Chapter 6
Over the next month, all the cadets and generals were a bit more relaxed. When the 23rd of December rolled around, all the cadets were throwing mini-Christmas parties across campus. Since the only friends Maverick and James had were Theo and Bandit, they decided to do their gift exchanges in the mess hall. James and Maverick decided to get packed for leaving the Academy for the Christmas break, before heading to the mess hall. "You ready to go meet up with Theo and Bandit?" James asked, grabbing the three packages with clearly marked labels.
"Yeah, this is so strange to me" Maverick stated.
"How so?" James questioned.
"I haven't done a gift exchange with any of my friends before" Maverick explained.
"Really? The orphanage never did any gift exchange?" James asked.
"They did, but I never saw any of them as my friends" Maverick stated, "well, other than Lana, of course."
"That sucks" James frowned, "at least this year you actually have friends to do this kind of thing with."
"Yeah, but next year it'll most likely just be us doing a gift exchange, since this is Theo's last year" Maverick pointed out.
"What about Bandit?" James countered.
"Oh, right, I totally forgot about him" he said, "Let's get going, don't want to keep them waiting."
The four mammals met at their usual table for the gift exchange. "What's up, boys!" Theo exclaimed.
"Oh, not much" James answered, carrying the presents for the others.
"Wonderful! Shall we get this show on the road?" Bandit asked.
"Let's do it" Maverick stated.
When it was James' turn to give Maverick his present, Maverick could tell that James was excited to see his reaction. "Here you go, Mav" James stated, "I hope you like it."
As Maverick was unwrapping his gift, he saw a giant letter R on the upper left corner of the box. His eyes widened, so much so you could see the excitement on his face. "Dude, did you get me a board game?" Maverick asked.
"Y-yeah" James stuttered.
He finished unwrapping it, "You got me Risk!" Maverick exclaimed, "This is the most epic present I've ever gotten! Thank you, James."
"I can't take all the credit" James smiled, "I called Lana and asked her for some advice on what to get you."
"And she told you to get me a game?" he questioned, "Do you think we can play this over the break?"
"Of course!" James replied, "I got it since you're just as competitive as I am, and I think it could actually help us come up with strategies in the real world."
"Let me check this out" Theo stated, reaching out his paw. "I've actually heard of this game, I've never played it, but it looks like it'll be fire."
"Looks like that was the last present" Bandit stated.
The four mammals decided that since everyone else were having parties, they wanted to go get in one last workout together before the Academy was deserted. "So, everyone goes home tonight, right?" James asked, in between reps.
"Yea" Theo said, "I'm probably going to go home after this workout."
"Me too" Maverick stated, "I'm so excited to get to see Lana and Wolf again."
"You and that girlfriend of yours" Bandit sighed, "please tell me you're going to ask her to marry you soon."
"I don't have money for that this year, but maybe next year" he said.
"And what about you, James?" Theo asked, turning to the young vulpine.
"What about me?" James asked.
"Have you met anyone who you fancy?" Theo asked.
"While we're on the subject" Maverick interrupted, "do you have a girlfriend, Theo?"
"Yea right" Theo chuckled, "as if some girl would want to be in a relationship with the son of the army commander."
"Or the grandson of the previous commander" Bandit added.
When they got done with their workout, Theo and Bandit decided to just say goodbye to James and Maverick, since they were all planning to leave soon. While the younger canines were walking to their room, James asked, "So, before you leave can you help me bring some stuff to my car?"
"Of course, I will" Maverick said, "did your dad ever tell you when you're going to your grandma's?"
"Yes, he did" James stated, pulling out his phone "thank you for reminding me. Let me see, he said that we'll be heading over to her house around 2 pm Christmas day."
"Alright" Maverick nodded, "should we come to your house and follow you guys?"
"I assume that'll be fine" James said.
"Sounds like a plan" he smiled.
All throughout Christmas Eve, James and Maverick spent the day texting each other about their plans for the next day. "James, put that thing away" Marian said, as he and his parents were arriving at their church for the Christmas Eve service.
