DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the "Chamred" ones. They belong to the WB. I do however own Megan, Molly and Danny Hartson. Enjoy!!!





“Molly to the Rescue”


I woke up with a start and looked around. I wasn’t sure where I was at the moment, or who was curled up in my lap, my arms protectively around her, as if I planned on never letting her go. Then the sound of Fizzy’s voice drove me out of my sleepy state.
“Molly, is Megan okay?”
I looked down and realized that Megan was resting comfortably and nodded to Fizzy.
“Yeah, she’s fine. For now. Thank goodness.” I yawned and then tried my best to stay awake for a little while longer. It had been a long night and I was very tired. As I Started to get into a more comfortable position, Megan Started to stir.
“No!” She cried in her sleep. “No! Please don’t hurt me! Please! I’m sorry Ryan! I’m sorry. Please!”
I cautiously nudged Megan awake, for fear that she would lash out in fear, not knowing who it was because she wasn’t awake yet.
“Megan, Megan, wake up. It’s time to wake up. You’re having a bad dream. Come on, sweetie. It’s okay now. Everything’s going to be okay.” I continued to gently nudge Megan’s shoulder until she woke up and collapsed on my shoulder in tears. I rubbed her back and stroked her hair, trying to calm her down like she had done for me so many times before. “Shh,” I soothed, “hush now. It’s okay. Everything’s okay. I’m here now. You’re all right. You’re safe. He can’t hurt you now.”
“M-Molly?” Megan asked tearfully.
“It’s Molly. It’s okay. You’re all right. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.” As I kissed Megan’s cheek, I noticed that her cut was bleeding again. “Come on,” I said. “let’s go get you cleaned up. Then I’ll get Paradise to make us some hot chocolate.”
Megan nodded and allowed me to help her up. I guided her to the bathroom and closed the door behind us. After I had gotten the first aid kit out, I knelt down in front of my sister and began to clean a very nasty cut that was on her cheek. As I put some alcohol on it, Megan winced and I could tell she was trying not to cry out of pain. I felt bad for her, I really, really did. In my nine years of life, Megan had been like a mother to me. She loved me with all her heart and I felt the same way about her. It broke my heart to see her hurt like this. I wanted to take my big sister’s pain away, but couldn’t. at least not all of her pain.
“There ya go,” I said gently. “All clean again. Now come on. I think Paradise is awake still. I’m sure she’ll make us something yummy to drink.” I led Megan into the kitchen of Paradise Estate and sat down across from her. A few minutes of silence passed before the opening of a door, made Megan jump and me drop a sugar pack I had picked up. I quickly recovered and went to reassure Megan. “It’s okay,” I said. “It’s probably just Paradise or Wind Whistler. I promise you, Megan, Ryan is NOT going to find you here. That’s why we came here. It’s the safest place.”
Megan nodded and relaxed a little as Fizzy and Paradise entered the kitchen. Fizzy looked sheepish when she saw the scared look in Megan’s eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I was the one who opened the door. Baby Ribbon scared me and I winked out. I hope I didn’t scare you guys.”
I shook my head.
“No. It’s okay Fizzy. Megan just got a little scared, but she’s okay now, right, sis?”
Megan nodded and gave Fizzy a small smile.
“It’s all right, Fizzy,” she said, patting our friend’s mane. “I know you didn’t mean to do it. What is Baby Ribbon doing up anyway?”
“Bad dream,” Fizzy said, sitting down next to me.
“I think there’s a lot of that going around tonight,” Megan commented, shooting me a Look.
“Yeah,” I chimed in, knowing what Megan’s look meant. “I couldn’t sleep either. I was hoping that you would make us some hot chocolate, Paradise.”
Paradise smiled and nodded.
“Sure thing, sweetie. Then it’s back to bed for both of you, okay?”
“Yes,” I said, laughing a little Paradise could be so motherly sometimes.
After the hot chocolate was made, Fizzy and I Started talking about school and what was going on in my life. Then the sound of Megan’s cell phone going off, made everyone jump. As Megan reached into her bag to get it, I could tell her hands were shaking from fear. I jumped up and ran to her rescue.
“I’ll get it,” I said. I took the phone from Megan and looked at the caller ID. It was Ryan. I gulped, but tried not to show my fear. I had to be strong for Megan. I had to be brave for her. “Hello?” I asked, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice.
“Hi. Is this Molly?” Ryan asked.
“Yes it is,” I said, suddenly finding courage somewhere deep inside of me. Before Ryan could get another word in, I went on. “Megan doesn’t want to talk to you or see you ever again. Just leave us alone!” With that, I hung up the phone and put it back in Megan’s bag. When I returned to my seat, I found Fizzy, Paradise and Megan giving me impressive smiles. Megan beamed with pride and patted my shoulder.
“I’m very proud of you, my little sunshine. You did a good job telling him off.”
“Yeah,” Fizzy chimed in. “I could never have done that.”
Everyone laughed at this. After all the hot chocolate was gone, I helped Paradise do the dishes and then she shooed us off to bed. Even fizzy, who wanted to watch the stars for awhile. I knew everyone needed their rest, especially Megan. She had been through so much in the last few months. I had too. As I laid back down and secured my arms around my older sister, my mind floated back to when everything had Started…..


****** Five months earlier *****


I sat in my room, doing my homework. It was around nine-forty five and my bedtime was at nine-thirty, but I had to finish reading my book before the next day. It was one of my favorite books and I wanted to finish it before school the next day. As I turned the page in the book, I glanced over at the clock and realized that Megan was a little late. She had gone on a date with her new boyfriend, Ryan Cummings, and she had promised that she would be home in time to tuck me in for bed. She had always tucked me in and we had our special routine that I looked forward to every night. First, we would have cuddle time and then she would sing to me. And finally, she would tuck me in bed and give me a kiss and hug. It was one of those routines I really enjoyed and I knew Megan did too.
As I Started reading again, my eyes Started getting tired. I put the book down and went to get a drink of water and brush my teeth. As I was getting my pj’s on, Baby Cuddles sat up and asked, “Molly, where Megan? Want her tuck me in.”
“You and me both, Baby Cuddles,” I said as I went over to the Baby pony and gave her mane a gentle pat. “You and me both. Will I do for tonight?”
Baby Cuddles smiled at me.
“Molly tuck me in tonight.” She said.
“Okay. Here we go.” After I had gotten Baby Cuddles tucked in, I sung her a song and then tucked myself in bed. I was beginning to get a little angry at Megan. She had never broken a promise to me before and she had NEVER ever not called me to let me know she was okay either. Then again, she had never gone on a date in her whole life. Maybe she had just lost track of the time. As I fell asleep, my mind Started to fill with questions and worry for my big sister who was more like a mother to me. I hoped and prayed that she was okay.


