A/N: With the Rustic Woman series I sometimes add song lyrics. This will be most notable when they have a life transition of some sort. The first song is 26 Cents from a band called Wilkinsons.
I do not own Sailor Moon.
Song: 26 cents
By: Wilkinsons
Song Lyrics will be in Italics.
The normal story will look normal.
Chapter 1: Mother's Guiding Hand.
Looking back to the old days any woman could tell you that a mother had a role someplace. She was either the woman you idolized, never met, never knew, missed greatly, hated or simply didn't know how to describe. She would be a figure in your life, no matter how important she was, even if that importance was merely giving birth to you, she had been there at some point. Some hands guide and nurture better than others, but in the eyes of a child, most notably a little girl even the smallest of influences can change so much in her life.
She sat alone on a bus out of Beaumont
The courage of just 18 years
A penny and quarter were taped to a letter
And momma's goodbye in her ears
Minako was off to achieve her dreams. She was going to be an idol. A superstar and sing for all to hear. That had been her wish growing up after all. What she didn't expect was that she was leaving her very best friend behind. Rei wasn't going to pursue the dream of being a songwriter after all. She had better things to do. Bigger things to worry about. She had to be left behind in order for Minako to find a record label. The blond sung the best in English. That meant going to a place where English prospered and facing the past she feared to go back too. She was off to England with only a few notes from friends in her hands. Her mother had given her every blessing in the world while her dad laughed at Minako's ability to be childish. When she was younger this had been what she said she had wanted. Now she remained unsure.
She sat on the bumpy ride to the airport knowing goodbyes would be too hard. Instead she looked at the notes that her friends and family had given her. Rei wished her luck and told her to come back and visit often. Short and sweat. Just like Rei. She wrote in ink and had doodled a few smiley faces in some of empty spaces. A few tear dropped that had dried left more of a message than words ever could. The miko had always been such a softy underneath that hot headed exterior.
Usagi's note had chocolate smudged in the corner and lots of scribbles. Her letter was much the same. If not more damaged and illegible from a flood of tears. Saying to please return soon and that she would be missed. Her 'Twin' always wore her emotions on her sleeve. The fact that it was crumpled lightly proved how hard it had been to write. Usagi had almost certainly clung onto it one too many times.
Then there was Makoto, her note had the light smell of baked goods as it had been packed with some cookies. Her letter was far longer and seemed to leave an indication that she was feeling left behind. Her words were that of encouragement and the idle threat that she would kidnap her and bring her back if she didn't come back soon to visit on her own. Minako wasn't really sure if it was the truth or not. She fully expected that out of Usagi more so than Makoto. Still the tall brunette worried greatly for her. That must was painstakingly noticeable.
Ami's was the most astounding out of her friends. Her note spoke of how proud she was that Minako was reaching for her dreams. With neatly written script on almost perfectly crisp paper, the only impurity was that it had been folded down the middle. Even then, the crease was as straight as it could possibly be. She was sure to write it on thicker paper than the others, something far more durable. She included a stationary set telling Minako to write and call often.
The final note was from her mother. On it was a prepaid phone card and a Two-cent coin from when they used to live in England. This note was one of both encouragement and one of heartbreak. The strongest feeling purely screamed homesick. She read the note again in her head being sure to read every word. 'Minako, I couldn't give you the world. I wasn't always there the way I should have been. I'm sorry. I really am. I can't change your past or the trouble you've had to deal with. I know our home hadn't always been a happy one. Still, my child you've pulled through and have now grown into a beautiful woman. When you read this you'll be on that bus to the airport. I know I haven't always listened to you. I want to start to rectify that. I know I can't be there when your heart breaks, or when you've had a stressful day, but I can at least lend an ear. That coin is the last bit of currency from when you were a little girl. You found it on the street and picked it up and gave it to me. I want you to have it. I want you to call me any time you need me Minako. I may not be perfect, and I'm sorry for that. No matter what you do or where you go, you'll always be my little girl.'
Yes. Homesickness was the perfect word to use right about now. It was the only word she could use. She sighed as the weight of her choice settled in. It would take a long time to get used to this. A small part of her never wanted to face that likelihood.
