Hello Minna! Here is part three of "Breaking Point" finally. Things are starting to pick for me again so I am in the mood the write. Thank you for your patience.
However I feel I must let you know that after I write this series I will be retiring from the Chibi Senshi. If I have learned anything these last few months it was to sort out my priorities. My church, my work and my friends and family have to come first now, particularly my church and church friends whom have helped me through these last difficult months. I may still write an occasional short story about the Chibi Senshi but there won't be any more long series. For all of you who write Chibi Senshi stories then please keep on writing them. I enjoy receiving them and it will be a way to keep them alive. The website will still be running too so please continue to send your artwork. I will still be drawing some pictures for the site myself.
This part will be Annika's part. This will take place when she is almost fifteen. We will be expanding on the part from "Runaway" where we got a glimpse of Annika and Gloria as teens. Therefore the issue is suicide. Unfortunately suicide is very common. It is not to be taken lightly. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide then please get help immediately.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Come and see the Chibi Senshi at www.chibiscouts.com
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Breaking Point
Part Three: Annika
Issue: Suicide
By
Angel Raye
"Oh I can't take it anymore," Gloria shouted as she threw down her Math book. "If I have to spend one more minute studying for this stupid entrance exam I shall go crazy."
Ariel pulled off her reading glasses and looked at Gloria. "It's only September," she pointed out. "We still have a few more months before the exam. You know my mother will not let any of us slack off until then."
"Well I'm not going to sit and study all the time like you do Ariel," Gloria bluntly stated. Ariel flushed and didn't say anything else.
Annika had been sitting watching all of this with amusement. "We've only got another hour to go and then we can relax the rest of the day," she gently reminded her best friend. So please sit down before Amy comes in and catches us not working."
"Please," Faith grumbled. "I would like to go work out in the gym before dinner and I don't want to have to study for an extra hour."
"Same here," Hope added. "I want to practice the violin and if I have to study another hour I will be very upset."
Gloria sighed and sat back down. She didn't understand why they had to take an exam to get into high school but she studied for it anyway. So the five girls continued to work quietly. After an hour Amy came in and was pleased to see all of them working quietly. "Time's up ladies," she told them. "Relax for the rest of the day."
"Hurrah," Gloria cried as she jumped up. "And tonight is Saturday which means we can go out and do something."
"What shall we do," Annika asked as she gathered up her stuff and followed Gloria out the door. The others trailed after them.
"Whatever it is we can count Maggie and Daisy out," Faith told them. "There's a dance at their school tonight."
"I can't wait until high school when there will be more dances," sighed Hope wistfully. Faith playfully tugged at her sister's pretty hair.
"Well Maggie and Daisy worked hard on these entrance exams," Ariel told them. "So we should work hard too."
"Pooh," Gloria muttered since she had inherited her mother's terrible study habits. Annika giggled. Gloria still always made her laugh.
"So you all are finished with another of Amy's grueling study sessions," Maggie stated as she came up with Daisy.
"Grueling is putting it mildly," Gloria groaned.
"We wanted ask if you girls would like to come to the dance tonight," Daisy stated.
"Nani," Hope gasped. "But we're junior high kids."
"We know that," Daisy replied. "But all of you are in grade nine and will be coming to high school next year. We thought you would like to see what a high school dance is like."
"Count me in," Gloria cried out.
"Me too," Hope added.
Faith thought for a moment and then agreed, "Okay as long as I don't have to wear anything girly."
"It's a casual dance," Maggie informed her. She turned to Annika and Ariel. "What about you two?"
"I would like too," Ariel replied. "I'll have to check with Mom." Ariel had a feeling that Amy would say no since she wasn't even thirteen yet.
"Annika," Daisy asked.
Annika hesitated. "I don't know," she whispered shyly. The thought of going to a dance full of strangers scared her.
"Oh come on Annika," Hope urged. "Get over your shyness and come with us. We'll be there so you can stick with us."
"Yes please come on," Gloria added slipping her arm through Annika's. "It will be fun and we're going to be in high school next year."
"Okay," Annika murmured reluctantly.
"We'll have a good time," Gloria promised.
"I hope so," Annika thought as she headed back to her quarters.
As soon as she got back to her quarters Annika immediately sought out her mother. Raye was kneeling down in front of the fire. "Mama," Annika whispered from the door of the fire room.
Raye broke her concentration and turned to her daughter. "Hi Sweetie," she greeted. "Finished studying for the day?"
"Yes," Annika replied as she sat down on the floor next to Raye. Raye embraced her daughter tightly. Annika rested contently in her mother's arms for a moment and then sat back up. "Daisy and Maggie invited us to come with them to the high school dance tonight. May I go," Annika asked secretly hoping that Raye would find a reason to say no.
"Of course you may," Raye exclaimed. She stroked Annika's cheek. "You need go out and have fun."
"It's scary Mama," Annika admitted quietly. "I don't like crowds."
"I know you don't but you've got to come out of that shell one day," Raye pointed out. She constantly worried about her daughter's shyness. "If your friends are going then you will be fine. Just have fun."
"Okay," Annika sighed as she got up and headed back to her room. She just hoped that she would have a good time.
Later on Annika was heading for the dance with the other girls. Amy had not allowed Ariel to go saying that a high school dance was no place for a girl who wasn't thirteen yet. So she and Madelyn decided to watch movies. Annika wished that she could be with them but here she was going to the dance. "Do I look okay," Hope asked as she smoothed out her dress.
"You look beautiful sis," Faith assured her with a roll of her eyes.
