Detective Bunnie part 3
A few days had passed and Roll hadn't been outside her house. To make matters worse, Bunnie and Rosie still weren't speaking to each other. It didn't help that Roll's lion dog doll was still nowhere to be found. She had pretty much given up hope that she would ever see her doll again, which was why she hadn't even come out of her house. She was aware that the villagers were probably asking about her, but at the moment she really didn't care. She just wanted to be alone and that was that.
It was another rainy day as a pretty female wolf was walking down the new path leading to Roll's house carrying her lacy umbrella. She had been filled in on the situation when she had stopped by Lolly's house for tea. Margie had been there as well. Whitney hadn't originally planned on getting involved, but after seeing that Roll had shut herself in for days with no communication about how she was handling herself left Whitney very worried. The white wolf knew that something had to be done, especially since Isabelle had tried a few times to get Roll out of her house, but was turned down and ignored whenever she tried to get inside Roll's house. Whitney cared far too much for the blonde girl to not get involved at this point. Whitney took a slow deep breath as she lightly rapped on the door. It was a few seconds before Whitney heard footsteps behind the door.
"Go away," said a very soft and rather defeated voice behind the door.
"Roll, please don't be like that," said Whitney, trying to be firm but also gentle, "Margie told me what happened. Please open the door and let me in. I'm getting all wet, snappy." There was another brief moment of silence before the white wolf heard a snort and then the unlocking of her front door. Whitney felt like she wanted to cry when Roll finally opened the door and she caught sight of the blonde girl. Poor thing was wearing a long sleeved sackcloth dress (how she got it without being tricked Whitney would never know) and was wearing what appeared to be a black shawl on the top of her head. Whitney had also taken notice that Roll's eyes were very red, which was probably a combination of crying alot and not sleeping. The latter was obvious from the fact that dark black circles were under Roll's eyes.
"What do you want?" Roll asked in a moody but also lifeless tone. Whitney was unsure of what to say before looking at her sadly. Whitney felt the urge to cry harder to fight off before she shook her head to recompose herself.
"Get dressed, snappy," said Whitney. Roll just looked at her blankly.
"Get washed up and dressed, snappy," Whitney repeated, but more firmly, "We need to talk." Roll didn't want to and just glared back at her.
"Can't you see I'm mourning here?" she retorted rather feebly, but Whitney's glare made it clear that the wolf was not going to back down. If this had been any other day, Roll could have easily stood her ground, but since she was fatigued and tired, she didn't have the strength to stand up to her.
"You've had enough time to mourn," said Whitney firmly, "Now please get out of that tacky dress and change into something that shows how beautiful and cute you really are, snappy!"
"Well I don't feel that way right now!" Roll whimpered, not even trying to fight her.
"Roll, Komasan wouldn't want you doing this to yourself," Whitney replied, "He would want you to be happy." Roll just lowered her head in defeat and headed upstairs without another word. Whitney just allowed herself in, closed her umbrella, and took a seat. As she heard Roll open the water for a shower, Whitney tried to just relax on the sofa, but within a few seconds she began to cry.
"Who would've thought seeing Roll so depressed would be enough to make me cry," she sobbed quietly, "I hardly ever cry. Guess I...care more about her than I give myself credit for. Just seeing her like this...terrifies me..." Whitney just let her tears fall before she heard someone coming down the stairs. The lifted her head and quickly dried her eyes as quickly as she could when Roll arrived. She had changed into a chain-gang shirt in which she had pulled the sleeves up so they were just below her elbows, dry-denim pedal pushers, a blue headband with her hair fully down and had her blue pumps in her left hand. While Whitney had managed to recompose herself, Roll had seen the wolf wiping her eyes.
"Whitney?" Roll asked quietly. Whitney just coughed a bit before clearing her throat as she rose to her feet. Whitney didn't want to talk about the fact that she was crying and just gave her a warm smile.
"I see you're wearing your hair down, snappy," said Whitney. Roll just brushed her hair behind her shoulders and just sighed.
"I didn't feel like styling it," said Roll quietly, "And before you ask, yes, I did brush it." Whitney just nodded.
"Alright," said Whitney, "Put your shoes on and let's go."
"Where are we..."
"You need to get some fresh air," said Whitney, "The rain has stopped for a bit but the instrument shelter says it will pick up again in about twenty minutes or so. Let's get you something to eat and go for a walk." Roll just gave her a sad look but still nodded as she slipped her pumps on and followed Whitney out of the house. Whitney just hugged her close, even kissing the side of her head and held her so they could share her umbrella. She lead her towards the foreign and tropical fruit orchard and handed Roll a few pieces of fruit to eat. Roll just took it quietly and ate every piece Whitney offered to her. As the blonde girl wiped her hands and face, Whitney couldn't help but chuckle to herself as she watched her eat and clean herself.
"Are you sure you're okay in this weather with no socks and those bottoms?" she asked, "it's quite chilly out here, snappy."
"Yeah," said Roll timidly, "The cool air is actually feels refreshing. My legs aren't cold at all."
"Not one bit?"
"Not one bit," said Roll and pulled a foot out of her shoe and wiggles her toes in the cold air. Whitney just chuckled as Roll put her foot back inside her shoe.
"Well that says one thing about you, snappy," she continued. Roll could feel her wanting to say it made her a freak, but chose not to.
"What?" she asked instead.
"You're alot tougher than you give yourself credit for, snappy," said Whitney, "You are not weak by any standards." Roll just stared at her shoes and then looked at Whitney.
"Thank you," said Roll, while she didn't agree. Her words did make her feel better. The two girls then continued their walk in the rain until they reached the front of the Roost cafe. Whitney invited Roll inside as Brewster was just quietly doing his work.
"Ahh, good morning Roll," said Brewster, "Coo...make yourself at home." Roll just nodded as she and Whitney took a seat by the counter.
"The usual blend?" he asked in his polite manner. Roll just looked at him sadly and nodded lightly. Whitney then gave a similar nod. Apparently it was all she needed to do to tell Brewster her order as she handed the barista 400 bells for both their cups of coffee. Roll just sat quietly, staring at the front of the counter and clicking her the toes of her pumps against the wood underneath the table. Normally, Roll hated wearing her pumps and could have taken them off while she waited, but the clicking seemed to keep her mind occupied until she was startled a bit by the setting of her coffee cup on the counter.
"175.32 degrees," said Brewster with a grin, "Please...go ahead..." Roll just looked up at him.
"Thank you," she said in a whisper as he set down Whitney's cup of coffee. Whitney took a quick sip of her own coffee as Roll used both her hands to take a nice long drink of hers. She slowly pulled the cup away, just savoring the flavor and just holding the cup in her hands. The coffee definitely helped her relax a bit, but Roll just felt her sadness began to bubble over again. Soon large tears began to drip from her eyes and then made light splashes onto the table. Roll didn't bother to fight back the tears as they increased. Soon, she just lowered her cup as she started to sob. At first, it was subtle, but soon they got louder. Whitney just sighed.
"Oh my," she exclaimed, "Now, why are acting all depressed. Cause you lost your favorite doll, hmm? No matter what the circumstances, being able to keep moving forward with your life is the way to be a proper lady, snappy."
"It's...it's not that I don't want to just move forward from all of this," Roll said sadly as she continued to cry.
"Then what is it?" Whitney asked.
"Komasan wasn't just a toy," said Roll, "He was all I had for years. He was my only friend. I know in the bottom of my heart that I didn't misplace him. I tucked him into bed like I always did and the next morning he wasn't there. Somebody must have broken into my house and taken him, but I just don't know who or why? Nobody's seen him and if they do have him, they won't give him back. I...I don't know what else to do..." Roll began to sob loudly. Whitney just watched her for a moment before she began to giggle and then was laughing openly. That made Roll stop crying and the blonde girl just looked at the wolf in confusion.
