Hi Everyone! Now that I am done with the "Friendship Series" I can move onto other stories. I have many ideas in my head I just need to write the stories. This story focuses on Annika's sensitivity and Gloria's protectiveness of her. I don't know how many parts it will be. There will be no youmas in this one.
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
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Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
I'm Here For You
Part One
By
Angel Raye
The rain was coming down hard. Annika didn't have her coat on and it was also cold out but she didn't care. It was after school and she didn't even bother waiting for the other children. Annika had promised her parents and Amy she would not run away from school again. The last two weeks she had run away from school five times before the bell rang to go home. Amy told her if she had run away from school again she would check her into the hospital. So today Annika put up with Miyaki's malicious teasing. How she hated Miyaki. The only thing that girl did was pick on her and make her cry. Once the bell ran Annika took off, not even bothering to grab her coat or her bookbag. She wanted to get away from Miyaki. So she stood outside, with the elements beating down on her and with tears in her eyes.
"Annika," a voice from behind her said. Annika turned and saw Gloria had caught up with her. "Are you all right?" Gloria had badly wanted to hit Miyaki today but she had been told if there had been anymore fights this quarter she would be suspended for two weeks. Now she was feeling guilty.
"I can't take it anymore Gloria," Annika sobbed. "My mama is so strong. She doesn't let anyone upset her. People tell me I'm a lot like her in many ways. Why I can't I be like her that way?" Gloria did not answer. Annika continued. "I know I'm a crybaby. I know I shouldn't let Miyaki and the other kids upset me but I can't help it. When they start picking on me all I can do is cry," Annika turned to Gloria with tears streaming down her face. Suddenly she threw herself into Gloria's arms and began to cry hysterically. "I don't know what to do Gloria. I just can't take it anymore."
"Annika," Gloria whispered as she wrapped her arms around her best friend. She didn't know what to say.
Nearby unnoticed by either child, was Raye. She had heard the whole thing and her heart was breaking. How she hated seeing her child so upset. "Annika baby," she whispered. "You're strong too." Raye began to think back a few weeks to the day this latest ordeal began...
Three weeks earlier...
Faith and Gloria were playing a game of baseball with some boys. The boys were ranging in age from about second grade to sixth. It was after school and Annika and Hope decided to wait on Gloria and Faith and walk home with them.
The ball flew over in their direction. Annika got up and picked it up. A sixth grade boy by the name of Konyo came over to get it. He was tall with dark hair and green eyes. Annika handed the ball to him.
"Thank you," Konyo told her. Annika blushed. Faith came over. "Who's your friend Faith?"
"This is Annika," Faith explained. "She also lives at the palace."
"She's kind of cute," Konyo commented. He turned back to Annika, "See you later Annika." He took off back toward the game.
Annika's eyes had turned to hearts.
That night at dinner Raye noticed Annika was very quiet. "Are you okay Sweetheart," she asked in concern.
"I'm fine Mama," Annika replied.
"Then why are you so quiet," asked Raye as she took a sip of her tea.
"Because she's in love," Gloria piped in. Raye and Chad both spit out their drinks.
"Nani," Chad stammered.
"In love," Raye choked. "Kami-sama you're only eight years old. You can't be in love."
"And you're not dating until you're in high school," Chad added.
Annika blushed furiously and glared at Gloria. "Mama, Daddy he's in sixth grade," she said. "I just think he's nice and he said I'm cute."
"Don't go crazy Raye, Chad," Amy advised. "A little girl having a crush is perfectly normal. It doesn't mean anything right now."
"I hope so," Raye muttered. But she could not stop thinking, "My baby in love?"
The next day after school Annika timidly stood and watched the kids playing baseball again. She kept her eye on Konyo with her heart beating. In her hands she clutched a small bag.
Konyo saw Annika and ran over to her. "Hi Annika," he said. "Are you watching us play again?" Annika shyly nodded. He spied the bag in Annika's hand. "What have you got there?"
Annika held up the bag. "Do you like fudge," she whispered. "I brought some with me. I thought maybe you would like some."
"I love fudge," Konyo replied. He and Annika sat down on the grass together. Annika let him take some fudge. "Thank you." Annika blushed shyly. Konyo looked at her. "You don't say very much do you?" Annika blushed again. "It's okay. I like shy girls."
"Do you," Annika asked in a soft voice.
"Yes," he replied. "I like them much better than noisy girls." Annika felt a thrill going through her. She wouldn't have to change if Konyo liked shy girls.
Nearby Miyaki was watching with her best friend Nozomi. She was seething with jealousy. "I can't believe it," she snarled to Nozomi. "The crybaby actually has the nerve to talk to my Konyo."
"Your Konyo," Nozomi exclaimed. "He doesn't even like you."
"And I plan on changing that," Miyaki snapped. She stalked over to Konyo and Annika. "Oh Konyo," she purred. "Do you know this kid here is a major crybaby? What do you want with a crybaby?"
"Get lost Miyaki," Konyo snapped as tears welled up in Annika's eyes. "At least she's a nice person unlike some people I know."
Miyaki scowled. Konyo politely thanked Annika for the fudge and went back to the game. Miyaki glared at Annika. "Look crybaby," she snapped. "Stay away from him. I've liked him for a long time and I am going to make him my boyfriend."
"Leave me alone Miyaki," Annika choked as tears rolled down her face.
"Oh the crybaby is crying again," Miyaki sneered. "No boy will ever like you."
"Leave her alone," Gloria snapped as she came up to them.
"What did you say," asked Miyaki whirling around on Gloria.
"I said leave her alone," Gloria repeated. "She can be friends with whoever she wants. Stop picking on her."
Miyaki was about to retort when she changed her mind. "Since I really don't feel like dealing with palace brats today I'll go," she stated. She glared at Annika. "But Konyo will be my boyfriend." With that she walked away. Gloria put an arm around Annika and the two little girls walked home.
During the next week a warm friendship sprung between Annika and Konyo. She brought him some kind of snack and together after school the two would share it. Raye tried not to worry about it too much but she had a bad feeling that something was going to happen soon.
Meanwhile Miyaki's hatred for Annika grew even more intense. She didn't like the idea that the boy she had a crush on liked. Every time she tried to get Konyo to notice her he either ignored her or told her to leave him alone. So Miyaki tried to think of ways to get Annika instead.
