A/N: I wanted to warn readers that the Vanellope in this story has epilepsy. I have worked with children who have epilepsy, I have researched this topic extensively, and know that for every case it can be different. If you have questions on the topic or about the story, please feel free to ask me on TUMBLR! Chances are I will answer them, you can ask them anonymous if you want.
WARNING: The last section of this chapter has some heavy topics in it (abuse, sexual abuse, rape, and others) please read with caution if you have triggers.
Jack walked next to his father in the crowded hospital. He honestly hated these places, they always smelled like rubbing alcohol and soup. Not to mention all the constant beeping noises and nurses rushing around felt too hectic for him. He couldn't imagine living in a hospital for the majority of one's life. He adjusted the balloons and gift bags he carried.
His dad carried some flowers and more gifts, looking nervous and exited at the same time. Flynn didn't get to come being that he was going on a college overnight. It was actually something he'd been looking forward to so North didn't pressure him to stay.
"Here we are!" North smiled as he and Jack opened the door to a private room labeled 512. He also noted the name on the door as well "SCHWEETZ".
Jack was surprised when he saw a well lit room and heard, not beeping noises, but race car noises.
"VRRROOOM!" A child's voice growled excitedly, "Better watch it, I'm catching up now!"
North smiled down at Jack as he stared at the little pixie sitting on the bed playing a racing game excitedly.
The little girl looked to be no older than four but he knew she was really eight. But boy was she tiny! She bounced like some kid with ADHD on the bed, her black ponytail swaying almost violently. He noted that she had some stitches behind her ear and had a feeling she put her hair up because she had bald patches from where they did the surgery.
As if realizing they were standing there she finally looked over curiously, her chocolate eyes narrowing suspiciously. She seemed to be thinking for a few moments until it registered who she was looking at.
"You're my new family!" she squealed as she paused the game and threw the remote control to the other side of the room.
She actually stood on the bed, hopping excitedly.
"Vanellope!" A nurse suddenly cried, rushing in, "How many times do I have to tell you not to stand on the bed! Your wires!"
"Wires schmires." Vanellope rolled her eyes and sat down, crossing her arms in frustration as the nurse tucked her into bed and fixed the IV around her arm.
"You're still recovering, you have to take it easy." The nurse scolded a little more gently this time.
"UGH!" Vanellope groaned.
"I apologize, she actually has been very excited to see you again, sir." The nurse said kindly, turning to North.
"Me as well." North smiled and winked at the girl who giggled.
"I'll leave you alone to visit then." The nurse said, walking out, "Vanellope, behave!"
"You aren't my mother!" Vanellope shouted as the nurse walked out.
Jack wanted to snort but all he could do was stare at this hyper little kid grinning innocently at them.
"I'm not sick, I'm feeling great!" Vanellope told North who finally walked over and pulled up a chair, "The doctor said my surgery went really great and that pretty soon I can move into my new home! I told him all about the games you told me you have and…who's this?" she asked, suddenly noticing Jack come forward and put the balloons on the table, "Oh cool! Balloons! Oooh! I like the car one!" she smiled, "Who are you?" she asked again, completely forgetting she'd asked it already.
Jack remembered that Vanellope had epilepsy and sometimes her memory wasn't so good. He merely smiled and told her, "I'm Jack. Your new brother."
"Cool! I get a brother! I'm so glad! I was afraid I'd get a sister who'd try to do my makeup or something." She admitted, "Do you like video games too?"
"Yeah!" Jack smiled, "I play all the time."
"You must be cool, you have piercings like…all over…I've always wanted to pierce my ears." She told him as she actually reached out to touch his face, completely carefree, "What's up with your hair?"
North grinned at Jack who was starting to realize now what North had been warning him about weeks prior. This girl truly had no filter.
"I uh…dyed it." Jack explained carefully.
"Why white? You could have done like a blue color or something…" she suggested.
"Cause white makes me look cool…get it…like frost?" Jack teased.
She narrowed her eyes and bit her lip as though connecting the dots. She shook her head and then grinned at North, "When can I come to live with you guys. You're a lot nicer than my last family."
"Very soon. We are getting your room all ready." North explained.
Vanellope actually crawled over to him to sit in his lap and Jack was astounded. North had only met her a few brief times and already this girl was practically in love with him.
