"You're going to what?"
"I'm going to teach you how to drive!"
This had been the last thing I had expected to hear. It's been a day since McCabe and I visited the town and had all that crazy stuff happen with Jack and Skye, then Judy and Gideon, and lastly McCabe's little breakdown. I never would have thought McCabe to be someone that got bullied. I guess his past is still mostly a mystery to me. He doesn't talk much about it, only small bits every now and then. He just doesn't like talking about it, and I get that. I'm pretty positive that most of these mammals in this house don't know about how my father treated my mom and I. Tim and Deb are probably the only ones, and I intend to keep it that way. I don't like others knowing so much about my past, because you just never know who you can actually trust with that kind of information.
When we got home last night, it was pretty much boring for the rest of the time until I went to sleep. We had dinner and they asked what we did. McCabe said he met up with some friends, them being Jack and Skye. I still want to know what that rabbit said to make McCabe so flustered. I guess I'll have to ask him another time. I just told them I wandered around the place and nothing really cool happened. I didn't want to tell them about Judy because that just would've sparked up a whole other conversation that I wouldn't have been willing to have. I'm still getting used to the whole 'eating at a table with everyone' thing. Usually it was fend for myself, or warm up something mom made before she left for work; which was very rare when it happened. The only thing I can say that I like about that, is that Debs cooking is fantastic. I can't get enough of her meals; they're just so delicious.
After dinner it was pretty dark, so I decided to do something I hadn't done since I first got here. I walked into the back yard, found the giant patch of grass, and laid down in the grass gazing into the beautiful night sky. You rarely get to see the sky like that in the city due to all the smog, but here you could see it every night. Everything about it just seemed to bring me peace and made me relaxed. When I finally got up to go inside and get some sleep, I told myself I'd have to do that more often.
I spent most of the next morning in bed not wanting to get up at all. It had been a little past midnight when I came in, so it was late when I actually fell asleep. They had to send up Robin to tell me to get out of bed. I wouldn't have listened if he hadn't threatened to get McCabe to come wake me up. I'd already had a few rude awakenings from him, and I didn't feel like getting thrown out of bed today. After I dragged myself out of bed and took a shower, I went to the kitchen and poured myself a bowl of cereal. At this time it was about 11:30. I was almost done eating when Tim walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. I didn't really acknowledge that he was there, I just continued on with what I was doing: eating and messing with my phone.
I've noticed that they have a very nice house with very nice things, yet I know that Deb is a stay at home mom. So Tim has to be the provider, but I have no idea what he does. I have noticed that he is gone for long periods of time a couple days a week, but I've never heard anything about his job. It's obviously something that pays well or they wouldn't have all this nice stuff. For being here for a couple of weeks, it's occurred to me that I still know nearly nothing about this family which is really unlike me. I tend to try and get to know most animals I meet, but I've tended to mostly distance myself from everyone.
It took me a moment, but eventually I noticed that Tim was staring me down. I noticed very early on that Tim isn't much for small talk, but he's never done this before. It's kind of creeping me out. It was when he saw that he caught my attention that he said the thing I was least expecting.
"I don't have work today, and I know for a fact that you're not doing anything, so I figured I could take you out driving," I looked shocked for a few moments, thinking I might of misheard him.
"You're going to what?" I questioned, trying to make sure exactly what I heard.
"I'm going to teach you how to drive!" he clarified. We stared at each other for a solid thirty seconds as he waited for my response.
"You know my mom would strangle you for even mentioning that," I told him. My mom has a very strict thing with cars, where she wants me nowhere near the steering wheel of one. I don't even know why; it seems like a very irrational restraint she's put on my life.
Tim just shrugged it off, unfazed at all by it. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Anyways, driving is a valuable skill to have, especially in case of an emergency." I guess I can't really argue with him there, since I'd say the same thing. I've definitely used that same line at some point in my life. Besides, I've always wanted to drive, but mom's just been so stingy about it.
Tim held up his car keys and jingled them in temptation. It seems he knows how my mind works, because I'm past the point of temptation and have already made up my mind to learn how to drive. "What are we waiting for, let's get going," I jumped up from my chair, ready to do this.
Next thing I knew I was sat in a small car with my paws on the steering wheel, ready to get driving. Tim was sat next to me giving out directions, but I wasn't paying much attention to that; I was more preoccupied with the excitement I was feeling about how awesome driving is going to be. I know Finnick would be jealous, since he's been saving up for this one van for a very long time, and until he gets it he won't be driving.
