19 Meeting The Folks
After finally breaking the hug, Nick heads to his shop to inventory what he wants to take to Aurora while Judy and Sarah fix lunch.
Shortly after lunch, Nick, Judy and Sarah load into the Nomad to head into town. The first stop is at the bank to make a small(?) deposit to his account, add Judy to his account, and set up an account for Sarah (Nick uses Mammal Federal as his bank. Since they have a branch in Aurora, an account with them for Sarah makes perfect sense) with Judy as the sole custodian on the account.
Then it's off to the shop to pick up the 24-foot utility truck which Nick loads his personal tools into, and enclosed trailer with the small fork truck (for loading some of the heavier equipment from Nick's shop onto the truck) loaded in it, and take care of a few other odds and ends before they leave for Aurora.
While Nick gets the truck and trailer ready, Sarah visits with Ramone to finalize several new paint commissions and Judy heads to the office to have Adelle link Sarah's employee status (paycheck/art commissions) to her new bank account.
After a brief but tearful farewell by the shop crew, all affairs seem to be in order for the Wilde family's departure.
That accomplished, Nick heads out in the truck while Judy and Sarah follow in the Nomad and Nickie and Skye trail in Skye's sky blue (get it?) El Camino.
Once back at the house, Nick programs the security system for Nickie and Skye while Judy and Sarah begin packing the Nomad with clothes and personal items for the three of them.
With Nickie and Skye helping, mainly with the few guns and ammunition that Nick will require loaded into the front of the enclosed truck, loading the rest of the truck and the trailer and securing the cargo only takes a few hours.
"So, this is it then…?" asks Nickie.
"Yea, I guess so. You two c'n start movin' in t'morra I guess. We should be gone by eight or so. First stop is in Zootopia at Pinehurst to visit mom."
Seeing Nick beginning to tear up, Nickie steps in "It's ok Nick …mom 'll be happy that you stopped. You know she'll wanna meet Judy and Sarah…"
"Yea, I know… still."
"Buck up Nick," adds Skye "everythin' 'll be fine."
*SNIFF* "I'm ok … I guess… Aaaanywho, then we plan ta drop the truck off at the new place in Aurora, unload the Nomad and go visit Judy's folks and kits in Bunnyburrow."
"Call when you get ta Aurora and Bunnyburrow, ok? We don't wanna have ta worry about your furry buts…"
"I'll be sure that he does" promises Judy.
As Nick and Skye go in and check over the security systems one final time followed closely by Sarah, Nickie takes the opportunity to hand Judy a small envelope. Seeing her questioning gaze, Nickie explains "This is a personal gift from me to you. For being such an ass when you and Nick found each other-"
Holding up a paw to stop Judy from telling her that it's not necessary "Nick was right ya know. Skye and I ragged him for years about finding someone … to help ease the pain of losing Krystal. And then you come along and almost literally fall into his lap. I was so blinded by what happened at that damned press conference so long ago, and carried that hate with me for so long that I couldn't see that you were exactly what Nick needed all this time.'
'There's a gift card from Mammal Federal with two thousand dollars on it in the envelope. I want you and Nick to go somewhere nice, just you and him, for a decent honeymoon. If ya need to come back here to leave my favorite niece for a few days ta spend some quality time alone, Skye and I would love to have her."
"After we get things settled down, I may just take you up on yer offer. I know that Sarah would love ta spend time with her new aunties, so it's more than possible, ok? And you may not know it yet, but Nick and I are plannin' on adoptin' another bunny kit and probably a young fox kit as well."
"Damn really? When did this all happen?"
"It hasn't yet, which is why we never said nuthin. We'll let ya know how things play out ok?"
"Just let us know when. There's no way we won't be able ta make time fer the three, or five of ya if need be …" as Nickie gathers Judy into a tight hug…
…
"I ain't gonna need ta worry about competition fer my wife am I?" asks Skye, startling both Judy and Nickie.
"Shit Snow…." says Nickie, jumping about a foot in the air "Don't do that!"
"Snow, I-" begins a very flustered Judy.
