Chapter Ten: Fireworks
A/N: FINALLY! We are here. The final chapter of this…. fluffier than usual story. We see everyone finally settling in as the Wilde's become a real family, while leaving a huge door for the next story as things take a bit of a bad turn. I have a few epilogues coming up showing the trauma Greg is having, Stacy's weekend meetup with Nick and Judy and Vivian's addiction to a certain game.
Hoo-Boy. The next story. "The A Word." That's gonna be a tricky one. I'm trying to tackle the subject of abortion in a mature way, but I know it's gonna piss some people off no matter what. NOT THAT THERE'S MUCH WORSE THINGS GOING ON IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW TO FREAK OUT ABOUT! I am taking a look at both sides of the argument. I think it's much safer not to have Judy being the one having an abortion as it did not work so well for "AHEM" other writers.
Judy will take a step back and look at both sides, while Nick has a firm stance one way, but is being hypocritical on another. I promise I won't make either of them look OOC or make villains out of them.
This is going to be a much darker and somber story, but there will be some light-hearted moments here and there. The story splits between Judy's sister Julie, Nick's mom Vivian and Greg's first week at school in which he confronts some bullies.
Now let's wrap up this New Year's story! … in March.
Back to January 7th at the Bunnyburrow orphanage…
"And that's what happened," Stacy said. "Penny's trauma is starting to fade and she's opening up more. The attack by the coyote has traumatized Greg some and he had a very tough first week at school, but he's doing better too. You see? Between Judy. Nick., Finnick and Nick's mother, those children now have the emotional support we couldn't give them due to us caring for so many children at once. Not just with the parents and grandparents, but with each other. The grandmother told me Penny waits at the window for hours just for Greg to come home from school. They really love each other."
The ox looked concerned. "While I'm happy that the children are being provided for emotionally, what about their finances? From what I understand, Nick Wilde was disgraced and lost his job. Not only that, the grandfather can barely make any money himself."
"Well…. Finnick is doing okay with selling his paintings online, but being Baby Grandpa is what has made him financially stable. People loved that video and seeing him open up. He made money from appearances on talk shows and they are now working with a company called 'Pinkfrog' to make some children's toys and they showed me a sneak peek of a music video they did. Look!"
Stacy showed them a video on her smartphone. It was Finnick singing but with Penny's voice, followed by Vivian and Nick.
Baby Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Baby Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Baby Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Baby Fox!
Mommy Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Mommy Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Mommy Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Mommy Fox!
Daddy Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Daddy Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Daddy Fox! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Daddy Fox!
Let's go pounce! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Let's go pounce! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Let's go pounce! Na-na na-na-na-na!
Let's go pounce!
Stacy turned off the video. The ox rolled his eyes. "That was the dumbest thing I've ever seen."
Stacy agreed. "Yeah. I don't get it myself. They agreed to 25% of any profits from sales of the song, but I doubt they'll;l make a penny off of that thing, but they might do okay on the toy deal. The point is they are finding ways of making money. They are very smart and resilient."
"I agree," said the ox. This made Stacy very happy. "I think both of them would take any work they could get to care for those two. While rash, you made a good choice in parents for Greg and Penny."
Stacy was relieved. "Thank you, sir! That means a lot to me."
"However, you're fired."
Stacy was horrified. Her ears drooped almost to the floor. "But...But why? I-I was doing so well a-and the kids love me."
"Because your decision was rash and based off of your own emotions for Judy Wilde! You were very lucky it paid off."
"It was not 'luck'! I knew what kind of good soul she was before I ever met her!"
"You only knew her from news reports and interviews, and yet you gave up two children to her including one with severe trauma issues."
"Which her new family has greatly helped with! Even her therapist couldn't believe the difference! What is your problem?!"
"My problem was the decision was still rash and based on your, well…. 'Gayness'. Which is also something that the church frowns upon. You also gave up on being a nun and our nuns are the ones who run the orphanage."
"Would the church really have accepted me as a nun after coming out of the closet?"
"Probably not. Still, we don't want your… 'lifestyle choices' to influence the children."
Stacy was enraged. "It's not a 'lifestyle choice'! It's who I am! I can't 'influence' the children! Their own chemistry makeup and experiences will decide that. You're just being a damn bigot! I don't think I want to work for a place that would treat people this way! Goodbye!"
With that, she stormed out. Her expression of anger changed into sorrow as she wept while leaving the office. She kept thinking of the children she'd leave behind. Where would she go now? What would she do? Her life was about to change forever.
