Hi Everyone! Here is Part Two to my latest series. Hope you enjoy it.
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 Two
By
Angel Raye
Annika ran through the streets of Crystal Tokyo. Tears were flowing down her face. "Where should I go," she asked herself. "If I go home Mama will take me right back to school. But I can't go back to school. I don't want to see Miyaki." Annika stopped at the park. She decided to go there and hide out until it was time to go home. Annika sat down on the grass. She really wanted to be with her mother right now. But since she knew that Raye would take her back to school she was just going to have to wait until it was time to go home.
"She what," Gloria shrieked when Hope and Ariel told her what happened at recess.
"Annika ran away," Hope repeated.
Ariel wiped a tear out of her eye. "I couldn't help her," she choked. "Miyaki pushed me down."
Gloria went over to Miyaki. "Why can't you just leave her alone," she demanded.
"Because it's fun picking on her," Miyaki replied.
That did it. Gloria took a swing at Miyaki, hitting her square in the jaw.
Raye came out of her office looking upset. She headed back to the conference room where Serenity and all the other Senshi were. Raye had to leave the meeting to take an important call. "What is it Raye," asked Serenity in concern.
"That was the school who called for me," Raye replied. "Annika ran away from school again today."
"Same reason as yesterday," Serenity inquired.
"Same child," Raye sighed. "I'm going to go out and look for her."
"May I make a suggestion," Amy asked. Raye turned to her. "Why don't you let Annika come back on her own? You know she will eventually. It would be better then you combing the streets of Crystal Tokyo trying to find her."
"But she's all alone out there," Raye protested.
"There are no present enemies so she will be fine," Mina added. "Besides some of us have business outside the palace today. We'll keep an eye out for her."
"Besides we all know that Annika will come home," Lita put in. "She won't want to stay away from her mother for too long."
"Good point," Raye sighed.
"Excuse me," Mina's secretary came in. "Ms. Aino there's a call for you." Mina excused herself to take the call. A few minutes later she was back looking very annoyed.
"That was the school," she muttered. "Gloria got into another fight today. I have to go down there now."
"Sticking up for Annika no doubt," Michiru sighed.
"Probably," Mina sighed. She turned to Raye; "I'll keep a lookout for Annika. If I see her I'll bring her back." Raye nodded and watched as Mina left.
Annika sat on a park bench. She knew it was close to the time they should be getting home. She wasn't so sure how much longer she should wait.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up. Rini was standing over her. "Rini," she mumbled.
"I heard you ran away from school again," Rini stated as she sat down by Annika.
"How'd you know," Annika asked as she wiped a tear out of her eye.
"Your mother contacted me on my communicator," Rini replied. "I promised I would try to find you. Your mother is worried about you."
"Miyaki made fun of me again today," Annika sobbed. Rini looked at her small friend.
"You're letting her," she told her simply.
"I know I am," Annika cried. "But I can't help it." Rini put an arm around Annika and let her cry.
"It will be all right," she soothed. "One day you'll know what to do."
"Rini I want Mama," Annika choked.
"She wants you too," Rini smiled. She got up and took Annika's hand. "Let's go home." Hand in hand the two girls headed back to the palace.
Gloria sat outside the principal's office waiting for her mother. She could tell when Mina had gotten here that she was very angry. "I wish there was another way to help Annika," Gloria thought. "Miyaki is such a pain."
Mina stepped out of the office. There was a grim look on her pretty face. Gloria hated it when her mother looked like that. "Mom," she whispered.
"We'll talk in the car," Mina stated abruptly. Gloria followed her mother in silence. Once they got into the car Mina began talking, "What have I told you about fighting?"
"Not too," Gloria muttered.
"Well you have been and now you have after school detention tomorrow and Thursday," Mina told her. "With that and no recess you are in for a couple of long days. You have already lost your stereo and now I am taking away video games."
"But Mom," Gloria protested. "Miyaki was picking on Annika again. When I heard she ran away again because of Miyaki I got so mad."
Mina softened her look as she gazed at her daughter. "You are a good friend to Annika," she said. "But I want you to find other ways to help her."
"Can I see her when we get back," asked Gloria softly.
"We'll see," Mina replied. Gloria accepted that answer and the two rode home in silence.
Raye was waiting at the palace entrance when Rini arrived with Annika. At first Annika hung back for fear she would get into trouble for running away from school again. But when Raye held out her arms Annika ran right into them and began crying all over again. Raye quietly thanked Rini and led Annika up to their quarters. Once they got there Raye sat down and pulled Annika onto her lap. "I'm sorry Mama," Annika sobbed. "Miyaki was making fun of me again."
"I know Sweetheart," Raye replied. "Ariel, Hope and Faith told me. I know you don't like it but you cannot run away from school. I'm afraid if you run away again I am going to have to punish you."
"But Mama," Annika protested. "I don't know what to say when she picks on me."
"Just ignore her," Raye said simply. Annika looked up at her and Raye saw the look of doubt in the child's eyes. "I know it's easier said then done but it will work. But I can't allow you to keep running away from school like this. I will punish you if you do it again."
