Stepping up

Summary: Elena had been promoted to big sister and crown princess. Yet they weren't as difficult as her newest promotion: being a parent to her orphaned savior. *Our time once again universe.

Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia or Elena.

One: First day of school

Plot: Sofia doesn't want to go back to Royal Prep for understanding reasons. Yet Elena sees it as an opportunity for her to move on slowly.

"I'll rather go with Isabel to her school!"

It was muffled by a pillow but Elena could tell how Sofia was upset.

It had all started with a letter letting the family know that Sofia had to go back to Royal Prep for the new school year.

Though everyone was fine with it and Isabel wondered if she could go to which Estéban declined the moment she had asked the question, Sofia had slammed the door to her room in grief.

But much to her dismay, the first day of going back had arrived sooner than expected, leaving to the situation Elena was currently facing.

"Lo siento Sofía, pero no se puede," Elena explained softly as the mop of light brown curls turned to face her.

"Por qué?" Sofia frowned.

Elena chuckled softly. At least Sofia was getting better with her Spanish thanks to flashcards with her and Estéban.

But there was millions of reasons why. Okay there were only three reasons but they were justified.

One Isabel went to college once a week and there was no doubt that Sofia wasn't like her when it came to science. Two Sofia was used to learning how to be royal, the school Isabel went to four days a week didn't teach any of its students how to act royal. And three Elena feared for her safety because kids could be cruel when they wanted to be.

"I wish I could answer it more clearly," Elena admitted, taking her hand in hers. "But you need to. For Amber and James."

"But I'm scared. It'll just bring back memories of…."

"I know. I know."

Elena gently rested Sofia on her shoulder as the little girl started to cry.

The princess of Enchancia had many times to grieve for her family but Elena knew that she was still hurting in some places.

Especially when it came to memories of her siblings and her mom.

"I'm sorry," Sofia sniffed once there were no more tears for her to shed. "I'm just so scared. What if something happens? What if I never see you again?"

"Me verás de nuevo," Elena assured with a smile, stroking her hair. "I promise."

"You'll tell the fairies that I live with you?"

"Ya hice mi pequeña princesa. In a letter a few days ago."

Sofia smiled at the nickname, spotting a dress that Lusia had given her earlier in the week.

It was a mix of purple and pink and while it didn't have the usual beads that Sofia was used to, she didn't mind.

She liked simple dresses for it brought her to more happier times.

"You need any help?" Elena asked. "You've been looking at the dress for a few minutes now."

"No. I'm good," Sofia answered as she began to undress. "Can you turn around? Por favor?"

Elena nodded softly in understanding. Sofia was going through a being uncomfortable with others looking at her body phase that unfortunately was brought on her after the deaths of her family because of her attacker.

"Bastardo enfermo," Elena mumbled under her breath, clutching a fiat in anger.

She knew better than to swear around Sofia but Elena was lucky that her savior hadn't caught on and began to say it in her lessons.

"Elena taught me!" would've been humiliating for her but amusing to Estéban who was already impressed with Sofia learning Spanish so quickly.

The crown princess felt a tug on her dress before turning around and smiling at the shy little girl before her.

Sofia was mature for her age but with what had happened to her, she only expressed callow emotions to Elena for she didn't want to embarrass herself for acting not like herself.

"You look almost like your old self again," Elena smiled, ruffling her hair. "Soon you'll be ready to go back to Royal Prep."

"Amber and James went there too. You think they'd be proud of me?" Sofia asked, biting her lip to avoid the tears in her eyes from flowing.

"Sí. Lo harían. ¿Por qué preguntar?"

"All their friends are there. I know they know what happened by now but none of them will know what it's like to be the only orphan in class."

"Eso no importa. You're going back as a step of moving on. I know it won't be easy but you'll do your best," Elena smirked. "And if anyone messes with you, I got the specter to threaten them with. But I won't use it on them."

"I could tell the fairies," Sofia smiled a little, putting on her tiara.

"That works too mi pequeña princesa."

Awhile later Elena and Sofia were in the couch, the younger girl's head laying on Elena's lap as the crown princess gently stroked her hair in an effort to help ease Sofia's nerves.

The school day was going to be difficult for the eleven year old but the thought of doing it for her fallen siblings made her less nervous.

Elena was right. It was going to be a way for her to move on from the tragedy that still haunted her at night.

Slowly but surely she was going to be okay.

Author note: Elena calls Sofia my little princess because one Sof only brings Sofia memories of her murdered brother and two I believe she's a little sisterly and motherly to her savior. She only calls her Princess Sofia of Enchancia if angry and Sofia if she's comforting her or trying to explain something the younger girl doesn't understand.