That weekend Annika was in her room reading a book when Raye came in. "Annika baby could you do me a favor?"
"Sure Mama," Annika replied sitting up.
"I am very busy right now going over the Hikawa Shrine's business matters right now," Raye told her. "But I need a few things from the store. Could you pick them up for me?"
"Okay Mama," Annika said. She took the list and money from Raye and then went to put her shoes and coat on. She thought about stopping to see if Gloria wanted to come but then remembered that the other girl had to do extra chores around her quarters today as a punishment. So Annika dashed down to where the bicycles were stored and headed into town.
At the store Miyaki and Nozomi were buying some candy when they spotted Annika. "Look Nozomi," Miyaki whispered. "The crybaby is here."
"Are you going to get her," asked Nozomi.
"No I have a better idea," Miyaki whispered in Nozomi's ear. Nozomi giggled. "Go and wait for us in my room." Nozomi giggled and took off. Miyaki approached Annika. "Hi Annika."
Annika turned around. "Miyaki," she gasped and began to back away.
"Don't be scared of me," Miyaki purred. "I've decided to be friendly."
"Why," asked Annika in a suspicious voice.
"I just don't want to be mean anymore," Miyaki replied. "How about coming over to my house for a little while?"
"I don't know," Annika murmured. "I'm running an errand for my mama."
"Oh come on," Miyaki coaxed. "Just for a little bit."
"Well okay," Annika sighed deciding she needed all the friends she could get right now. Annika hopped on her bike and followed Miyaki to a modest house.
"Come on in," Miyaki invited. "My big brother is in charge because both of my parents work today. Let's go up to my room." Annika followed Miyaki upstairs into a small bedroom. Annika couldn't help but notice that it was about a third of the size of her room. "It's small but at least I don't have to share it with anyone," Miyaki told her.
"It's nice," Annika told her. She sat down on the bed next to Miyaki.
"So," Miyaki began. "You really like Konyo don't you?"
Annika blushed shyly but softly replied, "Yes."
"What do you think of him," asked Miyaki.
"He's handsome," Annika giggled. "He's also very nice. When I am with him I feel all warm inside."
"Do you want to marry him," Miyaki asked.
"I'm not thinking about marriage now," Annika rolled her eyes. "Maybe when we grow up." Miyaki smiled and continued to ask questions about Konyo. Annika found herself answering them. She didn't know that Nozomi was under the bed taping the entire conversation and smothering her own giggles.
"Where have you been," Raye demanded when Annika finally returned to the palace. "You've been gone for hours."
"Sorry Mama," Annika replied. "I was over at Miyaki's house."
"Miyaki," Raye asked as she raised her eyebrow. "Isn't that the child who always picks on you?"
"Yes," Annika admitted. "But she decided she wants to be friends now."
"Really," Raye stated. As much as she would love for Annika to make more friends, all this sounded a little suspicious. She had a very bad feeling about this.
"If she wants to be friends shouldn't I give her a chance," asked Annika.
Raye sighed. She knelt down and pulled Annika into her arms. "You're right Darling," she said. "Just be careful."
"I will," Annika promised.
"She what," Gloria shrieked that night at dinner.
"Miyaki invited me over her house," Annika replied. "She said she wants to be friends. Maybe she has changed."
"Well I don't trust her," Hope flatly stated.
"Me either," Gloria added. She turned to Annika. "Please be careful. If she does anything to upset you I'll pound her."
Annika giggled. She was so glad to have a friend like Gloria who watched out for her.
The next day at school Miyaki didn't pay much attention to Annika. Annika stayed with Gloria, Hope and Ariel. The day went by uneventfully and Annika thought she actually could get through a day without crying.
But at the end of the day all of that changed. Annika had just got her bookbag packed. There was still fifteen minutes before the last bell went. Ms. Patterson liked to use that fifteen minutes to for the kids to share something.
"I have something to share," Miyaki called. She came up front with a tape recorder. "I got the best thing on tape yesterday." The class sat back looking disinterested. Miyaki turned on the tape recorder. A conversation started playing on it. Suddenly Annika recognized the conversation. It was the same conversation she had with Miyaki the day before. The class began to laugh as they heard Annika talking about Konyo. Annika realized that Miyaki's claim to be friendly was all a trick to get her talking so that it could be taped.
"Turn it off Miyaki," Ms. Patterson demanded when she realized what was happening.
"I can't," Miyaki replied in a smooth voice and the tape kept playing.
"Cut it out," Gloria jumped up and lunged at Miyaki. The two began fighting. The other children began teasing Annika. Annika couldn't take it. She got up and flew out of the classroom.
"Annika," Hope and Ariel both ran to the door. But Annika continued running and went through the exit doors. Hope and Ariel turned back to the classroom. Ms. Patterson had broken up the fight and was preparing to drag the two girls to the principal.
Annika kept running out into the streets of Crystal Tokyo. It was raining hard and she had forgotten her coat but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was run away from the humiliation she was feeling. Tears were streaming down her face. She never wanted to see anyone again.
Lita glanced at her watch. She had been at her restaurant all day and now realized she had to get home so that she could meet Daisy when she got home from school. She didn't realize how late it was. "If I leave now I might be able to get home before the kids do," Lita thought. She pulled on her coat and exited the store. A familiar figure caught her eye. She looked up and saw Annika running through the crowd of people. The child was not wearing her coat and was soaking wet. "Annika," she called. Annika stopped. She saw Lita and then turned and continued running. Lita noticed the child was crying. "Something must have happened at school today," Lita thought. She took off after the child. Annika was a fast runner but Lita was faster. It wasn't long before she caught up with the little girl. "Got you," she said as she grabbed Annika.
"Let me go," Annika screamed as she began struggling. Lita held the child tightly. Annika put up a struggle but she was no match for Lita's superior strength. After a few minutes she went limp. Her arms snaked around Lita's neck and she began to cry.
"Come on," Lita stated. "Let's get you into the car and out of these wet clothes. Then you can tell me what happened that caused you to leave without your coat." Lita carried Annika to her car and both of them got in. Lita reached into the back seat and got one of her shopping bags. She had brought herself some new clothes that day. She pulled a shirt out and then began to remove Annika's wet clothes. "You'll catch your death if you stay in these," she told the little girl. Once Annika was in the oversize shirt Lita turned to her. "So what happened today?"
