Disclaimer: I own nothing

Rated: T

"...What...?"

It was the only thing that came out of Kagome's mouth as she stared incredulously at her mother, who as always, remained calm and composed for the story she had just told.

"Believe me, Kagome, when I say I did not want to do this and it was the only option we had left," Nodoka said softly, "Your future is important and so is education. If you attend a delinquent high school, then..." She trailed off.

"I still don't really understand," Kagome admitted, knowing her horrible attendance record for the past year would never allow her to get into a respectable high school, "You're saying that you come from a rich family?" She blinked, not knowing much about her mother's past despite the fact she was her mother.

Her mother never liked to speak about it.

"The Sohma clan," Nodoka nodded, seeing no recognition in her daughter's expression and she smiled some, "They do not flaunt their wealth like some other rich families do, so it's not unexpected that you have never heard of them."

"And you are part of this Sohma family?" Kagome asked, looking down, "Well, the Higurashi name did come from Tou-san's side," She murmured, looking up again, "And you asked them for help?"

"I did," Nodoka sighed, "Perhaps funding for you to attend a private school. But such an expense would have to be approved by the head of the Sohma clan."

"And?" Kagome was unsure of what to make of this conversation and she still hoped for the well to re-open, but she knew she had to now focus on her studies since the portal was closed for seemingly good.

"Well, the Sohma head's personal doctor reviewed your medical records," Nodoka nodded when Kagome cringed, "And, unfortunately, due to Jii-chan's... exaggerations and your status as Higure Shrine's Miko, the Sohma head seems to have become personally interested in meeting with you."

"...Why?" Kagome looked slightly taken back, "You said that this Sohma family is a large one. If I'm only half-Sohma, then why would the head take personal interest in me?"

"I don't know myself," Nodoka looked grim, having heard rather unflattering things about the Sohma head, even if she, herself, had never personally met him, "Perhaps because you are a Miko? There are rumours that the Sohma head is not physically well."

Kagome slumped down at the table they were sitting at, trying to wrap her head around the whole situation, "Well, did you even have a school in mind for me? Private schools can't be cheap." She asked after a moment of silence.

"I am aware that Ouran Academy is the main choice for the Sohmas who choose to attend private schools." Nodoka smiled again when Kagome blinked, looking up at her in surprise from her position.

"Isn't that one of the most prestigious private schools in all of Japan?" Kagome shook her head, "Tuition alone must be a fortune," She scoffed, "I don't think the Sohma head will just pay tuition for some unknown. Is this all even necessary?"

"Kagome!" Nodoka looked a bit desperate at the comment, "I personally don't want this either, but there are no other options. No university will accept you if you attend a delinquent high school!"

The girl winced at her mother's tone, feeling horrible about what she was saying, but since her mother never wished to talk of her past, she had to assume this Sohma family was not all sunshine and flowers, even if they were wealthy, "If... if I really have to."

"I tried every available option, I really did," Nodoka looked tired, "Your meeting has already been scheduled with the Sohma head. It's next week, so it gives you a little time to prepare."

'Next week?' Kagome thought, getting up from the table once it was clear the conversation was over and she headed outside to start sweeping the shine grounds, which had began to become something of a stress relief for her.

And what did she need to prepare for?