About two hours later, I felt someone bend down and kiss me gently on my cheek. Then the same person Started stroking my hair gently. I didn’t have to wake up to know that gentle touch, it was Megan. She had come home and she was letting me know that she was all right. I opened my eyes nonetheless and glared at my older sister.
“You didn’t come home when you said you would. You didn’t tuck me in.”
“Megan not tuck me in neither!” Baby Cuddles accused, sitting up in bed.
Megan sighed and I could tell she was tired, so I gave Baby Cuddles a look to stop it.
“Can we talk about this in the morning you two, please?” Megan asked. “I’m really tired.”
“Well it serves you right for staying out so late,” I shot at her. I quickly regretted my outburst immediately. Megan glared at me and said sternly, “Molly Shaianne Hartson, don’t you ever talk back to me again. Now, lay down and go back to sleep. And you just lost your cuddle time for tomorrow night. Now close your eyes and go back to sleep.” With that,she left the room to get ready for bed.
I lay there, silent tears streaming down my face. Megan had never yelled at me that way before. She was stern with me if I said something mean or bad, but she NEVER scolded me like that before. I felt hurt, but at the same time, I knew I had been wrong to say what I had. But I had been mad at Megan and now I just felt guilty and upset with myself. I wanted my cuddle time back, but most importantly, I wanted Megan back. I wanted her to forgive me.
“Megan, no love us anymore?” Baby Cuddles asked as she looked at me with concern.
“Megan loves us!” I reassured Baby Cuddles through my tears. “She’s just mad right now.”
“Why you crying, Molly? Megan,mean! Make you cry.”
“Megan’s not mean, sweetie,” I said, wiping a few tears away as more came. “I just opened my big mouth, that’s all. Try and go back to sleep, baby. Everything’s all right now. I love you. Sweet dreams.”
“Love you too, Molly.” Baby Cuddles said. “Sweet dreams.”
“Aw, thank you, baby.” I smiled slightly, despite the fact that I was still crying. Baby Cuddles was a sweetheart.
Just then, Baby Lofty sat up in bed.
“Molly, hold, pease?” She asked. She sounded scared.
I got up and went over to her big girl bed. I picked her up and carried her back over to my bed. I tucked her in and gave her a kiss as I hugged her close.
“Shh,” I soothed, even though I was still crying, “hush now, Baby Lofty. It’s okay, sweetie. Molly has you now. You’re okay. It’s all right, baby.”
“Molly sad?” Baby Lofty asked, her blue eyes full of concern for me.
I nodded.
“Yeah, a little bit. Megan made me mad, but I’m okay now. I promise. Close your eyes and try to sleep.” I started to pat Baby Lofty’s mane as my own tears continued to fall.
“I love you, Molly,” Baby Lofty said as she drifted off to sleep.
“Aw, I love you too, baby. Very much. Sweet dreams, honey.” I bent down and gave Baby Lofty a kiss before laying back down and trying my best to fall asleep. I cried myself to sleep that night, hoping and praying that things would get better soon.


The next day, I didn’t talk to Megan for the whole day. This was very unusual and didn’t happen often. I didn’t open my mouth to say anything to her until she told Aunt Abby that she was going on another date with Ryan.
“You’re going on another date?” I asked, standing in the doorway of Aunt Abby’s room.
“Well, I see the cat let go of your tongue, my little sunshine,” Megan said, giving me a warm smile as she came over and patted my shoulder. “I was beginning to think he was going to keep it.”
I didn’t giggle. I didn’t even smile. Instead, I burst into tears and ran out of the room. When I got to our room, I slammed the door behind me and flopped down on my bed in tears. My stomach was beginning to hurt from being upset, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want Megan to go on another date. I didn’t like Ryan and something inside kept telling me he was bad news. As I lay there and cried, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. I glanced up to see that it was Megan. She held her arms open wide.
“It’s okay, Moll. Come to Megan.”
“Where I belong,” I said tearfully as I dove into Megan’s loving embrace, just like I had done so many times before when I was younger.
“That’s right, sweetie. In your big sister’s arms safe and sound. Now, can you use your words and tell me what’s the matter? What are all the rain drops for, huh?”
“Megan make Molly cry again?” Baby Cuddles asked. “Molly in trouble again?”
Megan laughed softly and shook her head.
“No, Baby Cuddles. Molly isn’t in trouble. She’s just really upset right now.”
“Molly better soon?” Baby Cuddles asked in concern.
“She will be,” Megan said as she continued to rub my back. “Once she tells me what’s wrong.”
“You can’t go on another date!” I whimpered against Megan’s shoulder. “You just can’t! I miss spending time with you. I don’t want you to go!”
“Megan no go bye-byes!” Baby Cuddles chimed in, stamping her hoove on the floor of her crib. “No go bye-byes!”
Megan rubbed my back and stroked my hair.
“Shh,” she soothed. “It’s okay, my little sunshine. It’s going to be okay. You’re safe and sound. You’re where you belong now. You’re in your big sister’s arms where you belong. Everything’s going to be okay. I promise. Can you tell me why you don’t want me to go tonight?”
“I just don’t like Ryan,” I said truthfully.
“Why not?” Megan asked, she was surprised by my answer.
I shrugged as I snuggled into Megan for all it was worth.
“I don’t know. I just don’t. He just seems…. Mean.”
Megan giggled softly.
“Molly, sweetie, he’s not mean. A little opinionated, but not mean.” She kissed my cheek and then asked, “Is this about me not tucking you in last night? Is that why you talked back to me?”
“You remember that, huh?” I asked, hoping that Megan would think it was just a dream.
Megan laughed and patted my shoulder.
“Yes, I remember that, missy and I’ve decided to change your punishment.”
I listened carefully.
“Since I missed out on our cuddle time last night, I won’t take that away from you, but you are losing your playing privilege when we go to Paradise Estate tomorrow, okay? Deal?”
I thought about this for a moment, then said, “Okay. Deal.”
“Good. Now, let’s spend a little time together before I get ready for my date. Sound good?”
I nodded and wrapped my arms around Megan’s neck as she picked me up and headed for the living room. We spent the next hour, playing UNO and talking and laughing. Megan braided my hair and told me that I could help her pick out her outfit for tonight. I still wasn’t happy about her going on a date, but I felt a little bit better, now that we had spent some time together.
But as Megan gave me a kiss and hug good-bye, I felt scared for her as she left with Ryan. I didn’t know why, it was just the way I felt.


