Sam slowly opened her eyes.  She couldn’t remember when she fell asleep but just remembers falling asleep without a blanket and now she had one.  It took a moment to realize that Nick must have made one for her.  Shaking her head at how much he has done for her so far, yet she couldn’t help but feel upset that he was wasting his strength on her and not saving it up to get them home.  That’s when she realized that Nick wasn’t sleeping near her.  Getting up she went to go look for him.  It didn’t take her long to find him considering there weren’t many places that he could be.  Nick was on the far side of the dresser sitting like he was last night with his feet hanging off the edge.  What shocked her was the fact that there were two other people sleeping near him covered in blankets.  She walked over toward Nick to ask who the two others were, when Nick turned around when she got close. 

Sam gasped as she looked at Nick, he looked dead tired.  “Nick, what happened?  Why do you look so tired?  Who are those two?”

“Sam, you won’t believe what I found out,” Nick said as Sam sat down near him.  “Those two would happen to be Isaac and Ruth.  I found them last night when Muffins tried to eat them.”

“Wait, why did you name them Isaac and Ruth,” Sam asked.

Nick grinned at her, “I didn’t … they told me their names.”

“I thought buggies couldn’t talk?”

“Me either.  So after saving them I told them they should get some rest but the question you just asked was stuck in my head so I decided to dig for some answers.”

“How,” Sam asked now wondering what Nick found out.

“Well I used my powers to search for the answer.”

Sam gave him a scowl at his words. “You mean you used the strength that we need to get home to discover why you can understand the buggies,” Sam said with anger building in her voice.  “How much energy do you have left?”  Nick had to look away trying to avoid the question.  “Nick you’re supposed to be saving your energy to get us home not finding out why they can talk to you.”

“But if I can find out why they can talk maybe I can find a way to help them and save them from this fate,” Nick said wave his hand around to emphasize what he meant.  “To live their lives in fear of what might happen around the next corner; no one should live like that.  Not to mention if I can help them that would also make us safe and allow me to save my energy up to get us home.”

“Nick look,” Sam said waiting until Nick turned to look at her.  “How long do you think that will take?  I’m sorry but I don’t want to be here that long, and even if we were going to stay it’s impossible to save them all.”

Nick didn’t say anything as he let that settle in.  She was right, he should be focusing on getting them home not trying to help a bunch of people he will never see again.  Even so, it still didn’t feel right to do nothing while innocent people died around him.  If he couldn’t help all of them, then he would help those that were near him… starting with Isaac and Ruth.

Sam let out a sigh as Nick stayed silent for a little too long.  “Ok, why can they talk to you?”

Nick looked at her slightly surprise that she asked.  “Well not just me, if I’m right you too.”

Sam looked shocked, “Me?  Why?”

“Let me explain.  Many years ago, like longer than when the dinosaurs were around for our home, the giant people were the same size as the buggies while everything else was gigantic.  Over the years there were some people who started to get bigger over generations.  Eventually they evolved into giants that towered over its predators.  Sadly not all of the buggies grew and they stayed small.  Eventually the buggies were forgotten as ancestors by the giants and were treated more like bugs.  Over the many years that followed, the giants weren’t able to hear what the buggies say because they either adapted to ignore what the buggies say unconsciously or as they grew they lost the ability to hear it.” 

“So when they talk they are either ignored or can’t hear them?”

“Exactly, like how people can’t hear some animals communicate like bats because of the frequency they use to communicate with.  We can hear the buggies because we aren’t from this world and it’s the same reason we can be heard.  Yet the buggies understand everything that is being said to them.  Either they adapted to understand or they always understood. ”

Sam sat there letting it sink in.  “… You were up all night weren’t you?  You should get some sleep,” Sam said concerned about him.

Nick shook his head, “I promised Jasmine I would go to her tea party.  She would love it if you could join us.”

“I-I don’t know Nick.  I still feel uneasy around her, maybe if she were older than just a child...”  Nick started to shake his head at Sam.  “What,” Sam asked.

“Jasmine told me that the adults act the same if not worse than the children do with buggies.”