"Here we are girls," Daisy called as they arrived at the high school. Annika found herself drawing closer to Gloria. The gym was crowded with high school students dancing.
"This is so cool," Gloria raved. She flipped back her hair. "Just think Annika we'll be here next year."
"I know," Annika gasped shyly. She wished this evening were over with.
After a while Annika was sitting by Faith in the chairs. Daisy, Maggie, Gloria and Faith had all been asked to dance. Annika didn't want to be asked to dance. She just wanted to go home. "Faith why aren't you dancing with anyone?"
"No one has asked me yet," Faith replied. "Besides I'd much rather be playing baseball of something like that." Faith looked at her shy companion. "Why don't you find someone to dance with?"
"I don't want too," Annika whispered.
"Honestly," Faith sighed. "How can such outgoing people like Raye and Chad have such a shy child?" Annika blushed a scarlet red.
"Excuse me," a voice interrupted their conversation. Annika looked up and saw a boy of about seventeen standing over her. He was tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes. "I couldn't help wondering why an exotic beauty like yourself isn't dancing."
"I uh I," Annika gasped going all tongue-tied. This boy was good looking.
"She's a little shy," Faith put in wanting to help her friend all she could.
"Well would you like to dance with me," the boy asked. "I can bring you out of your shyness."
"Well," Annika whispered hesitantly.
"Go on," Faith urged giving Annika a shove. "Live a little." The next thing Annika knew she was being led to the dance floor. Fortunately she was a good dancer thanks to the fact that her mother would dance with her when she was a child.
"So does the shy one have a name," the boy asked as they danced together.
"Annika Hino," Annika replied shyly.
"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," the boy stated. "I'm Eien Amaya."
"A pleasure," Annika murmured feeling her heart beating. She felt herself relaxing as she began to enjoy herself.
Annika found herself spending the evening with Eien and enjoying it. He seemed to be a really nice young man. She found out he was in the eleventh grade and played American style football.
"So you are studying for the high school entrance exam," Eien asked.
"Yes," Annika sighed. "It's not easy work but I know I'll do okay."
"That's good," Eien replied. He then smiled at Annika. "You know these high school dances can be kind of dull. I can show you a really good time."
"What kind of good time," Annika asked shyly.
"Come with me and I'll show you," Eien replied. He took Annika's hand and led her out the door. Annika found herself being led to the parking lot.
"Where are we going," Annika asked nervously.
"To my car," Eien told her as he led her to a small red car. "I'm going to take you to a place where we can really have fun." Annika felt alarmed but didn't dare protest. She got into Eien's car quietly and wondered where he was taking her.
After about twenty minutes Eien parked the car at a cliff. Annika immediately knew where she was. It was called Lover's Point. "What are we doing here," Annika asked trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.
"I thought we could spend some time here," Eien replied as he put his arm around Annika's thin shoulders. Annika was frightened. Eien leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "You have a sweet mouth," he told her.
"Thank you," Annika gasped not knowing what to say. Eien kissed her again. This time Annika felt his tongue sliding into her mouth. She tensed up in fright and waited for the kiss to break off. But it didn't. Then Eien began to unbutton her shirt. This time Annika used whatever nerve she had left and pulled away from him. "Don't," she gasped as she began to button her shirt back up. Raye had talked with her about sex and told her it should be with someone she was married too.
"Why not," Eien asked. "I wanted to show you a good time. People only come here to have sex. I thought you wanted this."
"I never said that," Annika protested. "You just said that you were going to show me a good time."
"How naïve you are," Eien muttered angrily. "When I said a good time I thought you wanted this."
"Well I don't," Annika choked. "Now please let's just go."
"Oh no," Eien declared. "I came here to have a good time and I plan on doing that." Before Annika could protest Eien grabbed her and started trying to pull her shirt off. This time Annika really became Raye's daughter and belted him in the gut. "I said no," she shouted. She opened the door to the car and got out prepared to walk back to the palace even if it took all night.
"You bitch," Eien roared in rage as he got out after her. Annika grew frightened again as she tried to get away. But Eien grabbed her and punched her in the eye. "I'll show you what happens to girls who hit me," he yelled. Before Annika could get away he began to repeatedly punch in the face. Annika cried in pain as she took the blows to her face. Finally everything went black.
When she came too Annika saw that Gloria was knelt down beside her. "It's okay Annika," Gloria soothed brushing back Annika violet locks that were soaked with blood. "I called your parents on the communicator. They're on their way."
"Gloria," Annika managed to whisper weakly. She tried to sit up but Gloria gently pushed her back down.
"Don't move," Gloria cautioned. "I don't know how serious your injuries are."
"How did you manage to find me," Annika gasped out.
"I found out from some of the other high school students where that creep Eien likes to take junior high girls who come for dances," Gloria replied grimly. "Apparently he has a reputation for making girls lose their virginity, especially shy girls like yourself. I broke away from my search party to come here."
Annika began to cry softly. She couldn't believe she had almost become another victim of Eien. "He seemed so nice too," she choked.
"According the Daisy he has that charm," Gloria muttered.
Before anything else was said a car pulled up. Annika recognized it immediately. It was her father's car. Raye jumped out and flew over to Annika. "Annika darling are you all right," Raye cried in horror as she knelt down by her daughter.
"Mama," Annika croaked.
Raye was about to gather Annika into her arms when another voice spoke out. "Wait a minute Raye." Annika realized it was Amy's voice. Amy knelt down on the other side of Annika. "Can you move your arms and legs," she asked. Annika moved and then nodded. Amy gently pressed Annika's ribs. When the girl didn't wince in pain Amy concluded that nothing was broken. "Let's get her back to the palace so that I can treat her," Amy told them.