"Chill Judy, I ain't scared a losin' nobody, it was just fun messin' with ya." says Skye shooting the doe a quick wink.
"And you-" says Judy, addressing a fully smirking Nick
"Yes?"
"You jus' wait 'til I get you alone…"
"I really don't think we've got the time fer all that just now Fluff" snarks Nick.
"Will you two please behave for just two minutes?" asks Sarah.
"I just meant … that is … crap, never mind!"
Finally realizing that all is in good fun, Judy and Nickie join in the laughter.
After giving out the last of the farewell hugs, and drying a few tears of Sarah's, Nickie and Skye head back to Aweston to begin some planning and packing of their own.
"It's ok Punkin," says Nick, trying to console Sarah "we'll be back before ya know it. And hopefully we'll be bringin' Rose and Aja with us!"
"For real dad?"
"Sure. There are a few things that I had ta leave this time, so we'll need ta come back and get 'em, includin' the bikes. Besides, you'll want ta show yer aunties yer new sister and brother, right?"
"Yea …. I guess…"
"What say we finish up that delicious casserole that your mom made yesterday, and chill in the hot tub? I think there may be a bit of really good champaign hid around here as well. let's finish up our last night here with a flair…."
…
Early the next morning, a box truck towing an enclosed trailer with Nick driving was followed closely by a '57 Nomad with Judy driving and Sarah riding shotgun, leaves the former Nick Wilde residence and heads northeast.
Passing Aweston, then still heading northeast, they stop in Dalles for gas with Sarah swapping vehicles and riding with Nick, our travelers pass through Birdville and stop in Woodland for the evening.
Again using his membership with the Windmark, Nick again gets a premier room with a hot tub, but orders Asian (veggie stir fry for all) instead of pizza for a meal, not wanting to tempt fate with another 'gas' episode.
Easily making the rest of the trip to Zootopia the next day by noon, our travelers check into the Presidential suite of the Grand Palm hotel.
As they enter their room and place the few travel belongings on the beds, Judy asks "So, what now Nick?"
"How about some good showers, then a bite to eat? After that we can go and visit mom if you'd like. While we're not in a big hurry, I'd kinda like to get this over with and put Zootopia in the rearview mirror."
"And Krystal?"
"I'd like ta go alone if ya don't mind…"
Placing a paw on his arm, just like she did in the cable car so long ago "I understand …be it far from me … from us to intrude."
"I just don't know what to say to Krystal, ya know?"
"If it's from the heart, she'll understand…"
Coming and giving Nick a hug, Sarah adds "It'll be ok dad …"
Taking his does into a slightly tearful hug, Nick know that Sarah is right. "Ok, let's go down to the dinin' room and get a bite, then we c'n all go and visit my mom, ok?"
…
After getting a quick meal at the all-you-can-eat buffet (and getting more than a few stares from the other patrons but not caring in the least) Nick, Judy and Sarah head out on the forty five-minute trip to Pinehurst cemetery while making a short detour to a flower shop that Judy remembers only too well (Otterton's), they arrive in a very somber mood.
Placing a small bouquet of yellow roses and forget-me-nots on his mothers grave, Nick begins: "Hey mom … ummm … sorry it's been so long, but … I-I really never wanted ta set foot back in this miserable place again…"
Feeling soft paws on each arm for reassurance, Nick finds the courage to continue "Anyways… umm, me and Nickie are doin' fine, better than fine actually… Nickie got married to her girlfriend. Skye's a very nice artic fox vixen that I served with in the Teams, I think you might've met her a time or two.'