Sam let out a frustrated sigh, “Great, so everyone and everything wants to kill us even the responsible adults.”

Suddenly there was a knock on the door that startled everyone except Jasmine who was still sleeping.  The door knob started to turn and the door opened.  Nick looked around and saw that there wasn’t enough time to find cover.  Out of options Nick stood up and threw his hands out, he concentrated with all his might and quickly turned him, Sam, Isaac, and Ruth invisible.  Immediately Nick regretted it as his powers were already at the bear minimum.   His head started to spin and he felt his body grow weaker, but still he did his best to keep it up.  If he didn’t there was no telling what Jasmine parents would do if they found them…

“Jasmine, honey, time to get up;” Jasmine’s mother said as she entered the room to see if she was up yet. 

Jasmine turned in her bed a couple of times before she sat up.  She was in her pink pajamas, her hair was messy from her long slumber, and her eyes were still closed.  “I made eggs and bacon.”

At the mention of food Jasmines eyes shot open.  Quickly she got out of bed and headed for the kitchen.

“Whoa slow down there sweetie, I’m sure the food isn’t going anywhere,” Jasmine’s mom said as she followed.  Suddenly she stopped and turned around as she saw something catch her attention out of the corner of her eye.  There was a quick glimpse of what she swore was a group of buggies on Jasmine’s dresser.  She walked up to the dresser and searched it to see if her eyes were deceiving her.  She could have sworn she saw something.  After a short while she shrugged and turned around.  She let out a sigh of disgust as she found some old school clothes on the floor.  “Jasmine, what did I tell you about cleaning your room up.”

“Sorry mom I’ll do it after breakfast.”

Rolling her eyes she started to pick up after her daughter.  It didn’t take too long, just a couple of minutes to put some clothes away and put her school supplies on her desk.  Taking one more look around she let out a satisfied humph and walked away.

Sam held her breath as she noticed Jasmine’s mom staring right at her.  She held her breath as she kept looking right at them but didn’t notice them.  Sam looked to Nick to see his tired face concentrating.  Sam had to cover her mouth as she noticed Nick starting to sweat profusely and a small river of blood started to run from his nose.  Then Jasmine’s mom started to leave only to stop.

“Jasmine, what did I tell you about cleaning your room up,” She called out to her daughter.

Sam kept looking at Nick, who was still doing whatever he was doing that kept them from being seen.  Soon she would leave, Sam prayed but sadly she didn’t.  She started to clean up the room.  Nick feel to his knees as his nose started to run with more blood and his face was turning pale.  Sam didn’t know how much longer he could hold out.  Finally after what seemed like forever, Jasmine’s mother left.  Nick let out a wheezing breath as he let his arms fall down.  No sooner did he do that he started to fall forward.  Sam barely had time to catch him before he hit the ground.

“Nick?  Nick are you ok?  Please say something!”  Sam cried as she didn’t get a response from him.

“…I … just need …. Sleep….” He said tiredly as he closed his eyes.  Sam brought over her blanket and covered Nick up with it.

“Is… he going to be ok,” Ruth asked.

“I- I really don’t know.  I think he will be.  His breathing is normal and color is returning to his face, so yeah I think he should be fine,” Sam said slightly relived.  Still she didn’t know for sure.  “By the way my name is Sam.”

“Ruth,” She said.

“Isaac,” the other said.

No sooner did they say that did Jasmine come into the room.

“Sam, Nick, I got some food from breakfast-” she stopped the moment she saw Ruth and Isaac.  “Oh cool, more buggies!”  She quickly went up to the dresser and looked at them.  Isaac held Ruth behind him as she started to back up slowly afraid of Jasmine.  “Oh, don’t be scarred.  I won’t hurt you.”

Sam was still looking after Nick but said, “They won’t believe you.  Do you know how many times they might have heard that?”

Jasmine let out a disappointed sigh, “Your right, what happened to Nick?”

Sam did her best to hold her anger back at how ignorant Jasmine was of Nick.  “Your mom came in this morning and almost caught us.  Thanks to Nick she didn’t see us, but as you can see he nearly killed himself helping us.”

