Sofia : Kindness should not be Exploited!
Summary: While partnered with Amber for a school project and planning a camping trip, the stress became too much for Sofia who as a result got seriously injured during a trip with Cedric, Baileywick and Roland and Amber.
(Warning: A bit of Amber bashing, but she comes around)
Sleep...what is sleep...was it an escape from reality or something else...not sure anymore...
These were the thoughts that were going through the sluggish mind of Sofia as she tried to make some more progress on an End of The Year school project that was due in 3 weeks time, both she and Amber were suppose to be on together, but after hearing the older girl whining and moaning about it, she just decided to take on alone and if that didn't cause more problems, she decided that since father day was coming up, she decided that she wanted to celebrate the 3 most important men in her life and how they all each in their own way shaped her life.
She was so out of it that she failed to notice that Baileywick had come in after he saw that the lights were still on in her room, he opens the door to see an exhausted Sofia sitting at her desk, surrounded by many books and paper.
"Sofia? Are you still up, come on let get you to bed sweetie." Baileywick said gently guiding the barely awake child to her bed and tucks her in, before giving her a kiss on the forehead before wishing her goodnight.
The next day, a still exhausted Sofia drags herself to breakfast, Baileywick made sure it was her favorite, pancakes with Goldenberry Syrup, but she wasn't feeling real hungry as she just picked at it, eating a piece here and there until she quickly excused herself from the table unaware of the looks of concern coming from James, Roland and Baileywick, Amber just scoffs and fans herself without care, leaving to go paint her nails in her room, unfortunately Miranda was out of town for a few weeks, so she wasn't there to keep Amber in check.
"Dad, I hate to say, but I think you should try to send for Mom, I know that she is extremely busy, but with this End Of The Year Project and Father Day coming up, you can see that Sofia is running herself ragged and Amber is taking advantage of that, please send for her before something bad happens." James pleads.
"I have to agree with Prince James on this, sire, I am sure that the Queen will understand." Baileywick said.
Roland sighs and agrees, so he quickly sends a letter for Miranda to come early, unaware that the letter was taken by Amber who had overheard what they had said and decided that she needed to take action, not wanting to have to do the boring and useless project at all, she figures that the her needs were greater then the health of her little sister's.
She would soon come to regret her actions.
For the next 2 weeks, Roland kept sending letter after letter to Miranda in the hopes of getting a reply, but Amber was quick to get rid of the letters, uncaring that Sofia was now a functional zombie, Cedric even voiced his concerned about his young friends health and tried to give the girl some potions, but Sofia refused as she worked all hours on the Project until it was completed, the day of the presentation, Amber was the one who took most of the credit, not that Sofia cared, she was so exhausted and her throat started to hurt, as she got ready for the Father's Day trip.
When she met up with Cedric, Baileywick and Roland, along with the twins, they all except for Amber looked at her concerned, even Cedric tried to feel her forehead, but his hands were batted away.
"Guys, I am fine, really, school is nearly over, first graduation, then we will be off for our father and daughter trip the day after." Sofia states as she turns to walk down to the carriage where her boyfriend Hugo was waiting for her, even with a smile on his face, his eyes shown the concern for her sickly appearance as he helped her into the carriage, nodding to James and Amber as they followed suit.
The 3 men waved them off, Both Baileywick and Cedric went back to their duties, making sure to tie up any loose ends, while Roland went to go send a letter once more to Miranda.
Meanwhile at Royal Prep...
Sofia was in a trance, her head was pound with her heartbeat, her thoughts were jumbled and confused as she went through the motions of school.
During lunch Hugo sat with Sofia, saw that she wasn't eating and tried to least get her to drink her tea and a few bites of her sandwich, but she protest saying that she was nervous about the ceremony and couldn't eat, Hugo didn't push it too much, while Amber just files her nails without a care, James just looked concerned.
"Amber, did you tell Sofia that the Graduation was next week right? She has enough stress as it is!" James said.
Amber just nods not really paying attention, "Yes, but Sofia will be fine, she will rest up during the trip, you are just worrying too much, what is the worst that can happen?" she said as she left a very concerned James in her wake.
Meanwhile Roland was talking with both Cedric and Baileywick about a disturbing discovery.
"Sire, I was letting one of the maids in to Princess Amber's room to clean when she came to me with a pile of letters all addressed to Miranda from Roland, he decided to bring it the King's attention at once and he just happened to run into Cedric on the way and so they decided to go together.