Annika sighed and nodded her head. She wondered if she could ignore Miyaki.
"I'm sorry you got into trouble because of me again," Annika told Gloria that evening at dinner.
"It's okay," Gloria assured her. "I just wish Miyaki would leave you alone."
"So do I," Annika sighed. "Why is she mean to me Gloria?"
"Because she's a jerk," Gloria bluntly replied.
"And she has nothing better to do," Hope added. "Don't worry Annika. Most of the kids in the class don't like Miyaki because she is so mean."
"And she will end up without anyone one day," Rini put in. "You may be sensitive but you are always very sweet and loving. A person like you will be loved more than a person like her."
"Really," asked Annika in a hopeful voice.
"Really," Rini firmly stated. "So don't worry about it. Everyone here loves you very much."
"Thank you Rini," Annika threw her arms around the princess. Rini returned the hug and hoped that Annika would be okay.
The next couple of days went without incident. Miyaki was either bored with teasing Annika or Ms. Patterson had given her a sharp warning. It didn't matter. Annika relaxed and didn't run away from school. Gloria was able to finish her punishments without getting into further trouble. She was glad when she was able to go outside for recess again. She hated staying inside while everyone else played.
Unfortunately the peace only lasted a couple of days. Miyaki decided she wanted to amuse herself and so she targeted Annika.
It was raining so the children couldn't go outside for recess. Ms. Patterson gave her class some free time so Annika had decided to read a book she was reading for her next book report. Miyaki and Nozomi came over while she was reading. "Let's see what the crybaby is reading," Miyaki sneered. Annika flushed but tried to ignore her as Raye had advised her to do. "That book is way to mature for a crybaby," Miyaki stated. "I think maybe a pre-school book will be best for you."
Annika buried her face into her book and blinked tears back. She wished Miyaki would leave her alone. "Leave me alone," she whispered.
"She speaks," Miyaki pretended to gasp. "I didn't think babies could speak." Nozomi giggled. Annika dropped her reserves and the tears began to flow down her face. "Go ahead and cry it's not going to help," Miyaki snapped. "Oh and by the way I take back the apology Ms. Patterson made me do in front of the class. I shouldn't have to apologize in front of the class like that."
"Leave me alone," Annika choked again.
"Why crybaby," Miyaki sneered. "So that you can go running to Gloria."
"She doesn't have to do that," Gloria snapped coming up. "Leave her alone."
"Get lost palace brat," Miyaki yelled. "I'll pick on the crybaby if I want to. You can't tell me what to do."
"Do you want me to punch you out," Gloria asked as she held up her fist.
"You'll get into trouble if you that," Miyaki pointed out. She turned back to Annika. "Shall I take you to the nursery school crybaby?"
Annika couldn't take it. Even though she knew her mother would punish her she got up and ran out of the classroom. She heard Gloria attack Miyaki but she continued to run. Annika saw the exit doors and flew out them. She headed out into the rainy streets of Crystal Tokyo.
Gloria sat in the principal's office with Mina right beside her. Both the principal and Mina were very angry with her.
"You can take her home," the principal told Mina. "She is suspended for the rest of the day and tomorrow she will have in school suspension."
"Very well," Mina sighed. She turned to Gloria and grabbed her by her ear. "Let's go." Gloria flushed with embarrassment. She hated it when her mother did this and in school it was worse. "I have told you to stop fighting but you don't listen. Well you won't be enjoying this afternoon. You can clean up the training simulation room. That will keep you busy and out of trouble."
"But Mom," Gloria protested. "Miyaki was..."
"Was picking on Annika again I know," Mina finished. "Fighting is not the answer but you are obviously going to do what you feel like doing. Maybe your punishment will help you think about the right thing to do."
Gloria did not answer. She rode in silence back to the palace.
Annika ran until she got to the park. She was drenched but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was get away from Miyaki. She found a sheltered park bench and sat down. Tears flowing down her face she pulled her knees up to her chest and attempted to get warm.
She did not know how long she was there but after a while she was aware of an umbrella being held over her and two shadows standing in front of her. She looked up and saw Haruka and Michiru. "There you are," Michiru stated.
"Everyone is looking for you," Haruka added. "The school called your mother so we all decided to go looking for you."
"Mama's going to punish me," Annika sobbed.
"Yes she is," Michiru told her as she took off her coat and wrapped it around Annika. "But she is worried about you too."
"So let's get you back to the palace," Haruka said as Michiru took Annika's hand and pulled her off the bench. Annika knew better than to protest so she went with them to the car. Once they were heading back to the palace Haruka spoke again. "So you ran away from Miyaki again?"
"Yes," Annika whispered as she wiped some tears off of her face.
"Running away doesn't solve anything," Michiru stated. "You're braver then you think and you're smart. You should figure out a way to solve this problem."
Annika took this advice in. It all sounded good to her but she didn't know how to solve this problem. She sat in silence until they got back to the palace where an angry but concerned Raye was waiting for them. Then Annika burst into tears again.
