After we wrote the "Life Without Me" series someone reviewed the story with the suggestion that we put one of the Chibi Scouts in the world where she does not exist. So thank you Psyboy for the idea. We chose Gloria.
Disclaimer: We do not own Sailor Moon. The Chibi Scouts with the exception of Rini belongs to Angel Raye.
I Don't Exist
By
Angel Raye and Wonderful Miracle
"I can't believe we all had the same experience," Daisy declared.
"I guess all of us had angels to get us off our pity pots," Maggie agreed.
"I am just glad that I only saw what would happen," Annika added.
"Yes at least we weren't there," Hope agreed.
"It was just so freaky," Gloria added.
"Well at least we all know that we are important in our own way," Ariel said. "That's what my mommy said anyway."
"You could have thought of that too," grumbled Faith.
"I have got to go everyone," Gloria jumped up. "Mom wants me to help her rearrange the book shelf."
"See you later," Annika called.
Gloria smiled at her best friend. Her experience in the reality where she did not exist showed her how important her friendship was with Annika. Gloria cherished Annika and that was never going to change. "Sometimes I wish I could help that Annika too," Gloria thought to herself.
A sudden dizziness overcame Gloria. The world seemed to swirl around her. "What is going on," Gloria thought to herself. The spinning stopped and Gloria found herself in front of the palace. "That was weird," she thought as she went inside.
"Excuse me young lady," a stern voice startled Gloria.
"What did I do now," Gloria asked herself. She turned and saw herself looking at Raye.
"You should not enter places without being invited," Raye told her.
"What are you talking about Aunt Raye," asked Gloria. "I live here."
"Why are you calling me Aunt Raye," Raye asked. "And you do not live here."
"Yes I do I am Gloria, daughter of Venus and Venus Knight," Gloria protested.
"Venus's daughter is named Karla and she is younger than you," Raye informed her.
Gloria gasped. Somehow she got tossed into the reality where she didn't exist. What happened?
Mina came in. "Who is this Raye?"
"Mom," cried Gloria running over to Mina. "It's me your daughter Gloria."
"You are not my daughter," Mina exclaimed. "Honey I think you are confused."
"But I am your daughter," cried Gloria. "At least I am in another reality."
"Come on let's have our palace doctor look at you," said Lita who had joined everyone. "Maybe we can sort this out."
"I have got to get to the school," Raye called as she headed out the door. "Annika's teacher called and said she had something urgent to talk to me about."
Gloria's heart froze. In this reality Annika was lonely and depressed. Today must have been the day when the teacher found the notebook.
"Come on honey," Lita took Gloria by the hand. "Our palace doctor also has a child and she is really nice."
"I have another date tonight so please don't forget you are keeping Karla," Mina called.
Gloria followed Lita while looking back over her shoulder at her mother.
"Ami where are you?" Lita called out as she entered the office
"In the back with Ariel I'll be out in just a moment" Ami commented
"You sit here while I go and speak with Hotaru" Lita said as she walked off toward the back
"Why am I here?" Gloria mumbled to herself not realizing someone else was there
"Well I hope we can sort that out" Ami replied startling her
"Au...Ami...umm what may I call you?" Gloria stammered
"You can call me Doc Ami if you wish that is what all the palace kids call me" Ami told her
"Okay Doc Ami I think I have been dropped in the wrong dimension" Gloria blurted out
"Really how interesting why don't we run some tests" Ami suggested
"Okay but I have to tell you that I don't like this" Gloria replied dejectedly.
An hour later after Gloria had been stuck with more needles than she wished to remember Ami called Mina and Serenity into her office.
"I ran a DNA test on the child," Ami told them. "Her DNA matches yours and Asai's. She is your daughter."
"We just have Karla," Mina protested.
"She is yours in another dimension," Ami patiently explained.
"The question is what do we do with her and how do we get her back to where she belongs," asked Serenity.
"She will have to stay here until we find out how to send her home," Ami replied. "Mina how about if she stays with you and Karla? She is your daughter in another dimension."
"I am a single parent raising a child alone," Mina protested. "I can't keep her."
"Sorry I forgot your social life is more important than the children," Ami icily replied. "Very well she can stay with me."
Raye came in looking very upset. In her hands was a notebook. "Ami I need to talk to you now," she said without preamble.
Gloria stared at the notebook. She knew what it was about. Her eyes were stinging from Mina rejecting her in this reality.
Mina left without giving Gloria a second glance. Serenity gave Gloria a comforting pat, "Don't worry we'll figure out how to get you home." Gloria just nodded her head. When Serenity left she hopped down and crept to the door so she could listen to Ami and Raye.
"I can't believe she would write this," Raye was crying. "Her father and I give her so much love. Why would she want to be dead?"
"Annika is only happy when she is with you Raye," Ami gently explained. "Aside from that she is a very depressed, scared, insecure little girl. She hates school and has no friends."
"What can we do," asked Raye.
"I am going to schedule to see her everyday," Ami replied. "This is serious and it cannot be ignored."
"Very well," Raye agreed. "I had better go and talk to her."
"I am coming with you," Ami told her. Gloria quickly scooted away from the door. Ami turned to her. "Wait here. When I get back I'll get you settled in my daughter's room."
Gloria nodded her head. She sighed and wished she could do something to help Annika.
"Who are you?" Ariel questioned after her mom had left
"My name is Gloria" Gloria said trying to remember to be nice since they didn't know her in this time
"I'm Ariel and I'm 6" Ariel declared and then added, "How old are you?"
"I'm 9" Gloria replied
"Cool do you know Annika?" Ariel quizzed
"Sort of" Gloria mumbled
"Well my friends are Madelyn and Karla" Ariel said
"That's nice but I wish your mom would return" Gloria whined
"She'll be back shortly I'm sure" Ariel said "In the meantime would you like a story"
"Sure why not" Gloria replied happy to take her mind off her problems.
That night Gloria sat at the palace-dining hall with the others. She felt very out of place. Mina was not there because she was out on a date. Asai was dead. Gloria wanted to go home.
"Why don't you go and play with the other children Annika," Raye gently tried to encourage the child. Annika was curled up in her mother's lap.
"No," sobbed Annika clinging to her mother tightly.
"Enough," Ami stated firmly as she went over to Annika. She pulled Annika off of Raye's lap. "You need to go play."
"No," screamed Annika as she tried to fight Ami.
Gloria got up and went over to Annika. "Will you play with me," she asked. "I am your best friend in my dimension."
"Really," asked Raye with delight in her eyes.
"Yes," Gloria replied. "Come on Annika."
Annika did not answer. She just latched back onto her mother and just sobbed.
That evening Gloria was settled down in spare bed in Ariel's room. Ariel was already asleep. Ami was in the middle of tucking Gloria in.
"I want to go home," sobbed Gloria.