"So that's really all the basics you need to know. Think you're ready?" He questioned. I nodded with a wide smile. I don't think I've been thus excited about anything since⦠well, since that awful night. But the memory of that won't put a damper on my mood. I turned the keys and started up the engine. I was about to put the car into drive, when Tim cleared his throat to gain my attention. I looked over at him confused and slightly rolled my eyes when I saw him gesturing to his seat belt. I put it on and put the car into drive, and pushed on the gas pedal as Tim told me to be steady with it. Slowly but surely I got the car going and onto the road. This was definitely more nerve racking when we got onto the main road, but I still kept my cool.
Tim was giving me pointers every now and then, and I decided to actually listen to him this time, feeling I should since both our lives are technically in my paws.
Now since it's just us two, it seems like a perfect time to ask some him some questions that have been on my mind. "Hey Tim, can I ask you a few questions." He looked over and seemed a bit taken back, but quickly recovered.
"Sure, ask away," he insisted.
"What exactly do you do? I don't think you've ever mentioned your job." I inquired of him.
"I guess I never have told you, have I. I'm a physical therapist in town." I looked over at him with a mixture of surprise and amazement. He looked amused from my reaction. "Shocking, huh? Contrary to popular belief, not everyone that lives the country are completely stupid." He laughed. Okay, in all honesty, I can't deny that I figured most mammals here would be pretty stupid.
"What gave you the idea to be a therapist?" I questioned him.
He shrugged, "I guess when I was growing up in, I was around a ton of farmers and they always seemed to be hurting themselves. Back then in the Burrows you just had to tough your way through it. So I had the idea to try and make a better way. After high school I went to The University of Zootopia, got the degrees I needed, came back here and opened up a small business that slowly grew over the years." It seems talking about this makes him happy, because he couldn't stop smiling while he explained this part of his life. "Plus, it's how I fell in love with Debra, but that's a story for another day."
I nodded my head and decided to ask my next question. It's more on the delicate, sensitive side of things and I was debating with myself weather or not I should actually ask it. Ultimately, though, I decided to just do it.
"I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries with this, but can I ask what's up with McCabe?" Tim slowly nodded his head and took a moment to think about it.
"He hasn't had the easiest life," he started, picking out his words carefully. "It's not really my place to say anything, but what I can say is that his parents weren't the most supportive mammals," he explained with pity. A thought crossed my mind of what he meant by that, which makes me have some sympathy for the wolf. That is of course if I'm right about my thoughts.
"So now that you've asked me a few questions, let me ask how you've liked it here so far, being in the burrows?" Tim suddenly questioned. I looked at him, wondering if he had actually asked that.
"Other than being crammed into a house for the past few weeks, being grounded, and passing of everyone in your family, it's been great," I replied sarcastically.
Tim shrugged, "Fair point. Though, I wouldn't say you pissed us all of, just kind of disappointed us. Also, it's your family too," He stated. I replied by scoffing. I couldn't feel less apart of this family than I do now. We hardly ever talk with one another, everyone seems to keep their distance from me, and I swear every time I see Robin and Christy they're just glaring at me. McCabe has been the only one to be friendly towards my. But instead of saying all that I settled with, "Yah, sure," with emphasized sarcasm. He didn't seem to appreciated my answer.
"Come on now, you don't have to be like that. You haven't really been easy to deal with and you've only been here a couple of weeks. You're lucky McCabe is such good friends with Judy, or she probably would have reported you to the cops." That may be true, but I'm still a minor so they couldn't do to much to me. But he is one hundred percent correct with that statement. "It's takes two to make a relationship work, that includes with your significant other, your friends, and your family. You can't expect everyone to treat you how you want if you don't treat them right." I suppose he has a fair point there. I couldn't really think of anything that I could use to defend myself. A feeling of discomfort came over me, so I nodded to try stop the conversation. Unfortunately for me, it seems like he has a few things he wants to get off his chest, because he didn't stop at that.
