DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything from Tiny Toon Adventures, including characters, locations, references, or the Acme Warner Bros. logo. All rights go to Warner Bros. and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment.
Chapter 51
New Beginnings
~Dec. 31st~
The sun bade farewell to the last day of the year, its parting skies a rich blue, fading to black. All across Paris, people were gathering to and around Champ de Mars where Tour Eiffel stood. The iconic iron spire was already dimly lit against the steely blue evening — a tall, dark, glittering A.
Dressed in his coat and gloves, Hamton walked alongside the La Fumes, holding Fifi's gloved hand in his, and carrying his Acme Ultra-Storage Travel Bag in the other.
"I steell cannot believe zat Fifi's suitcase fit into zhere," said Gigi, poking at the Travel Bag. "Ze people at Acme sure do make some amazing theengs."
Hamton nodded appreciatively. His mother's gift really was quite extraordinary. Despite its contents, the bag didn't feel remotely heavy, as though he were simply carrying a light briefcase with nothing in it.
"I hope we can get a good view," said Hamton, eyeing the large groups of people all heading in the same direction.
"Oh, I theenk we should have no trouble seeing ze show," said Mrs. La Fume confidently. "Just you wait, Hamton. Zhere is nothing like New Year's in Paris."
Hamton nodded. "From what Fifi described, it should be quite the show."
"Oh, it is!" said Fifi, swinging Hamton's arm in excitement, her red and white scarf flowing with her movement. "A new year is always welcomed most heartily in Paris. Ze crowds, ze parties, ze fireworks!"
"And the sight of it all," said Mr. La Fume enthusiastically, wearing a dark coat while carrying a tripod over his shoulder and two 35 mm. cameras around his neck. "This year is bound to be, how you Americans say, a doozy. I can feel it already."
The pig and four skunks walked to the outside of Champ de Mars and found a space just big enough for all of them. Crowds everywhere were seated on blankets and fold-out chairs. Others were standing and talking eagerly amongst friends, family, and strangers while sipping hot chocolate, coffee and tea, billows of steam rising out of their cups.
Mr. La Fume set up his tripod and Hamton unzipped his bag, pulling out a blanket which he and Fifi smoothed out. Mrs. La Fume reached in and pulled out two fine crystal glasses and a bottle of champagne.
"Hamton?" asked Mr. La Fume, adjusting the screws of his tripod's head. "Can you reach in and get my smaller tripod, please?"
"Will do," he said, rummaging around until he found it. Setting it on the ground, it reached no higher than Hamton's knees.
"I want to try and capture two different angles this year," Mr. La Fume explained, twisting one camera to the taller tripod. "I'll have both a low perspective and a mobile perspective."
"We know, Dear," said Mrs. La Fume, smiling and rolling her eyes. "We know. You explained it to us zis morning when we had breakfast with Wade and Winnie. Very fine parents you have, Hamton," she smiled down at him.
"Thanks, Mrs. La Fume," said Hamton bashfully. "You both are great, too."
"Merci," she said, taking a seat besides Gigi and resting the champagne bottle on the blanket. "Not too bad a night. Clear skies and no chilly wind. Conditions should be fine."
Indeed, it was not as cold as it had been in the past five days. Though everyone was dressed in coats, hats, scarves, and gloves (some in very unique styles), not one person looked uncomfortable by the cold weather. Perhaps it was their excitement for the upcoming celebration that kept them warm and snug.
For Hamton, however, it was Fifi's huge fluffy tail wrapped around him that served as his source of warmth. That, and her hand still in his.
"Your tail is the best," Hamton complimented, giving the enormous, wonderful tail a stroke.
"Cuddle close, mon amor," Fifi cooed, adoring Hamton's affection. "My tail is all yours."
It was an hour until midnight. The gigantic space around the Eiffel Tower was full of moving people, taking from the backs of cars and trucks certain items and lining them at different points around the mountainous iron spire.
All around the city lights were glowing with velvet brilliance in the cold winter air. The stretch of iron reaching into the sky was now fully lit, all creating the shape so well known world-wide.
Minutes passed with Hamton holding Fifi's hand, observing the changes around them, every so often checking his wristwatch, counting down the time before the big moment.
