Neh...things have been going on. Yawn...* Sorry. Glad you're liking it, will do review responses next chapter.
Disclaimer: Don't own it people. Please don't sue.
***
Chapter 5-The Importance of Being Attractive
***
Inuyasha scoffed. "How did we end up here again?"
I sighed and passed an apologetic look to Shippou and Rin. Leaning in close to him I hissed, "Listen moron, it's this or a romantic comedy. You decide."
"We were supposed to see an Indie," he shot back.
"Be polite asshole! Let them decide! It's their date!"
"But I'm paying!"
"Well that was your own damn fault-"
"I didn't know he would be here!"
"Shippou's a perfect gentleman!"
"He's a perfect-"
"Kagome?"
Rin was tapping me on the shoulder gently and I spun around in a flash with a bright smile. Inuyasha muttered and scowled. "Yes?"
"We're ready to go in now." She had three tickets in her hand along with Inuyasha's wallet. Rin passed them out. Shippou was at her side with his own pass. "Thanks for treating Innie," she beamed.
We followed after her through the crowd of people gathered in the lobby of the theater. Shippou's flaming hair was easily distinguishable up ahead. "Innie?" Inuyasha shrugged.
"Don't look at me. She's never given me a pet name before."
I cackled. "It has a nice ring to it, Innie."
"Zip it Kaggles."
The lights were already dimming as we brushed into the seats. A half hour ago while we were huddled outside the Independent Film House, distraught after walking all the way and finding out that every show was sold-out absurdly, Rin exploded with the almost painful cheerfulness she sometimes unleashed at odd times. "I want to see a play!" She exclaimed.
Inuyasha had cocked his head and taken a long, satisfying drag on his cigarette. "Good luck with that. You'll have to contend with the tourists if you're talking about doing anything today."
He had a point. People came in droves to New York for the express purpose of seeing plays. They felt it was part of the experience. Whatever the "experience" was. And apart from that, I had to be at work for the afternoon shift eventually.
But Rin was looking adamantly opposed to any other options in the way that only Rin can be. Her eyes got big and dewy all of a sudden. Shippou and I just hung back and watched the two siblings interact.
Inuyasha lowered his cigarette with a startled expression. "You're not going to cry are you?"
Rin sniffed grimly and stuck her nose in the air.
Her brother was baffled and looked around at the surrounding public apprehensively. "Come on now Rin, don't cry."
I would have pointed out that she had never actually said she would cry in the first place had it not been so fun to watch.
She folded her arms and turned away from him to watch the cars pass on the street.
"Riiiiiiiiinnnnn," he whined. Inuyasha stepped on his smouldering cigarette and reached out to her but she quickly shuffled away. Once again he glanced at the public as if suddenly mortified that someone might realize he had been the one to temper Rin. "Fine, fine, fine," he shushed.
Rin squealed excitedly and threw her arms around his neck. "Thanks big brother!"
He gagged. "No problem..."
Shippou smiled happily, "so where are we going to go?"
"I know just the place!" Rin giggled. There's this theater near my apartment that just opened, I think we should try it!"
"You mean we have to walk all the way back...?" Inuyasha huffed and pulled out another cigarette accompanied by a lighter. "Dammit."
"Shut up Inuyasha," I chided half-heartedly. "What do they do?"
"It's a group, and they do everything."
"A group?" Shippou looked impressed. "And they do everything? Not just one show?"
"No, lots, they keep themselves busy."
"Wow I'll say," I put in. Shippou nodded.
Inuyasha puffed in silence for a while and then crushed it again under his foot. "Well then let's get going children. Time's a wastin'."
Now we were seated in the velvety plushness of our seats. Inuyasha was already spitting criticism under his breath with the temper of a wet cat before the show even began, and Rin and Shippou were holding hands at the pinkies. I was in the middle. It was going to be a long show.
The lights went even dimmer, and then faded out all together, leaving the audience in the echoing, stuffy darkness. A few people coughed. It was nearly a full house as far as I could tell. We had been lucky to score tickets after choosing to be so impromptu.
The red curtain that shrouded the lighted stage rolled back revealing a man pacing about in what appeared to be an old English drawing room. Or...tearoom. I was confused for a moment before I remembered that after much argument, especially from Inuyasha, we had walked in for the showing of "The Importance of Being Earnest."
