A/N: Is this an update? I think so! Thank tothose who are patient with my awesome non-updating skills. My life has been hella busy from school to work to family issues and heartbreak. As such, I want to dedicate this chapter to my good friend Tina. RIP. I will miss you.

Chapter Five: Front

There was something about the smell that leaked in through the open space between the garage door and the floor that didn't sit right with me. It was the sheer feeling of wrongness, of forebodingness, that made me want to cower away from that door; however, it was the same kind of feeling that ultimately led me to open it anyway. It wasn't satisfaction that saved me from the sight. The smell that had been faint through that small crack hit me full force, and the inside of my nose burned and my eyes watered. Other than the smell and the quiet hum of the family's car –the noise echoing slightly though the confined space—nothing seemed to be wrong. But as I looked further into the garage, my insides wanted, more than ever before, to spew from my mouth. It was unnatural the way she laid there, curled up with bent knees and eyes that were open and glossed over. The smile on her lips haunted me.

-.-

There was a stillness that transpired the moment the rest of the Cullen clan entered the kitchen. Esme, who looked torn between being amused and slightly worried, rested her hands upon the counter in front of her, watching as the rest of her family and their guest met for the first time. The atmosphere was thick, though from what she could not tell. Perhaps having another human within their household wasn't such a bright idea. And though she knew for a fact that none of her family would willingly do wrong to their little guest, it could not be assumed that nothing dangerous would happen. Oh yes, assuming the outcome of situations was never the brightest of ideas.

"Aren't you guys a bit young to have bunch of… teenagers as kids?" Kagome turned her gaze from the new arrivals and focused on the woman behind the counted. She couldn't understand this family, couldn't comprehend the feelings that burst from within her and made her want to take Highway and get the hell out of the house. She must have looked how she felt for a deep rumble-like chuckle reverberated off the walls of the kitchen. She clutched the glass of water tightly in her hand while she stood from her chair. Highway fed off from her emotions for he came closer to her and bumped her hip with his head and let out a soft growl while looking sideways at the new strangers.

"Emmett…"

The whisper seemed like a yell through the kitchen, carrying with it a promise of pain and suffering, a warning, should the culprit of the laughter say or do anything ridiculous. Kagome's eyes focused on the blonde haired beauty who had issued the warning. Their eyes met and she narrowed hers in slight agitation. Highway's growl deepened where it ended with most of the family's attention on him. Scratching lightly behind his ear, unknowingly giving him praise for his attitude, Kagome set her glass back down on the counter to the side of her.

"Well, this is fucking awkward… Ah, I guess I'll introduce myself then since everyone seems to want to be the first one to do it. My name is Kagome, last name Higurashi. I was born on March 10, 1993 to Sai-Chan and Danielle Higurashi in San Francisco, California where I was taught in some of the most 'prestigious private grade schools in the state'". She said the last part in a sort of snooty and fake accent. Looking at the people in front of her, she smirked though her nerves will still on high.

"Fucking good that did!" She laughed, but it was full of bitterness that none, save her, in the room could properly understand. "Anyway, this is Highway," she finished while looking down at the dog that had nestled his head in the palm of her hand.

Carlisle then cleared his through, covering his mouth with his hand. "Miss Higurashi… Kagome is going to be staying with us for a couple of days as a favor for your father, Bella. He wishes for her to be looked after until a more proper means of shelter is ready." From their looks, most had some inkling as to what he was talking about, but it was Bella who followed Carlisle's statement with a question as to what he meant. Before he could clarify, however, Kagome rudely interrupted him.

"He means babysitting duty for ya, though to be honest I doubt you, girl, would be able to keep me grounded," she looked at Bella. "No offense or anything, but you all look a bit scrawny, well, other than that hunk of steroids in the back. So… Bella, was it? Your dad is the guy who had me sitting in a chair across from him for three hours; he's kind of a bitch."

"Miss Higurashi!"

Startled by his out-of-character behavior, everyone turned to look at Carlisle. Though his face was composed and even peaceful-like, his eyes told them of his ire. From where he stood, he walked stiffly to their guest and looked down at her. For Kagome, his gaze made her feel much like a rabbit cornered by some hungry, carnivorous animal. She twittered under that penetrating gaze, clutching Highway closer to her body. Fuck, this was why she hated people are their issues with what was supposed to be considered morally wrong or right. Miroku was never like this; she missed the old geezer.

"Perhaps," Carlisle went on, "we should continue on setting some rules in this house for you to follow, Kagome, while you're staying under this roof…"

"I don't even want to stay here! I thought we covered this already."

"… The first rule as you remember was that there would no profanity in this house. The second rule, now, is that you are meant to be respectful to all persons. There will be no tolerance for rude displays such as what you just did."

"Whatever," Kagome said while turning her head so that she wouldn't have to look at anyone. She had tried the brave front and it had gotten her ass, more or less, handed to her by some man whom she suspected wasn't too keen on being the 'bad guy'. Still, though tremors threatened to rise from within her, she refused to give them the physical proof as to how fucking scared she was of them… of the man who still stood in front of her.

Only be three days at the most until she was gone; she could live until then. She would be on her own again, with Highway, living her own life and away from people who did not and would not try to understand her. Soon, she would be able to continue her path that was marked by new starts.

Soon, she would be able to leave this family, this town, and the ghosts of her past behind her. All she needed right now was Highway and her brave face.

Kagome grumbled. "Where do I sleep?"

-.-.-.-.-

I am kind of diverging from the time frame of the Twilight series... In my mind, this takes place in 2010. Anyhoo, I hope this chapter was okay to read. I don't want to rush anything... Poor Dr. Cullen.

If you, my loves, want more, please review! Kudos for those who did for last chapter! Special thanks to those who message me and forced me to sit down and write more. You know who you are! Have a grand week, my peeps!

Always,

moose