Mr. La Fume sat beside his wife, his cameras both ready for action. Gigi gave a yawn every so often, fighting hard to keep herself awake. And Hamton and Fifi just sat together, savoring the touch of each other's gloved fingers.
With fifteen minutes to go until midnight, Fifi finally broke the silence.
"It has been quite a year, non?" she asked, her eyes on the Eiffel Tower and her head on Hamton's shoulder.
"Yeah . . . it sure has," said Hamton, staring at the spire. "So much has happened. Two years since Tiny Toons ended. . . ."
"Plucky and Shirley becoming a couple. . . ." Fifi added.
"Furrball living with me. . . ."
"Our parents meeting. . . ."
"Hamton becoming rich," said Gigi, yawning.
Hamton chuckled. "I'm not rich, Gigi. I'm splitting the money with Fifi and my other friends."
"Zat is nice," said Gigi kindly, resting her head on her knees and staring ahead. "I guess my sister is good enough for you."
Fifi groaned.
"What?" asked Gigi, turning to her sister. "I am complimenting you. I mean, if Hamton likes you, you can only be a wonderful person."
Fifi sighed with a shake of her head, but Hamton could see she was smiling. "Merci, Gigi."
"You are welcome, big sis."
A few minutes remained until the hands struck twelve, as indicated by everyone's eager chatter. Hamton, unable to translate most the warbled French, was told so by his watch and by the La Fumes.
"So," said Hamton, "what are your resolutions for the new year?"
"Resolutions?" asked Gigi.
"Yeah, you know, New Year's resolutions. Or don't they have those over here in Europe? Sorry, I didn't —"
"Oh, it is all right, Hamton," said Gigi. "Of course Europeans make resolutions. Me and my family do, at least. I am hoping to spend more time with Jeromé, getting to know him even better and strengthen our bond. And I will also continue improving with my dancing."
"Sounds great," said Hamton, nodding. "You're already really amazing, just so you know."
Gigi smirked. "You are so kind, Hamton. I see why Fifi likes you. But I steell have much to learn. I will train hard, zhough. I will invite you to show you sometime."
"I'd like that, Gigi, thank you," he nodded. "What about you, Mr. and Mrs. La Fume?"
"Continue teaching at the college and pursue more photography, of course," said Mr. La Fume, tapping his camera on its tripod. "Maybe I'll start a book on food or the common folk. With a city as large as Paris, you never quite run out of ideas, so long as you know how and where to look."
"I too shall continue teaching dance to all zhose who wish to learn," said Mrs. La Fume. "But for myself, I theenk I shall differ from baking chocolate. Maybe peppermint would be good change."
"Superb idea, Maman," agreed Fifi. "No offence, but, with Du Coeur and everything else, I theenk I have had enough chocolate for a while. Do you agree, Hamton?"
"Yeah," he said, laughing. "I think I'll give chocolate a break, too. Peppermint sounds like it'd be a good idea."
Mrs. La Fume beamed. "Merci. I shall mail some to you and Fifi when I bake it."
"That would be wonderful, thanks." Hamton turned to Fifi. "And what do you want to do this new year, Fifi?"
"What else?" she asked, smirking. She wrapped her arms around him. "I want to be with my darling Hamton. I want to know what is means to have a relationship. All zat Buster and Babs, and Plucky and Shirley have . . . I want to share zat with you."
Hamton, though blushing, couldn't stop himself from saying. "It might not all be kisses and hugs, though, Fifi. Not that I don't want to be with you! I do!" he added hastily. "But —" He hesitated.
But Fifi said it for him.
"We both have a lot to learn," she agreed gently. "Oui, I know. We both do. But I want to share zhose moments with you, Hamton. You, and you nobody else. I want to learn with you."
Leaning into Fifi's cheek, Hamton said, "Me too. I can't predict the future, but . . . I think we'll be okay."
"I do not theenk you two have much to worry about," said Mrs. La Fume.
They turned to her.
"You are both are very fine people. Believe me, Fifi, you and Hamton shall both face ze challenges of being a couple. Your father and me did, as well. But we learned togezher and continued on togezher. You both shall too, if your love is as true as you feel. You two shall, how you say, 'live and learn' togezher. Zat is what makes love so strong, and wonderful to share.
"And besides," she added. "Like Gigi and Jeromé, you are both young. You both have plenty of time to learn. Just live your lives. And do not forget to smile and laugh when you can. Zhose are especially important."
