Jar3d-o3- Don't worry, I have a plan! ;)
Dashie-Potter- Of course! And thanks!
crazzzed- Thanks, and I can't wait either!
Vivanai- Thanks, glad you're liking it! :)
Lemon Moons- Me! (And thank you)
shannoncheang- I use a laptop! And thank you.
PointyHairedJedi- Very true, it is!
Zootopians- Me too!
JG Girl- Ikr
- Life always get better. Remember that quote about the tunnel, and some light? ;)
CipherFiveZero- All good predictions!
Crazyanimaltlou- Thank you!
syhsnakey- Aren't we all shocked. He's been through way too much...
Showwiie-23- It is sad, isn't it? But sometimes, people go through the hardest sections in life right before the reach the best!
hrg2damax- Haha, glad you're liking it! :)
The feedback from you guys was AWESOME last chapter, so thanks a lot! Support really keeps me going!
Anyways, not much left to say. Enjoy Chapter four!
One Night Later- Nick POV
Not much has changed since last night, including my mental state. I still remain shaken and afraid, never wanting to attend middle school again as long as I live.
Luckily, none of the students have my phone number, or else I would be getting loads upon loads of jeering texts, laughing about how much of a "snitch" I am.
Tomorrow, I'll just try my best not to communicate with a soul. I'll keep to myself, and stay out of everyone's way.
Yeah, that's gotta work.
Has it worked the previous hundred times?
I sigh, and finish my drink, walking past my mother as she watches television in the den. She seems awfully unsettled, which never is a good sign. After last night, she's been acting differently. Perhaps it's because she knows that my school-misery has yet to depart from me in my transition to middle school, or more likely the phone call last night.
"Nick?" my mom asks, hearing my presence behind her.
"Yeah?"
She turns in her chair, looking at me with an indifferent face.
"I packed your lunch for you. It's over there on the counter for tomorrow" she gestures back at the kitchen.
"Thanks" I mutter, feeling grateful, but at the same time unable to express any emotion.
I'm just simply too drained on the inside.
"You going to bed already?" she asks, watching me stride up the stairs, "It's only eight thirty".
I glance at her slowly, and nod, feeling legitimately tired from my day of doing...absolutely nothing. Well, aside from feeling sorry for myself.
"Well, don't let me stop you. Goodnight!" she tells me, trying to sound like she's above our current state of life.
"Goodnight".
I reluctantly walk to my room, unable to think too much about tomorrow, much to my luck. I perhaps got three hours of sleep last night, but that's all. Three hours is not nearly enough to suffice, and my mind right now is a direct result.
I immediately fall onto my soft bed, and close my eyes, hoping to never wake up tomorrow. Maybe I could pass away in my sleep or something, and never have to face the infinitely tall hurdle that lies just ahead.
I just want to fly away from this place. I want to go somewhere where I'm wanted.
I need a miracle.
Judy POV
I open the door to our new apartment, shocked by the small interior, and roll my bag inside, preparing myself for a second trip down to the moving truck.
We're just moving in our essentials tonight, and my dad hired a moving company to bring in the rest tomorrow while I'm attending my first day at Zootopia Middle. My parents have to go pick out a casket for my fallen brother while I'm there, which I'm sure won't be the easiest of times for them.
The room echoes to the sound of my rolling bag, and the marble floor feels cold and neglected.
"It's not much, but...this is our new home!" my dad says in attempt to sound happy, flipping on the light switches.
I explore the small apartment, dropping my stuff off in my room for the first time, observing it with curiosity.
Being completely honest, my room is pretty nice-looking. It's actually pretty spacious for such a small home.
I sigh, and lower my stuff on my floor in one of the corners, and my dad then proceeds to help me drag my mattress into my room.
"Just make this do for tonight. You need to get to bed" he tells me calmly, "It's already ten o' clock".
"Alright, dad, I'll be okay" I promise him, adjusting my bed sheets onto the mattress with a focused look.
He begins to leave my room, but then stops in the doorway, staring back at me, looking emotionally unstable.
"Listen, Jude the dude..." he starts, leaning against the doorway, "I know this is really...hard for you. Any day that you feel overwhelmed, you can take the day off of school...if you want to. I think you'll be fine though!" he tells me supportively.
"Thanks, dad. I'll see you tomorrow!" I tell him with fake cheerfulness that he obviously doesn't notice.
He nods with a grin, and slowly closes the door, and I sit in silence, my mind rushing with thoughts.
My heart beats fast, knowing that only hours remain until my first day at a new school with new kids, new classes, new teachers, new rules, new trends, not to mention my whole new life.
