"What I Wouldn't Give"
Chapter 2: My Life…My Wish…My unusual…Morning?
"What…no…please…SUI! Do you know what you are doing to us!? We'll be forced to live on the streets! Please…I promise I can get the rent by the end of this week! Just give me some time…" Kagome begged the older woman who sat emotionless in front of her.
"I'm sorry Kagome, but your rent is late for the 6th time this past couple of months. And now you don't have the money period. I can't have someone like you living under my roof for free. It wouldn't be fair to the others…" Sui replied as she tried to reason with her. Kagome placed shaky hands over her face as tears finally streaked down her pale cheeks.
"For God's Sake…I have a 3 yr. old daughter to raise! And I can barely support myself as well as her and now you are kicking us out. After I have had 3 freakin' JOBS to try and pay your stupid rent! I don't need to listen with your reasoning…" Kagome barked with sass as she stood up abruptly dropping all the rent fees that were lying lazily in her lap. All Sui did was shrug her fat covered shoulders and give her a look of superiority.
"It's not my problem anymore…I want you out of this building by tonight. If you aren't then I am calling the swat team on your ass. That's all now get out of my office…" Sui glared as she crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair watching as Kagome roughly wiped her wet face.
"Bitch…" Kagome muttered as she slammed the door on her way out. Leaning against one of the many walls of the old graffiti covered building, she inhaled to try and calm herself down. Where are we going to go…? Newly shed tears found their way out of her clenched shut eyes.
"Mommy…"
At the sound of that voice she immediately opened her eyes and quickly wiped her face once again with the back of her hand.
"Sweetie, what are you doing down here…I thought you were with Auntie Sango…" She walked over to the young toddler and scooped her up in her arms, placing a soft, loving kiss on the side of her head in the process.
"Aiko…damn it! This hide and seek game isn't funny anymore!" A male voice yelled as he rounded the corner coming face to face with the toddler and her mother.
"Miroku, hide and seek huh?" Kagome questioned with a playful glare. Might as well have some fun while I can…
"Hey Miroku, you found Aiko yet? Kagome's gonna kill us!" Someone from behind Miroku's buff body asked.
"Uh…Sango…I found Aiko and Kagome…" Miroku said with a gulp as Sango's small head popped up over his shoulder.
"Wha? Oh Crap…I think it is time to run!" Sango screamed as she took off up the many stairs, Miroku not far behind the tiny woman.
"Well Aiko? You think Mommy should get 'em?" Kagome asked the small girl who rest comfortably in her arms. Seeing her bright green eyes light up and give a small, thoughtful nod. Kagome hurriedly shot up the stairs following the running couple. Aiko giggling all the way…
Later that night
"What a bitch! I can't believe she kicked you out!?! Where are you gonna go?" Sango asked now in a soft tone.
"Where else…the streets so I can start a new…maybe it's better this way…I know Aiko's young so I won't bother telling her what's happening. If she asks why, then I'll just cover it with a simple trip?" Kagome answered with a sad smile.
"You will keep in touch…won't you?" Miroku questioned as he walked in the room with 3 cups of hot chocolate.
"Of course! You don't think I am that big of a bitch do you?"
"Well…no I'm joking!" Sango joked as she gratefully took the cup from Miroku.
"I really wanted to thank you guys for helping me pack and getting everything loaded. Well it's getting pretty late…and I don't want Sui to call the 'swat team' on my 'ass' as she put it…" Kagome laughed taking one last gulp out of the chocolate brimmed cup and then stood up.
"Oh…Kagome can't you stay at least one last night in our apartment? I hate sending you out in the middle of the night like this!" Sango spoke out loud with gentleness.
"Sango, you know I can't…now let me go and get Aiko, she's asleep in your room right?" Seeing Miroku nod she walked briskly into her room and gathered up the sleeping girl, who hung limply onto Kagome. Her sweet cheeks squished together against her mother's shoulder with care. "I'll call when we finally get settled. Come and visit us okay?" With that sentence Kagome walked out the door, not looking back as she left her past behind where she would soon start anew.
