so I just gave in and let it flow. Sorry for the little scenes with Sasha that I just have to put in (you may have noticed that with the last chapter too) She's just such an adorable baby with all of Heero's cute genes that I can't help it
<b>Warning:</b> There's a bit of language towards the end.
<b>Disclaimer:</b> I do not own the characters of Gundam Wing but I own Ayame, Hana, Chloe, Sasha, and any other kiddies mentioned in this world.
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<center>Five Pieces of Heaven:
<b>Hidden Burden 2</b></center>
<center>~~~*~~~</center>
?How?s my liddle pwecious granddaughter?? Mrs Darlian cooed as she hoisted Sasha playfully in the air. ?Grandma loves it when you come to visit, yes she does, oh <i>yes</i> she does.? She tickled Sasha?s tummy and made her giggle. Relena watched her mother?s antics in amusement as she sipped her tea. She knew how much her mother treasured the gift of her grandchildren for she had been unable to have any with Mr Darlian, that being the reason why they had happily adopted Relena. She often told Relena how proud her father would be of all of them, and her, today. After his death, she had moved into a smaller home not too far from her daughter but still outside the city, where the air was fresher.
?Oh I almost forgot!? She said, detangling Sasha?s little hands as they tugged at her earring and leaning over the side into a wicker basket full of accessories. ?Look what Grandma made for you!? She pulled out a little pastel green woollen cap with a bobble on top and put it on Sasha?s head. ?There you are, don?t you look so pwetty??
Sasha blinked as the hat fell over her eyes. She pulled it off, examining the fluffy bobble on the top. She then opened her little mouth and stuffed the furry ball into her mouth, looking up at Mrs Darlian innocently. She chuckled and looked at Relena. ?How are my other three angels??
?They?re okay,? Relena said thoughtfully, taking another sip. ?But?? Prompted her mother, sensing something more.
?I?m not sure,? Relena bit her lip.
?Not Hana is it?? Mrs Darlian sighed, ?That girl is so stubborn sometimes??
?No, it?s Ayame,? Relena corrected. The older woman looked surprised, ?Ayame? What could be wrong with Ayame??
Relena?s cell phone began buzzing on the table loudly, making both of them jump. Relena put her cup down and picked it up. ?Hello?? Mrs Darlian watched her expression turn puzzled. ?Erm, no I?m not busy?? She tilted away slightly as she listened carefully. Mrs Darlian bounced Sasha on her lap as she waited. ?Oh!? Her face came up sharply to see Relena sitting up and looking rather pale. ?Is she hurt?? There was a pause and then she nodded, ?I see. Yes, I?ll come over right away. No, no that?s fine, I?ll be there. Thank you. Goodbye.?
?Relena dear, whatever?s the matter?? Mrs Darlian asked worriedly. Relena frowned, ?That was Ayame?s school calling.? She paused, ?She?s been sent to the headmaster?s office for starting a fight.?
Eyebrows shot up, ?A fight?? Relena?s mother didn?t know what to say; it was just so unlike the responsible, carefree girl she knew. Relena stood, pushing her chair back, ?I have to go to Eve River.?
?Relena, what exactly is going on with Ayame??
?I need to find that out for myself,? Relena responded, grabbing her purse. Sasha began to fidget when she saw and heard the jangle of Relena taking out her car keys, realising that her mum was going somewhere. Relena glanced at her and paused.
?It?s okay dear, I?ll look after her. You get going.? Mrs Darlian lifted Sasha so she rested against her shoulder and rocked her comfortingly. Relena looked relieved, ?Thank you mamma.? She pecked her mother on the cheek and they headed out into the hallway.
?Let me know if everything?s all right,? Mrs Darlian called worriedly. Sasha wriggled in her embrace. ?Mama,? She called, lifting her head
?I will,? Relena called and left through the door. It shut quietly behind her with a soft click.
Sasha suddenly burst into tears.
<center>~~~*~~~</center>
The headmaster?s office was on the top floor of Eve River and Relena walked up the marbled steps past the many students making their way to their classes now that lunch was over. As she approached the top she heard an old lady?s voice from behind the ornate door ahead.
?Yes, you can go back to your classes now Francine.?
A pretty girl with straight black hair emerged from the door and shut it behind her, tossing her hair as she turned. She caught sight of Relena and froze. Relena smiled and approached, ?You must be Francine. I?m Ayame?s mother and I?ve heard so much about you.? Strangely, Francine paled slightly at her words. <i>She must be the shy type</i> Relena thought to herself.