Ami sat down and gently stroked Gloria's long hair. "We are trying to find a way to send you home," she gently assured the child. She hesitated for a moment and then asked. "Is Annika really your best friend where you are from?"
"Yes," Gloria replied.
"Is she the same over there," Ami asked next.
"She is shy and she cries a lot but she has friends," Gloria replied. "She has to go and talk to you too."
"I see," murmured Ami. She gave Gloria a kiss. "Try to get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight,' Gloria closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
"Time for school" Ariel shouted happily
"Great I have to go to school even in this dimension" Gloria grumbled finishing her breakfast
"You need to continue your education no matter where you are and you will be able to keep up in school" Ami reminded her
"Okay I guess" Gloria said as she grab the bag Ariel had loaned her to carry her books.
"Come by the office after school" Ami reminded them
"This is so bogus" Gloria whined as she sat alone at lunch. The girls of this time didn't want to hang with the new girl
"Oh look the cry baby is hiding" One of the girls named Emma shouted
"Huh?" Gloria wondered aloud as she searched the play area for Annika
"Come out cry baby" Emma kept taunting
"Stay away from her" Gloria shouted as she spotted Annika behind a tree
"Now why should I newbie" Emma sneered
"I said so and you don't wanna mess with me" Gloria snorted back
"Oh yeah!" Emma shouted as she threw her fist at Gloria
"GIRLS!" Miss Jasmine their teacher hollered "What is the meaning of this?"
"Emma was picking on Annika and I tried to stop her" Gloria said
"Emma to the principal's office this instant and Gloria please don't pick fights on your fist day" Miss Jasmine reminded her
"Sorry" Gloria mumbled as she looked for Annika
"Thanks" someone whispered from behind the tree
"It was nothing because I would always do that for a friend" Gloria said
"Really? No one has ever done it for me" Annika said as she came from around the tree
"Would you like to eat lunch with me?" Gloria questioned
"Are you sure you want to be seen with a crybaby" Annika inquired
"Sure I do" Gloria said putting her arm around Annika and leading her back to her table
After school Annika had to go and talk to Ami. Gloria and Ariel had stopped by the office. Ami checked to see what they had for homework and sat them both at a table to do it. She next went to have her session with Annika.
"I hate doing homework," grumbled Gloria.
"I love it," Ariel declared.
"So does the Ariel I know," Gloria commented.
Mina came into the office. She stared at Gloria. "Let me ask you one thing," she said. "Is my husband still alive in your reality?"
"Yes," snapped Gloria. "And you spend a lot of time with me. I hear you are always on dates so that Karla never gets to see you."
"You may be my daughter in another reality but you aren't here so don't tell how to live my life," Mina snapped.
"Don't you love Karla," asked Gloria.
"What kind of question is that," asked Mina. "Of course I love her."
"Yeah right," muttered Gloria under her breath as Mina left the office.
"Wow," Ariel stated. "I hope she does not tell Mommy. Mommy hates it when I am rude to adults."
"What is she going to do," asked Gloria. "I don't belong here and I want my mom."
"You'll get home," Ariel assured her.
A commotion made both girls look up. Annika was trying to get away from Ami. "I don't want to talk to you anymore," she screamed. Raye came into the office and held out her arms. Annika ran right into them.
"I'm taking her now," Raye informed Ami and she left.
Ami sat down by the girls. "What a week this is turning out to be."
"Hi Maggie" Gloria called out as she walked past the garden
"Hi Gloria right?" Maggie questioned making sure she remembered her name
"Yep, What are you doing?" Gloria asked
"I was just reading a book would you like to join me?" Maggie replied
"No thanks I was looking for Karla have you seen her?" Gloria said in reply
"Yes she and Annika are down by the pond" Maggie commented
"Thank you" Gloria said waving as she took off
"So Gloria came to your rescue?" Karla asked stunned
"Yep she stood up to those bullies" Annika replied
"Annika might I have a moment alone with Karla?" Gloria questioned as she approached the girls.
"Sure I need to go see Ami anyway" Annika sighed dejectedly
"This is awkward talking to my sister" Karla commented once Annika had left
"I know it is for me too" Gloria smiled.
"So is Mom always on dates in your dimension," asked Karla.
"No Dad is still alive," Gloria replied.
"Lucky," cried Karla.
"He always had to stay because I am always grounded," Gloria pointed out.
"Are you really," asked Karla. "What do you do?"
"Just can't stay out of trouble," Gloria said.
"Sometimes I think if I got into trouble Mom might pay attention to me," Karla sighed. "When Dad was here things were a lot better."
"I'm sorry," Gloria whispered. "I wish Mom was the same here for you. She is always spending time with me."
Karla only smiled. "Aunt Lita is always with me now," she said. "But I wish Mom were with me more."
"Gloria, Mommy wants us both to come in now," Ariel called.
"See you later," Gloria followed Ariel inside.
"Doc Ami can I ask you something" Gloria commented as she sat down beside Ami after supper.
"Sure honey what can I do for you?" Ami inquired
"I sort of know this girl who might wanna try something real dumb" Gloria said
"Really and what might that be?" Ami questioned
"She is thinking of taking some pills to end her suffering" Gloria sighed sadly
"Do I know this child?" Ami asked worriedly
"Yes," Gloria cried
"Is it Annika?" Ami pried trying to comfort Gloria
"Yes" Gloria sobbed as she hugged herself
"Oh no! We have to stop it" Ami said as she ran for her communicator
"Hello" Raye said on the other end
"Raye keep a very close eye on Annika till I get there" Ami commanded
"Why?" Raye demanded
"Just do what I say I'll be there shortly" Ami signed off and turned to Gloria "Thank you for the tip I just hope it's not to late"
"I do too now go check on her" Gloria commented
A few minutes later Gloria poked her head out into the hall. Raye was carrying Annika with Ami and Chad walking with her. Annika was screaming hysterically, "Please let me do it! Let me do it!"
"No," Raye was saying as she held her daughter tightly. "Daddy and I love you too much to let you do something like that."
Ami stopped to talk to Gloria, "You were right. Raye got to her just in time. She will be confined to the palace hospital until we work through this. I have to stay with her tonight. Please listen to Greg."
"I will," Gloria promised glad that Annika was stopped.
Chad let Ami, Raye and Annika go ahead of him. He stooped to Gloria's level. "How did you know," he asked.
Gloria hesitated. She could not tell Chad that a guardian angel had already shown her this reality. "I just knew," she whispered.
"Thank you," Chad told Gloria as he gave her hug. He left to catch up with his wife and daughter.
