Walking up the steps to the front door of her home, Cream couldn't help but smile as she thought of the night's events. The time she spent with Tails and his family was still fresh in her mind and needless to say, she was still feeling ecstatic over the day and was looking forward to when she got the chance to spend time with the Prower family again. As she reached into her pocket and took out the key to the front door, she felt Cheese land on her head and let out a yawn.

Cream couldn't help but chuckle. "Aww, are you tired Cheese?"

The Chao responded by laying on his front on top of her head.

"I'll take that as a yes," said the rabbit as she reached up and gently stroked Cheese's head. "Don't worry. We'll be inside in just a moment and you can get all the sleep and rest you want."

Cheese chirped sleepily as he leaned a bit into Cream's hand, yawning once again. Grinning as she took her hand from the Chao, Cream inserted the key into the socket of the doorknob, turning and unlocking it. Pushing the door open, Cream walked inside and gently closed the door behind her. Looking around with help from the moonlight shining through the windows, she saw that the house was spotless, no doubt because of Vanilla.

"Mother must've spent the day cleaning," the rabbit said to herself as she walked into the living room, seeing an empty teacup sitting on the table. "I hope she didn't work herself too hard."

Picking up the cup, Cream walked into the kitchen, turned on the lights and made her way to the sink, proceeding to wash and clean it. As she placed it in the drainer to dry, she heard footsteps behind her as well as a familiar voice.

"Cream dear? Is that you?"

Smiling, Cream turned around and saw her mother standing in the doorway to the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. "Yes Mother, its me. You okay?"

Wearing a yellow robe and having her hair tied back in a ponytail, Vanilla yawned softly and nodded her head. "Yes dear, all's well," she said as she walked towards her daughter. "I was sleeping until I heard the water running and came down to see what was going on. And you? You were gone all day."

"I'm okay Mother," Cream answered. "I was with Tails and his family."

"Oh, were you?" Vanilla asked. "All day? How're they all doing?"

"They're all doing great," said Cream, her smile growing. "We all had a wonderful time together."

Vanilla smiled as well. "That makes me happy to hear dear. And though its late, the important thing is that you're okay." She reached up and gently stroked Cheese's head, who was still on Cream's head. "You and Cheese both."

"Yes, we're both fine, really," said Cream.

Cheese chirped softly as he leaned into Vanilla's hand. It was then that another chirp was heard from the doorway. The two rabbits looked over and saw a brown Chao that looked exactly like Cheese float into the kitchen towards them.

"Hey Chocola!" Cream said happily.

Vanilla grinned as she watched Chocola float to Cream, nuzzling her cheek as well as gently patting the sleepy Cheese on his head. "Looks like he missed you both while you were gone."

"Seems that way," said Cream as she stroked Chocola on his head.

Metallic footsteps were heard seconds later by the rabbits and looking towards the doorway once more, they saw a small black and yellow robot enter the kitchen. Its eyes fell on Cream and Cheese. "Oh Cream, Cheese! You're back!"

Cream beamed as she saw the robot. "Hi Gemerl!"

"Welcome home!" said the robot. "You both look well and like you had a fun day today!"

Cream nodded, smiling. "Yes, we are and we did."

Gemerl nodded its head. "That's awesome to hear, but judging from what time it is you must be completely smashed right now. How about calling it a night and getting some good ol' R&R?"

"That's a good point dear," said Vanilla. "It has been a long day for both you and Cheese and it looks like he's gotten a head start on you in the rest department."

Cream chuckled as she lifted Cheese off her head and cradled him close to her chest. "That's true. Okay, I believe I'll do just that."

Vanilla smiled and stroked her daughter's head. "I'm really glad you had such a great time today Sweetheart. Head on upstairs and I'll be there shortly to check on you, okay?"

Cream nodded before giving Vanilla a quick hug. "Sure thing Mother."

Vanilla hugged her daughter back and after pulling back from her, watched as she hugged Gemerl as well before making her way out of the kitchen and up the stairs towards her bedroom. Once it was sure that Cream was out of earshot, Gemerl turned towards Vanilla. "Well Ma'am? Have you decided whether or not you're going to tell her?"

A sad expression appeared on Vanilla's face as she sighed softly. "Yes, I am. Goodness me, I believe this is going to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."

"I can only imagine Ma'am," said Gemerl before placing one of its hands on Vanilla's hand in comfort. "Just remember to breathe and take your time with this. It's going to be okay."