Megan was late coming home again and I could tell something was wrong this time. I didn’t burst out like I Had the night before, remembering what had happened and my punishment still to come. I Just let her give me a kiss and hug and gave her one back. But when I went to give her a kiss, I felt her flinch. I actually felt her flinch as I kissed her cheek. This got me scared.
“Megan?” I asked, hoping my plan would work.
“Yeah, my little sunshine?” She asked, she was getting ready for bed and I could tell she was tired. Her voice sounded a little shaky too.
“Can we have cuddle time, please? I know it’s late, but I really want to have cuddle time with you.” I gave Megan my best pleading look and she gave in.
“Okay, sweetie. Come here. Come to Megan.”
“Where I belong,”
“That’s right sweetie. In your big sister’s arms safe and sound.” Megan said as she took me into her lap and wrapped her arms around me protectively.
I laid my head on her shoulder and closed my eyes. As I opened them to rub an eyelash, I saw it. A bruise was appearing on Megan’s right cheek. I shuddered when I saw this and tried not to give in to the tears that were threatening to fall. Someone had hurt my sister and I knew instantly who it was.
“Are you okay, Moll?” Megan asked gently. “You’re not feeling sick are you?” She put a hand to my forehead to see if I had a fever.

“No. I’m fine. A little cold, but I’m okay.”
Megan nodded and draped a blanket around both of us. We fell asleep that way and I woke up in Megan’s arms. For the first time in two days, things were back to the way they were supposed to be. Little did I know, how short it would last.


The next day, I asked Megan where she had gotten the bruise on her cheek. She acted like she didn’t know what I was talking about until I pointed it out to her in the bathroom.
“I fell,” Megan said. “I tripped getting out of the car. That’s all.”
I shook my head and crossed my arms over my chest.
“You did not fall,” I said angrily. “And you know it!”
“Molly….” Megan said warningly. “Please don’t Start the morning off like this. I really don’t feel like fighting around nine o’ clock in the morning. You’re already in enough trouble.”
I didn’t back down.
“I don’t care!” I said defiantly. “He hurt you and I know it. Now, please just talk to me. We tell each other everything.” Then my voice softened and I added, “or at least we used to tell each other everything.” I looked at the floor as a few tears ran down my face. I didn’t want to cry, but I couldn’t help it. Things were going from bad to worse in a hurry. I stood there for about two minutes before I Felt Megan lift me up and hold me close. She gave me a kiss and Started stroking my hair.
“Aw, my little sunshine. What am I going to do with you, hmm?”
“Just talk to me,” I told her. “Just tell me the truth. I promise I won’t tell anyone. Not even Fizzy.”
Megan shook her head as she gave me a kiss.
“I’m sorry, my little sunshine, I can’t do that.”
I glared at her as I squirmed to be let down. Once I was back on the ground, I turned to face Megan and shouted, “Fine! If you don’t want to tell me what’s wrong, I don’t want to know. Don’t ask for my help either, because I won’t help you!” I ran from the room in tears and slammed our bedroom door shut. I cried myself to sleep and didn’t wake up until around six-thirty that afternoon. Megan had already left, so I ate dinner with Aunt Abby, Baby Cuddles, Baby Lofty and Danny. Aunt Abby could tell that something was wrong, but she didn’t press me to talk. She knew I would come to her if I really needed to.


That night, I woke up to the sound of Megan crying. Forgetting our argument that morning or the fact that I was angry with her, I went over to see what was wrong. I sat down on the edge of her bed and put my arm on her shoulder.
“Shh,” I said gently. “It’s okay. Do you want to talk about it?”
Megan looked up at the sound of my voice and asked tearfully, “What are you doing here? I thought you said you wouldn’t help me this morning.”
I gave her a half smile.
“I was just mad,” I said. “Besides, I can’t just stand here while you’re crying around one o’ clock in the morning and not help you. That’s not what being sisters is all about.”
Megan nodded and held out her arms to me. I shook my head , which surprised Megan.
“Don’t you want to have cuddle time with me?” She asked.
“Nope.” I said. “”I want you to have cuddle time with me.” I smiled warmly as I held my arms out to my upset older sister. She gave me a warm smile and laid her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around Megan and gave her a kiss. I rubbed her back and encouraged her to just cry if that’s what she needed to do. I knew she was scared and upset and I wanted to help her feel better again. “Shh,” I soothed. “It’s okay. That’s it. You’re all right.” I sat there for the whole night, just holding Megan and trying to reassure her. As I held my older sister close, I Started feeling guilty for being mad at her. She was already feeling scared and upset about whatever was going on with Ryan, she didn’t’ need me acting like a brat too. “I’m sorry,” I whispered as I gave Megan a kiss on her cheek. “I’m sorry for the way I acted.” With that, I settled myself against Megan’s pillow and fell asleep.