She sat comfortably and then her eyes widened as she looked at Jack and laughed, "I get it!" she laughed, "Cool…frost…cold!"
Jack's eyes widened and then he laughed. He would definitely have to get used to this one alright.
"What kind of games do you play?" Vanellope asked him. Jack noticed that at one point she twitched, her left lip going up oddly and her eyes blinking very quickly.
"Umm…well…I have Assassins Creed, Call of Duty, Skyrim…" he thought aloud trying to recall games.
He paused when he noticed her shaking and looking blankly at him, her mouth opening and making gagging noises.
"Uh…" he started
"It's alright, Jack, she's just having a seizure." North told him calmly as he placed her on her bed on her side, "Would you get the nurse?"
"Y-yeah…" Jack said as he shot up and ran out to the hall to find a nurse.
It didn't take long and once he'd mentioned Vanellope's name, at least two nurses rushed to her room to check her vitals and ask North questions about her behavior before the seizure and when it started.
North seemed very calm about it all, but Jack just stood in the doorway awkwardly, looking nervous. She'd stopped shaking but was almost lifeless as her eyes closed and she fell into a deep sleep.
The nurses merely covered her arms and legs with a loose blanket so she wouldn't tangle herself or get cold and then adjusted her head on a pillow.
"She'll be out for at least forty five minutes." The nurse explained and then smiled calmly at them, "She just got a little too excited, but that's expected frequently after surgery. Over time her seizures should diminish."
North nodded and smiled warmly at her, "We'll wait for her to get up."
The nurse looked over at Jack who still looked scared, "You have nothing to be scared of, sweetie." She explained kindly, "Vanellope is one tough cookie. When she wakes up, she hardly remembers it and just starts up where she left off." She smiled.
Jack nodded and swallowed, "Yeah…just…it's my first time meeting her so…"
North nodded and smiled at him, "When I first met her I felt the way you do Jack. You did the right thing helping me. Thank you."
Jack nodded and hoped that over time he'd be able to do more for his new sister. To be honest, it was daunting. What happened if he had to watch her and she had a seizure…what would he do? Could he help her?
"We'll talk all about this more later, Jack." North informed him as though reading his mind, "I have us signed up for CPR and First Aid classes that should help. Over time, it will get easier. Vanellope is just like any other kid; you saw that for yourself." North chuckled, "The only thing is that she just needs to be watched a little carefully and treated normally."
Jack nodded, "I…yeah…"
He was reminded of a time when watching his little sister took so much of his control and time. He had to make sure if his parents got violent that he was the one watching her and distracting her. He'd failed her unfortunately, but Vanellope was a different story. He had a chance to make things right with a little sister like her. And although he was scared, he was determined as well.
"I'll be the best big brother she's ever had." Jack promised aloud.
"I know you will be. She's heard a lot about you and Flynn but as you could tell she tends to forget details."
"Why is that?" Jack asked him.
"Epilepsy can do a lot of damage to the brain, especially if it is constant. Luckily her surgery was successful. Soon, she will have less and less seizures and eventually none at all if we keep up with her care."
Jack nodded and then smiled down at his new sister. She was very peaceful when she slept at least; like night and day. He then went to pick up the controller she'd used the play the game and grinned, he'd make sure they played video games every day together when she came home.
…
"She sounds so darling!" Rapunzel squealed as Jack walked with her to class that morning. They met every day now at their lockers and walked to their classes together. It was starting to feel like a normal relationship, with less drama, and more fun.
"She is cute, but man is she loud. The minute she woke up her mouth never closed once." Jack laughed as he told Rapunzel all about Vanellope.
"Did she like the gifts you got her?" Rapunzel asked.
Jack chuckled, "Took about an hour to keep her on track and actually get to the gifts but yeah! She especially loved the Hot Wheels set up Dad got her."
"When does she get to move in with you guys?"
"Spring Break." Jack sighed.
"Feels so far away…" Rapunzel nodded.
They both jumped when they heard a yelp and a clatter of books. They turned and saw Hiccup sprawled on the ground, his books everywhere and glasses broken.
Jack and Rapunzel immediately went to help him. They could hear laughing down the hall and then noticed a ball of fire (or red hair to be exact) swoop down towards the laughter.
