The Island part 1
It was the beginning of July and somewhere in a special garden in the heart of the Animal part of the world stood a young man with brown hair and rimmed glasses, fully dressed in a tuxedo. Standing before him was the love of his life, a reddish fur dog with black patches on her fur, wearing a sleeveless cake dress with a wedding veil to boot. Between them was a mouse with blonde hair and her pink ears made to look like she was wearing a giant pink bow in her hair the size of her body. She was dressed in a professional suit with a Bible on hand that had some notes inside of it. She was certified in marrying people. The two had just finished a rather teary confessional of their love to each other in which poor Cherry had started sobbing.
"Sorry Penelope," said Cherry as she calmed down, "please continue." Penelope giggled. While she tried to stay professional, she was a peppy villager at heart. She was enjoying the whole romantic moment.
"No worries, it's you day, you should be allowed to cry, oh bow," she replied. Cherry giggled but also snorted.
"I haven't cried this much since the proposal," said Cherry and everyone laughed, especially Roll, who was sitting in the front Row of Cherry's side of the procession in a pink strapless dress with a red waist best with her hair on a pony tail and heart hair clip. Isabelle was also with her, wearing a melon gingham plaid knee length dress with a matching bow tied into her trademark bell ribbon. Cherry's Uchi friends were also giggling to each other since they were her bridesmaids and one of Cherry's biological sisters was the maid of honor. Cherry had found her family and they had been more than welcoming of seeing Cherry again and very supportive of her marriage to Bacon. Cherry had a right to feel overwhelmed as Bacon gently used a spare cloth to help Cherry dry her tears. His best man was a guy by the name of Shenran. Roll didn't know him but Sakura, who was also at the wedding and donning a dollhouse dress, knew both Bacon and Shenran rather well. Penelope quickly got the wedding back on track.
"So Bacon, do you take Cherry to be your lawfully wedded wife, oh bow?" she asked. Bacon smiled as he gazed into her eyes.
"I do," he replied gently and Cherry couldn't resist a giggle.
"Cherry, do you take Bacon to be your lawfully wedding husband, oh bow?" Penelope asked. Cherry's eyes sparked.
"I do," she replied in such a sweet tone that even her Uchi friends were gushing and crying happy tears. Roll was glad that Cherry was getting such a happy ending. Despite the rough beginning, she and Cherry had become very good friends and she was more than excited to attend the wedding once it had been announced.
"By the power invested in me, oh bow," said Penelope once the ring exchange was gone, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!" Cherry wasted no time plunging her lips into Bacon's and kissing him passionately as those in sitting gave her a standing ovation. Cherry was very happy as the man of her life held her close and then guided her towards a large trellis where they began to take a few pictures with friends and family. Roll just waited patiently for her turn while the rest of Cherry's and Bacon's friends went to take pictures with the new wedding couple. Since Roll wanted to be respectful, she had worn a pair of pink mary janes to the event but was more than eager to take them off. She had just slipped her left foot out and examined it when...
"BOO!"
"EEK!" Roll jumped, right out of her left shoe and turned to see Sakura laughing.
"Ugh, you scared the daylights out of me!" said Roll annoyed and Sakura giggled to herself.
"Well I didn't know you were only wearing one shoe to this wedding," Sakura remarked. Roll then noticed her missing shoe and just snorted.
"I was just giving my toes a wiggle when you decided to scare the daylights out of me," said Roll annoyed as she found her discarded shoe and put it back on.
"Anyway," said Sakura, "I wanted to introduce you to a couple of close friends of mine." Roll perked up a bit as a light brown haired man appeared with a hairstyle that was a bit long in the back appeared with another brown haired girl whose hair tied up into an upper bun. The man was wearing a nice shirt with a tie and grey pants while the girl had a blue party dress with a blue ribbon. Roll knew the dress because Sakura showed her one and it was a GracieGrace dress.
"Roll," said Sakura once Roll had her shoe back on, "The guy is named Shenran and the girl is named Anemone, but you can just called her the lemon fairy." Roll just gave them both a young curtsey.
"Hello," she said timidly with a wave, "My name is Roll and I'm eleven years old." Sakura's new friends just laughed.
"Well my name is Shenran and I'm eighteen years old," said the young man.
"He's also married," said Sakura.
"Jealous?" he asked.
"Smacks you with my foot," said Sakura as she gave him a good kick in the rear with her back heel, making Anemone giggle.
"My name is Anemone and I'm twelve years old, hug and pokes," the brown haired girl replied.
"Hugs and pokes?" Roll asked.
"It's her "thing", Sakura explained.
"Oh...ok..." said Roll wearily.
"I'm also single cause I'm not really looking for a boyfriend," Anemone added.
"Why?" Roll asked.
"All the men I've meet are crazy," said Anemone, "just look at Shenran!" Shenran rolled his eyes and Sakura buried her face into Anemone's shoulder as she cracked up with laughter.
"Where is your waifu anyway?" Anemone asked him.
"Waifu?" Roll asked puzzled.
"It's Japanese for wife," said Shenran, "she's around somewhere...oh! Ankha! There you are!" A yellow cat wearing an Egyptian headset with a palatial tank dress approached them regally.