"Oh you silly girl," said Whitney, "You're more ridiculous than you look."
"I already knew that," Roll whimpered.
"I didn't mean it like that, snappy," said Whitney, "Just hear me out. If you know that you didn't lose our toy, than it's probably true without a doubt. You need to just believe in yourself more."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Roll asked calmly.
"You need to stop focusing on all the negatives in life and start focusing more on the positive dear," said Whitney, "I know your doll was very special to you, but you don't need it..."
"Him Whitney."
"Very well," Whitney continued without skipping a beat, "You don't need him anymore to feel special or loved. You are surrounded by people who love you. People who believe in you and see the best in you even when you feel at your worst. You also need to have a little faith and not give up so easily. Your doll will show up in good time. Sometimes it does take a few days and even a second search before it finally shows up. But you can't stop living your life cause he's gone, Roll. You need to keep moving forward. It's the only way you're going to grow."
"So..." said Roll quietly, "Do you think Komasan is gone forever? Do you know where he might be?"
"If I did know where he was, snappy," said Whitney gently, "I wouldn't hesitate to tell you. I might not know where he is, but I do know that you two will see each other again. Call it lady's intuition. My point is that you don't need him to live your life and to feel loved. Do you understand?" Roll just sniffled a bit as she finished up her cup of coffee.
"Yes...I do," said Roll, "He just means alot to me...since...He knows my past better than I do. If he could talk, he would have plenty to say about the scars and wounds that I have."
"We all know you have them, snappy," said Whitney, "that's why you need to believe in yourself. The more you do, the less those wounds are gonna seem as big and as painful. I know that you will need time, but I know you do want to heal faster. Changing your view on life is the first step to a faster healing. It isn't easy, but...if you ever want to look at yourself and feel beautiful on the inside. That is what you have to do." Roll just listened attentively, before turning away.
"You're right," said Roll, "and it frustrates me. I'm the girl who could master advanced Calculus in just a few months. Memorize a book of recipes from cover to cover in a short time. I learned how to walk and talk before my brain was even mature enough to remember it. Yet...I just can't figure out how to believe myself and change my view on life. Some genius I am..." Whitney chuckled.
"Just because you're a genius with a high IQ doesn't mean you're not gonna struggle," said Whitney, "Nobody, human or animal, is that smart. Just know that your family knows you can do it. No matter how long it takes, we're always here for you. Nobody is going to abandon you like your mother did. And even if life causes us to move away, those goodbyes are not forever." Hearing that put a warm smile on Roll's face as Brewster took her empty cup away. Roll just sat quietly before turning to face the white wolf once again.
"Whitney," said Roll quietly.
"Yes, snappy," she asked.
"Thank you," said Roll, "thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. When I first met you, I thought you were very beautiful. So beautiful that...I never thought someone like you would want to be friends with someone like me. But you've been so nice to me ever since I came to Animal Town. And, I really want to hope, that by taking your advice. I could be beautiful like you someday." Whitney smiled.
"Feeling beautiful is only part of the reason I share my wisdom with you Roll," said Whitney, "it's also cause I love you. Mayor or not, you're a young child that is still growing and maturing. I see you turning into a very beautiful and successful young lady and it hurts to see that you're letting inner wounds tarnish all that you've worked so hard to achieve. What kind of friend would I be if I just stood in the distance and watch you suffer like this? Not a very good one in my opinion, snappy."
"Well, it means alot to me that you do care," said Roll, "and...I'm sorry if my outfit this morning made you cry." Whitney nearly choked on the last bit of her coffee but was able to clear her throat a bit. She was silent for a moment before she looked at the blonde girl with very serious eyes.
"Roll, promise me," said Whitney, "No matter how difficult life gets sometimes. Promise me you'll never do that to yourself ever again. I'm a very reserved person Roll and I don't just open up to anyone! Seeing your eyes so tired and empty, the defeated look on your face...(Sigh), you frightened me. It's normal to want a day to yourself, snappy. But when you spend days alone and close us all off. It worries everyone."
"I'm guessing everyone has been asking about me," said Roll.
"Did you expect them not to?" Whitney asked.
"I figured they would," said Roll, "But...how could you help? If you can't find the doll and no one knows where he is? I didn't see the point in talking to anybody about it at this point. Everyone knows I'm hurting because of it. There isn't any more that could be done."
"That's where your wrong my dear Roll," Whitney retorted, "even if we can't help you locate your doll, we can still help you in dealing with the hurt. You know by now that being alone when you're hurting doesn't help you all. It's just a time waster."
"Can't argue with that," said Roll, knowing how much time, energy, and even sleep had been lost from just moping for the last few days, "I'm sorry, Whitney. Next time, I'll be sure to come find someone to talk to." Whitney nodded in agreement.
"If you ever just want a place to cry yourself out," said Whitney, "My door is always open, snappy. In fact, Margie, Lolly, and Purrl want to extend that to you as well. We even have extra blankets and pillow so if you feel lonely at night you can stay over. Just let us know you need company." Roll smiled and felt a bit shy since she was tempted to ask. Whitney jut chuckled as if she had read the blonde girl's mind.
"I'll set up the sofa so it will be ready for you by tonight, snappy," said Whitney, "Just don't forget to bring your toothbrush, pajamas, a set of clothes, and other things okay." Roll smiled as she embraced her, surprising the wolf.
"Thank you Whitney," Roll replied. Whitney just smiled and hugged her back. Brewster just continued to clean the coffee cups as he watched and listened, but made no attempt to get involved. Whitney let Roll hold her for a few seconds before the blonde girl pulled away and just released a short breath.
"Alright," said Roll, "I think I'm gonna give my house a cleaning since I haven't done a good dusting in a while. Maybe even try that new feature Lottie added for moving furniture around to see if it will help me find Komasan."
"Very well," said Whitney, "but please don't spend all day indoors. I know it's raining and it means wearing your shoes, but as you said, the cool air was helping you feel better."
"True," said Roll, "and like you said. It's not like I have to cover them up completely and Kicks shoes are very comfortable. I forgot I was even wearing them just now." Roll lifted her left foot out, giving her toes a wiggle. That made Whitney laugh as Roll tucked her foot back into her shoe.
"Well, go on," said Whitney, "don't try to do too much at once and be sure to go outside again to take a break. I'll see you tonight, snappy." Roll smiled as she waved her good bye and then said thank you to Brewster for her coffee. (She had offered to give Whitney the bells for her cup, but the wolf refused). Then she was about to return home when she came back to the wolf.
"What's wrong, snappy?" she asked.
"We...used the same umbrella to come here," said Roll, "I guess if I run..."
"Stop!" said Whitney as she finished her cup and pushed it towards Brewster, "Come on! Let's get you home." Roll smiled and held Whitney's hand for the short walk back to her house. Then they said good bye for real this time and Roll removed her shoes and began to dust. She had only done the main room when she felt herself become very sleepy and ended up taking a nap instead. Despite not sleeping well for a few days, she slept for three hours before she woke up and got back to work. Roll got so into her dusting and searching for her doll that it was well past 5pm when she finally finished her house cleaning. The former had been successful while the later had left her empty handed, but she wasn't surprised. Roll then slipped her pumps on before heading outside.
"I didn't think I was gonna find it looking a second time," Roll said to herself as she walked alone in the rain, but this time holding a blue umbrella over herself to keep dry, "but at least I can say I tried." Roll tried to just enjoy her little walk around the town. Since it was still raining rather heavily, nobody was outside their house so Roll didn't have to worry about apologizing to anyone for her disappearance for the moment. Roll stopped walking just outside the train station. She was gonna go shopping at main street, but found herself losing interest in the idea.