Annika continued to cry. Between gasps and sobs she managed to tell Lita how Miyaki had tricked her into talking about Konyo while she taped it and how she played it for the class. "I was so embarrassed," Annika cried. "I don't want to ever see anyone again. Now everyone is going to make fun of me even more."
Lita pulled Annika into her arms. "Hush Sweetie," she whispered. "I know you feel awful right now but in a few days everyone will have forgotten about it."
"Not as long as Miyaki's there," Annika sobbed. "I hate her Aunt Lita. I hate her so much."
"That is a very mean little girl," Lita muttered. She turned back to Annika. "Everything will be all right."
"But I'm scared," Annika choked.
"I know you are," Lita replied. "But you will be all right."
"Aunt Lita I want Mama," Annika choked.
Lita smiled. "I'm sure Mama is worried about you right now," she told Annika. "If you flew out of school before the bell rang I'm sure she got a phone call." Lita pulled out her communicator. She hit a button and Raye's face appeared.
"Lita," Raye stated. "I hope this is important. Annika ran away from school and she hasn't returned home yet."
"I have her right here," Lita informed her. She told Raye what happened.
"Ariel and Hope filled me in too," Raye sighed. "I'm going to have a few words with that child's mother."
"I'll be bringing her home now," Lita said. They exchanged a few more words and Lita signed off. She turned to Annika. "Ready to go home?" Annika nodded her head. Suddenly she climbed into Lita's lap and sobbed. Lita smiled and held the child close to her. "A few more minutes won't hurt," Lita thought as she worked on comforting Annika.
Gloria sat outside the principal's office fidgeting in her seat. Once the teacher broke up the fight both Miyaki and Gloria got taken to the principal's office. Right now Mina was in a conference with the principal and the teacher. Miyaki's mother had come for her a little while ago and looked very angry with the child when they left.
The door opened and Mina came out. Gloria hung her head when she saw how angry her mother looked. "Let's go," Mina ordered. Gloria got up and followed her mother out of the building and out to the car. They drove for a few minutes before Gloria spoke up.
"Mom," she said. "I was only trying to help Annika."
"Save it Gloria," Mina commanded. "Your teacher told me everything. I have told you hundreds of times not to fight and you just don't listen."
"I know," Gloria replied. "But when Miyaki played that dumb tape and I saw how upset Annika was I couldn't help it. I got so mad."
"I'm glad you want to stick up for Annika," Mina sighed. "But I don't want you fighting. You have after school detention for the next three days now. I am also taking your stereo away."
"But Mom," Gloria protested but her mother's sharp look kept her from saying anymore.
"No more excuses," Mina firmly told her. "The punishment stands." Gloria sighed and flopped back in her seat. She wondered if Annika was all right.
Raye was waiting at the entrance when Lita came in carrying Annika. Annika was crying very hard. When she saw her mother she reached out for her. "Mama," she cried hysterically.
Raye took Annika into her arms. "It's all right Sweetheart," she soothed. "I'm here."
Lita handed Raye a bag; "Here's her wet clothes." Raye took the bag and nodded. She carried Annika up to their chambers. Once they got there Raye sat down on the couch and held Annika on her lap.
"I hate Miyaki Mama," Annika sobbed. "Why did she do that?"
"I don't know baby," Raye replied. "Some children are just mean."
"I never want to go to school again," cried Annika. "All the kids are going to laugh at me now."
"Hope, Gloria and Ariel won't," Raye assured her. "Hope and Ariel were very worried about you when they told me what happened. Gloria got into trouble fighting for you."
"I'm too scared to go to school Mama," Annika sobbed.
"I know but you have to go," Raye gently told her. "Because Amy is strongly against me home schooling you. And unfortunately she's right. It wouldn't help you at all."
"But Mama," Annika choked. "They'll make fun of me."
"You'll be fine," Raye assured her. "You are much stronger then you think and you just need to face up to your fears."
Annika didn't reply. She just buried her face in Raye's priestess robes and cried. Raye held her daughter close and worked on calming her down.
Once Annika calmed down, Raye sent her to her room to do her homework. Right now Raye was folding up the shirt Lita had put on Annika. Raye was still trying to decide how she was going to approach Miyaki's mother.
A knock on the door broke her out of her thoughts. Raye got up to answer it and saw it was Mina with Gloria. "Sorry for disturbing you," Mina stated. "But Gloria is insisting on seeing Annika."
"Please Aunt Raye," Gloria pleaded. "I want to see if she is all right."
Raye smiled. "This kid is a pain in the neck but she is such a good friend to my daughter." She ran her hand through Gloria's orange tresses. "She's in her room. Go on back." Without another word Gloria dashed back to Annika's room.
"How is she," Mina asked in concern.
"I've calmed her down," Raye replied. "She scared to death to go to school tomorrow."
"I don't blame her," Mina pointed out. "But I'm sure their teacher will deal with it."
"Well I'm going to have a few words with that child's mother," Raye declared. "There's a fine line between teasing and plain meanness. What Miyaki did to Annika was cruel."
"I agree," Mina replied.
"Actually," Raye suddenly said. "Would you mind staying here with Annika so I can go and deal with this? I don't want Annika left alone right now. She has been so upset today."
"I'll be more than happy to," Mina replied. "I doubt I'll be able to pull Gloria away right now anyway."
Raye nodded her head in thanks and went to tell Annika she would be gone for a while.
Annika had finished her homework and was glad that Gloria was here with her. She knew her mother had stepped out for a while but she didn't know what for. Annika sprawled out on her bed with Stardust and Gloria. "I don't want to go to school tomorrow Gloria," she murmured.
"I never want to go," Gloria bluntly pointed out.
"But no one picks on you," Annika sighed.
"Hey," Gloria took Annika's arm. "If Miyaki does something to you I'll take care of her."
"Annika," Stardust piped up. "You should learn to fight your own battles. You're a Sailor Senshi who has fought many youmas. You should be able to stand up to a girl your age."
"I know Stardust but I can't," Annika wailed. "I just don't know what to say and when I do say something it sounds so stupid."
Stardust sighed. "What you need is self-confidence. But you don't have any right now."
"I'll take care of Miyaki," Gloria promised. "I'm here for you because you are my best friend."
Annika smiled and gave Gloria a hug. She was glad to have Gloria around to help her.