Our new carrot store will not be opening until Saturday, as my parents have a lot of work to do. Bryce's death truly came at the worst time, and my mother still hasn't forgiven the driver. Although he felt awful...no, more than awful. He felt like he should also die as well, as my brother's blood was in his hand. My mother still refuses to believe that it was an accident. I think it's probably just one of the many stages of denial that she's experiencing with the loss of a child.
I finally get my blankets and sheets aligned correctly, and gaze down at it with a look of triumph.
I turn open my blinds and turn out the lights, allowing the lights of the stars to fill my room with hope. I find the sky and space itself quite magical in it's appearance and nature. When I stare at the sky, it reminds me that this universe is just ridiculously big, and that there's so much out there. The number of stars in the sky reminds me of all the possibilities in life, and that they are all visible and all obtainable.
Even with tragedy, I will make my dream a reality. I'm going to become a police officer, and I'm going to stand up for what's right. That's just who I am, and I can feel it in my heart.
I can make it through this.
Even though life is brutal sometimes, I'll always find a way to keep going.
That's just who I am.
Nick POV
I awake with a start, and keep my eyes shut.
I hope and pray that the clock will show a time far-off from seven o'clock, but I guess today isn't my day; well, just like every other day.
6:57 AM, my clock reads.
I groan and fall back into the comfort of my blankets, not wanting to abandon my current state of bliss. Stress, however, has lingered in my mind through every second of the night, making me feel as though I'm not fully rested.
I stumble out of my bed to get dressed for school, and get a three minute head start.
Might as well.
I feel indifferent about what the day holds for me; bullying, homework, and hopefully a few moments of peace. I've gotten used to misery, although it is in no way my friend.
I get dressed quickly, and grab my bag as my mom knocks on the door to wake me up.
"Nick! It's time for school!" she calls through the door, and I thank my lucky stars that she didn't come in; well, if I have any. She still has not seen the holes in my wall from earlier, but it's only a matter of time before she does. I wish I could say she would understand, but my mind has trained itself through time that expecting the worst is always the best way to think and perceive. That way, I'm never disappointed.
After my usual morning routine, I notice that my leg isn't hurting quite as bad. My face is no longer covered in bandages, as they healed pretty quickly. My arm wound, however, is still pretty bad. I have a wrap on it, hoping that will be enough to show the bullies that they've inflicted enough pain on me as is.
I know, though, that they will always remain bloodthirsty, no matter how much harm is already done. I'm a target, and always will be.
"Listen to me, Nick. The second someone starts messing with you, I want you to march straight to the principal's office and call me. I'll come get you, and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Trust me" she tells me sincerely, holding my shoulders and staring into my eyes.
"Okay, mom" I tell her, knowing I would never do that.
Running away to the principal? They would see how weak I really am...
I hug my mother tight one last time, holding myself together the best I can, and I open the door to the outside. The early-autumn air feels warm, although my body itself feels cold and misplaced.
You shouldn't be trying this again, Nick.
I watch in silent horror as the school bus pulls up in front of my home, nearly shaking now. My heart is pounding, sounding to my brain like the pounding of punches against my vulnerable flesh.
I take a deep breath, and take the first step towards the looming bus.
Please, no one talk to me!
I walk up the stairs of the bus, bracing myself for the oncoming barrage of hurtful words.
I walk quickly down the aisle, the bus driver not saying a word to me, and notice the glares aimed in my direction.
No words are spoken, though.
I make it to the back of the bus without a single soul insulting or degrading me, and sit down in exasperation. As the bus begins moving, I notice children whispering and staring in my direction, but, well, no one has threatened to beat me up or anything...yet.
I immediately unlock my phone to distract myself, and ignore the world around me.
Judy POV
My pulse is quickening with each millisecond that passes, and my throat is dry.
Don't be nervous, Judy! They're all going to like you! This is all going to go just fine!
I pace back and forth beside my front door, as my parents finish up their breakfast.
"Stop worrying so much, Judy" my mom tells me, stuffing her bowl in the dishwasher.
Oh, like it's that simple.
I sigh in attempt to gather myself once again, and I hear the approaching rumble of the bus engine, and the screeching sound of the brakes.
My stomach sinks, and I hold back my panic.
"Alright Juds, that's your ride!" my dad tells me, still seeming very down.
My dad rises from the table, and hugs me tight, along with my mother.
"Be brave, Judy" my mom says gently.
"I will be" I respond as they let go, and I open the door to the outside.
"See you after school" my dad says, waving goodbye.
"See you too! Bye!" I squeak in overwhelming dread that I dare not show.
"Bye!"
I close the door behind me and my breathing increases in tempo.
This can't be happening.
I force my jittery legs to move in a rhythmic walking motion, neglecting the fear written all across me.