"I can't believe she would do something like this, do you have any ideas as to why she might not me to get in contact with Miranda?" Roland asked.
Cedric thought about and remembers something that he didn't give much too until now.
"I recall, Sofia telling me something about how Princess Amber was whining about not want to doing her part of the project, but I didn't give it too much thought as she has always been able to turn Amber's behavior around, but I guess this time she just decided to tackle it all on her own, I am sorry that I didn't put a stop to it sooner."
Roland shakes his head, "You wouldn't have known, if there is one thing about Sofia is that she is stubborn and determined, she also knows how to hide anything that is bothering her until it blows up in her face, but for now I am going to deal with the Amber situation first. Gentlemen excuse me."
With that said Roland left the study but before he could go find his oldest daughter he got side tracked by a staff member in need of help and completely forgot about what he been set out to do.
After that Sofia was beyond exhausted as she follows behind both James and Amber.
"Well that was a fun a practice graduation." James said chuckles a little to himself, while Amber just rolled her eyes annoyed.
"Oh, please you only enjoyed it because Desmond tripped and knocked everyone like dominos, just remember Mom will be back later tonight, but I am sure that seeing her tomorrow morning will cheer her up, not to mention she will help make both our new dresses and would you please not pull one of your childish pranks during the ceremony, I want her to be proud of us and I am sure she could use some alone time with both Aunt Tilly and Grandmum once we leave for our trip." Amber said.
Sofia said nothing as she just went straight up to her room, collapsing onto her bed, falling into a deep sleep filled with stress fuel nightmares until she woke up at 3 am and stayed awake for the rest of the night trying to breath through a panic attack, only to pass out until she rudely woken up by Amber and dragged up to the fitting room where Miranda was waiting and after a hug and sometime chatting, Sofia seem to perk up a bit after she left.
Soon enough it was time for the real Royal Prep Graduation Ceremony, all the graduating students got in line and got their diplomas, with family in the crowds clapping and cheering happily.
When Sofia and her family finally got home, they had an after party waiting for them, even though Sofia just wanted to crawl into her bed, she pushed through her discomfort, plaster on a smile for everyone.
As the party continued late into the evening, Amber was busy chatting with Hildegard reminiscing about their early days at Royal Prep.
"Do you remember Sofia's first week at Royal Prep it was hilarious!" Amber said laughing unaware that no one was laughing along with her.
"You mean all the mean pranks and tricks you pull on her and let's not mention you had me trick her into swinging on a magical swing, until she was thrown into a fountain, she could have gotten badly hurt." James states.
Amber sneers, "But she didn't, besides she been through much worse and survived, unfortunately." she mutters that last part to herself but it was loud enough for James to hear it as he frowns deeply as he spoke once more.
"Amber! I can't believe you would think that about our sister, I thought you really changed for the better, but I guess that was a lie, you are just as mean and nasty as ever and I am embarrassed to be related to you."
Amber scoffs, "You took the words out of my mouth, go play big brother with the peasant, just don't drag me into it."
James just sighs sadly as he leaves to go find Sofia, only to see that she gone, after talking with Hugo, apparently Sofia stayed for only a few minutes and quickly left to upstairs, stating that she was tired.
Concerned he leaves to go check on Sofia and saw that she was fast asleep on top of her covers still fully dressed, so with great care, removes her shoes and tiara, before tucking into her into bed, before leaving to back to the party and inform their parents about her whereabouts.
The next morning, Miranda woke up Sofia early for her trip today.
"Time to get up Sofia, you have a long trip ahead of you, everyone else is getting ready and waiting for you."
Sofia sits up slowly, that is when Miranda notice that Sofia skin was ashen and her nightgown seemed to swim around her more loosely, she watched as her child stand as if it took all her energy to do so and waited until Sofia was fully dressed and had her bag in hand.
Standing up she goes over to where Sofia was standing and gently put her hand on Sofia's cheek, frown when she notice how clammy it was. "Are you feeling, alright, Sofia?" She asked.
Sofia nods putting on what she hoped was a reassuring smile as she said, "I am fine, Mom, just little tired is all, I promise that I will take it easy, don't worry."
Miranda wasn't convinced but left it alone for now, as they met up with James who was staying home since it was father and daughter trip, the 3 men and Amber were waiting at the main entrance to say goodbye as Miranda wished them a safe trip and to stay out of trouble as they all loaded into the carriage.
