Hi Everyone! Here is Subpart B to Part One of the "Friendship Series." This is turning out to be longer than I thought. There will definitely be a Subpart C in this part.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
Friendship Series
Part One: Annika and Gloria
Subpart B
By
Angel Raye
The incident at the party left one major result and that was Gloria discovering how much fun it was to play tricks on people. She became a regular prankster. By the time Gloria, Annika and the twins got through kindergarten they were known as palace brats but Gloria got labeled as a troublemaker, Annika was labeled as a crybaby, Faith as a tough tomboy and Hope as a Priss. Annika hated her label. Of course when people called her a crybaby she only started crying more. She spent a lot of time with Gloria who protected her. Of course that also meant that Annika sometimes got roped into her antics. She always got punished for participating but Annika could not refuse Gloria who had a much stronger personality.
When the girls entered first grade they all got put into the same class again. Ms. James had briefed their teacher Ms. Hoshino on the four palace children. She decided to give Gloria a chance before making any moves.
In an attempt to try and break Annika out of her shyness, Raye signed her up for an art class. Hope and Daisy also were in the class. Annika's talents for arts and crafts grew and Raye was pleased to see that she was developing a hobby.
Gloria developed a couple of hobbies too, playing pranks and getting into trouble. Mina was in constant despair over it. It seemed that no amount of punishment worked.
Despite the opposite personalities Annika and Gloria grew closer each day. Unfortunately Annika had a tendency to follow Gloria's lead which usually ended her up in trouble. Gloria, although liked to antagonize Annika, was quick to protect her from others.
One day the first grade was having art. Annika and Hope were thrilled when they got to paint. Annika was very meticulous about her work and painted slowly.
"Hey let's see what the crybaby is painting," sneered a voice. Annika turned to see it was one of the bullies, John.
"Leave me alone," she whispered.
"Why should I crybaby," asked John. "Or maybe I should call you palace brat."
Annika turned back to her painting. Raye had told her to ignore the kids who pick on her but it was hard.
"Come on crybaby," laughed John. "Give us some tears."
Annika swallowed a lump that appeared in her throat. Tears formed in her eyes.
"Crybaby," laughed John as he saw the tears. "We need to put some diapers on you."
Gloria overheard all of this. She was already in trouble for not doing homework and talking back to the teacher so she tried to stay out of this. But hearing Annika's sniffles made her angry. Why did they keep bothering her? Gloria scooped up a glob of paint in her hands and walked over to John. He was still taunting Annika.
"Hey John," Gloria called.
"What do you want palace brat," he asked. In response Gloria tossed the handful of paint at him. It hit him square in the face. "Hey," he shouted angrily.
"Leave my friend alone," snapped Gloria. She grabbed another handful of paint and threw it at him again.
"Gloria Aino," the art teacher demanded angrily. "What do you think you are doing?"
"None of your business," Gloria snapped and she stuck her tongue out at the teacher.
"Let's go young lady," the art teacher dragged Gloria away.
"All right," Mina said as calmly as she could after school that afternoon. "I can understand you wanting to stick up for your friend. If that had been the only thing you had done I would have let you off. What I won't tolerate is the rudeness and the disrespect you have for your teacher."
"What's the big deal," Gloria asked rudely.
"You are not to be rude to your teachers," Mina stated sternly. Your manners are atrocious. You need to be polite to your teachers and you need to do what you are supposed to do."
"I don't have to," Gloria snapped. Mina had enough. She took hold of Gloria and delivered a few swats to her backside.
"Watch that mouth of yours young lady," Mina shouted. "You have already lost recess this week. Now you are going to lose television and video games for a whole week. You will also be writing a letter of apology to the art teacher for your behavior today. Do I make myself clear?"
Tears burning in her eyes Gloria nodded her head.
Raye was kneeling in front of the fire doing a reading. At the time things were quiet. There were no enemies to fight. Raye was thankful about that. Whenever the Scouts and Knights had to fight the children were left in the care of the palace nannies.
The sound of sniffling broke Raye out of her meditation. It sounded like the sniffling was coming from right next to her but Raye saw that she was alone in the shrine. Realizing her psychic abilities had been reached Raye headed toward Annika's room. Her psychic powers were sharper where Annika was concerned. If she was close enough she could sense when Annika was upset.
Raye peeked into her daughter's room and saw Annika sitting on the bed, clutching Snuggles to her chest and crying. "What's wrong Sweetheart," Raye asked as she sat down on the bed. She pulled Annika into her arms.
"Gloria got in trouble and it's all my fault," sobbed Annika.
"How is it your fault," asked Raye as she stroked Annika's long purple hair.
"John was making fun of me," Annika replied as she wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her mother's priestess robe. "That's why Gloria threw the paint."
"Oh Sweetie it's not your fault," Raye assured her daughter. "Gloria needs to find other ways to help you."
"Mama," Annika murmured. "Why do people make fun of me? I can't help crying. I try not to but I just can't help it."
Raye hesitated. She always found it ironic that she ended up with such a sensitive child. After all when she and the queen had first met as teenagers she had the least patience with her crying. Now she had Annika who cried just as much as Serenity did. If anything Raye found herself much more patient with the queen whenever she was on one of her crying sprees. Fortunately the queen did not cry as much now that she was an adult. Raye hoped it would be the same for Annika.
"You're just more sensitive than most people," Raye told her daughter.
"I just wish Gloria did not get in trouble because of me," Annika sobbed.
"Why don't I go and talk to Aunt Mina," Raye suggested. "Maybe I can tell her how you feel."
"Okay," Annika choked as she snuggled into Raye's arms.
"I'll take you to Aunt Amy's office so you can be with her while I talk to Aunt Mina," Raye informed Annika. She realized as upset as Annika was right now she did not need to be alone. She picked Annika up and carried her out of her room.
"Come on in Raye," Mina muttered in a weary voice. "What can I do for you?"
"Annika is very upset right now," Raye replied as she sat down. "She is blaming herself for Gloria getting into trouble."
"Why is that," asked Mina.
"Because Gloria was sticking up for her," Raye pointed out.
"I understand," Mina replied. "However Gloria is in trouble because of how rude she was to her teachers. I am also trying to teach her that there are other ways to stand up for her friends."
"Well Annika is blaming herself for this," Raye sighed. "She was just crying her little heart out."
"I'll go and talk to her," Mina stood up. "Where is she?"
"I left her with Amy," Raye replied.
"If you don't mind staying here. I don't want Gloria leaving her room," Mina stated. Raye agreed and watched as Mina left her quarters.
Mina went to Amy's office. She found Amy sitting at her desk. Annika was on her lap with a wad of tissues in her hand. Amy was comforting her.
"Hi Amy," Mina said as she walked in. "Mind if I take the little one off your hands right now?"
"Of course not," Amy replied. "I need to get some work done so I can get Ariel."
"Come on Annika," Mina held out her hand. "I need to talk to you for a few minutes and then I will take you to Mama."
"Am I in trouble," Annika asked nervously as she clutched Amy tightly.
"Of course not," Mina assured her. Amy whispered something in Annika's ear. Annika nodded her head and slid off Amy's lap. She took Mina's hand and followed her out of the office. Once they got to hallway Mina sat down on a chair and pulled Annika into her lap. "I understand you are upset about Gloria getting into trouble," Mina said.
"It's my fault," Annika wailed as tears fell down her face again.
"Listen to me," Mina instructed. "This was not your fault. Gloria was also rude to her teacher, which is the main reason why she got punished. I am also trying to teach her that there are other ways to defend her friends without hurting people. You are not to blame here."
"But Aunt Mina..." Annika began but Mina put her hand on the little girl's mouth.
"Annika it was not your fault," Mina assured her. "I promise you."
Annika gave a gusty sigh of resignation. "All right," she muttered.
Mina smiled. "How about I take you to Mama now? She is in my quarters." Annika nodded her head so Mina picked her up and carried her toward her quarters.
******
Time passed Christmas drew near. Annika continued to experiment with different arts and crafts and was showing talent. Raye continued to encourage her and Lita worked with her some too. Annika found it very enjoyable and it was something else she could focus on in place of her shyness. She also continued her training as a Shinto priestess and was becoming quite good at fire readings. However, her time in front of the fire was limited because Raye did not want her to worry about anti-evil chants and signs until she became a Sailor Scout.
One day Raye was doing a fire reading. She was trying to figure out when would the time to tell the children their destinies as Sailor Scouts. The fire did not reveal anything.
"Kami-sama," Raye told herself. "Well when Annika visited me in the past she was eight. She is only six now so I guess it is still a while." Raye however looked forward to the day when she could tell her daughter of her destiny. Maybe it would help her shyness.
"Mama," a voice called and Raye looked up. Annika, dressed in her priestess robe was standing beside her.
"What is Sweetheart," asked Raye.
"Look what I finished making," Annika held up a stuffed bear.
Raye gasped. "You made that?"
Annika nodded her head. "Yes Mama," she replied. "Aunt Lita showed me how to cut out the patterns and put them together. It was easy."
"I am so proud of you Darling," Raye pulled her little girl into her arms. "Something like this will make a great Christmas gift."
"That is what I wanted to tell you Mama,' Annika said. "I want to do this." Annika reached up and whispered in Raye's ear what she wanted to do.
Gloria was excited that it was Winter Break. Christmas was coming and the palace was beautifully decorated. Gloria loved Christmas. Receiving presents was always a lot of fun. She had given a long list to Santa Claus when Mina took her to see him.
Annika came around the corner and Gloria called to her, "Annika let's go play out in the snow."
"I can't," Annika replied. "I have to go to my quarters."
"Why," asked Gloria.