Mrs. La Fume gave them a wink and a nod before turning back to face the Eiffel Tower. Mr. La Fume was facing it too, and, their knees touching, they linked hands.
Just live our lives... Hamton and Fifi both thought. Somehow, that seemed like the best advice anyone could be given. Neither of them knew where their lives were going after today. For all they knew, a lot more crazy adventures could happen in the next month. They had no way of knowing what joys or struggles lie ahead, and the fact that there was no absolute certainty should have been unnerving.
But, in all honestly, Hamton and Fifi didn't feel worried. There wasn't any reason to, not now at least. Whatever comes, they would see it through together and make the best of it. They will, just as Mrs. La Fume advised, live their lives. For the time being, however, they sat together, hand in hand, beside Gigi and Mr. and Mrs. La Fume and the whole of Paris, waiting for the new day, new month, and new year to arrive.
From a megaphone, a loud voice called out, "60 secondes!"
There was a great clamoring all around as people began to stand up.
Fifi, excited and thrilled, stood with her sister and parents. Hamton, caught off guard by everyone's sudden movements, fell backward onto the cold, snowy ground.
"Zis is it, Hamton!" cheered Fifi as she pulled up him. "Ze last sixty seconds!"
She was right. Over in the distance, near the Eiffel Tower's base, a sign displayed blazing bright white numbers.
50.
Hamton could hear everyone counting down in French. Gigi was doing it quietly and eagerly. He wouldn't have known which number they were on if not for the sign.
40.
The seconds seem to pass with their own weight. Hamton's heart beat more strongly, as though his life were connected to this year's final moments.
30.
Without thinking, Hamton took Fifi's hand. He turned to her, and she to him. Together, their fingers linked as they stared into each other's eyes.
20.
All of December seemed to float through their thoughts. The Talent Show and Habanera. Hamton's decision to raise money, going from house to house, shoveling snow and setting up fliers and the smell of lemon cleaner. Baking exploding cakes with Fifi; her beautiful figure in an apron. Buster and Plucky and Furrball, helping Hamton before his date; Babs and Shirley, helping Fifi before her date. The taste of soufflé and the soft snow in the park. Elmyra and her pet rock. Mary Melody and her band. The teachers and their crazy subjects. Pete Puma and cleaning after school. Montana Max and his iconic tantrums. The bottle of Du Coeur and its unbelievable scent.
The gloves . . . the letter . . . the kiss. . . .
15.
Buster . . . his calm attitude and caring nature. Babs . . . her quick wit and passion. Plucky . . . his ego and gift for humor. Shirley . . . her eccentric nature and serene spirit. Furrball . . . his loyalty and selfless friendship.
10.
9.
8.
The lights near the Eiffel Tower's base began to sparkle and flicker.
7.
6.
Mr. La Fume prepared his cameras. Mrs. La Fume readied the champagne bottle. Gigi looked ready to burst. Hamton and Fifi were still holding hands.
5.
4.
3.
2.
Hamton gulped a breath, and in that moment, all that existed for him was Fifi, and her beautiful smile, and how she made him feel.
1.
"I love you."
0.
The fireworks flew up from the Eiffel Tower, soaring in trails of golden light, and, together with the crowd, they exploded.
The whole country may have shaken from the excitement. The explosions from over and through the Eiffel Tower filled Champ de Mars with great multi-colored light. The cheers boomed in every direction. Hamton and Fifi were both jumping and whooping, Gigi at their side, doing the exact same thing.
Mrs. La Fume popped the champagne bottle and Mr. La Fume's cameras went crazy, the shutters flapping open and shut.
Fireworks streamed in bursts, swirls, sparks, fizzing and banging, bright and enormous. Colorful tons of confetti fluttered down upon the crowd; Hamton caught a few in the face; Fifi and Gigi had bits in their large, fluffy tails.
All around, Hamton heard what he thought was "Happy New Year" in French, as well as the theme to Auld Lang Syne playing on loudspeakers. But then he heard another sound.
He turned upwards, and so did Fifi, Gigi, their parents, and a few nearby people. The fireworks were still flaring up behind the Eiffel Tower, but there now looked to be two flying directly overhead. But, as they began to sink towards the crowd, the brass-colored tubes became clear, as did the letters: ACME.
