Today was Monday, ugh, I hated going back to school, it sucked! After yesterday's experience of getting rid of Winry, which had made the house quite peaceful, I've been exhausted. I hit my alarm clock in anger as I sat up in my bed. I yawned and grabbed clothes for the day, along with a towel. I checked the bathroom to see if Ed was in there, which he was not thankfully, then went in and turned the shower to hot.

As I stepped in I ignored the burning feeling like usual. I needed to think about what I was going to do with Ed, I mean he should get an education, but what about Al? He would have to stay home alone with no company. 'If only Jewels were here,' I thought while cringing. I could probably think of something, but nobody would do any favors for me.

After my shower I stepped out while grabbing my towel. I grabbed my brush and a hair band before returning to my room. As I dressed I heard a knock and my door opening. I turned my head to reveal a red-faced Ed. I continued to stare at him, waiting for him to leave, but he seemed frozen in place.

I sighed, and thought I would help him by giving him an evil death glare. It didn't seem to work so I growled as well. He still didn't move and I finally I figured he was looking at my scar that ran from the middle of my neck, to the tip of my tailbone. I grabbed my robe and wrapped it around me, which seemed to get him out of his daze. I turned around and walked towards him.

"You know Ed, it's not polite to stare, especially when that person is naked. Now I suggest you hurry and get dressed for school, we'll be leaving soon," I said before gently pushing him out the door. I sighed then continued to dress. When I was finished with my morning routine, I went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple. I took one bite then saw Ed, he seemed to be whispering something to Al.

I ignored it and continued to eat my apple until I heard my name come into the conversation. I kept bickering to myself about eavesdropping or not. Finally, I decided to be good and not listen. I grabbed my bag and walked out the door, then went to the backyard and strolled down to the frozen lake's edge.

I watched the beauty until I sensed a presence behind me. I turned around to find Ed standing there with his eyes to the ground, probably trying not to gape at me.

"Hello Ed," I said kindly. He gave me an odd look then came closer to stand by me.

"Why are you acting so calm today, I mean, where's the perky Minty I met a few days ago?" he asked me without turning away from the lake. I sighed, and smiled a sweet smile, "This is how I always act when I have to go to school, I do it to show people that I'm not scared of them." At this he turned his head to me, his eyes wide, "What do you mean by that? Does everybody beat on you like those boys did?" I smiled then nodded my head.

"Don't worry Ed, I'll be fine. I've been living like this for most of my life, it's not going to get worse now that you're here," I replied," Now you need a bag for school, I have an extra you can use. And the school books they'll have for you. The supplies I have as well. So we better hurry before we're late!"

"But, what about Al?" Ed asked carefully. 'Crap! I forgot about Al' I thought. I sighed, then took my fingers then whistled, hoping at least one animal would come. Fortunately, an animal DID come, but not one that I expected. It was a cute grizzly bear, but was way too big to ramble around the house. I sighed as Ed jumped behind me, clutching my shirt.

"You're not really going to let that thing in the house are you?" he asked in a higher voice than his own. I shook my head then walked towards the gentle creature, "Heya cutie, you came here to see me?" I then began to step closer. It growled in response then inched closer slightly, still uncertain of me. I smiled then walked a little closer.

"You know, I have someone you might wanna meet," I continued," He's very nice, you two will get along very well." The bear still looked uncertain, but ambled closer to me anyway. I let him sniff my hand, and smiled when he licked it in approval. I strolled towards the house and called for Al. He came out, but stopped once he saw the bear.

"Minty? Are you going to bring that bear into the house?" he asked nervously. I laughed then shook my head before saying," Nah, I just thought he would be good company for you is all." Al continued to stare, and slowly walked towards him. The bear looked uncertain as well, and backed up a little.

I cooed to him, telling him it was alright. He seemed to be soothed slightly, then walked closer to Al. Once he licked Al's outstretched hand he just sniffed, Al giggled then patted his head, "What's his name?" I shrugged my shoulders, then came closer to the bear. I studied him closely before coming to my conclusion.

"Teddy, his name is Teddy," I said with a smile. Teddy turned his head at the sound of his new name, signaling that he liked it. Al giggled again," I like the name Teddy, it's cute." I smiled then went into the house with Ed running behind.

I gathered all the things he would need, and went back outside to find Al and Teddy playing tag. I thought it was just adorable and let my giggle out. Ed then came to my side to see what the commotion was, and laughed as Al got tackled by Teddy. I laughed too, and said my goodbye to the two. After Ed said his farewell, he trotted to catch up to me as we both headed for school.