For the first few hours Sofia slept beside Cedric, who was busy reading a small spell book, while Amber fussed about how she wasn't going to able to sleep on the hard ground and so on, Roland tried to reassure her, while Baileywick was sitting with the driver.
By the time they got to the reservation, it was mid morning and Sofia was waking up, clearing her throat, as it started to tickle a bit, so she grabs her canteen and takes a sip before putting it back and leaving the carriage with everyone, as she stepping down a wave of vertigo caused her stumble a bit, only to caught by Cedric.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Yes, just moved too quickly, now let's get going." Sofia said as she started to walk up the path that lead to their campsite.
They all walked for awhile in silence, until Amber decided to cut to the chase once both her and her father were farther behind everyone.
"Dad, I know that there is more then just a simple Camping trip." Amber states.
Roland look at Amber with a blank look and said, "You have been intercepting my letters to your mother, about your behavior, care to tell to me the truth."
Amber scowls, before deciding to just to say it, "I miss my Mom, I was busy looking for something when I came across a picture of us from before Sofia first moved in and all the feelings I had about it came flooding back, I guess I figured that since I was reverting back to my old ways, you would remember Mom and how much you missed her, but when I overheard you about to write Mom about how I was acting, I had to do something, when Sofia was nagging me about doing my part for the project, I decided to make sure that she did all the work and I would get the credit, I didn't care that Sofia was under any stress and I still don't!" she states coldly.
Any sympathy that Roland felt for Amber was gone when she uttered that last statement.
"I am deeply disappointed in you Amber Lorelei, until you turn your behavior you will be sitting your tent alone until you apologize to Sofia, Miranda and myself for your actions, kindness is not something for you exploit at your leisure."
With that said Roland walked a bit further a head to join Cedric, since Baileywick appeared to start mother Henning, Sofia, who took it with patience and grace as she tried to keep him from trying to carry her on his back, even if she looked like she would fall down easily.
By the time they got to campsite, everyone help pitch in too get the camp set up except Amber, who chose to just sit and sulk or supervise as she called it.
Sofia was busy gathering firewood in the woods alone, when another dizzy spell hit her hard causing her to lose balance and smack her head against a rock, causing her to lose consciousness, Amber who was forced to same, saw Sofia collapse and ran over to her.
"Sofia! Oh unicorns! Sofia please wake up, I am sorry if I was so awful to you, please just open your eyes! HELP!" Amber screams desperately.
Thankfully her shouts caught all 3 men attention as they running
"Amber! What's with all the screaming-Oh no! Sofia!" Roland said as he took Amber's place, while Cedric did some health scans on Sofia, Baileywick was searching for a first aid kit.
With great care, both Baileywick and Cedric bandaged the wound to her head, before Cedric cast a levitation spell on her and they quickly made their way towards the Ranger's cabin, where a they met by a woman named Betty, who so happens to be a nurse before she deciding to become a ranger, she excess the situation quickly and radioed for an ambulance to come quickly.
While both Roland and Amber sat with Sofia, waiting for help to arrive, Cedric had everything packed up and put in the carriage, while Baileywick was on the look out, so that he could flag them down.
Amber just watched numbly as Sofia was loaded into the ambulance, Roland rode with her since he was her father, both Cedric and Baileywick rode in the carriage with Amber on the way to the hospital.
When they got the hospital they were met by a worried Roland in the waiting room, he no news on Sofia current condition yet and so they waited, even when both Miranda and James, there was still no news yet.
Tired Amber decided to try get some sleep and soon fell in the land of dreams.
Amber looks to see a face that she has only seen in pictures.
"Mommy!" she said happily.
Lorelei looks at her daughter, smiling sadly before silently gesture towards a photo of her and Sofia, it was ripped quite badly down the middle.
Amber looks at it and back her mother, "I need to start mending my relationship with Sofia don't I?"
Lorelei nods, before point at her heart and back at Amber, saying. "I will always be in your heart, I know that you have my stubbornness and sharp wit, but you also have my kind heart, do the right thing Amber, I know you have it in you."
Amber woke with a start as she remembers the dream quite vividly, she knew that she had a lot of work to do with mending her relationships, not just with Sofia, but her family as well.
"Family for Princess Sofia of Enchancia?" A doctor asked coming into the waiting room.
They all stood up, with Roland asking, "How is she?"