Hamton and Fifi knew what they were. They had expected them, just not so soon after the first minute of the New Year.
The ACME Fast-Travel pods touched down gently onto a snowy space in Champ de Mars, bare of people who had backed out of the way. After seeing what they were, the people went back to celebrating, unconcerned about the cartoony devices.
"Well," said Mr. La Fume with a sigh, "I guess it is time for you both to return home."
Fifi walked to her parents and embraced them both. "Love you, Maman, Papa."
The adult skunks said nothing, but warmly held their eldest daughter.
Gigi joined her parents and gave her sister a loving hug.
"Be sure to write, sis," she said.
"Of course, Gigi," and Fifi gave her little sister a kiss on the cheek.
Hamton stood to the side, watching the tender scene. Meanwhile, all around people were chattering and rejoicing in the new year.
When Fifi and Gigi broke, the younger skunk rushed over and, before Hamton knew it, had thrown her arms around him.
"Have a good year, Hamton," said Gigi tenderly. "It was good getting to know you."
"Yeah," said Hamton, "you too, Gigi." And he returned her hug.
Hamton had only known Gigi for six days, but in that short time the young pink skunkette had really grown on him. Though witty and a bit of a smart-aleck, Gigi was a really sweet girl, almost like a sister to Hamton.
When they broke the hug, Gigi asked, "Want to be pen pals?"
Hamton blinked. "Pen pals?"
"I know zat pen pals are not supposed to have met, but still, I would like to keep in contact. Zat is, if you want. . . ."
"Yeah, of course," said Hamton brightly. "Of course I'll write to you."
"Magnifique!" Gigi pulled out a slip of paper from her pocket and handed it to Hamton. It held her address.
"Okay, then," said Hamton, stuffing the address into his coat pocket. "I'll write to you soon, then, Gigi."
"Au revoir, Hamton." She then stood on tip-toe, kissed Hamton's cheek and stepped back. Her mother walked forward.
"Merci," she said kindly, bending to Hamton's level. "It means ze world to me zat Fifi has found such a fine boy. I must be honest, I thought she may never find one."
Fifi, standing beside Hamton, rolled her eyes.
"But," Mrs. La Fume beamed, "thankful she has found ze best. It just took some time, and a closer look."
Mrs. La Fume bent down on one knee and hugged Hamton. His face already red from the cold and Gigi's kiss, Hamton felt his cheeks burn a little more. Gently, he hugged Mrs. La Fume.
"Oh, and Hamton?" said Mrs. La Fume.
"Yeah?"
Very softly, but dead serious, she whispered, "Break my daughter's heart, and I will break your face."
Hamton blanched.
"MAMAN!" Fifi said outraged.
Mrs. La Fume pulled back, still smiling. She placed her hand on Hamton's cheek.
"Do not fret," she said in her loving voice. "I know you will never do zat."
"N-No, ma'am," said Hamton, wide-eyed. "Never."
"Merci," she said one last time, and kissed Hamton's forehead. His face went red again. Mrs. La Fume giggled, "You are so cute when you blush!"
Finally, Mr. La Fume stepped forward.
"You do not mind if I choose not to kiss you?" he asked, smirking.
"No, that's fine," said Hamton quickly.
"Great."
So instead, they shook hands.
"It has been a fine six days," he said. "Feel free to stop and say 'hello' if you are ever in the mood. You will always be welcome in our home."
"Thanks," said Hamton.
"Fifi, darling?" said Mr. La Fume.
"Yes, Papa?" asked Fifi.
Lovingly, he hugged her with one arm. "Take care of him, darling. You will not find a skunk anywhere on Earth who is better than this pig."
She pressed her cheek to his and hugged him back. "I promise."
When they pulled apart, Fifi walked over to Hamton. "Ready, mon amor?"
"Ready when you are," said Hamton with a nod, his Travel Bag in hand.
Together, with the crowd still celebrating all around them, Hamton and Fifi each opened one of the two pods. They gave the three La Fumes one final wave and stepped inside the cushioned cylinders. The sounds coming from Champ de Mars and its fireworks died away at once, and, with the press of a button, Hamton and Fifi were launched upward into the darkening sky, over Paris, across Europe, and through the dark night, westward on over the ocean.