She watched as her high school faded behind her
and the house with the white picket fence
Then she read the note that her momma had wrote
Wrapped up with 26 cents
Usagi was moving out to live with her fiancé Mamoru. It was a happy day for her. It was also the first day of leaving her family for good. Yeah, she wouldn't be far away. She could still see her mother every single day if she really wanted. Even so, it just wasn't the same. Memories became clear as she looked at the high school as they drove by. Minako was leaving Japan that very day and had insisted that no one follow her. She passed the home her blond friend used to live in noticing the lack of music that would be blasting from her old bedroom window on any given day. It was a bittersweet day indeed. She picked up Mamoru's cell phone and called her mom.
"Hi mom." Her voice squeaked lightly. "I need you to do me a favor." Looking to Mamoru in the driver's seat she wrote on her hand 'Pick the girls up. We're going after her.' Stealing herself she told her mom the plan. "Can you go get Minako's mom and dad?" After she awaited a reply she responded. "She's not leaving without a proper goodbye from the people she loves. If we hurry we will make it." Another pause noted that her mother was saying something. Usagi nodded even if her mother couldn't see it. "Only three hours. We have to hurry." Another pause and goodbye later she hung up the phone.
"You're really serious?" Mamoru smiled shocked. "I thought you were going to go along with Minako's wishes."
"I was." Usagi said tearfully. "I was. But I can't." Her voice hitched and it was clear she missed Minako dearly already. "I have to say goodbye properly. I have to see her one more time. She deserves a heartfelt goodbye. Not just letters."
"Don't worry Usagi." Mamoru said focused on the road. "If you want to see her one last time I'll make it happen. Let's get Rei first." He suggested handing Usagi the cell phone to call the girls.
When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all
There's nothing I've got that I wouldn't give
And money is never enough
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love
Ami was sitting in the café drinking coffee with her mother who had taken the day off. The girl refused to leave the only place she ever knew to be home. She most positively wouldn't leave Makoto either. They had talked and Ami wanted to move in with Makoto. She wanted to stay here and know what it was like to have a family. Even more than that she wished to wait and refrain from further schooling until she really knew what she wanted to do in life.
"I'm not going to stop you from being with Makoto." Saeko stated looking at Ami seriously. "But I would have preferred a little more warning on your part. You've been together for almost two years. If I had wanted to stop it then I would have by now. Surely you know this."
"I know. I do know." Ami sighed as she sipped on her coffee. She liked it black and strong enough that it could pass as a concentrated energy drink all on its own. "I just don't want to dissatisfy you." She didn't know what to say. "I just want to stay here. I don't know why I feel so bewildered."
"I'm not asking for an explanation." The eldest Mizuno said softly. She knew what love was. How blind it could make you. "Ami, I should be irritated you know. I should be so furious right now." A sigh protruded from her lips. "But, I'm not. I know you love her. I know what that feeling does to a person. I'm not expecting you to know how or why." She allowed another sigh to pass her lips as she smiled softly "I'm expecting you to be happy. That's all I really want."
"I am when I'm with her." The soft reply was cut through like butter with a steak knife when her phone rang. She picked it up mindful of her etiquette. Unfortunately the high pitched voice on the other side had apparently forgotten what manners were let alone to use them. Pulling the phone away from her ear both women listened to the conversation. The best way to identify it was screaming into the earpiece more than an actual conversation. Finally Saeko took hold of the phone.
"Usagi, for goodness sake calm down and speak clearly." The motherly tone had calmed her for a moment. Calm being a relative term as it was clear the blond was still hyperactively speaking.
"Tell Ami to get her butt to the airport! We need to see Minako one last time!" Usagi ordered totally forgetting who it was she was addressing as Ami snatched the phone back out of embarrassment. As she tried to calm her friend Saeko's cell phone also took the chance to ring.
"Mizuno here." A doctor's tone had now overridden the calm tone of before. Shortly it turned casual as she greeted a friend of hers. "Oh hello Ikuko." She paused looking to Ami who was still on her cell soothing the distraught blond. "Yes. I'm already well informed." Another pause followed by light laughter filled her voice. "Your daughter attacked my daughters' phone and in effect my ears." More talking happened momentarily as both Mizuno women got the same idea. In unison they answered their phones with one simple, comprehensible sentence. "We're on our way." They stood to take their leave out the door. It was time to go to the airport.