"I kind of want to stay outside," Roll said to herself, "I wonder if there is a place when I could just sit outside, take off my shoes, and listen to the rain. All the benches are soaked so where...hey maybe Harvey has something set up." Roll then headed back towards town hall and slowly made her way back up the soggy ramp towards the campsite. She found that most of the areas to sit were pretty much soaked and just sighed in defeat.
"So much for that," she said sadly as she turned to leave.
"Hey there," said Harvey, "looking for a place to chill?" Roll just turned towards the dog, who was sitting in his usual spot in a rain slicker.
"At least a place where I can sit, listen to the rain, and not have to worry about getting wet," said Roll. Harvey just grinned as he guided Roll over to his nearby chair. He grabbed a large stand up umbrella and grabbed a thick wool blanket and laid it around the umbrella. Roll then crawled under the umbrella and sat down, removing her pumps. Since the umbrella was so wide, Roll was able to extend her legs a bit and get comfortable underneath it.
"Thanks Harvey," said Roll as she crossed her legs, "Now I can enjoy the fresh air and not have to worry about getting my bare feet wet." Harvey just gave her a warm smile and took a drink of his black coffee.
"No prob, Sis," he replied, "You look like you could needed some down time. Just relax and enjoy the performance of nature in action, man."
"Performance?" Roll asked curiously as pulled her right leg up so she could rest her head on her knee.
"Yeah, man," Harvey answered, "I always enjoyed rain the best when its dark. People spend too much time focusing on what they can see. They forget about the other senses. We are built with five senses, not just one you know."
"That's true," said Roll, "I can't see the rain, but I can hear the constant pitter-patter of the rain drops, smell the moisture that hangs in the air, even feel the wind breathe against my skin, legs, and feet. It's so refreshing after being cooped up in my house all day."
"I'll bet," said Harvey, "It's why I like to stay outdoors more often than not, man. While it's good to have a roof over your head, it's nice to just enjoy the nature around you ya know."
"Yeah," said Roll with a content smile on her face as she hugged her legs into her chest, "Being out here, just enjoying all the nature, really does clear your head."
"Indeed it does," said Harvey, "still think emptying your mind completely is a bad thing?" Roll's eyes widened and her cheeks turned deep red. She didn't even think that Harvey was listening to her when she said that remark about him emptying his head too much.
"I...I guess...I didn't understand," said Roll, "To me you just looked zoned out when I saw how relaxed you were. Now I understand. With what I've been through lately, emptying my mind was probably the best medicine for me right now."
"Just keep in mind, Sis," said Harvey, "Emptying your mind is not supposed to be used to run away from your problems, man. Just to help you put things into perspective and sort your thoughts. When done properly, the things that seemed frustrating or even hopeless suddenly don't seem as frustrating or hopeless anymore. People move too fast these days, man, with all the technologies and hustle and bustle and such. Sometimes, you just gotta slow down and smell the vegan burrito on the campfire." Roll giggled and Harvey chuckled as well. She could definitely feel a friendship developing between herself and the dog. Nothing more needed to be said and they just enjoyed the sound of the rain for another hour or so before Roll felt herself getting sleepy and hungry. She bid him goodbye before returning home. As Roll walked inside with her pumps in hand, she just looked about her dark, unlit house and just smiled.
"Guess sitting in the rain really did help me clear my thoughts," said Roll to herself, "The fresh air really did help me feel better. Things don't seem so hopeless anymore. (Yawn) And I'd better let Whitney know I'm just gonna stay home tonight. I'm too tired to pack anything and sleep elsewhere." Once Roll informed the wolf about her change of plans, she headed into her kitchen and made herself a sandwich that she could eat upstairs in bedroom. Once she was in pajamas for the night, she climbed into bed before taking a large bite into her sandwich before she found herself looking at the empty dresser that still had Komasan's pillow and blanket stored inside. Rather than feeling sad, Roll just smiled.
"I will find you," said Roll, "I know I will..." With that Roll finished her little dinner, read a book for about another hour before she felt her eyes getting too heavy to stay open and went to sleep. It was only a little past 9pm but Roll was exhausted and she needed a good night's rest.
The next morning, Roll woke up feeling much better, both physically and emotionally too. She stretched her arms a bit before climbing out of bed and looked out her window. The rain hadn't let up, but Roll didn't let that get her down and just let out a happy sigh.
"Alright, no more moping around," said Roll, "Let's find see what I'm in the mood to wear today so I can get dressed and be ready to start the day right. I wonder what color I'm in the mood for..." Roll didn't take long before she grabbed a canary shirt that had a cute brown necktie, some brown pedal pushers, and decided to wear her beret. Once she had washed up, she changed into her outfit, pulled out her brown pumps and set them on the bed before tying her hair into some downward pigtails and tucked her beret into place. Suddenly Roll realized that she had walked up to her mirror and was now posing in front of it. She just looked at herself, feeling her insecurity coming back before taking a deep breath.
"No, I'm...beautiful. I'm beautiful and cute," Roll told herself as she posed in her mirror, trying to smile as she continued to pose a bit. She just giggled to herself.
"This still feels a little silly, but I guess I'm getting better," Roll continued with her little pep talk, "I mean...I like how I look in my outfit. Let me try with the pumps on." Roll put her shoes on and posed again with a smile on her face.
"Hey, I do look pretty with the shoes on," said Roll and then gasped in surprise, "I feel pretty!" Roll giggled and continued to pose in the mirror. She removed her shoes and posed again, finding that she felt pretty barefoot too. Roll just enjoyed herself when she heard someone knocking on her door.
"Coming!" she said in a cheery tone as she headed downstairs with her pumps in her pockets. She opened the door so see Bunnie and Rosie standing outside her door. They were both looking rather glum. Rather than let their gloomy faces dampen her spirits, she decided to keep smiling.
"Hey you guys, glad you're here," said Roll in her cheery tone, "Come on in. You can join me for breakfast!" Bunnie and Rosie just looked at her in shock but just walked inside and sat on her sofa. Roll sat in the ranch arm chair and crossed her left leg over her right, still smiling.
"What bring you two here this morning?" she asked in the same happy tone, wanting to chat with them before making something to eat. Rosie and Bunnie just kept looking at her worried.
"Roll...are you feeling okay, silly?" Rosie asked with concern.
"You just seem...really peppy, tee hee," Bunnie added, "Not that it's a bad thing! But..." Bunnie felt at a loss for words. Roll just sighed to herself as she gave them a serious look.
"Hey, I'm just trying to keep moving forward with my life," said Roll, "I can't just sit here all day crying and moping about how unfair life is for me lately. I know Komasan would want me to keep trying to happy. I just gotta have faith that he'll be returned to me in good time. It's all I can do at this point. The town isn't going to run itself and you guys are counting on me as a friend and as a mayor. Plus I'm tired of feeling so pathetic all the time. I want to be happy and I want to feel beautiful. I actually was able to look at myself in the mirror and feel pretty for once in my life. I even found myself posing in the mirror...and having fun doing it!" Bunnie and Rosie just giggled to each other.
"Well, we're glad that you're at least trying to cope and stay positive, tee hee," said Bunnie.
"Yeah," said Rosie, "Sorry for giving you weird looks just now, silly. We were just surprised to see you so optimistic."
"Yeah...it's out of character isn't it," said Roll, "but...I do feel better trying to have a little faith..."
"That's good," said Bunnie, "we will get to the bottom of this. Detective Bunnie is still on the case."
