12 Apologies Are In Order

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After several days of agonizing over her verbal throw-down with Judy and her unplanned kits, and worse her treatment of Nick, Bonnie's thoughts turned to the conversation/verbal sparring match with Jasmine while sitting at the kitchen table over a hot mug of herbal tea.

Still unsure of herself, Bonnie had to try and put herself in Judy's place. What would she have done if she'd have been taken and subjected to the same abuse that Judy had endured for so many years? Would she be able to keep her sanity? What if someone would have threatened to take away her kits and sell them, or worse yet to just outright kill them or use them as food?

Bonnie also knew that she had to rethink of her seemingly unreasonable hatred of Nick if she was to have any chance of making up with Judy. Why was she so opposed to Nick? Jasmine was right in that Nick had never done anything to provoke those feelings from her. He always played with her kits like they were his own, gave the younger kits little presents for birthdays and Christmas and the like. He was always kind towards her older kits and to her and Stu.

"What 'cha thinkin' about Bon?" asks Stu, who has happened upon his wife deep in thought.

Startled somewhat, Bonnie takes a few seconds to catch her breath and slow her heartrate,

"STU! You scared the daylights out of me!"

"Sorry Bon, I really didn't mean to."

"I know hun, I know. I was just sitting here thinking about Judy, Nick and the kits."

"Make any progress?"

"Not really …."

"You know … if it helps, I … I kinda already know the truth about the 'J' litter. Have known for a long time."

"Whatever are you talking about?" asks a shocked Bonnie.

"Think about it for a second. Longer ears than the rest of our kits, fluffier tails, an unquenchable desire to be something other than a farmer. Who else do you remember that might fit that description?"

Thinking for a long minute, Bonnie finally comes to terms with her past.

"Yo-your cousin Brian…"

"That's right, Brian. I knew, have known for decades, that you had an affair with him."

"But-but you never said anything, why?"

Sitting across the table from his wife, Stu reaches across and softly places a paw on Bonnies cheek, giving an answer that's totally unexpected.

"Because I loved you … still do. We all make mistakes Bon. The question is, what have you learned from yours?"

Taking a deep breath, Bonnie admits "That it was a mistake to judge Judy like I did. Having the five bunny kits wasn't a choice that she was given."

"And Nick and his kit?"

"I still don't know about that. Other than that time that Gideon clawed Judy as a kit, I can't for the life of me figure out where my hatred of foxes came from."

Seeing the rueful smile that Stu was wearing, Bonnie's curiosity is piked.

"What?"

"Who do you know that is no longer with us that had a deep-seated hatred of foxes?"

After several moments thought, Bonnie realizes the truth. "….. Dad!"

"That's right, your dad. He never did say to his dying day why he held such a dislike of foxes, but I'd venture to guess that's where most of your dislike comes from. There's absolutely no reason for you to hold a grudge against Nick or his and Judy's hybrid son. He loves our daughter with all his heart, and I'd venture a guess that he'd give up his life to protect her and all of her kits, even the ones that aren't his. That's just the type of mammal that he is."

"So, what do I do now Stu? How can I possibly undo the damage that I've done?"

"To begin with, I'd think that a heartfelt apology would be a great start. Ask to speak to all of them face to face, especially the kits. If that goes well enough, maybe one of your strawberry/rhubarb pies for Judy and a blueberry/rhubarb pie for Nick might help ease the pain. Maybe take a few assorted tarts from Gideon's for the kits to enjoy."

"Do you really think that could help?"

"What could it hurt?"

"I guess you're right. It's not too late in the day, would now be a good time to call do you think?"

"It's almost suppertime. If they're eating, you'd probably interrupt, so why not wait until around 7:30 or so. That's late enough that you shouldn't be interrupting them during a meal, but early enough so they're not in bed."

"You're right." she states, standing "I'll get started on those pies while I wait. I know I might be jumping the gun a bit, but I've got to have hope, right?"

"Right now, that's all you've got, so why not."

Kissing his wife, Stu retires to his reading room to check on the daily produce market prices.

…

With fresh determination now set in her mind, Bonnie begins her task by making a trip to the produce barn that holds the farms fresh-picked fruit, Bonnie takes three baskets with her, one for each of the fruits that she'll be using to bake some pies, two each of the pies that Stu suggested with enough left to make several tarts of her own, just the right size for five darling bunny kits and a charming hybrid kit. Even though rhubarb is a considered a vegetable, it is still stored with the fruit since its main use is in pies, jams, jellies and sauces, just like fruit.

After enlisting a certain young doe's help, begrudging as it was, Bonnie tries to explain to Cotton just why she wanted her to help with the pie making chores.

"I know you're angry with me sweety, and I know why. I'm sorry that I was cross with your uncle Nick, Judy and their kits and I'm making these pies for them and their kits as part of an apology."

Seeing the questioning look on her daughter's face, Bonnie continues "When I was little like you, my daddy constantly told me that 'foxes are red because they're made by the devil'. Then, when Judy was nine, Gideon Grey got in a fight with Judy and ended up clawing her face."

"Gideon clawed Judy?" asks a slightly shocked Cotton.

"Yes, and it seems like even though Judy got over it long ago, I never did."

"But you and daddy work with Gideon!"

"While that's true, it's different with Nick."

"But why is uncle Nick different?" asks the now thoroughly confused kit.

