Chapter 9: Off to the Zoo!
A/N: Sorry for the lack of an update. Final semester of school was crazy, 14 weeks worth of course work crammed into 10 weeks. Oh well, final practicum starts on Monday for 7 weeks Hope the length of the chapter makes up for a lack of an update.
"Lets go to the zoo then" Bo replied as they all left the clubhouse.
Kenzi was sitting next to Ava in the back of Tamsin's truck, while Bo rode shotgun and Tamsin drove. Tamsin had had enough of the silence so she turned on the radio.
"Country? Really? Geez, you and Bo really are perfect for each other" Kenzi said as she looked out the window.
"Kenzi, what do you mean Tamsin and Bo are perfect for each other?" Ava asked innocently.
"Yeah Kenz, go on and explain what you mean to Ava" Tamsin said glancing at the Russian in the back.
"What I mean is, they are perfect best friends"
"But I thought you and Bo were best friends?" Ava asked confused.
"Well…uh…you can have more then one best friend"
"Oh ok" Ava said seemingly satisfied with the answer she was given. Kenzi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Bo, how long does it take to get to your mom?" Ava asked.
"Oh honey, it's long, it's like a 5 hour drive" Bo replied.
"How long is 5 hours?"
Bo thought for a moment "Do you watch Sesame Street?"
"Yeah, Big Bird is my favourite"
"Ok, well, 5 hours is like watching 5 Sesame Streets in a row"
"That's long"
"Yea, but you and Tamsin are going to spend tonight with Kenzi and I, then tomorrow morning we're going to leave really early. I think the plan is to just put you and Kenzi into the cars asleep, and then go" Bo explained.
"Ok" Ava replied, not sure what to make of the plan.
"You and I are going to be roommates tonight" Kenzi said smiling at Ava.
"Really?" Ava asked lighting up.
"Yup. Two rules though. 1. No hogging the blankets and 2. Don't take up the whole bed. Do we have a deal?" Kenzi asked holding out her hand.
"Deal" Ava said shaking Kenzi's hand.
"We are so screwed, and any mess those two make, will be yours to clean up Succubus" Tamsin said glancing at Bo.
"Well, hopefully the zoo will tire them out, and they'll both be asleep by 8pm" Bo replied.
"Keep dreaming" Tamsin said as she continued driving.
"Kenzi, is it ok if my stuffed bear is with me?" asked Ava.
"For sure! Maybe my teddy bear will join your teddy bear," replied Kenzi.
The drive to the zoo passed quickly and soon they were out of the truck and headed into the zoo.
"Ok, Ava. You need to hold one of our hands, doesn't matter whose hand, as long as you're holding one of our hands" Tamsin said. Ava proceeded to hold Kenzi's hand as they were standing next to each other.
"Kenzi, don't lose my granddaughter" Tamsin warned.
"Ava, don't lose one of my best friends" Bo said smiling.
"Ok" Ava said as she held Bo's hand too. Now she was in between Bo and Kenzi.
"Smart girl" Kenzi said when she looked down and saw Ava in between them.
"That she is" Tamsin said as the group moved away from the entrance to look at the map.
"Can we see the penguins?" Ava asked excitedly.
"Sure" Tamsin said before looking at Bo and adding, "This is going to be a long day"
"Buck up and lets start" Bo said grinning and looking at Tamsin.
"Oh my god. It's like having three kids" Mumbled Tamsin as they decided on their first exhibit.
By lunchtime they had seen 3 of the 7 habitat regions and Ava was starting to get hungry.
"I'm hungry" Ava said as they left the third habitat.
"I know. It's lunchtime. Let's go find a sport then we can get lunch," Tamsin said.
"Could we sit next to the playground please?" Ava asked
"Sure" replied Tamsin as they headed in the direction of the play structure.
Once they got to the playground Ava asked "Can I go play?"
"What do you want to eat?" Tamsin asked.
"Hot dog please"
"Done. Kenzi?"
"I'm good for a hot dog" Kenzi replied looking at Tamsin.
"Ok, do you mind staying with the munchkin while Bo and I go get the food?" Tamsin asked.
"Sure. No problemo" Kenzi said.
"Thanks. Lets go hot pants" Tamsin said as she and Bo headed off to get food.
"Kenzi, will you push me on the swings please?" asked Ava.
"Sure kid, lets go," Kenzi said as they made their way over to the swings.
Meanwhile, Bo and Tamsin were standing in line waiting to get food.
"I think we may be asleep before Kenzi and Ava tonight" Tamsin said before she yawned.