"I have to do something," Annika informed her.
"What do you have to do," asked Gloria in exasperation.
"It's secret," Annika whispered.
"You can tell me," Gloria pleaded with her.
"No," Annika whispered again.
"Why not," Gloria shouted angrily.
"Because I can't," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face.
"Stop being such a crybaby," Gloria shouted. "I can't believe you won't tell me this secret. I thought you were my best friend."
"You are," sobbed Annika. "But I can't tell you what I am doing right now."
"Fine," Gloria shouted. "Then I won't tell you anything either." With that she stomped off leaving Annika crying. "Stupid crybaby," Gloria thought to herself. "Who needs her?"
Over the next several days Gloria stayed away from Annika. She did not care if she hurt Annika's feelings. She was angry that Annika was too busy to play with her. Mina had tried to explain that Annika had other things to do but Gloria did not listen.
Christmas day arrived and the Royal family along with the Scouts and their families met downstairs that morning so the children could open their gifts. Gloria tore through hers in excitement at the new games and toys. She didn't care much about the clothes she got. Those got tossed aside.
Annika nervously came forward. At her mother's nudging she held a present out to Gloria. "This is for you," she whispered.
Gloria took the present. She opened it and gasped. It was a stuffed Artemis Annika had made for her. "It's Artemis,' she cried.
"I made it," Annika told her.
"That is why Annika was so busy the last several days," Mina informed her. "She wasn't trying to ignore you. She just wanted to surprise you."
"Annika has spent all of her free time working on that," Raye added as she picked Annika up.
"Oh Annika I am so sorry I was so mean to you," Gloria cried. "You really are my best friend."
"You're mine too which is why I wanted to make that for you," Annika whispered shyly as she rested her head on Raye's shoulder.
That night Gloria was sitting in her room. Her new stuffed Artemis was in her arm. She was writing something at her desk.
"Now there is something I never thought I would see," Asai commented as he and Mina came into the room. "Our daughter doing work on Christmas day." Gloria flushed a bright red.
"What are you doing Darling," asked Mina as she came up behind her.
"I am writing a thank you note to Annika," Gloria replied. "I really like the present she gave me."
"That's sweet of you," Mina told her. "She'll like that."
"I'm proud of you honey," Asai added as he tousled Gloria's hair.
"Will you both read the note before I send it," asked Gloria. "I want it to be good."
"Of course we will," Mina replied. "But now you need to go to bed."
"All right," Gloria sighed. She climbed into bed and let her parents tuck her in.
"Good night we love you," Asai said as he kissed Gloria.
"I love you too," Gloria replied.
Mina hugged her daughter tightly, "Merry Christmas my darling." Gloria snuggled down in her bed and went to sleep, happy that it was a wonderful Christmas and that she had a wonderful friend like Annika.
******
Annika sat on the examination bed in Amy's office feeling miserable. Raye was keeping a reassuring hand on her shoulder. About an hour ago the school had called Raye and told her that Annika had been sick twice. Raye had dashed over to pick her up and found a very miserable child half-asleep in the clinic. On the way home Raye had to pull over so that Annika could get sick again. As soon as they returned to the palace they went straight to Amy's office.
"Well she definitely has a stomach virus," Amy informed them. "Give her nothing but liquids and see if those will stay down. If not then I will need to run some tests."
"Thank you Amy," Raye replied.
"Mama..." Annika started to say but then without warning she promptly got sick all over herself, the bed and the floor. She burst into tears.
"It's okay Sweetheart," Raye assured her. "I am so sorry Amy."
"Raye I am a doctor and a mother," Amy replied as she started cleaning Annika up. "Annika is not the first child to get sick in here."
Annika continued to howl. "Calm down Sweetie," Raye told her daughter. "We'll go back to our quarters. I'll give you a warm bath and put you to bed." Annika nodded her head as she gasped for breath.
Amy came forward with a hospital gown. "Put this on her," she said. "No sense in her going through the palace like this. She might feel better."
"Thanks Amy," Raye replied. Carefully with Amy's help she changed Annika out of her dirty clothes into the gown. She then scooped up Annika and carried her back to her quarters.
Four days later Annika was still very sick. Nothing had stayed down. Amy had run some tests but she had to wait for the results. Annika was badly weakened from lack of nourishment. Raye had to carry her around because she was so lightheaded. Right now she was lying down on the couch waiting for Amy.
"How are you doing Sweetheart," Raye asked tenderly as she placed a hand on Annika's forehead.
"Sick," Annika muttered in a pitiful voice. Raye just smiled and kissed Annika on the forehead. A knock at the door announced Amy's arrival.
"Any change," asked Amy as she sat down by Annika. Raye shook her head. "I was afraid of that." Amy took Raye's arm and led her to a corner so she could talk without Annika hearing. "I am concerned because she has not been able to take in any nourishment. She is also getting dehydrated."
"What can we do," asked Raye. "She is not able to keep anything down."
"I need to check her into the hospital," Amy replied. "I need to feed her intravenously. Hopefully I can find something out and we can take care of her."
"I was afraid you were going to have to do this," Raye sighed. "But I know there is no other choice. She is so weak right now."
"You of course are welcome to visit as long as you need too," Amy assured her. "In fact when children are at the hospital I encourage parents to spend as much time by their side as possible. I know Annika is going to be scared and will want you."
"You know I won't leave her side," Raye firmly stated.
"I do order you to get some rest too," Amy commanded. "I can tell by just looking at you that you have not had any sleep in the last several days. You need to take care of yourself if you want to take care of your child."
"I will Amy," Raye promised.
"Let's tell Annika what's going on," Amy said. She and Raye went over to the couch. Raye pulled Annika onto her lap and Amy took the child's small hand into hers.
"Annika darling," Raye began. "Aunt Amy and I are very worried about you because of how sick you've been."
"I'm sorry Mama," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face. "I can't help it."
"We know Sweetheart," Raye assured the little girl.
"Annika you are going to need to stay in the hospital for a few days," Amy gently informed her.
"Why," wailed Annika as she clutched her mother's priestess robe.
"Because you are not able to keep any food in you," Amy replied. "I am going to have to feed you another way."
"I don't want to go," Annika sobbed.
"Calm down Annika," Amy ordered. "You will only make yourself sicker if you get all worked up. I know this is scary but Mama will stay with you and I will be there too."
"I want you to be brave," Raye said. "Can you do that?"
"I guess," Annika choked.
"That's my girl," Raye kissed Annika.
"Why don't you sit with me while Mama gets your stuff together," Amy held out her arms. Annika went into them. Raye headed toward Annika's room to pack her stuff. Annika snuggled down in Amy's arms feeling very miserable and scared.
"Hi Mommy," Gloria came bounding through the palace entrance with the other children.
"Hi Darling how was school," asked Mina as she hugged her daughter.
"No note today," Gloria stated proudly.
"Good for you," Mina cried in delight.
"She got one time out," Hope blurted out.
"Shut up," snapped Gloria angrily.
"Hope," Michiru chastised the child. "You shouldn't tattle."
Mina quickly led her daughter away before she did get into any more trouble. She could tell Gloria was angry. "That snitch," Gloria raged angrily. "Why did she have to tell you I got one time out today?"
"Hush Darling," Mina cautioned. "I am just glad you didn't have a note."
"So you're not mad at me," Gloria asked as Mina opened the door to their quarters.
"No," Mina sighed. She did not want to be angry with Gloria. She knew she had the difficult job of telling her child about Annika.
"Can I watch TV," asked Gloria.
"Not now Darling," Mina replied. "You need to do your homework first and I need to talk to you."
"About what," asked Gloria.
"Come here," Mina held out her hand. She drew Gloria over to her. "You know Annika has been sick for the last several days don't you."
"She threw up all over the place," Gloria giggled. "It was so yucky."
"Gloria," Mina said in a firm voice. Gloria clamped her mouth shut. "Annika has not been able to keep any food down. She is very weak as a result."
"Huh," asked Gloria with a confused look in her eyes.
"Annika is very sick right now," Mina trying to explain this in a way that a first grader would understand. "Aunt Amy had to put her in the palace hospital."
"Why Mommy," asked Gloria in a distressed voice.
"Because she is not getting better," Mina replied. "Aunt Amy is trying to make her better. That is why she put Annika into the hospital."
"I want to see her," Gloria demanded.
"I'm afraid you can't," Mina replied. "Aunt Amy does not want children to visit in the hospital."
"That's stupid," Gloria shouted. "I want to see her."
"Hush," Mina sternly ordered. "I know you want to see her but you can't. I'm sorry but that's the rules."
"Stupid rules," Gloria grumbled angrily. Mina did not say anything. She put her arm around her angry daughter and hugged her.
Gloria did not care about rules. She was going to see Annika. Thanks to her stint in the hospital a year ago she knew when would be a good time to sneak in.
She crept into Amy's office. Amy was not around. She slipped into the hospital wing. She heard voices coming from down the hall. Gloria crept down toward the source. She heard Amy's gentle voice talking with Annika.
"You just get some rest now and I will check on you later," Amy was saying.
"Where's Mama," Annika asked.
"She has to get some rest Sweetie," Amy replied. "Once Mama gets some rest she'll come back. Daddy will be here in a few minutes. It was the only way I could convince Raye to get some sleep. She would glue herself to Annika's side if I'd let her. "
"Okay," Annika murmured. Gloria heard Amy's footsteps approaching. She quickly hid in a closet. When she was sure that Amy was gone she slipped out and darted into Annika's room.
"Hi Annika," she whispered.
"Gloria," Annika's sad little face lit up. "What are you doing here?"
"Seeing you stupid," Gloria retorted.