Taking a few moments to try to explain to a four-year-old, Bonnie gathers her thoughts and continues "I know you hear this a lot at your age, but you'll understand when you get older."

Seeing the young doe struggling with that stock answer, Bonnie decides to take a bit of a different tact, adding "What do you think about kissing boys?"

"Yuck mommy …." comes immediately from the totally disgusted young doe.

"I know, but … this might help explain things, even though you're a bit young. When a buck and a doe kiss, they think about making babies. I always thought that Judy should have settled down and married a nice buck instead of a 'red devil' like Nick as grandpa Larry would say. And when Judy finally came home with a fox/bunny kit and five rabbit kits that were not even Nick's, I guess my mind just didn't work right so I took it out on Judy, Nick and their kits. I'm very sorry that I did that, and it wasn't fair to any of them. Nicholas is definitely Nick's kit, and the bunny kits are … were … ummm-"

"They were just something that kinda happened by accident while Judy was missing." finishes Stu for her as he had quietly reentered the kitchen.

Looking back and forth at her parents, Cotton decides "I'm never kissing a boy, boys have cooties…" and with that leaves the kitchen.

"How long do you think that'll last?" asks Stu.

"Probably about four or five more years, if we're lucky."

"I agree. So, how are the pies coming along?"

"Fine. I'm making a few extra just in case, and the tarts as well. While Gid's are probably better than mine, I figured that it was worth the extra effort, with the thought counting extra."

"I do believe you're right." answers Stu, planting a tender kiss on Bonnies nose.

"Careful there mister," cautions Bonnie, referencing her earlier conversation with Cotton "I believe we have just about enough kits now."

"I believe you're probably right!" answers a jovial Stu, lightly squeezing Bonnie's tail as he leaves the kitchen. "But it never hurts an old buck to try!"

"Stu!" squeaks out a now flustered doe.

…

Turning back to the task at paw, Bonnie begins rolling out the dough to make pie and tart crusts, she hears somebunny enter the kitchen.

Turning, she is astonished to see Jasmine.

"Jasmine?"

"Yes mom. Dad called and told me that you've finally started coming around, so I thought I'd come and make an apology of my own, and maybe help with the pie making."

"Sweetheart, you have nothing to apologize for, I was totally in the wrong and you helped to open my eyes. I should be the one apologizing to you."

"Let's just let that be for now, ok mom? What can I do to help?"

"Well, Cotton was helping rinse the fruit, you can start with that if you'd like."

"Ok…"

"So … you and Roland Gleeson?"

"Mom…"

"It's all right Jasmine, I'm just trying to understand the attraction. First Judy and now you and Sarenrae* knows who all else is dating predators. I guess I've forgotten that Sarenrae* teaches temperance and patience in all things. Does he make you happy?"

With a dreamy smile, Jasmine answers "Yes mom, he does. Even though Roland has the fangs and claws that are typical of a Siamese feline, he's so gentle and thoughtful …"

"And you don't worry about being bitten or clawed?"

As a wry smile crosses Jasmine's face, an unintended confession of sorts escapes "The biting's the best par-"

"JASMINE HOPPS!"

"Sorry mom, but you asked."

Pinching the bridge of her nose, all a flustered Bonnie can do is take a deep breath and shake her head. "I guess I'll never truly understand. At least Nick doesn't have claws like a cat does-"

"Umm, actually …"

"Jaz?"

"Mom, did you really not know that red foxes have partially retractable claws? And I hear that the knot is something else entirely!"

Slumping down onto a chair, Bonnie is at a loss for words.

"I'm not sure how much more of this I can take at one time!" she quietly grouses.

"It's ok mom, Roland with me is kinda like I would imagine Nick is with Judy. He does nothing that I don't ask for and even then, as gently as he can. The thrill that a gentle nipping at my neck and especially running his claws over my ears …. It's an indescribable turn-on!" as the doe shivers with excitement.

"Ok, that truly IS all I can handle for now. Let's get going on these pies…" answers Bonnie, desperately trying to handle the information overload.

…

Several hours later, Jasmine hugs her mother "Thanks for finally understanding at least a little mom. I think that dad's right, a heartfelt apology and the pies will make all of the difference in the world. Knowing that you're at least trying to come to grips with Nick and their kits should give Judy a large piece of mind."

"I'm glad you think so hun. And … invite Roland over for supper sometime, I-I think I'd like to get to know him better."

"I'll be sure to bring it up to him when I see him tonight, thanks."

After Jasmine exits the kitchen, several minutes later Stu enters.

"So … everything ok?" he asks.

"Yeah, I think it will be. Thanks for calling Jasmine Stu, she was a big help."

"Glad it worked out."

"Did you know about her and that Gleeson boy?"

"Yes I did. Are you angry because I kept it from you?"

"No, not really. I think finding out about him like I did helped me to get used to the idea that we have some unusual kits."

"That we do Bon, that we do. Now, do you wanna try and call Judy?"

Pausing for a moment, Bonnie informs her husband "Actually, I think it'd be better if you call and let her know that I would like to talk to her first. She'll be less likely to hang up right away…"

"True that…" as Stu dials Nick's number, Bonnie holds her breath and hopes for the best,

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AN: Sarenrae (SER-en-ray) is a neutral good deity, associated with Healing and the Sun. She teaches temperance and patience in all things. Compassion and peace are her greatest virtues, and if enemies of the faith can be redeemed, they should be. Yet there are those who have no interest in redemption, who glory in slaughter and death.