Chapter 5

Nick

The door swung open after a few knocks. I knew there was only one mammal beside me that had a key to my apartment.

Finnick always knocked before getting in as if to announce himself.

"So, did the hot bunny fuzz find ya, Nick?" He said not realizing I was at the table with company.

He then saw us. I knew instantly what he would think. Judy was only wearing one piece of clothing and it was clear that she had spend the night and not on the couch since I had taken the blankets.

"Ohhh, I see things went well." Somehow his voice was even lower. He had a smirk on his face and was wiggling his eyebrows. "I leave you alone."

Before either me or Judy could explain anything, he was out the door leaving us both in awkwardness.

Later, we got to the train station. I expressed my doubts about being there but Judy said their parents wanted to meet me. That didn't make me feel less nervous.

When they arrived they hurried to hug their daughter and bombarded her with questions about her leg and overall health. After Judy reassured them several times that she was fine, she beckoned to me and I walked towards them.

"I want you to meet my friend Nick." They all looked at me. "Nick, these are my mom and dad. Bonnie and Stu Hopps."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Nick." Stu said smiling and offering me his paw, I shook it.

"Yes, Judy told us everything about you." Bonnie said also shaking my hand and smiling at me.

"The pleasure is all mine." I said to both of them and then we headed out.

The married couple had brought a lot of things with them. Stu was carrying a suitcase that I assumed was Judy's, a backpack and a small carton box. Bonnie had another backpack and a briefcase. I quickly offered Bonnie to carry her things for her and she thankfully agreed. She told me everything were things Judy had asked them to bring.

We reached the truck and loaded the things in the trunk.

Stu told Judy she was going to need his help to get all of her things to her apartment but then I volunteered to help her with that. Stu really appreciated the gesture and I even heard Bonnie whispered to Judy 'What a gentlemammal'.

We got in the truck. Stu and I insisted that the girls took the front and he and I rode at the back with the luggage. Bonnie drove to Judy's apartment and on the way I could hear them whispering and giggling a lot. Meanwhile I was able to talk to Stu. He mentioned he had only visited the city on business on a few occasions but had never had the time to take a proper vacation. I told him I had grew up here and that I could show them around anytime he wanted. He smiled at me and at that moment the truck stopped at Judy's street.

I assured the worried parents that they could go and I was going to take care of putting Judy safe in her place along with her belongings.

"Thank you for everything you have done for Judy, Nick." Bonnie said with what I can only describe a motherly tone.

"You should bring Nick next time you visit, Jude." Stu said to her daughter.

"Of course, you have a home at BunnyBurrow, Nick." Bonnie added. "Oh, before I forget," she gave me the small box Stu was carrying earlier. "Judy told us you liked blueberries, so we thought we would bring you this as a thank you."

I opened the box and the smell of blueberry pie filled my nostrils. My mouth was instantly watering.

"Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Hopps." I really didn't know what else to say. "You shouldn't have."

"Please calls us Bonnie and Stu."

They hugged their daughter and then, to my surprise, they hugged me and left.

I helped Judy to carry all of her things up to her apartment. All the time we spent it in silence. I couldn't stop thinking at how well her parents had made me feel. Judy had confessed that they used to be closed minded, so I was expecting them just to be polite enough with me. It was a really pleasant surprise.

"Wow, Carrots. Your place is smaller than what I imagined." I said to her once I stepped inside the tiny room. "Aren't you gonna give me a tour?"

"Har, har."

She then asked me to sit on her bed and showed me a bunch of books and notebooks.

"These books really helped me to get good grades at the ZPA." She said. "Don't worry, you don't have to read them entirely. I have marked the important chapters on each one and also, these are the notes I took while I was at the academy." She pointed to three notebooks.

We agreed we would spend the whole week studying during the mornings, that way I would get used to getting up early.

"How much do you know the city, Carrots?" She was a little confused by my question.

"Not much, really," she said. "I don't have any friends at work and outside work there's only Fru Fru but you know she is kind of busy with her new husband and baby."

"Well, let me make you a deal." I said to her hoping she would agree. "What if after we spend the morning studying, I take you out to know the city. I know all the places, even non-touristy ones that I think you would love to see."

"Oh, Nick. That would be great!" She almost squeaked.