"I can do this!" I whisper, forcing a smile as the bus doors open.
I march up the stairs, and the bus driver nods at me with a smile, which I return.
He seems like a nice guy!
I am overwhelmed by the sounds of loud chatter and vocal strife as I look around. My eyes attempt to see the children as nice, civilized individuals, but in reality, they all look like they want me dead.
I scan the seats on the bus, but come to a horrible realization:
Literally all of the seats are taken; well, all except the back row. And in the back row sits a...
No.
A young fox sits at the back of the bus, looking as sneaky as anything I've ever seen.
Judy, don't generalize him! For all you know, he could be tolerable!
I giggle nervously at all the looks I'm getting from the other kids as I walk to the back of the bus, looking as though they are wondering what I am about to do.
They look at me incredulously as I approach the fox nonchalantly, remembering what my grandfather told me:
"Never judge a book by it's cover".
It's a classic quote, but it's worked well for me in life so far.
I sit down right beside the fox, and he looks up at me with wide, confused, green eyes.
Well, I can't just sit here awkwardly...
"Hello!" I say cheerfully, putting my seatbelt on.
The entire bus is now staring at me, presumably for sitting beside a fox.
I mean, what did they want me to do? This is the only available spot!
"Uhm...hi?" he mutters.
"I'm new here! My name's Judy!" I tell him with a smile, and he simply narrows his eyes at me.
"Nice try, but I've heard that one before" he mutters.
I gaze at him in confusion, and then speak again.
"What do you mean? I mean, of course you've heard a greeting before" I speak.
He shakes his head softly.
"Look here, bunny, if you're trying to mess with me it isn't working" he tells me bluntly, and turns the other direction.
I notice various kids laughing at my pathetic attempt at making a friend, and I stare down at the floor.
"Well...sorry for bothering you" I mutter.
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out" he mutters in a cold tone, and I glance at him in confusion.
"What is she doing?" I hear the whispers echo around the bus, and a young cougar cub walks up to me as I sit, dazed.
"You can sit with us! He's not exactly the friend type" she tells me, obviously very condescending about the fox beside me.
I look at him and back at her before I speak.
I can't quite but my finger on it, but something is telling me that I shouldn't move. Something tells me to just stay where I am, and that this will all work itself out.
"No thanks" I tell her with a smile, "I'm fine right here".
She glares at me with a judgmental look, and puts her hands on her hips.
"Look, I know you're new and all so you aren't exactly...informed, but Nick is honestly a freak. Right Kylie?" she asks her friend behind her, and she nods.
"I said that I'm fine right here. I don't think it's nice to criticize someone I don't even know" I tell them, speaking of the fox.
They stare at me, speechless, and then turn and stomp away.
I sigh, and then begin searching through my backpack to make sure I have all my materials.
As I sit up again, the fox is staring at me now with a bewildered expression.
"Wait...you actually aren't faking all this?" he asks with wonder.
Is this kid in the right mind?
"Of course not!" I reply, "I told you, I just moved here. It's my first day today. And what do you mean "fake?".
His face is hard to read, but I can sense his nervousness by his tone of voice.
"Um...my name's Nick. Nick Wilde" he says, "And sorry about that...you know, before. No one ever actually talks to me" he explains.
"Why?" I ask him.
I mean, he seems like a cool guy.
"Honestly..." he begins, and then whispers the rest in my ear.
"Because I'm a fox".
My expression changes to one of disgust, and I gaze around the bus at the people around us.
"That...that's just stupid!" I tell him, feeling guilty for the unconscious prejudice I felt as I first spotted him, "You...seem like a really nice fox to me, Nick" I finish.
He smiles a bit for the first time since I entered the bus.
"T-thanks" he stutters.
"Oh, and my name's Judy by the way!"
Nick POV
It's easy to say that I've been in complete disbelief sometimes over the course of my life, but nothing exceeds the feelings I'm experiencing now.
Although I manage to hide it, my tail can't stop shaking.
She's actually talking to me! Well, for reasons unknown.
I only believe her words because...well, she seems so much more...real. I've also never seen her around, which makes me trust even more in the situation.
"That's an...awesome name" I tell her, trying my best to stop my smiling.
She looks at me with concern; something I haven't seen from anyone at school in...forever.
"Do you have any friends?" she asks me gently.
I sigh audibly.
"No, and I never have" I admit.
I hear laughing and whispering in front of us, and Judy glances up.
"Psh! Rabbit! He has rabbies!" a child tells her, and her expression is suddenly one that looks quite indignant.
"Excuse me? Have you even given him chance yet?" she asks them loudly, and their eyes widen.
"You can't give a fox a chance. You never know when they'll bite, or whatever they do" the porcupine mumbles back.