"I'm not going to sugar coat it any more. You play the victim way to much. I know that you've lived a difficult life, but your not the only one. I know your father is a terrible fox; I had to live with the fact that neither Debra nor myself could do anything about it because your mom wouldn't let us. I know us foxes don't get treated as fairly as others; I've had my fair share of places I've been thrown out of, or refused service because of my species. I know how hard it is to live in poverty; I can assure you I had it a lot harder than you. I lived in a small house with two bedrooms and a bathroom, all of which I shared with my mom, dad, and seven younger siblings. We had to take turns who got dinner, and it was a rarity for either of my parents to have a filling meal," he stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath and calming himself down. "Yet I never acted in a negative way. Sure, it wasn't the easiest and I would become discouraged at times, but my father taught me something that I've kept with me ever since I was a small kit; that your attitude towards life ultimately determines your destiny."
Speechless is the word if use to describe how I feel as I'm left stunned by Tim's rant. He had already given me a stern talk after he found out about me scamming Judy, but it wasn't at all this personal. I started feeling an uncomfortable pressure building up in my chest that I have never felt before.
He seemed to be all the way calmed down when he began speaking again. "That being said, I just think you should know that everyone does care about you. You may not think so, which is fine, but I assure you that everyone would do most anything for you." I feel like that might not be entirely true, but I decided not to argue with him so this conversation would end.
The next few minutes were in silence as we both recovered from what just occurred. To distract myself, I decided to just focus completely on the road. I can't believe that Tim left me speechless like that, it's very rare. I'm usually pretty quick with comebacks, but I just didn't have anything to say to him. It has made me think about my whole attitude while being here, and about my life in general, which I guess hasn't been the best. Maybe he has a point.
We got to a certain point and Tim told me to turn around. Without any talking, the ride back seemed to take a lot longer. I didn't want to say anything in fear of Tim blowing up on me again. On the bright side of things, I was doing amazing at driving. I definitely haven't been perfect, but I've done better than I expected. Of course it's an automatic, so it isn't as difficult as I imagine a manual to be. Still, it's been fun driving. All the other stuff, not so much.
I felt a wave of relief come over me as we pulled back onto the property. I parked in one of the sheds they used as a garage and we got out. I was about to book it out of there, but cringed as Tim stopped me.
"I hope you think about our conversation, Nick. And again I want you to know that I, along with everyone in this family, loves you more than you may think," then without another word he walked back into the house. Holly hell am I glad that that's all over. Unfortunately, though, I know that the one sided conversation will be stuck in my mind weather I like it or not.
I started slowly walking back to the house as I reflected on Tim's words. As I was, I heard someone call my name. I looked up and over at the large barn and saw McCabe leaning up on it next to the door. By the way he was dressed I assume he was working on that car. He had on a knowing smile as if he knew exactly what had gone on in that car.
"I'm guessing that Tim took you out to teach you how to drive, then ended up running on about life," He stated. I looked at him in suspicion and asked how on earth he could have known that. Is this wolf psychic or something. He shook his head and chuckled, "Because he did the same thing with me." I stared wide eyed at him. Was all that a just a set up. Did Tim really just trick me into driving so he could get us alone and talk with me. I felt a slight anger swell up in me as I cursed under my breath.
"I heard that," McCabe teased. I ignored him and continued to aggressively mumble unkind things, which seemed to amuse McCabe even more. "Yah, I felt the same way when I learned Tim did that to me. I was upset for a long while, but eventually got over it and learned that he did it because he cares." Even if that is true, it still doesn't douse my flames of anger. Though, I wonder why McCabe needed to be taken on the trip. There's still a big mystery about McCabe that I wish I knew so I didn't have to be out of the loop. I wouldn't be asking him now, though, because before I was able to get a word off he said he'd see me later, then went back into the barn to work more on his car.
I looked at the time and saw that the drive had only taken up about an hour of my time, making it close to one, and I had no idea what I was going to do for the rest of the day. I decided that meandering around the place would be better than going inside and doing nothing. I feel like I already have a good idea of where a lot of things are in this place. The main house is in the middle of it all; towards the east is the driveway towards the house which was surrounded by small trees and bushes; to the south is the large barn where McCabe is right now- I've only ever been in there once and that was when McCabe invited me in to show off his car. Up at the west end is a decent sized guest house, a place I'd never been in. If I had to guess, it has one bedroom, a bathroom, and maybe a small half kitchen half living room; that's where McCabe has been staying. Finally, at the north side are a few smaller sheds with a little over half a dozen cars of different ages were parked. Tim and his family definitely have a thing for cars.
After walking for awhile, I came to the front of the house where there was a large tree and a yard of grass. Being on my phone under a shady tree outside is probably better than being in that room doing the same thing. So I figured I'd enjoy the outside as I browse through my phone.