"But first," said Rosie, "We both owe you and apology. After all, we didn't exactly help you in terms of giving you hope in finding Komasan the other day." Roll just gave them a sad smile.
"I should be apologizing you Rosie," said Roll, "Just because Bunnie wasn't able to find a solid lead on Komasan didn't give me the right to explode at you. Then I tried to beat you up and accused you of taking him. Even I know you would never do that to me. I'm sorry. I hope you'll forgive me."
"Of course I will," said Rosie, "I've already apologized to Bunnie. I didn't mean to be such a jerk."
"It's cool," said Bunnie softly, "Rosie was right. I don't know that first thing to being a detective. I guess I really do stink..."
"No," said Rosie, "I just got annoyed cause you were so enthusiastic. That's all. I mean...you seemed so obsessed with detective comics and manga lately. I thought you were just trying to show off. Now I know you were trying to take what you learned from them to help. Maybe I could have helped guide you instead of just letting you train wreck yourself."
"Well, what's done is done," said Roll as she rose to her feet, "I'm sorry for being so angry and snippy to the both of you. I was also just being impatient. I didn't take the time to explore the clues properly either and just trusting you guys to find him for me. I guess we all took this search the wrong way. I forgive you guys for fighting. I hope you'll forgive me for my attitude." Bunnie and Rosie smiled.
"Group hug!" Rosie called out as they held each other, sharing chuckles and giggles with each other. After a few seconds, they all pulled away with warm smiles on their faces.
"Glad that we're friends again, tee hee," said Bunnie. Roll looked at her puzzled.
"Did...we ever stop?" she asked worried. Bunnie just chuckled to herself.
"No," said Bunnie, "that's just my negativity trying to get the best of me. You're not the only one who deals with that."
"I deal with it too, silly," said Rosie.
"How?" Roll asked surprised.
"You see how bubbly I can get sometimes when I'm happy or excited," said Rosie, "Sometimes I just want to be seen as optimistic, but I feel like most people think of me as annoying. I...actually moved away cause I overheard the villagers from my previous town call me an annoying little pest. And it turned out to be true."
"I had no idea," said Roll, "I know in my heart that I don't see you that way and neither does Bunnie. You and Bunnie's peppiness really helps me when I feel down or depressed. I couldn't see my life without you." Rosie's eyes twinkles before she embraced Roll once again. Bunnie just smiled and hugged the blue cat as well.
"Sisters forever?" Bunnie replied, offering a fist bump. Rosie smiled.
"Sisters forever," Rosie replied as she returned the fist bump. Roll smiled, grateful that things had been settled as the two girls did the same.
"Care to join me for breakfast this morning?" Roll asked once more. The funny thing was both Bunnie and Rosie's stomachs both growled in response, making them both chuckle sheepishly as Roll laughed and got to work. With their help, they enjoy a nice warm breakfast together. Rosie smacked her lips together as she cleaned her mouth with a napkin.
"MMMM-mmmm," said Rosie, "This girl knows how to cook a good meal."
"Never thought I'd ever taste anything that could rival my mother's home cooking," said Bunnie, "Roll, you might consider a side career as a world-class chief."
"I'll see," said Roll casually, "but I'm glad all the reading and practicing is paying off." The three girls quickly cleared the table and then relaxed in the main room as Roll got comfortable and faced her two best friends.
"So what now Bunnie?" Roll asked. Bunnie looked a little stunned at her question as she looked at Rosie and then back at Roll.
"What...what do you mean, tee hee?" Bunnie asked, feeling rather puzzled.
"Well, you're still accepting my case aren't you, detective?" Roll asked. Bunnie just looked at her sadly.
"Roll, let's face the facts," said Bunnie, "I'm no detective. I don't even know where to start! All we know is that Komasan is a rare vintage toy doll, your shoes were kicked by someone wearing a brown cloak that isn't part of any of the clothes being sold around here."
"It's still something, silly," said Rosie, "plus I just came to a realization the other day. I wanted to wait til we had settled things with Roll before speaking up about it."
"What is it?" Roll and Bunnie asked curiously.
"Roll," said Rosie slowly with a serious tone, "Does...anyone else have a key to your house?" Roll's eyes widen in shock and even Bunnie's eyes widened as well.
"Are you saying...that..." said Roll, trying to process the idea, "someone who I trusted with my house key...took Komasan?" Bunnie then stood up, donning her detective hat that she had kept in her pockets.
"Well, one thing is for sure, tee hee," said Bunnie as she put her mind to work, "We already know that nobody would blatantly steal your doll. If one of them did take him, I'm sure there would be a good reason behind it."
"Precisely," said Rosie, "No one would just break into your house either. Someone who had your key had to have come into your house and stolen...err, I mean...taken Komasan!"
"But...why?" said Roll, "I mean...who would want to take him...if I didn't tell any of the people who have my key that he even existed?"
"I think we first need to focus on the who and then the why, tee hee," said Bunnie.
"Good call detective," said Rosie, "what should we do first?" Bunnie just looked at Rosie, who just smiled showing how grateful the rabbit felt that Rosie did believe in her. Roll smiled as well, excited that a new clue had turned up. Bunnie could feel her self-confidence return as she changed into her trench coat and gave them a determined look.
"First, we need to list down all the people who have a spare key to Roll's home," said Bunnie, "Do you remember everyone who has a key?"
"Sure do," said Roll, "Bacon and Cherry, that's one key by the way, Shenran and Ankha, Lemon, Sakura, and the Able Sisters." Bunnie wrote the names down.
"Now let's see where everyone was at the time the crime was committed," said Bunnie, "First, Bacon and Cherry."
"They went on a trip together to...Wuhu island for some romantic getaway since their honeymoon was spent helping Cherry reconcile with her family," said Rosie, "They left two weeks ago and just got back today from the trip."
"Shenran and Ankha had gone to Sunyshore City for some excavation convention regarding Egyptian artifacts that were discovered," Roll added, "They left for their plane the night Komasan was taken."
"What about Lemon and Sakura?" Rosie asked.
"Apparently they are at some Pokecrolo fashion show in a distant city," said Bunnie as she was examining a letter, "They are staying at one of the local hotels, tee hee." Roll then took the letter.
"Bunnie, I know we are investigating, but don't read my mail please," she asked politely.
"I didn't have too," said Bunnie, "It said where they were in the address." Roll then looked at the envelope and just chuckled.
"Oh! My bad," said Roll sheepishly with a giggle and quickly skimmed the letter. Since they had been in town before the kidnapping, Roll called up their hotel room to see if she could speak to them as soon as possible. Fortunately, someone answered and after a few minutes of speaking to them. She hung up the phone.
"Nope, it definitely wasn't them," said Roll, "They didn't even know that I had Komasan and now I have to hide him again cause Lemon wants to hug it, poke it, and squeeze it's head off. The stitching around the neck are bad enough as it is." They all shared a chuckle with each other.
"Okay then, tee hee," said Bunnie, "so all that leaves with us is the Able Sisters. But...well...what have they been doing recently. Other than just working at the shop like they usually do..."
"They haven't!" Rosie exclaimed and Bunnie and Roll looked at her stunned.
"What?"
"Really, tee hee?"
"How do you know that?" Roll asked, anxious to hear what the blue cat had to say.
"I was in the Able Sisters the past few days," said Rosie, "After you took off crying and Bunnie and I yelled each other to the point of almost hating the sight of one another, I took a walk back to main street and went to check out the shop. I needed something to just take my mind off of all the drama. That was when I noticed something in particular inside the shop. Mabel was at the sewing machine and Sable was nowhere to be found. I asked Mabel where Sable was and all she could say she was sick. I asked what kind of sickness and Mabel ignored me. I didn't bother to push the issue until the next day. But Mabel was still avoiding my questions and tuning me out. After the fourth day, I asked when Sable was coming back and Mabel just ignored me. I pushed the issue further and Mabel got very defensive and asked me to leave her alone. It was all too suspicious. I mean, if Sable was sick, why wouldn't Mabel just say the illness? Plus if it was a severe illness, wouldn't Mabel be more upset about it? She was acting very apathetic and calm in that sense, even Labelle was acting like she didn't even know Sable was sick. She didn't seem to care either."