Vanilla looked to Gemerl, smiling softly at the robot. "Thank you Gemerl. That means a lot to me."

"Anytime Ma'am," Gemerl replied, nodding its head to her in support.

A short while later, Cream was laying on her bed, listening to music coming from her phone and relaxing after the day's events while Cheese was sound asleep next to her on a pillow. Reaching over and gently stroking her beloved Chao's head, her ears pricked up when she heard a knock on her door, knowing it was Vanilla. "Come in!" she called out, sitting up on her bed and leaning up against the headboard.

The bedroom door opened and Vanilla walked inside, grinning as she saw her daughter in such a relaxed state. "You certainly wasted no time getting comfortable."

Cream chuckled in response.

Vanilla could see Cream was still beaming, no doubt from the day she had. "You must've really had a great time with Tails today."

The younger rabbit nosed, smiling. "I did."

"You two have become quite close as of late," said Vanilla.

A blush appeared on Cream's face. "I guess we have."

Vanilla chuckles at the sight. "It truly is cute to see, you both having grown so close. Seems like only yesterday you both were just children."

Cream nodded in agreement. "Sure does feel like such a long time."

Vanilla smiled and clasped her hands together. "These years of peace have been a time for all of us to be able to enjoy all life has to offer." A blush slowly found its way onto her face. "The same can be said for myself."

Cream smiled knowingly, knowing what her mother meant as she watched her have a seat next to her on the bed,

"Vector came over today and we spent some time together," Vanilla continued, her blush still present on her face.

"Really?" Cream asked.

Vanilla nodded. "We had a great time together before he had to return to Angel Island."

"Oh Mother, that's so great!" said Cream, happiness in her voice.

"Thanks you so much Sweetheart," Vanilla responded. "I have to say Dear, I'm so glad that my and Vector's relationship is working out and going so well."

"Aww, me too," said Cream.

A sigh came from Vanilla. "I have to admit, I was nervous and hesitant at first."

Cream raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"So many different things Dear," Vanilla began. "First and foremost, you. I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by the fact that I was in a relationship with one of your friends. The last thing I ever want is to hurt you in any shape, form or fashion. I was so grateful and relieved when you told me you approved of us being together."

"Of course Mother," said Cream. "He cares about you. That's the main thing."

"And I care for him" said Vanilla. "So very much. The second thing was the gap in our ages. He's quite younger than me and I didn't know how to go about being with a Mobian that much younger than me."

Cream scooted closer to Vanilla and held her mother's hand in support, which Vanilla gave a gentle squeeze to.

"We're both adults and are free to do what we want, I know," Vanilla continued. "But again, it boils down to you my dear. I didn't want you to be labeled as having a mother whose dating someone that's not only younger than me but also one of your friends."

"Mother, I like Vector a lot," said Cream reassuringly. "He's a great guy and has been nothing but kind to me for as long as I've known him."

Vanilla smiled. "I know Dear. All of your adventures together with your friends. That's how I knew he could be trustworthy." A chuckle came from the elder rabbit. "I still think to the day when he told me he had grown to have feelings for me over the years. I was both flattered and stunned, to say the least."

Cream laughed softly. "I bet."

"I honestly didn't know what to do at first," said Vanilla. "Because...I had begun having feelings for him as well. I just didn't know how to express them." She gave her daughter's hand another squeeze. "But after confiding in you Dear and with your help, I was able to come to terms with my feelings for him and was finally able to let them be known , and his for me." She looked over to Cream, smiling warmly at her. "I've been so happy, the happiest I've been since I gave birth to you."

Cream smiled and blushed as well. But as she looked back at Vanilla, she saw that the look and tone of her mother had suddenly changed.

"This is also different for me because..." the elder rabbit started but then stopped midsentence.

Cream continued to look at her mother, growing concerned at her mood change and the seconds of silence that followed.

"This is the first relationship I've had since..." Vanilla shakily continued. "...since your father..."

A sad expression appeared on Cream's face. Afterwards, she saw the look on her mother shift from one of despair to one of anger.

"That Robotnik…" Vanilla quietly seethed. "He took so much away from us all..."

Cream sighed. "You only told me a little about what happened...And I've only ever seen just a few pictures of him that you have..."