That evening at dinner Gloria and Annika dolefully informed each other of their punishments. Mina had Gloria clean every inch of the largest simulation room. It had been tiring work and Gloria was exhausted. Tomorrow she would be spending the day at in school suspension. She was not looking forward to that.
Once Raye had gotten Annika into dry clothes and calmed down she quietly informed her that she would not be allowed to watch TV for two weeks. She also explained to Annika that running away from school would not solve this problem with Miyaki. She was also told that if she ran away from school again she would lose another privilege.
Afterwards Annika had a session with Amy who tried to give her some ideas on how to stand up for herself. Annika did not think she could do any of them.
The next day Annika had a cold and had to stay home from school. Gloria spent the day at in school suspension, which she found very boring. She really hoped Miyaki would leave Annika alone.
She didn't. Annika returned to school and Miyaki started picking on her right away. Not wanting to be punished Annika put up with it the best she could. Unfortunately Miyaki didn't stop and finally before the day was over Annika ran away from the school again while Gloria took a swing at Miyaki.
"I've told you to stop running away from school," Raye stated when Annika had been brought back home by Amy. "You've already lost TV for two weeks. Now I am going to take away your manga for two weeks."
"But Mama," Annika sobbed. "I tried not to listen to Miyaki but she still made fun of me. I couldn't help but start crying. When she picks on me the only way I feel I can get away from it is not be there."
"I know it is hard Sweetheart," Raye told her. "But you can't run away from your problems and that is what you are doing. You're lucky the school is letting me handle the punishments right now. Pretty soon they may start punishing you here."
"It's not fair," Annika screamed. "Miyaki is picking on me and making me cry. Gloria and I are getting into trouble and she isn't getting into any trouble."
Raye sighed and sat down on the couch. She held out her arms. "Come here Annika baby," she said. Annika dashed over and climbed up onto Raye's lap. She flung her arms around Raye's neck and howled. Raye held her daughter tightly. "I know it seems that Miyaki is getting away with a lot right now," she stated. "But one day she'll be punished too. This child feels insecure about something so she picks on you as her way of feeling better."
"I hate it Mama," Annika cried. "I hate it so much. I want her to leave me alone."
"So do I," Raye thought to herself. She held her daughter tightly and worked on calming her down.
The next day Gloria was at home due to the fact that she had been suspended for a day. Mina decided Gloria wasn't going to sit around their quarters all day. So she found one of the maids and asked if Gloria could spend the day helping her. The maid was only too happy to help. Right now Gloria was polishing all of the silver and finding it very boring.
Mina came into the room with a couple of sandwiches. "Here's some lunch," she told Gloria.
"Thanks," Gloria muttered as she took one of the sandwiches from Mina's hand. She quietly began eating.
"I hope you are thinking about why you are here today and not at school," Mina told her daughter.
"I think it's unfair," Gloria mumbled. "Miyaki is always bothering Annika. I try to help Annika and the two of us get punished. Miyaki isn't getting punished at all."
Mina hid a smile. Raye told her that Annika said the same thing the day before. "She'll get what's coming to her one-day," Mina assured her daughter. "Just wait. In the meantime I want you to stay out of trouble."
"I'll try," Gloria sighed. "But it's not easy for me."
"I know," Mina stated dryly. "Maybe I should have named you Trouble instead." Gloria snapped her head up but saw the smile on her mother's face. Seeing the joke Gloria smiled back and then went back to work.
A couple of days later Gloria and Faith were playing soccer with the boys during recess. Suddenly Faith saw Hope trying to stop Miyaki from picking on Annika again. "Look," she told Gloria. "Miyaki is at it again."
"That creep," Gloria growled. She started over there but Faith stopped her.
"Let me handle it," she said. "You're already in enough trouble."
Gloria nodded but then saw John and his pals bothering Ariel. "Look," she groaned. Faith looked and sighed. "What should we do," Gloria asked.
"You take Miyaki and I'll help Ariel," Faith replied. Gloria nodded and took off toward Miyaki. By the time she got there Annika was running out of the playground. Gloria flung her body against Miyaki and the two began fighting.
Amy was looking through some files when Raye came in. It didn't take Amy's trained eye to tell her that Raye was very upset. "What's wrong Raye," she asked.
"It's Annika again," Raye replied.
"She ran away again," Amy concluded and Raye nodded. "Do we need to go looking for her."
"No," Raye shook her head. "Palla found her and brought her back. Right now Palla is watching her in our quarters."
"Do you want me to talk to her," Amy asked.
"Actually," Raye said. "The school just called me into a conference and I would like it if you could come with me. Since you're Annika's doctor and therapist maybe you could help us come up with suggestions on helping her."
"Very well," Amy replied as she looked at her afternoon schedule. "Hotaru can handle things here."
"Thank you," Raye gratefully stated as she and Amy left the office together.
"So do you understand," Mina told Gloria. "If you get into one more fight this quarter you will be suspended for two weeks."
"Yes Ma'am," Gloria whispered as a tear rolled down her face. This afternoon while the principal talked to her mother she had to be in there too. When Gloria was told that she would be suspended for two weeks if she got into another fight she was shocked. Now that they were on their way home the shock left her and tears were forming.