"Don't call me stupid," Annika whined as her eyes brimmed with tears.
"Sorry," Gloria replied. She saw that Annika was hooked to something. "What is that?"
"Aunt Amy said that is how they are feeding me," Annika told her. "It's a needle."
"I hate needles," Gloria shuddered.
"Me too," Annika's eyes brimmed with tears. "So how did you get here? Aunt Amy said the kids could not visit me."
"I sneaked in," Gloria replied. "Mommy told me I couldn't see you but I wanted to."
"I'm glad you did," Annika whispered.
"She's right down here Chad," Amy's voice came from down the hall.
"Thanks Amy," Chad's voice replied. "Raye is getting some much needed rest right now and I know Annika is probably scared."
"Daddy's here," Annika hissed. "Hide."
Gloria quickly scrambled underneath the other bed. Chad and Amy came walking in. "Daddy's here Annika," Amy said.
"Daddy," Annika cried.
"Hi Princess," Chad sat down on the bed and gave his little girl a hug. "How are you feeling?"
"Yucky," Annika replied. "I want to go back to our quarters."
"I know you do honey," Chad told her. "But Aunt Amy knows what is best for you."
"I want Mama," Annika whimpered.
"Mama is getting some sleep right now," Chad replied. "She is going to come and spend the night in here with you tonight."
"Really," asked Annika in delight.
"Yes," Amy established "We know that if you get scared tonight Mama is who you will want."
"Good," Annika sat back with a smile. Suddenly she remembered Gloria was hiding underneath the bed. "Daddy I want Demos."
"Who," asked Chad.
"Demos my stuffed bird," Annika replied.
"You already have Snuggles and Floppy," Chad pointed out looking the stuffed dog and rabbit in bed with Annika.
"But I want Demos," Annika whined as she gave Chad her puppy dog eyes.
"All right I'll go and get him," Chad sighed as he got up. Annika's puppy dog eyes always got him.
"Thank you Daddy," Annika called.
"I have to go and check on Ariel," Amy told her. "Aunt Hotaru is here if you need anything."
"Kay Aunt Amy," Annika replied. When both Chad and Amy were gone Annika hissed. "They're gone."
"Good," Gloria crawled out. "I stay here for a little bit longer."
Chad got back to their quarters and went right to Annika's room. He looked around and saw the animal Annika wanted. He grabbed it and left the room. He ran into Raye who had just awakened.
"What are you doing here," she asked. "I thought you were going to be with Annika right now."
"She wanted Demos so I went back and got him," Chad replied.
"Why would she want Demos," Raye asked as she took the stuffed animal from Chad. "She never plays with him."
"She was insistent," Chad told her.
"Why do I have the feeling she's up to something," Raye muttered as she and Chad headed back toward the hospital.
"Raye, Chad have either one of you seen Gloria," asked Mina coming up. "I cannot find her anywhere."
"No we haven't," Raye replied. Then a thought occurred to her. "You don't suppose..."
"I wish I could play now," Annika murmured sadly.
"So do I," Gloria agreed. "School is no fun without you."
"I just hate being sick," Annika whined.
"We could try leaving like I did that time I was here," Gloria suggested.
"I think not," a stern voice came from the door. Gloria and Annika looked up to see Amy, Mina, Raye and Chad standing at the door. "Gloria Kathryn Aino what did I tell you?"
"That I couldn't see Annika," Gloria pouted. "But I wanted to."
"Well you can't," Mina took her daughter's hand. She dragged Gloria out of the room. Raye, Chad and Amy turned to reprimand Annika who immediately turned on her high-pitched wail.
"But Mommy I wanted to see Annika," Gloria cried as Mina dragged her back to their quarters.
"I know you do," Mina replied. "But that does not excuse you from disobeying me and sneaking in. Aunt Amy has her reasons for making rules. Children carry germs and we need to keep those germs away from sick people."
"Not fair," Gloria grumbled. "Just because I'm a kid means I can't see my best friend."
Mina's anger disappeared. She softly gazed at her daughter and then knelt down and pulled the child into her arms. "I'm sorry Sweetie," she whispered. "I know you miss her but I promise as soon as Annika is better we will have her over."
"Really," asked Gloria as her eyes lit up.
"Really," Mina replied as she hugged her daughter tightly.
"Mama I'm sorry about Gloria," Annika murmured that evening. Once Gloria and Mina had left Raye and Chad worked on calming their daughter down. Once Annika was calm Amy quietly explained why Gloria should not visit her in the hospital.
"It's okay Sweetheart," Raye assured as she sat down on the bed and pulled Annika into her arms. "I know you miss your friends right now."
"Are we all settled for the night," Amy asked coming into the room.
"I think we are," Raye replied. "I gave Annika her bath and I am going to read her a story."
"Good," Amy smiled as she pulled out a new IV bag.
"No not the needle again," Annika wailed as she hid under her covers.
"I'm sorry Annika but we have to," Amy replied.
Annika screamed as she buried herself under the covers. Raye sighed and pulled her daughter out. She pressed Annika's face to her chest and gave Amy the go ahead nod. Annika whimpered as the needle was stuck into her again. "There that wasn't so bad," Amy gently stroked Annika's hair. She turned to Raye. "I'll have the results of the tests tomorrow. Maybe we can prescribe some medication that will get rid of this virus."
"That would be great," Raye replied. She smiled down at Annika. "We would like to get back to routine wouldn't we?" Annika nodded her head.
"My two night nurses are here if you need anything," Amy informed them. "And you can call me should something come up."
"Thank you Amy," Raye replied. Amy kissed Annika goodnight and left. Raye finished getting Annika ready for bed.
Three days later Gloria was sitting moodily on her bed. Since Annika was put in the hospital Gloria had not felt much like playing. She missed her best friend terribly and wished she were out of the hospital.
"How are you doing Darling," Mina asked coming into the room.
"I miss Annika," Gloria muttered.
"I know you do," Mina told her as she sat down. She reached over and pulled Gloria onto her lap. "But I do have good news for you."
"What is it," asked Gloria.
"The medicine Aunt Amy has given Annika is working. Annika is leaving the hospital today and Aunt Raye said she should be back at school in a couple of days," Mina replied.
"Really," asked Gloria in delight.
"Yes," Mina laughed. "So as soon as Annika is up to it she can come over and spend the night."
"Hurrah," Gloria squealed in delight as she hugged her mother tightly.
******
Annika recovered nicely and was soon back into the swing of things. Amy helped her catch up on her schoolwork and Gloria and the twins were glad to have their friend back in their class.
Gloria was finding a strong love for playing pranks on people. Many times she got into trouble. Annika occasionally got roped into helping her and usually ended up in trouble.
One day during math the class was given some problems to do in their books. Once they were done they could play some games. Annika and Gloria were both finished and were playing a game together. Gloria was gazing at one child Tori who was playing nearby. Tori could be easily antagonized. "Annika," Gloria hissed. "I have an idea."
"What is it," asked Annika.
"Let's glue Tori's book shut," Gloria giggled. "When she tries to open it she won't be able too."
"I don't know," Annika murmured doubtfully. "We could get into a lot of trouble."
"Oh come on it will be fun," Gloria coaxed. "Let's do it."
"All right," Annika agreed a little reluctantly. She followed Gloria over to Tori's desk. They pulled Tori's Reader out of her desk and glued the pages together. Giggling they went back to their game.
An hour later Tori's reading group was called up. She was in the highest reading group along with Hope. Annika and Gloria were doing their seatwork.
"Ms. Hoshino someone glued my book together," wailed Tori as she tried to open her book.
"Now who did that," demanded Ms. Hoshino.
"I know," piped up one girl named Kita, the class snitch. "It was Gloria and Annika."
"Gloria and Annika is that true," asked Ms. Hoshino sternly.
"So what if it is," Gloria retorted in a rude voice.
"Young lady answer my question," Ms. Hoshino commanded.
"Yes," Gloria replied. Annika let out a high pitch wail indicating her guilt.
"You both have just lost recess and your parents will be getting a note from me," Ms. Hoshino informed them. The last remark made Annika cry even harder.
"It's almost that time," Lita observed as she and the other Scouts, minus Amy and Setsuna gathered around in the entry hall. Since Ariel was only four she was not in school yet and Pluto was at her post.
"Yes the rug rats should be home soon," Michiru agreed. "Let's hope for a good day."
"Here they come," called Hotaru. The children all came in and ran to their parents.
"How was everyone's day," asked Michiru.
"Good," Hope called.
"What's wrong Annika," Raye asked. Annika was clutching her bookbag close to her and not giving it to Raye.
"Nothing," Annika muttered.
"Then let me see your bookbag," Raye ordered.
"No," Annika protested.
"Excuse me," Raye demanded. Annika never talked back. "Hand it over." Annika shook her head as tears rolled down her face. "What don't you want me to see?"
"I have an idea," Mina spoke up grimly. She held up a note. "It seem that Gloria and a friend glued another child's book closed today."
"Annika," Raye spoke in a very stern voice. "Hand it over."
"No," Annika screamed. Raye reached for the bag. Annika jerked away and screamed. Raye grabbed Annika by the waist. The little girl began to kick and scream as she tried to break free from her mother's grasp.
"Annika Raye Hino this is quite enough," Raye shouted but Annika continued to kick and scream.
"My goodness," gasped Lita. "I never knew Annika threw tantrums."
"First time for everything," Michiru commented.
Raye decided she was just going to have to deal with this in her quarters. Wrapping an arm around Annika's waist she picked the child up and carried her away. Mina turned angrily to her daughter. "Let's go," she snapped. "We are going to our quarters and believe me you are going to be there for a long time."
