front of it, mimicking Kagome's position.
Kagome's attention snapped back to her teacher.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting. Discretion is of great importance to me and I did not want this conversation to be overheard by your fellow classmates."
"Don't worry about it, Hakibi-sama. I have nowhere important to be, it's my lunch period, after all." Kagome interjected nervously.
"Please call me Sae. Being called Hakibi-sama all the time makes me feel like an old doddering woman." Sae smiled reassuringly.
Kagome was shocked at her statement. She asked me to call her by her first name and I never saw her smile before. She seems familiar to me, like someone I know but I can't put my finger on exactly who.
"I know you're probably wondering why I asked you stay after class. I just wanted to talk to you about your progress in my class."
Upon hearing this, Kagome visibly paled. Am I doing badly? Oh no! Am I failing Hakibi-sama's class?
Noticing the younger girl's pallor, the young teacher quickly interjected, "Ms. Higurashi please don't get yourself all worked up. I know that your health is not the best and I don't want you ill on my account. I am just very impressed with your efforts so far. Even though you have been very ill since you stepped foot in this high school and from what I have been told in the office, middle school too, you have never fallen too far behind the other students. In fact, you have been ahead these last couple of weeks. At first, I thought you would not make it very far. I assumed you would use your illness as an excuse not to excel…"
Kagome finally exhaled. Oh Kami. I think I almost had a heart attack. What is she saying? She still hasn't said anything about my grades. I still understand what she wants…
"I even thought you were cheating." Sae Hakibi looked away from her student to hide her look of shame.
Kagome began to hyperventilate again. Oh Kami! Am I going to get kicked out? I never cheated. I hope she doesn't think I would do something like that. What do I say? What do I do? I think I am going to really be sick. Kagome opened her mouth to speak, though she was not sure what to say. Her mouth quickly snapped shut because the words were all jumbled in her throat. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears.
Hakibi-sama sighed and looked back at Kagome. "I went to all of your teachers and discussed your progress with them. I was surprised to find that you were doing well in all your classes as well. I admit now that I am ashamed to have doubted your integrity. You see, even when your instructors told me how well you were doing, I still had my doubts. I didn't realize my unspoken accusations were false until I noticed that you were using methods and techniques I had yet to teach. It could not have been possible for you to cheat using material from a fellow student when you are ahead of them."
I'm ahead? I guess I overcompensated a bit for going to Sengoku Jidai so much. High school is tough enough without me being a time traveler. Every minute of free time I get, I study. I never want to be behind again like in middle school. I can't blame Hakibi-sama… I mean Sae-sama, for being suspicious.
"Kagome, you are an excellent student. I honestly believe that you are the best student I have had so far despite your frequent illnesses. I hope that you can forgive me for trying to rouse suspicion amongst the other teachers."
Kagome smiled brilliantly, "Don't worry about it Sae-sama. If I were in your position, I would have done the same thing. Cheating is never a good thing to do."
The math teacher smiled again. Seeing the young teacher smile sent a spark of recognition flying through Kagome's mind. She looks so much like Sango. She might be Sango-chan's reincarnation although; I never pegged the taiji-ya for a mathematician.
Kagome wished to test her theory, "Do you have a cat?"
Sae's eyes widened a bit, "How did you know? Do I have cat hair on my sweater? Kirara does not shed much."
Kagome smiled a bit, "It's not that. I just could tell. Your cat's name is Kirara? That sounds so kawaii." Could that be Kirara..? Has she survived until this era?
The older woman laughed, "She is the most darling kitten in the world. Would you like to see a picture? I keep it on my desk."
"May I?" Kagome asked as she reached for a gold gilt framed picture on the teacher's desk.
"Go ahead…"
Kagome looked at the picture and smiled again. In it were Sae and her cat Kirara. Sae's hair was caught up in a single ponytail, not the tight bun she usually wore. She looked much younger there. Her resemblance to Kagome's friend was uncanny and Kirara, a dainty kitten with tan and black fur, was the Kirara's exact replica. "Kirara is adorable." Kagome sighed.
"Do you have a cat?" Sae asked quietly.
