For as long as she could remember, Teensette was in love with Rayman. Ever since he rescued her when they were children, she had a fondness for him she didn't feel for anyone else. She admired his warmth and kindness towards others, and he never backed down from a challenge.
The Teensy Queen watched his many adventures over the years. She supported him through every single one, if only from afar.
Fear held her back from telling him how she felt. She didn't know how to do so. She tried many times to find the right opportunity to say something, only for her to chicken out in the end. When Rayman visited the Teensy village, she always approached him with friendly banter. They got along like they were best friends, but she avoided expressing her true feelings.
Teensette was afraid of getting hurt, but she had to let Rayman know how she felt. Despite her trying to conceal her feelings, everyone around her knew of her feelings for him. Except for the limbless lad himself. Rayman was a warm and kind person, but for matters of the heart, he wasn't that experienced. So, her efforts to show how she felt in the most subtle ways went over his head.
One day, Teensette finally decided that enough was enough. She was going to tell Rayman how she felt! She went to her friends Teensy Ray and GlobTeen to tell them of her plan. They had been friends with her for a long time. She had them come to her house for tea, as she often did for her guests. Teensy Ray understood Teensette's feelings for Rayman, as he was the leader of the Rayman fan club.
But Teensy Ray also had feelings for Teensette, but he knew she loved Rayman even more. He may have felt a tinge of jealousy over it, but he tried not to let it get in the middle of their friendship.
Teensette drank little of her tea because of her anxiety. "I want to meet him in the meadow at sunset, but I don't know how to tell him."
"Send him a letter?" GlobTeen said, unsure of his words. Bubble Dreamer bless him. He knew little about love, but he tried his best to be supportive.
"I would, but my handwriting is terrible when I'm nervous," Teensette said.
"I can write it for you," Teensy Ray said.
Teensette sighed. "That's kind of you to offer, but Rayman knows what my handwriting looks like."
She'd sent Rayman letters in the past, but she was too nervous to send one this time. But she had to push through it if she wanted to get this weight off her chest.
"Alright, it's settled." The Teensy Queen stood up. "I'll do it!"
She went to her desk and got out her stationery, royal pink paper with the slightest hint of rose perfume. She sat down and wrote her letter. Teensy Ray and GlobTeen watched as she wrote the letter, her hand shaking from her anxiety. A million scenarios went through her head about how the meeting would go. Would Rayman accept her feelings? Would he not? She didn't know. Whatever the outcome, she wanted him to know what she had been harboring for him for years.
When Teensette finished writing the letter, she sealed in one of her royal envelopes. Teensy Ray and GlobTeen followed her out as they headed to the Mail Teensy in the village. The Teensy village was rustic and quaint, sitting in the middle of the forest not too far from the Snoring Tree. The Teensies valued simple living, but they weren't afraid to have fun. They reminded Teensette of the many times that Rayman saved them from various foes. She'd have to have more hands to count how many times he'd helped their kind!
"I hope everything goes well for you, Teensette," Teensy Ray said. "I know Rayman means a lot to you. The way you look at him every time you see him says it all."
The Teensy Queen's faced burned red at his comment. "Yes, he means a lot. He does for you too, doesn't he, Teensy Ray?"
Teensy Ray scratched the back of his neck, his face also red. "Yeah, that's true. I look up to him a lot. I wish I hope I'll be as heroic and cool as him someday."
GlobTeen smiled and laughed. "You will be! You've already gotten better at flying with your hair!"
"Eh, not really," Teensy Ray said, "I still got a long way to go."
The group arrived at the post office in the village and walked inside. The Teensy at the desk greeted them when they came inside.
"Good day to you, Your Teensetteness," the Teensy said, "delivering another letter to you know who?" He winked.
Teensette blushed. "Yes. Please, get it to him as quickly as possible. It's important."
"Sure thing, Your Teensetteness." The Teensy took the pink envelope and added it to the next deliveries. "Take care now."
Teensette and her friends left the post office and walked through the village again. The anxiety continued to build the more she thought about Rayman reading her letter. What was he going to think of it? She hadn't asked him to meet her anywhere before. She took out her handkerchief and wiped her forehead with it.
"Are you okay, Teensette?" GlobTeen asked. "You don't look so good."
"Just a little nervous is all," Teensette said.
"You don't have to worry about anything," GlobTeen said. "I'm sure Rayman will love spending time with you!"
"Yeah," Teensy Ray said, "you'll be fine! We'll be right behind you, cheering you on!"
Teensette smiled. "Thanks, you two. I don't know what I'd do without friends like you."
The next day…
Rayman was in his usual spot at the Snoring Tree. It was the most sacred place in the Glade of Dreams, but he saw it as nothing more than a quiet place to hang out and nap. There was nobody around to disturb his quiet day. Whenever he wasn't needed for a heroic mission, he preferred to lie around and rest. Being a hero was hard work, and he earned this nap, darn it. He was about to get into his sleep when he heard a voice call out to him. Rayman groaned and sat up, looking to see who it was.
