Cream Knows Best - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Shadow's P.O.V
I was grateful that Cream was feeling a little bit better after everything that's been happening. I just hoped she wasn't hiding her pain from me. Since I first saw her in my life, she was like a little sister to me. I refused to let anyone hurt or take her away from our crew. Vanilla wouldn't want her to be in a home where she wasn't around those who she didn't know.
~ Flashback ~
Vanilla's time was coming... I wasn't sure what I was going to tell Cream when it happened. The hospital was one of my least favorite places. I never wanted to be here. But someone from the group told me that she, Vanilla, needed to tell me something personally. I walked down the hallway where the nurse told me she was being held. Seeing her in the hospital bed made me ache for Cream, but I was going to have to be strong for whatever might happen next. Gently tapping on the side of the wall, I watched as Vanilla weakly moved her head to look over at me. "S-Shadow, you made it!" she smiled.
"Of course I did, you're Cream's mother. I have to know what'll happen since whatever might happen could affect her life. But hearing you wanted to talk to me personally kind of surprised me. Is there something wrong?" Shaking her head, Vanilla reached out for my hand. I gave it to her and she placed her other one on top.
"I only have one request Shadow. No matter what happens to me, please take care of Cream. I don't want her out in the awful system! Or with complete strangers that she doesn't know. I wish I had more time, that's the only thing I regret in my life. I want to be there in her life more... but death has come to claim me and I know I don't have forever. Just... I know it's a lot for you. However, I've seen how you are with her. She takes closer to you than Blaze, Victor, or any of my other friends. She needs someone to look after her. Please say you'll help!"
Hearing those words, I knew this would be the biggest decision of my life. I wasn't the best role model or caretaker for her. But this wasn't about me. This is about someone who is special to her. "I will." I finally said. I reassured her by placing my other hand on top of hers. "Thank you!" she grinned, giving me the biggest smile ever.
Something about it gave me some reassurance that I could do it. That's when we both heard a pattern of footsteps coming in our direction. "Hi mom! Oh, hi Mr. Shadow! Look at this flower crown I made for you momma!" she said coming to her mom's bedside. "Oh, it's just gorgeous Cream! Thank you so much!" Vanilla thanked, taking the crown and gently placing it on her head. "I hope it makes you feel a little bit better!" she said and hugged her mom. Vanilla smiled weakly but cherished her daughter's hug.
"Well, I'm glad you came in when you did. Mr. Shadow here said he wants to take you out for some ice cream!" Cream's face lit up and I couldn't help but smile. "Really? Thank you Mr. Shadow! You're the best!" That girl can give tight bear hugs. "No problem. Why don't we go ahead and get moving?" I said to her. She nodded her head and went up to give her mother a hug. "I love you mom!" she smiled. Vanilla teared up a little bit but composed herself.
"I love you too sweety. Now, mind your manners and be good for Mr. Shadow!" she smiled. She nodded her head and ran up to me and grabbed my hand. "Yay! I'm so excited!" Before we headed out, I looked over at Vanilla who couldn't help but smile at me. 'Thank you' she mouthed. I dipped my head respectfully and we headed out.
Eventually, we headed out to the ice cream place. Cream was enjoying her sweet treat and I was making sure everyone was doing fine. As we sat there having fun, I heard a ring from my jacket pocket. I fumbled around, looking for my phone that kept making the most annoying ring ever. Once I was able to get it out, I saw a thing from the local hospital. "Hang on ok Cream?" She nodded her head and continued to enjoy her treat.
"Hello?" I asked, wondering what was going on.
"Are you a guardian of Cream the Rabbit? Her mother being Vanilla the Rabbit?" the voice asked.
"Uh, yes I am. Is everything alright?"
Everything was silent for a minute and I was wondering what was going on on the other side of the phone. "What's wrong? Something happened didn't it?" I knew something had happened. But I wish they would tell it to me straight.
"I'm sorry... Vanilla has passed away a couple of minutes ago. We did everything we could. But it was too late." the voice finally said.
