Cream Knows Best

An Interesting Gathering

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.