The man was eventually joined by a butler who set a small table with elegant china and silverware when yet another figure entered the room. My eyebrows went up when I saw this one. He was a tall, healthy young man with bright eyes. His hair was reminiscent of Shippou's. When he spoke, his voice was clear and happy. You just couldn't help but smile when you saw him. I checked the program guide in my lap, straining my eyes in the poor light. My smile widened. I liked his name. Quietly under my breath, I whispered it as if it were my secret little treasure.
"Hojo..."
The play continued, and every time Hojo appeared on the stage my eyes automatically followed him around. I blamed what must just be natural talent of his. He was a very good actor. But I couldn't help but wonder what else he was good at...
I watched him fall in love with a pretty actress and felt a pang of jealousy stir in my chest. I saw him kiss her and gripped the armrests until my knuckles turned white. It certainly had to be his talent. He was very talented.
Very talented.
When the show concluded and the curtain fell again the whole audience burst with applause. The show had been excellent. I think. I wasn't really watching the show. I was watching him.
The actors began to assemble on the stage again and joined hands to bow with each wave of wild clapping. Whereas his fellows were smiling modestly, Hojo was flat out grinning, baring a set of splendid teeth. He looked over the audience happily, thanking them silently, and then for a split second, I had probably imagined it, I thought his gaze had rested on me in particular. But it couldn't have been possible. Who was I out of a hundred some people?
His mouth moved and you could just barely hear his "thank you" as it was shouted over the applause before it was inevitably swallowed.
The actors shuffled out after a while. My eyes were still trained on Hojo. I watched him move away and saw his co-star slap him on the back in a congratulatory manner. The lights went on. Inuyasha nudged me. "Let's go Kagome."
I nodded dreamily. "Yeah..."
Shippou and Rin were giggling and snuggling again as we picked our way through the rows of seats and the crowd. The ushers were doing their job at our elbows, guiding everyone along so they could prepare the theater for the next round.
When we got into the lobby I saw that half the crowd was ducking into another room rather than making for the exit. "Where are they going?"
Rin, Shippou, and Inuyasha stopped. Rin peered at them curiously, then turned to a nearby usher. "Excuse me," she said kindly, "Where are those people going?" She indicated the part of the crowd that was branching off.
The usher smiled kindly and replied, "Autographs."
Rin smiled excitedly, thanked him, and returned to us. "Did you hear that?! Autographs!"
Shippou grinned. "Neat!"
Inuyasha shook his head. "No. Way."
Remembering Hojo, I elbowed him in the ribs and glared, "Don't be such a wet blanket, it'll be fun."
He fixed me with a look that questioned my sanity, but I just growled and ground his foot with the heel of my shoe. His mouth opened wide for a cry of pain but I silenced him again with another scathing gaze. "Think of the children darling..." I murmured.
"Let's go!" Rin turned and bounced off to the room with Shippou in tow, while Inuyasha and I followed quietly.
Rin refused to leave until she had gathered signatures from the entire cast, which took a while, but I didn't mind. Hojo was waiting on a rather long line, signing slips of paper, pictures, and programs with admirable dedication. I watched him for a while, as Rin scuttled about and Inuyasha drifted and flirted. Shippou was tagging along with Rin, so I was usually alone; hanging out in a corner or leaning on a wall, staring quietly at Hojo.
I smiled softly when a mother lifted her small daughter to him so that he could sign whatever she had brought. He was being a lovely guy, speaking to her in a playful voice and making her laugh gleefully. Before she and her mother left he shook her hand. As they went and I watched them go, still in my happy daze, Hojo momentarily looked straight at me. This time there was no mistaking it, no imagining it. He looked at me and froze, then after a moment of surprise he smiled, and I blushed suddenly and turned away. Stupid me.
At that exact moment Rin suddenly took my elbow. "Okay Kagome! Ready to go?"
Startled for only a moment, I saw that Inuyasha and Shippou were behind her, and then looked back hesitantly at Hojo. My spirits fell depressingly when I saw him back to work with autographs.
"Yeah...Let's go."
We turned and walked out slowly, it was hard to navigate through the sea of people. I was glum and sad all of a sudden; I pretended to myself that it was just one of my random mood swings again, but I knew that wasn't true.
"Miss!"
It was just a guy. I hadn't even talked to him yet. I knew his name because I had read it out of a program. There was no reason and no logic to getting worked up over him.
"Miss!"
It was stupid. Who need straight guys anyway? Was he even straight?
"Miss!"
And who was doing that? It was ridiculous, and terribly annoying. If you wanted someone's attention then call them by name.