A penny and a quarter buys a whole lot of nothing
Taped to an old wrinkled note
And when she didn't have much she had all momma's love
Inside that old envelope
Setsuna held an infant in her hands. The dark tuffs of black hair stuck out of the blanket she was wrapped in as the small child whimpered lightly. Her niece was finally going to a better home. She smiled down at the baby knowing that the child would be well taken care for. Her two friends had been looking to adopt for a while. While Setsuna loved the baby, she couldn't raise her. The baby's father was ridden in a wheelchair and her mother had passed away during the birth. It was tragic indeed but not all hope had been lost. Haruka and Michiru had offered to adopt baby Hotaru. Not only was this a positive outcome for the child in mind but it would be helpful for her father Mr. Tomoe. As Setsuna sat with the baby she also held a letter from brother-in-law and an old pregnancy book filled with what it was like to go through the pregnancy. She felt as if Michiru should be given these things. She also comprised a photo album filled with photos of the child's mother and her old diaries. Surely Hotaru would be interested in them when she grew older. That had been an agreement among them all. They wouldn't shield Hotaru. The little girl had a right to know who her birth parents were. She would have the right to ask questions and all the while be reassured she was loved and cared for. All in all it was a perfect plan, and one that would lead to a happy future.
Her phone was on silent as it vibrated in her blazer pocket. Haruka informed her that they were coming early. Usagi was being stubborn about seeing Minako off and as a result the entire bandwagon was being dragged along. Setsuna sighed deeply having grown a fondness for the flighty blond herself. Minako and Haruka were cousins after all. As a result she had grown used to being pulled along for the ride. Michiru had also grown used too it over the years. She placed the now sleeping child in the car seat knowing full well this wasn't just going to be a small group.
When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all
There's nothing I've got that I wouldn't give
And money is never enough
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love
Makoto didn't really have a mother of her own. She never knew what it meant to fight with your mom as a teen. She had no idea was it was like to have an older woman to help with the problems of being a teenage girl. What was worse was the fact that she didn't have a father either. Even so, she did have one person. That man sitting in front of her with a smile on his face. Forest green eyes looking into that of emerald with content he knew this was the right thing to do.
"Mom and dad left us some money just in case." Zoisite explained handing Makoto a large a wad of bills and an envelope. "I know there isn't much there, but it's the last of the savings they left behind. I think you'd make better use of it."
"Why are you telling me about this now?" Makoto asked with a raised eyebrow. Zoisite was her brother but he had also looked out for her at a young age. As soon as he turned eighteen he had sighed papers formally her so that he could be her legal guardian.
"I don't need it." He sighed at his little sister. He knew she didn't remember much of hardship their parents had faced. She had been too little at the time. "Look, mom and dad wanted the world for us. They never wanted us to hurt or to suffer. They left us all that they could so that we would be alright if something ever happened to them." He paused taking a sip of the coffee in front of him. "A lot of it I've already used up to get us through the hard times. That's what's left. It isn't much. I hope it will get you on the right path. When you're ready that envelope will be the key to the family you want."
"Why are you doing this?" Emerald eyes were confused at best. She didn't know what to say. Her brother hadn't always been the kindest man in the world. He had cared for her, raised her, nevertheless he wasn't daddy and made that continually clear as they grew up. He hadn't been prepared to raise a child when he took on the task. Life hadn't been easy for either of them. In fact if it hadn't been for Saeko's support it most likely never would have worked. Saeko played a large role as Ami's sole guardian. As a result when she found out about the nature of relationship the two girls shared she had made it a point to get to know the only family the brunette had.
"Makoto." He said sternly, his eyes held wisdom far greater than his years. "You are my kid sister, but, you're not a kid anymore. I can't be dad. I've never been as good as dad about these things." He closed his eyes. Life had hardened him and to show emotions became a daunting task. "I don't need a reason. I don't even know why I'm doing this." Another pause and he forced himself to gaze into her eyes. He wanted his message clear. "But I do know this. You never had the chances I had. Mom was there for me as a teen. Dad constantly pushed me to be the best I could be. By the time you were ten they were gone. I was just a stupid kid then. After three years past I was finally able to get you back. We were able to be a family again. I feel bad for you Makoto. I had a mom and dad most of my life. All you can remember was me, your idiot brother, only five years you're senior. After all you've been through this is the very least I can do for you."
