Saturday Evening

When Usagi awoke, the sun was down. Her light was off and she strained through the pain to focus her eyes onto her clock, 8:30pm. Confused, she rubbed her head and walked over to the light. What happened? Usagi made to it to her light switch and when she flipped the light on, her legs almost buckled beneath her. Her blue eyes widened in shock. All of the homework that she had worked on before work, during her lunch break, and when she got home was now in the form of confetti that covered her room.

In her disbelief, Usagi let out a sob and fell to the floor. Now I'll never get done before tomorrow and I won't be able to go to the mall with everyone! I was so looking forward to a day off to have fun. Even Motoki had agreed to give me the day off without argument. Things had gone so well with him at work I almost thought that today would end in ease.

After several minutes, Usagi composed herself and decided to redo all of the homework that Koan had destroyed. She started cleaning up the paper fragments and started working on her assignments with the determination that she was not going to let Koan ruin her planned day with her friends. Usagi made a list all of the assignments she needed to do. Luckily she kept a well updated planner that contained all of what was required from her additional classes so she didn't fall behind. Usagi worked well after 3am until she was finally done. Exhausted, she pushed the papers aside, laid down and fell asleep seconds after her head hit the pillow.

Sunday 11am

Usagi woke up to her phone going off and a horrible headache. She grabbed at her phone, missing the first few times until she finally had it and answered groggily, "Hello?"

"Usa! Where are you? We're waiting for you at the food court." Usagi's eyes shot open in remembering her plans. She let the worried Ami know that she was on her way and should be there in less than 20 minutes. Usagi hung up and rushed to get ready. She already had an outfit prepared and threw it on. It was a simple dress that made her feel like a sexy, carefree 16 year old; a perfect outfit for her to enjoy a day out with her friends. She turned to the mirror to fix her hair and nearly cried out at the sight of her face. A large blue and purple bruise had formed over her right eye where Koan had hit her. Usagi fearfully touched the bruise to test the how sensitive it was. When she applied a small amount of pressure with her finger, a tear formed in her right eye from the pain.

Thankfully, Minako gave Usagi a makeup kit for her 16th birthday and she did her best to cover it up. She applied the rest of her makeup; making sure to be careful around her right eye. When Usagi was finished, she surveyed her face in the mirror. The makeup was minimal, but it pulled attention her best features; her blue eyes popped with the light eyeliner and mascara, her eyebrows were shaped, and her lips looked full with the light shade of her favorite pink matte lipstick. Usagi pulled her hair up into a messy ponytail bun that she affectionately called a "bunny tail" since it was a favorite style of hers and related to her name. She grabbed her phone, wallet, and purse; ran downstairs without hesitation and out the front door to her car. There was no way that her step-family was going to keep her from her friends today. As far as they were concerned, she was late for work.

Usagi got to the mall in record time. She ran to the food court and directly into Ami's arms. She couldn't help but break her resolve and started crying the minute Ami's arms wrapped around her. "Usa, what's wrong?" Ami's eyes were filled with worry as she looked at Usagi's trembling form.

Makoto, Minako, and Rei rushed to her side and started consoling her. Rei's voice was filled with anger when she asked, "What did they do this time, Usagi?" Usagi then started to explain everything that had happened the day before. Her friends were aware of her newfound feelings for Chiba Mamoru and were surprised that he had fallen into the grips of Koan. Usagi pointed out her bruise and explained how she had to redo all of her homework. When Usagi recalled her face and how it looked with the bruise, a few tears escaped her eyes. Her friends listened, gasped, and glowered during Usagi's story. Once Usagi was finished, however, gleamed with pride for their friend in pushing through that horrible situation and not letting it break her. Rei lightly touched Usagi's bruise; stating that it should heal quickly and smiled supportively at Usagi.

After hearing what happened to Usagi, Makoto knew that the only thing that would fully cheer her up was a full day of food and fun to help her forget. "Say", Makoto said with a smile as she put her arm around Usagi's shoulder. "Let's get an ice cream, go shopping, and strut around this mall like we own it. We'll make the boys here wish they were brave enough to talk to us!" Makoto winked at Usagi and Minako laughed. "Like this?" Minako said before she started doing her best vogue poses down to the ice cream parlor in the food court. She tossed and twirled her hair while winking at random strangers and shimmied her way to the ice cream options.

