Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. All rights are reserved for Naoko Takeuchi.
-S2-S2-S2-
An eighteen year old girl laid asleep as the morning sun began to rise. The light snores and incoherent words come out of the sleeping girl. The comfort of being under warm blankets was appealing. A sense of security enveloped her. The girl snuggled deeper into the warmth. She seemed to enjoy the sleep, but that wouldn't last long. A disturbance came.
"Usagi! You better get up!"
Usagi bolted up from her sleeping position and gasped. Her hand went to her heart. The sudden disruption of her rest frightened her for a second. Droopy eyes surveyed her room. She yawned and ran her fingers through her disheveled hair. Her eyes were wide open and her hand clumsily reached out for the alarm clock by her bedside. Wrinkles of confusion were etched on her forehead, and she adorned a frown. Usagi gave a defeated sigh and fell back to her bed. Sleep was more appealing than waking up. Twisting and turning in frustration, Usagi finally decided to get up. There was no use in sleeping when her mind was restless.
"Good morning mom," greeted Usagi as she kissed her mother on the cheek. She came out dressed in her school uniform, which was a navy blue knee length skirt and a white blouse with the school's symbol decorating the left side. She went to the cupboard and grabbed a glass to pour herself milk. "Why did you wake me up so early?" complained the young teen.
"Today is the last day of school. I made you a hearty breakfast, and I know how you usually don't eat breakfast at all. Well, that's going to change because I want my girl to grow up big and strong. Eat up."
"Aww, mom, you're the best!" Usagi headed to the table filled with food. It looked almost like a big bento box. She sat on a cushion on the floor and began to eat. Just then a sandy hair young boy came into the room. He wore a big smile, but it became a surprised expression when he saw his sister already munching away.
"Wow! You're up early!" He plopped himself on a cushion opposite of his sister and reached for a piece of toast. "What's the occasion?"
"Don't tease your sister. You know how hard she's working."
"Last day of school and torture!" beamed a smiling Usagi. "I can't believe that the day has finally arrived."
"Your death is going to arrive with it if you keep shoving food into your mouth like that!"
Usagi raised her hand as if she was about to backhand her brother, playfully of course. "Aish, you little..." She then let her hand gently fall back down and resumed eating.
"Mehh," taunted the boy as he stuck his tongue at his sister.
"Shingo, stop bothering your sister. Usagi, eat slowly and chew carefully."
"Yes mom."
Breakfast stayed quiet for the most part, except for the petty arguments and insults between the siblings here and there. The blond odangoed hair girl couldn't contain her excitement. But a problem still lurked in her mind. Would she be off to college and pursue her dreams of becoming an artist? Or would she look for jobs to support her family? Usagi knew that her family had a bit of a financial situation. Her parents' restaurant doesn't receive enough patrons. Less customers meant less revenue. The family would have been able to survive with the small income, but due to Usagi's ailing grandfather, bills began to pile up. Her grandfather had cardiovascular disease. Therefore, treatement was needed. Her parents didn't know how to pay for the bills. At one point they even considered selling the restaurant. But what would that do? If the restaurant was sold then her parents would have had to look for jobs. They would probably be reduced to becoming the annoying door-to-door insurance salespeople. The thought gave Usagi the shudders. But the good thing was that her parents didn't give up on the restaurant. With the steady to less than steady income they were able to make some payments, but it was difficult to do that and feed the family.
Tragic news came last year. Her beloved grandfather had died due to blocked arteries, leaving the family more in debt. But they were able to get by due to Usagi's hard work and diligence. Ever since her grandfather was in the hospital she was determined to relieve her parents' financial issues. She had obtained part-time jobs here and there. This helped her family tremendously. Now that her high school career was going to end, she needed to decide whether to pursue her dreams or use her time to obtain more odd end jobs to support her family.
Usagi sighed at her dilemma. She was going to get a headache soon and this would ruin her last day of school, which should be a joyous day.
"Usagi, you should start heading out soon." Usagi pushed the thoughts away when she heard her mother's voice. She glanced at her watch and decided to go. Grabbing a steamed bun she headed out the door. Suddenly, a hand gripped her forearm.
"Here, I made you lunch."
"Mom..." Usagi gladly took the bento box. She embraced her mother. "You're the best."
"Have a good day. And don't come home too late, okay?"
"I'll try. Bye!"
Ikuko smiled at her daughter. She couldn't believe how fast she had grown up. She watched Usagi's form as it began to disappear. It was only a matter of time before her daughter was going to leave home.
"Did she leave yet?"
"Oh, you're up already?"
"Hmm."
"Kenji, look at her, all grown up." Ikuko's husband wrapped an arm around her as she took a sip of his coffee. Ikuko shut the door and the couple began walking to the breakfast table. "Kenji, when are we going to tell her?" she whispered.
"When the time is right, dear."
"But isn't she already old enough to know?" The two sat down on the cushions and began to eat. "It's only a matter of time."
"I know. Let's not be too hasty. Perhaps they already forgot about it," replied the brown haired man. "I wouldn't be surprised. I mean why would they want to associate themselves with us in this mess. Think about it, Usagi's life would be simpler. And we'd get to have Usagi with us, just like you wanted. She wouldn't have to conform to their rules. Wouldn't that be great?"
"Are you guys selling Usagi-chan?"
"SHINGO!"