I'm actually starting to get real worried about Finnick. It's been almost a week since the last time he texted me. He's been keeping own to not answer his texts, so I didn't think much of it at first. But we always had this agreement to let each other know that we're okay, because the streets can be a dangerous place. I was texting my other friends asking if they had heard anything from him, but none of them knew anything about where he was or has been. They said he just kind of disappeared off the radar. The fear I have for my friend is immense, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. That's why I've been on my phone so much lately. I'm already on it a lot, but recently I haven't gone two minutes without checking my phone hoping that he'd text me back.
When my screen flashed with an alert, my heart nearly stopped. I quickly opened up my text messages and was hit with a wave of relief when I saw its from Finnick. I released a deep breath and read what he had to say.
'Seems someone's missed me," he texted me. I could only imagine the smug little smirk he had right now. A smirk I would be willing to smack off his fennec face
'Where the hell have you been,' if we were face to face, I'd be yelling at him
'Been working on a sort of investment,' he explained very discreetly. Now I'm even more interested in what he's been doing.
'What kind of investment?' I interrogated. it took him awhile before he responded. When he finally did respond, it was a picture that left me speechless. In his hand is a giant wad of cash full of hundred dollar bills. A thousand questions ran through my head as I tried to figure out how in hell he'd be able to get that much cash.
'Where did you get all that money?'
'Like I said, I made investments with a few mammals.' I want to reach into my through his and strangle him. You had to take a deep breath to compose myself.
'Seriously, how'd you get the cash?'
'Fine. But if you tell anyone I might have to kill you,' I rolled my eyes at his dramatic threat, then continued to read . You know the big time mobster from Tundra Town, Mr. Big? Well, I work in his organization now.' I honestly don't even know how to respond to this. Shocked is the easiest way to explain what I was feeling right now. I thought Tim telling me he was going to teach me how to drive would be the craziest thing I would hear today. Finnick proved me wrong.
'How?' was the only thing I could come up with to ask him.
'I can't go into to much detail, so I'll just tell you that I met up with this guy who works for Big and long story short he gave me a job. I'm basically the lowest of the low, but as you can see it still pays very well.' I was at a loss for words. I leave for a couple weeks and Finnick goes off and joins the Mafia. There are a lot of things that I'd like to tell him, like how stupid he is being, but I know there no way out of this for him. All I could tell him was to be careful.
'Don't worry little Nicky, I'll be just fine,' I really hate that name, and he knows that. I didn't say anything though, I just left the conversation at that.
I don't really know how to feel. Should I feel jealous that he's making all this money and I'm stuck here not being able to do anything. Should I feel angry that he went against our promise that we wouldn't do anything without each other. Or should I feel scared that my friend is part of a very dangerous gang and is very expendable to them. I settled with feeling a bit of all of them, and more. I just hope he doesn't get himself killed.
I looked up when I heard the door to the large barn open and close. I saw McCabe walking towards the house with a large grin on his face. Seems he was happy about something. He looked over and our eyes met and immediately a look of concern came over him. He walked over and asked if everything was okay. I gave a half-hearted shrug. "Not really, and I can't really talk about it either."
He gave me a weird look, but, luckily for me, decided not to pry. "Alright then. Anything I can do to help?" He asked me. I thought about it for a second, then just shook my head no. I told him I just wanted to be alone right now to think this over. McCabe nodded and said he'd be around if I needed him. Before he did leave though, he turned back around and said one more thing. "You know, it's not always good to be alone. We are here to help you." With that, he left. He probably has a point, but this is something that can't really be discussed.
I groaned and held my head in my paws as it pounded. I have so many things on my mind, and trying to think about all of it at once has just given me a major head ache. With Tim, Finnick, McCabe, and everything that has gone on, my mind can't handle it all. I need to just clear my mind from all of this and relax, but I don't think I actually can. I feel like I want to blow my brains out. I don't know how much more I can actually take.
I felt the buzz of my phone go off, telling me I was getting a text. I looked at my phone and read what was on the screen, then read it again, and again. It was from my mom. 'Your father was released out of prison today.'
Well, make that three things I didn't expect would happen today.
A lot of interesting things happening to Nick, most not so good, unfortunately for him. Hopefully things will start to change for the better. I can say that maybe things will get better, maybe they won't. You'll have to come back in the next chapter and see.
Thanks to everyone for reading. Please leave a review, they always help.
Peace Out