"Well, hopefully the park will tire both of them out, but yea, we may be asleep first" Bo said as they moved forward.
"That reminds me. Is it ok if Ava has a bath at your place tonight? She needs one and if not, then I can take her back to my place so she can have a bath then we'll head to yours"
"Tamsin, don't be ridiculous. Of course Ava can have a bath at my place. Kenzi and I will order dinner while she's in the tub. Sound good?"
"Yes it does" Tamsin said as they approached the window to place their order. They then moved to the pick up window to wait. Bo could tell there was something on the Valkyries' mind.
"What's up Tamsin? You ok? You seem distant" Bo said as she picked up the drinks, while Tamsin grabbed the food.
"I was just thinking. Have I told you how great you are with Ava?"
"No." Bo replied a little confused.
"Well, you are. You're fantastic with her and you look like a natural. Yesterday at the science centre, I couldn't help but think just how natural and comfortable you are with Ava and just how much you would make a great mom"
"Wow. Tamsin, I don't know what to say. But since we're on the subject, want to know something that you may not want to hear?"
"What?" Tamsin asked hesitantly.
"I was thinking how relaxed and natural YOU looked. In fact, on Thursday night when you carried Ava to bed, I couldn't help but think how good you looked with a kid"
"Really?"
"Yes. And when you were with Ava at the Science centre, and when you carried her in and out of my place, you seems content and happy" Bo said honestly.
"Probably because I was. As much as I complain about how much work kids are, I really do love her & love spending time with her and my daughter. Now mention this to anyone…"
"I know, I know, I'm a dead fae. I got it. Kenz! Ava! Lunch!" Bo called as she and Tamsin sat at a picnic table under a tree and watched as Ava came sprinting over, while Kenzi took a slower pace and had her hand on her back.
"You ok Kenz?" Bo asked as she got up to help Kenzi to the table.
"Yea I'm fine." Kenzi said sitting down. "Thanks"
"What did you do?" asked Bo
"I might have lent to far back on the swing and flipped over and hit the ground"
"Oh my god! Kenzi! Are you ok?" We should get you to first aid and get you checked out and make sure you're ok" Bo said.
"I'm fine. My back is just sore that's all" Kenzi said as Bo lifted the hem of her shirt up.
"Kenz, you scraped up your back pretty good. It looks painful. We need to get that cleaned" Bo said putting Kenzi's shirt back down.
"Bo…" Kenzi started before being interrupted by Tamsin.
"Kenz, there is no point in arguing with Bo. We both know she has ways of getting you to do things you don't want to do"
"Damn. Fine. But I want to at least eat my lunch first" Kenzi countered.
"Deal." Bo said as she too began eating. As this was happening, Ava was quietly eating her lunch and watching the adults argue about Kenzi seeking medical attention.
"Hey, Earth to Ava. What's going on in that head of yours?" Tamsin asked looking at her granddaughter, who had a distant look on her face.
"What?" Ava asked confused.
"You feeling ok?" Tamsin asked leaning over the table and placing a hand on Ava's forehead.
"I'm fine" Ava said stubbornly as she swatted Tamsin's hand away
"Then what's up?"
"Ava, I'm fine. It's just a little scrape. I've had much worse, but hey, a couple of Band-Aids and the Kenz is back in action," Kenzi said doing karate chops with her hands. Ava laughed.
"See, Kenzi is completely fine" Tamsin said rolling her eyes. Kenzi responded by sticking out her tongue.
"Ok, you two. Break it up. Kenz, let's go get your back looked at, then we can go see some monkeys." Bo said as they stood up and threw out their trash on their way to the first aid station.
Ava held Tamsin's hand as they walked along.
"Ava, go stand by the statue over there and I'll take a picture" Tamsin said pointing to the tiger statue.
"Ok" Ava said running over to the statue. While Tamsin was taking the picture, Bo and Kenzi entered the first aid area. The lady at the desk looked up when they entered.
"Hi, my friend was keeping an eye on my daughter, while my partner and I went to get lunch for us, and well, she fell off the swing and hurt her back" Bo said in her best 'I need a favour' voice.
"Come this way, and let me get someone to help you" the lady said leading the way.
"I'll wait here Kenz" Bo said sitting down.
"Oh no you don't. You're coming with me. I hate doctors, and I especially don't do disinfectant well" Kenzi said pulling Bo up and going the way the lady had gone.
"Ok, lie on your stomach, and a first responder will be in" the lady said closing the door.
