DISC: I DO NOT own any of the characters from Sofia the First. They belong to their respective creators. I'm just borrowing them. I do however own anyone you don't recognize.

Enjoy!

A/N: I want to thank all my readers for being patient with me in regards to this story. I hope everyone likes this next chapter!

"True Sisters"

Chapter 13

When Wednesday rolled around, Sofia was tired of staying home. She was doing better, even though she still hurt a little. Sitting up, she stayed still to see if the pain got worse. When it didn't, she tried standing. She had to do it twice, but she was finally able to walk without intense pain. Getting dressed, she went down for breakfast.

"Sofia! Hey!"

Sofia managed a small smile for Amber.

"Are you feeling better?" her sister gave her a small hug.

"For the most part," she admitted.

"I'm so glad! Are you coming to school with us?" Amber lead Sofia downstairs as she spoke.

"I want to," she replied. "We'll have to see what Mom and Dad say."

Amber nodded in agreement.

Entering the dining room, Sofia sat next to Amber. They weren't surprised to find James eating a stack of pancakes. His eyes lit up when he saw Sofia.

"Hi Sof! Are you feeling better?"

"Uh-huh," she replied.

"Here you go, princess Amber," Bailiwick did a double take when he saw Sofia sitting there.

"Thank you, Bailiwick," Amber replied.

Bailiwick raised his eyebrows, but decided to take Amber's politeness whenever she offered it. Turning to Sofia, he addressed her.

"Sofia, how are you feeling?"

"Better," she replied.

"I'm glad. Would you like something to eat?" he offered.

"A little," she said.

"I'll be right back," with that, he left to get her a small plate.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Amber asked.

"If I'm going to school, I need to try and eat. Mom and Dad won't let me go if I don't try," Sofia reasoned.

Amber nodded in agreement just as Baileywick returned. He set a plate of three pancakes and a small bowl of fruit in front of the nine-year-old. He also gave her a cup of pear juice.

"Thanks, Baileywick," Sofia smiled at him.

"You're welcome, sweetie," he left the children to their meal.

"Don't at it all, " Amber cautioned.

Sofia nodded. She ate two pancakes and a few pieces of fruit before her stomach started to protest. Drinking her juice, she set the cup down once she was done. Standing, she was about to go get ready when their mother joined them.

"Sofia, you're up! How do you feel?" Miranda checked her youngest daughter for a fever. Sighing with relief when she didn't appear to have one, she waited for her answer.

"A lot better, Mom. I still hurt a little, but I ate breakfast," Sofia told her.

"That's good. You can go to school on one condition. If you start feeling bad, you tell an adult and find a carriage ride home."

"I will. I promise," Sofia earnestly said.

"I'll watch out for her, Mom," Amber promised.

Miranda hugged Amber.

"I know you will, sweet girl. Okay, finish eating and get ready," with that, she ruffled James' hair, kissed Sofia on the head and left.

Once Sofia got her bag together, she went to wait for her siblings in the entrance hall. She noticed to her dismay that her stomach hurt a little more after she had eaten, but she kept it to herself.

"Ready, Sof?" James ran up beside her.

"Yup," Sofia grinned at him.

Before long, the three siblings were in a flying carriage, heading for Royal Prep. James started a conversation with Amber about their upcoming art projects. The two included Sofia as best they could, considering she had missed the last week of school.

Sofia winced as the carriage swerved.

"Are you okay?" Amber asked. She looked worried, "Maybe we should turn around."

"No. I'll be fine," Sofia insisted. "Amber, I promise I'll tell you if I don't feel good."

"Okay," Amber looked uncertain.

As they neared the school, Sofia winced again.

"James, stop the coach," Amber ordered.

"No, keep going," Sofia protested.

James was officially confused. HE glanced from one sister to the other.

"Keep going, " Sofia continued, "I'm fine."

"James, turn around," Amber contradicted their younger sister.

"James, I promise, I'm okay. Please, keep going," Sofia locked eyes with him as she spoke.

"If you're sure," at her nod, James continued the rest of the way to the building. Landing, the three siblings got out. Amber eyed Sofia wearily as they entered Royal prep.

"I'll be okay," Sofia softly said.

Amber nodded with a frown.

Entering their classroom, they went to their desks.

"Sofia! Hi!" Vivian ran up to her best friend. Hugging her, she received one in return.

"Hi, Vivian," Sofia greeted.

"Are you feeling better?" she asked.

"A little," Sofia replied.

Just then, Hildegard joined them. She grinned when she saw Sofia at her desk. Running over, she carefully hugged her.

"Sofia! It's so good to see you!"

"It's good to see you too, Hildy," Sofia hugged back.

"All right, children, let's settle down," Miss Flora advised.

Everyone took his or her seats.

"First of all, I'd like to welcome Sofia back. I hope you're feeling better," she smiled at her.

Sofia nodded.

"All right. We're going to start a new art project today. Your assignment is to jump into another enchanted painting and then give a report on what your adventure was like."

"Awesome!" James shouted.

Miss Flora smiled at him.