"I would like to talk to you" a rather mad voice said behind Gloria
""What do you want" Gloria shot at her mother
"I want to know what kind of nonsense you have been telling me daughter" Mina said
"What is wrong with me talking to Karla" Gloria shouted
"I don't want you filling her head with all this nonsense from what your life is like in your dimension" Mina stated
"She asked ME about my life there not the other way around" Gloria shot
"Well I don't want you to ever go near my daughter again" Mina stated getting up and leaving the room
"Why me!" Gloria whined
"What's wrong dear?" Chad asked worriedly
"I just had a confrontation with Mina and she told me to stay away from Karla" Gloria said
"Did she give a reason?" Chad prodded
"Said I was filling her daughter's head with fantasies" Gloria replied
"I doubt that very much but give Mina time to cool off and then maybe she will change her mind" Chad offered
"I hope so because I like Karla" Gloria told him.
Chad left and Gloria watched him go. "Why was I brought here?"
"Gloria I am going to take Ariel to say goodnight to Ami would you like to come," asked Greg.
"Yes please," Gloria replied. After the recent events she really wanted to talk to someone who accepted her.
Ami was sitting by a sleeping Annika when they arrived. She led them into the room where she would be sleeping. Gloria watched enviously as Ariel snuggled into her mother's arms. Gloria never did that with her mom back home but right now she wished she could.
"Can I talk to Doc Ami alone," she asked Greg when he and Ariel were getting ready to go.
"Of course just come back when you are finished," Greg replied. He and Ariel left.
"What's on your mind," asked Ami. Gloria told her about what happened with Mina.
"I really want to go home," she choked. "I know I am such a brat at home but that's where I want to be. I don't belong here."
"We'll get you home," Ami promised. "Besides I know Raye and Chad are very glad you are here. We might not have been able to stop Annika if you hadn't told us."
Gloria wiped a tear out of her eye. She gazed up at Ami. "I was watching you and Ariel," she said. "I never do that with my mom. Annika and Ariel from my dimension do but I never have. Now I wish I was home so I could."
"Come here," Ami held out her arms. Gloria hesitated for a moment and then went into them. She felt so much comfort and love in Ami's embrace. Gloria promised herself when she got home that she would do this with her mother.
"Why am I here," she asked again as she headed back toward Ami's quarters.
"Because you wished it," a voice replied. Gloria turned around and saw Chloe.
"What do you mean I wished it," she asked.
"You wished you could help the Annika of this reality," Chloe told her. "That's why I brought you here."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner," asked Gloria.
"I wanted to see how much you could do without me," Chloe explained. "So far you have done some good."
"How can I get home," asked Gloria.
"I will take you when your work is done," Chloe promised.
"Then I will do my best," Gloria promised.
"Where have you been young lady?" Greg questioned
"I was just out thinking about all that has happened today" Gloria supplied
"Well it's past your bedtime" Greg stated firmly
"Yes sir going to bed right now" Gloria sighed heading off toward Ariel's room.
"Gloria wait up please" Karla called after her the next day
"Sorry Karla but your mom told me that I couldn't be near you" Gloria whispered
"That's so not fair" Karla whined
"I know but I got to obey what she says," Gloria said
"Well at school you don't since we are in the same class" Karla reminded her
"That might work" Gloria replied
"Great and you can tell me more about our mom in your time" Karla smiled happily
"I would be happy to" Gloria said. "Mom is a very fun loving person where I am from. She spends time with me. She always punishes me when I get into trouble which is often but whenever I am in danger or upset she is always there to help me feel better."
"She use to be like that before dad died," Karla sighed. "You are so lucky."
After school Gloria and Ariel arrived in Ami's office. Raye was talking with Ami.
"She had a rough night," Ami was saying. "Hotaru will be spending the night with her tonight and I will be on call if she needs me. We can only take this one step at a time."
"I understand," Raye sighed. "Thank you Ami."
"I'll keep you posted," Ami promised. "Hi girls how was your day today?"
"Great," Ariel replied jumping into Ami's arms.
"I want to ask you something," Raye took Gloria's hand.
"What is it," asked Gloria.
"What is my Annika like in your reality," Raye asked.
"Thanks Doc Ami" Gloria said as she and Raye settled in a room off Ami's office
"Okay now that we are settled would you answer my question" Raye pressed
"Of course" Gloria replied "Annika is shy in my reality just like here"
"Oh!" Raye cried
"It's a different kind of shy though. She has friends in my reality and she is very sweet and loving" Gloria said "She would never hurt herself and we are really close friends"
"That is good to know" Raye sighed "I just wish she was like that here"
"Maybe I could talk to her. She seems to like Karla" Gloria said
"They have been friends but Annika is just so withdrawn" Raye told her
"Maybe I can figure out something" Gloria offered
"I would like it very much if you could" Raye replied giving Gloria a quick hug
"Maybe that is what I need to do" Gloria whispered to herself as she walked toward the gardens
"Dear are you talking to yourself," a voice said
"Aunt...oops Pluto" Gloria shouted throwing her arms around Pluto
"You can call me Aunt Setsuna if you want dear one" Setsuna said
"Thank you and I'm glad to see you. Did I do something to the timeline by telling Doc Ami about Annika" Gloria asked worriedly
"No you actually helped the timeline" Setsuna supplied
"That is good to know" Gloria grinned
"Well I must go Maggie is waiting on me," Setsuna said as she left Gloria alone with her thoughts.
"Only ten minutes," Ami cautioned as she led Gloria into Annika's room.
"Okay," Gloria agreed. Annika was sitting on the bed reading a book.
"Gloria," Annika said in surprise. "Why are you here?"
"I came to see you," Gloria replied. "Are you all right?"
"No," Annika pouted. "I want my mama and Aunt Ami won't let me do my crafts. She says I might try to hurt myself with the needles and scissors."
"Would you," asked Gloria.
"Probably," Annika sighed. "Am I really your best friend in your reality?"
"Yes," Gloria replied. "You are shy and sweet and you cry all the time but we are best friends."
"I wish I had a best friend here," Annika murmured. "I wish you could stay here forever."
"I can't," Gloria told her. "I have to get home. I miss my mom."
"I guess I would too," Annika agreed.
"You definitely would," Gloria bluntly commented. "Your mom is worried about you."
"I don't want her to be worried," Annika whined.
"Maybe you should start hanging around the palace kids at school more instead of sitting by yourself," Gloria suggested. "That way you can make more friends."
"I don't know," Annika murmured with a scared look in her eyes.
"It won't be that bad," Gloria assured her. "Talk with Doc Ami too. She can help you."
"How do you know," asked Annika.
"She is trying to help you in my reality too," Gloria told her. "And she has helped me with some stuff too." Gloria recalled the situation with Lord Sardonyx. She never would have gotten through that without Ami's help.
"I'll think about it," Annika whispered.
"Time's up Gloria," Ami came in. She sat down next to Annika and put her arm around the child.
"Thank you Doc Ami," Gloria left the office.
"Hello Again" Hotaru greeted Gloria as she left Ami's office
"Oh Hi Hotaru I didn't see you when I came in" Gloria stated
"Oh I was off taking care of Madelyn. How did it go with Annika?" Hotaru inquired
"I think I may have an idea of how to get her to make more friends" Gloria told her
"Oh really I know her parents and Ami would be happy about that" Hotaru smiled
"I gotta run but it was good seeing you" Gloria called out as she left the office.