"Why don't you let me carry her Raye," Chad offered.
"I got her," Raye replied as she stood up with Annika in her arms. She was strong and Annika was very petite so carrying her was no problem. Everyone piled into the car and headed back to the palace. Annika found herself blacking out again.
When Annika came too the second time she was in the palace hospital. She saw her parents and Amy by her bed. "Mama," Annika whispered.
"Well look who's awake," Amy commented.
"Are you sure she is going to be all right Amy," Raye asked anxiously as she smoothed Annika's locks back from her face.
"She's fine Raye," Amy assured her. "Nothing's broken. Annika is just going to be stiff and sore for a couple of days. She was lucky."
"Lucky," Chad exploded. "She was beaten up by a boy and you say she was lucky."
"She could have been killed," Amy reminded him. "Most girls in a similar situations are killed. Annika at least fought back and aside from some bad bruises she is fine."
Raye smiled gently at Annika. "How are you doing Darling," she asked as she kissed Annika's forehead."
"Sore," Annika replied. The tears sprung into her eyes. "I was so scared Mama," she sobbed. "I was so scared."
"Hush Darling," Raye soothed as she pulled her daughter into her arms. Annika wept on her mother's shoulder. Did anyone understand how she was feeling?
Gloria was relieved when she found out that Annika was going to be okay. As soon as Annika was out of the palace hospital she went to see her. "Annika," she cried flinging her arms around Annika's thin shoulders. "I'm so glad you are going to be all right."
"Hi Gloria," Annika murmured. "Thanks for finding me."
"Hey," Gloria exclaimed. "You're my best friend and will be for all eternity. I'll always be there for you."
"I know," Annika replied. Gloria frowned. There was something very different with her friend's demeanor.
"So do you want to go and do something," Gloria asked. "The twins and I are going to go and see a movie. We'd like you to come with us."
"No thank you," Annika said. "I really don't feel like doing anything today."
"Okay," Gloria sighed. "Are you still sore?"
"Yes," Annika replied in a distant voice.
"Do you want me to stay here with you and keep you company," Gloria asked next.
"No," Annika shook her head. "You go and have some fun. I really would like to be alone right now."
"Are you sure," Gloria prodded.
"Yes," Annika replied. She turned to Gloria. "Go and have fun."
Reluctantly Gloria left. {"Maybe she's still shook up from what happened,"} Gloria thought. {"She'll be back to her old self in a couple of days."}
A couple of weeks passed and Gloria's concern for her best friend escalated. Annika withdrew completely. Raye and Chad were worried too and tried to bring their daughter out of her shell. But Annika had no interest in anything. She went to school and then as soon as she escaped from Amy's study sessions she retreated to her room. There she would just sit and stare out her window. She wouldn't work on her crafts nor would she go meditate in front of the fire. Nothing interested her anymore.
After two weeks of this behavior Raye decided to talk to her daughter about her concerns. "Annika Sweetie," she began as she sat down on the bed. "Is there anything you want to talk to me about?"
"No Mama," Annika replied still staring out the window.
Raye frowned. She reached over and slipped her hand under Annika's chin and turned her head towards hers. She looked into her daughter's violet eyes. "Everyone is worried about you," she told her. "I know you've always been shy but now you're just withdrawn. I know what happened to you was traumatic but don't let it undo everything we've worked so hard for all these years."
"Mama I told you that I'm fine," Annika stated. There was an edge in her usually gentle voice.
"You're lying," Raye pointed out bluntly. "You forget that because I'm your mother I always know when you are lying."
"Well then maybe I don't want to talk about it," Annika suddenly shouted much to Raye's surprise. "Did you ever think of that Mama? I just don't want to talk about it. I want to forget about it."
"I know you do," Raye replied after taking a deep breath. Usually when Annika talked to her in that tone she would get into trouble. But this time Raye reminded herself that Annika had had an upsetting experience a couple of weeks ago and was more then likely edgy because of it. "But everyone is worried about you and we want to help."
"Well I will be fine," Annika firmly told her. "I just want to be left alone right now."
"Very well," Raye sighed reluctantly. She got up. "But promise me that you will come to me if you need to talk."
"I will," Annika promised. She watched as Raye left the room. She then went back to gazing out the window. No one would understand what she was going through.
A couple of days later Annika didn't feel any better. No matter how hard she tried the feelings she had been feeling did not go away. {"They're not going to go away,"} Annika bitterly thought. {"Things always happen to me and I hate it. If my bad luck isn't going to stop on it's own and then I'll end it on my own."} Annika didn't stop to think that since she started junior high things had improved since Miyaki went to a different school. She still got teased for being so sensitive but not as often as elementary school. Also she hadn't been a target for the last several enemies. All Annika could think was the attack from a couple of weeks ago and she wanted to end the pain. She pulled out a pen and two pieces of stationery. She began to write on one:
Dear Mama and Dad,
You both know I love you very much. But I can't live with the feelings that I've had these last couple of weeks. Being attack by an enemy is one thing. I can become a Senshi and fight it off. But what Eien did not only frightened and hurt me but also humiliated me. I wanted to show you that I can be a mature person and deal with it on my own but I haven't been able too. I am sorry but I can't live like this anymore. Some people seem to be born with a black cloud following them and I am one of those people. Please forgive me for what I am doing.
Love,
Annika
Annika read through the letter and then folded it. She knew how much her mother would grieve but one day she would understand why she decided to do what she was going to do. She got her pen and began to write on the other piece of stationery.