Time rewound by seven hours when Fifi and Hamton touched down at their homes. Exiting the pods, they reentered the chilly, familiar air of Acme Acres, everything the same as when they left: snow on the ground, frost in the windows, even the Christmas decor was still up. By the time Hamton met up with Fifi again to give her her suitcases, which he had stored away in his Travel Bag, the clock tower read 5:30; it was still December 31st here in California.
It took no time for Hamton's and Fifi's friends to learn of their return. Buster, Babs, Shirley, Plucky, and Furrball greeted them with hugs and question after question about their time in Paris.
"Did you race up the Eiffel Tower?"
"Did you cry 'Sanctuary' in Notre Dame?"
"Did you, like, solve the mystery under the glass pyramid? Something about a 'rose' or some junk?"
"You two DIDN'T eat escargot, RIGHT?"
"Meow?" Translation: "How did you put together that auction and sell all the Du Coeur?"
"Yeah!" Babs said eagerly, jumping on Furrball's question. "What went on with that?"
Hamton and Fifi told them everything, from Mrs. La Fume's idea to the arrangements she made which brought in all the wealthy bidders.
"And?" Plucky asked, drooling with uncontrollable excitement, "how much did you make? We know the auction when up into the hundred-thousands, but it didn't mention the additional payments or whatever else."
Hamton and Fifi shared a small, secret smile.
Then, Hamton shrugged, "Eh, you know. There were taxes and stuff that had to be met afterwards, but we got about hundred dollars for each bid." Hundred thousand more like it, he thought.
"After all that?" asked Plucky, deflating. Sighing, he said, "Well, pal, at least you got something for all the trouble you went through."
"Yeah," said Hamton. Again, he and Fifi smirked. They would tell how much they really made tomorrow.
"Hope you guys aren't feeling too tired," said Buster eagerly. "You still got New Year's to celebrate here! Come on! How about some ice cream at Frosty's? My treat!"
Together with their friends, Hamton and Fifi cheered in the New Year a second time. They gathered together on the school grounds, where all their teachers, classmates, and other citizens had gathered, eager for the big show. Like Paris, it was crowded and very festive.
Arnold and Arnolda were roasting hotdogs over a small campfire. Mary, Sneezer, and Gogo were sitting on the other side, roasting marshmallows; Gogo was also roasting a popsicle which didn't melt. Bugs and Daffy were popping party crackers in each other's face, with Daffy getting more soot because Bugs' had more gun powder than confetti. And, to Hamton and his friends' amusements, Elmyra was sitting beside Monty by the school wall. Monty, dressed in his thousand-dollar jacket, looked very grouchy, but not, for once, at Elmyra. His arms were crossed and he kept a dull glare on the snowy earth. Perhaps the reason for this dour look was from having to sell all of his Holiday presents due falling in severe debt, or maybe simply because he, a zillionaire with unlimited income, was sitting down on the school's snow-covered grounds like a typical commoner.
"Oh, come on, Monty," said Elmyra sweetly, "turn that frowny-face into a bright beam. Just look how happy Rocky is."
She pointed down to her pet rock, beside Monty. Being a rock, he had no face to express any kind of emotion — though he certainly looked festive while wearing a party hat.
Monty rolled his eyes.
"Come on," Elmyra said softly, "let's welcome in the New Year happy."
She stroked her hand over Monty's cheek, and, to Hamton's surprise, Monty didn't throw it away. Smiling lightly, the rich boy took the noisemaker Elmyra held out for him.
Hamton and Fifi, both sleepy despite the coffee and vanilla ice cream they had for dinner, sat through most of the celebrating. Seated on the bench where they shared their first kiss, they both leaned on each other with their arms over their shoulders, trying to fight the pull of sleep weighing on both their eyelids.
Then, when the Acme Loo clock tower struck 12:00 midnight, they both sprang to full attention as the school grounds roared with cheer. Fireworks flew over the tower, shooting sparks across the night sky and multicolored tones over the snowy white grounds.
They were just as beautiful as the ones in Paris.
"Happy New Year, again, Hamton," said Fifi, her hand on his cheek.
"Happy New Year, again, Fifi," said Hamton, his hand holding her waist.
And they kissed, in honor of welcoming January and for having each other.
Thoroughly exhausted, Hamton and Fifi left their friends to celebrate and returned home after the fireworks. They fell asleep the moment they reached their beds, still thinking of each other's lips.