"For such fine church garden, the bathrooms here are absolutely atrocious, me meow," she retorted snootily.
"What happened honey?" Shenran asked curiously.
"It's so...public...," Ankha cringed, "A proper princess shouldn't have to resort to using a public bathroom to take care of her business." Anemone and Sakura giggled while Roll just rolled her eyes at the cat's snooty nature.
"I'll see what I can do," said Shenran, clearly just wanting her to calm down, "Honey, this is Roll, a friend of Sakura."
"I see," said Ankha with a snobbish look on her face as Roll approached her.
"Your majesty," said Roll, wanting to get on her good side, "My name is Roll. It is an honor to meet you." Ankha looked at her blankly and then smiled.
"Now this girl knows how to treat a princess!" said Ankha impressed, "Honey, why can't your other friends be this proper and refined as this young lady here?" Shenran just rolled his eyes at her and Anemone and Sakura just gave Ankha a raspberry.
"Are you really a princess?" Roll asked curiously. Ankha just sighed to herself.
"Let's just say that I come from a long line of royal Egyptian cats that date all the way back to the times of the Great Ramses the First!" said Ankha proudly.
"Impressive your majesty," said Roll and then looked about, "Umm...if I may ask your highness, have you seen a yellow shi-tzu anywhere? I thought she was with me."
"Actually Roll," said Anemone, "I didn't see anyone come with you when we got here, but I think I did see that very dog sitting alone near the chairs in the courtyard."
"I see," said Roll, wondering why Isabelle stayed behind, "well it was pleasure meeting all of you, your majesty." Roll gave Ankha another curtsey and then excused herself to go find Isabelle. They just watched her leave.
"I like her," said Ankha.
"What was that?" Sakura asked her.
"Nothing..." the cat remarked and Sakura just rolled her eyes at her. Waifu or not, Ankha had a bit of an ego that got on Sakura's nerves.
Roll headed back towards the area where the wedding had taken place. She found that the said shi-tzu was still sitting at the reception hall. She wondered why Isabelle had stayed behind until she heard her talking to herself.
"Now if we negotiate the contract sub-form and then compose and file a section 56-D..."
Roll just grunted loudly as she stomped her way towards the yellow shi-tzu. Now she was angry with her as she made her way to the front of the chairs.
"Ahem," she said sternly with her hands on her hips. Isabelle was busy working on something and using her stylus to do the work. Sadly is wasn't her video game handheld either.
"Hold on, can't you I'm working here!" Isabelle snapped, unaware she had just incriminated herself.
"I see," said a voice and Isabelle just lifted her head to see who was speaking to her.
"AH!" she yelped as she saw Roll's fierce glare and left foot tapping the ground in an irritated fashion. Isabelle just looked at her sheepishly.
"Got the forms that came in today complete," she remarked but Roll just continued to glare. Isabelle just chuckled nervously and then just sighed and handed her the handheld. Roll took it and was tempted to destroy it, but she knew such a device was expensive and it had Isabelle's data on it so she tucked it into her pocket.
"I thought you were going to take the day off and enjoy the ceremony!" she asked sternly. Isabelle then just whimpered a bit before she snorted.
"Those documents had to get done!" said Isabelle, "it was driving me crazy just leaving them there. Mom always said that tomorrow never comes and to never put off till tomorrow what you can do today!" Roll just sighed to herself. It wasn't the first time Isabelle had used her mother as an excuse to do extra work and she was beginning to doubt whether or not Isabelle was just trying to get her to concede or make her feel guilty. Either way, Roll was getting more and more worried about her doing that.
"You still need to take breaks," said Roll, "The town won't go belly up if you don't do work for one day so please Isabelle just leave it alone and try to enjoy this special occasion. This is my first time being at a wedding and wearing these shoes is really suffocating my feet!" Isabelle giggled at that remark. Roll almost took offense but Isabelle's giggling made her smile too.
"Now will you promise to just have fun okay?" said Roll gently, "You need to have some time to relax and enjoy yourself. Plus you're wearing such a cute dress and nobody can admire it if your here all alone!" Isabelle just listened and then just sighed to herself.
"Oh alright fine," said Isabelle as she stood up and ironed out the skirt of her dress, "Sorry." There a hint of annoyance in her tone, but Roll was just happy that Isabelle was going to take her advice and grabbed her hand so they could go see if it was there turn to take a picture with Cherry. They had arrived back at the trellis when Cherry walked up to them.
"Hey, I was wondering what happened to you, what-what," said Cherry, "Don't you want a picture with me and my new hubby?"
"Of course," said Roll, "Sorry...my secretary got lost..." Roll gave her a glance and Isabelle just blushed since the blonde girl was literally covering for her and just nodded.
"Well no worries, what-what," said Cherry, "Come on. Oh! And Roll can you do me a favor!"
"What is it?" Roll asked curiously.
"Lose the shoes," said Cherry, "I know the dress code was formal but if you hadn't noticed, not even my hubby wore any shoe to the wedding...neither did I actually..." Cherry looked at her feet and laughed. Roll laughed as well as she removed her shoes and happily wiggled her toes. Isabelle just rolled her eyes at the blonde girl before Cherry led them towards the camera. They took several pictures together, but yet in each one you could see that Isabelle's smile was not just fake, but also irritated.