"She is stable, had to have some stitches put in for the cut, but I am more worried about her weight and over all health, she has the beginnings of an illness, we gave her a course of antibiotics to prevent it from getting worse, but she well need to take it easy for a few days, I will get the discharge papers for you to sign so she can go home tomorrow morning, but you all can go see her now if you want."
Soon enough everyone was gathered around Sofia's bed as she slept, but soon enough she woke up, groaning a bit before slowly opening her eyes, before quickly closing them. "Too bright..."
Cedric was quick to dim the lights so that Sofia could open her eyes without pain.
"Thanks Cedric." She said softly.
Cedric smiles, taking her small into his larger ones. "Anytime, kiddo."
Sofia sighs as she felt her mother's running her hand through her hair, then she felt someone careful take her other hand, she opens her eyes briefly to see it was Amber, who looked concerned, guilty and sad, but Sofia was too tired to really look any deeper into it.
"Here is a extra blanket, sweetie." Baileywick said putting a extra hospital blanket over Sofia's current one in hopes of bringing some warmth back to her body.
"Thank you..." she started to say but was interrupted by a jaw cracking yawn.
"Rest, my child, you have had rough day." Miranda said as everyone said their goodbyes and left to go back home, Miranda was going to stay with her, since Roland had some unfinished business at home.
For the rest of the Night Sofia slept soundly, not stirring until the sun peak through the window in her room.
Waking up Sofia carefully sat up, wincing as the area where her stitches were started to ache a bit, the sound and movement woke up her mother, who was quick to ask. "How are you feeling?"
Sofia grimaces a bit before replying, "Like I was run over by horse."
Miranda tried to suppress a smile as she said, "I imagine so, now let's get you ready to go home, and just to warn you, the doctor wants you to take it easy for awhile, no running around or playing hero, just some much needed TLC."
Sofia sigh as she took the clothes that her father had dropped off during the night from Miranda and went to change in the bathroom, before coming out wearing a simple purple dress, with black pants and boots.
Miranda tried to not let the concern she was feeling show as she that the clothes were hanging more loosely then normal and decided to make sure that Baileywick had the chef cook up Sofia's favorite foods in hope it will get her to eat more and recover quicker.
After getting a once over by Betty, Sofia was finally allow to go home, they met up with Roland who was waiting for them by the carriage, carefully helping Sofia get inside the carriage and settled with her head on Miranda's lap.
The ride home was mostly in silent as Sofia just dozed off and on, soothed by sounds of her parents voices talking in soft tones.
When they got to the castle, a welcome home gathering was waiting for Sofia, who was touched as they wished her well and to have a speedy recovery, they had light lunch of Miranda's homemade soup that she used to make for Sofia from before she became Queen, with everyone complementing the food and pretty soon it was gone, by then Sofia was getting tired, so she excused herself to go to her room, aware that she had a shadow following her, if the noisy shoes weren't obvious enough.
"Amber, I know that you are following me." She says turning to look at an embarrassed Amber standing not to far behind.
"Dad, assigned me to watch over you as part of my punishment." Amber explains as she follows Sofia the rest of the inside.
"Punishment? Amber what did you do?" Sofia asked.
Amber sighs, "Do you remember how I was acting the last few weeks?"
Sofia nods as she comfortable under her covers.
"Well, I was looking for something to help with our Project when I came across an old photo of us from before you and your Mom moved in and all the emotions I felt those days came flooding back, and when James found out about my behavior, he told Dad, who was going to have Mom come home early, I didn't want that so I stole the letters and hid them in my room and then as the weeks progressed I saw how ill you looked but I didn't care, even though everyone around me did, eventually Baileywick found out about the letters, who along with Cedric told Dad, who confronted me at the campsite, telling me that he was deeply disappointed in my behavior and grounded me to my tent, but when he told me to go collect firewood with you, seeing you collapse, was like a slap to the face as I realized how I let old wounds open and influent me, so long story short, Dad decided that instead of being grounded, he was going to have me take care of you and get you anything you need or want, since I made you work yourself into the ground, it seemed fitting, also I want to say I am so sorry and I know that won't make for anything I did or said, but I do hope that you will find in yourself to forgive me."
Sofia stays silence and then said, "You are my sister, Amber, you are family, I will always love you unconditionally, no matter what, yes you did some terrible things, but you always learn from them, so while I will eventually forgive you, I will not forget."
Amber nods smiling sadly, "I know, Sofia.
The End