“Is there anything I can do,” Jasmine said with sincerity in her voice.  This helped calm Sam down as she realized it wasn’t Jasmine’s fault, well maybe but at least she was trying to help.

“I need you to dip that shirt,” She pointed to the large doll shirt she was wearing the other day, “Into some water and bring it to me.”  Jasmine did as Sam instructed.  When Sam got the shirt she used it to clean up Nick’s face.  When she was finished, there wasn’t any blood on him or sweat.

“He just needs some sleep.  He had a long night saving these two,” Sam pointed to Ruth and Isaac.  “Your cat almost got them last night.”

“Isaac, I’m scared,” Ruth said when Jasmine looked toward them.

“Don’t worry Ruth, Jasmine won’t hurt you,” Sam said trying to calm her.

“Oh, Sam, can you introduce me to them,” Jasmine said excitingly.

Sam didn’t know what to say but looked at Isaac and Ruth.  “Uh, I don’t think they are ready to get to know you.”

“Oh,” Jasmine said disappointedly.  “Well do you want to have some tea with me,” Jasmine asked pleadingly. 

“No, not really,” Sam said honestly.  Jasmine looked saddened at the news.

“Oh, well ok, I guess I can always have tea by myself,” She said as she walked away gloomily. 

Sam didn’t want to but she couldn’t help but feel regretful toward Jasmine.  Taking a deep breath she was going to do what her instinct told her not to do, “Uh, wait Jasmine… Maybe… maybe some tea would be nice right now.”  She hopped that she can trust her like Nick does.

“Really?!  I mean you don’t have to if you don’t want to, but if you say so,” Jasmine said already picking up Sam.  Sam was taken back at the sudden joy Jasmine was showing.  She quickly told Ruth and Isaac to watch Nick, but wasn’t sure they heard her as she was carried away.  Sam was carried into the bathroom as Jasmine set her down on the sink.  “I’ll be right back, I need to change and set up the table, the food, tea…” Jasmine said as she started to walk away still excited.  Sam was left all alone in the bathroom with nothing to do but wait for Jasmine to return.  As time went by she debated if she did the right thing.  Eventually Sam was starting to doubt herself as the clock kept ticking and there was no sign of Jasmine. 

Sam thought the worse: Was Jasmine deceiving her to get to Isaac and Ruth?  What about Nick?  What if her parents walk into the bathroom?  Sam started to pace back and forth when finally Jasmine came back into view.  She was wearing a white princess dress covered in glitter and smiling. 

“Sorry, the tea took longer to make then I thought,” Jasmine said as she picked up Sam.  “I can’t wait to show you what food we have,” she said giddily.  Jasmine made it to the kitchen and looked around and saw her parents were done helping make the tea.  Quickly Jasmine grabbed a teddy bear she left on the floor and held it in her hand to block Sam from her parent’s view.  Jasmine headed outside where there was a table set up with the food.  Carefully Jasmine set the bear down in a seat and pushed it up to the table.  She put the arms out and placed Sam on the bear’s arm. 

Sam realized how clever Jasmine was.  Not only did the bear allow her to hide but also could be used as a bridge to the table and back to safety.  Sam had new respect for Jasmine as she looked up in shook and saw Jasmine wink at her.  No sooner did that happen did the sound of a door sliding caused Sam to hid behind the bear so no one would see her unless they moved the bear.

“Her you go sweetie,” Sam heard Jasmine’s mother say as the sound of a tea kettle being set down.  “Be very careful it’s hot.”

“I will mom.”

“So who do we have here,” Jasmine’s mom said as she grew closer to the bear.  Sam felt her heart speed up.  Was she discovered?  Sam looked around the head of the bear to see Jasmine’s mom reaching for the bear.

“Mom, Sir Fredric doesn’t like to be touched,” Jasmine quickly said.

Jasmine’s mom smiled and pulled her hand back, “Oh, forgive me sir, I didn’t know.  You two have fun,” she said as she left to go inside.  Sam waited until she heard the door close and let out a relived breath.