Later that night, Marshal, Bunnie, Rosie, and Margie were sitting at a nearby table together while Roll and Isabelle were trying have fun at the dance floor since Cherry had successfully booked DJ KK to host the music. They had just finished a rather nice dinner when Rosie just watched the new married couple dance together on the dance floor. Bunnie and Rosie had each picked a pink party dress while Margie had a dogtooth sleeveless dress.
"Cherry is so lucky silly," said Rosie in a dreamy tone, "She found her prince charming and now he'll carry her away on a lovely white horse."
"Actually it will be in a limousine, sulky," said Marshal, donning a nice sports coat with black undershirt, "but hey...that's still high class in my book!"
"How would you know, tootie?" Margie asked curiously.
"When we used to have fun events at the city," said Marshal, "Charlotte rented out a limousine so me and Bunnie could ride with her in style!"
"That is so cool!" said Rosie and turned to Bunnie, "Why didn't you tell me you rode a limousine, silly?" Bunnie just blew bubbles into her soda drink as if she wasn't really paying attention to anything that was being said.
"Guess it just slipped my mind," said Bunnie. While she was telling the truth, it was her tone that made Rosie assume she wasn't. Rosie took offense.
"Don't be too hard on her Rosie," said Margie as Bunnie took a long sip, "when you get to a certain age, you're memory is usually the first to go." While Margie was just giving an innocent fact of life, Bunnie took offense as she went agape, causing what soda had been in her mouth to treacle back into her glass.
"Just what do you mean by that!?" Bunnie asked rather angrily.
"It's just a fact of life," said Margie, "even I'm living proof that "elephants never forget" is just an old wife's tale! Twice today I forget where I put my house key!"
"On the table, sulky," said Marshal and Margie just chuckled bashfully before putting them back into her dress pockets. Bunnie just rolled her eyes before going back to her drink.
"So Marshal," said Rosie, "do you have any love interests recently?" Bunnie did another agape face, causing her to leak out her drink into her cup again.
"Not really sulky," said Marshal.
"Why not Marshal?" Margie asked curiously.
"Just not really looking for anybody," said Marshal, "I never really thought I was anyone's type honestly."
"Marshal, just because you've got a frowny face doesn't mean that girls are going to be turned off by you, silly," said Rosie.
"I agree tootie," said Margie as Bunnie went back to her drink, "Any girl would be lucky to have you. Right sis?"
"Sure," said Bunnie bluntly as she continued to blow bubbles into her drink.
"Say Marshal, how come you and Bunnie never got together?" Margie asked next. Bunnie went agape for the third time that evening. Before Marshal could answer, Shenran called everyone to attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the time had come for bride and groom to throw the traditional wedding bouquet and garner!" he announced excitedly, "all you single girls and boys better line up to see if your love luck is really high today!" Rosie squealed with glee before dragging Bunnie with her. Margie followed calmed close behind while Marshal just stayed behind.
"Come on Marshal!" said Margie with a gesture with her hand. Marshal just sighed before he followed her. Since Margie was tall she stood towards the back while Rosie and Bunnie were elbowing each other in the middle of the other single girls.
"Here we go!" said Cherry excitedly. She bent down a bit and then tossed the bouquet high into the air. Bunnie used her natural ability to hop to jump high into the air and reached for the incoming bouquet. Just as her hands closed, she realized that all she grabbed was air. Apparently she was late in grabbing it and it passed right through her hands and into Rosie's.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" the blue cat squealed with delight, "I CAUGHT THE BOUQUET!" She jumped up and down with glee as Bunnie just look dumbfounded and pouted quietly to herself.
"That was mine, tee hee," she muttered under her breath but no one heard her since Rosie was too excited and the other girls were cheering her for being so lucky.
"Get behind me boys, I only get one shot at this!" said Bacon as he turned his back and went to shoot the garner into the air. Marshal didn't really think he really had a chance of getting it since he was the shortest person there and decided to just stand a couple of feet away from the group of boys gunning for it. Bacon made his shot...but he fired a little too strongly and the garner overshot the entire group...and right into Marshal's hands.
"Whoa!" he exclaimed at the garner came flying straight at him and he caught it. The rest of the boys were bummed out while the other girls just gasped. Marshal just chuckled sheepishly at all the attention.
"Yeah, pretty funny huh," Marshal chuckled aloud, "Mr. Grump gets the garner huh? Guess life is just cruel sometimes isn't it, sulky?" He chuckled again, but those who knew him understood just how sarcastic and upset he felt at being stared at.
"Marshal stop," said Rosie, not finding his attempt to laugh what happened off funny, "Just because you have a frown on your face doesn't mean that you don't deserve to be happy silly! You catching that garner wasn't a joke. It means you're lucky...and special."
"Well who would marry someone with a face like this?" he snapped. Rosie glared at him.
"Any girl would be lucky to have you as the love of their life," said Rosie and then added without thinking, "I know I would..." Marshal's eyes shrunk and Rosie soon realized what she had said and blushed as well. She hid her face behind the bouquet and Marshal just felt rather uncomfortable at all the staring before Margie gently nudged Marshal. She gestured for Marshal to say or do something. Marshal just nodded before he walked up to her.