"Gloria my mom would like to talk to you" Karla called out from the doorway to her quarters
"Oh no! Is she mad at me?" Gloria asked
"I don't think so" Karla shrugged as she shut the door behind them
"Gloria please come here for a moment" Mina said from her doorway
"Yes ma'am" Gloria replied
"I am not angry with you for talking to Karla at school but I must ask you something" Mina stated once Gloria sat down
"Okay what?" Gloria shot
"Calm down I'm not angry but what I want to know is In your time does your mom always make time for you?" Mina asked
"Yes she always makes time for me even when I am bad and disobedient she really loves me" Gloria sighed
"I guess you appearing has started me thinking" Mina said "I guess I need to start paying more attention to Karla instead of dumping her"
"I know she would love that" Gloria replied
"Listen I am sorry for getting so angry at you earlier" Mina said
"It's no problem you were just angry" Gloria told her
"Why don't you join me and Karla for supper tonight my treat" Mina said
"Okay I just need to tell Doc Ami" Gloria happily said running off to find Ami.
"I am so excited," Karla was saying. "My mom and I are going to spend more time together. She cancelled all of her dates for next week."
"I am glad," Gloria whispered. She was really missing her mother right now.
"Thank you so much Gloria," Karla told her. "I don't care what the people from your reality think of you. You are the most wonderful person I have ever met."
Gloria just blushed and did not say anything. She had one more thing to do before Chloe would send her home.
"Are you sure about this," Raye asked Ami doubtfully.
"We have nothing to lose," Ami replied. "Gloria, the twins and Ariel said that a lot of the kids from their class will be here today. Gloria wanted to see if she could get Annika out of her shell."
"What if this backfires," asked Raye nervously.
"That's why you and I are here," Ami assured her. "Besides Annika is not released from the hospital yet. I or one of my staff have to stay with her."
"Well I am glad you agreed to let her come to the park," Raye sighed.
"She needs fresh air," Ami pointed out.
"Remember what I said," Gloria told Annika.
"I'll try," murmured Annika looking anxiously over at her mother.
"Come on Annika," Hope coaxed. "There are some really nice girls I like playing with. You can come too."
"Hi Hope," called one girl, Angie.
"Hi Angie," Hope replied. She and Gloria ran over dragging Annika with them.
"Annika I am surprised to see you," Angie stated in surprise.
Annika blushed and tried to hide behind Gloria. "She is going to play with us today," Hope told the girls.
"Glad you are," Angie said.
Annika looked anxiously back over at her mother. Raye hissed under her breath, "Go on baby. Go and play with them."
Annika slowly went over to Hope and Gloria. She joined in the game. Eventually she relaxed and began to have fun.
"Good job Gloria," Ami whispered back in the palace hospital. Annika was back in her room with her very proud parents spending time with her before they had to leave.
"Thank you," Gloria replied. She watched Annika as she snuggled into her mother's arms. She hoped Annika would be okay.
"You have done well young lady," Chloe told Gloria as she appeared in front of her. "You not only helped Annika but you also helped Karla and Mina."
"Will Annika be all right," asked Gloria.
"She will have many obstacles to cross but with her parents' love and Ami's guidance she will be fine," Chloe assured her. "Now we must get you home. Your parents and Annika will be missing you."
"I want to say goodbye first," Gloria said.
"Very well," Chloe replied.
"Thank you for opening my eyes," Mina told Gloria.
"You are welcome," Gloria replied.
"I can't believe that you are a troublemaker in your reality," Mina stated.
"Well I am," Gloria grinned. "And I can't wait to get home to stir things up. This being well behaved is killing me."
"Well you try to be as sweet as you have been here," Mina gave Gloria a hug. She whispered in Gloria's ear, "Except for the hair you look so much like me when I was your age."
Gloria hugged Mina back. Tears were in her eyes. She had a very difficult good bye next but she could not leave without seeing this reality's Annika one more time.
"She needs her rest but I am glad you came by one last time" Ami said giving Gloria a hug
"I will miss you Doc Ami but I must get back home" Gloria sighed as she walked into Annika's room
"Hey Gloria see the new book mom got me" Annika said holding up the new book.
"That's neat Annika but I came here to tell you goodbye" Gloria almost whispered wishing she didn't have to leave
"WHY! I don't want you to go" Annika cried throwing herself at Gloria
"Oh Annika" Gloria sighed hugging her close "I need to get home to my family"
"I will miss you" Annika whined
"I know and I will miss you too but you have got some really good friends here that will be more than happy to play with you" Gloria reminded her
"I know but I will never get to see you again" Annika sighed
"Here this is a picture that I asked Hope to take" Gloria said handing her the picture
"That is of you and me at the park" Annika giggled
"Yep and that will always remind you of me" Gloria said
"I will never forget you" Annika promised
"I will always remember you Annika" Gloria hugged her one last time and walked out to the waiting Chloe
"We must go now," Chloe said
"I'm ready" Gloria answered
"Gloria darling wake up," Gloria heard her mother saying. Gloria groaned and opened her eyes. She found herself in Ami's office.
"Where am I," she mumbled.
"In Aunt Ami's office," Mina replied. "We found you unconscience in the entryway."
"I went to another reality where I never existed," Gloria groggily told them.
"Would it have been the reality your guardian angel showed you before," asked Ami as she checked Gloria's pulse.
"Yes," Gloria replied. "I was wishing that I could help the Annika over there so my guardian angel sent me there. She did not tell me until I was there for a while."
"Did you help her," asked Ami who was forever concerned about Annika.
"A little. I managed to get your other self to stop her from taking a bunch of pills," Gloria replied.
"That's good," Mina kissed her daughter. "I am glad to see you."
"I am glad to see you too Mom," Gloria replied.
"Wow," Annika's eyes were as wide as saucers. "I was really like that over there?"
"You were," Gloria told her. "I just hope she is okay."
"If her mama and my mama are the same then she will be," Annika shrugged her shoulders. "I am just glad I am not that bad."
"Me too," Gloria gave Annika a hug. "I missed you."
"I am glad you are back," Annika returned the hug.
That night Gloria walked into the living room. Her mother was sitting on the couch watching TV. Gloria remembered how she felt when she was in Doc Ami's arms. She remembered the comfort and warmth she felt. "Mom," she whispered.
"Yes Darling," asked Mina pulling away from the TV.
Gloria did not say anything. She just climbed into her mother's lap and snuggled down into her arms. Mina was shocked at first but then she smiled. How many times had she watched Annika and Ariel doing this with Raye and Ami and wishing her daughter would too? Mina wrapped her arms around Gloria and held her daughter close. "I love you darling," Mina whispered.