"Miss!"
It was closer, and it occured to me that I knew the voice. It was actually very familiar. I turned out curiosity and saw that Hojo was plowing through the crowd, muttering soft "sorry's" and "excuse me's" as he went. I expected him to continue past us, but he stopped right in front of me, still in full costume. We watched each other for a second. He was looking almost stupidly happy. I probably looked imposing as usual. Then he recovered his wits.
"Um...Miss, I'm sorry, erm...but..." I looked at him inquiringly. "May I ask, um, what is your name?"
I was baffled, almost too baffled to respond. My voice was meek and soft when I responded. "Ka-Kagome Higurashi."
He gave me a full grin and repeated it slowly, "Kagome..." Then he cleared his throat. "Erm, I, I'm-"
"Hojo," I finished for him.
He looked surprised. "How did you know my name?"
I waved the program for him to see.
"Oh!"
Now it was my turn to clear my throat, and I almost whispered, "That was an excellent performance, Hojo."
His smile grew wide again, "Thank you! That means a lot to me."
We were silent for a moment again. I was aware of Rin, Inuyasha, and Shippou watching us curiously.
"Well um I...I saw you, um, in the crowd, Kagome. And ahhh...I saw you, here and well, you, well, you have this, this, face, I," my head shot up, and so did his. Apparently we had both been looking at our shoes for a while. He recovered. "I think it would be perfect for...for this part..."
"Part?"
"Yeah um...Romeo and...Juliet. You, you look perfect for..." I waited patiently for him to continue. He swallowed, "For Juliet."
I smiled and even exposed some of my teeth. "R-Really? You really think so?"
"Yeah," he whispered. Hojo's look of stupidity faded and he snapped back to reality. "Of course you'd have to try out because you're not in the...the group. Try out for the group I mean, but, I think, Kagome, that you'd be really great..." And he slipped back into it again.
I couldn't respond.
Inuyasha suddenly yanked me back by my shoulder. "Yo Kagome, let's go."
Hojo took one look at Inuyasha and his appearance changed a bit from bright to forlorn. I shoved Inuyasha away from me without looking at him. "D-Don't mind him, please."
"Kagome..." Inuyasha was whispering in my ear in a condescending tone. "You have fifteen minutes to get to work."
My back straightened and my eyes grew wide. I snatched Inuyasha's wrist and glared at his watch with a little "eep."
"Quick," I snapped, "Gotta go! We have to leave right now!"
"Well duh," Inuyasha muttered.
"Shut up!" I made a dash towards the door but stopped when I heard Hojo calling me again.
He was looking at me with another lovely smile on his lips. Then he looked desperate for an instant. "Hey, will you please promise me that you will try out?"
"Yes!" I returned the smile. "I promise Hojo!" And then I was gone.
***
Seven minutes later I was in my apartment hopping around on one foot trying to squeeze my toes into a black high-heeled shoe. Inuyasha was lying on my bed with a sucker in his mouth watching me closely. There was quiet amusement in his eyes.
"That Hojo guy was pretty cute..." He threw the sucker into a trash can under my night stand.
"Paws off," I muttered.
He raised a single eyebrow. "Oh? Taken an interest have ye?"
I finally popped my heel into the shoe and made a dash to for the chair on the other side of the room on which my blouse was hanging. "An interest in what?"
"Don't be coy. With Hojo, dink."
The blouse slithered over my shoulders and I quickly buttoned it down over my bra. "Don't be ridiculous," I snapped. "It's much too...soon."
"Yes..." His eyes became soft. "That's my concern."
"How do you mean?" My hair was disheveled so I sprinted into the bathroom.
He was noticeably silent. Ominously silent. When I peered at him around the corner curiously he looked startlingly serious and worried. His eyes were half-lidded, and lacked their usual malice.
"Inuyasha?"
He sighed and looked down. "You're going to be late for work Kagome."
***
When I went into work I was practically skipping, despite Inuyasha's disturbing behavior. It was amazing, record time, I had made it back to my apartment and to the office in just fifteen minutes, but that was not what had put me in such a good mood.
Riba whistled when I flopped into my chair.
"What's gotten into you?"
I fluffed my hair, "Riba do you think I'd make a good actor?"
She gave me a queer look. "Are you okay?"
"Yes I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You're acting funny."
"I am?" I considered it for a moment. "Was I acting funny...well?"
"Huh?"