"May I have this dance?" he asked her softly. Rosie slowly moved the flowers away from her face and just nodded with a shy smile before handing Bunnie the bouquet. They moved to more discreet part of the dance floor as Bunnie and Margie watched them.
"How cute!" Margie gushed with delight. Bunnie just rolled her eyes at them and roughly tossed the flower bouquet into Rosie's spot at the table. The orange rabbit couldn't help but feel some resentment building up against her "sister".
A few days later Animal Town had become rather busy. At least in the paperwork department and Isabelle seemed to be busier and then ever. Roll did her best to make sure that Isabelle wasn't trying to overwork herself. She was always checking in on the shi-tzu everyday to make sure that Isabelle was taking her breaks. From Roll's perspective, it seemed like Isabelle was always swamping herself with work. Roll could never tell if Isabelle really had to do so much paper work or if Isabelle was just taking on too much at once, especially since Roll didn't understand half of the forms that Isabelle was working on. In fact, Roll had to wonder if it was her most recent public works project request that had brought on all the paperwork. The blonde girl never thought that the procedure for a bridge was this complicated. She knew it wasn't that complicated. Regardless, Isabelle looked more and more worn out as the days went on.
A week had passed since the wedding and today marked the completion of the red brick bridge and Purrl, Lolly, Margie, and Benjamin had come to participate in the ceremony. Isabelle was just checking over some things in her own clipboard. At least that was what Roll, wearing a strapless dress in blue with a yellow waist best and her sunhat, had hoped was the case. But she could tell that Isabelle was looking a bit zoned out.
"Isabelle?" she asked with a light nudge to the shoulder with her hands. Isabelle lifted her head and blinked a few times before coming to her senses.
"Huh? Oh...Oh! Right, sorry Mayor," said Isabelle, "just been a busy week is all!" Roll just crossed her arms and with a concerned look on her face as the shi-tzu cleared her throat and walked into the bridge.
"Welcome everyone and we all thank you for coming to the dedication for the completion of this new brick bridge," said Isabelle clearly, "I'm Isabelle and I'll be your host today!" Everyone gave her a warm applause...except for Roll, her applause was more out of respect rather than happiness.
"Thank you, thank you, you're too kind," said Isabelle as she blushed at all the attention and then suddenly Isabelle just stood in place for a few seconds before she blinked once more.
"Oh right, sorry," said Isabelle, "And now let's hear a very short speech from our own mayor. Take it away, Mayor Roll!"
"Isabelle is something wrong?" Roll asked. Isabelle just blinked in shock as everyone just looked at her with some worry.
"That's not one of the three speeches I gave you!" she whispered loudly in annoyance.
"Just answer the question!" Roll snapped. Isabelle just grunted as she had been doing recently.
"Okay...never mind the speech," said Isabelle, "Guess Roll still has issues with speaking to people!" There was a good degree of attitude in her tone and glared at her, showing that the blonde girl was indeed hurt by that comment but Isabelle chose to ignore her. Isabelle was suddenly just standing there but this time several seconds had passed and nothing was happening. The other villagers began to murmur to each other, wondering what was going on. Roll suddenly felt a bit insecure and also embarrassed at all the attention Isabelle was causing with spacing out and her attitude.
"Isabelle!" Roll snapped in a loud whispered. Isabelle flinched.
"What?" she snapped.
"The ceremony?" Roll retorted. Isabelle then noticed the villagers close by and then went to doing damage control.
"Oh right, right!" said Isabelle, "sorry everyone, I had misplaced my popper for a second...heh...you know how forgetful I can get..." Isabelle chuckled lightly but the rest of the villagers were not convinced that everything was alright, but they still had things to do so they got out their own poppers and Roll did the same.
"Alright, for the completion of this project and for everyone making this project possible..." said Isabelle, "Ready. Set. POP!" Roll the launched her popper first as tradition called and then Isabelle and the others did the same and clapped.
"Thank you all for joining us," said Isabelle, "sorry for all the hiccups but nobody is perfect! See you!" Isabelle then dashed away without another word or before Roll could interrogate her. Roll saw her take off, but before she could pick up speed she tripped and fell. Margie and the other villagers gasped as they saw her fall. Roll just began to cry as she buried her face into the grass. Margie said she would help Roll, but Lolly ended up helping Roll to her feet first and Benjamin handed her back the fallen sunhat. Purrl handed her a spare cloth to dry her tears.
"Now, now, dear no need to cry, we all have tripping days, kitten," said Purrl gently since Roll was still crying constantly.
"It's not the tripping and falling why I'm crying," said Roll, "I'm a big girl after all."
"Then what is it, bonbon?" Lolly asked curiously.
"It's Isabelle," said Roll, "Despite all my efforts, she's really working herself ragged and its stressing me out. I'm afraid Isabelle is gonna hurt herself if she keeps this up! I need her!" Roll continued to cry as Margie pulled her into a hug.
"There, there, sweetie," said Margie, "It's gonna be okay, tootie. Big sister has got you. Big Sister has got you." Roll whimpered a bit as she continued to cry. Lolly just gave her a supportive rub on the back and then lightly kissed her cheek to help her feel better. Benjamin then gave her a hug. All the love and support quickly calmed her down.