Raye opened the door to her quarters and dropped Annika on the couch. She managed to pry the bookbag from the screaming child. Fishing around she found the note and read it. She turned sternly toward Annika. "Stop that screaming right now," she ordered but Annika continued her tantrum. "I said that's enough," Raye shouted her temper starting to go. Annika paid no attention. She continued to scream. Raye finally just picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. "You can stay in there until you finish your tantrum," she stated as she plunked Annika on the bed. Then she turned around and walked away.
Gloria angrily lay on her bed. Her bottom was sore from the spanking her mother gave her when they returned to their quarters. Now her mother was in the other room trying to decide on the rest of her punishment. "It's not fair," Gloria thought to herself. "It was just a joke. Why do I have to get into trouble?"
Mina came walking into the room. She still had a stern look on her face. Gloria sat up and glared at her mother. "You can wipe that frown off your face right now young lady," Mina told her. "You were the one who got into trouble and now you will be punished for it."
"It was just a joke," Gloria snapped.
"Not a very funny one," Mina stated. "You will be paying for a new book with your allowance."
"Not fair," Gloria shrieked but Mina ignored the protest.
"You will also be grounded for the next two weeks, which means no television, no video games or playing with friends. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes," Gloria grumbled as she flopped back down on the bed. She began to wonder if she was the only one who got punished as much as she did.
It was about a half an hour before the screaming finally stopped from Annika's room. Raye figured she must have lost her voice or got tired of screaming. Raye picked up the note and went back into Annika's bedroom. The little girl was lying on her bed gasping for breath. Her temper tantrum had completely worn her out. Scuff-marks on the wall told Raye that Annika had done some kicking.
"Sit up," Raye ordered as she sat down on the bed. Annika did as she was told. Raye held up the note. "I am very disappointed in you. You know better than to do something like that."
"But Gloria told me to," Annika protested but Raye held up her hand.
"I have told you many times that you are responsible for your own behavior," Raye stated. "I have also told you not to do something when you know it is wrong haven't I?"
"Yes Ma'am," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face.
"You know I am going to have to punish you," Raye told her. Annika nodded her head. "For two weeks you are confined to our quarters unless the family is doing something together have I made myself clear?"
"Yes Mama," Annika sniffed.
"There is also a palace party in a couple of weeks," Raye pointed out. "You will go to it but you will not be allowed to leave my side or Daddy's during it. Do you understand?"
"But Mama those parties are so boring already," Annika whined. "If I can't play with my friends it will be even more boring."
"I'm sorry," Raye replied. "But the last party we had here you got into some wine and you were with Gloria. Now today you got into trouble because of Gloria. That is why at the next party I will be keeping a tight reign on you."
Annika gave a gusty sigh. She knew if she argued she would be in bigger trouble. She felt her mother put an arm around her. Relieved to know that Raye still loved her, Annika climbed onto her mother's lap and snuggled down into her arms.
In the end Annika was glad that her parents made her stay with them at that party. Gloria got into a fight with Daisy and got into huge trouble. Annika had been relieved that she had not been a part of it.
******
Gradually the book incident was forgotten and life went on at the palace. Annika, Gloria, and the twins completed first grade successfully. When they entered second grade there were two surprises for them. The first was that Faith was in a different classroom this year. The second was that five-year-old Ariel was put in the second grade with them. She had been tested and it was decided she could skip both kindergarten and first grade. Gloria openly complained about it but if someone were teasing Ariel about her young age, Gloria was always the first one to stick up for her. Now the class bullies focused on both Annika and Ariel. Ariel had it easier since she spent the mornings in the gifted classroom but Annika was in the room all day and had to put up with a lot.
One child in particular focused on Annika. Her name was Miyaki. Although she was not a bully she was very unkind and had a strong dislike for Annika. When she saw that Annika was easily upset she made it a point to pick on her everyday. To make matters worse their teacher, Ms. Brown sat Miyaki and Annika right by each other. Miyaki usually spent the day picking on Annika. Annika could not go to Ms. Brown about it because in their teacher's mind the children from the palace lead spoiled, indulged lives and needed a harsh taste of reality. So poor Annika put up with Miyaki as much as she could but always cried on the way home from school. Gloria found herself wishing she sat closer to Annika in the classroom so she could look out for her. Unfortunately Ms. Hoshino had fully briefed Ms. Brown on her antics so Gloria got put in the front of the room under the teacher's watchful eye.
One day the children were working independently on their seatwork while Ms. Brown was working with Reading groups. Annika had gotten most of her work done and was planning on reading a book when she finished.
"Annika I am going to tell on you," Miyaki snarled.
"What did I do," Annika asked.
"I had 200 yen in my desk and you took it," Miyaki replied.
[Author's note: 200 yen is roughly around $2.00 give or take a few cents. I figured even in the 30th century a second grader is not going to be carrying that much money around.]
"No I didn't," Annika protested.
"Yes you did," snapped Miyaki. "It was right here and now it is gone. You took it."
"I did not take," Annika choked as tears started to roll down her face.
"Yes you did," Miyaki insisted. Annika could not take anymore. She had to endure Miyaki's picking everyday and now she was accusing her of stealing. Annika burst into tears and began to cry really hard.
"What's the matter Annika," Hope came over and put an arm around Annika. Gloria came over too.
"Miyaki..." Annika could not get the words out.
"What did you do to her," asked Gloria angrily.
"She took my money," Miyaki replied.
"No I didn't,' Annika howled.
"Yes you did," Miyaki snapped.
"You creep," Gloria swung at Miyaki and caught her square in the jaw. Miyaki angrily got up and hit Gloria back. In a few minutes there was a brawl on the floor. Ms. Brown who had stepped out of the room for a moment came flying back in.
"Girls," she shouted pulling Miyaki and Gloria apart. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Annika stole my money and then Gloria punched me," Miyaki shouted angrily.
"I didn't take her money," Annika screamed as tears streamed down her face.
"Yes you did," Miyaki shouted back angrily.
"Shut up," Gloria raged.
"Annika give Miyaki back her money," Ms. Brown ordered.
"I did not take it," Annika screamed in fury.
"Yes she did," Miyaki yelled.
"Leave her alone," Gloria screamed.
"Enough," Ms. Brown bellowed. "All three of you to the principal's office now."
Raye and Mina had each gotten a phone call from the school requesting them to come out immediately. When they got to the principal's office Annika, Gloria and another girl were all sitting on the couch. Annika was hysterically crying. She saw her mother and torpedoed into her arms.
"What's wrong Sweetheart," Raye asked in concern as she held her daughter close to her.
"She stole my money," Miyaki snapped.
"No I didn't," Annika screamed.
"My child would never lie," Miyaki's mother pointed out.
"And my child doesn't steal," Raye snapped.
"Let's everyone calm down," the principal ordered. "And Ms. Brown will explain what happened."
Raye, Mina and Miyaki's mother sat and listened to the story. Raye turned to Annika when Ms. Brown finished talking. "Annika did you take Miyaki's money?"
"No Mama," sobbed Annika looking at her mother right in the eye.
"I believe her," Raye stated. "She looked at me right in the eye. She can't do that when she is lying to me."
"Then why would my daughter say she took it," asked Miyaki's mother.
"Because she hates Annika," Gloria piped up. She had been sitting quietly the entire time.
"Well she is a crybaby," Miyaki snapped.
"Enough young lady," Miyaki's mother ordered sternly.
"Ms. Brown didn't believe me when I told her I didn't take the money," Annika howled.
"What," Raye shrieked in fury.
"I had one child's word over the other," Ms. Brown explained.
"She's also dating Miyaki's uncle," Gloria snapped.
"Enough everyone," the principal stated. "Now that I know Annika is innocent I won't need to punish her. As for the others..."
Gloria and Miyaki both got suspended for two days. Mina was furious. Annika was so hysterical that Raye decided to take her home for the rest of the day. Raye was also furious that her child got accused of stealing and the teacher did not believe her.
Once they got back to the palace Raye took Annika to Amy's office. She was still seething and Annika was still crying.
"My goodness," Amy commented when she saw how upset Annika was. "What happened?"
Raye filled her in. "I am so angry at the teacher Amy," she stated. "I want to pull Annika out of that school and home school her." Amy shook her head. "Why not?"
"We've been through this before Raye," Amy explained. "She will never break out of her shell if you keep her home. Annika has to learn to function in the real world otherwise she will never make it through life."
"You're right," Raye sighed. "It's just so hard."
"I know how you feel," Amy pointed out. "My little Ariel goes through this too."
"Mama," sobbed Annika. "Gloria got into trouble because of me again."
"Oh Sweetie," Raye sighed as she pulled Annika into a tight hug. "Remember how I told you that you are responsible for your actions?" Annika nodded her head. "Well Gloria is responsible for her behavior. It is not your fault. Do you understand?"
Amy came around and picked Annika up. "What Mama says is true," she informed the child. "This is not your fault."
"Okay," Annika whispered. She still felt bad that Gloria got into trouble though.
"No fighting," Mina was saying. "I tell you that all the time but you never listen."
"I got mad at Miyaki," Gloria snapped. "She said that Annika stole her money. She made Annika cry."
"I am glad you want to stick up for your friends," Mina softly replied. "But I want you to control yourself. Fighting is not the answer. You are not to hit people."
"But Mom..." Gloria started to say but Mina held up her hand.
"Enough," Mina told her. "I have told you no fighting. You are suspended for two days. You will spend those two days helping out one of the maids. Do you understand?"
"Yes Ma'am," Gloria muttered. She sat back miserably. All she wanted to do was stick up for her best friend and once again she was in trouble.