About a week later, I found my rainbow of hope. I was going with Megan on one of her dates with Ryan. We were going to a restaurant and then to his house for dessert. I knew that this was my chance to catch him in the act and protect Megan once and for all.
As we drove to the restaurant, Megan was quiet. She didn’t talk much and she seemed a little nervous. This got me scared, but I tried not to show it.
When we reached the restaurant, I Started becoming shy. I wrapped my arms around Megan’s waist and she picked me up. She gave me a hug and kissed my cheek while holding me close.
“What’s the matter with my little sunshine, huh?” Megan asked. “Are you feeling shy because you’re going to meet someone new?”
I nodded and buried my face in Megan’s shoulder as the tears came. I don’t know why I had Started crying, but I had.
“Aw, shh,” Megan said gently, “hush now, it’s okay. You’re all right. You’re safe and sound where you belong. In your big sister’s arms. Megan has you. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. You know that.”
“I’m scared for you,” I sobbed through my tears. ‘I’m scared that Ryan is going to hurt you again! I don’t want you to get hurt, Megan. I love you. I don’t like it when you’re hurting.” Then I added in a small whisper that only Megan could hear, “You scared me last night. The way you were shaking.”
Megan nodded and gave me a reassuring hug before setting me down. I tried to wrap my arms around her waist again, but she held my hand instead.
“I don’t know what you have against him, Molly. But I’m telling you everything is okay. I promise. Now, just relax and act like the big girl I know you can be.”
I nodded and frowned a little. I felt a little hurt that Megan had talked to me that way, but I understood that I Had to be brave for her, so I tried my best.
When Ryan arrived, he glared at me, but Megan didn’t see it. He smiled at her and gave her a kiss. Then he tried to pat my shoulder as if he hadn’t just given me a dirty look, but I glared at him and sought protection from my big sister. I buried my face in Megan’s waist again and she picked me up. She held me close and carried me to where we were sitting. Once we were at the table, she sat me down in a chair next to her, but I immediately crawled onto her lap. She patted my shoulder gently, but then said, “Molly, honey, why don’t you sit next to me?”
I shook my head.
“Molly….” Megan warned. Then she whispered in my ear, “Molly, I mean it. Either you get off my lap right now and sit yourself down like a big girl, or I’ll do it for you. Now come on.”
I still refused to move. I knew Megan wouldn’t hurt me. I had been sat in chairs by her before. Just as I Predicted, Megan lifted me off her lap and gently, but firmly deposited me in the chair next to her. She then leaned over and whispered, “I don’t know what in Paradise Estate is going on with you tonight, young lady, but you better Start behaving yourself, or else there won’t be any ice cream for you after dinner.”
I nodded and tried my best to obey Megan. I kept a close eye on Ryan and how he treated my sister. After Megan patted my shoulder gently, she turned back to Ryan.
“So I see someone is giving their older sister a hard time.” He smiled at me, but I glared at him.
“She’s not like this usually,” Megan said truthfully. “I think it’s just because she’s meeting you for the first time. That’s all. She’ll warm up to you eventually.” SHE gave Ryan a smile, which made me turn away and look at the scenery behind me. There was no way in heaven or earth that I would EVER warm up to him. He had hurt Megan, and anyone who hurt Megan or Danny, went on my bad list forever.
“What can I get you to eat?” The waitress asked a few minutes later.
“I’ll have the-“ Megan Started to say, but Ryan cut her off.
“We’ll both have the salad and a turkey club. Thanks.” He beamed at Megan, who frowned, but didn’t say anything. Then Megan turned to me and asked, “Molly, sweetie, what do you want?”
I gave Ryan a dirty look before turning my attention to Megan.
“Can I have a hamburger, please?” I asked, remembering to use my manners.
“Sure you can,” Megan said. “And I liked the way you used your nice words. Good girl.”
I rolled my eyes, but didn’t say anything. After the waitress had taken our orders, I asked, “Ryan, why did you order for Megan? She can order by herself. She doesn’t need your help.”
Ryan was taken aback by my question and Megan gasped. I could tell she wasn’t angry with me, just surprised by my actions.
“Well, I just thought she could use some help,” Ryan said. “That’s all.” He smiled at me, but I didn’t return it. After the waitress brought our food, I ate in silence, only talking to Megan when she asked me a question. Ryan and Megan talked about school and other things. I fingered the Rainbow of Light that was around my neck and prayed that the night would go faster. I wanted to be home, not here in a restaurant with a guy I knew was hurting my sister. I wanted to be in Paradise Estate. I wanted to be anywhere but here.
“Molly?” Megan asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Molly, honey, what do you want for dessert? You earned it.”
I shrugged.
“I don’t want any dessert, thanks.”
“Okay,” Megan said as she put her coat on and then picked me up. “We’ll be right back,” she told Ryan. “We’re going to take a bathroom break.”
I rested my head on Megan’s shoulder as she carried me into the bathroom. I knew she wasn’t going to spank me, because she had never done it before, but I could tell a lecture was coming. “Molly, I have no idea what’s gotten into you tonight, but this behavior has to stop. You’re not acting like yourself. You never treat new friends this way. What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I said, my voice shaky.
Megan shook her head and sat down with me in her lap. She planted a gentle kiss on my head and said, “Come on, my little sunshine, we tell each other everything. Besides, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”
I sighed.
“Ryan hates me,” I said.
“How can you say that? He’s barely gotten to know you.”
“He gave me a dirty look when he first came tonight. I didn’t tell you, because I didn’t think it mattered, but then he gave me another one when you set me down on my own seat.”
Megan nodded and hugged me close.
“Aw, sweetie, I don’t think he meant anything by it. Honest. Is that all that’s bothering you?”
I nodded, I didn’t want to get into the whole ordering food thing right now. I would ask Megan about it later, when we were alone. But as Megan carried me out of the bathroom and towards the car, I couldn’t help but feel that something bad was about to happen.


When we got to Ryan’s house, I shivered. I didn’t want to go inside, but I knew I had to. I had to keep an eye on Ryan and I had to be there in case Megan needed me. I had to protect her, even if that meant being unhappy for a few hours.
As we entered the house, Megan set me down and took my hand gently. She led me into the house and closed the door behind us.
“Do we have to stay here for long?” I whined, not meaning to sound as cranky as I did.
Megan glared at me, which I knew I deserved, at least this time.
“We won’t be here for long, “ she assured me. “I promise. Now, I want you to promise me that you’ll be on your best behavior.”
“It’s Ryan who better be on his best behavior,” I muttered.
“What was that?” Megan asked, not really hearing what I had just said.
I shook my head.
“Nothing. Yes. I promise you.”
“That’s my little sunshine. All right, let’s go enjoy some dessert.”
We sat down at the kitchen table, Megan sitting across from me. Ryan gave me a nasty look, which Megan didn’t see. I glared back at him.
“So what do you girls want to eat?” He asked, going over to a cupboard that was filled with tasty treats.
“Nothing,” I said, then caught Megan’s eye. “I mean, nothing, thank you.”
Ryan chuckled.
“Oh come on, Moll. Megan told me you are a chocolate princess. I have Reese’s pieces ice cream, chocolate moose, or chocolate chip cookies. What would the princess like?”
“I’m not a princess,” I shot back. “And don’t call me Moll, please. That’s a family nickname.”
Ryan just smiled and shook his head, but it was Megan who spoke up.
“Molly, what is the matter with you tonight?” She asked. “You’re never like this. Do I have to punish you from playing with F-I-Z-Z-Y tomorrow when we go to “our special place”?”
I shook my head.
“Well, I suggest you watch that mouth of yours, missy.” “Yes ma’am,” I said, looking at the floor. I knew I was pushing it with Megan, but I had to. It was the only way we would leave faster.
After dessert was over, Ryan cleared away the dishes and then showed us to the living room. He brought in a bowl of popcorn and two sodas.
“Why doesn’t Molly watch TV in the den?” He suggested. ‘I have cable. How about it, Moll?”
I glared at him, but said nothing.
“I don’t want to,” I told him.
“Molly….” Megan said warningly.
“I mean, no thank you. I rather stay out here with Megan.”
“Well, I thought that you could watch whatever you wanted in the den, while your sister and I spend some time together. We’ll be right here. I promise.”
I shook my head.
“Molly, honey, please?” Megan asked. “I promise, if you give us some alone time, I’ll sing you two extra songs before bedtime, okay? Deal?”
I shook my head and crawled into Megan’s lap, clinging to her for all it was worth. I was actually starting to get a headache. A really bad one.
“No!” I wailed. “I don’t want to leave you. I want to stay where I belong! I don’t want to leave you! I want to stay where I belong! I want to stay where I belong!”
Megan rubbed my back and gave me a kiss on the cheek as she picked me up and hugged me close.
“Shh,” she soothed as she sat there, hugging me close. “Shh, hush now, my little sunshine. You’re where you belong now. You’re safe and sound, in your big sister’s arms where you belong. It’s okay. But I really want to spend some time with Ryan, so how about if I get you set up in the den and then I’ll sing you two extra songs tonight before bed, okay? Can you give me some time alone with Ryan? Can you be a big girl and give us some time alone?”
I thought about this for a moment and then said, “Okay.”
“Aw, that’s my girl. All right, let’s go.” Megan carried me to the den and set me down gently. she gave me a kiss and then turned on Nickelodeon for me. After that, she returned to the living room to spend time with Ryan.
As I sat there, watching the end of “The Secret World of Alex Mack”, I started feeling the same uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something bad was about to happen.


