Chapter 4 Family Reunion

Ever since RJ had brought up the subject, Ozzie had been thinking of nothing, but his wife. RJ noticed his silence and his thoughtful expression, and decided to do something.

RJ: You know what, Oz, I bet that a good heist will get your mind off of whatever you're thinking of. *Murmurs to self* Even though I already know.

Ozzie: I don't feel like it.

RJ: Oh come on, Ozzie. We have to do something to get your mind off of your wife. It's in the past. Look now, it's the future. Do what I do when I need to get my dark past off me.

Ozzie: Well, I guess I could go for some fresh air.

RJ: That's the spirit. Now let's-

Ozzie: Wait a minute. I can't get fresh air. We're already outside.

RJ: Oh, you just need to feel the air rushing through your lungs.

Ozzie: I guess.

RJ gathered everyone up.

RJ: Okay, I heard that there's a birthday at the Newman house. Goal: cake, pizza, snacks, fizzy drinks, and grab a few presents.

Hammy: Ooh, ooh! Can we get the piñata?!

RJ: Of course Hammy. Okay, new goal set: cake, pizza, snacks, fizzy drinks, presents, and piñata!

Hammy clapped happily.

RJ: Okay, Verne, you help Hammy with the piñata. Stella, you're going with me to grab snacks. Ozzie, Heather, you're getting presents. Pick the ones that look nicest. Penny, Lou, kids, cake and pizza. Any questions?

Verne: What about the fizzy drinks?

RJ: I think we'll need to take a second trip. We don't want to rush with those. They might get shaken up. Alright, let's boogie!

The team rushed out through the hedge and charged over down the street. They hid behind a tree and watched as everyone gathered around about to play games.

Mom: Okay, we're going to play water balloon toss on the other side of the house so we don't get the presents wet.

Stella: Well, isn't that convenient?

The animals rushed to their posts. Then, they heard a truck pull up and the mother headed out to where they were. They all dropped everything and hid.

Mom: Oh, the kids will be so excited. How did you ever train her?

Man: Oh, everyone asks that. We didn't train her actually, she was just that way when we found her, but we did teach her to do certain tricks.

Heather: Who's she?

RJ: Probably some show dog. Part of the entertainment that humans do at these parties.

The man set a cage on the table and followed the woman to the other side of the house.

RJ: Okay, the coast is clear.

Everyone grabbed their stuff and started their way. Then, they came back and grabbed the drinks.

Heather: Dad, is there anything I can carry?

Ozzie: No, Honey, we've got it.

Heather followed the others, but then turned around in curiosity to see what was in the cage.

It was quite big and there was a red, velvet blanket over it. She lifted it up. Inside there was a possum. A female possum much taller and older than Heather herself and was grooming herself with a tiny doll's brush. There was a mirror and small stool inside.

Heather sneezed. The possum stopped and turned around.

Possum: Excuse me, but do you have a pass?

Heather: A pass? What do I need a pass for?

Possum: Well, this is my dressing room. I can't have any interruptions, I'm going to perform soon. I'll be signing autographs later.

Heather: Oh, well okay.

Heather put the cloth back down and turned around to leave again.

The possum began to sing some warm-ups.

Where have I heard that voice before. I've heard that singing before. Heather thought.

Then she got an idea. A quite strange idea and she was very doubtful, but thought it didn't hurt to ask.

She went back and lifted the cloth and peaked in.

The possum saw her in the mirror and immediately stopped singing.

Possum: You again? I told you I can't have any visitors.

She got up and walked closer to Heather with an angry expression and her hands on her hips.

Heather: Would you by any chance have known someone by the name of Ozzie?

Possum: Ozzie who?

Heather: Well, Oswald. Were you ever married to someone by the name of Oswald or Ozzie?

The possum put her hands down.

Possum: Why yes, as a matter of fact, I did. Come, sit.

The possum went over to the cage door and opened it. Heather slowly walked inside and took a seet on another stool in the corner.

Meanwhile, RJ and the others were throwing things in the log.

RJ: Hey, Oz, have you seen Heather anywhere?

Ozzie: Well, of course she's right-

Ozzie turned his head and Heather wasn't there.

He panicked.

Ozzie: Oh-no! She could've gotten hit by an SUV, or hurt by a human or- or-

RJ: Calm down, Ozzie. That girl of yours is very smart and fast. I'm sure she's fine. C'mon we'll go out and look for her.

They rushed back.

Verne: Oh, don't tell me we're taking that long walk back to the whatstherenames'. I don't think my heavy shell will let me.

RJ: Oh, come on! Every time you don't come, you almost miss out on something good.

Verne: Then so be it.

RJ: Okay. Whatever, Verne. It's your loss.

Everyone left the hedge. Verne looked around and noticed there was no one there but him and then thought about how he was being the party pooper.

Knowing that Verne would change his mind, RJ stood outside the hedge waiting.

Verne: Wait, RJ! I'm coming too!

Not noticing they were all right there, Verne ran off down the street thinking they were already there.

RJ: There. Now we won't have to stop for him to catch up.

RJ and the others ran after Verne and caught up to him quickly.

In the cage there were many tears and crying.

Possum: Oh, my darling, Heather!

The possum held Heather tightly.

Possum: No wonder why I didn't recognize you! You're all grown up.

Heather: Well not quite- Mom.

Heather felt her mother's tears drip down her coat.

Outside, RJ listened.

RJ: Here that? It sounds like it's coming from the cage.

Ozzie: Oh-no! They've gotten Heather in the cage too. I knew it was another one of those sniffer people! *Faints*

RJ: Get up, Oz. We're right here. We can get her out in a jiffy.

Stella and Lou helped Ozzie to his feet. They all jumped up on the table.

RJ: Okay, on the count of three. Heather, brace yourself!

Heather looked up still being squeezed by her mom.

Heather: RJ?

RJ: One-

Heater: Wait!!

RJ: Two-

Heather: Wait, guys! Stop! Everything's okay!

RJ: Hold the phone, people! What was that Heather?

Hammy: THREE!!!!!

Hammy then charged and threw all his weight against the cage.

There was some screaming from the cage as it hit the ground.

Everyone jumped down to where the cage was. Ozzie rushed over and pulled Heather out.

Ozzie: Heather, you could've gotten killed. Tell me next time when you're going to go back.

Heather: Dad, I'm fine! Now you won't believe this, but you'll never guess who I found.

Ozzie: Oh, don't try to change the subject, young lady. I'm serious.

Juliet climbed out of the cage rubbing her head.

Ozzie: I was worried! This is a dangerous place to be in alone!

Heather: Dad, dad, dad! Just look!

Heather turned her dad's head to Juliet.

His eyes widened.

Ozzie: Juliet? Is that really you?

Juliet: Ozzie!

Juliet rushed over to her old husband and gave him a big squeeze. They both started crying. The rest were quite astonished at the sight. Ozzie and Juliet both wept in joy and sadness. Their family was all reunited at last.