"I love you too Mom," Gloria replied enjoying the warm feeling she had right now. It was good to be home.
Disclaimer: We do not own Sailor Moon. The Chibi Scouts with the exception of Rini belongs to Angel Raye.
I Don't Exist
By
Angel Raye and Wonderful Miracle
"I can't believe we all had the same experience," Daisy declared.
"I guess all of us had angels to get us off our pity pots," Maggie agreed.
"I am just glad that I only saw what would happen," Annika added.
"Yes at least we weren't there," Hope agreed.
"It was just so freaky," Gloria added.
"Well at least we all know that we are important in our own way," Ariel said. "That's what my mommy said anyway."
"You could have thought of that too," grumbled Faith.
"I have got to go everyone," Gloria jumped up. "Mom wants me to help her rearrange the book shelf."
"See you later," Annika called.
Gloria smiled at her best friend. Her experience in the reality where she did not exist showed her how important her friendship was with Annika. Gloria cherished Annika and that was never going to change. "Sometimes I wish I could help that Annika too," Gloria thought to herself.
A sudden dizziness overcame Gloria. The world seemed to swirl around her. "What is going on," Gloria thought to herself. The spinning stopped and Gloria found herself in front of the palace. "That was weird," she thought as she went inside.
"Excuse me young lady," a stern voice startled Gloria.
"What did I do now," Gloria asked herself. She turned and saw herself looking at Raye.
"You should not enter places without being invited," Raye told her.
"What are you talking about Aunt Raye," asked Gloria. "I live here."
"Why are you calling me Aunt Raye," Raye asked. "And you do not live here."
"Yes I do I am Gloria, daughter of Venus and Venus Knight," Gloria protested.
"Venus's daughter is named Karla and she is younger than you," Raye informed her.
Gloria gasped. Somehow she got tossed into the reality where she didn't exist. What happened?
Mina came in. "Who is this Raye?"
"Mom," cried Gloria running over to Mina. "It's me your daughter Gloria."
"You are not my daughter," Mina exclaimed. "Honey I think you are confused."
"But I am your daughter," cried Gloria. "At least I am in another reality."
"Come on let's have our palace doctor look at you," said Lita who had joined everyone. "Maybe we can sort this out."
"I have got to get to the school," Raye called as she headed out the door. "Annika's teacher called and said she had something urgent to talk to me about."
Gloria's heart froze. In this reality Annika was lonely and depressed. Today must have been the day when the teacher found the notebook.
"Come on honey," Lita took Gloria by the hand. "Our palace doctor also has a child and she is really nice."
"I have another date tonight so please don't forget you are keeping Karla," Mina called.
Gloria followed Lita while looking back over her shoulder at her mother.
"Ami where are you?" Lita called out as she entered the office
"In the back with Ariel I'll be out in just a moment" Ami commented
"You sit here while I go and speak with Hotaru" Lita said as she walked off toward the back
"Why am I here?" Gloria mumbled to herself not realizing someone else was there
"Well I hope we can sort that out" Ami replied startling her
"Au...Ami...umm what may I call you?" Gloria stammered
"You can call me Doc Ami if you wish that is what all the palace kids call me" Ami told her
"Okay Doc Ami I think I have been dropped in the wrong dimension" Gloria blurted out
"Really how interesting why don't we run some tests" Ami suggested
"Okay but I have to tell you that I don't like this" Gloria replied dejectedly.
An hour later after Gloria had been stuck with more needles than she wished to remember Ami called Mina and Serenity into her office.
"I ran a DNA test on the child," Ami told them. "Her DNA matches yours and Asai's. She is your daughter."
"We just have Karla," Mina protested.
"She is yours in another dimension," Ami patiently explained.
"The question is what do we do with her and how do we get her back to where she belongs," asked Serenity.
"She will have to stay here until we find out how to send her home," Ami replied. "Mina how about if she stays with you and Karla? She is your daughter in another dimension."
"I am a single parent raising a child alone," Mina protested. "I can't keep her."
"Sorry I forgot your social life is more important than the children," Ami icily replied. "Very well she can stay with me."
Raye came in looking very upset. In her hands was a notebook. "Ami I need to talk to you now," she said without preamble.
Gloria stared at the notebook. She knew what it was about. Her eyes were stinging from Mina rejecting her in this reality.
Mina left without giving Gloria a second glance. Serenity gave Gloria a comforting pat, "Don't worry we'll figure out how to get you home." Gloria just nodded her head. When Serenity left she hopped down and crept to the door so she could listen to Ami and Raye.
"I can't believe she would write this," Raye was crying. "Her father and I give her so much love. Why would she want to be dead?"
"Annika is only happy when she is with you Raye," Ami gently explained. "Aside from that she is a very depressed, scared, insecure little girl. She hates school and has no friends."
"What can we do," asked Raye.
"I am going to schedule to see her everyday," Ami replied. "This is serious and it cannot be ignored."
"Very well," Raye agreed. "I had better go and talk to her."
"I am coming with you," Ami told her. Gloria quickly scooted away from the door. Ami turned to her. "Wait here. When I get back I'll get you settled in my daughter's room."
Gloria nodded her head. She sighed and wished she could do something to help Annika.
"Who are you?" Ariel questioned after her mom had left
"My name is Gloria" Gloria said trying to remember to be nice since they didn't know her in this time
"I'm Ariel and I'm 6" Ariel declared and then added, "How old are you?"
"I'm 9" Gloria replied
"Cool do you know Annika?" Ariel quizzed
"Sort of" Gloria mumbled
"Well my friends are Madelyn and Karla" Ariel said
"That's nice but I wish your mom would return" Gloria whined
"She'll be back shortly I'm sure" Ariel said "In the meantime would you like a story"
"Sure why not" Gloria replied happy to take her mind off her problems.
That night Gloria sat at the palace-dining hall with the others. She felt very out of place. Mina was not there because she was out on a date. Asai was dead. Gloria wanted to go home.
"Why don't you go and play with the other children Annika," Raye gently tried to encourage the child. Annika was curled up in her mother's lap.
"No," sobbed Annika clinging to her mother tightly.
"Enough," Ami stated firmly as she went over to Annika. She pulled Annika off of Raye's lap. "You need to go play."
"No," screamed Annika as she tried to fight Ami.
Gloria got up and went over to Annika. "Will you play with me," she asked. "I am your best friend in my dimension."
"Really," asked Raye with delight in her eyes.
"Yes," Gloria replied. "Come on Annika."
Annika did not answer. She just latched back onto her mother and just sobbed.
That evening Gloria was settled down in spare bed in Ariel's room. Ariel was already asleep. Ami was in the middle of tucking Gloria in.
"I want to go home," sobbed Gloria.
Ami sat down and gently stroked Gloria's long hair. "We are trying to find a way to send you home," she gently assured the child. She hesitated for a moment and then asked. "Is Annika really your best friend where you are from?"