1 Year Later
"What I wouldn't give…" Kagome sighed looking down at the gossip filled page of her People's Magazine.
"Why would you say something like that?" Kagome's raven haired friend turned to ask in curiosity.
"I mean look at them the life of glamour and beauty. I wish I could drop everything and run." She answered then turned to face her new best friend of a year, Yuri. "Actually I take that back…I don't think I could deal with all of that stress."
"Yeah I know what you mean…paparazzi would totally be the worst! BUT, did you here that Inuyasha Takahashi…Japan's most wanted young bachelor is up for grabs! There is some competition going on…and all you have to do is answer one simple question! Man, what I WOULD'NT give to get a piece of that!"
"Ha! I have to admit he's hot and…okay…okay! I agree with ya he has to be one of my favorite celebrities…it's sad really I use to hate all this kind of stuff since almost all of them are stuck up people but I can't help it! Look at him!" Kagome gushed as she showed Yuri a picture of Inuyasha at the Grammy's. "But I don't understand why all of us are so obsessed over all of these people we'll never get to meet except see them on T.V. I just wish me and Aiko could have it that easy…be able to just wake up late…not having to worry about work or money…just relaxing…"
"I totally agree with you…but…I think they have it hard too." Yuri explained
"How is waking up and having maids hard?" Kagome asked her with a confused expression.
"You know most of these celebrities weren't born rich…they had to work at what they wanted and I believe Kagome you could do it too. And plus we're all obsessed with them because they are all totally sexy, beautiful and of course RICH!" She laughed as she roughly closed her magazine closed. "Whelp, our break is unfortunately over! Let's continue making people beautiful! Gosh, I love my job!"
"Only you Yuri…only you!" Kagome said with a light laugh as she also closed her magazine and stood up. Walking over to one of the many stations that were located through out the beauty and cosmetic department where she worked as a cosmetic artist along with others. She got ready for any customers who need a make over emergency. Seeing an older woman looking curiously at the products Kagome glanced at her comrades who were already making there way towards the woman like a hunter to a prey.
Let the games begin! Kagome thought as she began to run towards the woman…full force. Smirking all the while, when she was only a couple of feet away from the poor woman she casually walked behind the desk that displayed the items she was looking at.
"Ma'am, can I help you with anything?" Kagome asked sweetly as she smiled proudly at all of her loser employees. HA! I win every time!?!
"OH! My goodness…my heart seemed to stop! You scared the drawers off my wrinkled behind!" The old woman spoke loudly while clenching her heart. Kagome grimaced as she got a mental image. The scene earned her a lot of loud snickers and proud glares many she wanted to just ignore with a deadly glare in return.
"Can I help you?" She asked again this time smiling a little wider.
"Oh! You AGAIN…ARE YOU A STALKER?!" The woman screamed as she pointed accursedly as the now shocked Kagome. "STALKER! STALKER! HELP!"
"Ma'am! PLEASE! I work here! I was just asking…and as I can tell you don't need help! Well at least not this kind…" Kagome spoke raising her hands in defense. Her boss gave her an evil look which she returned with a sheepish expression and of course a shrug. Just as Kagome's shift was almost over and she was walking away from the crazy, old woman she heard an unusual sound.
Cough Hack, Hack
What is that sound? It sounds like a dead cat?!
Turning back around Kagome was met with vision of the old woman clenching her heart and throat.
"Are you alright?! MA'AM? PLEASE ANSWER?" Kagome yelled as she ran to assist the woman who was now lying on the ground.
"W-who m-me…" The woman got out. "I'm fine! I need help! And that is the only way these days you can get the attention of these annoying teenie boppers who people seem to be hiring!" She got up quite abruptly and smiled. "Can you help me?!"
sigh
"Yes Ma'am…"
End of Day
Laughter
"Great day today Kagome!!! You almost killed a woman! HA!" One of her employers repeated for the 60th time that day.
"Whoa! Hey Kag! You were AWESOME!" Another yelled while walking by.