'I know you were hopin' that me an' Krystal would be married, but that never happened. But then you probly knew that, with her bein' with you now an' all-"
Taking a deep breath, Nick presses on "I finally met up with my bunny again … you know, the one I was so screwed up over when I went and joined the service? Yea, we finally got together and ... we got married mom, and I'm so happy now…! She's still as beautiful as ever, and guess what … I'm gonna be a dad, I mean I am a dad, sorta … damn this is hard …'
'Sarah is the little does name and she's absolutely wonderful. She's fourteen, and an absolute joy to be around and have around. She's smart as a whip, and snarky as they come … you'd really like 'em both mom, I promise. An', an' I'm gonna adopt her an' maybe-hopefully a couple more if Saren an' Karma are on my side, she's that deep inta my heart, jus' like her mom…'
'I love ya and I miss ya mom, I really wish you were here…"
Knowing that Nick's basically finished, Judy and Sarah both step up to the headstone: "Hey Mrs. Wilde" says Judy "Ta begin with, I really need to 'pologize fer causin' you, Nick and all of the predators so much grief with my stupid press conference. Hopefully I've made up for it at least a little since then…'
'Nick stopped and rescued me on the highway one day. We were both a bit scared of each other's feelin's at first, but we worked past that an' well, Nick already told ya that we're married. I'd rather die myself than hurt Nick again, so ya don' hafta worry about him no more, I promise-"
"Hey gran'ma Wilde" interrupts Sarah "I'm Sarah. Nick's gonna be my dad soon. You don' gotta ta worry about him, I promise ta take good care a him 'cause he loves me more than my real dad ever did, an' I love him even more. I wish I could meet you face ta face and give you a biiiig hug.'
'I'll make sure we come back an' visit from time ta time ok?"
…
Deciding that driving back to the hotel then making the trip to Tundra Town was a waste of precious time, Nick and Judy agree that the three of them should go straight to Tundra Town and Judy and Sarah would wait in the car.
Stepping up to Krystal's grave then kneeling, Nick leaves a single yellow rose "Krystal … I'm so sorry that we couldn't be together, but it seems that Karma had other plans for me, I just wish it hadn't come with such a high cost.'
'I finally found my bunny … she and I are married and I'm gonna adopt one of her kits and hopefully another of kits, a bunny and a fox. I do miss you and wish-"
A sudden warm feeling enveloped Nick, and he realized that Krystal understood and she was good with what was transpiring.
Standing, Nick looks down at Krystal's grave "You're with your folks now, rest easy my love, and tell mom hey for me ok?"
With that said, Nick returns to his bunnies.
Seeing the apprehensive looks tha both were giving him "It's ok … I'm ok. Let's go get some lunch and chill for the rest of the day. That way we can get an early start in the mornin' fer Bunnyburrow so you c'n visit with your folks."
"And my other seven kits … I'd really like for you to visit them too Nick … please?
"I…"
"They're buried on the farm, in a special place reserved for the young… please?
"I'd be honored Fluff…"
…
The ride back to the hotel was a solemn affair, with each mammal being lost in their own thoughts.
Passing by the front desk, Nick orders a combination pred/prey combination platter and some wine for he and Judy, but decided that maybe it would be a bit counterproductive to share with Sarah, much to her dismay and Judy's approval…
Just as the three get settled in the hot tub Nick's phone rings…
"What is it about us in a hot tub that makes these damned phones go off?" he asks.
As the does giggle, Nick answers "Yea, this is Wilde." causing both Nick and Sarah to roll their eyes at the lame joke.
Listening intently, Nicks deadpan expression quickly morphs into a very large grin.
"Great … that's great Sid. Good job. You can send the bill to my e-mail address and I'll take care of it as soon as I … we get settled in Aurora."
"That" says Nick after breaking the connection "of course was my lawyer. Aja has been successfully added to our adoption petition for Rose. He's currently at the Tri-Burrow medical center and is responding well to the treatment for his CAV-2…"
"That's wonderful!" says a tearful Judy grabbing her mate followed closely by an equally tearful Sarah.
"Plus" adds Nick "the sheriff's office notified Sid that arrest warrants have been issued for Gerald. They include stalking, attempted rape of a minor, attempted incest, and cyber bullying. They're gonna wait until the hearing date ta serve them, and the hearing is set for the twenty first, a week before the kits are scheduled to start school. There's also gonna be a 'leak' to be sure that Gerald shows up at the hearing.'
'And by the way, Sid said that Nadine took the initiative to have Sarah's transcripts transferred to Aurora and Rose's as well."
"Nick, we've gotta do sumpthin' special fer Nadine after all a this."
"Already in process by dear bunny. I'm having her home and car loan paid off as we speak."