"Get back here!" Merida shouted angrily, "Pick on someone who can fight back!"
Jack groaned when he saw who the culprit was and knew he'd need to hold Merida back, "Mer, it's not worth it, come on!" he grunted as he grabbed her arms.
"Dagur Berserker! I swear the minute I can you'll regret messing with my friends!" Merida shouted.
Dagur merely chuckled and walked away.
"Weird…" Hiccup commented to Rapunzel as he held his glasses out before his eyes to assess the damage, "He hasn't done that in years…not sure why he decided to today…"
"He's just a bully." Rapunzel said stiffly as she continued helping pick up his books.
Jack managed to drag a steaming Merida back to the damage and she quickly checked Hiccup like a mother hen, "Did he hurt you? God I swear I'm killing him!"
"Relax." Hiccup chuckled, "Just tripped me was all. I did break my glasses so taking notes today will suck."
"I'll help you out." Jack told him kindly.
"I feel so much better…" Hiccup teased.
"Why did he trip you? He knows if he messes with you your dad's would kill him." Merida noted as they helped him up.
"Not sure…but from what I've been hearing, he's been getting worse again…like, end of the year hit list or something. You know he actually beat up Fishlegs in front of Violet the other day?"
"What?" Rapunzel gasped, "Is he okay?"
"Yeah, but both are a little shaken. Dagur does this thing every year where he snaps and practically goes on a killing spree." Hiccup nodded.
Merida rolled her eyes, "It's an attention slash anger thing. And we're the ones in therapy." She snorted.
The bell rang and all of them hoofed it to their class before it was too late. As Rapunzel sat down she wondered if she was on Dagur's list…or Jack. As she looked over nervously at Jack who was already doodling in his notes she decided that she needn't worry. Jack was very tough and wouldn't let anyone hurt her. She shook her head of the thoughts and went back to actually paying attention.
Before she could however, she received a note on her desk. She looked down and recognized Jack's handwriting and grinned. She took it and read the note.
Big track meet on Saturday. Wanna go?
She thought about her schedule and quickly wrote a response, asking what time it would be.
Jack looked over and then held up two fingers.
Once her session with Miss Elsa was over she should be able to go. She nodded and doodled a smiley face giving a thumbs up.
Jack grinned at her, his usual piercings glinting as the lights hit them.
"Mr. Overland, you know the answer I presume?" Aster called out.
Both he and Rapunzel looked guiltily up at their teacher and Jack grinned innocently, "The limit does not exist?" he tried.
Aster rolled his eyes, "Quoting Mean Girls doesn't get you an A sir. Pay attention."
Jack shrugged and winked at Rapunzel. He was still a little snot.
….
"Great! You're coming to the game!" Heather said excitedly as the girls changed in the locker room. What a difference from months before when Rapunzel was too scared to change in front of anyone and now here she was with no bruises to worry about.
"Yeah, Jack invited me. I already asked my mom and she said it was okay." Rapunzel nodded.
"Snot and Tuff are both competing. Tuff does the pole vault and Snot does discus throwing. Oh and MK does the 100 meter dash."
"It's been a while since Jack and I could just go out with friends and do something fun together. I'm excited." Rapunzel nodded as she donned her red t-shirt and put her hair back into a ponytail.
"Yeah, Snot and I have been so busy lately but he still manages to sneak over to my house once in a while and throw rocks at my window." Heather sighed romantically.
"Rocks?" Rapunzel giggled.
"Yeah…he kinda actually broke the guest bedroom window one time…my dad came out with a shotgun but Snot hightailed it out of there and tried again the next day actually remembering what side of the house my room was on." Heather smiled, thinking back to the time when both started dating, "He was so cute."
Rapunzel giggled louder and both walked out and noticed mats on the floor. Before they could question what it was the whistle blew and Alvin was yelling at them all to come over.
"Alright, men are wrestling today, women are learning self-defense. We have some officers volunteering this week so don't disappoint me and let them arrest you if you make a fool of yourselves." Alvin boomed.
Rapunzel tensed and finally noticed some adults milling around in casual jeans and t-shirts putting on protective gear.
"Boys no whining about how you need to learn self-defense because I don't make the rules…well maybe I do but I just don't care! Now wait here and I'll partner you up after I get the girls set up."
