ML ZOO
Bailey was blown away by the place. Spread out over 256 acres of land and located right in the heart of ML. It is home to an impressive 564 species and more than 6000 animals.
The animal displays are modern, spacious and built to resemble the animals natural habitat as much as possible. A deep canal ran parallel with the footpath the girls walked on. Beyond the canal were small trees. Birds nests were hanging down the branches of the trees. Their multi-coloured feathers gleamed into sunlight.
Next the girls walked pass a small water pond with many kinds of birds swimming in it. The birds twittered, chirped and whistled. They presented natures voice and it was pleasing indeed to hear them. There were lions, tigers and bears. Hippos, giraffes and monkeys and so much more for the eyes to feast on.
Sophi didn't like the snakes much. She wanted to move on as quickly as possible.
Kenzie put her arm around Sophi's neck and said. "Soph before you get into bed tonight check it out first for any uninvited guests."
"I'm getting goosebumps already just thinking about that cold body coiled up under my sheets with me." Sophi said.
Zoe saw a small to medium size cage it appeared to look empty. She wondered what could be in there.
"Hey we're close to the take away van. I say we all get ourselves some fries and soda." Amber said everyone agreed with that except Zoe who said she will catch up with them they can go on ahead without her.
Zoe walked to the cage and curiously look through the bars. She saw no animal in there and nothing came out of the small man made cave in the middle of the cage.
"You're wasting your time kid. You will find better luck with a tortoise than what's in here." A young man said behind her.
Zoe turned around to see who the young man was. It was Owen he worked at the zoo attending to the animals. He graduated from ML high last year with Alex.
Owen looked pleasantly surprised when he saw who the girl was. "Hey you're Alex little sister. The swim champ of ML." He said.
Zoe smiled and said hi to him.
"I heard what happened to your dad. I'm glad his alive. This town needs a man like him. I see your sister is also here?"
Zoe smiled to herself so this what its all about. Owen have a crush on Kenzie.
"Do you know her too?" Zoe asked sweetly.
Owen blushed beet red. "I wish. No I don't."
"Do you work here?"
"Sadly I do." Owen answered. He really didn't look like someone who wanted to be here not like the other staff who were smiling and helpful.
"So what's in here and why is this cage different from the others. It looks plain and empty." She said and pointed back to the cage.
"Well be prepared to have your pretty mind blown away. What we have in here is ML's very own white lion. First white lion ever in ML." Owen boasted.
"A white lion?" Zoe asked softly with wide eyes.
"Oh yes pretty lady that's what I've said. A shy aggressive little thing. Its mother died on their way here from Africa now its all alone. We don't have extra place for it now that's why its in here. I give this fella two weeks than its dead." Owen said and smiled at Zoe.
Zoe's eyes heated up with pure disgust for Owen. "That's a heartless thing to say. How would you feel if you were taken far way from your land to somewhere where you are put in a cage like this. Alone."
Owen laughed softly and said. "Well look at you just as fierce as your sister. Look I too want it to live just imagine all the big bucks it will bring in. I need a raise."
"No what you need is to get away from me before I call my dad to get this place shut down today." Zoe said in anger.
"I will do that right away have a nice day." Owen said super friendly.
Zoe dropped down on her knees next to the cage. She felt bad for being so mean to Owen but if his not happy with this work why doesn't he just quit and find somewhere else to work where he can be happy instead of being here and miserable taking out his frustrations on the poor animals.
She almost shrieked out loud when she felt something warm and wet on her fingers. She didn't even realise her hand was between the bars inside the cage. She was too close to the cage.
Zoe was rendered speechless when she looked into the eyes of the little white lion cub. He was beautiful. Pure thick white fur. Stealth and Bigger than your average housecat but it was its golden eyes that captivated her the most. So beautiful and yet the eyes reflected hopelessness. Her fingers caressed the little cubs head softly. He looked thin she could see now the fur with big dirt spots and something smelled awful foul in there.
Her eyes spotted the root of the smell. A grey purple looking raw piece of meat lay not far from the cage door.
She felt a deep sadness for the cub.
Oncoming noises scared the little cub and he quickly ran away to his hiding place.
"What's in here?" A young boy asked excited.
Zoe slowly rose to her feet and said. "There is nothing in here." She said softly before walking away.
The Salvatore Home
Damon was sitting behind his desk in his study. Seething.
Bonnie came in and smiled when she saw him. "There you are. Dinner is ready."
Damon said nothing instead he pour himself a glass of Bourbon.
"Damon what's wrong?" Bonnie asked as she closed the door behind her.
"I'm being called like a puppet to appear infront of the Silver Lake reps apparently Brixton told them I called him the N word this morning in my office can you believe that fucker! Jesus Christ I wish I can get my hands on that man." Damon said in anger.
"Did you try to contact Brixton and asked him why on earth he would go say something like that?"
"I did Bonnie and you know what message he send me? I should stop intimidating him before he brings that up with the board. First off all I don't have to answer to any of them let alone go and defend myself infront of a bunch people who disliked me from the start. I'm the fucking mayor of this town not him or them." Damon seethed. He emptied his glass and pour himself another glass.
"I think you should see the reps and tell them the truth Damon this way Brixton will not get away with this. They will have to remove him after finding out he lied." Bonnie said calmly.
"The majority of Silver Lake's board are black Bonnie and they have a very soft spot for that narcissistic fool. Who do you think their going to believe me or him?" Damon said barely containing his anger.
Bonnie gave Damon a long and hard look. "I believe you Damon and I'm black doesn't that already say something. If you ignore this Damon they will only believe Brixton more and this will only be the beginning of your torment."
...
Zoe was quiet around the dinner table and that troubled Cayllum. He wondered who was responsible for her sad mood.
"I heard you guys took Bailey to the zoo. Did she enjoy it?" Bonnie asked her.
Zoe smiled but it was not her usual happy smile. "Yes she did. She even said yes to work in Dorothy's place."
"That's great news Princess she will love it." Bonnie said and touched Zoe's hand.
"You really have a cute adorable flower shop Zoe and I just love your gift baskets. I loved it even more when Alex told me you made it." Sam said.
Kenzie almost rolled her eyes. Sam was so cheesy.
"I bought her two baskets." Alex said with a smirk.
"Thank you Sam. Thanks brother for supporting our business." Zoe said with a soft smile. She had no appetite for the delicious food on her plate. She wondered what the little cub was eating and if he was eating and if his warm tonight.
"Sorry I'm late had some emails to send and calls to make." Damon said as he entered the dining room.
"Your forgiven dad. I was thinking we should plan a little farewell party for Zoe." Kenzie said with a cheery smile.
"Why? Where's she going?" Dylan asked with furrowed brows.
"She's going to Germany. You been living under a rock the whole time?" Kenzie asked and rolled her eyes.
"The date was moved up. They're leaving this Friday Buddy." Damon said.
"Sam can help you with the plans Kenz." Alex said. Kenzie was about to say something very rude about Sam but stopped when she saw the almost pleading look in her brother's eyes.
Kenzie smiled sweetly and said. "Sure she can help."
...
That night husband and wife lay in bed awake each with their own thoughts. The twins peacefully asleep between them.
Damon suddenly threw the sheets off of him and got up and out of bed. He walked out to the balcony. Outside he inhaled a deep breath of fresh air.
"Damon is everything okay?" Bonnie asked behind him.
"Yes, I am fine babe I will go to the board tomorrow. Go to bed I will join you later." Damon said.
Bonnie walked up to him from behind and placed a kiss on the back of his shoulder.
"I love you Bonnie." Damon said softly.
...