Wednesday, December 28th
Nick was filming the last of Finnick's painting. Finnick had his paintbrush in hand and was talking with a smooth, mellow tone. "Okay, so there's our tree… and I'll just add some black and a little emerald to shade the tree on the lawn and now… there. Now, we have our wolf in front of the tree. I have his back facing us for a reason. Gonna take a little yellow here and… there. Now he's peeing on the tree. He's telling the world "Hey world. I'm claiming this tree for my own with my scent. Just telling the world I was here. And we're done. Thank you for joining us and we'll see you next time."
Nick turned off the camera. "I think that went well. Only now I have to pee."
"So how's the bidding going?"
"It ends in an hour and so far you got… hmmm. Eighty bucks."
"Not bad, but not great either. That's about what I haul down near the docks."
"Well, yeah, but it's your first episode and better to do one painting at home than several drawings out there right?"
"True."
They then heard a knock on the door. "They're back!"
Nick opened the door only for the children to rush in and tackle him. "Hey! Careful guys. I still gotta hit the john!"
Both children started crying in Nick's arms. "It wha tow tarry!" cried Penny. "He hit me!" cried Greg. They both were bawling in his arms.
This confused Judy. "I don't get it. They were a bit scared at first, but they seemed happy afterward. Especially Penny."
Vivian patted the bunny's shoulder. "I think they were putting up a front for you dear. It's obvious you are the tougher one in the relationship, while Nick can be a bit…"
"Soft."
"Exactly. There's a bit of a reverse in gender roles here. I think they see you as the father and him as the mother."
Nick hugged them close. "I'm so sorry puppies! That bad man can't hurt you anymore. And Greg, Judy told me all about what you did. You're a hero! If you hadn't delayed him for a few seconds, he may have been out the door with Penny. I know you're scared now, but I think someday, you'll look back on this with pride."
Nick then stood up. "With that said, I understand we got some video games to play! Why don't you have your mother set it up while I go pee-pee real quick."
The kids got off of him and ran over to Judy. Before heading to the bathroom, Nick talked to his mother. "So what all did you guys get?"
"Well, They got a Nine-ten-doe Snitch with the Smash Litter pack…"
"Awesome!"
"An extra pair of Joycons."
"Great!"
"And about.. Three more games."
"...Really?!"
"I got myself a Snitch Lite and a copy of Mammal Crossing. It looks so cute!"
"Wait. Hold up. How can you guys afford this?!"
"We were bribed by the store not to talk to the press. Judy got a thousand dollar gift card and I got a $3,500 one."
"That's incredible! Wait. How come yours is higher?"
"What did I always tell you, son?"
They said it in unison. "A Wilde never takes the first offer." Nick chuckled. "Good for you Mom. You're the best!"
"I know."
Nick went to use the restroom. When he came back, he saw everyone laughing at the TV. "What's going on?"
Judy chuckled toward Nick. "Your mom told you how we were bribed not to talk to the press?"
"Yeah?"
"Management didn't get everyone."
Nick looked at the TV to see country bumpkin puma being interviewed outside of the Store. The title "Child-napping coyote captured at Foxden Targoat".
The puma was talkin' away. "And thar weren't no security no-whars! But this here bunny gal just took that nasty coyote by the tail, swung him around and slammed him all over the place like 'WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!' Ah tell yew what! Ah don't know whar she got the strength!"
The head of Targoat management was watching the TV from his office. His head buried in his paws. "My ass is so fired!" Sure enough, his phone rang. "Hello?... Yes sir… Yes sir. I guess if you say so, I'll have to pack my things and go. But this wouldn't have happened if you would have given security more payroll!" He slammed the phone and left.
They got the four-player fighting game up and running. The entire family sat on the couch. Some played, some watched, but most importantly, they enjoyed each other's company. It was at that moment that it truly dawned on Nick and Judy. They were home. This was their family. Things will always change and not always for the better but for now, in this moment, things were perfect.
11:55 pm Saturday, December 31st. New Year's Eve…
Nick Wilde stormed into the living room. "Okay, Greg! That's enough Fartnite. It's almost time for the ball to drop and I want to watch it on 'Buck Cluck's New Year's Bawkin' Eve'."
Greg was disappointed. "Aww! But I'm close to a Victory! What's the big deal about some stupid balls dropping anyway?"
"You'll find out in about six to seven years. Now off! That goes for you too Mom. Turn off the Snitch Lite."
"But I almost have enough bells to pay the mortgage!" Vivian argued.
"Tom Crook will just offer you a bigger house and you'll be in more debt anyway. Now, c'mon! It's almost midnight! We gotta celebrate. You too, Penny…. Penny?" The small, fox toddler was sound asleep on the couch. "SIGH! Nevermind."