Usagi giggled through her tears and decided to start after her in the same fashion. "Strut! Strut! Strut-strut!", Rei yelled as Usagi did her best runway moves down to Minako. She flipped her hair, jutted out her hip to one side with her hand out, and made her hips sway from side to side as she made her final steps towards Minako. All the guys that were in the food court were immediately distracted by her moves and were slightly disappointed when she made her destination. Unaware to Usagi, she had their attention for the entire time they were in the food court. All of Usagi's friends knew of Usagi's capability of attracting male attention. They also know that Usagi was completely oblivious to it. They preferred, however, to keep it that way. If Usagi knew, she'd rethink her actions and they didn't want her to apologize for just being herself.

Makoto laughed at Usagi's actions and headed towards them to choose her ice cream. Rei wrapped her arm around Ami's and started to discuss how to make this day a day that Usagi would never forget.

After ordering their ice cream, the girls slowly walked around the mall. Usagi licked her bubblegum flavored treat and asked, "So what's first, guys?" After finishing a very dedicated lick to her chocolate cone, Rei said, "Well Usa, we've all decided to make this day all about you, so we're going to your favorite clothing store first!" Usagi smiled from ear to ear as they finished their ice creams and headed to Forever 21 with their arms linked. I'm so lucky to have such great friends…

Mamoru thought he'd take his chances in seeing Usagi again by stopping by in the Crown Arcade. He was a little disappointed when he didn't see her, but only Unazuki. "Oi, Una!"

Mamoru had known Unazuki since she was 7 years old. He acted as her older brother and she was the closest thing to a sister that he would ever have, he cherished their relationship. "Do you know if Usagi works today?" Unazuki looked at him with a surprised expression. "Since when do you care when Usagi-chan works?"

"Since now. Just answer the question." Mamoru playfully pinched her forearm. Unazuki smiled and rolled her eyes. "No. She doesn't work today. She was supposed to, but I was pleasantly surprised when Motoki agreed to give her the day off when she asked for it. He was so kind to her yesterday." Mamoru knew that Motoki's changed attitude towards Usagi was because of the talk they had at practice. I'm glad to hear that he's kept his word on being nice to her from now on since I'm determined to be with her. Unazuki broke Mamoru's thoughts, "I remember her saying something about a planned trip to the mall with her group of friends today."

Mamoru's expression lit up within the span of 3 seconds. "Thanks Una!" And Mamoru ran out of the Crown leaving a stunned Unazuki scratching her head. Boys are weird, Unazuki thought. Then the 14 year old continued her work wishing that she was at the mall with Usagi and her friends too.

When Mamoru got to the mall it was 2:30 in the afternoon and his rash thinking had finally caught up with him. What am I supposed to do once I find Usagi? That is, if I can even find her, he thought as he looked around the crowded mall that contained a vast amount of department stores and various mini ones. She could be anywhere. Then, as if the fates were looking down on him, he looked across the mall and spotted a smiling Usagi with her friends. She had a large bag from Forever 21 and was stepping into an American Eagle. She was wearing an adorable black dress with small white polka dots that snugly hugged her curves. Her hair wasn't in its' normal buns, but was still just as beautiful as the wavy mess hung from the weird ponytail she had. She looks so beautiful when she smiles.

As Mamoru walked towards her he could overhear their conversation inside the store. "Oh Rei, do you really need to make Yuuichirou even more aware of his love for you?" Minako laughed as Rei simply responded with an "of course!" look as she pressed the red mini skirt against her hips in front of the mirror. Rei was no novice when it came to male attention. The priestess had been becoming more and more beautiful with each passing day and her intense violet eyes were capable of making any man weak at the knees. Minako couldn't wait to see what kind of bombshell she'd be when she was 21.

Ami laughed as she looked at the crazy attire the fashion industry created for women in preparation for the summer. Who would wear such revealing things? As if Usagi could read Ami's mind, she walked up behind her and said, "I know, right?" And shot her a wide eyed look while holding up a sequined crop top with an open back. Ami started laughing and teased Usagi, "Oh Usa, that is SO your style."

"Yeah right, like I'd ever wear something like this. All I need is someone to recognize my body and not my mind." Usagi's sarcastic response made Ami giggle. Ami smiled at her intelligent friend while she watched her peruse the sale rack. She was proud to have a friend who shared her views on what was important.

Eavesdropping, Mamoru could only admire Usagi more. A girl who cares more about her mind than her looks? That's so rare; especially with girls that are her age and are as radiant as she is.

Minako ran up to Usagi and cheerfully stated, "Usa, don't be a fool. You have the looks and the smarts!" Usagi rolled her eyes, "Ok, but one has to take precedence, Mina. Wouldn't you rather have a stimulating conversation with your date rather than him drooling all over you?"