Meanwhile, in the living room, Ryan and Megan were sitting on the couch, talking. The bowl of popcorn was in between them.
“Ya know, if I were you,” Ryan said, “I’d send that little brat of yours to bed without any songs at all.”
Megan was taken aback by Ryan’s words.
“Molly is not a brat. She’s just looking out for me. I told you, she’s very protective of me. And I also said that she’ll come around in time.”
“I don’t know why you had to bring her in the first place. She’s nothing but trouble.”
Megan glared at him.
“Don’t talk about my sister that way. She’s not like that all the time. She’s just had a hard week.”
Ryan nodded as he put his arm around Megan to give her a kiss. As his fingers touched her neck, he felt the Rainbow of Light. He glared at Megan when he realized that she still had her beloved necklace on.
“I thought I told you to get rid of this stupid thing! It doesn’t look right on you.” He tried to take the necklace off, but it omitted a spark, shocking him. He drew his hand back in pain and then glared at Megan. “Never mind. I want you to promise me that the next time I see you, you’ll have gotten rid of that stupid piece of junk. Give it to Molly for all I care. Just get rid of it.”
Megan shook her head.
“I-I can’t do that,” she said shakily. “It means too much to me.”
“Does it mean more to you than me?” Ryan asked

“Does it mean more to you than me?” Ryan asked, his voice was threatening as he got close to her face.
Megan forced herself to be silent. She couldn’t answer him. She just couldn’t.
“Answer me!!” He screamed, aiming a slap at her face, catching the seventeen year old off guard.


Meanwhile, I was in the den, watching “The Wild Thornberrys”, when I heard it. It was clear as day. Ryan had slapped Megan. I jumped up and ran into the living room. I rushed to Megan’s side and tried to push Ryan off her. Even though I was only nine years old, I was very persistant. I got on the edge of the couch and pushed with all my strength. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Ryan fell backward onto the floor.
“You little brat!” He spat at me. “You’ll pay for that.”
I jumped to my feet and rushed to Megan’s side. I checked her injuries and realized that she either needed to go to the hospital or to Paradise Estate. I chose the hospital. The reason was, I didn’t think I could get a message to Wind Whistler or Firefly fast enough and Megan needed help now. There were bruises on Megan’s cheek and her arm looked like it had been twisted, not to mention her neck looked like she had whip lash.
Ryan jumped to his feet and tried to push me down. I was too quick for him, I jumped out of the way and he accomplished nothing except for falling over the coffee table.
“Come on,” I said softly, rushing back over to Megan. “Can you sit up for me? We need to get you out of here.” I helped Megan to sit up and then to stand.
“How are we going to get out?” Megan asked, her voice was shaky and full of fear and tears.
“Don’t worry about that,” I said. “Just lean on me.” I stood up, with Megan leaning on me for support. I guided her outside to where Aunt Abby was waiting. I had had a feeling that we would need her help, so I had instructed her, before Megan and I had left, not to leave the house, and to have her cell phone on. When Aunt Abby saw Megan, she gasped, but I mouthed to her not to say anything. “We’ll talk later, “ I said as I helped Megan into the back seat and climbed in after her. “I promise.”
Aunt Abby nodded and drove to the nearest hospital, which was County General.
As Aunt Abby drove the twenty-five minutes to the hospital, Megan tried to have a conversation with me, but I shushed her.
“So is this the reason you were acting so weird?” She asked, while squeezing my hand for comfort from the pain.
“Hush now,” I said gently. “We’ll talk later. Right now, you need to rest.” I gave Megan a kiss on her forehead as Aunt Abby pulled into the parking lot. She flagged down a paramedic who was drinking a cup of coffee and eating two donuts and explained what had happened.
“My niece, needs medical care.” Aunt Abby told the paramedic who later introduced himself as Harry Carter.
Harry nodded and got Megan in the ER before I could even catch up to them.
The next hour and a half was the longest one of my life. I didn’t like waiting to begin with and not knowing what was going on with Megan was driving me up the Rainbow.
“Aunt Abby!” I whined, for real, this time. “When are they going to tell us how Megan is?”
“Soon, sweetie,” Aunt Abby said, “I promise. Really soon.”
Just then, a doctor who introduced herself as Dr. Piper Halliwell, walked up to us.
“Megan Hartsons’ family?” She asked.
Aunt Abby stood up and so did I.
“Here we are,” she said. “How is my niece?”
“Is Megan okay?” I asked.
Dr. Halliwell smiled warmly at us, and then said, “Yes, she’s going to be fine, thanks to you, young lady. You saved her life. I was just telling her as I was casting her arm, she has a great little sister.”
I beamed.
“What can I say? Just doin’ my job.”
Dr. Halliwell laughed and then showed us to where Megan was resting. When Megan saw me, she smiled a little, but I could tell she was hurting still. I didn’t even have to look into her eyes to know, I just knew. It was something that Megan and I always had. Aunt Abby called it ESP, Extra Sisterly Perception, but I called it just plain love for each other. It was the strongest part of our sisterly bond.
“Hey, my little sunshine,” Megan said, using her special name for me. “Come here. Come to Megan.”
“Where I belong,” I said as a few tears of fear and relief ran down my face.
“That’s right, sweetie. In your big sister’s arms safe and sound.” Megan opened her arms wide, or her left arm at least and I dove into her lap, desperate to know she was all right.
“I’m sorry,” I said, tears flowing down my cheeks like a spring shower, “I’m sorry I acted like a brat.”
Megan shook her head firmly and planted a kiss on my cheek.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. Do you hear me, Molly Shaiane Hartson, nothing. If anyone is sorry, it’s me. I should have listened to you. You were right. You were just trying to protect me.”
I nodded, but didn’t say anything. I was just happy that Megan was going to be okay. She didn’t have to apologize for anything.
A few minutes of understood silence passed between us before Megan asked, “But I know I owe Baby Cuddles a BIG apology, huh?”
I giggled at this and nodded.
“Well, I think she’ll forgive you after you sing her two more extra songs tonight.”
Megan nodded as a small smile crept across her face. I layed down next to Megan for the next hour as she rested and I tried to get a small nap. It had been a long day and I knew we both needed our rest.


