Bonding

By 18lzytwner

Chapter 1

Sportacus was excited. Stephanie and her Uncle Milford would be coming in on the afternoon train. He had missed her since last summer and once again he looked forward to the fun they could have.

Something struck him as odd though. Stephanie had come by herself on the train last time and now the Mayor was accompanying her. Surely, if an eight year old could come by herself, than a nine year old should be able to. Of course, the Mayor had said that he had to visit his sister and would be bringing Stephanie back with him, so maybe nothing was wrong after all.

"Ladder!" The above average hero shouted and the white ladder flew down from the airship. He climbed down onto the already open platform and then grabbed for the ladder. Climbing down that until he reached a certain point, Sportacus jumped off and headed for the train station.

Pixel, Stingy, Trixie, and Ziggy were busy setting up the Mayor's house for a party. They were happy that their friend was returning and hoped that they would have another great summer. Pixel and Trixie hung the streamers while Stingy took hold of the presents. Ziggy was busy with making sure the cake had enough candy.

Stephanie stared out the train's window. She had remained silent the entire ride to LazyTown. Milford hadn't known what to say or do. He hoped that in time, she would open up to him.

"Next stop, LazyTown! All passengers disembarking make sure you have all your luggage." The usher announced. Milford got up and began to remove the suitcases and duffel bags from the overheard storage rack.

"Do you and your daughter need help with all of that?" The usher came up behind and asked.

"My niece and I have someone waiting for us at the station but I think we'll need help getting these out." Milford corrected.

"It would be my pleasure to help you. Staying in LazyTown long?" The man was just trying to be nice but Milford didn't want Stephanie to get upset.

"My niece is coming to live with me. I'm afraid I don't want anything to upset her." He whispered to the friendly usher.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll just keep my mouth shut." The usher followed Milford's example and kept his voice low. The Mayor just nodded and gave the man a small smile. They could feel the train slow beneath their feet and the usher moved away for a second.

"Last call! Anyone disembarking at LazyTown please have your luggage now!" He called. Passengers began to fill the aisle as the train stopped.

Sportacus watched all the people getting off the train and wondered where Milford and Stephanie were. It was then that he saw an usher get off the train followed by the Mayor and finally Stephanie. The smile on his face faded as he saw the girl's eyes. They were red and puffy.

Quickly, he took the bags from the usher and the man smiled as he boarded the train again.

"Do you have everything?" Sportacus asked. Milford turned and counted all the luggage.

"Yes. Thank you for meeting us, Sportacus." The Mayor responded in a quiet voice. The above average hero had the urge to ask what had happened but he didn't want to upset Stephanie or Milford anymore.

"Quiet! Here they come!" Trixie shouted. Quickly, the friends ducked behind furniture and made sure they were out of view. The door opened and the four popped out screaming,

"Surprise!" But their smiles soon faded as Stephanie began to cry. The nine-year old dropped her bags and ran away from the house.

To Be Continued...