?Well, it?s good to finally meet one of Ayame?s friends,? She smiled encouragingly. Francine gave her a strange look, as if she were an alien from another planet. The girl excused herself politely and scurried down the stairs, throwing a glance back over her shoulder once before she disappeared from sight. Relena felt a strange stab of doubt at her behaviour yet she dismissed it and moved towards the door; there were more important things to worry about.
The room beyond was large and to the side was a desk with an aged secretary tapping away at a computer. She had large round glasses that dwarfed her small frame and her hair was coiled up into a grey bun with loose wispy ends dangling over her ears. There were doors on the other side of the wall where she was situated but it was apparent that the one at the far end was of importance. It was decorated with a large golden plaque that said ?Mr Wentworth? and beneath it ?Headmaster? in bold. Relena absently reminded herself that the Headmaster had now changed and was no longer the man she had met when Ayame started school here.
?Oh hello there!? The secretary had glanced up and seen her waiting. She stood and shuffled towards Relena, taking her hand and shaking it rigorously.
?My my, Relena Peacecra?oop I should be saying Yuy. We talked on the phone and Let me tell you that I am very very honoured to be able to meet you dear.?
Relena smiled faintly, ?Thank you erm??
?Miss Mills.?
?Can you tell me what happened please??
?Oh well it was one for the ages! I thought the kids here were too afraid to get their hands dirty but your girl is a wonder and I saw it for myself,? Miss Mills jiggled excitedly. ?She sure showed that Whitfeld boy who?s who. Goodness!? She slid her spectacles up her nose, ?Bam to the left! Pow to the right! Wallop from the top! That left hook was amazing as well, perfect form if I do say.?
?I don?t know if I would be as pleased.? Relena frowned.
The secretary leaned in and whispered, ?Oh if you knew half the kids here then you would be. I?ve worked here for years and I personally think some of them need to be given a good spanking or two just to get some sense knocked into them. I blame the parents myself. That boy completely deserved it. You know the Whitfelds, they were??
?Part of Romefeller,? Relena interjected, remembering the name. ?Elitist aristocrats very proud of their heritage.?
?Ah you?re too nice,? Protested Miss Mills, ?What you really mean is that they?re ?pure-blooded? snobs who?ve got their heads stuck too far up their??
Relena cleared her throat politely, ?Listen, I?d like to see Ayame??
Her face turned sympathetic, ?Of course, the poor dear. The headmaster put her in a separate room so she can, ?think carefully about her actions and repent for her bad behaviour? Tchah!? The secretary looked rather cross. She gestured at one of the doors and suddenly leaned in to whisper in Relena?s ear.
?If you don?t mind my saying Miss Relena, I think your daughter deserves better; she?s too good for this place.?
Relena blinked, ?What?? The secretary was back at her desk all of a sudden. ?The headmaster is currently seeing someone but I believe he shall wish to speak with you afterwards. I?ll knock on the door when its time.? She sat down and her eyes softened as she looked at Relena, ?See to your girl, she?s rather distraught.?
<center>~~~*~~~</center>
The spare rooms beside the headmaster?s office were sparse for they had no use apart from serving as temporary waiting areas from time to time. It was dim and a single window high up in the wall cast a square beam of light in the centre of the room. The only furniture in here was an old-fashioned bench that was pushed against the wall and Ayame was sitting on it, knees curled up.
It was so silent; these rooms must block out the sound somehow. <i>Maybe</i>, she mused,<i> this is like a prison where bad kids go and are forgotten for years and years</i>. It certainly felt that way, the room felt ancient and sitting in it, Ayame felt as if years were rolling by. She was frightened; she shouldn?t have lost her control and beat up Jason. True, it had been satisfying to let the fire she never known was boiling in her out and make him cry like a girl but now he was definitely going to tell the headmaster about her dad. The headmaster would tell the Preventers and they would take him away. Ayame?s insides clenched at the thought and she buried her head in her arms, helpless and feeling frustrated about it.
Minutes might have passed, she couldn?t tell how many, before the door to her room creaked open. She didn?t bother raising her head, let punishment come to her in whatever form, she almost didn?t care anymore.
?Ayame??
Her head shot up in surprise at the familiar soft voice. ?Mum?? For a moment, she thought she was dreaming but then her mother stepped into the light of the room, her hair illuminated by its brilliance and her eyes full of concern. Ayame realised what she must look like, her uniform was smeared with dirt; her sleeve was torn; there was dried blood on her lip; a small cut on her forehead and tear tracks drying on her cheeks. Her eyes welled up as an uncontrollable urge compelled her to slide off the bench, throw her arms around Relena?s waist and bury her head in the soft material of her clothes.