"Geez, and I thought Tamsin could be cold," Kenzi said lying down. Bo shook her head and smiled. 20 minutes later they were on their way with two rapid-aid ice packs- one already cold and one to be activated later. They would have to stop at the drug store on the way home to get some gauze and polysporin for Kenzi's back, but Kenzi was feeling up for more animals, so they continued on.
"How's your back Kenzi?" asked Ava as she held Kenzi's hand.
"Good, a little sore, but it's ok. They patched me up pretty good" replied Kenzi.
"Yea, they even gave her a lollipop for being such a brave girl," Bo said smiling. Kenzi stuck her tongue out at her best friend.
"Was it orange? I like those ones, they're the best" Ava said as they walked along.
"You know what? It is" Kenzi said digging it out of her pocket and handing it to Ava. "Here you go"
"Thanks Kenzi!" Ava said excitedly.
"Before I forget, Ava, you need a bath tonight" Tamsin said looking at Ava.
"Why?"
"Because it is Saturday, and I know you didn't have one on Thursday night, or last night, so you are at least on day 3 with out a bath. You are also all covered in dirt from the park with Kenzi" Tamsin said as they stopped in front of the polar bear habitat.
"Fine" Ava said realizing she was not going to win this debate.
"Bo has bubbles for your bath if you want" Tamsin added. Ava perked up a bit at this piece of information.
"Yup. And while you have your bath, Kenzi and I will get dinner and a movie organized, and then we can all watch the movie in our pjs. Sound good?" Bo asked. Ava nodded in approval.
"Good. Glad that's sorted" Tamsin said as they looked at the polar bears. By 5pm everyone was ready to leave. Ava was getting hungry and tired and Kenzi's back was starting to hurt her. They got back to the clubhouse at 5:45pm.
"Ok Ava, lets go get you cleaned up," Tamsin said as she and Ava headed upstairs.
"How's your back Kenzi?" Bo asked as Kenzi lay on her stomach on the couch
"Sore" Kenzi mumbled into a pillow.
"Here. Take these" Bo said handing Kenzi two Advil and a glass of water, and sitting down as Kenzi sat up and took a sip of water.
"Thanks" Kenzi said downing the pills and water, before curling into Bo's side. Bo wrapped her arms around Kenzi. They sat that way for a couple minutes before Kenzi spoke.
"Bo?" Kenzi asked.
"Yeah Kenz?"
"I'm hungry, what's for dinner?" This caused Bo to laugh.
"I was thinking pizza. Sound good?"
"Yup" Kenzi said as Bo pulled out her phone and began dialing the number. However, she stopped part way through.
"Bo. You ok?" Kenzi asked concernedly.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just realized I never asked Ava what she likes on her pizza. I'll be right back," Bo said standing up and heading for the stairs. Kenzi stretched back out on the couch.
Bo knocked on the bathroom doorframe before speaking.
"Hey Ava, we're thinking of ordering pizza for dinner. What do you like on your pizza?" Bo asked
"Just cheese please," replied Ava.
"Ok. Tamsin, what do you want on your pizza?"
"Cheese is good, veggie is good. Honestly, I'll eat whatever is going" Tamsin replied. Just then Bo heard a splash and a thud.
"Everyone ok?" asked Bo.
"Yup" Tamsin called back. Bo detected a note of pain in her voice.
"Tams, you sure?"
"Yeah, bath time is almost over"
"Ok, then I'll go order the pizza" Bo said as she turned and left.
"You ok Ava?" Tamsin asked as she helped Ava out of the tub.
"Yeah. You?"
"Arm's a little sore, but it's fine though." Tamsin said as she wrapped Ava up in a towel.
"I'm sorry" Ava said looking down at the floor.
"What?" Tamsin asked confused.
"I'm sorry" Ava repeated.
"Why?"
"Because, you got hurt and it was my fault" Ava said.
"C'mere" Tamsin said as she picked Ava up and carried her into Bo's room and sat down with Ava on Bo's bed.
"Have I ever told you, how much I love you?" Tamsin asked. Ava shook her head 'no' and looked at the bed.
"Well, I do love you, despite how I may act. I love you so much Ava, and I'm so proud of you and everything you've done. I told Bo the other night, that I would do anything to protect you and I mean it. I really do love you".
"Really?"
"Absolutely. I was with your mom when you were born. We were both terrified when you decided to come 5 ½ weeks early, but we were so happy and relieved when we heard you cry after you were born."
"I didn't know you loved me so much"
"I love you more then you will ever know hun, more then you will ever know" Tamsin said hugging Ava.