Mina was shocked to see the tears. It was not like Gloria to cry. "I know this is hard Darling," Mina stated. "But if you break rules you must suffer the consequences."
"I know," Gloria choked. "How am I going to help Annika now?" Gloria rode the rest of the way home in silence as she let everything sink in.
Meanwhile Raye and Amy were meeting with the school principal, Mr. Mihara and the school counselor, Mrs. Sasaki. "We are very concerned about this Hino-san," Mr. Mihara informed her. "In the last two weeks Annika has run away from school during school hours. We cannot allow for this to continue."
"I agree," Raye replied. "I am punishing her at home now."
"I would like for her to start talking to me now," Mrs. Sasaki stated. "I want to try and find some strategies to help her."
"With all due respect Annika is very shy," Raye pointed out. "She will not talk to you."
"We need to do something," Mr. Mihara told her.
"If I may," Amy spoke up. Everyone turned to her. "I already see Annika regularly now. I could start seeing her on a daily basis and I can fax you a report of our sessions."
Mr. Mihara and Mrs. Sasaki discussed Amy's proposal quietly for a few minutes and then turned back to them. "Very well," Mr. Mihara stated. Raye felt relieved that she had brought Amy with her. "Now," Mr. Mihara moved on. "Next time Annika runs away from school there will be consequences."
"What kind of consequences," Raye asked in a worried voice.
"There is a program that children with emotional problems get put in," Mrs. Sasaki replied. "It's a separate facility where children go until their problems are worked out. If Annika runs away from school again we will be placing her in that program."
"I've seen what kind of children are in that program," Raye protested. "Annika will not survive in there. Those kids will clobber her. Annika is too shy and timid for that."
"I'm sorry Hino-san but a child like Annika who runs away qualifies for this program," Mr. Mihara replied.
"I have another solution to that," Amy spoke up again. She turned to Raye. "I know you won't like this but it's a better alternative. The next time Annika runs away from school I could check her into the palace hospital instead of her being enrolled into that program."
"We could agree to that," Mrs. Sasaki stated.
"I don't like it," Raye sighed. "But I would much rather have her under Amy's care then that program."
"Very well," Mr. Mihara nodded in agreement. "I hope we can help Annika through all this. She is an excellent student and I would like to see her be a success."
Quietly Raye and Amy left the office. Raye was in shock. "I don't get it Amy," she sighed. "Chad and I are good parents, at least I like to think we are. Why can't we help Annika through this problem."
"Annika is not an emotional problem," Amy assured her. "She is an overly sensitive child who has made the wrong choices the last couple of weeks. What need to do is help her to find a way to cope with teasing. People are going to be teasing her all through out her immortality. We have to help her deal with it properly."
"We're going to have tell her," Raye decided.
"I agree," Amy replied. "Why don't you bring her to my office and we'll talk to her together."
Raye nodded her head in agreement. The two of them headed back to the palace in Amy's car.
Annika sat on her bed gently stroking Stardust's ears. "I really hate Miyaki," Annika told her pink kitten. "I wish she would leave me alone."
"I know you do Annika," Stardust replied. "But as long as you keep crying she is going to keep on picking on you."
"I know but I can't help it," Annika mumbled.
"Don't worry Annika," Palla came into the room. "I cried a lot as a child too."
"You did," Annika asked.
"Yes," Palla replied. "But I out grew it and so will you."
"Let's hope so," Raye came in. "Thank you for staying with her Palla."
"It was no problem," Palla said as she got up. "I'm always happy to stay with her." She said good-bye and left.
"Where were you Mama," asked Annika.
"At the school," Raye replied. "Come on. We need to go to Aunt Amy's office."
"Why," asked Annika as she took her mother's hand.
"She and I have something to discuss with you," Raye informed her as she led her out of their quarters.
Amy was waiting for them. She motioned for them to sit down. Raye sat down and pulled Annika onto her lap. Amy decided to move to the chair next to them. She reached over and took Annika's hand. "Annika," she began. "Mama and I just came from talking to Mr. Mihara and Mrs. Sasaki.
"Why," asked Annika in a worried voice.
"They're concerned because you keep running away from school," Raye replied. "Mrs. Sasaki wants you to start talking to her."
"No," Annika wailed. "I don't want to. I don't know her."
"You don't have to," Amy assured her. "They agreed that if you talk to me everyday then you won't have to see her." Amy looked into Annika's eyes. "It's very important that you cooperate with me in these sessions. I know how you feel about these sessions but you need to cooperate. Do you understand?"
"Yes Ma'am," Annika whispered. "Is that all?"
"No," Raye replied. "They said if you run away from school again then they want to enroll you in that program for emotionally disturbed children."
"Mama those kids are scary," Annika cried.
"And you won't be going there," Amy added. Annika looked relieved. "But," Amy continued. "They only agreed not to enroll you there because I suggested an alternative. The next time you run away from school I am going to have to check you into the hospital here."
Annika took all of this in and then burst into tears.
To be continued...
E-mail me with suggestions and feedback to AngelRaye2@aol.com.