Raye returned to the palace seething with rage. Miyaki's mother had point blank told her that she would not interfere with Miyaki's battles. She also told Raye that it was partially Annika's fault because she let Miyaki upset her. Raye had lost her temper and told Miyaki's mother exactly what she thought of her and her daughter. "Some parents could care less if their child goes around picking on others."
"Are you okay Raye," Amy asked in concern as she walked by with Ariel.
"No," Raye snapped. "I was just over at Miyaki's talking to her mother. That woman could care less if her child is going around upsetting other children."
"Oh Raye you didn't lose your temper did you," Amy groaned as a sweat drop appeared on her head.
"Of course I did," Raye glowered. Amy gave another groan.
"If you want to help your child losing your temper isn't going to be it," Amy pointed out.
"Hey I've mellowed out since Annika came along," Raye shot out.
"Ariel go to our quarters and I'll be there in a minute," Amy told her daughter.
"But Mommy," Ariel began to protest.
"Now young lady," Amy commanded and Ariel nodded her head and took off. Once Ariel was gone Amy turned back to Raye. "Do you want my opinion?"
"Not really but I guess you're going to give it too me," Raye sighed.
"Let the teacher deal with it tomorrow," Amy advised. "She is going to take care of it."
"And how do you know that," Raye asked.
"I called the school and talked to the teacher myself," Amy replied. "She said she would deal with Miyaki appropriately tomorrow."
"Why did you call the school," Raye demanded. "Annika's not your daughter."
"No but she is my patient," Amy reminded her. "As her doctor and therapist it is my job to assure that Annika will be in a safe place both physically and emotionally."
"Well I just hope you are right about tomorrow," Raye sighed. "Because right now I have a little girl who is just terrified to go to school tomorrow."
"You have to make her go," Amy reminded her.
"I will," Raye grumbled as she headed back to her quarters.
The next morning Annika reluctantly walked to school with the other children. She had tried every possible ailment that morning to get to stay home but Raye didn't fall for any of it. When she threatened to get Amy to give her some disgusting medicine Annika relented and got ready to go. Gloria had her hand and was pulling her along.
"I'm scared Gloria," Annika whispered.
"It will be all right," Gloria tried to assure her. "I'll make sure no one bothers you."
"And I'm going to be there too," Hope added.
"Me too," Ariel piped up but with less confidence. She was always prey to the classroom bullies too. Fortunately Miyaki didn't have any interest in her.
"Don't worry about it Annika," Maggie said as she put her arm around the younger child. "You have all of us here." Daisy, Faith and Madelyn nodded in agreement.
Annika felt a hand on her head. She looked up and saw Rini standing over her. "Would you like me to walk you to your class before I go to my school?"
"No Rini I don't want you to be late," Annika replied.
"Then I will see you girls after school," Rini told them as they got to Crystal Tokyo Elementary School.
Annika reluctantly followed Hope, Ariel and Gloria into their classroom. Gloria still had Annika's hand in hers. Some of the children began to giggle as Annika walked into the classroom. Annika quickly took her seat next to Hope and put her head down. She didn't want to see anyone right now.
The bell rang and Ms. Patterson went to the front of the room. "Before we begin Miyaki has something to say in front of the class."
"No I don't," Miyaki protested.
"Oh yes you do young lady," Ms. Patterson snapped.
Miyaki flushed and went to the front of the class. She mumbled something quietly.
"I didn't hear you," Ms. Patterson demanded.
"I'm sorry for what I did to Annika yesterday," Miyaki grumbled angrily.
"That's better," Ms. Patterson nodded her head. "Now class take out Kanji books."
Miyaki went back to her seat seething in anger. How dare the teacher humiliate her like that? "And it's all Annika's fault," she thought. She sat down and whispered to Nozomi. "I'll get that Annika for this."
Gloria was sitting in front and heard Miyaki. She felt a spark of anger. "Not if I get you first." She sat and listened while Ms. Patterson explained the Kanji symbols they were learning that day. Once the class got to work Gloria dropped her pencil to the floor purposely. She got down to get it. While she was down there she tied Miyaki's shoelace to the leg of her desk. "How dare you hurt my best friend," Gloria angrily thought as she sat back in her chair and resumed her work.
After a while Miyaki got up. She started to walk and suddenly found herself crashing to the floor. Everyone began to laugh. "Gloria I know you did this," Miyaki shouted in anger as she began to untie her shoe.
"Then leave my best friend alone," Gloria hissed.
"Enough," Ms. Patterson ordered came over. "Gloria did you do this?"
"And what if I did," Gloria snapped rudely.
"Save it," Ms. Patterson grumbled. "You just bought yourself another day of recess detention."
Annika's heart sank when she heard that.
When the bell rang for recess Annika reluctantly went outside with Hope and Ariel. Gloria had to stay in and work on some questions the teacher gave her. Annika hoped that Miyaki would leave her alone today.
"Come on Annika," Hope took her hand. "We can sit under the tree over there and talk."
"Yes," Ariel added. Annika nodded her head and followed them. They sat down and watched Faith playing ball with the boys.
Suddenly someone grabbed Annika by the hair. Annika gave a cry. She looked up and saw it was Miyaki and Nozomi. "It's your fault I had to stand in front of the room this morning," she shouted.
"It's not her fault," Hope snapped standing up. "It's yours."
"Yes if you did not do that stupid thing with the tape yesterday then you would not have been humiliated this morning," Ariel added in a nervous voice.
"Shut up freak," Miyaki pushed Ariel to the ground. Ariel tried to fight back her own tears. Miyaki turned back to Annika. "You stupid crybaby. Why couldn't you have just stayed home?"
"Leave her alone," Hope shouted in anger.
"I don't have to," Miyaki snapped. "Gloria isn't out here and I know you and the freak here won't fight."
"But I will," Faith came up angrily. "Leave Annika alone."
"Oh the crybaby has other protectors," Miyaki sneered. She turned to Annika. "She can't stand up for herself so she needs her bodyguards."
"Maybe she should get Konyo," Nozomi added.
"Oh yes but I don't think Konyo would want a crybaby like her as a girlfriend," Miyaki laughed.
Annika couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They began to flow down her face. "That's right, cry," Miyaki sneered. "It's the only thing you are good at."
"That's it," Faith shouted and she swung a punch at Miyaki.