"Was I acting well?"
She blinked. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
She shook her head while she turned away slowly. "Whatever you say..."
I looked down thoughtfully at my pile of paperwork for the day. I had been neglecting it for some time, and it just continued to mount every day I did. And it didn't look like today was going to be any different. Instead of starting on my work, I simply stared at it for a while, thinking. Then I abruptly lifted the phone.
Riba turned around, "What are you doing?"
I didn't answer her. "Hello, operator? Can you please give me the address and number of the Amour Theater?" I grabbed a small writing pad and pencil from somewhere on my messy desk and wrote quickly. "Yes...alright...Thank you very much! Yes." I set the phone down again and tore off the piece of paper.
"You know you're not supposed to use the phone for personal calls," Riba said softly.
"I know. But I left my cell phone at home by accident." The paperwork was hanging over my head, so I looked at it again sharply, as if it would disappear if I stared hard enough. Then I slapped my knees.
"You know what? I think I'll just call them right now."
Riba said nothing.
I picked up the phone and dialed the number on the paper. For half a second as I let it ring I imagined that maybe Hojo might pick it up and somehow be the one to answer...
"Hello, Amour Theater, how may I help you?"
It wasn't him. It was a girl. My spirits fell considerably and I forgot to talk.
"Hello?"
Clearing my throat I gathered myself up again. "Yes, um, I was wondering if you might be holding any auditions soon?"
"We don't hold auditions for plays. If you want to act, you have to audition for the Amour Theater Group."
"Yes I know, I'd love to try out if that's possible."
"It's entirely possible. We're holding an open audition on Friday, you must be at least 21. Call backs are the day after. Would you like to sign up now?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Name please."
"Kagome Higurashi."
I gave my phone number, address, age, date of birth, and a number of other minute details. When we were finished with our mini-interview, she bid me goodbye and I thanked her.
When I had finished my call I reached into my purse and brought out a small mirror. Holding it with one hand and letting my hair loose from its bun I examined my reflection carefully. "Riba, do you think I'd make a good Juliet?"
***
Yeah, I know it's a short chapter...Sorry. But it just felt like a nice place to end it. Next chapter will probably be longer. I think yes. Hopefully. Good. Have a nice day everybody! Remember review responses next chapter, so if you have any questions, ask me now.
Disclaimer: Don't own it people. Please don't sue.
***
Chapter 5-The Importance of Being Attractive
***
Inuyasha scoffed. "How did we end up here again?"
I sighed and passed an apologetic look to Shippou and Rin. Leaning in close to him I hissed, "Listen moron, it's this or a romantic comedy. You decide."
"We were supposed to see an Indie," he shot back.
"Be polite asshole! Let them decide! It's their date!"
"But I'm paying!"
"Well that was your own damn fault-"
"I didn't know he would be here!"
"Shippou's a perfect gentleman!"
"He's a perfect-"
"Kagome?"
Rin was tapping me on the shoulder gently and I spun around in a flash with a bright smile. Inuyasha muttered and scowled. "Yes?"
"We're ready to go in now." She had three tickets in her hand along with Inuyasha's wallet. Rin passed them out. Shippou was at her side with his own pass. "Thanks for treating Innie," she beamed.
We followed after her through the crowd of people gathered in the lobby of the theater. Shippou's flaming hair was easily distinguishable up ahead. "Innie?" Inuyasha shrugged.
"Don't look at me. She's never given me a pet name before."
I cackled. "It has a nice ring to it, Innie."
"Zip it Kaggles."
The lights were already dimming as we brushed into the seats. A half hour ago while we were huddled outside the Independent Film House, distraught after walking all the way and finding out that every show was sold-out absurdly, Rin exploded with the almost painful cheerfulness she sometimes unleashed at odd times. "I want to see a play!" She exclaimed.
Inuyasha had cocked his head and taken a long, satisfying drag on his cigarette. "Good luck with that. You'll have to contend with the tourists if you're talking about doing anything today."
He had a point. People came in droves to New York for the express purpose of seeing plays. They felt it was part of the experience. Whatever the "experience" was. And apart from that, I had to be at work for the afternoon shift eventually.
But Rin was looking adamantly opposed to any other options in the way that only Rin can be. Her eyes got big and dewy all of a sudden. Shippou and I just hung back and watched the two siblings interact.
Inuyasha lowered his cigarette with a startled expression. "You're not going to cry are you?"
Rin sniffed grimly and stuck her nose in the air.
