On Being a Pumpkin
Disclaimer – not changed since the last chapter
Chapter 5 – Thursday's Child
= = = = = = = = = =
You know, with friends like I've got, who needs enemies? I mean seriously. I was going to keep the whole ball thing to myself – that way, which ever path I chose to take (to go or not to go – that is the question) no one would know! I could make a fool out of myself safely. But then again, that stupid parchment envelope just had to be lying out in the open, and Sango just had to see it.
"What the hell is this, Kagome? Parchment? Who sends parchment envelopes anymore?" See! I'm not the only one who thinks that's bizarre! Oh, damn it, Sango! Gotta keep her away from that letter!
"Uh, that's from Koto's gyno. Turns out that she actually does have a womb of evil, and it's entirely possible that Kikyo is the anti-Christ. Better put it down unless you want nightmares." Ok, it was the best I could do – you do better in a pressure situation!! Jeez, everyone's a critic.
"Precious, Kagome. I think that's the grossest thing I've ever heard. Now honestly." She pauses to slide the invitation out and I cringe. This is so not going to be pretty. As her eyes widen and her mouth drops, I know that I am uber screwed. "Tell me you're going to this!"
"I dunno, Sango… I mean, you know me, I'd eff it up royally, and that's on a good day. Plus, I'm not quite sure I dig the idea really… he's picking a bride at this! I'm not so sure I'm ready to play 'Stand by Your Man'. Especially to Sesshoumaru. He's such a dick."
She smiled, and it sent chills down my spine, I swear, "Uh huh, he's a dick. That's why you have a blush permanently etched to your cheeks whenever you go to first hour… and come back from first hour… and think about him…and when he walks by… "
"-Alright already, he may be a dick, but I like him, are you happy!!??!"
"Perfectly. This is your chance to show him you're not just – er, what is it that you call it again?"
"That girl." I supplied glumly.
"Precisely. I mean, this thing is only what, seven to midnight? Five hours, Kagome. It could change your whole life!!"
"But, Sango!"
She smirked at me, "You know, if you're resorting to 'But, Sango!' already, you know I've won."
I glared at her for all I was worth, but it wasn't working. Sighing, I gave in. "You know I hate you, right?"
"I love you too, babe. Now grab your bag, we're going to the mall."
See what I mean? And so now, here I am, at the mall, shopping for my gown… of doom – from hell. Currently, I'm trying my best to shrink into my purse and become invisible. Yeah, that's so not working out. Never freaking does. Grr.
Sango, though, she's in seventh heaven, and I'm beginning to suspect that she also harbors a secret addiction to 'Sixteen Candles'. In fact – is she humming? Damn it. She's humming 'Sixteen Candles'. Sadist. MY LIFE IS NOT A GAME!! Unfortunately, it's also not a cheesy 80's movie. I just wish Sango knew how pointless this was. Sigh. At least we haven't seen anyone we know yet.
She dragged me into store after store, seemingly ecstatic to play dress-up with her own little Kagome doll. I wasn't even allowed to pick out a dress, I had to just stand there while she did everything. Sango's got good taste – it's not like that's a problem. I just don't – I don't want to go to this ball. I don't want to look like I want to go to the ball. I just want to curl up in a little cave and be forgotten about. Like I was before. But Sango's enthusiasm was beginning to wear off on me, I'm afraid, and I was beginning to hope. A dangerous pastime, I know. As she dressed me in gown after gown, I started to feel better – and slowly started having a West Side Story moment. But there was no singing about how pretty and witty and gay I was, just this damn effervescent hope that wouldn't go away. Like I had a chance with Sesshoumaru Tashio.
In the fourth store we went in, that was where we found it. It was hidden on a clearance rack, the only one left, and in my perfect size. To Sango, it was a sign that fate was on our side. To me – I didn't know what to think. It just made me feel one step closer to my doom.