"Yes, I know..." Vanilla said, sighing as well. "I've avoided talking about it for so long because its such a sensitive subject for me, even after all these years. But...you deserve to know the truth...the truth about what happened to your father..."

Cream took a deep breath as she reached over and turned the music off on her phone and sat up, giving her mother her full attention. "This is something I didn't expect to hear tonight...But yes, I believe I'm old enough and mature enough now to know the truth Mother. By all means, tell me. I'm ready to know. But please, take all the time you need. I understand this is hard for you and may be difficult for me to hear but it's okay Mother. I'm here to listen and hear you out, I promise."

Vanilla nodded as she felt Cream once again take a hold of her hand, holding it gently and she returned the gesture. "Thank you Dear." She took a deep breath and was silent for a couple seconds once again before she finally began to talk. "I first met your father when I was just a bit younger than you are now, back on our home of the Southern Baronies. It was during the yearly county fair and we just so happened across one another while in line at one of the booths. He was the same age as I and the two of us just started talking to each other. We hit it off right from the start and became friends."

Cream smiled softly as she listened to her mother speak.

"We spent the rest of the day having fun at the numerous stands with each other," Vanilla continued. "Afterwards, we met each others' parents and remained in touch with one another. We grew closer over the years until..." A blush came to her face. "...we fell in love."

A giggle came from the young rabbit.

"I can't tell you how nervous we both were to tell each other but after we did, it came so natural us being together," said Vanilla. "Both of our parents approved and we remained together into our teenage years, me and my dear Blake."

Cream smiled once again as she heard the name of her father.

"Not too long afterwards, he asked me to marry him," said Vanilla. "Of course, I said yes, without hesitation. And it was also that time that I found out I was pregnant." She looked to her daughter and smiled.

"Little me," Cream said, chuckling.

"Yes, little you," Vanilla repeated, grinning as she stroked Cream's hair. "Everything was so perfect - I was engaged to marry the Mobian I love and was pregnant with our child. Blake and I were ready to prepare for our future together." A sad sigh came from the elder rabbit. "But..."

The smile on Cream's face faded as well.

Vanilla closed her eyes as memories of that day came back to her. "Robotnik began his takeover of Mobius shortly thereafter..."

"What happened to Father?" Cream asked.

"The Swatbots that Robotnik deployed to the Baronies were going house by house, looking for any sign of resistance," said Vanilla. "Blake told me to hide in the basement while he dealt with them."

Cream swallowed hard. At the same time, Vanilla's ears lowered and she opened her eyes, tears beginning to form in them and Cream couldn't help but feel sad as she saw the expression on her mother.

"I could hear everything from below..." Vanilla began in a shaky voice. "Blake tried to fight off the Swatbots but..."

More tears came from Vanilla's eyes and Cream silently pieced together what happened next. "He was killed...?"

Vanilla nodded her head as more tears came down her face. Cream did all she could to keep her composure but it was difficult as she could feel herself on the verge of tears as well. "Mother..." she said as she wrapped an arm around her gently.

Letting a few more tears fall, Vanilla slowly collected herself. "I'm sorry Dear...It's still hard for me to talk about..."

Cream rubbed her mother's back. "You don't have to talk about it if its too hard. I completely understand."

"Thank you Sweetheart, but I'm okay," said Vanilla. "I just needed a moment."

"Yes, of course," said Cream. "Whatever you need."

Vanilla took a couple more moments to calm herself before continuing. "I was horrified as I heard everything happening from inside the basement. Once I was sure the Swatbots were gone, I made my way back upstairs and...I found Blake's body..."

Cream gulped, doing what she could to keep herself calm.

"Afterwards, the Southern Baronies were deemed by Robotnik to not be worth his time and called off the Swatbots…" said Vanilla. "All the damage they did, all the lives they took and ruined...to him, it all meant nothing..."

Cream sighed sadly.

"Your father and all the others who were taken from us that day, they were heralded as heroes," said Vanilla. "Had it not been for him hiding me and so courageously confronting the Swatbots…"

"I may not be here?" Cream asked.

Vanilla nodded as she held Cream's hand. "Yes, its entirely possible and I'm so thankful that didn't come to pass...otherwise my precious daughter wouldn't have been born."

Cream smiled as she gave her mother's hand a soft squeeze.