"And do you love mom too?"
"I love your mom more then she knows. I would do anything it protect the two of you"
"I love you too Tamsin" Ava said giving Tamsin as hug after hearing how Tamsin felt about her.
"Ok, get your pjs on and I'll do your hair. Then we can go downstairs for dinner ok?"
"Sounds good" Ava said giving Tamsin a kiss on the cheek before hoping off Bo's bed. Tamsin handed Ava her pjs and took the towels and hung them up in the bathroom.
10 minutes later Tamsin walked downstairs with Ava on her back. Ava slid off Tamsin's back once they reached to last step. Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Perfect timing, that's the pizza" Bo said answering the door. She paid for the pizza and sat it on the island.
"How many slices do you want Ava?" Bo asked.
"One is good"
"Here you go. Do you want anything to drink?"
"Water please"
"Alrighty" Bo said pouring Ava a glass of water. Ava climbed up onto the stool at sat at the island in front of Bo. Ava then looked around before asking, "Where's Kenzi?"
Kenzi heard her name and raised her hand from her position on the couch.
"She's lying on the couch," Bo said bringing Kenzi's pizza to her.
"Oh" Ava said before taking a drink of water.
"What movie are we watching tonight?" Kenzi asked sitting up and taking the plate from Bo.
"I'm not sure. Ava, did you bring something?" Bo asked.
"I brought Lilo and Stitch"
"Are you going to stay awake for the whole movie this time?" Tamsin asked, remembering how a couple of nights ago, she fell asleep with in the first 20 minutes of her other movie.
"Yes" Ava said hoping it was true as she turned her attention to her pizza and began eating.
15 minutes later, everyone was on the couch and there was a bowl of popcorn sitting on the coffee table. Ava was between Bo and Tamsin and Kenzi was on the other side of Bo. Bo hit play and Ava curled up against Tamsin. Tamsin knew Ava was going to fall asleep and that she was exhausted because she was really clingy and only ate half her pizza. Ava managed to stay awake for half the movie before falling asleep on Tamsin. Kenzi had also fallen asleep; her head was resting on Bo's shoulder. Seeing that both Kenzi and Ava were asleep, Bo turned off the movie while Tamsin picked Ava up and carried her upstairs.
"Kenz, c'mon, time for bed" Bo whispered to Kenzi who opened her eyes and looked at Bo.
"Mm…'k" Kenzi said standing up and heading upstairs with Bo.
Tamsin had just pulled the covers back and was laying Ava in bed when Bo and Kenzi entered.
"Tamsin?" Ava asked sleepily, as Tamsin pulled the covers up and Kenzi climbed into bed.
"Yeah Ava?"
"Ohana"
"What?" Tamsin asked not following.
"Ohana means family. And family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. I like this Ohana" Ava said before drifting off. Tamsin smiled.
"I like it too. Love you Ava" Tamsin whispered as she gave Ava a goodnight kiss on her head.
"Night Kenz" Bo said hugging her friend
"Night, night" Kenzi said before passing out.
Bo and Tamsin turned out the light before heading back down stairs to tidy up. 20 minutes later they were lying in Bo's bed talking.
"What did Ava say before we left?" Bo asked tilting her head up to look at Tamsin.
"She said 'Ohana means family. And family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten' and then she mentioned that she liked this Ohana." Tamsin answered looking into Bo's eyes.
"Oh" was all Bo could say.
"I told her I liked it too," Tamsin said kissing Bo.
"You're ok with that concept?"
"Yea, and when Ava isn't around, Kenzi is kind of like a small child. Gotta keep an eye on her"
"Don't let Kenzi hear you say that" Bo said as she laughed lightly.
"Oh c'mon succubabe. That girl fell of a swing because one of us didn't warn her to not lean back so far," Tamsin said reaching for the bedside light and turning it out.
"You have a point," Bo said as she lazily drew circles on Tamsin's abdomen.
"Get some sleep Succulette. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." Tamsin said kissing the top of Bo's head, like she had done to Ava.
"Ok, Love you Tamsin" Bo said closing her eyes.
"Love you too Bo" Tamsin said as she absently played with Bo's hair until she felt her breathing even out, she then knew Bo had fallen asleep and she closed her eyes and drifted off.
A/N: I thought Lilo and Stitch was a good movie to include with these characters. I think Stitch is adorable, and I love the movie. Hope you all enjoyed the Zoo. Let me know what you think of the story by either a review or a PM Here's hoping Spring shows up soon!