?I?m sorry,? She burst out in a rush. ?I didn?t mean to but I got angry and it just happened they were telling horrible lies about dad and I was scared and couldn?t stop myself they always say bad stuff and I was fed up but now I know I?ve really messed up and they really will take dad away and I don?t want them to please don?t be mad at me.?
?Shhh,? Relena soothed and patted her head calmly; ?I don?t understand what you?re talking about, slow down.?
Ayame bit her lip. ?Mum, is dad?is he?a Gundam pilot??
Relena stiffened, ?Who told you that??
?J?Jason did. He said dad was dangerous and everyone was afraid of him because he killed people in cold blood and?? Tears started spilling down her cheeks, ??he was going to tell the Preventers so they could take him away...?
Relena cut her off gently by putting her hands on either side of Ayame?s face and cupping her cheeks, ?Listen to me. The Gundam pilots fought for peace and they helped stop the war. People don?t always remember but I know, I was there.? She hesitated when she saw the lingering question in Ayame?s eyes but she realised that too many lies and secrets lay about here; she would not add to them. ??Yes?? <i>Oh Heero, I know you didn?t want this.</i> ??Your dad was a Gundam pilot?? Ayame?s eyes widened, ?But he has a kind heart and he always tried to do the right thing, to fight for the right cause. He saved the lives of many people on Earth, he saved my life?not everybody sees it but he and the other pilots are all heroes,? Relena said firmly. Ayame looked lighter with the revelation, but when Relena pulled her back into her embrace; Ayame clutched her tightly.
?Besides, Preventer already knows your dad was a Gundam pilot.?
Ayame looked up with such joy and relief on her face that Relena almost wept at the sight of it. She sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve. ?I?I didn?t mean to beat up Jason, he always says bad things but this time he really made me angry.?
?He always says bad things to you? What does he say??
Ayame flushed and looked uncomfortable. ?Erm?things about dad and?you.? Relena raised her eyebrows as Ayame fiddled with the edge of her skirt. Relena took her hand, causing her to look up. ?What does he say?? She demanded quietly.
Ayame closed her eyes and lowered her voice to a whisper until Relena had to bend her head in order to hear her and she was shocked to say the least. It sounded right coming from someone who was a Whitfeld but it still sickened her to the stomach to know that her eleven year old daughter had to hear it from one of her classmates.
?But Jason is your friend?? She murmured to herself. Ayame went red again and quietly explained that he wasn?t, none of them were. She had no friends at Eve River; all the stories she had told were made up and she hid her head in shame as she confessed it.
?How long has this been going on?? Relena said sternly.
???
<i>Longer than it should be then</i>, Relena concluded. It hurt that her daughter had not confided in her until now, even when she had expressed to her that she would always be there to listen. ?Why didn?t you tell me this before?? She couldn?t keep the sadness from her voice. Ayame refused to meet her eyes, ?I wanted to be strong and not trouble anyone about it.?
?So you thought you?d just suffer and bear it did you?? Relena scolded. ?What?s your father going to say??
Ayame pulled away suddenly, face stricken with terror. ?You can?t tell him Mummy, please!?
?He deserves to know,? Relena chided. Ayame stood there silently and Relena pulled her over to the bench where she sat down and pulled the young girl into her embrace gently. ?Silly girl,? She admonished. ?Did you think you could keep these things to yourself and not talk to anyone about it? There?s no need to protect me and your father that way, we?re used to it and we?re supposed to be protecting you. I can?t believe you?ve been putting up with this silently and we?re going to put a stop to it. I promise.? Relena cushioned Ayame?s head against her soft body and stroked her hair soothingly with one hand. It was wonderful to be held this way, Ayame thought, the warmth and comfort leaving a feeling of bliss that she had long forgotten to indulge in. A tremendous weight had been lifted off her shoulders and she felt lighter now that her mum knew and understood. She snuggled further into Relena?s arms and sighed.
<center>~~~*~~~</center>
The knock at the door came too soon, as tends to happen with peaceful, happy moments, and Relena nudged Ayame. She looked up in a daze before her eyes focused and she realised the present situation. She sat up straight but there was a tinge of trepidation in her eyes. Relena stood with a reassuring smile, ?I?m here with you sweetheart, don?t worry.?