Also visit my web site at www.angelfire.com/anime3/chibiscouts
Captain Commando has set up a Chibi Scout message board at http://pub53.ezboard.com/bangelrayeschibiscouts. Please drop by and leave a message.
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 Two
By
Angel Raye
Annika ran through the streets of Crystal Tokyo. Tears were flowing down her face. "Where should I go," she asked herself. "If I go home Mama will take me right back to school. But I can't go back to school. I don't want to see Miyaki." Annika stopped at the park. She decided to go there and hide out until it was time to go home. Annika sat down on the grass. She really wanted to be with her mother right now. But since she knew that Raye would take her back to school she was just going to have to wait until it was time to go home.
"She what," Gloria shrieked when Hope and Ariel told her what happened at recess.
"Annika ran away," Hope repeated.
Ariel wiped a tear out of her eye. "I couldn't help her," she choked. "Miyaki pushed me down."
Gloria went over to Miyaki. "Why can't you just leave her alone," she demanded.
"Because it's fun picking on her," Miyaki replied.
That did it. Gloria took a swing at Miyaki, hitting her square in the jaw.
Raye came out of her office looking upset. She headed back to the conference room where Serenity and all the other Senshi were. Raye had to leave the meeting to take an important call. "What is it Raye," asked Serenity in concern.
"That was the school who called for me," Raye replied. "Annika ran away from school again today."
"Same reason as yesterday," Serenity inquired.
"Same child," Raye sighed. "I'm going to go out and look for her."
"May I make a suggestion," Amy asked. Raye turned to her. "Why don't you let Annika come back on her own? You know she will eventually. It would be better then you combing the streets of Crystal Tokyo trying to find her."
"But she's all alone out there," Raye protested.
"There are no present enemies so she will be fine," Mina added. "Besides some of us have business outside the palace today. We'll keep an eye out for her."
"Besides we all know that Annika will come home," Lita put in. "She won't want to stay away from her mother for too long."
"Good point," Raye sighed.
"Excuse me," Mina's secretary came in. "Ms. Aino there's a call for you." Mina excused herself to take the call. A few minutes later she was back looking very annoyed.
"That was the school," she muttered. "Gloria got into another fight today. I have to go down there now."
"Sticking up for Annika no doubt," Michiru sighed.
"Probably," Mina sighed. She turned to Raye; "I'll keep a lookout for Annika. If I see her I'll bring her back." Raye nodded and watched as Mina left.
Annika sat on a park bench. She knew it was close to the time they should be getting home. She wasn't so sure how much longer she should wait.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up. Rini was standing over her. "Rini," she mumbled.
"I heard you ran away from school again," Rini stated as she sat down by Annika.
"How'd you know," Annika asked as she wiped a tear out of her eye.
"Your mother contacted me on my communicator," Rini replied. "I promised I would try to find you. Your mother is worried about you."
"Miyaki made fun of me again today," Annika sobbed. Rini looked at her small friend.
"You're letting her," she told her simply.
"I know I am," Annika cried. "But I can't help it." Rini put an arm around Annika and let her cry.
"It will be all right," she soothed. "One day you'll know what to do."
"Rini I want Mama," Annika choked.
"She wants you too," Rini smiled. She got up and took Annika's hand. "Let's go home." Hand in hand the two girls headed back to the palace.
Gloria sat outside the principal's office waiting for her mother. She could tell when Mina had gotten here that she was very angry. "I wish there was another way to help Annika," Gloria thought. "Miyaki is such a pain."
Mina stepped out of the office. There was a grim look on her pretty face. Gloria hated it when her mother looked like that. "Mom," she whispered.
"We'll talk in the car," Mina stated abruptly. Gloria followed her mother in silence. Once they got into the car Mina began talking, "What have I told you about fighting?"
"Not too," Gloria muttered.
"Well you have been and now you have after school detention tomorrow and Thursday," Mina told her. "With that and no recess you are in for a couple of long days. You have already lost your stereo and now I am taking away video games."
"But Mom," Gloria protested. "Miyaki was picking on Annika again. When I heard she ran away again because of Miyaki I got so mad."
Mina softened her look as she gazed at her daughter. "You are a good friend to Annika," she said. "But I want you to find other ways to help her."
"Can I see her when we get back," asked Gloria softly.
"We'll see," Mina replied. Gloria accepted that answer and the two rode home in silence.
Raye was waiting at the palace entrance when Rini arrived with Annika. At first Annika hung back for fear she would get into trouble for running away from school again. But when Raye held out her arms Annika ran right into them and began crying all over again. Raye quietly thanked Rini and led Annika up to their quarters. Once they got there Raye sat down and pulled Annika onto her lap. "I'm sorry Mama," Annika sobbed. "Miyaki was making fun of me again."
"I know Sweetheart," Raye replied. "Ariel, Hope and Faith told me. I know you don't like it but you cannot run away from school. I'm afraid if you run away again I am going to have to punish you."
"But Mama," Annika protested. "I don't know what to say when she picks on me."
"Just ignore her," Raye said simply. Annika looked up at her and Raye saw the look of doubt in the child's eyes. "I know it's easier said then done but it will work. But I can't allow you to keep running away from school like this. I will punish you if you do it again."