Dear Gloria,
I just wanted to thank you for being my best friend for our whole lives. I don't know if I could have gotten through everything without you. You are the best friend anyone could ask for. Thank you.
Your best friend,
Annika
With both letters finished Annika placed the one for her parents on the end table next to the couch. She then left her quarters with Gloria's letter in her hands. She walked down the palace halls until she got to the Venus quarters. She was about to slip it under the door when she stopped. She straightened up and knocked on the door. Gloria answered. Her face brightened when she saw it was Annika. "Annika," she exclaimed. "Come on in."
"I can't," Annika replied. She held out the letter. "I just wanted to give you this."
"What is it," Gloria asked taking the letter from her.
"It's a letter," Annika told her. She looked at Gloria. "Please don't open it for at least half an hour."
"Why," Gloria asked in a puzzled voice.
"Just please wait," Annika pleaded. {"Because that will give me plenty of time."}
"All right," Gloria agreed in a reluctant voice. "I'll see you later." Annika only nodded and headed back to her quarters. As soon as she got there she went into the kitchen and opened the drawer that held the knives. She pulled out a sharp one.
{"Forgive me Mama, Minna,"} Annika thought as she plunged the knife into her wrist. She felt herself growing weak as she collapsed to her knees. Within minutes everything around her went black.
Annika felt herself floating in the white mist. There was a white light in one direction. She started to move toward it. "Annika," a voice called. "Come on."
{"Who's calling me,"} Annika asked herself. {"Am I dead?"}
"Annika," the voice sounded much clearer. "Come on. Come back to us."
"Amy," Annika murmured.
"Yes," Amy replied as Annika opened her eyes. "Wake up."
Annika found herself in the palace hospital. There was a bandage around her wrist and she was hooked to an IV. "Amy," she repeated.
"Oh thank goodness," Amy heaved a sigh of relief. "It was touch and go there for a while. I thought I was going to lose you."
Annika immediately remembered what happened. She looked in despair at Amy. She saw that Hotaru was there too. "Who found me in time," Annika asked as tears rolled down her face. "Why didn't you let me die?"
"Gloria found you," Amy replied. "And I am glad for once that she didn't do what she was told to do because otherwise you would be dead. As for the answer to your second question, despite what you think, there are a lot of people here who love you and want you to live. Now I am not going to let you out of here until you get the thought of suicide out of your head. If I have to keep you in restraints and have someone with your twenty four hours a day then I will."
"Doesn't anyone understand," Annika cried. "I'm so sick of these terrible things happening to me."
"So instead of trying to make things better you just want to give up," Amy stated. Usually she was very gentle with Annika but now since the girl had given her and everyone else a terrible fright Amy knew she was going to have to be firm. Annika didn't have an answer. Amy knew she was pondering what she said. "We'll have plenty of time to talk later," she told her. "Right now your parents want to see you." She went to the door and left the room.
Hotaru walked over and checked over the IV. "You really have a lot of people worried," she informed Annika quietly. "You really ought to count your blessings."
Before Annika could answer Raye and Chad came in with Amy. "Annika," Raye flew over and gathered Annika into her arms. She hugged her daughter tightly. Chad hugged her next and then they sat down by the bed. Raye kept a tight hold of Annika's hand. "Why Annika," Raye asked. "Why?"
"I know what happened was traumatic," Chad added. "But you know that we will do anything to help."
"You just don't understand," Annika sighed. Now that she hadn't succeeded in killing herself she might as well tell what was going on. "I was picked on all throughout elementary school, especially by Miyaki. Then I get to junior high. It's a little better but kids still picked on me sometimes and it's so hard for me to make friends. Then I go to this high school dance and I meet Eien. I thought he liked me. But then he tries to take advantage of me and when I don't give in he beats me. I was so scared. Then I started thinking when I go to this high school next year would I have a reputation of being easy? I couldn't bear it. I am so sick of terrible things always happening to me. I thought if I died then things would be better."
"You're wrong there," Raye told her. "Can't you think about how all of us here would feel if you died? You are the most important person in my life. I love you. So do your father, Amy, Gloria and everyone else. Your death would be a devastation to everyone here."
"I'm sorry," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face. She turned to Amy and said something she never thought she would say. "Help me Amy. Help me to get over all of this so I won't feel this way anymore."
"I will help you," Amy promised. "We will all help you."
Annika remained in the hospital for three weeks. Afterwards she saw Amy three days a week to work through her issues. With her therapy, Senshi practice, studying for the high school entrance exam and spending time with family and friends Annika was very busy. But everyone noticed something. Annika was growing more confident in herself. She was still shy and sensitive but she was getting much stronger emotionally.
"You know," Amy thoughtfully told Raye one evening at dinner. "I think Annika attempting suicide was a good thing."
"How can you say that," Raye asked in surprise.
"Not good in that it was right," Amy replied. "It started her on the road to becoming a stronger person. She has made more progress these last few months then she has since she was eight. I'm proud of her."
"So am I," Raye sighed as she saw the sense in what Amy was saying. "She has come a long way."
Gloria was having a similar conversation with Annika. "You have really come a long way," she told her best friend.
"Amy told me that too," Annika giggled. She beamed at Gloria. "I feel like I can handle anything."
"You can," Gloria assured her. She then leaned over and whispered, "But if you ever try to kill yourself again, then I will bring you back and kill you myself."
Annika looked surprised but then she saw that Gloria was joking. She began to laugh and so did Gloria. Life was rough but you just had to get through it.
End of Part Three.