"Maybe what you need is a deputation," said Benjamin.
"What is a dep-u-tation?" Roll asked.
"It's sort of like an intervention, alrighty," said Benjamin, "just only a few would confront Isabelle on behalf of the entire town." Roll wiped her eyes and then smiled as she understood what he was saying.
"I get it," said Roll, "She obviously won't admit to a problem with just me, maybe if I can get a few others to join me with an intervention, we can speak to her about this and find out what is going on before she gets hurt."
"That's a good idea, Benjamin," said Purrl, "I always knew you were smart when you actually used your head, kitten!"
"Thanks, alrighty...I think..." said Benjamin as he scratched his head. Now that Roll was feeling better, she began to head back to town hall and figure out a way to getting Isabelle towards a location where such a...deputation...could take place. She was just about to pass her house when she saw Marshal just busy fishing near the edge of the river. At least he was until he hooked a large fish but it got away.
"Aw...dang it, sulky!" Marshal groaned as he tossed his fishing rod away from him. Roll decided to see what was going on.
"What's up handsome?" she asked her gently. Marshal perked up when she heard Roll's voice.
"Oh, nothing much beautiful," he replied with sigh, "Just have alot on my mind." Roll just smiled.
"I can understand that," said Roll as she sat next to him at the edge of the river and crossed her ankles.
"What's on your mind, sulky?" he asked.
"You tell me your mind first," said Roll, "I need a cuddle session."
"Go ahead," said Marshal as casted his line back into the water, "there's plenty of room in the back, sulky." Roll just smiled as she crawled around behind him and snaked her arms around his stomach before resting her head in his own. She hummed contently as she nuzzled the fur on his head with her cheek.
"No matter how upset I feel," said Roll, "just cuddling you always makes me feel better." Marshal chuckled as he pulled his line back in and set his net back down next to him.
"Glad I can be useful," said Marshal with a hint of sadness on his tone.
"Talk to me handsome," said Roll, "What's bothering you?"
"Rosie," said Marshal.
"Rosie?" Roll repeated in surprise.
"Rosie," Marshal repeated back before continuing, "ever since Cherry's wedding I feel like she's been avoiding me." Roll just huffed.
"That doesn't make any sense," said Roll, "She seemed really happy dancing with you at the wedding. You guys seem really happy doing that slow dance too."
"Exactly sulky," said Marshal, "but she hasn't really spoken to me since. I'm beginning to think maybe she was just trying to be nice. I was actually convinced she might like me." Roll just chuckled to herself.
"Take my advice Marshal since I'm a girl too," said Roll, "well not an experienced girl since I've never dated but...well...maybe I don't have much wisdom to offer after all..."
"Stop it, sulky," Marshal retorted, "Now tell me. What did you want to say?" Roll just smiled. It was nice to know people valued her opinions even though she knew she was still young and inexperienced.
"Just give Rosie her space," said Roll, "She knows better than to lead anybody on, especially someone like you. I mean...would you date her if she wanted to open that door?"
"Why not?" said Marshal, "Rosie is a great girl...and she obviously likes me to some extent since I opened up. She's always said that even if we gave it try and it was a bust that we would stay friends forever."
"Then I'd say you've got nothing to lose," said Roll.
"Except for Bunnie," said Marshal, "I tried to talking to her about it and the next thing I know she excuses herself and dashes away."
"Is she seriously gonna play the jealous card?" Roll asked, pinching her nose.
"She gets that way every time people ask her about our past," said Marshal, "by the past, they keep implying that we could have been a couple or are a couple and not admitting it. Ugh! I wish people would stop asking but I wish Bunnie would kind of answer the question!"
"Well...to put the issue to rest...are you?" said Roll, "you can tell me."
"No...but Bunnie was always so closed minded about it," said Marshal bitterly, "This whole jealousy doesn't make any sense to me, sulky! Bunnie, you've told me for years that you don't see me that way and you never will! Yet your acting like this? This is telling me that you've been lying to me this whole time and that...really just...dents my self-confidence. I'm trying to heal Bunnie...and you're not helping by acting like this..." Marshal just sighed to himself as Roll gave him a comforting squeeze and kissed his cheek.
"I'm sure everything will be okay in good time," said Roll, "I'll try to see if I can get Bunnie to talk if that helps okay Handsome?"
"Thanks Beautiful," said Marshal, "I'm glad you're my best friend."
"Same here," said Roll, "in fact, it's because of you I'm wearing this handmade dress." Roll did a slow twirling showing that her strapless dress showed the her upper back and her shoulder blades. Marshal whistled at her.
"I'm gonna have to put boy repellent on you to keep them at bay," Marshal teased and Roll snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Very funny," she remarked and they both laughed as Marshal rose to his feet and dusted himself off.
"Do you really think...boys would find me...attractive?" Roll asked insecurely, her cheeks slightly pinker than normal when she asked that as she played with her left pigtail.
"Roll you are a very beautiful young lady," said Marshal, "it's kind of why our friendship means so much to me."
"Really?" said Roll.
"Yeah, sulky," said Marshal, "never thought someone as beautiful as you would ever pay attention to me." Roll giggled.