"Yes," Gloria replied.
"Is she the same over there," Ami asked next.
"She is shy and she cries a lot but she has friends," Gloria replied. "She has to go and talk to you too."
"I see," murmured Ami. She gave Gloria a kiss. "Try to get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight,' Gloria closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
"Time for school" Ariel shouted happily
"Great I have to go to school even in this dimension" Gloria grumbled finishing her breakfast
"You need to continue your education no matter where you are and you will be able to keep up in school" Ami reminded her
"Okay I guess" Gloria said as she grab the bag Ariel had loaned her to carry her books.
"Come by the office after school" Ami reminded them
"This is so bogus" Gloria whined as she sat alone at lunch. The girls of this time didn't want to hang with the new girl
"Oh look the cry baby is hiding" One of the girls named Emma shouted
"Huh?" Gloria wondered aloud as she searched the play area for Annika
"Come out cry baby" Emma kept taunting
"Stay away from her" Gloria shouted as she spotted Annika behind a tree
"Now why should I newbie" Emma sneered
"I said so and you don't wanna mess with me" Gloria snorted back
"Oh yeah!" Emma shouted as she threw her fist at Gloria
"GIRLS!" Miss Jasmine their teacher hollered "What is the meaning of this?"
"Emma was picking on Annika and I tried to stop her" Gloria said
"Emma to the principal's office this instant and Gloria please don't pick fights on your fist day" Miss Jasmine reminded her
"Sorry" Gloria mumbled as she looked for Annika
"Thanks" someone whispered from behind the tree
"It was nothing because I would always do that for a friend" Gloria said
"Really? No one has ever done it for me" Annika said as she came from around the tree
"Would you like to eat lunch with me?" Gloria questioned
"Are you sure you want to be seen with a crybaby" Annika inquired
"Sure I do" Gloria said putting her arm around Annika and leading her back to her table
After school Annika had to go and talk to Ami. Gloria and Ariel had stopped by the office. Ami checked to see what they had for homework and sat them both at a table to do it. She next went to have her session with Annika.
"I hate doing homework," grumbled Gloria.
"I love it," Ariel declared.
"So does the Ariel I know," Gloria commented.
Mina came into the office. She stared at Gloria. "Let me ask you one thing," she said. "Is my husband still alive in your reality?"
"Yes," snapped Gloria. "And you spend a lot of time with me. I hear you are always on dates so that Karla never gets to see you."
"You may be my daughter in another reality but you aren't here so don't tell how to live my life," Mina snapped.
"Don't you love Karla," asked Gloria.
"What kind of question is that," asked Mina. "Of course I love her."
"Yeah right," muttered Gloria under her breath as Mina left the office.
"Wow," Ariel stated. "I hope she does not tell Mommy. Mommy hates it when I am rude to adults."
"What is she going to do," asked Gloria. "I don't belong here and I want my mom."
"You'll get home," Ariel assured her.
A commotion made both girls look up. Annika was trying to get away from Ami. "I don't want to talk to you anymore," she screamed. Raye came into the office and held out her arms. Annika ran right into them.
"I'm taking her now," Raye informed Ami and she left.
Ami sat down by the girls. "What a week this is turning out to be."
"Hi Maggie" Gloria called out as she walked past the garden
"Hi Gloria right?" Maggie questioned making sure she remembered her name
"Yep, What are you doing?" Gloria asked
"I was just reading a book would you like to join me?" Maggie replied
"No thanks I was looking for Karla have you seen her?" Gloria said in reply
"Yes she and Annika are down by the pond" Maggie commented
"Thank you" Gloria said waving as she took off
"So Gloria came to your rescue?" Karla asked stunned
"Yep she stood up to those bullies" Annika replied
"Annika might I have a moment alone with Karla?" Gloria questioned as she approached the girls.
"Sure I need to go see Ami anyway" Annika sighed dejectedly
"This is awkward talking to my sister" Karla commented once Annika had left
"I know it is for me too" Gloria smiled.
"So is Mom always on dates in your dimension," asked Karla.
"No Dad is still alive," Gloria replied.
"Lucky," cried Karla.
"He always had to stay because I am always grounded," Gloria pointed out.
"Are you really," asked Karla. "What do you do?"
"Just can't stay out of trouble," Gloria said.
"Sometimes I think if I got into trouble Mom might pay attention to me," Karla sighed. "When Dad was here things were a lot better."
"I'm sorry," Gloria whispered. "I wish Mom was the same here for you. She is always spending time with me."
Karla only smiled. "Aunt Lita is always with me now," she said. "But I wish Mom were with me more."
"Gloria, Mommy wants us both to come in now," Ariel called.
"See you later," Gloria followed Ariel inside.
"Doc Ami can I ask you something" Gloria commented as she sat down beside Ami after supper.
"Sure honey what can I do for you?" Ami inquired
"I sort of know this girl who might wanna try something real dumb" Gloria said
"Really and what might that be?" Ami questioned
"She is thinking of taking some pills to end her suffering" Gloria sighed sadly
"Do I know this child?" Ami asked worriedly
"Yes," Gloria cried
"Is it Annika?" Ami pried trying to comfort Gloria
"Yes" Gloria sobbed as she hugged herself
"Oh no! We have to stop it" Ami said as she ran for her communicator
"Hello" Raye said on the other end
"Raye keep a very close eye on Annika till I get there" Ami commanded
"Why?" Raye demanded
"Just do what I say I'll be there shortly" Ami signed off and turned to Gloria "Thank you for the tip I just hope it's not to late"
"I do too now go check on her" Gloria commented
A few minutes later Gloria poked her head out into the hall. Raye was carrying Annika with Ami and Chad walking with her. Annika was screaming hysterically, "Please let me do it! Let me do it!"
"No," Raye was saying as she held her daughter tightly. "Daddy and I love you too much to let you do something like that."
Ami stopped to talk to Gloria, "You were right. Raye got to her just in time. She will be confined to the palace hospital until we work through this. I have to stay with her tonight. Please listen to Greg."
"I will," Gloria promised glad that Annika was stopped.
Chad let Ami, Raye and Annika go ahead of him. He stooped to Gloria's level. "How did you know," he asked.
Gloria hesitated. She could not tell Chad that a guardian angel had already shown her this reality. "I just knew," she whispered.
"Thank you," Chad told Gloria as he gave her hug. He left to catch up with his wife and daughter.
"I would like to talk to you" a rather mad voice said behind Gloria
""What do you want" Gloria shot at her mother
"I want to know what kind of nonsense you have been telling me daughter" Mina said
"What is wrong with me talking to Karla" Gloria shouted
"I don't want you filling her head with all this nonsense from what your life is like in your dimension" Mina stated
"She asked ME about my life there not the other way around" Gloria shot
"Well I don't want you to ever go near my daughter again" Mina stated getting up and leaving the room
"Why me!" Gloria whined
"What's wrong dear?" Chad asked worriedly
"I just had a confrontation with Mina and she told me to stay away from Karla" Gloria said
"Did she give a reason?" Chad prodded
"Said I was filling her daughter's head with fantasies" Gloria replied
"I doubt that very much but give Mina time to cool off and then maybe she will change her mind" Chad offered
"I hope so because I like Karla" Gloria told him.