However I feel I must let you know that after I write this series I will be retiring from the Chibi Senshi. If I have learned anything these last few months it was to sort out my priorities. My church, my work and my friends and family have to come first now, particularly my church and church friends whom have helped me through these last difficult months. I may still write an occasional short story about the Chibi Senshi but there won't be any more long series. For all of you who write Chibi Senshi stories then please keep on writing them. I enjoy receiving them and it will be a way to keep them alive. The website will still be running too so please continue to send your artwork. I will still be drawing some pictures for the site myself.
This part will be Annika's part. This will take place when she is almost fifteen. We will be expanding on the part from "Runaway" where we got a glimpse of Annika and Gloria as teens. Therefore the issue is suicide. Unfortunately suicide is very common. It is not to be taken lightly. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide then please get help immediately.
E-mail me at AngelRaye2@aol.com
Come and see the Chibi Senshi at www.chibiscouts.com
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. With the exception of Rini I own the Chibi Senshi.
Breaking Point
Part Three: Annika
Issue: Suicide
By
Angel Raye
"Oh I can't take it anymore," Gloria shouted as she threw down her Math book. "If I have to spend one more minute studying for this stupid entrance exam I shall go crazy."
Ariel pulled off her reading glasses and looked at Gloria. "It's only September," she pointed out. "We still have a few more months before the exam. You know my mother will not let any of us slack off until then."
"Well I'm not going to sit and study all the time like you do Ariel," Gloria bluntly stated. Ariel flushed and didn't say anything else.
Annika had been sitting watching all of this with amusement. "We've only got another hour to go and then we can relax the rest of the day," she gently reminded her best friend. So please sit down before Amy comes in and catches us not working."
"Please," Faith grumbled. "I would like to go work out in the gym before dinner and I don't want to have to study for an extra hour."
"Same here," Hope added. "I want to practice the violin and if I have to study another hour I will be very upset."
Gloria sighed and sat back down. She didn't understand why they had to take an exam to get into high school but she studied for it anyway. So the five girls continued to work quietly. After an hour Amy came in and was pleased to see all of them working quietly. "Time's up ladies," she told them. "Relax for the rest of the day."
"Hurrah," Gloria cried as she jumped up. "And tonight is Saturday which means we can go out and do something."
"What shall we do," Annika asked as she gathered up her stuff and followed Gloria out the door. The others trailed after them.
"Whatever it is we can count Maggie and Daisy out," Faith told them. "There's a dance at their school tonight."
"I can't wait until high school when there will be more dances," sighed Hope wistfully. Faith playfully tugged at her sister's pretty hair.
"Well Maggie and Daisy worked hard on these entrance exams," Ariel told them. "So we should work hard too."
"Pooh," Gloria muttered since she had inherited her mother's terrible study habits. Annika giggled. Gloria still always made her laugh.
"So you all are finished with another of Amy's grueling study sessions," Maggie stated as she came up with Daisy.
"Grueling is putting it mildly," Gloria groaned.
"We wanted ask if you girls would like to come to the dance tonight," Daisy stated.
"Nani," Hope gasped. "But we're junior high kids."
"We know that," Daisy replied. "But all of you are in grade nine and will be coming to high school next year. We thought you would like to see what a high school dance is like."
"Count me in," Gloria cried out.
"Me too," Hope added.
Faith thought for a moment and then agreed, "Okay as long as I don't have to wear anything girly."
"It's a casual dance," Maggie informed her. She turned to Annika and Ariel. "What about you two?"
"I would like too," Ariel replied. "I'll have to check with Mom." Ariel had a feeling that Amy would say no since she wasn't even thirteen yet.
"Annika," Daisy asked.
Annika hesitated. "I don't know," she whispered shyly. The thought of going to a dance full of strangers scared her.
"Oh come on Annika," Hope urged. "Get over your shyness and come with us. We'll be there so you can stick with us."
"Yes please come on," Gloria added slipping her arm through Annika's. "It will be fun and we're going to be in high school next year."
"Okay," Annika murmured reluctantly.
"We'll have a good time," Gloria promised.
"I hope so," Annika thought as she headed back to her quarters.
As soon as she got back to her quarters Annika immediately sought out her mother. Raye was kneeling down in front of the fire. "Mama," Annika whispered from the door of the fire room.
Raye broke her concentration and turned to her daughter. "Hi Sweetie," she greeted. "Finished studying for the day?"
"Yes," Annika replied as she sat down on the floor next to Raye. Raye embraced her daughter tightly. Annika rested contently in her mother's arms for a moment and then sat back up. "Daisy and Maggie invited us to come with them to the high school dance tonight. May I go," Annika asked secretly hoping that Raye would find a reason to say no.
"Of course you may," Raye exclaimed. She stroked Annika's cheek. "You need go out and have fun."
"It's scary Mama," Annika admitted quietly. "I don't like crowds."
"I know you don't but you've got to come out of that shell one day," Raye pointed out. She constantly worried about her daughter's shyness. "If your friends are going then you will be fine. Just have fun."
"Okay," Annika sighed as she got up and headed back to her room. She just hoped that she would have a good time.
Later on Annika was heading for the dance with the other girls. Amy had not allowed Ariel to go saying that a high school dance was no place for a girl who wasn't thirteen yet. So she and Madelyn decided to watch movies. Annika wished that she could be with them but here she was going to the dance. "Do I look okay," Hope asked as she smoothed out her dress.
"You look beautiful sis," Faith assured her with a roll of her eyes.
"Here we are girls," Daisy called as they arrived at the high school. Annika found herself drawing closer to Gloria. The gym was crowded with high school students dancing.
