Chapter 12: Best Friends Happily Forever Ever After
During the early afternoon the next day, Sophie was playing with all of her friends outside, having a blast. While they were playing catch and Wish, Cheer, and Funshine had joined, Sophie had an idea.
They played catch a little more. Sophie was nervous to ask her friends about her idea. While they were playing, Wish Bear noticed Sophie struggling with her feelings.
"Hey, what's the matter, Sophie?" Wish asked. They stood side by side while playing.
Sophie spoke to her quietly.
"Oh! They'll love it! Go on, ask them." Wish nodded.
"Are you sure?"
"I wouldn't have this smile if I wasn't sure." she smiled.
Sophie laughed and caught the ball.
"Hey, Emily, Tanya, Vera, April and Nolan… I have an idea!"
"What is it?" they all asked with smiles as Sophie tossed the ball to Nolan who caught it perfectly. He bounced it over to April.
"Would any of you want to have a sleepover at my house?"
Without any hesitation, in unison her friends shouted, "Yes!"
They stopped the game and enthusiastically hugged Sophie. She smiled so very big, and hugged them back.
"Let's get you all ready to go back to earth!" Wish said.
"Don't forget to pack everything you brought!" Cheer reminded.
They all went up to the Care Bear's rooms who they had stayed with, and gathered up all of their belongings. The Care Bears helped them too.
During the previous week, Emily had stayed with Love-a-lot. Vera stayed with Friend Bear, and Tanya had stayed with Share Bear.
Within a few minutes, they came out of the rooms with all of their belongings and went down to the rainbow rescue beam room. As they went up the steps of the rainbow rescue beam, Sophie felt torn. She missed her dad, and her kitten, but she would also miss Care-a-lot. When would she come back?
"Don't worry, Sophie. You can visit Care-a-lot anytime. You're the Queen, remember?" Funshine said, "Just tell your necklace you want to come here."
This made Sophie smile.
"And what about my crown, staff, and shield?" she asked.
"They will be safe in the Hall of Heart's vault. Whenever you want them, they'll be here." Tenderheart said, firing up the rainbow rescue beam with Grumpy Bear and True Heart.
Sophie nodded. She had everything with her, and was certain she wasn't forgetting anything. Well, almost.
"Wait!" Sophie said.
She rushed down the steps to hug Wish Bear. She hugged her tightly, and Wish Bear nuzzled Sophie's nose. Sophie laughed, but she was also crying.
"I'll miss you so much."
"I'll miss you too, Sophie."
Then Sophie let go even though she didn't want to.
"Thank you so much every bear. Thank you for helping me, and inviting me to Care-a-lot. I had a great time." she wiped her tears away.
"You're very welcome Sophie. We'd love to have you again, any time you want."
The Care Bears all waved to Sophie. The white light came down to the crystal heart and the rainbow beam took them to Earth.
They all landed on the bike path. The rainbow light vanished.
Sophie remembered that the last time she was here, Emily was her enemy. And now they were best friends. She was so happy to have caring friends again.
"Now let's go have the awesomest sleepover ever!" Sophie said.
"Yeah!" her friends shouted excitedly together, hooting and hollering, and they ran down the bike path ahead of Sophie. Yet, Emily stayed by Sophie's side.
Sophie looked to Emily with a friendly smile. Emily held out her hand to her. She reached for it without hesitation. Sophie and Emily were going to be best friends forever.
They held each other's hands and raised them up into the light.
THE END.