I couldn't quite comprehend what they had said. I was just so upset for Cream, she just lost her mother. What was I supposed to do now? "I-I'm glad you told me... I already know what to do next." I said, then hung up the phone.
Tears barely filled my eyes knowing I was going to have to break the news to her. "Uh, Cream... I have some sad news..."
~ End of Flashback ~
That was one day I wish never happened. But Cream was always important to me and I made sure to stand by Vanilla's request. "WHEEE! THIS IS SO MUCH FUN MR. SHADOW!" Cream shouted as we ran. "I'm glad you like it!" I shouted back. We finally made it to Faker's house where everyone decided we'd gather for the day. I let her hop off my shoulders with Cheese not far from her side. "That was fun, wasn't it Cheese?" Cream asked him. "Chew chew!" he said, his eyes looking dazed from the sudden rush. "Haha. Let's head inside," I said and helped her in. Hopefully, everyone wouldn't be too emotional. I don't want Cream to feel worse by them being that way.
I took a deep breath before entering the door. When I walked through, I saw everyone had some glistening eyes, still grieving. But they quickly wiped their tears away or tried to put on a smile. "Hey guys!" I said, Cream skipping into the room. Everyone greeted us with a chorus of 'hello's' and 'how's it going's' as we came in. "Hey, Cream! How are you!" Blaze asked, being the first to approach her. "I'm doing much better! Thank you for asking! How about you?" she asked cheerily. I noticed Blaze looked a little bit shocked but she smiled anyway. "I'm feeling... alright. But I'm glad to know you're good!" she replied, her smile, cracking underneath all the sadness.
Everyone else began to talk to her, making her feel a little bit better. I looked over at the blue hedgehog. His emerald eyes soon turned to mine. I felt myself blush just a bit. I pretend to hate his guts... but the truth is... I love him with all my heart. Even though I loved him, I knew I couldn't have him... not with that pink one always chasing him and always giving him love and attention. Oh well... I guess I don't deserve him anyway.
As he looked at me, I knew that he wanted to talk to me about some things with others without Cream in the room. I looked over at Blaze who understood that we needed some space. "Oh! I just remembered we brought some cupcakes for you! And they're your favorite!" Blaze said to entice Cream to go with her. "Cupcakes! Are they strawberry?" Cream squealed. "Yep! Let's go!" Blaze then grabbed her hand and they happily raced off into the kitchen.
That's when everyone let their tears fall down again, knowing they didn't have to hide it anymore. I heard Rouge give a small groan and tears started coming out again. "I hate this for Cream!" she cried and fanned herself with her hands. "I wish she didn't die the way she did. Vanilla was kind to everyone." Silver added, dabbing his eyes with a tissue. "I'm just glad we're here for Cream... I would hate for her to be alone." I said to them. "So, is she staying with you?" Vector asked intently. "Yeah, she is. It's going to stay that way too."
Suddenly, I saw Vector's reaction change and he got up from the couch. "Why would she be staying with you? You don't have any idea about taking care of a kid!" he snapped. "Oh, and you do?" I snapped. "Well Vanilla would want me to take care of her! We were engaged!" he snapped. "Then why did she ask me to take in Cream before she died!" I growled, getting up in his face. His reaction changed but he still looked mad. "You little-" he hissed. "Vector, this isn't the place. At least not while Cream is here." Espio told him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Ugh... whatever..." Vector growled backing away. "Look, as much I wish nothing happened, we should be happy that Shadow's looking after her. We know Vanilla wouldn't want her out in the world with someone she doesn't know." Sonic told us.
I felt relieved that I at least had Faker on my side. No one was taking her away from me. Not while I'm here. "The question is, are you still willing to do this?" Knuckles asked me. "Of course. I promised her mother that. I don't back down from a promise." They all nodded their heads knowing she would be staying with me no matter what. I just hope me and the crocodile wouldn't have any problems.