When Megan came home two days later, I was happy to have my big sister back. We were as close as we ever were and it felt like nothing had changed between us. It was as if the last few weeks had never happened. Everything seemed okay until three weeks after Megan had been home. She was watching me, Baby Lofty and Baby Cuddles when the phone rang. I picked it up to hear a familiar voice on the other end.
“Molly? This is Ryan. Is Megan there?”
I hung up on him, not wanting to ever talk to him again. the phone rang again and this time, Megan picked it up. When she realized who it was, she too hung up. Her hands were shaking from fear and she almost dropped the spatula she was using to cook the pancakes and bacon.
Seeing my older sister in distress, I ran to her and gave her a much needed hug.
“It’s okay,” I said soothingly. “It’s going to be okay, Megan. I promise. I’m sure Ryan got the picture when we both hung up on him. You’re safe. I promise.” I kissed her cheek as she picked me up and held me close.
“Thanks, my little sunshine. I needed that.” As Megan set me down, the doorbell rang. I jumped back in surprise and stepped on Megan’s foot.
“Sorry,” I said.
“It’s okay,” Megan said. “Maybe if we ignore him, he’ll go away.”
I nodded as I wrapped my arms around Megan’s waist and Started to cry out of fear.
Just then, the person Started banging on the door as well as ringing the doorbell.
“Make him stop, Megan. ME scared!” Baby Cuddles cried, running over and hiding behind Megan. “Make him stop!”
“Hush now, Baby Cuddles,” Megan said, trying to keep the shakiness out of her voice. “Everything’s going to be okay. I promise.”
Just then, the door opened and Danny walked in.
“Didn’t you guys hear me ringing the doorbell?” He asked, as he came into the kitchen and snatched a piece of bacon off the tray. “I forgot my key.”
I sighed with relief and Megan gave Danny a glare.
“You scared us half to death!” Megan scolded.
“Scare me too, Danny,” Baby Cuddles said, whimpering behind me.
“I’m sorry,” Danny said sincerely. ‘I didn’t mean to scare you guys.” He then turned to Megan and said, “I’m really sorry, sis. I know you’re a little jumpy nowadays. Are you okay?”
Megan nodded and gave Danny a hug.


A week later, trouble came in the form of Ryan. I woke up from a troubled sleep, to find that it was thundering and lightning outside like nothing I had ever seen or heard before. Baby Cuddles was whimpering in her crib. When she saw me, she raised her tear stained face and begged, “Want to get out, Molly. Hold me, pease? Scared of thunder. Thunder loud!”
“Shh,” I soothed as I put the bars of her crib down and picked her up. “It’s okay. Molly has you. Hush now, baby. It’s okay.” I carried Baby Cuddles over to my bed and began to sing to her.
Just then, a clap of thunder crashed through the backyard, making us jump and Baby Cuddles cry out in fear. Almost at the exact moment, the door opened and Danny stood, holding a flash light.
“Are you guys okay?” He asked. “The power went out. Megan is getting some candles.”
I nodded and glared at him.
“We’d be just fine if certain older brothers wouldn’t sneak up on us.”
Danny blushed. He came over and sat on the bed. As I stroked Baby Cuddles mane, I got a strong urge to go check on Megan, wherever she was.
“I’ll be right back,” I said. I put Baby Cuddles down on the bed next to Danny.
“Molly no leave!” Baby Cuddles whimpered as she tried to climb back into my lap. “Molly no leave!”
“Shh,” I soothed. “Hush now. You’re okay. I promise.” I gave her a kiss and then left. As I made my way through the house, I heard a sound like galloping hooves. I turned around to see Fizzy and Wind Whistler coming towards the stairs. “Hey you guys,” I said. “It’s nasty out there, huh?”
Fizzy nodded.
“You said it. I don’t even know how Wind Whistler made it. It’s raining like cats and dogs.”
I giggled and patted my best friend’s mane. “Where’s Megan?”
“I don’t know,” Fizzy said. “We just got here.”
“Did you remember to close the door?” I asked, getting an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
Fizzy turned to Wind Whistler.
“You did remember to close the door, right?” She asked her friend.
“No. I thought that was your task to make sure the door was properly closed.”
“I told you to do it,” Fizzy said, blushing.
“Okay,” I said. “First thing is first, we need to close the door before-“ My sentence was interrupted as a clap of thunder crashed followed by glass breaking. I jumped onto Fizzy. “Come on.” I said. “We have to figure out what that was.”
“Maybe it was the wind,” Fizzy suggested, her voice was shaky.
“I don’t’ think so,” I said, knowing full well what it was. “I think it’s trouble.”
“I’ll fly ahead and find Megan,” Wind Whistler said. “Be back in a trifle.” She took off as Fizzy and I went the other way.


Meanwhile, Megan was downstairs in the basement, trying to fix the circuit breakers. As she fixed the last one, she was about to flip the switch, when she heard footsteps on the stairs. She held her breath.
“Danny?” She asked. “Danny? Come on, Danny, this is no time to be-“ her sentence was interrupted when her flash light went dead. She tried to find her way in the dark to the source of the noise, but tripped over a chord in the middle of the floor. As she got to her feet, she heard galloping coming towards the staircase, but not before a rough pair of hands secured themselves around her waist, pulling her backwards, towards the laundry room.
“This will teach you to mess with me!” A familiar voice said in Megan’s ear. “Now, you’re going to pay for not listening to me. And that brat sister of yours is going to pay too.”
Megan couldn’t bring herself to ask who it was. She knew instantly. As she felt him loosen his grip on her, she called out for help.
“Danny!!! Molly!!! Wind Whistler!!! Anyone!!! Help!! Help me, please!!! Wind Whistler!!!”
“Oh no you don’t!” Ryan said, putting his hand over her mouth. “We aren’t going to have any interruptions this time. You are going to get exactly what you deserve.” He threw her to the ground and proceeded to slap her. Then he pulled something out of his pocket that was small and very square like. Megan recognized it instantly, seeing them handed out in health class. It was a condom. Ryan was going to rape her.
“No!” Megan screamed as tears of fear and pain Started to fall. “Please, don’t’ do this. Please!! No!” She tried to fight him off, but it only earned her more slaps and a punch to her cheek.
“Now, if you hold still, it will be over fast. I promise.” As he pushed her down and held her there, she prayed and hoped that help would come. But it didn’t come fast enough. As Megan felt herself being invaded, she also felt something sharp bite into her skin and everything went black.