"This is so cool," Gloria raved. She flipped back her hair. "Just think Annika we'll be here next year."
"I know," Annika gasped shyly. She wished this evening were over with.
After a while Annika was sitting by Faith in the chairs. Daisy, Maggie, Gloria and Faith had all been asked to dance. Annika didn't want to be asked to dance. She just wanted to go home. "Faith why aren't you dancing with anyone?"
"No one has asked me yet," Faith replied. "Besides I'd much rather be playing baseball of something like that." Faith looked at her shy companion. "Why don't you find someone to dance with?"
"I don't want too," Annika whispered.
"Honestly," Faith sighed. "How can such outgoing people like Raye and Chad have such a shy child?" Annika blushed a scarlet red.
"Excuse me," a voice interrupted their conversation. Annika looked up and saw a boy of about seventeen standing over her. He was tall with dark brown hair and blue eyes. "I couldn't help wondering why an exotic beauty like yourself isn't dancing."
"I uh I," Annika gasped going all tongue-tied. This boy was good looking.
"She's a little shy," Faith put in wanting to help her friend all she could.
"Well would you like to dance with me," the boy asked. "I can bring you out of your shyness."
"Well," Annika whispered hesitantly.
"Go on," Faith urged giving Annika a shove. "Live a little." The next thing Annika knew she was being led to the dance floor. Fortunately she was a good dancer thanks to the fact that her mother would dance with her when she was a child.
"So does the shy one have a name," the boy asked as they danced together.
"Annika Hino," Annika replied shyly.
"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," the boy stated. "I'm Eien Amaya."
"A pleasure," Annika murmured feeling her heart beating. She felt herself relaxing as she began to enjoy herself.
Annika found herself spending the evening with Eien and enjoying it. He seemed to be a really nice young man. She found out he was in the eleventh grade and played American style football.
"So you are studying for the high school entrance exam," Eien asked.
"Yes," Annika sighed. "It's not easy work but I know I'll do okay."
"That's good," Eien replied. He then smiled at Annika. "You know these high school dances can be kind of dull. I can show you a really good time."
"What kind of good time," Annika asked shyly.
"Come with me and I'll show you," Eien replied. He took Annika's hand and led her out the door. Annika found herself being led to the parking lot.
"Where are we going," Annika asked nervously.
"To my car," Eien told her as he led her to a small red car. "I'm going to take you to a place where we can really have fun." Annika felt alarmed but didn't dare protest. She got into Eien's car quietly and wondered where he was taking her.
After about twenty minutes Eien parked the car at a cliff. Annika immediately knew where she was. It was called Lover's Point. "What are we doing here," Annika asked trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.
"I thought we could spend some time here," Eien replied as he put his arm around Annika's thin shoulders. Annika was frightened. Eien leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "You have a sweet mouth," he told her.
"Thank you," Annika gasped not knowing what to say. Eien kissed her again. This time Annika felt his tongue sliding into her mouth. She tensed up in fright and waited for the kiss to break off. But it didn't. Then Eien began to unbutton her shirt. This time Annika used whatever nerve she had left and pulled away from him. "Don't," she gasped as she began to button her shirt back up. Raye had talked with her about sex and told her it should be with someone she was married too.
"Why not," Eien asked. "I wanted to show you a good time. People only come here to have sex. I thought you wanted this."
"I never said that," Annika protested. "You just said that you were going to show me a good time."
"How naïve you are," Eien muttered angrily. "When I said a good time I thought you wanted this."
"Well I don't," Annika choked. "Now please let's just go."
"Oh no," Eien declared. "I came here to have a good time and I plan on doing that." Before Annika could protest Eien grabbed her and started trying to pull her shirt off. This time Annika really became Raye's daughter and belted him in the gut. "I said no," she shouted. She opened the door to the car and got out prepared to walk back to the palace even if it took all night.
"You bitch," Eien roared in rage as he got out after her. Annika grew frightened again as she tried to get away. But Eien grabbed her and punched her in the eye. "I'll show you what happens to girls who hit me," he yelled. Before Annika could get away he began to repeatedly punch in the face. Annika cried in pain as she took the blows to her face. Finally everything went black.
When she came too Annika saw that Gloria was knelt down beside her. "It's okay Annika," Gloria soothed brushing back Annika violet locks that were soaked with blood. "I called your parents on the communicator. They're on their way."
"Gloria," Annika managed to whisper weakly. She tried to sit up but Gloria gently pushed her back down.
"Don't move," Gloria cautioned. "I don't know how serious your injuries are."
"How did you manage to find me," Annika gasped out.
"I found out from some of the other high school students where that creep Eien likes to take junior high girls who come for dances," Gloria replied grimly. "Apparently he has a reputation for making girls lose their virginity, especially shy girls like yourself. I broke away from my search party to come here."
Annika began to cry softly. She couldn't believe she had almost become another victim of Eien. "He seemed so nice too," she choked.
"According the Daisy he has that charm," Gloria muttered.
Before anything else was said a car pulled up. Annika recognized it immediately. It was her father's car. Raye jumped out and flew over to Annika. "Annika darling are you all right," Raye cried in horror as she knelt down by her daughter.
"Mama," Annika croaked.
Raye was about to gather Annika into her arms when another voice spoke out. "Wait a minute Raye." Annika realized it was Amy's voice. Amy knelt down on the other side of Annika. "Can you move your arms and legs," she asked. Annika moved and then nodded. Amy gently pressed Annika's ribs. When the girl didn't wince in pain Amy concluded that nothing was broken. "Let's get her back to the palace so that I can treat her," Amy told them.