"Your father truly did mean so much to me," said Vanilla. "He still does. And it took me a long time to finally get over what happened to him." She stopped for a moment and shook her head. "No, I shouldn't say that. You never fully get over something like that. But thanks to Sonic and Sally, Robotnik was defeated and your father was avenged, as well as so many others who were killed because of Robotnik."

The younger rabbit nodded her head as she thought of the hedgehog and ground squirrel who ended the reign of Robotnik. "They're both so strong."

"That they are Honey," said Vanilla before looking to her daughter. "I truly am sorry it took me this long to tell you about your father."

"I understand, really," said Cream.

"I kept the truth from you for so long," said Vanilla before lifting her hand and stroking Cream's cheek. "Blake would be so proud of the amazing young Mobian you've grown to be."

A small blush of happiness appeared on Cream's face as she placed her hand over her mother's.

"And..." Vanilla began. "There's another reason I was hesitant about entering a relationship with Vector...I felt I was, in a sense, betraying Blake..."

"Why Mother?" Cream asked.

"I felt that being in another relationship would be betraying him," said Vanilla. "But...I don't think he would've wanted me to live in despair and be alone for the rest of my life. He would've wanted me to move on with my life and be happy."

Cream nodded. "I agree Mother. He wouldn't have wanted you to live like that. He would've wanted you to be happy."

"And I am Sweetheart," said Vanilla, a smile coming back to her face. "It took me a long time but I finally found happiness again, with Vector."

Cream smiled softly.

"I hope he feels the same way and is just as happy being with me as I am with him," said Vanilla.

"I'm sure he is Mother," said Cream.

"You really think so Dear?"

Cream's smile grew and she nodded her head.

Vanilla smiled in return. "Thank you Sweetheart. That means more to me than you'll ever know."

"You're very welcome Mother," said Cream.

Vanilla took a deep breath and moved a few of her bangs from her face. "That certainly was a lot to tell."

"I'm sure it was," said Cream. "Thank you Mother. Thank you for telling me the truth about Father. But...it must've been so hard for you to do this..."

"It was, my dear," said Vanilla. "But I couldn't keep the truth from you any longer and you had every right to know the truth about him and what happened." She looked over at the clock on Cream's nightstand and saw the time. "Oh, I'm sorry to have kept you Honey. It's late and I'm sure you want to get some rest after your long day."

"It's okay Mother, you've nothing to apologize for," said Cream. "But yes, it has been a long day and some sleep would do me some good. You as well."

Vanilla nodded as she leaned to Cream and gently kissed her forehead. "I love you Cream, so much."

"I love you too Mother," Cream responded as she wrapped her arms around her mother and hugged her.

"I hope you have a goodnight's sleep Dear," said Vanilla as she returned the hug. "And who knows? Perhaps we could have a morning tea together in the garden along with Cheese, Chocola and Gemerl."

Cream smiled in the hug. "Sounds wonderful."

Vanilla smiled as she gave Cream a kiss on the side of her head and pulled back from the hug. "I'm looking forward to it Sweetheart."

"As am I Mother," said Cream, returning the smile with one of her own.

Cream lay in her bed, wearing a white nightgown and covered up with her sheets and blanket with Cheese snoozing beside her on the pillow still. The conversation she had with her mother was still in her mind and her mind was going a million miles a minute. Having difficulty sleeping, she reached for her cell phone on her nightstand and dialed a number, holding the phone to her ear afterwards. "I wonder if she's still awake at this hour," the rabbit said softly.

A few seconds later, the dial tone came to an end as the line was answered and Cream heard an all-too familiar voice. "Heya Cream!"

A small smile appeared on Cream's face as she heard the voice of her best friend. "Hello Amy. I hope I'm not calling at a bad time."

"Oh no, of course not! I was just chilling!"

"Thank goodness," said the rabbit as she settled more into bed. "How're you doing tonight?"

"I'm okay. How're you Hun?"

Cream sighed. "Today has truly been a roller coaster of a day..."

"Really? Why?"

"Well for starters, I spent the day with Tails and his family," said Cream.

"Really? Cool! Did you have fun?"

"Yes, I really did," Cream replied, smiling softly. "It was great seeing them all again."

"I'm sure it was!"

"Afterwards, I came back home and after getting settled..." Cream began. "I had a talk with my mother..."

"How is she?"

"She's fine, it's just..." Cream said before sighing once more. "...what she told me tonight..."

"What did she tell you?"