Her brother was baffled and looked around at the surrounding public apprehensively. "Come on now Rin, don't cry."
I would have pointed out that she had never actually said she would cry in the first place had it not been so fun to watch.
She folded her arms and turned away from him to watch the cars pass on the street.
"Riiiiiiiiinnnnn," he whined. Inuyasha stepped on his smouldering cigarette and reached out to her but she quickly shuffled away. Once again he glanced at the public as if suddenly mortified that someone might realize he had been the one to temper Rin. "Fine, fine, fine," he shushed.
Rin squealed excitedly and threw her arms around his neck. "Thanks big brother!"
He gagged. "No problem..."
Shippou smiled happily, "so where are we going to go?"
"I know just the place!" Rin giggled. There's this theater near my apartment that just opened, I think we should try it!"
"You mean we have to walk all the way back...?" Inuyasha huffed and pulled out another cigarette accompanied by a lighter. "Dammit."
"Shut up Inuyasha," I chided half-heartedly. "What do they do?"
"It's a group, and they do everything."
"A group?" Shippou looked impressed. "And they do everything? Not just one show?"
"No, lots, they keep themselves busy."
"Wow I'll say," I put in. Shippou nodded.
Inuyasha puffed in silence for a while and then crushed it again under his foot. "Well then let's get going children. Time's a wastin'."
Now we were seated in the velvety plushness of our seats. Inuyasha was already spitting criticism under his breath with the temper of a wet cat before the show even began, and Rin and Shippou were holding hands at the pinkies. I was in the middle. It was going to be a long show.
The lights went even dimmer, and then faded out all together, leaving the audience in the echoing, stuffy darkness. A few people coughed. It was nearly a full house as far as I could tell. We had been lucky to score tickets after choosing to be so impromptu.
The red curtain that shrouded the lighted stage rolled back revealing a man pacing about in what appeared to be an old English drawing room. Or...tearoom. I was confused for a moment before I remembered that after much argument, especially from Inuyasha, we had walked in for the showing of "The Importance of Being Earnest."
The man was eventually joined by a butler who set a small table with elegant china and silverware when yet another figure entered the room. My eyebrows went up when I saw this one. He was a tall, healthy young man with bright eyes. His hair was reminiscent of Shippou's. When he spoke, his voice was clear and happy. You just couldn't help but smile when you saw him. I checked the program guide in my lap, straining my eyes in the poor light. My smile widened. I liked his name. Quietly under my breath, I whispered it as if it were my secret little treasure.
"Hojo..."
The play continued, and every time Hojo appeared on the stage my eyes automatically followed him around. I blamed what must just be natural talent of his. He was a very good actor. But I couldn't help but wonder what else he was good at...
I watched him fall in love with a pretty actress and felt a pang of jealousy stir in my chest. I saw him kiss her and gripped the armrests until my knuckles turned white. It certainly had to be his talent. He was very talented.
Very talented.
When the show concluded and the curtain fell again the whole audience burst with applause. The show had been excellent. I think. I wasn't really watching the show. I was watching him.
The actors began to assemble on the stage again and joined hands to bow with each wave of wild clapping. Whereas his fellows were smiling modestly, Hojo was flat out grinning, baring a set of splendid teeth. He looked over the audience happily, thanking them silently, and then for a split second, I had probably imagined it, I thought his gaze had rested on me in particular. But it couldn't have been possible. Who was I out of a hundred some people?
His mouth moved and you could just barely hear his "thank you" as it was shouted over the applause before it was inevitably swallowed.
The actors shuffled out after a while. My eyes were still trained on Hojo. I watched him move away and saw his co-star slap him on the back in a congratulatory manner. The lights went on. Inuyasha nudged me. "Let's go Kagome."
I nodded dreamily. "Yeah..."
Shippou and Rin were giggling and snuggling again as we picked our way through the rows of seats and the crowd. The ushers were doing their job at our elbows, guiding everyone along so they could prepare the theater for the next round.
When we got into the lobby I saw that half the crowd was ducking into another room rather than making for the exit. "Where are they going?"
Rin, Shippou, and Inuyasha stopped. Rin peered at them curiously, then turned to a nearby usher. "Excuse me," she said kindly, "Where are those people going?" She indicated the part of the crowd that was branching off.
The usher smiled kindly and replied, "Autographs."
Rin smiled excitedly, thanked him, and returned to us. "Did you hear that?! Autographs!"