To be continued in Subpart C.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at http://angelrayeschibiscouts.homestead.com/angelraye.html
Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
Friendship Series
Part One: Annika and Gloria
Subpart B
By
Angel Raye
The incident at the party left one major result and that was Gloria discovering how much fun it was to play tricks on people. She became a regular prankster. By the time Gloria, Annika and the twins got through kindergarten they were known as palace brats but Gloria got labeled as a troublemaker, Annika was labeled as a crybaby, Faith as a tough tomboy and Hope as a Priss. Annika hated her label. Of course when people called her a crybaby she only started crying more. She spent a lot of time with Gloria who protected her. Of course that also meant that Annika sometimes got roped into her antics. She always got punished for participating but Annika could not refuse Gloria who had a much stronger personality.
When the girls entered first grade they all got put into the same class again. Ms. James had briefed their teacher Ms. Hoshino on the four palace children. She decided to give Gloria a chance before making any moves.
In an attempt to try and break Annika out of her shyness, Raye signed her up for an art class. Hope and Daisy also were in the class. Annika's talents for arts and crafts grew and Raye was pleased to see that she was developing a hobby.
Gloria developed a couple of hobbies too, playing pranks and getting into trouble. Mina was in constant despair over it. It seemed that no amount of punishment worked.
Despite the opposite personalities Annika and Gloria grew closer each day. Unfortunately Annika had a tendency to follow Gloria's lead which usually ended her up in trouble. Gloria, although liked to antagonize Annika, was quick to protect her from others.
One day the first grade was having art. Annika and Hope were thrilled when they got to paint. Annika was very meticulous about her work and painted slowly.
"Hey let's see what the crybaby is painting," sneered a voice. Annika turned to see it was one of the bullies, John.
"Leave me alone," she whispered.
"Why should I crybaby," asked John. "Or maybe I should call you palace brat."
Annika turned back to her painting. Raye had told her to ignore the kids who pick on her but it was hard.
"Come on crybaby," laughed John. "Give us some tears."
Annika swallowed a lump that appeared in her throat. Tears formed in her eyes.
"Crybaby," laughed John as he saw the tears. "We need to put some diapers on you."
Gloria overheard all of this. She was already in trouble for not doing homework and talking back to the teacher so she tried to stay out of this. But hearing Annika's sniffles made her angry. Why did they keep bothering her? Gloria scooped up a glob of paint in her hands and walked over to John. He was still taunting Annika.
"Hey John," Gloria called.
"What do you want palace brat," he asked. In response Gloria tossed the handful of paint at him. It hit him square in the face. "Hey," he shouted angrily.
"Leave my friend alone," snapped Gloria. She grabbed another handful of paint and threw it at him again.
"Gloria Aino," the art teacher demanded angrily. "What do you think you are doing?"
"None of your business," Gloria snapped and she stuck her tongue out at the teacher.
"Let's go young lady," the art teacher dragged Gloria away.
"All right," Mina said as calmly as she could after school that afternoon. "I can understand you wanting to stick up for your friend. If that had been the only thing you had done I would have let you off. What I won't tolerate is the rudeness and the disrespect you have for your teacher."
"What's the big deal," Gloria asked rudely.
"You are not to be rude to your teachers," Mina stated sternly. Your manners are atrocious. You need to be polite to your teachers and you need to do what you are supposed to do."
"I don't have to," Gloria snapped. Mina had enough. She took hold of Gloria and delivered a few swats to her backside.
"Watch that mouth of yours young lady," Mina shouted. "You have already lost recess this week. Now you are going to lose television and video games for a whole week. You will also be writing a letter of apology to the art teacher for your behavior today. Do I make myself clear?"
Tears burning in her eyes Gloria nodded her head.
Raye was kneeling in front of the fire doing a reading. At the time things were quiet. There were no enemies to fight. Raye was thankful about that. Whenever the Scouts and Knights had to fight the children were left in the care of the palace nannies.
The sound of sniffling broke Raye out of her meditation. It sounded like the sniffling was coming from right next to her but Raye saw that she was alone in the shrine. Realizing her psychic abilities had been reached Raye headed toward Annika's room. Her psychic powers were sharper where Annika was concerned. If she was close enough she could sense when Annika was upset.
Raye peeked into her daughter's room and saw Annika sitting on the bed, clutching Snuggles to her chest and crying. "What's wrong Sweetheart," Raye asked as she sat down on the bed. She pulled Annika into her arms.
"Gloria got in trouble and it's all my fault," sobbed Annika.
"How is it your fault," asked Raye as she stroked Annika's long purple hair.
"John was making fun of me," Annika replied as she wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her mother's priestess robe. "That's why Gloria threw the paint."
"Oh Sweetie it's not your fault," Raye assured her daughter. "Gloria needs to find other ways to help you."
"Mama," Annika murmured. "Why do people make fun of me? I can't help crying. I try not to but I just can't help it."
Raye hesitated. She always found it ironic that she ended up with such a sensitive child. After all when she and the queen had first met as teenagers she had the least patience with her crying. Now she had Annika who cried just as much as Serenity did. If anything Raye found herself much more patient with the queen whenever she was on one of her crying sprees. Fortunately the queen did not cry as much now that she was an adult. Raye hoped it would be the same for Annika.
"You're just more sensitive than most people," Raye told her daughter.
"I just wish Gloria did not get in trouble because of me," Annika sobbed.
"Why don't I go and talk to Aunt Mina," Raye suggested. "Maybe I can tell her how you feel."
"Okay," Annika choked as she snuggled into Raye's arms.
"I'll take you to Aunt Amy's office so you can be with her while I talk to Aunt Mina," Raye informed Annika. She realized as upset as Annika was right now she did not need to be alone. She picked Annika up and carried her out of her room.
"Come on in Raye," Mina muttered in a weary voice. "What can I do for you?"
"Annika is very upset right now," Raye replied as she sat down. "She is blaming herself for Gloria getting into trouble."
"Why is that," asked Mina.
"Because Gloria was sticking up for her," Raye pointed out.
"I understand," Mina replied. "However Gloria is in trouble because of how rude she was to her teachers. I am also trying to teach her that there are other ways to stand up for her friends."
"Well Annika is blaming herself for this," Raye sighed. "She was just crying her little heart out."
"I'll go and talk to her," Mina stood up. "Where is she?"
"I left her with Amy," Raye replied.
"If you don't mind staying here. I don't want Gloria leaving her room," Mina stated. Raye agreed and watched as Mina left her quarters.
Mina went to Amy's office. She found Amy sitting at her desk. Annika was on her lap with a wad of tissues in her hand. Amy was comforting her.
"Hi Amy," Mina said as she walked in. "Mind if I take the little one off your hands right now?"
"Of course not," Amy replied. "I need to get some work done so I can get Ariel."
"Come on Annika," Mina held out her hand. "I need to talk to you for a few minutes and then I will take you to Mama."
"Am I in trouble," Annika asked nervously as she clutched Amy tightly.
"Of course not," Mina assured her. Amy whispered something in Annika's ear. Annika nodded her head and slid off Amy's lap. She took Mina's hand and followed her out of the office. Once they got to hallway Mina sat down on a chair and pulled Annika into her lap. "I understand you are upset about Gloria getting into trouble," Mina said.
"It's my fault," Annika wailed as tears fell down her face again.
"Listen to me," Mina instructed. "This was not your fault. Gloria was also rude to her teacher, which is the main reason why she got punished. I am also trying to teach her that there are other ways to defend her friends without hurting people. You are not to blame here."
"But Aunt Mina..." Annika began but Mina put her hand on the little girl's mouth.
"Annika it was not your fault," Mina assured her. "I promise you."
Annika gave a gusty sigh of resignation. "All right," she muttered.
Mina smiled. "How about I take you to Mama now? She is in my quarters." Annika nodded her head so Mina picked her up and carried her toward her quarters.
******
Time passed Christmas drew near. Annika continued to experiment with different arts and crafts and was showing talent. Raye continued to encourage her and Lita worked with her some too. Annika found it very enjoyable and it was something else she could focus on in place of her shyness. She also continued her training as a Shinto priestess and was becoming quite good at fire readings. However, her time in front of the fire was limited because Raye did not want her to worry about anti-evil chants and signs until she became a Sailor Scout.
One day Raye was doing a fire reading. She was trying to figure out when would the time to tell the children their destinies as Sailor Scouts. The fire did not reveal anything.
"Kami-sama," Raye told herself. "Well when Annika visited me in the past she was eight. She is only six now so I guess it is still a while." Raye however looked forward to the day when she could tell her daughter of her destiny. Maybe it would help her shyness.
"Mama," a voice called and Raye looked up. Annika, dressed in her priestess robe was standing beside her.
"What is Sweetheart," asked Raye.
"Look what I finished making," Annika held up a stuffed bear.
Raye gasped. "You made that?"
Annika nodded her head. "Yes Mama," she replied. "Aunt Lita showed me how to cut out the patterns and put them together. It was easy."
"I am so proud of you Darling," Raye pulled her little girl into her arms. "Something like this will make a great Christmas gift."
"That is what I wanted to tell you Mama,' Annika said. "I want to do this." Annika reached up and whispered in Raye's ear what she wanted to do.
Gloria was excited that it was Winter Break. Christmas was coming and the palace was beautifully decorated. Gloria loved Christmas. Receiving presents was always a lot of fun. She had given a long list to Santa Claus when Mina took her to see him.
Annika came around the corner and Gloria called to her, "Annika let's go play out in the snow."
"I can't," Annika replied. "I have to go to my quarters."
"Why," asked Gloria.
"I have to do something," Annika informed her.