Rapunzel swallowed as Alvin began telling the girls to listen to the instructors and that they would be graded on participation.
"Any questions?" he asked, looking bored.
Rapunzel didn't know if she could do this. She'd have somebody trying to hurt her and in front of everyone! An image of her curling into a ball and freezing up as somebody pummeled her made her cringe and panic. Without thinking about it, she began backing away from the crowd. She wondered if maybe she could hide in the locker rooms and not be noticed.
She was about to actually walk towards the locker rooms when she suddenly felt a beefy hand on her shoulder, "Going somewhere, Corona?"
"Um…" she stammered.
"Not trying to skip are ya?" he asked her, a glint in his eyes.
She could have lied very easily, but decided that maybe a little honesty might help her, "I…don't think I can do this."
"And why not?" he asked her.
She looked over as the officers began talking to the girls. She bit her lip and looked up at him nervously, "I don't…like talking about it…but…"
"I know what happened to ya." He commented, "What I don't understand is why you'd try and run from something as simple as learning how to defend yourself."
She looked up at him in shock and then looked away, wondering how to answer that, "Because I'm not good at defending myself…" she muttered, "I'm actually pretty pathetic."
"Are you now?" he chuckled, "Follow me."
She groaned inwardly and wondered if he was giving her a detention. She followed him to where the boys were waiting against the wall looking bored and talking to one another.
"Wait here." He told her firmly. She froze and clutched her hands tightly, wringing them nervously as she looked around. She could already see the officers demonstrating some techniques that looked fairly easy but knew for her it would only leave her mind the minute a hand was raised. Alvin couldn't possibly mean to embarrass her with something so personal in front of everyone did he?
Alvin came back after pairing all the boys and then pointed to one of the mats. She could see Dagur already pinning down a helpless sophomore.
"See that maggot?" Alvin asked her.
"Y-yes." She answered, wondering if he was seriously going to make her wrestle instead. Shoot she might as well just embarrass herself in front of the girls instead!
"Isn't he the one you hit with a dodge ball on your first day?"
Her eyes widened, surprised he remembered and nodded, "Well yeah, but-"
"And weren't you the one who helped referee a game with your friends because your arm was broken?"
"Well you asked me to and-"
"And aren't you the one who just testified against a woman who beat you?"
She bit her lip and looked down.
"That doesn't sound so pathetic to me." Alvin said bluntly as he looked around and watched both the girls and boys side. Some of the girls were getting up and being taught certain tricks.
"I understand why you don't want to go up there." He sighed calmly, "I won't take off points for the first few days if you don't participate. But at the end of the week when you defend yourself against the suits, I expect you to give it your all, the way you give your all to everything else you do. Who knows…maybe you'll learn a thing or two." He winked at her.
"W-what if I freeze?" she asked him in a shaky voice, "What if I curl up in a ball like I always do-did…everyone will see and-"
"Not an option Corona. Freezing up is no longer an option. Time to fight for yourself."
He put a hand on her shoulder and then nodded to her, "You won't disappoint me if you stand up there and do nothing, but something tells me you'll surprise us all. You always do."
She took a breath and managed a small smile for him, "Thank you coach."
He nodded and pushed her gently towards the group. She walked back feeling a little more confident but still nervous.
She immediately heard him growl, "What kind of a block was that?! You lot are the worst sissies I've ever seen!"
She laughed in spite of herself and quickly plopped down next to Heather who squeezed her hand quickly and then went back to paying attention as the cop showed one of the girls a simple way to get a person's hand off of your shoulder.
That move might come in handy later…
…..
"College is going to be awesome!" Flynn gushed in group, "I got to go to this Battle of the Bands they had going on with some college kids, sleep in a real dorm…"
Everyone seemed like they were half listening to be honest. Of course, Mondays were always exhausting for everyone it seemed. She actually caught Nod yawning into his hand a little.
Ana seemed to be the only one interested and Rapunzel still couldn't believe, even after two weeks, how normal it felt to have a real mom and a real life she could be proud of. Groups weren't hard to be in, honestly, Ana had told her that if she needed to talk about more serious stuff to just talk to Elsa, but group would be a way to reconnect with peers her own age as well. She also told Rapunzel she was allowed to embarrass her or talk about her as much as she wanted in group with no consequences; not that Rapunzel would do that; she loved Ana.