"Because I know behind that frown of yours is an absolute sweetheart," said Roll, "and I can confide stuff with him too."
"Sure about that, sulky?" said Marshal, "I still don't know what's been bothering you. You look like you were crying recently." Roll just sighed to herself as she approached him and held him again.
"It's Isabelle," said Roll after holding him for about ten seconds, "She's working herself to death and every time I try to help her relax and get some rest she's been getting very snippy with me. Today we were doing the dedication ceremony for the new bridge near the waterfall and Isabelle kept zoning out. I finally asked her to tell me what is going on and she told me off. Then she ran off before I could ask her why she was being so rude. I know she's overworking herself and she just brushing me off. It's like she doesn't even care that seeing her so tired is worrying me sick! The way she's pushing me away...just...reminds me of my mom..." Roll's eyes began to leak new tears that splashed into Marshal's head as she held him. Marshal just listened attentively before pulling away. He kissed her cheek and wiped away her tears with his small thumb, making her giggle as she tried to calm down.
"Don't cry Beautiful," said Marshal gently, "Everything is going to be okay. We've all noticed that Isabelle had been rather fussy lately. I don't think she's intentionally trying to ignore your advice and concerns, sulky. There might be something else bothering her."
"Maybe, but it's getting harder and harder to be sympathetic when she snapping at me all the time," said Roll, "I'm tired of all the attitude. It hurts me...alot." Marshal nodded in understanding.
"I understand, sulky," said Marshal, "but it will be okay. Isabelle obviously is just getting restless and its affecting her mood so don't take it too personally okay." Roll just nodded.
"Okay, thanks for hearing me out Marshal," said Roll, "I always feel better talking to you Handsome."
"Glad to be of service Beautiful," said Marshal, "You helped me feel better too. Guess just time will tell what Rosie wants to do."
"Hey Marshal," said a voice. Roll and Marshal turned to see the blue cat standing nearby. Unlike other times, she seemed...timid...quiet...which was way out of her character. She even looked insecure...
"Rosie are...you...okay?" Roll asked worried. The blue cat just rubbed her shoulder and bounced a little on her feet.
"Yeah...can...can I talk to Marshal alone please, silly?" Rosie asked quietly. Roll just blinked for a moment and then just gave her a smile and went on her way.
"Roll, wait a minute!" Rosie called out as the blonde skidded to a stop and turned to face her.
"What's up?" said Roll.
"Purrl and Benjamin told me about the deputation," said Rosie, "Bunnie and I are ready to help you make sure Isabelle gets her rest, silly." Rosie gave her a soft smile and a wink. Roll smiled, grateful for her best friends support before she continued on her way to the Town Hall. Rosie watched Roll disappear until she turned to face the white squirrel.
"Hey, silly," she said softly.
"Hey, sulky," said Marshal in the same shy tone. He couldn't help but feel really shy around Rosie ever since that dance. He wasn't sure of what to say next since every time he thought of something he couldn't help but feel a little stupid.
"What'cha doing?" Rosie asked with a cute smile.
"I..uhh...I was just...fishing..." said Marshal, "then Roll needed to vent so I was...helping her..." Marshal wanted to jump into a pitfall at this very second, but Rosie just giggled to herself.
"You're such a good friend, silly," said Rosie, "Anyways...I wanted to apologize to you..."
"For...for what, sulky?" Marshal asked surprised.
"Marshal, you can stop acting so modest, silly," Rosie snorted, "You know I've been avoiding you so you can stop acting like it hasn't been bothering you!" Marshal just blinked in surprise. He had never seen Rosie that upfront with him and he suddenly felt a even more shy than he did now.
"Sorry...guess I just thought it was something I did," said Marshal quietly. Rosie softened hearing that. Since his confrontation with Bunnie, the blue cat had learned just how timid the white squirrel really was. In fact, she had learned just how badly Marshal's confidence had been shaken to due the fallout with Charlotte. Rosie had even confronted Bunnie, wondering if all those years of her shunning him could have something to do with it. This explains why Bunnie had been so blunt and irritable during the wedding. Like Marshal had explained earlier, Bunnie didn't answer or comment on Rosie's question. Just walked off. Rosie would worry about Bunnie's attitude later, for now she wanted to help Marshal learn to believe in himself a little more. And to answer the big question, she did like Marshal...alot. Since learning about him, she had grown rather attracted to the white squirrel.
But for her sake, she asks that nobody tell him that...at least not yet.
Rosie just looked at her feet and played with her dazed dress for a moment before looking back up at Marshal, who was just looking very shy and insecure.
"Marshal?"
"Yeah, Rosie?" Marshal asked, now fully alert and giving her eye contact.
"Can I...just hang out with you, silly?" said Rosie, "Bunnie is having a bad day and I'm...lonely." Marshal just blinked for a bit and then smiled.
"Sure," said Marshal, "What do you wanna do, sulky?"
"We can fish together if you want, silly," Rosie suggested.
"Alright," said Marshal as he grabbed his fishing rod and waited for Rosie to take a seat next to him. While she sat a few inches away, Marshal was glad for her company. Rosie had to admit she felt happier sitting next to him. She was tempted to rest her head next to his rather small shoulder but decided against it.