"That's … that's …!"
"Yea, I know…"
"There is one tiny thing that we kinda hadn't planned on though…"
"And that would be?"
"Raisin' a four-year-old…"
"I can help when I'm not in school, an' I know that Cream 'll be there for Aja." interrupts Sarah.
"That's great honey" says Judy "but we're talkin' about durin' the week while you're in school. But it's not gonna be a problem since I had ta help take of my siblin's when I was still at home."
"It's gonna take a bit fer me ta get used ta carin' fer someone that young…"
"It's ok Nick, Sarah and I 'll help ya."
That's right dad… me and mom got this…"
After a good soak, finishing the combination tray and bottle of wine, Nick and Judy cuddle in the bed while Sarah takes her place on the pullout.
…
With a good night's rest, a healthy breakfast buffet behind them and only a four-hour trip ahead, Nick allows Judy to drive lead in the Nomad while he and Sarah trail in the truck.
Bypassing Podunk, Judy heads straight for Aurora so they can drop off the truck and head towards the Hopps family cemetery which is just short of Bunnyburrow proper.
Using the GPS, Judy leads the small convoy into the driveway of their new home.
"Holy mackerel" she says gaping at the house and outbuildings as they arrive "I had no idea the place would be this cool!"
The house and outbuilding were done up much the same as Nicks place just outside of Aweston: grey and white with red trim. A large glassed in sun room/sauna/hot tub area and a brand-new gazebo sat on the west side of the home so they could all watch the sunset.
"Ya want the nickel tour or-"
"Actually, I'd just as soon get this over with, if it's ok with you…"
No problem, but how about a quick bite before we go to the cemetery, Sarah looks like she might need a minute or two…"
Looking at her daughter, Judy notices that Sarah indeed looks a bit apprehensive.
"I guess an early lunch at 'The Burrow' couldn't hurt … you gonna be ok sweetie?"
"I guess…"
"I know it's gonna be rough baby, but we really do need to at least visit your sibs. If you don't wanna stop by my parents it's ok, I understand. But it's sumthin' that I have got ta do."
"I get it mom, I'll be ok."
After a quick lunch and an even quicker phone call to Nickie, the twenty-minute drive to the Hopps family cemetery is one that is unnaturally silent.
As Judy slowly drives down the single lane path to her parent's graves, she feels several sets of eyes watching them and knows that there will likely be a confrontation before they leave.
Stopping the vehicle just short of the gravesites, Judy exits the Nomad followed closely by Sarah. Motioning to Nick, it's obvious to the fox that she wants him to join her.
Kneeling between the graves of her parents, Judy begins a bit hesitantly "H-hey mom – d-dad" laying a yellow rose on each grave "I know it's been a while. The last time I was here was to bury my last litter of kits.'
'Sarah is fourteen now and is a great kit, and I thought she should at least stop and say hey. I know you probly hated me with your dyin' breaths, but there was no way to stay with Gerald and stay sane. Booted from the ZPD and twice divorced … some daughter huh?'
'Jack junior and Jane are with their dad. They couldn't control me so they left ta be with him. But it's ok, I've got Nick now, so I'm good. Better than ever actually. Dad I know you'd hate Nick, since he's a fox and all. I know you never really gave a damn about Gid, even though you acted like it. I know that you never did actually forgive him for clawin' me when I was a kit. But that's all behind me now, behind both Sarah and I actually.'
'This will be the last time I visit, I just needed to have some closure on this very bad part of my life. We're gonna go see the kits and then we'll be gone."
And with that, Judy stands and Sarah approaches her grandparents "G'maw and G'paw Hopps … I know this 's gonna be unkind … but … how could you hate my mom? How dare you? Gerald woulda killed her and raped me. You deserve to be where you are and-"
"Sarah, that's enough" says Nick as he gently places a paw on her shoulder. "Let the dead rest."
Turning and looking at Nick for just a second, Sarah quickly turns and buries herself in Nicks arms as he hugs her.
"Let's go, I need to visit my kits then we c'n leave." was all Judy could say.