Annika sighed and nodded her head. She wondered if she could ignore Miyaki.
"I'm sorry you got into trouble because of me again," Annika told Gloria that evening at dinner.
"It's okay," Gloria assured her. "I just wish Miyaki would leave you alone."
"So do I," Annika sighed. "Why is she mean to me Gloria?"
"Because she's a jerk," Gloria bluntly replied.
"And she has nothing better to do," Hope added. "Don't worry Annika. Most of the kids in the class don't like Miyaki because she is so mean."
"And she will end up without anyone one day," Rini put in. "You may be sensitive but you are always very sweet and loving. A person like you will be loved more than a person like her."
"Really," asked Annika in a hopeful voice.
"Really," Rini firmly stated. "So don't worry about it. Everyone here loves you very much."
"Thank you Rini," Annika threw her arms around the princess. Rini returned the hug and hoped that Annika would be okay.
The next couple of days went without incident. Miyaki was either bored with teasing Annika or Ms. Patterson had given her a sharp warning. It didn't matter. Annika relaxed and didn't run away from school. Gloria was able to finish her punishments without getting into further trouble. She was glad when she was able to go outside for recess again. She hated staying inside while everyone else played.
Unfortunately the peace only lasted a couple of days. Miyaki decided she wanted to amuse herself and so she targeted Annika.
It was raining so the children couldn't go outside for recess. Ms. Patterson gave her class some free time so Annika had decided to read a book she was reading for her next book report. Miyaki and Nozomi came over while she was reading. "Let's see what the crybaby is reading," Miyaki sneered. Annika flushed but tried to ignore her as Raye had advised her to do. "That book is way to mature for a crybaby," Miyaki stated. "I think maybe a pre-school book will be best for you."
Annika buried her face into her book and blinked tears back. She wished Miyaki would leave her alone. "Leave me alone," she whispered.
"She speaks," Miyaki pretended to gasp. "I didn't think babies could speak." Nozomi giggled. Annika dropped her reserves and the tears began to flow down her face. "Go ahead and cry it's not going to help," Miyaki snapped. "Oh and by the way I take back the apology Ms. Patterson made me do in front of the class. I shouldn't have to apologize in front of the class like that."
"Leave me alone," Annika choked again.
"Why crybaby," Miyaki sneered. "So that you can go running to Gloria."
"She doesn't have to do that," Gloria snapped coming up. "Leave her alone."
"Get lost palace brat," Miyaki yelled. "I'll pick on the crybaby if I want to. You can't tell me what to do."
"Do you want me to punch you out," Gloria asked as she held up her fist.
"You'll get into trouble if you that," Miyaki pointed out. She turned back to Annika. "Shall I take you to the nursery school crybaby?"
Annika couldn't take it. Even though she knew her mother would punish her she got up and ran out of the classroom. She heard Gloria attack Miyaki but she continued to run. Annika saw the exit doors and flew out them. She headed out into the rainy streets of Crystal Tokyo.
Gloria sat in the principal's office with Mina right beside her. Both the principal and Mina were very angry with her.
"You can take her home," the principal told Mina. "She is suspended for the rest of the day and tomorrow she will have in school suspension."
"Very well," Mina sighed. She turned to Gloria and grabbed her by her ear. "Let's go." Gloria flushed with embarrassment. She hated it when her mother did this and in school it was worse. "I have told you to stop fighting but you don't listen. Well you won't be enjoying this afternoon. You can clean up the training simulation room. That will keep you busy and out of trouble."
"But Mom," Gloria protested. "Miyaki was..."
"Was picking on Annika again I know," Mina finished. "Fighting is not the answer but you are obviously going to do what you feel like doing. Maybe your punishment will help you think about the right thing to do."
Gloria did not answer. She rode in silence back to the palace.
Annika ran until she got to the park. She was drenched but she didn't care. All she wanted to do was get away from Miyaki. She found a sheltered park bench and sat down. Tears flowing down her face she pulled her knees up to her chest and attempted to get warm.
She did not know how long she was there but after a while she was aware of an umbrella being held over her and two shadows standing in front of her. She looked up and saw Haruka and Michiru. "There you are," Michiru stated.
"Everyone is looking for you," Haruka added. "The school called your mother so we all decided to go looking for you."
"Mama's going to punish me," Annika sobbed.
"Yes she is," Michiru told her as she took off her coat and wrapped it around Annika. "But she is worried about you too."
"So let's get you back to the palace," Haruka said as Michiru took Annika's hand and pulled her off the bench. Annika knew better than to protest so she went with them to the car. Once they were heading back to the palace Haruka spoke again. "So you ran away from Miyaki again?"
"Yes," Annika whispered as she wiped some tears off of her face.
"Running away doesn't solve anything," Michiru stated. "You're braver then you think and you're smart. You should figure out a way to solve this problem."
Annika took this advice in. It all sounded good to her but she didn't know how to solve this problem. She sat in silence until they got back to the palace where an angry but concerned Raye was waiting for them. Then Annika burst into tears again.