She was going to respond as a loud bagging started at the door. Zoisite sighed as he went to greet their guests only to be nearly mowed down in the process. His hand was grabbed by Saeko as Ami nabbed Makoto. Time was of the essence and they really didn't have time to explain. All they knew was that they had to get to the airport. They had to say farewell, and everyone, regardless of if they wanted too or not was going.
Oh it's been years since momma's been gone
but when she holds the coins she feels her love just as strong
Rei's mother had been gone since she had been a child. Her father wasn't exactly a family man. As a result her grandfather had ended up raising her. The man was in his older years and now she found herself caring for him a lot more than she used to have too. He could still self sustain well enough but she still worried about him. She now would do the cooking and most of the chores around the shrine. She wanted him to rest and enjoy his old age. He had done well to raise her properly. She knew that to be true. Many times he would tell her about her mom. There were old videos on tape of the woman and Rei could still remember the voice in them as her mother. Even so, it was blurry and muddled. She sometimes wondered if she missed her mom so much because she missed the woman herself, or just the idea of what having a mother would be like. Photos told stories about her life that Rei could only partially piece together and unlike Makoto she had lived in the very home she had been born into. She didn't suffer from losing everything because, in all honesty, all she ever knew herself to have has been her grandfather.
She held on to an old necklace with a medallion on it. It had been her mothers and she never let go of the thing. It was always tied onto her neck with twine. Her mother had found it as a child and had kept it as she grew up. When Rei was born she had it refastened properly to fit on a necklace. Rei still had that chain in her jewelry box, but instead had worn it with twine due to often getting dirty while playing. Now she liked it better and decided the day she found love and got married would be the day she would wear it with her mothers' gifted golden chain.
"Rei." The old man called out as he shuffled out of the Shrine. "You're friend Usagi is on her way. We are to go to the airport."
"I thought Minako didn't want anyone showing up." Rei answered back confused.
"Usagi said she doesn't particularly care what Minako wanted." He smiled in his way to let her know if fully agreed with idea. "She said she insists that we come along." He began to proceed down the long steps to the bottom at a slow pace. "Better hurry along little Rei."
"Grandpa." She called out worried. He may have been quite the spunky old man, but that didn't mean she wanted him to wander off alone anymore. "Be careful down those steps!" She admonished. She cared for him deeply and her voice was very much motherly and nagging.
"I'm fine little Rei." He used that nickname again. Rei wasn't little anymore. She was a fine young woman but in his mind she would always be his 'little Rei'. He didn't pay her any mind as he continued to scuffle along. "Come along now, Usagi seemed very adamant that we go. I doubt you'll find any way to detour her."
When he reached midway down the steps he came to Yūichirō who was still busy sweeping. The old man knew that when Usagi said everyone she had clearly meant it and bopped the tall mangy boy with a cane. "You too, Come it's time to see a pretty woman off the appropriate way." He continued to lead the small group down the steps as Rei rolled her eyes at the antics of her grandfather. His grin beamed out with happiness and one thing Rei was perceptible of was that the man had grown particularly fond of the silly 'Twin' blonds over the years. They had turned Rei's life around for the better after all.
When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all
There's nothing I've got that I wouldn't give
And money is never enough
Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your momma's love
The group stood at the airport terminal where Minako sat looking teary eyed. She was so enthralled with what she was reading she didn't even notice that mass of friends rushing towards her until they ran into her head on. The elders of the group looked on in awe as five teens, two young adults, and a mother smothered the poor girl with words of apology, longing, friendship and parting.
"They really are something aren't they?" Grandfather Hino smiled looking on with a gleam in his eye.
"That's one way to put it." Zoisite sighed. His little sister was one of the largest in the group and he knew full well that a tackle from her was like being mowed down by a quarterback.
"I think it's cute." Ikuko answered back as Usagi made sure she attached herself to Minako's hip.
"I hope no one hurt themselves." Saeko sighed as she looked on in the tangled mass of a group hug. She had never seen such odd reactions. Not in such a large group. "That does explain a few things." She stated looking on knowingly as Ami and Makoto stayed as close as possible while making sure to convey their feelings. she saw Rei doing much the same even if she was far more reserved.
"Only a few?" Setsuna asked with a raised eyebrow. She was one of the older members of the group, but managed to contain her joy as she held her niece in the portable car seat. "I would have assumed this explained a lot." She said pointing to Haruka and Michiru chiding Minako for leaving without a proper goodbye.