"Then Sable is not sick," said Roll with her hands on her hips, "Did you ask them about my doll by any chance?" Rosie sighed.
"I didn't, silly," said Rosie sadly, "I was too upset at the time." Roll just nodded as she rose to her feet and slipped her brown pumps onto her feet.
"Where are you going, tee hee?" Bunnie asked curiously. Roll just adjusted her beret and gave them both a determined look on her face.
"Everything that Rosie said just now," said Roll, "just sounds way too suspicious. Those two hedgehogs know something."
"Roll, let's not jump to conclusions about this, tee hee," Bunnie warned, "Remember what happened when I jumped the gun!"
"Even if this doesn't have to do with my doll," said Roll as she grabbed her umbrella, "Something is wrong with my momma and I want to know what's going on. I'm family after all. There must be something else behind this if Mabel didn't even bother to tell me that my own momma was sick! That's unusual in of itself!"
"Good point, tee hee," said Bunnie, "To the Able Sisters!"
"Right!" Rosie added with determination. The three girls wasted no time heading over towards the Able Sisters shop and all they entered into the shop at once. Roll took notice that Mabel was busily working at Sable's sewing machine and hadn't even bothered to say hello to her at all. Before Bunnie could approach the blue hedgehog, Roll stopped her.
"Let me handle this," said Roll as she casually made her way towards the blue hedgehog. Mabel seemed to ignore her and continued to work quietly on her own. Roll just cupped her hands behind her back and put on a warm smile as she clicked her heels to the wooden floor.
"Hi Mabel," said Roll, "Nice day for a shower isn't it?" Roll chuckled at her own joke but Mabel didn't seem to notice.
"You look pretty today," said Roll.
"Thanks," said Mabel plainly. Roll smirked.
"Do you like my outfit?" Roll asked, even doing a slow twirl, "Momma said the canary shirt was one of your designs and I'm wearing the brown pants you modified into pedal pushers too. Since it raining, I have my brown pumps on, but I feel really pretty wearing them." Roll giggled to herself and then looked at Mabel, who didn't seem to be paying attention. Roll's smile disappeared.
"Mabel, are you okay?" Roll asked. Mabel just looked at her with an irritated glare.
"I'm currently trying to run this shop by doing my sister's work as well as my own!" Mabel snapped, "Labelle is only good at accessories and headgear, not tops and bottoms. Guess who has to pick up the slack around here!"
"Let me help!" said Roll, "Momma's been teaching me how to sew. In fact, where is Momma anyway?"
"Sick," said Mabel plainly.
"With what?"
"None of your business!"
"It is my business!" Roll retorted angrily, "If she's dying I need to know!"
"Sable's not dying Roll," Mabel retorted indignantly before adding under her breath, "not yet anyway..."
"That's not funny Mabel," said Roll, "You guys are my family! I have a right to know about these..."
"All you need to know," said Mabel in a sweet tone that clearly showing her temper was at its end, "Is that Sable will be back within a day or so. Okay? Okay. So if you aren't here to buy anything. Please...Go. Away." Mabel then got back to work. Roll felt indignant as she rested her hands on her hips before walking away towards her friends. They had heard everything.
"Pretty suspicious," Roll whispered.
"You can say that again," said Rosie, "I can understand her being stressed at having to do twice the work, but the way she was brushing you off, silly. Very suspicious."
"It seems like she was trying to get you to go away," said Bunnie, "She's hiding something alright, tee hee."
"Maybe," said Roll, "Time for a little deeper investigation. Here, hold these for me. If you recall, I did say I think better barefoot." Rosie chuckled as she held Roll's pumps for her as the blonde girl curled her toes on the hardwood floor and began to look like she was browsing around. Since Mabel seemed to be ignoring her she headed on the other side of the sewing machine where Mable had a couple of boxes. One had a set of completed patterns and the other had some incomplete ones. Roll began to browse through the fabrics. She had only looked through a couple when Mabel stopped sewing.
"What are you doing?" she asked accusingly. Roll glared.
"I'm thinking of a new pro design," said Roll, "but I can't remember what that pattern I was inspired by looks like. Mom said I could look at the patterns whenever I wanted." Mabel just glared before getting back to work.
"Just hurry up and get out of here," she snapped. Roll glared. Doll or no doll, something strange was going on and she wasn't going to let Mabel talk to her like that.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily." But Roll said that to herself as she continued to browse around and she leaned forward to keep searching. When she found nothing, she went to stand back up when her foot slipped and she caught herself against the edge of the counter and pulled herself up. Roll lifted her left foot to pull off whatever was caught on it when she gasped quietly. Her foot was snagged on some brown cloth...milk chocolate colored.
"Guys...come here!" Roll whispered as Bunnie and Rosie walked over.
"What's up, tee hee?" Bunnie asked in a whisper. Roll showed them the cloth.
"Bunnie," said Rosie anxiously, "Do you still have..."
"I got it right here!" said Bunnie as she pulled the piece of cloth out of her pocket. Roll looked around and then noticed a tear at the bottom of the cloak. She brought up the piece of cloth and found that it was a perfect fit. Bunnie and Rosie gasped in surprise. Suddenly, the cloak was pulled right out of Roll's hands.
"Excuse me!" said Mabel sternly, "I don't need you poking your nose or your bare feet into my stuff! Now please leave and I'll throw you all out with my bare hands!" Roll returned her glare and then looked at her friends.
"Get her!" she shouted before Mabel found herself pinned against the digital sewing machine.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Mabel objected.
"Quit acting like I'm stupid!" Roll yelled angrily, "You know why I'm here and now I know the truth!"
"What truth?" Mabel yelled, trying to break free from Bunnie and Rosie grasp.
"A few days ago," said Roll in a very serious and angry tone, "I had something that was very precious to me taken right out of my house. Other than those out of town and you guys, nobody else has my house key. Plus you just said that this cloak belonged to you and the person who took my doll was wearing this. The torn fabric I found matches your cloak and its torn in the exact same spot where it had gotten caught on something. You are the one who took my Komasan didn't you?" Mabel said nothing and just looked away. Roll looked hurt.
"Mabel," said Roll sadly, "I...I thought you loved me..." Mabel was taken aback, still trying to break free as she looked at the blonde girl in shock.
"How dare you question that?" Mabel exclaimed, "of course I love you. Now let me go!"
"Not until you tell me the truth," Roll demanded, "Where. Is. My. Komasan?" Mabel just lowered her head, relaxing her muscles a bit. This got Rosie and Bunnie to loosen their grip.
Just like Mabel had hoped.
"I'm sorry Roll," said Mabel in a hallow tone before bringing both her arms in front of her. The momentum, caused Rosie and Bunnie to crash into each other since they were still holding onto them, dazing in them a bit as Mabel curled herself into a ball. Roll went on defense, but Mabel them jumped into the air, still curled up, before launching her entire body at Roll.
"OOF!" Roll grunted as she was sent crashing into the mannequins in the center of the room. Mabel then dash away towards the accessories.
"Labelle, drop everything! We need to...GASP!" Mabel was then stopped into her tracks when Roll was blocking the entrance towards the accessories department. Mabel was let stunned.
"How'd you get up so fast?" she demanded angrily as Roll stayed on defense.