“Megan has to be around here somewhere!” I said in frustration.
“Megan go bye-byes?” Baby Lofty asked, her lower lip quivering.
“No, it’s okay, baby,” I said gently. “Megan’s here somewhere. She has to be here.” As we approached the stairs, I told Baby Lofty to stay put.
“I’ll take you down,” Wind Whistler said. “Fizzy can stay up here and keep an eye on Baby Lofty and Baby Cuddles.”
I nodded and climbed on Wind Whistler. As she flew downstairs, I saw a light on in the laundry room. As we went towards it, I saw Megan, half conscious, laying on the floor. I ran to her, jumping off Wind Whistler, even before she landed. This caused me to scrape my knee, but I didn’t care. I ran to Megan’s side and checked her breathing. She was still breathing, which meant she was still alive. As I checked her forehead, I noticed she was burning up. As I placed my hand on her shoulder, she Started to stir, and to my surprise, she pushed away from me.
“Megan,” I said, tears in my voice. “It’s okay. Megan, it’s all right. It’s Molly. You’re okay. You’re all right now. I promise.”
“Ryan…” Megan said tearfully as she tried to sit up, but I helped her to lay back down. “Ryan…”
“Ryan what?” I asked. “Was he here? Did he hurt you again? Please, you have to tell me what happened.”
Megan nodded as she squeezed my hand and tried to ignore the pain.
“We have to get her to the hospital,” I told Wind Whistler. “And fast. I think Ryan hurt her worse than before.”
Wind Whistler nodded and went to call 911.
Meanwhile, I stayed with Megan. I coaxed her to lay down on the spare bed downstairs and she allowed me to check her injuries. As I sat there, stroking Megan’s hair, I Started feeling guilty a little bit. If I had only been down here before. If only I had offered to help Megan with the circuit breakers.
“It’s not your fault, “ Megan said, her voice was much stronger than before, almost normal. “Do you hear me, Molly?”
I nodded as I gave Megan a kiss and hug.
“The ambulance is on its way momentarily,” Wind Whistler announced as she galloped into the room. “How is she?”
“She’s doing okay for now. But she’ll be better once she gets to the hospital.”
Wind Whistler nodded and went to tell Fizzy what was going on.
Just then, without warning, two things happened at once. The phone rang, causing me to jump and Megan said she didn’t feel good and immediately threw up. I picked the phone up and rushed back to her side.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Molly, sweetie, it’s Aunt Abby. How is everything?”
“Everything’s okay,” I lied through my teeth. “The storm is scaring everyone, but that’s about it. Danny got home. He locked himself out of the house. He’s safe and sound now though.”
Aunt Abby laughed.
“Can I talk to Megan?”
“She’s in the bathroom,” I said. “I’ll have her call you when she gets out.”
“That’s okay,” Aunt Abby said. “I know you girls are safe. I’ll be home in twenty-five minutes.”
“Okay,” I said.
Just then, I heard more galloping and Heartthrob came downstairs. She looked worried.

“Oh, you poor darling,” Heartthrob said as she raced to Megan’s side. “You’re going to be all right. The doctors are on their way.” Then she turned to me and asked, “Did that horrible awful person who hurt Megan get away?”
I nodded and sighed.
“Yes. But I’m going to send Danny to find him. Danny has a friend, whose father is a policeman. While we’re at the hospital, they can search for him and hopefully put him in jail.”
Heartthrob gasped.
Molly, dear, have you slipped your bridle?”
“What do you mean?” I asked as I held the bucket in front of Megan as she got sick for the third time in ten minutes.
“What I mean to say is-“ But Heartthrob was interrupted when Fizzy came galloping downstairs. She looked scared.
“Fizzy, what’s wrong?” I askd, fearing the worst.
“He’s back.” She said.
“Whose back?” I asked, but knowing the answer all too well.
“The guy who hurt Megan,” Fizzy said. “I saw ‘im, he’s in a car out front. He’s talkin’ on a portable phone.”
I nodded.
“Well, at least we know where he is. Where’s Danny?” I asked, fearing the answer.
“He’s on Megan’s computer,” Fizzy said.
“In the middle of a thunderstorm?” I asked. “What is he doing?”
“Writing a letter.”
“To who?”
“Some girl named Julie.” Fizzy answered.
“Danny!” I yelled, ,knowing he would hear me.
“What?” He asked. “You know screaming is a no-no.”
“Never mind that,” Fizzy said. “Get down here. Megan’s hurt!”
Danny ran downstairs and was at Megan’s side in minutes.
“I’ll kill that son of a bit-“
“Danny, dear,” Heartthrob said, “I think there are other words you could use. Especially, since your two sisters and two little ponies are present. Not to mention myself. And not to mention the fact that one of your sisters is barely ten years old!”
“I don’t’ care!” Danny said angrily. Then he turned to Wind Whistler and asked, “Did you call 911?”
Wind Whistler nodded.
Just then, there was a ring of the doorbell.
“I’ll get it,” Danny said.
“Be careful.” I warned. “It might be…”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Danny said. “If it’s him, he’s getting it from me.” Danny came back downstairs with two paramedics in toe. “She’s down here,” he said.
Fizzy, Heartthrob and Wind Whistler hid in the laundry room as Megan was loaded onto a stretcher and carried up the stairs.
“I want to go too!” I said, jumping to my feet and running after the paramedic, named Heather. “I want to be with Megan. Please?”
Heather nodded.
“You can come, sweetie. You have to ride in the back though.”
I nodded and agreed. It didn’t matter, as long as I was able to be with Megan.


When we got to the hospital, the paramedics took Megan in the ER, while I waited in the waiting room with Fizzy. She had come after the paramedics had left.
“I hope Megan’s going to be okay,” Fizzy said.
“She’ll be all right, “ I said. “She’s strong. I just hope Ryan gets what he deserves.”
Just then, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“There you are! Why did you lie to me, sweetie? You know lieing is a no-no”
I whirled around to see Aunt Abby coming towards us. She had a stern expression on her face, but when she saw how scared I was, she scooped me up and gave me a hug. “We’ll talk about this when we get home. How’s Megan?”
“I’m not sure,” I said truthfully.
“The doctors haven’t told us anythin’, yet.” Fizzy said.
Just then, a doctor came out of the ER doors. She looked relieved, but I could tell something was wrong.
“Megan Hartson’s family?” She asked.
“Here we are,” Aunt Abby said, standing up, as she set me down. I stood beside her, as Fizzy came over and nuzzled me comfortingly. “Is my niece all right?”
“How is Megan?” I asked, fearing the worst.
“Well, there were a lot of cuts and bruises, but overall, she’s going to be fine.” Then she looked at Aunt Abby and asked, “Can I Talk to you alone, please?”
Aunt Abby nodded and turned to me.
“Will you be okay, sweetheart?”
I nodded.
“I’ll take good care of her.” Fizzy said.
“I know you will,” Aunt Abby said, stroking Fizzy’s mane gently.


