LURKER by Rhonda

Scratching the Surface

                          **** Unfortunately the only thing I own out of the Inuyasha Universe are my own OC in this story****

       Kagome looked at the large full lenght mirror and sighed. It was so unlike her to buy anything on impulse, but this mirror beckoned to her. She still did have some money budgeted towards furniture since she was setting up her new house, but a full lenght mirror was not exactly on her wish list. One of her students from the high school where she taught  worked at this shop and was fidgety about her buying the mirror. He tried to direct her to other items at the antique store, saying he could get her a better deal on them. She did buy a Duncan Fife couch and goose neck rocker that reminded her of some furniture her aunt owned. She also found a beautiful art deco-ish lamp that she just had to have. Then she found herself in front of that mirror again. It really was beautiful, with it's black lacquered surface. It was decorated with dainty inlaid mother of pearl and semi-precious gemstone flowering vines...Striking.

      She heard a sigh.  Looking over to her left she saw  her student, Jason, standing beside her with a slight frown. Wondering what was bothering the young man she asked. "Miss Kagome, it's probably nothing but this mirror really creeps me out. It was bought at an estate sale. The original owner, Miss Winslow was an odd old lady."  And then in a lower voice he added "It was rumored that she was into the occult, you know, like witchcraft."

      Looking the young man over, she could tell he was serious. Granted, this was a small town in the southern part of the United States. So she knew that tongues would wag over what would appear as unusual habits, that occurs in all small towns... but she was surprised at any hint of superstition from someone as grouded as Jason Dearbourn. Kagome nodded. " Jason, I know that any item that appears to have a strange history will seem a little creepy maybe. My grandfather back in Japan has an even odder collection of historical items at our family shrine. The given history behind some of them is enough to give anyone nightmares if you dwell on them. But it's just that, history. Any item such as furniture, clothes or toys can't hurt you. Believe me..." Jason shook his head in understanding and smiled. Kagome added the mirror to her bill and gave directions to her house, looking forward to receiving them the following week.

     Driving home she reflected on how much of a change the past year had been. She had moved from her home in Japan after she graduated from Tokyo University to escape her stalker ex-boyfriend. Staying briefly with her aunt that lived in New York City she decided that she needed a much quieter lifestyle. After putting out feelers for a teaching job she settled on one in Clayton, North Carolina. Clayton is a small town that is growing but still has tons of small town charm as well as  famous southern hospitality. It is also about twenty minutes from Raleigh, near the bustling research triangle area. There is much to choose from for activities.  Still, the atmosphere is laid back and Kagome loved every minute of it. This is exactly what she needed.

    She and her aunt Nadine made the journey down when Kagome had her interview. They decided to check out the local scene and liked what they saw. Cars were cheaper here so Nadine used her excellent gift of haggling to get Kagome into a cute Honda Fit that she fell in love with. Two days into their visit Kagome got a call back with a job offer. She happily accepted. Now she was going to be teaching tenth grade world history at Clayton High School. Before the end of the week they were looking at houses. The  housing market was fantastic for first time home buyers in this area. Kagome found a great starter home fifteen minutes out of Clayton in the country.  Nadine was extremly helpful with helping her manuever through the process of buying a home also. In return for all her help Kagome took her to one of the neighboring towns that was a haven for antiques. All in all, her aunt spent nearly three months helping her settle in. Having her and yet another aunt that lived in New Jersey made her move to the United States a little less daunting.

   Finally home, Kagome walked around the empty living room trying to get an idea on where she was going to put everything.  She was happy that she found something that she liked, she was getting tired of using her bean bag chair from her guest bedroom to sit in to watch tv. It was the entertainment hutch and the bean bag chair in her living room...yeah, time for a serious change. Her cell phone jingled.  It was one of her fellow teachers and new friend Amy. They talked and laughed, Both young women were starting their blossoming lives fresh from college. Wrapping up the phone call, Kagome disconnected, smiling. Everything was working out so smoothly. Strolling into her bedroom, Kagome eyed a place for the mirror. Her bedroom was done in the shabby chic style and was for the most part her furniture was of a distressed white finish. Humming she thought that the eclectic black lacquered mirror would make everything pop.

Not to mention that it was rather romantic looking...