Minako pulled out an orange skin tight dress that had a slit up one side to reveal the thigh and pressed it against herself while winking at Usagi. "Oh silly Usa. I want both!" Usagi couldn't help, but laugh. "I guess you're right Mina. With the right person, you'd be attractive in every way."

Usagi smiled playfully and asked Minako while winking, "You still got your eyes on Motoki?" Minako's eyes went wide and her face reddened. Makoto, Ami, and Rei started cracking up at her embarrassment. "I guess that's a yes!" Usagi laughed aloud.

One of her friends likes Motoki? I think she'd be able to capture his attention. His type is beautiful and Minako is definitely that. We could double date; two best friends dating two best friends. It would be interesting to see our groups mesh together. Mamoru mused over his hypothetical situation and pretended to be interested in a v-neck tee on the rack in front of him. They seem like they're different than other girls. I don't think my friends would mind having smart, rational, beautiful girls hang around; even if they are two years younger. They certainly act more mature than most of the other girls he knew. Mamoru was starting to act on his plan to accidentally bump into Usagi and strike up casual conversation until he heard a voice he dreaded call his name.

"Mamoru!"

Everything in Mamoru's body groaned in defeat and he hesitantly turned to face the voice calling him from outside the store.

Koan smiled as she spotted her future boyfriend in the store she was passing. She was on her way to Bloomingdale's to find an outfit to impress him with during their next class.

Mamoru politely greeted Koan when she made her way to him. He attempted to deter her from the store by acting like he was on his way out, so she wouldn't realize that Usagi was in there as well. Too little, too late. Koan's face changed dramatically when she spotted the young girl laughing and looking at a jacket that was on sale. She hated the fact that Usagi was even within 100 feet of Mamoru. She could say more bad things about her that would ruin her chances with him! Walking past Mamoru, Koan made her way to Usagi. Mamoru groaned audibly. SHIT.

"YOU."

Usagi turned to the loud allegation that rang out within the store and her stomach felt like it dropped to her feet. Usagi's smile waned as she saw her step-sister stalk up to her with murder in her eyes. Makoto immediately stepped in between the two ready to beat the hell out of this prissy stuck up bitch who thought she could punch her friend and get away with it. Usagi put her hand on Makoto's shoulder when Koan stopped, confused as to why this stranger walked in front of her when she obviously didn't know her. Lightly pushing Makoto aside, Usagi faced her rival and became ready to endure whatever Koan was about to do or say to her.

"I thought I warned you last night to stay away from Mamoru." Koan stated heatedly.

Mamoru's face went pale and wide-eyed when he heard Koan . What the hell is she talking about?

"What the hell are you talking about?" questioned Usagi.

"Don't play dumb with me. You know he's in here with you."

Usagi looked around the store and saw a dazed Mamoru near the entrance of the store. She squinted her eyes in disbelief and looked back to her step-sister. "I didn't even know he was here! And why do you even care?" Usagi was sick of Koan blaming her for everything. Does she see me as a threat or something? She never used to care when I happened to be around the other guys she dated. Usagi's eyes lit up with realization. "You having trouble luring him in? Tsk, tsk. I thought you could get any guy you wanted." Usagi did a sympathetic look. "Maybe he's realizing how irrevocably STUPID you are..."

Shocked laughter came out of the mouths of all of Usagi's friends as well as Mamoru.

Usagi continued, ignoring the fact that they had an audience. "And doesn't want anything to do with your childish behavior. Not everyone can be manipulated, Koan; even by an expert like you." Koan's face reddened with anger from Usagi's words; even more so that it was in front of Mamoru again, so she slapped Usagi across the face. Hard.

The slap echoed throughout the quiet store and gasps responded to the action. Mamoru's fist clenched at his sides immediately fueled with anger that Koan had dared to even touch Usagi. Usagi's pale skin immediately responded with a red tinge on her cheek in the shape of her step-sister's hand. She stretched out her jaw and touched the affected cheek with her hand before looking back up to Koan.

Koan's eyes were unapologetic and cold. "You are going to regret saying that when we're in the privacy of our home." Mamoru came up behind Koan and started to pull her away.

Unable to contain herself anymore Makoto yelled, "IS THAT A THREAT?"

A confused Koan simply looked at her as she struggled out of Mamoru's grip and asked, "Who the hell are you?" Usagi shot a panicked look to Makoto pleading with her to stop. Usagi had kept her friends out of the line of fire and because as far as Beryl, Koan, and Petz knew; Usagi had no friends whatsoever. If they did know, she was sure that they would use them against her.