One step at a time girl, Rosie told herself, One step at a time.
At the moment inside the walls of town hall, Isabelle could feel herself becoming more and more drowsy as she continued to do her work. She was trying to read through another procedure document when she could feel her eye grow heavy. She quickly patted her cheeks a bit firmly and shook her head to wake up.
"Keep it together Isabelle," she told herself, "You need to do this...it's for Animal Town...it's for Roll...she'll thank me for this later..." That seem to be the broken record that played over and over through her head whenever she felt drowsy and she seemed to play it again and again whenever she wanted to just take a break or a nap or just plain rest. She just kept pushing herself to keep moving forward. She wasn't completely zoned out yet, she was well aware of how rude and snappy she had been getting with Roll. Yet she didn't feel sorry about it, she felt she was doing Roll a better favor, which was just another clear sign that her exhaustion was now clouding her sense of judgment as well. She was still grumbling to herself when a grey furred shi-tzu wearing a HHA tee in light blue with some black track shorts entered the town hall.
Now why is he here?! Isabelle thought annoyed. Normally she would have been overjoyed to see Digby but today she was rather annoyed at seeing him as he came up to her with a warm smile.
"Hey Izzy! Lovely day outside!" he told her cheerfully. Isabelle just looked at him with a irritated glare.
"I thought you were working at the HHA showcase today little brother," she asked with the little bother part was said with some spite in her tone. That wiped the grin off of Digby's face as he glared at her.
"Don't you mean twin brother, little sister?" he retorted indignantly. Believe it or not, Isabelle and Digby were very special twins. According their mother, when it came time to give birth, they both came out at the same time! Neither one could brag they were older than the other. They even did the research and the exact same time of birth was printed on their birth certificates. While they often speculated that their mother was just pulling both their legs or possibly faked a time just to keep peace, she stuck to the story and never deterred from it. Despite the facts showing otherwise, they still teased each other about being older than the other. However, Digby could tell that Isabelle wasn't teasing.
"Geez, what's eating you Sis?" Digby asked, "Looks like someone woke on the wrong side of the doggie bed this morning."
"I did NOT!" Isabelle snapped, "I'm trying to get this work done if you don't mind, I would like to get it done before the I'm old and grey!" Isabelle slammed her fist on her desk and then continued her work. Digby just looked hurt.
"Seesh, I just wanted to say hi," he muttered, "I hardly see you anymore..." Digby then walked sadly away and was just about the grab the door when.
"Sorry," said Isabelle. It sounded slightly forced but there was some sincerity in it, which Digby's ears caught as he decided to turn around and headed back to her desk.
"Sis, seriously, what's bugging you?" he asked with concern, "I mean come on, we're siblings. We've always confided in each other about stuff."
"Not anymore," said Isabelle as a matter of fact. Digby just looked at her sadly.
"Well all I know is...my door has always been open," he told her, "You know I would drop everything if you needed me." Isabelle felt like she was burst out in tears but quickly recomposed herself. However Digby was no fool. He saw her nearly lose her composure and was now more concerned that ever.
"Please tell me Sis," said Digby gently, "What is bugging you?" Isabelle just blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Roll"
"Roll?"
"Roll," Isabelle repeated bluntly, "Roll is the problem." Digby blinked in surprise.
"But I thought Roll was doing such a good job," said Digby, "Animal Town looks better than ever and even the citizen satisfaction reports are all praises..."
"Well she is just a big pain in the butt!" Isabelle yelled, "Always checking up on me and nagging me to get my rest and to eat and to spread my work out and UGH! Why can't that little brat just leave me alone! I'm an adult, not a child and I wish she would respect that and stop acting like she's my mother all the time!"
"Izzy," said Digby firmly, "Roll is just worried about you and so am I! You do tend to overwork yourself. Someone needs to make sure you don't wear yourself out!"
"Whose side are you on!" Isabelle barked.
"Nobody!" Digby snapped, "but I do know for a fact that you are a very persistent worker and sometimes you get a little too wrapped up in your work! Roll isn't the only one whose worried you're gonna work yourself to death!"
"I know how to take care of myself!" Isabelle yelled.
"No you don't!"
"YES I DO!" Isabelle screamed, standing up from her seat. Digby took a few steps back in fright. Isabelle had her share of character flaws, and he wasn't bashing her cause he knew he had flaws too, but a short temper wasn't one of them. He couldn't remember the last time Isabelle had ever yelled at him. Even when she was little and they had their little fights, she would snap, whine, even cry, but she never exploded like she did now. Isabelle just huffed as she took a seat to keep working. It was just then that Roll entered Town Hall before Digby could answer.
"Oh speak of the devil," Isabelle muttered under her breath and while Digby glared, she chose to ignore it.
"Hi Isabelle," said Roll kindly, "Hey Digby. Nice outfit."
"Thanks Roll," said Digby.
"What brings you here?" Roll asked the male shi-tzu.
"I just wanted to see my sister, cause I love her so much, oh yes I do! Oh yes I do!" Digby then ruffled the hairs under the yellow shi-tzu's top knot where here bell ribbon was in place. Isabelle was using all her will not to try and bite his hand off, when Roll giggled at his little horseplay.