The secretary gave them both a beaming smile as they came out. The door to the headmaster?s office was open and a man and boy exited and started to make their way across the room, stopping short when they caught sight of Relena and Ayame. The boy looked in worse state than Ayame; he had a black eye; a swollen lip and a dark bruise developing on his cheek. A look of terror crossed his face and he immediately hid behind the frame of his father with a wail and pointed at Ayame as if she was a disease.
?It?s her! Don?t let her near me! She nearly <i>killed</i> me!? He screamed in high-pitched voice. Ayame remained still and watched him with a blank expression. Years of reading Heero?s blank expressions had taught Relena to determine that Ayame was puzzled by the boy?s behaviour. <i>Bet he didn?t act like that when he was bullying her</i>, Relena mused, <i>How the mighty have fallen.</i>
The boy?s father scowled at his son. ?Get a hold of yourself Jason please! There?s no need to act like a blithering idiot.? Jason quietened down but still partially sheltered himself behind his father?s form, whimpering when they walked past Relena and Ayame. Mr Whitfeld paused and turned to glare at Relena who met his stare with a cool one of her own. ?Miss Peacecraft,? He greeted coldly, ?Your daughter seems to have inherited some violent tendencies that are certainly not from <i>your</i> side of the family.? Ayame stiffened beside her and Relena wondered if she too had picked up the hidden insult.
?Mrs Yuy please,? Said Relena coolly, ?On the contrary my daughter and I are very similar. We both can?t stand people who make idle threats and like to elevate themselves above others regardless of the lack of intelligence they possess. I would say that your son takes after you completely.?
?You?re not holding my son responsible for this fiasco?Mrs Yuy.?
?Wouldn?t dream of it,? Relena stated, ?But I do hold <i>you</i> responsible Mr Whitfeld for the horrible ideas in your son?s mind and can only say I?m ashamed at the new low you?ve reached involving children in your personal battlefield.?
Mr Whitfeld went slightly red and huffed, ?Well we?ll see what the headmaster has to say, won?t we?? A cruel smile crossed his lips as he turned sharply and strode out. Ayame squeezed her hand tightly and Relena gave her a squeeze back. ?Don?t worry; I won?t go down without a fight.? She winked and they turned to enter the headmaster?s office.
Mr Wentworth sat at his ornate desk in front of a huge window which overlooked the entrance of the school. He had grey streaks in his slicked back hair and his eyebrows were stern and unforgiving. His eyes narrowed at the two figures entering his office and he gestured for them to sit down, his lip thinning as he surveyed Ayame.
?Ayame, do you have anything to say now that you have had a chance to reflect??
Ayame bowed her head, ?I?m really sorry sir and I?m ashamed of my actions.?
?Excellent, at least you have the intelligence to see the error of your ways.? He leaned back in his chair and turned his gaze to Relena. ?Mrs Yuy. I regret having to call you in today but I believe this is a serious situation. I pride myself on the good reputation of this school. Many families feel safe sending their children here knowing that the students are well-behaved and disciplined.? Relena raised an eyebrow.
?I do believe you had an acquaintance with Mr Hargreaves who held this position before me. It is due to his benevolence that your daughter was allowed to be admitted to this school and I would have thought that such kindness should make one eager to meet the standards set here.?
?Excuse me?? Relena?s eyebrows knit together, ?You make it sound like my daughter is not fit for this school.?
Mr Wentworth cleared his throat, ?Not at all Mrs Yuy or Miss Relena if I may?? She nodded stiffly, ?I am simply pointing out that the behaviour Ayame showed today is not fitting of the trust that was given to her. To engage in such unchecked violence and to hurt another student is not at all appropriate behaviour considered at Eve River.?
Relena fixed her cerulean eyes on him, ?I understand that,? She countered politely, ?But have you even questioned her about her motivations? Did you get her side of the story before isolating her in a room alone as punishment??
?The spectacle was watched by every single person in this school Miss Relena,? The headmaster said patiently, ?And there were witnesses of course.?
?Listen, I think Ayame is being bullied by those very witnesses??
Now the headmaster was clearly startled, ?There is no ?bullying? in this school Miss Relena, I can assure you of that.?
?How can you just make that assumption without investigating it?? Relena?s eyebrows knit together, ?How come nobody here has noticed her predicament let alone lifted a finger to help her??