Annika couldn't put up with the teasing. She got up and ran from the schoolyard. "Annika," Hope called as Annika disappeared.
To be continued...
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Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own this generation of Sailor Scouts.
I'm Here For You
Part One
By
Angel Raye
The rain was coming down hard. Annika didn't have her coat on and it was also cold out but she didn't care. It was after school and she didn't even bother waiting for the other children. Annika had promised her parents and Amy she would not run away from school again. The last two weeks she had run away from school five times before the bell rang to go home. Amy told her if she had run away from school again she would check her into the hospital. So today Annika put up with Miyaki's malicious teasing. How she hated Miyaki. The only thing that girl did was pick on her and make her cry. Once the bell ran Annika took off, not even bothering to grab her coat or her bookbag. She wanted to get away from Miyaki. So she stood outside, with the elements beating down on her and with tears in her eyes.
"Annika," a voice from behind her said. Annika turned and saw Gloria had caught up with her. "Are you all right?" Gloria had badly wanted to hit Miyaki today but she had been told if there had been anymore fights this quarter she would be suspended for two weeks. Now she was feeling guilty.
"I can't take it anymore Gloria," Annika sobbed. "My mama is so strong. She doesn't let anyone upset her. People tell me I'm a lot like her in many ways. Why I can't I be like her that way?" Gloria did not answer. Annika continued. "I know I'm a crybaby. I know I shouldn't let Miyaki and the other kids upset me but I can't help it. When they start picking on me all I can do is cry," Annika turned to Gloria with tears streaming down her face. Suddenly she threw herself into Gloria's arms and began to cry hysterically. "I don't know what to do Gloria. I just can't take it anymore."
"Annika," Gloria whispered as she wrapped her arms around her best friend. She didn't know what to say.
Nearby unnoticed by either child, was Raye. She had heard the whole thing and her heart was breaking. How she hated seeing her child so upset. "Annika baby," she whispered. "You're strong too." Raye began to think back a few weeks to the day this latest ordeal began...
Three weeks earlier...
Faith and Gloria were playing a game of baseball with some boys. The boys were ranging in age from about second grade to sixth. It was after school and Annika and Hope decided to wait on Gloria and Faith and walk home with them.
The ball flew over in their direction. Annika got up and picked it up. A sixth grade boy by the name of Konyo came over to get it. He was tall with dark hair and green eyes. Annika handed the ball to him.
"Thank you," Konyo told her. Annika blushed. Faith came over. "Who's your friend Faith?"
"This is Annika," Faith explained. "She also lives at the palace."
"She's kind of cute," Konyo commented. He turned back to Annika, "See you later Annika." He took off back toward the game.
Annika's eyes had turned to hearts.
That night at dinner Raye noticed Annika was very quiet. "Are you okay Sweetheart," she asked in concern.
"I'm fine Mama," Annika replied.
"Then why are you so quiet," asked Raye as she took a sip of her tea.
"Because she's in love," Gloria piped in. Raye and Chad both spit out their drinks.
"Nani," Chad stammered.
"In love," Raye choked. "Kami-sama you're only eight years old. You can't be in love."
"And you're not dating until you're in high school," Chad added.
Annika blushed furiously and glared at Gloria. "Mama, Daddy he's in sixth grade," she said. "I just think he's nice and he said I'm cute."
"Don't go crazy Raye, Chad," Amy advised. "A little girl having a crush is perfectly normal. It doesn't mean anything right now."
"I hope so," Raye muttered. But she could not stop thinking, "My baby in love?"
The next day after school Annika timidly stood and watched the kids playing baseball again. She kept her eye on Konyo with her heart beating. In her hands she clutched a small bag.
Konyo saw Annika and ran over to her. "Hi Annika," he said. "Are you watching us play again?" Annika shyly nodded. He spied the bag in Annika's hand. "What have you got there?"
Annika held up the bag. "Do you like fudge," she whispered. "I brought some with me. I thought maybe you would like some."
"I love fudge," Konyo replied. He and Annika sat down on the grass together. Annika let him take some fudge. "Thank you." Annika blushed shyly. Konyo looked at her. "You don't say very much do you?" Annika blushed again. "It's okay. I like shy girls."
"Do you," Annika asked in a soft voice.
"Yes," he replied. "I like them much better than noisy girls." Annika felt a thrill going through her. She wouldn't have to change if Konyo liked shy girls.
Nearby Miyaki was watching with her best friend Nozomi. She was seething with jealousy. "I can't believe it," she snarled to Nozomi. "The crybaby actually has the nerve to talk to my Konyo."
"Your Konyo," Nozomi exclaimed. "He doesn't even like you."
"And I plan on changing that," Miyaki snapped. She stalked over to Konyo and Annika. "Oh Konyo," she purred. "Do you know this kid here is a major crybaby? What do you want with a crybaby?"
"Get lost Miyaki," Konyo snapped as tears welled up in Annika's eyes. "At least she's a nice person unlike some people I know."
Miyaki scowled. Konyo politely thanked Annika for the fudge and went back to the game. Miyaki glared at Annika. "Look crybaby," she snapped. "Stay away from him. I've liked him for a long time and I am going to make him my boyfriend."
"Leave me alone Miyaki," Annika choked as tears rolled down her face.
"Oh the crybaby is crying again," Miyaki sneered. "No boy will ever like you."
"Leave her alone," Gloria snapped as she came up to them.
"What did you say," asked Miyaki whirling around on Gloria.
"I said leave her alone," Gloria repeated. "She can be friends with whoever she wants. Stop picking on her."
Miyaki was about to retort when she changed her mind. "Since I really don't feel like dealing with palace brats today I'll go," she stated. She glared at Annika. "But Konyo will be my boyfriend." With that she walked away. Gloria put an arm around Annika and the two little girls walked home.
During the next week a warm friendship sprung between Annika and Konyo. She brought him some kind of snack and together after school the two would share it. Raye tried not to worry about it too much but she had a bad feeling that something was going to happen soon.
Meanwhile Miyaki's hatred for Annika grew even more intense. She didn't like the idea that the boy she had a crush on liked. Every time she tried to get Konyo to notice her he either ignored her or told her to leave him alone. So Miyaki tried to think of ways to get Annika instead.
That weekend Annika was in her room reading a book when Raye came in. "Annika baby could you do me a favor?"