“You can come out now she’s gone,” Jasmine said.  Sam slowly came out from behind the bear and looked around.  She was right no one was there except for the both of them.  There was a fence that prevented anyone from looking in and there was a clear view through the sliding door to see who was coming out. 

“Thank you, for saving me.” Sam said feeling slightly safer with Jasmine then before.

Sam went to the table and stood at one of the plates and cups.  Next to the giant cup, that was larger than she herself, was a small tiny cup and plate.  She picked it up and saw it was a toy plastic cup for a small doll.  Wow, she thought of everything, Sam thought as she noticed that now she would be able to have tea too.  Even though the cup was large it was easier to use than a giant tea cup. Looking around she saw the table was covered in sweets: Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, little pastries, and other goodies for them to enjoy.

Jasmine put some tea in Sam’s cup.  “Nick told me that you two aren’t from here.  Do you have cake from where you’re from?  It’s really good,” Jasmine said as she started to cut a small sliver off for Sam.

“Uh, yeah, just not as big as this,” Sam said as Jasmine placed the sliver to her, but at least 3 helpings of cake to Sam on the plate.  Jasmine then proceeded to pour a little amount of tea into the cup.

“Do you want some sugar,” Jasmine asked as she brought up a small cup with a spoon in it.

“Yes, please.  Just a spoonful,” Sam said.  Jasmine then scooped up a spoonful of sugar and dropped it into the cup.  Sam felt stupid as she realized what she just said.  A spoonful may have been fine normal size but now she had a least 2 or more serving cups worth of sugar in her tea, which is a tad bit too much for her liking.  Sam took a look at her tea and decided she wasn’t thirst, but not wanting to upset Jasmine Sam put the cup to her mouth and pretended to take a sip.  “Mmmm, you make good tea.”

Jasmine took a sip of her tea too.  “Thank you.  I was wondering what it is like where you’re from.”

Sam picked up a handful of cake and tasted it.  She expected it to be different in some way but it was like any other cake back home.  She was still surprised at how much this world was like her own.  “Well it’s exactly like this world only we don’t have tiny people.”

“Really?  So you don’t have buggies where you live?”

Sam shook her head no, “We have bugs but not tiny people the size of bugs.”

“So you all have soccer there?”  Sam nodded.  “What about baseball?  How about video games?  Barbie’s?  Oh how about…” Jasmine kept listing more and more stuff that Sam kept nodding to.  Finally Jasmine stopped and started to think really hard.  Sam had to laugh at Jasmine’s curiosity.  Sure it was slightly annoying for her to keep asking but Sam found it slightly amusing.  “Oh, what about SpongeBob Square Pants?”  Sam paused as she thought about SpongeBob.  Was it exactly the same or some weird alteration to it? 

“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea…” Sam started to sing.

“No way, that’s amazing,” Jasmine said stunned.  Nick wasn’t joking about the similar universe that they were in.  Apparently everything was the same.  Sam was about to ask Jasmine a question when she noticed Jasmine’s smile fade.  “Quick someone is coming,” Jasmine warned Sam.  Quickly Sam ran behind the teddy bear when the sound of the sliding door opened and closed.

“You’re having a tea party without me?” said a familiar voice.

“A-Annabel, what are you doing here,” Jasmine asked.  Sam didn’t move as the two giants started to talk…

“I was bored so I dropped by,” Annabel said as she went to take a seat right across from Sam.  Luckily Annabel didn’t find that Jasmine having a teddy bear as company was wired.  “Why didn’t you call and tell me you were having a tea party?  You know I love tea parties.”

Jasmine gave her a knowing look.  “Because last time I invited you, you started a tea fight.”

Annabel shrugged, “It was fun though.”

“It was until you dumped tea over my dress.  My parents thought I spilt it on myself.  You’re lucky I didn’t tell them what you did.”

Annabel gave her a smile, “And that’s why you’re my best friend.”

“Was there something you wanted?”  Jasmine asked trying not to sound too pushy.  If Jasmine pushed Annabel into leaving she might suspect something is going on, and when Annabel suspects something she sinks her teeth into it… hard.  She won’t give up until she is satisfied that she got what she was looking for. 