The headmaster sighed, ?Miss Relena, you are obviously concerned about your daughter but have you considered that this may be a cry out for attention?? Ayame flinched beside Relena. ?She has spun these stories to get your support. My dear, it?s in her <i>nature</i>.? He stretched the word infuriatingly, ?You should realise this and understand that there is bound to be a slight difference of opinion between her and some of the other students. Nothing that can?t be resolved however and I?m sure it can be settled with a detention where a personal apology to Master Whitfeld will be written. You should be thankful Miss Relena, her actions really warrant a dismissal however, it is out of great respect to you that leads us here at Eve River to overlook your union with??
The sound of Relena slamming her hands on the table as she stood silenced him. ?Ayame please step out of the room for a moment,? Relena bit out. Ayame looked at her nervously but Relena?s expression was furious and she quietly complied. Once she was gone, Relena let the fire blaze out, so to speak.
?Let me guess, you used to be part of Romefeller too??
?Now Miss Relena??
?Answer the question please,? She said tightly. The man shook his head, ?I was never a part of Romefeller..?
?But you feel the need to harbour their views and discriminate against my daughter!?
?Miss Relena?? He protested. She was melting him with her stare and he pressed his back further against his chair in an effort to lighten the intensity of it. ?Help her and investigate the damn accusations I?ve placed before you! What kind of a headmaster?no, what kind of a man are you??
?That?s enough!? He rose bitterly and Relena staggered away from him in shock. ?As much as I hate to say it but I have been accommodating so far and I am fed up! Is it not enough that you shunned your birthright and married a?a soldier with neither name nor heritage? Not even a common man! And worse, I have to put up with Hargreaves? decision to place the offspring of this unsavoury union in my school! Do you not see it Miss Relena? You are being blinded by the seductive wiles of your husband while he pollutes your bloodline and gains power for the colonies?Ayame is a tool just like Mariemaia??
<center>~~~*~~~</center>
?Hey dearie you okay?? Miss Mills put her hand on Ayame?s shoulder as she walked out of the office looking troubled. Ayame nodded briefly and leaned against the walls with her head in her hands.
?What a mess,? She groaned. ?Maybe if mum left it alone and I apologised everything would be okay again?? She looked hopefully up at Miss Mills. The secretary gave her a look, ?Things were never okay dearie. Hey.? A mischievous look crossed her face, ?Your mother sent you out?? Ayame nodded and Miss Mills chuckled gleefully and stepped over to her desk, opening one of the drawers. She pulled out two glasses and tiptoed over to the wall while Ayame looked at her, confused.
?This is gonna be good,? She winked and placed one glass against the wall with her ear pressed to the other side. Ayame stepped up to her and she handed her the other glass, indicating that she do the same.
She heard all of the headmaster?s speech?
??Ayame is a tool just like Mariemaia??
There was a loud smacking sound suddenly and Ayame cried out ?Mum!? But Miss Mills clamped a hand over her mouth and shushed her.
?How dare you! You make me sick you arrogant, egotistical bastard! God, I?m retired and I still have to put up with this crap! Colonies this, Earth that, give it a rest! What does this have to do with school? When will you let children be children for god?s sake instead of making them lead your wars all the time? Isn?t it enough that we all lost our childhood because of it? I think inbreeding has made you all crazy and I?m glad I?m not a part of it. Thank you for showing your true colours Mr Wentworth and I believe I?d rather be hanged than let my daughter continue coming to a backward institution like this. Good day!?
?You can?t withdraw her from this school just like that!?
?Just watch me.?
The door banged open making the two spies jump. Miss Mills grabbed the glasses and hastened back to her desk as Relena stormed out leaving a stunned headmaster sitting in his chair and clutching his red cheek. She spotted Ayame and grabbed her hand, ?We?re leaving Ayame.?
Miss Mills waved at them cheerfully as they left, ?Byeeeee!?
When they were seated in the car, Relena rested her forehead against the steering wheel and simply said, ?Urgh.? Ayame looked at her in amazement for a while and opened her mouth, ?You slapped the headmaster,? Was all that came out. Relena winced, ?I know.?
?I?m not coming back here again am I?? Ayame asked carefully. Relena shook her head, ?No you?re not.? Ayame grinned and hugged Relena, ?Yes! Thanks Mum.? Relena groaned in response. ?I?m glad someone?s excited. What are we going to do now?? Her head flopped back onto the steering wheel, ?Heero?s never going to believe me,? She wailed.
<center><b>TBC</b></center>
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<b>A/N:</b> Reading back over it I'm thinking where the hell this idea came from...
