NEVER LEAVE YOU BEHIND - Chapter 3 - Sacrifice For A Friend
The next day......
The Tsukino family and their guest, Molly, were just finishing up breakfast. Mrs. Tsukino gathered all the plates and bowls from the table and took them to the kitchen sink., and returned to the dinner table.
"So, Molly", asks Mrs. Tsukino, "did you and serena sleep well?"
"We did", answered Molly, "but i'm still feeling a bit uneasy about today and about my mother's business decision".
"I know", says Mrs. Tsukino, "Rini & Sammy told me all about it. I can tell how difficult it is for you".
"And I know how much her friends mean to our daughter", adds Mr. Tsukino, "and of all the friends she has, shes speaks very highly of you".
"You really do make a difference in our daughter's life, Molly", adds Mrs. Tsukino, "I wish there was something we can do for you at this time of need".
"I'm really scared for Molly", Rini chimes in, "being a stranger in a foriegn land away from her friends, but it's Serena I'm worried about most of all".
"Rini?", exclaims a surprised Serena, " you're worried...about me?"
"And I was worried about you too, sis", adds Sammy, "when Rini and I saw you crying over Molly, our hearts went out to you. We know how much you care about your friends. And having Molly move away would not only affect her, but you as well."
"And the fact that you and Molly have been friends for a very long time, even shortly before you met Darien", smiles Rini, "we know it would tear you apart for you to be seperated from your first and best friend you ever made".
"Thank you, guys", nodded Serena happily, "for thinking of me that way".
"That's thoughtful of you, Rini, and Sammy", smiles Mrs. Tsukino.
"Yes, and that goes for me as well", adds Molly, "friendship is a very special commondity, and I'm very proud to call Serena my friend". Molly takes Serena's hand and holds it tightly.
The doorbell rings. "I'll get that. It's probably your mother, Molly", Mrs. Tsukino replies as she leaves to answer the door.
"That's right", adds Mr. Tsukino, "today's the day she has her big meeting".
Mrs. Tsukino opens the front door and is greeted by Molly's mother. "Why good morning, Mrs. Baker, please come in".
"Thank you, Mrs. Tsukino", replies Mrs. Baker as she walks inside, "did my daughter Molly have a nice time?"
"Oh, hi, mom", Molly calls out, "yes, I did".
"That's very good to hear", smiles Mrs. Baker, "I thought I would stop by before my meeting. I should be no more than a couple of hours".
"Um, Mrs. Baker?", asks Mrs.Tsukino.
"Yes?", answers Mrs. Baker.
"Molly explained to us about what's happening", says Mr. Tsukino, "and my wife and I would like to make a proposition to you".
"Really?", wonders Mrs. Baker, "and what would that be?"
"It seems that Molly doesn't want to leave Tokyo", explains Mr. Tsukino, "and with your consent, we would like to take care of your daughter for you".
"What do you mean by that?" wonders a surprised Mrs. Baker.
"What my husband is saying is that we are willing to take care of Molly for you", explains Mrs. Tsukino, "she will still be able to go to school with Serena, she will stay with us here, and we will make sure her medical needs are taken care of, and we take full responsibility for your daughter's well being. We'll take care of her as if she was our own. She will be able to visit your during Summer and Christmas break".
"Mrs. Tsukino", exclaims Mrs. Baker. almost at a loss for words, "I don't know what to say".
"NO!!!!!!!", Serena screams as she slams her hand on the dinner table and abruptly stands up, "I CAN'T LET YOU DO THAT! I COULD NEVER ALLOW A PARENT TO LEAVE HER OWN DAUGHTER BEHIND, I JUST COULDN'T BEAR IT!!!!"
"Serena!!", exclaims her mother, "please calm down".
"Mrs. Baker!", continues Serena loudly with a mix of anger and sadness in her voice, "I am willing to leave my own family behind before you leave your own daughter behind. I'll go to America with you and Molly. It would tear me apart to see my best friend sad and alone. I'll go to America with Molly, we'll go to school together, I'll protect her always, i'll even help you around the house. I won't let you leave her behind, Mrs. Baker, with all due respect".
"Serena?", says Molly quite surprised, "do you know what your saying?"
"Molly", blurts Serena, 'I'm willing to make a sacrifice just so I can see you happy, and i can't bear to see you left behind. You're her flesh and blood, you're a part of her, and I just bear to see the 2 of you apart. Please let me go with you, Molly, because I.....because I......"
Serena sits back down and starts crying, covering her eyes with her hands.
"Serena? Serena?", asks Mrs. Tsukino as she approaches a sobbing Serena, "Serena, please don't cry. Molly's mother hasn't made her decision just yet. Do you know what you're getting into here? Please, Serena, calm down".
Serena slams her hand on the table again, and storms out of the dining room, still crying.
"Serena?", calls out Mrs. Tsukino, then turns to Mrs. Baker, "When is your meeting?"
"In about 45 minutes", replies Mrs. Baker.
"Do you mind if my husband and i tag along with you?", asks Mrs. Tsukino.
"I have no objection to it", answers Mrs. Baker, "but what is the reason?"
"We really need to talk about this", answers Mr. Tsukino, "not only for your daughter's happiness, but for our daughter's as well. Please, we really need to discuss this."
"Well, alright", Mrs. Baker replied, "you 2 may tag along".
"Very good", says Mrs. Tsukino, then turns to Sammy, "Sammy, you and Rini watch over Serena, we'll be back in a couple hours, we're going with Molly's mother".
"Molly", says Mrs. Baker, "I'm going to go to my meeting, and Serena's parents are coming with me. I'll be back".
"Alright, mom", replies Molly as her mother and Serena's parents leave the house.
TO BE CONCLUDED................................................