... "Sure!" she said, "Serena will be so jealous!"
... I decided to ignore that remark, as I had nothing against Serena. I looked at my note-pad where I had scribbled some potential questions on the bus-ride to the park. The third one looked good, so I decided to ask it.
... "Rini," I said, trying to hide my excitement and sound professional, "how do you like staying with Serena's family? It must be very different from your regular life in Crystal Tokyo.."
... "Well," she began, sounding very clam, "it's very different from what I'm used to. First of all, I'm sharing a room with Serena. It can be difficult as she isn't known for being a neat-freak. But it's kind of relaxingg from bein oh-so-proper at the palace. There is also much more love shared between everyone that lives there. Don't get me wrong, I love my mommy and daddy very much and they love me, but there are so many other people floating around cleaning, cooking etc. Almost every day I see someone new. At times I just wish they would all go away so I could be alone with Mommy and Daddy."
...
I was, to say the least, very impressed with her answer. Such a long thoughtful answer from anybody, let alone a child! She was obviously well trained for public speaking and used to being in the public's eye. Not unusual for a member of a royal family. I didn't want to keep Rini waiting, so I asked my next question.
...
"Is there any times you ever felt alone being in the 20th century?" I asked. Her happy face looked down as a flash of pain struck it. I immediatelly regretted asking the question. She sniffled, but looked up and bravely faced the question.
... "Of course," she began, "When I first arrived here I didn't know anybody. At times I felt so frusterated, so alone. I would usually confide in my Luna-P, in search of a happier emotion. A few times I really wanted to stop my search for the Silver Crystal, but I would imagine my mommy's lifeless face and continue."
... The seriousment in her voice was disturbing and was starting to freak me out, so I decided to ask a lighter question.
...
"So, do you have any hopes or dreams for the future?"
... Thankfully her eyes started to twinkle. "Do I ever!" she answerd. "I'm going to grow up and be a perfect lady! Just like my mommy!"
... I mentally gave myself a checkmark, she obviously wants to be a lady. A bit stereotypical perhaps, but then again she did say that boys aren't supposed to cry.
... I was a bit nervous on how she would react to my next question. I was hoping to clear her bad image, but that would depend on her answer.
... "What do you really think of Serena?" I held my breath, hoping for something good. I look at her face. She was obviously surprised by the question, but her kips slowly formed a small smile.
... "At first Serena and I didn't get along, but we got off to a very bad start. People over eggagerate our dislike for each other, we sometimes just had difficulties because our personalities are sort of similar. I do love her, but please don't spread it around, I have a reputation to keep up! *wink*"
... Bullseye! Something usefull. I smiled to myself and glanced at my watch. I had time for one more question before the bus would come to return me to my hotel. I glanced at my list. The only question left un-answered was "What is your worst memory?". I cringed. Jeez! Why did I ever even think of asking her that! She was just a child, no one, no matter how old wants to revisit their worst life experience. Instead I closed my notepad and smiled.
... "Thanks for lending me your time Rini. I have a few minutes left, could I have the honor of pushing you in the swing?"
... She smiled a smile that could light up a night sky. "Sure! I love the swings! Yaayyy!" She ran over to the swing and I started to push whom I though was one of the bravest and smartest kid on the earth. (Well, perhaps Amy was smarter as a child, but she doesn't count for today! ^_^)