"Sure Mama," Annika replied sitting up.
"I am very busy right now going over the Hikawa Shrine's business matters right now," Raye told her. "But I need a few things from the store. Could you pick them up for me?"
"Okay Mama," Annika said. She took the list and money from Raye and then went to put her shoes and coat on. She thought about stopping to see if Gloria wanted to come but then remembered that the other girl had to do extra chores around her quarters today as a punishment. So Annika dashed down to where the bicycles were stored and headed into town.
At the store Miyaki and Nozomi were buying some candy when they spotted Annika. "Look Nozomi," Miyaki whispered. "The crybaby is here."
"Are you going to get her," asked Nozomi.
"No I have a better idea," Miyaki whispered in Nozomi's ear. Nozomi giggled. "Go and wait for us in my room." Nozomi giggled and took off. Miyaki approached Annika. "Hi Annika."
Annika turned around. "Miyaki," she gasped and began to back away.
"Don't be scared of me," Miyaki purred. "I've decided to be friendly."
"Why," asked Annika in a suspicious voice.
"I just don't want to be mean anymore," Miyaki replied. "How about coming over to my house for a little while?"
"I don't know," Annika murmured. "I'm running an errand for my mama."
"Oh come on," Miyaki coaxed. "Just for a little bit."
"Well okay," Annika sighed deciding she needed all the friends she could get right now. Annika hopped on her bike and followed Miyaki to a modest house.
"Come on in," Miyaki invited. "My big brother is in charge because both of my parents work today. Let's go up to my room." Annika followed Miyaki upstairs into a small bedroom. Annika couldn't help but notice that it was about a third of the size of her room. "It's small but at least I don't have to share it with anyone," Miyaki told her.
"It's nice," Annika told her. She sat down on the bed next to Miyaki.
"So," Miyaki began. "You really like Konyo don't you?"
Annika blushed shyly but softly replied, "Yes."
"What do you think of him," asked Miyaki.
"He's handsome," Annika giggled. "He's also very nice. When I am with him I feel all warm inside."
"Do you want to marry him," Miyaki asked.
"I'm not thinking about marriage now," Annika rolled her eyes. "Maybe when we grow up." Miyaki smiled and continued to ask questions about Konyo. Annika found herself answering them. She didn't know that Nozomi was under the bed taping the entire conversation and smothering her own giggles.
"Where have you been," Raye demanded when Annika finally returned to the palace. "You've been gone for hours."
"Sorry Mama," Annika replied. "I was over at Miyaki's house."
"Miyaki," Raye asked as she raised her eyebrow. "Isn't that the child who always picks on you?"
"Yes," Annika admitted. "But she decided she wants to be friends now."
"Really," Raye stated. As much as she would love for Annika to make more friends, all this sounded a little suspicious. She had a very bad feeling about this.
"If she wants to be friends shouldn't I give her a chance," asked Annika.
Raye sighed. She knelt down and pulled Annika into her arms. "You're right Darling," she said. "Just be careful."
"I will," Annika promised.
"She what," Gloria shrieked that night at dinner.
"Miyaki invited me over her house," Annika replied. "She said she wants to be friends. Maybe she has changed."
"Well I don't trust her," Hope flatly stated.
"Me either," Gloria added. She turned to Annika. "Please be careful. If she does anything to upset you I'll pound her."
Annika giggled. She was so glad to have a friend like Gloria who watched out for her.
The next day at school Miyaki didn't pay much attention to Annika. Annika stayed with Gloria, Hope and Ariel. The day went by uneventfully and Annika thought she actually could get through a day without crying.
But at the end of the day all of that changed. Annika had just got her bookbag packed. There was still fifteen minutes before the last bell went. Ms. Patterson liked to use that fifteen minutes to for the kids to share something.
"I have something to share," Miyaki called. She came up front with a tape recorder. "I got the best thing on tape yesterday." The class sat back looking disinterested. Miyaki turned on the tape recorder. A conversation started playing on it. Suddenly Annika recognized the conversation. It was the same conversation she had with Miyaki the day before. The class began to laugh as they heard Annika talking about Konyo. Annika realized that Miyaki's claim to be friendly was all a trick to get her talking so that it could be taped.
"Turn it off Miyaki," Ms. Patterson demanded when she realized what was happening.
"I can't," Miyaki replied in a smooth voice and the tape kept playing.
"Cut it out," Gloria jumped up and lunged at Miyaki. The two began fighting. The other children began teasing Annika. Annika couldn't take it. She got up and flew out of the classroom.
"Annika," Hope and Ariel both ran to the door. But Annika continued running and went through the exit doors. Hope and Ariel turned back to the classroom. Ms. Patterson had broken up the fight and was preparing to drag the two girls to the principal.
Annika kept running out into the streets of Crystal Tokyo. It was raining hard and she had forgotten her coat but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was run away from the humiliation she was feeling. Tears were streaming down her face. She never wanted to see anyone again.
Lita glanced at her watch. She had been at her restaurant all day and now realized she had to get home so that she could meet Daisy when she got home from school. She didn't realize how late it was. "If I leave now I might be able to get home before the kids do," Lita thought. She pulled on her coat and exited the store. A familiar figure caught her eye. She looked up and saw Annika running through the crowd of people. The child was not wearing her coat and was soaking wet. "Annika," she called. Annika stopped. She saw Lita and then turned and continued running. Lita noticed the child was crying. "Something must have happened at school today," Lita thought. She took off after the child. Annika was a fast runner but Lita was faster. It wasn't long before she caught up with the little girl. "Got you," she said as she grabbed Annika.
"Let me go," Annika screamed as she began struggling. Lita held the child tightly. Annika put up a struggle but she was no match for Lita's superior strength. After a few minutes she went limp. Her arms snaked around Lita's neck and she began to cry.
"Come on," Lita stated. "Let's get you into the car and out of these wet clothes. Then you can tell me what happened that caused you to leave without your coat." Lita carried Annika to her car and both of them got in. Lita reached into the back seat and got one of her shopping bags. She had brought herself some new clothes that day. She pulled a shirt out and then began to remove Annika's wet clothes. "You'll catch your death if you stay in these," she told the little girl. Once Annika was in the oversize shirt Lita turned to her. "So what happened today?"