It was made of silk the color of moonlight and flowed out delicately to the floor. There was a single shoulder strap that rested lightly on my left shoulder before scooping down and across my chest holding me snugly, so much so, that even my paranoid mind didn't have any fear of – well, you know, popping out? It was simple and clean, absolutely stunning, and 60% off. Yeah, Sango's still ranting about that fate thing.
Upon trying it on, I was proclaimed a princess by the store clerk, and I have to admit, I felt like it. That nagging hope in my heart grew a bit more, and I smiled in the mirror. (I feel pretty! Oh so pretty!) Sigh. I'm so doomed.
We purchased the dress and left – drawing closer to the exit for the mall. I was feeling great and rather unscathed. I mean, knowing me, we'd run into people from school and I wasn't really in the mood to divulge exactly what I was doing there. But look! No familiar faces! I'm home free!
Oh, how I spoke too soon. An arm snaked its way around my shoulders. Koga.
"Hey, babe, how's my woman doing today?"
I'm going to…. Urg… PAIN!! There will be lots of pain! However, the sweet voice I used to answer him belied none of my inner anger. "Dunno, Koga, I haven't seen her today." Take the hint! Take it, it's all yours!
He had the balls to laugh at that. "I love a girl with spunk, Kagome. That's why I made you my girl. So what are you two lovely ladies up to?"
I have spunk! (Yeah, I'm rolling my eyes again, I'm mean honestly, who says that?) Go away, Koga, Go away, Koga, Go AWAY! Sango! Save me!
Sango smiled broadly, "We got Kagome's gown for Sesshoumaru Tashio's ball. You really ought to see it, she's gorgeous in it!" Oh- honesty is so not that best policy right now, Sango. And you wonder why I don't tell you things.
"WHAT?! You're not going, Kagome! You're MY woman!" Note: basketball players have really strong hands. Particularly when they're wrapped around your arms and slowly squeezing the life out of you. Ow.
"Koga- that hurts." And it's incredibly scary. "Please stop."
"Doesn't matter. Tell me you're not going." He was flaming pissed, and I was terrified. Had you seen his eyes, you would have been too. I mean, they're normally light blue, but I swear they looked like ice right then.
"That's enough, Koga." Sesshoumaru. My heart stopped. I nearly didn't feel the release of Koga's hands from my shoulder. All I knew was shock that Sesshoumaru had swept down like some arrogant Prince Charming and saved me. And that I was about to pass out.
And with that, I did.
= = = = = = = = = =
Review Responses
UltaAnimeFangurl2004 – Wow, after the day you had, I'm really touched that you got a chance to read my story! Thanks so much!
Bad girl4 – Oh, I will. ;)
Sesshyangel – Trust me, honey, I do too. But look at it this way… the story ends happily – Kagome's life will get better. Pain now, better later!
KagomeGoddessofLight – Hello again! Yeah writeer's block is a b#$, but I'm glad that it didn't get me. I really fought with these last two chapters.
Lady Scorpio() - I'm currently working on a way to get them in here. I'm a HUGE Shippo fan, and I don't think I could write an Inuyasha ficcie without him. And Rin's just precious. Soooooo – all signs seem to point to yes.
Gold Ink – I have shot the writer's block monster and mounted his head on my wall. I'm glad that you think the story is special ;)
Hyper Person – Me hyper too! Ok, I'm calm, I swear. Yeah Koto would do something like that, but she's innocent in this story. I'm a huge Sess/Kag fan…but I've never encountered a Cinderella story with them – a few who have come close, but not a straight one… so I had to try my hand at it. grin Glad you like it.
K-chan() - dance, dance, dance I'm really glad you like it!
Miko Sorrow – Hezzo! Its so wonderful to hear from you again!! Makes me feel special! Thanks for reviewing!
Moonlightassasin – is this soon enough? And dude, no worries about spelling with me. If it weren't for spell check, I'm pretty sure no one would be able to read this!
Pixy-Misa-Misao-Amano – I don't think I could quit, really!
= = = = = = = = = = =
Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I love you all so much!