"Hey, Rayman," the Mail Teensy said, "got a letter for you." He showed Rayman the pink envelope.
Rayman chuckled. He knew that pink envelope anywhere. He always enjoyed getting Teensette's letters. She always gushed about how heroic he was and what a good job he was doing watching over the Glade of Dreams. He had to admit it inflated his ego a little. Just a little. He considered Teensette a good friend and enjoyed spending time with her when he could.
"Thanks," Rayman said as he took the envelope from the Teensy's hand. He opened it and read the letter inside.
Dear Rayman,
There's something important I must tell you. Please meet me at the meadow in the Dream Forest at sunset on the day that you receive this letter. Come to my house first to let me know you received it.
May Polokus Ever Bless You Eternally,
Teensette
Rayman didn't know what to think of this. What was the important thing she wanted to tell him? He hoped she wasn't in trouble. He put the letter back in the envelope and put it in his pocket.
"I wonder what's up with Teensette," Rayman said to himself as he climbed down from the Snoring Tree. "She's never asked me to meet at the meadow before."
The last time he was there was when he had a picnic with the Baby Globoxes. Their father asked Rayman to spend the day with them while he and his wife went on a trip outside of the Glade together. He didn't think there was anything particularly special about the meadow. He wondered why Teensette wanted to see him there.
"Maybe she found something," Rayman said. His feet touched the earth beneath him after descending from the tree. "Either way, I hope she's alright."
Teensette waited for Rayman at her home all day. She was so nervous she didn't know what to do with herself. She paced back and forth in her bedroom. She went from sitting in her chair in front of her vanity to touching up her makeup to whatever else was on her mind. It was already bad enough that Teensies were prone to nervous and excited energy. The anticipation was killing her.
She tried to calm herself down by making some tea, like she always did, but she couldn't focus on anything. Teensette sat at her table and picked up the bouquet she got for Rayman. She smelled them, hoping he would like them as much as she did. She thought back to her friends' pep-talk the day before and convinced herself to calm down.
When there was a knock on the door, she jumped up and went to it. She opened the door and Rayman was there. Her heart beat out of her chest when she saw him, her mind going a million miles a minute.
"Hey, Teensette," Rayman said, "I got your letter today. Is everything alright?"
Teensette nodded. "Yes, I'm fine." She realized she still had the bouquet in her hands and her face turned red. "Oh, umm…" She gave Rayman the flowers. "These are for you!"
Rayman took them, confused but delighted by the gift. "Wow, thanks! They remind me of the flowers Betilla has in her garden."
"I made sure they were the best," Teensette said.
She walked out of the house and led Rayman to the meadow. She went over the scenario all day in her head, and she wanted to make sure she got it right.
"It's been a while since we've hung out like this," Rayman said.
"It has," Teensette said, "but I know you're busy with being a hero, so…"
They went silent for a few moments. Teensette was so nervous she didn't know what to say. She was finally going to tell Rayman how she felt, but part of her wanted to back out. She looked back at him, carrying the bouquet. He was always a kind person. Not one to be Judgmental or spiteful towards anyone. That was what Teensette loved about Rayman. He was what a hero should be in her mind.
In the forest on the path to the meadow, the birds chirped, and the wind blew the leaves off the trees. It was peaceful, but Teensette was not. She was almost jealous of how carefree Rayman was. There she was, a nervous mess, and he didn't have a care in the world. She wished she could be like that, too.
"You've been really quiet, Teensette," Rayman said. "Are you sure you're okay? And your face looks kind of pale."
"I'm fine," Teensette answered.
The walk to the rest of the meadow was silent and awkward. When the path opened and the beautiful landscape appeared, Teensette felt faint. She kept her resolve the best she could as she stood in front of him. The light overlooking the hills sparkled like gold as the sunset appeared.
Not wanting to waste any more time, Teensette took Rayman's hand in both of her much smaller ones.
"I need to make this quick before I pass out," Teensette said.
Rayman's eyes widened, concern washing over his face. "What do you mean?"
Teensette looked at him and sighed. She looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "Rayman. We've known each other for a long time. Since we were kids, in fact. I still think about the first time we met each other. You saved me from that horrible monster that put me in that cage! Ever since then, I…"
Rayman waited for her to continue, but she struggled to say anything else.
The Teensy's eyes were on the verge of tears. "I've been so grateful to you."
Teensette went silent. She looked at the ground, still holding Rayman's hand. She prepared for what she would say next and looked back up at him. "Rayman, I love you. I've been in love with you for a long time. I just wanted you to know that."
The wind blew across the meadow with a silent chill. Rayman didn't say a word as he processed Teensette's words. He looked at her with a gentle expression, as he always did when he spoke to her.
"Teensette," Rayman said, "you've been a great friend to me all these years, and I appreciate your kindness. But I think we should just be friends."
His words hit her like a ton of bricks. Everything she built up in her head shattered and crumbled. Deep down, she knew he would reject her, but she wanted to hold out at least a little hope. Teensette let go of his hands and looked away from him, not knowing what else to say.