"Yes, I have a calico cat named Buyo. She is so spoiled and fat but I couldn't fathom living without her." Kagome smiled wistfully. I can't believe I didn't notice the resemblance before. She has to be Sango's reincarnation; I can feel it.
"I know how you feel. Kirara has been my constant companion since I found her almost 3 years ago. Well, I think she actually found me. When I moved into my very first apartment, she was sitting outside my apartment mewling. I loved her the moment I saw her and I didn't even want a pet. I never really thought of having one."
"I have had Buyo since I was little girl. She was a present from my otousan," Kagome spoke softly. Her expression was shuttered. Dad… I haven't spoken about him in so long…
"Did your father die? I should not ask you such things. Gomen nasai. I don't wish to pry." The young teacher rebuffed herself.
"Do not be sorry, Hakibi-sama… I mean Sae-sama. It's just that he died when I was very young. I didn't know him very well." Kagome sighed.
Sae's expression saddened as well. She looked toward the window, "I understand. I didn't know either of my parents very well. They along with my younger brother died when I was a little girl. I really don't know the details or don't want to remember. I have been a ward of the state since I was six." Looking back at the young sighed disapprovingly, "This is quite unprofessional to be telling you all this."
Kagome responded earnestly, "My condolences. I know your life must have been hard." Your life reminds me so much of Sango's. I am glad that you are letting me get to know you again, my friend. "I don't mind talking to you. I think it's cool that we have things in common."
The teacher was silent for a moment. Her intense brown eyes searched Kagome's as if looking for something. When she finally spoke, her voice was still a bit subdued, "I am a loner. I have spent most of my life keeping to myself, even though I was raised amongst a group of orphan children. My closest companions were my books. Education was my savior, my best friend, and my only way to make myself more than just an unfortunate orphan girl. Even though I began working at a very young age, I was so far ahead of my schoolmates I was allowed to take entrance exams for college early. I got accepted to quite a few universities and settled for Tokyo University. This is why I am not really that much older than you. Being a bookworm and working does not allow for much of a social life and I don't really have friends. I have no want or need to open up to anyone, and yet, here I am… talking to you. I do not know what it is about you… For some reason, it's easy to talk to you and I do not know you well."
Kagome smiled knowingly, "It's no biggie. I like to talk. You won't have to worry about the things you say being circulated through the school either. I am not much for gossiping. I leave that for others to do."
Sae nodded, understanding that she had just made a new friend. A stern frown creased her smooth brow as she spoke, "Just because we have become acquaintances, please do not think that I will be impartial towards you. I am still a teacher first."
"Perish the thought," Kagome said just as sternly, "I am not a teacher's pet."
Sae chuckled, "Now that we have that out of the way…"
Kagome was surprised at how different Sae could be when she wasn't teaching. The young teacher chattered with such energy, just like Sango. She was not surprised to find Sae Hakibi was also a fighter.
"From what I can remember of my father, I know he owned a dojo in our old neighborhood. He used to teach me… until the day he and my family died. I wanted to honor their memory by continuing my study in the martial arts. I have been a member of the same dojo since I was 9. The owner took me in one day, after he saw me hanging around and pressing my face to the glass for a week straight… I told him I didn't have any money to pay, so he put me to work. I have been working there ever since. If you weren't so sick, I would ask you come… I don't want to be responsible for any injuries you may get."
Kagome laughed a little nervously at this, "I would love to come. It's no fun being an invalid. Sick people need to exercise too."
Sae looked a little worried, "But…"
"Don't worry about it. I want to come learn at your dojo. I am such a weakling. I think it would be cool to learn some hand-to-hand techniques. They do come in handy."
Sae blushed as she spoke, "It's true. My sensei's son, Mishiro, has been on the receiving end of quite a few of those techniques. He is a nice guy most of the times and a good sparring partner. He just doesn't know when to keep his hands to himself. He's also an incorrigible flirt and playboy. He brings in all the women…"
Kagome muffled a laugh behind her hand, "Do you like him?"
Sae Hakibi's blush deepened "Oh Kami, no! We are childhood friends nothing more."