(January 1st)
Hamton woke up on New Year's morning to find Furrball having breakfast with his Mom and Dad.
Eating some scrambled eggs with onions and red bell peppers, Hamton found the house to be in the exact same state as it had been when he left it in Furrball's care. He had even gone to the trouble of cleaning it. The kitchen in particular had the mixed smell of lemons and seafood. The lemony cleaner was more prominent, but Hamton could clearly smell fish. Furrball must've put his thousand dollars to good use.
Once they had eaten and Furrball left momentarily to use the bathroom, Hamton took the chance to ask his parents.
"Mom, Dad?" he asked in a low voice. "How did . . . you know, everything go?"
His parents smiled.
"It's all ready, sweetie," whispered Winnie. "We got all the paperwork filled out. You just need to decide on a time."
"Great!" said Hamton, excitement building in him. "Let's go do it in about an hour."
His parents nodded.
An hour later, Hamton and his parents pulled on their winter coats. Eager for what lay ahead, Hamton pulled on his white and blue gloves.
"Son?" said Wade. "Here are the two copies."
"Thanks, Dad," and Hamton took the two small objects, placing them carefully into his coat pocket with a pat.
Furrball, who had walked into the living room and sat on the couch, ready to relax, looked over at Hamton, an eyebrow raised at finding the three pigs wearing their coats.
"Meow?" he asked.
"Furrball?" said Hamton. "Would you mind taking a walk with us?"
"Meow?" he asked, which meant something along the lines of, "Now?"
"Yeah, if you don't mind."
Hamton felt his heart beat wildly and happily; he really didn't want to wait.
Shrugging, Furrball got up and pulled on the coat Hamton had given to him when he first started living here. It was still quite big for him.
"Okay, then, let's go."
He gave the Christmas tree and decorations a final glimpse before walking out. They caught the sunlight beautifully, filling Hamton with glee at where he was going and what would happen when he got there.
The four of them headed off down the sidewalk, walking not to the city, but over into the neighborhood.
How many times had he and Furrball walked this way to go and do jobs, Hamton wondered. . . .
The streets were mostly empty. The weather was cold but had no wind, leaving the partly cloudy skies to give Acme Acres moderate sunlight. Most of the Christmas decor was starting to be removed and there were no longer any menorahs standing in the windows.
"Meow?" asked Furrball.
"You'll see when we get there," said Hamton, feeling the two objects in his pocket.
But it took no time at all for them to arrive. It was just a few blocks over from where Hamton lived.
Furrball was surprised to find Buster, Babs, and the others all standing outside Granny's house.
"Bonjour, Hamton!" greeted Fifi, waving happily. "I brought zem all here, like you asked."
"Thanks, Fifi," said Hamton.
"Hamton?" said Babs. "What's going on?"
Everyone was there. Everything was ready. It was now time.
"Well, as you all know," said Hamton, "I was able to sell all the Du Coeur during my time in Paris."
"Yeah, we know, Hamton," said Buster. "You told us last night. Not to mention we watched the auction. Or at least part of it."
Hamton smirked. "Yeah, but. . ." he laughed lightly, "I didn't exactly tell you guys how much money I really made."
His friends, minus Fifi and his parents, looked confused.
"I mean," he went on, "I did have to pay the auctioneer a bit in payment, plus the additional taxes, but I still had plenty left to go around."
"You mean, you made more than a couple hundred bucks?" asked Plucky, an ambitious gleam visible in his eyes again.
"Yeah," said Hamton modestly. "The truth is, I made well over $500,000."
The collected gasps came exactly as he expected.
"You made half a million?" asked Shirley, her eyes wide.
"Yeah, I did. And the reason I asked all of you to meet me here is because . . ." Hamton took a deep breath, "because I want to share my money . . . with all of you."
They all stared at him. Shocked and speechless. Even Plucky couldn't seem to believe it.
"Hamton. . ." said Buster. "You don't —"
"I know I don't have to," said Hamton. "I want to. Honestly, it's more money than I need. And besides, you all helped me get the Du Coeur from the beginning. I wouldn't have all this money if you guys hadn't helped me out, so I figure you all deserve a cut. Think of it as a New Year's present."