Shippou grinned. "Neat!"
Inuyasha shook his head. "No. Way."
Remembering Hojo, I elbowed him in the ribs and glared, "Don't be such a wet blanket, it'll be fun."
He fixed me with a look that questioned my sanity, but I just growled and ground his foot with the heel of my shoe. His mouth opened wide for a cry of pain but I silenced him again with another scathing gaze. "Think of the children darling..." I murmured.
"Let's go!" Rin turned and bounced off to the room with Shippou in tow, while Inuyasha and I followed quietly.
Rin refused to leave until she had gathered signatures from the entire cast, which took a while, but I didn't mind. Hojo was waiting on a rather long line, signing slips of paper, pictures, and programs with admirable dedication. I watched him for a while, as Rin scuttled about and Inuyasha drifted and flirted. Shippou was tagging along with Rin, so I was usually alone; hanging out in a corner or leaning on a wall, staring quietly at Hojo.
I smiled softly when a mother lifted her small daughter to him so that he could sign whatever she had brought. He was being a lovely guy, speaking to her in a playful voice and making her laugh gleefully. Before she and her mother left he shook her hand. As they went and I watched them go, still in my happy daze, Hojo momentarily looked straight at me. This time there was no mistaking it, no imagining it. He looked at me and froze, then after a moment of surprise he smiled, and I blushed suddenly and turned away. Stupid me.
At that exact moment Rin suddenly took my elbow. "Okay Kagome! Ready to go?"
Startled for only a moment, I saw that Inuyasha and Shippou were behind her, and then looked back hesitantly at Hojo. My spirits fell depressingly when I saw him back to work with autographs.
"Yeah...Let's go."
We turned and walked out slowly, it was hard to navigate through the sea of people. I was glum and sad all of a sudden; I pretended to myself that it was just one of my random mood swings again, but I knew that wasn't true.
"Miss!"
It was just a guy. I hadn't even talked to him yet. I knew his name because I had read it out of a program. There was no reason and no logic to getting worked up over him.
"Miss!"
It was stupid. Who need straight guys anyway? Was he even straight?
"Miss!"
And who was doing that? It was ridiculous, and terribly annoying. If you wanted someone's attention then call them by name.
"Miss!"
It was closer, and it occured to me that I knew the voice. It was actually very familiar. I turned out curiosity and saw that Hojo was plowing through the crowd, muttering soft "sorry's" and "excuse me's" as he went. I expected him to continue past us, but he stopped right in front of me, still in full costume. We watched each other for a second. He was looking almost stupidly happy. I probably looked imposing as usual. Then he recovered his wits.
"Um...Miss, I'm sorry, erm...but..." I looked at him inquiringly. "May I ask, um, what is your name?"
I was baffled, almost too baffled to respond. My voice was meek and soft when I responded. "Ka-Kagome Higurashi."
He gave me a full grin and repeated it slowly, "Kagome..." Then he cleared his throat. "Erm, I, I'm-"
"Hojo," I finished for him.
He looked surprised. "How did you know my name?"
I waved the program for him to see.
"Oh!"
Now it was my turn to clear my throat, and I almost whispered, "That was an excellent performance, Hojo."
His smile grew wide again, "Thank you! That means a lot to me."
We were silent for a moment again. I was aware of Rin, Inuyasha, and Shippou watching us curiously.
"Well um I...I saw you, um, in the crowd, Kagome. And ahhh...I saw you, here and well, you, well, you have this, this, face, I," my head shot up, and so did his. Apparently we had both been looking at our shoes for a while. He recovered. "I think it would be perfect for...for this part..."
"Part?"
"Yeah um...Romeo and...Juliet. You, you look perfect for..." I waited patiently for him to continue. He swallowed, "For Juliet."
I smiled and even exposed some of my teeth. "R-Really? You really think so?"
"Yeah," he whispered. Hojo's look of stupidity faded and he snapped back to reality. "Of course you'd have to try out because you're not in the...the group. Try out for the group I mean, but, I think, Kagome, that you'd be really great..." And he slipped back into it again.
I couldn't respond.
Inuyasha suddenly yanked me back by my shoulder. "Yo Kagome, let's go."
Hojo took one look at Inuyasha and his appearance changed a bit from bright to forlorn. I shoved Inuyasha away from me without looking at him. "D-Don't mind him, please."
"Kagome..." Inuyasha was whispering in my ear in a condescending tone. "You have fifteen minutes to get to work."
