Author's Note: A six hour drive to Stephenville, Texas was the highlight of the past week. So, it took me a while to finally get around to sitting down and actually starting to write. I planned out the whole chapter in my head though, so I knew exactly how I was going to write it. Eh… sort of. The chapter was many ideas floating in around in my head though, with no particular order. But enough about that… Without further distractions, Chapter three.

Disclaimer: More words for my word count ell oh ell, Inuyasha does not belong to me :

Enjoy

Chapter 3:

The delicious aroma of breakfast cooking wafted throughout the house, and the occupants still in bed were groggily awaking at the subconscious thought of food. Yawning widely, Kagome stretched and looked at the neatly made bed next to her own. Well, Sango must already be awake and helping Mama cook breakfast.

Kagome stumbled out of bed and went straight to the washstand, cupping water in her hands before splashing her face with the cool substance. Reaching for the small towel draped over the bar in the front of the washstand, Kagome dried her hands and face. Across the room a small bureau that both Kagome and Sango shared was slightly open on the left side.

Opening the bureau door, Kagome pulled out a simple blue cotton dress that was for everyday wear. The dress fell to Kagome's calves and a plain white ribbon tied around the waist. The top was square cut and the sleeves were short. After making adjustments to the dress, Kagome reached over and plucked a brush from the vanity. After a few quick strokes through her hair, she replaced the brush back onto the vanity's table.

By now the smell of breakfast was equivalent to heaven, and Kagome happily raced down the hall to the spiraling staircase. Kagome jumped past the last six steps and then stumbled through a doorway at the end of the hall. Laughing lightly at the looks from her family, which consisted of a father, a mother, and two sisters: Sango and Kikyo.

"Good morning everyone!" Kagome said, taking her seat next to Sango.

Glancing up from his food, Kagome's father smiled, "Quite lovely, Kagome."

Smiling, Kagome picked up her knife and fork and started on her pancakes.

"Now Sango, I heard you danced twice with Miroku. Dear," Mrs. Higurashi said, glancing up at her husband, "I heard Miroku will be staying nearby for the upcoming several months. You simply must invite him to dinner. And Sango, you must do everything to gain his favor and his hand!"

Rolling his eyes, Mr. Higurashi winked at Kagome and Sango, "I have no intention of enrolling in such a preposterous endeavor."

Gasping, the sound of silverware falling onto a plate was heard as Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed, "Dear! This could be a match made in heaven! If only Kagome and Kikyo could be so lucky as their elder sister! Miroku has many connections, and is even the personal advisor to Lord Sesshomaru!"

"Mama! Please, oh please let me go with Sango and Kagome next time! I would have danced with Lord Sesshomaru himself I am sure!" Kikyo exclaimed, "I'll be married before either of them is even engaged if only I am allowed to go!"

"Hmph." Mr. Higurashi said, returning to his eggs.

"Kikyo, your time has not come yet. Please try to be encouraging to your elder sisters." Turning back to her husband, Mrs. Higurashi continued, "And dear, please go make introductions with Miroku! Sango danced with him twice, that has to mean something! It will mean nothing, however, if we do nothing about it."

Sango glanced nervously at her mom, "I'm sure Father will introduce himself to Miroku in time, Mother. No need to pester Father over such trivial matters."

"Matters of marriage are not trivial when you have three daughters, and little money for a dowry." Glaring at her husband, Mrs. Higurashi stood, "If you will excuse me, I shall retire to do some sewing."

Mrs. Higurashi left the room quietly, and a few seconds later Kikyo also excused herself to join her mother. Obviously Kikyo left to continue pestering their mother for allowance to the fancy dances and parties. Mr. Higurashi always would comment that Kikyo received the wish for such nonsense from her mother, as heaven only knows why women of that variety were so concerned with sordid social affairs.

After the two women exited the dining room, a comfortable silence filled the air broken only by the sound of forks and knives clinking. The morning sun shone through the windows with promises of a beautiful day.

Taking bite and swallowing, Kagome said, "You shouldn't upset mother too much. I am not sure her mind will be able to handle too much of it."

Putting down his own silverware, un-tucking his napkin, and then placing the crumbled up napkin on his plate, Mr. Higurashi said, "Girls, do not make the same mistake as I and marry a man below your intelligence. Trust me, my dearest daughters, for there will be no stimulating and entertaining conversations between two peers." Standing, Mr. Higurashi pushed the chair back into the table and informed the girls he was departing to his study, and they should enjoy their day off from matchmaking.

Alone at last, Sango and Kagome giggled. "Should we visit Ayame today? She wasn't at the ball last night, and I'm sure she'll want to hear all about the dreadful occasion."

Sango nodded, "Why of course, Kagome. Ayame would be delighted by our company I'm sure."

The two left the dining room and made their way to the entrance of the house, pausing at a small closet to retrieve their hats, coats, and gloves. Sango grabbed a parasol, and then tried to force one onto Kagome.

"Nu-uh, no way am I carrying that." Kagome said.

"Kagome, you'll get an undesirable burn on your face." Sango proffered the parasol again, but was still met with resistance.

"A ten minute stroll down the road and we will be at Ayame's house, there is no need for a parasol." Kagome said while starting for the front door. "Don't worry about me Sango, just take one for yourself and everything will be fine."

Shaking her head, Sango placed the second parasol into the closet and closed the door. Stepping outside, the parasol popped open and instant shade covered Sango. "You'll regret not taking one Kagome."

"Hmph, as if I need a silly umbrella when its not even raining."

Sango laughed, "You know it's proper name and the reason for a parasol. Please try to be more pleasant Kagome."

Shaking her head, Kagome said, "I'm being normal, and in my dictionary pleasant is synonymous with normalcy."

"Oh Kagome. I'm sure the want to be pleasant will come when you meet the perfect man."

"The perfect man will love me for who I am, not try to change me into something I'm not." Kagome stated.

Ten minutes passed quickly and the two reached Ayame's house. Kagome stepped forward and knocked on the door, and while they waited quietly Sango took a moment to glance at Kagome's face. Laughing to herself, Sango noted the truth of her earlier words as a light pink coloring stretched across Kagome's face. A coloring also know as a sun burn.

Author's End Note: Well, I'm sorry this chapter took so long. I opened it up every day wondering if I should add more or change around a few words here and there. I ended up adding about another 400 words and giving Kikyo some lines. But still, I am rather sorry this chapter is so short. I myself am depressed over how short it is. I'll try to make up for it in chapter four.

However, I now must depart. Have a good day/night/week :