"Why don't you let me carry her Raye," Chad offered.
"I got her," Raye replied as she stood up with Annika in her arms. She was strong and Annika was very petite so carrying her was no problem. Everyone piled into the car and headed back to the palace. Annika found herself blacking out again.
When Annika came too the second time she was in the palace hospital. She saw her parents and Amy by her bed. "Mama," Annika whispered.
"Well look who's awake," Amy commented.
"Are you sure she is going to be all right Amy," Raye asked anxiously as she smoothed Annika's locks back from her face.
"She's fine Raye," Amy assured her. "Nothing's broken. Annika is just going to be stiff and sore for a couple of days. She was lucky."
"Lucky," Chad exploded. "She was beaten up by a boy and you say she was lucky."
"She could have been killed," Amy reminded him. "Most girls in a similar situations are killed. Annika at least fought back and aside from some bad bruises she is fine."
Raye smiled gently at Annika. "How are you doing Darling," she asked as she kissed Annika's forehead."
"Sore," Annika replied. The tears sprung into her eyes. "I was so scared Mama," she sobbed. "I was so scared."
"Hush Darling," Raye soothed as she pulled her daughter into her arms. Annika wept on her mother's shoulder. Did anyone understand how she was feeling?
Gloria was relieved when she found out that Annika was going to be okay. As soon as Annika was out of the palace hospital she went to see her. "Annika," she cried flinging her arms around Annika's thin shoulders. "I'm so glad you are going to be all right."
"Hi Gloria," Annika murmured. "Thanks for finding me."
"Hey," Gloria exclaimed. "You're my best friend and will be for all eternity. I'll always be there for you."
"I know," Annika replied. Gloria frowned. There was something very different with her friend's demeanor.
"So do you want to go and do something," Gloria asked. "The twins and I are going to go and see a movie. We'd like you to come with us."
"No thank you," Annika said. "I really don't feel like doing anything today."
"Okay," Gloria sighed. "Are you still sore?"
"Yes," Annika replied in a distant voice.
"Do you want me to stay here with you and keep you company," Gloria asked next.
"No," Annika shook her head. "You go and have some fun. I really would like to be alone right now."
"Are you sure," Gloria prodded.
"Yes," Annika replied. She turned to Gloria. "Go and have fun."
Reluctantly Gloria left. {"Maybe she's still shook up from what happened,"} Gloria thought. {"She'll be back to her old self in a couple of days."}
A couple of weeks passed and Gloria's concern for her best friend escalated. Annika withdrew completely. Raye and Chad were worried too and tried to bring their daughter out of her shell. But Annika had no interest in anything. She went to school and then as soon as she escaped from Amy's study sessions she retreated to her room. There she would just sit and stare out her window. She wouldn't work on her crafts nor would she go meditate in front of the fire. Nothing interested her anymore.
After two weeks of this behavior Raye decided to talk to her daughter about her concerns. "Annika Sweetie," she began as she sat down on the bed. "Is there anything you want to talk to me about?"
"No Mama," Annika replied still staring out the window.
Raye frowned. She reached over and slipped her hand under Annika's chin and turned her head towards hers. She looked into her daughter's violet eyes. "Everyone is worried about you," she told her. "I know you've always been shy but now you're just withdrawn. I know what happened to you was traumatic but don't let it undo everything we've worked so hard for all these years."
"Mama I told you that I'm fine," Annika stated. There was an edge in her usually gentle voice.
"You're lying," Raye pointed out bluntly. "You forget that because I'm your mother I always know when you are lying."
"Well then maybe I don't want to talk about it," Annika suddenly shouted much to Raye's surprise. "Did you ever think of that Mama? I just don't want to talk about it. I want to forget about it."
"I know you do," Raye replied after taking a deep breath. Usually when Annika talked to her in that tone she would get into trouble. But this time Raye reminded herself that Annika had had an upsetting experience a couple of weeks ago and was more then likely edgy because of it. "But everyone is worried about you and we want to help."
"Well I will be fine," Annika firmly told her. "I just want to be left alone right now."
"Very well," Raye sighed reluctantly. She got up. "But promise me that you will come to me if you need to talk."
"I will," Annika promised. She watched as Raye left the room. She then went back to gazing out the window. No one would understand what she was going through.
A couple of days later Annika didn't feel any better. No matter how hard she tried the feelings she had been feeling did not go away. {"They're not going to go away,"} Annika bitterly thought. {"Things always happen to me and I hate it. If my bad luck isn't going to stop on it's own and then I'll end it on my own."} Annika didn't stop to think that since she started junior high things had improved since Miyaki went to a different school. She still got teased for being so sensitive but not as often as elementary school. Also she hadn't been a target for the last several enemies. All Annika could think was the attack from a couple of weeks ago and she wanted to end the pain. She pulled out a pen and two pieces of stationery. She began to write on one:
Dear Mama and Dad,
You both know I love you very much. But I can't live with the feelings that I've had these last couple of weeks. Being attack by an enemy is one thing. I can become a Senshi and fight it off. But what Eien did not only frightened and hurt me but also humiliated me. I wanted to show you that I can be a mature person and deal with it on my own but I haven't been able too. I am sorry but I can't live like this anymore. Some people seem to be born with a black cloud following them and I am one of those people. Please forgive me for what I am doing.
Love,
Annika
Annika read through the letter and then folded it. She knew how much her mother would grieve but one day she would understand why she decided to do what she was going to do. She got her pen and began to write on the other piece of stationery.