When the service ended, many animals came up to him, making small talk, asking him if he dropped out of the Cornerian Academy yet. Some even confronted him about having become friends with Maverick. It confused him why it would matter to these animals if he were friends with a wolf or not. When his family was driving home, he said to his parents "So, a lot of those animals were not happy that I haven't dropped out of the Academy."
"Don't worry about them" Robin stated, "the world just isn't used to the idea of a fox possibly joining the army."
"Apparently they're not used to the idea of a fox and a wolf being friends either" James stated, "because everyone was talking my ears off about how I should be careful and watch my back because I never know what Maverick could be thinking."
"They're just looking out for your wellbeing" Marian replied.
"But they don't even know him" James stated, "I hope this isn't how tomorrow is going to go with the rest of the family."
His parents didn't say anything the rest of the ride home. When they got home, Robin and Marian went straight to bed "We're going to bed, James" Robin stated, "don't stay up too late."
"Don't worry dad, I'm just going to watch the movie 'White Christmas' before going to bed" James sighed.
"Okay, well, good night and Merry Christmas" his dad said.
The next morning, the McClouds finished opening their presents and were eating their Christmas morning brunch when they heard a knock on the door. "Are Maverick and Lana here already?" Marian asked.
"I don't know" James said, confused walking towards the door. He looked through the peephole and saw Maverick, Lana, and me. James opened the door, "Hey guys, what are you doing here so early?"
"Oh, we had an argument with my dad this morning and needed to get away" Lana explained.
"I'm sorry to hear that" James frowned, "what was the argument about?"
"It was along the lines of how he wants me to drop out of the Academy because it won't help support his daughter or Wolf" Maverick stated.
"Oh, so now he's going to start to care about his daughter and grandson, that he never acknowledged as his before" James said, "I'm glad you're not going to listen to him, right?"
"Of course, not!" Maverick snarled, "I just can't believe he had the gull to try to tell me what I should do for my kid."
"Don't worry, sweetie" Lana said, trying to comfort Maverick "You don't need to abandon your dream just because of me and Wolf. The two of us are behind you all the way."
"Yeah, daddy" I added, in a cute voice.
James looked at me, shocked, saying "I didn't know he could talk."
"James, babies are usually able to talk a little bit by the time they're two" Lana explained.
"Anyway, have you guys had breakfast yet?" James asked.
"No, we finished opening presents with Lana's parents and got out of there before things got worse" Maverick replied.
James led us to the dining room table, so we could join them for brunch. "Sorry to barge in, Marian" Lana apologized, as she was filling up her plate.
"You kids don't need to apologize" Robin stated, "if you guys are having problems at your parent's place, you're always more than welcome to come over here."
"Are you sure?" Lana asked, "We couldn't intrude."
"It wouldn't be an intrusion" Marian insisted, "in fact, if you wanted to, you could move in here until you think you can live on your own."
The three younger canines looked at each other, shocked at the offer "We're practically strangers and you're willingly opening up your home to us?" Maverick asked.
"Was this your idea?" Lana asked, looking at James.
"Don't look at me" James said, defensively "obviously it would just be Lana and Wolf living here since Maverick and I would be at the Academy, right mom?"
Of course, sweetie" Marian replied, "good thing we have a guest room for just that purpose."
"Well, I'll need some time to think about that" Lana explained.
"We understand" Robin smiled, "you needn't feel obligated to move in here unless you think it'd be best for you and your family."
After we finished brunch, we drove to James' grandparents. James decided to ride with us instead of his parents. "Just so you know, I brought a present for you and Wolf" James said, looking at Lana.
"What about Maverick?" Lana asked.
"We already did our gift exchange" Maverick interrupted.
"Oh, that's right" she remembered.
"Speaking of which" James stated, "did you bring the game?"
"No, I didn't think it would be cool for the two of us to be playing Risk with the rest of your family there" Maverick explained.