"Anyone else getting ready for college?" Ana asked the group. A few students raised their hands but still looked bored, "Wow, I think we need to do a little activity to wake you guys up!"
A few groaned but Rapunzel smiled a little, rubbing her eyes to get them a little more open.
"Okay, no whining," Ana laughed, "Everybody up!"
They all got up. Ana went to the back and got a boom box out.
"Turn your chairs around, MK take your chair away and scoot them closer together. You all know how to play musical chairs?"
Everyone nodded.
"Okay, this musical chairs is a little different. The person who doesn't get to a seat has to tell the group about a time they felt isolated and alone and how they coped with it. The person who makes it to the end has a surprise that I'll explain later. No cheating! Have fun! Go!"
She started music that sounded like some Mexican restaurant's music as they all started walking. Eventually, some of them started warming up and giggling, pushing gently or going slow on purpose. Mavis and Jack were actually trying to start a conga line but failed.
The music stopped and everyone scrambled to find a seat.
"OW! No fair!" Mavis laughed as Guy got to the chair first.
"Ugh!" she groaned, "I never win these."
"Okay Mavis…when was a time you felt isolated and alone?" Ana asked.
Mavis crossed her arms and thought for a moment, "I guess there was this one time when I was in middle school. I was sort of starting this Goth phase and wearing dark clothes. I used to have friends who were popular and wore lots of makeup and stuff. But then I changed and they started excluding me. They told me I was a freak and that I couldn't hang out with them anymore because they thought I worshipped the devil or something." She snorted, "Course I'm Catholic so that made no sense."
Some people chuckled at that.
"But…it hurt. Because I thought they were my friends and…I guess in the end they weren't."
"How did you get through it?" Ana asked her.
"Well…" she blew out a breath, "I thought about changing back into who they used to like but then that only made me depressed. Instead I found new friends who dressed like I did. I talked to my dad too. He actually loved my Goth look and thought it was epic so he never complained. He told me that if no one loved his little princess the way she was then no one deserved me." She smiled.
"Very good. Okay, you are going to go and wait right over there now." Ana winked.
Mavis nodded and then the others stood back up and got back to dancing.
Once more the music stopped and the usual scramble happened. Hiccup tripped and actually fell on top of Merida and Flynn who laughed and helped him up.
"My turn I guess." He grumbled, straightening himself up, "Okay…You all pretty much know that when my mom died, my dad sort of stopped talking to me. I really didn't have any friends and for a while I felt like a ghost. My dad didn't want to look at me because I reminded him of her and it got so bad he never realized that I was leaving the house. I met Gobber who brought me home one night, and although he and Dad had met before it was at that point Gobber began seeing my dad more and more. Through Gobber I was able to talk to my dad and my dad finally started talking to me. Our relationship is still a little weird but…I'm no longer alone anymore." He smiled.
He went to go sit by Mavis but Ana had him sit somewhere else across the room. The group thought it odd that she was separating them, but continued dancing as the music started.
The next person to talk was MK, "I felt isolated when me and my dad moved. We're farther from my family now and our house is, as most of you know, out in the middle of nowhere. I seriously created imaginary fairies in my head because I was so lonely and shy and sad. But when school started I just felt like everyone really liked me and respected me. I met a lot of really cool people and I realized I didn't need imaginary friends anymore."
She smiled and then Ana had her go near the back of the room.
Some were seriously starting to wonder why she did that but once more continued.
Next out was Flynn. He took a breath and finally crossed his arms in front of his chest and nodded nervously, "I don't normally talk about this but…when I was in the home, and there were some…really bad people there. I was a kid and these 'teachers' or whoever just treated us all like garbage. The things they said were…horrible." He paused and then continued, "The director there was some pastor of a local church. He was older and…he seemed nicer than the other ladies and guys that worked there but…actually…he was the one who was touching us and…you know…"
Everyone grew quiet.