"I'm sorry, Teensette," Rayman said.
"I'll be fine, Rayman." Teensette looked out at the horizon in front of them. She felt hollow from letting out all her emotions. Even though Rayman rejected her in the gentlest way possible, it didn't hurt any less.
Rayman scratched the back of his head. He felt bad for rejecting Teensette, but he had to be honest with her. He couldn't lead her on and pretend that he had feelings for her. That was another thing about Rayman that Teensette loved about him. He was always honest, no matter what. This time it was too painful for her to endure.
"It's getting pretty dark," Rayman said. The awkwardness between them was still fresh. "Do you want me to walk you back?"
"No," Teensette said, "I'll be fine here for a while."
Rayman wanted to argue and tell her it wasn't safe, but he trusted her. He knew she had to process her feelings. And honestly, he had to process his too. "Well, I'll see you soon then, Teensette. Please keep yourself safe, okay?"
Teensette nodded. And with that, Rayman left the meadow and disappeared into the forest.
When she knew he was gone, she dropped to her knees and put her hands over her face. She couldn't remember the last time she cried so hard.
The next morning…
Teensette slept little that night. She tossed and turned in bed with anxiety over what had happened at the meadow. She wanted to wake up and have everything be a bad dream. She cursed Polokus for this happening to her. Gathering all the strength she had, she got out of bed and made herself some tea. She dreaded having to tell Teensy Ray and GlobTeen about what happened.
When she did later that day, the floodgates opened. They consoled her the best they could, but they didn't understand the pain that she felt. At least she wasn't going through it alone and had friends to confide in. Sitting outside with them and getting fresh air did her some good.
"I'm so sorry that happened, Teensette," Teensy Ray said, "but I know Rayman wouldn't hurt you on purpose."
Teensette wiped her eyes. "I know, but it still hurts so much. How can I let someone go that I've loved for so long? I hoped for so long…"
GlobTeen put his hand on her shoulder, not saying anything. He and Teensy Ray were so sad for their friend. They knew Teensette loved Rayman for a long time, and to see her be so heartbroken was as painful for them.
"You should talk to him," Teensy Ray said, "tell him how sad he made you feel. He's probably just as worried about you as we are."
"I can't," Teensette said. "Things are so awkward between us now."
Teensy Ray sat next to her. "I think he'd understand."
Teensette thought back to the times where she saw Rayman consoling other people. He was always so nice and approachable and didn't bat an eye at anyone's tears. There was a reason everyone in the Glade leaned on him. She smiled for the first time that day and stood up.
"Maybe I should," she said, "but it's going to be hard."
"We'll be here if you need us," GlobTeen said.
Teensette went to the Snoring Tree, the place she always knew Rayman would be. And of course, there he lay, sleeping near the fruits. Globox was with him, also sleeping. She walked towards them, not wanting to startle them awake. She nudged Rayman and said his name once, hoping it would get his attention. No response. She tried again and said his name louder. Still nothing. She forgot how hard it was to wake him up once he was asleep. So, she had to do the only thing she knew that would wake him up.
She slapped him and shouted as loud as she could. Rayman yelped and woke with a start, and Globox did the same.
Rayman looked around for a potential threat. Every time he woke up like this, it was usually Murfy that would do so to warn him of a nightmare invasion. When he saw Teensette, he relaxed and scratched the back of his neck.
"Oh, Teensette… What's up? Sorry I didn't wake up sooner."
"We need to talk," Teensette said. She turned to Globox and gave him a signal to leave.
"See you later, Rayman," Globox said as he climbed down from the tree.
When Globox was gone, there was an awkward silence between Teensette and Rayman. She didn't know what to say after she got there. She had everything in her mind, but she forgot Everything at that moment. She knew she wanted to let Rayman know how much he hurt her, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Rayman tried to end the silence. "Look, if this is about what happened last night, I'm sorry."
Teensette looked down. "I know. It's just been hard to bring myself to accept it." She looked up at him, trying not to cry. "I just wanted to let you know it hurt to hear that you don't return my feelings. I had a feeling deep down that you wouldn't, but I convinced myself to hold on to hope."
Rayman frowned. He himself knew deep down how much Teensette loved him, but he was afraid of letting her down. But he had to be honest with his feelings towards her, no matter what. He looked out at the horizon, trying to think of the best way to ease the situation. As a hero, it was his duty to help anyone in need and find the best solutions to any problem.
"I never meant to hurt you," Rayman said.
Teensette sat next to him but kept her distance. She didn't want to make things any more awkward than they already were. "I know."
Rayman turned to her and gave her a reassuring expression. "We'll always be friends, Teensette. No matter what happens, I'll always support you. I don't want this to cause a rift between us."
Tears drained from Teensette's eyes. Not being able to help herself, she hugged Rayman. She didn't care if he returned it or not.
But returned it, he did. That was another thing that Teensette loved about Rayman. He always kept his promises. She was still heartbroken about him not returning her feelings, but she knew they would always remain friends.