"Besides, I thought the three of us were going to be having our Rummy rematch" Lana smirked.
"That's right!" James stated, "Don't worry my grandparents have a deck of cards."
We pulled up to James' grandparents' house, behind his parent's car. Lana knocked on the door and a fox that looked like Robin, but slightly older, opened the door. "Hello? How can I help you?" asked the fox, confused.
"Uncle Pete, how've you been?" James replied, stepping in front of us.
"James!" his uncle exclaimed, "Why didn't you come with your parents?"
"I wanted to come with my friends, who will be joining us for the day" James gestured toward Maverick and Lana, who was carrying me.
His uncle looked at the family of wolves and pulled James to the side, "Since when did you become friendly towards wolves?"
"Since I met one at the Academy and became best friends with him" James replied, pulling away from his uncle.
"Are you still chasing that silly Academy dream?" his uncle questioned.
"It's not a silly dream" Maverick spoke up, having heard what James' uncle was saying "in fact, I rely on James to keep me motivated."
"While that may be, it's not a realistic thing for you to be pursuing" James' uncle stated.
"No disrespect to you, Pete" James spoke up, "but that's not your decision to make. I am eighteen years old now and I can decide on my own what I'm going to do with my life. And right now, I'm choosing to attend the Cornerian Academy to try to join the army and help defend the planet's citizens. Which includes you."
James went to walk inside, with Maverick and Lana following close behind him. "James, just a fair warning" his uncle said, "I'm not the only one in there who will have a problem with you bringing your wolfie friends and their pup here."
"I can't help it if they feel threatened by three young and harmless wolves" James said, "besides, my parents have already accepted them."
Walking inside, James' grandma walked up to us and embraced James, "Welcome, welcome my handsome grandson has finally arrived!"
"Hi grandma" James said, motioning towards us "I hope it's not a big deal that I brought some friends with me."
She gazed upon the young lupines standing next to her grandson and son. "Jimmy, who are your little friends?" she asked.
"This is Maverick O'Donnell" he replied, "he's my best friend from the Academy."
"Oh, this is the great Maverick your dad has told us all about" she exclaimed, "he seems like a nice young man."
"He is" James smiled, "and this is his girlfriend, Lana, and their son, Wolf."
She smiled at Maverick and Lana, "Welcome, I'm pleased to have Jimmy's friends for our family Christmas get together."
"Thank you for letting us join you" Maverick smiled.
The rest of James' family, surprisingly, were very welcoming of Maverick and Lana, as opposed to what his uncle told us. After having eaten some amazing food, prepared by James' grandma, and opened some presents, the three young canines finally had their Rummy rematch. It came down to the final hand with James in the lead and Lana beating Maverick, but neither were too far off from being able to grab the win from James. The young canines ended up being entertaining for James' younger cousins, who were watching them play the card game. "It looks like this is going to be another close game" James commented.
"Just deal the cards already, James" Lana demanded, "I want to finally be able to beat Maverick in this game."
James quickly dealt the cards, and the final hand began. It was a fairly even hand between the three canines. As the hand was getting closer to being ended, Robin and Marian approached. "James, your mother and I are going home now, we'll see you a little later" Robin stated.
"Okay" James said, giving them a hug "I assume you'll be asleep before I get home, so good night."
"You don't mind giving James a ride home, do you Maverick?" Marian asked.
"It'd be a pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. McCloud" Maverick smiled, "thanks again for letting us join you today."
"You're very welcome, dear" Marian stated, "if we don't see you the rest of the break, I hope you have a nice time with your family and a happy new year."
"You as well" the young couple replied.
The three quickly finished the final hand, Lana was able to empty her hand before the two males. James had gathered the scores from the final round and added up the final tallies. "No way!" James shouted, looking at the score sheet.
"What's wrong, James?" Maverick asked.
James hesitated, eyeing Lana "Looks like there's a new Rummy champion in the family."
"YES!" Lana exclaimed, "I finally won!"