Cough Hack, Hack
"Ok! That's enough! I just want to go home! And see my little girl…" Kagome said with a tired sigh. She was reaching her breaking point with this whole ordeal and it was taking everything she had not to snap on all these people.
"Poor Kag…go home and get some sleep! I'll see you tomorrow and have a safe trip home!" Yuri called from behind her. Kagome just raised a hand to show her acknowledgment of the gesture.
"Later and same to you!" She answered while walking out of the building of hell itself.
Apartment Building #45
Kagome knocked on the door hearing a muffled voice inside. A chain was detached from the door and the lock was clicked, the handle moving as the door opened to reveal an elderly woman smiling over at Kagome.
"Good evening Kaede, I'm sorry I'm late." Kagome apologized while bowing lightly. She ushered her inside and they made there way down the passageway towards the lounge room.
"Nonsense Kagome, the one you should apologize to is…"
"Mommy, you're late again!" A young girl's voice spoke in a slightly annoyed tone even though she held a bright smile on her chubby face. She raced over to Kagome and hugged her around the neck as Kagome had bent down to pick her up and placed her on her right hip.
"I'm sorry Aiko-chan, Mama was going as fast as she could without breaking the speed limit. You can forgive her can't you?" Kagome spoke, her chocolate eyes pouting at another pair of larger green ones.
"I hate it when you do that." Aiko muttered as she held onto Kagome a little tighter, her midnight mass of curls dropping onto her shoulder while hiding her face.
"Aiko always forgives Mama cause she loves her so much." The small girl spoke softly into Kagome's ear, at hearing that Kagome held her small body closer to her rubbing her back in the process. Kagome waved goodbye to Kaede who was now watching Aiko like a Grandmother would her grandchild. She could tell Aiko loved being at her house and being able to play with her two granddaughters, they were all about the same age. Her little girl was already four years old and growing up too fast for her liking. My little girl…Kagome sighed lightly as she closed the door behind the two of them. She headed down the long hallway till she reached the elevator and pressed the down arrow, waiting patiently for it as her mind was a hundred miles away.
"Mommy? Mommy!"
"Eh?" Kagome muttered and blinked a couple of times to see a small hand waving in front of her eyes. Misao smiled at her daughter and patted her back waiting for her to ask whatever it was that she was going to ask. Usually she asked about her day…and so Kagome waited for her small question.
"Did Mommy have a good day?" Aiko spoke softly, her little hands lifting up to brush through her Mother's thick dark bangs, brushing them away from her eyes and face. Kagome smiled at the little ritual she had created between them, as though she always wanted to have her full attention on her.
"Yes, Mommy had a very busy day today…" She answered the small girl who wanted to hear all about it. Kagome could help but sigh at the thought of having to go back to that hell hole tomorrow.
"Mommy doesn't sound very happy…" Aiko pointed out with a pout. She placed her small hands on Kagome's cheeks squishing them together and shooting her the look of 'tell me about it'.
"Mommy's just tired but she is so happy to see Aiko! She loves her so very much!" Kagome hugged her tightly which Aiko responded by returning the hug full force. "Aiko makes Mommy's day better!" She continued as she stepped into the waiting elevator. "So, how was Aiko's day?" Her usual answers were of playing with Kaede's two granddaughters, Kaiya and Naomi, as well as watching videos and drawing and going to the park for half a day. It was always the same…but Kagome loved every minute of it.
She was her everything, she was all Kagome had…and no one could take that away from her. True she had been a mistake, but as Kagome listened to her tell her about her day, about the drawings she was doing for her, Kagome was glad she was born. Sure she didn't have a father figure, but Aiko loves her and needn't want anyone else…she had said so herself not too long ago. And for a 4 yr. old this little girl was a really smart one!
"Eh, Mommy?" Kagome snapped out of her own ramblings and looked to where Aiko was pointing. An entertainer was in the park, clapping and laughing from children could be heard and Kagome headed in that direction to sit down and watch as well. Kagome set Aiko down on the ground, so she could stand on her own. And thank goodness for the bench she was sitting on because her arm felt as though it were about to fall off. Aiko automatically crawled into her lap and clapped with the other children, Kagome glanced down at her wide green eyes smiling and laughing at what the entertainer was doing. Yep, Kagome was sure blessed to have her little girl with her.
