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!

"True Sisters"

A/N: Gracias to everyone whose stuck with this story and waited so patiently. This chapter is dedicated to you!

Chapter 15

Sofia must have fallen asleep. The next thing she knew, she opened her eyes to the afternoon sun blazing into the window. Glancing around the room she noticed a young woman moving about. The stranger had skin like Lani and eyes the same color as Amber's. Her hair was long and pulled back into a braid that flowed down her back.

"Who are you?" Sofia asked.

"You don't have to be afraid of me. My name is Alexandra. You can call me, Alex. I'm the castle's physician. Rowan told me you needed tending to."

Sofia nodded as pain shot through her stomach.

"I'll be gentle," Alex assured her. "You're Sofia, right?"

"Yes," the nine-year-old replied.

"Is it okay if I Take a look at your stomach?" Alex gently inquired.

"Uh-huh," she hissed.

Alex placed her hands on Sofia's abdomen. Going from left to right, she slowed her examination when she reached the right side. Her heart broke at the cry that issued from Sofia's mouth.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," Alex apologized.

"It's not your fault. I had my Appendix out a week ago," Sofia explained.

Alex nodded. Gently, she lifted the dressing so she could examine the area. She soothed Sofia as she worked, her voice washing over the nine-year-old like a soothing lullaby.

"I'm gonna redress this with new materials," she explained. "I'll be right back." Returning shortly, Alex continued her work. Once she was done, she ran a hand through Sofia's hair.

Sofia found the motion comforting, so she didn't protest. Suddenly, she swallowed hard.

"Alex, I'm gonna…I don't…" her voice trailed off as she started to heave. She felt Alex help her roll on her left side just as something was placed underneath of her chin. Five minutes later, she found relief. Taking small sips of water from a cup, Sofia laid back down with Alex's help.

"Do you feel better now?" Alex asked.

"A little. Why am I still hurting?" Sofia asked.

"You need more rest. How did you get here?" Alex asked.

"My friend and I Jumped through an enchanted painting," Sofia explained. "It was a school assignment."

Alex nodded in understanding.

"You should have stayed home for at least three more days. You still need to recover."

"That's what my older sister said," Sofia sighed. "I should have listened to her."

Alex rested a hand on the young girl's shoulder.

"Rest here for now. Then we'll figure out a way to get you back home. You're safe here. I'll protect you."

"Thank you, Alex. The Queen won't let us go unless we get her dog back. But the dog has a new owner now. The man really needs him! I came here with a friend. The Queen locked her in the dungeon for being rude to her."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll help you straighten this whole mess out. Just rest for me. I'm gonna put some medicine around your dressing that might help the pain."

"Will it hurt?" Sofia inquired.

"Not at all," Alex assured her. She left and returned with a jar. Once she was done applying the ointment, she made herself comfortable next to Sofia. Humming softly, she was successful in helping Sofia fall back to sleep. After she was sure the little girl was asleep, Alex stood. It was time to set things right.

******

Sofia's eyes opened a few hours later. Lying still, she heard the sound of someone softly humming.

"Alex?" she softly said.

"Hey, you're awake. Are you feeling better?" Alex came over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"A little. I still hurt, but it's not as bad," Sofia revealed.

"I'm glad. I talked to the Queen. She's agreed to let you and Hildegard go," Alex informed her.

"How did you talk her into it?" Sofia was amazed.

"I made a suggestion she couldn't refuse," Alex winked at her. "The man who owns Sparky is going to work for her so she can see him again."

"That works," Sofia smiled a little. Sitting up, she winced.

"Here, let me help you," Alex proceeded to do so. "Thatta girl. Do you need help standing?"

"I think I'm okay. Thank you for everything," the princess sincerely said.

"You're more than welcome," Alex smiled in return.

Once Sofia was on her feet, she allowed Alex to guide her out of the room. Getting into the entry way, the girl got a surprise.

"Hildy!" she welcomed her friend's hug. "You're okay!"

Hildegard nodded.

"Elmer and I played card games the whole time I was down there. He snuck me some food as well. Ready to go home?"

Sofia nodded. Turning to Alex, she smiled.

"Alex, this is my friend, Hildegard."

"I know. We met when I went to get her from the dungeon," Alex informed her. "I'm gonna walk you back to the fair to make sure you get there okay."

"Great!" Sofia was glad they wouldn't be alone in the beginning of their journey. The three talked about this and that throughout the twenty minute carriage ride. Alex kept an eye on Sofia to make sure she was fairing okay during the ride. Despite throwing up once, the ride was otherwise uneventful for Sofia. When they got to the fair ground, Sofia gave Alex a hug.

"Thanks for everything, Alex. Will we see you again?" she pulled away.

"You're welcome, Sofia. I'm not sure. You never know. Are you girls going to be okay from here?" Alex frowned in concern.

"We'll be fine," Sofia assured her new friend.

"I almost forgot, Sofia, here you go," Hildegard handed the younger girl her paintbrush.

"Thanks, Hildy!" Sofia took it gratefully.

"If you're sure," Alex still eyed them in concern.

"We're sure," Sofia managed a small smile for her. After one final hug, Sofia took Hildegard's hand as the two faced the painting exit. Together they said the exit spell. Before they knew it, they were back in the classroom. Again, Hildegard landed on her feet, but Sofia wasn't so fortunate. Instead of landing on the floor this time, someone caught her.

"It's okay, I've got you," a familiar female voice assured her.

"Amber," Sofia allowed her sister to steady her before she let go.

"Are you okay? You look terrible!" Amber frowned at the pale complexion of her sister's skin.

"I'm still hurting, but not as badly as before, thanks to Alex," Sofia told her.