Chad left and Gloria watched him go. "Why was I brought here?"
"Gloria I am going to take Ariel to say goodnight to Ami would you like to come," asked Greg.
"Yes please," Gloria replied. After the recent events she really wanted to talk to someone who accepted her.
Ami was sitting by a sleeping Annika when they arrived. She led them into the room where she would be sleeping. Gloria watched enviously as Ariel snuggled into her mother's arms. Gloria never did that with her mom back home but right now she wished she could.
"Can I talk to Doc Ami alone," she asked Greg when he and Ariel were getting ready to go.
"Of course just come back when you are finished," Greg replied. He and Ariel left.
"What's on your mind," asked Ami. Gloria told her about what happened with Mina.
"I really want to go home," she choked. "I know I am such a brat at home but that's where I want to be. I don't belong here."
"We'll get you home," Ami promised. "Besides I know Raye and Chad are very glad you are here. We might not have been able to stop Annika if you hadn't told us."
Gloria wiped a tear out of her eye. She gazed up at Ami. "I was watching you and Ariel," she said. "I never do that with my mom. Annika and Ariel from my dimension do but I never have. Now I wish I was home so I could."
"Come here," Ami held out her arms. Gloria hesitated for a moment and then went into them. She felt so much comfort and love in Ami's embrace. Gloria promised herself when she got home that she would do this with her mother.
"Why am I here," she asked again as she headed back toward Ami's quarters.
"Because you wished it," a voice replied. Gloria turned around and saw Chloe.
"What do you mean I wished it," she asked.
"You wished you could help the Annika of this reality," Chloe told her. "That's why I brought you here."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner," asked Gloria.
"I wanted to see how much you could do without me," Chloe explained. "So far you have done some good."
"How can I get home," asked Gloria.
"I will take you when your work is done," Chloe promised.
"Then I will do my best," Gloria promised.
"Where have you been young lady?" Greg questioned
"I was just out thinking about all that has happened today" Gloria supplied
"Well it's past your bedtime" Greg stated firmly
"Yes sir going to bed right now" Gloria sighed heading off toward Ariel's room.
"Gloria wait up please" Karla called after her the next day
"Sorry Karla but your mom told me that I couldn't be near you" Gloria whispered
"That's so not fair" Karla whined
"I know but I got to obey what she says," Gloria said
"Well at school you don't since we are in the same class" Karla reminded her
"That might work" Gloria replied
"Great and you can tell me more about our mom in your time" Karla smiled happily
"I would be happy to" Gloria said. "Mom is a very fun loving person where I am from. She spends time with me. She always punishes me when I get into trouble which is often but whenever I am in danger or upset she is always there to help me feel better."
"She use to be like that before dad died," Karla sighed. "You are so lucky."
After school Gloria and Ariel arrived in Ami's office. Raye was talking with Ami.
"She had a rough night," Ami was saying. "Hotaru will be spending the night with her tonight and I will be on call if she needs me. We can only take this one step at a time."
"I understand," Raye sighed. "Thank you Ami."
"I'll keep you posted," Ami promised. "Hi girls how was your day today?"
"Great," Ariel replied jumping into Ami's arms.
"I want to ask you something," Raye took Gloria's hand.
"What is it," asked Gloria.
"What is my Annika like in your reality," Raye asked.
"Thanks Doc Ami" Gloria said as she and Raye settled in a room off Ami's office
"Okay now that we are settled would you answer my question" Raye pressed
"Of course" Gloria replied "Annika is shy in my reality just like here"
"Oh!" Raye cried
"It's a different kind of shy though. She has friends in my reality and she is very sweet and loving" Gloria said "She would never hurt herself and we are really close friends"
"That is good to know" Raye sighed "I just wish she was like that here"
"Maybe I could talk to her. She seems to like Karla" Gloria said
"They have been friends but Annika is just so withdrawn" Raye told her
"Maybe I can figure out something" Gloria offered
"I would like it very much if you could" Raye replied giving Gloria a quick hug
"Maybe that is what I need to do" Gloria whispered to herself as she walked toward the gardens
"Dear are you talking to yourself," a voice said
"Aunt...oops Pluto" Gloria shouted throwing her arms around Pluto
"You can call me Aunt Setsuna if you want dear one" Setsuna said
"Thank you and I'm glad to see you. Did I do something to the timeline by telling Doc Ami about Annika" Gloria asked worriedly
"No you actually helped the timeline" Setsuna supplied
"That is good to know" Gloria grinned
"Well I must go Maggie is waiting on me," Setsuna said as she left Gloria alone with her thoughts.
"Only ten minutes," Ami cautioned as she led Gloria into Annika's room.
"Okay," Gloria agreed. Annika was sitting on the bed reading a book.
"Gloria," Annika said in surprise. "Why are you here?"
"I came to see you," Gloria replied. "Are you all right?"
"No," Annika pouted. "I want my mama and Aunt Ami won't let me do my crafts. She says I might try to hurt myself with the needles and scissors."
"Would you," asked Gloria.
"Probably," Annika sighed. "Am I really your best friend in your reality?"
"Yes," Gloria replied. "You are shy and sweet and you cry all the time but we are best friends."
"I wish I had a best friend here," Annika murmured. "I wish you could stay here forever."
"I can't," Gloria told her. "I have to get home. I miss my mom."
"I guess I would too," Annika agreed.
"You definitely would," Gloria bluntly commented. "Your mom is worried about you."
"I don't want her to be worried," Annika whined.
"Maybe you should start hanging around the palace kids at school more instead of sitting by yourself," Gloria suggested. "That way you can make more friends."
"I don't know," Annika murmured with a scared look in her eyes.
"It won't be that bad," Gloria assured her. "Talk with Doc Ami too. She can help you."
"How do you know," asked Annika.
"She is trying to help you in my reality too," Gloria told her. "And she has helped me with some stuff too." Gloria recalled the situation with Lord Sardonyx. She never would have gotten through that without Ami's help.
"I'll think about it," Annika whispered.
"Time's up Gloria," Ami came in. She sat down next to Annika and put her arm around the child.
"Thank you Doc Ami," Gloria left the office.
"Hello Again" Hotaru greeted Gloria as she left Ami's office
"Oh Hi Hotaru I didn't see you when I came in" Gloria stated
"Oh I was off taking care of Madelyn. How did it go with Annika?" Hotaru inquired
"I think I may have an idea of how to get her to make more friends" Gloria told her
"Oh really I know her parents and Ami would be happy about that" Hotaru smiled
"I gotta run but it was good seeing you" Gloria called out as she left the office.