"When has anything ever made since in this family?" Mr. Aino grumbled. He loved his daughter but he certainly wasn't about to make such a fool of himself. His wife was doing well enough on her own accord.
"Point taken." Setsuna responded back. She had been long time friends of their family. Going to school with Haruka made sure of that fact. Minako had become a rather important part as well as she grew up. Haruka remained attached to her cousin's hip quite a lot.
The calm group watched on as the other, far more hysterical group huddled for a conversation. It was odd seeing such a mass of people in a heated whisper. Then suddenly a whoop from the center of the group was heard followed quickly by a woman shouting her approval. "She's staying! Get her bags!" The group became rather boisterous after that admission and it was clear that they were all happy for the news. Some of the older members scurried to find out if that was really the truth as a few stayed back.
"Well, she's certainly happy." Zoisite stated nonchalantly watching Makoto who was still caught in the moment. Ami was just as happy but she also knew what restraint was. That was something that even after all of these years his sister couldn't fully grasp.
"I think it's wonderful she's finally broken out of her shell." Saeko softly replied as she watched the scene take hold.
"Who?" The man laughed as he found himself confused. "Ami or Makoto?" The woman next to him could have meant either one.
"All of them." She said watching Minako get knocked down again by a few of the more excited members. "They've all grown up. You have too." She paused looking at the boy before her. She was proud of him despite the reservations she had kept to herself at first. "You don't have to worry about her any more you know." That was one thing she hated about the entire situation. He did worry, almost when there wasn't anything to worry about.
"Yes I do." He sighed. "I'm not my parents, but I am her older brother. It's my job to worry." His eyes stared into the older woman as he stood almost a foot taller than her. "Just as a mother can worry I can too."
"Where will that leave you?" Saeko worried for the man. She really did. In a small way she had acted like a mother for him and she knew he had his own conflictions to deal with. "You can't just be 'Zoiboy' forever you know."
He smiled at that nickname. He never could shake it off. Makoto used it as a small child and it stuck. Now everyone who even had a close relationship to the man used it on occasion. "No, you're right, I can't." He looked on as the group started walking towards them. "But for now that's all I need to be. We have then to worry about right now. I can worry about me later."
"What if that later never comes because you're too focused on them?" Saeko brought that question to the table many times already. His answer would always be the same.
"I could say the same for you." He smiled teasing lightly. "After all, I'm not the one who's middle aged without someone to come home to every night."
"And this is where I bring that age old trump card into play." This was a normal routine for them. It never changed. "You are Makoto's brother. I am Ami's mother. Where it's your job to worry it's my right." Finally a shadow loomed over Saeko as forest green eyes questioned that of emerald.
"If you two are reasonably done worrying about who needs to worry more get moving." She said dragging her brother and Saeko along. Ami was on her back playfully looking at her other friends who had set up a similar strategy. Minako took Rei's back and Usagi was on Mamoru. "It seems we are having a race to the crown. Last one buys the first round." She smiled as she and Ami got into position as Grandfather Hino verbally joined in clowning around.
Mr. Aino could only sigh at the display. "This is why my daughter never grows up."
"Really?" Zoisite saddened a moment seeing that the man had no idea what he wished to rip away from his daughter. "In my eyes she's grown up enough for now. She's only eighteen after all." He continued onward as Saeko kept her eye on him.
This group of people was quite the motley bunch. Comprised of parents and guardians of many different beliefs it was clear to see not everyone got along with each other. Still for the kids they had banded together and over all it had been a positive experience. Times were changing slowly for the teenagers and soon that childlike attitude would fade. Zoisite knew this better than anyone else. Saeko had a keen idea what he had meant and she then made herself a promise. She would stop worrying about things so much. Perhaps being a child was alright. It kept everyone together and for some people that family was needed in ways mostly unspoken. She paused her thinking as shouts rang through the airport. Friends were going to be gathering to the crown and if she wanted to tag along she'd have to get to a car quickly. Yes, surely this fragment of happiness should be valued. She would have time later if she wanted to be that nagging and worrying mother later. It was her right as a mother after all.
To be continued on request-
I have decided to post a real first chapter for you all. If you like my work please let me know. I really want to know what you guys think. I don't want to be writing this for naught.