"What do you have to do," asked Gloria in exasperation.
"It's secret," Annika whispered.
"You can tell me," Gloria pleaded with her.
"No," Annika whispered again.
"Why not," Gloria shouted angrily.
"Because I can't," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face.
"Stop being such a crybaby," Gloria shouted. "I can't believe you won't tell me this secret. I thought you were my best friend."
"You are," sobbed Annika. "But I can't tell you what I am doing right now."
"Fine," Gloria shouted. "Then I won't tell you anything either." With that she stomped off leaving Annika crying. "Stupid crybaby," Gloria thought to herself. "Who needs her?"
Over the next several days Gloria stayed away from Annika. She did not care if she hurt Annika's feelings. She was angry that Annika was too busy to play with her. Mina had tried to explain that Annika had other things to do but Gloria did not listen.
Christmas day arrived and the Royal family along with the Scouts and their families met downstairs that morning so the children could open their gifts. Gloria tore through hers in excitement at the new games and toys. She didn't care much about the clothes she got. Those got tossed aside.
Annika nervously came forward. At her mother's nudging she held a present out to Gloria. "This is for you," she whispered.
Gloria took the present. She opened it and gasped. It was a stuffed Artemis Annika had made for her. "It's Artemis,' she cried.
"I made it," Annika told her.
"That is why Annika was so busy the last several days," Mina informed her. "She wasn't trying to ignore you. She just wanted to surprise you."
"Annika has spent all of her free time working on that," Raye added as she picked Annika up.
"Oh Annika I am so sorry I was so mean to you," Gloria cried. "You really are my best friend."
"You're mine too which is why I wanted to make that for you," Annika whispered shyly as she rested her head on Raye's shoulder.
That night Gloria was sitting in her room. Her new stuffed Artemis was in her arm. She was writing something at her desk.
"Now there is something I never thought I would see," Asai commented as he and Mina came into the room. "Our daughter doing work on Christmas day." Gloria flushed a bright red.
"What are you doing Darling," asked Mina as she came up behind her.
"I am writing a thank you note to Annika," Gloria replied. "I really like the present she gave me."
"That's sweet of you," Mina told her. "She'll like that."
"I'm proud of you honey," Asai added as he tousled Gloria's hair.
"Will you both read the note before I send it," asked Gloria. "I want it to be good."
"Of course we will," Mina replied. "But now you need to go to bed."
"All right," Gloria sighed. She climbed into bed and let her parents tuck her in.
"Good night we love you," Asai said as he kissed Gloria.
"I love you too," Gloria replied.
Mina hugged her daughter tightly, "Merry Christmas my darling." Gloria snuggled down in her bed and went to sleep, happy that it was a wonderful Christmas and that she had a wonderful friend like Annika.
******
Annika sat on the examination bed in Amy's office feeling miserable. Raye was keeping a reassuring hand on her shoulder. About an hour ago the school had called Raye and told her that Annika had been sick twice. Raye had dashed over to pick her up and found a very miserable child half-asleep in the clinic. On the way home Raye had to pull over so that Annika could get sick again. As soon as they returned to the palace they went straight to Amy's office.
"Well she definitely has a stomach virus," Amy informed them. "Give her nothing but liquids and see if those will stay down. If not then I will need to run some tests."
"Thank you Amy," Raye replied.
"Mama..." Annika started to say but then without warning she promptly got sick all over herself, the bed and the floor. She burst into tears.
"It's okay Sweetheart," Raye assured her. "I am so sorry Amy."
"Raye I am a doctor and a mother," Amy replied as she started cleaning Annika up. "Annika is not the first child to get sick in here."
Annika continued to howl. "Calm down Sweetie," Raye told her daughter. "We'll go back to our quarters. I'll give you a warm bath and put you to bed." Annika nodded her head as she gasped for breath.
Amy came forward with a hospital gown. "Put this on her," she said. "No sense in her going through the palace like this. She might feel better."
"Thanks Amy," Raye replied. Carefully with Amy's help she changed Annika out of her dirty clothes into the gown. She then scooped up Annika and carried her back to her quarters.
Four days later Annika was still very sick. Nothing had stayed down. Amy had run some tests but she had to wait for the results. Annika was badly weakened from lack of nourishment. Raye had to carry her around because she was so lightheaded. Right now she was lying down on the couch waiting for Amy.
"How are you doing Sweetheart," Raye asked tenderly as she placed a hand on Annika's forehead.
"Sick," Annika muttered in a pitiful voice. Raye just smiled and kissed Annika on the forehead. A knock at the door announced Amy's arrival.
"Any change," asked Amy as she sat down by Annika. Raye shook her head. "I was afraid of that." Amy took Raye's arm and led her to a corner so she could talk without Annika hearing. "I am concerned because she has not been able to take in any nourishment. She is also getting dehydrated."
"What can we do," asked Raye. "She is not able to keep anything down."
"I need to check her into the hospital," Amy replied. "I need to feed her intravenously. Hopefully I can find something out and we can take care of her."
"I was afraid you were going to have to do this," Raye sighed. "But I know there is no other choice. She is so weak right now."
"You of course are welcome to visit as long as you need too," Amy assured her. "In fact when children are at the hospital I encourage parents to spend as much time by their side as possible. I know Annika is going to be scared and will want you."
"You know I won't leave her side," Raye firmly stated.
"I do order you to get some rest too," Amy commanded. "I can tell by just looking at you that you have not had any sleep in the last several days. You need to take care of yourself if you want to take care of your child."
"I will Amy," Raye promised.
"Let's tell Annika what's going on," Amy said. She and Raye went over to the couch. Raye pulled Annika onto her lap and Amy took the child's small hand into hers.
"Annika darling," Raye began. "Aunt Amy and I are very worried about you because of how sick you've been."
"I'm sorry Mama," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face. "I can't help it."
"We know Sweetheart," Raye assured the little girl.
"Annika you are going to need to stay in the hospital for a few days," Amy gently informed her.
"Why," wailed Annika as she clutched her mother's priestess robe.
"Because you are not able to keep any food in you," Amy replied. "I am going to have to feed you another way."
"I don't want to go," Annika sobbed.
"Calm down Annika," Amy ordered. "You will only make yourself sicker if you get all worked up. I know this is scary but Mama will stay with you and I will be there too."
"I want you to be brave," Raye said. "Can you do that?"
"I guess," Annika choked.
"That's my girl," Raye kissed Annika.
"Why don't you sit with me while Mama gets your stuff together," Amy held out her arms. Annika went into them. Raye headed toward Annika's room to pack her stuff. Annika snuggled down in Amy's arms feeling very miserable and scared.
"Hi Mommy," Gloria came bounding through the palace entrance with the other children.
"Hi Darling how was school," asked Mina as she hugged her daughter.
"No note today," Gloria stated proudly.
"Good for you," Mina cried in delight.
"She got one time out," Hope blurted out.
"Shut up," snapped Gloria angrily.
"Hope," Michiru chastised the child. "You shouldn't tattle."
Mina quickly led her daughter away before she did get into any more trouble. She could tell Gloria was angry. "That snitch," Gloria raged angrily. "Why did she have to tell you I got one time out today?"
"Hush Darling," Mina cautioned. "I am just glad you didn't have a note."
"So you're not mad at me," Gloria asked as Mina opened the door to their quarters.
"No," Mina sighed. She did not want to be angry with Gloria. She knew she had the difficult job of telling her child about Annika.
"Can I watch TV," asked Gloria.
"Not now Darling," Mina replied. "You need to do your homework first and I need to talk to you."
"About what," asked Gloria.
"Come here," Mina held out her hand. She drew Gloria over to her. "You know Annika has been sick for the last several days don't you."
"She threw up all over the place," Gloria giggled. "It was so yucky."
"Gloria," Mina said in a firm voice. Gloria clamped her mouth shut. "Annika has not been able to keep any food down. She is very weak as a result."
"Huh," asked Gloria with a confused look in her eyes.
"Annika is very sick right now," Mina trying to explain this in a way that a first grader would understand. "Aunt Amy had to put her in the palace hospital."
"Why Mommy," asked Gloria in a distressed voice.
"Because she is not getting better," Mina replied. "Aunt Amy is trying to make her better. That is why she put Annika into the hospital."
"I want to see her," Gloria demanded.
"I'm afraid you can't," Mina replied. "Aunt Amy does not want children to visit in the hospital."
"That's stupid," Gloria shouted. "I want to see her."
"Hush," Mina sternly ordered. "I know you want to see her but you can't. I'm sorry but that's the rules."
"Stupid rules," Gloria grumbled angrily. Mina did not say anything. She put her arm around her angry daughter and hugged her.
Gloria did not care about rules. She was going to see Annika. Thanks to her stint in the hospital a year ago she knew when would be a good time to sneak in.
She crept into Amy's office. Amy was not around. She slipped into the hospital wing. She heard voices coming from down the hall. Gloria crept down toward the source. She heard Amy's gentle voice talking with Annika.
"You just get some rest now and I will check on you later," Amy was saying.
"Where's Mama," Annika asked.
"She has to get some rest Sweetie," Amy replied. "Once Mama gets some rest she'll come back. Daddy will be here in a few minutes. It was the only way I could convince Raye to get some sleep. She would glue herself to Annika's side if I'd let her. "
"Okay," Annika murmured. Gloria heard Amy's footsteps approaching. She quickly hid in a closet. When she was sure that Amy was gone she slipped out and darted into Annika's room.
"Hi Annika," she whispered.
"Gloria," Annika's sad little face lit up. "What are you doing here?"
"Seeing you stupid," Gloria retorted.