"Wait, did she just beat me, or did she win the whole game?" Maverick asked.
"I don't really want to say" James stated.
"That tells me all I need to know" Lana smiled, "I can't believe I beat both of you!"
"It was a good game" James admitted, "extremely competitive and exciting."
Maverick looked at Lana, who was still beaming with excitement, and said, "I guess it's time for us to be heading home."
"Yeah you're right" Lana stated, "I hope dad's either in bed or at least done arguing with us for the day."
Before we could head to the car, James' uncle Pete approached us. "Congratulations, the rest of the family loves the wolf couple and their child" he stated, in an annoyed tone.
"Why is that such a terrible thing?" James asked, confused.
"It's bad, because I don't want our family getting comfortable with the idea that wolves won't turn and attack us" Pete stated.
"Uncle, Maverick would never attack me or my family" James stated, "well, unless we were intentionally sparring with each other."
"I guess there's no way to convince you of the big mistake you're making" Pete determined, "it might be something you'll have to figure out yourself."
"Well, good night Uncle" James said, ushering Maverick and Lana to their car.
After we dropped James off at his home and said good night, we went back to the orphanage. My mom and dad were trying to be as quiet as possible walking back into the orphanage, and tried to get to their rooms, when a lamp in the living room snapped on. "Ah, the prodigal family finally graces us with their presence" came a deep, angered voice behind us.
"Dad!" Lana exclaimed, spinning around "We thought everyone would be asleep by now."
"Everyone else is" he explained, "I wanted to wait up, to make sure you three made it home safely."
"Why, so we could argue more?" Maverick asked.
"No, to tell you that you three are no longer welcome at the orphanage, effective immediately" Lana's dad stated, "you must collect all your possessions and be out of the building before the rest of the orphanage wakes up in the morning."
"What?!" Lana and Maverick exclaimed, "Where is this coming from?"
"You two clearly have better places to be for the family-oriented holidays" he began, "because of that, you must move out tonight."
"But dad!"
"But nothing, Lana" he stated, "I see I have no other choice, but to do this, since you still have that bastard of a kid you call your son and Maverick won't listen to my demands of him quitting the Academy."
Before Lana could say anything else, Maverick spoke up, "You know what? I'll gladly move out. I have put up with so much abuse and turmoil from you for the past two years and the only reason I haven't left is because I'm trying to be there for my son, so that he doesn't have to end up like I did being thrown into a shitty orphanage with a shitty family. The only good things that have happened in my life by me being stuck here were meeting Lana and having Wolf. So, don't you worry your head about me leaving for good."
"You ungrateful little punk, you should count your blessings that I was willing to even bring you in!" Lana's dad exclaimed.
"Don't you dare talk about my boyfriend and son that way!" Lana shouted, "Maverick, call James and tell him we'll be there within the hour!"
Maverick smiled, knowing what Lana was thinking.
Maverick and Lana quickly packed up all our possessions into their car and left without saying goodbye to Lana's mom.
Upon arrival at James' house, he was already waiting outside. "Guys, what's all this about?" James asked, walking up to us.
Lana hesitated, "My dad…" she began crying.
"Her dad" Maverick continued, "he kicked us out."
"What!" James shouted, seeing Lana continue to cry.
"Apparently us spending Christmas and Thanksgiving Day with you gave him enough of a reason to give us the boot" Maverick explained.
"The more I hear about him, the more I dislike him" James stated, "so what are you guys planning to do?"
"Well, if your parents' offer for us to move in is still available, it seems like that'd be best for us" Lana pointed out, "that is until we can afford our own place."
"They're asleep right now, but you guys can stay the night and ask them in the morning" James offered, "I'm certainly not letting my best friend and his family spend Christmas night in a hotel when there's a perfectly good guest room available here."
"Thanks, James" Maverick smiled, giving the vulpine a lingering hug.
"Anything for you, Mav" James responded, feeling his face warm up. "Now, let's get you guys settled in for the night and we'll worry about your situation in the morning."