Cream's P.O.V
I will have to say, strawberry cupcakes are the best! No other cupcakes can outmatch it. That's why I was stuffing myself to enjoy the treat while I could. "Cream, the cupcakes aren't going to run away!" Blaze giggled. "I know, but they're so good!" I said, my mouth still full. She giggled and grabbed a napkin to wipe my face. As she did, I noticed there seemed to be a weird ghost looking cloud over her head.
I don't know what made me think that way, but, I knew she was upset. "Why are you so sad?" I asked her. "Oh, me? I'm not sad Cream! I'm just... lost right now I guess you could say..." she said, lowing her head.
"B-But I-I'll be ok! You don't have to worry!" she added before kneeling down to hug me. I looked above her head again and saw that the weird cloud now had rain pouring down in a weird foggy-smoke. I reached over to touch it and it disappeared out of the blue. Huh? I wondered. "Um... Cream, do you mind getting Silver for me?" she asked. I nodded my head and smiled before skipping into the room where everyone else was. Before I walked inside, I heard chattering about my mom. How they were sad that she was gone. I hoped they were ok. I wanted to know what was going on so I carefully peaked to see them.
When I looked, I noticed that the weird figures were now over their heads. I could... see what they were feeling. But that was silly! Yet, I saw rain clouds, lightning bolts, and raindrops over their heads. I wish they would cheer up. Life isn't as horrible as it looks. I'm still sad my mother died, but, I want to try to be strong for her.
So I walked into the room to try and make their awful thoughts disappear. "Hello!" I said, then suddenly, their little symbols disappeared from above their heads. "Mr. Silver, Blaze needs you! She's in the kitchen!" I told him. "Oh, thanks for telling me Cream! I'll be back you guys!" he said and went off past me, giving me a quick ruffle on my head. While he did that, I realized I had to go to the bathroom after all those pink cupcakes. "Uh, Mr. Sonic? Where's the bathroom?" I asked frantically. "Just down the hall, and then make a quick turn to your right, it'll be right there!" he explained.
"Thank you!" I smiled and walked down the hall. As I made my way to the bathroom, I heard something that heard like crying. It was coming from the kitchen. I peeked around the corner where I couldn't be seen. "Shhh. It's ok. I'm right here." one voice went. It sounded like Mr. Silver's. "I-I just w-wish this wasn't so h-hard!" Blaze cried. "I know. I know you do, trust me. I understand you're hurting." Mr. Silver said again. "B-But I d-don't want to be weak for her! T-This isn't fair to her!" "But Cream's a strong kid. She wouldn't want you to be sad!" "It's easy for you to say! Y-You didn't lose your best friend!" "I know I don't understand. Not the way you do. But you have to be sad to get better, she wouldn't want you to bottle it up. You're stronger than you think Blaze... it'll get better... but we have to be there for Cream. You don't want her to worry about you all the time do you?"
Blaze wiped her cheeks and hugged Mr. Silver. "No, you're right. "T-Thank you. I don't know where I'd be without you Silv." she sighed, not letting him go. "Anytime Blaze. I'm always here for you." Mr. Silver said to her.
I felt a little sad for her but my feelings changed when I saw hearts above them. They were golden and beaming brightly. I thought it was weird but, seeing the hearts whirl around, I found out... they were in love! EEEEK! But wait... how was I seeing this? I thought only my mom could see emotions. Maybe now the power was working for me now.
Well, there was one thing to do now! "AWW! YOU'RE HUGGING!" I cheered. That's when they both looked at me, the hearts suddenly disappearing. "C-Cream! What are you doing here?" Blaze asked, suddenly pushing Mr. Silver away. "Well, I was looking for the bathroom, but then I saw you hugging! You like each other don't you?" I asked, feeling a grin coming across my face. "W-What? No! W-We're just friends!" Mr. Silver quickly said. "E-Exactly! We don't!" Blaze chimed. I didn't believe either of them. But I'd have to question her later.
"Okayyyyyy." I said, then marched off to the bathroom.