"I've been continuing my kung fu training with Master Yumi via web chat," said Roll, "Her most recent lessons have been in agility and fast reflexes. I still crashed into the mannequins, but I was able to flip myself back onto my feet and side step in front of you within seconds. Guess it paid to...wait a sec!" Roll then stepped out of the way as Labelle tumbled past her and crashed onto the floor stomach first. Mabel took notice that Labelle was only wearing her white stockings.
"Where are your shoes?" she asked.
"Did you expect me to fight in six-inch heels?" Labelle groaned as she struggled to her feet, but then she and Mabel were pinned down by both Bunnie and Rosie respectively. Labelle then gasped when she felt something metallic on her wrists.
"Hey!"
"You two are under arrest for theft, attacking a detective, and possible child abuse!" said Bunnie.
"Abuse?!" they exclaimed.
"Shut it!" said Rosie, "You have the right to remain silent and anything you say can be used against you in a court of law!" Bunnie and Rosie exchanged smirks and nods in agreement.
"I'm not talking with my lawyer," said Labelle bitterly.
"Same here," Mabel added, both knowing that Bunnie was not a real detective or officer. Roll just glared.
"Fine, maybe Sable will talk," said Roll as she pulled her phone out and tried to dial the brown hedgehog. After several failed attempts, Roll just hung up in frustration. Labelle and Mabel snickered to each other...until Roll glared at them. Labelle and Mabel the wiped their smirks off and just looked blank. Roll rolled her eyes at them both before letting out a frustrated sigh.
"Alright...fine!" Roll huffed, "If you two won't talk, then I'll just call up Booker and Cooper to take you to the station. Maybe spending the night in a local jail cell will make you talk." Mabel just kept a blank look on her face, but Labelle's eyes had widened and her face paled.
"I CAN'T GO BACK TO JAIL!" she bellowed, "I'll talk! I'll talk!"
"Labelle shut up!" Mabel barked angrily.
"No, you shut up!" Labelle yelled, "Spending the night in a dirty, murky room the size of a closet and sleeping on a cold metal bed. I was pretty sure something was crawling under my bed too! It still give me nightmares thinking about it!"
"Labelle please just..."
"I don't want to go to jail! I don't want to!" Labelle repeated, not crying, "Just tell her the truth! Just...tell...her..." Labelle slowly began to break down. Mabel slowly lowered her defenses as Labelle was now crying shamelessly.
"Look Roll," said Mabel slowly, "We...we promised not to talk. Sable asked us to keep quiet about this."
"So Momma has my doll?" Roll asked.
"I can't say anymore than that," said Mabel, "I'll I ask is that you to trust us." Roll blinked before she balled her fists angrily.
"Trust you?" Roll retorted, "You broke into my house and stole the only toy I've had to my name since I was baby! Then you blow me off and attack me! Why should I trust you!"
"Because we wouldn't do anything to hurt you," Labelle explained, her voice cracking since she hadn't stopped crying, "We have a good reason for taking your doll, but please just trust us. You'll have it back soon enough. We promise sweetheart. We love you."
"And...I just let my stress get the better of me and I...lost it," said Mabel, now standing down and feeling guilty, "Sorry, it's hard doing double the work and I've been doing a double shift since Sable got your doll."
"But...why did she take it?" Roll asked, still feeling puzzled and no longer angry, "you guys mend clothes, not..."
"All your questions will be answered in good time," Mabel interrupted, "Just trust us okay." Roll just looked at the two before gesturing for Bunnie and Rosie to let them go. The two friends were hesitant for a moment before Roll nodded again. Bunnie and Rosie then removed the cuffs so both their arms went limp. Roll just looked at them with sad face. She wanted to stay strong, but she could feel her eyes beginning to tear.
"That doll is very precious to me," she said as her tears slowly streamed down her face, "Please...it's already fragile as it is. Take good care of it okay." Roll sniffled as she wiped her eyes. Mabel gave her a reassuring nod and slowly rose to her feet, but Labelle was still on her knees crying.
"Sis?" Mabel asked gently.
"I know you're trying to be strong," Labelle said sadly to Roll, "but I can feel the heaviness in your heart. You've been hurting since your doll was taken haven't you?" Roll just nodded as a few more tears streamed down her face.
"Well, I didn't know what happened," she whimpered, "One day, he was in his usual place and next he was gone. I still don't know how you guys even know about Komasan." Labelle opened her arms and Roll crawled into them. Mabel hugged her from behind as both Roll and Labelle shed a few tears together before relaxing a bit and pulling away.
"So...what now?" Bunnie asked curiously. Roll just wiped her eyes.
"I...trust my aunts," said Roll, "because...they wouldn't hurt me." Mabel and Labelle just smiled as Labelle ironed out her dress.
"Don't forget to put your shoes back on when you leave," said Labelle, "this rain just won't let up."
"I will," said Roll as Rosie handed the girl her pumps back. Mabel then held her free hand.
"As I said before, I was just stressed out," said Mabel, "You look very beautiful in your outfit, shoes or not. I'm sorry for the attitude." Roll smiled as she slipped her pumps back on her feet.
"Thank you," said Roll, "So...should I..."
"I'll clean up this mess," said Mabel, "You can stay if you want. Just...no more about your doll until the time is right okay."
"I've got some things to do," said Roll, "but thank you. You'll let me know when the time is right...won't you?" Mabel smiled.
"Not a second before," she answered. Roll smiled and then made her way out of the shop. Bunnie and Rosie were still baffled.
"So...they did take the doll, silly?" Rosie asked.
"Yep," said Roll plainly.
"And...we're not going to press charges, tee hee?" Bunnie asked next.
"No," said Roll.
"Then...what do we do now?" Rosie asked curiously. Bunnie just pondered in deep thought before just smiling.
"We...just wait," said Bunnie, "We've got the who, and when the time is right, we'll get the why."
"I agree," said Roll. Bunnie and Rosie just smiled. Roll looked much better and more hopeful.
"Guess Whitney was right," said Roll, "sometimes just having a little faith is all it takes for things to turn for the better." Bunnie and Rosie smiled and they shared another group hug.
"I love you guys," said Roll, "thanks for all the support...detectives." Bunnie and Rosie beamed.
"Anytime," they said together, "anytime."
The three girls ran into Margie along the way home. So they decided to just hang out together at Roll's house once she had taken care of her dailies. By now the sun had set and they were all sitting together on the lovely rug in Roll's bedroom playing Monopoly and having a good time. For the moment it was Roll's turn, she was sitting Indian style and she had untied her hair to feel more comfortable while they played, but she kept her beret on.
"You know, silly," said Rosie, "I just realized how long your hair has gotten."
"Yeah, I noticed as well, tootie," said Margie, "how long are you going to let it grow." Roll giggled as she set down the cup containing the dice and fanned her hair behind her back. By now it was just a few inches short of her waist, and Roll just smiled.
"I've got it as long as I wanted it," said Roll, "I kind of like my hair long and I guess you've noticed that I've been wearing it down more often too."
"Why is that, tee hee?" said Bunnie. Roll just shrugged her shoulders.
"I just feel...prettier wearing it down with my outfits and being barefoot," said Roll, "Even if I don't feel pretty that day, wearing it down helps from time to time. It also helps that you guys seem to like it when I wear it down. Guess your support helped me feel more confident showing you the...natural look of my hair." The three girls just smiled.
"We're just glad you're finally seeing how beautiful you look," said Rosie, "we've always known you were cute and beautiful. Now you're starting to feel it, silly."
"It shows you're heading in the right direction, tootie," said Margie, "I'm proud of you." Roll smiled as she picked up the dice cup and tossed them onto the board. Her token landed on a card space. She grunted as she saw what it was.
"Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect 200 bells," Roll said annoyed.
"Well, on the bright side," said Rosie, "you would look cute in black and white stripes."
"Maybe you could have your pants taken in like you did your brown ones, tee hee," said Bunnie.
"You guys like me in pedal pushers and long sleeves?" she asked.
"Yeah, it make your casual outfits look very chic," said Rosie, "When you wear your pumps, it adds class to your outfit. The perfect look for a night out on the town." Roll smiled as the three girls laughed.
"My turn," said Rosie, shook the cup and tossed her dice, "Doubles! Sweet! That means I get another turn, silly!" Rosie moved her token and then her blue face paled.
"Not the green properties! With a hotel! OH COME ON!" she groaned.
"That will be 1275 bells please!" said Bunnie. Roll and Margie giggled at Rosie's grumbling until the blonde girl heard a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," said Roll as she rose to her feet, ironed out her pedal pushers and headed downstairs to answer the door. She was surprised to see that Sable was there, wearing a yellow raincoat and holding a autumn leaf umbrella over her head.
"Momma?!" Roll exclaimed.
"May I...come in?" she asked. Roll just blinked before stepping aside so the brown hedgehog could let herself in. Sable then stumbled a bit and Roll gasped when she saw Sable had tripped over her brown pumps.
"You might want to move those to the other side of the door sweetie," said Sable as she removed her coat and taking off the brown loafers she had been wearing to keep her feet dry. The brown hedgehog was wearing some chino style short length pants with a tan horizontal striped shirt, which was similar to the yellow and green ones she sold in the shop. Roll just said nothing and moved her shoes to the left side of the door.
"Well then," said Sable with a cheery grin, "how are you?" Roll just said nothing but rubbed her arm insecurely, unsure of what to say. Sable didn't need long before she realized what Roll was thinking.
"I'm guessing Mabel and Labelle spilled the beans?" she asked, a tad annoyed.
"I...I thought it was Mabel who broke into my house and took Komasan," said Roll quietly. Sable looked a bit puzzled.
"Komasan?" she asked.
"My lion dog doll," Roll clarified. Sable then made an O with her mouth.
"Oh...I see," said Sable, "Guess I owe you an explanation don't I then?" Roll just looked at her with a serious look and nodded.
"May I...make myself at home first?" she asked. Roll just sighed. Sure, she was upset with Sable, but that didn't mean Roll could forgo her manners.
"Did you want anything?" she asked, "I've got some leftover sandwiches from dinner...I could make some tea or hot cocoa..."
"Make some hot cocoa please?" said Sable and then heard the chuckling upstairs, "Oh, I see you've got company! Mind if I join the fun?" Roll just nodded as Sable smiled. She walked up the blonde girl, kissed her cheek, and then headed upstairs. Roll just watched her leave and then went to make the cocoa. She brought up the refreshments to her bedroom on a tray and carefully made her way up the stairs. When she arrived, she found Sable just sitting on her bed casually while Margie, Rosie, and Bunnie had stopped playing the game and were just giving Sable death glares. Sable was just ignoring them and casually humming to herself as she sat Indian style on the bed. Roll then set the tray on a low table that was in front of the bed an handed Sable her mug.
"Thank you," said Sable, "Come sit with me." Roll obeyed as she grabbed her own mug and took a seat. she then pointed towards the teapot and extra cups so her friends could help themselves. They did so as Sable just enjoyed some long sips of her own cup before sighing contently.
"Now, you probably want to know about your doll don't you?" said Sable.
"I would like to ask why," said Roll as she sat on the bed with her legs crossed Indian style, "but I really want to know how?"
"How?" Sable asked puzzled.
"How did you even know about Komasan?" Roll asked, "I never told anyone about him!" Sable just stayed quiet for a moment before she responded.
"Remember after we came back from the Island vacation," said Sable, "and you wanted to have that story time sleepover. You had asked me to grab something from your dresser that night. When I went to find a good book for us to read together, I accidentally opened the wrong drawer and that was when I saw Komasan. I was surprised that you even had such a rare doll. I actually have a lion dog doll too."
"You do?" said Roll in surprise.
"Yeah," Sable answered, "it belonged to my grandmother, she then passed it down to my mother, who passed it down to me. The only difference was that mine was yellow and orange."
"So you took my doll so yours would have a friend?" Roll asked.
"Not exactly," said Sable, "I had noticed just how old and tattered it was. It broke my heart. That doll looks like it has been through alot."
"Well, I don't know what it went through with my mom," said Roll, "but he's been there for me since I was a baby. Komasan's name actually came from what I used to call it with my baby talk." Sable giggled.
"Well, it's a cute name," said Sable, "I just knew that your doll was in desperate need for a repair. So I purchased lots of books about sewing and mending stuffed animals. I studied them for hours when I was alone and taking breaks. When I was finally feeling confident, I asked Reese and Cyrus to gather me any recycled shirts and clothing that I could use for material and I gathered some excess materials from the shop so I could use to try and repair Komasan." Roll gasped silently.
"You...you repaired Komasan?!" Roll asked.
"Once I had the materials," Sable continued, ignoring Roll's question, "I borrowed Mabel's brown rain cloak and I snuck into your house to take Komasan home. All I can say is that plastic surgery had to have been easier! I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to fix him since I pretty much had to begin his reconstruction from scratch. He fell apart several times and I thought I wasn't even sure if I could even give you back to him in one piece." Roll grew worried.
"So...he's...he's..." Roll was trying not to cry, but her eyes were building up tears. Sable said nothing and just ducked into her pockets.
"But...as they say," Sable finished and pulled out the lion dog doll for everyone to see, "Perseverance does pay off!"
"Oh wow!" said Margie, Bunnie, and Rosie said at once. Roll was left stunned. She almost thought it was a different lion dog doll completely. This doll had pure white fur and it's blue marking were now vibrant instead of looking old and dull. Even the missing eye had been restored and even shinned so his eyes sparkled as he looked at her. The swirl markings on its body had also been restored and were no longer faded or nonexistent. There was no signs of the holes that had once plagued his entire body and he even looked a little chubbier than before since his inner stuffing had been redone as well. Once Roll had taken him into her arms, she began to giggle and burst into large tears.
"It's..it's really you!" she squeaked as she began to sob tears of joy, "Oh Komasan! You look like you're fresh from the toy store shelf! I missed you so much! Welcome home sweetie. Welcome home!" Roll hugged it tightly into her chest and wept. Sable just held her daughter close as the rest of the girls just shed tears of happiness for Roll. Roll just cried herself out as she continued to snuggle her doll, even kissing its head a few times before she settled down a little.
"Oh Komasan, I was so worried sick about you!" she told her doll in a cracked tone, "Did you miss me?" She lightly tilted his head to reply before giggling and hugging her tightly. Sable just smiled as Roll enjoyed hugging him close, but then her smile faded when she noticed Roll's crying had increased.
"Sweetheart," said Sable, "Was your life really worth giving up on if Komasan had been lost forever?" Roll stopped crying and looked at the brown hedgehog. Everyone else was looking at the blonde girl with sad faces.
"Well...he was my only friend growing up," said Roll in a cracking tone, "All I had to talk to and confide in. Sure, I have all that now and lots of friends but...doesn't mean I'm not gonna just shove him out of the picture. He's family too! At least, he is for me. I tore the house apart looking for him and trying to figure out why someone would take him from me. Only I know his real value after all. I just didn't understand. Why would someone take my only toy? Why didn't you just tell me Mom that you wanted to fix him, instead of just...stealing him?" Sable just looked at her sadly and grabbed a cloth to wipe Roll's cheeks, even though the girl's tears hadn't stopped.