"So how are you doing today Isabelle?" Roll asked cheerfully. Isabelle was taken aback by her cheery tone and just blinked a bit before answering.
"O-kay I guess..." was her only reply, rather than her usually cheerful and usual greeting.
"How's the work coming along?" Roll asked her curiously. Isabelle growled inwardly.
Just what is she trying to pull? Isabelle thought but answered simply. "It's going just fine. See for yourself!" Isabelle then pointed towards two containers. One had papers that needed to be worked on and the other had papers that were filled out and needed to be filed and sorted. The later stack was also a good two feet tall. While Isabelle usually did the sorting, Roll did do it every now and then and today seemed like just as a good day as any to do so.
"Great, I'll get those filed," said Roll as she picked up the papers and went to sort them out into a nearby cabinet drawer between her desk and Isabelle's. As Roll went to file each completed document, she noticed something that made her hum with concern. In addition, she also noticed a few particular items near Isabelle's desk.
"Digby..." she mouthed. The grey shi-tzu quietly walked behind Isabelle's desk.
"What's up?" he whispered as quietly as he could. Roll then showed him the documents. Digby gasped and the narrowed his brow in anger.
"I knew it!" he snapped in a whispering tone. He noticed several of the time stamps on the documents Isabelle had completed. They weren't due for several weeks, some were even as far away as next October. They even found a document for the regulations necessary allowing Franklin to host a dinner at the event plaza...in November! And that was a good four months. Isabelle was never behind on any work, she was working ahead and do it at the expense of her own health and well-being too. Roll just took the large stack of documents and just dropped them back into the bin with a loud crinkle of papers, some of them even falling out of the pile and onto the floor, which startled Isabelle from her work.
"Hey! I thought you were going to put those papers away!" She asked shocked. Roll glared sternly at her. Isabelle knew what was coming.
Oh great! Isabelle thought.
"Didn't I tell you not to work so far ahead like this!" Roll scolded angrily, "I keep telling you to just do what needs to be done today and nothing more! There is no need for you to jump ahead like this!"
"Hey! If it's getting done than isn't that was it important!"
"Isabelle..." Roll rumbled as she felt her temper slip, "You're impossible! Do you think I don't have sense to see what you're doing behind my back!"
"What do you mean?" Isabelle demanded.
"She means this!" said Digby as he pulled out a drawer that Isabelle was using a waste bin. Inside was a collection of discarded candy wrappers and coffee cups. Isabelle wasn't just overworking herself but she was neglecting her health too by using junk food to give her energy to work. This time it was Digby who chose to speak.
"Izzy, when was the last time you went home for a good night's sleep or even just ate a nice healthy meal?" he asked her. Isabelle just felt put on the spot and went on the defense.
"Well I do have a sleeping bag stored away in the cabinet over there..."
"Izzy..." Digby warned.
"And I've taken a few naps here and there..."
"Izzy" Digby repeated losing his patience.
"...and there's just work to be done and there's no time for me..."
"ISABELLE!" Digby yelled, "You are working yourself ragged and then you wonder why Roll is so worried sick about you! I've been worried sick about you!"
"How can you be so careless Isabelle?" Roll added angrily, "You know better than this and I told you that you need to make sure to take care of yourself first and your work later..."
"WILL YOU JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH HOLE!" Isabelle yelled fiercely at Roll and making her step back, "Believe it or not, your wisdom gets old and annoying sometimes. How about you just do me favor, just shut up and BUD OUT OF MY LIFE!" Isabelle grunted moodily as she glanced at her brother who just glared but tilted away from her.
"What?" she asked bluntly and looked back at Roll and then gasped. Poor Roll looked completely heartbroken as her lips quivered as a few sobs escaped her mouth and tears were streaming down her face. It didn't take long before Isabelle realized just how hurtful her words were to the blonde girl. Poor Roll was breaking down.
"Oh Roll, I'm so sorry! I...I don't know what came over me," said Isabelle in a very weak, but ashamed defense, "but it won't happen again...as soon as I finish this document. I'll take the rest of the day off...I promise." Isabelle gave her a warm smile. Roll just sniffled a bit as she wiped her eyes and nodded, hoping the shi-tzu meant her words as Digby handed the crying girl a cloth.
"Sorry..." Roll whimpered, still deeply hurt.
"It's okay Roll," said Digby, "It doesn't take a genius to know Isabelle hit a..."
THUD!
That sickening sound made both of them tilt their heads towards Isabelle's desk. What they saw made both their faces pale and their breathing stop. The poor shi-tzu was now laying unconscious, face first, on the floor behind her desk.
For the sake of this story, I find eighteen to be the appropriate age for marriage. I don't want to be discussing marriage "fun" cause this is a family rated story.
The scene of Bunnie with the soda was based off of a clip from Sailor Moon Super S. Ironically it was when they are discussing the chance of a possible boyfriend for Rini (Chibi-usa).
And FYI to my closest followers: I DO NOT EXIST! (not planning to) and Rosie needs a love interest so there! Plus I try not to do fourth wall comments unless they fit, and there was one moment where it did.
Digby's outfit is based on his casual outfit from ACHHD just the bottoms are shorts instead of pants.
And don't worry about Isabelle...she'll be fine.
See you next time!