From behind, Winnie handed Hamton six separately sealed envelopes, each one marked with a different friend's name. Hamton handed them out to their respected owners. Plucky ripped his open frantically and his eyes turned into literal gold dollar signs at the check inside. His jaw hit the ground, giving the sound of a cash register's drawer popping open.
"Oh, Hamton. . ." said Babs softly, holding her share.
"Like, majorly good karma!" Shirley complimented, waving her envelope. "You've got a seriously awesome spirit."
"Heh, thanks, Shirley," said Hamton with a chuckle.
"Meow," said Furrball, and it was his thankful grin that signaled Hamton that the time was right.
"Oh, and Furrball?"
"Hmm?"
"There's . . . one more thing." Hamton reached into his pocket and grasped the two objects inside. "Can you do me a favor and close your eyes?"
The cat blinked. "Huh?"
"Close your eyes, please."
Puzzled, Furrball closed them.
"Okay," said Hamton. "Keep them closed and follow where I lead you."
Hamton grabbed Furrball's hand and he led him over. His friends watched him curiously. Fifi, Wade, and Winnie, however, smiled warmly. Winnie actually had a tear running down from behind her sunglasses.
Once they were on the walkway, Hamton said, "Okay, stop. Now, open your hand."
Furrball did.
His heart beating fast with joy, Hamton pulled from his pocket the two small objects. He placed them in Furrball hand and closed it.
He took a step back.
"Okay, Furrball," he said. "Open your eyes."
Furrball obeyed.
He and Hamton were standing in front of a house, the very same one that belonged to Granny's neighbor, the one they had helped to move out.
Furrball looked down at his fist and unclenched it.
There, lying on his blue palm, were two brass keys, glinting in the sun.
"Happy New Year, Furrball," said Hamton. "And welcome to your new house."
Buster and Babs gaped. Plucky looked as though he had been slapped. Shirley glanced from Hamton to Furrball, then back and forth, totally thrown for a loop. Fifi clasped her hand over her heart, and Wade and Winnie smiled so proudly at their son.
And Furrball? He didn't move. He seemed to have frozen from the shock of Hamton's words. His eyes wide, he gazed down at the keys and back up at the house, then back at Hamton.
Hamton stepped forward. "I'm serious, Furrball. This place, this house," he pointed to it. "It belongs to you now. I used some of what I made on the Du Coeur to buy this property. My Mom and Dad took care of all the paperwork with Acme Acres Real Estate. They've signed the deed to be in your name. All the mortgage is completely paid off, every last cent. You can move in right away."
Silence. Total silence.
Hamton frowned. "Furrball? You okay?"
Furrball was shaking, but not from the cold. He looked down again at the house keys in his hand. His lips were trembling, his eyes wet and overflowing. Then, without warning, he lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Hamton.
He started to cry.
Startled at first, Hamton soon realized that Furrball's tears did not sound pained. Quite the contrary, it was joy beyond words, euphoria at its purest. Smiling lightly, Hamton returned Furrball's hug. And he too felt happy, happy for what he was able to do for his good friend: the friend who had helped him so much, who Life had handed a not-so-happy fate, who now had a whole new start ahead of him.
Fifi, Babs, Winnie, and Shirley had tears flowing down their faces, all smiling at Furrball's happiness. Buster and Wade merely smirked, but even they had a gloss to their eyes. Plucky was sniffling.
"Darn it," he said weakly. "You guys made me cry. But . . . that's okay, right? This sort of thing, it's okay to cry . . . isn't it?"
"Yeah, pal," said Buster, patting Plucky's shoulder and turning back to the tender scene. "It definitely is."
Fifi wiped her eyes on the end of her scarf. Slowly, she approached her boyfriend and cupped his cheek.
"Mon amor. . ." she whispered lovingly.
With one arm still around Furrball, Hamton wrapped his other around Fifi and pressed his cheek to hers.
Right then, at that moment, all was good in Acme Acres. With New Year's Day still young and bright, the sun shined onto these new beginnings.
As for Hamton Pig, he could only sigh with relief, both for what he had and those closest to him.
Whatever was coming after today, whatever challenges they would surely face, there was no need to worry right now. There was so much to cherish and experience, and however easy or difficult, he will do it all with his friends and girlfriend. For theirs was a gift that came not once, but every single day.
And after the December he's had, Hamton couldn't ask for a better gift.
All comments are welcome, as always.