DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own the ponies you recognize in this story. They belong to Hasbro. I do however own The Hartson girls, as well as anyone else you don't recognize.

God loves you

Enjoy!

"The Power of Words"

Chapter 3

"Now, back to you, my little sunshine, what's gotten you so upset? And how did you manage to get out of your classroom alone?"

Molly let out a sob as Megan carried her over to a bench and sat down with her in her lap.

"I had to re-read again and…" was the only sentence that came out of her mouth before more sobs wracked her small form.

"All right, shh," Megan soothed. "Shh, my little sunshine. You're safe. You're back where you belong. You're back in your big sister's arms safe and sound. It's okay now. You're all right. I have you. Can you use your words and tell Megan what happened? I promise I wont' be mad at you."

Molly took a deep breath and nodded.

Just then, Danny came out of the classroom, holding the pass as if it were gold. He walked right passed Megan and Molly without so much as a glance towards them.

"Younger cousins," Megan muttered as she listened to Molly start to explain what had happened.

"Mrs. Marson asked me to read again and she was really mean about it," Molly started. "She made me read a part with a lot of words I couldn't say and then she made fun of me in front of the whole class. She called me a… she called me a…." Molly's voice trailed off as more tears came. "She called me a good-for-nothing brat and she said I was stupid again."

Megan nodded and got up from her spot. She carried Molly to the principal's office. She was going to have Molly transferred if it was the last thing she did.

As they made their way over to the principal's office, they found Danny standing outside his classroom. He was trying to explain himself to his math teacher, who wasn't buying any of it, even though it was the truth.

"Detention, young man," MRs. Forester said.

Danny was about to protest, but he then remembered who did the detentions and he kept his mouth shut. Mrs. Patterson was in charge of them. Danny wasn't being punished after all. He was getting a reward.

When Megan and Molly arrived in the principal's office, they were told to wait until Mrs. Pearlson could see them.

Megan sat down in a chair and held Molly close, hoping to help her feel better.

Molly had fallen asleep from crying so much, so Megan was now holding her and trying to let her get some rest. She needed it. She had her first speech therapy class that afternoon and she was pretty scared about it.

"Megan?" Mrs. Pearlson asked. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes." Megan replied. She went into the room. After she was seated, Mrs. Pearlson offered her a bottle of iced tea, which she took and then told Mrs. Pearlson what she needed. "I want Molly transferred tomorrow." She said. "No if ands or buts."

"I told you that this is a long process," Mrs. Pearlson said. "We can't rush things-"

"I don't care how long it takes! Molly was just humiliated by her and she ran to get me. Don't you think that's urgent enough. This woman is torturing my baby sister, and who knows how many other kids. If you can't help them, at least help her. Please."

Mrs. Pearlson responded to Megan's softer words.

"I'll try." She could tell Megan was going through a lot, as was Molly. She wanted to do everything she

could to help them, but it was going to take time.

Later that afternoon, Danny came home with a smile on his face. He sat at the kitchen table and munched on a few of Cupcake's cookies without a care in the world.

Cupcake gave him a strange look.

"What has you so happy?"

"Detention," Danny said.

"Detention?" Megan asked, peeking her head in from the living room. "Daniel Michael Smith, get in here now."

Danny did so. He knew when Megan used his full name, he was in BIG trouble.

"What did I do?" He asked.

"I don't know," Megan said. "You tell me. What did you do to receive detention and why are you so happy about it?"

Danny shrugged.

"I got in trouble for being late after I brought Molly to your classroom. I tried ot tell my math teacher what happened, but she didn't' believe me."

Megan sighed.

"I'll tlak to her." She assured him.

Danny shrugged.

"It's not a big deal." He said. "I'll just serve the detention."

"Why would you rather serve a punishment you don't deserve then honestly get out of it?" His older cousin asked.

"Mrs. Patterson," He replied. "Your biology teacher is the one who does the detentions."

"So?" Megan asked, not grasping what her younger cousin was getting at.

"So!" Danny said incredulously. "Megan, your biology teacher is a babe!"

Megan's jaw about hit the ground.

"You're in love with my bio teacher?"

"Yup. Always have been. Ever since third grade. Man does she have nice eyes."

Megan tried her best to hold her giggles back, but it was hard.

"Danny has a crush! Danny has a crush!" Molly sang as she ran through the house to go play with Fizzy. "Danny has a crush!"

"Stay out of this!" Both Danny and Megan said in unison.

After Molly was out of the door, Megan rounded on Danny.

"Danny, is that why you were so happy to get a pass from her?"

Danny nodded.

"No. I was glad to get a pass from her, I was happy when I got the detention."

Megan shook her head.

"You are too much. Is that why you've been getting into fights more and more this year. Just so you can spend an hour with my bio teacher who is sixteen years older than you?"

Danny nodded.

"But that's not the only reason," He said.

"I can't wait to hear the other reason," Megan said sarcastically.

"They give out good food." Danny said.

"Who?" Megan asked.

"The other kids. They always have chips or pretzels."

Megan rolled her eyes.

"I have to get Molly ready for her S-P-E-E-C-H therapy," She said, spelling out the first word so that Molly wouldn't understand it at first. "We'll talk about this later. I can promise you that."

"Can I use your laptop?" Danny asked.

"For what?" Megan asked.

"He probably wants to make a Valentine's Day card!" Molly taunted from the doorway. "Danny's in love!"

"Shut up!" Danny shouted. "At least I can read."

"Danny!" Megan said firmly. "That wasn't nice and you know it."

"Molly started it!" Danny said harshly. "She needs to mind her own damn business."

"Danny!" Megan scolded again. "Go to your room now."

Danny didn't move at first, but then he saw the glare in Megan's green eyes and went right away.

"And as for you, my little sunshine, you need to learn when to keep out of people's conversations, okay?"

"I was only kidding," Molly said, her lower lip starting to tremble.

"I know you were," Megan said. "I'm not mad at you, Moll. But you really need to work on it, okay?"

"Okay," Molly said with a sigh.

"Aw, that's my girl. Now, why don't you go play with Fizzy until dinner is ready. I think Firefly is making your favorite."

Molly beamed, knowing what Megan was getting at. Firefly's broccoli and noodle casserole was one of Molly's favorite meals.