"You will need partners for this project. For the first time, we will let you choose," she told them.

"I choose Hildegard!" Amber declared.

Hildegard shook her head.

"Sorry, Amber. I already picked my partner," with that, she turned to Sofia and grinned. "Partners? I promise, I won't be bossy this time."

Sofia nodded. She extended her hand to Hildegard.

Amber huffed. Since when did Hildegard turn her down as a partner for school projects. She understood when the teachers chose, the kids didn't have a choice. However, this was different. Taking a deep breath, Amber reminded herself that Sofia and Hildegard had become closer after their first adventure inside an enchanted painting. Glancing around the room, she went over to Cleo. Halfway, she retraced her steps. Going back over to Hildegard and Sofia, she spoke in a hushed tone, but loud enough for both her sister and friend to hear her.

"Hildy, you need to keep an eye on Sofia. She's still hurting."

"I will, don't worry, Amber," Hildegard assured her.

"Thanks," Amber turned to Sofia. "If you feel sick or your stomach starts hurting really badly, tell Hildy and she'll get you out of there. Promise me, Sofia."

"I promise," Sofia gave her older sister a hug. Pulling away, she turned back around so she could hear the instructions Miss Flora was giving them.

"Form a line," the fairy gently instructed.

The kids did so. They walked out into the hallway.

"Now you may pick a painting. Once you and your partner have agreed on one, I will hand you each a paintbrush. Then the fun can begin!"

"YES!" most of the students cheered.

Once out in the hallway, Sofia tried to focus on the paintings lining the walls. It was hard as she winced from pain.

"How about that one," Hildegard suggested. She pointed to a painting with a racetrack and hills beyond it.

"Sounds good," Sofia said as she straightened up.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" Hildegard asked. Her tone was one of concern, not impatience.

"Of course. Come on, let's go!" Sofia grabbed Hildegard's hand and led her over to the painting in question.

Hildegard grinned.

"I'll be right back," she returned a minute or so later with two paintbrushes. She handed a purple one to Sofia and kept the blue one for herself.

"Thanks, Hildy," Sofia sincerely smiled this time.

"You're welcome," Hildegard replied. "Ready?"

"Uh-huh," with that, Sofia took her friend's hand. Facing the painting, they pointed their brushes at the picture.

"Entivo paintuvo!" with that, Sofia and Hildegard took a running leap and jumped into the painting. As they entered it, they broke contact. Hildegard landed on her feet, but Sofia wasn't so fortunate. Landing on her knees, she winced. Standing, she tried to act as if everything was okay.

"Sofia! Are you all right?" Hildegard was at her side in seconds.

"Yeah," she stood unsteadily.

"Maybe we should go back," Hildegard frowned.

"No. I'll be okay, I promise. Come on, let's see what's going on down there," Sofia pointed down a hill where a fair was set up.

"If you're sure," Hildegard followed reluctantly.

Sofia nodded. However, as the aroma of popcorn and cake met her nose, she started having second thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the gate and led the way into the fairgrounds. She was determined to do well on this assignment, no matter what.

"Hot corn! Hot corn! Get your hot corn over here!" a man called. He spotted Sofia and Hildegard. Frowning, he addressed them. "I've never seen you girls around here before."

"We're new," Sofia explained. "I'm Sofia and this is my friend, Hildegard."

"Nice to meet you both. Would either of you care for a bag of popcorn?"

"No thanks," Sofia replied.

"I'll take one," Hildegard held out her hand.

Sofia nudged her friend.

"Please? Thank you," Hildegard added.

"You're welcome," the man replied. "There's a lot to do around here. You girls enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you. We will," Sofia assured him. She followed Hildegard down a road lined with games and rides. As the scent of more food engulfed her, she winced as more pain came. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea after all.

"Why don't we sit down and watch everything for a while," Hildegard suggested. She pointed to a bench across from the Ferris wheel. "You need rest."

"Hildy, I'm okay, really," Sofia tried to convince her.

"Sofia, please…" Hildegard locked eyes with her.

"Don't worry about me," Sofia gently, but firmly insisted. "Let's go check out those horses down there," with that, she lead the way to a stall a few rows away.

Hildegard followed her, frowning in worry. She just hoped Sofia was right. As they got closer to their destination, Hildegard had a funny feeling things were about to go down hill fast. Catching up to Sofia, she smiled at the horses behind the fence. She had always liked them.

"They're cute!" she exclaimed.

"You like…horses?" Sofia winced as she spoke.

"Of course," Hildegard frowned as she watched Sofia lean up against the fence. "Sofia, maybe you shouldn't lean against the front of…" her voice trailed off as a clicking sound was heard. Pulling Sofia back just in time, both girls watched in horror as half a dozen horses made a break for freedom. As they stood there entranced, Sofia voiced what Hildegard was thinking.

"Oh no! They're heading for the food stalls!" with that, she took off after the runaway animals.

"Sofia! Sofia, wait! You're going to hurt yourself!" Hildegard ran after her friend. She just hoped she got to her in time…