He kept going, "Nobody said anything about the abuse until a social worker came undercover and reported it. All of us got separated and put into homes that weren't much better. Right away my foster parent was touching me just like that guy was and…I felt like that was it. That was my life. I was doomed forever to never find a home that actually loved me and only used me for sex or something. It was…really terrifying. It wasn't until I was a teenager did North find me. At first I was scared he'd be just like those old creeps who wanted me for their own sick pleasure but…North wasn't like that. He was nice." He nodded, smiling, "He didn't touch me, he let me make a mess, he cared about me…and when he asked me about the abuse I told him. He listened. He didn't care that that had happened to me. He just…really listened. And I was a serious little shit too." He chuckled, "I mean I stole crap all the time and would hide on the roof. But North he just…he helped me realize that I was never destined to be hurt forever…that I had a future…"
He nodded and then Ana smiled warmly at him, squeezing his hand before pointing to a spot near the door.
Everyone was a little more somber when the music started and when it stopped, people scrambled more for the fact that they didn't want to talk. But eventually it was Merida.
"Don't know how I'm supposed to go after that." She admitted, looking sadly at Flynn, "But um…" she was starting to tear up and finally began after a quick breath, "When I was junkie…I went to a house party with some older kids. I was like thirteen I think. Anyways…there were high school seniors there and one of them…in a nutshell didn't take no for an answer. And after that I felt like a useless piece of trash. I never told anyone until this year about it…because I felt like I deserved it. No one else knew what I had been through because I felt like all they saw were the drugs and then if I told them they would just tell me that I deserved it for being a slut or a junkie." She spoke rapidly before finally breathing again, "That guy took my virginity from me and wasn't even sorry about it. And no one knew but me."
Mavis, MK and Rapunzel were starting to cry as she continued.
"But…" she choked out, "I finally did tell someone…my best friend actually." She smiled at Hiccup who looked at her like she was a hero, "And…he was the one who encouraged me to tell my mum and Ana…so I did and now…I don't feel so bad anymore about it. Like I know it happened and it sucked, but…I'll be okay now."
She nodded and then Ana had her sit near her this time.
Rapunzel wiped her eyes and realized that Nod, Jack, Guy, and she were the only ones left.
Nod was next.
"Okay, mine isn't as intense, I promise." He smiled warmly and clapped his hands a little, "But um…I guess this is weird to admit but…like Merida I used for a while. Not only that I do drag racing, but that's beside the point. Um…" he tried, "You know how you have a group of friends, like what Mavis was talking about, and you try to fit in with them by being like them? That's kind of how it was being in my user group. I thought those guys giving me drugs were my friends and really they were just getting me into trouble. I mean I have no one to blame but myself, but at one point as I'm surrounded by these guys, high as a kite, I realize how alone I really am. That no one really knows me or understands me and…that kind of hit home for me. Course my uncle knocked some sense into me too but now I have real friends, and I feel pretty darn lucky."
He quickly squeezed MK's hand and shook hands with Flynn as he passed by them and went to stand in the middle of some desks.
Jack, Rapunzel, and Guy looked at one another and then walked around the two chairs. All three were getting a little nervous but at last the music stopped and Rapunzel breathed a sigh of relief as she snagged a chair. Jack was not so lucky. But he merely smiled and cleared his throat, "Well…this story has a sad beginning but a happy end." He smiled, "When my sister died…I felt like I lost a part of myself. My whole family was ripped apart and I was alone. No one wanted me and I didn't want anyone. All I wanted w-was her…my sister…I wanted her back. But…obviously…miracles don't always happen the way you expect them to."
He finally closed his eyes and managed a smile and looked up, "But, this weekend, I got to meet my new sister who's coming to live with us. She's…she's amazing, like a little fighter, and I can't wait to be a big brother again. Like a family again." He smiled as he finally walked to a chair near Hiccup and sat down.
Guy smiled at Rapunzel, "Don't expect me to go easy on you." He winked.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Rapunzel giggled softly, feeling weak. The music started and both of them kept their eyes on the chair, wondering who would get it. When the music stopped, everyone gasped and clapped when Rapunzel sat her butt down faster than a flyswatter on a fly. She had her eyes squeezed shut and a few people laughed. Guy even clapped and chuckled, "Better luck next time for me, huh?"
Rapunzel smiled guiltily up at him.