Annika continued to cry. Between gasps and sobs she managed to tell Lita how Miyaki had tricked her into talking about Konyo while she taped it and how she played it for the class. "I was so embarrassed," Annika cried. "I don't want to ever see anyone again. Now everyone is going to make fun of me even more."
Lita pulled Annika into her arms. "Hush Sweetie," she whispered. "I know you feel awful right now but in a few days everyone will have forgotten about it."
"Not as long as Miyaki's there," Annika sobbed. "I hate her Aunt Lita. I hate her so much."
"That is a very mean little girl," Lita muttered. She turned back to Annika. "Everything will be all right."
"But I'm scared," Annika choked.
"I know you are," Lita replied. "But you will be all right."
"Aunt Lita I want Mama," Annika choked.
Lita smiled. "I'm sure Mama is worried about you right now," she told Annika. "If you flew out of school before the bell rang I'm sure she got a phone call." Lita pulled out her communicator. She hit a button and Raye's face appeared.
"Lita," Raye stated. "I hope this is important. Annika ran away from school and she hasn't returned home yet."
"I have her right here," Lita informed her. She told Raye what happened.
"Ariel and Hope filled me in too," Raye sighed. "I'm going to have a few words with that child's mother."
"I'll be bringing her home now," Lita said. They exchanged a few more words and Lita signed off. She turned to Annika. "Ready to go home?" Annika nodded her head. Suddenly she climbed into Lita's lap and sobbed. Lita smiled and held the child close to her. "A few more minutes won't hurt," Lita thought as she worked on comforting Annika.
Gloria sat outside the principal's office fidgeting in her seat. Once the teacher broke up the fight both Miyaki and Gloria got taken to the principal's office. Right now Mina was in a conference with the principal and the teacher. Miyaki's mother had come for her a little while ago and looked very angry with the child when they left.
The door opened and Mina came out. Gloria hung her head when she saw how angry her mother looked. "Let's go," Mina ordered. Gloria got up and followed her mother out of the building and out to the car. They drove for a few minutes before Gloria spoke up.
"Mom," she said. "I was only trying to help Annika."
"Save it Gloria," Mina commanded. "Your teacher told me everything. I have told you hundreds of times not to fight and you just don't listen."
"I know," Gloria replied. "But when Miyaki played that dumb tape and I saw how upset Annika was I couldn't help it. I got so mad."
"I'm glad you want to stick up for Annika," Mina sighed. "But I don't want you fighting. You have after school detention for the next three days now. I am also taking your stereo away."
"But Mom," Gloria protested but her mother's sharp look kept her from saying anymore.
"No more excuses," Mina firmly told her. "The punishment stands." Gloria sighed and flopped back in her seat. She wondered if Annika was all right.
Raye was waiting at the entrance when Lita came in carrying Annika. Annika was crying very hard. When she saw her mother she reached out for her. "Mama," she cried hysterically.
Raye took Annika into her arms. "It's all right Sweetheart," she soothed. "I'm here."
Lita handed Raye a bag; "Here's her wet clothes." Raye took the bag and nodded. She carried Annika up to their chambers. Once they got there Raye sat down on the couch and held Annika on her lap.
"I hate Miyaki Mama," Annika sobbed. "Why did she do that?"
"I don't know baby," Raye replied. "Some children are just mean."
"I never want to go to school again," cried Annika. "All the kids are going to laugh at me now."
"Hope, Gloria and Ariel won't," Raye assured her. "Hope and Ariel were very worried about you when they told me what happened. Gloria got into trouble fighting for you."
"I'm too scared to go to school Mama," Annika sobbed.
"I know but you have to go," Raye gently told her. "Because Amy is strongly against me home schooling you. And unfortunately she's right. It wouldn't help you at all."
"But Mama," Annika choked. "They'll make fun of me."
"You'll be fine," Raye assured her. "You are much stronger then you think and you just need to face up to your fears."
Annika didn't reply. She just buried her face in Raye's priestess robes and cried. Raye held her daughter close and worked on calming her down.
Once Annika calmed down, Raye sent her to her room to do her homework. Right now Raye was folding up the shirt Lita had put on Annika. Raye was still trying to decide how she was going to approach Miyaki's mother.
A knock on the door broke her out of her thoughts. Raye got up to answer it and saw it was Mina with Gloria. "Sorry for disturbing you," Mina stated. "But Gloria is insisting on seeing Annika."
"Please Aunt Raye," Gloria pleaded. "I want to see if she is all right."
Raye smiled. "This kid is a pain in the neck but she is such a good friend to my daughter." She ran her hand through Gloria's orange tresses. "She's in her room. Go on back." Without another word Gloria dashed back to Annika's room.
"How is she," Mina asked in concern.
"I've calmed her down," Raye replied. "She scared to death to go to school tomorrow."
"I don't blame her," Mina pointed out. "But I'm sure their teacher will deal with it."
"Well I'm going to have a few words with that child's mother," Raye declared. "There's a fine line between teasing and plain meanness. What Miyaki did to Annika was cruel."
"I agree," Mina replied.
"Actually," Raye suddenly said. "Would you mind staying here with Annika so I can go and deal with this? I don't want Annika left alone right now. She has been so upset today."
"I'll be more than happy to," Mina replied. "I doubt I'll be able to pull Gloria away right now anyway."
Raye nodded her head in thanks and went to tell Annika she would be gone for a while.
Annika had finished her homework and was glad that Gloria was here with her. She knew her mother had stepped out for a while but she didn't know what for. Annika sprawled out on her bed with Stardust and Gloria. "I don't want to go to school tomorrow Gloria," she murmured.
"I never want to go," Gloria bluntly pointed out.
"But no one picks on you," Annika sighed.
"Hey," Gloria took Annika's arm. "If Miyaki does something to you I'll take care of her."
"Annika," Stardust piped up. "You should learn to fight your own battles. You're a Sailor Senshi who has fought many youmas. You should be able to stand up to a girl your age."
"I know Stardust but I can't," Annika wailed. "I just don't know what to say and when I do say something it sounds so stupid."
Stardust sighed. "What you need is self-confidence. But you don't have any right now."
"I'll take care of Miyaki," Gloria promised. "I'm here for you because you are my best friend."
Annika smiled and gave Gloria a hug. She was glad to have Gloria around to help her.