Wow… That has to be Miroku. I can't believe it. I guess love can't even be thwarted by time, at least in their case. I think I might have to play matchmaker in the future. Kagome sighed; I haven't seen anyone who remotely resembles Inu Yasha…
"Are you thinking of your boyfriend?"
Kagome blushed from head to toe, "No… I don't have a boyfriend at all."
The math teacher smiled a little knowingly, "Okay… I will not pry. Besides I have a few papers to grade. You are welcome to stay if you like. I have enjoyed our talk greatly and we should do this again sometime. "
Suppressing her blush, the younger woman responded, "I agree. We will have to do this more often. Hey, I am going to take a little walk on campus before my next class. I will see you tomorrow."
"Okay, Ms. Higurashi. Have a nice day." Sae smiled up at her student, looking away from some papers she was holding.
Kagome picked up her discarded books and left the room silently. Her thoughts were jumbled and just a little bit confusing. Will everybody be resurrected in this time? I wonder…
After her unexpected chat with her math teacher, Kagome's day was uneventful. She walked home without the company of her friends. It was not that she disliked hanging with them, but she desired time to think. There were so many things she could not share with them and it made her feel a bit guilty. It's not easy living a double life…
When she arrived at the Higurashi shrine, the young miko skipped to her front door. As soon as she opened it, Buyo jumped out at her. Laughing, Kagome reached down and picked up in her arms.
"I guess you were lonely. It's still so quiet. Jii-chan must not have come back yet… It's just you me again Buyo…" Kagome absentmindedly stroked the purring cat. "I should call Mama and tell her I am here."
Putting the cat down, Kagome walked over to kitchen to get the phone. She dialed the number and waited for someone to pick up on the other line.
"Moshii, Moshii" an older woman's voice sounded on the other line.
"Hello Auntie Aya. This is Kagome-chan."
"Oh Kagome… I'm so glad you called. I am most displeased that you could not come with your mother to visit me."
"I'm so sorry obasan. I have so much schoolwork and stuff. I promise to make it up to you." Kagome was becoming flustered; she hadn't expected her aunt to be upset.
Auntie Aya sighed, "I know how important school is dear. Just don't forget your family, ne. You could call more. Well, I am sure you were calling for your okaasan. She is in the garden with Souta. I will go get her."
Kagome heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Her aunt could be really scary sometimes. She instantly perked up when she heard her mother's voice.
"Kagome?"
"Mama, I miss you so much." Kagome nearly cried.
"I know dear. We haven't seen each other in weeks. You're always off on some adventure of sorts." Her mother sighed a little sadly.
"I know mama. You know my reasons…"
"Of course… I just miss you is all. Souta misses you too."
Kagome could hear Souta yelling in the background. She smiled even as a single tear slipped form her eyes.
"Did your cute eared demon friend come with you?"
"No Mama. He didn't…" Kagome voice was barely a whisper.
"What's wrong Kagome? Are you okay? Did something happen?"
"No… nothing is wrong, mom." Kagome could not bring herself to say more.
"Did you two get into a fight again? You can tell me, you know. I am your mother and I know when something is wrong…"
"Don't worry Mama. It's really nothing. We argued over something stupid. Everything will be back to normal when I get back."
"Okay Kagome. I won't press you on such issues. Teenagers nowadays are so secretive. Well I must go. Souta says he loves you. I love you too."
"I love you Mama. Tell Souta I love him too." Kagome took the receiver from her ear but stopped when she heard he mother speak again.
"… And Kagome?"
"Yes, mama?"
"You and Inu Yasha will be fine, I hope. You are remembering to take those pills I gave you, right?"
"Pills?" Kagome's cheeks reddened.
"Yes, I gave them to you for a reason. I know you two are just friends and all but… running about in the wilderness all the time with a boy, especially a boy you have feelings for, can pose some issues. I am by no means advocating that you and Inu Yasha should… well… You're almost a grown woman now… I can't watch over you all the time. I just wanted to make sure you didn't make a mistake…"
Kagome wanted this conversation to end. It was too embarrassing and she would rather not think about such things. We haven't even kissed yet. I doubt things will get that far. I sometimes think about it but… I'm not sure if … Oh Kami… "Mommmmmmm…. Inu Yasha and I are just friends."
