The Silver Key by tierraangelica

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

...

Slowing down as I entered the school grounds, I rolled into an empty parking space. Hesitating for just a moment and watching all the students shuffle into North Tanaki High School. A prestigious school with open arms for mostly the upper class. But if you work hard enough the school could offer you a scholarship to attend. Really, if it makes the school look better the board is willing to do anything for the publicity.

All in all it was a very nice school, don't get me wrong. An ordinary high school just...more expensive. I got out of my vehicle and grabbed my black purse and school bag to head up the steps into the school.

"Kagome!" Someone yelled my name from down the hall. At the same time I turned my head I was tackled by a petite blonde.

"Geez, Shina, you almost knocked me over," I giggled.

She released her grip and bounced in place making her short blonde curls shake. Shina was one of my best friends since our parents brought us together when we were small. She has always been a very hyper-active person. Even know she put her skills to good use as a model.

"I've got big news!" Shina smiled brightly, showing off her perfectly straight teeth.

"Let me guess," a voice asked from behind us, "you're on the cover of another magazine?"

The sarcastic voice belonged to their other dear friend, Gwen. She had long, light brown hair with a lock of purple dyed hair on the side. She was half American on her father's side. Her parents passed away when she was in grade school and she moved here to be with her mother's sister, a famous actress. It took awhile for Gwen to warm up to them but they have been friends ever since.

"No," Shina answered. "I met someone," she whispered like it was a secret.

My eyebrows furrowed. "What happened to Rei?"

Shina held her head up high and straightened her beige uniform. "We're over. He had a long term girlfriend he was cheating on. I was the other woman."

Gwen and I made sympathetic faces but Shina cheered up in an instant.

"But this new guy!" She looked up at the ceiling with her hazel eyes and sighed. "He's perfect."

I glanced at Gwen and rolled my own eyes.

"That's what you said about Rei," Gwen pointed out.

"No, I said Rei was nearly perfect," she corrected.

"My bad," Gwen smirked.

I fiddled with pushing my long black hair over my shoulder. "Well when do we get to meet Mr. Perfect?"

"At Hitoshi Goro's party this Saturday."

It was Monday and she wanted to wait that long?

"Why-"

Shina interrupted me and explained, "It's more suspenseful. I have to keep you guys guessing!"

"If you say so," I replied and happened to glance down. I frowned. "Gwen..."

She acted innocent. "What?"

I gave her a warning look. "Your shoes."

Gwen glanced down at her feet to observe the black combat boots with metallic spikes glued on the heel. "Oh my! Must have put on the wrong shoes!"

Even Shina didn't believe her and matched my scorning gaze.

"You're going to get caught," Shina said matter of factly.

"Come on guys. This whole uniform thing is so conformist. I at least need some bad ass foot wear to keep me sane."

The over-com announced orientation would start soon and to get to the theater center.

"It's our last year here, why do we have to go..." I mumbled.

"Let's get going so we can get seats next to each other!" Shina clapped her hands together.

We walked down the hallway catching up on some missed summer gossip on our classmates when around the corner we were met with an unpleasant sight.

The first alarm was Gwen's painful groan.

"Aaah. It's to early to deal with the Barbies..."

By the nick name I knew exactly who she meant. Leading in front was Midori, and right behind were her three followers, Tami, Riku, and Chiyo. The nickname came from the fact the group thought they were perfect in every way. They had this need to be better then anyone else. Ever since Gwen had tried to fight their leader Midori the group felt an obligation to especially push Gwen's buttons when possible.

"Oh, hey girls," Midori stopped in front of them and her followers did so as well. "How was your summer?"

"It was great. How about yours?" Shina replied politely while Gwen's eyes shot daggers.

"What's wrong Gwendolyn?" Midori pouted with her lips pushed out. "Didn't you miss me?"

"Hm, I don't know. How about you disappear...and I'll figure it out," Gwen offered with a tone of false curiosity.

"But then I would miss you," she batted her eye lashes and the girls behind her giggled.

Well enough was enough. The last thing they needed was for Gwen to snap like Midori wanted and get kicked out.

"Alright. It was a nice reunion while it lasted. We have to get going though."

She set her eyes on me. "Kagome, you look nice today. You and Shina should join us for lunch."

Really? Like we would do that to Gwen. "No thanks," I replied.

Midori narrowed her eyes at me. "I suppose another time. See you in dance class Shina." With a smile and a wave they went on their way.

With them a safe distance off Gwen relaxed.

"Man I'd like to kick her Gucci covered ass. I'd do it with these "'commoner'," she used her fingers for air quotes, "brand boots too."

"Calm down Gwen. You can't let them get to you like that."

"..." she moped but suddenly perked up when she brought up a new topic. "So what are we gonna do about getting you a boyfriend Kagome?"

"Oh," Shina breathed. "Excellent idea!"

I drew the line there. "Oh no. You guys are not scheming to get me a guy."

"Scheming?! Kagome Higarushi!" Gwen put her hands on her hips.

"Such accusations!" Shina played along. "It hurts to think you don't trust us." She made a sad puppy dog face and patted her heart with the palm of her hand.

"I don't when it comes to my so called 'love life'."

"This is the year to get crazy and a little wild Kagome!" Gwen exclaimed.

"No, this is the year to settle down and study hard to get into a good university."

Gwen groaned. "You keep acting like that you're gonna die a virgin reading to your cats."

"Cut it out Gwen," Shina interjected.

"Calm down Miss Priss I'm just saying..."

I zoned out of their arguing. Those two were polar opposites. Gwen was a rough and tumble punk and Shina was as feminine as they came with her elegance. Where did I fit in? I was the sensible one here for goodness sakes. The one that made sure things went according to plan and didn't spiral out of control. Oh god...Gwen might be right. I was boring myself with this speech. This year I had to take some initiative and put myself out there. Find a good guy, not the one like Shina was searching for, but...a decent guy to spend time with wouldn't hurt.

Mind made up I tuned back into my friends argument and put an arm around each of them.

"I'll need help."

Gwen smirked mischievously and Shina smiled with joy.

...

A/N: A new story once again :)