"Well, guess what? I'm going to be his first friend. How does that sound?" she asks them, and they roll their eyes.
"Whatever, bunny. You can be an outcast too" he tells her.
"Just stop talking!" she tells the annoyance.
At last, the nuisance doesn't reply, and my heart is beating fast.
"Y-you actually...you..." I begin, unable to take it all in.
This is the best thing that's ever happened to me!
"What? I'm not going to let a bunch of losers do that to you" she informs me, and I gaze at her purple eyes once again in astonishment.
Just wow.
The bus suddenly screeches to a halt, and she and I laugh as the kids from moments earlier fall onto the floor, as they weren't wearing seat-belts.
"Are you in Ms. Bronson's class?" I ask her after our laughter comes to an end.
I'm talking to someone!
"I actually think I do. Is that your teacher?" she asks, looking at me with interest.
I nod enthusiastically for once as we stand up, ready to depart from the school bus.
Her demeanor is something like bouncy and optimistic, yet she seems so sad at the same time. I can see hurt in her eyes, as it's a familiar sight for me. I can see pain in my mother's eyes just as easily, and I guess you could say I detect it efficiently; something not expected of me. Not many would expect me to be so acquainted with emotions.
I walk down the steps behind her, and immediately find myself at her side again. I'm a bit taller than she is, which is to be expected, as she is a rabbit.
She doesn't seem intimidated by me in any way, looking quite comfortable with my presence, in fact.
"So, I'm guessing you don't like school?" she asks me curiously.
"I hate it" I admit bluntly, adjusting my backpack as we begin our walk to the chaotic doors of the school. Two days ago, I didn't feel like living, but this time I approach the doors in much higher spirits.
"I mean, I'd expect that. If these kids bully you just because you're a fox...they must be a bunch of chumps" she says, glancing around at the kids around us.
"Oh, trust me. They definitely are" I inform her, my insides are melting with a mix of happiness, gratitude, and something else. I'm in absolute disbelief at just the simple idea of having any sort of friend. Judy...she seems like the perfect friend!
I slyly pinch myself, making sure Judy doesn't see, to make sure I'm not dreaming, which I'm sure I'm not by now.
"Well, I'll still try to be nice to them. It can't hurt, right?" she asks unknowingly.
"You can try, but they'll just take advantage of you. And trust me, if you hang out with me..."
This is risky information, but she needs to know.
"No one will want anything to do with you" I tell her.
She shrugs with a small smile, and looks at me.
"Guess we can be the two weirdos, then".
I chuckle softly, still overjoyed.
"You don't seem weird" I say.
"I'm a rabbit and I want to be a police officer. None of that seem odd to you?" she questions me.
"Well..."
I've never heard of a rabbit police officer, so this one is certainly new; but I've also never heard of anyone who wants to be my friend, so I guess anything is possible now.
"That's...actually pretty cool" I speak as we walk through the doors, and into the rabid hallways
The blatant look of shock tells me that she's never seen a school this large, which may be quite frightening to her.
We continue walking to the classroom, and I speak again.
"It's a big school, isn't it?"
She looks at me incredulously, and then back at the crowded hallways, and then back at me again.
"That's a bit of an understatement, don't you think?"
I kind of shrug, and she gazes into my eyes for a second.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she could see the torment suppressed behind the walls in my head. I wouldn't call her a mind-reader if she looked at me, and said: "You look like you are hurting".
"So, we gonna go to class?" she asks me with a little grin.
I regather myself just in time to reply without it seeming unnatural.
"Uhm...yeah, even though I hate math" I say with a deep breath as we approach the classroom door, "But it won't be hard to find a seat. There's only two open, and they're both near me" I say a bit happily, but at the same time very glumly.
"That sounds fine, but I actually like math!" she says, "I even got like a 106 in pre-algebra last year".
Well, I have a confirmed homework partner.
We both walk into the classroom, still conversing, and the students in the room, like all the others, stare at us, petrified.
I point my seat out to her, and she sits down right beside me, not caring about the world around us, or what anyone else thinks. She wants to sit next to me.
"Everyone's staring at us" I whisper to her, feeling a touch of anxiety. Judy, however, looks completely content with the situation, and leans back in her chair.
"Guess I better get used to stares, huh?" she asks me quietly.
"Doesn't that...doesn't that bother you?"
"Well, leaving you alone would bother me a whole lot worse" she says honestly, and I try hard to hold back my pure joy, biting my lip in doing so.
It's funny how quick life can change.
Such a happy chapter, isn't it? Where will the story go from here? For the better, or for worse? There's just no telling! Anyways, I'll update soon. Until then, please leave your thoughts in the reviews, and thanks for reading! Until Chapter Five!