"Don't call me stupid," Annika whined as her eyes brimmed with tears.
"Sorry," Gloria replied. She saw that Annika was hooked to something. "What is that?"
"Aunt Amy said that is how they are feeding me," Annika told her. "It's a needle."
"I hate needles," Gloria shuddered.
"Me too," Annika's eyes brimmed with tears. "So how did you get here? Aunt Amy said the kids could not visit me."
"I sneaked in," Gloria replied. "Mommy told me I couldn't see you but I wanted to."
"I'm glad you did," Annika whispered.
"She's right down here Chad," Amy's voice came from down the hall.
"Thanks Amy," Chad's voice replied. "Raye is getting some much needed rest right now and I know Annika is probably scared."
"Daddy's here," Annika hissed. "Hide."
Gloria quickly scrambled underneath the other bed. Chad and Amy came walking in. "Daddy's here Annika," Amy said.
"Daddy," Annika cried.
"Hi Princess," Chad sat down on the bed and gave his little girl a hug. "How are you feeling?"
"Yucky," Annika replied. "I want to go back to our quarters."
"I know you do honey," Chad told her. "But Aunt Amy knows what is best for you."
"I want Mama," Annika whimpered.
"Mama is getting some sleep right now," Chad replied. "She is going to come and spend the night in here with you tonight."
"Really," asked Annika in delight.
"Yes," Amy established "We know that if you get scared tonight Mama is who you will want."
"Good," Annika sat back with a smile. Suddenly she remembered Gloria was hiding underneath the bed. "Daddy I want Demos."
"Who," asked Chad.
"Demos my stuffed bird," Annika replied.
"You already have Snuggles and Floppy," Chad pointed out looking the stuffed dog and rabbit in bed with Annika.
"But I want Demos," Annika whined as she gave Chad her puppy dog eyes.
"All right I'll go and get him," Chad sighed as he got up. Annika's puppy dog eyes always got him.
"Thank you Daddy," Annika called.
"I have to go and check on Ariel," Amy told her. "Aunt Hotaru is here if you need anything."
"Kay Aunt Amy," Annika replied. When both Chad and Amy were gone Annika hissed. "They're gone."
"Good," Gloria crawled out. "I stay here for a little bit longer."
Chad got back to their quarters and went right to Annika's room. He looked around and saw the animal Annika wanted. He grabbed it and left the room. He ran into Raye who had just awakened.
"What are you doing here," she asked. "I thought you were going to be with Annika right now."
"She wanted Demos so I went back and got him," Chad replied.
"Why would she want Demos," Raye asked as she took the stuffed animal from Chad. "She never plays with him."
"She was insistent," Chad told her.
"Why do I have the feeling she's up to something," Raye muttered as she and Chad headed back toward the hospital.
"Raye, Chad have either one of you seen Gloria," asked Mina coming up. "I cannot find her anywhere."
"No we haven't," Raye replied. Then a thought occurred to her. "You don't suppose..."
"I wish I could play now," Annika murmured sadly.
"So do I," Gloria agreed. "School is no fun without you."
"I just hate being sick," Annika whined.
"We could try leaving like I did that time I was here," Gloria suggested.
"I think not," a stern voice came from the door. Gloria and Annika looked up to see Amy, Mina, Raye and Chad standing at the door. "Gloria Kathryn Aino what did I tell you?"
"That I couldn't see Annika," Gloria pouted. "But I wanted to."
"Well you can't," Mina took her daughter's hand. She dragged Gloria out of the room. Raye, Chad and Amy turned to reprimand Annika who immediately turned on her high-pitched wail.
"But Mommy I wanted to see Annika," Gloria cried as Mina dragged her back to their quarters.
"I know you do," Mina replied. "But that does not excuse you from disobeying me and sneaking in. Aunt Amy has her reasons for making rules. Children carry germs and we need to keep those germs away from sick people."
"Not fair," Gloria grumbled. "Just because I'm a kid means I can't see my best friend."
Mina's anger disappeared. She softly gazed at her daughter and then knelt down and pulled the child into her arms. "I'm sorry Sweetie," she whispered. "I know you miss her but I promise as soon as Annika is better we will have her over."
"Really," asked Gloria as her eyes lit up.
"Really," Mina replied as she hugged her daughter tightly.
"Mama I'm sorry about Gloria," Annika murmured that evening. Once Gloria and Mina had left Raye and Chad worked on calming their daughter down. Once Annika was calm Amy quietly explained why Gloria should not visit her in the hospital.
"It's okay Sweetheart," Raye assured as she sat down on the bed and pulled Annika into her arms. "I know you miss your friends right now."
"Are we all settled for the night," Amy asked coming into the room.
"I think we are," Raye replied. "I gave Annika her bath and I am going to read her a story."
"Good," Amy smiled as she pulled out a new IV bag.
"No not the needle again," Annika wailed as she hid under her covers.
"I'm sorry Annika but we have to," Amy replied.
Annika screamed as she buried herself under the covers. Raye sighed and pulled her daughter out. She pressed Annika's face to her chest and gave Amy the go ahead nod. Annika whimpered as the needle was stuck into her again. "There that wasn't so bad," Amy gently stroked Annika's hair. She turned to Raye. "I'll have the results of the tests tomorrow. Maybe we can prescribe some medication that will get rid of this virus."
"That would be great," Raye replied. She smiled down at Annika. "We would like to get back to routine wouldn't we?" Annika nodded her head.
"My two night nurses are here if you need anything," Amy informed them. "And you can call me should something come up."
"Thank you Amy," Raye replied. Amy kissed Annika goodnight and left. Raye finished getting Annika ready for bed.
Three days later Gloria was sitting moodily on her bed. Since Annika was put in the hospital Gloria had not felt much like playing. She missed her best friend terribly and wished she were out of the hospital.
"How are you doing Darling," Mina asked coming into the room.
"I miss Annika," Gloria muttered.
"I know you do," Mina told her as she sat down. She reached over and pulled Gloria onto her lap. "But I do have good news for you."
"What is it," asked Gloria.
"The medicine Aunt Amy has given Annika is working. Annika is leaving the hospital today and Aunt Raye said she should be back at school in a couple of days," Mina replied.
"Really," asked Gloria in delight.
"Yes," Mina laughed. "So as soon as Annika is up to it she can come over and spend the night."
"Hurrah," Gloria squealed in delight as she hugged her mother tightly.
******
Annika recovered nicely and was soon back into the swing of things. Amy helped her catch up on her schoolwork and Gloria and the twins were glad to have their friend back in their class.
Gloria was finding a strong love for playing pranks on people. Many times she got into trouble. Annika occasionally got roped into helping her and usually ended up in trouble.
One day during math the class was given some problems to do in their books. Once they were done they could play some games. Annika and Gloria were both finished and were playing a game together. Gloria was gazing at one child Tori who was playing nearby. Tori could be easily antagonized. "Annika," Gloria hissed. "I have an idea."
"What is it," asked Annika.
"Let's glue Tori's book shut," Gloria giggled. "When she tries to open it she won't be able too."
"I don't know," Annika murmured doubtfully. "We could get into a lot of trouble."
"Oh come on it will be fun," Gloria coaxed. "Let's do it."
"All right," Annika agreed a little reluctantly. She followed Gloria over to Tori's desk. They pulled Tori's Reader out of her desk and glued the pages together. Giggling they went back to their game.
An hour later Tori's reading group was called up. She was in the highest reading group along with Hope. Annika and Gloria were doing their seatwork.
"Ms. Hoshino someone glued my book together," wailed Tori as she tried to open her book.
"Now who did that," demanded Ms. Hoshino.
"I know," piped up one girl named Kita, the class snitch. "It was Gloria and Annika."
"Gloria and Annika is that true," asked Ms. Hoshino sternly.
"So what if it is," Gloria retorted in a rude voice.
"Young lady answer my question," Ms. Hoshino commanded.
"Yes," Gloria replied. Annika let out a high pitch wail indicating her guilt.
"You both have just lost recess and your parents will be getting a note from me," Ms. Hoshino informed them. The last remark made Annika cry even harder.
"It's almost that time," Lita observed as she and the other Scouts, minus Amy and Setsuna gathered around in the entry hall. Since Ariel was only four she was not in school yet and Pluto was at her post.
"Yes the rug rats should be home soon," Michiru agreed. "Let's hope for a good day."
"Here they come," called Hotaru. The children all came in and ran to their parents.
"How was everyone's day," asked Michiru.
"Good," Hope called.
"What's wrong Annika," Raye asked. Annika was clutching her bookbag close to her and not giving it to Raye.
"Nothing," Annika muttered.
"Then let me see your bookbag," Raye ordered.
"No," Annika protested.
"Excuse me," Raye demanded. Annika never talked back. "Hand it over." Annika shook her head as tears rolled down her face. "What don't you want me to see?"
"I have an idea," Mina spoke up grimly. She held up a note. "It seem that Gloria and a friend glued another child's book closed today."
"Annika," Raye spoke in a very stern voice. "Hand it over."
"No," Annika screamed. Raye reached for the bag. Annika jerked away and screamed. Raye grabbed Annika by the waist. The little girl began to kick and scream as she tried to break free from her mother's grasp.
"Annika Raye Hino this is quite enough," Raye shouted but Annika continued to kick and scream.
"My goodness," gasped Lita. "I never knew Annika threw tantrums."
"First time for everything," Michiru commented.
Raye decided she was just going to have to deal with this in her quarters. Wrapping an arm around Annika's waist she picked the child up and carried her away. Mina turned angrily to her daughter. "Let's go," she snapped. "We are going to our quarters and believe me you are going to be there for a long time."