Annabel gave her a pouty face, “I’m bored!!!  Please let’s go play or something.”

“I’m busy having tea with Mr. Fluffy.”

Annabel glared over to Mr. Fluffy.  Getting up out of her chair she started to walk over to Mr. Fluffy…

Sam held her breath as Annabel stormed over to the bear.  What was she going to do?  Suddenly the bear was being pushed back into the seat by a strong force.  Sam hung onto the bear as she was being crushed into the back of the seat.

Sam felt the pressure of the bear pushing her into the chair easy off.  She heard Annabel say something and suddenly she was jolted off the bear as the bear went tumbling through the air.  Sam landed in the seat of the chair in plain sight, right behind Annabel.  Sam froze as at any moment she could turn around and could easily spot her…

Jasmine watched in fear as Annabel poked the bear in the chest really hard.

“Thanks to you, Jazzy won’t play with me.  You better watch yourself Mr. Fluffy.  Stealing my friends is a no no.  I’m watching you,” She said as she narrowed her eyes at the bear.  She then knocked the bear out of the chair and laughed.

“Annabel!  Stop, that’s not funny.”  Jasmine said hurrying over to the bear to see if Sam was ok.

“What,” Annabel asked innocently.  “It was just a joke.”

“So?  It was a gift.  I don’t want you breaking it.”  Jasmine quickly looked to see where Sam was.

“Sorry, gosh, I didn’t think you cared that much.”

“Just go away,” Jasmine said as she picked up the bear and started to look for Sam on the bear.

“Fine,” Annabel said angrily and stormed away.  When she was gone Jasmine looked for Sam more closely on the bear only to find that she wasn’t on the bear at all. 

“Sam?  Sam where are you,” Jasmine called out.

“Over here,” Sam said.

Jasmine looked up and saw Sam in the chair.  She let out a sigh of relief, “Thank goodness I thought you were lost.  I’m sorry about her; she sometimes demands all the attention.  I think it’s because everyone looks up to her sister and barely notices her.  I just hope she isn’t too mad at me.”

Sam paused to look at Jasmine as she put the bear back in the chair and helped her back up the bear.  Jasmine was very smart for a girl her age.  Not only that, she’s also very kind hearted to still think about her friend after what she did.  Sam realized that maybe Nick was right, Jasmine could be trusted. 

With Annabel gone, Jasmine and Sam continued their tea party for a little while longer.  They finished right before lunch.  Jasmine returned Sam back to her room, where Sam checked on Nick.  He was doing much better and looked to be recovering very quickly.  Both Isaac and Ruth were fine.  Sam tried to talk with them but they seemed a little unsure about her, as if she were a traitor or something…

Annabel stormed inside Jasmine’s house after being told to leave.  She couldn’t believe how Jasmine acted.  She was just playing a joke.  She didn’t have to be a stuck up snob about it.  Annabel was almost out of the house when she paused.  Maybe she was out of hand.  Annabel was debating whether to turn around and apologies to Jasmine or to go home and find something to do when she came to a conclusion.  She was out of hand.  Swallowing her pride she went to go fix their friendship.  Annabel went to the sliding door was about to open it when she noticed Jasmine putting the bear back in place with her back to the door.  Jasmine moved slightly and Annabel saw her… a buggy!  Stunned Annabel didn’t think and hid her self behind the counter top and peered over.  No Way! She has a buggy!  Little Mrs. Goodie Two Shoes has a buggy and is having tea with it!  Annabel thought as she continued to watch Jasmine and the buggy have tea.  Wait… she said she had two buggies.  Annabel grinned as she came up with a plan for the both of them to enjoy themselves… but not today.  Since Jasmine didn’t seem to be intending to eat the buggy or squish it, Annabel had time to put her plan in motion. 

Getting up but staying hidden she headed to the front door to leave.  She couldn’t wait to put her plan into action.  Then she and Jasmine would be able to have tons and tons of fun with her little friends…