That evening at dinner Gloria and Annika dolefully informed each other of their punishments. Mina had Gloria clean every inch of the largest simulation room. It had been tiring work and Gloria was exhausted. Tomorrow she would be spending the day at in school suspension. She was not looking forward to that.
Once Raye had gotten Annika into dry clothes and calmed down she quietly informed her that she would not be allowed to watch TV for two weeks. She also explained to Annika that running away from school would not solve this problem with Miyaki. She was also told that if she ran away from school again she would lose another privilege.
Afterwards Annika had a session with Amy who tried to give her some ideas on how to stand up for herself. Annika did not think she could do any of them.
The next day Annika had a cold and had to stay home from school. Gloria spent the day at in school suspension, which she found very boring. She really hoped Miyaki would leave Annika alone.
She didn't. Annika returned to school and Miyaki started picking on her right away. Not wanting to be punished Annika put up with it the best she could. Unfortunately Miyaki didn't stop and finally before the day was over Annika ran away from the school again while Gloria took a swing at Miyaki.
"I've told you to stop running away from school," Raye stated when Annika had been brought back home by Amy. "You've already lost TV for two weeks. Now I am going to take away your manga for two weeks."
"But Mama," Annika sobbed. "I tried not to listen to Miyaki but she still made fun of me. I couldn't help but start crying. When she picks on me the only way I feel I can get away from it is not be there."
"I know it is hard Sweetheart," Raye told her. "But you can't run away from your problems and that is what you are doing. You're lucky the school is letting me handle the punishments right now. Pretty soon they may start punishing you here."
"It's not fair," Annika screamed. "Miyaki is picking on me and making me cry. Gloria and I are getting into trouble and she isn't getting into any trouble."
Raye sighed and sat down on the couch. She held out her arms. "Come here Annika baby," she said. Annika dashed over and climbed up onto Raye's lap. She flung her arms around Raye's neck and howled. Raye held her daughter tightly. "I know it seems that Miyaki is getting away with a lot right now," she stated. "But one day she'll be punished too. This child feels insecure about something so she picks on you as her way of feeling better."
"I hate it Mama," Annika cried. "I hate it so much. I want her to leave me alone."
"So do I," Raye thought to herself. She held her daughter tightly and worked on calming her down.
The next day Gloria was at home due to the fact that she had been suspended for a day. Mina decided Gloria wasn't going to sit around their quarters all day. So she found one of the maids and asked if Gloria could spend the day helping her. The maid was only too happy to help. Right now Gloria was polishing all of the silver and finding it very boring.
Mina came into the room with a couple of sandwiches. "Here's some lunch," she told Gloria.
"Thanks," Gloria muttered as she took one of the sandwiches from Mina's hand. She quietly began eating.
"I hope you are thinking about why you are here today and not at school," Mina told her daughter.
"I think it's unfair," Gloria mumbled. "Miyaki is always bothering Annika. I try to help Annika and the two of us get punished. Miyaki isn't getting punished at all."
Mina hid a smile. Raye told her that Annika said the same thing the day before. "She'll get what's coming to her one-day," Mina assured her daughter. "Just wait. In the meantime I want you to stay out of trouble."
"I'll try," Gloria sighed. "But it's not easy for me."
"I know," Mina stated dryly. "Maybe I should have named you Trouble instead." Gloria snapped her head up but saw the smile on her mother's face. Seeing the joke Gloria smiled back and then went back to work.
A couple of days later Gloria and Faith were playing soccer with the boys during recess. Suddenly Faith saw Hope trying to stop Miyaki from picking on Annika again. "Look," she told Gloria. "Miyaki is at it again."
"That creep," Gloria growled. She started over there but Faith stopped her.
"Let me handle it," she said. "You're already in enough trouble."
Gloria nodded but then saw John and his pals bothering Ariel. "Look," she groaned. Faith looked and sighed. "What should we do," Gloria asked.
"You take Miyaki and I'll help Ariel," Faith replied. Gloria nodded and took off toward Miyaki. By the time she got there Annika was running out of the playground. Gloria flung her body against Miyaki and the two began fighting.
Amy was looking through some files when Raye came in. It didn't take Amy's trained eye to tell her that Raye was very upset. "What's wrong Raye," she asked.
"It's Annika again," Raye replied.
"She ran away again," Amy concluded and Raye nodded. "Do we need to go looking for her."
"No," Raye shook her head. "Palla found her and brought her back. Right now Palla is watching her in our quarters."
"Do you want me to talk to her," Amy asked.
"Actually," Raye said. "The school just called me into a conference and I would like it if you could come with me. Since you're Annika's doctor and therapist maybe you could help us come up with suggestions on helping her."
"Very well," Amy replied as she looked at her afternoon schedule. "Hotaru can handle things here."
"Thank you," Raye gratefully stated as she and Amy left the office together.
"So do you understand," Mina told Gloria. "If you get into one more fight this quarter you will be suspended for two weeks."
"Yes Ma'am," Gloria whispered as a tear rolled down her face. This afternoon while the principal talked to her mother she had to be in there too. When Gloria was told that she would be suspended for two weeks if she got into another fight she was shocked. Now that they were on their way home the shock left her and tears were forming.