Raye returned to the palace seething with rage. Miyaki's mother had point blank told her that she would not interfere with Miyaki's battles. She also told Raye that it was partially Annika's fault because she let Miyaki upset her. Raye had lost her temper and told Miyaki's mother exactly what she thought of her and her daughter. "Some parents could care less if their child goes around picking on others."
"Are you okay Raye," Amy asked in concern as she walked by with Ariel.
"No," Raye snapped. "I was just over at Miyaki's talking to her mother. That woman could care less if her child is going around upsetting other children."
"Oh Raye you didn't lose your temper did you," Amy groaned as a sweat drop appeared on her head.
"Of course I did," Raye glowered. Amy gave another groan.
"If you want to help your child losing your temper isn't going to be it," Amy pointed out.
"Hey I've mellowed out since Annika came along," Raye shot out.
"Ariel go to our quarters and I'll be there in a minute," Amy told her daughter.
"But Mommy," Ariel began to protest.
"Now young lady," Amy commanded and Ariel nodded her head and took off. Once Ariel was gone Amy turned back to Raye. "Do you want my opinion?"
"Not really but I guess you're going to give it too me," Raye sighed.
"Let the teacher deal with it tomorrow," Amy advised. "She is going to take care of it."
"And how do you know that," Raye asked.
"I called the school and talked to the teacher myself," Amy replied. "She said she would deal with Miyaki appropriately tomorrow."
"Why did you call the school," Raye demanded. "Annika's not your daughter."
"No but she is my patient," Amy reminded her. "As her doctor and therapist it is my job to assure that Annika will be in a safe place both physically and emotionally."
"Well I just hope you are right about tomorrow," Raye sighed. "Because right now I have a little girl who is just terrified to go to school tomorrow."
"You have to make her go," Amy reminded her.
"I will," Raye grumbled as she headed back to her quarters.
The next morning Annika reluctantly walked to school with the other children. She had tried every possible ailment that morning to get to stay home but Raye didn't fall for any of it. When she threatened to get Amy to give her some disgusting medicine Annika relented and got ready to go. Gloria had her hand and was pulling her along.
"I'm scared Gloria," Annika whispered.
"It will be all right," Gloria tried to assure her. "I'll make sure no one bothers you."
"And I'm going to be there too," Hope added.
"Me too," Ariel piped up but with less confidence. She was always prey to the classroom bullies too. Fortunately Miyaki didn't have any interest in her.
"Don't worry about it Annika," Maggie said as she put her arm around the younger child. "You have all of us here." Daisy, Faith and Madelyn nodded in agreement.
Annika felt a hand on her head. She looked up and saw Rini standing over her. "Would you like me to walk you to your class before I go to my school?"
"No Rini I don't want you to be late," Annika replied.
"Then I will see you girls after school," Rini told them as they got to Crystal Tokyo Elementary School.
Annika reluctantly followed Hope, Ariel and Gloria into their classroom. Gloria still had Annika's hand in hers. Some of the children began to giggle as Annika walked into the classroom. Annika quickly took her seat next to Hope and put her head down. She didn't want to see anyone right now.
The bell rang and Ms. Patterson went to the front of the room. "Before we begin Miyaki has something to say in front of the class."
"No I don't," Miyaki protested.
"Oh yes you do young lady," Ms. Patterson snapped.
Miyaki flushed and went to the front of the class. She mumbled something quietly.
"I didn't hear you," Ms. Patterson demanded.
"I'm sorry for what I did to Annika yesterday," Miyaki grumbled angrily.
"That's better," Ms. Patterson nodded her head. "Now class take out Kanji books."
Miyaki went back to her seat seething in anger. How dare the teacher humiliate her like that? "And it's all Annika's fault," she thought. She sat down and whispered to Nozomi. "I'll get that Annika for this."
Gloria was sitting in front and heard Miyaki. She felt a spark of anger. "Not if I get you first." She sat and listened while Ms. Patterson explained the Kanji symbols they were learning that day. Once the class got to work Gloria dropped her pencil to the floor purposely. She got down to get it. While she was down there she tied Miyaki's shoelace to the leg of her desk. "How dare you hurt my best friend," Gloria angrily thought as she sat back in her chair and resumed her work.
After a while Miyaki got up. She started to walk and suddenly found herself crashing to the floor. Everyone began to laugh. "Gloria I know you did this," Miyaki shouted in anger as she began to untie her shoe.
"Then leave my best friend alone," Gloria hissed.
"Enough," Ms. Patterson ordered came over. "Gloria did you do this?"
"And what if I did," Gloria snapped rudely.
"Save it," Ms. Patterson grumbled. "You just bought yourself another day of recess detention."
Annika's heart sank when she heard that.
When the bell rang for recess Annika reluctantly went outside with Hope and Ariel. Gloria had to stay in and work on some questions the teacher gave her. Annika hoped that Miyaki would leave her alone today.
"Come on Annika," Hope took her hand. "We can sit under the tree over there and talk."
"Yes," Ariel added. Annika nodded her head and followed them. They sat down and watched Faith playing ball with the boys.
Suddenly someone grabbed Annika by the hair. Annika gave a cry. She looked up and saw it was Miyaki and Nozomi. "It's your fault I had to stand in front of the room this morning," she shouted.
"It's not her fault," Hope snapped standing up. "It's yours."
"Yes if you did not do that stupid thing with the tape yesterday then you would not have been humiliated this morning," Ariel added in a nervous voice.
"Shut up freak," Miyaki pushed Ariel to the ground. Ariel tried to fight back her own tears. Miyaki turned back to Annika. "You stupid crybaby. Why couldn't you have just stayed home?"
"Leave her alone," Hope shouted in anger.
"I don't have to," Miyaki snapped. "Gloria isn't out here and I know you and the freak here won't fight."
"But I will," Faith came up angrily. "Leave Annika alone."
"Oh the crybaby has other protectors," Miyaki sneered. She turned to Annika. "She can't stand up for herself so she needs her bodyguards."
"Maybe she should get Konyo," Nozomi added.
"Oh yes but I don't think Konyo would want a crybaby like her as a girlfriend," Miyaki laughed.
Annika couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They began to flow down her face. "That's right, cry," Miyaki sneered. "It's the only thing you are good at."
"That's it," Faith shouted and she swung a punch at Miyaki.
Annika couldn't put up with the teasing. She got up and ran from the schoolyard. "Annika," Hope called as Annika disappeared.
To be continued...