"Just remember what I said. I will let you go now dear. Remember, I will be home on Sunday. I love you." With that being said, Kagome's mom hung up the phone.
Kagome was left holding the receiver still in shock. Her mother could be so embarrassing sometimes. I remember the day Mama gave me those birth control pills. It was right after my seventeenth birthday. She went on and on about how my future would be jeopardized if I made a "mistake" while in Sengoku Jidai and I swear I felt like sinking through the floor. I hadn't really thought of doing anymore than kissing Inu Yasha. That's all I would allow myself to think. I mean let's be serious; I haven't managed to get him to kiss me yet. Not that I have tried… I remember looking at those pills and having the word sex blaring in surround sound in my mind. My mom thought I was having a bit too many adventures in the past. I don't blame her now although back then I never wanted to talk to her again. She just wanted me to be safe. I must admit that I take those stupid pills everyday without fail. It's because of my newly overactive imagination… I know it's not possible but I am almost afraid I will end up getting pregnant from dreams alone. My dreams have become so vivid that I tend to avoid Inu Yasha the day after. He just thinks I'm being weird, but I know I won't be able to look straight at him without blushing. I think I should really chill out on reading those romance novels I have been toting back and forth to the past. They aren't good for me…
Kagome lightly patted her cheeks, willing the blush she developed only minutes ago to fade. Heaving a frustrated and weary sigh, she trudged about the kitchen searching for a meal. She found some ramen in one of the cabinets and decided that would be her dinner for the night. Pulling a chair up to the kitchen island she ate her meal quietly. So deep was she in her thoughts, that she didn't even taste the steamy noodles. I won't have to cook tomorrow. Hojo is taking me out to dinner. I guess I should be happy about that but I have this sinking sensation in my stomach. I like Hojo-kun and all but, I feel as though I am leading him on. I know he likes me a lot and I only like him as friend. I have to tell him that tomorrow or I won't be able to live with myself. I wish he weren't so naive. He would have noticed ages ago that I wasn't interested in him like that. I guess all boys are oblivious whether they are demon, human, or half demons. Hojo-kun… Kouga-kun… Inu Yasha… I think boys were put on this earth to make woman pull their hair out. I really should be bald by now.
After finishing her meal, Kagome studied in her room for hours. By the time she took a break, the sun was a long gone and night stars dimly shone in the night sky. Kagome could not resist the temptation to stare up at them through her window and sigh. I guess I never noticed that the stars are so much dimmer in the present. It must be all the light pollution from the buildings and lights in Tokyo city. It's odd to think that somewhere in the past Inu Yasha might be looking up at the same stars that I am. That's one of his favorite hobbies. He always finds the highest limb in the tallest tree so he can stare up at the night sky. I know he goes up there to think without interruption. I often think about how it would feel to be up there with him, in his arms. I am sure I'll never get the nerve to ask and I know he probably won't either. There have been times when I fell asleep leaning on him. Although he doesn't make the best of pillows, it was comforting to be close to the one I love. I don't know how he felt about that. He didn't push me away… But, he didn't hold me either… Oh well…
Kagome wrapped her arms about herself as chilly night air blew through the small opening in her window. She stood in silence once again. This house is so quiet and empty. I never knew it could be so lonely or maybe I didn't care to notice. I was never lonely before… Kagome turned away from the open window and walked over to her desk. She closed her open textbooks and stacked them away.
"I think I am done for the night," Kagome said aloud as she yawned and stretched. "It's time for a bath and sleep. Tomorrow I am going to have a good day…"
After returning form her bath, Kagome set her alarm clock and slid under her warm comforter. Without thinking, she grabbed one of her fluffy pillows and wrapped her arms around it. The young miko always had the little kitsune, Shippou, to cuddle with while she slept. In his absence, she sought to fill the void she felt in her heart. She quickly fell into dreamless slumber. Some time in the night, Buyo hopped onto the bed and curled up beside the sleeping girl.