Dear Gloria,
I just wanted to thank you for being my best friend for our whole lives. I don't know if I could have gotten through everything without you. You are the best friend anyone could ask for. Thank you.
Your best friend,
Annika
With both letters finished Annika placed the one for her parents on the end table next to the couch. She then left her quarters with Gloria's letter in her hands. She walked down the palace halls until she got to the Venus quarters. She was about to slip it under the door when she stopped. She straightened up and knocked on the door. Gloria answered. Her face brightened when she saw it was Annika. "Annika," she exclaimed. "Come on in."
"I can't," Annika replied. She held out the letter. "I just wanted to give you this."
"What is it," Gloria asked taking the letter from her.
"It's a letter," Annika told her. She looked at Gloria. "Please don't open it for at least half an hour."
"Why," Gloria asked in a puzzled voice.
"Just please wait," Annika pleaded. {"Because that will give me plenty of time."}
"All right," Gloria agreed in a reluctant voice. "I'll see you later." Annika only nodded and headed back to her quarters. As soon as she got there she went into the kitchen and opened the drawer that held the knives. She pulled out a sharp one.
{"Forgive me Mama, Minna,"} Annika thought as she plunged the knife into her wrist. She felt herself growing weak as she collapsed to her knees. Within minutes everything around her went black.
Annika felt herself floating in the white mist. There was a white light in one direction. She started to move toward it. "Annika," a voice called. "Come on."
{"Who's calling me,"} Annika asked herself. {"Am I dead?"}
"Annika," the voice sounded much clearer. "Come on. Come back to us."
"Amy," Annika murmured.
"Yes," Amy replied as Annika opened her eyes. "Wake up."
Annika found herself in the palace hospital. There was a bandage around her wrist and she was hooked to an IV. "Amy," she repeated.
"Oh thank goodness," Amy heaved a sigh of relief. "It was touch and go there for a while. I thought I was going to lose you."
Annika immediately remembered what happened. She looked in despair at Amy. She saw that Hotaru was there too. "Who found me in time," Annika asked as tears rolled down her face. "Why didn't you let me die?"
"Gloria found you," Amy replied. "And I am glad for once that she didn't do what she was told to do because otherwise you would be dead. As for the answer to your second question, despite what you think, there are a lot of people here who love you and want you to live. Now I am not going to let you out of here until you get the thought of suicide out of your head. If I have to keep you in restraints and have someone with your twenty four hours a day then I will."
"Doesn't anyone understand," Annika cried. "I'm so sick of these terrible things happening to me."
"So instead of trying to make things better you just want to give up," Amy stated. Usually she was very gentle with Annika but now since the girl had given her and everyone else a terrible fright Amy knew she was going to have to be firm. Annika didn't have an answer. Amy knew she was pondering what she said. "We'll have plenty of time to talk later," she told her. "Right now your parents want to see you." She went to the door and left the room.
Hotaru walked over and checked over the IV. "You really have a lot of people worried," she informed Annika quietly. "You really ought to count your blessings."
Before Annika could answer Raye and Chad came in with Amy. "Annika," Raye flew over and gathered Annika into her arms. She hugged her daughter tightly. Chad hugged her next and then they sat down by the bed. Raye kept a tight hold of Annika's hand. "Why Annika," Raye asked. "Why?"
"I know what happened was traumatic," Chad added. "But you know that we will do anything to help."
"You just don't understand," Annika sighed. Now that she hadn't succeeded in killing herself she might as well tell what was going on. "I was picked on all throughout elementary school, especially by Miyaki. Then I get to junior high. It's a little better but kids still picked on me sometimes and it's so hard for me to make friends. Then I go to this high school dance and I meet Eien. I thought he liked me. But then he tries to take advantage of me and when I don't give in he beats me. I was so scared. Then I started thinking when I go to this high school next year would I have a reputation of being easy? I couldn't bear it. I am so sick of terrible things always happening to me. I thought if I died then things would be better."
"You're wrong there," Raye told her. "Can't you think about how all of us here would feel if you died? You are the most important person in my life. I love you. So do your father, Amy, Gloria and everyone else. Your death would be a devastation to everyone here."
"I'm sorry," Annika choked as a tear rolled down her face. She turned to Amy and said something she never thought she would say. "Help me Amy. Help me to get over all of this so I won't feel this way anymore."
"I will help you," Amy promised. "We will all help you."
Annika remained in the hospital for three weeks. Afterwards she saw Amy three days a week to work through her issues. With her therapy, Senshi practice, studying for the high school entrance exam and spending time with family and friends Annika was very busy. But everyone noticed something. Annika was growing more confident in herself. She was still shy and sensitive but she was getting much stronger emotionally.
"You know," Amy thoughtfully told Raye one evening at dinner. "I think Annika attempting suicide was a good thing."
"How can you say that," Raye asked in surprise.
"Not good in that it was right," Amy replied. "It started her on the road to becoming a stronger person. She has made more progress these last few months then she has since she was eight. I'm proud of her."
"So am I," Raye sighed as she saw the sense in what Amy was saying. "She has come a long way."
Gloria was having a similar conversation with Annika. "You have really come a long way," she told her best friend.
"Amy told me that too," Annika giggled. She beamed at Gloria. "I feel like I can handle anything."
"You can," Gloria assured her. She then leaned over and whispered, "But if you ever try to kill yourself again, then I will bring you back and kill you myself."
Annika looked surprised but then she saw that Gloria was joking. She began to laugh and so did Gloria. Life was rough but you just had to get through it.
End of Part Three.