Mina was shocked to see the tears. It was not like Gloria to cry. "I know this is hard Darling," Mina stated. "But if you break rules you must suffer the consequences."
"I know," Gloria choked. "How am I going to help Annika now?" Gloria rode the rest of the way home in silence as she let everything sink in.
Meanwhile Raye and Amy were meeting with the school principal, Mr. Mihara and the school counselor, Mrs. Sasaki. "We are very concerned about this Hino-san," Mr. Mihara informed her. "In the last two weeks Annika has run away from school during school hours. We cannot allow for this to continue."
"I agree," Raye replied. "I am punishing her at home now."
"I would like for her to start talking to me now," Mrs. Sasaki stated. "I want to try and find some strategies to help her."
"With all due respect Annika is very shy," Raye pointed out. "She will not talk to you."
"We need to do something," Mr. Mihara told her.
"If I may," Amy spoke up. Everyone turned to her. "I already see Annika regularly now. I could start seeing her on a daily basis and I can fax you a report of our sessions."
Mr. Mihara and Mrs. Sasaki discussed Amy's proposal quietly for a few minutes and then turned back to them. "Very well," Mr. Mihara stated. Raye felt relieved that she had brought Amy with her. "Now," Mr. Mihara moved on. "Next time Annika runs away from school there will be consequences."
"What kind of consequences," Raye asked in a worried voice.
"There is a program that children with emotional problems get put in," Mrs. Sasaki replied. "It's a separate facility where children go until their problems are worked out. If Annika runs away from school again we will be placing her in that program."
"I've seen what kind of children are in that program," Raye protested. "Annika will not survive in there. Those kids will clobber her. Annika is too shy and timid for that."
"I'm sorry Hino-san but a child like Annika who runs away qualifies for this program," Mr. Mihara replied.
"I have another solution to that," Amy spoke up again. She turned to Raye. "I know you won't like this but it's a better alternative. The next time Annika runs away from school I could check her into the palace hospital instead of her being enrolled into that program."
"We could agree to that," Mrs. Sasaki stated.
"I don't like it," Raye sighed. "But I would much rather have her under Amy's care then that program."
"Very well," Mr. Mihara nodded in agreement. "I hope we can help Annika through all this. She is an excellent student and I would like to see her be a success."
Quietly Raye and Amy left the office. Raye was in shock. "I don't get it Amy," she sighed. "Chad and I are good parents, at least I like to think we are. Why can't we help Annika through this problem."
"Annika is not an emotional problem," Amy assured her. "She is an overly sensitive child who has made the wrong choices the last couple of weeks. What need to do is help her to find a way to cope with teasing. People are going to be teasing her all through out her immortality. We have to help her deal with it properly."
"We're going to have tell her," Raye decided.
"I agree," Amy replied. "Why don't you bring her to my office and we'll talk to her together."
Raye nodded her head in agreement. The two of them headed back to the palace in Amy's car.
Annika sat on her bed gently stroking Stardust's ears. "I really hate Miyaki," Annika told her pink kitten. "I wish she would leave me alone."
"I know you do Annika," Stardust replied. "But as long as you keep crying she is going to keep on picking on you."
"I know but I can't help it," Annika mumbled.
"Don't worry Annika," Palla came into the room. "I cried a lot as a child too."
"You did," Annika asked.
"Yes," Palla replied. "But I out grew it and so will you."
"Let's hope so," Raye came in. "Thank you for staying with her Palla."
"It was no problem," Palla said as she got up. "I'm always happy to stay with her." She said good-bye and left.
"Where were you Mama," asked Annika.
"At the school," Raye replied. "Come on. We need to go to Aunt Amy's office."
"Why," asked Annika as she took her mother's hand.
"She and I have something to discuss with you," Raye informed her as she led her out of their quarters.
Amy was waiting for them. She motioned for them to sit down. Raye sat down and pulled Annika onto her lap. Amy decided to move to the chair next to them. She reached over and took Annika's hand. "Annika," she began. "Mama and I just came from talking to Mr. Mihara and Mrs. Sasaki.
"Why," asked Annika in a worried voice.
"They're concerned because you keep running away from school," Raye replied. "Mrs. Sasaki wants you to start talking to her."
"No," Annika wailed. "I don't want to. I don't know her."
"You don't have to," Amy assured her. "They agreed that if you talk to me everyday then you won't have to see her." Amy looked into Annika's eyes. "It's very important that you cooperate with me in these sessions. I know how you feel about these sessions but you need to cooperate. Do you understand?"
"Yes Ma'am," Annika whispered. "Is that all?"
"No," Raye replied. "They said if you run away from school again then they want to enroll you in that program for emotionally disturbed children."
"Mama those kids are scary," Annika cried.
"And you won't be going there," Amy added. Annika looked relieved. "But," Amy continued. "They only agreed not to enroll you there because I suggested an alternative. The next time you run away from school I am going to have to check you into the hospital here."
Annika took all of this in and then burst into tears.
To be continued...