"Gloria my mom would like to talk to you" Karla called out from the doorway to her quarters
"Oh no! Is she mad at me?" Gloria asked
"I don't think so" Karla shrugged as she shut the door behind them
"Gloria please come here for a moment" Mina said from her doorway
"Yes ma'am" Gloria replied
"I am not angry with you for talking to Karla at school but I must ask you something" Mina stated once Gloria sat down
"Okay what?" Gloria shot
"Calm down I'm not angry but what I want to know is In your time does your mom always make time for you?" Mina asked
"Yes she always makes time for me even when I am bad and disobedient she really loves me" Gloria sighed
"I guess you appearing has started me thinking" Mina said "I guess I need to start paying more attention to Karla instead of dumping her"
"I know she would love that" Gloria replied
"Listen I am sorry for getting so angry at you earlier" Mina said
"It's no problem you were just angry" Gloria told her
"Why don't you join me and Karla for supper tonight my treat" Mina said
"Okay I just need to tell Doc Ami" Gloria happily said running off to find Ami.
"I am so excited," Karla was saying. "My mom and I are going to spend more time together. She cancelled all of her dates for next week."
"I am glad," Gloria whispered. She was really missing her mother right now.
"Thank you so much Gloria," Karla told her. "I don't care what the people from your reality think of you. You are the most wonderful person I have ever met."
Gloria just blushed and did not say anything. She had one more thing to do before Chloe would send her home.
"Are you sure about this," Raye asked Ami doubtfully.
"We have nothing to lose," Ami replied. "Gloria, the twins and Ariel said that a lot of the kids from their class will be here today. Gloria wanted to see if she could get Annika out of her shell."
"What if this backfires," asked Raye nervously.
"That's why you and I are here," Ami assured her. "Besides Annika is not released from the hospital yet. I or one of my staff have to stay with her."
"Well I am glad you agreed to let her come to the park," Raye sighed.
"She needs fresh air," Ami pointed out.
"Remember what I said," Gloria told Annika.
"I'll try," murmured Annika looking anxiously over at her mother.
"Come on Annika," Hope coaxed. "There are some really nice girls I like playing with. You can come too."
"Hi Hope," called one girl, Angie.
"Hi Angie," Hope replied. She and Gloria ran over dragging Annika with them.
"Annika I am surprised to see you," Angie stated in surprise.
Annika blushed and tried to hide behind Gloria. "She is going to play with us today," Hope told the girls.
"Glad you are," Angie said.
Annika looked anxiously back over at her mother. Raye hissed under her breath, "Go on baby. Go and play with them."
Annika slowly went over to Hope and Gloria. She joined in the game. Eventually she relaxed and began to have fun.
"Good job Gloria," Ami whispered back in the palace hospital. Annika was back in her room with her very proud parents spending time with her before they had to leave.
"Thank you," Gloria replied. She watched Annika as she snuggled into her mother's arms. She hoped Annika would be okay.
"You have done well young lady," Chloe told Gloria as she appeared in front of her. "You not only helped Annika but you also helped Karla and Mina."
"Will Annika be all right," asked Gloria.
"She will have many obstacles to cross but with her parents' love and Ami's guidance she will be fine," Chloe assured her. "Now we must get you home. Your parents and Annika will be missing you."
"I want to say goodbye first," Gloria said.
"Very well," Chloe replied.
"Thank you for opening my eyes," Mina told Gloria.
"You are welcome," Gloria replied.
"I can't believe that you are a troublemaker in your reality," Mina stated.
"Well I am," Gloria grinned. "And I can't wait to get home to stir things up. This being well behaved is killing me."
"Well you try to be as sweet as you have been here," Mina gave Gloria a hug. She whispered in Gloria's ear, "Except for the hair you look so much like me when I was your age."
Gloria hugged Mina back. Tears were in her eyes. She had a very difficult good bye next but she could not leave without seeing this reality's Annika one more time.
"She needs her rest but I am glad you came by one last time" Ami said giving Gloria a hug
"I will miss you Doc Ami but I must get back home" Gloria sighed as she walked into Annika's room
"Hey Gloria see the new book mom got me" Annika said holding up the new book.
"That's neat Annika but I came here to tell you goodbye" Gloria almost whispered wishing she didn't have to leave
"WHY! I don't want you to go" Annika cried throwing herself at Gloria
"Oh Annika" Gloria sighed hugging her close "I need to get home to my family"
"I will miss you" Annika whined
"I know and I will miss you too but you have got some really good friends here that will be more than happy to play with you" Gloria reminded her
"I know but I will never get to see you again" Annika sighed
"Here this is a picture that I asked Hope to take" Gloria said handing her the picture
"That is of you and me at the park" Annika giggled
"Yep and that will always remind you of me" Gloria said
"I will never forget you" Annika promised
"I will always remember you Annika" Gloria hugged her one last time and walked out to the waiting Chloe
"We must go now," Chloe said
"I'm ready" Gloria answered
"Gloria darling wake up," Gloria heard her mother saying. Gloria groaned and opened her eyes. She found herself in Ami's office.
"Where am I," she mumbled.
"In Aunt Ami's office," Mina replied. "We found you unconscience in the entryway."
"I went to another reality where I never existed," Gloria groggily told them.
"Would it have been the reality your guardian angel showed you before," asked Ami as she checked Gloria's pulse.
"Yes," Gloria replied. "I was wishing that I could help the Annika over there so my guardian angel sent me there. She did not tell me until I was there for a while."
"Did you help her," asked Ami who was forever concerned about Annika.
"A little. I managed to get your other self to stop her from taking a bunch of pills," Gloria replied.
"That's good," Mina kissed her daughter. "I am glad to see you."
"I am glad to see you too Mom," Gloria replied.
"Wow," Annika's eyes were as wide as saucers. "I was really like that over there?"
"You were," Gloria told her. "I just hope she is okay."
"If her mama and my mama are the same then she will be," Annika shrugged her shoulders. "I am just glad I am not that bad."
"Me too," Gloria gave Annika a hug. "I missed you."
"I am glad you are back," Annika returned the hug.
That night Gloria walked into the living room. Her mother was sitting on the couch watching TV. Gloria remembered how she felt when she was in Doc Ami's arms. She remembered the comfort and warmth she felt. "Mom," she whispered.
"Yes Darling," asked Mina pulling away from the TV.
Gloria did not say anything. She just climbed into her mother's lap and snuggled down into her arms. Mina was shocked at first but then she smiled. How many times had she watched Annika and Ariel doing this with Raye and Ami and wishing her daughter would too? Mina wrapped her arms around Gloria and held her daughter close. "I love you darling," Mina whispered.
"I love you too Mom," Gloria replied enjoying the warm feeling she had right now. It was good to be home.