He patted her shoulder and nodded, "Okay, last story I guess…"
He rubbed his sweaty palms nervously and then began, "Well…as you know I was homeless when I lost my parents. I lived on the streets, in cardboard boxes, eating out of garbage cans…you know…the usual. But believe it or not, other homeless people kind of took me under their wing. Some would share their dinner with me, tell me the safest places to go, and really tried to help me out. They told me I was too young and deserved better. Some even let me sleep near them to keep warm and protect me if some users came to our spot to steal from us. For being homeless, I actually really wasn't alone. But when I got arrested…for loitering believe it or not, the policemen treated me like I was nothing. These are guys who are supposed to protect people and help them…instead, they put me in a cold cell with a bunch of creeps, and ignored me, sometimes curling their noses like I smelled bad. And when I was released I was told I had to pay money by a certain date and then they just tossed me out again…no direction and no help whatsoever. It…disgusted me."
Hiccup and Merida looked at one another sadly. Both their parents worked for the criminal justice system, even Nod's uncle was in military, but to hear a story that completely shone that profession in such a bad light was pretty eye opening.
"I'm not saying all cops are bad, because there are amazing cops out there." Guy told them, "But I think a way to deal with this issue and I know to get some closure from the anger I felt at what they did to me unjustly, is to spread awareness. Cops need to stand up for homeless people, not kick them around. Cops should have resources available to help people, especially kids. I want to be able to see a police officer and thank him for what he's doing, not be afraid of what he'd do to me if I dressed the way I used to."
A few nodded at that.
"I'll get off my soapbox now." Guy grinned and then winked at Rapunzel.
"Okay." Ana smiled and stood up after clearing her throat, "I'm sure you are all wondering why you're spread out. Rapunzel, this is where you come in. Instead of telling me about a time you felt isolated, I want you to quickly tell me how you feel right now all alone up there with everyone spread out."
Rapunzel clutched the chair seat and looked at the floor, "I-it's weird…I'm used to everyone in a circle around me and…I feel like the center of attention. I don't really like it actually."
"That's okay, you won't be alone for long. Do you remember the order of people who spoke?" Ana asked her.
Rapunzel thought and then nodded, "I think so."
"Okay, one at a time, you're going to walk up to each person and whisper in their ear something that touched you about their story and how they are not alone. Can you do that?"
Rapunzel nodded and immediately walked over to Mavis who grinned at her. Rapunzel grinned and leaned in to whisper carefully, "Mavis, you are so beautiful and brave for being who you are. I'm glad I know you for you. You are not alone."
Mavis took her hand and hugged her, smiling.
"Alright," Ana instructed, "Rapunzel take Mavis with you, keep your hands connected.
Rapunzel walked over with Mavis to Hiccup who stood up awkwardly and leaned in to let Rapunzel whisper in his ear, "Hiccup, I know what it's like to feel invisible, but you were one of my first friends, someone I noticed and liked right away. Thank you for being my friend, you are not alone."
Hiccup hugged her and Mavis took his hand as they walked over to MK.
MK smiled at her as Rapunzel whispered, "My imaginary friends were named Alabaster and Bertram." MK laughed at that and continued listening, "But my real friends are here, and you are one of my real friends whom I admire. You are not alone."
MK squeezed her, still giggling, "Alabaster?" she chuckled.
"I liked weird names." Rapunzel shrugged sheepishly as Hiccup took MK's hand.
They walked over, already the chain growing, towards Flynn. Rapunzel hoped she wouldn't cry as Flynn leaned down, putting his arm around her middle in a small hug, "Hey Blondie." He whispered.
"Hi!" she giggled, he was still so dreamy even though he was like an older brother to her, "I'm so sorry Flynn that you were hurt so much…" she started, "You're such a good person and I always feel safe when I'm with you. You always made sure I was comfortable and I'll never forget that. Thank you...oh and you're not alone." She quickly finished, giggling to herself as she let MK take his hand. She went over to Merida who quickly hugged her close.
"Merida?" Rapunzel whispered.
"Yes?" Merida whispered back.
"You are my best friend and I love you. You are not alone." Rapunzel stated boldly.
Merida hugged her closer, "You too."
She wiped her eyes and went to squeeze Flynn's hand who actually leaned down to kiss her forehead like a protective older brother would.
Rapunzel led the group, avoiding chairs and all manner of items towards Nod who grinned at Rapunzel.
"Nod…" Rapunzel smiled back as she whispered, "You take good care of MK and in my opinion, are the nicest guy around. I'm glad to know you. You are not alone."
