Chapter 2:

Mother's Advice

You know we all have little trouble with love eventually. What better person to ask about love then your mother? I hope you all enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Mornings were always pleasant at the Avatar's home. Every morning, Katara would wake up extra early to prepare breakfast for her family. It always warmed her heart to see the surprised looks on her children's faces as the entered the kitchen.

One morning however, was different. Instead of eating at the dining table as they normally did, Katara decided to have a picnic at the park in Republic City. She had messaged Toph yesterday and the two families scheduled to meet each other in the park for breakfast. As she packed the last sandwich into the basket, she heard a noise from behind her.

Turning around she saw Bumi looking up at her with a big smile on his face.

"Good morning, Mom." He said. "Good morning, sweetie. How did you sleep last night?"

"Ok I guess. Although Tenzin's snoring kept me up."

Katara laughed. It was always cute the way her children interacted with each other. With Tenzin being the youngest, Bumi and Kya were always messing around with him. But Katara didn't mind. She knew that Bumi and Kya loved their brother dearly and would do anything for him.

Early on in life, she instilled a great sense of compassion in her children. She taught them the importance of putting others before themselves, and to always treat others with kindness. She had been proud of her children. For the past twelve years she watched them grow from tiny babies, to teenagers. It was the most wonderful experience in the world.

"Bumi, are your siblings awake?" Katara asked.

"I saw Kya in the hallway a few minutes ago. Tenzin is up, but he won't come out of his room. I think something is bothering him."

Katara immediately grew concerned. Whenever one of her children was upset, it worried her. She wanted them to be happy without the pressures of the world weighing down on them. Tenzin was normally a bright, lively ten year old so Katara couldn't figure out why he would be so depressed.

"I should go check on him," she said. "If your sister comes downstairs, tell her not to eat anything. We'll be leaving shortly."

Leaving Bumi in the kitchen, Katara ascended the stairs of the temple. She was anxious to see what was bothering her son. Assumptions flew in and out of her mind like crazy. Maybe he's embarrassed to be seen with us in public," she thought. No, no that's silly. His father is the Avatar and his mother is a master waterbender. He would never be embarrassed of us. What if he's upset about his airbending lessons? No I don't think that would be it. I think I reassured him years ago that he had nothing to worry about. But what could be bothering him?

When she reached the door to Tenzin's room, she gave a gentle knock on the door, hoping he would let her in.

"Go away," he spat.

"Tenzin, it's me. I wanted to make sure you're alright. May I come in?"

Before she knew it, the door swung open and there stood a teary eyed Tenzin standing behind it.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" Katara asked.

"I don't want to go the park," He sniffled.

"Why not?" Katara asked putting her arm around him.

"She'll be there."

"Who will be there?"

"Lin Bei Fong," he whispered fearing one of his siblings would overhear him.

Katara smiled. She knew why her son was afraid to see Toph's daughter. Tenzin harbored a crush for the young earthbender, one that he was reluctant to admit. Being where he was once, Katara knew just the advice to give her son on the world of love.

"Tenzin, you're ten years old. You have all the time in the world for love. But if you want, I can give you some advice on the subject."

Tenzin's eyes widened. He was getting advice on girls from his mother. She would know better than anyone he thought. After all, she married the Avatar. Tenzin pulled his mother into his room and coaxed her onto his bed. He was anxious to hear what she had to say.

"So what do girls like?" he asked full of excitement.

"Well, they do like confidence," Katara began. "That's always key." But remember there is such a thing as overconfidence and that is a turn off."

"How come?"

"Because girls don't like it when a guy is cocky and thinks he can do everything. But they admire confidence because it shows determination but at the same time isn't going overboard."

"Oh like when Kya sometimes brags about her waterbending?"

Katara laughed. It was true her daughter was a skillful waterbender, but she did have a boastful side.

"Yes like that," she said.

"Honesty is also important. It's the prime quality that brings trust into a relationship. And we all know a good relationship is based on trust. When you're honest you have no secrets and are open to your partner. You are true to him or her and offer your whole self to them. Honesty is also a way of expressing love to your partner. You may hug, kiss, do things together, but without honesty in your relationship there is no foundation. You're basically doing those things to cover up the truth. That's why honesty is important."

"So that's what you mean when you say honesty is the best policy!" Tenzin cried.

"Yep, its something my mother used to tell me when I was a little girl."

"Always remember it and put it to good use everyday."

"What else is important?"

Well let me think," Katara mused.

"It's always important to be yourself." Don't ever change who you are just so someone will like you. If they don't accept you for whom you are, then they are not worth your time. But in all honesty, I can't see how someone can dislike a sweet, kind young boy like you.

I think Lin will open up to you if you just give her a chance. Don't be afraid. Just go up to her and be yourself. She'll come around. If she doesn't, then she's just not the one for you."

Tenzin wrapped his arms tight around his mother, thanking her for every piece of advice she gave him. "Thank you mom. You are the best."

Katara responded with a kiss on the cheek. She loved her children so much, words couldn't explain.

"Thank you my little airbender." You're the best as well. Now go get dressed. We'll be leaving for the park pretty soon."

Quick as lightning, Tenzin sped out of the room towards the bathroom, quickly slamming the door shut behind him. Meanwhile, back in his room, Katara smiled thinking of all the things Tenzin would do in the future. "He has so much potential, he just doesn't realize it," she muttered to herself.

"You bet he does," said a voice from behind her.
Turning around, Katara saw Aang standing at the foot of the door. He was smiling and looking very pleased.

"Aang, how long have you been standing there?" Katara asked.

"A few minutes," he said. "Long enough to realize that you are truly the best mother in the world.

Katara blushed. Aang's compliments were always touching, but something about this one made her melt. When she was young, she always dreamed of being of mother. And when the day came when Kya was born, she had never been happier. The life she had with Aang and her children was truly a blessing. To be able to wake up every morning and see her family was a gift.

"You cannot even imagine how much that comment means to me," Katara said tears falling from her eyes.

Aang walked over to the bedside and gently pulled his wife to his side. Giving her a kiss on the cheek, before speaking.

"I love you so much, Katara. Every word I've ever said to you is the truth. You mean more to me than anything. I know for a fact that Tenzin is grateful to have a mother like you."

"And I know he's thankful to have a father like you," Katara whispered into his robe.

She had begun to fall back asleep in her husband's arms, heavily elated by his touch and presence. It was almost too good to be true.

Outside the room, stood a ten year old airbender listening to his parent's conversation. Their words brought tears to the young airbender's eyes. The love their family shared was stronger than any force on earth. Just to be a part of that was a blessing in itself.

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