Raye opened the door to her quarters and dropped Annika on the couch. She managed to pry the bookbag from the screaming child. Fishing around she found the note and read it. She turned sternly toward Annika. "Stop that screaming right now," she ordered but Annika continued her tantrum. "I said that's enough," Raye shouted her temper starting to go. Annika paid no attention. She continued to scream. Raye finally just picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. "You can stay in there until you finish your tantrum," she stated as she plunked Annika on the bed. Then she turned around and walked away.
Gloria angrily lay on her bed. Her bottom was sore from the spanking her mother gave her when they returned to their quarters. Now her mother was in the other room trying to decide on the rest of her punishment. "It's not fair," Gloria thought to herself. "It was just a joke. Why do I have to get into trouble?"
Mina came walking into the room. She still had a stern look on her face. Gloria sat up and glared at her mother. "You can wipe that frown off your face right now young lady," Mina told her. "You were the one who got into trouble and now you will be punished for it."
"It was just a joke," Gloria snapped.
"Not a very funny one," Mina stated. "You will be paying for a new book with your allowance."
"Not fair," Gloria shrieked but Mina ignored the protest.
"You will also be grounded for the next two weeks, which means no television, no video games or playing with friends. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes," Gloria grumbled as she flopped back down on the bed. She began to wonder if she was the only one who got punished as much as she did.
It was about a half an hour before the screaming finally stopped from Annika's room. Raye figured she must have lost her voice or got tired of screaming. Raye picked up the note and went back into Annika's bedroom. The little girl was lying on her bed gasping for breath. Her temper tantrum had completely worn her out. Scuff-marks on the wall told Raye that Annika had done some kicking.
"Sit up," Raye ordered as she sat down on the bed. Annika did as she was told. Raye held up the note. "I am very disappointed in you. You know better than to do something like that."
"But Gloria told me to," Annika protested but Raye held up her hand.
"I have told you many times that you are responsible for your own behavior," Raye stated. "I have also told you not to do something when you know it is wrong haven't I?"
"Yes Ma'am," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face.
"You know I am going to have to punish you," Raye told her. Annika nodded her head. "For two weeks you are confined to our quarters unless the family is doing something together have I made myself clear?"
"Yes Mama," Annika sniffed.
"There is also a palace party in a couple of weeks," Raye pointed out. "You will go to it but you will not be allowed to leave my side or Daddy's during it. Do you understand?"
"But Mama those parties are so boring already," Annika whined. "If I can't play with my friends it will be even more boring."
"I'm sorry," Raye replied. "But the last party we had here you got into some wine and you were with Gloria. Now today you got into trouble because of Gloria. That is why at the next party I will be keeping a tight reign on you."
Annika gave a gusty sigh. She knew if she argued she would be in bigger trouble. She felt her mother put an arm around her. Relieved to know that Raye still loved her, Annika climbed onto her mother's lap and snuggled down into her arms.
In the end Annika was glad that her parents made her stay with them at that party. Gloria got into a fight with Daisy and got into huge trouble. Annika had been relieved that she had not been a part of it.
******
Gradually the book incident was forgotten and life went on at the palace. Annika, Gloria, and the twins completed first grade successfully. When they entered second grade there were two surprises for them. The first was that Faith was in a different classroom this year. The second was that five-year-old Ariel was put in the second grade with them. She had been tested and it was decided she could skip both kindergarten and first grade. Gloria openly complained about it but if someone were teasing Ariel about her young age, Gloria was always the first one to stick up for her. Now the class bullies focused on both Annika and Ariel. Ariel had it easier since she spent the mornings in the gifted classroom but Annika was in the room all day and had to put up with a lot.
One child in particular focused on Annika. Her name was Miyaki. Although she was not a bully she was very unkind and had a strong dislike for Annika. When she saw that Annika was easily upset she made it a point to pick on her everyday. To make matters worse their teacher, Ms. Brown sat Miyaki and Annika right by each other. Miyaki usually spent the day picking on Annika. Annika could not go to Ms. Brown about it because in their teacher's mind the children from the palace lead spoiled, indulged lives and needed a harsh taste of reality. So poor Annika put up with Miyaki as much as she could but always cried on the way home from school. Gloria found herself wishing she sat closer to Annika in the classroom so she could look out for her. Unfortunately Ms. Hoshino had fully briefed Ms. Brown on her antics so Gloria got put in the front of the room under the teacher's watchful eye.
One day the children were working independently on their seatwork while Ms. Brown was working with Reading groups. Annika had gotten most of her work done and was planning on reading a book when she finished.
"Annika I am going to tell on you," Miyaki snarled.
"What did I do," Annika asked.
"I had 200 yen in my desk and you took it," Miyaki replied.
[Author's note: 200 yen is roughly around $2.00 give or take a few cents. I figured even in the 30th century a second grader is not going to be carrying that much money around.]
"No I didn't," Annika protested.
"Yes you did," snapped Miyaki. "It was right here and now it is gone. You took it."
"I did not take," Annika choked as tears started to roll down her face.
"Yes you did," Miyaki insisted. Annika could not take anymore. She had to endure Miyaki's picking everyday and now she was accusing her of stealing. Annika burst into tears and began to cry really hard.
"What's the matter Annika," Hope came over and put an arm around Annika. Gloria came over too.
"Miyaki..." Annika could not get the words out.
"What did you do to her," asked Gloria angrily.
"She took my money," Miyaki replied.
"No I didn't,' Annika howled.
"Yes you did," Miyaki snapped.
"You creep," Gloria swung at Miyaki and caught her square in the jaw. Miyaki angrily got up and hit Gloria back. In a few minutes there was a brawl on the floor. Ms. Brown who had stepped out of the room for a moment came flying back in.
"Girls," she shouted pulling Miyaki and Gloria apart. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Annika stole my money and then Gloria punched me," Miyaki shouted angrily.
"I didn't take her money," Annika screamed as tears streamed down her face.
"Yes you did," Miyaki shouted back angrily.
"Shut up," Gloria raged.
"Annika give Miyaki back her money," Ms. Brown ordered.
"I did not take it," Annika screamed in fury.
"Yes she did," Miyaki yelled.
"Leave her alone," Gloria screamed.
"Enough," Ms. Brown bellowed. "All three of you to the principal's office now."
Raye and Mina had each gotten a phone call from the school requesting them to come out immediately. When they got to the principal's office Annika, Gloria and another girl were all sitting on the couch. Annika was hysterically crying. She saw her mother and torpedoed into her arms.
"What's wrong Sweetheart," Raye asked in concern as she held her daughter close to her.
"She stole my money," Miyaki snapped.
"No I didn't," Annika screamed.
"My child would never lie," Miyaki's mother pointed out.
"And my child doesn't steal," Raye snapped.
"Let's everyone calm down," the principal ordered. "And Ms. Brown will explain what happened."
Raye, Mina and Miyaki's mother sat and listened to the story. Raye turned to Annika when Ms. Brown finished talking. "Annika did you take Miyaki's money?"
"No Mama," sobbed Annika looking at her mother right in the eye.
"I believe her," Raye stated. "She looked at me right in the eye. She can't do that when she is lying to me."
"Then why would my daughter say she took it," asked Miyaki's mother.
"Because she hates Annika," Gloria piped up. She had been sitting quietly the entire time.
"Well she is a crybaby," Miyaki snapped.
"Enough young lady," Miyaki's mother ordered sternly.
"Ms. Brown didn't believe me when I told her I didn't take the money," Annika howled.
"What," Raye shrieked in fury.
"I had one child's word over the other," Ms. Brown explained.
"She's also dating Miyaki's uncle," Gloria snapped.
"Enough everyone," the principal stated. "Now that I know Annika is innocent I won't need to punish her. As for the others..."
Gloria and Miyaki both got suspended for two days. Mina was furious. Annika was so hysterical that Raye decided to take her home for the rest of the day. Raye was also furious that her child got accused of stealing and the teacher did not believe her.
Once they got back to the palace Raye took Annika to Amy's office. She was still seething and Annika was still crying.
"My goodness," Amy commented when she saw how upset Annika was. "What happened?"
Raye filled her in. "I am so angry at the teacher Amy," she stated. "I want to pull Annika out of that school and home school her." Amy shook her head. "Why not?"
"We've been through this before Raye," Amy explained. "She will never break out of her shell if you keep her home. Annika has to learn to function in the real world otherwise she will never make it through life."
"You're right," Raye sighed. "It's just so hard."
"I know how you feel," Amy pointed out. "My little Ariel goes through this too."
"Mama," sobbed Annika. "Gloria got into trouble because of me again."
"Oh Sweetie," Raye sighed as she pulled Annika into a tight hug. "Remember how I told you that you are responsible for your actions?" Annika nodded her head. "Well Gloria is responsible for her behavior. It is not your fault. Do you understand?"
Amy came around and picked Annika up. "What Mama says is true," she informed the child. "This is not your fault."
"Okay," Annika whispered. She still felt bad that Gloria got into trouble though.
"No fighting," Mina was saying. "I tell you that all the time but you never listen."
"I got mad at Miyaki," Gloria snapped. "She said that Annika stole her money. She made Annika cry."
"I am glad you want to stick up for your friends," Mina softly replied. "But I want you to control yourself. Fighting is not the answer. You are not to hit people."
"But Mom..." Gloria started to say but Mina held up her hand.
"Enough," Mina told her. "I have told you no fighting. You are suspended for two days. You will spend those two days helping out one of the maids. Do you understand?"
"Yes Ma'am," Gloria muttered. She sat back miserably. All she wanted to do was stick up for her best friend and once again she was in trouble.
To be continued in Subpart C.