Judy came out and handed glasses to everyone. Greg was happy. "Cool! I get to drink booze!"
Nick corrected him. "No, you're drinking apple cider, just like me and your grandma."
Vivian argued. "Screw that! I'm having wine! Why aren't you having any alcohol Nicky?"
"I'm just not much of a drinker."
Judy corrected him. "You mean you're a lightweight."
"I'm not THAT much of a lightweight!"
"Every time you go drinking with the rest of the force, we have to carry you back to the car. By the way Finnick, I've been meaning to ask. What's up with the cinder blocks under the couch? It's way high off the ground."
Finnick downed his wine. "Because the neighbors have fireworks."
"... I don't get it."
Vivian got upset with him. "Finnick! You're supposed to toast first!"
"Whoops! Better refill my glass then."
"You just wanted more booze."
Greg was confused. "You get toast too?"
Nick interrupted. "Hold on everyone! The countdown is here! Let's toast quickly before it hits midnight!"
They all clicked their drinks and drank. Judy was confused about why they didn't wait until the stroke of midnight. But with that, the countdown was on. "Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
Everyone cheered for a second until the neighbor's set off the fireworks. "Everyone dive! Dive!" Nick shouted.
As the fireworks went off and exploded, all the foxes dove under the couch. Even Penny woke up and ran under. She started to howl. The only thing Judy and Greg could see was their butts and tails sticking out from underneath as the foxes whimpered.
"It's so loud!" yipped Finnick.
"It's the end of the world!" shouted Nick.
Looking at this comical site, Judy and Greg just looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "Canines."
"Well, when in Rome." Judy said. She gestured at the couch. "Shall we?"
"Why not?" Greg replied.
The two slid under the couch with the foxes and snuggled up with them. "Hey! I found a quarter!" shouted Greg.
12:38 pm Monday, January 2nd
Greg and Vivian were on the couch playing Smash Litter. "GAME!" shouted the announcer as Vivian defeated Greg.
"Aww! Not again!" The bunny whined. "You're too good, grandma."
Vivian smiled. "Nobody messes with Isabell."
"So ummm…. Are you gonna tell the others yet?"
"SHHH! You found out by accident! You and your big ears."
Greg whispered. "But grandpa should know that you're having his puppies!"
"I know, I know. I'm just….scared is all. I know some vixens have puppies into their early 60's, but 52 is still up there. Plus, we have you little ones and Nick and Judy. This house is so full now!"
"We can make room. It's weird. They're not even born, but they'll be my aunts and uncles."
"Yeah."
"By the time they're old enough to loan money from, I'll probably be married with a job and kids!"
Vivian just stared at the TV. Her expression blank. "Yeah."
Greg saw the worry on her face. He patted her knee and smiled. "Everything's gonna be okay, Grandma."
She smiled back. Thankful for his comfort. It was then that Judy came bursting through the kitchen door in a panic. "Nick! Where's Nick?!"
"He's taking a nap," Vivian replied. "What's wrong?!"
"We have to go to Bunnyburrow! My sister! She's in the emergency room!"
"Which sister?! You have hundreds!"
"Julie! The one who's pregnant with Gideon's kids! She passed out at the bakery! They can't wake her up!" She ran upstairs and woke up Nick. Within moments, they were dressed and heading towards the door."
Greg panicked. "Mommy, wait! You're going without me and Penny?!"
"You have school tomorrow. I don't know how long we'll be gone. It could be a day or two."
Greg really started to panic. "B-But it's gonna be my first day! You said you'd wait for me in the parking lot! You promised!"
"I-I know! But grandma will be here to watch over you. I need to make sure my sister's okay."
"It's not fair! Why do you have to go?! You have a huge family to watch over aunt Julie! I don't want Grandma, I want you!"
Judy was almost in tears. "I'm sorry!" She ran out the door with Nick.
Greg tried to chase after her, but Vivian stopped him. "MOMMY! MOMMY!" He cried in his Grandmother's arms as Judy and Nick took off for Bunnyburrow.
Finnick then came out of the bathroom. "They're taking off and making us watch their kids again?!"
Vivian looked at him. "Finnick."
"I mean, I love these kids, but what do we look like? A daycare?!"
"Finnick.."
"I tell you one thing, they're gonna have to start payin' rent right now!"
"You're going to be a father."
"HA! Yeah. At this rate, I already am!"
"No, I mean, I'm pregnant."
"...What?! I...I…" Finnick passed out at the news.
"Well, that's one way to get him to shut up."
TO BE CONTINUED IN… "THE A WORD".
But first, stay tuned for some epilogues.