An hour or two must have passed by as Kagome walked quietly back to the apartment block Kaede lived in. Kagome lived there too, but on a higher floor. She had known Kaede ever since she ran into her as she was unpacking in her new apartment with a 3 yr. old, Aiko. Kagome looked as though she needed help and the kind, old woman decided to help. Since having a 3 yr. old running in between your legs wanting to play dollies and always wanting something could be a handful. Kaede later became Aiko's new babysitter, it was a lot easier on Kagome but now Aiko would be going to school and she'd have to think of a whole new schedule to fit along side with hers.
Kagome sighed as she wrapped her leather jacket around her now sleeping daughter. Her small head rested against her shoulder, her little hands fisted in her shirt never wishing to let go of her and Kagome never wanting her to. Kagome opened the doors to the apartment block and quickly got into the lift with another couple who lived on the same floor she did.
"Oh my Kagome, she's growing up so fast!" The young woman spoke in a soft gently tone, her hand brushing over Aiko's shiny, black ringlets, Kagome nodded her head in affirmation as well.
"That she is…" Kagome responded and bid the couple goodnight as they headed in the opposite direction to her. Kagome got out her keys, unlocking her door and closed it with her foot once she was inside. Turning around quickly she placed one arm under Aiko's butt to support her till Kagome could lock all the locks the door adorned.
Kagome walked into one of the small, second bedrooms which was located right next to her own. Flicking on the light, Aiko moved slightly, almost fidgeting but falling quickly back to sleep in an instant. She placed her on her princess decorated bed, undressing her quietly but quickly and redressed her into her 'sleeping beauty' pajamas. Kagome tucked her under her blankets and gently kissed her forehead with care while giving her soft curls a stroke.
"I love you so much" She whispered to the sleeping girl while grabbing the soft teddy that was lying near the end of the twin sized bed. Kagome softly placed the bear next to Aiko who automatically reached out and grabbed it, squeezing it with love as she scooted under the covers in a more comfortable position.
Kagome switched on her night-light and then left the room, keeping the door slightly ajar and flicking off the main light. She the made her way to the two-seater couch or the love seat some call it and opened her textbooks on the coffee table to begin her much need studying.
After 2 or 3 hours of studying for her next exam, Kagome quietly closed her textbooks and got ready for bed. She hurriedly brushed her teeth and washed her face for she found herself almost falling asleep. Slipping on a tank top and her flannel pajama pants, she crawled onto her comfortable bed. Kagome then said a prayer thanking God for everything she was now blessed with.
Lord,
Thank you so much for everything I have…I know I have had a rough life so far but please just let me be a good mother for my baby girl. She's my everything and if I fail as a mother I have failed my reason to live. Please let me be able to make it through our hard times…and Lord…I wish I could just find myself able to wake up one morning and not have to worry if I am going to lose my job today or lose my apartment…I want so much that I know I will never have. I want to be able to fall in love and have someone care for me and my baby. I want someone to fill the hole in my heart as well as the growing one in Aiko's. Just the other day we were at the park and she saw a little girl and a Father playing together. And she asked me why she didn't have a Daddy to play with? I almost cried right there but instead I sucked it up and told her one day she would if she was a really good girl and could wait. Aiko's already a good girl…Just please be with us and keep us out of harm's way. Watch over us also Lord…
Thank you Lord,
In Jesus's Name…Amen…
With that off her chest Kagome finally went to sleep with the pouring rain in the background as though the Lord was crying his tears for her. She had no idea what tomorrow's day would bring for her. Since her wish would now be answered as she began one of the most challenging journey's of her life.
Next Morning…
sigh
I've never felt this refreshed in my life…well I better get Aiko up…oh…I don't want to…
Kagome thought with a scrunched face as she rolled over onto her side coming in contact with a very muscular chest and a face full of silky, soft hair. What the hell!?! Her eyes shot opened as she came face to face with…Inuyasha Takahashi…