He smiled and squeezed her shoulder before going to Flynn.
She finally managed to reach her boyfriend who actually leaned in to hold her close.
"I love you." Was all she whispered.
He kissed her cheek, knowing that was all he needed to hear. He held her for a few minutes longer and then they heard some snickering and a few throats clearing.
She blushed and he left her begrudgingly.
She finally walked over to Guy, "Sorry I beat you…" she started with a small smile.
He laughed at that and then leaned in.
"You deserve every blessing in the world Guy for being so brave. You remind me of a story I used to read in the Bible, about how a man with nothing but who does good for others will one day have all the riches in the world. I know that's you."
Guy smiled at that and nodded, "Thank you."
As he started to walk away Rapunzel quickly remembered, "Oh! And you're not alone!" she yelled to him as he walked.
Everyone started laughing and then Ana walked over to the huge chain they had made, "Rapunzel, you just brought everyone back together. I think she deserves a big, big hug!"
Everyone immediately surrounded her, laughing. She was the center of attention but this time she loved it, savoring all the kind words and love they showered on her.
"Okay, we are done for the day," Ana called once everyone finally seemed more relaxed, "but if anyone needs to talk to me please come find me. I'm serious, we had some touchy topics today. Tomorrow we're gonna make sure we cover that." Ana instructed as the kids began helping put things away.
Nod and MK left holding hands, waving to everyone, "Thanks guys!" MK called, "Thanks Rapunzel, see you tomorrow!"
"Good job, kiddo!" Guy patted her back as he too walked out.
Mavis hugged her quickly and then ran after Guy to talk about something with him.
Merida was talking to Hiccup in the corner, wiping her eyes and letting him hold her.
Flynn was immediately up with Miss Ana and that meant that Jack got to take Rapunzel to their lockers quickly. They kissed for a while until they were pretty sure Flynn was ready to collect him.
"I'll see you tomorrow." He told her, same as always now that she was living with Ana. He donned his usual silver beanie and then smiled as his brother came out, looking like he was sort of lost in a place he didn't want to be, but upon seeing Jack smiled and came back to the present.
Jack fist bumped him and smiled, "You did good, Flynn." He smiled.
Flynn brought Jack in for a noogie to which Jack replied with a lot of 'ows' and complaints.
"You were pretty awesome today Blondie." Flynn smiled at her as he let Jack go.
She blushed, "Thanks."
"Rapunzel!" Ana called from the room and sticking her head out, "I'll be ready in ten minutes."
"Okay!" Rapunzel waved and then turned back to the duo.
"We need to head home, bro, Dad said we're setting up some stuff for short stack."
"Her name is Vanellope." Jack grumbled.
Flynn shrugged as he put on a black cap, "Let's roll."
Jack quickly turned to Rapunzel to kiss her one last time. Flynn pretended to gag and walked away.
"Ignore him." Jack breathed, looking into her eyes.
She giggled once more and then sighed.
"You want me to call you tonight?" he asked her.
"Sure." She smiled, nodding. Even though they still saw each other all the time it was still an adjustment not living together so they did call one another a lot. One thing she was also learning how to do was Skype, but that took a little more patience on her end.
"Okay." He smiled, holding her closer and then letting her go with a sad sigh, "Later tonight." He promised.
She nodded and then let him leave as she turned to go help her mom in her office.
Ana was just about done getting her things together when she saw Rapunzel holding her book bag and looking lost in thought, but happy.
"I'm very proud of you today, sweetie." Ana told her.
"Thanks!" Rapunzel said happily, glad she didn't disappoint. Of course she was finding Ana was proud of everything she did so she never feared disappointment anymore.
"I think a trip to that nice new Italian place is in order." Ana grinned knowingly.
"Really?!" Rapunzel gasped excitedly.
"Why not. We'll feed Pascal when we get home first and then I say we deserve a treat." Ana nodded and smiled as Rapunzel practically squealed excitedly. She loved eating out and going to different places.
"Let's go!" Rapunzel demanded happily, jumping up and down.
"Alright!" Ana laughed as she managed to grab her bag and turn to look at her room one more time before shutting off the lights and going out, glad for once that she got to spend it with her new daughter. And the best part was, she got to do this every day.