"It was a bit of a risk," said Sable, "and I wasn't even sure I could do it. It would have hurt more if Komasan ended up falling apart beyond repair and it would have been my fault. I was just glad I was able to restore him and clean him up. Plus I wanted to surprise you! You deserve to have quality toys."
"Restore? Clean up? Quality?" Roll replied, "Momma, you did more than that. He looks brand new! Now I won't have to worry about him falling apart now. Thank you Momma!" Roll then had Komasan's face touch Sable's cheek as Roll made a lip smack. Sable chuckled as she hugged the blonde girl tenderly.
"You're welcome dear," said Sable as she kissed her cheek, "I just don't want you getting so sad like this. Even if Komasan had been lost, you don't need a doll to confide in or to feel loved. You're surrounded by people who love you dearly. I ran into Whitney and she told me that you spend four days mourning, possibly even fasting and not sleeping."
"I...was eating...a little, but not enough," said Roll slowly and trying to be honest, "I just had trouble sleeping cause I missed him so much. Death and losing him forever are reasons to mourn. After all, they both mean they are not coming back."
"My point, young lady," said Sable, "is that I don't want you boxing yourself away from us anymore when you feel depressed or down."
"Yeah, we hate it when you do that, silly," said Rosie.
"Not to be selfish, but we hurt when you do that," said Bunnie, "especially since we've all open your doors and our hearts to you, tee hee. None of us like feeling of you pushing us away tee hee."
"We've said this before, tootie," said Margie, "But it needs to be repeating. Even if we can't help, we can still be there for you. Sometimes the best comfort is just being around those who love you. I know we push you to speak up, but if you don't want to or are ready, then it's okay. Just at least come to us instead of being alone. Sometimes a nice long hug or cuddle is all you need sometimes to feel better."
"I agree," said Sable, "You know my sewing chair doesn't have a back. You could plot a chair behind me and just hold me from behind. I wouldn't mind you doing that while I do my sewing if it will help you feel better when you're down." Roll just sniffled as she looked down at her doll and then at the group.
"Okay," said Roll, "I'm sorry its taking me so long to get over this...even with all the good I've done for this town. I'll still find myself feeling so...pathetic."
"You're getting better," said Margie, "Bunnie and Rosie did say you felt pretty in your clothes this morning and were even posing." Roll giggled shyly as her cheeks turned light pink. Everyone else giggled.
"Yeah, trying to think positively does help a little," said Roll, "and I guess wearing shoes isn't so bad either."
"She admits it!" said Sable with glee as the others just laughed. Roll just rolled her eyes at her before giving her doll another squeeze.
"Just don't even bother asking me to wear socks or boots," said Roll, "I'm a barefoot girl and a pair of pumps with three quarter leggings is enough for me to keep warm in a below-freezing blizzard." The others just chuckled again, agreeing with her despite feeling they needed to see it to believe it.
"Well, I guess I can officially say that the case of the missing lion dog is officially closed," said Bunnie.
"Now on to the next case!" said Rosie with determination.
"Nah!" said Bunnie, "It was fun, but I think I've had my fill of being a detective for a while, tee hee." Rosie was left stunned.
"But...but...but...I had another case we could have investigated, silly," Rosie protested, "and we could have done it together!"
"What would that be?" Roll asked.
"When you tried to ask Labelle and Mabel about Komasan and they wouldn't talk," Rosie explained, "You said you were gonna let Booker and Cooper put them in a jail cell. Labelle screamed she didn't want to go back to jail! How would she know what jail cells were like? I know I want to find out the...HEY!" Bunnie grabbed her detective's hat and shoved it over Rosie's face.
"I think, tee hee," Bunnie retorted with a smirk, "that there are somethings that we don't need to know about. The past is past. We focus on the present. Right Sable?"
"I heartily agree," said Sable since she knew the truth about the "jail cell" incident. Roll laughed at Rosie's pouting as she lifted her doll to her face.
"Another happy ending," she said to him and she tilted his head to agreement. All night long, Roll never let Komasan out of her arms. Except when she had to use the bathroom.
A FEW WEEKS LATER:
The harvest festival had finally arrived and Roll was finishing the tables for the big dinner. She had spent all morning and afternoon helping Franklin gather his ingredients for the main dishes, even discovering the secret ingredient for each of the four courses. Roll, dressed in a brown dogtooth dress and hair in a ponytail with a large pink ribbon on her hair, was busy making the final adjustments for the last table when a mysterious figure approached the table.
"Hmm, hmm, hmm...yeah that just about does it..." Roll said to herself as she looked up and sees...YOU! The one reading this very story!
"Oh hi there!" Roll greets cheerfully, "I'm so glad you could make it to the harvest dinner! As you can see I saved a seat especially for you this evening right next to me! I hope you're good and hungry cause everyone is coming over to take a seat."
You join Roll at the table as everyone else gathers around. You see that Roll's villagers and the Able Sisters are sitting at the same table as you. The other tables have villagers and mayors from other towns, but are many of them are very familiar to you. At one table, you can see Shenran and his wife Ankha. At another is Lemon/Anemone, along with her best friends Kabuki, Kiki, Coco, and Tabby. At a third table is Sakura, who is busily driving Stitches up the wall with her teasing, and her best friends Flurry, Cookie, and Diana. There is even a mini table set up specifically for those who Roll had to they could bring their stuffed toys and dolls to the feast. A interesting point of interest is that Komasan has a small cup in his hand, showing he was the table hostess. Then Roll stands up and taps the end of her drinking glass with a spoon. The chatter calms down into complete silence as you and all the others give Roll your full attention.
"I just wanted to make a toast to everyone who was able to join us for this lovely harvest dinner tonight," said Roll, "and I would also like to make a special toast to my special guest..." She faces you with a warm smile on her face. "...It is because of you and your continuous support of my adventures that we are even able to share this special moment together! It hasn't even been a year since my first adventure. Yet you and everyone else who has read this story have, for the most part, welcomed me into your lives, stopping regularly to read about all my adventures. I can't thank you all enough for all the love and support you've given me! But this isn't the end. There is still plenty more adventures ahead and I can't wait to share them with all of you in the future! Here is to love, family, and friendship!"
"HERE HERE!" Everyone else shouts and raises their cup to you. Roll then sits down as everyone cheers for you. You take part in the toast as well before Roll speaks with you once again as Franklin serves the first course.
"Thanks for being my dinner guest," Roll tells you sweetly, "Hope you enjoy the feast."
Hopefully, you do!
Whitney and Roll's conversation is based off of the Animal Crossing Movie.
Wuhu Island is the famous spot from Wii Sports Resort
Pokecrolo is a actual mobile game that a fashion designing element to it. It's primarily a Japanese social type game according to my sources.
Hopefully you caught the Monster University reference.
The move Mabel used to try to escape from Roll were basically the homing attack from modern Sonic The Hedgehog games. Many fans and Animal Crossing wikis speculate a possible kinship between the two characters. While probably not likely, who's to say Mabel wouldn't know how to perform such moves in self-defense? She is a blue hedgehog.
And...well...surprise! Didn't expect to get dropped right into the story did you? Well this is chapter 50 and I wanted to do something special. Hope you enjoyed the harvest festival dinner with Roll! I left the menu up to your own ideas since Roll believes whatever was served for dinner was something you liked! (Isn't she sweet?)
Here's the preview for the next story arc: Roll's Birthday. Roll's special day is fast approaching, but it's not until someone notices the date on her TPC that anyone in town even remembers about it! Can the village work together to give Roll the birthday party she's always wanted?
See you next time. And thank you for 50 chapters strong! Onward to the next 50!