"Whose Alex?" Amber raised her eyebrows.

"I'll explain everything at lunch," Sofia told her. Returning to her desk, she rested her chin in her hands. Not all of her classmates had gotten back from their respective adventures yet. Closing her eyes, Sofia let her mind wander. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

******

"Sofia? Sof, come on, it's time for lunch," a soft voice whispered in her ear.

"Huh? Wha-what's going on?" Sofia mumbled. Her eyes opened a minute later. Locking them with a set of familiar brown ones, she sighed with relief. "Amber. Oh no! I fell asleep! Did the fairies notice?"

"No. You're fine. They're too busy lecturing James and Xandar for trying to bring a dragon back from the painting they visited," the eleven-year-old princess rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Sofia let a small giggle escape her lips. James was too much.

"Are you hungry?" Amber asked.

"I'll try eating a little. I'm still hurting," she admitted.

"You would tell me if it gets worse so I can take you to the nurse or try and find a way home, right?" Amber locked eyes with her sister again.

"I promise," Sofia assured her.

"Good," with that, Amber helped Sofia up. They grabbed their lunches and followed their friends to the cafeteria. Finding a quiet table near the back, Amber sat down, followed by Sofia. They were soon joined by Hildegard. The weird thing was, Cleo was nowhere to be found.

"So whose Alex?" Amber asked before Sofia had even opened her lunch bag.

"She's a new friend of mine-ours," she corrected herself. She threw an apologetic look Hildegard's way.

Hildegard waved her hand dismissively.

"I only spent a few minutes with her, including the ride back to the fair. You spent more time with her. That makes her more your friend than mine."

Sofia nodded. Turning back to her sister, she continued to explain.

"Alex is another castle doctor. She's really nice. She helped me when I got sick after Hildegard got thrown in the dungeon for being rude to the Queen."

"What Queen?" Amber turned to Hildegard, her eyes going wide. "You got thrown in the dungeon?"

Hildegard felt a blush creep up her neck.

"Yes. I shared my opinion with the Queen an she didn't like it much."

Sofia nudged her friend.

"Okay! I demanded she let us go," Hildegard admitted.

"Oh Hildy!" Amber shook her head. She turned to Sofia. "What about you?"

"She put me in a room to rest. I fell asleep. When I woke up, Alex was there. She took care of me and kept me safe."

"Thank goodness, " Amber breathed. She started eating her sandwich as did Hildegard.

As for Sofia, she picked at her food. She ate half of her sandwich and two apple slices. She left the pretzels for James. Drinking her juice, she closed the bag.

"I'm done," she announced.

"Okay," Amber said. She frowned at the pained look that crossed her sister's face.

"I'm gonna take a bathroom break before recess," Sofia stood. Wincing, she turned and left the table. She heard Amber say something about going after her as she exited the cafeteria. Entering the bathroom, she did her business. Sitting there, she winced as more pain came. She wished she had asked Alex for some of that medicine she had used.

"Sofia? Are you in here?" Amber's voice called out.

"Yeah…" Sofia breathed. Standing unsteadily, she opened the door. Washing her hands, she turned to face her sister. "I don't think eating was such a good idea. I'm really hurting…" she blinked back tears as she spoke.

"Okay. Let's get you to the nurse. Mom and Dad sent some medicine Dr. Hartfield gave them for you," Amber told her.

Sofia nodded. She let Amber guide her to the office. Entering, she lie down upon a bed Amber directed her to. Closing her eyes, she blinked back tears. She just wanted to feel better!

"Miss Adams isn't here. She's probably finishing lunch," Amber mused. She sat down next to her sister. "I'm sure she'll be back soon."

Sofia nodded just as more pain came.

"I should have listened to you, Amber. I should have stayed home. I wasn't ready to come back. It's my fault…I'm getting what I deserve…ow! It really hurts!" Sofia cried.

Amber shook her head. Reaching out, she wrapped an arm around her sister.

"Sofia…this isn't your fault. You thought you were ready. I'll be right back," standing, Amber went into the front of the office. Spotting a cabinet near the nurse's desk, she went for it. Her eyes scanned for a handle, but there wasn't one. The cabinet was locked. Hearing Sofia cry out just made Amber more desperate. Picking up a paper clip, she went for the lock. Sticking it in, she was about to try and pick it when her eyes landed on a box on the desk. Leaving the pick where it was, she went to get a closer look at the box. Peering inside, she saw a few bottles. Finding her sister's name on one of them, she sighed with relief. Closing her hand around it, she was about to turn around when a female voice spoke from behind her, making her jump. A very familiar one.

"Are you sure you wanna do that, Amber?"

Whirling around, medicine bottle in hand, Amber gasped. Standing a few feet away, eyeing her with concern and a raised eyebrow was someone she never thought she would see again after their brief encounter in Tangu.

"Jasmine…" she breathed her heroine's name. "You're back! Wha-what are you doing here? If you need to talk to Sofia, she's in the other room."

Jasmine shook her head.

"This time, I'm here to help you."

"Me? I'm fine. It's Sofia who needs help, " Amber said desperately.

"Are you sure about that?" Jasmine eyed the bottle in the pre-teen's right hand. "Come with me. We need to talk," with that, Jasmine lead the way to a small out cove. Sitting down in a chair, she indicated for Amber to do the same.

Amber did so, her hands shaking from uncertainty. Was the princess she had admired since hearing about her when she was a littlegirl about to yell at her? She gulped, waiting for Jasmine to say her peace. Feeling tears of shame and fear come to her eyes, Amber glanced down, unable to look Jasmine in the eye. This was it. She was in trouble for sure. And she had nobody to blame but herself…