Chapter 2: Settling In

Later in the afternoon, Kenny walks around looking for a little peaceful, private and quiet place to place to play his guitar. He strums his guitar for a couple of minutes and looks up at the sky. He's thinking about his mom and continues to play the guitar with tears in his eyes. Then, he heard a sound coming from the bushes, hides his guitar and wipes his eyes. When it came closer, he found out it was RJ and Heather coming to check on him.

"Hey, guys." said Kenny.

"What are you doing here?" asked RJ.

"Just hanging here."

Heather stared in his eyes and said, "You okay? You look like you've been crying."

Kenny scoffs and said, "I have not."

Heather and RJ gave him a little glare and then, Kenny sighs heavily and said, "Okay. I admit it. I have been feeling a little sad lately."

RJ puts his hand on his shoulder and said, "What's wrong?"

Kenny exhales sharply and said, "My parents passed away 5 years ago and it's been really hard for me to get over this. I've been sent to live with my parent's brother and sister, and I've always felt like no one really cares about me. So, every time I run away from home, I felt as if I got nowhere else to go. I've been in depression mode since I became a pre-teen. So, all I needed was someone who cares about me, hang out with, talk to and stuff like that."

"That's rough. You've been in a situation that you can't get out of and all you wanted was someone who cares." said Heather.

"Yeah, I guess. I really wanted a big happy family. I've been dreaming about it for 5 years." said Kenny.

"I understand how hard it must be to get over the loss of someone who cares about you all the time. I felt the same way when I first came here. But, as soon as I got to know them better and put aside my selfish behavior, they're like the family I never had. So, I ended up living with them and I finally got a chance to keep up with what I missed." explained RJ.

"I bet that feels awesome." said Kenny.

"After a while, it really felt like a diverse family that everyone has. That experience taught me that I should cherish every moment to spend time with them." said RJ.

"Anyway, we just came in to see if you're okay." said Heather.

"I've been holding up okay, I guess." Kenny said.

"We found a place for you to sleep on the log. That way, you shouldn't sleep alone." said RJ.

Kenny chuckles and said, "Thanks, guys. That's really nice of you."

"Hey, that's what family's for." said Heather.

Kenny got up and decides to hug RJ and Heather. They both joined in on the hug and Kenny thought about that this would be the family he might be dreaming about. A few hours later, Kenny got in the log with the rest of the animals. Bucky, Quillow and Spike were already getting used to Kenny.

"So, where did you come from?" asked Spike.

Kenny looked at them and said, "I lived on a campground for 10 years, almost. Since my parents died, I've still lived there. Only, my guardians were not really that smitten with me. I always feel so invisible and lonesome."

"I bet that was really hard for you." said Quillow.

"It has. It took time for me to try to get used to it, but it's just not that easy. I hardly talk and get along with everyone. They're just not used to me because I don't talk much and I like to be by myself and such." said Kenny.

"After a while, why didn't you run away 5 years ago?" asked Stella.

"If I did, then they would beat me up so bad and I'll be physically scarred." said Kenny.

"Well, you ain't gotta worry. Just say the word, tell me where they live and I'll give them a dose of the stink flu." said Stella.

Kenny chuckled nervously and said, "Let's be easy, okay? I like that plan, but let's not get too menacing."

"Okay. Can't stand nobody trying to do anyone like you wrong." She said.

Kenny sighs and said, "I think I'm getting a little tired. Maybe some rest will help my calm my troubled mind."

Verne said, "That's what you need. Sleep would do you good. Help you get rid of those painful memories you had."

"How did you know about--?" asked Kenny.

"RJ told me. If you need a big family, this is the place for you, if you want to live here." said Verne.

"I think I'm gonna sleep on it, okay?" asked Kenny.

"Then, you'll let us know?" asked Verne.

"Yeah."

"All right, everyone. Let's go to sleep." said Verne.

The animals all turned in for the night and said 'good night' to each other.

"Good night, Penny."

"Good night, Verne." said Penny.

Good night, Lou."

"Good night there, Verne." said Lou.

"Good night, Ozzie."

"Good night, Verne." said Ozzie.

"Good night, Heather."

"'Night, Verne." said Heather.

"Good night, RJ."

"Good night, V." said RJ.

"Good night, Stella."

"'Night, Verne." said Stella.

"Good night, Hammy."

"Good night, Verne!" exclaimed Hammy.

"Good night, Bucky, Quillow, Spike."

"Good night, Uncle Verne" the kids said.

"Good night, Kenny."

Kenny woke up, smiled to himself and said, "Good night, Verne."