Cream swallowed a few times, trying to find the right words. "She...told me about my father..."

"Your father!?"

"Yeah," Cream breathed out softly.

"What did she say about him?"

"She told me about how they first met, how they fell in love and..." Cream paused for a moment. "...she told me about what happened to him."

"What did happen to him?"

Cream once again paused to find her words. "He...He was killed before I was born, protecting Mother when Robotnik invaded the Southern Baronies..."

"Oh my gosh...Cream, I'm so sorry..."

"Thank you Amy," said Cream. "That means a lot to me. I mean, I never knew my father, didn't know a thing about him. But I still can't help but feel horrible."

"Horrible? Why?"

"I can't help but feel bad because all this time I never knew the kind of Mobian he was," said Cream. "The kind, wonderful, selfless and loving Mobian he was."

"You got no reason to feel horrible Babe."

"I know, I just can't help but feel that way," said Cream in a sad tone. "After all this time and never knowing..."

"It wasn't in your control."

"That's true," said Cream.

"You weren't even born then."

Cream nodded as she held the phone closer to her ear. "I know...And I understand why it was so difficult for Mother to tell me the truth. I don't hold any grudge against her. As hard and difficult as it was for her, she managed to stay strong all these years." A smile came to her face. "And she was able to open her heart and love again."

"Yeah! It's so great!"

"Vector's been so good to her," said Cream.

"Sure has! He cares about her so much!"

"And the feeling's mutual when it comes to Mother," said Cream. "She told me he came to see her today while I was visiting Tails and his family."

"Aww, is that right? I bet the two of them had a great time together!"

"That's what she told me," said Cream. "I'm so glad that things are working out so well for them."

"Same here! I hope it continues to go well!"

Cream nodded, starting to feel at ease and better after talking with her best friend. "I apologize for calling so late Amy. I just needed someone to talk to after all that's happened today. Thank you so much for being here for me."

"You don't have to thank me Cream. You're my best friend. Being there for you anytime you need me is part of the job description, you know? Besides, I know you'd do the same for me if the roles were reversed."

"Yes, of course I would," said the rabbit. "Thank you again Amy."

"Anytime. Are you alright or would you like me to stay on the phone with you a bit longer?"

"I think I'm okay now," said Cream, yawning softly. "I'm going to try and get some sleep. It's been such a long day. And plus, Mother and I have plans for the morning for morning tea and those kinds of mornings are ones I always look forward to."

"Alrighty, if you're sure. If you happen to need me again, don't hesitate to call okay?"

"I will," said Cream. "I promise."

"Goodnight and sweet dreams Cream. Sleep tight and stay safe. And hey, if its alright I might swing by and join you and Vanilla tomorrow morning."

A sleepy smile came to the rabbit's face. "That'd be wonderful and I'm sure Mother wouldn't mind at all. The more, the merrier."

"Awesome! I'll see you both then first thing tomorrow!"

"Great," said Cream as she snuggled more into her bed. "See you tomorrow Amy. Goodnight."

"Night night!"

Cream waited for Amy to hang up before she did the same, placing her phone back on her nightstand before turning over onto her side, looking and seeing the sleeping Cheese beside her and grinning to herself. "You certainly are a heavy sleeper Cheese, to still be out after my talk with Mother and then with Amy just now." She reached out and stroked the Chao's head. "I'll be right behind you shortly, I'm sure."

Taking her hand back, Cream snuggled more into her bed and held the sheets and cover closer to her, closing her eyes as sleep began to slowly take her. Before she fell asleep, her thoughts drifted to the talk she had with her mother and just how much bravery and courage it took for her to tell her what she did. She always looked up to and admired her mother and this made her admiration for her grow more. She also thought of Amy and just how grateful she was to her for being there for her in her time of need. She was eternally grateful to her and was thankful to be able to call her her best friend. Her thoughts next drifted to her herself and just how well she was able to keep it together when her mother told her about her father. It showed her just how far she had come and how much she matured in the years since Robotnik's defeat. Next, she thought of her father and silently hoped that he was proud of her and made him a vow that she would continue to do all she could to ensure he was looking down on her with pride and joy.

The last thing that came to her was Tails and the wonderful time she had with him and his family, eagerly awaiting the next time she was able to do so. A smile appeared on her face as she fell into a deep sleep, an image of the fox and his ever cheerful smile on his face in her mind.