Before they could get to the entrance of the part of the cemetery that held kits, they were met by a small delegation of very upset rabbits. "What are you doin' here Judy?" asks a brown and cream-colored buck that seemed to be in charge.
"Just visitin' mom and dad, then my kits and we'll be gone. Step aside Larry."
"The only place you're goin' is out … you and this … fox!"
"I'mma tell you one more time ta step aside and then I'll walk over your unconscious body. Now move your stupid ass Larry, or else…"
"Do you really think you c'n take all nine of us Jude?"
"Four each with one to spare" interrupts Nick.
"Three each" corrects Sarah.
Staring in disbelief, Larry, who was actually two litters younger than Judy, was ready to challenge his sister when a rabbit doe whispered something in his ear.
"You c'n go and visit yer kits, but don't come back-"
"As far as mom and dad are concerned, I'm through. But I'll come and visit my kits any time I damned well please. And if you, or anyone else tries to stop me, there'll be hell ta pay. Now, back the fuck off and leave us the hell alone…"
Noting the dark tone in Judy's voice, Larry and his little posse part and allow the three to pass unhindered to the children's part of the family cemetery.
Trudging slowly up the path, Judy stops at a small section where there are seven small markers.
Again kneeling, Judy looks to Nick who paws her some small sprigs of baby's breath that they had saved back for just this purpose.
"Hey kits, mommies here. I-I'm sorry I haven't stopped by more often, but things have really been crazy lately. Umm, Sarah's here too and … Nick … Nick, come and say hi to my kits … please."
Kneeling as well, Nick is at a total loss for words. Finally, through a tear choked voice, Nick greets Judy's lost kits "Hey little ones. I … umm …"
"It's ok Nick, just … talk to them like you'd talk to Sarah…"
After a few quick glances between Judy and Sarah, Nick presses on "Please understand that I'm not good a this. I knew yer mom a long time ago and we had some differences, so ta speak. But we've got that all worked out and we're married and happy. And yer sister Sarah, is the closest thing to a daughter of my own that I'll ever have and I just love her ta death … ok, bad choice of words there…"
Hearing Judy and Sarah both let out soft giggles "Alright you two, I get it already, so just chill ok?"
Turning back to the seven tiny graves, he continues "Before I was so rudely interrupted" again hearing tittering giggles "I promise to you that I'll take good care of your mom and sister, so rest easy. And please, go find my mom, I know she'd love ta see you and it'd give her great joy to play with her new grandkits. Until the next time, stay safe and … I love you all, even if I can't see you or hug you…"
Standing and turning, not in the lest ashamed of the tears running down his cheeks, Nick takes his new family into a tight hug…
"Foxes …" says Judy softly.
"So emotional." finishes Sarah.
Slowly releasing Nick from the hug, Sarah takes her turn. "Hey sibs. I guess you've met Nick and I hope ya like him, 'cause I do. He's the dad I've needed for so long … and the dad that I wish you could've had…"
…
As Sarah continues to tell her siblings about the last week and a half's adventures, Lawrence (Larry) Hopps looks on and listens in on his sister's and niece's visits. He particularly takes notice of Judy's fox, and how sincere he seems to be when addressing Judy's kits graves. 'He's either a very good liar (he is a fox after all) or actually means what he says … this one may need watching…'. he thinks to himself.
Knowing that he's late to getting back to the farm and the chores that it requires, Larry climbs into the old truck that has been in the family for generations and cranks it up.
Throwing the truck into gear, Larry heads down the narrow path that is the typical cemetery road and makes a quick left paw turn onto the highway without looking and never sees the oncoming pickup that T-bones the old truck hard in the passenger side door.
Hearing the sound of the crash but having no idea who might be involved, Nick, Judy and Sarah immediately hurry to climb into the Nomad and head towards the cemetery entrance.
As they approach the accident scene, Judy immediately recognizes the truck as belonging to her family farm.
"It's one of our old trucks" she comments in horror…
Just as Judy and Nick hurriedly exit the truck with firm instructions for Sarah to stay in the car, the pickup bursts into flames.
"Nick" shouts Judy "I think it's Larry …"
XxX