My back straightened and my eyes grew wide. I snatched Inuyasha's wrist and glared at his watch with a little "eep."
"Quick," I snapped, "Gotta go! We have to leave right now!"
"Well duh," Inuyasha muttered.
"Shut up!" I made a dash towards the door but stopped when I heard Hojo calling me again.
He was looking at me with another lovely smile on his lips. Then he looked desperate for an instant. "Hey, will you please promise me that you will try out?"
"Yes!" I returned the smile. "I promise Hojo!" And then I was gone.
***
Seven minutes later I was in my apartment hopping around on one foot trying to squeeze my toes into a black high-heeled shoe. Inuyasha was lying on my bed with a sucker in his mouth watching me closely. There was quiet amusement in his eyes.
"That Hojo guy was pretty cute..." He threw the sucker into a trash can under my night stand.
"Paws off," I muttered.
He raised a single eyebrow. "Oh? Taken an interest have ye?"
I finally popped my heel into the shoe and made a dash to for the chair on the other side of the room on which my blouse was hanging. "An interest in what?"
"Don't be coy. With Hojo, dink."
The blouse slithered over my shoulders and I quickly buttoned it down over my bra. "Don't be ridiculous," I snapped. "It's much too...soon."
"Yes..." His eyes became soft. "That's my concern."
"How do you mean?" My hair was disheveled so I sprinted into the bathroom.
He was noticeably silent. Ominously silent. When I peered at him around the corner curiously he looked startlingly serious and worried. His eyes were half-lidded, and lacked their usual malice.
"Inuyasha?"
He sighed and looked down. "You're going to be late for work Kagome."
***
When I went into work I was practically skipping, despite Inuyasha's disturbing behavior. It was amazing, record time, I had made it back to my apartment and to the office in just fifteen minutes, but that was not what had put me in such a good mood.
Riba whistled when I flopped into my chair.
"What's gotten into you?"
I fluffed my hair, "Riba do you think I'd make a good actor?"
She gave me a queer look. "Are you okay?"
"Yes I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You're acting funny."
"I am?" I considered it for a moment. "Was I acting funny...well?"
"Huh?"
"Was I acting well?"
She blinked. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
She shook her head while she turned away slowly. "Whatever you say..."
I looked down thoughtfully at my pile of paperwork for the day. I had been neglecting it for some time, and it just continued to mount every day I did. And it didn't look like today was going to be any different. Instead of starting on my work, I simply stared at it for a while, thinking. Then I abruptly lifted the phone.
Riba turned around, "What are you doing?"
I didn't answer her. "Hello, operator? Can you please give me the address and number of the Amour Theater?" I grabbed a small writing pad and pencil from somewhere on my messy desk and wrote quickly. "Yes...alright...Thank you very much! Yes." I set the phone down again and tore off the piece of paper.
"You know you're not supposed to use the phone for personal calls," Riba said softly.
"I know. But I left my cell phone at home by accident." The paperwork was hanging over my head, so I looked at it again sharply, as if it would disappear if I stared hard enough. Then I slapped my knees.
"You know what? I think I'll just call them right now."
Riba said nothing.
I picked up the phone and dialed the number on the paper. For half a second as I let it ring I imagined that maybe Hojo might pick it up and somehow be the one to answer...
"Hello, Amour Theater, how may I help you?"
It wasn't him. It was a girl. My spirits fell considerably and I forgot to talk.
"Hello?"
Clearing my throat I gathered myself up again. "Yes, um, I was wondering if you might be holding any auditions soon?"
"We don't hold auditions for plays. If you want to act, you have to audition for the Amour Theater Group."
"Yes I know, I'd love to try out if that's possible."
"It's entirely possible. We're holding an open audition on Friday, you must be at least 21. Call backs are the day after. Would you like to sign up now?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Name please."
"Kagome Higurashi."
I gave my phone number, address, age, date of birth, and a number of other minute details. When we were finished with our mini-interview, she bid me goodbye and I thanked her.
When I had finished my call I reached into my purse and brought out a small mirror. Holding it with one hand and letting my hair loose from its bun I examined my reflection carefully. "Riba, do you think I'd make a good Juliet?"
***
Yeah, I know it's a short chapter...Sorry. But it just felt like a nice place to end it. Next chapter will probably be longer. I think yes. Hopefully. Good. Have a nice day everybody! Remember review responses next chapter, so if you have any questions, ask me now.