Dr. Piper Halliwell led Aunt Abby into an exam room just to the left of the waiting area. She closed the door and said, “I didn’t want to alarm the little one, her and Megan seem to have a very strong bond, but there is something I should tell you. We haven’t even told Megan yet, because she’s just so scared and in shock.”
“What is it?” Aunt Abby asked. “What’s the matter with my baby girl?”
Piper took a deep breath before saying the six words that Aunt Abby couldn’t understand right then. “I’m afraid that Megan is pregnant.”
Aunt Abby stared at Piper as if she wasn’t’ really seeing her.
“I’m sorry,” Piper said. “I know this must be hard for you, but it’s best if we don’t say anything at least not until tomorrow. Let Megan have some rest and spend some time with Molly and yourself before we tell her. She needs time to recover before she’s told the news.”
“I agree,” Aunt Abby said.


“What do you think is wrong?” I asked as I paced the hospital waiting room for the fifth time since Aunt Abby had gone to talk to Dr. Halliwell.
“I don’t know,” Fizzy said. “I hope Megan is okay.”
“Me too.” I said. “Me too.”
Just then, Aunt Abby came back out of the room. She was crying a little, but she looked somewhat different.
“Is Megan okay?” I asked as Aunt Abby picked me up and gave me a hug.
“Yes, Megan is fine, sweety-pie. Do you want to go and see her?”
“Can I?” I asked as I gazed at Aunt Abby with hope in my eyes.
“Sure you can, kiddo,” Dr. Halliwell said. “Sure you can.”
“Me too?” Fizzy asked, hope in her eyes.
“You too,” Dr. Halliwell said.
When I entered Megan’s room, I found her laying down, facing the door. She had an IV in her hand and she was resting quietly. I sat on the bed and gently stroked her hair.
“It’s okay,” I said gently. “Fizzy and I are here. You’re going to be okay.”
“Molly?” Megan asked, her voice was full of tiredness.
“It’s me,” I assured her. “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
“Come here sweetie,” Megan said, holding her arms open to me. “Come to your big sister.”
“Where I belong, “ I said, a smile of relief spreading across my face.
“That’s right, honey. In your big sister’s arms safe and sound.” Megan wrapped her arm around me and hugged me tightly. She started stroking my hair and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “it’s okay now, Moll. Everything’s going to be okay, I promise. You’re where you belong now. In your big sister’s arms safe and sound. I love you, Molly. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Megan,” I said, resting my head on Megan’s shoulder. “I just hope you’re going to be okay.”
“I’ll be fine,” Megan said, giving my shoulder a pat. “Like Danny always says, nothing can stop me.”
I smiled as I thought about this. Danny was right. Nothing ever stopped Megan before and this wouldn’t either. She would make it because she was strong and she could get through anything. Besides, she had me and Danny and Aunt Abby and all the ponies rooting for her.
For the next few hours, I layed with Megan and tried to find comfort in her embrace. It was hard, but I knew that things would work out. Little did I know, how hard things were going to be for both of us.


The next few weeks were very hard. I stayed home from school to help Megan out and to take care of Baby Cuddles and Baby Lofty. Everything seemed to be going as well as it could. Megan had picked out a name for the baby. We found out that it was going to be a girl and Megan had chosen the name Shaianne Marie. I was happy that she was naming the baby after me. Little did I know how short the happiness would last.
About three months after Megan found out she was pregnant, something happened that was totally unexpected.
I was sleeping one night in late April, when I heard the sound of someone getting sick in the bathroom. I rose to see if I could help and found that it was Megan. This wasn’t a surprise, because ever since Megan had become pregnant, her morning sickness had turned into all day sickness, but what was surprising was the fact that she was bleeding. I discovered this when I Started a bath for her, so that she could cool off. She had a small fever and I wanted to keep it down.
As she climbed in the tub, I noticed that blood was trickling down her right leg.
“Uh, Megan?” I said cautiously, not wanting to scare her. “Did you fall?”
“No,” She said, giving me a puzzled look. “What are you talking about , you silly goober?”
I smiled at this nickname, but then frowned.
“YOU’re bleeding.” I said. “See?”
As Megan glanced down at her leg, she saw it and gasped.
“Molly, go get Aunt Abby. I think something’s wrong.”
“With the baby?” I asked worriedly.
“Just go get Aunt Abby now.”
I nodded and jumped up. I ran to get our aunt and in a matter of twenty-minutes, we were back at the hospital I had grown to know so well. It only took Dr. Halliwell five minutes to find out what had happened and it wasn’t good news. She sat down in front of Megan and I and said, “I’m afraid that you have had a miscarriage. I’m so sorry.”
“No,” Megan gasped, tears falling from her blue eyes.
Dr. Halliwell nodded .
“What’s a miscarriage?” I asked softly, knowing it couldn’t be anything good.
“Well, that means when the baby doesn’t survive inside her Mommy’s tummy,” Dr. Halliwell explained.
I nodded and wrapped my arms around Megan’s waist. She picked me up and held me close. I Started to cry out of pain for my sister. I felt really bad for her. I cried for the niece I would never have, for the daughter Megan wouldn’t be able to raise and love. I cried for the whole darn situation. It sucked beyond words.
About a few minutes later, Dr. Halliwell broke into our thoughts.
“We offer counseling if you would be interested,” she said, glancing at Megan.
Megan nodded, but didn’t answer her verbally.


The next few weeks were the toughest ones yet. Fizzy and Wind Whistler as well as Heartthrob and the rest of our friends in ponyland were very sad when Megan told them what had happened. I knew Megan was in for a long road and I was ready to help her get through it any way I knew how. After all, that’s what being sisters was all about.


About three weeks later, Megan found her own Rainbow of hope. She had gone to school to find out that her friend, Melody, was due to have a baby in the spring.
“I can’t take care of it,” Melody confided in Megan. “My parents would kill me if they found out. They are so old fashioned, but it’s not even that. They said that if I had a baby and they found out, I would be thrown out. I don’t know what I’m going to do!” She collapsed in tears on Megan’s shoulder.
“It’s going to be okay,” Megan comforted. “I promise. We’ll figure something out.”
Melody nodded and dried her tears. “I just wish I could find someone to raise her that I know will love her. Someon