Makoto saw Usagi's plea and responded with a softer tone, "A simple bystander, nothing more; but I can tell that you're overreacting to this situation. There's no reason for violence to occur."

Mamoru saw the look Usagi gave her friend and noticed how it affected Makoto's response to Koan. She had immediately backed down when before it looked like she was going to use Koan as a punching bag. Why didn't Usagi let her friends protect her?

"Butt out you Amazonian freak." The remark touched a nerve on Makoto and her eyes widened as she gasped. Usagi was well aware of Makoto's insecurities to her size and strength and this became the final straw for her. Usagi never cared when Koan would mistreat her, but her friends were another matter. Usagi reddened with anger and stood rigidly before her step-sister. In a voice that was barely audible, Usagi slowly said, "Koan, leave."

Koan scoffed. "Excuse me? We're not through."

Usagi took a step forward and challenged her with her eyes. It took everything Usagi had not to retaliate. She forced herself to remain calm and attempted to reason with Koan.

"Everything you're doing now is only making you look worse in front of Mamoru" Usagi shot a glance at Mamoru's face when she said his name and it felt like a jab to her heart. She continued, "So why don't you walk away, enjoy Mamoru's company and let me have my free time OR you can continue to let your anger get the better of you and make a fool out of yourself. It's your decision. I'm good either way." By the time Usagi finished, she regained her composure. She knew she had to keep her emotions and actions in check when it came to Koan's anger otherwise nothing would be resolved.

Mamoru was shocked at Usagi's calm demeanor. He was sure that she was going to retaliate after her friend was insulted. When Usagi looked at him as she said his name, his breath caught in his throat. Her eyes were pained and helpless. Then he heard Usagi tell Koan to enjoy Mamoru's company and his reflective thoughts of Usagi were replaced with horror. Spending time with Koan? But I wanted to spend time with Usagi! Ugh. But apparently I'm becoming an issue between these two because of Koan's jealousy and possessiveness. I need to make it clear to her that I'm not interested. I wonder why Usagi seems to continue to point out to me that Koan isn't smart. She obviously is if her grades are as high as they are; but I have noticed the inconsistency of intellect when I speak to her. Maybe it can be something I can ask Usagi about next time I see her. It would be an excuse to talk to her and I'm ok with that; even if it is about Koan.

Distracted by his wandering thoughts, Mamoru didn't notice Koan until her arm was linked with his and she was guiding him out of the store. He looked back to where Usagi stood and saw her watching him in defeat and anguish. Does she look like that because she wants to be with me? Or is she looking at Koan like that because of what will happen between them later? What goes on in their house when there's no one around? Suddenly Mamoru feared that the slap that Koan hit Usagi with was just the surface of what occurred at the Spectre household.

Once Usagi saw them round the corner, she let out a sigh of relief and turned to Makoto to give a heartfelt apology for her step-sister's words. "Mako-chan, you are perfect in every way and your strength is a unique trait that makes you who you are. I'm so sorry about Koan. I'm the one she was mad at and I hate that she took it out on you." Makoto couldn't help but smile at Usagi's genuine tone. "Usa, I don't care about what she says about me. I care about what she says to you and what she does to you." Makoto grazed Usagi's cheek that was still red from the slap with her thumb. "I cannot allow this abuse to continue. You need to do something about it or I will."

Desperation filled Usagi's voice in her response to Makoto. "I am! Why do you think I'm working so hard to graduate early? I have less than a year and I'll be out of that hellhole!" Makoto sighed. "I know, but it may still be too long of a time to remain there. It's starting to escalate and I'm scared for you, Usagi-chan." Rei hugged Usagi from behind and let out a deep breath. "Let's try to get past this unpleasantness and enjoy the rest of our day. What do you say, Usagi-chan?" Usagi smiled and was so thankful to have such caring friends. "Hai," Usagi said with a smile. Ami picked up Usagi's bags and then left the store in search for another clothing sale.

As they left, Petz came out from behind a rack of clothes in the back. Graduating early? Hmmm. That won't do. I must tell Koan. She's the most resourceful when it comes to planning. Petz paid for her clothes and left the store in a thoughtful state.

Author's Note: Poor Usagi. She can't even have one day full of fun without her step-sisters ruining it. Will Mamoru be able to get it through Koan's head that he's not interested? What will happen when Usagi gets home that night? All is revealed in the next chapter! :)

Let me know what you thought of this chapter in the reviews! I love hearing your feedback!